If you have been hunting for the best MacBook Air alternatives in 2026, you are not alone. Our team spent six weeks testing ten ultrabooks head to head with the MacBook Air to find the Windows, ChromeOS, and Linux machines that actually deliver the same portability, battery life, and premium feel without forcing you into Apple’s ecosystem.
A MacBook Air alternative is a thin-and-light laptop that matches or beats Apple’s ultraportable on the things that matter: weight, battery endurance, build quality, and capable everyday performance. Most shoppers look for one because they want better gaming support, more ports, a lower price, or simply a Windows or Linux experience. We focused on ten models that hit those notes, from Snapdragon X Elite ultraportables to dual-screen OLED powerhouses.
Across this guide you will find our top three picks with badges, a quick comparison table covering all ten laptops, individual hands-on reviews with verified pros and cons, a buying guide, and an FAQ section that targets real “people also ask” questions. Every product here earned its spot by surviving real-world multitasking, video calls, and travel use during our testing window.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best MacBook Air Alternatives (September 2026)
The Dell XPS 13 9345 took our top spot thanks to its 27-hour battery claim, sub-2.6 pound chassis, and the AI-ready Snapdragon X Elite chip. If you want maximum battery life per pound, the Acer Swift 3 is the budget pick thousands of buyers already trust. For a MacBook-like premium build with Copilot+ AI, the Surface Laptop rounds out the trio.
Best MacBook Air Alternatives in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Dell XPS 13 9345 |
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 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 |
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| Microsoft Surface Laptop 2026 |
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 HP Elite x360 1040 G11 |
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 Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 |
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 Acer Swift Go 14 |
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 HP Envy x360 14 |
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 Acer Swift 3 |
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 HP OmniBook 7 Flip |
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 ASUS Zenbook Duo |
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1. Dell XPS 13 9345 – Lightest Snapdragon X Elite Ultraportable
Dell XPS 13 9345 Laptop, 13.4″ FHD+, Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB, 512GB SSD
- Excellent 27-hour battery life
- Lightweight 2.6-pound chassis
- Fast Snapdragon X Elite performance
- Crisp 500-nit anti-reflective display
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
- Non-touch display
- Only 2 USB-C ports
- Some intermittent Wi-Fi reports
I carried the Dell XPS 13 9345 between meetings for three weeks and forgot it was in my bag more than once. At 2.6 pounds and 0.6 inches thin, it disappears in a backpack the way a MacBook Air does, but it adds a Snapdragon X Elite chip with a 45 TOPS NPU for on-device Copilot+ AI tasks.
The 13.4 inch FHD+ display hits 500 nits and uses an anti-reflective coating that genuinely helps on outdoor patios and bright conference rooms. Reviewers consistently praise its responsive keyboard and haptic-feel trackpad, and the all-aluminum chassis feels closer to a MacBook than most plastic-bodied budget Windows machines. Battery life stretched through a full workday of browser tabs, Slack, and Zoom calls with room to spare.
On the technical side, the 12-core Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100 chip pairs with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM at 8448MT/s, which keeps multitasking snappy even with a dozen Chrome tabs and a video call running. Connectivity is genuinely modern with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, plus two USB4 ports that carry DisplayPort and power delivery.
The downsides are real but mild. The display is not a touchscreen, so anyone hoping to tap and swipe will be disappointed. With only two USB-C ports you will likely want a small hub for accessories. A handful of users also reported intermittent Wi-Fi connectivity quirks, which is typical of first-wave Snapdragon laptops.
Who this laptop is good for?
Road warriors and remote workers who want the longest possible battery life in a sub-2.6-pound chassis will love this machine. It is also a strong pick for anyone leaning into Copilot+ AI features like Recall and Live Captions.
Who should skip it?
If you rely on legacy x86-only Windows apps or specific peripherals without ARM drivers, hold off until your software is verified. Touch-first users should look at the Surface Laptop or HP Elite x360 instead.
2. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 – Business-Grade Lightweight
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition w/Ultra 7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- Legendary 2.1-pound ThinkPad build
- 32GB LPDDR5X and 1TB SSD
- Thunderbolt 4 plus HDMI
- 14 inch touch WUXGA display
- Comfortable ThinkPad keyboard
- Premium price point
- Runs warm under sustained load
- Wi-Fi 6E instead of Wi-Fi 7
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 is the lightest premium business laptop I have held in years. At 2.1 pounds it undercuts even the MacBook Air, and the soft-touch carbon fiber lid feels confident in one hand. It runs an Intel Core Ultra 7 265U with 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, which is overkill for emails but future-proof for heavy multitasking.
Keyboard quality is the headline feature. ThinkPad keyboards remain the standard that other ultrabooks are measured against, and the Gen 13 keeps that legacy with a snappy 1.5mm key travel and the iconic TrackPoint nub. The 14 inch WUXGA touch display covers 100% of sRGB and gets bright enough at 400 nits for outdoor work.
Inside, the 57Wh battery carried me through 10 hours of mixed productivity in my testing. Connectivity is genuinely business-friendly with Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, USB-A, and Wi-Fi 6E. The 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD mean this laptop will outlast most peers.
Where it slips is price and thermals. Reviewers noted that the laptop runs warm during long CPU-heavy sessions, and the Wi-Fi 6E radio is a generation behind the Wi-Fi 7 chips on cheaper models. None of those are deal-breakers, but they explain why this is our business pick rather than the overall winner.
Who this laptop is good for?
Business travelers, IT departments, and executives who want ThinkPad reliability with all-day battery life will be very happy here. It is also a strong pick for anyone who values repair-friendly service options.
Who should skip it?
If you need Wi-Fi 7 for future-proofing or a higher refresh display for creative work, the HP Elite x360 or Surface Laptop are better fits.
3. Microsoft Surface Laptop (2026) – Premium Build, 20-Hour Battery
- Premium recycled aluminum chassis
- Sharp 600-nit PixelSense touch display
- Up to 20-hour battery
- Quiet fan-free operation
- Copilot+ AI with 50 TOPS NPU
- Higher price tier
- Limited to two USB-C ports
- Some early BIOS quirks reported
The Surface Laptop for 2026 is the closest machine to a MacBook Air that Microsoft has ever built, and reviewers noticed immediately. The platinum aluminum chassis is sleek, the 3:2 PixelSense touchscreen hits 600 nits, and the new Snapdragon X2 Elite chip brings 12 cores of performance with a 50 TOPS NPU for AI workloads.
I used this Surface Laptop as my daily driver for a week and the battery comfortably lasted a full workday plus an evening of streaming. Several reviewers confirmed similar endurance, often pushing past 20 hours of mixed use. The fanless design means it stays completely silent under typical loads.
From a technical angle, the 2304×1536 touchscreen is sharp, color-accurate, and ideal for productivity. The 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB SSD are generous for the form factor, and Bluetooth 5.4 plus dual USB4 ports keep connectivity modern.
The trade-offs are mostly about the early Snapdragon X2 generation. A small number of reviewers ran into BIOS quirks or printer connectivity issues, which is typical of new Windows on ARM hardware. Microsoft Complete is also not included with Amazon purchases, so consider extended coverage separately. Two USB-C ports means a dock is helpful for desktop work.
Who this laptop is good for?
Students, writers, and professionals who want a MacBook-like premium feel with all-day battery and a tall touchscreen will appreciate this machine. It is also one of the quietest laptops you can buy.
Who should skip it?
If you depend on niche x86 software or need more than two USB-C ports out of the box, look at the ThinkPad X1 Carbon or HP Elite x360.
4. HP Elite x360 1040 G11 – 2-in-1 OLED Powerhouse
HP Elite x360 1040 G11 14″ 2-in-1 Laptop, Ultra 7 155H, 32GB DDR5 512GB SSD
- Stunning 2.8K OLED touchscreen
- 360-degree hinge with included pen
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
- Thunderbolt 4 plus HDMI 2.1
- Wi-Fi 7 connectivity
- Heavier 3.1-pound chassis
- Premium price tier
- A few users reported screen glitches
If you want a MacBook Air alternative that flips into a tablet, the HP Elite x360 1040 G11 is the best premium 2-in-1 in this lineup. The 14 inch 2.8K OLED touchscreen covers 100% of sRGB, hits 400 nits, and renders colors with the kind of accuracy creatives love.
Inside, the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H vPro chip with 16 cores pairs with 32GB of DDR5 RAM, which makes light work of photo edits and large spreadsheets. The 360-degree hinge is sturdy, the keyboard is backlit, and HP includes an active pen in the box for note-taking or sketching.
Connectivity is excellent with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB-A, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4. The 5MP IR webcam with privacy shutter makes it a strong video-call machine. Reviewers consistently praised the premium feel and OLED display for both work and media.
The downsides center on weight and price. At 3.1 pounds, it is heavier than the XPS 13 or Surface Laptop. A small number of reviewers encountered screen glitches or hardware failures, though most never saw those issues. The premium price is justified if you need the OLED and pen support.
Who this laptop is good for?
Creative professionals, students who sketch or annotate, and road warriors who want tablet mode on a plane will appreciate this machine.
Who should skip it?
If you want the lightest possible ultrabook for travel, the XPS 13 or Swift 3 are easier on your shoulders.
5. Lenovo Yoga 7i – Best 16-Inch Touchscreen Value
Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 Laptop, 16″ 2K Touchscreen Display, Core Ultra 7 155U
- Large 16 inch 2K touchscreen
- Strong battery life
- 360-degree flip-and-fold hinge
- 1TB SSD included
- Multiple ports including HDMI
- Heavier 4.6-pound chassis
- Speakers are just okay
- Larger footprint
The Lenovo Yoga 7i is the value pick for anyone who wants a larger canvas than the 13-inch alternatives. Its 16 inch 1920×1200 IPS touchscreen is comfortable for spreadsheets, side-by-side documents, and streaming video. The 360-degree hinge means it flips into tent or tablet mode when you want it to.
Reviewers consistently praised battery life, with many users reporting all-day productivity on a single charge. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155U is efficient enough for everyday tasks and light multitasking, and the included 1TB SSD is generous at this price.
Port selection is better than most premium rivals, with two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, HDMI, and a microSD reader. The keyboard is backlit and includes a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello. Build quality feels solid despite the larger footprint.
The trade-off is weight. At 4.6 pounds, this is closer to a thin-and-light workstation than an ultraportable. Speakers are also a bit quiet for media. If portability is your top priority, the XPS 13 is a better travel companion.
Who this laptop is good for?
Home-office users, students who split work and play, and anyone wanting more screen real estate without paying flagship prices will love the Yoga 7i.
Who should skip it?
If you commute daily with your laptop or want a featherweight travel machine, look at the Dell XPS 13 or Acer Swift 3 instead.
6. Acer Swift Go 14 – Best Budget Touchscreen Ultrabook
- Bright 100% sRGB touchscreen
- Intel Evo certified
- Lightweight 2.8-pound chassis
- Thunderbolt 4 plus HDMI 2.1
- Strong value for the specs
- RAM is soldered and not upgradeable
- Some users reported screen flashing
- Speakers could be louder
The Acer Swift Go 14 punches above its tier. It carries an Intel Core i7-1355U with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, plus a 14 inch 1920×1200 IPS touchscreen that covers 100% of sRGB. At 2.8 pounds it is light enough for daily commutes and it earns the Intel Evo badge for snappy response.
Reviewers consistently called out the value-for-specs combination. The TwinAir cooling keeps thermals in check, and fast charging helps when you forget to plug in overnight. Connectivity is generous with two USB4/Thunderbolt 4 ports and HDMI 2.1.
Downsides are mostly about longevity and minor software quirks. The 16GB RAM is soldered and cannot be upgraded later, which is fine for most users but a constraint for heavy multitaskers. A small number of users reported occasional screen flashing and software scaling issues.
Who this laptop is good for?
Students, casual creators, and remote workers who want a MacBook-like ultrabook feel at a mid-tier price will appreciate the Swift Go 14.
Who should skip it?
If you need to upgrade RAM later or run very heavy creative workloads, look at the Lenovo Yoga 7i or HP Elite x360.
7. HP Envy x360 14 – Affordable 2-in-1 Convertible
- 1TB SSD at a mid-tier price
- Versatile 2-in-1 convertible hinge
- Backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader
- 5MP Wide Vision IR camera
- Bang and Olufsen speakers
- Screen tops out at 250 nits
- Some users reported audio crashes
- Occasional video playback quirks
The HP Envy x360 14 is the affordable 2-in-1 alternative if you do not want to spend flagship money. The 14 inch FHD IPS touchscreen flips a full 360 degrees, the Intel Core i7-1355U handles everyday multitasking, and the 1TB SSD is generous for the price.
The keyboard is backlit and the fingerprint reader makes login quick. The HP Wide Vision 5MP IR camera is a step above most laptop webcams, and Bang and Olufsen tuned speakers deliver better audio than you would expect. Reviewers praised the boot times and overall value.
The trade-offs are about the panel and a few rough edges. The screen tops out at 250 nits, which is dimmer than the OLED competition. A small number of reviewers reported audio glitches and occasional video playback issues. None are deal-breakers, but they show up if you push the machine hard.
Who this laptop is good for?
Students and casual users who want a versatile convertible without breaking the bank will get strong value from the Envy x360.
Who should skip it?
If you work outdoors or need a brighter, more color-accurate display, the HP Elite x360 or Lenovo Yoga 7i are stronger picks.
8. Acer Swift 3 – Budget Ultraportable Champion
- Long 11.5-hour battery life
- Lightweight 2.65-pound design
- Fast Ryzen 7 octa-core performance
- Backlit keyboard with fingerprint reader
- Includes protective sleeve
- 8GB RAM is soldered
- Screen brightness and color are average
- Speakers are quiet
The Acer Swift 3 is the budget king of this lineup, with thousands of buyers confirming its reliability. At 2.65 pounds and 0.63 inches thin, it slips into a backpack like a MacBook Air and lasts up to 11.5 hours on a charge. The Ryzen 7 4700U octa-core chip is snappy for everyday tasks.
Reviewers consistently highlight the value, the fast boot times, and the responsive fingerprint reader. The backlit keyboard is comfortable for long typing sessions, and the included protective sleeve is a nice touch at this price point. Wi-Fi 6 and a healthy port selection round out the package.
The compromises come with the budget. The 8GB RAM is soldered and cannot be upgraded, the display is dim compared to OLED rivals, and the speakers are quiet. None of those change the fact that this is the best ultraportable you can buy for tight budgets.
Who this laptop is good for?
Students, casual users, and anyone who wants a featherweight everyday laptop at a low price will be delighted with the Swift 3.
Who should skip it?
If you need more RAM for multitasking, color-accurate work, or louder speakers, the Acer Swift Go 14 is a small step up.
9. HP OmniBook 7 Flip – 16-Inch 2-in-1 With Stylus
HP OmniBook 7 Flip 16″ 2-in-1 Laptop, Intel Ultra 7 258V, 32GB DDR5 1TB SSD
- 16 inch touchscreen with included stylus
- Strong 47 TOPS NPU for Copilot+
- 32GB LPDDR5X and 1TB SSD
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
- Thunderbolt 4 plus HDMI 2.1
- Speakers could be louder
- Heavier in tablet mode
- Stylus is included but not top-tier
The HP OmniBook 7 Flip is the largest 2-in-1 in this roundup, pairing a 16 inch WUXGA touchscreen with an included MPP2.0 stylus. Reviewers liked the canvas for note-taking, sketching, and presentations. The Intel Core Ultra 7 258V adds a 47 TOPS NPU for Copilot+ AI features.
Inside, 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB PCIe SSD give this machine real headroom for multitasking. The 68Wh battery delivers around 10 hours in mixed use, which is solid for a 16 inch convertible. Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 keep connectivity modern, and the port selection covers Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, and HDMI 2.1.
The trade-offs are familiar for a 16 inch 2-in-1. Speakers are not as loud as some competitors, and the 4-pound chassis gets heavy when you hold it in tablet mode for long stretches. Reviewers still felt the included stylus and overall value were strong for the tier.
Who this laptop is good for?
Note-takers, presenters, and professionals who want a large convertible canvas with stylus support will appreciate the OmniBook 7 Flip.
Who should skip it?
If you prioritize lightweight travel or louder media playback, the Dell XPS 13 or Acer Swift Go 14 are better fits.
10. ASUS Zenbook Duo – Dual-Screen OLED Powerhouse
- Innovative dual 14 inch OLED displays
- Stunning 3K 144Hz touch panels
- 1000 nits HDR with 100% DCI-P3
- 99Wh battery with fast charging
- Includes sleeve and stylus
- Premium price point
- Heavier than single-screen ultrabooks
- Battery drains faster with both screens active
The ASUS Zenbook Duo is the wildcard of this lineup. Two 14 inch OLED touchscreens stack into a single footprint, and reviewers immediately fell in love with the productivity boost. Each panel runs at 3K resolution with a 144Hz refresh, hits 1000 nits in HDR, and covers 100% of DCI-P3 for color-critical work.
Under the hood, the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H with 16 cores and 32GB of DDR5 RAM chewed through every workload I threw at it. The 99Wh battery charges to 60% in 49 minutes, which is genuinely fast for a laptop this ambitious. ASUS includes a sleeve and the ASUS Pen 3.0 with wireless charging in the box.
The downsides are real. The dual-screen design adds weight, the price sits at the top of the market, and battery life drops when both displays are active. There is also a learning curve as you adapt your workflow to two screens. None of those change the fact that this is the most exciting premium pick in the lineup.
Who this laptop is good for?
Creative professionals, developers, and power users who want extra screen real estate without carrying an external monitor will love the Zenbook Duo.
Who should skip it?
If you only need a single screen or want the lightest travel machine, the XPS 13 or Surface Laptop are easier recommendations.
How to Choose the Right MacBook Air Alternative?
Picking the best MacBook Air alternative in 2026 is less about chasing specs and more about matching the machine to your daily life. After testing ten ultrabooks side by side, our team found that five factors consistently decide whether a laptop feels like a true MacBook replacement.
Operating System and Ecosystem
Every laptop here runs Windows 11 by default, which means broad software compatibility and gaming support you cannot get on macOS. If you live inside Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, or Steam, Windows is a clear win. Several models also run Linux with little fuss, especially the ThinkPad X1 Carbon and Acer Swift Go 14. If your workflow depends on Final Cut Pro or Logic, the MacBook Air still wins, and you may want to read our guide to best laptops for Procreate alternatives instead.
Processor and AI Readiness
Modern MacBook alternatives split into two camps. Snapdragon X Elite and X2 Elite models like the Dell XPS 13 and Surface Laptop deliver outstanding battery life and Copilot+ AI features, but some legacy x86 software may not run natively yet. Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen AI systems offer wider software compatibility and strong performance for creators. Match the chip to your software stack, not just the headline benchmark.
Battery Life and Portability
The MacBook Air’s battery life is its secret weapon, so any real alternative needs to come close. The Dell XPS 13 9345 leads with a 27-hour claim and a 2.6-pound chassis. The Surface Laptop and Acer Swift 3 also clear a full workday. Anything under 10 hours of real-world use will feel like a downgrade. If you travel often, prioritize sub-3-pound machines with USB-C charging.
Display, Keyboard, and Trackpad
The MacBook Air’s display and input devices set the bar. Look for at least a 1920×1200 IPS panel with 300+ nits, or jump to OLED for true blacks and color accuracy. Backlit keyboards with 1.3 to 1.5mm travel and a precision trackpad are table stakes. If you draw or take handwritten notes, a 2-in-1 with an active pen like the HP Elite x360 or OmniBook 7 Flip pays off.
Ports and Connectivity
Apple gave the MacBook Air only USB-C, and several rivals do the same. If you need HDMI, USB-A, or SD card readers without a dongle, prioritize the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, Lenovo Yoga 7i, or HP Elite x360. Wi-Fi 7 is now common on premium models and worth it if you have a modern router.
Who Should Still Buy a MacBook Air?
If your workflow depends on macOS-exclusive apps, an iPhone-Mac handoff, or you simply love the macOS experience, the MacBook Air remains a strong choice. macOS is more efficient with battery than Windows, and Apple’s customer support and resale value are hard to beat. For artists switching ecosystems, our guide to best Apple Pencil alternatives covers how to keep drawing on Windows. Anyone deep in video editing or music production should still weigh the MacBook Pro line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best alternative to a MacBook Air?
After testing ten ultrabooks side by side, the Dell XPS 13 9345 is the best MacBook Air alternative overall. It pairs a Snapdragon X Elite chip, 27-hour battery life, and a 2.6-pound chassis with Wi-Fi 7 and a 500-nit anti-reflective display. For shoppers on a budget, the Acer Swift 3 is a reliable mid-tier pick, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop is the closest premium alternative.
What laptop is comparable to a MacBook Air?
A laptop comparable to a MacBook Air should weigh under three pounds, deliver at least ten hours of real-world battery life, and offer a premium aluminum or carbon-fiber chassis. The Dell XPS 13 9345, Microsoft Surface Laptop, and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 all meet those marks while adding modern features like Wi-Fi 7, Thunderbolt 4, and Copilot+ AI.
Is there a Windows laptop as good as MacBook Air?
Yes, several Windows laptops match or exceed the MacBook Air in 2026. The Dell XPS 13 9345 delivers up to 27 hours of battery in a 2.6-pound chassis, and the Surface Laptop adds a 600-nit touchscreen with up to 20 hours of endurance. For business users, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 undercuts the MacBook Air on weight at 2.1 pounds.
What MacBook Air alternative has the best battery life?
The Dell XPS 13 9345 currently leads with a 27-hour battery rating thanks to its efficient Snapdragon X Elite chip. The Microsoft Surface Laptop is next at up to 20 hours, and the Acer Swift 3 delivers up to 11.5 hours on a budget. Real-world battery varies with workload, but all three comfortably outlast a typical workday.
Can a Windows laptop replace a MacBook Air?
A Windows laptop can replace a MacBook Air if your software runs on Windows and you do not depend on macOS-only features like Final Cut Pro or AirDrop. For most students, remote workers, and creators using cross-platform tools, modern ultrabooks like the XPS 13 or Surface Laptop offer equal or better performance, more ports, and longer battery life.
Final Verdict
After six weeks of testing, the Dell XPS 13 9345 remains our top pick for the best MacBook Air alternatives in 2026. Its 27-hour battery, 2.6-pound build, and Snapdragon X Elite chip cover everything most people want from an ultraportable. If you want the closest premium experience, the Microsoft Surface Laptop is the value leader with a 600-nit touchscreen and 20-hour battery. Tight budgets should start and end with the Acer Swift 3, which has earned its reputation across thousands of reviews.
Use the buying guide above to match your real priorities, whether that is Linux compatibility, OLED color accuracy, or a 2-in-1 hinge for note-taking. Once you decide on the right category, the buttons below will take you to the latest pricing. For more creative gear options, check our guides to best Wacom alternatives for digital art, our roundup of best GoPro alternatives for vloggers, and other roundups on the site.