Best ultraportable laptops of 2025: lightweight powerhouses rested and ranked
An ultraportable laptop is a thin device that strikes a perfect balance between raw power and portability. These laptops let you switch between demanding tasks and leisure without weighing you down. It's easy to understand why they’re highly popular among professionals, students, and travelers.
These small powerful laptop models retain the power to handle intensive applications without compromising on mobility. And in an era where innovation is a game-changer, they offer you the versatility to stay productive wherever you are.
To help you make an informed decision, the Cybernews research team and I have collaborated to thoroughly evaluate the market for the best ultraportable laptops, assessing their design, real-world performance, and value. We have a lot to cover, so let’s dive in.
Best ultraportable laptops – shortlist
- Apple 2024 MacBook Pro – best for performance and long battery life
- HP OmniBook Ultra – best for flexibility
- Microsoft Surface Pro – best touchscreen ultraportable laptop
- Lenovo Yoga 7i – best for display quality
- Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga – best for rugged durability
- ASUS ZenBook 14 Pro – best slim laptop
The best ultraportable laptops compared
Before going into the best lightweight laptop models in detail, take a look at the comparison table I’ve created. This table compares all the models side-by-side to help you learn the differences in features and suitability, and figure out what works for you.
| Model | Class | CPU | GPU | Display | RAM | Boot drive type | Boot drive capacity | Tested battery life | Weight | Best for |
| Apple 2024 MacBook Pro | Premium Ultraportable | Apple M4 | Integrated 10-core Apple GPU | 14.2-inch | 16GB | SSD | 512GB or 1TB (up to 2TB) | Up to 16 hours of wireless web usage | 3.4lbs | Best for performance and long battery life |
| HP OmniBook Ultra | Premium Ultraportable | Intel Core ultra 7 | Integrated Intel Arc graphics | 14-inch | 16GB | SSD | 1TB SSD | Not provided | 2.97lbs | Best for flexibility |
| Microsoft Surface Pro | Ultraportable | Snapdragon X plus | Integrated adreno graphics | 12-inch | 16GB | SSD | 512GB | Up to 16 hours | 1.73lbs | Best touchscreen ultraportable laptop |
| Lenovo Yoga 7i | Ultraportable | Intel Core ultra 5 or 7 | Integrated Intel graphics | 14-inch | 16GB | PCIe SSD | 1TB SSD | Not provided | 3.55lbs | Best for display quality |
| Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga | Ultraportable | Intel Pentium Silver N6000 | Integrated Intel UHD graphics | 11.6-inch | 8GB | PCIe SSD | 128GB or 512GB | Up to 10 hours | 2.9lbs | Best for rugged durability |
| ASUS ZenBook 14 Pro | Ultra-Portable business | Intel Core ultra 7 | Integrated Intel Arc graphics | 14-inch | 16GB | PCIe SSD | 1TB SSD | Up to 10–15 hours | 2.82lbs | Best slim laptop |
6 best ultraportable laptops – our detailed list
In this section, I’ll go over the best ultraportable laptops on my list in detail, analyzing each one for its strengths, weaknesses, and key features. This will help you choose the best ultrabook for your specific needs and budget.
1. Apple 2024 MacBook Pro – best for performance and long battery life
| Display: | 14.2-inch |
| Weight: | 3.4lbs |
| Best for: | Performance and long battery life |
The Apple 2024 MacBook Pro retains the top spot on my list for one too many reasons. Thanks to its M4 chip, it can tackle demanding tasks like software development, 4k video editing, and creative workflows without breaking a sweat.
The M4 chip features a 10-core CPU and a 16-core neural engine, making it excel at handling heavy workloads. Its 16-hour battery life of wireless web usage and 24 hours of video playback is also designed to ensure you stay productive for long periods without worrying about charging.
Although slightly heavier than other ultraportable models at 3.4lbs, it remains a very portable go-to option.
2. HP OmniBook Ultra – best for flexibility
| Display: | 14-inch |
| Weight: | 2.97lbs |
| Best for: | Flexibility |
If you want an ultralight laptop that combines the functionality of a laptop and tablet, the HP OmniBook Ultra is an excellent choice. This level of flexibility, coupled with its ultra-portable nature, makes me rank it this highly.
It offers a convertible design that allows you to easily transform it into a tablet for tasks such as drawing, while still providing the power of the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor. It has ample memory and storage space, which is especially helpful if you store large files.
Its 3K OLED panel also provides excellent visuals and vibrant colours, with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 500-nit brightness capacity.
3. Microsoft Surface Pro – best touchscreen ultraportable laptop
| Display: | 12-inch |
| Weight: | 1.73lbs |
| Best for: | Touchscreen ultraportable laptop |
The Microsoft Surface Pro is another one of my favorites, and it's not just because of its convertible nature this time. Its 12-inch PixelSense LCD touchscreen provides an enjoyable experience for creatives whose work requires precision, such as designers and illustrators.
Another super feature of this ultraportable laptop is its Snapdragon X Plus core processor. It features eight cores and an NPU capable of 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS), delivering a seamless user experience. It weighs 1.73lbs, making it the most portable option on my list.
It has a battery life of up to 16 hours, so you can be as productive as you want without worrying about your battery running out.
4. Lenovo Yoga 7i – best for display quality
| Display: | 14-inch |
| Weight: | 3.55lbs |
| Best for: | Display quality |
The Lenovo Yoga 7i is one of the best ultralight laptop models on the market, primarily due to its exceptional display quality. Its 14-inch WUXGA touchscreen with Dolby Vision support makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize high-quality visuals in their daily computing tasks.
Its Intel Core Ultra 5/7 processor features 12-core processors with a hybrid architecture, offering accelerated performance and impressive multitasking for enhanced productivity. The 1TB SSD offers a large storage capacity, resulting in quick boot-up times.
It weighs 3.55lbs, which is slightly heavier than other ultra-portable models, but for a convertible, it's worth every penny.
5. Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga – best for rugged durability
| Display: | 11.6-inch |
| Weight: | 2.9lbs |
| Best for: | Rugged durability |
Even with portability in mind, you want a laptop that can handle the occasional falls or spills. That’s where the Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga comes in, and its MIL-SPEC-810H certification backs this up. This model passed a rigorous durability test with flying colors.
Its shock-absorbent, spill-resistant design and Corning Gorilla Glass screen make it an excellent choice for students or anyone working in areas where accidental spills or bumps are more likely to occur. The Intel Pentium Silver N6000 is an entry-level processor that can handle casual tasks comfortably.
It is also convertible, allowing you to transform it into various modes, including laptop, tablet, tent, or stand.
6. ASUS ZenBook 14 Pro – best slim laptop
| Display: | 14-inch |
| Weight: | 2.82lbs |
| Best for: | Best slim laptop |
The sixth and final ultralight laptop on my list is the ASUS ZenBook 14 Pro. It is one of the best thin and light laptop models on the market, designed to offer premium performance. Its Intel Core Ultra 7 processor can also handle demanding business and content creation tasks with ease.
It features a 14-inch OLED display, 500 nits of peak brightness, and HDR support, delivering color-accurate visuals and a professional-grade display for design work. It's easy to carry around, weighing just 2.82 lbs, and also features MIL-STD-810H certification for ruggedness.
Its battery life can last anywhere between 10 and 12 hours with mixed workloads. In my opinion, that’s a reasonable timeframe without worrying about charging.
How did we select the best ultraportable laptops?
Before selecting the best portable laptops, the Cybernews research team and I thoroughly evaluated each model to ensure it met our standards across key criteria.
- Performance benchmarks (25%). I prioritized laptops with good CPU performance and sufficient RAM to ensure efficient task handling and fast processing times. I considered thermal performance to shortlist ultralight laptops that can maintain stable performance without overheating.
- Battery life reviews (20%). I read through hundreds of ultrabook reviews focusing on how long each device lasts under real-world usage.
- Portability and build quality (20%). I focused on small powerful laptop models that weighed under 3lbs, featuring sleek and durable designs, and could easily withstand the occasional bumps and spills.
- Display quality for both indoor and outdoor use (10%). I ensured that I evaluated each model’s display quality and color accuracy in various lighting conditions.
- Customer feedback and reliability (15%). I relied heavily on consumer ultrabook reviews to create my list. It helped me identify any recurring themes, whether good or bad, based on real-world usage.
- Value for money across different price tiers (10%). Each model I added to my list had to offer great value for money in terms of the features and support it provides for users.
What is an ultraportable laptop?
An ultraportable laptop, also known as an ultrabook, is characterized by its slim and lightweight design, typically weighing under 3lbs (1.4kg), and is very convenient to carry around. With these ultra-book laptop models, you get the perfect blend of portability and functionality.
Although these models come in slim and portable forms, they don’t come at the expense of productivity, as they are designed to handle various computing tasks efficiently. Their extended battery life makes them an excellent choice for anyone working on the go.
Ultraportable laptops are often used for both remote learning and by frequent travelers. It can handle tasks such as research and video conferencing, offering sufficient processing power and convenience to complete tasks or assignments.
Who should buy an ultraportable laptop?
An ultrabook offers you a chance to work from anywhere without having to sacrifice performance. Here are some categories of people who may want to consider buying one.
- Frequent travelers. Ultrabooks can be a good choice if you travel frequently and require both portability and performance, but don't want to lug heavy technology with you everywhere.
- Students. Students should consider ultraportable laptops, as they are small and easy to carry around campus, yet still powerful enough for studying and taking notes.
- Remote professionals. With ultrabooks, remote professionals can stay efficient wherever they are, owing to the powerful battery life and performance.
- Business users. Ultraportable laptops allow business professionals to deliver presentations with ease and moderate their participation in video meetings, whether on the move or in an office setting.
- Writers and creatives on the move. Its lightweight nature makes it perfect for writers and creatives to help them write, edit, and design while taking inspiration from the beauty of the outdoors.
Which processor should I get in an ultraportable?
The processor is one of the most crucial variables to consider when selecting the best portable laptop that suits your needs. This is because it directly affects your experience, battery life, and the laptop's performance capabilities.
Intel Core i5 vs i7 (13th/14th Gen)
Intel Core i5
The Intel Core i5 is a good all-around processor that can handle basic multitasking and provides a decent power-to-efficiency ratio. It is ideal for web browsing, light media tasks, and word processing.
Intel Core i7
The Core i7 is more advanced and allows you to edit 4K videos, game, and render in 3D. It offers better performance and clock speeds when performance-hungry tasks are involved.
AMD Ryzen 5 vs 7 7000 series
AMD Ryzen 5
The AMD Ryzen 5 offers a competitive alternative to the Intel Core i5 and is recognized for its excellent battery efficiency. It is suitable for moderate tasks and remote professionals, as well as budget-conscious users.
AMD Ryzen 7
The AMD Ryzen 7 is capable of 3D rendering, gaming, and intense multitasking, and has outstanding processing power. It is also more power-efficient in general compared to the Core i7 and offers better value for money.
Apple M2/M3 (for MacBook Air)
Apple M2 Chip
The M2 chip is battery-efficient and can handle basic workloads such as photo and video editing. It features an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, offering solid and unfettered performance.
Apple M3 Chip
The M3 chip has a more powerful processor and is more battery-efficient than the M2. It can handle graphics-intensive tasks, such as gaming, rendering, and software development. Ideal for performance-focused professionals.
How much storage should I get in an ultraportable?
It is essential to consider your storage needs when choosing an ultraportable laptop. Here are some of the most common ones.
- 256GB. If you use your ultrabook for basic tasks such as document editing, web browsing, and occasional video storage, 256GB will suffice.
- 512GB. A 512GB drive would be ideal for professionals who store relatively large files on local storage in addition to cloud-based storage services.
- 1TB+. I recommend it to creatives (videographers, designers, and photographers) who work with large files, such as design projects, high-resolution photos, and videos.
Factors to consider when choosing an ultraportable laptop
When deciding which of the ultraportable laptops on my list to pick, these are some of the factors to keep in mind.
- Weight and dimensions. Select ultraportable laptops that are less than 3lbs (1.4kg) and have a slim profile to make sure it is easy to carry around.
- Battery life. Choose ultrabooks with a battery life of 10 to 16 hours or more. This should last through a workday or a travel session.
- Keyboard and trackpad comfort. Choose ultrabooks with a spacious trackpad and good key travel to ensure an enjoyable typing experience.
- Ports and connectivity. Look for ultraportable laptops with USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and headphone jacks and test out the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Display quality. Select ultraportable laptops with a minimum of 500 nits and 1080p resolution for a bright screen and high definition.
- Build quality. Choose models that are durable and sturdy enough to withstand different conditions.
- Price-to-performance ratio. Compare the price point and the features of each ultrabook side by side and determine if you’re getting value for money.
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Final word on the best ultraportable laptops
Ultraportable laptops offer the right balance of portability without compromising on performance. However, it's essential to always consider your specific needs before making a decision.
While conducting extensive research on ultraportable laptops in 2025, I believe that the Apple 2024 MacBook Pro is the best ultrabook money can buy. The M4 chip, combined with a high-quality display and long battery life, ensures you can handle heavy workloads with great visuals and without worrying about charging for up to 16 hours.
All ultrabook models on our list met our criteria for functionality, portability, and value for money, so you can’t go wrong if you decide to purchase them.
FAQ
Are ultraportable laptops good for gaming?
They are not ideal for gaming. While some high-end models may feature dedicated GPUs and an integrated graphics card, they lack the cooling capabilities and powerful hardware necessary to run games efficiently.
Do ultraportables have enough power for video editing?
Yes, ultraportable laptops have enough power for video editing. They are often equipped with high-performance processors such as the Apple M2/M3 chips or Intel Core i7 that can handle video editing tasks.
Can I connect an ultraportable to an external monitor?
Yes, you can, as long as you have a USB-C or HDMI port. Always check the available ports to ensure compatibility with the monitor you want to connect to.
Do ultraportables overheat due to their compact size?
No, that is not the case. Ultraportable laptops feature advanced cooling systems designed to maintain a stable temperature.
