These days, having a laptop is almost essential, but theres only one reason to own the best 13-inch laptop: 15-inch laptops are just too big.
The best 13-inch laptops are the new standard for notebook displays, and with good reason.
Its enough for gaming, and its enough for work and everything in between.
And, because its the most common laptop size around these days, there is a wide variety of 13-inch laptops to cull through.The Dell XPS 13 is, by far, one of the best laptops ever made, having won TechRadars Best in Class award three years running.
However, we can also understand why someone would prefer the HP Spectre x360 or even the MacBook Air.
While the XPS 13 is beautiful and thin without losing performance, these other laptops arent hindered by unfortunate webcam placements.
Whats more, all of these laptops do different things.In the end, what makes for the best 13-inch laptop is largely personal preference.
Do you want a more traditional laptop that does its job well or a 2-in-1 laptop that gives you tablet mode What about a machine that runs macOS High Sierra instead of Windows 10 Youll find choices with all these qualities and more here as we run through the best 13-inch laptops on the market.
The only facet they all share is their screen size everything else varies by entry.
1.
Dell XPS 13Best-in-class like youve never seen it beforeCPU: Quad-core Intel Core i5 i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) 4K (3,840 x 2,160) | Storage: 256GB 1TB SSDGorgeous new designImpressive performanceWhite option is pricierStill gotta move that webcamIts changes are subtle, and yet the Dell XPS 13 is still the best 13-inch laptop you can buy.
On the high end, it now offers a 4K display, for a sharper picture across the board.
But even if you cant afford higher tier configurations, the beautiful design, lengthy battery life and even the SD card slot are still there plus youve got a quad-core processor no matter what poison you pick.
Better yet, the 13.3-inch display of the XPS 13 has been squeezed into a smaller frame, which explains Dells marketing line: the worlds smallest 13-inch laptop.
Now stew on that, as you admire the Dell XPS 13s gorgeous, albeit more expensive, Alpine White finish.Read the full review:Dell XPS 132.
Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch)Bigger isnt always better: a memoirCPU: Intel Core i5 i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD 620 Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 | RAM: 8GB 16GB | Screen: 13.5-inch, 3,000 x 2,000 PixelSense display | Storage: 256GB 1TB SSDVery good battery lifePowerfulVery expensiveNot as powerful as 15-inch modelAs much as its performance pales in comparison to its all-powerful 15-inch counterpart, everything else about the 13.5-inch version of the Surface Book 2 is perfect for the mobile workhorse user environment.
Whether youre a professional or a creative, the Microsoft Surface Book 2, with its more compact flare, rocks an aesthetic thats just as exquisite as its predecessor.
Whats better, the dynamic fulcrum hinge is stronger than you remember, which only complements its robust, quad-core processor.Read the full review:Microsoft Surface Book 23.
Razer Blade StealthFancy an Ultrabook for more than just gamersCPU: Dual-core quad-core Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620 Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch QHD+ (3,200 x 1,800) LED-backlit IGZO touchscreen | Storage: 256GB 1TB SSDLarger, brighter displaySubtler aesthetics on gunmetal versionShorter and shorter battery lifeNo 4K display option in sightYou wouldnt expect a laptop made by one of the biggest names in PC gaming to be thinner and lighter than a MacBook Pro, and yet here we are.
The Razer Blade Stealth in its all-new gunmetal finish boasts not only a gorgeous and practical aesthetic, what with its 400-nit display brightness and full-size USB 3.0 ports, but it also has a few tricks up its sleeves to make it perform faster.
At long last, the 8th-generation Intel Kaby Lake Refresh have made it into the newly 13.3-inch version of the Razer Blade Stealth.
Though it received a ding on the battery life, an Ultrabook this fast is worth a 16-minute shorter use time on a single charge.Read the full review:Razer Blade Stealth4.
HP Spectre x360 Proving the pen is mightier than the swordCPU: Quad-core Intel Core i5 i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) 4K (3,840 x 2,160) | Storage: 256GB 1TB SSDStylus includedStunning featuresWeak hingesAnnoying keyboard layoutFor those who prefer premium quality parts over exceptional affordability, the HP Spectre x360 contains everything you could ever ask for from a 2-in-1 without compromise.
Weighing only 2.78 pounds (1.26kg) and measuring just over half an inch thick, its as light as it is thin.
Plus, with up to a 4K screen and 8th-generation Intel processors paired with integrated UHD graphics, its one of the best ways to experience high quality video streaming as well as 720p gaming on a hybrid.
That goes without mentioning the ports, of which there are plenty.
Youll get two USB-C Thunderbolt 3 connections in addition to USB 3.1 Type-A, a welcome variety to say the least.Read the full review:HP Spectre x3605.
Samsung Notebook 9Great performance on the cheap CPU: Dual-core Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, FHD (1,920 x 1,080) LED anti-reflective display | Storage: 256GB SSDThin, smart stylingCompetitively pricedMicro-sized video portsShort battery lifeWhile Samsung may not be well known for its laptops beyond its Tab Pro S convertible, at least Samsungs follow-up to the 2012 Series 9 Notebook has impressive performance at a competitive price.
Marketed as an Ultrabook, its certainly disheartening to know it can only last 5 hours in between charges, but given its beautiful design, it almost doesnt matter.
As a bonus, with the Samsung Notebook 9, you wont have to deal with the bloatware that makes many other Windows laptop the target of derision on tech forums.Read the full review: Samsung Notebook 9This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing.
Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Dell XPS 136.
Samsung Notebook 7 SpinDifferent, but not forgottenCPU: Quad-core Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) LED with touch panel | Storage: 256GB SSDExcellent keyboardLong battery lifeFuzzy 480p webcamStylus not includedEveryone hates change.
However, while the 15.6-inch frame of the Samsung Notebook 7 Spin we once knew will soon be erased from our memories forever, the new 13.3-inch model doesnt seem like a terrible upgrade.
Its bounced two generations into the future in terms of processing power, and although there are no discrete graphics present, were glad to see a keyboard that can compete with some of the heavier hitters.
Its nothing revolutionary, yet as far as hybrid notebooks go, this one aint too shabby (plus its cheaper than a weaker MacBook Pro).Read the full review: Samsung Notebook 7 SpinThis product is only available in the US at the time of this writing.
UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Surface Laptop7.
Surface LaptopMicrosofts most direct shot at the MacBook yetCPU: 7th generation Intel Core i5 i7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620 Iris Plus Graphics 640 | RAM: 4GB 16GB | Screen: 13.5-inch, 2,256 x 1,504 PixelSense display | Storage: 128GB 512GB SSDGorgeous designWell builtWindows 10 S is limitedNo USB-CThe Surface Laptop is Microsofts first stab at a 'traditional' laptop, if you can even call it that knowing full well that its PixelSense touchscreen and Alcantara keyboard are anything but conventional.
Featuring a full stack of U-series 7th generation Intel Core i processors, the Surface Laptop beats out Apples 12-inch MacBook any day of the week, and for a lower starting price at that.
Despite the ports and operating system being limited, the Surface Laptop is appealing for its laudable design, beautifully vivid screen and impressive performance.Read the full review: Surface Laptop8.
Lenovo Yoga 920Versatile with a generous helping of eleganceCPU: Quad-core Intel Core i5 i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB 16GB | Screen: 13.9-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) UHD (3,840 x 2,160) | Storage: 256GB 1TB SSDLovely designThinLacks graphical powerKeyboard still annoys in tablet formAs 2-in-1 laptops have become more prevalent in recent years, their manufacturers have been improving them at a nigh-equal pace.
This rings true for few laptop makers more than it does for Lenovo, however, who has taken the liberty of crafting drop-dead gorgeous convertibles with standout watch band-like hinges, much like that of the Yoga 920.
This rendition of Lenovos increasingly popular brand of hybrids sees the integration of USB-C ports, a centered webcam and, perhaps more interestingly, an 8th-generation Intel quad-core processor regardless of which configuration you opt for.
It does purr more loudly than expected, and tablet mode could use some work, but the Lenovo Yoga 920 is ultimately worth its price of admission.Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 9209.
13-inch MacBook AirThe best battery life in a 13-inch laptop CPU: Dual-core Intel Core i5 Core i7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 6000 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, LED HD (1,440 x 900) | Storage: 128GB 512GB SSDFantastic battery life802.11ac Wi-FiNo Retina screenNot easily upgradeableIn a market densely populated with slim-line laptops from a massive range of manufacturers, Apple's MacBook Air fights on admirably though it started showing its age on the outside a long time ago.
It has Intel's fifth-generation Core-series processors rather than the newest Skylake variants, but it's still a capable machine; even more so since Apple made 8GB of RAM standard across the line.Read the full review: 13-inch MacBook Air10.
13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch BarThe smallest MacBook Pro is a force of nature CPU: Dual-core Intel Core i5 Core i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 650 | RAM: 8GB 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch IPS, 2,560 x 1,600 pixels | Storage: 256GB 1TB SSDFaster processorSuperb battery lifeForce Touch underdevelopedUnchanged designThe latest iteration of Apples seminal MacBook Pro series is here, and as you would expect it makes a number of notable improvements over last years offering.
While it might not exactly feature the strongest battery life in the game (scoring under an hour less than last years offering), it does offer increased performance by way of a new CPU and faster RAM.
Add that to Apples continued dedication to simplicity and beautiful design and you have a laptop that is sleek, portable and reliable.
Read the full review:Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2017)Joe Osborne and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article90efc90c07b8236959389a95d5c609c8.jpg#