Oprah just endorsed a Windows laptop for the first time in more than a decade — Why we agree with the pick and where to buy it on sale

Okay, so the ASUS Zenbook A14 – the laptop I’ve been seriously impressed with all year – just got a huge vote of confidence from a really well-known source. It’s exciting to see this model getting the recognition it deserves!

Oprah—yes, *the* Oprah—has added the incredibly lightweight PC to her “Oprah’s Favorite Things 2025” list, her yearly roundup of top products.

It’s been over ten years since a laptop last appeared on this famous list – the Surface was included back in 2012 – and this addition feels truly earned.

We gave the Zenbook A14 a Windows Central Best Award back in April, and it’s continued to impress us ever since. This 14-inch laptop runs on a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon X System-on-Chip.

I’ve been seriously impressed with this laptop – it’s unbelievably light and feels really well-built, surprisingly durable actually. Plus, the battery life is fantastic! What really seals the deal, though, is that it’s almost *always* on sale, making it a total no-brainer for anyone looking for a new machine.

Right now, you can find a model with a great FHD+ OLED screen, a powerful Snapdragon X Plus chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for just $799.99 at Best Buy. That’s a $200 discount, and it’s likely the price will go even lower during Black Friday sales.

Why the Zenbook A14 made it onto Oprah’s Favorite Things list

It’s not entirely clear why Oprah is such a fan of the ASUS Zenbook A14, but I have some ideas about what makes it special.

Here’s the blurb from the Oprah Daily website:

The ASUS Zenbook A14 is an incredibly lightweight laptop, weighing just over 2 pounds, and powered by a Snapdragon X Plus processor. It’s powerful enough for any task and offers impressive battery life – up to 32 hours! This makes it perfect for use at home, or for the increasingly common hybrid work environment, as it’s sleek, slim, fast, and easily portable.

The Zenbook A14 is incredibly lightweight at only 2.16 pounds (980g), but it’s not actually smaller than many other 14-inch laptops. ASUS achieved this light weight by using a special material called “Ceraluminum,” which they developed themselves.

This material is a special magnesium alloy that’s significantly better than the aluminum used in most laptops. It’s 30% lighter and three times stronger, and a protective ceramic coating helps prevent scratches and damage.

Windows Central’s laptop expert Zachary Boddy noted in their ASUS Zenbook A14 review:

I’ve tested many laptops costing much more than the Zenbook A14, but this one feels better built. Others often have flimsy screens, creaky parts, and don’t feel very durable. The Zenbook A14 is the opposite – it feels incredibly solid and well-made, which is really remarkable.

The Zenbook A14 uses a Snapdragon X Plus processor that isn’t the fastest available, but it provides plenty of power for everyday tasks – and even some more demanding ones.

The PC runs Windows quickly and seamlessly, making everyday tasks easy, according to one reviewer. What really stands out is the battery life – we consistently got 12 hours of use on a single charge, which is much better than most Windows PCs.

While the claim of a 32-hour battery life is probably an exaggeration, you generally shouldn’t have to charge your laptop during a typical workday if you begin with a full battery.

It’s surprising Oprah’s favorite laptop list didn’t highlight the OLED screen – it’s one of the best things about it. Even though the laptop is affordable, it has a fantastic Lumina OLED panel that delivers rich contrast, vibrant colors, and a bright display.

The Zenbook A14 initially lost points in our review because of its high price, but it’s been consistently discounted since release, effectively solving that problem.

Like I said, the $200 discount right now is a good deal, but it might get even better closer to Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

FAQ

Why is Oprah endorsing the Zenbook A14?

Oprah praised this laptop for being incredibly lightweight (a little over 2 pounds), having a long-lasting battery, and featuring a stylish design – making it perfect for both working from home and daily tasks.

What makes the Zenbook A14 unique?

This device features a lightweight yet durable body made with ASUS’s special “Ceraluminum” material, and it runs on a Snapdragon X Plus chip for a fast and efficient experience.

How long does the battery last?

In real-world use, the device lasts around 12 hours on a single charge. However, under perfect conditions, some reports suggest it could last up to 32 hours.

Does it have a good display?

It boasts a stunning Lumina OLED screen with rich colors and deep blacks, which is rare for laptops at this price point.

Will the Zenbook A14 see a further price drop during Black Friday?

Given how often the Zenbook A14 has gone on sale this year, particularly during past sales events, I expect we might see an even better price than the current one at Best Buy.

However, there’s no promise of future discounts, so if you need a computer right now, this offer is still a good choice.

Is the Zenbook A14 a good laptop for gaming?

What is “Oprah’s Favorite Things” list?

Every year, Oprah releases a list of her favorite products, called Oprah’s Favorite Things, as a holiday gift guide. You can find the complete list on the Oprah Daily website.

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2025-11-07 00:40