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10 Best Compact Laptop Computers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Apple 2022 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, 1080p FaceTime HD Camera; Starlight

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,247
Weight
Battery Life
RAM

Most important from
1503 reviews

Weight
The lightweight design makes it incredibly portable and ideal for travel.
Battery Life
The battery life is exceptional, easily lasting a full day, making it perfect for on-the-go use.
RAM
The MacBook Air M2 with 16GB RAM handles multitasking and demanding tasks like video editing effortlessly.
Display Resolution
The Liquid Retina display is stunning, offering vibrant colors and excellent detail.
Ports and Connectivity
While the limited ports require an adapter for peripherals, the overall performance and sleek design make it a fantastic investment.
Build Quality and Design
The keyboard and trackpad are top-notch, enhancing the overall user experience.

The Apple 2022 MacBook Air with M2 chip is a top contender in the compact laptop category. It features a slim design, weighing only 2.7 pounds, making it highly portable. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display offers vibrant colors and excellent detail, making it ideal for work, entertainment, and creative tasks.

With an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours, this laptop ensures you can stay productive throughout the day without constantly searching for a power outlet. The M2 chip provides strong performance with an 8-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU, suitable for handling demanding applications and multitasking efficiently. Additionally, 8GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage offer ample space and speed for most users' needs. On the downside, the laptop might not be suitable for heavy gaming or extremely intensive tasks due to its integrated graphics card.

The versatile connectivity options, including MagSafe charging, two Thunderbolt ports, and a headphone jack, ensure you can easily connect your peripherals. The build quality is exceptional with its durable aluminum unibody, and the backlit keyboard enhances usability in low light conditions. The 1080p FaceTime HD camera and advanced audio setup are ideal for video calls and media consumption. However, users requiring more RAM or storage space might need to consider higher configurations, as the base model comes with 8GB RAM. The Apple 2022 MacBook Air is a reliable and efficient choice for students, professionals, and everyday users looking for a compact and capable machine.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,247
Weight
Battery Life
RAM

Most important from
1503 reviews

Weight
The lightweight design makes it incredibly portable and ideal for travel.
Battery Life
The battery life is exceptional, easily lasting a full day, making it perfect for on-the-go use.
RAM
The MacBook Air M2 with 16GB RAM handles multitasking and demanding tasks like video editing effortlessly.
Display Resolution
The Liquid Retina display is stunning, offering vibrant colors and excellent detail.
Ports and Connectivity
While the limited ports require an adapter for peripherals, the overall performance and sleek design make it a fantastic investment.
Build Quality and Design
The keyboard and trackpad are top-notch, enhancing the overall user experience.
#2

2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop: Apple M1 Chip, 13” Retina Display, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, FaceTime HD Camera, Touch ID. Works with iPhone/iPad; Space Gray

Rating
9.1
Screen Size
Weight
Battery Life

Most important from
21138 reviews

Screen Size
The 13" MacBook Air with the M1 chip is an excellent choice for those looking for a powerful and lightweight laptop for daily use.
Weight
The 13" MacBook Air with the M1 chip is an excellent choice for those looking for a powerful and lightweight laptop for daily use.
Battery Life
Battery life is fantastic, with users easily getting over 10 hours of use on a single charge.
Processor
The M1 chip offers exceptional performance, making everyday tasks smooth and fast.
RAM
The MacBook Air handles video rendering and multitasking efficiently, even with its 8GB of RAM.
Display Resolution
The Retina display is bright and sharp, enhancing the overall visual experience.
Ports and Connectivity
Despite its impressive performance, the limited number of ports can be restrictive for those needing more connectivity options.
Build Quality and Design
The fanless design keeps the laptop quiet and cool, making it perfect for lap use.

The 2020 Apple MacBook Air, powered by the M1 chip, is a standout choice for those seeking a compact laptop with strong performance and long battery life. Weighing just 2.8 pounds and boasting an impressive 18-hour battery life, it is highly portable and perfect for on-the-go use. The 13.3-inch Retina display offers vibrant colors and sharp text, enhancing visual experiences whether for work or entertainment. With 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, this MacBook handles multitasking and storage needs efficiently.

The M1 chip's 8-core CPU ensures smooth performance for a variety of tasks, from professional editing to casual gaming. The backlit keyboard and Touch ID add convenience and security, while its fanless design keeps the laptop cool and quiet during use. Additionally, its seamless compatibility with other Apple devices and a wide range of applications makes it a versatile choice.

On the downside, the MacBook Air's limited ports might be restrictive for users needing extensive connectivity options, and the 8GB of RAM, while sufficient for everyday tasks, may not meet the needs of heavy-duty multitaskers or professionals requiring more robust performance. Despite these minor drawbacks, the 2020 MacBook Air excels in design, build quality, and eco-friendliness, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable and stylish compact laptop.

Rating
9.1
Screen Size
Weight
Battery Life

Most important from
21138 reviews

Screen Size
The 13" MacBook Air with the M1 chip is an excellent choice for those looking for a powerful and lightweight laptop for daily use.
Weight
The 13" MacBook Air with the M1 chip is an excellent choice for those looking for a powerful and lightweight laptop for daily use.
Battery Life
Battery life is fantastic, with users easily getting over 10 hours of use on a single charge.
Processor
The M1 chip offers exceptional performance, making everyday tasks smooth and fast.
RAM
The MacBook Air handles video rendering and multitasking efficiently, even with its 8GB of RAM.
Display Resolution
The Retina display is bright and sharp, enhancing the overall visual experience.
Ports and Connectivity
Despite its impressive performance, the limited number of ports can be restrictive for those needing more connectivity options.
Build Quality and Design
The fanless design keeps the laptop quiet and cool, making it perfect for lap use.
#3

Apple 2023 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 8GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 1080p FaceTime HD Camera, Touch ID. Works with iPhone/iPad; Midnight

Rating
9.1
Processor
Weight
Screen Size

Most important from
2403 reviews

Processor
The M2 chip delivers a strikingly snappier performance than the M1, offering a 1.4x speed boost that feels noticeably faster even with 8GB of memory.
Weight
Despite having a large 15-inch screen, the MacBook Air remains incredibly light and easy to carry, making it a joy to handle on the go.
Screen Size
Despite having a large 15-inch screen, the MacBook Air remains incredibly light and easy to carry, making it a joy to handle on the go.
Display Resolution
The MacBook Air’s sleek aluminum build and large, vibrant Liquid Retina display stand out as premium features that enhance both work and media experiences.
Ports and Connectivity
Limited port options mean relying on Thunderbolt and MagSafe, which might require adapters for users missing traditional USB-A or SD card slots.
Build Quality and Design
The MacBook Air’s sleek aluminum build and large, vibrant Liquid Retina display stand out as premium features that enhance both work and media experiences.

The 2023 Apple MacBook Air with M2 chip is a strong choice if you want a lightweight yet large-screen laptop that fits well into the compact laptop category. Its 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display is notably bigger than most in this class, offering sharp, vibrant visuals with excellent color accuracy, which is great for watching videos or working on creative projects. Despite the larger screen, it remains surprisingly thin and light at about 3.3 pounds, making it easy to carry around. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge, so it can handle a full day of use without needing the charger.

Powered by Apple’s efficient M2 chip with an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, it offers smooth performance for everyday tasks and even some demanding apps, though the base model’s 8GB of unified memory might feel limited if you plan to multitask heavily or use very demanding software. Storage starts at 256GB SSD, which is fast but may fill up quickly if you store many large files or apps.

It has versatile connectivity options including MagSafe charging, two Thunderbolt ports, and a headphone jack, but lacks more traditional USB-A or SD card slots which some users might miss. The build quality is excellent with a sleek aluminum case, and the fanless design means it runs silently. Features like a 1080p FaceTime camera and good audio quality enhance video calls and media enjoyment. This MacBook Air suits users who prioritize a stylish, portable laptop with a large, bright screen and strong battery life, and who are comfortable within the Apple ecosystem. If you need more memory or storage, or more varied ports, you may want to consider upgrades or alternatives.

Rating
9.1
Processor
Weight
Screen Size

Most important from
2403 reviews

Processor
The M2 chip delivers a strikingly snappier performance than the M1, offering a 1.4x speed boost that feels noticeably faster even with 8GB of memory.
Weight
Despite having a large 15-inch screen, the MacBook Air remains incredibly light and easy to carry, making it a joy to handle on the go.
Screen Size
Despite having a large 15-inch screen, the MacBook Air remains incredibly light and easy to carry, making it a joy to handle on the go.
Display Resolution
The MacBook Air’s sleek aluminum build and large, vibrant Liquid Retina display stand out as premium features that enhance both work and media experiences.
Ports and Connectivity
Limited port options mean relying on Thunderbolt and MagSafe, which might require adapters for users missing traditional USB-A or SD card slots.
Build Quality and Design
The MacBook Air’s sleek aluminum build and large, vibrant Liquid Retina display stand out as premium features that enhance both work and media experiences.

Buying Guide for the Best Compact Laptop Computers

Choosing the right compact laptop can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Compact laptops are ideal for those who need a portable and lightweight device without compromising on performance. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your requirements. Here are the essential specs to consider when selecting a compact laptop.
Screen SizeScreen size is the diagonal measurement of the laptop's display, typically ranging from 11 to 14 inches for compact laptops. A smaller screen size (11-12 inches) makes the laptop more portable and easier to carry around, ideal for frequent travelers or students. A slightly larger screen (13-14 inches) offers a better viewing experience and more screen real estate, which can be beneficial for productivity tasks like document editing or web browsing. Choose a screen size that balances portability with your need for a comfortable viewing experience.
WeightWeight is a crucial factor for a compact laptop, as it directly affects portability. Compact laptops usually weigh between 2 to 4 pounds. Lighter laptops (around 2-3 pounds) are easier to carry and handle, making them perfect for users who are always on the go. Slightly heavier models (3-4 pounds) might offer better build quality or additional features but can be a bit more cumbersome to carry around. Consider how often you'll be transporting your laptop and choose a weight that won't be a burden.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the laptop can run on a single charge, which is crucial for users who need to work away from a power outlet. Compact laptops typically offer battery life ranging from 6 to 12 hours. Longer battery life (8-12 hours) is ideal for all-day use, ensuring you can work, study, or enjoy entertainment without constantly searching for a charger. Shorter battery life (6-8 hours) might be sufficient if you have easy access to power outlets throughout the day. Assess your daily usage patterns and choose a battery life that matches your needs.
ProcessorThe processor, or CPU, is the brain of the laptop and determines its performance. Compact laptops often come with a range of processors, from energy-efficient models to more powerful ones. Entry-level processors (e.g., Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3) are suitable for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and word processing. Mid-range processors (e.g., Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5) offer better performance for multitasking, light photo editing, and running multiple applications. High-end processors (e.g., Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7) are ideal for demanding tasks like video editing, programming, and gaming. Choose a processor based on the complexity of the tasks you plan to perform.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) is the laptop's short-term memory, which affects its ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Compact laptops typically come with 4GB to 16GB of RAM. 4GB of RAM is sufficient for basic tasks like web browsing and word processing. 8GB of RAM is a good balance for most users, allowing for smooth multitasking and running more demanding applications. 16GB of RAM is ideal for power users who need to run intensive software or multiple applications at once. Consider your multitasking needs and choose the appropriate amount of RAM.
StorageStorage capacity determines how much data you can store on your laptop, including the operating system, applications, and personal files. Compact laptops usually offer SSD (Solid State Drive) storage, which is faster and more reliable than traditional HDDs. Storage options typically range from 128GB to 1TB. 128GB to 256GB is sufficient for basic users who store most of their data in the cloud or use the laptop for light tasks. 512GB to 1TB is better for users who need to store large files, such as videos, photos, or extensive software. Assess your storage needs based on the type and amount of data you plan to keep on your laptop.
Display ResolutionDisplay resolution refers to the number of pixels on the screen, affecting the clarity and sharpness of the image. Common resolutions for compact laptops include HD (1366x768), Full HD (1920x1080), and higher resolutions like 4K (3840x2160). HD resolution is adequate for basic tasks and offers good battery life. Full HD provides a sharper and more detailed image, ideal for watching videos, photo editing, and general productivity. Higher resolutions like 4K offer the best image quality but can drain the battery faster. Choose a resolution that matches your visual preferences and usage scenarios.
Ports and ConnectivityPorts and connectivity options determine how you can connect your laptop to other devices and networks. Common ports include USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and headphone jacks. USB-C is becoming more popular due to its versatility and ability to charge the laptop. HDMI ports are useful for connecting to external displays. Additionally, consider wireless connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Ensure the laptop has the necessary ports and connectivity features to support your peripherals and accessories.
Build Quality and DesignBuild quality and design affect the durability and aesthetics of the laptop. Compact laptops come in various materials, including plastic, aluminum, and magnesium alloy. Metal bodies (aluminum or magnesium) are generally more durable and offer a premium feel, while plastic bodies are lighter and more affordable. Consider the laptop's design, including the keyboard and trackpad quality, hinge strength, and overall sturdiness. Choose a build quality and design that aligns with your preferences for durability and style.

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