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The best ultraportable laptops weigh less than 3 pounds, with screens measuring 14 inches or less. They pack so much power that they can match the performance of high-end desktop rigs. In this post, we've compiled a list of our favorites. Here are some of the best lightweight laptops that can meet your needs!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Lightweight Laptops
- OUR TOP PICK: HP Envy 14
- RUNNER-UP: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9
- Razer Book 13
Comparison of the Best Lightweight Laptops
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Review of the Best Lightweight Laptops
Best Overall:
HP Envy 14
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers report that this laptop renders detailed graphics for gaming, video editing, and other intensive creative tasks. The 16:10 aspect ratio provides more vertical space for reading docs and writing code. It's also about a pound lighter than its 15-inch counterparts making it far less unwieldy to carry around.
Why It Stands Out to Us
Measuring 0.71 x 12.3 x 8.8 inches with silver-stamped aluminum chassis, HP Envy 14 is one of the smallest laptops today! With Intel Core i5 1135G7 processor, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics card, 16 GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD storage, you can get things done with more power and speed.
The discrete GPU doesn’t compete with the CPU in power that accelerates rendering artificial intelligence or video processing, freeing up your time so you can focus on ideas instead of the progress bar.
The 16:10 aspect ratio display allows you to enjoy the immersive experience through colors in perfect detail. It also has various ports: two USB 3.1 Type-A ports, an HDMI, a USB-C Thunderbolt 4, and a microSD card slot for your legendary peripherals. Plus, the battery life lasts up to 20 hours.
Who Will Use This Most
HP Envy 14 is the best lightweight laptop for vloggers, creative tasks, and gamers. It's compact, but it holds Intel Core i5 1135G7 and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti, giving it enormous processing power.
Bottom Line
This laptop is powered by the 11th generation Intel Core i5 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti. which together deliver incredible power and graphics. Plus, it’s lightweight with 20 hours of battery life!
Runner-Up:
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 is the perfect laptop for business professionals who want to do intensive work and entertainment simultaneously. The 4K OLED display offers higher contrast, brightness levels with wider viewing angles than other laptops. However, it lacks a MicroSD card slot.
Why It Stands Out to Us
The Carbon Gen 9 is 0.28 lbs heavier than the ThinkPad X1 Nano. But at just 2.49 pounds, it still weighs considerably less than most laptops. Branded as one of the best business and premium laptops, ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 laptop has Intel Core i7 1165G7 processor, Intel Iris XE integrated graphics, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD to deliver superior power and performance.
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 boasts a refined 16:10 display with narrow bezels and a rich, high-resolution screen to deliver fantastic image clarity and color accuracy - whether you're video-conferencing or just browsing online!
The two upward-firing speakers and two downward-firing woofers make for immersive listening, be it for work or play. And you can jump into the public network without waiting for buffering with the new Wi-Fi 6 and 5G options!
Who Will This Most
With the perfect balance of power and responsiveness, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 is a great choice for business professionals who want to be productive and efficient in less time. Plus, it has 15 hours of battery life to get you through the day.
Bottom Line
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 is a lightweight laptop that can be used for both work and play. It is designed to perform well in the business world, but it leaves room for gaming and content creation as well.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers say that the CPU performance and speed are unbelievably good. The keyboard is also unique in a way that you can configure to match any music or game. However, some say that the software is complicated to use, and the battery life can be improved.
Why It Stands Out to Us
Measuring around 0.60 x 8.27 x 11.99 inches, it's the perfect companion in meeting rooms, cafes, and classrooms. The new Razer Blade 13 has a fast processing speed. With Intel Core i7 - 1165G7 4 Core, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 16 GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD you can jump from video calls in one window while downloading files or browsing another at once!
The Synapse 3.0 software platform provides extensive customization options for the Razer Blade 13's keyboard light. You can configure each key light in whatever color or pattern suits your fancy or design your own custom color pattern to give your keyboard an aesthetic appeal.
The Razor Book 13 has four speakers that are surprisingly good for a laptop this size. It also includes an array mic to help pick up voices in video chats.
Who Will Use This Most
Razer Blade 13 is a brand dedicated to gaming, but it's highly recommended for casual users looking for class-performing Windows laptops with Apple laptops or new Macbook Air design and quality.
Bottom Line
This is the best lightweight and gaming laptop that is also school and office-friendly. You can play and work on it without any issue.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers say that the build quality on this notebook feels like it will last for ages. Plus, you get all these awesome features that might not be available from other laptops. Asus 13’s keyboard has an excellent-perfect amount of travel, the trackpad is smooth and accurate, but the speakers lack clarity which makes it hard to hear the sound.
Why It Stands Out to Us
The ZenBook 13 is one of the world's smallest laptops that features a frameless NanoEdge display. The bezels are made smaller to create more immersive visuals, with less distraction for the eyes.
It might be the most portable laptop, but it doesn't sacrifice performance for size. This features Intel Core i7-1165G7 (2.8 GHz), Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 16 GB RAM, and up to 1 TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD. The new SuperFin process from Intel is said to have increased clock speeds that translate into 20% better performance, giving you all your needs on the go!
With its exclusive ErgoLift hinge, it automatically tilts your keyboard so you can type away in absolute comfort. Not only that, it does have the NumberPad 2.0 feature that allows you to create your seamless multitasking workflow. One thing that you might not like about the Asus ZenBook 13 is its low audio and muffled effect on its sound.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a powerful, high-end laptop that combines excellent graphics and computing performance, ideal for users with intensive workloads. With it, you can finish demanding projects hassle-free.
Bottom Line
The Asus ZenBook 13 is the perfect mix of power and beauty: you get a system that boasts premium build quality and next-generation components. But it doesn’t have impressive audio.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The Dell XPS 13 is a laptop that can handle multiple tasks with ease. Whether it be browsing the web, editing spreadsheets, or watching videos - this device does it all! However, the camera makes it a less ideal choice for those who need a high-quality webcam.
Why It Stands Out To Us
Weighing around 2.8 lbs and measuring 14.8mm X 295.7mm X 198.7mm, Dell XPS 13 is an ultrathin and lightweight laptop that is easy to carry when you are on the go. Featuring 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, Intel Iris XE graphics, 16 GB RAM, and 512 GB SSD, it has a reliable processing power.
The RAM is soldered onto the motherboard, but the SSD storage is upgradeable if you want more space for large files or heavy applications. In the overall PCMark10 Score of (4, 775), it scored higher than Microsoft Surface Laptop (4,226) and Razor Blade Stealth 13 (4,634), but it's still not ideal for games with rigorous demands. You can still play light titles, though.
Dell XPS 13 comes with a headphone jack and MicroSD card reader, but it's limited to two USB C ports Thunderbolt 4. You'll need an adaptor or dongle if you plan on using any USB Type-A devices, like external monitors or other storage peripheral. The battery life runs up 15 hours in regular use.
Who Will Use This Most
This is the perfect laptop for those who need to do some serious work on the go - it can manage all day work without performance compromise. With 15 hours of battery life, you have enough power throughout the day.
Bottom Line
Dell XPS 13 is a high-end, ultraportable laptop that features trim-to-the-max aluminum chassis and a cutting-edge processor. However, it has limited ports.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The 13 inch MacBook Air M1 chip is a fast-performing and powerful laptop with a bright display. Despite being fanless, this doesn't overheat, and programs just run smoothly - thanks to its Rosetta emulation layer. But some say that it has a low-quality camera and mediocre keyboard.
Why It Stands Out to Us
The MacBook Air M1 has long been recognized as one of the best compact laptops. It is relatively easy to stash inside the bag by weighing only 2kg and measuring 0.16 x 1.56 cm x 30.41 cm.
With Apple M1 (8-core) processor, integrated graphics 8-core, 8 GB RAM, and 256 GB storage, this device will take on anything you throw at it! Thus, it makes the perfect computer for any professional-quality editing and game-playing needs.
The 13.3-inch retina display makes the images come alive with new levels of realism and clarity - text is sharp and easy to read; colors are more vibrant than ever before! It also has a massive 20 hours of wireless web browsing and up to 17 hours of video playback, the perfect choice for those who spend all day long on their computer!
Who Will Use This Most
This is ideal for individuals looking for ultraportable laptops with a fast processor, great display, and outstanding battery life in the Mac operating system. It’s an ultrathin workhorse that sports a sharp retina panel.
Bottom Line
MacBook Air is a great alternative to Macbook Air Pro for day-to-day tasks and video editing on the go. With a powerful M1 chip, you have all the computing you need!
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers say that this 17-inch laptop is really light as a feather, but it packs 16 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD to ensure quick performance. Also, it has a gorgeous display for great viewing angles and accurate colors. However, some complain about the keyboard flexing when typing.
Why It Stands Out to Us
The 17-inch gram comes in at just 2 lbs, making it one of (if not) the lightest laptops available today. But it has an Intel Core i7-1165G7 powerful processor, Intel Iris XE graphics, 16 GB RAM, and 512 GB of storage to cover your needs on the go.
With a crisp 2560 x 1600 pixel, it delivers images with clear and vibrant color. Despite its compact size and light weight, this laptop still provides users with some of the best accessories, such as Alexa. So you can now use your voice to control things, from light, music to scheduling on-the-go meetings with coworkers or clients!
Lastly, it comes equipped with 2W speakers and a 5-watt smart amp for a realistic audio experience. Plus, the DTS:X Ultra provides 3D audio rendering capabilities without headphones.
Who Will Use This Most
LG GRAM 17 is a lightweight laptop with the perfect balance of power and portability, designed for users who want more than just an average ultrabook laptop with giant screens. But it may not be a go-to for gamers or content creators with demanding needs.
Bottom Line
The LG Gram 17 is a powerhouse loaded with heavyweight power, big-time memory, and long battery life that's perfect for both business and personal use. Plus, it’s got impressive speakers for realistic sound!
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
If you're on the go and need a durable laptop, look no further than Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Yoga Gen 5. This tough computer is made with aluminum chassis covered in matte black to withstand harsh environments. It also has a 4K resolution, the downside is it doesn't come with MicroSD card slots.
Why It Stands Out to Us
The Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Yoga Gen 5 is lightweight at around 3 pounds. Measuring 0.59 x 12 x 8.5 inches, it’s one of the most portable laptops. With the latest 10th Gen Intel Core i7 - 10610U processor, Intel UHD Graphics, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, you can rest easy knowing that your computer is faster than ever.
The Sub-functions keys have made communication easier. No matter if you're making a Skype call or messages. Press F9 to answer your Skype call or F11 to start a new message. No more worrying about running low on ink. With a built-in ThinkPad Pen Pro, your stylus gets charged while in the storage.
With the battery life that lasts up to 8 hours on one charge, this suits users who work at home.
Who Will Use This Most
The Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Yoga Gen 5 is the perfect choice for those looking to get serious about their work. The brilliant and stylish keyboard, as well as the stylus pen it comes with, make office tasks easier.
Bottom Line
When it comes to battery life, the Gen 5 version of this device falls short of expectations - but otherwise has everything to meet your business needs. That includes a fast processor, high-end graphics card, and huge memory.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers say that Acer Swift 7 is lightweight, weighing less than 2 pounds, and it comes with a backlit keyboard that offers a great amount of travel. However, the audio quality could be better, and the keyboard-mounted camera isn't good for video conferencing.
Why It Stands Out to Us
Acer's Swift 7 is a laptop that has been given a special oxidation process to give it its ceramic-like surface. This makes for one of the most striking notebooks you can find, with a thin profile and slim bezels!
It is a serious contender when it comes to productivity. While it's not as powerful compared to its competitors with Intel Core i7-8500Y, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, it can still keep up with daily tasks without slowing you down.
It may not have any nifty security feature, but the keyboard-mounted camera can make up for that. You need not have a shutter to cover it because it's hidden away in the keyboard. It pops off when you tap it. The disadvantage is, your fingers can cover your face when you are using it while typing.
Who Will use this Most
The Acer Swift 7 is the perfect choice for doing light work and casual gaming. This has enough computing power to handle various programs, be it for work or play.
Bottom Line
This may not be the fastest laptop around, but it has arguably better design and competitive hardware that will tempt any traveler looking for style as well as performance. Moreover, it has an excellent battery life!
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G7 is a sleek and stylish laptop that has some great security features. With face recognition, fingerprint, or password verification, it's easy to use! Plus, its light weight makes it easier to carry around while the silver chassis stands out against other laptops.
Why It Stands Out to Us
The EliteBook x360 1040 G7 measures 12.57 x 7.98 x 0.65 inches and weighs in at 2 pounds, making it one of the most portable laptops available today. Most importantly, it packs an Intel Core i7 - 10810U processor, 16 GB RAM, and 512 GB SSD, for some serious performance at work or school.
The standard full HD touch screen has enough details for basic business tasks but not for projects that require fine details and crisp texts. So late-night games with HP EliteBook x360 1040 G7 may not be enjoyable.
But with Intel vPro, an innovative technology that provides business-class performance, you can improve manageability. With four USB Type-A ports, two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, and an HDMI port, you'll have no trouble connecting other devices.
Who Will Use This Most
The Elitebook x360 1040 G7 is for business users who need a dependable workhorse to keep going all day long without recharging. With a competitive processor and 20 hours battery life, you can get through your office responsibilities with ease.
Bottom Line
The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G7 is a sophisticated, high-performance laptop ideal in corporate settings. It’s Intel Evo supported to ensure business-class performance.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Overall, this computer is perfect for those who want to do their Microsoft Office work as well as surf the web or watch Netflix/Hulu. Its small size makes it easy enough to take on a trip. However, the 125 GB SSD storage is limiting.
Why It Stands Out to Us
MSI's Modern 14 ultrathin laptop measures 0.7 x 12.6 x 8.6 inches and weighs 2.8 pounds, making it ultra-portable. The body is aluminum, coated with an attractive charcoal-metallic paint.
With Intel Core i3 10110U processor and 8 RAM, the MSI Modern 14 can get you through your day-to-day tasks. The 128 GB storage space can feel limiting, but it will do for those who don't have to store large files.
The screen has a Full HD resolution (1,920 by 1,080 pixels). It's clear and bright enough, so it leaves no room for complaints. The keys are rimmed white with backlighting, which adds a little bit more pep to your typing experience. And it holds more than enough ports for basic needs: a USB Type-C port, an HDMI connection, a microSD, and USB 3.0.
Who Will use this Most
This is ideal for users who deal with everyday tasks. It has enough power to handle anything from schoolwork, business, web browsing to checking email.
Bottom Line
The MSI Modern 14 is the perfect budget-friendly laptop for those who want some bright spots and avoid major compromises at under $500. However, it only has 8 hours of battery life.
Buying Guide: Best Lightweight Laptops
Choose Your Processor Wisely
The processors in ultraportables are typically classified as U-series processors, which are designed for lean laptop builds. AMD chips support the same range of uses as Intel chips: from web browsing to video editing and gaming. At the low end are Intel's Pentium Celeron CPUs.
Entry Level Chip
If you're looking for a processor that can handle basic tasks like watching videos and browsing the web, then an entry-level chip with two or four cores might be perfect. But if you plan to do more than these, it's recommended to step up one model higher to prevent delays between tasks.
Mid-range
If you want to get the most out of your gaming experience, consider Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 chips which are both considerably more powerful. However, the processor is less important for gamers than a graphics card, so try to invest in a more affordable one that will give you decent performance.
Overclocking
If you need more processing power for things like video editing, 3D rendering, and other heavy tasks, then the Ryzen 7 chip is the way to go! This chip has more cores or speed to handle these types of workloads with ease!
Pay attention to the Graphics Cards
The graphics processing unit (GPU) is a specialized chip that processes data from the computer's central processing unit (CPU) and visually renders it on screen. This component can have a significant effect on performance.
Integrated Graphics Cards
Integrated graphics are typical in smaller systems like laptops, but you'll find them on desktop PCs too, for those who don't need high-powered visual software.
They cannot run applications independently from your main system memory (RAM). These GPUs may not be as powerful, but they generate much less heat and require a lot less power. They are generally good for basic visual tasks.
Discrete Graphics Cards
Discrete cards have their own memory, unlike integrated graphics. They're designed for high-powered gaming, video editing, 3D rendering, and other tasks requiring more processing power. But it needs a good CPU, cooling system, and dedicated power supply or you risk overheating.
Pick your Pixels
Ultraportable monitors are offered in a variety of resolutions. Lower resolution screens are typically found on entry-level systems because they are the least expensive option, while Full HD has become the main resolution of choice for high-end ultra-portable devices for content-creation pros. However, OLED displays are making themselves into favorite lines.
720p Resolution
720p is a common HDTV resolution, and it can be found on most mainstream devices. It has lower quality than 1080P but still provides a good enough picture for everyday use.
1080p Resolution
1080p resolution is a great way to enjoy all that HD has in store. It offers clarity that you would expect from a higher resolution to make video streaming or gaming more enjoyable!
4K Resolution
4K resolution is equal to 3840 x 2160. This higher level of clarity provides four times more pixels than 1080p giving you incredible detail in everything from photos and videos all the way up through gaming!
Assessing Storage
For most ultraportables nowadays, it means a solid-state device (SSD) – these compact flash-based storage devices are weight savers. For more rapid data transfers, these drives may use an embedded PCI Express interface (PCIe). A capacity of 256 or more GB can be achieved in medium and high-end, high-power systems. Nevertheless, several budget-minded systems still use good, old-fashioned spinning hard drives.
Choose the Operating System
Windows
Windows operating systems have one thing in common - most features in Microsoft's latest release (Windows 10) are similar or identical with their older counterparts, such as Windows 7. Users can use and install programs seamlessly.
You also don't have to install the hardware yourself - they're ready there when you connect things like webcams, keyboards, and mouses -thanks to its plug and play feature that detects hardware automatically.
One disadvantage that many users see in Windows is that it’s vulnerable to hacking than most operating systems. So users are dependent on anti-virus and software updates to stay protected against any cyber security threats.
Mac OS
One of the many advantages of using macOS over Windows is its straightforward and minimalistic user interface. Just like iOS, it has an intuitively designed GUI with all your basic needs in one place for quick access - making everything easy!
For instance, once downloaded and installed, you can find all your apps in one place, called "Launchpad." This houses further details about each application, so no need to go searching through various folders.
A simpler GUI appeals more to individuals who just want their work done. However, different operating systems have varying degrees of difficulty.
Chrome OS
Chrome OS is an operating system created by Google to function as a portal for accessing the Internet and facilitating connections. Web applications are supported within this platform, so users can easily access their favorite web apps on ChromeOS with ease.
One of the primary advantages that Chrome OS has over Windows and macOS is how lightweight it can be. This allows for minimal hardware specifications, so you don't need an expensive computer to run this operating system.
Another notable advantage is that the more recent Chromebooks now support Android apps. This means that you can use a Chromebook to enjoy all your favorite Android apps without restrictions.
RAM
For those who need more space, 16 GB is the current sweet spot. People doing basic mainstream productivity tasks can get by with 8 GB but quickly fill up if they have too many open browser tabs. Given there's not much difference in price between 16 GB vs. 8 GB, most people should opt for 16 GB, especially those working on demanding content creation projects.
SSD
258 GB should be your minimum requirement. But if you want an ample amount for your photos or music library, 500 GB of storage offers a good balance between price and capacity. However, you can buy 1 TB drives at affordable prices as well.
Ultra-Portability plus Performance
The best Ultrabook is designed for those who prioritize portability. Given the small footprint in the product design, there'll be sacrifices to minimize height and weight. Do not think you can play PC games, edit videos, or render 3D on the same level as a desktop. But more and more portable laptops now tend to match desktop specifications.
Long Battery Life
The best lightweight laptops should be able to keep you going all day without recharging. Who knows when or if there will be a power outlet along your journey? The latest thin laptops offer an incredible battery life of up to 20 hours!
Best Lightweight Laptops FAQs
Are Chromebooks great alternatives to Ultrabooks?
Chromebooks offer a lot of benefits for users who usually do a lot of work with web-based applications. However, it limits you to Google and Android apps. There's no way you get to run a classic Windows program.
Which is the thinnest Lightweight laptop?
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook is the thinnest. At 0.39 inches thick and 2.2 lbs, it is extremely thin. Next is Microsoft's Surface Laptop 3, a very thin and lightweight laptop, at just 0.57 inches and 1.41 lbs.
Is Intel Core i3 good enough for everyday use?
If you're looking to do basic tasks like web browsing, office work, or media consumption with some gaming - these processors will be more than enough! But don't expect it to handle heavy tasks like video editing or photo retouching because these types of programs can quickly slow down your device.
Is Ryzen Better Than Intel?
AMD Ryzen and Intel Core processors perform similarly. However, the former excel at multitasking while the latter does better with single-core tasks. When it comes down to value for money, what matters most is how well your computer can meet your needs, whether for simple browsing or complex engineering work like 3D modeling!
Is the i7 better than the i5 processor?
The latest Core series, the i7, is typically faster and more capable than an i5 processor. With up to six cores and 12 threads, it's suitable for advanced tasks that require heavy processing.
Conclusion
After our in-depth review, these three laptops are highly recommended:
HP Envy 14, powered by the 11th generation Intel Core i5 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti, will deliver incredible power, allowing you to handle all your business and gaming needs.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 (2021) features an ultra-thin design and exceptional performance perfect for business professionals on the go, while the Razer Blade 13 is the best gaming laptop that leaves a lot of room for play, school, and work.
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