Amid the ever-changing realm of technology, lightweight laptops have risen as a coveted solution for individuals prioritizing both portability and performance. In this context, we showcase the top six lightest laptops of 2023, seamlessly integrating state-of-the-art features with remarkably featherweight designs.
1. Apple MacBook Air 15-Inch
The 15-inch MacBook Air takes the form of a larger interpretation of the iconic laptop, preserving the trademark ultralight design while expanding the screen dimensions to 15.5 inches. This transition also yields an extended battery life, reaching nearly 19 hours, and incorporates a robust six-speaker audio system. Despite the absence of supplementary ports or upgraded hardware, the augmented touchpad and expansive display contribute to the sensation of an elevated user experience.
The Apple MacBook Air 15-inch seamlessly amalgamates all the functionalities inherent to its 13-inch counterpart, while simultaneously enhancing audio output and extending battery performance. This fusion situates it as an enticing option for devoted Apple enthusiasts and a prudent investment for those in pursuit of a 15-inch ultraportable laptop that adeptly balances performance and portability.
2. LG Gram Pro 17 (2023)
When considering lightweight laptops, the LG Gram Pro 17 boldly defies conventions, setting itself apart. While compactness is often expected, this laptop breaks away from the norm by introducing a spacious 17-inch display, a full keyboard, upgraded hardware, and an unexpectedly diverse range of ports. Employing a carbon-magnesium alloy in its construction and featuring a vivid, vibrant display, the LG Gram Pro 17 inherits the virtues of its forerunner, the Gram 17. However, it elevates the experience by incorporating the performance boost provided by a discrete Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics chip. This augmented power not only caters to content creation but also opens the door to light gaming endeavors.
For those who find the 13- and 14-inch models a bit constricting, the LG Gram Pro 17 offers an expansive canvas to assuage such concerns. Despite its generous 17-inch display and spacious keyboard, the latest iteration of the Gram maintains an impressively lightweight form, weighing a mere 3.2 pounds. Moreover, it doesn’t compromise on endurance for its size, boasting an outstanding battery life of nearly 18 hours. In achieving this, the LG Gram Pro 17 attains the distinction of not only being the lightest laptop with a substantial screen but also one of the most enduring in terms of battery performance.
3. HP Pavilion Plus 14
The HP Pavilion Plus 14 emerges as a compellingly priced ultraportable laptop, boasting an impressive array of features that elevate both functionality and visual experience. Anchored by a captivating 2.8K OLED display, this laptop dazzles with its vibrant visuals. Bolstering its display capabilities, the Pavilion Plus 14 offers a diverse range of ports and a high-resolution webcam, catering adeptly to various connectivity and communication requirements.
Encased in a sleek aluminum chassis, the laptop emanates a slim and lightweight design, though it slightly exceeds the weight of the lightest options in its category, tipping the scales at just over 3 pounds. Notably, it’s the OLED display that sets it apart, making it an optimal choice for those who place a premium on visual quality. The exceptional display attributes are particularly well-suited for media streaming and photo viewing.
Beyond its aesthetics and display prowess, the Pavilion Plus 14 delivers commendable performance within its price range. This amalgamation of qualities has earned it the esteemed designation of an Editors’ Choice. For a myriad of prospective buyers, this laptop epitomizes the zenith of ultraportability and functionality.
Whether you’re a student seeking a dependable companion for everyday tasks, a professional necessitating a lightweight yet durable laptop, or a traveler demanding both portability and resilience, the HP Pavilion Plus 14 stands ready. Its fusion of an exquisite OLED display, consistent performance, generous SSD storage, versatile port assortment, and high-resolution webcam render it the quintessential pick for a broad spectrum of users, firmly solidifying its position as an exceptional ultraportable laptop.
4. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
Allow us to introduce the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2: an affordable and elegantly designed notebook that has received a hardware overhaul, showcasing a new CPU and an upgraded webcam. With a weight of just 2.48 pounds, it emerges as the most compelling option in the realm of lightweight budget laptops in 2023. Setting it apart from the competition, the laptop’s 3:2 aspect ratio display—a rarity in entry-level laptops—adds a unique touch, while its superb build quality and ergonomic keyboard further enhance its appeal.
Beyond its hardware capabilities, Microsoft’s dedication to sustainable design, including the integration of swappable SSD and chassis components, resonates with those who seek a lasting investment. This holistic approach aligns perfectly with the preferences of users who value devices that stand the test of time. Significantly, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 has not only gained recognition as one of our preferred lightweight laptops but has also earned accolades from our readers as one of the standout laptops of 2022.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 caters to individuals on the hunt for a budget-friendly laptop without compromising on style or performance. Its slim form ensures easy portability between home and school, or within a laptop bag, while its affordability positions it as a prime example of value in the market. For those in search of an economical laptop that seamlessly blends aesthetics and functionality, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 rises above as the ultimate choice.
5. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (2023)
In the midst of the multitude of outstanding ultraportable laptops available, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 rises far above the competition, securing an exceptional 5-star rating for the second consecutive time within this illustrious model line. Distinguished by its composition of carbon fiber and magnesium alloy, this sleek machine claims its position as one of the lightest and most resilient premium ultraportables on the market, all without making any compromises on quality. Lenovo’s unwavering commitment to excellence resonates throughout every facet of this device.
The design, an artful fusion of carbon fiber and magnesium alloy, yields an ultrathin profile that refuses to compromise on durability. Lenovo’s dedication to maintaining this lightweight attribute does not entail any shortcuts or corners cut. A highlight that truly sets the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 apart is its extraordinary keyboard – widely acclaimed as one of the finest in the laptop realm. Accompanying this, the suite of business-ready features is nothing short of top-tier.
As a true testament to its prowess, the battery performance managed to impressively record nearly 13 hours during our rigorous rundown test. This remarkable feat stands as evidence of the engineering brilliance that empowers such enduring performance in a device that tips the scales at a mere 2.48 pounds.
While the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 is undoubtedly adept at seamless transitions from conference rooms to executive offices, its true forte shines as the ultimate companion for business travel. This laptop embodies a potent amalgamation of power, comprehensive features, exceptional durability, and minimal weight. Consequently, it undeniably earns its position as the foremost choice among business ultraportables. Whether your priorities encompass power, durability, or sheer portability, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 excels in all domains, solidifying its status as the definitive selection for discerning professionals.
6. Apple MacBook Air (2022, M2)
The latest rendition of the Apple MacBook Air signifies a significant update to one of the most iconic laptops in history. Since its initial unveiling in 2008, famously pulled out of a manila envelope by Steve Jobs, the MacBook Air has undergone only a handful of notable transformations. Hence, the revisions introduced in 2022 continue to captivate attention in 2023. Notably, it distinguishes itself as one of the pioneering Macs to incorporate Apple’s M2 chip, all while presenting a refreshed visual appeal.
However, the innovation doesn’t halt there. Internally, a slimmer logic board paves the way for a redesigned chassis that introduces valuable improvements without compromising on dimensions or weight. Among the most prominent upgrades is the adoption of a larger and more vibrant display. This evolution doesn’t contribute to any additional bulk or weightiness. Consequently, this most recent MacBook Air represents Apple’s most contemporary iteration in quite a while, ultimately ascending to the position of the premier ultraportable Mac available.
While this MacBook Air might not ascend to the throne as the zenith of Apple’s Mac lineup, it undoubtedly secures its status as the quintessential option for everyday users. If budget constraints factor into the equation, exploring the older M1 Air or the more modestly-equipped variants within the range is worth considering, as delineated in our exhaustive review. For those pursuing heightened performance, the Apple MacBook Pro series presents premium alternatives at a higher price bracket. However, for the average Mac user engaged in remote work, educational endeavors, or frequent journeys, this MacBook Air emerges as the ultimate companion.
The Bottom Line
These six laptops serve as compelling evidence that technological advancements can harmoniously align with elegant designs and lightweight form factors. Irrespective of whether you’re a business executive, a student, or a creative enthusiast, these ultralight laptops adeptly cater to a diverse range of needs, all while ensuring that neither power nor functionality is compromised.
