The 6 best lightweight laptops for back to school

Laptop computers are thinner, lighter, faster, more durable and perform better than ever, yet their prices continue to drop. And the latest laptops now offer cutting-edge artificial intelligence baked directly into the operating system, along with many of the apps you frequently use (like your web browser, email client and word processor).

So, whether you’re a Windows, Apple Mac or Chromebook enthusiast, if you’re shopping for a new laptop that’ll give you an edge during the upcoming school year and beyond, there are some really thin and lightweight options that are available right now — from brands our in-house tech experts know and love.

Pro Tip: Sure, size and weight of a laptop is important for many students, but also focus on other key features, like the laptop’s display resolution, battery life, processor and internal storage, to ensure the computer select will best meet your needs.

Best lightweight laptops for high school and college students

Many of the newest Windows laptops now come with Microsoft’s Copilot + PC artificial intelligence technology built in to the OS, as well as many of the Microsoft 365 and Google apps many students rely upon. 

Meanwhile, the best Chromebook Plus laptops integrate Google AI and Google Gemini that also provide a suite of cutting-edge AI-driven tools. And in September, Apple will release MacOS Sequoia, the latest version of its operating system. It too will include Apple Intelligence — Apple’s collection of AI tools and features.

Best lightweight Windows laptop: Asus Zenbook S 16 (2024)

Out of all the laptops our team has tested lately, the Asus Zenbook S 16 is hands-down the best option for everyday users and students alike. It addition to a sleek and thin design, the laptop’s exterior was inspired by nature. 

For starters, it’s a mere 0.43 inches thick when shut. And the Zenbook S 16 offers a smooth and simple appearance that relies on a durable and water resistant outer housing that’s made from Ceraluminum — a fusion of ceramic and aluminum that’s widely used in the aerospace industry.

Sure, the Zenbook S 16 looks beautiful on the outside, but it’s the inner workings of this laptop that make it to stand out. One highlight is its 16-inch 3K OLED display…