10 Best Small Laptop Computers 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Apple 2026 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M5 chip: Built for AI, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID, Wi-Fi 7; Midnight
The Apple 2026 MacBook Air 13-inch with the new M5 chip is a strong choice for anyone needing a lightweight, powerful laptop for daily tasks, creative work, or even AI-related activities. Its 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display offers sharp, vibrant images that make watching videos or working with photos enjoyable. Powered by the advanced M5 chip with 16GB of unified memory, it handles multitasking smoothly and supports AI features designed to boost productivity effortlessly. Storage at 512GB SSD is fast and ample for most users’ files and apps.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,137
Connectivity
Processor
Weight
Most important from
826 reviews
#2
Apple 2026 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M5 chip: Built for AI, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID, Wi-Fi 7; Midnight
The Apple 2026 MacBook Air with a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display is an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight yet large-screen laptop. Weighing just about 3.3 pounds, it’s easy to carry around despite the bigger screen size, making it suitable for students and professionals who need portability without sacrificing viewing space. Powered by the new M5 chip, which offers fast performance and enhanced AI features, it handles multitasking and creative apps smoothly. With 16GB of unified memory and a 512GB fast SSD, it provides sufficient speed and storage for most everyday tasks, though heavy video editing or large gaming might push its limits. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 18 hours, so you can use it all day without frequent charging.
Rating
10.0
Screen Size
Processor
RAM
Most important from
426 reviews
#3
Apple 2026 MacBook Neo 13-inch Laptop with A18 Pro chip: Built for AI and Apple Intelligence, Liquid Retina Display, 8GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, 1080p FaceTime HD Camera, Touch ID; Blush
The Apple 2026 MacBook Neo is a compact 13-inch laptop that shines with its beautiful Liquid Retina display, offering sharp and vivid visuals thanks to a high resolution and bright screen. Powered by the new A18 Pro chip, it handles everyday tasks smoothly, including photo editing, spreadsheets, and AI-powered features like summarizing notes. With 8GB of unified memory and 512GB of fast SSD storage, it’s suited well for students and regular users who need solid performance without heavy multitasking or professional-grade work.
Rating
10.0
Screen Size
Processor
Weight
Most important from
962 reviews
Top 10 Best Small Laptop Computers 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Apple 2026 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M5 chip: Built for AI, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID, Wi-Fi 7; Midnight
Apple 2026 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M5 chip: Built for AI, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID, Wi-Fi 7; Midnight
Screen Size: 13.6 Inches
Processor: Apple M5 chip
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 512 GB
Battery Life: Up to 18 hours streaming
Weight: 2.7 pounds
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, 2 Thunderbolt 4
Chosen by 1137 this week
Apple 2026 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M5 chip: Built for AI, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID, Wi-Fi 7; Midnight
Apple 2026 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M5 chip: Built for AI, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID, Wi-Fi 7; Midnight
Screen Size: 15.3 inches
Processor: Apple M5 chip
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 512 GB
Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
Weight: 3.3 pounds
Connectivity: 2 Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe, Wi-Fi 7
Apple 2026 MacBook Neo 13-inch Laptop with A18 Pro chip: Built for AI and Apple Intelligence, Liquid Retina Display, 8GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, 1080p FaceTime HD Camera, Touch ID; Blush
Apple 2026 MacBook Neo 13-inch Laptop with A18 Pro chip: Built for AI and Apple Intelligence, Liquid Retina Display, 8GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, 1080p FaceTime HD Camera, Touch ID; Blush
Screen Size: 13 Inches
Processor: Apple A18 Pro chip
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 512 GB
Battery Life: Up to 16 hours streaming
Weight: 2.7 pounds
Connectivity: Two USB-C ports, headphone jack
Apple 2026 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M5 chip: Built for AI, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID, Wi-Fi 7; Silver
Apple 2026 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M5 chip: Built for AI, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID, Wi-Fi 7; Silver
Screen Size: 13.6 Inches
Processor: Apple M5 chip 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 512 GB
Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
Weight: 2.7 pounds
Connectivity: 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe, Wi-Fi 7
Apple 2025 MacBook Pro Laptop with Apple M5 chip with 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU: Built for AI, 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 24GB Unified Memory, 1TB SSD Storage; Space Black
Apple 2025 MacBook Pro Laptop with Apple M5 chip with 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU: Built for AI, 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 24GB Unified Memory, 1TB SSD Storage; Space Black
Screen Size: 14.2 Inches
Processor: Apple M5 chip 10-core CPU/GPU
RAM: 24 GB
Storage: 1 TB
Battery Life: Up to 24h video, 16h web
Weight: 3.41 pounds
Connectivity: 3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe, headphone
Related Products
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Starlight
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Starlight
Screen Size: 13.6 Inches
Processor: Apple M4 chip
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 256 GB
Battery Life: Up to 18 hours streaming
Weight: 2.73 pounds
Connectivity: 2 Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe, Wi-Fi 6E
#10
Acer Aspire Go 15 AI Ready Laptop | 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Display | AMD Ryzen 7 7730U | AMD Radeon Graphics | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | Wi-Fi 6 | Windows 11 Home | AG15-42P-R9FW
Acer Aspire Go 15 AI Ready Laptop | 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Display | AMD Ryzen 7 7730U | AMD Radeon Graphics | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | Wi-Fi 6 | Windows 11 Home | AG15-42P-R9FW
Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7730U, 2-4.5 GHz
RAM: 16 GB DDR4
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Weight: 3.9 Pounds
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C, HDMI
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Buying Guide for the Best Small Laptop Computers
When choosing a small laptop computer, it's important to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the device. Small laptops are great for portability and convenience, but you need to ensure that the laptop you choose has the right balance of performance, battery life, and features to meet your requirements. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a small laptop computer.Screen SizeScreen size is the diagonal measurement of the laptop's display, usually measured in inches. This spec is important because it affects both the portability and usability of the laptop. Small laptops typically have screen sizes ranging from 11 to 14 inches. An 11-12 inch screen is highly portable and lightweight, making it ideal for frequent travelers or students. A 13-14 inch screen offers a bit more screen real estate, which can be beneficial for productivity tasks and media consumption while still being relatively portable. Choose a screen size that balances your need for portability with your need for a comfortable viewing experience.
ProcessorThe processor, or CPU, is the brain of the laptop and determines how fast and efficiently it can perform tasks. This spec is crucial for overall performance. Small laptops often come with a range of processors, from basic models suitable for web browsing and word processing to more powerful ones capable of handling more demanding applications. Entry-level processors like Intel Celeron or AMD A-series are good for basic tasks. Mid-range processors like Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 offer better performance for multitasking and light productivity. High-end processors like Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 are ideal for more intensive tasks such as video editing or running multiple applications simultaneously. Choose a processor based on the complexity of the tasks you plan to perform.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) is the memory that your laptop uses to store data that is actively being used or processed. This spec is important because it affects the laptop's ability to multitask and run applications smoothly. Small laptops typically come with 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB of RAM. 4GB of RAM is sufficient for basic tasks like web browsing and word processing. 8GB of RAM is a good middle ground, providing enough memory for multitasking and running more demanding applications. 16GB of RAM is ideal for power users who need to run multiple applications simultaneously or perform more intensive tasks like video editing. Choose the amount of RAM based on how many applications you plan to run at once and the complexity of those applications.
StorageStorage refers to the amount of space available on the laptop to store your files, applications, and operating system. This spec is important because it affects how much data you can keep on your laptop. Small laptops typically come with either HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) storage. HDDs offer more storage capacity at a lower cost but are slower and less durable. SSDs are faster, more reliable, and consume less power, but they are more expensive. Storage capacities usually range from 128GB to 1TB. For basic use, 128GB or 256GB SSD should be sufficient. If you need to store a lot of files or large applications, consider a 512GB or 1TB SSD. Choose the storage type and capacity based on your storage needs and preference for speed and reliability.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the laptop can run on a single charge. This spec is important for users who need to use their laptop on the go without access to a power outlet. Small laptops typically offer battery life ranging from 6 to 12 hours. If you plan to use your laptop for extended periods away from a power source, look for a model with longer battery life. For occasional use or if you have frequent access to charging, a shorter battery life may be acceptable. Choose a laptop with battery life that matches your usage patterns and mobility needs.
WeightWeight is the measure of how heavy the laptop is. This spec is important for portability, especially if you plan to carry the laptop around frequently. Small laptops generally weigh between 2 to 4 pounds. A lighter laptop (around 2-3 pounds) is easier to carry and more convenient for travel. A slightly heavier laptop (3-4 pounds) may offer more features or better build quality. Choose a weight that you are comfortable carrying based on how often and how far you plan to transport your laptop.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to the ports and wireless options available on the laptop. This spec is important for connecting peripherals and accessing the internet. Common connectivity options include USB ports (Type-A and Type-C), HDMI, headphone jack, and SD card reader. Wireless options include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Ensure the laptop has enough ports for your needs, such as connecting external drives, monitors, or other devices. Also, check for the latest Wi-Fi standards (like Wi-Fi 6) for faster and more reliable internet connections. Choose connectivity options based on the peripherals you plan to use and your internet connectivity needs.