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10 Best Lightweight 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; Sky Blue

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,375
Processor
RAM
Build Quality

Most important from
1196 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
9.7
Chosen by1,375
Processor
RAM
Build Quality

Most important from
1196 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.
#2

HP 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4020, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage, 14-inch Micro-edge HD Display, Windows 11 Home, Thin & Portable, 4K Graphics, One Year of Microsoft 365 (14-dq0040nr, Snowflake White)

Rating
9.4
Screen Size
Battery Life
RAM

Most important from
3459 reviews

Screen Size
Small touchpad and dim screen can be challenging, especially outdoors.
Battery Life
Long battery life, lasting up to 6.5 hours on a single charge.
RAM
Limited RAM affects multitasking capabilities; not suitable for gamers or designers.
Storage
64GB of storage may not be enough for some users.
Connectivity
Streaming video and connecting to larger displays via HDMI is surprisingly decent.

The HP 14 Laptop is an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight and portable device. Its thin and light design makes it easy to carry around, and the 14-inch HD micro-edge display with a 79% screen-to-body ratio offers a good viewing experience with more screen space and less bezel distraction. However, the resolution of 1366 x 768 may not provide the sharpest image quality compared to Full HD screens.

The Intel Celeron N4020 processor, coupled with 4 GB of RAM, is suitable for basic tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and streaming. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking. The 64 GB of eMMC storage is on the lower side and might not be sufficient for users with large storage needs, but it does offer faster boot times and reliability. The inclusion of Intel UHD Graphics 600 means it can handle some 4K content and older games, but it is not intended for heavy gaming or graphic-intensive tasks.

The build quality in Snowflake White gives it a stylish look, and the laptop comes with Windows 11 Home in S mode, which is streamlined for performance and security. Additionally, the one-year Microsoft 365 subscription is a nice bonus for productivity applications. Connectivity options are standard, with necessary ports available for typical usage. This laptop is best suited for students, casual users, or anyone needing a secondary device for everyday tasks. Those requiring more power or storage might want to consider other options.

Rating
9.4
Screen Size
Battery Life
RAM

Most important from
3459 reviews

Screen Size
Small touchpad and dim screen can be challenging, especially outdoors.
Battery Life
Long battery life, lasting up to 6.5 hours on a single charge.
RAM
Limited RAM affects multitasking capabilities; not suitable for gamers or designers.
Storage
64GB of storage may not be enough for some users.
Connectivity
Streaming video and connecting to larger displays via HDMI is surprisingly decent.
#3

HP 15.6" Business Laptop, Free Microsoft Office 2024 Lifetime License, Copilot AI Chat, HD Touchscreen Display, Intel 6-Core i3-1215U 4.4 GHz, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Long Battery Life, Windows 11 Pro

Rating
9.2
Weight
Processor

Most important from
472 reviews

Weight
The laptop feels lightweight yet sturdy, striking a good balance between portability and build quality.
Processor
Performance handles everyday business tasks like web browsing and Office applications very well, supporting multitasking without issue.

The HP 15.6" Business Laptop offers a solid package for those who need a mid-size lightweight laptop mainly for business or school use. It weighs around 3.75 pounds, which is reasonable but not the lightest in this category. The 15.6-inch touchscreen display is easy to interact with, but its HD resolution (1366 x 768) is on the lower side, so visuals won’t be as sharp or vibrant as on Full HD screens. The screen brightness is modest, which may affect visibility in very bright environments.

Powered by the 12th Gen Intel Core i3 processor with 6 cores, this laptop handles everyday tasks smoothly, and the 16GB of RAM ensures good multitasking performance. Storage is generous with a fast 1TB SSD, so you won’t need an external drive for most users. Battery life is somewhat limited, lasting about 5 to 6 hours under mixed use, which might be short if you are often away from a power source. However, the HP Fast Charge feature helps quickly recharge the battery.

Connectivity options are decent, including USB-C (though only for data, not charging or video), multiple USB-A ports, HDMI, and an SD card reader. The keyboard isn’t backlit, which could be a downside in dim lighting. Build quality is standard for a business laptop, with a slim profile but no premium materials highlighted. An appealing bonus is the pre-installed Microsoft Office 2024 with a lifetime license, which adds value for productivity users. Also, the inclusion of Windows 11 Pro suits professional environments with better security and management tools. This HP laptop suits users seeking a fair balance between performance, storage, and useful business features in a reasonably portable package, though those prioritizing a sharper screen, longer battery life, or lighter weight might consider other options.

Rating
9.2
Weight
Processor

Most important from
472 reviews

Weight
The laptop feels lightweight yet sturdy, striking a good balance between portability and build quality.
Processor
Performance handles everyday business tasks like web browsing and Office applications very well, supporting multitasking without issue.

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.

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