Top Ultrabooks: Slim, Powerful Laptops for All Needs

In today's tech landscape, the term "ultrabook" has evolved beyond its original Intel-coined definition to encompass any slim, lightweight, and powerful laptop that prioritizes portability and productivity. While the term was initially associated with Intel's high-end laptops, modern ultrabooks now include devices powered by various processors, offering exceptional performance without the bulk. An ultrabook is designed to be a reliable companion that you can carry effortlessly, providing long battery life and the power needed for daily tasks without the need for constant charging.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Ultrabooks:

Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16

0See it at Best BuySee it at Asus### Razer Blade 14

0See it at Razer### Microsoft Surface Laptop 11

0See it at Amazon### Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max)

0See it at AmazonThe best ultrabooks of today are remarkable for their capability despite their compact size and weight. Our top pick, the Asus Zenbook S 16, rivals high-end desktops with its efficiency and quiet operation. From budget-friendly models to powerful machines capable of 4K video editing, these ultrabooks represent the pinnacle of what's available on the market.

Asus Zenbook S 16 – Photos

19 Images1. Asus Zenbook S 16

Best Ultrabook in 2025

Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16

0The Asus Zenbook S 16 stands out as a stellar Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. It's incredibly easy to carry and a pleasure to use, making it the top choice for those seeking the ultimate ultrabook experience.See it at Best BuySee it at AsusProduct SpecificationsDisplay16" (2880 x 1800)CPUAMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370GPUAMD Radeon 890MRAM32GB LPDDR5XStorage1TB PCIe SSDWeight3.31 poundsSize13.92" x 9.57" x 0.47" - 0.51"Battery lifeAround 15 hoursPROSDual OLED screensExceptionally thin and lightOutstanding performance with all-day battery lifeBeautiful 3K OLED touchscreenImpressive gaming performanceCONSSome keyboard flexThe Asus Zenbook S 16 is not just an ultrabook; it's a testament to what modern technology can achieve. At only 13mm thick and weighing just 3.31lbs, it's one of the thinnest and lightest laptops available. Its fantastic battery life, stunning OLED display, and top-tier gaming performance on an integrated GPU make it a standout choice. It even outperforms portable gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally X and Ayaneo Kun, offering a comprehensive package for any user.

The Zenbook S 16 embodies the essence of an ultrabook—light enough to carry with ease and thin enough to fit into any bag. It delivers top performance among ultrabooks, using minimal power and generating less noise, thanks to its advanced AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU. It also provides excellent connectivity with two USB Type-C ports, a full-size USB Type-A, an SD card reader, and an HDMI-out port, ideal for use with a great portable monitor.

Its display boasts a crisp 2880x1880 resolution and vibrant colors, and as an OLED screen, it offers deep blacks and a brightness of 500 nits, suitable for any environment. With 15 hours of battery life, the Asus Zenbook S 16 sets the standard for what an ultrabook should be.

2. HP Pavilion Aero 13

Best Budget Ultrabook

### HP Pavilion Aero 13

0Priced under $800, this laptop offers incredible value for money. See it at HPProduct SpecificationsDisplay13.3” 2K (1,920 x 1,200) IPS CPUAMD Ryzen 5 8840URAM16GB DDR5 6,400MHzStorage512MB NVMe SSDWeight2.2 poundsSize 11.7" x 8.31" x 0.69"Battery lifeAround 12 hoursPROSGreat balance of price to performanceFast processor and ample memoryUltraportable designAll-day battery lifeCONSLimited storageFor those seeking an affordable ultrabook, the HP Pavilion Aero 13 is an excellent choice. At less than $800, it features a fast Ryzen 7 processor and 16GB of DDR5 memory, ensuring smooth operation even with multiple applications running. Its slim and lightweight design makes it perfect for all-day carry without weighing you down.

The price-to-performance ratio is remarkable, making it a surprising value. Its processor and memory configuration can handle most productivity tasks, though it's less suited for gaming. The primary limitation is its 512GB storage, which may require the use of an external hard drive for additional space. However, its compact size and portability make it an ideal choice for those on a budget.

Razer Blade 14 (2024) – Photos

8 Images3. Razer Blade 14

Best Ultrabook for Gaming

### Razer Blade 14

0The Razer Blade 14 combines stunning visuals with powerful internals, making it the ideal choice for gamers seeking a portable yet high-performance laptop. See it at RazerProduct SpecificationsDisplay14” QHD+ (2,560 x 1,600) IPS 240HzCPUAMD Ryzen 9 8945HSGPUNvidia RTX 4070RAM16GB DDR5 5,700MHzStorage1TB NVMe SSDWeight4.05 poundsSize 12.73" x 8.97" x 0.70"Battery lifeAround 9-10 hoursPROSExcellent gaming performance240Hz displayCONSShallow keyboardThe Razer Blade 14 strikes a balance between gaming prowess and portability. Despite its compact size—just over 4lbs and less than 1-inch thick—it packs impressive hardware. The 14-inch 240Hz QHD+ display with a 16:10 aspect ratio offers a unique viewing experience, and the internals are equally compelling.

Powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, this ultrabook is ready for any game and can handle demanding tasks like video editing. With 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB SSD storage, it ensures swift performance, while Wi-Fi 7 support provides fast connectivity. Our 2024 review praised its luxurious build and exceptional GPU performance, though it's a premium investment.

See more of the best gaming laptops to buy right now.

4. Microsoft Surface Laptop 11

Best for Students

### Microsoft Surface Laptop 11

0The colorful Microsoft Surface Laptop 11, powered by a Snapdragon processor, offers ample memory and storage with impressive battery life. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsDisplay13.8" (2304 x 1536)CPUSnapdragon X Plus to Snapdragon X EliteGPUQualcomm AdrenoRAM16GB - 32GB LPDDR5XStorage256GB - 1TB PCIe SSDWeight2.96 poundsSize11.85" x 8.67" x 0.69"Battery lifeUp to 20 hoursPROSGreat performanceLots of fun color optionsLong battery lifeCONSSome apps aren't compatibleStudents looking for a reliable and portable laptop will find the Microsoft Surface Laptop 11 ideal. Equipped with powerful Snapdragon processors and options for plenty of memory and storage, it offers battery life that can last multiple workdays. The Surface Laptop is our technical recommendation, but the Surface Pro is equally commendable for those who prefer a convertible design.

Compared to its predecessor, the new Surface Laptop boasts enhanced memory and storage options. Even the base model with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage delivers robust performance. The Snapdragon processors are energy-efficient, with Microsoft claiming up to 20 hours of video playback and up to 13 hours of web browsing and productivity, supported by fast charging that reaches 80% in an hour.

The downside is that some apps may not be compatible with the Snapdragon processors, though built-in emulation helps. As Qualcomm expands its processor offerings, compatibility is expected to improve. Check the list of compatible apps to ensure your essential school software is supported.

5. Asus Zenbook S 14

Best for Business

### Asus Zenbook S 14

0The Asus Zenbook S 14 offers incredible battery life, snappy performance, and a stunning OLED touchscreen in a highly portable package. See it at AsusSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsDisplay14" (2880 x 1800)CPUIntel Core Ultra 7 258VGPUIntel ArcRAM32GB LPDDR5XStorage1TB PCIe SSDWeight2.65 poundsSize12.22" x 8.45" x 0.51"Battery life15+ hoursPROSThinner, lighter, and more powerfulGreat battery lifeImproved gaming performanceGorgeous OLED touchscreenCONSNo microSD card readerThe Asus Zenbook S 14 is a compelling choice for business professionals, offering a perfect blend of performance and battery life. In our testing using Procyon's battery test, it lasted over 16 hours, ensuring you can work for two days without recharging. Its smooth performance in creative apps like Adobe Photoshop and productivity software like Microsoft Office is remarkable for its price point.

The Zenbook S 14's ultra-portability—less than half an inch thick and weighing just over 2.5lbs—makes it easy to carry throughout the day. It's also suitable for light gaming between meetings, thanks to its Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and Intel Arc graphics. While not a gaming laptop, it can handle games like Cyberpunk 2077 at 1200p resolution, offering a visually stunning experience on its OLED screen.

6. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max)

Best Ultrabook for Creatives

### Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max)

0The 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Max chip is the most powerful Mac ever, making it the top choice for creative professionals. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsDisplay16.2" (3456 x 2234)CPUM3 MaxGPUIntegrated (40-core)RAM48GB - 128GBStorage1TB - 8TB SSDWeight4.8 poundsSize14.01" x 9.77" x 0.66"Battery lifeUp to 22 hoursPROSIncredibly powerful for a laptopHighly configurableVery good battery lifeThin and comparatively lightCONSCan easily get very expensiveFor creatives, the Apple MacBook Pro with the M3 Max chip remains the top choice. It's the most powerful Mac ever, ideal for video editing, rendering art assets, and other demanding tasks. The MacBook Pro 16 offers extensive configuration options, including different M3 Max processor tiers, up to 128GB of memory, and up to 8TB of storage.

The standard M3 Pro version is significantly cheaper and still powerful enough for most creators, though it comes with a 512GB SSD, which may necessitate external storage. All versions feature the same exceptional liquid retina display, widely regarded as one of the best on any laptop.

Apple's ecosystem of creative apps and tools further enhances the MacBook Pro's appeal. You can add licenses for Logic and Final Cut Pro at checkout. While Windows machines can also be excellent for creative work, the MacBook Pro's power and software ecosystem make it a worthwhile investment, despite its higher cost and the limitations of Apple's walled garden.

How We Chose the Best Ultrabooks

To identify the best ultrabooks, we first established the essential qualities that define an ultrabook: thinness, lightness, extended battery life, and a focus on high-performance productivity. Gaming capabilities are a bonus. We evaluated ultrabooks we've reviewed, consulted expert sources, and considered offerings from reputable brands. User reviews, Reddit recommendations, and real-world feedback helped us identify the ultrabooks that truly enhance daily life.

We then categorized our selections to cater to different user needs, whether for work, gaming, students, or business professionals, ensuring our list covers the best options for every type of user.

Things to Consider When Shopping for an Ultrabook

When choosing an ultrabook, set a budget to ensure you can afford the right configuration for your needs. Budget constraints may require compromises on specs like RAM or graphics. For non-gamers, integrated graphics can be sufficient, allowing you to allocate funds to other important features.

For those with a larger budget, opting for the latest hardware ensures futureproofing, with 14th Gen Intel or AMD Ryzen 7000/9000 series processors and RTX 4000-series or AMD Radeon 7000-series GPUs being excellent choices.

FAQs

What is an ultrabook laptop?

The term "ultrabook" was coined by Intel in 2011 to describe laptops that are exceptionally thin, light, and equipped with powerful hardware. Today, it's used more broadly to describe laptops that are highly portable and capable of handling daily productivity tasks with ease, typically featuring long battery life.

Is a MacBook considered an ultrabook?

While not technically an ultrabook due to its Apple origin, a MacBook can be considered a type of ultrabook. It's a powerful yet lightweight laptop running macOS, embodying the key characteristics of an ultrabook.

Are ultrabooks good for gaming?

Ultrabooks are not designed as gaming laptops, and dedicated gaming laptops are better for avid gamers. However, many modern ultrabooks can handle gaming at lower settings or resolutions, thanks to improved integrated graphics from Intel and AMD. Cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass or Nvidia GeForce Now are also viable options for ultrabook users.