Best Portability for Laptops

If your day away from your desk, the last thing you need is a bulky laptop slowing you down or one you need to plug everywhere you go. You might also be looking to lighten up your mobile toolkit, maybe even eliminate the need to carry a bag for a tablet or netbook altogether.

This list is all about lightweight, compact laptops with long battery life without consideration for cost-effectiveness. If you're strapped for cash, scroll down to the budget section for options at below-average prices.

Easiest to Carry US$819 - US$2298

Here are the smallest, lightest and longest-lasting laptops I have on file with absolutely no regards for price:

Microsoft Surface Pro 4 - 128GB / i5 from US$760;
~$1189 with accessories
Device Ratings

by Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 1/5
Versatility for the Price 0/5
Power 1.5/5
Storage 1.5/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 3/5

by Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 2.5/5
Versatility for the Price 0.5/5
Power 3/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 2/5
Autonomy 1.5/5

by Netbooks standards

Bang for the Buck 4/5
Versatility for the Price 0.5/5
Power 5/5
Storage 4.5/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 1.5/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 1.5/5
Versatility for the Price 0.5/5
Power 2/5
Storage 2/5
Portability 3.5/5
Autonomy 2.5/5

by Large Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 2.5/5
Versatility for the Price 0.5/5
Power 2.5/5
Storage 3.5/5
Portability 2.5/5
Autonomy 1/5

Specs

Processor: Intel Core i5-6200U

Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520

Memory: 4.00 GB

Storage: 128.00 GB

Screen Size: 12.3"

Screen Resolution: 2736×1824

Dimensions: 29.21 x 20.14 x 0.85 cm
Weight: 0.790 kg

detailed info
US$753.46 from Best Buy (Refurbished)
as of 2019-09-20 11:34:01, EDT

Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
Microsoft Surface Pro 4 - 256GB / i7 from US$1590;
~$2298 with accessories
Device Ratings

by Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 1/5
Versatility for the Price 0/5
Power 1.5/5
Storage 3/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 3/5

by Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 1.5/5
Versatility for the Price 0/5
Power 3.5/5
Storage 4.5/5
Portability 2/5
Autonomy 1.5/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 1/5
Versatility for the Price 0/5
Power 2.5/5
Storage 3/5
Portability 3.5/5
Autonomy 2.5/5

by Portable Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 0/5
Versatility for the Price 0/5
Power 0.5/5
Storage 2.5/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 3.5/5

by Large Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 1.5/5
Versatility for the Price 0/5
Power 3.5/5
Storage 4.5/5
Portability 2.5/5
Autonomy 1/5

Specs

Processor: Intel Core i7-6500U

Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520

Memory: 8.00 GB

Storage: 256.00 GB

Screen Size: 12.3"

Screen Resolution: 2736×1824

Dimensions: 29.21 x 20.14 x 0.85 cm
Weight: 0.790 kg

detailed info
US$1589.04 from Amazon (New)
as of 2019-09-21 04:10:21, EDT

Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Amazon site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
Apple MacBook (12", 1.2GHz) from US$1170;
~$1658 with accessories
Device Ratings

by Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 1.5/5
Versatility for the Price 1.5/5
Power 2.5/5
Storage 3/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 4.5/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 2/5
Versatility for the Price 2/5
Power 3/5
Storage 3/5
Portability 3.5/5
Autonomy 4/5

by Portable Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 0.5/5
Versatility for the Price 2/5
Power 1.5/5
Storage 2.5/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 4.5/5

Specs

Processor: Intel Core M3-7Y32

Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615

Memory: 8.00 GB

Storage: 256.00 GB

Screen Size: 12"

Screen Resolution: 2304×1440

Dimensions: 28.05 x 19.65 x 1.31 cm
Weight: 0.920 kg

detailed info
US$1167.11 from WestWorld Computers (Open Box)
as of 2019-09-21 04:05:44, EDT

Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the WestWorld Computers site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
Asus Zenbook UX331UA 13" Laptop from US$830;
~$1119 with accessories
Device Ratings

by Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 2.5/5
Versatility for the Price 3/5
Power 4/5
Storage 3/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 3.5/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 3/5
Versatility for the Price 3.5/5
Power 4/5
Storage 3/5
Portability 3.5/5
Autonomy 2.5/5

by Portable Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 1.5/5
Versatility for the Price 3/5
Power 4/5
Storage 2.5/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 4/5

Specs

Processor: Intel Core i7-8550U

Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620

Memory: 8.00 GB

Storage: 256.00 GB

Screen Size: 13.3"

Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

Dimensions: 31.00 x 21.60 x 1.39 cm
Weight: 1.100 kg
detailed info from US$828.05
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
Google Pixelbook from US$980;
~$1319 with accessories
Device Ratings

by Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 1/5
Versatility for the Price 0/5
Power 1.5/5
Storage 3/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 3.5/5

by Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 2.5/5
Versatility for the Price 0.5/5
Power 3.5/5
Storage 4.5/5
Portability 1.5/5
Autonomy 2/5

by Netbooks standards

Bang for the Buck 4/5
Versatility for the Price 0.5/5
Power 5/5
Storage 4.5/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 2/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 1.5/5
Versatility for the Price 0/5
Power 2/5
Storage 3/5
Portability 3.5/5
Autonomy 2.5/5

by Large Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 2.5/5
Versatility for the Price 0.5/5
Power 3/5
Storage 4.5/5
Portability 2/5
Autonomy 2/5

Specs

Processor: Intel Core i5-7Y54

Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615

Memory: 8.00 GB

Storage: 256.00 GB

Screen Size: 12.3"

Screen Resolution: 2400×1600

Dimensions: 28.96 x 22.10 x 1.02 cm
Weight: 1.100 kg
detailed info from US$978.74
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
Asus Flip 12.5" Chromebook from US$610;
~$819 with accessories
Device Ratings

by Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 0.5/5
Versatility for the Price 1/5
Power 1/5
Storage 1/5
Portability 4.5/5
Autonomy 4/5

by Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 0.5/5
Versatility for the Price 1/5
Power 2.5/5
Storage 3/5
Portability 1.5/5
Autonomy 2/5

by Netbooks standards

Bang for the Buck 2/5
Versatility for the Price 1/5
Power 4/5
Storage 3.5/5
Portability 4.5/5
Autonomy 3/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 0.5/5
Versatility for the Price 1.5/5
Power 1.5/5
Storage 1.5/5
Portability 3.5/5
Autonomy 3/5

by Large Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 0.5/5
Versatility for the Price 1.5/5
Power 2/5
Storage 2.5/5
Portability 2/5
Autonomy 2/5

Specs

Processor: Intel Core m5-6Y54

Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515

Memory: 4.00 GB

Storage: 64.00 GB

Screen Size: 12.5"

Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

Dimensions: 30.48 x 21.08 x 1.27 cm
Weight: 1.180 kg
detailed info from US$602.01
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×

Bang for the Buck	1/5
Versatility for the Price	0/5
Power	1.5/5
Storage	1.5/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	3/5

Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
Versatility for the Price	0.5/5
Power	3/5
Storage	4/5
Portability	2/5
Autonomy	1.5/5

Bang for the Buck	4/5
Versatility for the Price	0.5/5
Power	5/5
Storage	4.5/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	1.5/5

Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
Versatility for the Price	0.5/5
Power	2/5
Storage	2/5
Portability	3.5/5
Autonomy	2.5/5

Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
Versatility for the Price	0.5/5
Power	2.5/5
Storage	3.5/5
Portability	2.5/5
Autonomy	1/5

Bang for the Buck	1/5
Versatility for the Price	0/5
Power	1.5/5
Storage	3/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	3/5

Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
Versatility for the Price	0/5
Power	3.5/5
Storage	4.5/5
Portability	2/5
Autonomy	1.5/5

Bang for the Buck	1/5
Versatility for the Price	0/5
Power	2.5/5
Storage	3/5
Portability	3.5/5
Autonomy	2.5/5

Bang for the Buck	0/5
Versatility for the Price	0/5
Power	0.5/5
Storage	2.5/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	3.5/5

Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
Versatility for the Price	0/5
Power	3.5/5
Storage	4.5/5
Portability	2.5/5
Autonomy	1/5

Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
Power	2.5/5
Storage	3/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	4.5/5

Bang for the Buck	2/5
Versatility for the Price	2/5
Power	3/5
Storage	3/5
Portability	3.5/5
Autonomy	4/5

Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
Versatility for the Price	2/5
Power	1.5/5
Storage	2.5/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	4.5/5

Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
Versatility for the Price	3/5
Power	4/5
Storage	3/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	3.5/5

Bang for the Buck	3/5
Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
Power	4/5
Storage	3/5
Portability	3.5/5
Autonomy	2.5/5

Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
Versatility for the Price	3/5
Power	4/5
Storage	2.5/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	4/5

Bang for the Buck	1/5
Versatility for the Price	0/5
Power	1.5/5
Storage	3/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	3.5/5

Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
Versatility for the Price	0.5/5
Power	3.5/5
Storage	4.5/5
Portability	1.5/5
Autonomy	2/5

Bang for the Buck	4/5
Versatility for the Price	0.5/5
Power	5/5
Storage	4.5/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	2/5

Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
Versatility for the Price	0/5
Power	2/5
Storage	3/5
Portability	3.5/5
Autonomy	2.5/5

Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
Versatility for the Price	0.5/5
Power	3/5
Storage	4.5/5
Portability	2/5
Autonomy	2/5

Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
Versatility for the Price	1/5
Power	1/5
Storage	1/5
Portability	4.5/5
Autonomy	4/5

Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
Versatility for the Price	1/5
Power	2.5/5
Storage	3/5
Portability	1.5/5
Autonomy	2/5

Bang for the Buck	2/5
Versatility for the Price	1/5
Power	4/5
Storage	3.5/5
Portability	4.5/5
Autonomy	3/5

Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
Power	1.5/5
Storage	1.5/5
Portability	3.5/5
Autonomy	3/5

Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
Power	2/5
Storage	2.5/5
Portability	2/5
Autonomy	2/5

Easiest to Carry under $400

Need something cheaper? No worries; here are the most portable laptops priced below average.

There might be some overlap with the list above, but everything down here is considered a budget-friendly laptop.

Acer 11" Chromebook from US$14022% cheaper than usual
~$198 with accessories
Device Ratings

by Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 2/5
Versatility for the Price 5/5
Power 0.5/5
Storage 0/5
Portability 4.5/5
Autonomy 4/5

by Netbooks standards

Bang for the Buck 4.5/5
Versatility for the Price 5/5
Power 2.5/5
Storage 1/5
Portability 4/5
Autonomy 2.5/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 2.5/5
Versatility for the Price 5/5
Power 0.5/5
Storage 0/5
Portability 3.5/5
Autonomy 3/5

Specs

Processor: Intel Celeron N3060

Graphics: Intel HD Graphics

Memory: 4.00 GB

Storage: 16.00 GB

Screen Size: 11.6"

Screen Resolution: 1366×768

Dimensions: 29.40 x 20.40 x 1.85 cm
Weight: 1.100 kg
detailed info from US$135.61
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
Acer 11" Chromebook from US$150;
~$217 with accessories
- the Casual Nomad
- the Media Consumer
Device Ratings

by Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 1.5/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 0.5/5
Storage 0.5/5
Portability 4/5
Autonomy 4/5

by Netbooks standards

Bang for the Buck 4.5/5
Versatility for the Price 4/5
Power 2.5/5
Storage 3/5
Portability 4/5
Autonomy 2.5/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 2/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 0.5/5
Storage 1/5
Portability 3.5/5
Autonomy 3/5

Specs

Processor: Intel Celeron N3060

Graphics: Intel HD Graphics

Memory: 4.00 GB

Storage: 32.00 GB

Screen Size: 11.6"

Screen Resolution: 1366×768

Dimensions: 29.40 x 20.40 x 1.87 cm
Weight: 1.100 kg
detailed info from US$149.94
- US$149.94 from Canada Computers (Refurbished)
  as of 2019-09-21 05:11:06, EDT
- US$226.03 from Amazon (New)
  as of 2019-09-21 04:23:30, EDT
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
Acer 11.6" Convertible Chromebook from US$230;
~$318 with accessories
Device Ratings

by Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 2/5
Versatility for the Price 4/5
Power 1/5
Storage 0.5/5
Portability 4/5
Autonomy 5/5

by Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 4/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 2/5
Storage 2/5
Portability 1/5
Autonomy 4/5

by Netbooks standards

Bang for the Buck 5/5
Versatility for the Price 3.5/5
Power 4/5
Storage 3/5
Portability 3.5/5
Autonomy 5/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 3/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 1/5
Storage 1/5
Portability 3.5/5
Autonomy 4/5

by Large Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 4/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 1.5/5
Storage 1.5/5
Portability 1.5/5
Autonomy 4/5

Specs

Processor: Intel Celeron N3160

Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 400

Memory: 4.00 GB

Storage: 32.00 GB

Screen Size: 11.6"

Screen Resolution: 1366×768

Dimensions: 29.39 x 20.40 x 1.93 cm
Weight: 1.300 kg
detailed info from US$226.03
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
Asus 14-inch Touch Screen Chromebook from US$2104%, Best price yet!
~$290 with accessories
Device Ratings

by Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 1/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 0.5/5
Storage 0.5/5
Portability 4/5
Autonomy 4.5/5

by Netbooks standards

Bang for the Buck 3/5
Versatility for the Price 4/5
Power 2/5
Storage 3/5
Portability 3/5
Autonomy 4.5/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 1/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 0.5/5
Storage 1/5
Portability 3/5
Autonomy 4/5

Specs

Processor: Intel Celeron N3350

Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 500

Memory: 4.00 GB

Storage: 32.00 GB

Screen Size: 14"

Screen Resolution: 1366×768

Dimensions: 32.26 x 22.86 x 1.52 cm
Weight: 1.400 kg

detailed info
US$203.43 from The Source (New)
as of 2019-09-21 03:28:54, EDT

Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the The Source site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
Acer Chromebook Spin 11 from US$230;
~$318 with accessories
Device Ratings

by Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 0.5/5
Versatility for the Price 4/5
Power 0.5/5
Storage 0/5
Portability 3.5/5
Autonomy 4.5/5

by Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 1.5/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 1/5
Storage 0/5
Portability 1/5
Autonomy 3.5/5

by Netbooks standards

Bang for the Buck 3/5
Versatility for the Price 3.5/5
Power 2/5
Storage 0.5/5
Portability 2.5/5
Autonomy 4.5/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 1/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 0.5/5
Storage 0/5
Portability 3/5
Autonomy 4/5

by Large Tablets standards

Bang for the Buck 1.5/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 0.5/5
Storage 0/5
Portability 1/5
Autonomy 3.5/5

Specs

Processor: Intel Celeron N3350

Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 500

Memory: 4.00 GB

Screen Size: 11.6"

Screen Resolution: 1366×768

Dimensions: 29.60 x 20.60 x 2.09 cm
Weight: 1.400 kg
detailed info from US$226.03
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
Asus 12" Ruggedized Chromebook from US$250;
~$338 with accessories
Device Ratings

by Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 0/5
Versatility for the Price 3.5/5
Power 0/5
Storage 0.5/5
Portability 3.5/5
Autonomy 4/5

by Netbooks standards

Bang for the Buck 0.5/5
Versatility for the Price 3/5
Power 1/5
Storage 3/5
Portability 2/5
Autonomy 3.5/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 0/5
Versatility for the Price 4/5
Power 0.5/5
Storage 1/5
Portability 3/5
Autonomy 3/5

Specs

Processor: Intel Celeron N3060

Graphics: Intel HD Graphics

Memory: 4.00 GB

Storage: 32.00 GB

Screen Size: 11.6"

Screen Resolution: 1366×768

Dimensions: 29.40 x 20.00 x 2.25 cm
Weight: 1.200 kg

detailed info
US$241.1 from Staples (New)
as of 2019-09-21 07:01:39, EDT

Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Staples site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×