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RANKED: These are the best 13-inch laptops you can buy
If you're looking for a 13-inch laptop with the right balance of performance, portability, and looks, your search is over.
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The laptops on this list run on Intel's powerful Core-i processors. You can find cheaper laptops, but they run on less powerful Core-M processors that are designed for mobile devices like tablets.
For Windows 10 laptops, we suggest you buy them from the Microsoft Store so you can avoid annoying trial software and the manufacturer's own software, which bloats the computer's storage and hampers its performance.
Check out the best laptops you can buy today:
The MacBook Air is very slim, which we like, but it's relatively pricey for its specs, and its design could do with an overhaul, too.
Specs:
- 1440 x 900 screen
- 5th-gen Intel Core i5 1.6-GHz processor
- 8 GB of RAM
- 128 GB of fast flash storage
Defining Features:
- Slim design
- MagSafe magnetic-power connector
Cons:
- Low-resolution screen
- Design is slightly outdated
- Relatively expensive
- Runs on last year's processor generation
- Base model can be underpowered for some
Starting Price: $1,000
The Microsoft Surface Book is a formidable machine that turns into a tablet with its removable keyboard. Its tall screen is also great for scrolling through web pages and work documents. But it's high price tag put the Surface Book toward the bottom of the list.
Specs:
- 3000 x 2000 resolution screen
- 6th-gen Intel Core i5 6300U 2.4-GHz processor
- 8 GB of RAM
- 128 GB of fast SSD storage
Defining Features:
- Pure Microsoft experience
- Removable from keyboard
- Touchscreen
- Includes stylus
- Tall 3:2 aspect-ratio screen is great for web browsing and work
Cons:
- Very expensive for the specs
Starting Price: $1,500
The LG Gram is extremely light and looks gorgeous, too.
Specs:
- Full-HD 1080p screen
- 5th-gen Intel Core i5 5200U 2.2-GHz processor
- 8 GB of RAM
- 128 GB of fast SSD storage
Defining Features:
- Very light (2.16 pounds)
- Narrow borders around the display
Cons:
- Uses last year's processor generation, but it should be fine for most people
Starting Price: $800
MacBook Pros are expensive for the specs they run on, but they're pretty much your only performance option if you want to use the beautiful and simple-to-use OS X operating system.
Specs:
- 2560 x 1600 resolution screen
- 5th-gen Intel Core i5 2.7-GHz processor
- 8 GB of RAM
- 128 GB of fast flash storage
Defining Features:
- Sharp screen
- Runs on Mac OS X
- MagSafe magnetic-power connector
Cons:
- Relatively heavy
- Relatively expensive
Starting Price: $1,300
The Lenovo Yoga 900 has similar specs as my favorite on this list, but it has less RAM and storage, all while costing $100 more. Still, the Yoga 900's screen can swivel around 360 degrees while the others can't.
Specs:
- Quad-HD 3200 x 1800 screen
- 6th-gen Intel Core i7-6500U 2.5-GHz processor
- 8 GB of RAM
- 256GB of fast SSD storage
Defining Features:
- 360-degree rotating hinge
- Beautiful design
- Very sharp screen
Cons:
- Lenovo doesn't offer a cheaper model with lesser specs
Starting Price: $1,200
The Samsung Notebook 9 is incredibly light, and lighter is always better when it comes to laptops. Combined with some great specs, it's certainly worthy of your consideration.
Specs:
- Full-HD 1080p screen
- 6th-generation Intel Core i5 2.3-GHz processor
- 8 GB of RAM
- 256 GB of fast SSD storage
Defining Features:
- Narrow borders around screen
- Slim and incredibly light (1.9 pounds)
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
Starting price: $1,000
We reviewed the 15-inch model and found that it's great for anyone who values "smart, solid design and power over eye-catching bonus features."
The Dell XPS 13 is a beautiful laptop with good specs.
Specs:
- Full-HD 1080p screen
- 6th-gen Intel Core i5-6200U 2.3-GHz processor
- 8 GB of RAM
- 128 GB of fast SSD storage
Defining Features:
- Narrow borders around a nice-looking screen
Cons:
- You can find similar/better specs for a little less
Starting Price: $900
The Acer Aspire V has the least RAM, but it's $600 price tag, fast Core i5, and good amount of SSD storage makes up for it.
Specs:
- Full-HD 1080p screen
- 6th-gen Intel Core i5-6200U 2.3-GHz processor
- 6 GB of RAM
- 256 GB of fast SSD storage
Defining Features:
- Incredible value
Cons:
- Relatively heavy (3.58 pounds)
- 6 GB of RAM is a little light, but it should be fine for most people
Starting Price: $600
For $900, the HP Envy Notebook has some pretty great specs.
Specs:
- Quad-HD 3200 x 1800 screen
- 6th-gen Intel Core i5 6200U 2.3-GHz processor
- 8 GB of RAM
- 128 GB of fast SSD storage
Defining Features:
- Super sharp and beautiful display
- Premium Bang & Olufsen speakers
- Excellent value
- Lifted hinge design raises keyboard slightly for more comfortable typing
Cons:
- Not as "pretty" as some other laptops in its class
Starting Price: $900
The Asus ZenBook UX303 might be one of the more expensive laptops in this list, but the powerful Core i7 processor, 12 GB of RAM, and 512-GB SSD drive makes it a trusty future-proof machine that will keep ticking for years. It also looks gorgeous.
Specs:
- Quad-HD screen
- 6th-gen Intel Core i7 6500U 2.5-GHz processor
- 12 GB of RAM
- 512 GB of fast SSD storage
Defining Features:
- Beautiful design
- Sharp display
- Fantastic specs
Cons:
- Asus doesn't offer a cheaper model with lesser specs
Starting Price: $1,200
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