Best Ultrabooks: Slim, High-Performance Laptops for Every User

Today, ultrabooks are defined as slim, lightweight laptops with robust performance, excluding gaming-focused models. Originally an Intel marketing term for premium laptops, the ultrabook label now applies broadly, not just to Intel-powered devices. An ultrabook excels in productivity, offering portability, a sleek design, and long battery life, making it ideal for users on the go without needing constant recharging.

Top Ultrabooks at a Glance:

Our Top Choice

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 Amazon

The top ultrabooks of 2025 deliver remarkable power in compact, lightweight designs. Our leading choice, the Asus Zenbook S 16, rivals high-end desktops while consuming minimal power and operating quietly. From affordable options to premium models capable of handling 4K video editing, these ultrabooks are the best available today.

Asus Zenbook S 16 – Gallery

19 Images

1. Asus Zenbook S 16

Top Ultrabook for 2025

Our Top Choice

Asus Zenbook S 16

0The Asus Zenbook S 16 offers a compelling Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro, combining portability with exceptional usability.See it at Best BuySee it at Asus

Product 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 hours

PROSDual OLED displaysUltra-slim and lightweightSuperior performance with all-day batteryStunning 3K OLED touchscreenImpressive integrated GPU for gamingCONSSlight keyboard flex

After testing the Asus Zenbook S 16, I found it to be the top ultrabook of 2025. At just 13mm thick and 3.31 pounds, it’s incredibly portable with a brilliant OLED display and exceptional battery life. Its AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU delivers outstanding performance, surpassing portable gaming devices like the Asus ROG Ally X and Ayaneo Kun. This ultrabook is a complete package.

The Zenbook S 16 embodies the ultrabook ethos—light enough to carry effortlessly and slim enough to fit in any bag. It excels in performance while remaining energy-efficient and quiet, with connectivity options like two USB-C ports, a USB-A port, an SD card reader, and HDMI for a portable monitor.

Its 2880x1800 OLED display delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, with a 500-nit brightness suitable for any setting. With up to 15 hours of battery life, the Asus Zenbook S 16 redefines ultrabook excellence.

2. HP Pavilion Aero 13

Best Budget Ultrabook

HP Pavilion Aero 13

0Priced under $800, this laptop delivers exceptional value.See it at HP

Product 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 hours

PROSExcellent price-to-performance ratioFast processor and ample memoryUltra-portable designLong-lasting batteryCONSLimited storage capacity

For an affordable ultrabook, the HP Pavilion Aero 13 stands out. Priced below $800, it features a speedy Ryzen 7 processor and 16GB of DDR5 memory, ensuring smooth multitasking for productivity tasks. Its slim, lightweight design makes it easy to carry all day.

Given its specs, the price is remarkably competitive. The processor and memory make it a reliable choice for most tasks, and its integrated graphics handle light gaming well with adjusted settings.

The main limitation is its 512GB storage, reduced further by Windows. An external hard drive may be necessary for local storage. Still, its 13-inch size and featherlight build make it a top budget pick.

Razer Blade 14 (2024) – Gallery

8 Images

3. Razer Blade 14

Best Ultrabook for Gaming

Razer Blade 14

0This 14-inch luxury laptop combines a fast QHD+ display and powerful hardware in a sleek chassis, ready for gaming.See it at Razer

Product 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 hours

PROSSuperior gaming performanceHigh-refresh-rate 240Hz displayCONSShallow keyboard

Gaming and portability rarely align, but the Razer Blade 14 minimizes compromises. It packs powerful hardware into a 4-pound, sub-1-inch frame. The 14-inch QHD+ 240Hz display, with a 16:10 aspect ratio, offers a stunning visual experience.

Powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS CPU and Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU, it handles demanding games and video editing with ease. With 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, and Wi-Fi 7, it ensures fast performance. Connect it to a gaming monitor via HDMI for a desktop setup.

Our 2024 review praised its premium build and fast GPU, though its cost is high. It’s a standout for gamers seeking portability and power.

Explore more top gaming laptops available now.

4. Microsoft Surface Laptop 11

Best for Students

Microsoft Surface Laptop 11

0This vibrant laptop features a Snapdragon processor, ample memory, and long-lasting battery life.See it at Amazon

Product 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 hours

PROSStrong performanceVibrant color optionsExtended battery lifeCONSSome app compatibility issues

Need a lightweight laptop for classes? The Microsoft Surface Laptop 11, with powerful Snapdragon X Plus or Elite processors, offers ample memory, storage, and up to 20 hours of battery life. The Surface Pro 2-in-1 is also a great convertible option, though it requires a separate keyboard case.

Compared to its predecessor, this model boasts upgraded memory and storage. Even the base model (16GB RAM, 256GB storage) delivers solid performance. Its power-efficient processors support fast charging, reaching 80% in an hour.

Some apps may not yet be compatible with Snapdragon processors, though emulation helps. As Qualcomm expands its app ecosystem, compatibility will improve, with many student apps already supported.

5. Asus Zenbook S 14

Best for Business

Asus Zenbook S 14

0This ultra-portable laptop delivers exceptional battery life, fast performance, and a vibrant OLED touchscreen.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+ hours

PROSUltra-slim and powerfulLong battery lifeEnhanced gaming capabilitiesVivid OLED touchscreenCONSNo microSD card slot

The Asus Zenbook S 14, a compact counterpart to the S 16, excels in balancing power and battery life. Testing showed over 16 hours of battery life under mixed productivity tasks, handling creative apps like Adobe Photoshop with ease. It performs like a premium laptop at a competitive price.

At under half an inch thick and 2.65 pounds, it’s effortless to carry. The Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and Intel Arc graphics deliver solid performance, even for light gaming at 1200p, hitting 30-60fps in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 on its stunning OLED display.

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 M3 Max is Apple’s most powerful laptop yet.See it at Amazon

Product 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 hours

PROSUnmatched power for laptopsHighly configurableStrong battery lifeSlim and relatively lightCONSHigh cost for top configurations

For creative professionals, the Apple MacBook Pro 16 with M3 Max is unmatched, as confirmed by our M2 Pro review. Ideal for video editing and rendering, it offers configurations with 16- or 18-core M3 Max processors, up to 128GB RAM, and 8TB storage. The M3 Pro version, starting $1,500 less, suits most creators, though its 512GB SSD may require external storage.

Its Liquid Retina display is among the best, delivering stunning visuals. Apple’s ecosystem offers robust creative tools like Logic and Final Cut Pro, but its walled garden limits peripheral options, a trade-off many professionals accept.

How We Selected the Top Ultrabooks

To identify the best ultrabooks, we prioritized slim, lightweight designs with extended battery life and high productivity performance. Gaming capability is a bonus. We evaluated hands-on reviews, consulted expert sources, and analyzed user feedback from platforms like Reddit to ensure real-world reliability.

Our selections cater to diverse users—gamers, students, and professionals—ensuring a top pick for every need, based on performance benchmarks and industry insights.

Key Factors When Choosing an Ultrabook

Purchasing an ultrabook is a significant decision. Set a budget to avoid overspending and prioritize specs based on needs. For tighter budgets, consider 8GB DDR4 or DDR5 RAM instead of 16GB. If gaming isn’t a priority, integrated Intel Iris XE or Arc graphics suffice, saving costs over Nvidia RTX GPUs.

For future-proofing, opt for the latest hardware like 14th Gen Intel i5/i7, AMD Ryzen 7000/9000 series CPUs, or RTX 4000-series GPUs to ensure longevity.

FAQs

What defines an ultrabook?

Coined by Intel in 2011, “ultrabook” refers to slim, lightweight laptops with powerful hardware. Today, it broadly includes portable laptops with sufficient power for daily tasks and long battery life for a full workday.

Is a MacBook an ultrabook?

While not officially an ultrabook due to Apple’s branding, MacBooks share ultrabook traits—powerful, lightweight, and running macOS.

Can ultrabooks handle gaming?

Ultrabooks aren’t designed for gaming, unlike top gaming laptops. However, newer models with Intel or AMD integrated graphics can play games at lower settings. Cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass or Nvidia GeForce Now are also viable options.