Best Small Laptop in 2025 (Top 8: Dell, Apple and More)

Discover the best compact and portable laptop models for your needs. Find the best small laptop for productivity and mobility.

In a world where bigger isn’t always better, small laptops are revolutionizing the way we work and play. Picture this: you’re at a bustling café, sipping your favorite brew, and all you need is your lightweight laptop to get things done. No bulky baggage, just pure efficiency.

Welcome to 2025! The best small laptops have arrived, offering incredible performance in compact designs. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable companion on the go, there’s a perfect fit for you. Let’s dive into the top contenders!

The Best Small Laptop

1
HP Spectre x360
Premium 2-in-1
HP Spectre x360
Versatile 2-in-1 with Stunning Display
9.5
Amazon.com
2
Dell XPS 13 9345
Best Performance
Dell XPS 13 9345
Next-Gen Performance with Copilot+ AI
9
Amazon.com
3
Apple MacBook Air 2025
Editor’s Choice
Apple MacBook Air 2025
Best Overall Laptop for Portability
9
Amazon.com
4
ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED
Eco-Friendly Choice
ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED
Ultra-Thin Laptop with OLED Display
8.5
Amazon.com
5
HP Pavilion Aero 13
HP Pavilion Aero 13
Powerful Performance in a Compact Design
8.5
Amazon.com
6
Lenovo Yoga 7 14
Lenovo Yoga 7 14
Powerful Business Laptop with Flexibility
8
Amazon.com
7
Acer Swift Go 14
Best Touchscreen Laptop
Acer Swift Go 14
AI Ready Laptop with Great Features
8
Amazon.com
8
Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9
Best Budget Option
Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9
Versatile 2-in-1 Functionality
7.5
Amazon.com

Premium 2-in-1
1

HP Spectre x360

Versatile 2-in-1 with Stunning Display
9.5/10
EXPERT SCORE

The HP Spectre x360 excels as a versatile 2-in-1 laptop, featuring an impressive OLED display and powerful internals. It's perfect for professionals who need flexibility without compromising on performance.

Amazon price updated: 16/08/2025 09:36

Why You'll Love It

  • High-resolution OLED touchscreen
  • Great performance with Intel Ultra 7
  • Stylish and premium design
  • Long battery life
  • Includes active pen

Drawbacks

  • Higher price tag
  • Weight is slightly more than competitors
  • Limited port selection

The HP Spectre x360 is a top-tier 2-in-1 laptop that offers exceptional performance and versatility. Featuring a 14-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2880 x 1800, it delivers stunning visuals that are perfect for both work and entertainment.

  • Performance: With an Intel Ultra 7 processor, 32GB of RAM, and 2TB of SSD storage, it can handle demanding applications with ease, making it a great option for creatives and professionals alike.

  • Design: Its sleek design and premium materials make it a standout device, while the 360-degree hinge allows you to use it in various modes—laptop, tablet, tent, or stand. The included active pen adds further versatility for drawing or note-taking.

  • Battery Life: The HP Spectre x360 offers impressive battery life, providing all-day usage for productivity tasks, media consumption, and more.


Best Performance
2

Dell XPS 13 9345

Next-Gen Performance with Copilot+ AI
9/10
EXPERT SCORE

The Dell XPS 13 9345 harnesses cutting-edge AI technology, ensuring top-tier performance and battery life in a compact design. It's a fantastic choice for demanding users.

Amazon price updated: 16/08/2025 09:36

Why You'll Love It

  • Incredible battery life
  • Cutting-edge AI performance
  • Compact and lightweight
  • High-resolution display
  • Premium build quality

Drawbacks

  • Expensive
  • Limited upgrade options
  • Some users may prefer more ports

The Dell XPS 13 9345 is a standout laptop that takes advantage of advanced AI technology for enhanced user experience. With a 13.4-inch FHD+ display and a design that emphasizes portability, it's perfect for professionals and students alike.

  • Performance: Powered by the Qualcomm 8-Core Snapdragon X Plus, this laptop offers exceptional multitasking capabilities, making it great for both work and play. Its 16GB of RAM ensures smooth operation even during heavy usage.

  • Battery Life: One of its standout features is the impressive battery life of up to 27 hours. This allows you to work or stream content for extended periods without needing a charger.

  • Design: The sleek and thin design is complemented by a premium build, making it not only functional but also visually appealing.


Editor’s Choice
3

Apple MacBook Air 2025

Best Overall Laptop for Portability
9/10
EXPERT SCORE

The 2025 MacBook Air introduces the M4 chip, delivering exceptional performance and battery life in a remarkably lightweight design. It's an ideal choice for both students and professionals seeking premium quality.

Amazon price updated: 16/08/2025 09:36

Why You'll Love It

  • Exceptional performance with M4 chip
  • Long battery life
  • High-quality Retina display
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Integrated Touch ID for security

Drawbacks

  • Limited ports
  • Higher price compared to others
  • Non-upgradable RAM

The 2025 MacBook Air is a powerful and portable laptop, perfect for anyone who values performance and design. Featuring the new M4 chip, it promises lightning-fast speeds and efficiency, allowing you to tackle demanding applications with ease.

  • Display: The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display ensures vibrant colors and sharp details, making it great for creative work or entertainment. The laptop's sleek aluminum design adds to its aesthetic appeal while maintaining durability.

  • Battery Life: With up to 20 hours of battery life, you can work or play throughout the day without worrying about recharging. This makes it particularly appealing for those on the go.

  • User Experience: The inclusion of a 12MP camera, upgraded speakers, and Touch ID enhances the overall user experience, making video calls and secure logins seamless.


Eco-Friendly Choice
4

ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED

Ultra-Thin Laptop with OLED Display
8.5/10
EXPERT SCORE

The ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED is lightweight and environmentally friendly while delivering excellent performance. It's a great option for those who prioritize portability and sustainability.

Why You'll Love It

  • Lightweight and ultra-thin
  • Stunning OLED display
  • Good performance with Core Ultra 7
  • Environmentally friendly design
  • Decent battery life

Drawbacks

  • May not have enough ports
  • Limited performance for heavy gaming
  • Some software bloat

The ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED is designed for users who want a lightweight, powerful laptop that also takes environmental impact into account. Weighing just 2.2 lbs, it is one of the lightest laptops available, making it ideal for travel.

  • Display: Its 13.3-inch OLED display offers vibrant colors and sharp images, making it perfect for media consumption or creative work. The high resolution ensures that your content looks stunning.

  • Performance: Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, it provides solid performance for everyday tasks, although it may struggle with more demanding applications or gaming.

  • Sustainability: ASUS has focused on creating a laptop that is more environmentally friendly, integrating sustainable materials into its design while maintaining performance and aesthetic appeal.


5

HP Pavilion Aero 13

Powerful Performance in a Compact Design
8.5/10
EXPERT SCORE

The HP Pavilion Aero 13 combines a lightweight design with strong performance, making it perfect for professionals on the move. Its vibrant display and solid build quality enhance the user experience significantly.

Why You'll Love It

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Strong performance with Ryzen 7
  • High-quality IPS display
  • Long battery life
  • Extensive connectivity options

Drawbacks

  • Higher price point
  • Limited upgradeability
  • Webcam quality could be better

The HP Pavilion Aero 13 is an excellent choice for professionals seeking a powerful yet portable laptop. With a 13.3-inch 1920x1200 IPS display, it provides stunning visuals that enhance productivity, whether you're working on spreadsheets or enjoying multimedia content.

  • Performance: Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, the Pavilion Aero handles multitasking with ease, making it perfect for intensive tasks or multi-window setups.

  • Design: Its sleek aluminum chassis not only looks good but also contributes to its lightweight nature, making it easy to carry around. The backlit keyboard and robust build quality ensure a comfortable typing experience.

  • Battery life: With Wi-Fi 6E and efficient power management, the Aero offers impressive battery life, allowing you to work through your day without needing to recharge frequently.


6

Lenovo Yoga 7 14

Powerful Business Laptop with Flexibility
8/10
EXPERT SCORE

The Lenovo Yoga 7 14 combines powerful performance with a 2-in-1 design, making it ideal for business professionals who need a reliable machine for various tasks.

Amazon price updated: 16/08/2025 09:36

Why You'll Love It

  • Powerful 12-core processor
  • Versatile 2-in-1 design
  • Good display and touch sensitivity
  • Ample storage
  • Thunderbolt 4 connectivity

Drawbacks

  • Could be heavier than competitors
  • Limited battery life under heavy use
  • Only one USB-A port

The Lenovo Yoga 7 14 is designed for professionals seeking power and flexibility in their devices. Its 14-inch WUXGA IPS touchscreen offers vibrant visuals, making it perfect for presentations and creative projects.

  • Performance: Powered by the Intel 12-core Ultra 5 125U processor and 16GB of RAM, it can handle demanding applications with ease. The 512GB SSD provides ample storage for all your files.

  • Design: The 2-in-1 form factor allows you to use it in various modes, making it suitable for presentations, note-taking, or watching media. The backlit keyboard ensures usability in low light.

  • Connectivity: With Thunderbolt 4, you can connect to multiple devices and high-resolution displays, enhancing its utility for business users.


Best Touchscreen Laptop
7

Acer Swift Go 14

AI Ready Laptop with Great Features
8/10
EXPERT SCORE

The Acer Swift Go 14 offers innovative features and a stunning touchscreen, making it a great choice for those looking for both performance and versatility in a small package.

Amazon price updated: 16/08/2025 09:36

Why You'll Love It

  • AI-powered features
  • Stunning 14" touchscreen
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Good performance with Intel Core Ultra 7
  • Long battery life

Drawbacks

  • Average webcam quality
  • Limited gaming capacity
  • Some bloatware pre-installed

The Acer Swift Go 14 is a stylish and powerful laptop designed for users who want the latest technology in a lightweight form factor. With its 14-inch WUXGA touchscreen display, it not only looks good but also provides an interactive experience that enhances productivity.

  • Performance: Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and 16GB of RAM, it handles everyday tasks smoothly and is capable of multitasking. The inclusion of Intel ARC graphics allows for basic gaming and creative tasks.

  • Design: Weighing just under 3 pounds, it's easy to carry around, making it suitable for students and professionals alike. The sleek chassis and modern design elements add to its appeal.

  • Battery Life: With a battery life of approximately 12.5 hours, you can rely on it for a full day of work or study without needing to recharge.


Best Budget Option
8

Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9

Versatile 2-in-1 Functionality
7.5/10
EXPERT SCORE

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 offers a flexible design that easily transitions between a laptop and a tablet. It combines affordability with decent performance for everyday tasks like browsing and document editing.

Amazon price updated: 16/08/2025 09:36

Why You'll Love It

  • Affordable price point
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Touchscreen display
  • Good battery life
  • Versatile 2-in-1 design

Drawbacks

  • Limited performance for heavy tasks
  • Small storage capacity
  • Chrome OS may not suit everyone

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 is designed for users needing flexibility without breaking the bank. With a lightweight build, it easily transforms from a laptop to a tablet, making it ideal for students or casual users. The 10.95-inch WUXGA display offers crisp visuals, allowing you to enjoy media or work on documents with clarity.

  • Performance: Powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor and 8GB of RAM, it handles everyday applications smoothly. However, it may struggle with more demanding software, so it's best suited for browsing, streaming, and light productivity tasks.

  • Design: Its sleek aluminum chassis and Corning glass add a touch of elegance, while the included keyboard and digital pen enhance usability. The Chromebook is also designed with a kickstand for easy viewing.

  • Battery life: Users can expect satisfactory battery life, lasting through a typical day of use without needing a charge. This makes it a reliable companion for on-the-go tasks.


Final Thoughts on the Best Small Laptop

best small laptop

If you want the ultimate blend of portability and power, the Apple MacBook Air 2025 with its M4 chip is your best bet. It’s lightweight, powerful, and provides exceptional battery life. For those seeking versatility and a stunning display, look no further than the HP Spectre x360—it’s a 2-in-1 marvel that adapts to your needs, whether you're working or unwinding. Choose one of these, and you won't be disappointed!


How to Choose the Best Small Laptop

Looking for the best small laptop for studying? Small laptops offer portability, convenience, and solid performance for everyday student needs. But choosing the right model requires attention to several key features—like the operating system, screen quality, processor, and battery life. Here’s a complete guide to help you make a smart decision.

Best 13-Inch Laptop


Pick an Operating System That Works for You

When searching for the best small laptop, consider an operating system you're already familiar with. The top three options are:

  • Windows: Versatile and widely supported. Perfect for schoolwork, web browsing, and office tools.
  • macOS: Great for users already in the Apple ecosystem. Seamless integration with iPhones and iPads makes it a strong choice.
  • Chrome OS: Lightweight and ideal for fast boot-ups and online tasks. Great for basic academic use and cloud-based learning.

Some tech-savvy students also opt for Linux, especially for programming or computer engineering tasks, due to its flexibility and open-source tools.

Best Laptops Under 1500


Small Screens Offer Big Portability

One of the biggest advantages of the best small laptops is their screen size. Models from 11.6" to 13.3" are easy to carry and fit perfectly in a backpack.

When considering screen quality, look at the resolution:

  • HD (720p): Good for basic tasks like typing or web browsing.
  • Full HD (1080p): Sharp visuals for watching lectures, streaming videos, and multitasking.
  • WQXGA (2560 × 1600): Great for design work, with a taller aspect ratio (16:10) that gives more vertical space.

Some compact laptops include touchscreen displays, ideal for note-taking or creative work. Convertible 2-in-1 models offer even more flexibility by transforming into a tablet.

Best Laptop For Video Editing


Choose the Right Processor for Your Academic Needs

The processor plays a major role in how smooth your laptop runs. Even the best small laptops vary in performance, so choose wisely:

  • Apple M1: High-speed performance and long battery life. Ideal for multitasking, editing, or creative work.
  • Intel Celeron: Basic tasks like document editing or web browsing.
  • Intel Core i3: Handles everyday use with ease.
  • Intel Core i5: Offers a good balance of speed and efficiency.
  • Intel Core i7: Great for more demanding tasks like video editing or data analysis.
  • AMD Ryzen 3: Similar to Core i3, perfect for school and general use.

Newer generations of processors are typically more energy-efficient and faster than older ones, even at the same tier.

Best Laptops Under 200


Integrated Graphics Are Good Enough for Most Users

Small laptops often use integrated graphics, which are built into the processor. These are sufficient for common school tasks, video playback, and light editing.

Top integrated options include:

  • Intel UHD Graphics: Handles HD content and basic media smoothly.
  • AMD Radeon Graphics: Energy-efficient and suitable for occasional gaming or graphics work.
  • Apple M1 GPU: Delivers excellent performance for visual work in a small, quiet laptop.

For heavy-duty gaming or 3D rendering, you’ll need a dedicated GPU—but those are rare in small laptops and reduce battery life.

Best Laptop For Photoshop


Aim for at Least 4GB of RAM

For basic tasks like note-taking, web browsing, and streaming, 4GB of RAM is the minimum. However, 8GB RAM will ensure better multitasking and smoother performance, especially if you run multiple apps at once.

Some small laptops support RAM upgrades, which is useful if you want to boost performance in the future.

Best Laptop With Good Battery


Storage: Choose SSD for Speed

Small laptops come with a variety of storage options. Here’s what to look for:

  • HDD: High capacity but slower and bulkier—rare in small laptops.
  • SSD: Fast boot-up and load times, ideal for students who value speed.
  • eMMC: Common in budget small laptops; fast but limited to 32GB–64GB.

For performance, SSD is the best choice—even with less space. Just remember to keep around 20% free space for smooth operation. You can always add an external drive for backups or large files.

Best Laptop With Large Screen


Battery Life and Weight Matter

The best small laptops shine in portability. Choose one with at least 6 hours of battery life to get through long study sessions without needing to recharge.

Weight is another key factor—models between 2.5 lbs and 3.5 lbs are easy to carry all day. Perfect for commuting, attending classes, or studying in cafés and libraries.

Best Laptop For Music Production

Check Out the Best Small Laptop

Still not sure which one to choose? Click the link below to see the best-selling products.

Best Sellers on Amazon

Also Check Out Other Helpful Articles

Take a look at more useful articles that can help you make more informed decisions.

Video About the Best Small Laptop

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About the Author

Matthew King
Matthew King

Matthew King has a keen interest in digital media and content writing. He approaches each project with attention to detail and a goal to make content accessible.

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