The 10 best Ultrabooks of 2017: top thin and light laptops reviewed

For us, when we see a notebook that’s thin and light, yet powered by Windows, we believe it deserves special recognition. Away from all talk of MacBooks and Chromebooks, these unibody laptops wielding solid-states drives (SSDs) and pushing pixels on the fly fall into their own category. They’re called Ultrabooks, and we’re elated to announce that the best Ultrabooks on the market have touched down in 2017.

It’s been a discouraging year for everything else, but these Ultrabooks are finally making good on the promises they set forth five years ago when they were unveiled by Intel. Less than 0.8 inches (2cm) thick? Try 0.33 inches (0.84cm). That’s how thin – at its narrowest end, of course – the best Ultrabook on our list is. It also has a killer lineup of ports, including USB 3.0 and USB Type-C. Try finding that on a 2017 MacBook Pro – you can’t.

Of the best Ultrabooks you can find, every one of them runs Windows 10, so you can take solace in the fact that the omissions of Windows 8 are now a concern of the past. You can also jump for joy that these laptops will typically last all day on a single charge depending on your workflow. To those coming from a gaming laptop, did we just hear you audibly sigh with relief? Fully tested and reviewed by the TechRadar staff, below are our picks of the best Ultrabooks.

Through three generations, the Dell XPS 13 has been our pick for the best laptop. Although it may be time for a design shake-up, mostly in the way of better webcam placement, the rest of the product epitomizes the title Best in Class. It’s thin and light at only 2.7 pounds (1.2kg), and when it comes to tailored specs, the options don’t get much better. If you like the idea of spending the least amount of money possible on a quality laptop, the Dell XPS 13 is for you.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 13

There’s a common misconception that Razer only makes gaming laptops. Although the company attempted to subvert this impression when it first introduced the Blade Stealth in 2016, those unconvinced may finally have their minds changed this year. The latest rendition of the Razer Blade Stealth turns a 12.5-inch display into a 13.3-inch, QHD+ beauty. There’s no longer the option for 4K, but the performance this Ultrabook delivers is well worth the compromise.

Read the full review: Razer Blade Stealth

Among the first to sport 7th generation Kaby Lake processors, the HP Spectre x360 is more than a CPU upgrade. Sure, the 2-in-1 zips by faster than it did last year, but it’s also thinner and lighter than it was before – not to mention more stylish. From the revamped HP logo on the outer shell to the higher quality keyboard, the Spectre x360 is a force to be reckoned with, even if the port selection is limited.

Read the full review: HP Spectre x360 

Anyone familiar with Apple’s thinnest and lightest laptop would be wise to compare the Asus ZenBook 3 to the 12-inch MacBook. The similarities are obvious, but one look at the specs and the differences stand out too. Adorned with the choice of a U-series Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, the ZenBook 3 is awfully powerful considering it’s less than half an inch thick and weighs two pounds. The port selection is sparse, but ultimately it’s well worth the sacrifice.

Read the full review: Asus ZenBook 3

It’s no secret that Apple has all but neglected the MacBook Air recently, but in some cases a Windows Ultrabook can be just as good, if not better. Take the Asus ZenBook UX310, for example, the long awaited follow-up to the award-winning ZenBook UX305. Donning a 7th generation Intel Kaby Lake processor, a 178-degree rotating QHD+ screen, a USB-C port an and an all-aluminum shell, this truly a candidate for the MacBook Air’s throne. 

 Read the full review: Asus ZenBook UX310

No, it’s not another Surface Book – this is a full-on traditional laptop (albeit with a touchscreen) designed by Microsoft. From the Italian imported Alcantara fabric material decorating the keyboard to its gorgeous 13.5-inch, 3:2 PixelSense display, there’s no questioning the Surface Laptop’s appeal at face value, but dig even deeper and you’ll find a notebook that’s arguably more competent than Apple’s more expensive 12-inch MacBook. 

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Laptop

It’s no surprise that the world’s thinnest laptop doesn’t come without its own share of port shortages; however, it’s also unfair to judge the Acer Swift 7 by its pair of USB-C twins alone. Sporting an Core i5 processor from Intel’s 7th gen Y series lineup (previously Core M), the Swift 7 is by no means a powerhouse, but it doesn’t have to be, either, when it looks this damn good. Despite being short-lived in the battery life department, the Acer Swift 7 thrives.

Read the full review: Acer Swift 7

• This product is only available in the US and UK as of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Microsoft Surface Laptop.

As a follow-up to the Yoga 900, we couldn’t have asked for better than the Yoga 910. Shaking up the style of its predecessor completely in favor of an all-aluminum unibody shell, this is a 2-in-1 laptop that’s as fashionable as it is utilitarian. Though it’s heavier and colder to the touch, the fact that Lenovo decided to keep the Yoga 900’s same frame size and fit a larger 14-inch screen inside it is a design marvel. 

Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 910

Embellished with the looks and price of a 12-inch MacBook, you’ll be surprised when you find out the MateBook X is more of a Pro when it comes to performance. Donning full-fledged “U” series Intel Core i processors, this Ultrabook is more than the Chinese knock-off you might have assumed it to be. It’s made by Huawei after all, the third biggest smartphone maker in the world, and with the MateBook X, it’s hoping to replicate that success with its laptops as well.

Read the full review: Huawei MateBook X

• This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the HP Spectre.

One glance at the HP Spectre, and you'd think it belongs in a mansion. As if looks weren't enough, this gilded machine is more powerful than the latest MacBook and for a lower price at that. You won't find laptops thinner than this and with an optional Intel Core i7 configuration to the trio of USB-C ports, it's supremely capable and not to mention future-proof. We only hope you don’t mind a laptop that cranks up the heat a notch as it’s battery life hastily boils away.

Read the full review: HP Spectre

Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article

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