The whole point of having a laptop computer is to carry it around. The lighter it is, the more likely you are to take it with you everywhere. If you're looking for the best lightweight laptops you should buy, this is the list for you.
This list covers netbooks, notebooks, 2-in-1s, and ultrabooks, so you will find something that fits your needs. The choices are broken down by screen size, as well as a gaming option. The list also doesn't pelidantically stick to the "lightest" in each category, and instead tells you the best lightweight laptop worth buying for that size.
1. HP Stream 11
Best Lightweight 11-inch laptop for Windows
- Weight: 2.57 pounds
- Operating System: Windows 10 S
- Processor: Intel Celeron N4000
- Touchscreen: No
- Screen: 11.6-inch HD (1366x768pixels)
- Memory: 4GB RAM
- Storage: 32GB eMMC
- Ports: 2xUSB 2.0, 1xHDMI
- Notable Features: Above average battery life
- Biggest Problem: Speakers' volume is too low for multimedia
Years after it first launched, the HP Stream 11's annual model remains one of the best netbooks you can buy. The 2018 version has improved its multi-tasking abilities from previous generations by adding 4GB RAM, but it's still not great performance. But the battery life remains as great as ever, and you get a Windows operating system.
Who is it for? Buy the HP Stream 11 if you already have a desktop PC or some other primary computer, and want a cheap but reliable laptop to move around with.
Not sure which features are most important when buying a computer? Check out these 11 features you shouldn't overlook when buying a laptop.
2. Microsoft Surface Pro
Best Lightweight 12-inch Windows laptop and best 2-in-1 hybrid
- Weight: 2.4 pounds (1.75 pounds for tablet, 0.65 pounds for Type Cover)
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i5 7th generation
- Touchscreen: No
- Screen: 13.3-inch Full HD (1920x1080 pixels)
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Storage: 128GB SSD
- Ports: 1xUSB 3.0, 1xMicro SD card reader
- Notable Features: Best tablet-laptop hybrid today
- Biggest Problem: Battery life is still not great, no USB-C port
Ideally, the best lightweight 12-inch laptop would be a laptop. But the Microsoft Surface Pro beats the competition so heavily that it's hard to overlook it. It's a fantastic tablet, and once you add the Type Cover, it's a good laptop for most people. But the battery life doesn't compare to more traditional laptops like the Dell XPS 13.
Who is it for? The Microsoft Surface Pro is all about those who want the best 2-in-1 hybrid running Windows. It's ideal for artists, designers, and others in similar arts industries.
Note: If you can wait to buy this, then wait. At the time of review, Microsoft hadn't introduced Intel's new 8th generation CPUs in the Surface Pro. Those offer a significant performance and battery boost.
3. Apple MacBook
Best Lightweight 12-inch laptop and best MacBook
- Weight: 2.03 pounds
- Operating System: macOS
- Processor: Intel Core m3 7th generation
- Touchscreen: No
- Screen: 12-inch Retina (2300x1440 pixels)
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Ports: 1xUSB 3.0
- Notable Features: Lightest laptop, best screen, amazing battery life
- Biggest Problem: Only a single USB-C port, could be refreshed soon
If it's a MacBook you are after, then it's a no-brainer. The Apple MacBook is the lightest laptop the company has ever made, and among the lightest anyone else has too. Despite that, it has amazing battery life.
The only real compromise is the lack of legacy ports. In fact, the MacBook has only one USB-C port, which is also used for charging. It's a pain for many users but if you're looking for this level of portability, you have to sacrifice something.
Who is it for? Anyone who wants the lightest MacBook shouldn't even think about the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro any more.
4. Dell XPS 13 9370
Best Lightweight 13-inch laptop and the best overall Windows laptop
- Weight: 2.67 pounds
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
- Processor: Intel Core i5 8250u
- Touchscreen: No
- Screen: 13.3-inch Full HD (1920x1080 pixels)
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Storage: 128GB SSD
- Ports: 1xUSB-C, 2xThunderbolt 3 or USB-C, 1xMicro SD card reader
- Notable Features: Thinnest and lightest in its class
- Biggest Problem: The weird camera position
The Dell XPS 13 keeps winning every "best Windows laptop" race year after year. The 2018 model, called the XPS 13 9370, introduces a few changes that make it lighter than before. Dell has removed legacy ports (like full-size USB) for new USB Type-C and Thunderbolt ports. The battery is also a bit smaller than before. But don't worry, it's still better than most ultrabooks, and you can charge the laptop with a power bank.
The webcam at the bottom of the screen is still bothersome, but that's the only real drawback of what is otherwise the best Windows laptop in balancing screen quality, battery life, performance, portability, and price.
Who is it for? The Dell XPS 13 is the best ultrabook you can buy. It is the laptop for anyone who can live without the old USB ports, although Dell has included a USB-C to USB-A dongle in the package.
5. Asus Zenbook 14 UX430UN
Best Lightweight 14-inch laptop you should buy
- Weight: 2.9 pounds
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i7 8550u
- Touchscreen: No
- Screen: 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080 pixels)
- Memory: 16GB RAM
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Ports: 2xUSB 3.0, 1xUSB-C, 1xMini HDMI, 1xSD card reader
- Notable Features: 14-inch screen in 13-inch chassis
- Biggest Problem: Trackpad and keyboard problems
The Zenbook 14 UX430UN's specifications are fantastic for the price it offers, especially the discrete graphics card for gaming. The engineers at Asus have also managed to make really thin bezels so that the laptop's overall size is that of a 13-inch notebook, but it still sports a 14-inch screen.
Every reviewer who has used the Asus Zenbook 14 UX430UN has criticized its keyboard and trackpad, claiming it feels stiff or it doesn't register taps. But remember, you will always get used to those after a month of usage. The screen is accurate, but it doesn't get as bright as others at this price.
Who is it for? If you're looking for a 14-inch ultrabook with top of the line hardware, it doesn't get cheaper and lighter than the Zenbook 14 UX430UN.
6. LG Gram
Best Lightweight 15-inch laptop you should buy
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i7 8550u
- Touchscreen: No
- Screen: 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080 pixels)
- Memory: 16GB RAM
- Storage: 2x512GB SSD
- Ports: 3xUSB 3.0, 1xUSB-C, 1xHDMI, 1xMicro SD card reader
- Notable Features: Best battery life in a laptop
- Biggest Problem: It's expensive
The LG Gram is an engineering marvel. It's downright shocking that LG has managed to build a 15.6-inch laptop at less than 2.5 pounds, without compromising on anything. In fact, it has the best battery life among laptops, while still being ultra-portable.
The only issue, if you want to call it an issue, is that it doesn't feel premium. Hold the LG Gram and you will feel your fingers pinching the case, much like what you feel on budget laptops. For a laptop this expensive, that's not particularly nice. But it's not a deal-breaker.
Who is it for? If you want a large screen and long-lasting battery life, it doesn't get better than the LG Gram.
7. Asus Vivobook Pro
Best Lightweight 17-inch laptop you should buy
- Weight: 4.6 pounds
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i7 8550u
- Touchscreen: No
- Screen: 17.3-inch Full HD (1920x1080 pixels)
- Memory: 16GB RAM
- Storage: 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD
- Ports: 2xUSB 3.0, 1xUSB-C, 1xMini HDMI, 1xSD card reader
- Notable Features: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 discrete graphics
- Biggest Problem: Low battery leads to low performance
Laptops with 17-inch screens are basically desktop replacements, so they should have all the features of a desktop computer. That includes a discrete graphics card, tons of storage space, and all the connectivity ports you will need. The Asus Vivobook Pro is the only 17-inch laptop to give you all of that, while still weighing less than 5 pounds.
A major issue with the Asus Vivobook Pro is its aggressive battery-enhancement. When the battery goes below 50%, the laptop cuts down performance tremendously to make it last longer.
Who is it for? The Asus Vivobook Pro is best for those who want a desktop replacement to watch movies, play games, and still carry the laptop around to classes or office.
8. MSI GS65 Stealth Thin
Best Lightweight gaming laptop you should buy
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
- Processor: Intel Core i7 8750H
- Touchscreen: No
- Screen: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080 pixels)
- Memory: 16GB RAM
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Ports: 3xUSB 3.0, 1xThunderbolt 3.0 or USB-C, 1xHDMI, 1xMini DisplayPort, 1xEthernet
- Notable Features: Fantastic screen and speakers, discrete graphics card
- Biggest Problem: Heats up a lot while gaming, no 4K screen
Gamers, the lightest laptop isn't the much-vaunted Razer Blade. MSI GS65 Stealth Thin's 4.1 pounds makes the Blade's 4.6 pounds look heavy. Plus it has some of the best hardware available for gaming, including a fantastic screen.
That said, the screen is't 4K, which might be a put-off for some. The laptop also heats up while playing games, so it's best if you keep it on a desk at such times.
Who is it for? Gamers who want the lightest laptop without spending the premium of a Razer Blade, look no further. It's the best ultrabook for gaming.
What About Chromebooks?
This list was all about lightweight laptops with full-fledged desktop operating systems like Windows and macOS. You can install Linux on most of these notebooks if you want. If you're willing to go beyond those choices, consider a Chromebook, which is almost always cheaper and lighter.
The best lightweight Chromebook today is the Google Pixelbook, weighing in at 2.4 pounds. Most of the other good Chromebooks today aren't too far apart, usually tipping the scale at less than 3 pounds. Pick from our list of the best Chromebooks today or the best 2-in-1 Chromebooks and you won't be disappointed.
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