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10 Best Compact Laptop Computers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

HP Notebook Laptop, 15.6" HD Touchscreen, Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor, 32GB RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, Webcam, Type-C, HDMI, SD Card Reader, Wi-Fi, Windows 11 Home, Silver

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,437
Screen Size
Battery Life
Processor

Most important from
1392 reviews

Screen Size
The 15.6" HD touchscreen offers a stunning display that enhances your viewing experience for movies, photo editing, or working on spreadsheets.
Battery Life
The laptop looks nice, boots up quickly, and has good battery life, although the keyboard feels cheaper and the keys are quite loud.
Processor
The HP Notebook Laptop is a powerhouse of performance and convenience, offering exceptional speed and smooth multitasking capabilities with its Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor and 32GB RAM.
RAM
The HP Notebook Laptop is a powerhouse of performance and convenience, offering exceptional speed and smooth multitasking capabilities with its Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor and 32GB RAM.
Storage
The 1TB PCIe SSD ensures quick boot-ups, faster file transfers, and snappy app launches, providing ample storage space for all your files and media.
Ports and Connectivity
The built-in webcam, Type-C, HDMI ports, and SD card reader add to the laptop's versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of uses.
Build Quality and Design
While the laptop boasts a large screen and robust features, it doesn't feel very sturdy, which might be a concern for some users.

The HP Notebook Laptop offers a large 15.6-inch HD touchscreen, which is bigger than typical compact laptops and may not appeal to users seeking a more portable option. Weighing 3.75 pounds, it's moderately lightweight but not the most portable. The Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, paired with 32GB of RAM, provides robust performance for everyday tasks and multitasking.

The 1TB PCIe SSD ensures ample storage space and fast data access, enhancing productivity. However, the HD display resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels is relatively low compared to Full HD or higher resolutions, which can impact the visual experience for activities such as media consumption or detailed work. Connectivity options are strong, with USB Type-C, USB Type-A, HDMI, and an SD card reader, catering to diverse peripheral needs.

The build quality is adequate with a sleek silver design, although its larger size might compromise some compactness. With Windows 11 Home, users benefit from a modern, user-friendly operating system. This laptop is suited for users prioritizing performance and storage over portability and high screen resolution.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,437
Screen Size
Battery Life
Processor

Most important from
1392 reviews

Screen Size
The 15.6" HD touchscreen offers a stunning display that enhances your viewing experience for movies, photo editing, or working on spreadsheets.
Battery Life
The laptop looks nice, boots up quickly, and has good battery life, although the keyboard feels cheaper and the keys are quite loud.
Processor
The HP Notebook Laptop is a powerhouse of performance and convenience, offering exceptional speed and smooth multitasking capabilities with its Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor and 32GB RAM.
RAM
The HP Notebook Laptop is a powerhouse of performance and convenience, offering exceptional speed and smooth multitasking capabilities with its Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor and 32GB RAM.
Storage
The 1TB PCIe SSD ensures quick boot-ups, faster file transfers, and snappy app launches, providing ample storage space for all your files and media.
Ports and Connectivity
The built-in webcam, Type-C, HDMI ports, and SD card reader add to the laptop's versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of uses.
Build Quality and Design
While the laptop boasts a large screen and robust features, it doesn't feel very sturdy, which might be a concern for some users.
#2

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook Laptop, Intel® UHD Graphics, 15.6” FHD Display, Intel Pentium N6000, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, 1920x1080 px, Touchscreen, Chrome OS, Abyss Blue

Rating
10.0
Screen Size
Weight
Battery Life

Most important from
196 reviews

Screen Size
Big screen size is impressive for a Chromebook.
Weight
The laptop is lightweight and easy to carry around.
Battery Life
Battery lasts a long time and the laptop doesn't run hot.
Processor
No more long wait times for the laptop to boot up.
Storage
Limited storage requires reliance on cloud services for file management.
Display Resolution
Touchscreen functionality is fantastic and the screen quality is great.
Build Quality and Design
Overall design is better compared to a MacBook.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook Laptop offers a solid combination of specifications suitable for a compact-laptop-computers category. It features a 15.6” Full HD touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, providing sharp and vibrant visuals. Weighing in at 3.48 pounds, it's relatively lightweight, making it easy to carry around for on-the-go use. The battery life is up to 10 hours, which is decent for most daily tasks and should suffice for a full day of work or study without needing frequent recharges.

It is powered by an Intel Pentium N6000 processor and boasts 8GB of RAM, allowing for smooth multitasking and reliable performance for everyday applications, although it may struggle with more demanding software or intensive multitasking. The 128GB SSD storage offers quick access to files and applications, but might be restrictive for users needing extensive storage capacity. The Chromebook runs on Chrome OS, which is optimized for cloud-based applications and has speedy boot times but might not suit users needing traditional desktop software.

The USB-A and USB-C ports and 3.5 mm audio jack provide versatile connectivity options for peripherals. Design-wise, its slim profile and stylish Abyss Blue finish add to its appeal, but it lacks premium build materials which might affect long-term durability. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics are suitable for basic multimedia and streaming but aren’t ideal for heavy gaming or graphic-intensive tasks. This laptop is well-suited for students, casual users, or professionals who need a portable device for basic work, streaming, and browsing.

Rating
10.0
Screen Size
Weight
Battery Life

Most important from
196 reviews

Screen Size
Big screen size is impressive for a Chromebook.
Weight
The laptop is lightweight and easy to carry around.
Battery Life
Battery lasts a long time and the laptop doesn't run hot.
Processor
No more long wait times for the laptop to boot up.
Storage
Limited storage requires reliance on cloud services for file management.
Display Resolution
Touchscreen functionality is fantastic and the screen quality is great.
Build Quality and Design
Overall design is better compared to a MacBook.
#3

Apple 2024 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M3 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 8GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, Touch ID; Midnight

Rating
10.0
Screen Size
Battery Life
Processor

Most important from
463 reviews

Screen Size
The screen size is perfect for both work and entertainment.
Battery Life
The battery life is amazing, the best I've ever had.
Processor
The processor is incredibly fast, making it a great choice for travel.
Display Resolution
Much faster, clearer, and brighter than older models.
Build Quality and Design
The screen and sound quality are top-notch.

The Apple 2024 MacBook Air with a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display is a compelling option for those seeking a compact laptop. Its screen size provides ample workspace while maintaining portability at just 3.3 pounds and less than half an inch thick. Powered by the M3 chip with an 8-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU, this laptop promises strong performance for both work and entertainment tasks.

The 8GB Unified Memory and 256GB SSD storage should be sufficient for general use but might be limiting for heavy multitaskers or those with large storage needs. The Liquid Retina display supports 1 billion colors, providing vibrant visuals, which is a significant plus for creative professionals or media consumers. Battery life is impressive, with up to 18 hours on a single charge, making it ideal for long workdays or travel.

Connectivity options include two Thunderbolt ports, a headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and a MagSafe charging port, though some users might miss more traditional USB-A ports. The laptop's build quality is excellent, with a sleek and durable design. Additional features like the backlit keyboard, Touch ID, and integration with other Apple devices enhance the user experience. However, the integrated graphics may not satisfy users needing high-end graphics performance. In summary, the MacBook Air 2024 is a sleek, powerful, and highly portable laptop suitable for everyday use, creative work, and users who are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem.

Rating
10.0
Screen Size
Battery Life
Processor

Most important from
463 reviews

Screen Size
The screen size is perfect for both work and entertainment.
Battery Life
The battery life is amazing, the best I've ever had.
Processor
The processor is incredibly fast, making it a great choice for travel.
Display Resolution
Much faster, clearer, and brighter than older models.
Build Quality and Design
The screen and sound quality are top-notch.

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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