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10 Best Lightest Laptops 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Midnight

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,149
Processor
Build Quality
RAM

Most important from
226 reviews

Processor
The M4 chip shows a significant improvement in speed compared to earlier models.
Build Quality
The overall quality of the MacBook Air is impressive, and it arrived ahead of schedule.
RAM
Regret not opting for a higher memory spec, as the base model's performance is excellent but could be even better with more memory.

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop is a great choice for those seeking a lightweight and portable laptop. Weighing just 2.73 pounds, it is easy to carry around, making it perfect for travelers and students. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display offers clear and vibrant visuals, which is excellent for both work and entertainment. The M4 chip provides robust performance, capable of handling multiple apps, video editing, and even some gaming, all with impressive speed and fluidity.

The 16GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, and the 256GB SSD storage offers ample space for most users' needs while ensuring fast boot times and quick access to files. Additionally, the MacBook Air boasts up to 18 hours of battery life, which is ideal for all-day use without needing to recharge frequently. Touch ID adds a layer of security and convenience, and the build quality is top-notch, with a sleek, durable design.

However, the limited number of ports (two Thunderbolt 4, one MagSafe, and a headphone jack) might be restrictive for users who need multiple peripherals connected simultaneously. Also, while the 256GB SSD is sufficient for many, power users might find it limiting in storage capacity. This MacBook Air combines portability, performance, and battery life, making it suitable for those who prioritize mobility and efficiency in their laptop.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,149
Processor
Build Quality
RAM

Most important from
226 reviews

Processor
The M4 chip shows a significant improvement in speed compared to earlier models.
Build Quality
The overall quality of the MacBook Air is impressive, and it arrived ahead of schedule.
RAM
Regret not opting for a higher memory spec, as the base model's performance is excellent but could be even better with more memory.
#2

ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop, 165Hz Display, NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060, Intel Core i7-13650HX, 16GB DDR5, 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, Wi-Fi 6E, Windows 11, G614JV-AS74

Rating
9.8
Weight
Screen Size
Battery Life

Most important from
1839 reviews

Weight
This laptop is very lightweight with a smooth, durable finish, making it a pleasure to use for gaming, watching videos, or writing.
Screen Size
The 16-inch, 165Hz FHD display delivers buttery smooth, vibrant, and crisp visuals, perfect for fast-paced games.
Battery Life
Despite being a gaming laptop, the battery life is surprisingly efficient during non-gaming tasks.
Processor
The Intel Core i7-13650HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 combo is a beast, running every game smoothly at high settings.
Build Quality
The laptop feels premium and sturdy, with an excellent cooling system that keeps it cool even during intense gaming sessions.

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is a notable contender in the gaming laptop category, featuring a powerful Intel Core i7-13650HX processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. Weighing in at 5.51 pounds, it’s on the heavier side compared to other light laptops, which might be a drawback for users prioritizing portability. However, its 16-inch FHD display with a 165Hz refresh rate delivers an excellent visual experience, especially for gaming, thanks to its vibrant color accuracy and high refresh rates.

Battery life can be a concern for gaming laptops, but the ROG Strix G16 incorporates ROG Intelligent Cooling technology, which helps maintain performance during long sessions. Still, users should expect the battery to drain quicker when engaged in intensive gaming. With 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a massive 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, it excels in multitasking and loading times, making it ideal for gamers who want smooth performance and ample storage for games and applications.

The build quality is robust, designed for longevity, which is a must for a gaming laptop. On the downside, its weight might deter those who are looking for an ultra-light model for travel or everyday use. It also lacks some advanced features like a 4K display, which could be appealing for users who prioritize high-resolution visuals.

Rating
9.8
Weight
Screen Size
Battery Life

Most important from
1839 reviews

Weight
This laptop is very lightweight with a smooth, durable finish, making it a pleasure to use for gaming, watching videos, or writing.
Screen Size
The 16-inch, 165Hz FHD display delivers buttery smooth, vibrant, and crisp visuals, perfect for fast-paced games.
Battery Life
Despite being a gaming laptop, the battery life is surprisingly efficient during non-gaming tasks.
Processor
The Intel Core i7-13650HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 combo is a beast, running every game smoothly at high settings.
Build Quality
The laptop feels premium and sturdy, with an excellent cooling system that keeps it cool even during intense gaming sessions.
#3

Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop | 15.6" Full HD IPS Display | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core Processor | AMD Radeon Graphics | 8GB LPDDR5 | 128GB NVMe SSD | Wi-Fi 6 | Windows 11 Home in S Mode

Rating
9.6
Battery Life
Build Quality

Most important from
4250 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting long enough for a full day on campus without needing a charge.
Build Quality
The laptop feels of good quality and is not cumbersome despite its large size.

The Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH is a solid choice within the lightest-laptops category, especially for users seeking a balance between performance and portability. Weighing 3.92 pounds, it is relatively lightweight, though not the lightest option available. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display offers sharp and vibrant visuals, making it ideal for both work and entertainment. The AMD Ryzen 3 7320U quad-core processor ensures decent performance for everyday tasks, and the integrated AMD Radeon Graphics handle basic graphic needs well.

With 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, the laptop supports smooth multitasking, and the 128GB NVMe SSD provides fast storage, though it might be limited for users with extensive storage requirements. The battery life of up to 11 hours is impressive, supporting long periods of use without needing a charge. The build quality is robust, with a sleek and modern design, but the absence of a backlit keyboard might be a drawback for those who frequently work in low-light environments.

Additionally, it operates on Windows 11 S Mode, which offers a streamlined and secure experience but may restrict the installation of some third-party apps. Connectivity is a strong point with Wi-Fi 6 and multiple ports, including USB Type-C and HDMI. The Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH is well-suited for students, professionals, and families looking for an efficient and portable laptop, provided they can manage with the given storage capacity and keyboard limitations.

Rating
9.6
Battery Life
Build Quality

Most important from
4250 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting long enough for a full day on campus without needing a charge.
Build Quality
The laptop feels of good quality and is not cumbersome despite its large size.

Buying Guide for the Best Lightest Laptops

When it comes to choosing the lightest laptop, it's important to balance portability with performance and features. A lightweight laptop is ideal for those who are always on the go, such as students, business professionals, or digital nomads. However, you should also consider factors like battery life, processing power, and build quality to ensure that the laptop meets your needs without compromising on essential functionalities. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting the lightest laptop for you.
WeightWeight is the primary factor when looking for the lightest laptop. It determines how easy it is to carry the laptop around. Laptops generally range from ultra-light models weighing less than 2 pounds to more standard lightweight models around 3-4 pounds. If you need a laptop for frequent travel or commuting, aim for one that is under 3 pounds. For occasional travel, a laptop up to 4 pounds can still be considered lightweight and portable.
Screen SizeScreen size affects both the weight and usability of the laptop. Smaller screens, such as 11 to 13 inches, will generally result in a lighter laptop, making them ideal for portability. However, if you need more screen real estate for tasks like graphic design or multitasking, a 14 to 15-inch screen might be more suitable, though it will add some weight. Choose a screen size that balances your need for portability with your need for a comfortable viewing experience.
Battery LifeBattery life is crucial for a lightweight laptop, especially if you plan to use it on the go without frequent access to power outlets. Laptops with longer battery life allow you to work or play for extended periods without needing to recharge. Look for laptops that offer at least 8-10 hours of battery life for all-day use. If you need even more endurance, some models offer up to 15 hours or more, which can be beneficial for long flights or full-day conferences.
ProcessorThe processor, or CPU, determines the performance of your laptop. Lightweight laptops often come with energy-efficient processors that balance performance with battery life. For basic tasks like web browsing, word processing, and streaming, an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor will suffice. For more demanding tasks like photo editing or light gaming, consider an Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7. Choose a processor that matches your performance needs without adding unnecessary weight.
Build QualityBuild quality is important to ensure that your lightweight laptop is durable and can withstand daily use. Materials like aluminum or magnesium alloy are both lightweight and sturdy, offering better protection than plastic. Check for features like reinforced hinges and spill-resistant keyboards if you need extra durability. A well-built laptop will last longer and provide better value over time, even if it adds a slight amount of weight.
StorageStorage capacity affects how much data you can store on your laptop. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are preferred in lightweight laptops because they are faster and more reliable than traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). SSDs also contribute to a lighter overall weight. For basic use, 256GB of storage is usually sufficient. If you store a lot of media files or large applications, consider 512GB or more. Choose a storage size that fits your needs without adding unnecessary bulk.
RAMRAM, or memory, affects how well your laptop can handle multiple tasks at once. For lightweight laptops, 8GB of RAM is generally sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and office applications. If you plan to run more demanding software or multitask heavily, 16GB of RAM will provide a smoother experience. Choose the amount of RAM based on your typical usage to ensure your laptop runs efficiently without unnecessary weight.

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