Almost every laptop claims to be thin, but few are among the true lightweight elite. "Light" has come a long way: At PCMag, we've been reviewing PCs since 1982, when "portable" meant suitcase-size. Here, we've gathered the best light laptops from dozens of contenders across all categories: business, gaming, 2-in-1 convertible, and more. Our collective decades of expertise help us evaluate laptops based on raw performance, build quality, screen fidelity, connectivity, and value. Our current favorite for most people is the HP OmniBook 5 14, an excellent 2.98-pound ultraportable with a brilliant OLED screen and a hyper-efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. It's a supreme value, but if it's not what you're looking for, read up on the rest of our top picks in super-light laptops for other budgets and usage cases. Plus, check out our detailed buying guide and a spec breakout of all recommended models.
Overview
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![HP OmniBook 5 14]()
Best Light Laptop for Most BuyersHP OmniBook 5 14
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![Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition]()
Best Light Laptop for WorkLenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition
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![Razer Blade 14 (2025)]()
Best Light Gaming LaptopRazer Blade 14 (2025)
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![Apple MacBook Neo]()
Best Light Budget LaptopApple MacBook Neo
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![Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (2026, M5)]()
Best Light Mac LaptopApple MacBook Air 13-Inch (2026, M5)
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![Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition]()
Best Light Convertible 2-in-1 LaptopLenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition
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![Asus ProArt PZ13]()
Best Light Detachable 2-in-1 Windows TabletAsus ProArt PZ13
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![Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9]()
Best Light Detachable 2-in-1 ChromeOS TabletLenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9
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![LG Gram 17 (2025)]()
Best Light Big-Screen LaptopLG Gram 17 (2025)
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![Framework Laptop 13 (2025)]()
Best Light Laptop for Future UpgradesFramework Laptop 13 (2025)
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![HP OmniBook 5 14]()
Best Light Laptop for Most BuyersHP OmniBook 5 14
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The HP OmniBook 5 14 (Snapdragon) is a good choice for pretty much anyone. This OmniBook's claim to fame is its incredible battery life—more than 34 hours in our testing—outlasting every mainstream laptop we've reviewed. We also love the laptop's premium design, quick performance, thin and light frame, and colorful OLED display. Accomplishing all of this at its price is plenty, but the OmniBook is also packed with the full Copilot suite of AI tools to tackle minor local AI tasks.
Who It's For
Casual home users: You're an average computer user, but you still want a sleek, feathery laptop for browsing and streaming, so start your search with the OmniBook 5. Its sliver-thin chassis and sharp OLED panel make even the simplest computing tasks enjoyable.
Mobile contractors: HP's OmniBook 5 is an excellent choice for communications and document drafting. Qualcomm tailored the device's Arm processor architecture for most mainstream productivity apps and AI assistants, enabling on-the-go work for your remote contracting gig.
College students: The 14-inch OmniBook 5 will be your ride-or-die for long days on campus, where finding a charging spot can be difficult. With this laptop, you can stand to forget the charger every once in a while, thanks to the Arm-based Snapdragon chip's excellent efficiency. It can power through several hours of classes and overnight cram sessions.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.6 by 12.3 by 8.6 inches Graphics Processor Qualcomm Adreno X1-45 Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System Windows 11 Panel Technology OLED Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42-100) RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 34:48 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 2.98 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More HP OmniBook 5 14 Review -
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![Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition]()
Best Light Laptop for WorkLenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition stands at the top of the podium with a well-earned five-star review and Editors’ Choice award, but that's not why we're recommending it here. Yes, the newest X1 Carbon wowed us with its performance, design, and build quality—but Lenovo also trimmed the famed featherweight from last year's 2.42 pounds to an airy 2.17 pounds. Plus, it's passed MIL-STD 810H ruggedness-standards tests, so it should survive wherever your next business trip takes you. Lenovo tops it off with a gorgeous 1800p OLED display, a fantastic keyboard, and a superb 19 hours of battery life—all reflected in its perfect score.
Who It's For
Executives and well-funded IT departments: This is the leading lightweight laptop for business leadership and particularly fortunate organizations. You should consider this ThinkPad if you're a high-level staffer or your work requires the absolute best in design, portability, and build quality. This all assumes cost is not your primary constraint.
Nomadic contractors and entrepreneurs: If you're a freelancer or small-business owner, then this laptop is the cream of the crop. Carrying your machine is a key consideration, and this ThinkPad's extremely light weight addresses that and then some with the industry's best keyboard, a generous array of ports, long battery life, and a ruggedized frame.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Business Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.56 by 12.3 by 8.5 inches Graphics Processor Intel Arc Graphics 140V Native Display Resolution 2880 by 1800 Operating System Windows 11 Pro Panel Technology OLED Processor Intel Core Ultra 7 258V RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 19:49 Variable Refresh Support Manual Weight 2.17 Wireless Networking Bluetooth Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 -
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![Razer Blade 14 (2025)]()
Best Light Gaming LaptopRazer Blade 14 (2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
For full-size gaming power in a nearly ultraportable form factor, we love the Razer Blade 14 (2025). With a high-end AMD Ryzen AI 9 processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 50-series graphics, it's powerful enough for modern games at high frame rates, all in a compact 14-inch build that weighs just 3.6 pounds. That portability takes full advantage of its battery, which lasts more than 10 hours on a single charge. When it's time to game, the laptop's speedy 120Hz OLED display can keep up with the GPU in colorful fashion. All of this power comes at a cost, though: The Razer Blade 14 (2025) is one of the most expensive laptops on this list. However, for top-notch portability with premium gaming capabilities, you can't beat this supreme machine.
Who It's For
High-end mobile gamers: This is the best lightweight gaming laptop we've tested in the past year. If you're willing to pay a premium, the Razer Blade 14 (2025) is the ultimate combination of frame-pushing power and portability in a 14-inch form factor. Plus, with DLSS 4 image optimization and frame generation, the Blade can keep up with the most cutting-edge games for longer.
Content creators moonlighting as PC gamers: If you're an independent content creator who also loves PC gaming, then this laptop will fit your life like a glove. The Blade 14 will serve you well if you need a machine capable of moderate media editing, speedy general productivity, and blitzy gaming with RTX 50-series graphics and AMD AI processing behind a dazzling OLED screen.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Gaming Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.64 by 12.2 by 8.8 inches Graphics Memory 8 Graphics Processor Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU Native Display Resolution 2880 by 1800 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology OLED Processor AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 11:37 Variable Refresh Support G-Sync Weight 3.6 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Razer Blade 14 (2025) Review -
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![Apple MacBook Neo]()
Best Light Budget LaptopApple MacBook Neo
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The MacBook Neo is not only light, but it's also Apple’s cheapest laptop, with a rock-bottom starting price that changes the value dynamics for premium ultraportables. The laptop's high-end build feels expensive, with an aluminum body, a sharp display, and 16 hours of battery life. Yes, the A18 Pro chips inside each Neo are iPhone leftovers, but the platform is potent enough to handle full macOS and its suite of apps, including photo and video editing. Finally, the Neo's modern Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6 might make you wonder how it's so cheap—and why everything else seems so expensive.
Who It’s For
Budget-conscious shoppers: Obviously, Apple's cheapest laptop is for shoppers on a budget. As the rest of the industry raises prices due to memory constraints and other pressures, Apple's mix of manufacturing, design, and hardware savvy has delivered the best cheap laptop we've seen in a long time.
Students: That low price will put a lot of Macs in a lot of classrooms, and after seeing the Neo's full macOS support, top-tier build quality, and long battery life, we're here for it.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 256 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Budget Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.5 by 11.7 by 8.1 inches Graphics Processor Apple A18 Pro (5-core) Native Display Resolution 2408 by 1506 Operating System Apple macOS Panel Technology LED Processor Apple A18 Pro RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 13 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 15:35 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 2.7 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 6 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 6E Learn More Apple MacBook Neo Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (2026, M5)]()
Best Light Mac LaptopApple MacBook Air 13-Inch (2026, M5)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
When it comes to lightweight laptops, the MacBook Air has long been a staple recommendation. However, the Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (2026, M5) is a step up from just hyper-portable power with a svelte design. Apple's M5 chip delivers a significant generational increase in processing speeds across both productivity and graphics-intensive workloads. The fanless all-metal chassis looks and feels like the Air you already know. However, Apple's new neural GPU accelerators, a faster and larger SSD, and the best version of macOS yet all elevate the laptop's silent performance to a new level.
Who It’s For
Mainstream users: The 13-inch MacBook Air is portable yet delivers uncompromised performance. If you've got basic computing needs, the Air offers the best of both worlds, delivering a take-it-anywhere design with capabilities that feel like far more than "just good enough."
Frequent business travelers: The 2.7-pound, 13-inch Air has always been a winner if you're a pro on the go, with a design that's lighter than almost anything else. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina LED display, improved storage, and Thunderbolt connectivity will help you get work done anywhere.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.44 by 12 by 8.5 inches Graphics Processor Apple M5 (10-core) Native Display Resolution 2560 by 1664 Operating System Apple macOS Tahoe Panel Technology LED Processor Apple M5 (10-core) RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 13.6 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 18:04 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 2.7 Wireless Networking Bluetooth Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (2026, M5) Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition]()
Best Light Convertible 2-in-1 LaptopLenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition stands out as one of the best-designed 360-degree convertible laptops available, showcasing a design that's both elegant and sturdy. The OLED touch display is fantastic, with either 1800p or 2400p resolution, which delivers dynamic colors, inky blacks, impressive HDR support, and a 120Hz refresh rate. Displays don't get much better than this, which is exciting news for a laptop that doubles as a tablet. That's not all we love about it: From its long battery life to the AI-ready Intel "Lunar Lake" processor and included stylus, we found enough to admire about this 2-in-1 to give it an Editors' Choice award.
Who It's For
Deep-pocketed fans of 2-in-1s: This laptop is the ideal 2-in-1 if you're a well-to-do fan of hybrid computing. The Yoga 9i Gen 10 is a flagship model that presents the absolute best in design, audio, and battery life in a convertible form factor. It's a luxuriously designed laptop intended to make a fashion statement at coffee shops and on park benches.
Media consumers and creators: As a media maker (or just a mega-fan), you'll fully utilize this laptop's spectacular OLED display and the unique 360-degree hinge-mounted soundbar. Both provide an optimal entertainment experience in any mode. The included stylus will also be a boon to digital drafters, designers, and note-takers.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Convertible 2-in-1 Dimensions (HWD) 0.63 by 12.4 by 8.7 inches Graphics Processor Intel Arc Graphics 140V Native Display Resolution 2880 by 1800 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology OLED Processor Intel Core Ultra 7 258V RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 14 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 21:56 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 2.91 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition Review -
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![Asus ProArt PZ13]()
Best Light Detachable 2-in-1 Windows TabletAsus ProArt PZ13
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Asus ProArt PZ13 is our favorite light detachable Windows tablet, thanks to its beautiful OLED display, two included accessories (a kickstand cover and a detachable keyboard), and rugged design that protects against dust, drips, and drops. The touch screen provides rich color and clarity (and stylus support), and the laptop's nearly 18 hours of battery life will let you work all day and play into the night. The PZ13 is a winning spin on the detachable 2-in-1 formula, providing access to the latest Copilot+ PC features for less than the equivalent Microsoft Surface model.
Who It's For
Value-first Surface fans: This Windows tablet is the best Microsoft Surface Pro alternative we've tested in some time. The ProArt PZ13 will provide you with the best performance-to-price ratio in a Windows detachable, priced hundreds of dollars less than its Microsoft Surface Pro competition, while including essential accessories like the keyboard cover.
Content consumers and creators: Regardless of whether you're a content creator or just a consumer, this is the top Windows tablet. Just like our 2-in-1 convertible pick, the ProArt PZ13 deploys its gorgeous OLED touch screen to excellent effect, enabling high-quality movie watching and color-sensitive creative work, especially digital drafting.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Detachable 2-in-1 Dimensions (HWD) 0.35 by 11.7 by 8 inches Graphics Processor Qualcomm Adreno GPU Native Display Resolution 2880 by 1800 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology OLED Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42-100) RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 13.3 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 17:47 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 1.87 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Asus ProArt PZ13 Review -
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![Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9]()
Best Light Detachable 2-in-1 ChromeOS TabletLenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
For one of the lightest, most convenient, and least expensive 2-in-1 laptops you can buy, check out the Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9. This Chromebook tablet weighs barely more than a pound (that is, the tablet by itself), or a smidge more than 2 pounds with the keyboard cover and separate stand attached. You'll love how easy it is to carry, as well as how seamlessly you can switch between typing on the keys and tapping or handwriting on-screen with the included stylus. The tablet is excellent for ChromeOS and Android apps; its sturdy metal chassis is stylish enough for adults but sized well for kids, and it's easily the most affordable option on this list.
Who It's For
Shoppers on a tight tablet budget: If you're strapped for cash but still want a lightweight laptop, then this 2-in-1 Chromebook should serve you well. Lenovo's Chromebook Duet Gen 9 is a reliable low-cost laptop for light web browsing, paying bills, and communicating via email and social media. Plus, the keyboard and stylus are included—a truly complete package.
Kids' first tablet: You're a parent shopping for your kids' first tablet, and this is an excellent Chromebook device that serves as an affordable alternative to an iPad. The Chromebook Duet works well for educational use and younger users who primarily need access to simple apps and functions, such as online homework and video apps, and everything you need comes in the box.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 128 Boot Drive Type eMMC Flash Memory Class Chromebook Class Detachable 2-in-1 Dimensions (HWD) 0.30 by 10.1 by 6.6 inches Graphics Processor ARM Mali-G57 MC3 Native Display Resolution 1920 by 1200 Operating System Chrome OS Panel Technology IPS Processor MediaTek Kompanio 838 RAM (as Tested) 8 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 10.95 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 6:01 Touch Screen Variable Refresh Support None Weight 1.12 Wireless Networking 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) Wireless Networking Bluetooth Learn More Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 Review -
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![LG Gram 17 (2025)]()
Best Light Big-Screen LaptopLG Gram 17 (2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The lightest laptops are often the most compact, so the LG Gram 17 stands out with a giant screen that defies expectations. Nearly as light as many much-smaller ultraportables, the Gram 17 is easy to carry, despite its 17-inch QHD+ IPS display. Plus, it's an excellent laptop in its own right, from its magnesium-alloy construction to its comfortable keyboard and rich port selection. Other standout features include Copilot AI capabilities and an impressive 19-hour battery life. Just know, the price isn't all that light: The LG Gram 17 is on the costly side.
Who It's For
Shoppers seeking a roomy screen: This is the ultimate lightweight laptop if you simply must have the biggest screen possible. Do you prioritize a gigantic, vibrant screen? Check out the Gram 17. A display this large significantly enhances multitasking and movie viewing, while the laptop's featherweight 3.1-pound design maintains the extreme portability you're looking for.
Database and spreadsheet professionals: If you spend a lot of time working with spreadsheets or other data sets, then this laptop is a fantastic choice. As an Excel wizard, you'll benefit from the Gram's full-size keyboard, complete with a number pad, for efficient data manipulation and number crunching. Plus, the huge panel expands your visible sprawl of data, and the lightweight design makes the laptop an easy traveler.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Desktop Replacement Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.74 by 14.9 by 10.2 inches Graphics Processor Intel Arc Graphics 140V Native Display Resolution 2560 by 1600 Operating System Windows 11 Home Panel Technology IPS Processor Intel Core Ultra 7 258V RAM (as Tested) 32 Screen Refresh Rate 60 Screen Size 17 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 19:01 Touch Screen Weight 3.1 Wireless Networking Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More LG Gram 17 (2025) Review -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Framework Laptop 13 (2025)]()
Best Light Laptop for Future UpgradesFramework Laptop 13 (2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
When looking at the lightest laptops, the last thing you might expect is upgradability. Framework's 2025 Laptop 13 is a rare ultraportable that weighs less than 3 pounds but features easily swappable components. You can access and change out everything from the memory and storage to the motherboard and display panel for upgrades and repairs, letting you customize it before or after ordering. You can buy this laptop prebuilt, but the aggressively priced, build-it-yourself DIY Edition is surprisingly cost-effective for a laptop featuring a powerful AMD Ryzen AI 300 processor and 14-hour battery life.
Who It's For
DIY enthusiasts: This is the ultimate lightweight laptop if you love building your own PCs and tinkering with your computing hardware. The Framework Laptop 13 has an aggressively priced DIY Edition that you'll enjoy assembling, facilitated by a design (and helpful digital guides) that makes the process a breeze.
Sustainability advocates: This laptop is a big-time e-waste preventer, making it today's top-tier device if you're environmentally conscious. Since you prioritize sustainability and a longer product lifespan, you should start your shopping journey with a device explicitly designed for repairability and future upgrades.
Shoppers looking to save long-term: Framework's design allows you to swap out nearly every part of the system for replacements or upgrades. This method avoids replacing the entire laptop, potentially saving you thousands as new mobile component generations and computing standards emerge in the years to come.
Specs & Configurations
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 Boot Drive Type SSD Class Ultraportable Dimensions (HWD) 0.62 by 11.7 by 9 inches Graphics Processor AMD Radeon 860M Graphics Native Display Resolution 2,880 by 1,920 Panel Technology IPS Processor AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 RAM (as Tested) 16 Screen Refresh Rate 120 Screen Size 13.5 Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) 14:02 Variable Refresh Support None Weight 2.86 Wireless Networking Bluetooth Wireless Networking Wi-Fi 7 Learn More Framework Laptop 13 (2025) Review -
Compare Specs
![Razer Blade 14 (2025) [Review]](https://sm.pcmag.com/t/pcmag_uk/review/r/razer-blad/razer-blade-14-2025_j1wr.640.jpg)
![Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (2026, M5) [Review]](https://sm.pcmag.com/t/pcmag_uk/review/a/apple-macb/apple-macbook-air-13-inch-2026-m5_su48.640.jpg)
Our Pick | |||||||||||||
Rating |
4.0 Excellent |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.5 Outstanding |
Best For | Best Light Laptop for Most Buyers | Best Light Laptop for Work | Best Light Gaming Laptop | Best Light Budget Laptop | Best Light Mac Laptop | Best Light Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop | Best Light Detachable 2-in-1 Windows Tablet | Best Light Detachable 2-in-1 ChromeOS Tablet | Best Light Big-Screen Laptop | Best Light Laptop for Future Upgrades | Best Light Laptop for Most Buyers | Best Light Laptop for Work | Best Light Gaming Laptop |
Class | Ultraportable | Business, Ultraportable | Gaming, Ultraportable | Budget, Ultraportable | Ultraportable | Convertible 2-in-1 | Detachable 2-in-1 | Chromebook, Detachable 2-in-1 | Ultraportable, Desktop Replacement | Ultraportable | Ultraportable | Business, Ultraportable | Gaming, Ultraportable |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42-100) | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 | Apple A18 Pro | Apple M5 (10-core) | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42-100) | MediaTek Kompanio 838 | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42-100) | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 |
Processor Speed | |||||||||||||
RAM (as Tested) | 32 | 32 | 32 | 8 | 16 | 32 | 16 | 8 | 32 | 16 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Boot Drive Type | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | eMMC Flash Memory | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD | SSD |
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) | 1 | 512 | 1 | 256 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 128 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 512 | 1 |
Secondary Drive Type | |||||||||||||
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested) | |||||||||||||
Optical Drive | |||||||||||||
Screen Size | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13.6 | 14 | 13.3 | 10.95 | 17 | 13.5 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
Native Display Resolution | 1920 by 1200 | 2880 by 1800 | 2880 by 1800 | 2408 by 1506 | 2560 by 1664 | 2880 by 1800 | 2880 by 1800 | 1920 by 1200 | 2560 by 1600 | 2,880 by 1,920 | 1920 by 1200 | 2880 by 1800 | 2880 by 1800 |
Touch Screen | |||||||||||||
Panel Technology | OLED | OLED | OLED | LED | LED | OLED | OLED | IPS | IPS | IPS | OLED | OLED | OLED |
Variable Refresh Support | None | Manual | G-Sync | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | Manual | G-Sync | |
Screen Refresh Rate | 60 | 120 | 120 | 60 | 60 | 120 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 120 | 60 | 120 | 120 |
Graphics Processor | Qualcomm Adreno X1-45 | Intel Arc Graphics 140V | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU | Apple A18 Pro (5-core) | Apple M5 (10-core) | Intel Arc Graphics 140V | Qualcomm Adreno GPU | ARM Mali-G57 MC3 | Intel Arc Graphics 140V | AMD Radeon 860M Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno X1-45 | Intel Arc Graphics 140V | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU |
Graphics Memory | 8 | 8 | |||||||||||
Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
Dimensions (HWD) | 0.6 by 12.3 by 8.6 inches | 0.56 by 12.3 by 8.5 inches | 0.64 by 12.2 by 8.8 inches | 0.5 by 11.7 by 8.1 inches | 0.44 by 12 by 8.5 inches | 0.63 by 12.4 by 8.7 inches | 0.35 by 11.7 by 8 inches | 0.30 by 10.1 by 6.6 inches | 0.74 by 14.9 by 10.2 inches | 0.62 by 11.7 by 9 inches | 0.6 by 12.3 by 8.6 inches | 0.56 by 12.3 by 8.5 inches | 0.64 by 12.2 by 8.8 inches |
Weight | 2.98 | 2.17 | 3.6 | 2.7 | 2.7 | 2.91 | 1.87 | 1.12 | 3.1 | 2.86 | 2.98 | 2.17 | 3.6 |
Operating System | Windows 11 | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Home | Apple macOS | Apple macOS Tahoe | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Chrome OS | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Home | |
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes) | 34:48 | 19:49 | 11:37 | 15:35 | 18:04 | 21:56 | 17:47 | 6:01 | 19:01 | 14:02 | 34:48 | 19:49 | 11:37 |
Buying Guide: Tested: The Lightest Laptops for 2026
What defines a lightweight laptop? Most would agree that the upper limit is 3 pounds, possibly stretching to four for a system with a big 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 ultra-light 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 in which many buyers expect to get through an entire workday, plus a Netflix movie in the evening, on a charge. Exotic chassis materials, like carbon fiber and magnesium alloys, weigh less than ordinary notebooks' plastic and aluminum but also increase cost. A touch screen is convenient, but its overlay adds a few grams.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)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, all new models now use solid-state drives (SSDs) rather than cheaper but heavier hard drives for storage. However, 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 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. For a laptop, that correlates with screen size. If you're cool with a 13-inch or 14-inch display, you've got plenty of ultralights to choose from; if you want a jumbo 17-inch screen, look to LG (known better for appliances) with its LG Gram 17 weighing a feathery 3.1 pounds.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)As you'd expect, most weight-savers 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 and 14 inches. Resolution is usually 1080p full HD (1,920 by 1,080 pixels), 1440p (2,560 by 1,440 pixels), or 4K 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: Slim Bezels, Squarer Screens
Excess bulk is the enemy of 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.)
Recommended by Our Editors
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Another detail related to screens and bezels concerns a panel aspect-ratio migration 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 web page 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 Laptops
What if you'd like to indulge your inner Charles Lindbergh and redesign your laptop for travel, in the same way the trans-Atlantic pioneer swapped out the Spirit of St. Louis' seat for a wicker one to save weight? Notebooks that let you replace their optical drives with empty weight-saving slices used to exist, but designs of that kind (not to mention, um, optical drives) are history.
However, you can opt for a 2-in-1 tablet-style laptop 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 carry both parts along if you need to type something. A tablet and its thin keyboard cover or folio usually weigh less than a conventional clamshell laptop.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Of course, detachables aren't the only 2-in-1 hybrid laptops—you'll find 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 with clamshells.
What Are the Features to Look for in a Light Laptop?
If you're an avid PC gamer, you should know that nearly all ultra-lights 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 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, a full-size HDMI video output or a full-size SD card slot. Also, realize that some ports seen on larger laptops (such as an Ethernet port for wired networks) are seldom found on the lightest laptops. In ultralight laptops, video output is often relegated nowadays to DisplayPort over a USB-C connection.
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 extended run time, today's lithium-polymer cells are both weight- and energy-efficient. You can cross-reference this guide against our roundups of the best battery-life laptops and the best ultraportables. Rest assured that we factored battery life into our top picks here.
Ready to Buy the Right Light Laptop for You?
By now, it's clear—you don't have to strain your arms and shoulders to carry real productivity power. To go deeper with the models we selected, check out the detailed spec breakout included in this story of the best light laptops we've tested. It's not comprehensive for every light model we've tested, since we review so many systems, but we refresh it frequently with the best of the best. Meanwhile, safe travels and happy landings.