We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Lightweight Laptops 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

HP Laptop Computer for Home and Business Student, 15.6" FHD, Intel 4-Core Processor (Beat i3-1115G4), 32GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Type-C, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro, Tichang

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,421
Weight
Screen Size
Battery Life

Most important from
774 reviews

Weight
This laptop offers a lightweight and sturdy design that suits college and everyday use perfectly.
Screen Size
The full HD display delivers clear visuals, ideal for writing essays, social media, and light gaming.
Battery Life
Battery life comfortably supports over 8 hours of continuous use, making it reliable for long days.
Processor
The laptop's performance exceeds expectations, running faster than anticipated for its category.

This HP 15.6" laptop offers a generous 15.6-inch full HD display with an anti-glare screen, providing comfortable viewing during long work or study sessions. It comes with a solid 32GB of DDR4 RAM and a spacious 1TB PCIe SSD, making it well-suited for multitasking and storing large files without slowing down. The Intel N100 processor delivers decent performance for everyday tasks, although it is not as powerful as some higher-end chips.

Weighing 5 pounds, it is a bit heavier than many lightweight laptops, so it might not be the best choice if you need something very portable for carrying around all day. The build is sturdy, featuring a full-size keyboard that includes a numeric keypad, which is ideal for business users or students who do a lot of typing. Connectivity options are strong with WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, plus multiple USB ports and HDMI for external connections, though the USB-C port only supports data transfer and not charging or video output, which could limit some uses.

Running Windows 11 Pro, it provides a professional environment with up-to-date features. This laptop is a strong choice for those needing a powerful and spacious machine for home or office use, but its weight might be a drawback for frequent travelers or those prioritizing portability.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,421
Weight
Screen Size
Battery Life

Most important from
774 reviews

Weight
This laptop offers a lightweight and sturdy design that suits college and everyday use perfectly.
Screen Size
The full HD display delivers clear visuals, ideal for writing essays, social media, and light gaming.
Battery Life
Battery life comfortably supports over 8 hours of continuous use, making it reliable for long days.
Processor
The laptop's performance exceeds expectations, running faster than anticipated for its category.
#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
9.6
Processor
RAM
Build Quality

Most important from
1008 reviews

Processor
The new M4 chip delivers a noticeable boost in speed compared to previous models, making multitasking and daily use smoother and faster.
RAM
Despite starting with the base model, the performance impresses, though upgrading memory is recommended for heavier multitasking or future-proofing.
Build Quality
The build quality and overall finish reflect Apple's high standards, providing a premium feel and sturdy construction.

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air with the new M4 chip is a strong choice if you want a lightweight laptop that combines power and portability. Weighing just 2.73 pounds, it’s easy to carry around, making it ideal for students, professionals, or anyone frequently on the go. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display offers vibrant colors and sharp details, delivering a great viewing experience for everyday tasks like browsing, video watching, or light photo editing. With 16GB of unified memory (RAM), the laptop handles multitasking smoothly, whether you’re switching between work apps or streaming media. The M4 chip provides a good balance of speed and efficiency, letting you work or play without lag, including some photo and video editing or casual gaming.

Battery life is impressive, with up to 18 hours of video playback, so you can expect all-day use without needing to charge often. Storage at 256GB SSD is standard for everyday use but may feel limited if you keep large files or many apps, so consider external storage if needed. The build quality is typical of Apple’s high standards, with a sleek, sturdy design in an attractive Sky Blue color. It also offers solid connectivity options like two Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe charging, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast connections and support for multiple external displays.

The 12MP Center Stage camera, three-mic setup, and four-speaker system deliver clear video calls and good sound, useful for remote work or meetings. While the limited storage and lack of more varied ports might require adapters or external drives depending on your needs, the MacBook Air is well-suited for most everyday users who want a reliable, stylish, and lightweight laptop with excellent battery life. It is not designed for heavy gaming or very demanding professional software but fits well for general use.

Rating
9.6
Processor
RAM
Build Quality

Most important from
1008 reviews

Processor
The new M4 chip delivers a noticeable boost in speed compared to previous models, making multitasking and daily use smoother and faster.
RAM
Despite starting with the base model, the performance impresses, though upgrading memory is recommended for heavier multitasking or future-proofing.
Build Quality
The build quality and overall finish reflect Apple's high standards, providing a premium feel and sturdy construction.
#3

Dell 15.6" Laptop Computer for Home and Student, Intel Core Processor (Beat i5-1135G7), 32Gb Ddr4 Ram, 1Tb Pcie Ssd, Business Vostro 120Hz Fhd, Wifi, Bluetooth, Rj45, Hdmi, Windows 11 Pro

Rating
9.4
Screen Size
Weight
Storage

Most important from
333 reviews

Screen Size
The laptop delivers solid performance and a crisp 15.6-inch Full HD screen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for multitasking and media consumption.
Weight
The build feels sturdy and durable, but the weight of 5 pounds makes it less convenient for everyday portability compared to lighter alternatives.
Storage
The 1TB PCIe SSD ensures fast storage and quick access to files, supporting efficient workflow for students and small business users.
Build Quality
The build feels sturdy and durable, but the weight of 5 pounds makes it less convenient for everyday portability compared to lighter alternatives.
Connectivity
The absence of a USB-C port is a surprising limitation, especially given the laptop's price point and the need for modern docking solutions.

The Dell Vostro 15.6" laptop is a solid choice for students and small business users who want a powerful yet portable machine. With a large 15.6-inch Full HD screen featuring a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, it offers clear and comfortable viewing, ideal for studying, streaming, and video calls. The build is sturdy and designed for durability, although at 5 pounds, it is on the heavier side for a lightweight laptop category, which might make it less convenient for carrying all day.

Performance is a strong point here, thanks to 32GB of DDR4 RAM and a 13th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, which handle multitasking and everyday software smoothly. The 1TB PCIe SSD provides plenty of fast storage for files and applications. Connectivity options include WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB ports, and an RJ-45 Ethernet port, covering most needs without additional adapters. The display’s 250 nits brightness is adequate indoors but may struggle in very bright environments.

This Dell laptop is well suited for users prioritizing performance and screen quality over ultra-lightweight portability, making it a practical business or student laptop if you don’t mind the extra weight.

Rating
9.4
Screen Size
Weight
Storage

Most important from
333 reviews

Screen Size
The laptop delivers solid performance and a crisp 15.6-inch Full HD screen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for multitasking and media consumption.
Weight
The build feels sturdy and durable, but the weight of 5 pounds makes it less convenient for everyday portability compared to lighter alternatives.
Storage
The 1TB PCIe SSD ensures fast storage and quick access to files, supporting efficient workflow for students and small business users.
Build Quality
The build feels sturdy and durable, but the weight of 5 pounds makes it less convenient for everyday portability compared to lighter alternatives.
Connectivity
The absence of a USB-C port is a surprising limitation, especially given the laptop's price point and the need for modern docking solutions.

Buying Guide for the Best Lightweight Laptops

When choosing a lightweight laptop, it's important to consider a balance between portability, performance, and battery life. Lightweight laptops are ideal for people who are always on the go, such as students, business professionals, and frequent travelers. To make the best choice, you need to understand the key specifications that define a lightweight laptop and how they align with your specific needs.
WeightWeight is a crucial factor for a lightweight laptop, as it directly affects portability. Lightweight laptops typically weigh between 2 to 4 pounds. If you travel frequently or need to carry your laptop around all day, aim for a model closer to 2 pounds. For occasional travel or if you don't mind a bit more heft, a laptop around 3 to 4 pounds can offer a good balance between portability and performance.
Screen SizeScreen size impacts both the portability and usability of a laptop. Lightweight laptops usually have screen sizes ranging from 11 to 14 inches. Smaller screens (11-12 inches) make the laptop more portable and easier to carry, but they may be less comfortable for extended use. Larger screens (13-14 inches) provide a better viewing experience and more space for multitasking, but they add to the overall size and weight. Choose a screen size based on how you plan to use the laptop and how often you need to carry it.
Battery LifeBattery life is essential for a lightweight laptop, especially if you need to use it on the go without frequent access to power outlets. Look for laptops that offer at least 8 hours of battery life for a full day of use. Some high-end models can provide up to 12 hours or more. Consider your daily routine and how long you typically need to use the laptop away from a power source to determine the right battery life for you.
ProcessorThe processor (CPU) determines the laptop's performance and ability to handle tasks. Lightweight laptops often come with energy-efficient processors like Intel Core i3, i5, i7, or AMD Ryzen 3, 5, 7. For basic tasks like web browsing, email, and document editing, an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 is sufficient. For more demanding tasks like photo editing, video conferencing, or multitasking, consider an Intel Core i5 or i7, or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7. Choose a processor based on the type of work you plan to do on your laptop.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) affects the laptop's ability to run multiple applications simultaneously and handle more demanding tasks. Lightweight laptops typically come with 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB of RAM. For basic use, 4GB may be adequate, but 8GB is recommended for smoother performance and better multitasking. If you plan to run more intensive applications or keep many tabs open in your browser, 16GB of RAM will provide a more seamless experience.
StorageStorage capacity determines how much data you can store on your laptop. Lightweight laptops usually come with SSD (Solid State Drive) storage, which is faster and more reliable than traditional HDD (Hard Disk Drive) storage. Common storage options range from 128GB to 512GB. For basic use and cloud storage reliance, 128GB may be sufficient. If you store a lot of files, photos, or videos, consider 256GB or 512GB. Choose storage based on your data storage needs and whether you use external drives or cloud services.
Build QualityBuild quality affects the durability and feel of the laptop. Lightweight laptops are often made from materials like aluminum, magnesium alloy, or carbon fiber, which provide strength without adding much weight. A well-built laptop can withstand daily wear and tear and provide a more premium feel. Consider how often you will be carrying the laptop and the environments in which you will use it to determine the importance of build quality for you.
ConnectivityConnectivity options, such as USB ports, HDMI, and SD card slots, are important for connecting peripherals and external devices. Lightweight laptops may have fewer ports to maintain a slim profile, so consider what devices you need to connect regularly. Look for laptops with at least a couple of USB ports, a headphone jack, and possibly an HDMI port for external displays. If you need more connectivity options, you might need to use adapters or docking stations.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now