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Charles Lindbergh knew a thing or two about traveling light. When preparing The Spirit of St. Louis for his transatlantic flight in 1927, the pilot jettisoned everything—from his parachute and radio to the traditional leather seat. (He used a wicker chair.) He even designed special lightweight boots. You probably delegate worries about your plane’s range and fuel capacity to the airline, but odds are you hate to carry any excess ballast in your carry-on. That’s why laptop vendors strive to trim every ounce from their designs, and why we at PCMag pay so much attention to the results—starting with this guide to the lightest laptops you can buy for 2024.We’ll lay out our favorites in the section below. Following those is a buying guide for lightweight laptops and at the end of this article, a detailed spec breakout of our picks.
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3402)
Best Light Laptop for Most Buyers
Why We Picked ItAsus’ Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3402) is our current favorite lightweight laptop, thanks to its premium touches, like a beautiful 14-inch OLED touch screen with professional-grade color quality. The laptop comes in a sleek, ruggedized chassis that is at once ultraportable and sturdy enough to pass 12 MIL-STD-810H military-grade tests. Plus, its long battery life will carry you through a day of classes; the ample port selection eliminates the need for dongles; and the overall performance is rock-solid, thanks to the AMD Ryzen CPU inside.Who It’s ForFor under $1,000, this Zenbook is one of the best ultraportables around, and the best light laptop for most buyers. If you want deep value without sacrificing professional-grade features and performance, this is the lightweight laptop for you. The lightweight design is excellent for portability, and the performance will keep up with most everyday workloads.
PROS
Beautiful 14-inch OLED touch screen
Long battery life
Plenty of ports with no need for dongles
Sturdy, ultraportable, MIL-STD chassis
CONS
AMD model lags behind Intel-powered competitors
Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics don’t dazzle
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Ultraportable
Processor
AMD Ryzen 7 7730U
Processor Speed
2 GHz
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
AMD Radeon Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.67 by 12.34 by 8.69 inches
Weight
3.06 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
15:46
Learn More
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3402) Review
Razer Blade 14 (2023)
Best Light Gaming Laptop
Why We Picked ItThe 14-inch gaming laptop isn’t new, but the level of capability packed into that compact footprint is more potent than ever. The best example of this is the 2023 Razer Blade 14. The compact gaming form factor isn’t a limitation, thanks to the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU inside. With high performance and stylish, all-metal construction, the 14-inch Blade is the best lightweight gaming machine for exceptional gaming capability you can take anywhere.Who It’s ForThis year’s 14-inch Razer Blade is a superb choice for gamers who prioritize both style and performance in a portable laptop. The high level of performance and generous 10-hour battery life will carry you far whether it’s for gaming or other power-intensive tasks.
PROS
Exemplary 14-inch gaming performance
QHD+ 240Hz display
Long battery life
Quiet fans
All-aluminum build
CONS
Shallow keyboard
Much higher starting price than the original
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Gaming
Processor
AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
Processor Speed
4 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
FreeSync
Screen Refresh Rate
240 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.7 by 12.2 by 9 inches
Weight
4 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
10:35
Learn More
Razer Blade 14 (2023) Review
Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (2024, M3)
Best Light macOS Laptop
Why We Picked ItIf you want the top lightweight MacBook, then go straight for the MacBook Air 13-inch (2024, M3). Equipped with the same ultra-slim, super-light design as the 2022 redesigned Air, which slimmed down with a smaller logic board and chassis, the newest Air beefs up in all the ways that matter. That includes enhanced M3 performance, extended battery life, and new dual-display support. It’s a predictable update to an already excellent laptop, but it keeps Apple at the top of the list for lightest laptops that pack a punch.Who It’s ForThis MacBook Air isn’t the most powerful MacBook, but it’s clear that this is easily the best Mac laptop for everyday users. If you need to save some money, check out the older MacBook Air (the 2022 M2 version); otherwise, it’s possible to scale up with the equally awesome new M3 version of the Apple MacBook Air 15-Inch. More-premium MacBook Pro models are always available if you’re willing to pay more for extra power. But for the average Mac user working from home, taking a laptop to the classroom or office, or traveling for work, this is the MacBook to get.
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
Processor Speed
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
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12
Best Light Laptop for Traveling Executives
Why We Picked ItLenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 works hard to escape the long shadow cast by its Gen 11 predecessor, and while the newest model doesn’t quite blow out the previous one, it’s still the best ultraportable for business released this year. 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 a bit rich for our liking, but it’s hard to deny that this is still an Editors’ Choice-award-winning business laptop for many reasons, among them the addition of Intel’s new Core Ultra processors, enhanced with hardware-based AI acceleration.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 in the office, start your search at the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12. This 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 who spend most of their time 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
Processor Speed
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
Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook
Best Light Laptop for Budget Buyers
Why We Picked ItIf you want a budget-friendly option, it’s hard to ignore Chromebooks, and one of the best lightweight, very low-cost ChromeOS laptops is the Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook. It’s not just a cheap Chromebook; with a compact 12-inch size and weighing less than 3 pounds, this 2-in-1 comes with 8-hour battery life, a responsive touch screen, and a wide port selection. It’s a great option for people who want a flexible, portable, and affordable machine, making the Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook our favorite light laptop for budget buyers.Who It’s ForThe casual user who wants web browsing and apps in a convenient, convertible design will find good value here, provided you don’t need to run Windows or use demanding locally run software.
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
Processor Speed
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
Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8
Best Light Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop
Why We Picked ItThe Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 is our favorite lightweight convertible 2-in-1, thanks to Intel 13th Gen silicon and a sophisticated all-metal design. The design is superb, the OLED display is impressive, and the overall performance is excellent, making it our Editors’ Choice pick among premium convertible laptops. And, at just 3.09 pounds, it’s one of the lightest 2-in-1 laptops we’ve reviewed.Who It’s ForWhen it comes to premium 2-in-1 convertible laptops with a carry-friendly design, the Yoga 9i Gen 8 scores points with its high-quality build and 14-hour battery life for those with the budget to accommodate it. 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
Processor Speed
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
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel)
Best Light Detachable 2-in-1
Why We Picked ItThe Intel Core-based version of the Surface Pro 9 is the best 2-in-1 tablet you can buy, thanks to its impressive laptop-grade performance, outstanding battery life, and pen-friendly 3:2 screen that’s exceptional for drafting and taking notes. With a sleek design, upgradable storage, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports, the Surface Pro 9 is easily the most capable 2-in-1 on the market. The device’s engineering and design have no real rivals, making it a highly practical tablet with the performance to reliably replace a laptop. Although it has a high starting price, the Surface Pro 9 remains the best choice among high-end Windows tablets, and the best light detachable 2-in-1.Who It’s ForMicrosoft’s Surface Pro 9 is an ideal choice for tablet-first users who still want the full power and capability of a laptop. The combination of powerful performance and intuitive hands-on use makes it perfect for use on the go or at a desk, and the extended battery life means you can do both without being tied to a power outlet. The tablet’s superb digital inking makes it an ideal choice for users who prefer taking handwritten notes, but support for keyboard accessories and docking solutions makes it a practical laptop, too.
PROS
Impressive performance and battery life
Outstanding cameras
Sleek design, with inking-friendly 3:2 screen
Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports
User-upgradable storage
CONS
Essential accessories still not included
No more headphone jack
5G only available with SQ3 processor
High starting price
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Detachable 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core i7-1255U
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Screen Size
13 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1920
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.37 by 11.3 by 8.2 inches
Weight
1.9 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
13:12
Learn More
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel) Review
Apple MacBook Air 15-Inch (2024, M3)
Best Lightweight 15-Inch Laptop
Why We Picked ItThe 15-inch MacBook Air is the larger sibling to the well-known 13-inch model, now updated with the latest M3 processor in the same ultra-light design. Despite the spartan port selection, the new MacBook Air adds more external monitor support, along with robust six-speaker audio and a generously sized touchpad. The sleek, lightweight machine features the same processing hardware as the entry MacBook Pro, giving you a potent productivity laptop that’s lighter than most 15-inch systems.Who It’s ForApple’s 15-inch MacBook Air gives you a bit more power than the 13-inch model along with better sound and longer battery life. This makes it a smart choice for Mac fans and a safe buy for anyone looking for a powerful and reliable 15-inch ultraportable.
PROS
M3 processor brings marked improvements
New support for two external displays
Thin and light, despite its footprint
Same competitive price as first generation
CONS
No changes to design
Too few ports for its size
Running two external displays requires lid to be shut
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Desktop Replacement
Processor
Apple M3
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
15.3 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1864
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
Dimensions (HWD)
0.45 by 13.4 by 9.4 inches
Weight
3.3 lbs
Operating System
Apple macOS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
Learn More
Apple MacBook Air 15-Inch (2024, M3) Review
LG Gram Pro 17 (2023)
Best Light Laptop With a Giant (17-Inch!) Screen
Why We Picked ItLightweight laptops are usually small and compact, but the aptly named LG Gram Pro 17 defies expectations with a spacious 17-inch panel, a full keyboard, upgraded hardware, and an unexpectedly rich port selection. From the carbon-magnesium alloy construction to the bright, colorful display, it’s everything we loved about the previous Gram 17, but with the added power of a discrete Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics chip for content creation and even light gaming.Who It’s ForIf the 13- and 14-inch models on this list leave you feeling cramped, the LG Gram Pro 17 will give you room to stretch. Despite its big display and spacious keyboard, the new Gram weighs just 3.2 pounds, with nearly 18 hours of battery life, making it the lightest big-screen laptop, but also one of the longest lasting.
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
Processor Speed
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
Dell Precision 5480
Best Light Mobile Workstation
Why We Picked ItWith the Precision 5480, Dell made an impressive mobile laptop that is every inch a workstation, delivering exceptional performance in a 14-inch design. It combines portability and professional-grade power, making it a fantastic option for professionals who need to work on the go or in the field. With a thin-and-light design, a high-resolution touch screen, and the potent one-two punch of an Intel Core i9-13900H processor and Nvidia RTX A3000 Ada graphics, it is a well-rounded workstation with ISV-certified power. Its semi-rugged MIL-STD 810H build and all-day battery life add to its appeal as one of the best mobile workstations in the market, and the smartest and most portable 14-inch workstation machine available.Who It’s ForThe Dell Precision 5480 is ideal for professionals who require a workstation that they can take on the road or to the job site. This trim workstation is best suited for designers, engineers, content creators, and other professionals who need to work while on the move, providing a balance of portability and performance.
PROS
Formidable CPU and GPU power
Small and light package
Bright, colorful touch screen
Impressive battery life
CONS
Expensive
Doesn’t match muscle or ECC memory of larger workstations
Only Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB-A and HDMI dongle included)
Cramped keyboard
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Workstation
Processor
Intel Core i9-13900H
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
64 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia RTX 3000 Ada
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.74 by 12.2 by 8.3 inches
Weight
3.26 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
13:07
Learn More
Dell Precision 5480 Review
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3
Best Light Business Laptop for Extreme Weight Savings
Why We Picked ItThe Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 scores a spot on this list by coupling lightweight portability with MIL-STD 810H durability. Made for extreme lightness, the design features ultralight magnesium and carbon fiber and weighs barely more than two pounds. Despite this, the laptop still includes a satisfying keyboard, a sharp-looking display that’s well-suited to productivity, and a bunch of business-friendly features including optional 4G LTE mobile broadband.Who It’s ForThis machine is built for business travelers and professionals who are frequently working from planes, trains, and automobiles, delivering powerful productivity anywhere. Whether you want a lightweight laptop for the office or the airport, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 is the lightweight business laptop 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
Processor Speed
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
Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
Best Light Laptop With Future Upgradability
Why We Picked ItThe biggest innovation in the laptop world isn’t a funky folding screen, but a normal-looking ultraportable that can be repaired, maintained, and upgraded for drastically less than the price of a new model. This is the Framework Laptop 13 (2023), the most eco-friendly (and long-term budget-friendly) laptop you can buy. The latest available options include 13th Gen Intel processing, 11-hour battery life, and customizable ports—with a rich ecosystem of upgrades and options to choose from. Who It’s ForFramework is a smarter buy than ever, but it’s an even better deal for existing owners—the updated mainboard can be swapped into an existing Framework chassis for less than half the price of buying a new one. It’s not just the best light laptop for upgradability, but for long-term savings, too. Whether your focus is sustainability or just frugality, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is a big winner among lightweight laptops. The thin-and-light design will thrill travelers and business users, but everyone will love the ability to customize and upgrade the components.
PROS
Repairable, upgradable, and user-friendly design
Lightweight and portable, with 11-hour battery life
Swappable ports enable extreme customization
Expanded ecosystem of parts and accessories
Highly customizable before checkout
CONS
Expansion cards cost extra
Pre-built system comes at a premium
No touch-screen or OLED options (yet)
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core i7-1360P
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
13.5 inches
Native Display Resolution
2256 by 1504
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
Dimensions (HWD)
0.62 by 11.7 by 9 inches
Weight
2.9 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
11:12
Learn More
Framework Laptop 13 (2023) Review
Buying Guide: Tested: The Lightest Laptops for 2024
What defines a lightweight laptop? Most would agree that the upper limit is three pounds, possibly stretching to four for a system with a big 15.6-inch screen. Neither of those figures counts the computer’s AC adapter, an often-overlooked bit of baggage that can be anything from a compact shirt-pocket gadget to an ungainly brick.For manufacturers, crafting an ultralight laptop is all about compromise. A smaller battery pack will save weight, but it won’t last as long—a risky move in a market where many buyers expect to get through a full workday plus a Netflix movie in the evening. Exotic chassis materials like carbon fiber and magnesium alloys weigh less than ordinary notebooks’ plastic and aluminum, but they also increase cost. A touch screen is convenient, but its glass overlay adds a few grams.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
For you, shopping for a svelte laptop is all about choices. Some aren’t particularly obvious, such as a system’s expandability—the lightest machines may have their memory, for instance, mounted directly on the motherboard, rather than in the upgradable SO-DIMM sockets of bulkier models. Similarly, virtually all now use solid-state drives (SSDs) rather than cheaper but heavier hard drives for storage, though the upgradability of these drives in the lightest laptops will vary from no-can-do (the storage is soldered down) to potentially upgradable (on a PCI Express M.2 SSD module, if you can crack the case to access it).Other choices will be, well, in your face starting with the obvious one: the display panel.What Screen Size Is Best in a Light Laptop?At the risk of insulting your intelligence, the biggest factor in laptop weight is the physical size of the chassis. And for a laptop, that correlates with screen size. If you’re cool with an 11.6-inch display, you’ve got plenty of low-cost ultralights to choose from; if you want a jumbo 17-inch screen, then look to LG (oddly enough) with its LG Gram Pro 17 weighing a feathery 3.2 pounds.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Most weight-savers, as you’d expect, are smaller than that, though it’s up to you how small is too small. The most popular panel sizes for light laptops are 13.3 and 14 inches. Resolution is usually either 1080p, also known as full HD (1,920 by 1,080 pixels), or 4K, also known as UHD (3,840 by 2,160 pixels). Many laptops fall somewhere in between, with a better-than-FHD resolution that’s still less detailed than 4K.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
While it can be tempting to revel in the ultrafine detail of a 3K or 4K display for applications such as image editing or video streaming, don’t be ashamed if your needs (and budget) favor the everyday productivity of a 1080p panel. Besides getting a perfectly adequate screen (something that can’t be said for the older standard of 1,366 by 768 pixels), you’ll get substantially better battery life, all else being equal.Light Laptop Trends This Year: Slim Bezels, Squarer ScreensExcess bulk is the enemy of light weight, so look for a laptop with a high screen-to-body ratio—in other words, thin rather than thick bezels surrounding the display. (Ditto for a unit without wide borders on either side of the keyboard.)
(Credit: Molly Flores)
One other detail related to screens and bezels concerns a panel aspect-ratio migration that is underway. A big trend recently is the move of many popular laptops (from Dell, HP, Lenovo, and others) away from the typical 16:9 screen aspect ratio to a squarer 16:10 or 3:2. This allows for more vertical viewing space for webpage viewing, spreadsheet browsing, and more. It’s something to watch for, especially if you’ll use your light laptop more for productivity work than video viewing. (The 16:9 ratio is the best literal fit for the latter, but not much else.)Light Laptops That Turn Into Tablets: Detachable 2-in-1 LaptopsWhat if you’d like to indulge your inner Lindbergh and redesign your laptop for travel? There used to be notebooks that let you replace their optical drives with empty weight-saving slices, but designs of that kind (not to mention optical drives) are history. You can opt, however, for a tablet that lets you remove its keyboard cover. This gives you two choices: carry just the tablet if you’re viewing videos or jotting short notes with a stylus, or take both parts if you need to type something. A tablet plus its thin keyboard cover or folio usually weighs less than a conventional clamshell laptop.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Of course, detachables aren’t the only 2-in-1 hybrid laptops—there are convertibles whose screens flip and fold from laptop to tablet mode, propping up for kiosk or easel-like presentation modes in between. Several of these qualify as light, though their versatile hinges add some weight compared to clamshells.What Are the Features to Look for in a Light Laptop?If you’re an avid gamer, you should know that nearly all ultralights rely on their processors’ integrated graphics instead of faster-dedicated graphics—a discrete GPU is one of the first things that gets taken off the cargo roster when designers are trying to hit a weight target. Light laptops also tend to have fewer ports and expansion options than their heavier cousins. Having just a couple of ports is common.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Shop carefully if you’re looking for, say, an HDMI video output or a full-size SD card slot, and realize that some ports seen on larger laptops (such as an Ethernet port for wired networks) are seldom seen on the lightest laptops.Fortunately, the days when light laptops lacked battery life are more or less over. Though a beefy battery pack is still the easiest route to long runtime, today’s lithium-polymer cells are both weight- and energy-efficient. You can cross-index this guide against our roundups of the best battery-life laptops and the best ultraportables. But rest assured that we factored battery life into our top picks here.So, What Is the Best Light Laptop to Buy?By now it’s clear—you don’t have to strain your arm and shoulder to carry real productivity power. Below is a detailed spec breakout of the best light laptops we’ve tested. It’s not comprehensive to every model, since we review so many systems, but we refresh it frequently with the best of the best. Meanwhile, safe travels and happy landings.
