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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 by1,178
Processor
Build Quality
RAM

Most important from
2480 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 by1,178
Processor
Build Quality
RAM

Most important from
2480 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

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; Sky Blue

Rating
9.8
Weight
Screen Size
Battery Life

Most important from
2480 reviews

Weight
The laptop's weight and thinness make it perfect for travel and daily commuting without feeling bulky or cumbersome.
Screen Size
The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display delivers vibrant colors and razor-sharp text, enhancing both creative work and video calls.
Battery Life
Battery life easily supports a full day of use, lasting up to 15-18 hours depending on activities like streaming or normal use.
Processor
Performance is consistently fast and smooth, handling web development, multitasking, video editing, and even gaming without stutter or overheating.
Build Quality
Build quality feels premium with a sleek aluminum body and useful features like the backlit Magic Keyboard and Touch ID.

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air with the M4 chip is a standout choice if you want a very lightweight and portable laptop, weighing just 2.73 pounds and measuring less than half an inch thick. Its 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is bright and sharp, offering vivid colors and crisp text, which makes it great for watching videos or doing creative work. The M4 chip is powerful, combining 10 CPU cores and an 8-core GPU, so the laptop handles everyday tasks, multitasking, and even video editing smoothly.

Battery life is impressive too, lasting up to 18 hours of video streaming, which means it can easily get you through a full day without needing a charge. With 16GB of unified RAM, it runs apps efficiently, and the 256GB SSD storage is fast, though might feel limited if you store many large files. Build quality is solid with a sleek aluminum body, giving you a premium feel along with useful features like a backlit Magic Keyboard and Touch ID for security.

Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports and MagSafe charging, but if you need lots of ports or expandable storage, this could be a limitation. This MacBook Air suits students, professionals, and anyone who prioritizes lightness and long battery life over heavy storage or many ports. If you require more storage or specialized ports, you might need to consider external drives or adapters.

Rating
9.8
Weight
Screen Size
Battery Life

Most important from
2480 reviews

Weight
The laptop's weight and thinness make it perfect for travel and daily commuting without feeling bulky or cumbersome.
Screen Size
The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display delivers vibrant colors and razor-sharp text, enhancing both creative work and video calls.
Battery Life
Battery life easily supports a full day of use, lasting up to 15-18 hours depending on activities like streaming or normal use.
Processor
Performance is consistently fast and smooth, handling web development, multitasking, video editing, and even gaming without stutter or overheating.
Build Quality
Build quality feels premium with a sleek aluminum body and useful features like the backlit Magic Keyboard and Touch ID.
#3

HP Pavilion 15.6" HD Touchscreen Anti-Glare Laptop, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD Storage, Intel Core Processor up to 4.1GHz, Up to 11 Hours Long Battery Life, Type-C, HDMI, Windows 11 Home, Silver

Rating
9.5
Weight
Screen Size
Battery Life

Most important from
1412 reviews

Weight
The laptop is lightweight and offers plenty of storage, making it a perfect replacement for an older device.
Screen Size
The screen size is loved, and the ability to customize security settings to add apps is appreciated.
Battery Life
Battery life doesn't last as long as expected but still offers great value for the money.
Processor
The laptop performs really fast, allowing users to start projects without delay.
Storage
The laptop is lightweight and offers plenty of storage, making it a perfect replacement for an older device.

The HP Pavilion 15.6" HD Touchscreen Anti-Glare Laptop weighs 3.74 pounds, which may not be the lightest option available for those prioritizing portability. Its 15.6-inch screen size offers ample viewing area, but the HD resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels might not satisfy users looking for a sharper display. The touchscreen is a nice feature, adding versatility to the device.

Equipped with an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, it can reach speeds up to 4.1 GHz, which should be adequate for everyday tasks but may struggle with more intensive applications. The 16GB RAM supports multitasking efficiently, and the 1TB SSD storage ensures quick boot-up times and plenty of space for files.

The laptop boasts a solid battery life of up to 11 hours, making it suitable for long work or study sessions without frequent recharging. However, the build quality, while decent, might not be as robust as some premium models. It runs on Windows 11 Home, providing an updated operating system experience. This laptop suits users looking for a balance between performance and storage in a relatively lightweight package, though there are lighter options available in the market.

Rating
9.5
Weight
Screen Size
Battery Life

Most important from
1412 reviews

Weight
The laptop is lightweight and offers plenty of storage, making it a perfect replacement for an older device.
Screen Size
The screen size is loved, and the ability to customize security settings to add apps is appreciated.
Battery Life
Battery life doesn't last as long as expected but still offers great value for the money.
Processor
The laptop performs really fast, allowing users to start projects without delay.
Storage
The laptop is lightweight and offers plenty of storage, making it a perfect replacement for an older device.

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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