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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, 512GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Starlight

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,319
Weight
Battery Life
Build Quality

Most important from
3675 reviews

Weight
The laptop strikes the perfect balance between being lightweight and incredibly fast, making it ideal for all-day carry without compromising performance.
Battery Life
Battery life is exceptional, easily lasting through extended use which supports both work and entertainment needs seamlessly.
Build Quality
The premium build quality and sleek design deliver a durable yet stylish device that feels solid and refined.
Screen Size
The display offers vibrant visuals and sharp clarity, enriching everyday tasks and media consumption.
Processor
Users appreciate how smoothly the MacBook handles multitasking and creative applications, reflecting the power of the M4 chip and unified memory.

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch with the M4 chip is a top choice if you want a very light and portable laptop without sacrificing performance. Weighing just 2.73 pounds, it’s easy to carry around all day, fitting well into the lightest laptops category. Its 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display offers sharp visuals with vibrant colors, making it great for everyday tasks, watching videos, or casual photo editing.

The M4 chip is powerful and efficient, handling multitasking, creative apps, and even some gaming smoothly, supported by 16GB of unified memory which ensures quick app switching and smooth performance. Storage-wise, 512GB of SSD space provides fast access to files and enough room for most users’ documents and media. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 18 hours of video playback, so you can work or stream without frequently searching for an outlet.

Build quality is premium, featuring a sleek and durable design typical of Apple laptops, along with a comfortable backlit keyboard and a large Force Touch trackpad. The included 12MP camera and advanced audio system enhance video calls and entertainment. A couple of downsides are the limited port selection—only two Thunderbolt 4 ports plus MagSafe and a headphone jack—which may require adapters for connecting older peripherals. Also, while the integrated GPU is strong for general use, it’s not meant for heavy gaming or high-end 3D work. This MacBook Air is an excellent fit for students, professionals, or anyone needing a lightweight laptop that combines solid power, long battery life, and beautiful display quality in a stylish package.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,319
Weight
Battery Life
Build Quality

Most important from
3675 reviews

Weight
The laptop strikes the perfect balance between being lightweight and incredibly fast, making it ideal for all-day carry without compromising performance.
Battery Life
Battery life is exceptional, easily lasting through extended use which supports both work and entertainment needs seamlessly.
Build Quality
The premium build quality and sleek design deliver a durable yet stylish device that feels solid and refined.
Screen Size
The display offers vibrant visuals and sharp clarity, enriching everyday tasks and media consumption.
Processor
Users appreciate how smoothly the MacBook handles multitasking and creative applications, reflecting the power of the M4 chip and unified memory.
#2

Apple 2025 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Starlight

Rating
10.0
Weight
Screen Size
Battery Life

Most important from
1367 reviews

Weight
Despite its large screen size, the laptop remains remarkably lightweight and portable.
Screen Size
The 15.3-inch Retina display offers vibrant, clear visuals with beautiful colors that enhance both work and entertainment.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressively long-lasting, supporting extended use without frequent charging.
Processor
The laptop delivers outstanding speed and performance, making multitasking and daily tasks feel effortless.
Build Quality
The build quality feels premium and durable, matching Apple's reputation for solid design.
Storage
The combination of fast SSD storage and ample 24GB RAM ensures smooth operation without lag.
RAM
The combination of fast SSD storage and ample 24GB RAM ensures smooth operation without lag.

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air 15-inch is a lightweight laptop weighing about 3.3 pounds, making it surprisingly portable for its large 15.3-inch Retina display. The screen offers sharp and vibrant visuals with support for a billion colors, perfect for both work and entertainment. It runs on Apple's powerful new M4 chip, which combines speed and efficiency, so multitasking and creative tasks like video editing feel smooth.

The laptop comes with 24GB of unified memory (RAM), which helps keep multiple apps running without slowing down, and 512GB of SSD storage, providing fast access to files. Battery life is strong, offering up to 18 hours of video playback, which is great for long days without charging. Build quality stays true to Apple’s reputation, with a slim, sturdy body and premium keyboard plus a large trackpad. It also includes handy features like a 12MP camera with Center Stage for clear video calls and enhanced audio with spatial sound.

Despite its portability, the 15-inch screen size makes it a bit larger than many ultraportable laptops, so it might not be the best fit if you want something extremely small or light. This MacBook Air is ideal for users seeking a balance between a larger display and lightness, delivering excellent performance and battery life, especially for those already invested in the Apple ecosystem.

Rating
10.0
Weight
Screen Size
Battery Life

Most important from
1367 reviews

Weight
Despite its large screen size, the laptop remains remarkably lightweight and portable.
Screen Size
The 15.3-inch Retina display offers vibrant, clear visuals with beautiful colors that enhance both work and entertainment.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressively long-lasting, supporting extended use without frequent charging.
Processor
The laptop delivers outstanding speed and performance, making multitasking and daily tasks feel effortless.
Build Quality
The build quality feels premium and durable, matching Apple's reputation for solid design.
Storage
The combination of fast SSD storage and ample 24GB RAM ensures smooth operation without lag.
RAM
The combination of fast SSD storage and ample 24GB RAM ensures smooth operation without lag.
#3

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
9.7
Processor
Build Quality
RAM

Most important from
3675 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
9.7
Processor
Build Quality
RAM

Most important from
3675 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.

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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