In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, lightweight laptops have emerged as a sought-after solution for users who value portability and performance. Here, we present the six lightest laptops of 2023 that combine cutting-edge features with featherweight designs.
1. Apple MacBook Air 15-Inch
The 15-inch MacBook Air serves as a larger rendition of this iconic laptop, retaining the hallmark ultralight design while augmenting the screen size to 15.5 inches. This transformation also results in an extended battery life, clocking in at nearly 19 hours, and an inclusion of a robust six-speaker audio system. While no additional ports or upgraded hardware are introduced, the expanded touchpad and expansive display lend the sensation of an upgraded experience.
The Apple MacBook Air 15-inch seamlessly integrates all the capabilities of its 13-inch counterpart while delivering enhanced audio quality and an extended battery life. This amalgamation positions it as a captivating choice for ardent Apple aficionados and a savvy investment for those seeking a 15-inch ultraportable laptop that strikes a balance between performance and portability.
2. LG Gram Pro 17 (2023)
When it comes to lightweight laptops, the LG Gram Pro 17 stands out by challenging conventions. Despite the common expectation of compactness, this laptop breaks the mold with its expansive 17-inch display, complete keyboard, enhanced hardware, and a surprisingly comprehensive array of ports. From the utilization of carbon-magnesium alloy in its construction to its vivid and vibrant display, the LG Gram Pro 17 retains all the virtues of its predecessor, the Gram 17. However, it takes things up a notch by incorporating the performance boost of a discrete Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics chip. This added power not only caters to content creation but also brings the potential for light gaming experiences.
If you find the 13- and 14-inch models on your radar a bit too confined, the LG Gram Pro 17 offers an expansive canvas to alleviate that concern. Despite its generous 17-inch display and roomy keyboard, the latest Gram iteration maintains an impressively lightweight profile, tipping the scales at a mere 3.2 pounds. What’s more, it doesn’t sacrifice endurance for its size, boasting an impressive battery life of nearly 18 hours. In doing so, the LG Gram Pro 17 claims the title of not only 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 an attractively priced ultraportable laptop boasting remarkable features that enhance both functionality and visual experience. Anchored by a captivating 2.8K OLED display, this laptop shines with vivid visuals. Complementing its display prowess, the Pavilion Plus 14 boasts a diverse range of ports and a high-resolution webcam, catering to various connectivity and communication needs.
Wrapped in a sleek aluminum chassis, the laptop exudes a slim and lightweight design, though it slightly surpasses the lightest options in its category at just over 3 pounds. Notably, the OLED display sets it apart, rendering it an optimal choice for those who prioritize visual quality. Its exceptional display qualities are particularly well-suited for media streaming and photo viewing.
Beyond its aesthetic and display prowess, the Pavilion Plus 14 delivers commendable performance within its price range. This blend of attributes has earned it the distinguished title of an Editors’ Choice. For many prospective buyers, this laptop represents the pinnacle of ultraportability and functionality.
Whether you’re a student seeking a reliable companion for daily tasks or a professional in need of a lightweight yet durable laptop, or even a traveler who demands both portability and resilience, the HP Pavilion Plus 14 rises to the occasion. Its blend of stunning OLED display, consistent performance, ample SSD storage, versatile port selection, and high-resolution webcam make it the quintessential choice for a broad range of users, securing its status as a standout ultraportable laptop.
4. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
Introducing the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2: an affordable and sleek notebook that has undergone a hardware upgrade, featuring a new CPU and an enhanced webcam. Weighing in at just 2.48 pounds, it emerges as the most compelling choice among the realm of lightweight budget laptops in 2023. The laptop’s 3:2 aspect ratio display, a rarity in entry-level laptops, distinguishes it from the competition, while its exceptional build quality and ergonomic keyboard further amplify its allure.
Beyond its hardware prowess, Microsoft’s commitment to sustainable design, including the incorporation of swappable SSD and chassis parts, speaks to those seeking a lasting investment. This comprehensive approach aligns with the preferences of users who prioritize devices that endure the test of time. Notably, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 has garnered acclaim not only as one of our preferred lightweight laptops but has also earned recognition from our readers as one of the standout laptops of 2022.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 caters to individuals in search of a budget-friendly laptop without compromising on style or performance. Its slim profile ensures effortless portability from home to school, or within a laptop bag, while its affordability positions it as an exemplar of value in the market. For those in pursuit of an economical laptop that seamlessly melds aesthetics and functionality, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 stands out as the ultimate choice.
5. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (2023)
Amidst the plethora of outstanding ultraportable laptops available, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 stands head and shoulders above the rest, achieving an exceptional 5-star rating for the second consecutive time within this iconic model line. Distinguished by its composition of carbon fiber and magnesium alloy, this sleek machine takes its place as one of the lightest and most robust premium ultraportables available, all without any compromise on quality. Lenovo’s dedication to excellence shines through, evident in every aspect of this device.
The design, blending carbon fiber and magnesium alloy, results in an ultrathin profile that doesn’t sacrifice durability. Lenovo’s commitment to maintaining this lightweight attribute does not come at the cost of cutting corners. A standout feature of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 is its remarkable keyboard – heralded as one of the finest in the laptop realm. Alongside this, the array of business-ready features is nothing short of top-tier.
As a testament to its prowess, the battery performance managed to impressively clock in nearly 13 hours during our demanding rundown test. This remarkable achievement is a testimony to the engineering prowess that enables such endurance in a device that weighs just 2.48 pounds.
While the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 is undoubtedly apt for seamless transitions from conference rooms to corner offices, its true forte lies in being the ultimate companion for business travel. This laptop embodies a potent blend of power, comprehensive features, exceptional durability, and minimal weight. As a result, it unequivocally earns its distinction as the premier choice among business ultraportables. Whether you prioritize power, durability, or sheer portability, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 excels in all aspects, making it the definitive choice for discerning professionals.
6. Apple MacBook Air (2022, M2)
The latest iteration of the Apple MacBook Air marks a significant update to one of the most iconic laptops in history. Since its original introduction in 2008, famously unveiled by Steve Jobs pulling it out of a manila envelope, the MacBook Air has experienced only a handful of notable transformations. That’s why the revisions introduced in 2022 continue to capture attention in 2023. Notably, it stands out as one of the pioneering Macs to feature Apple’s M2 chip, while also showcasing a refreshed aesthetic.
The innovation doesn’t stop there—internally, a slimmer logic board paves the way for a redesigned chassis that introduces valuable enhancements without compromising on size or weight. One of the most prominent upgrades is the adoption of a larger and more vibrant display. This transformation doesn’t contribute to any additional bulk or heft. As a result, this latest MacBook Air represents Apple’s most contemporary iteration in quite some time, ultimately claiming the throne as the preeminent ultraportable Mac available.
While this MacBook Air might not hold the crown as the pinnacle of Apple’s Mac lineup, it undeniably secures its place as the quintessential choice for everyday users. If budget considerations come into play, exploring the older M1 Air or the more modestly-equipped models within the range is worth considering, as detailed in our comprehensive review. For those seeking elevated performance, the Apple MacBook Pro series offers premium options at a higher price point. However, for the average Mac user engaged in remote work, academic pursuits, or frequent travel, this MacBook Air stands out as the ultimate companion.
The Bottom Line
These six laptops demonstrate that advancements in technology can indeed go hand in hand with sleek designs and lightweight profiles. Whether you’re a business professional, a student, or a creative enthusiast, these ultralight laptops cater to various needs without compromising on power or functionality.
