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MagyarThe 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 % | 08/2022 |  | Apple MacBook Air M2 10C GPU Apple M2 Apple M2 10-Core GPU 16 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | 1.2 kg | 11.3 mm | 13.60" | 2560x1664 | glossy |
| 2 | 91.9 % | 06/2022 |  | Apple MacBook Pro 13 2022 M2 Apple M2 Apple M2 10-Core GPU 16 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | 1.4 kg | 15.6 mm | 13.30" | 2560x1600 | glossy |
| 3 | 91.9 % | 07/2023 New! |  | 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 |
| 4 | 90.6 % | 06/2023 New! |  | 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 | 90.5 % | 08/2022 |  | Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 21D2CTO1WW AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 6650U AMD Radeon 660M 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.2 kg | 13.99 mm | 13.30" | 1920x1200 | matte |
| 6 | 90.1 % | 07/2022 |  | Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED AMD Ryzen 7 6800U AMD Radeon 680M 16 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | 1.1 kg | 14.9 mm | 13.30" | 2880x1800 | |
| 7 | 90 % | 08/2023 New! |  | LG Gram Style 14Z90RS-G.AD7AG Intel Core i7-1360P Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | 987 g | 16.5 mm | 14.00" | 2880x1800 | glossy |
| 8 | 89.5 % | 08/2023 New! |  | 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 |
| 9 | 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 |
| 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 M2 10C GPU
The new Apple MacBook Air M2 is based on Apple's latest SoC and provides a bit more performance. Good input devices and a high-quality case are still part of Apple's flagship devices. Furthermore, the device is silent at all times due to passive cooling. The display also offers excellent rates and is bright enough for most purposes.
The Apple MacBook Air M2 offers a lot of performance. However, the upgrades for RAM and SSD are typically very expensive for Apple.
The MacBook Air M2 can be configured in the Apple's online Store, starting from $1,199. Amazon also offers a variant of the device for $1,349.
Pricecompare
2nd – Apple MacBook Pro 13 2022 M2
The new Apple MacBook Pro 13 also enjoys the new M2 SoC and benefits from the better performance just like the MacBook Air. However, the performance takes its toll on the cooling, which can sometimes get very loud when the CPU and GPU have to work simultaneously. On the other hand, we see the usual top build and timeless design. The very good display, the good speakers and the long battery runtimes round off the package perfectly.
With the 2022 MacBook Pro 13, Apple has once again come up with a top modern subnotebook this year.
On Apple's online store, it costs at least $1,299 for an MacBook Pro 13. Amazon also lists the device, around $1,349 for a variant with 512 GB SSD storage.
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3rd – 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 $2,585.
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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 $1,556.
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5th – Lenovo ThinkPad Z13
With the ThinkPad Z13, Lenovo grabs one of the front places in our top 10 list. The many positive aspects have led to this result, which makes the device a very good work device. With 16 GB of working memory and a 512 GB SSD, you get a solid work device with long battery runtimes. In addition, AMD's new Rembrandt SoC ensures good system performance. The Full HD panel offers a matte surface and covers the sRGB color space almost completely.
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 is a high-quality and compact subnotebook with long battery runtimes and many connectivity options.
At the time of writing, prices in the manufacturer's online store start at around $1,355.
Pricecompare
6th – Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED
The Asus ZenBook S 13 OLED houses AMD's Rembrandt SoC (AMD Ryzen 7 6800U) with 8 cores and 16 threads. This offers a high CPU/GPU performance and the great OLED display with the high color fidelity. In addition, there is a high-quality and at the same time very compact case and good battery runtimes further support the place in our top 10 list.
The Asus ZenBook S 13 OLED is a powerful subnotebook with AMD Ryzen 7 6800U and an excellent display.
Currently, a variant is available on Amazon US for around $1,519, which is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 6800U, 16 GB of RAM and 1TB SSD.
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7th – LG Gram Style 14
The LG Gram Style 14 is one of the lightest devices in this class and thus underpins the excellent mobility. Nevertheless, an Intel Core i7-1360P works inside together with 32 GB RAM and two SSDs with 1 TB of storage space each. The installed 3K OLED display is also successful and LG's Gram Style 14 can boast with good battery runtimes despite the extremely light construction.
Users who place a lot of value on pure mobility will not get past LG's Gram Style 14.
The LG Gram Style 14Z90RS that we tested can be purchased directly from LG. It is also available on Amazon for $1,797.
Pricecompare
8th – 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 $1,270, you can configure your Gen 3 ThinkPad X1 Nano on the manufacturer's online store.
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9th – 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
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 sold in North America.
Pricecompare
Top 10 Subnotebooks in Comparison
Test Results
| Apple MacBook Air M2 10C GPU | Apple MacBook Pro 13 2022 M2 | HP Dragonfly G4 | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G3 21CM002UGE | Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 21D2CTO1WW | Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED | LG Gram Style 14Z90RS-G.AD7AG | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 | HP EliteBook 835 G9 | SCHENKER Vision 14 2022 RTX 3050 Ti | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | ||||||||||
| Display P3 Coverage | 98.8 | 68.4 | 69 | 67.7 | 99.8 | 99.92 | 68.5 | 70.7 | 74.1 | |
| sRGB Coverage | 100 | 98.3 | 98.4 | 96.5 | 100 | 100 | 99.5 | 100 | 97.4 | |
| AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 87.9 | 70.4 | 70.3 | 69.7 | 97.8 | 94.71 | 69.7 | 72.1 | 75.3 | |
| Response Times | ||||||||||
| Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 42 ? | 48.8 ? | 44.2 ? | 49 ? | 2.1 ? | 2 ? | 39.9 ? | 37.7 ? | 31.5 ? | |
| Response Time Black / White * | 27.8 ? | 31.3 ? | 28.1 ? | 23 ? | 1.68 ? | 2 ? | 25.8 ? | 22.7 ? | 14.5 ? | |
| PWM Frequency | 117780 ? | 240.4 ? | 350 | |||||||
| Screen | ||||||||||
| Brightness middle | 514 | 408.8 | 348 | 418 | 336 | 384 | 461.2 | 928 | 421 | |
| Black Level * | 0.31 | 0.32 | 0.34 | 0.33 | 0.02 | 0.054 | 0.29 | 0.35 | 0.28 | |
| Brightness | 497 | 399 | 321 | 379 | 338 | 388 | 428 | 828 | 416 | |
| Brightness Distribution | 93 | 90 | 85 | 81 | 99 | 97 | 86 | 65 | 89 | |
| Contrast | 1658 | 1278 | 1024 | 1267 | 16800 | 7111 | 1590 | 2651 | 1504 | |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 1.1 | 2.02 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 2.47 | 1.79 | 1.76 | 3.2 | |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 2.3 | 3.84 | 2.5 | 3.3 | 3.8 | 4.33 | 3.3 | 3.94 | 5.5 | |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated * | 0.6 | 0.61 | 1 | 1.1 | 1.8 | 2.81 | 0.47 | 1.09 | 2 | |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 1.8 | 2.3 | 0.9 | 2.3 | 0.9 | 2.63 | 1.8 | 2.4 | 4.4 | |
| Gamma | 2.23 99% | 2.2 100% | 2.16 102% | 2.14 103% | 2.22 99% | 2.18 101% | 2.24 98% | 2.324 95% | 2.22 99% | |
| CCT | 6764 96% | 6203 105% | 6431 101% | 6499 100% | 6580 99% | 6279 104% | 6588 99% | 6689 97% | 6384 102% | |
| Heat | ||||||||||
| Maximum Upper Side * | 44.7 | 45.1 | 38.6 | 38.1 | 44.9 | 47.9 | 36.3 | 44 | 46 | 48.4 |
| Maximum Bottom * | 44.6 | 43 | 40.4 | 40.1 | 44.3 | 56.1 | 36.8 | 43.2 | 49 | 57.1 |
| Idle Upper Side * | 25.1 | 25.2 | 28.2 | 33.6 | 31.4 | 26.8 | 29.2 | 25.6 | 24 | 28.1 |
| Idle Bottom * | 25.3 | 25.4 | 29 | 33.4 | 31.5 | 27.3 | 27.4 | 25.6 | 24 | 29 |
| Battery Runtime | ||||||||||
| WiFi v1.3 | 884 | 1144 | 954 | 751 | 863 | 550 | 700 | 465 | 547 | 607 |
| Reader / Idle | 2550 | 1113 | ||||||||
| Load | 192 | 88 | 113 | 146 | 145 | 65 | 124 | |||
| Power Consumption | ||||||||||
| Idle Minimum * | 1.9 | 1.77 | 4.1 | 3.2 | 2.4 | 4.8 | 3.58 | 3.3 | 5 | 7.5 |
| Idle Average * | 9.6 | 6.7 | 7.5 | 5.2 | 4.6 | 8.7 | 7.125 | 6.5 | 6 | 10.4 |
| Idle Maximum * | 9.7 | 6.9 | 8.2 | 6.1 | 5.1 | 10.1 | 12.1 | 7.1 | 11 | 11.4 |
| Load Average * | 32.4 | 30.9 | 35.5 | 33.6 | 53.1 | 45.6 | 40.67 | 40.7 | 45 | 83.3 |
| Witcher 3 ultra * | 30.8 | 38.9 | 37.5 | 39.3 | 27.6 | 42.4 | 37 | 45.2 | 92.7 | |
| Load Maximum * | 35.7 | 56 | 66.5 | 49.1 | 63.7 | 49.5 | 64.2 | 58.6 | 48 | 110.3 |
| Noise | ||||||||||
| off / environment * | 23.9 | 23.3 | 23.1 | 23.71 | 24 | 25 | 22.9 | 26 | 24.4 | |
| Idle Minimum * | 23.9 | 23.5 | 23.1 | 23.71 | 24 | 25 | 23 | 26 | 24.4 | |
| Idle Average * | 23.9 | 23.5 | 23.1 | 23.71 | 24 | 25 | 23 | 27 | 24.4 | |
| Idle Maximum * | 23.9 | 26.8 | 23.1 | 23.71 | 24 | 25 | 23 | 28 | 27.8 | |
| Load Average * | 23.9 | 27.2 | 27 | 32.35 | 33.1 | 37 | 32.8 | 35 | 43.3 | |
| Witcher 3 ultra * | 34.6 | 32.7 | 38.7 | 38.8 | 40.2 | 37 | 36.9 | 37 | 48.2 | |
| Load Maximum * | 49 | 35 | 35.5 | 39.53 | 41.7 | 40.62 | 36.9 | 37 | 48.8 |
* ... smaller is better
Benchmarks
| 3DMark | |
| 1280x720 Ice Storm Standard Score (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 21D2CTO1WW | |
| 1920x1080 Fire Strike Score (sort by value) | |
| HP Dragonfly G4 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G3 21CM002UGE | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 21D2CTO1WW | |
| Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED | |
| LG Gram Style 14Z90RS-G.AD7AG | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 | |
| HP EliteBook 835 G9 | |
| SCHENKER Vision 14 2022 RTX 3050 Ti | |
| PCMark 8 - Work Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value) | |
| HP EliteBook 835 G9 | |
