10 best thin and light laptops of 2026

If you're looking for a thin and light laptop, this is a list to consider.

1. Dell XPS 13 (9315)

The Dell XPS 13 line has consistently impressed, and the latest version of this laptop continues that trend – it's powerful, incredibly well-built, and compact, meeting almost everything you'd want in your search for the best lightweight laptop. 

With an 11th-generation Intel processor and up to 16GB of onboard RAM, this is a laptop that can handle everything you want. From watching Netflix late at night to writing reports early in the morning, you'll find the Dell XPS 13 to be a capable laptop.

Nevertheless, the 13.4-inch screen with ultra-thin bezels is what really makes the XPS 13 stand out: If you want, you can switch to 4K resolution, but the 1920 x 1080 models still look great (4K doesn't make a huge difference on a laptop screen of this size).

The battery life is also impressive (10 hours), meaning you can use it all day even without a power outlet nearby.

2. MacBook Air M2 2022

Do you think thin and light laptops have to sacrifice battery life? Or that having everything in one device is too expensive? Those are all things of the past.

It's all thanks to the M2 processor – Apple's second-generation silicon processor for Macs. This laptop is incredibly fast. But it's also cool enough that it doesn't need any fans, so it runs very quietly.

The MacBook Air M2 2022 is incredibly powerful, has excellent battery life, and aside from the slight heat build-up due to the lack of a cooling fan and the notch on the 13.6-inch screen, it's a laptop that will truly satisfy you.

3. Lenovo IdeaPad 3i

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i won't win any benchmark races and shouldn't be used for intensive tasks like video editing or gaming, but when it comes to lightweight Windows laptops, it's a great choice.

What truly makes the 3i stand out and rank highly on today's list of best lightweight laptops is its price. This laptop is cheaper than most other systems on the list. Therefore, if budget is a key consideration, you might want to add the IdeaPad 3i to your list of options.

The screen is a robust, sturdy, mid-sized 14-inch panel. The system is installed with Windows 10 in S mode, meaning the operating system is streamlined for smooth and fast use. Obviously, you can switch to full Windows 10 if you want. But if you want a machine that can quickly run basic applications and programs, such as browsing the internet, sending emails, streaming, watching a little Netflix, and playing Candy Crush Saga, then that's what Windows 10 S Mode specializes in.

4. LG Gram 16 2022

The LG Gram 16 is one of the best combinations of a large screen and a lightweight chassis – it's almost perfect if that's what you're looking for in a Windows laptop, especially if the MacBook Air M2 isn't appealing due to the operating system it runs not being what you want.

The LG Gram 16 2022 also boasts relatively good specifications, a sleek design, decent performance, battery life, and build quality.

5. HP Elite Dragonfly G3

Although the HP Elite Dragonfly G3 is targeted at business users, it's actually one of the best lightweight laptops for anyone – it has a great look, a stunning display, and productivity power, etc. The HP Elite Dragonfly G3 is a bit expensive, but it's definitely worth it.

Weighing precisely one kilogram, the laptop is also very versatile. The 13.3-inch screen folds down, so you can also use it in Tent Mode or tablet mode if you prefer (it comes with a stylus if you want something more precise than your finger for touchscreen operation).

Multiple configuration options are available. You can have the HP Elite Dragonfly G3 equipped with either a 12th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 chip, offering a great deal of flexibility in terms of both the performance you can expect and the price you pay.

Much like its predecessor, the HP Elite Dragonfly G2, the third generation has retained all the great things about the previous generation and even made it better. 

6. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4

It's difficult to give a comprehensive overview of Microsoft's Surface Laptop 4, as it comes in multiple configurations and two screen size options, but overall, it's a stylish laptop that looks great and offers enough power for everyone except the most demanding users.

If a compact laptop is important to you, then you should opt for the smaller 13.5-inch screen option, with a 3:2 aspect ratio and 2256 x 1504 pixel resolution, perfect for web browsing and some work. The integrated graphics are also good enough for some light gaming.

With its excellent battery life that lasts all day, and a superb typing and trackpad experience, the Surface Laptop 4 is a perfect product to recommend to anyone, as long as it fits their budget.

7. Acer Swift 7

Weighing just 1.2kg thanks to its fanless design and ultra-thin battery, the Swift 7 offers a truly satisfying user experience. The 14-inch touchscreen, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, delivers excellent color density with virtually nonexistent bezels. In fact, when the screen displays truly outstanding blacks, it's difficult to tell where the screen ends and where the bezel begins. 

Inside, there's an Intel i7 processor with integrated graphics and 8GB of RAM, optimized for minimal heat generation, ensuring the passive cooling system never gets overloaded. It's a relatively modest laptop in terms of performance, not suitable for demanding tasks like video editing, but for mobile office work, there's little better. When folded down, it's only 9 millimeters thick.

Beyond its stylish design, this laptop also boasts several convenient security features. The power button doubles as a fingerprint scanner for secure startup, and webcam hacking is no longer an issue thanks to a spring mechanism that hides the camera within the laptop's body when not in use. Overall, it's not cheap, but few ultralight laptops are as elegant as this one.

If you need something that will attract envious glances whenever you pull it out, then this option is definitely worth considering. Acer also makes a smaller Swift 5 model that you might consider if you want an even more compact device.

8. Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon

If you're a student or a business user on a limited budget, one of the best lightweight laptops you can buy would be the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon. However, this is a laptop that will appeal to everyone.

As the name suggests, its frame is made from strong, durable, and lightweight carbon fiber. This laptop weighs less than one kilogram and is the size of a notebook. It will be able to withstand bumps and knocks in your bag, giving you peace of mind if you plan to carry it around a lot.

Equipped with an 11th-generation Intel Core processor and a sharp 13.3-inch QHD display, it's great for getting work done anytime, anywhere – whether at home, on a train, or in a coffee shop. The large, sturdy keys provide a comfortable typing experience.

There is one drawback – the battery life is only average, but thankfully it doesn't take long to recharge. If this drawback isn't a concern for you, then this ultra-portable laptop would be a great option.

9. HP Spectre x360 14

This is a premium, ultra-thin laptop that can be used in both Tent Mode and tablet mode, making it a great choice for those who want a lightweight laptop that's also a tablet.

However, the screen isn't the only thing that makes this ultra-portable laptop a good option. It also comes with an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 Tiger Lake CPU, an Intel Iris XE GPU, and a 3,000 x 2,000 resolution OLED display.

The sound system of this lightweight laptop is also highly rated, thanks to a collaboration with audio masters Bang & Olufsen. Battery life is also decent, lasting 10 hours and 30 minutes on a single charge while running the full version of Windows. The design is also very modern.

10. Google Pixelbook Go

When it comes to Chromebooks and Chrome OS, you have plenty of models to choose from – and the Google Pixelbook Go is one of the best and lightest. You can customize the device's specifications to meet your exact needs.

All Pixelbook Go models feature a 13.3-inch display: This screen runs at a 1920 x 1080 resolution on the cheaper models but can go up to 4K if you're willing to pay more. Other internal components can be specified on demand, so how much you spend is really up to you.

You won't feel embarrassed bringing this Chromebook to the coffee shop or to your next meeting at work. Chrome OS continues to get better and better. It doesn't run slowly, it's easy to use, and the addition of Android apps means it's more versatile than ever.