This guide explores the best ultrabooks available in 2025, categorized for various user needs. The definition of "ultrabook" has broadened beyond Intel's initial marketing, encompassing thin, light, powerful laptops (excluding gaming-focused models) prioritizing portability and productivity.
TL;DR – Top Ultrabook Picks:
Our Top Pick: Asus Zenbook S 16
See it at Best Buy See it at Asus
Razer Blade 14
Microsoft Surface Laptop 11
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max)
Today's top ultrabooks offer surprising capabilities. The Asus Zenbook S 16, our top choice, rivals high-end desktops in performance while maintaining exceptional power efficiency and quiet operation. This guide covers options ranging from budget-friendly choices to powerful machines suitable for 4K video editing.
1. Asus Zenbook S 16 – The Best Overall Ultrabook
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Specifications:
- Display: 16" (2880 x 1800)
- CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
- GPU: AMD Radeon 890M
- RAM: 32GB LPDDR5X
- Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD
- Weight: 3.31 pounds
- Battery Life: ~15 hours
Pros: Dual OLED screens, exceptionally thin and light, outstanding performance, all-day battery, beautiful 3K OLED touchscreen, impressive gaming performance.
Cons: Some keyboard flex.
The Zenbook S 16 exemplifies the ideal ultrabook: incredibly thin and light, boasting fantastic battery life, a stunning OLED display, and superior integrated GPU performance. Its comprehensive port selection includes two USB-C, a full-size USB-A, an SD card reader, and HDMI.
2. HP Pavilion Aero 13 – Best Budget Ultrabook
Specifications:
- Display: 13.3” 2K (1920 x 1200) IPS
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 8840U
- RAM: 16GB DDR5 6400MHz
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Battery Life: ~12 hours
Pros: Excellent price-to-performance, fast processor, ample memory, ultraportable design, all-day battery life.
Cons: Limited storage.
The HP Pavilion Aero 13 delivers exceptional value at under $800, featuring a fast Ryzen processor and ample memory for smooth multitasking. Its portability is a major advantage, though its limited storage might necessitate an external hard drive.
3. Razer Blade 14 (2024) – Best Ultrabook for Gaming
Specifications:
- Display: 14” QHD+ (2560 x 1600) IPS 240Hz
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 4070
- RAM: 16GB DDR5 5700MHz
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- Weight: 4.05 pounds
- Battery Life: ~9-10 hours
Pros: Excellent gaming performance, 240Hz display.
Cons: Shallow keyboard.
The Razer Blade 14 excels in gaming performance, packing powerful hardware into a surprisingly portable chassis. Its high-refresh-rate display enhances the gaming experience, but the keyboard might feel shallow to some users.
4. Microsoft Surface Laptop 11 – Best for Students
Specifications:
- Display: 13.8" (2304 x 1536)
- CPU: Snapdragon X Plus to Snapdragon X Elite
- GPU: Qualcomm Adreno
- RAM: 16GB - 32GB LPDDR5X
- Storage: 256GB - 1TB PCIe SSD
- Weight: 2.96 pounds
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
Pros: Great performance, fun color options, long battery life.
Cons: Some app incompatibility.
The Surface Laptop 11 offers excellent battery life and performance, making it ideal for students. Note that some apps may have compatibility issues due to the Snapdragon processor.
5. Asus Zenbook S 14 – Best for Business
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Specifications:
- Display: 14" (2880 x 1800)
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
- GPU: Intel Arc
- RAM: 32GB LPDDR5X
- Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD
- Weight: 2.65 pounds
- Battery Life: 15+ hours
Pros: Thinner, lighter, and more powerful, great battery life, improved gaming performance, gorgeous OLED touchscreen.
Cons: No microSD card reader.
The Asus Zenbook S 14 balances power and battery life, making it suitable for business users. Its ultra-portability is a key advantage.
6. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max) – Best Ultrabook for Creatives
Specifications:
- Display: 16.2" (3456 x 2234)
- CPU: M3 Max
- GPU: Integrated (40-core)
- RAM: 48GB - 128GB
- Storage: 1TB - 8TB SSD
- Weight: 4.8 pounds
- Battery Life: Up to 22 hours
Pros: Incredibly powerful, highly configurable, very good battery life, thin and comparatively light.
Cons: Can be very expensive.
The MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max) is a powerhouse for creative professionals, offering exceptional performance and configurability. Its high price point is a significant consideration.
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