Buying Guide: 10 best Ultrabooks 2016: top thin and light laptops reviewed


Best Ultrabooks

Updated: The updated Skylake-powered Asus ZenBook UX305 is still a stunning machine at an amazing price.

Ultrabooks have come a long way since they were first introduced to compete with the MacBook Air world. They’re thin and light while featuring powerful Intel Core processors, fast SSD storage and superb battery life. But more than anything else they represent the bleeding edge of laptops; case in point the size shrinking Dell XPS 13, the unbelievably light Lenovo LaVie Z and Microsoft’s own addition with the Surface Book.

Of course, this all means Ultrabook also come at a premium. Don’t be surprised with prices that start at $999 (around £584, AU$1,064) just for the low-end and nearly $2,000 (around £1,169, AU$2,131) at the very high end.

It’s an arms race in the Ultrabook world and there’s no room for losers in this space, as such it’s hard not to find a great machine. But if you’re looking for the very best cream of the crop, you’ve come to the right place.

Best Ultrabooks

1. Dell XPS 13

The best laptop on the planet, Dell’s latest Ultrabook is a masterpiece

CPU: 2.3GHz Intel Core i5-6200U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch QHD+ (3,200 x 1,800) | Storage: 256GB SSD | Connectivity: DW1820A 2×2 802.11ac 2.4/5GHz; Bluetooth 4.1 | Camera: 720p HD webcam | Weight: 2.93 pounds | Dimensions: 11.97 x 7.87 x 0.35 – 0.59 inches

See more Dell XPS 13 deals

Gorgeous bezel-less display Lightweight, compact frame Off-center webcam Small frame limits battery life

The new Dell XPS 13 is a revolution in laptop design. It comes sporting a 13.3-inch screen, but it has the footprint of an small 11-inch notebook making it incredibly compact and lightweight. The stunning bezel-less screen offers plenty to gawk especially if you go with the high-res QHD+ display. This machine Also features enough horsepower to make work and play enjoyable, and more than enough battery life to leave you in a lurch. All in all it’s a great, compact computing device that will delight you for years to come.

Best Ultrabooks

2. Asus ZenBook UX305

A truly excellent ultrabook at a very agreeable price point

CPU: 900MHz Intel Core M3-6Y30 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 IPS display | Storage: 256GB SSD | Connectivity: Integrated 802.11ac with Bluetooth | Camera: 2MP HD webcam | Weight: 2.6 pounds | Dimensions: 12.8 x 8.9 x 0.48 inches (W x D x H)

See more Asus ZenBook UX305 deals

Incredibly thin and light Vibrant, glare-free screen Weak sauce graphics Tinny speakers

The ZenBook UX305 is an exquisitely-built, fully metal machine that’s thin, light and very attractive. This lightweight system can easily take on any task whether it’s browsing the web, watching video or editing images. What’s more, its seven hour battery life is exceptional. Most strikingly, the well equipped UX305 comes at a very affordable price. While it isn’t exactly a shining symbol of innovation in the Ultrabook space, it’s one of the most affordable Windows 10 laptops available today and it won’t disappoint you.

Best Ultrabooks

3. Surface Book

The heavy duty performance Ultrabook

CPU: 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-6300U | Graphics: Intel HD graphics 520; Nvidia GeForce graphics | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.5-inch, 3,000 x 2,000 PixelSense Display | Storage: 256GB PCIe3.0 SSD | Connectivity: 802.11ac 2×2 MIMO Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 LE | Camera: Windows 8MP rear-facing autofocus camera (1080p HD), 5MP front-facing Hello face-authentication camera (1080p HD) | Weight: 3.48 pounds | Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.14 x 0.51-0.90 (W x D x H)

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Futuristic design Seamless tablet separation Battery life falls well below promises A bit heavy set

The Surface Book is both the world’s most powerful and thinnest Windows 10 PC in the world as well as an excellent laptop. This is all thanks to its ability to swap between being a really terrific notebook and tablet. Plus with all the power of an Intel Skylake processor and a discrete Nvidia GPU, this machine outpaces almost every other Ultrabook. The only thing users might find annoying is how it’s heavier and bigger than most 13-inch laptops thanks to its 3:2 aspect ratio and 13.5-inch screen.

best ultrabook

4. Lenovo Yoga 900

Performance meets design, Lenovo’s latest flagship is a jewel

CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-6500U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch QHD+ 3,200 x 1,800 IPS display | Storage: 512GB SSD | Connectivity: Intel Wireless-AC 8260; Bluetooth 4.0 | Camera: 720p webcam | Weight: 2.84 pounds | Dimensions: 12.75 x 8.86 x 0.59 inches

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Gorgeous display Slim design Shallow keyboard Display drivers issues

If you’re all about style and want power to back it up, things don’t get much better than Lenovo’s latest flagship hybrid Ultrabook. It’s much more punch than its Intel Core M-toting predecessor thanks to trading in Core i5 and i7 CPUs, and it has bigger batteries to boot. Though it’s no longer one of the lightest Windows laptops to date, the Yoga 900 still retains an incredibly sharp and thin design. Although it comes at a steep price, such panache will be worth it for style nuts.

Best Ultrabooks

5. Asus ZenBook Pro UX501

An attractive alternative to a certain fruit-flavoured laptop

CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-4720HQ | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 15.6-inch, 3840 x 2160 IPS Display | Storage: 512GB PCIe x4 SSD | Connectivity: Intel PRO Wireless AC 7260 + BT Wireless LAN Combo | Camera: Built-in 720P Video Camera | Weight: 5.0 pounds | Dimensions: 15.08 x 10.04 x 0.84 inches

See the best Asus ZenBook Pro UX501 deals

Bright, vibrant screen Excellent performance Feels heavy Mediocre battery life

If you’re looking for a laptop with a little more meat on its bones but don’t want to break the bank, the Asus ZenBook Pro UX501 is a stylish contender. It features a bright, vibrant 4K display and simply flies with the fastest storage drive around. While it’s not the lightest Ultrabook around, it comes with a very capable processor and a dedicated graphics card to handle some light gaming too. The UX501’s meaty innards and affordability make it an attractive option for content creators and media buffs alike.

best ultrabook

6. Lenovo LaVie Z

The lightest Ultrabook in the world

CPU: 2.40GHz Intel Core i7-5500U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphic 5500 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) LED anti-glare | Storage: 256GB SSD | Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 ac and Bluetooth 4.0 | Camera: 720p HD | Weight: 1.87 pounds | Dimensions: 12.56 x 0.67 x 8.35 inches

See more Lenovo LaVie Z deals

Core i7 processor Excellent WQHD screen Mediocre battery life Astronomical price tag

By creating the 1.87-pound LaVie Z, Lenovo has created the lightest laptop in the world. Aside from its lightweight chassis, the Lavie Z offers performance and display are among the best available today. However, the laptop’s somewhat questionable build quality, inferior battery life, and inflated price tag are qualities that could turn many off from what is an otherwise splendid device.

best ultrabook

7. HP EliteBook Folio 1020 G1

A thin, attractive business laptop posing as an Ultrabook

CPU: 1.2GHz dual-core Intel Core M-5Y71 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 5300 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: value | Storage: 256GB M.2 SSD | Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0; dual-band 802.11ac (B/G/N), dual-band Wi-Fi | Camera: 720p webcam | Weight: 2.68-pound | Dimensions: 12.2 x 8.27 x 0.62-inch

See the best HP EliteBook Folio 1020 G1 deals

Sleek design and tough construction Fingerprint scanner, enterprise security Underpowered Intel Core M performance No full-sized SD card reader

Although it has the look and body of an Ultrabook, the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 G1 is very much a business laptop in disguise. Underneath its MacBook Air like exterior, this machine packs plenty of enterprise perks including fingerprint scanner, enterprise security and the durable build quality to meet a Military Specifications certification. At the same time though, the HP Folio 1020 G1 has a gorgeous aluminum and fanless design that’s atypical of business-class notebooks. Add in a gorgeous QHD screen, comfortably ergonomic keyboard, and this premium business machine is well worth its slightly upscale price tag.

Best Ultrabooks

8. Acer Aspire S7

Acer’s luxurious laptop is an ultraportable star

CPU: 2.4 GHz Intel Core i7-550U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 5500 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 touchscreen | Storage: 256GB SSD | Connectivity: value | Camera: value | Weight: value | 12.72 x 8.78 x 0.51 | Dimensions: 12.72 x 8.78 x 0.51 inches

See the best Acer Aspire S7 deals

Attractive glass design
Full-day battery life
Screen limited to 1080p Too much bloatware

If you have a passion for white electronics, the Aspire S7’s looks alone may seal the deal, but the laptop is more than just a pretty face. Acer packs in Intel’s Broadwell Core i7 processor, a battery that lasts close to a full work day, plenty of storage and RAM all into a sleek body. The Aspire S7 is an attractive and powerful laptop, but not one without compromises. If you’re willing to invest a little time to removing bloatware and can live with a keyboard with the shallow key travel, then the Aspire S7 rewards you with a very capable computing experience that also looks stunning on your desk.

Best Ultrabooks

9. Toshiba Kirabook

A high-res Ultrabook that’s easy on the eyes

CPU: 2.4GHz Intel Core i7-5500U | Graphics: Intel® HD Graphics 5500 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3 inch 2560 x 1440 WQHD touchscreen | Storage: 256GB SSD | Connectivity: Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 + Bluetooth 4.0 | Camera: HD webcam | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Dimensions: 12.4 x 8 x 0.37 inches

See more Toshiba Kirabook deals

Stylish design Good battery life Expensive Dim, bendy screen

The Toshiba Kirabook (otherwise known as the Kira in the UK) sits at the higher end of the Ultrabook spectrum. It offers a high-res screen and a fully metal body that feels so premium, it even gives the MacBook a run for its money. While there were a few missteps with the annoying keyboard and dim screen, you’ll be pleased with this long lasting machine that’s easy on the eyes.

Best Ultrabooks

10. Toshiba Satellite Radius 12

The best 4K screen available on an Ultrabook today

CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-6500U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, 4K Ultra HD (3,840 x 2,160) TruBrite LED backlit touchscreen | Storage: 256GB SSD | Connectivity: Intel Dual-Band Wireless-AC 7265; Bluetooth 4.0 | Camera: HD webcam | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Dimensions: 11.8 x 8.2 x 0.61 inches

See more Toshiba Satellite Radius 12 deals

Smart design and ergonomics Incredibly colorful screen Strange keyboard layout Dismal battery life

High resolution screens have become synonymous with Ultrabooks but few have a true 4K screen and that’s where the Toshiba Satellite Radius 12 comes into impress. Packing a vibrant and very color accurate screen, this 12.5-inch hybrid notebook is one of the new Technicolor-certified devices on the market making it an excellent choice for photographers and those in media production. That said, it has a few flaws including a shrunken keyboard and competitively shorter battery life.

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25 Comments
  1. Reply Roslyn Stamm January 29, 2016 at 7:19 pm

    Where is the HP Spectre X360??? It offers all the positive things about the XPS 13 and adds a touchscreen for $100 less!!!

  2. Reply Bo Keeling II January 30, 2016 at 12:50 am

    Andrew, I read your post with interest. I am trying to look for a new high end IT Pro laptop that has loads of memory , all SSD, good keyboard for typing loads and is really light as possible . I could do with a 15.6" screen. I have to admit there seems nothing out there but chunky "Clevo" games machines or potentially the tiny Surface Pro. I am quite shocked as the little choice we have .. Will look at the Mac Book pro.

    By all means if someone suggests a Scan,PCSpecialist, Chillblast, Gigabyte, Lenovo etc machine that is on the market or about to be launched which meets my modest criteria then by all means post up to the discussion.

  3. Reply Jewell Kuphal Jr. January 30, 2016 at 3:27 am

    Very surprised you have not yet reviewed and included the new HP envy range. The 13' i7 is a wonderful beast that handles anything i've thrown at it (im a full stack web developer).

  4. Reply Dr. Dax Johnson Jr. January 30, 2016 at 6:48 am

    ThinkPad X1 Carbon anyone???

  5. Reply Martin West January 30, 2016 at 7:45 am

    Core M "fanless"? Wrong! The Yoga 3 pro has a fan, a damned loud fan, too.

  6. Reply Ms. Dina Williamson January 30, 2016 at 8:35 am

    yeah its no prob so long as you cough up some extra cash for bootcamp or whatever its called, thats why i hate apple, their methodolgy is "sure it can do that, you just have to pay us some extra cash" the hardware of a mac is perfectly capable of running other operating systems so why must they charge extra for it to happen

  7. Reply Marilie Stanton Sr. January 30, 2016 at 8:38 am

    Toshiba Kirabook is .7" thick, not .37". That's a major mistake..

  8. Reply Keira Metz January 30, 2016 at 9:29 am

    what about the spectre x360? it's the most direct and probably the best competitor of the XPS 13.

  9. Reply Sadye Grant January 30, 2016 at 3:29 pm

    Owned one with an i7. Only buy i7's. When Apple wouldn't update the screen, I went with a Macbook Pro.

  10. Reply Prof. Hilario Armstrong January 30, 2016 at 7:00 pm

    The Acer looks like it's full of value

  11. Reply Drake Wiegand January 31, 2016 at 12:23 am

    Would like an Zenbook but the small hard drive is a no go for me, it's not 256GB – it's 128GB

  12. Reply Betty Runolfsdottir DDS January 31, 2016 at 1:26 am

    I love Windows. It is absolutely the best source of credit card numbers, social security numbers, a great place to inject my 'bots for DDoS, you name it. OS X sucks droid. I would be the happiest girl on earth (or at least in China) if everyone in the world used Windows. Unfortunately, the tide is slowly turning against me. But I managed to get three Tesla Model S, a Ferrari, and a villa in Cap d'Antibes thanks to Windows users. My hat is off to you. The money you saved on your PC is the money that I raked in.

  13. Reply Dr. Maribel Hilll PhD January 31, 2016 at 4:27 am

    Manish, you are right…I spent 25 years chained to my windoze desktop, constantly checking for viri, when I gambled on a Imac with intel processor 4 years ago… Apple rulez!!!

    jacque p.

  14. Reply Garrett Cole January 31, 2016 at 11:05 am

    It does knock in but only after serious usage (6+ hours). Its very quiet.

  15. Reply Carmella Homenick January 31, 2016 at 12:23 pm

    Surprised to note that HP Spectre x360 is not even listed, whereas its specification, look and feel suggest to be the best in almost every account ! Is there some kind of built in biases with techradar ?

  16. Reply Mazie Bergnaum January 31, 2016 at 2:27 pm

    13, 13, 13… who wants stupid little 13 inch screen? Give me 15 inches or go home

  17. Reply Cameron Dicki January 31, 2016 at 5:24 pm

    can you hear the fan?

  18. Reply Elissa Casper January 31, 2016 at 9:07 pm

    typo? The summary lists the Acer S7 as "all day battery" but when you click on the Review, it says 2.7 hrs in a tough-test and concludes mediocre battery overall for this brand/model.

  19. Reply Jeffery Hermiston II February 1, 2016 at 1:16 am

    Show me an i5 of any mobile generation beating an i7 of that same generation. There's a reason that one is a 5 and the other is a 7. I have tested Mobile CPUs and when it comes to streaming 1080p 60fps 1440p or 4k (which some ultrabook screens suppport) videos, Mobile i5 processors just CAN'T handle it. For games, the mobile i5 can compare but these aren't gaming laptops.

    As for the RAM. You are correct, but tweaking ram or finding a large set of different modules for a laptop doesn't really work like a Desktop.

  20. Reply Zoila Homenick February 1, 2016 at 3:17 am

    MacBook 12 vs Dell XPS 13, and go!

  21. Reply Anastasia Hirthe February 1, 2016 at 4:45 am

    http://arstechnica.com/gadgets

    So are you trying to say that "Windows" is an Ultrabook? An……operating system? That if I buy an Ultrabook, remove Windows & fill it with Linux Mint or turn it into a Hackintosh….it somehow magically turns into…not an Ultrabook? Try to use your brain before you spew out whatever twit idea first pops into your head. Saying that the Air is NOT an Ultrabook, is like saying the Macbook pro is not a laptop. It's like saying Facetime is not video chatting. It's like saying Googling is not searching the internet.

  22. Reply Bobby Metz February 1, 2016 at 6:44 am

    id rather have my eyes scooped out with rusty teaspoons than use OSX as a daily driver OS, its awful

  23. Reply Lyric Herzog February 1, 2016 at 7:00 am

    I have owned a Macbook Air with Core i7. Do you mean "The New Macbook," that lightweight thing with one connector?

  24. Reply Kurt Murray February 1, 2016 at 10:31 am

    It isn't. Just paid $400 to repair the trackpad on my Macbook Retina, because a defective battery swelled and broke it. Apple won't admit it. No more Apple for me. Ever.

  25. Reply Jess Parisian February 1, 2016 at 1:27 pm

    no. 4GB is not enough for core i series processor

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