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The Best Ultraportable Laptop Deals This Week*
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
The evolution of laptops has always been driven by the push for thinner, lighter, and more power-efficient designs, and whatever the year, these demands coalesce into the perfect expressions of leading-edge laptop design: ultraportables.What exactly defines this category? In general, ultraportables weigh three pounds or less, have screens that are 14 inches or smaller, and contain enough battery life to survive a workday unplugged. These systems are now among the fastest laptops ever, are well suited to travel, and come with a variety of features and display resolutions wide enough to fit anyone’s needs. You may have seen laptops of this breed referred to over the years as “ultrabooks” or “streambooks,” but those were primarily attempts to attach some branding to the same basic template of “ultralight laptop.”The design always comes back to the same foundational elements: thin, light, and long-running. Here are our top ultraportable laptop picks for 2024, with buying advice below.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Asus Zenbook 14X OLED (Q420)
Best Ultraportable Laptop for Most Buyers
Why We Picked ItThe Asus Zenbook 14X OLED (Q420) combines portability and style to become our favorite consumer ultraportable. The slim laptop’s snappy 13th Gen Core i7 CPU ensures fast performance for general productivity tasks, and the vibrant 120Hz OLED touch screen provides an immersive display experience. Battery life and port selection only enhance the already premium design, but what really sold us on the system was the price. For under $1,000, it’s the best ultraportable for the money.Who It’s ForIf you want a hassle-free ultraportable that looks stylish and premium, but without the premium price, consider the Zenbook 14X OLED (Q420). From the speedy performance to the beautiful OLED display, this laptop wowed us with premium features at an affordable price.
PROS
Snappy 13th Gen Core i7 CPU
Attractive price
Super-slim, premium design
Vibrant 120Hz OLED touch screen
Long battery life
Decent port selection for its size
CONS
Lacks discrete GPU found in alternative 14X model
Only a 512GB SSD
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core i7-13700H
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
14.5 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.67 by 12.7 by 8.9 inches
Weight
3.44 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
11:45
Learn More
Asus Zenbook 14X OLED (Q420) Review
Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8
Best Ultraportable 2-in-1 Laptop for Most Buyers
Why We Picked ItThe Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 is our favorite 2-in-1 ultraportable, thanks to 13th Gen Intel processing and a sophisticated all-metal design. The design is superb and light at just 3.09 pounds, the OLED display is impressive, and the overall performance is excellent, making it far and away the top 2-in-1 ultraportable to recommend right now.Who It’s ForFor those who have the cash for a high-end ultraportable 2-in-1, the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 scores points with premium design, top-end features, and 14-hour battery life. Throw in the OLED display and included pen for note taking and drawing, and it’s one of the best productivity machines you can get.
PROS
Excellent performance from new Intel “Raptor Lake” silicon
Superb OLED touch screen with pen support
Fantastic sound with sophisticated design
Pen and carrying case included
All-metal design looks sharp, feels even better
CONS
Battery life is decent, but not long
Extra function keys aren’t customizable
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core i7-1360P
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
90 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
Dimensions (HWD)
0.6 by 12.5 by 9.1 inches
Weight
3.09 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
14:05
Learn More
Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 Review
Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (2024, M3)
Best Ultraportable MacBook for Most Buyers
Why We Picked ItThe thinnest it’s ever been, but more powerful than ever before, the M3-powered Apple MacBook Air 13-inch is a productivity powerhouse in a sleek ultraportable design. The new hardware adds performance and longer battery life to an already stunningly slim design, which is all the more impressive for its sturdy, all-metal chassis. With dual Thunderbolt 4 ports and expanded support for external monitors, this versatile laptop works just as well at a desktop as it does on the go, but with a featherweight design that lasts all day and can be carried with ease.Who It’s ForThe 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 is the lowest rung on a ladder of increasingly powerful Mac laptops, but it is the most powerful version yet of Apple’s premier ultraportable, delivering excellent everyday performance for working from home or doing projects for school without requiring the price step-up into the MacBook Pros. If you want a speedy, portable machine that lets you work all day or easily carry it from one place to another, there’s no beating the Apple MacBook Air. (And if you want a larger screen, the 15-inch MacBook Air is also an Editors’ Choice winner.)
PROS
Impressive blend of portability and power
Capable graphics performance
Slim, lightweight all-metal design
Expanded support for external displays
Speedy and versatile Thunderbolt 4 ports
All-day battery goes and goes
CONS
Distracting camera notch
Lower peak display brightness than expected
Limited monitor support when laptop is open
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Apple M3
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
13.6 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1664
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Apple M3 (10-core)
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.44 by 11.97 by 8.46 inches
Weight
2.7 lbs
Operating System
Apple macOS Sonoma
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
21:38
Learn More
Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (2024, M3) Review
Acer Swift Go 14
Best Ultraportable Laptop for Students
Why We Picked ItThe Acer Swift Go 14 is a surprising laptop, with a 2.9-pound carry weight, an impressive 16:10-aspect-ratio OLED display, and a sharp 1440p webcam. Pair all that with a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of memory, and you’ll get plenty of productive pep from this smart little laptop. We’ll overlook minor complaints about the keyboard, since the Swift Go ticks all the right boxes for a capable ultraportable for a starting price under $800. That makes it our pick for college and university students.Who It’s ForYou don’t want to be weighed down when running across campus, so students seeking a potent but affordable ultraportable will want to check out the Acer Swift Go 14. Packed with snappy performance, a premium display, and a useful array of ports, it’s a winning choice for lecture hall and dorm room alike.
PROS
Exceptional price-to-performance
Brilliant display
Decent I/O for a thin-and-light
CONS
Unlovable keyboard
A little thick
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core i7-13700H
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
90 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.73 by 12.3 by 8.6 inches
Weight
2.9 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
8:43
Learn More
Acer Swift Go 14 Review
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12
Best Ultraportable Business Laptop
Why We Picked ItThe Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 follows in the footsteps of some of the best laptops ever made, and while it doesn’t quite blow those past versions away, it’s still the best business ultraportable on the market. With an elegant carbon-fiber-infused ultralight design, this slim machine pairs a top-notch keyboard with a sharp, vivid OLED display, and a robust collection of ports. The price is higher than we’d like, but it’s hard to deny that this is still an Editors’ Choice-award-winning business laptop for a reason.Who It’s ForIf you’re a professional who needs a Windows laptop that’s just as useful on a cross-country flight as on your desk, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is as effective as a lightweight productivity laptop gets. From the immensely portable design to the ultra-comfortable keyboard, it’s our favorite business laptop, especially for users forever on the go.
PROS
Elegant and light design
Fabulous keyboard
Sharp, vivid OLED screen
USB-A, HDMI, and USB-C ports
CONS
Sky-high price
Decent but not class-leading performance and battery life
No SD or microSD card slot
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Business, Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
Manual
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.59 by 12.3 by 8.5 inches
Weight
2.47 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
13:51
Learn More
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Review
HP Dragonfly G4
A Solid Alternative to the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11
Why We Picked ItWhile the ThinkPad still rules the roost, HP’s Dragonfly G4 is a close second, combining a sleek and super-light 2.2-pound design with nearly 20 hours of battery life. HP also included a sharp 3:2 aspect ratio display, a full array of ports, a high-quality 5-megapixel webcam, and an optional mobile broadband radio. This all comes together to make a powerful companion for work—whether that’s from home, in the office, or traveling business class. The Dragonfly G4 is a top-tier business ultraportable with some of the best features and specs in its class.Who It’s ForBuilt for business, the HP Dragonfly G4 is an ultraportable with both the features and power to do the job, making it an ideal second choice for most professionals. With enough battery life for a cross-country flight and then some—not to mention broad connectivity options, a beautiful document-friendly display, and a lightweight design—this laptop is a smart choice for pros who travel frequently for work.
PROS
Handsome 3:2 aspect ratio display
Long battery life
Full array of ports and available mobile broadband
Whizbang 5-megapixel webcam
Sleek and super light
CONS
No SD or microSD card slot
Expensive, especially when customized
Slightly awkward keyboard
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Ultraportable, Business
Processor
Intel Core i7-1365U
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
13.5 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1280
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G
Dimensions (HWD)
0.65 by 11.7 by 8.7 inches
Weight
2.22 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
19:46
Learn More
HP Dragonfly G4 Review
Asus Zenbook 14X OLED (UX3404)
Best OLED-Screen Ultraportable Laptop
Why We Picked ItA ticked-up, pricier configuration versus the Q420 ZenBook 14X OLED model up top, the UX3404 is a near-ideal OLED ultraportable. With a brilliant screen, a 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor, and even an entry-level discrete GPU squeezed into its 0.66-inch-thick frame, it’s an attractive blend of portable power and compact design. The snappy Intel Core i9 processor and Nvidia RTX 3050 GPU offer enough power for creative professionals, but the real treat is the 120Hz OLED display, a brilliant and sharp-looking panel with 2,880-by-1,800-pixel resolution. Add in the wide selection of ports, the roughly 12-hour battery life, and the affordability of Asus’ less costly configurations in the family, and it’s our favorite OLED-screen ultraportable laptop if you’re not budget-strapped.Who It’s ForFor creative professionals and shoppers who want power and a beautiful OLED display, the Asus Zenbook 14X OLED (UX3404) is the laptop you’re looking for. The peppy processor and GPU, paired with the panel, make it a perfect ultraportable for working with video, graphic design, and any other visual creative work.
PROS
Attainable starting price
Efficient 13th Gen Core i9 CPU and RTX 3050 GPU in test model
Super-slim compact design with premium finish
Brilliant, sharp 120Hz OLED touch screen
Long battery life
Wide port selection for its size
CONS
Last-gen GeForce RTX 3050 has limited power
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core i9-13900H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14.5 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
G-Sync
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
6 GB
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.67 by 12.7 by 8.9 inches
Weight
3.44 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
11:58
Learn More
Asus Zenbook 14X OLED (UX3404) Review
LG Gram Pro 17 (2023)
Best Giant-Screen (17-Inch!) Ultraportable Laptop
Why We Picked ItThe best big-screen ultraportable we’ve reviewed, the LG Gram Pro 17 boasts an expansive 17-inch display (with a 16:10 aspect ratio), speedy performance, and lengthy battery life. Despite being slightly heavier than its predecessor due to the addition of a discrete Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics chip, it remains an amazingly portable (3.2-pound) desktop replacement that can handle light gaming and content creation. Though its flimsy feel and steep price keep it from top honors, it remains a pleasant surprise in the having-it-all department for its combination of light weight and a large display.Who It’s ForIf you want ultraportable weight but the display size of a desktop-replacement laptop, nothing beats the LG Gram Pro 17. It gives you more screen without (much) more weight, and adds a gaming-class GPU to the mix for added power, all in an easy-to-carry design.
PROS
Remarkably light for a 17-inch laptop
Big, beautiful 16:10 display with variable refresh
Long battery life
GeForce GPU suitable for light gaming
CONS
Flexible bordering on flimsy
Awkward top-row keys
Poor audio
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Desktop Replacement
Processor
Intel Core i7-1360P
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
17 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
Manual
Screen Refresh Rate
144 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050
Graphics Memory
4 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.7 by 14.9 by 10.2 inches
Weight
3.2 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
17:55
Learn More
LG Gram Pro 17 (2023) Review
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3
Best Ultraportable Laptop for Extreme Weight Savings
Why We Picked ItThe Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 scores a spot on this list with its lightweight portability and MIL-STD 810H durability. Made for weight savings, the business-focused design features ultralight magnesium and carbon fiber and weighs barely more than 2 pounds. Despite this, it still includes a satisfying keyboard, a sharp-looking display that’s well-suited to productivity, and workplace-friendly features like security and IT-compatible management tools, including optional 4G LTE mobile broadband. That’s why we picked it as the best ultraportable for extreme weight savings.Who It’s ForThis machine is built for business travelers and professionals on the go, with extreme portability for productivity anywhere. Whether you want one of the lightest laptops for the office or the airport, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 is the business ultraportable to get.
PROS
Lightweight ultraportable with MIL-STD 810H durability
Satisfying keyboard
Sharp-looking display well-suited to productivity
Business-ready and security features
Optional 4G LTE
CONS
Limited port selection
Small touchpad
Battery life could be longer
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Ultraportable, Business
Processor
Intel Core i7-1360P
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
13 inches
Native Display Resolution
2160 by 1350
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
Dimensions (HWD)
0.58 by 11.55 by 8.19 inches
Weight
2.19 pounds
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
10:42
Learn More
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 Review
Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook
Best Ultraportable Chromebook
Why We Picked ItOur favorite ultraportable Chromebook is also a budget leader: the affordable Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook. This 12-inch laptop is compact and lightweight, with a convertible design that works as both laptop and tablet. The port selection is above average, and the performance is fast enough for Chrome’s browser-centric approach. Longer battery life would be nice, but this Chromebook will still get you through the day, making it ideal for casual users who want something that’s easy to bring along and quick at web browsing and running apps.Who It’s ForFor an ultraportable that’s also pretty easy on the budget, the Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook is a smart choice. Whether you’re using it to take notes in class or meetings, stream movies on the couch, or enjoy the selection of online tools and apps ChromeOS has to offer, the Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook is the best option currently.
PROS
Responsive 12.2-inch touchscreen
Low price
Compact and lightweight
Decent port selection
Flexible 2-in-1 design
CONS
Middling Intel N100 processor
Storage limited to 64GB eMMC
Lagging battery life
Plastic construction with unwanted chassis flex
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1, Budget, Ultraportable
Processor
Intel N100
RAM (as Tested)
4 GB
Boot Drive Type
eMMC Flash Memory
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
64 GB
Screen Size
12.2 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel UHD Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth 5.1
Dimensions (HWD)
0.72 by 11.18 by 8.27 inches
Weight
2.76 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
8:38
Learn More
Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook Review
Buying Guide: The Best Ultraportable Laptops for 2024
Though ultraportable laptops as a class may look sleek, quite a few key differentiators distinguish models from one another. The first to consider is price. You’ll see a huge difference between a system that costs $400 and one that costs $1,300, even if they boast the same brand name and similar looks and features.At the low end are entry-level systems that generally run $500 or less. For many casual users, this is the only price range worth looking at, but keep certain caveats in mind. The processing power, display resolution, and storage capacities are usually lower on inexpensive ultraportables, and the construction can be on the flimsy side. The weight for these models also ranges up to four pounds.Entry-level ultraportables make solid systems for younger family members to use for homework or watching movies around the house, since they are both highly portable and relatively inexpensive. Value is a big factor in this category, as plenty of budget ultraportables can entice you with a low price. If you’re not careful, you may find yourself let down by a system that’s a bargain only because its manufacturer cut too many corners.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
That said, the spec floor has risen in this category. As faster base parts become less expensive and more common, cheaper systems with decent build quality have become more capable. Your average $500 laptop has become quite adequate for simple tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and media viewing on the go.Midrange systems are better, but by definition they also cost more, ranging from about $500 to $1,250. Materials and specs that were once exclusive to high-end ultraportables are now the norms in midrange systems, including features such as full HD (1,920-by-1,080-pixel) or even QHD (2,560-by-1,440-pixel) resolutions, touch displays, and metal chassis. Battery life and storage have improved, as well, making it easier to get a better bang for your buck in this price range. You’ll still have to compromise in one or two areas (such as storage capacity, port options, and resolution) compared with the high-end systems, but for most shoppers, this price range represents the best mix of price and performance.At the top of the price ladder are premium ultraportables, which we categorize as anything costing $1,250 or more. With these high-end systems come choice materials, cutting-edge components and features, and top performance that will speed up photo editing and other productivity tasks. Here, you’ll also see 3K- or- 4K-resolution displays, quality sound hardware (often from familiar brands like Bang & Olufsen), spacious and speedy storage, and other exciting features, all while the system’s form factor remains slim and compact. Many premium business laptops also fall into this class, due to specialized remote management and corporate features. This pricing tier yields the best overall user experience, the most features and port options, and the fastest internal hardware, but not every premium system is created equal. And when you’re spending this much money, do you want second best? If you have the budget and will be spending a lot of time on your laptop, it may very well pay to invest in quality.Which Processor Should I Get in an Ultraportable?For smooth performance and a good user experience, you’ll want to be choosy about your processor. Even in a less-expensive system, the average processor is more capable than ever of handling routine tasks, but if you need speed, select carefully. At the top of the heap are Intel’s Core i5 and Core i7 processors, which can be found in midrange and premium models. In 2023, we saw the release of Intel’s 13th Gen “Raptor Lake” CPUs for laptops, which dominated that year of ultraportables. Most ultraportables in this generation used Intel’s P- and U-class chips, which are made for thin-and-light laptops that require power, but that may not have the same thermal headroom you’d find in larger systems with more robust cooling. For 12th and 13th Gen chips, the distinctions are between those 28-watt (W) “P” series and 15W or 9W “U” series processors.The P series is meant for premium power machines, while the U series is destined for traditional ultraportables, with the lowest-wattage chips meant for tablets and foldables. The more powerful “H” and “HX” series chips are less commonly found in ultraportables, reserved for larger systems and gaming laptops. Most laptops pair these chips with 16GB of main system memory, though budget-friendlier models will stick with 8GB.Here in 2024, those 12th and 13th Gen Intel chips now co-exist in new laptops with the latest iteration of Intel chips, dubbed Core Ultra (or “Meteor Lake” during development). They are here in a limited way, mostly in a subset of premium ultraportables, with updated architecture and a new naming convention.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
If you aren’t set on using Intel CPUs, you may be more interested in the many models that feature AMD processors. AMD chips are usually designed to compete directly with Intel, so you’ll see chip designs that match the Intel CPUs mentioned above. Particularly, the Ryzen 7000 and “Hawk Point” Ryzen 8000 series drive speedy productivity performance without the need for bulky fans or beefy batteries.If you aren’t sure how to judge the chip used in the system you’re considering, take a look at our reviews (particularly the results of our benchmark tests) to see how it will fare in real-world conditions. Like Intel’s Core line, AMD’s Ryzen chips now come in U-series designs (for ultraportables) and H-series ones (for thicker, more powerful laptops). We have a deeper explainer on laptop processors here if you want to dive into the real nitty-gritty.Finally, at the low end, are Intel’s now-phasing-out Pentium processors and new “vanilla” chips dubbed “Intel Processors” in its N series. These budget processors are inexpensive and energy-efficient, but they’re often paired with lesser RAM allotments (as low as 4GB). Power users will find themselves frustrated by slow performance. You can probably make do if you’re a casual user and not multitasking much. Still, consider one of these only in the very cheapest laptops. None of this applies to Apple laptops. Apple shifted away from Intel hardware a few years back, moving in stages to its own processor designs for the entire MacBook line. The latest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models use the newest M3 chips from the third generation of Apple’s homegrown CPUs. Given their tested performance, we’ve been impressed with every processor in the Apple Silicon lineup, making these recent MacBooks a safe bet for shoppers who can afford them and are cool with macOS.
(Credit: Brian Westover)
Also, with the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max now in the wild, Apple uses its own-design processors in all of its current-model laptops. That makes for less complexity when choosing among Apple models, but if you’re currently a Windows user, you will have to decide whether the M3’s impressive speed (especially with specially written native software) is worth making the switch to macOS.Which Graphics Processor (GPU) Should I Get in an Ultraportable?Also important is the graphics processor, aka the GPU. Most ultraportable systems rely on integrated graphics, whose graphics processing hardware is silicon on-die alongside the CPU cores. (Gaming laptops, on the other hand, use a dedicated GPU, a separate chip devoted to rendering graphics with higher frame rates and more detailed textures.) The integrated graphics capability fits productivity and casual media work, but not running current PC games or powering involved photo and video editing.Since 2022, Intel has equipped most of its CPUs with Intel Iris Xe graphics, first introduced in 2020 on its higher-end chips. While initially reserved only for Intel’s top-end Core i7 and Core i9 CPUs, Intel has made Iris the standard integrated GPU for all Core chips in recent years.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
However, Intel’s latest Core Ultra processors step up the integrated graphics even more with Intel Arc Graphics, a scaled-down version of Intel’s dedicated Arc GPUs. The performance edges closer to what you’d get from a low-end dedicated GPU a few years back.Additionally, Apple has pushed integrated graphics to new performance heights on the latest M3 processors. Top-end Mac laptops no longer use discrete third-party GPUs; all have multi-core GPU hardware on the same chip die as the CPU, sharing in the main system memory. These combined CPU/GPU hybrids blur the line between integrated and discrete graphics, but the difference is still easy to see in the price tag, especially in high-end current MacBooks. At the entry level, though, the performance of the base M3 chip is quite similar to Intel’s current Iris Xe Graphics.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
If you want to do more with media and play games at higher settings and frame rates, you’ll need a discrete graphics chip, like the mobile versions of Nvidia’s GeForce RTX graphics cards. These GPUs require more power and cooling, and as such are generally only seen in gaming laptops or bulkier desktop-replacement notebooks. By and large, they’re seen in relatively few ultraportables. The most travel-friendly systems are not suited to gaming, so don’t expect the integrated graphics to suffice for playing much more than a few less-demanding games on lower-detail settings. How Much Storage Should I Get in an Ultraportable?Speedy hardware is all well and good, but you also need somewhere to keep all your digital stuff. For almost all ultraportables now, this means a solid-state drive (SSD). These compact, flash-based storage devices are weight savers and immune to data loss from shock or bumps because they don’t have any moving parts, which is ideal for systems doing a lot of traveling. Nowadays, almost all SSDs in laptops (when they’re not soldered down) use an SSD form factor called M.2, which is much smaller than your traditional 2.5-inch SATA SSD. Smaller connectors allow smaller designs, which makes them a perfect fit for an ultraportable. Now, most such M.2-connected drives use a PCI Express (PCIe) bus connection for faster data transfer, and thus faster overall performance. Very thin ultraportable designs, though, may just solder the storage directly to the motherboard for even greater space efficiencies. (You can’t upgrade those SSDs. What you buy is what you’re stuck with.)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
A 256GB or 512GB capacity for SSD storage is common on midrange and high-end ultraportables. It’s nice to have a bit more than 256GB, but boosting SSD capacity still tends to be pricey, and the cost can jump if you opt for a larger 1TB option if the manufacturer offers it. A 512GB drive is a good happy medium for most; a 256GB drive will suffice for many users, though, especially if you won’t be storing large media projects on this type of computer.While SSDs are the most common storage format for ultraportables, you will see two other storage options used on less-expensive systems. Some low-cost ultralight laptops use an embedded MultiMediaCard (eMMC), a form of solid-state storage sometimes (mis)identified as an SSD in product specs but with flash memory like the kind used on memory cards. As such, it’s slower and a lot smaller in capacity (32GB to 128GB) than a standard SSD. You’ll generally find this type of storage only on the very cheapest Windows laptops and in many Chromebooks.Finally, a (very) few budget-minded systems still use old-school spinning hard drives, though the presence of one as the boot drive signals an older or remaindered model at this point. These drives are less expensive than SSDs, and they offer substantially more room for your files for the money—you will often see hard drives with capacities of 500GB or more. You won’t get nearly the same speedy performance as with an SSD, but lots of storage space is a plus. Given ever-thinner designs, however, makers of ultraportables have almost entirely phased out bulky hard drives at this point.What Is the Best Kind of Display in an Ultraportable?Let’s go from what’s inside a typical ultraportable to the most visible aspect of the exterior: the screen.Ultraportables’ displays come in an increasingly varied array of resolutions, from now-humdrum 720p (1,366 by 768 pixels) in the very cheapest budget models, to full HD (1,920 by 1,080 pixels) as the mainstream norm, to Ultra HD or 4K (3,840 by 2,160 pixels), with a few nonstandard resolutions peppered between full HD and UHD.Lower-resolution screens are most frequently found in entry-level systems simply because they’re the least expensive option. They work well enough for reading and typing text, and YouTube often defaults to something lower than full HD, anyway, so less discerning users can get by just fine. But a 1,366-by-768-pixel screen is best avoided in a new laptop with a screen 13 inches or larger.Full HD (often referred to as 1080p or 1200p) screens are what you should expect on many budget systems, all midrange models, and some premium ultraportables. The 1080p display is standard enough that even most cheaper options now offer them, a far cry from the situation just a few years ago when a much grainier 1,366 by 768 was the norm. These displays are better equipped for multitasking since you can fit more readable text and two side-by-side windows onto a 13- or 14-inch 1080p screen. This is a sharp, true full-HD resolution, ideal for most daily use and video playback.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Ultra HD is currently the resolution of choice for the highest-end ultraportables and models for content-creation pros. As 4K screens have four times the resolution of a full HD display, you can fit a lot onto them. The sheer number of pixels requires more power, however, and 4K-equipped systems usually see a significant drop in battery life compared with similar full HD systems. You also have the question of content. Although 4K TVs and displays are becoming increasingly common, 4K content streaming is far from universal (this is slowly improving on some streaming services), and gaming at 4K is way more than any ultraportable can support. At present, these displays are best suited to uses like photo and video editing, but they do look stunning.Many premium laptops now use QHD or QHD+ screens, which are resolutions that fall between 1080p and 4K. They represent a nice middle ground between expensive, power-draining 4K resolutions and sharp, better-than-HD picture quality, so you should be happy to see QHD or QHD+ on a laptop you’re considering buying. In addition, an increasing number of light-laptop makers have moved their ultraportable models to screens with squarer aspect ratios, such as 16:10 or 3:2, away from the much more common 16:9. That’s a trend we saw ramping up a couple of years ago, and it’s continuing. Additionally, brilliant OLED display technology is making its way into some of our favorite laptop lines.The other feature to watch for is support for touch input. While touch-capable displays were uncommon just a few years ago, they’re now much more of a thing in ultraportables, even in the entry-level and business-laptop categories. Touch technology is useful on a bus or train where you may not have elbow room to use a mouse or touchpad, making it a good match for ultraportables. Even if you don’t regularly use touch in your day-to-day computing and don’t plan to incorporate it, it may be worth having just so you don’t regret the decision not to get it down the road.Should Your Next Ultraportable Be a 2-in-1?More and more ultraportables are being released as what we call “convertible hybrids,” or 2-in-1s. Some 2-in-1s rotate around the hinge, while others have a separate keyboard base that detaches from the screen. In the former case, these mash-up machines let you enjoy both laptop and tablet functionality, thanks to hinges and swiveling joints that let you bend the display back around to use without a keyboard. More and more manufacturers are adopting the rotating non-detachable design.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Rotating-hinge convertible devices are laptops first, but they aren’t limited to traditional clamshell designs. Because they feature specialized hinges and touch screens, you can also prop them up like a tent, or turn the keyboard facedown so the screen is better positioned for watching a movie or giving a presentation. While convertibles are a category in their own right, the ability to shape-shift naturally lends itself to making a good travel laptop, so you’ll see that some of our highest-rated ultraportable laptops are convertibles, too. (See our guide to the best 2-in-1 convertible laptops and detachables.)Should You Consider a Lightweight Chromebook?Depending on what you do with your computer, you might find a Chromebook to be one of the best values in ultraportables. A Chromebook is a bare-bones laptop that runs Google’s ChromeOS. It limits you to using web apps and Android apps.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Running ChromeOS means that you won’t have access to traditional Windows software, so if that’s central to how you work and play, a Chromebook isn’t for you. But if you use a web-based email client such as Gmail or Outlook for communications, rely on Google Drive for doing your work, and spend most of your time watching videos on YouTube or playing web games, and you don’t expect your needs to change, chances are you’ll get along just fine with a Chromebook. Considering that computers of this type can be extraordinarily affordable (most cost $500 or less), you could outfit your family with several Chromebooks for the cost of one high-end Windows ultraportable.So, What Is the Best Ultraportable Laptop to Buy?With ultraportables available now that are thinner, lighter, and more powerful than ever, you’ll find something in this vibrant class of laptops to suit your usage habits and travel needs. Below is a detailed spec breakout of the top ultraportables we’ve tested. We refresh the list constantly to include the newest products, but because of the large number of laptops we review every year, not every top-rated product makes the cut. Rest assured, though: These are all winners in their own ways.
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