Best lightweight laptop 2024: for work, gaming, and streaming
The ultimate ultrabooks from Apple, Dell, Asus and more
Searching for the best lightweight laptop? Looking for the ultimate ultrabook? Want all the power you need for work and/or gaming on the go, in a device that won’t tear the seams of your shoulder straps? You’re in the right place. (Here’s a more general roundup of the best laptops, if you want it).
There’s no shortage of super-slim, lightweight notebooks out there among bigger, heavier machines. But if you’re set on skinny, we’ve rounded up some of the best lightweight laptops right here, from Apple’s ever-popular MacBook Air to offerings from Dell, Asus, Microsft and more, to provide an easily digestible list of top-class ultrabooks to suit your needs.
What’s the best lightweight laptop?
We think the Dell XPS 13 (buy now) is the best lightweight laptop for most people. In fact, it remains one of the best Windows laptops ever made, thanks to its masterful combination of stunning, compact design, and powerful specs.
Other lightweight laptop recommendations
The Apple MacBook Air 2022 (buy now) is the lightest, slimmest, most powerful MacBook Air to date, with a scarily powerful M2 processor and the same screen as the premium MacBook Pro. A no-brainer for light-travelling Apple fans.
The Asus Zenbook 14X OLED (buy now) is rather insane, from its stunning OLED screen to its Intel Core i9 processor, 32GB of RAM, and dedicated Nvidia RTX 3050 mobile GPU, Asus’ pricey stunner is a lightweight do-it-all beast.
The Acer Chromebook Spin 513 (buy now) is cheap, cheerful, and portable. It is the perfect choice for a basic workstation and app machine, at a price that’s a grand cheaper than anything else on our list.
The best lightweight laptop you can buy today:
1. Dell XPS 13
Stuff Verdict
The Dell XPS 13 is every bit the Windows laptop to rival the portability and power of a MacBook Air – plus it can be bought with a 4K touchscreen, too.
Pros
- Optional 4K touchscreen
- Lightweight and portable
- Great build quality
Cons
- Limited ports
- Webcam only 720p
| Dell XPS 13 | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 13.4in, FHD+, 1920×1200, 60Hz (upgradeable to 3840×2400 touchscreen) |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 / Core i7 |
| RAM | 8GB / 16GB / 32GB |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe |
| Connectivity | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) |
| Operating system | Windows 11 |
| Battery | Up to 12 hours |
| Dimensions | 1.4 x 29.5 x 20cm; 1.17kg |
The Dell XPS 13 remains one of the best Windows laptops ever made, thanks to its masterful combination of stunning, compact design, and powerful specs. Rivalling Apple’s best on the aesthetics and build front, it’s a beautiful bit of kit that’s as much a joy to use, as it is handsome.
With a pixel-packed 3840 x 2400 13.4in touchscreen, and weighing in at a mere 1.17kg, it’s one of the lightest ultrabooks on our list, and we still marvel at its sturdy-yet-compact design to this day. Stature aside, it’s no slouch on the specs front either, with this particular model offering a 12th Generation Intel Core i7-1250U processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage.
Intel’s built-in Iris Xe graphics processor should be good enough for some light gaming and editing, though if you want a machine that will churn through demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, then you’ll want to look for a machine with a dedicated GPU, like the Asus Zenbook 14X OLED further down our list.
2. Apple MacBook Air (2022)
Stuff Verdict
This revamp redefines the Air in a meaningful way, instantly renders the 13in MacBook Pro obsolete, and sets a yardstick by which Apple’s entry level devices will now be judged.
Pros
- M2 chip more than powerful enough for most tasks
- Noteworthy display and speaker improvements
- Redesign looks very smart indeed
Cons
- M2 chip supports only one external display
- A big price hike for even the cheapest model
- Midnight finish is a fingerprint magnet
| Apple MacBook Air (2022) | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 13.6in Retina 2560×1664 with P3 and True Tone |
| Processor | Apple M2 |
| RAM | 8GB/16GB/24GB |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB SSD |
| Operating system | macOS Monterey |
| Connectivity | 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5mm headphone; 2×Thunderbolt 3 (USB 4); MagSafe |
| Dimensions | 30.41×21.5×1.13cm; 1.24kg |
| Battery | Up to 18 hours |
The 2022 MacBook air is the best lightweight laptop for Apple fans. With a speedier, impressively-powerful M2 processor, it’s got more than enough power to smash through intense multitasking and editing workloads with ease. In fact, it’s around 20% faster in editing tasks compared to the M1, and five times faster than the zippiest Intel-based Air — no doubt helped by a 10-core (rather than the older 8-core) GPU.
On the business end, you’re greeted with the same 13.6in liquid retina display found on the MacBook Pro, which is 25% brighter (500nits) than its predecessor. There’s a Full HD webcam for the seemingly endless barrage of online meetings, and everything is crammed into a shell that’s 20% smaller in volume than before. With a weight of around 1.2kg and measuring just 11.3mm-thin, you’re getting a scary amount of power in a sleek, lithe form factor.
Apple has also finally added a 15in model to the range – in case you want to lug a larger screen around with you. The MacBook Air 15in (M2, 2023) is still physically compact, just as powerful courtesy of an M2 CPU, and matches the 13in model for battery life, so you’re giving up very little in pursuit of a bigger display.
- Read more: Apple MacBook Air (2022) review
3. Asus Zenbook 14X OLED
Stuff Verdict
The Zenbook 14X OLED is a powerful and versatile laptop with a gorgeous OLED screen, but which is still remarkably compact and portable
Pros
- Gorgeous display
- Powerful i9 processor
- Useful range of ports
Cons
- Expensive
- Overkill for some
| Asus Zenbook 14X OLED | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 14in, 2.8K OLED touchscreen, 120Hz |
| Processor | Intel Core i9 |
| RAM | 16GB / 32GB |
| Storage | 1TB |
| Operating system | Windows 11 |
| Connectivity | USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, |
| Dimensions | 32.2cm x 22.6cm x 1.7cm; 1.56kg |
| Battery | Up to 18 hours |
Asus’ entry is one of the most expensive ones, but boy, are its specs worth it. Where to start? Well, how about a gloriously punchy 14.5in 2.8K120Hz OLED display? With true blacks and mesmerising colours, everything from bland spreadsheets to in-game explosions will be an absolute delight for your retinas. It’s a touchscreen affair too, though we’d be far too frightened of ever sullying its beauty with our digits.
Its power, by the way, is almost laughable, considering its mere 1.56kg weight. Windows 11 and all the apps you’ll eve need are absolutely blitzed through with ease, thanks to Intel’s 13th Gen i9 processor, paid with a desktop-worthy 32GB of DDR5 RAM. And let’s not forget Nvidia’s formidable RTX 3050 mobile graphics card, which unlocks a world of genuine high-end gaming while you’re out and about.
Yes, it’s expensive, but given the power on offer in a desktop-matching package, it’s amazing that it’s as thin and as light as it is. A luxury choice that will serve you well for many years to come.
4. LG gram 17
Stuff Verdict
Want a slim and light laptop, but with a massive screen? This LG and its 17in display is the one for you, but it comes at a price.
Pros
- Large, 17in display
- Remarkably light and thin
Cons
- Bigger than some will need
- Expensive
| LG gram 17 | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 17in, 60Hz, 2560×1600 |
| Processor | Intel Core i7 |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 1TB |
| Operating system | Windows 11 |
| Connectivity | USB-C (x3), USB-A (x1), HDMI |
| Dimensions | 37.9 x 25.9 x 1.8cm; 1.35kg |
| Battery | |
The LG gram 17 is the largest entrant on our list, thanks to its very generous 2560 x 1600 17in display, and full-sized keyboard. Despite the vast amount of display real estate on offer however, LG’s gram range continues to live up to its lightweight moniker, with this 17in model tipping the scales at a mere 1.35kg.
It’s not the most powerful ultrabook on offer, but it’s more than capable of heavy multitasking and media consumption, thanks to a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. And if you need more graphical grunt to unlock serious gaming powers, you can always connect up an external GPU (eGPU) unit to one of its Thunderbolt 4 ports, if you fancy.
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5
Stuff Verdict
Several things hold the Surface Laptop 5 back from greatness, but it’s still one of the best ultraportables
Pros
- Great display
- Extremely good keyboard and touchpad
- Swanky design
Cons
- Some old ports
- 720p webcam
- Large screen bezels
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 13.5in, 2256×1504, 60Hz |
| Processor | Intel Core i5/i7 |
| RAM | 8/16GB |
| Storage | 256/512GB |
| Operating system | Windows 11 |
| Connectivity | USB-C/Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, Surface Connect |
| Dimensions | 30.1 x 22.3 x 1.5cm; 1.3kg |
| Battery | Up to 18 hours |
Microsoft’s Surface range is an impeccably-built group of tantalisingly-designed laptops, with keyboards decked out in luxurious Alcantara. This particular model definitely fits the lightweight ultrabook bill, thanks to a compact 13.5in screen, and 1.29kg weight.
It’s a capable sliver of a machine too, thanks to a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Thunderbolt 4 for maximum connectivity, combined with an impressive 18-hour battery life, make this a superb choice for Microsoft purists who want a streamlined Windows 11 experience, in hardware crafted by the same company. It’s available in a range of eye-catching hues too, letting you stand out from the bland devices that fill most bags and backpacks.
- Read more: Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 review
6. HP Envy x360
Stuff Verdict
It’s not as light as other options, but this HP laptop is certainly versatile, thanks to its 15.6in touchscreen display that rotates 360 degrees
Pros
- Folding touchscreen
- Large display
Cons
- Not particularly lightweight
- Screen only 1080p
| HP Envy x360 | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 15.6in, Full HD |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB |
| Operating system | Windows 11 |
| Connectivity | USB-C (x2), USB-A (x1), HDMI 2.1 |
| Dimensions | 35.7 x 22.9 x 1.8cm; 1.86kg |
| Battery | Up to 12.5 hours |
It might not feature AMD’s latest generation mobile processor, but make no mistake — the Ryzen 7 CPU under the hood of this HP Envy x360 configuration is still a beast, and can even handle light gaming in addition to your regular workflow.
Paired with a 15.6in Full HD screen, 16GB of RAM, and B&O-powered sound, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck here. Granted, it’s not the sexiest laptop on our list, nor is it the lightest (weighing a still-respectable 1.86kg). But considering the specs for the price, you’re still getting a very capable machine for work and play, while saving some hard-earned cash in the process. Throw in the fact that its touchscreen folds back for some tablet transformation action, and it’s quite a compelling option.
7. Acer Chromebook Spin 513
Stuff Verdict
Chromebooks always deliver great value for money, and with the Spin 513 you also have a laptop with a rotating Full HD touchscreen, too
Pros
- Stylish design
- Decent battery life
- Good range of ports
Cons
- Chrome OS has its limitations
- Glossy display
| Acer Chromebook Spin 513 | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 13.3in, 1920×1080, IPS touchscreen |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7c |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB |
| Operating system | Chrome OS |
| Connectivity | USB-C (x2), USB-A (x1), Thunderbolt 4 (x1) |
| Dimensions | 31 x 20.9 x 1.6cm; 1.2kg |
| Battery | Up to 14 hours |
Acer’s Chromebook Spin 513 is, comfortably the cheapest ultrabook on our list, with a price tag that’s easily around a grand less than anything else. Naturally, there are some fairly important comprises you’ll need to be aware of, but if you’re after a simple lightweight laptop for some light work and media consumption, it could be the perfect budget ultrabook for your needs.
It’s running Google’s Chrome OS, for a start, which is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7c chipset, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. With a 13.3in screen and a weight of just 1.2kg, it’ll slip into any bag with ease, with a respectable 14-hour battery to boot. If you need cheap and cheerful, look no further.
How to choose the best lightweight laptop for you
Naturally, you’ll ant to look closely at the measurements and weight of a laptop if lightness is your primary concern. Lots of laptops are under 2cm thick these days, but remember that they are often wedge-shaped and the measurement tends to be at their widest point. Many also tip the scales at under 1.5kg, which really is impressive given the performance and particularly the heroic battery life of today’s best lightweight laptops.
Picking between Mac and Windows is a key factor, of course, and while Apple may once have had the lightweight laptop market to itself with the MacBook Air, there are now plenty of similarly slim machines from Dell, HP, Acer and others.
As with any laptop, the display, keyboard and touchpad are of utmost importance, since you interact with these more than any other element. Next up, shoppers should look at performance, storage and battery life, as well as what ports the laptop has. Some have just a couple of USB-C ports, so you’ll need to ask yourself if that’s enough for your daily needs – and if you’ll need to buy a dongle to plug in any accessories that don’t use USB-C. From printers to microphones, there’s still plenty of those around.
We also recommend having a good look at the glossiness of the display. This might look good in the store, but can be incredibly frustrating when you get home and find you’ve a better view of the window behind you than of the operating system. Similarly, check the speaker are up to scratch, as they can be compromised by the smaller form factor of a lightweight laptop, and check that the webcam is as good as you need it to be. Some older machines still only offer 720p cameras, while others have upgraded to 1080 Full HD.
Want something even more portable than an ultrabook? Check out the best tablets.
How we test the best lightweight laptops
We thoroughly test laptops before delivering a verdict and considering them for a buying guide. These tests include day-to-day use, of course, but also benchmarks to see how well they perform and if their battery stamina really lives up to manufacturer claims. We also pay close attention to the design, as well as the build quality and how well each component of the laptop functions, from the screen and keyboard to the touchpad, speakers and webcam.
As this guide is specifically about lightweight laptops, their portability is tested. Can you carry it around all day without doing yourself an injury? Will it slip unnoticed into a backpack? These are the crucial factors we aim to evaluate before delivering our verdict.
For more information on Stuff’s rating and review process, read our page on how we test products.
Esat Dedezade
Contributor