In today's market, any laptop that is thin, light, and sufficiently powerful can be classified as an ultrabook, with the exception of gaming laptops. Although the term "ultrabook" originated from Intel's marketing to denote high-end, premium laptops, it now encompasses devices beyond those powered solely by Intel. At their essence, ultrabooks are designed to provide exceptional productivity performance while maintaining a slim, lightweight, and highly portable form factor. These laptops are engineered to be reliable, ensuring that you won't be weighed down or constantly tethered to a charger.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Ultrabooks:
Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16
0See it at Best BuySee it at Asus
### Razer Blade 14
0See it at Razer
### Microsoft Surface Laptop 11
0See it at Amazon
### Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max)
0See it at AmazonToday's top ultrabooks are impressive, offering remarkable capabilities despite their compact size and weight. Our current top pick, the Asus Zenbook S 16, rivals high-end desktops in performance while consuming minimal power and operating quietly. From budget-friendly options to powerful machines capable of 4K video editing and more, here are the best ultrabooks you can purchase right now.
Asus Zenbook S 16 – Photos
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1. Asus Zenbook S 16
Best Ultrabook in 2025
Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16
0The Asus Zenbook S 16 stands as a compelling Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. It's incredibly easy to carry and a delight to use.See it at Best BuySee it at AsusProduct SpecificationsDisplay16" (2880 x 1800)CPUAMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370GPUAMD Radeon 890MRAM32GB LPDDR5XStorage1TB PCIe SSDWeight3.31 poundsSize13.92" x 9.57" x 0.47" - 0.51"Battery lifeAround 15 hoursPROSDual OLED screensExceptionally thin and lightOutstanding performance with all-day battery lifeBeautiful 3K OLED touchscreenImpressive gaming performanceCONSSome keyboard flexAfter thorough testing and review, the Asus Zenbook S 16 emerges as the premier ultrabook available today. With a sleek profile of just 13mm at its thickest point and a feather-light weight of only 3.31lbs, it boasts exceptional portability. It offers stellar battery life, a stunning OLED display, and unmatched gaming performance for an integrated GPU, outshining even dedicated portable gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally X and Ayaneo Kun. This ultrabook truly encompasses the pinnacle of what an ultrabook should be.
The Zenbook S 16 epitomizes the ultrabook ideal, being light enough to be almost unnoticeable and slim enough to slip into any bag with ease. Its performance is top-tier among ultrabooks, driven by the advanced AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, which ensures minimal power consumption and noise. Connectivity is robust, featuring two USB Type-C ports, a full-size USB Type-A, an SD card reader, and an HDMI-out port, making it versatile for use with a high-quality portable monitor.
The display is a standout feature, with a sharp 2880x1880 resolution and vibrant colors. As an OLED panel, it delivers deep blacks and a brightness of 500 nits, ensuring visibility and quality in various settings.
Capping off its impressive features is a battery life of up to 15 hours, making the Asus Zenbook S 16 a definitive example of ultrabook excellence.
HP Pavilion Aero 13
Best Budget Ultrabook
### HP Pavilion Aero 13
0Priced under $800, this laptop offers incredible value. See it at HPProduct SpecificationsDisplay13.3” 2K (1,920 x 1,200) IPS CPUAMD Ryzen 5 8840URAM16GB DDR5 6,400MHzStorage512MB NVMe SSDWeight2.2 poundsSize 11.7" x 8.31" x 0.69"Battery lifeAround 12 hoursPROSGreat balance of price and performanceFast processor and ample memoryUltraportable designAll-day battery lifeCONSLimited storageFor those seeking an affordable ultrabook, the HP Pavilion Aero 13 is an excellent choice. At less than $800, it features a swift AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 16GB of DDR5 memory, ensuring smooth operation across productivity tasks and multitasking. Its slim and light design makes it perfect for daily carry without feeling cumbersome.
Given its price point, the value it provides is remarkable. The combination of processor and memory makes it a versatile tool for most tasks, though it's not suited for gaming. The integrated graphics are decent, allowing for some gaming at lower settings.
The primary limitation is its storage, with only 512GB available, part of which is occupied by Windows. If local storage is a priority, consider pairing it with an external hard drive. Nonetheless, its compact size and lightweight build more than compensate for this minor drawback.
Razer Blade 14 (2024) – Photos
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3. Razer Blade 14
Best Ultrabook for Gaming
### Razer Blade 14
0Featuring a stunning and fast QHD+ display with powerful internals in a sleek chassis, this 14-inch luxury laptop is ideal for gaming on the go.See it at RazerProduct SpecificationsDisplay14” QHD+ (2,560 x 1,600) IPS 240HzCPUAMD Ryzen 9 8945HSGPUNvidia RTX 4070RAM16GB DDR5 5,700MHzStorage1TB NVMe SSDWeight4.05 poundsSize 12.73" x 8.97" x 0.70"Battery lifeAround 9-10 hoursPROSExcellent gaming performance240Hz displayCONSShallow keyboardCombining PC gaming with portability often requires compromises, but the Razer Blade 14 minimizes these. It packs powerful hardware into a laptop weighing just over 4lbs and less than an inch thick. The 14-inch 240Hz QHD+ display, with its 16:10 aspect ratio, might take some getting used to, but it's the internals that truly impress.
Powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, this laptop can handle any game thrown at it and excel at video editing. Its 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB SSD ensure smooth performance, while Wi-Fi 7 support offers fast connectivity. It can also be connected to a gaming monitor via its full-size HDMI port.
Our 2024 review praised the Razer Blade 14 for its exceptional performance and luxurious build, though it's undeniably pricey.
See more of the best gaming laptops to buy right now.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 11
Best for Students
### Microsoft Surface Laptop 11
0This colorful laptop offers a Snapdragon processor, ample memory and storage, and impressive battery life.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsDisplay13.8" (2304 x 1536)CPUSnapdragon X Plus to Snapdragon X EliteGPUQualcomm AdrenoRAM16GB - 32GB LPDDR5XStorage256GB - 1TB PCIe SSDWeight2.96 poundsSize11.85" x 8.67" x 0.69"Battery lifeUp to 20 hoursPROSGreat performanceLots of fun color optionsLong battery lifeCONSSome apps aren't compatibleIf you need a reliable laptop for school that won't strain your back, the latest Surface Laptop or Surface Pro 2-in-1 fits the bill. Equipped with powerful Snapdragon Plus and Snapdragon Elite processors, ample memory and storage, and battery life that can last through multiple workdays, it's an ideal choice. For this list, we recommend the Surface Laptop, though the Surface Pro is also excellent for those who prefer a convertible form factor (and don't mind purchasing a keyboard case).
Microsoft has significantly upgraded these devices from the previous generation, offering more memory and storage options. Even the base model, with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, delivers solid performance. The Snapdragon processors are highly efficient, with battery life rated up to 20 hours for video playback and up to 13 hours for web browsing and productivity. Fast charging allows the battery to reach 80% in an hour.
The downside is that not all apps are compatible with Snapdragon processors. However, built-in emulation helps mitigate this issue, and the list of compatible apps is growing. Check the expanding list of compatible apps to ensure the ones you need for school are supported.
Asus Zenbook S 14
Best for Business
### Asus Zenbook S 14
0This ultra-portable laptop offers incredible battery life, snappy performance, and a stunning OLED touchscreen display.See it at AsusSee it at Best Buy Product SpecificationsDisplay14" (2880 x 1800)CPUIntel Core Ultra 7 258VGPUIntel ArcRAM32GB LPDDR5XStorage1TB PCIe SSDWeight2.65 poundsSize12.22" x 8.45" x 0.51"Battery life15+ hoursPROSThinner, lighter, and more powerfulGreat battery lifeImproved gaming performanceGorgeous OLED touchscreenCONSNo microSD card readerThe Asus Zenbook S 14, a smaller counterpart to the top pick on this list, stands out for its perfect balance of processing power and battery life. In testing using Procyon's battery test, it lasted over 16 hours, allowing for multiple workdays between charges. Its performance remained smooth, even when using creative apps like Adobe Photoshop or productivity suites like Microsoft Office or Google Drive.
The ultra-portability of the S 14 makes it an ideal choice for daily carry. Weighing just over 2.5lbs and less than half an inch thick, it's effortless to transport and fits easily into a packed bag.
For light gaming between meetings, the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and Intel Arc graphics provide surprisingly capable performance. At a reduced resolution of 1200p, you can enjoy games like Cyberpunk 2077 at 30-60fps, with the OLED screen enhancing the visual experience.
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max)
Best Ultrabook for Creatives
### Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max)
0The 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Max chip is the most powerful Mac ever produced.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsDisplay16.2" (3456 x 2234)CPUM3 MaxGPUIntegrated (40-core)RAM48GB - 128GBStorage1TB - 8TB SSDWeight4.8 poundsSize14.01" x 9.77" x 0.66"Battery lifeUp to 22 hoursPROSIncredibly powerful for a laptopHighly configurableVery good battery lifeThin and comparatively lightCONSCan easily get very expensiveFor creative professionals, the Apple MacBook Pro remains the top choice, particularly the M3 Max version, which excels in video editing, rendering art assets, and other demanding tasks. Its performance is unparalleled for a laptop, making it a favorite among professional creators.
The MacBook Pro 16 offers extensive configurability, with options for 16-core or 18-core M3 Max processors, up to 128GB of memory, and up to 8TB of storage. While the standard M3 Pro version is $1,500 cheaper and sufficient for most creators, the M3 Max's default 1TB SSD is a significant advantage. All versions feature the same exceptional liquid retina display, widely regarded as one of the best on any laptop.
Beyond its power, the MacBook Pro is supported by a robust ecosystem of creative applications. Apple's long-standing commitment to creative tools ensures a wide range of apps are available, and you can even add licenses for Logic and Final Cut Pro during checkout.
While Windows machines can also serve creative professionals well, opting for a MacBook means embracing the Apple ecosystem, which may limit choices for peripherals. However, many creatives find this trade-off worthwhile for the powerful tools and seamless integration it offers.
How We Chose the Best Ultrabooks
To identify the best ultrabooks, we first define the essential qualities that distinguish an ultrabook from a standard lightweight laptop. An ultrabook must be thin, light, offer extended battery life, and be dedicated to high-performance productivity. Gaming capability is a bonus.
We start by evaluating ultrabooks we've reviewed and used, then consult other expert sources and major offerings from reputable brands. Critical impressions, benchmark scores, and real-world performance are all taken into account. We also consider user reviews, Reddit recommendations, and community feedback to ensure the ultrabooks enhance the lives of real users daily.
Our list is then categorized to help recommend the best ultrabook for various user types, whether you're a professional, student, or someone who needs a versatile device for work and play.
Things to Consider When Shopping for an Ultrabook
Purchasing an ultrabook is a significant investment, so it's crucial to consider your budget and needs carefully. Setting a maximum budget helps you select the right ultrabook without overspending. If budget is a concern, you might need to compromise on specs, such as opting for 8GB of DDR5 or DDR4 RAM instead of 16GB.
If gaming isn't a priority, integrated graphics like Intel Iris XE or Intel Arc will suffice, allowing you to allocate funds to other features. However, if you can afford it, choosing an ultrabook with the latest hardware will ensure it remains relevant longer. Consider 14th Gen Intel i5 or i7 CPUs, AMD Ryzen 7000 or 9000 series processors, and RTX 4000-series or AMD Radeon 7000-series GPUs for future-proofing.
FAQs
What is an ultrabook laptop?
Originally coined by Intel in 2011, the term "ultrabook" refers to laptops that are exceptionally thin, light, and powered by high-performance hardware. Today, the term is used more broadly to include laptops that, while not necessarily the most powerful, are highly portable and capable of handling daily productivity tasks with ease. Most ultrabooks also offer extended battery life to last through a full workday.
Is a MacBook considered an ultrabook?
While MacBooks aren't officially classified as ultrabooks due to being Apple products, they embody the ultrabook concept with their powerful yet lightweight design and macOS operating system.
Are ultrabooks good for gaming?
Ultrabooks are not designed for gaming like dedicated gaming laptops. However, many newer ultrabooks can handle gaming at lower settings or resolutions, thanks to advancements in integrated graphics by Intel and AMD. Cloud gaming is also a viable option, requiring a subscription to services like Xbox Game Pass or Nvidia GeForce Now.
