The Best Ultra-Portable Notebooks
Subnotebooks typically bridge the gap between the performance of large laptops and the mobility of small devices such as tablets or even smartphones. More recently, 2-in-1 devices and convertibles have penetrated the subnotebook market. We categorize subnotebooks as devices that are no larger than 14-inches in screen size and lighter than 1.5 kg (~3.3 lbs) with integrated GPUs. The price range is wide and models from 300 to 2500 USD/Euros can be represented in our Top 10.
Subnotebook or ultrabook? We have created a separate Top 10 Ultrabooks list with devices meeting the Intel specifications from 2013: touchscreen, low-voltage Haswell processor (TDP: 15 W) or higher, battery life of 6 to 9 hours, Intel Wireless Display and USB 3.0. For the time being, however, our subnotebook charts will include ultrabooks and subnotebooks alike.
- The Best Ultrabooks (particularly thin and portable devices)
- The Best Convertibles (notebooks that can be used as tablets)
- The Best Premium Business Notebooks (high-quality and robust office laptops)
- The Best Budget Office Notebooks (affordable laptops for simple tasks)
The Best Ultra-Portable Laptops
Position | Total Rating | Date | Image | Model | Weight | Height | Size | Resolution | Screen |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 92.4 % | 03/2024 New! | Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 10C GPU Apple M3 Apple M3 10-Core GPU 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.2 kg | 11.3 mm | 13.60" | 2560x1664 | glossy | |
2 | 91.9 % | 07/2023 | HP Dragonfly G4 Intel Core i7-1365U Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.1 kg | 16.3 mm | 13.50" | 1920x1280 | glossy | |
3 | 91.5 % | 11/2023 | Asus ExpertBook B9 B9403CVA-KM0153X Intel Core i7-1355U Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | 1 kg | 17.6 mm | 14.00" | 2880x1800 | glossy | |
4 | 90.6 % | 06/2023 | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G3 21CM002UGE AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 6650U AMD Radeon 660M 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.3 kg | 18.1 mm | 13.30" | 1920x1200 | matte | |
5 | 90.2 % | 10/2023 | Dell Latitude 13 7340 i5-1345U Intel Core i5-1345U Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.1 kg | 18.2 mm | 13.30" | 1920x1200 | matte | |
6 | 89.7 % | 09/2023 | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G4 21EX004QGE Intel Core i7-1355U Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs 16 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | 1.2 kg | 15.95 mm | 13.30" | 2880x1800 | matte | |
7 | 89.5 % | 08/2023 | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 Intel Core i7-1360P Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 989 g | 14.8 mm | 13.00" | 2160x1350 | matte | |
8 | 89.2 % | 01/2023 | HP EliteBook 835 G9 AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U AMD Radeon 680M 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.3 kg | 19.2 mm | 13.30" | 1920x1200 | matte | |
9 | 89.1 % | 11/2023 | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon G11 21HNS54T00 Intel Core i7-1370P Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs 64 GB Memory, 2048 GB SSD | 1.2 kg | 15.36 mm | 14.00" | 2880x1800 | glossy | |
10 | 88.8 % | 10/2022 | SCHENKER Vision 14 2022 RTX 3050 Ti Intel Core i7-12700H NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | 1.3 kg | 16.6 mm | 14.00" | 2880x1800 | matte |
The table above contains an overview over the best subnotebooks reviewed by Notebookcheck over the course of the past 12 months as well as still relevant and available older products. In cases of identical score the more recent device is listed first. All prices in above table and price comparisons are updated daily and can thus differ.
Link: all devices in this class reviewed
Pricecompare
1st – Apple MacBook Air 13 M3
The Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 is currently the best subnotebook. In the test, the compact and lightweight Apple notebook came top of our top 10 list with an excellent score. Equipped with the new Apple M3 processor, the notebook achieves very long battery runtimes. The SoC is also passively cooled, which means that the device can always be operated silently. As expected, the display is excellent and does not require PWM. Overall, the Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 offers outstanding system performance and faster Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, Apple has yet to introduce Wi-Fi 7 at this point.
The Apple MacBook Air 13 gets more power with the Apple M3 processor and can still be passively cooled. This means that Apple currently simply has the better overall package compared to its Windows counterparts.
The MacBook Air 13 M3 is now widely available on many retailers. For example, Amazon US lists the base SKU for around $1,050.
Pricecompare
2nd – HP Dragonfly G4
The HP Dragonfly G4 is the successor of the HP Dragonfly G3 and gets a CPU upgrade, which means that the 2023 model is now powered by an Intel Raptor Lake-U. The case remains unchanged, though, so HP only slightly upgrades it. However, the casing remains unchanged, which means that HP only offers a slight upgrade. However, the performance difference to the HP Dragonfly G3 is limited. A high-resolution 5-megapixel webcam is also included, which makes the device perfectly suitable for video telephony. The fantastic display is not to be neglected and the HP Dragonfly G4 could also completely convince in terms of battery runtimes.
The Dragonfly G4 only gets a small upgrade with the new Intel Core i7-1365U. Those who do not want the latest SoC will get an almost identical device with the HP Dragonfly G3.
At the time of writing, various configurations of the Dragonfly G4 are available on HP's online store, prices starting at $1,274.
Pricecompare
3rd – Asus ExpertBook B9
In addition to the Intel Core i7-1355U, the Asus ExpertBook B9 offers a great OLED display. We also took a closer look at the device in the test with 32 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD. In the test, the Asus ExpertBook B9 scored with a high and stable performance. Asus packs the built-in hardware into a high-quality casing. Good input devices and the extensive security features underpin the good ranking in the top 10 list. Unfortunately, there is no dedicated graphics card, which is why the 3D performance is somewhat low.
The Asus ExpertBook B9 is a great working device and doesn't have any significant weaknesses in our review.
At the time of writing, the ExpertBook B9 is available on Amazon US with prices starting at $,1830.
Pricecompare
4th – Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G3
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G3 offers a fast AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 6650U 6 cores with 12 threads and gives the compact business companion a good run for its money. In addition, there is a much more potent iGPU with the AMD Radeon 660M. Lenovo does not forgo the excellent input device features that also satisfy prolific typists, although the keyboard of the predecessor was better. The 13.3 subnotebook could convince with a good system performance in the test. The materials used are high-quality and many different connectivity options provide plus points. We already found the same positive aspects in the Intel model of the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G2.
Overall, the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G3 presents itself with a 16:10 display and long battery runtimes.
Currently, Amazon US offer some variants of ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 AMD, prices starting at $1000.
Pricecompare
5th – Dell Latitude 13 7340
The Dell Latitude 13 7340 is a compact notebook based on an Intel Core i5-1345U. At just 1.1 kilograms, the device is also very light. The connectivity is modern and the Dell Latitude 13 7340 offers two Thunderbolt ports. The good battery runtimes and quiet operation, together with the adequate performance, ensure a good rating in our review.
The Dell Latitude 13 7340 is a more solid everyday companion and stands out positively due to its long battery runtimes.
On Dell's online store, it costs at least $1,619 for the base model. Amazon also lists the device, around $1,380 for a variant with Intel Core i7-1365U.
Pricecompare
6th – Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G4
With the ThinkPad X13 G4, Lenovo has secured its place in our top 10 list. The many positive aspects have led to this result, making the device an excellent working device. With 16 GB of RAM and a 1,024 GB SSD, you get a solid working device with the familiar good input devices. The new Raptor Lake-U SoC from Intel also ensures good system performance. The outstanding OLED panel is responsive and covers almost all the familiar color spaces.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G4 is a high-quality and compact subnotebook with a great display and many connectivity options.
At the time of writing, prices in the manufacturer's online store start at around $1600. Alternatively, users can purchase the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G4 via Amazon US.
Pricecompare
7th – Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen. 3 is based on Intel's latest Raptor-Lake generation and offers a top modern SoC with 12 cores and 16 threads in the form of the Intel Core i7-1360P. Thus, the CPU performance could be slightly increased compared to the predecessor. The fan noise, battery runtimes and SSD performance have also been improved. However, there are restrictions under permanent load. The SoC cannot provide the full performance here.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen. 3 is a high-quality and compact and very light subnotebook with a fast SoC.
Starting at $2,519, you can configure your Gen 3 ThinkPad X1 Nano on the manufacturer's online store.
Pricecompare
8th – HP EliteBook 835 G9
HP EliteBook 835 G9 is a modern subnotebook that offers very good performance as a business device. The AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U together with the 16 GB DDR5 RAM and the 512 GB SSD ensure a fast pace in everyday use. The display can also convince with a high brightness and a complete sRGB coverage. Due to the excellent overall rating, the battery runtimes and connectivity are not neglected either.
The HP EliteBook 835 G9 convinces with a good performance development of the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U and is suitable as a great business notebook.
HP offers variants of the EliteBook 835 G9 on its online store with prices starting at US$1,796.
Pricecompare
9th – Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon G11
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon G11 is an extremely compact and lightweight subnotebook. The Intel Core i7-1370P is a modern SoC and with a whopping 64 GB RAM, you are perfectly equipped for the future. The SSD also offers a lot with 2 TB. Further plus points of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon G11 are the good input devices and the OLED display. However, due to its compactness, some compromises must also be accepted. The cooling quickly reaches its limits and the RAM is permanently installed in the device.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon G11 impresses with its low weight and very generous RAM with a whopping 64 GB.
Currently, Lenovo offers the ThinkPad X1 Carbon G11 at official online shop with prices starting at $2,620. Alternatively, a variant is available on Amazon US for around $1,325, which is equipped with an Intel Core i7-1355U, 16 GB of RAM and 512GB SSD.
Pricecompare
10th – Schenker Vision 14 2022
The Schenker Vision 14 weighs just over 1 kg and not only offers a very strong CPU with the new Alder Lake SoC, but also gets a good dedicated graphics card with the dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti laptop. Schenker also provides the Vision 14 with 32 GB of working memory and a fast 1 TB SSD. Like the predecessor, the display has a 3K resolution and does without PWM.
The Schenker Vision 14 offers many ports and modular components.
Schenker devices are not officially sold in North America.
Pricecompare
Top 10 Subnotebooks in Comparison
Test Results
Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 10C GPU | HP Dragonfly G4 | Asus ExpertBook B9 B9403CVA-KM0153X | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G3 21CM002UGE | Dell Latitude 13 7340 i5-1345U | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G4 21EX004QGE | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 | HP EliteBook 835 G9 | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon G11 21HNS54T00 | SCHENKER Vision 14 2022 RTX 3050 Ti | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Display | ||||||||||
Display P3 Coverage | 98.4 | 68.4 | 99.9 | 69 | 65.9 | 99.9 | 68.5 | 70.7 | 99.9 | 74.1 |
sRGB Coverage | 99.9 | 98.3 | 100 | 98.4 | 96.8 | 100 | 99.5 | 100 | 100 | 97.4 |
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 87.9 | 70.4 | 93.6 | 70.3 | 67.8 | 96.2 | 69.7 | 72.1 | 97 | 75.3 |
Response Times | ||||||||||
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 34.5 ? | 48.8 ? | 2 ? | 44.2 ? | 51 ? | 1.8 ? | 39.9 ? | 37.7 ? | 1.19 ? | 31.5 ? |
Response Time Black / White * | 27.2 ? | 31.3 ? | 2 ? | 28.1 ? | 29.04 ? | 2.4 ? | 25.8 ? | 22.7 ? | 1.68 ? | 14.5 ? |
PWM Frequency | 360 ? | 60 ? | 363 ? | |||||||
Screen | ||||||||||
Brightness middle | 525 | 408.8 | 389.9 | 348 | 471 | 383 | 461.2 | 928 | 427 | 421 |
Brightness | 506 | 399 | 390 | 321 | 437 | 386 | 428 | 828 | 427 | 416 |
Brightness Distribution | 92 | 90 | 99 | 85 | 87 | 98 | 86 | 65 | 98 | 89 |
Black Level * | 0.42 | 0.32 | 0.0497 | 0.34 | 0.2033 | 0.29 | 0.35 | 0.28 | ||
Contrast | 1250 | 1278 | 7845 | 1024 | 2317 | 1590 | 2651 | 1504 | ||
Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 1.4 | 2.02 | 2.22 | 1.3 | 3.24 | 4.7 | 1.79 | 1.76 | 4.5 | 3.2 |
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 2.8 | 3.84 | 3.75 | 2.5 | 7.19 | 9.4 | 3.3 | 3.94 | 9.6 | 5.5 |
Greyscale dE 2000 * | 2 | 2.3 | 2.4 | 0.9 | 4.6 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 2.4 | 0.7 | 4.4 |
Gamma | 2.2 100% | 2.2 100% | 2.187 101% | 2.16 102% | 2.18 101% | 2.24 98% | 2.324 95% | 2.2 100% | 2.22 99% | |
CCT | 6876 95% | 6203 105% | 6426 101% | 6431 101% | 6520 100% | 6328 103% | 6588 99% | 6689 97% | 6470 100% | 6384 102% |
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated * | 0.61 | 1 | 1.08 | 4.6 | 0.47 | 1.09 | 5 | 2 | ||
Heat | ||||||||||
Maximum Upper Side * | 44.3 | 38.6 | 48.8 | 38.1 | 34.3 | 47.3 | 44 | 46 | 42.2 | 48.4 |
Maximum Bottom * | 43.4 | 40.4 | 56.5 | 40.1 | 37.6 | 44.8 | 43.2 | 49 | 43.8 | 57.1 |
Idle Upper Side * | 22.3 | 28.2 | 33.3 | 33.6 | 28.4 | 35 | 25.6 | 24 | 32 | 28.1 |
Idle Bottom * | 22.1 | 29 | 35 | 33.4 | 28.8 | 34.3 | 25.6 | 24 | 33.7 | 29 |
Battery Runtime | ||||||||||
WiFi v1.3 | 914 | 954 | 614 | 751 | 901 | 438 | 465 | 547 | 389 | 607 |
Load | 171 | 192 | 135 | 88 | 176 | 114 | 65 | 80 | 124 | |
Reader / Idle | 2550 | 1113 | ||||||||
Power Consumption | ||||||||||
Idle Minimum * | 1.95 | 4.1 | 4.9 | 3.2 | 2.37 | 4.8 | 3.3 | 5 | 7 | 7.5 |
Idle Average * | 8.7 | 7.5 | 12.5 | 5.2 | 6.19 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6 | 7.9 | 10.4 |
Idle Maximum * | 8.9 | 8.2 | 16.8 | 6.1 | 14.1 | 7.1 | 7.1 | 11 | 8.1 | 11.4 |
Load Average * | 34.3 | 35.5 | 43.8 | 33.6 | 36.3 | 33.1 | 40.7 | 45 | 40.5 | 83.3 |
Witcher 3 ultra * | 28.6 | 37.5 | 41.2 | 39.3 | 24.9 | 35.8 | 37 | 45.2 | 43 | 92.7 |
Load Maximum * | 35.4 | 66.5 | 68.1 | 49.1 | 69.13 | 62.8 | 58.6 | 48 | 66 | 110.3 |
Noise | ||||||||||
off / environment * | 23.3 | 24.9 | 23.1 | 25.02 | 23.2 | 22.9 | 26 | 23.3 | 24.4 | |
Idle Minimum * | 23.5 | 24.9 | 23.1 | 25.02 | 23.2 | 23 | 26 | 23.3 | 24.4 | |
Idle Average * | 23.5 | 24.9 | 23.1 | 25.02 | 23.2 | 23 | 27 | 23.3 | 24.4 | |
Idle Maximum * | 26.8 | 24.9 | 23.1 | 25.02 | 27.4 | 23 | 28 | 23.3 | 27.8 | |
Load Average * | 27.2 | 33 | 27 | 35.07 | 38.1 | 32.8 | 35 | 35.9 | 43.3 | |
Witcher 3 ultra * | 32.7 | 38.7 | 41.4 | 36.9 | 37 | 41 | 48.2 | |||
Load Maximum * | 35 | 45 | 35.5 | 38.2 | 41.5 | 36.9 | 37 | 40.9 | 48.8 |
* ... smaller is better
Benchmarks
PCMark 8 - Work Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value) | |
HP EliteBook 835 G9 |