Ultrabooks are the epitome of portable computing, combining sleek designs with impressive performance and efficiency. As we approach 2024, these svelte laptops continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in a lightweight package. For professionals on the go or casual users seeking a blend of power and portability, an Ultrabook is an excellent choice.
When shopping for an Ultrabook in 2024, several key factors should guide your decision. Performance remains a top priority, with the latest processors and ample RAM ensuring smooth multitasking and handling of demanding applications. Display quality is equally crucial, with high-resolution panels and accurate color reproduction becoming increasingly important for content creators and media enthusiasts alike. Portability is a hallmark of the Ultrabook, so battery life and a compact, lightweight form factor are essential considerations.
Striking the right balance between these elements can be challenging, but the market in 2024 offers a diverse range of options to suit various needs and budgets. From ultra-premium models with cutting-edge specs to more affordable options that don't compromise on essential features, there's an Ultrabook out there for everyone. Keep an eye out for innovations in areas like display technology, connectivity, and biometric security, as manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in these svelte machines.
Dell XPS 13 Plus: Best Premium Ultrabook for Power Users
Dell XPS 13 Plus Laptop - w/ Windows 11 Os & 13th Gen Intel Core - 13.4"... -- 999(Dell)
XPS 13 Plus Laptop, 13.4" 4K UHD OLED Touchscreen, Intel Core i7-1260P, ... -- 1499(Amazon)
Dell XPS 13 Plus 13.4" OLED Touch Laptop - 13th Gen Intel Evo i7 - 32GB ... -- 1499.99(Best Buy)
Dell XPS 13 9320 Plus 13.4" Laptop Intel Core i5-1240P (12-Core) 512GB P... -- 989.99(Amazon)
Dell – XPS 13 – 13.4” Fhd+ Laptop – Intel Core Ultra 7 – Evo Edition - 1... -- 1399.99(Best Buy)
XPS 13 Plus 9000 9320 13.4" Touchscreen Notebook - 3.5K - 3456 x 2160 - ... -- 1679(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Dell XPS 13 Plus stands out for its exceptional blend of high-end performance, cutting-edge design, and portability. Equipped with the latest 12th Gen Intel processors and a stunning 4K OLED touchscreen display, it delivers a premium computing experience suitable for power users and professionals who require top-tier performance on the go.
Who It's For
This laptop is ideal for tech enthusiasts, professionals, and creatives who prioritize performance, display quality, and design elegance. It's also a great fit for those who need a reliable and powerful machine for multitasking and demanding applications. However, due to its higher price point, it may not be the best option for budget-conscious consumers or those who need extended battery life for all-day use without access to charging.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ High-performance 12th Gen Intel Core processors | ❌ Premium price may not fit all budgets |
| ✅ Vivid 4K OLED touchscreen display for immersive visuals | ❌ Battery life could be improved for all-day usage |
| ✅ Sleek and portable design with premium build quality | ❌ Limited port selection may require additional adapters |
Apple MacBook Air M2: Best Portable Laptop for Creatives and Professionals
Apple 2022 MacBook Air M2 Chip (13-inch, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage) (QW... -- 864(Amazon)
Apple MacBook Air 13.6'' M2 -- 535.37(Ed's Plant Shop)
2022 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 8... -- 899(Amazon)
Apple MacBook Air M2 13.6" - 8GB Ram, 256GB SSD - Space Gray -- 899(Best Buy)
Why We Picked It
The Apple MacBook Air M2 is a top-tier laptop that combines a sleek, lightweight design with powerful performance, thanks to the revolutionary M2 chip. Its efficiency and processing capabilities make it an excellent choice for professionals and creatives who need a reliable machine for demanding tasks. The Liquid Retina display offers stunning visuals, and the advanced camera and audio features enhance video conferencing and multimedia experiences.
Who It's For
This MacBook Air is best suited for users who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem or those looking to switch to a highly portable yet powerful laptop. It's ideal for professionals, creatives, and students who prioritize performance, display quality, and build over a wide array of ports and non-Apple software compatibility.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Exceptional performance with the M2 chip | ❌ Limited port selection |
| ✅ Vibrant 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display | ❌ Ecosystem lock-in may deter some users |
| ✅ High-quality 1080p FaceTime HD camera and Spatial Audio | ❌ Higher price point compared to some competitors |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10: Premium Business Ultrabook
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 14" Notebook - 21CB000AUS -- 1018.72(Amazon)
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 Intel Core i7-1260P, 14" WUXGA (1920x1200) Low... -- 1348.53(Amazon)
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 Intel Core i7-1260P 14" Touch Laptop 16... -- 1499(Walmart - Piety Tech LLC)
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 Business Laptop, 14 Inch WUXGA IPS, Intel Core... -- 1399(Amazon)
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 21HM000GUS -- 1577.99(Best Buy)
2023 Newest Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10, 14.0" FHD+ Touchscreen IPS... -- 1499.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 stands out for its blend of ultra-portability, robust performance, and premium build quality. It's powered by the latest 12th Gen Intel Core processors, ensuring that it can handle demanding business applications with ease. Its lightweight design doesn't compromise on durability, making it perfect for professionals on the go. Additionally, the laptop features a range of productivity-boosting features such as a backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, and a long battery life, all of which are encapsulated in a sleek, professional design.
Who It's For
This laptop is ideally suited for business professionals and power users who require a reliable, high-performance machine that can keep up with their demanding workload. It's also a great choice for those who value portability and build quality. However, its premium pricing may make it less appealing for casual users or those on a tight budget.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core processors for high-end performance | ❌ Premium price point may be a barrier for some |
| ✅ Lightweight and durable design, perfect for on-the-go use | ❌ Webcam quality could be improved for better video conferencing |
| ✅ Features like backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader enhance productivity | ❌ Limited upgradeability due to its compact design |
HP Spectre x360 14: High-Performance Versatile 2-in-1 Laptop
HP Spectre x360 -1 Laptop 14t-eu000, 14|Intel Processor|512 GB SSD|14" D... -- 1168.99(HP)
Spectre 2023 x360 Luxury 14T Intel Evo Laptop Intel i7-1255U 10 Cores, W... -- 1059(Amazon)
HP Spectre X360 14" Grey 2021 QHD+ TOUCH 2.8GHz I7-1165G7 16GB 1TB - Goo... -- 638(Mercari)
Spectre X360 14 2-in-1 Laptop | 13.5" WUXGA+ Touch 400 nits 100% sRGB | ... -- 1199(Amazon)
HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 Laptop 14-eu0098nr|Intel Processor|Windows 11 Pro... -- 1849.99(HP)
Why We Picked It
The HP Spectre x360 14 stands out for its exceptional blend of aesthetics, performance, and versatility. With its stunning OLED display, the laptop offers unparalleled image and video quality, making it a top contender in the high-performance laptop category. The 2-in-1 design adds to its versatility, allowing for use in various modes, while top-notch security features ensure user privacy and data protection. Its premium performance is powered by a 12th generation Intel Core i7 processor, coupled with Intel Iris Xe Graphics, providing a seamless and efficient computing experience.
Who It's For
This laptop is ideal for professionals and creatives who require a powerful machine that can handle demanding tasks with ease. It's also perfect for those who value security in their devices, as well as anyone looking for a versatile laptop that can double as a tablet. However, due to its weight, it might not be the best choice for users who prioritize ultra-portability above all else.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Stunning OLED display for exceptional image quality | ❌ Reflective screen may hinder outdoor use |
| ✅ Versatile 2-in-1 design with premium security features | ❌ Heavier than average for an ultrabook |
| ✅ Powered by 12th generation Intel Core i7 processor and Intel Iris Xe Graphics | ❌ Premium price point |
Razer Blade Stealth 13: High-Performance Ultrabook for Gamers and Creators
Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook Touch ‎1920x1080 Pixels 60Hz 13.3" Ga... -- 839.99(My Child Parc)
Custom Built Razer Blade Stealth 13 (Late 2019) - FHD - i7-1065G7-2TB SS... -- 2476.12(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Razer Blade Stealth 13 stands out as a top choice for gamers and creators alike, thanks to its powerful specifications packed into a sleek, portable design. With a high-resolution 1920x1080 60Hz 13.3" display, an Intel i7-1065G7 processor, 16GB RAM, and a GTX 1650 4GB graphics card, it delivers exceptional performance for gaming and creative work on the go. Its compact size and solid build quality make it an ideal companion for those who need a powerful machine that can easily be carried around.
Who It's For
This ultrabook is perfect for gamers and creative professionals who require a portable device without compromising on performance. It's also suitable for students and professionals looking for a high-end laptop that can handle demanding applications and multitasking with ease. However, its higher price point may not be ideal for those on a tight budget or users who only need a laptop for basic tasks.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Powerful specs for gaming and creative work | ❌ Can experience heat buildup under heavy use |
| ✅ Sleek, portable design with a high-quality build | ❌ Pricier than other ultrabooks in its category |
| ✅ High-resolution display for immersive visuals | ❌ Limited upgradeability due to compact design |
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: Best Balanced Performance Laptop
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5" AMD Ryzen 5 8GB/256GB Touch, Platinum -... -- 899.99(Best Buy)
Surface Laptop 4 15-inch Touchscreen 256GB SSD AMD Ryzen 7 (8GB RAM, Win... -- 541(Amazon)
Surface Laptop 4 15” Touch-Screen – Intel Core i7 - 32GB - 1TB Solid Sta... -- 979.99(Amazon)
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5-inch Touch-Screen – AMD Ryzen 5 Surface ... -- 398.99(Amazon)
Surface Laptop 4 13.5” Touch-Screen – Intel Core i5 - 8GB - 512GB Solid ... -- 623(Amazon)
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 15" Touchscreen, AMD Ryzen 7 4980U, 8GB RAM, ... -- 429.33(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 offers a sleek design and a high-quality build, making it a solid choice for users looking for a reliable and stylish laptop. It delivers balanced performance with its AMD Ryzen processors, which are capable of handling everyday tasks and productivity work with ease. The comfortable keyboard and excellent display enhance the user experience, especially for those who spend a lot of time typing or require accurate color representation for their work.
Who It's For
This laptop is best suited for students, professionals, and anyone in need of a dependable machine for daily computing tasks, document creation, and media consumption. It's also a good fit for those who prioritize a high-quality display and a premium build. However, it may not be the best option for users who require extensive connectivity options or those who are concerned about the ease of repairs and upgrades.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Comfortable keyboard and responsive touchpad | ❌ Limited port selection |
| ✅ High-resolution PixelSense touchscreen display | ❌ Repairability and upgradability issues |
| ✅ Elegant and lightweight design | ❌ Higher-end configurations can be pricey |
Acer Swift X: Best Value Performance Laptop
Acer Swift x SFX14-41G-R7YT Creator Laptop | 14 inch Full HD 100% sRGB |... -- 638.88(Amazon)
Swift X SFX14-41G-R1S6 Creator Laptop | 14" Full HD 100% sRGB | AMD Ryze... -- 842.8(Amazon)
Swift X SFX14-42G-R607 Creator Laptop | 14" Full HD 100% sRGB | AMD Ryze... -- 869(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Acer Swift X stands out for its combination of performance and value, featuring AMD Ryzen processors and NVIDIA RTX graphics. It's designed for creators and users who need powerful computing on the go without breaking the bank. The Swift X's ability to handle demanding applications and multitasking makes it a compelling choice for productivity and creative work.
Who It's For
The Acer Swift X is best suited for content creators, students, and professionals who require a portable laptop with strong performance for tasks like video editing, graphic design, and gaming. It's also a good fit for those who prioritize display quality, with its Full HD 100% sRGB screen. However, it may not be the best choice for users who are sensitive to fan noise or who prefer a more premium-feeling chassis.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Powerful AMD Ryzen processors and NVIDIA RTX graphics | ❌ Build quality may not feel as premium as some competitors |
| ✅ High-quality Full HD 100% sRGB display | ❌ Fan noise can be noticeable when the laptop is under heavy load |
| ✅ Lightweight and portable design with good battery life | ❌ Some models may be on the pricier side depending on the configuration |
LG Gram 16: Ultra-Lightweight Companion for On-the-Go Users
Gram (2022) 16Z90Q Ultra Lightweight Laptop, 16" (2560 x 1600) IPS Displ... -- 844.49(Amazon)
LG Gram 16" WQXGA Notebook Computer, i7-1260P, 16GB Ram, 1TB Ssd, RTX 20... -- 889.99(Walmart - Buggys Toys)
Why We Picked It
The LG Gram 16 stands out for its ultra-lightweight design and impressive battery life, making it an ideal choice for users who are always on the move. With a high-resolution, non-reflective IPS display that covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, it offers vibrant visuals for both work and entertainment. Powered by a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and equipped with NVIDIA RTX 2050 graphics, it delivers adequate performance for everyday tasks and some light gaming or creative work. The combination of 16GB RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD ensures smooth multitasking and ample storage space.
Who It's For
This laptop is perfect for students, professionals, and anyone who values portability and battery life over raw computing power. It's well-suited for tasks like document editing, web browsing, and media consumption. However, power users who require intensive computational capabilities for tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or high-end gaming might find it lacking.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Incredibly lightweight and portable design | ❌ Performance may not meet the needs of power users |
| ✅ Long battery life for all-day use | ❌ Price might be a consideration for some budgets |
| ✅ Vibrant display with wide color gamut | ❌ Limited upgradability due to compact design |
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360: Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Creatives
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 NP930QDB-KE4US 13.3" i7-1165G7 16GB 512GB SSD -- 999(Amazon)
Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 2-in-1 Business Laptop (16" 3K AMOLED 120Hz Touchsc... -- 1599.99(Amazon)
Samsung - Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 2-in-1 16" 3K AMOLED Touch Screen Laptop ... -- 1822.99(Newegg.com - DemProductSales)
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 stands out with its vibrant AMOLED display and 2-in-1 flexibility, making it a top choice for creatives who need a versatile device. The included S Pen and Samsung Notes provide a seamless experience for drawing and note-taking, while the high-quality screen and Dolby Atmos audio are perfect for entertainment. Its performance is bolstered by the latest Intel 11th Gen Core processor, ample RAM, and substantial storage, all running on Windows 11 OS.
Who It's For
This device is best suited for creative professionals, students, and anyone who values a high-quality display and the versatility of a 2-in-1 design. It's also ideal for those who frequently use a stylus for work or art. However, it may not be the best choice for users who prioritize a superior keyboard and trackpad experience or those who prefer a laptop without pre-installed bloatware.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Stunning AMOLED touchscreen display | ❌ Keyboard and trackpad could be better |
| ✅ Versatile 2-in-1 design with S Pen support | ❌ Presence of bloatware |
| ✅ Powerful Intel 11th Gen Core processor with ample storage | ❌ Price may be steep for some budgets |
Thanks for exploring the best ultrabook laptops of 2024 with me! If you need more help or recommendations, I'm here to assist. Happy shopping!