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Ultraportable laptops combine lightweight design with powerful AI-ready processors to offer smoother workflows.
Battery life and display quality improve without sacrificing performance or portability.
Buyers now get more choice across premium, modular, and budget ultraportable models.
Ultraportable laptops now focus on three things: lightweight, long battery life, and built-in AI performance. The leading brands in today’s Laptop market are using more efficient chips, better displays, and smarter software to support work, study, and creative tasks on the move. The new models announced in late 2025 and early 2026 confirm that thin-and-light devices now don’t compromise on speed or features. Let’s take a look at the following models that stand out as the best ultraportable laptops to buy in 2026.
Apple leads the ultraportable segment with the MacBook Air that runs on the M3 chip. This laptop has a fanless design and offers high-end performance while staying silent and cool. Battery life easily lasts a full workday and usually stretches beyond it. MacBook Air is a decent device for anyone who wants an uninterrupted everyday work experience. It's lightweight and a great pair for those who already own an iPhone.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 offers next-generation speed and powerful on-device AI for personal, professional, and creative tasks. Featuring all-day battery life and a breathtaking Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1,600 nits peak brightness, it is a smart purchase. The laptop is suitable for video production, as it can handle up to three 4K video editing workflows simultaneously.
Lenovo has designed ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 for business travelers and enterprise users. This laptop weighs under 1.2 kg and features a carbon-fiber-reinforced chassis that feels strong and durable. Hyperchamber thermal design is a game-changer. Dual fans spin outward, efficiently expelling heat from the rear, and the sealed chamber offers an extra 10W of power in Extreme Mode, reduces skin temperature, and minimizes noise.
Also Read - Top Laptops for Home Office Productivity in 2026
Dell ensures XPS 13's relevance through clean design and premium materials. The nearly borderless display provides a larger screen in a compact body. OLED display options provide deep contrast and sharp visuals. Reports ahead of CES 2026 suggest renewed attention to the XPS line, which makes this series a safe long-term choice for buyers who want style and performance in one package.
HP positions Spectre x360 as a luxury ultraportable with flexibility. This 2-in-1 laptop switches easily between laptop and tablet modes. The OLED display delivers vibrant colors, while modern Intel chips with AI acceleration support smart productivity features. The Spectre line also emphasizes design, with premium finishes and a solid hinge that supports frequent mode changes.
ASUS focuses on extreme thinness with the ZenBook S 13 OLED. This laptop ranks among the lightest 13-inch machines, yet it features a high-quality OLED screen with accurate color reproduction. The device has a long battery life for everyday tasks, and performance suits office work, light creative tasks, and multitasking. Buyers who value portability above all else often prefer this model.
Samsung pushes premium displays and ecosystem integration with the Galaxy Book4 Ultra. The AMOLED screen offers excellent brightness and color depth, which helps with content creation and media consumption. This laptop pairs well with Samsung phones and tablets, allowing seamless file sharing and multitasking. Despite powerful internals, the device maintains a slim and professional design.
Framework takes a different approach with the Framework Laptop 13. This ultraportable emphasizes repairability and modular upgrades. The 2025 version introduces AMD Ryzen AI processors, Wi-Fi 7 support, and improved thermal design. Users can replace ports, memory, storage, and even the motherboard later. This model appeals to buyers who want long device life and reduced electronic waste.
Microsoft refreshes the Surface Laptop lineup with AI-focused designs and optional 5G connectivity. These laptops feature high-quality touchscreens, slim bodies, and strong integration with Windows Copilot features. Snapdragon-based and Intel-based options give buyers flexibility between battery life and raw performance. Business users benefit from built-in security and mobile connectivity.
Also Read - Top Gaming Laptops for 2026: Most Powerful Picks
Acer targets value-focused buyers with the Swift Go and Swift Pro models. These laptops offer modern designs, lightweight builds, and competitive battery life at prices lower than many rivals'. Newer Swift models include AI-ready processors and high-refresh-rate displays. Students and frequent travelers often choose this series for its balance of cost and features.
The leading Laptop brands have started including dedicated AI hardware as a standard feature. These highly advanced AI engines handle voice transcription, image processing, and local assistants without heavy cloud use. Battery technology and chip efficacy improve, with brighter OLED screens. Repairability also gains attention, led by modular designs that allow easy upgrades.
The ultraportable laptop market in 2026 offers more choice than ever. Buyers can now select machines that match performance needs, travel habits, and long-term value without sacrificing portability or comfort.
What defines an ultraportable laptop in 2026?
An ultraportable laptop usually weighs under 1.3 kg, offers all-day battery life, and focuses on a thin, travel-friendly design with modern performance.
Are AI features important when buying a laptop in 2026?
Yes, AI hardware improves tasks such as voice typing, photo editing, background noise removal, and on-device assistants without heavy reliance on the cloud.
Do ultraportable laptops sacrifice performance?
Modern ultraportables deliver strong performance for office work, coding, and creative tasks thanks to efficient processors and better cooling.
Is an OLED display worth choosing in an ultraportable laptop?
OLED displays offer better colors and contrast, but they may slightly reduce battery life compared to standard LCD screens.
Which users benefit most from ultraportable laptops?
Students, business travelers, remote workers, and anyone who values portability and long battery life benefit the most.
