Best Products Computer & Laptops The 7 Best Ultrabooks of 2021 Shop for these slim and lightweight laptops by Anton Galang Writer Anton Galang has 10+ years' experience writing and editing for publications like PC Magazine and PCMag.com. He specializes in consumer tech. our editorial process Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Anton Galang Updated on January 15, 2021 Computer & Laptops Audio Camera & Video Car Audio & Accessories Computer & Laptops Computer Components Gaming Gifts Networking Phones & Accessories Smart Home Software Tablets Toys & Games TVs Wearables View More Tweet Share Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. The Rundown Most Popular: Huawei MateBook X Pro at Amazon Runner-Up, Best Overall: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon at Amazon Best 2-in-1: Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 at Amazon Runner-Up, Best 2-in-1: HP Spectre x360 15 at Best Buy Best Splurge: Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 at Amazon Best for Battery Life: Asus Asus ExpertBook B9450 at Amazon Best Mac: Apple MacBook Pro at Amazon The best ultrabooks have a whole lot going for them. These laptops are lightweight. They’re paper-thin. They’re elegantly designed. And they pack as much of a punch as many bigger, bulkier laptops, making them powerful tools for on-the-go creatives and professionals of all types. It takes high-quality hardware to hit such high levels of performance while maintaining portability and all-day battery life, so be prepared for most ultrabooks to come with premium price tags. There’s also a wide array of options available with different brands, operating systems, and internal specs, so use our guide here to make sure you’re investing in the ideal ultrabook for you. Most Popular: Huawei MateBook X Pro 3.9 Buy on Amazon Buy on Huawei.com What We Like Beautiful 14-inch 3K display Nice keyboard Strong performance with discrete graphics What We Don't Like Pricey No 4K resolution With resemblances in everything from name to appearance, it’s very possible to mistake Huawei’s MateBook X Pro for an Apple MacBook Pro. The most significant difference, though, is that those who prefer Windows laptops don’t have to switch to macOS to enjoy similarly sophisticated design. The inspiration is clear in MateBook X Pro’s minimalist aesthetic and half-inch-thin aluminum frame, with a 2.9-pound weight and sturdy build that makes it ideal for commutes. Our reviewer even liked the keyboard’s responsiveness and amount of travel more than the MacBook Pro’s. Our tester’s favorite feature of the MateBook X Pro, though, was its stellar touchscreen display. At a resolution of 3000x2000 pixels (3K), it offers superior detail and a uniquely tall 3:2 aspect ratio, without bumping all the way up to 4K. And thanks to nearly non-existent bezels surrounding it, the 13.9-inch screen is slightly larger than its closest 13-inch competitors from Apple and Dell. The MateBook X Pro’s particular set of premium features does make it slightly more expensive than those competitors, but there’s no question about its performance as a high-end machine. The 2020 model gives you a choice of 10th-generation Intel Core processors—either an i5 paired with 8GB of RAM, or an i7 with 16GB of RAM for even more productive power. You also get a dedicated Nvidia GeForce MX250 GPU that provides a boost for 3D graphics and gaming, though it’s not meant for the highest framerates and settings. Huawei MateBook X Pro Signature Edition Review “As a longtime, everyday MacBook Pro user, my transition to the MateBook X Pro has been pretty seamless.” — Andrew Hayward, Product Tester Runner-Up, Best Overall: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Buy on Amazon Buy on Lenovo What We Like Durable, portable build Excellent ThinkPad keyboard Business-oriented features What We Don't Like Relatively basic design Middling webcam Lenovo’s well-established line of ThinkPads are known for being among the best business laptops around, but the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is simply a top-of-the-line modern ultrabook by any standard. The 8th-generation model can be equipped with up to an Intel Core i7-10610U processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB solid state drive (SSD). That’s more than enough oomph for just about any professional tasks, and you can stay busy all day long with up to a listed 19.5-hour battery life on a 1080p Full HD display. You can also opt for 4K resolution on the 14-inch screen for extra clarity at the expense of faster battery drain. Visually, the matte-black X1 Carbon might not look too flashy, but it’s expertly engineered to survive being dragged around to even the most extreme work conditions. Though it weighs a feathery 2.4 pounds, the carbon-fiber-reinforced frame has been tested to hold up against 12 military-grade durability standards, so it won’t have a problem with everyday bumps, drops, and spills. It also features the comfortable and responsive backlit keyboard that ThinkPad users have come to love, complete with the iconic red TrackPoint navigation “nub” right in the middle. The 10 Best Business Laptops of 2021 “When picking out my own Lenovo laptop, I appreciated how many options there were for finding exactly the right hardware configuration to meet your needs.” — Anton Galang, Lifewire Writer Best 2-in-1: Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 Laptop 4.6 Buy on Amazon Buy on Dell What We Like Slim and well-crafted Versatile 2-in-1 format Bright 16:10 ratio display What We Don't Like Mediocre webcam Limited ports The XPS 13 was already a leading contender among Dell laptops and ultraportables in general, but as a 2-in-1 laptop-tablet, it reaches new dimensions of versatility. Dell clearly put a lot of care into the sleek-yet-functional convertible design, which revolves around a sturdy 360-degree hinge. When flipped to touchscreen tablet mode, its sub-3-pound weight and 13.4-inch screen make it very practical to use. It’s easy to hold in your hands, while offering plenty of room to work on its 1920x1200-pixel display (a tad more height than the standard 1080p). A downside to the compact size (razor-thin at 0.6 inches) is that there’s no room for full USB-A ports. The keyboard is also relatively shallow, but should prove comfortable enough for typical users’ typing sessions. The latest iteration of the XPS 13 2-in-1 sees minor but impactful improvements, particularly an IR camera for facial recognition. It also keeps up on the performance side by way of the newest and fastest Intel Core processors, including 11th-generation chips on the 2020 machines. Coupled with Intel’s advanced integrated Iris Xe graphics, the XPS 13 2-in-1 becomes a multi-purpose powerhouse that lets you switch seamlessly from a productive day at your desk to lounging on the couch for some streaming TV or gaming. Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 Laptop Review “It’s nicely designed, lightweight, and packs a big, high-resolution touchscreen display.” — Nick Jaynes, Product Tester Runner-Up, Best 2-in-1: HP Spectre x360 15 4.6 Buy on Best Buy Buy on HP What We Like Large, stunning 4K AMOLED display Powerful hardware High-quality speakers What We Don't Like Somewhat bulky as a tablet Unimpressive battery life Can a slim, portable ultrabook still be big, bold, and beautiful? The eye-catching Spectre x360 15 2-in-1 from HP certainly makes a case. It manages to fit in a touchscreen with an expansive 15.6-inch diagonal, with the option for 4K resolution and AMOLED technology that come together for unparalleled contrast, color, and crispness. The size makes it slightly unwieldy to use as a tablet, but the flexibility is still convenient to have. The bright, vivid display also takes a toll on battery life—you can make it through most of the day, but you’ll want to keep a power source close by. As you can imagine, the Spectre x360 15’s exceptional display is perfect for working with photos, videos, or any kind of media, and it packs the hardware to support it. Decked out with up to a six-core Intel Core i7 10750H processor, discrete Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage, you have content creation performance that can rival much larger machines. Plus, if you’re working with or particular about audio, four strong, custom-tuned Bang & Olufsen speakers pump out better sound quality than you can expect from most other laptops. HP Spectre x360 15t Touch Laptop Review “Instead of flat edges and square angles, the edges of this beauty are cut to reveal shining metal surfaces that catch the light and draw the eye.” — Jeremy Laukkonen, Product Tester Best Splurge: Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 4.1 Buy on Amazon Buy on B&H Photo Video Buy on Microsoft What We Like High-quality design Comfortable keyboard Solid performance and battery life What We Don't Like Lacking in ports Touchscreen but no tablet mode Microsoft has built up its Surface line of touchscreen laptops with a strong, diverse stable of options, and the Surface Laptop 3 is its latest representative of the traditional clamshell format. It’s a slick 13.5-inch ultrabook (with a 15-inch version also available) that simply makes blending performance and portability look easy. Its quad-core 10th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor are about the fastest you can get while maintaining essentially all-day battery life. The 13.5-inch model only includes integrated Intel Iris Plus graphics, though, so you’ll want a configuration with a dedicated graphics card if you’re planning on more heavy-duty gaming or video editing. The quality design of the Surface Laptop 3 is easily visible from its minimalist aluminum exterior (available in several color options), but it applies to practical matters, too. The keys are a joy to type on, the touchpad is large and responsive, and Alcantara fabric is now optional for the deck around the keyboard. Our tester also appreciated the decent 720p webcam, unlike other ultrabooks where this tends to be a neglected feature. The Surface Laptop 3 does make concessions with its port selection, but at least it now has a USB-C input, plus a Surface Connect port for extra connectivity via Microsoft’s Surface Dock. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Review “The keyboard is nice and snappy, with comfortably spaced keys and just the right amount of travel.” — Jeremy Laukkonen, Product Tester Best for Battery Life: Asus ExpertBook B9450FA 14" Laptop Buy on Amazon Buy on Best Buy Buy on B&H Photo Video What We Like Remarkable 24-hour battery life Light and thin LED number pad in touchpad What We Don't Like More powerful alternatives available Only 1080p display Asus bills the ExpertBook B9450 as the world’s lightest 14-inch business laptop, and its 2.2-pound starting weight is certainly impressive. But what makes it stand out even more among other ultraportables is its battery life—depending on your settings, it can last a whopping 24 hours before needing a charge. There’s currently no other laptop that can match that. That means you can take the ExpertBook B9450 around all day without fear of losing power, and if you bring along a spare portable battery charger, you’ll definitely be set. Plus, with military-grade durability certification, you don’t have to worry about drops, spills, or extreme temperatures, either. Of course, all this portability wouldn’t mean much if it couldn’t handle the tasks you want it to take on. Fortunately, that’s no concern for its Intel Core i7-10510U chip, 16GB RAM, and up to a massive 2TB of SSD hard drive space. Asus has even thrown in a few other unique modern touches. The screen’s hinge lifts the keyboard up to a more natural typing angle, which also improves airflow for the cooling vents. And laptops this size can’t usually fit a dedicated number pad, but on the ExpertBook B9450, you can switch on an LED number pad right on the touchpad. Finally, a small light bar in the front shines blue when the built-in Alexa voice assistant is activated. The 6 Best Laptop Battery Chargers of 2021 Best Mac: Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020) Buy on Amazon Buy on Best Buy Buy on Apple What We Like Superior performance from Apple chip Excellent battery life Maintains beloved design What We Don't Like Only two USB-C ports No touchscreen option Apple’s latest 13-inch MacBook Pro looks essentially identical to the generations before it. For some laptops, this might be a sign of a design getting stale. Fortunately for the MacBook Pro, this design is an attractive, still-contemporary look that has drawn legions of fans (and imitators). It measures a portable 3 pounds and 0.6-inches thick and comes in silver or space gray. The 2560x1600-pixel retina display is as sharp, colorful, and bright as ever. The keyboard and touchpad are comfy and precise. On the downside, the design still offers only two USB-C Thunderbolt ports for multipurpose connectivity and charging. On the inside, however, the MacBook Pro 13-inch has experienced some game-changing upgrades as it becomes one of the first devices to feature Apple’s very own M1 chip. From her time with the machine, our reviewer came to the same conclusions as testers around the industry: the M1 and its 8-core CPU gives Mac systems lightning-fast performance that should have competitors worried. All apps and functions run remarkably smooth and snappy, including games available for Macs. Plus, battery life with the efficient M1 is among the best you’ll find in a laptop, lasting 18 to 20 hours playing high-res video. Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020) Review “This year's MacBook represents the best value we've seen in an Apple laptop for some time.” — Alice Newcome-Beill, Product Tester Final Verdict Standards are already high for ultrabooks in terms of portability and performance, and the Huawei MateBook X Pro is a popular choice for its superb 3K touchscreen and impressive specs. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon from Lenovo is also an excellent all-around choice, especially for business users in the market for a laptop that’s both durable and powerfully productive. For those looking for a Mac, the current MacBook Pro 13-inch sports the same appealing design but with major boosts to performance and battery life from Apple’s new M1 chip. About our Trusted Experts Andrew Hayward is a Chicago-based writer who has been covering technology and video games since 2006. His areas of expertise include smartphones, wearable gadgets, smart home devices, video games, and esports. Nick Jaynes is a Lifewire reviewer and writer who has also worked for Mashable and Digital Trends, among others. He holds a degree in online media journalism and has interests in automotive tech and photography. Jeremy Laukkonen is a Lifewire writer who takes pride in helping readers understand complex technology, even creating a video game startup and the automotive blog crankSHIFT. He uses an HP Spectre x360 15t ultrabook to tackle work on the road. Alice Newcome-Beill is a product tester and associate commerce editor for Lifewire. She has been digging into computer hardware and gaming from an early age and has also written for PCMag, PC Gamer, and GamesRadar. Anton Galang has a background in journalism and years of editorial experience in the fields of technology and journalism. He has previously worked for PC Magazine before writing and reviewing for Lifewire. What to Look for in an Ultrabook Performance - While even the best Ultrabook won't exactly do laps around a gaming laptop, you're going to want a machine that can still handle a variety of productivity tasks without much trouble. This means making sure that the CPU and RAM are up to snuff as well as making sure that it can support a solid Wi-Fi connection. Battery Life - Ultrabooks are intended to be portable, but that won't mean much if you have to lug a charger along with you. Some Ultrabooks can last over 20 hours on a single charge but barring that, a laptop that can be charged via USB-C offers a little more versatility. Weight - An Ultrabook that weighs more than 5 pounds is just a laptop. If you're going to be toting a machine around with you everywhere, it'd better be slim and light. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Thank you for signing up. Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit