In today's tech landscape, the term "ultrabook" has evolved beyond its origins with Intel to describe any high-performance, slim, and lightweight laptop—excluding gaming laptops. An ultrabook is designed to provide exceptional productivity without the bulk, ensuring you can work efficiently on the go without constantly needing to charge.

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 AmazonThe best ultrabooks today surprise with their capability despite their sleek and lightweight design. Our top pick, the Asus Zenbook S 16, rivals high-end desktops in performance while maintaining a low power footprint and quiet operation. From budget-friendly models to powerful machines capable of 4K video editing, these are the top ultrabooks available now.

Asus Zenbook S 16 – Photos

19 Images1. Asus Zenbook S 16

Best Ultrabook in 2025

Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16

0The Asus Zenbook S 16 is a compelling Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. It's easy to carry and a pleasure 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 batteryBeautiful 3K OLED touchscreenImpressive gaming performanceCONSSome keyboard flexAfter testing and reviewing the Asus Zenbook S 16, it's clear it's the best overall ultrabook available today. At just 13mm thick and weighing only 3.31 pounds, it combines fantastic battery life with a stunning OLED display. It delivers top-tier gaming performance, even outperforming portable gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally X and Ayaneo Kun. This ultrabook exemplifies portability and performance, with efficient power use and minimal noise, thanks to its cutting-edge AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU. It also boasts superior connectivity with two USB Type-C ports, a full-size USB Type-A, an SD card reader, and an HDMI-out for use with a portable monitor.

The display offers a crisp 2880x1880 resolution and vibrant colors, and as an OLED panel, it provides deep blacks and a brightness of 500 nits, making it usable in any environment. With a battery life of up to 15 hours, the Asus Zenbook S 16 sets a new standard for what an ultrabook can achieve.

2. HP Pavilion Aero 13

Best Budget Ultrabook

### HP Pavilion Aero 13

0At under $800, this laptop offers excellent value. See it at HPProduct SpecificationsDisplay13.3” 2K (1,920 x 1,200) IPSCPUAMD Ryzen 5 8840URAM16GB DDR5 6,400MHzStorage512MB NVMe SSDWeight2.2 poundsSize11.7" 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 a standout choice. Priced below $800, it features a swift Ryzen 5 processor and 16GB of DDR5 memory, ensuring smooth performance for productivity tasks. Its ultraportable design makes it easy to carry throughout the day without feeling weighed down.

While the price is remarkably competitive, the 512GB of storage may be a limitation, particularly with Windows taking up a portion of that space. Consider pairing it with an external hard drive for additional storage. Despite this, its compact size and lightweight construction make it an attractive option for those prioritizing portability.

Razer Blade 14 (2024) – Photos

8 Images3. Razer Blade 14

Best Ultrabook for Gaming

### Razer Blade 14

0With its stunning and fast QHD+ display and powerful internals in a sleek chassis, this 14-inch luxury laptop is ready for any game. See it at RazerProduct SpecificationsDisplay14” QHD+ (2,560 x 1,600) IPS 240HzCPUAMD Ryzen 9 8945HSGPUNvidia RTX 4070RAM16GB DDR5 5,700MHzStorage1TB NVMe SSDWeight4.05 poundsSize12.73" x 8.97" x 0.70"Battery lifeAround 9-10 hoursPROSExcellent gaming performance240Hz displayCONSShallow keyboardPC gaming and portability often require compromises, but the Razer Blade 14 minimizes these. It packs impressive hardware into a laptop weighing just over 4 pounds 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 its internals are truly remarkable.

Powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, this machine can handle any game and excel in video editing. It supports overclocking and comes with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD for swift performance. Wi-Fi 7 support ensures fast connectivity, making it an ideal on-the-go gaming station or a perfect companion for a gaming monitor via its full-size HDMI port.

Our 2024 review highlighted the Razer Blade 14 as an excellent laptop with a remarkably fast GPU. While expensive, its build quality and performance are unmatched.

See more of the best gaming laptops to buy right now.

4. Microsoft Surface Laptop 11

Best for Students

### Microsoft Surface Laptop 11

0This colorful laptop features 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 compatibleFor students needing a reliable, portable laptop, the latest Surface Laptop with Snapdragon Plus and Elite processors is an excellent choice. Offering robust performance, plenty of memory and storage, and battery life that can last multiple workdays, it's ideal for academic use. While the Surface Laptop is our top pick, the Surface Pro 2-in-1 also receives high marks for those who prefer a convertible design and are willing to add a keyboard case.

Microsoft has significantly upgraded these models, with the base model offering 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The Snapdragon processors are highly efficient, with up to 20 hours of battery life for video playback and up to 13 hours for web browsing and productivity. Fast charging capability gets the battery from zero to 80% in just one hour.

However, not all apps are compatible with Snapdragon processors. While built-in emulation helps, some apps may not run smoothly. Qualcomm's expanding processor business is expected to improve app compatibility over time. Check the growing list of compatible apps to ensure your necessary tools are supported.

5. Asus Zenbook S 14

Best for Business

### Asus Zenbook S 14

0This ultraportable laptop offers incredible battery life, snappy performance, and a beautiful OLED touchscreen display. See it at AsusSee it at Best BuyProduct 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 our top pick, stands out for its balance of power and battery life. In testing, it ran for over 16 hours on Procyon's battery test, ensuring you can work for multiple days without recharging. Its performance is smooth, even in creative applications like Adobe Photoshop, and it feels like a much more expensive laptop when using Microsoft Office or Google Drive applications.

Its ultraportability is a key feature, weighing just over 2.5 pounds and measuring less than half an inch thick. It's easy to carry and fits effortlessly into a packed bag. Additionally, it's suitable for light gaming between meetings, thanks to the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and Intel Arc graphics. While not a gaming laptop, it can handle games like Cyberpunk 2077 at 1200p resolution, offering a visual treat on its OLED screen.

6. 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. 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 with the M3 Max chip is unmatched. Our review of the M2 Pro highlighted its prowess, but the M3 Max version elevates performance for video editing, art rendering, and other demanding tasks.

The MacBook Pro 16 offers various configurations, with the M3 Max providing top-tier performance. It's available with 16-core or 18-core M3 Max processors, up to 128GB of memory, and up to 8TB of storage. The standard M3 Pro version is significantly cheaper and sufficient for most creatives, though it starts with a 512GB SSD. All versions feature the same stunning liquid retina display, renowned for its quality.

Beyond its power, the MacBook Pro's ecosystem offers extensive creative tools. Apple's long-standing reputation in creative applications provides a deep pool of software options, including Logic and Final Cut Pro. However, the MacBook Pro's integration into the Apple ecosystem can limit hardware and software choices, a trade-off many creative professionals find worthwhile for its powerful capabilities.

How We Chose the Best Ultrabooks

To identify the best ultrabooks, we first establish the essential characteristics: thin, light, extended battery life, and high-performance productivity. Gaming capabilities are a bonus.

Our selection process begins with ultrabooks we've reviewed and used. We then consult expert sources and consider offerings from reputable brands. We value critical impressions, benchmark scores, and real-world performance, and we also analyze user reviews and community feedback to find ultrabooks that enhance daily user experiences.

We categorize our top choices to help you find the best ultrabook for your needs, whether you're a professional, student, or gamer.

Things to Consider When Shopping for an Ultrabook

Purchasing an ultrabook is a significant investment, so it's crucial to set a budget and prioritize your needs. Lower budgets may require compromises on specifications, 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 Graphics are sufficient, freeing up funds for other features. For those with a higher budget, choosing the latest hardware ensures futureproofing, with options like 14th Gen Intel CPUs or AMD Ryzen 7000 or 9000 series processors, paired with RTX 4000-series or AMD Radeon 7000-series GPUs.

FAQs

What is an ultrabook laptop?

Originally coined by Intel in 2011, the term "ultrabook" now broadly refers to laptops that are thin, light, and powerful enough for daily productivity tasks, with extended battery life to last a full workday.

Is a MacBook considered an ultrabook?

While not officially an ultrabook due to its Apple origin, a MacBook embodies ultrabook characteristics with its slim design and powerful macOS performance.

Are ultrabooks good for gaming?

Ultrabooks are not gaming laptops, but newer models can handle games at lower settings or resolutions. Intel and AMD have improved integrated graphics, and cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass or Nvidia GeForce Now offer viable alternatives for ultrabook users.