Everyone knows the struggle of trying to use a laptop that’s too slow, too heavy, and too old to get the job done. If you’re reading this and nodding in agreement, then it’s probably time to invest in something slimmer, lighter, and faster.
Happily, there’s never been a better time to buy an ultraportable laptop. Today’s machines have such a slim and light form factor that you’ll barely notice them in your bag. Additionally, you’ll find powerful M1 or Intel processors, long battery life, and future-proofed features. Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C ports are standard now for connectivity. Similarly, expect the Microsoft Windows 10 or MacOS operating system, and other great perks.
You’d never expect so much technology inside machines that weigh less than three pounds. However, ultraportable laptops are built for pleasant surprises. We’ve picked out seven of the best options just in time for your portability-focused upgrade.
1. Apple MacBook Air
The MacBook Air is one of the most well-known ultraportables. This is for good reason: Apple practically invented the category. The latest MacBook looks stylish, and it features the astounding Apple M1 processor.
- The Air weighs just 2.8 lbs and is 0.63” thick—it’s genuinely tiny.
- The aluminum body is available in silver, gold, and gray.
- It sports a stunning Retina display for vibrant movies, photos, and games.
2. Acer Swift 5
Acer’s Swift 5 is the ideal ultraportable laptop for anyone who needs a slim, sturdy notebook. It can handle life’s toughest challenges, including frequent trips outdoors. It also boasts a sleek 14-inch touchscreen with FHD visuals powered by Intel Iris Xe Graphics.
- The 2.3 lb chassis uses magnesium, aluminum, and lithium.
- Its antimicrobial coating eliminates bacteria.
- The battery lasts for a mighty 17 hours.
- 11th Generation Intel Core i7 CPUs, WiFi 6, and a fingerprint reader enable incredible versatility and security.
3. Asus ZenBook S UX393EA
This is one of the most luxurious ultraportable laptops around. It features a superb Jade Black finish, spun metal design, and diamond-cut edges. The Asus ZenBook S UX393EA is practical, too. The military testing ensures reliability, and it comes with an edge-to-edge keyboard, loads of ports, and a high-resolution touchscreen.
- The 13.9-inch, nano-edge touchscreen provides world-class detail and clarity.
- The 0.62”, 2.98 lb design can withstand drops, impacts, and extreme temperatures.
- You’re guaranteed top-flight performance thanks to the 10th Generation Intel Core i7 processing and the fast-paced 1TB SSD.
4. LG Gram 14
The LG Gram range is a relative newcomer to the laptop world. Despite that, these machines make a big impression with lightweight, eye-catching designs. Additionally, the LG Gram 14 impresses with a weight of just 2.2 pounds and a magnesium-alloy body. Also, it has a robust build quality, storing the 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 512GB of SSD storage, and more.
- Bigger keys, a wider touchpad, Thunderbolt 4 ports, and integrated Amazon Alexa make the LG Gram 14 a portable powerhouse.
- The 3:2 screen ratio mean this screen is taller than conventional notebook displays.
- It’s one of the few ultraportable laptops that offers more than 24 hours of battery life.
5. LG Gram 16
The 16-inch version of LG’s lightweight laptop just makes sense. It offers a big-screen experience, but still weighs just 2.62 pounds. Plus, it is only 0.66-inches thick. You won’t find any other ultraportable that combines a large display with an eye-catching design like this business laptop.
- The display provides plenty of real estate for movies, web-browsing, and working.
- An improved keyboard and the addition of a Thunderbolt 4 port make it extra adaptable.
- Amazon Alexa makes this one of the most integrated laptops around.
- Military-standard testing plus an Intel Core i5 processor for speed and durability.
- 256GB SSD and a 22-hour battery provide fantastic strength and versatility.
6. MSI Prestige 14 EVO
The MSI Prestige 14 EVO has just about everything you need. It features Thunderbolt 4 ports, fingerprint recognition, a webcam with facial detection, and a market-leading keyboard. Above all, it is a top option if you need a lightweight laptop for heavyweight multitasking. And if you’d like to save cash, this version of the MSI Prestige 14 uses a more modest CPU.
- 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processors and 512GB SSD deliver impressive speeds.
- The aluminum chassis weighs just 2.84 lbs, and the display has ultra-thin bezels and even lies flat for easier collaboration.
- A super-fast card reader means you can edit photos with even more speed.
7. MSI Prestige 14
This machine may not have the EVO moniker, but the pricier MSI Prestige uses NVIDIA graphics to serve up more gaming ability than other ultraportable laptops. In addition, it shares many of the same attributes as the EVO. It has the super-fast Intel Core i7 CPU and a 0.63-inch body.
- The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU is perfect for mobile gamers.
- The Intel Core i7 processor gives you lots of productivity.
- Thunderbolt 4 enables incredible file transfer speeds.
Looking for more laptop options? Shop our list of 9 Best 2-in-1 Convertible Laptops for 2021 for the ultimate laptop-tablet combination.
Feature photo by Yongma Seo on Unsplash
