Few categories of technology products fuel more speculation and passion than the ultrabook and premium laptop segment. Nowhere is this more evident than in 2025, with the competition between Apple, Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm leading to an explosion of innovation, performance, and confusion for consumers. As lifestyles become ever more mobile and remote collaboration becomes the new norm, the best ultrabooks are more than status symbols—they are productivity tools, creative powerhouses, and lifelines to education and entertainment.
The “ultrabook” label began as an Intel trademark, defining a new category of lightweight, high-performance, long-lasting laptops that challenged Apple’s MacBook Air hegemony. Fast-forward to today, and the term "ultrabook" is largely generic, referring to any svelte, premium, ultraportable laptop, regardless of processor lineage or manufacturer branding. What unites these machines isn’t just their lithe builds—it’s the tight integration of performance, battery longevity, and high-end user experience.
Let’s break down the top contenders as thoroughly vetted by Tom’s Hardware and other reputable sources, considering not only their specs but real-world usability, critical strengths, and potential gotchas.
GPU: Apple 10-core integrated
Display: 15.3-inch, 2880 x 1864 IPS, Liquid Retina, 60 Hz
Weight: 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg)
Key strengths:
However, for all its polish, Apple continues to attach a premium to RAM/SSD upgrades, with no user-upgradable internal components. While base models have become more affordable, buyers needing extra memory or storage must pay handsomely at purchase—since post-sale upgrades are impossible. The display’s notch, though housing a vastly improved webcam, is still visible and lacks the Face ID tech found on iPhones and iPads.
Critical analysis:
Apple’s iron-fisted approach to hardware upgrades and the static design might frustrate power users, yet its blend of longevity, power, and user comfort is unmatched in this segment. If your work isn’t reliant on ultra-demanding sustained workloads (e.g., long 3D renders or high-frequency video exports), the MacBook Air (M4) is virtually unbeatable for the price and weight. For most, the fanless design isn’t just tolerable—it’s an advantage, thanks to the absolute silence it provides.
Memory: 32GB RAM
Storage: 1TB SSD
Display: 14-inch 2880x1800 OLED touchscreen
Weight: Varies by spec (approx. 3 lbs)
Key strengths:
From a design standpoint, some users may find the mix of rounded and matte edges visually inconsistent, but this is a minor concern against such robust performance. Repairability is a legitimate downside—opening the chassis isn’t straightforward due to adhesive and tricky fasteners, putting future-proofers on notice.
Critical analysis:
For those who value display quality and flexibility, the Yoga 9i Aura is a market leader. It provides a superior typing experience and sturdy construction while packing the power needed for multitasking and creative apps. The display’s brilliance comes at a cost to battery life compared to simpler IPS or LCD screens, but the tradeoff may be worthwhile for visual professionals.
Display: 14-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS
Weight: Typically under 3 lbs
Battery life: Over 21 hours in real-world office use—an extraordinary result
Key strengths:
However, while x86 app compatibility is now excellent for most office, browsing, and media workloads, a few outliers persist where performance or compatibility on Arm isn’t perfect. Prospective users should check their essential workflows against known Arm compatibility lists before taking the plunge.
Critical analysis:
On battery life alone, the ThinkPad T14s (Gen 6) shames the competition. If your needs center on office tasks, communications, and cloud-based work—this is as close to a “true all-day laptop” as you’ll find in 2025. Heavier creative professionals or hardcore gamers may encounter barriers, but for business users or frequent travelers, it’s a top-tier choice.
Display: High-resolution (exact specs vary by model)
Battery: ~13 hours in independent tests
Unique offerings: Onboard AI acceleration, Thunderbolt 4 support (rare for AMD laptops)
HP’s OmniBook Ultra stands out for delivering a strong AMD Ryzen AI experience in a chassis that's both premium and portable. The star is the AI 9 HX 375, which brings real-time AI features to the fore, thanks to an integrated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) designed for on-device tasks ranging from live transcription to accelerated Copilot+ performance inside Windows 11.
Usability is excellent—the keyboard is responsive, the design is modern, and the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 connectivity is a true rarity among AMD-based ultrabooks. Battery life, while not record-breaking, remains strong for a high-res display machine.
Critical analysis:
The main knock against the HP OmniBook Ultra is software bloat—HP ships quite a bit of preinstalled trialware, which users will likely want to remove. The combination of AMD’s silicon, robust battery, and Thunderbolt 4 means this is among the most versatile AMD ultrabooks to date. For power users who value AI on the edge (e.g., live photo edits, transcription, and local inference) it’s a forward-looking investment—but users should get in the habit of a fresh Windows install or diligent bloatware cleanup soon after purchase.
Display: 14.2-inch, 3024 x 1964 Liquid Retina XDR, up to 120Hz
Weight: 3.4lbs
Battery: Over 18 hours (14-inch), up to 21+ hours (16-inch model)
Notable features: Stunning nano-texture display option (excellent for outdoor use), 16GB base RAM
Upsides:
Buyers should be aware that while the base RAM has increased to 16GB, upgrading further (or expanding storage) remains as expensive and unmodifiable as ever. Apple’s incremental improvements add up, but there’s still some frustration lingering around the lack of Face ID and the ongoing “display notch” issue.
Critical analysis:
The MacBook Pro is, predictably, the industry yardstick for premium performance, especially for users in Apple’s software ecosystem. For developers and creative pros, its blend of power, battery life, and display excellence is tough to match. The improvement to base RAM helps bring the entry model closer to parity with premium Windows machines, though workflow specialization may be the determining factor for would-be buyers.
RAM/Storage: 16GB/512GB as tested
Screen: Variety of options, though standard panel is a bit dim—OLED available at premium
Weight: Under 3 lbs
Strengths:
While the ThinkPad X1 Carbon doesn’t set new benchmarks in battery life, it remains more than adequate for remote work and travel, particularly if equipped with lower-power screen choices. It is also notably easy to find on deep discount during Lenovo’s various seasonal promotions.
Critical analysis:
The X1 Carbon is the archetypal “gets the job done” machine—a familiar, trustworthy presence for office work, business presentations, and secure communications. If you demand tactile typing, trackpoint navigation, and a design proven over a decade, look no further. Those wanting the absolute best display or battery might wish to spend extra for OLED or explore the Arm-powered T14s.
Display: 13-inch OLED, 2880 x 1920, 120Hz, 3:2 aspect
Battery: All-day (estimated 12-15 hours typical use)
Weight: 1.97 lbs (without keyboard, which is sold separately)
Upsides:
The OLED screen is a massive leap forward for content creators and Netflix binge-watchers, though to get it you must pick up a higher-tier model. The Flex Keyboard, while excellent, remains a financial hurdle—undercutting the value proposition compared to laptops with included accessories.
Critical analysis:
The Surface Pro is easily the best Windows tablet available today, with improved app compatibility delivering a near-seamless desktop PC experience in a portable form factor. Students, illustrators, or remote workers who cherish lightness and pen input will find a lot to love—though they should budget accordingly for all necessary accessories.
Resolutions above 1920 x 1080 are now standard, but 4K is best reserved for creators who need pin-sharp visuals. For most, QHD or slightly above balances clarity and power draw.
Source: Tom's Hardware Best Ultrabooks and Premium Laptops 2025
The Ultrabook Evolution: From Intel’s Stamp to Industry Standard
The “ultrabook” label began as an Intel trademark, defining a new category of lightweight, high-performance, long-lasting laptops that challenged Apple’s MacBook Air hegemony. Fast-forward to today, and the term "ultrabook" is largely generic, referring to any svelte, premium, ultraportable laptop, regardless of processor lineage or manufacturer branding. What unites these machines isn’t just their lithe builds—it’s the tight integration of performance, battery longevity, and high-end user experience.2025: The Year of AI, Arm, and All-Day Batteries
What truly distinguishes 2025’s ultrabooks is a technological convergence: chips focused on both raw speed and neural network acceleration, ever-efficient batteries, OLED and mini-LED display advancements, and Windows’ renewed push into Arm with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus. Apple continues its silicon onslaught with the M4 in Macs and iPads, while AMD’s Ryzen and Hawk Point CPUs have redefined the upper limit of Windows performance.Let’s break down the top contenders as thoroughly vetted by Tom’s Hardware and other reputable sources, considering not only their specs but real-world usability, critical strengths, and potential gotchas.
MacBook Air (M4): The Gold Standard for Most
CPU: Apple M4 (10-core)GPU: Apple 10-core integrated
Display: 15.3-inch, 2880 x 1864 IPS, Liquid Retina, 60 Hz
Weight: 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg)
Key strengths:
- Best-in-class battery life (over 15 hours in testing)
- Fantastic build quality and design
- Powerful, punchy speakers
- New “Center Stage” 12MP webcam for superior video calls
- Lower starting price ($999 for 13-inch variant)
- RAM and SSD upgrades are very expensive
- Display notch persists (still no Face ID)
- Passive (fanless) cooling means some performance throttling under sustained heavy loads
However, for all its polish, Apple continues to attach a premium to RAM/SSD upgrades, with no user-upgradable internal components. While base models have become more affordable, buyers needing extra memory or storage must pay handsomely at purchase—since post-sale upgrades are impossible. The display’s notch, though housing a vastly improved webcam, is still visible and lacks the Face ID tech found on iPhones and iPads.
Critical analysis:
Apple’s iron-fisted approach to hardware upgrades and the static design might frustrate power users, yet its blend of longevity, power, and user comfort is unmatched in this segment. If your work isn’t reliant on ultra-demanding sustained workloads (e.g., long 3D renders or high-frequency video exports), the MacBook Air (M4) is virtually unbeatable for the price and weight. For most, the fanless design isn’t just tolerable—it’s an advantage, thanks to the absolute silence it provides.
Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition: Premium Flexibility, Dazzling Display
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 258VMemory: 32GB RAM
Storage: 1TB SSD
Display: 14-inch 2880x1800 OLED touchscreen
Weight: Varies by spec (approx. 3 lbs)
Key strengths:
- World-class OLED display with vibrant color and contrast
- Convertible 2-in-1 form adds significant versatility
- Premium build quality and tactile keyboard
- Integrated stylus support
- Price can fluctuate, sometimes climbing above $1,499
- Bloatware-laden out of the box
- DIY repairs are challenging (adhesive-based design complicates opening and servicing)
From a design standpoint, some users may find the mix of rounded and matte edges visually inconsistent, but this is a minor concern against such robust performance. Repairability is a legitimate downside—opening the chassis isn’t straightforward due to adhesive and tricky fasteners, putting future-proofers on notice.
Critical analysis:
For those who value display quality and flexibility, the Yoga 9i Aura is a market leader. It provides a superior typing experience and sturdy construction while packing the power needed for multitasking and creative apps. The display’s brilliance comes at a cost to battery life compared to simpler IPS or LCD screens, but the tradeoff may be worthwhile for visual professionals.
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 (Snapdragon): King of Battery Life
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteDisplay: 14-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS
Weight: Typically under 3 lbs
Battery life: Over 21 hours in real-world office use—an extraordinary result
Key strengths:
- Industry-leading battery performance
- Classic ThinkPad keyboard and solid build
- Arm platform delivers fanless silence and cooler operation
- Bright, anti-glare screen with a productivity-friendly 16:10 aspect ratio
- Price (as tested, nearly $1,700)
- Arm app compatibility—good but still not universal (specialized apps or older software may need workarounds or updated versions)
- Less suited to heavy gaming or high-end creative workloads compared to x86-based rivals
However, while x86 app compatibility is now excellent for most office, browsing, and media workloads, a few outliers persist where performance or compatibility on Arm isn’t perfect. Prospective users should check their essential workflows against known Arm compatibility lists before taking the plunge.
Critical analysis:
On battery life alone, the ThinkPad T14s (Gen 6) shames the competition. If your needs center on office tasks, communications, and cloud-based work—this is as close to a “true all-day laptop” as you’ll find in 2025. Heavier creative professionals or hardcore gamers may encounter barriers, but for business users or frequent travelers, it’s a top-tier choice.
HP OmniBook Ultra: AMD’s AI-Focused Challenger
CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375Display: High-resolution (exact specs vary by model)
Battery: ~13 hours in independent tests
Unique offerings: Onboard AI acceleration, Thunderbolt 4 support (rare for AMD laptops)
HP’s OmniBook Ultra stands out for delivering a strong AMD Ryzen AI experience in a chassis that's both premium and portable. The star is the AI 9 HX 375, which brings real-time AI features to the fore, thanks to an integrated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) designed for on-device tasks ranging from live transcription to accelerated Copilot+ performance inside Windows 11.
Usability is excellent—the keyboard is responsive, the design is modern, and the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 connectivity is a true rarity among AMD-based ultrabooks. Battery life, while not record-breaking, remains strong for a high-res display machine.
Critical analysis:
The main knock against the HP OmniBook Ultra is software bloat—HP ships quite a bit of preinstalled trialware, which users will likely want to remove. The combination of AMD’s silicon, robust battery, and Thunderbolt 4 means this is among the most versatile AMD ultrabooks to date. For power users who value AI on the edge (e.g., live photo edits, transcription, and local inference) it’s a forward-looking investment—but users should get in the habit of a fresh Windows install or diligent bloatware cleanup soon after purchase.
MacBook Pro (14-inch, M4): For Power-Users, Creators, and Demanding Workloads
CPU: Apple M4, M4 ProDisplay: 14.2-inch, 3024 x 1964 Liquid Retina XDR, up to 120Hz
Weight: 3.4lbs
Battery: Over 18 hours (14-inch), up to 21+ hours (16-inch model)
Notable features: Stunning nano-texture display option (excellent for outdoor use), 16GB base RAM
Upsides:
- Performance excels for creative professionals, devs, and power-users
- Extended battery life even under demanding use
- Unrivaled speakers and build quality
- Bundles a stunning display with tone-true color reproduction
- Apple’s “Apple Intelligence” features (on-device AI) are limited at launch
- Pricey RAM/SSD upgrades (still non-upgradable post-purchase)
- Notch lacks Face ID
Buyers should be aware that while the base RAM has increased to 16GB, upgrading further (or expanding storage) remains as expensive and unmodifiable as ever. Apple’s incremental improvements add up, but there’s still some frustration lingering around the lack of Face ID and the ongoing “display notch” issue.
Critical analysis:
The MacBook Pro is, predictably, the industry yardstick for premium performance, especially for users in Apple’s software ecosystem. For developers and creative pros, its blend of power, battery life, and display excellence is tough to match. The improvement to base RAM helps bring the entry model closer to parity with premium Windows machines, though workflow specialization may be the determining factor for would-be buyers.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11: Classic Business Meets Modern Touches
CPU: Intel 13th Gen Core i7RAM/Storage: 16GB/512GB as tested
Screen: Variety of options, though standard panel is a bit dim—OLED available at premium
Weight: Under 3 lbs
Strengths:
- Legendary ThinkPad typing experience
- Light, durable carbon fiber chassis
- Whisper-quiet operation, solid battery life
- TrackPoint and touchpad combine for unparalleled input flexibility
- Base display is less vibrant; OLED upgrade recommended but costly
- Some rivals outpace it on raw battery longevity
- Sporadic “sale” availability makes pricing inconsistent
While the ThinkPad X1 Carbon doesn’t set new benchmarks in battery life, it remains more than adequate for remote work and travel, particularly if equipped with lower-power screen choices. It is also notably easy to find on deep discount during Lenovo’s various seasonal promotions.
Critical analysis:
The X1 Carbon is the archetypal “gets the job done” machine—a familiar, trustworthy presence for office work, business presentations, and secure communications. If you demand tactile typing, trackpoint navigation, and a design proven over a decade, look no further. Those wanting the absolute best display or battery might wish to spend extra for OLED or explore the Arm-powered T14s.
Microsoft Surface Pro (11th Edition): The Best Tablet That Runs Windows
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X EliteDisplay: 13-inch OLED, 2880 x 1920, 120Hz, 3:2 aspect
Battery: All-day (estimated 12-15 hours typical use)
Weight: 1.97 lbs (without keyboard, which is sold separately)
Upsides:
- Beautiful OLED display—color accurate and blazing fast refresh
- True “tablet” experience with far better Windows app support than ever before
- 45 TOPS NPU powers next-gen AI features in Windows, including Copilot+ and Studio effects
- Super-thin, incredibly light, and runs cool
- “Flex Keyboard” is extra-cost and very expensive
- Some legacy apps and hardware still have Arm compatibility issues
- OLED display not included with base model—requires CPU upgrade
- Can run hot under heavy processor load
The OLED screen is a massive leap forward for content creators and Netflix binge-watchers, though to get it you must pick up a higher-tier model. The Flex Keyboard, while excellent, remains a financial hurdle—undercutting the value proposition compared to laptops with included accessories.
Critical analysis:
The Surface Pro is easily the best Windows tablet available today, with improved app compatibility delivering a near-seamless desktop PC experience in a portable form factor. Students, illustrators, or remote workers who cherish lightness and pen input will find a lot to love—though they should budget accordingly for all necessary accessories.
Key Trends & Critical Buying Advice for 2025
1. Keyboard Quality is Still Paramount
Regardless of how much AI your laptop touts, or the vibrancy of its display, the main interface for most users remains the humble keyboard. Ultrabooks today offer a range of key feels—from the ultra-shallow butterfly switches of the MacBook Air to ThinkPad’s renowned concave keys. Always try before you buy, or ensure there’s a solid return policy if you’re a tactile typist.2. Display Tech: OLED, Mini-LED, and Resolutions
A good display means more than just pixels. The proliferation of OLED on both Windows and Mac laptops means deeper blacks, punchier colors, and superior media consumption. Yet, beware—these screens can dramatically reduce battery life, especially when running at high brightness or refresh rates. Mini-LED options (like on MacBook Pros) provide an excellent middle ground.Resolutions above 1920 x 1080 are now standard, but 4K is best reserved for creators who need pin-sharp visuals. For most, QHD or slightly above balances clarity and power draw.
3. Upgradability & Repairability
Modern ultrabooks are almost universally non-upgradable—RAM and SSDs are nearly always soldered, especially in thinner models. Exceptions like the Framework Laptop exist but are niche. Buy the specs you need for the laptop's entire projected lifespan.4. Battery Claims: Scrutinize the Fine Print
Manufacturers’ “all-day battery” claims remain optimistic, often under tightly controlled test conditions. Reputable outlets (Tom’s Hardware, The Verge, NotebookCheck) provide much more credible real-world numbers—look for at least 8 hours in their benchmarks as a baseline, with 10+ being highly desirable.5. Make the Most of Deals
Ultrabooks are not immune to pricing fluctuations and sales cycles. Buy during major shopping events, and scour manufacturer and retailer codes before purchase. Sometimes, direct OEM sites feature better warranty and upgrade policies, even if the upfront prices trend higher.Emerging Risks and Innovations
- Arm Laptops: App compatibility is mostly solved for mainstream users, but power users or those dependent on legacy peripherals should verify support carefully.
- AI Acceleration: NPUs will become essential for on-device AI features. Today, their benefits are still niche (e.g., auto-captioning, photo enhancements, some Windows Copilot+ magic), but future-proofing means picking a device with robust NPU integration.
- Bloatware: Even in 2025, HP and others still ship excessive preinstalled software. A clean Windows install or diligent curation is strongly advised.
- Repairability: Devices like Yoga 9i make self-repair a challenge; if long-term serviceability is a concern, lean toward business-class models or check iFixit ratings.
- RAM/SSD price gouging: Apple leads the pack here—pricing for upgrades defies market logic, so future-proof at purchase if possible.
The Bottom Line: Which Ultrabook Should You Buy in 2025?
There is no single “best” ultrabook—just the best for your needs and budget.- All-around premium choice: MacBook Air (M4) delivers unbeatable silence and endurance for most.
- Best 2-in-1 convertible: Lenovo Yoga 9i Aura’s OLED splendor and flexibility shine.
- Top battery life for Windows: ThinkPad T14s (Gen 6, Snapdragon) sets the new standard—especially for business travel.
- Best for raw creative power: MacBook Pro (M4) and Pro variants.
- Best Windows tablet: Microsoft Surface Pro (11th Edition) with OLED.
Source: Tom's Hardware Best Ultrabooks and Premium Laptops 2025
