The 10 Best Lightweight Laptops
This wiki has been updated 26 times since it was first published in October of 2018. Advances in technology have allowed manufacturers to pack some seriously impressive hardware into the thinnest and lightest laptops ever made. Many are meant for high-powered commercial activities, some are ideal for students, and yet others are capable of running AAA games respectably. Our selection of lightweight laptops has something for everyone, and in a variety of price ranges. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Asus ZenBook 13
2. LG Gram
3. Apple MacBook Air
Editor's Notes
January 08, 2021:
Now is a great time to buy a lightweight laptop. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is one of the most interesting Chromebooks out there, and it's easily the smallest on our list. For the best bang for your buck, the Acer Swift 3 is almost certainly the answer. If you can afford a bit of an investment, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon and Asus ExpertBook B9 are truly impressive machines, as is the HP Spectre X360, which has won plenty of awards. Of course, the new Apple MacBook Air can't be ignored, either, as it's one of the sleekest Apple products to date.
We're particularly impressed with the LG Gram for how light it is, despite it having powerful hardware and a 15.6-inch form factor. If you're alright with a 13.3-inch model, though, there is a lot to say about the Asus ZenBook 13. This powerful little laptop is packed with helpful features including an ergonomic hinge, military-grade durability, and a top-of-the-line touchpad that doubles as a numeric keypad.
October 26, 2018:
Tried to compile a selection to meet a range of budgets and uses, from affordable low-end chromebooks to cutting-edge ultrabooks.
Special Honors
The Portégé X30W Laptop Available in a variety of configurations, this ultra-slim notebook boasts Wacom active touch technology with 4,096 pressure levels, making it ideal for notetaking and graphic design. dynabook.com
4. HP Spectre X360
5. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
6. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
7. Asus ExpertBook B9
8. Acer Swift 3
9. HP Elite Dragonfly
10. Lenovo Chromebook Duet
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.