Lightweight laptops stop you from having to lug a heavy device around with you. Since laptops are intended to be portable, you might want to look at some lightweight options that are easier to carry, yet still perform well. For instance, our favorite is the Apple MacBook Air which weighs a mere 2.73lbs yet boasts an Apple M2 chip and 8GB of RAM.
TL;DR - The Best Lightweight Laptops at a Glance
- Apple MacBook Air
- HP Pavilion 14 Plus
- Microsoft Surface Go 3
- Dell XPS 13
- LG Gram Style 14
- Acer Swift X 14
Being able to access emails, attend video meetings, stream shows, or play games on the go is definitely achievable with a lightweight laptop. You don’t need to sacrifice high-end specs just because there’s less weight to carry around.
Best Lightweight Laptops
1. Apple MacBook Air
The best lightweight laptop
The latest Apple MacBook Air is the best lightweight laptop, with incredible multitasking potential and is incredibly easy to use. Powered by Apple’s powerful M2 processor, it can crunch through power-hungry apps and thrives in the hands of creative professionals on the go regularly. And while it’s a thin device, the Apple MacBook Air is built to last and has up to 18 hours of battery life.
From its striking modern design to the vibrant 13.6-inch display, the Apple MacBook Air is an attractive all-rounder that lets you create and work anywhere. And if you’re already absorbed in the Apple ecosystem, you’ll benefit the most from the Apple MacBook Air due to the Apple-centric apps and features, but it’s no less a fantastic lightweight for the masses. It's one of the best MacBooks you can buy.
2. HP Pavilion 14 Plus
The most powerful lightweight laptop
Featuring a stunning 14-inch IPS display and mighty capable Intel Core i5-1335U processor, the HP Pavilion 14 Plus is the best lightweight laptop for top-notch performance and flexibility. It has various ports and a high-res webcam for all your video meeting needs, engineered to handle heavy workloads and entertainment back-to-back.
All this and more fits into a sleek aluminum ultraportable body weighing just 3.04 pounds. The Pavilion 14 Plus isn’t the lightest laptop, but between its affordable price tag and processing power, it doesn’t hurt to have a heavier option that can tackle any task.
3. Microsoft Surface Go 3
The best 2-in-1 lightweight laptop
Even though you have to purchase its detachable keyboard and stylus separately, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a solid 2-in-1 laptop that deserves a seat among the best lightweight laptops. Designed for artists and creative professionals, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 has a beautifully thin edge-to-edge 10.5-inch PixelSense display, and its Intel Core i3 processor provides great performance for browsing or doing homework.
Whether resting on a flat surface or propped up in Studio Mode, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a versatile and attractive machine with 11 hours of battery life, making it an ideal travel buddy or office partner. If you’re looking for a very thin and light laptop, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a capable device that can handle all your portable needs.
4. Dell XPS 13
The best value lightweight laptop
Like the HP Pavilion 14 Plus, the Dell XPS 13 has a powerful CPU that can handle everyday web surfing and 4k video editing but is a bit lighter. It’s a razor-thin and versatile all-rounder with a sleek keyboard, a bright InfinityEdge touchscreen, and up to 12 hours of battery life to get you through the workday and hours of Netflix streaming.
As a bonus, the beautiful muted Sky and Umber color options for the Dell XPS 13 are stunning, and it uses low-carbon aluminum in the chassis to reduce its carbon footprint. The Dell XPS 13 is the best lightweight laptop for overall value, whether traveling during a work trip or setting up at a coffee shop. This is one of the best MacBook alternatives available now.
5. LG Gram Style 14
The best looking lightweight laptop
The LG Gram Style 14 is an absolutely stunning lightweight laptop. To start, its lid has a lovely iridescent coating that allows it to shine in various colors. When you open that lid, you’re greeted by a sharp OLED display with a 100% DCI-P31 color gamut and VESA DisplayHDR 500 True Black, making it a solid option for editors and designers. However, some may find the haptic touchpad awkward to use, so you may want to grab a great mouse.
Running the show is a decently powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor paired with integrated Iris Xe graphics and 32GB of RAM, which should provide plenty of oomph to cruise through everyday tasks and even some light gaming. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised by the great-sounding speakers and long battery life. But be prepared for overheating to become an issue when pushing this computer to hard.
6. Acer Swift X 14
The best lightweight laptop for gaming
The Acer Swift X 14 is a lightweight laptop that’s stylish and powerful. Packing 16GB of DDR5 RAM, a 512GB M.2, and RTX 3050 GPU, you’ll be able to comfortably play games on the go after you’re done with your work projects, of course. Weighing a mere 3.3 lbs, this laptop is not going to weigh you down on the road.
Although this laptop is far more lightweight than other similar spec laptops, you’re not having to downgrade on essential specs. The screen size is generous at 14.5 inches, and you get a decent 13th-gen i5 processor. There are plenty of ports for additional accessories, too, whether you’re traveling on the train and need to charge your phone, or at home and want to use a mouse.
Can Lightweight Laptops Be Powerful?
Yes, many lightweight laptops are powerful devices. For instance, the MacBook Air and HP Pavilion 14 Plus are impressive thin laptops with fast processing speeds perfect for multitasking. Thanks to manufacturers, you won’t always have to purchase the bulkier laptops on the market if you want power since recent lightweight options are more than enough to handle anything.
What’s the Benefit of a Lightweight Laptop?
Lightweight laptops can fit comfortably inside a bag and complete daily tasks in most environments well, making them valuable ultraportability devices. In the coming years, more features and newer hardware will make them even more beneficial, especially for those constantly on the go.
What’s the Best Lightweight Laptop?
The best overall lightweight laptop has to be the MacBook Air due to its well-rounded power and versatility. Although, you may lean toward the Microsoft Surface Go 3 if you’re an artist looking for an iPad alternative or the HP Pavilion 14 Plus for its performance. The best one for you will be based on your needs, so make sure all your boxes are checked before committing to a new lightweight laptop.
