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10 Best Ultraportable Laptops for Every Budget and Need

Best ultraportable laptops of 2023, its lightweight, powerful, and long-lasting battery life. Find the perfect one for you here.

CR Staff
By Updated: 2024, Feb 8

Introduction to Best Ultraportable Laptops

Best Ultraportable laptops are lightweight, compact, and easy to carry around, making them the perfect choice for people who need to work from multiple locations. They have long battery life, so you can work all day without having to worry about running out of power. This makes them ideal for students, business travelers, and anyone else who needs to stay productive on the go.

10 Best Ultraportable Laptops for Every Budget and Need
Best Ultraportable Laptops

Quick Summary: Best Ultraportable Laptops

Image Product Description Price
1
Dell XPS 13 (2023)
Dell XPS 13 (2023)
A popular ultraportable laptop known for its sleek design, powerful performance, and long battery life.
2
Apple MacBook Air
Apple MacBook Air (2022, M2)
A thin and light laptop with a powerful M2 chip.
3
Apple MacBook Air M2
Apple MacBook Air M2 (2023)
Expected to be a minor update to the 2022 model with a new M2 Pro chip.
4
Dell XPS 13 Plus
Dell XPS 13 Plus
A new ultraportable laptop with a unique design and a number of innovative features.
5
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
A budget-friendly laptop that is perfect for students and casual users.
6
Lenovo Slim 7 Pro X
Lenovo Slim 7 Pro X
A thin and light laptop with a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor and a 14-inch 2.8K OLED display.
7
Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360
Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360
A 2-in-1 laptop with a 360-degree hinge and a 13.3-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
8
Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED
Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED
A thin and light laptop with a 13.3-inch OLED display with a 2.8K resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate.
9
HP Pavilion Plus 14
HP Pavilion Plus 14
A thin and light laptop with a 14-inch OLED display with a 2.8K resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate.
10
Asus ZenBook 14 OLED (2023)
Asus ZenBook 14 OLED (2023)
A thin and light laptop with a 14-inch OLED display with a 2.8K resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate.

Our Top Picks: 10 Best Ultraportable Laptops

Dell XPS 13 (2023) Review

Dell XPS 13 (2023)

  • What We Like?

    The Dell XPS 13 has a sleek, modern design that’s sure to turn heads. It’s powered by an Intel Core i7 processor with 16GB of RAM, making it fast and responsive. The battery life of up to 12 hours allows for all-day productivity. The 13.4-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels is perfect for graphics work.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    The XPS 13 is quite expensive, which may put it out of reach for some people. It also has a limited selection of ports, which may be a problem for those who need to connect multiple devices.

Product Specification

Processor Intel Core i7
RAM 16GB
Battery Life Up to 12 hours
Display Size 13.4 inches
Display Resolution 1920 x 1200 pixels

Pros

  • Sleek and modern design
  • Powerful Intel Core i7 processor
  • Ample 16GB of RAM for multitasking
  • Impressive battery life of up to 12 hours
  • Stunning 13.4-inch display for graphics work

Cons

  • Relatively expensive
  • Limited selection of ports

9.5
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Dell XPS 13 (2023) is a top-notch ultraportable laptop that excels in design, performance, and display quality. It’s an excellent choice for professionals and creatives who value both style and power in their workhorse. While the price might be a deterrent for some, the XPS 13’s capabilities more than justify the investment. Just be mindful of its limited port selection if you require multiple device connections.


Apple MacBook Air (2022, M2) Review

Apple MacBook Air (2022, M2)

  • What We Like?

    The Apple MacBook Air (2022, M2) continues the tradition of a sleek and minimalist design. It’s powered by an Apple M2 processor and 16GB of RAM, providing exceptional speed and responsiveness. The battery life of up to 14 hours ensures uninterrupted productivity. The 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels offers stunning visuals for graphics work.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    Similar to the Dell XPS 13, the MacBook Air (2022, M2) is on the higher end in terms of price. It also comes with a limited selection of ports, which might be a concern for users with multiple devices to connect.

Product Specification

Processor Apple M2
RAM 16GB
Battery Life Up to 14 hours
Display Size 13.3 inches
Display Resolution 2560 x 1600 pixels

Pros

  • Sleek and minimalist design
  • Powerful Apple M2 processor
  • Ample 16GB of RAM for multitasking
  • Impressive battery life of up to 14 hours
  • Stunning 13.3-inch Retina display for graphics work

Cons

  • Relatively expensive
  • Limited selection of ports

9.7
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Apple MacBook Air (2022, M2) is a stellar ultraportable laptop that combines style and power seamlessly. With its powerful M2 processor and stunning Retina display, it’s a top choice for creative professionals. While the price may be a consideration, the MacBook Air delivers an exceptional user experience. Just keep in mind the limited port options for connectivity needs.


Apple MacBook Air M2 (2023) Review

Apple MacBook Air M2 (2023)

  • What We Like?

    The Apple MacBook Air M2 (2023) retains the sleek and minimalist design of its predecessor. It’s powered by an Apple M2 processor and 16GB of RAM, providing blazing-fast performance. The battery life of up to 14 hours ensures uninterrupted productivity. The 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels offers stunning visuals for graphics work.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    Similar to its predecessor, the MacBook Air M2 (2023) comes with a relatively high price tag. Additionally, it has a limited selection of ports, which might be a concern for users with multiple devices to connect.

Product Specification

Processor Apple M2
RAM 16GB
Battery Life Up to 14 hours
Display Size 13.3 inches
Display Resolution 2560 x 1600 pixels

Pros

  • Sleek and minimalist design
  • Powerful Apple M2 processor
  • Ample 16GB of RAM for multitasking
  • Impressive battery life of up to 14 hours
  • Stunning 13.3-inch Retina display for graphics work

Cons

  • Relatively expensive
  • Limited selection of ports

9.8
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Apple MacBook Air M2 (2023) is a testament to Apple’s commitment to excellence. With its powerful M2 chip and stunning Retina display, it’s an ideal choice for professionals and creatives alike. While the price may be a consideration, the MacBook Air M2 delivers an unmatched user experience. Keep in mind the limited port options for connectivity.


Dell XPS 13 Plus Review

Dell XPS 13 Plus

  • What We Like?

    The Dell XPS 13 Plus is a slightly upgraded version of the XPS 13, and it’s definitely worth considering. It’s powered by an Intel Core i7 processor with 16GB of RAM, making it incredibly fast and responsive. The battery life of up to 12 hours ensures all-day productivity. The 13.4-inch display with a resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels is perfect for graphics work.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    Similar to the previous models, the XPS 13 Plus is on the higher end in terms of price. It also comes with a limited selection of ports, which might be a concern for users with multiple devices to connect.

Product Specification

Processor Intel Core i7
RAM 16GB
Battery Life Up to 12 hours
Display Size 13.4 inches
Display Resolution 3840 x 2400 pixels

Pros

  • Slightly upgraded version of the XPS 13
  • Powerful Intel Core i7 processor
  • Ample 16GB of RAM for multitasking
  • Impressive battery life of up to 12 hours
  • Stunning 13.4-inch display for graphics work

Cons

  • Relatively expensive
  • Limited selection of ports

9.6
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Dell XPS 13 Plus is a commendable upgrade to an already impressive lineup. Its powerful performance, combined with a stunning display, makes it an excellent choice for professionals and enthusiasts. While the price might be a consideration, the XPS 13 Plus delivers a premium experience. Just be mindful of its limited port options for connectivity needs.


Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 Review

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2

  • What We Like?

    The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is a budget-friendly option that still offers great performance. It’s powered by an Intel Core i5 processor with 8GB of RAM, making it fast and responsive. The battery life of up to 13 hours ensures all-day productivity. The laptop features a sleek, minimalist design that’s sure to impress.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    While the Surface Laptop Go 2 is a great budget option, there are a few things that we don’t like about it. The laptop has a smaller 12.4-inch screen, which may be a problem for some people. Additionally, it has a limited selection of ports, which might be a concern for users with multiple devices to connect.

Product Specification

Processor Intel Core i5
RAM 8GB
Battery Life Up to 13 hours
Display Size 12.4 inches
Display Resolution Not specified

Pros

  • Affordable budget option
  • Fast and responsive performance
  • Impressive battery life of up to 13 hours
  • Sleek and minimalist design

Cons

  • Smaller 12.4-inch screen size
  • Limited selection of ports

9.3
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 strikes a balance between affordability and performance. It’s a great option for budget-conscious users who still want a reliable workhorse. While the smaller screen size and limited ports may be considerations, the Laptop Go 2 delivers where it matters most – in performance and battery life.


Lenovo Slim 7 Pro X Review

Lenovo Slim 7 Pro X

  • What We Like?

    The Lenovo Slim 7 Pro X is a powerful laptop that offers great value for money. It’s powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 processor with 16GB of RAM, making it incredibly fast and responsive. The battery life of up to 14 hours ensures all-day productivity. The laptop has a stunning 14-inch display with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels, perfect for working with graphics.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    While the Slim 7 Pro X is a great value option, there are a few things that we don’t like about it. The laptop is not as durable as some other best ultraportable laptops. Additionally, it has a limited selection of ports, which might be a concern for users with multiple devices to connect.

Product Specification

Processor AMD Ryzen 7
RAM 16GB
Battery Life Up to 14 hours
Display Size 14 inches
Display Resolution 2880 x 1800 pixels

Pros

  • Great value for money
  • Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor
  • Ample 16GB of RAM for multitasking
  • Impressive battery life of up to 14 hours
  • Stunning 14-inch display for graphics work

Cons

  • Not as durable as some other best ultraportable laptops
  • Limited selection of ports

9.7
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Lenovo Slim 7 Pro X is a strong contender in the ultraportable laptop category, offering powerful performance at an affordable price. While it may not be the most rugged option, it excels in key areas like processing power and display quality. For users seeking a balance between performance and budget, the Slim 7 Pro X is an excellent choice.


Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 Review

Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360

  • What We Like?

    The Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that’s perfect for people who need to work on the go. It’s powered by an Intel Core i7 processor with 16GB of RAM, making it incredibly fast and responsive. The battery life of up to 16 hours ensures all-day productivity. The laptop has a stunning 13.3-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, perfect for working with graphics.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    While the Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 is a great 2-in-1 option, there are a few things that we don’t like about it. The laptop is quite expensive, which may put it out of reach for some people. Additionally, it has a limited selection of ports, which might be a concern for users with multiple devices to connect.

Product Specification

Processor Intel Core i7
RAM 16GB
Battery Life Up to 16 hours
Display Size 13.3 inches
Display Resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels

Pros

  • Versatile 2-in-1 design
  • Powerful Intel Core i7 processor
  • Ample 16GB of RAM for multitasking
  • Impressive battery life of up to 16 hours
  • Stunning 13.3-inch AMOLED display for graphics work

Cons

  • Relatively expensive
  • Limited selection of ports

9.8
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 is a top-notch 2-in-1 laptop that excels in both performance and versatility. Its powerful hardware and stunning AMOLED display make it an excellent choice for professionals on the move. However, its premium features come at a relatively high price, and the limited port selection may be a consideration for users with specific connectivity needs.


Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED Review

Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED

  • What We Like?

    The Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED is a stylish, powerful laptop that’s perfect for people who need to work on the go. It’s powered by an Intel Core i7 processor with 16GB of RAM, making it incredibly fast and responsive. The battery life of up to 12 hours ensures all-day productivity. The laptop has a stunning 13.3-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, perfect for working with graphics.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    While the Zenbook S 13 OLED is a great laptop, there are a few things that we don’t like about it. The laptop is quite expensive, which may put it out of reach for some people. Additionally, it has a limited selection of ports, which might be a concern for users with multiple devices to connect.

Product Specification

Processor Intel Core i7
RAM 16GB
Battery Life Up to 12 hours
Display Size 13.3 inches
Display Resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels

Pros

  • Stylish and powerful
  • Intel Core i7 processor for fast performance
  • Ample 16GB of RAM for multitasking
  • Impressive battery life of up to 12 hours
  • Stunning 13.3-inch OLED display for graphics work

Cons

  • Relatively expensive
  • Limited selection of ports

9.6
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED is a standout performer in the ultraportable category, offering a winning combination of style, power, and display quality. While it comes with a higher price tag, it delivers on all fronts, making it an excellent choice for professionals and power users who demand top-tier performance on the go.


HP Pavilion Plus 14 Review

HP Pavilion Plus 14

  • What We Like?

    The HP Pavilion Plus 14 is a sleek and stylish ultraportable laptop that packs a punch in terms of performance. It’s powered by an 11th generation Intel Core processor with up to 16GB of RAM, ensuring seamless multitasking and lightning-fast speeds. The laptop features a 14-inch Full HD IPS panel for vibrant colors, sharp details, and wide viewing angles.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    While the HP Pavilion Plus 14 has many commendable features, there are a few areas where it falls short. The battery life, while decent, may not be sufficient for those who require all-day productivity without access to a power source. Additionally, the storage capacity options may be limiting for users who need to store large files or multimedia content. Finally, it does not come with a dedicated graphics card, which may be a consideration for users requiring intensive graphics work or gaming.

Product Specification

Processor 11th generation Intel Core
RAM Up to 16GB
Battery Life Around 7-8 hours
Display Size 14 inches
Display Resolution Full HD IPS panel

Pros

  • Sleek and stylish design
  • Powerful 11th generation Intel Core processor
  • Up to 16GB of RAM for seamless multitasking
  • 14-inch Full HD IPS panel for vibrant visuals
  • Excellent value for money

Cons

  • Decent but not exceptional battery life
  • Limited storage capacity options
  • No dedicated graphics card

9.5
Our Score

Our Verdict

The HP Pavilion Plus 14 combines style and performance at an attractive price point. Its powerful processor and vibrant display make it a solid choice for both work and entertainment. However, potential buyers should consider their specific needs, particularly in terms of battery life and storage requirements. Overall, it offers excellent value for those seeking a versatile and visually appealing ultraportable laptop.


Asus ZenBook 14 OLED (2023) Review

Asus ZenBook 14 OLED (2023)

  • What We Like?

    The Asus ZenBook 14 OLED (2023) is a true powerhouse when it comes to best ultraportable laptops. It features an OLED display that offers stunning visuals with deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. This makes it perfect for creative professionals, content creators, and anyone who values a visually immersive experience. The laptop is equipped with the latest Intel Core i7 processor, which delivers exceptional speed and responsiveness. Coupled with up to 32GB of RAM, this laptop can handle heavy multitasking, demanding software, and even virtualization with ease.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    While the Asus ZenBook 14 OLED (2023) is a great laptop for many users, there are a few areas where it could be improved. The port selection is limited, the battery life could be longer, and it does not come with a dedicated graphics card.

    If you need a laptop with more connectivity options, longer battery life, or dedicated graphics, you may want to consider other options. However, if these drawbacks are not major concerns for you, the Asus ZenBook 14 OLED (2023) is still a great choice for an ultraportable laptop.

Product Specification

Processor Intel Core i7
RAM Up to 32GB
Battery Life Around 8-9 hours
Display Size 14 inches
Display Type OLED
Display Resolution Varies by model

Pros

  • Stunning OLED display
  • Powerful Intel Core i7 processor
  • Ample RAM for heavy multitasking
  • Sleek and premium design

Cons

  • Limited port selection
  • Decent but not exceptional battery life
  • No dedicated graphics card

9.7
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Asus ZenBook 14 OLED (2023) is a premium ultraportable laptop that excels in both design and display quality. Its OLED panel offers stunning visuals, and the powerful Intel Core i7 processor ensures smooth performance. However, potential buyers should consider their specific needs, particularly in terms of port requirements and battery life expectations. Overall, it’s a top choice for users who prioritize visual excellence and performance in a portable package.


Benefits of Best Ultraportable Laptops

In addition to their portability and battery life, ultraportable laptops offer a range of other benefits. For example, they’re often faster and more powerful than traditional laptops. This is because they use solid-state drives (SSDs) instead of hard disk drives (HDDs), which means they can access data more quickly.

Best Ultraportable laptops are also more durable than traditional laptops. They’re designed to withstand the rigors of travel and are often made from high-quality materials that can withstand bumps, drops, and scratches. This makes them a great choice for people who need to work in challenging environments.

Another benefit of ultraportable laptops is their versatility. Many models come with touchscreens, which makes them ideal for artists and designers who need to work with graphics. They’re also great for people who need to use their laptops in tablet mode, as many models can be flipped around and used as a tablet.

Key Features to Consider When Buying an Ultraportable Laptop

When choosing an ultraportable laptop, there are a number of key features to consider. These include:
Size and weight: Best Ultraportable laptops come in a range of sizes, from 11 inches to 15 inches. The smaller the laptop, the lighter it will be, but you may sacrifice screen real estate.

Processor: Look for a laptop with a fast processor, such as an Intel Core i5 or i7.

RAM: Aim for at least 8GB of RAM, which will help your laptop run smoothly.

Storage: Look for a laptop with a solid-state drive (SSD) instead of a hard disk drive (HDD). An SSD will provide faster access to your data.

Battery life: Look for a laptop with a battery life of at least 10 hours.

Screen resolution: Look for a laptop with a high-resolution screen, which will make it easier to work with graphics.

Connectivity: Look for a laptop with plenty of ports, such as USB-C, HDMI, and SD card reader.

By considering these features when choosing an ultraportable laptop, you’ll be able to find a laptop that meets your needs and budget.