Power and portability are the best features of 13-inch laptops. In the past few years, component manufacturers have made it easier than ever to produce smaller but more powerful mobile components. This makes it possible for smaller laptops such as the 13-inch ones on this list that are just as capable and as portable as larger models.
The new MacBook Air (2022) can handle demanding tasks like 4K video editing and is small and light. These top 13-inch laptops now compete with 15 inch laptops. They aren’t too small to be slow on performance but not too heavy.
TechRadar has tested hundreds upon hundreds of notebooks 13 inches, and our computing experts put them through their paces to see how they perform. We’ll help you choose the right one by putting them all together in one place. You’ll find the perfect 13-inch laptop, no matter what size you are looking for. To find the best deals, don’t forget about our price comparison tool.
1. MacBook Air (M2, 2022).
This is the best laptop 13 inches overall
Specifications
CPU: Apple M2 chip, 8-core CPU
Graphics: Integrated 9 core – 10 core GPU
RAM: 8GB – 24-GB unified memory
Screen: 13.6 inches (diagonal). 2560-by-1664 LED backlit display with IPS technology
Storage: Up to 2TB
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There are many reasons to buy
+New design and performance+Long battery life
Avoidable reasons
-Much more costly than the previous model. The new colors are a little more subtle.
The MacBook Air (M2, 2022), is for those who don’t want to spend the extra money on the Pros or the 14-inch. This doesn’t mean that the latest Air isn’t powerful. It’s actually more powerful than ever. In fact, it even performed on par with the MacBook Pro 13″ (M2, 2022), during our benchmark tests.
Although it is a bit more expensive than its predecessor, budget-minded Apple lovers might be disappointed. However, you may end up being content to have paid the extra when you see what you get. It performed exceptionally during our testing, handling 4K video editing and music production workflows in silence thanks to its fanless design. Its battery life has seen a 5-hour increase, giving it 16 hours on one charge. The screen is larger and the design is better.
Although we may not have been able to get the full colors on the iMac 24-inch, you are getting a much more modern design. The screen is even smaller and thinner, but it offers a larger size.
View our MacBook Air review
2. HP Elite Dragonfly G2
One of our top laptops
Specifications
CPU: Intel Core i3 – i7
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: 8GB – 32GB
Screen: 13.3-inch diagonal BrightView LED FHD, 400 nits – 13.3-inch diagonal BrightView LED 4K UHD HDR-400 550 nits
Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
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There are many reasons to buy
+Great design+Comfortable keyboard+Excellent screen
Avoidable reasons
-Only one side of the expensive-USB C ports
The new HP Elite Dragonfly second-generation laptops is a step up in the competition for the top 13-inch laptops. The HP Elite Dragonfly is HP’s business laptop. It features a smart design, excellent battery life, and 2-in-1 capabilities. It’s also more powerful than ever, boasting the 11th-gen Intel Core processors, Intel Iris Xe graphic cards, and a 4K display. This is an upgrade from the previous Full HD models. It’s an amazing laptop, with a lot of great features. It’s worth the investment if you have the money. It is definitely worth the investment, since it is intended for professionals.
3. Surface Laptop 4
A great 13-inch Microsoft laptop
Specifications
CPU: 11th-generation Intel Core i5 – i7 / AMD Ryzen 5 – 7
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe / AMD Radeon
RAM: 8GB – 32GB
Screen: 13.5 inch PixelSense (2.256 x 1.504) touch
Storage: 256GB SSD – 1TB SSD
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There are many reasons to buy
+Comfortable keyboard+Beautiful screen
Avoidable reasons
-It is possible for the ports-Alcantara fabric to get soiled over time if there are not enough.
Apple’s new MacBook Air was a huge success, but arch-rival Microsoft has impressed us with its Surface Laptop 4. Like previous Surface devices, the build quality and design are excellent. The stunning PixelSense touchscreen really sets it aside from the rest. (A touchscreen is something that we have yet to see on an Apple MacBook, as Microsoft likes us to remind us). The keyboard is a joy to use and comes with some great specs. This ensures that Windows 10 and all your favorite apps run smoothly. The battery life is very impressive, lasting more than 13 hours in our tests. And the price is extremely competitive.
4. MacBook Air (M1, 2020).
Students who have a flexible budget will find the best laptop
Specifications
CPU: Apple M1 chip, 8-core CPU
Graphics: Integrated 7 core – 8 core GPU
RAM: 8GB – 16GB unified memory
Display: 13.3-inch, 2560x 1600 Retina screen
Storage: 256GB SSD – 2TB SSD
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There are many reasons to buy
+macOS Big Sur is responsive and fast+Battery life great+Silent when in use
Avoidable reasons
Performance could be affected by fanless design
Apple has finally released the much-talked-about M1 silicon chip, which has been a game-changer. The company’s first ever thinnest and lightest laptop has received it. This puts it at the top of the most anticipated Apple laptops in recent years. The MacBook Air has a new chip that delivers exceptional performance and a long battery life. It is still reasonably affordable. This laptop is not the most affordable option for students. However, it’s the best choice for those with a larger budget.
5. Samsung Galaxy Book Pro
Samsung launches a MacBook competitor
Specifications
CPU: 11th Generation Intel Core i5- i7
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: 8GB – 16GB
Display: 13.3 inch FHD Touch Display
Storage: 256GB – 512GB
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There are many reasons to buy
+Amazing battery life+Great performance
Avoidable reasons
Design is boring
Although the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro isn’t reinventing the wheel, it’s a great device. The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro is a fantastic, but not exciting, portable 13-inch device that competes with the MacBook in many ways. It is lightweight and delivers great performance every day. The battery life is also impressive, making it the perfect laptop for taking on the road. It integrates seamlessly with Samsung smartphones, allowing for an Apple-like experience.
6. HP Spectre x360 (2021)
A brilliant update
Specifications
CPU: Intel Core i5 – i7 11th-gen Intel Core i5
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 – Iris Xe
RAM: 8GB – 16GB
Screen: 13.3-inch diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080) OLED touch – 13.3-inch diagonal, 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) OLED touch
Storage: 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD – 2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
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There are many reasons to buy
+Gorgeous design+Excellent batteries life+Great performance in day-to-day tasks
Avoidable reasons
-Fans can be loud-Pricey
The HP Spectre x360 (2021), the flagship flagship product, continues the tradition of combining elegance and premium design with the latest in specs to create a 2-in-1 laptop that is as stylish as it is functional. This beautiful Windows laptop features the latest Intel CPU and plenty of battery life to last you through a long work day. It does have a high price tag, and the 2-in-1 tablet mode can make it bulky. However, this laptop is a beautiful machine with exceptional performance.
7. Google Pixelbook Go
The top Chromebook for mainstream use
Specifications
CPU: Intel Core M3 – I7
Graphics Intel UHD Graphics 615
RAM: 8GB – 16GB
Screen: 13.3-inch Full HD – 13.3-inch 4K Ultra HD Molecular Display
Storage: 64GB – 256GB
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There are many reasons to buy
+Amazing ‘Hush’ keyboard+Rare 1080p webcam
Avoidable reasons
-No biometric login
The new Google Pixelbook Go is a great alternative to the premium Chromebook from Google. This new alternative to Google’s premium Pixelbook is freshly baked by Google. It boasts many high-quality features but comes at a lower price. This one is for you if your computing needs are limited to creating and replying to emails, spreadsheets and documents on Google Docs and Sheets and streaming videos and movies after work.
Read the complete review: Google Pixelbook
(Image credit: Apple)
8. MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022)
Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Pro has more power than ever
Specifications
CPU: Apple M2 with 8 core CPU
Graphics: Integrated 10-core GPU
RAM: 8GB – 24GB
Screen: 13.3-inch 2560x 1600 display with True Tone and P3 technology
Storage: 256GB SSD – 2TB SSD
Dimensions (HxWxD): 30.41×21.24×1.56 cm
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There are many reasons to buy
+M2 Chip is a great performer+Excellent battery lifetime+Almost silent when in use
Avoidable reasons
-No new design -There are still only two Thunderbolt ports
It’s difficult to fault the Apple MacBook Pro 13″ (M2, 2022), despite the fact that it doesn’t have any new design updates. The M1 model was already impressive. This M2-powered version is even better with more power and a longer battery life.
This model is a good choice for those who want the best 13-inch MacBook. It has a higher performance score in single-core and multicore CPU tests. This makes it a more versatile multitasking machine than both the Surface Laptop 4 and the M1. In our battery life tests, it lasted nearly two hours longer than the M1 MacBook Pro 13.-inch. If you are looking for a 13-inch laptop with a longer battery life and the ability to run multiple apps at once, this is it.
Check out our MacBook Pro 13″ (M2, 2022), review
(Image credit: Dell)
9. Dell XPS 13 (Late 2020).
It’s again Dell
Specifications
CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7 up to 11th Generation
Graphics: Graphics up to Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: Maximum 32GB LPDDR4x at 4267MHz
Screen: 13.4″ FHD+ (1920×1200) InfinityEdge Anti-Touch Glare 500-Nit – 13.4″ UHD+ (3840×2400) InfinityEdge Anti-Reflective 500–Nit Display
Storage: Storage up to 2TB M.2PCIe NVMe
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There are many reasons to buy
+Stunning design+Gorgeous 16:10 display+Excellent battery life
Avoidable reasons
-Sound quality is only OK-Pricey
We doubt the Dell XPS series can make any mistakes at this stage. The yearly updates have made the Dell XPS line a top-rated laptop, and they keep getting better. The Dell XPS 13 (2020), is a beautiful piece of kit. The XPS 13 (2020) is a beautiful piece of kit that offers excellent performance, a stunning screen, and long battery life. It’s an expensive investment, but it isn’t enough to deter Ultrabook enthusiasts. It’s one of the most popular 13-inch laptops and well worth every penny.
