The best ultrabook today: TOP-14 rating of 2021 in terms of price and quality ratio

Ultrabook - what kind of device is it? How is it different from a laptop? What important characteristics to pay attention to when choosing. The best ultrabook models.

Not much time has passed since the first ultrabooks appeared in stores.

What it is, how an ultrabook differs from a laptop, which model to choose and what to look for when choosing, we will tell you in the article.

The rating included 14 of the best models based on customer reviews and ratings, as well as in terms of price and quality ratio.

Rating of the TOP 14 best ultrabooks

Place	Model	Price
Inexpensive models
#1	Xiaomi RedmiBook 14″
#2	Acer Aspire 3 A315-42
#3	ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 TP412
#4	Lenovo IdeaPad C340-14
Middle price segment
#1	Xiaomi RedmiBook 16″ Ryzen Edition
#2	Apple MacBook Air 13
#3	Lenovo IdeaPad 5 14
#4	ASUS VivoBook S15 M533IA
#5	HONOR MagicBook Pro
Premium devices
#1	Apple MacBook Pro 13
#2	Apple MacBook Pro 16
#3	HUAWEI MateBook X Pro 2020
#4	Lenovo ThinkPad E15
#5	ASUS ZenBook Duo UX481

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Rating of the best ultrabooks for study

Typically, educational ultrabooks do not require high performance. For them, good autonomy, a supply of RAM and not too high a price are more important.

Acer Swift 5 SF514-53T

The lightweight 970g ultrabook with 8GB RAM has a battery life of up to 8 hours. The pluses also include a good graphics card and a 14-inch display.

The average cost of Acer Swift is 66,000 rubles

Huawei MateBook D14AMD

A mid-price ultrabook with a Ryzen 5 processor and wide RAM has a 512 GB SSD drive. Well suited for educational process and data storage.

You can buy a MateBook from 45,000 rubles

Asus VivoBook 14 X412DA

The mid-class ultrabook stands out from others due to its voluminous built-in memory - 1 TB. Supports 8 GB RAM, processor performance is 2.1 GHz.

You can buy Asus VivoBook from 43,000 rubles

Criterias of choice

When choosing an ultrabook, it is recommended to pay attention to the following points:

Number of ports. The most commonly used are USB, HDMI, memory card slots and audio jacks. Usually all ultrabooks are equipped with them. Some models have DVI, DisplayPort and VGA interfaces.
Touchpad and keyboard. The components should be as comfortable as possible and not cause discomfort during operation. Some Ultrabooks come with a backlit keyboard.
Screen options. Diagonal - the smaller one is not so convenient, the larger one is not very compact. Resolution - Full HD (1920×1080), the best option with high picture quality. Matrix - IPS or VA have the best quality; TN matrices have poor viewing angles. Touch screen - not found in all devices, but can be convenient for working in the field.
Memory. 4-8 GB of RAM is enough for comfortable work on the Internet and with documents, but may not be enough for games. It is better to choose a solid state drive with the largest possible capacity.
Processor and video card. The Intel platform and integrated graphics chips dominate here. In recent years, solutions from AMD have begun to offer some competition.

Inexpensive models

This niche is dominated by ultrabooks for home, office work, and travel .

Keep in mind! They cope well with office programs, Internet content, and video, but are not suitable for running heavy applications.

Rating of the TOP 4 best budget ultrabooks based on customer reviews and ratings.

Xiaomi RedmiBook 14″

It has an all-metal body made of a special aluminum alloy, despite this the laptop is quite light and thin.

This device is not only attractive and durable, but also multifunctional.

The model is equipped with a large number of ports, controls, a Full HD screen with oleophobic and anti-glare coatings, a full-size keyboard and a highly sensitive touchpad with gesture support, full-screen scrolling and zooming.

The Xiaomi RedmiBook 14″ model is equipped with a powerful processor and a powerful graphics card.

Specifications:

OS - Windows 10;
processor - Core i3/i5/i7;
RAM - 4-8 GB;
diagonal and screen resolution – 14″, 1920×1080;
IPS matrix;
graphics – Intel UHD Graphics 620, NVIDIA GeForce MX250;
hard drive - SSD with a capacity of 256-1000 GB;
wireless technologies - Bluetooth, Wi-Fi;
interfaces - USB, HDMI, audio;
battery capacity - 4000 mAh;
operating time - 5-8 hours;
weight - 1.5 kg.

Advantages

high build quality;
metal body;
good performance;
spacious and fast SSD.

Flaws

no webcam;
no keyboard backlight;
The screen has some light.

Acer Aspire 3 A315-42

A powerful, functional and at the same time affordable device, designed to comfortably solve everyday problems.

The processor and AMD video card, DDR4 memory module are responsible for the speed and performance.

HDD and SSD drives allow you to launch the system and applications at lightning speed and store large amounts of data.

A stable connection to the outside world is guaranteed by built-in network modules.

The screen of the Acer Aspire 3 A315-42 ultrabook is implemented using TN+film technology.

Specifications:

OS - Windows 10, Endless OS, Linux;
processor - Athlon, Ryzen 3/5/7;
RAM - 4-16 GB;
diagonal and screen resolution – 15.6″, 1366×768/1920×1080;
TN matrix;
graphics – AMD Radeon 540X/RX Vega 10/Vega 10/8/3;
hard drive - HDD, HDD+SSD, SSD with a total capacity of 128-1256 GB;
slots SD, SDHC, SDXC;
wireless technologies - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth;
interfaces - Ethernet, USB, HDMI, audio;
battery capacity - 3200-4810 mAh;
operating time - 5-7 hours;
camera 0.3 MP;
weight - 1.9 kg.

Advantages

productive iron;
light weight;
connector for wired Internet;
possibility of installing UNIX systems.

Flaws

unimportant screen;
weak battery;
The Wi-Fi module is not the most powerful.

ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 TP412

The incredibly thin ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 TP412 ultrabook has a stylish design and powerful hardware for smooth multitasking.

The central element of the device's hardware is a powerful but energy-efficient processor from Intel.

The RAM here is LPDDR4 type. Graphics are provided by the built-in Intel 600 series video chip.

An SSD drive with a capacity of up to 512 GB ensures high-speed launch of the operating system, fast operation of any software and instant access to information stored on the disk.

Specifications:

OS - Windows 10;
processor - Core i3/i5, Pentium;
RAM - 4-8 GB;
diagonal and screen resolution – 14″, 1920×1080;
matrix - IPS, TN;
graphics – Intel HD Graphics 610/620/UHD Graphics/UHD Graphics 610/620;
hard drive - SSD with a capacity of 128-512 GB;
slots SD, SDHC, SDXC;
wireless technologies - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth;
interfaces - USB, HDMI, audio;
battery capacity - 3550-3640 mAh;
operating time - 9-10 hours;
camera 0.3 MP;
weight - 1.5 kg.

Advantages

two in one - laptop and tablet;
high-quality screen with good viewing angles;
stylish appearance;
compact size, light weight;
three USB ports.

Flaws

small highlights in the corners of the screen on a black background;
The keyboard flexes in the center when you press keys.

Lenovo IdeaPad C340-14

The compact ultrabook Lenovo IdeaPad C340-14 is structurally a transformable laptop.

Thanks to this, it is an indispensable assistant on trips and trips.

The Full HD touch display of the device provides ease of operation, high clarity and detail of the picture.

The combination of central processor + RAM + video card is responsible for speed and performance.

Fast software launch and data storage is provided by a modern solid-state drive with a capacity of up to 512 GB.

The model’s capabilities are expanded by a camera, microphone, speaker system, and wireless modules.

Specifications:

OS - Windows 10;
processor - Core i3/i5, Athlon, Pentium, Ryzen 3;
RAM - 4-16 GB;
diagonal and screen resolution – 14″, 1366×768/1920×1080;
matrix - IPS, TN;
graphics – AMD Radeon Vega 3, Intel UHD Graphics/UHD Graphics 610/620;
hard drive - SSD with a capacity of 128-512 GB;
slots MultiMedia Card, SD, SDHC, SDXC;
wireless technologies - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth;
interfaces - USB, HDMI, audio;
battery capacity - 3000 mAh;
operating time - 8-10 hours;
1 MP camera;
weight - 1.65 kg.

Advantages

high overall performance;
sensitive sensor;
convenient fingerprint scanner;
thin top and side screen frames.

Flaws

weak battery;
no anti-glare screen coating;
large and heavy power supply.

Middle price segment

Mid-level ultrabooks can have heavier weapons on board.

Note! They are equally good for solving simple and resource-intensive tasks.

The best ultrabooks today in terms of price and quality.

Xiaomi RedmiBook 16″ Ryzen Edition

It boasts a wide screen with narrow frames, the display area relative to the entire surface of the front panel reaches an impressive 90%.

The Xiaomi RedmiBook 16″ Ryzen Edition ultrabook uses an innovative Hurricane cooling system with specially designed fans and dual heat pipes.

The device is equipped with basic interfaces for connecting peripherals, HarmanKardon speakers, and advanced data transmission technology.

An interesting option is the Xiaomi key, based on Modern Standby technology, with instant unlocking and auto-locking of an inactive device.

Specifications:

OS - Windows 10;
processor - AMD Ryzen 5;
RAM - 4-16 GB;
diagonal and screen resolution – 16.1″, 1920×1080;
IPS matrix;
graphics – AMD Radeon RX Vega 7/Vega 6;
hard drive - 512 GB SSD;
wireless technologies - Bluetooth, Wi-Fi;
interfaces - USB, HDMI, audio;
battery capacity - 4000 mAh;
operating time - 5-7 hours;
weight - 1.8 kg.

Advantages

perfect build quality;
all metal body;
excellent color rendition;
fast SSD.

Flaws

insufficient maximum screen brightness;
no webcam;
no keyboard backlight.

Apple MacBook Air 13 Retina Display with True Tone Early 2020

Thanks to True Tone Early 2021 technology, the image on the Retina display in the MacBook Air 13 is more natural, but this is not all the capabilities of Apple's ultrabook.

MacBook Air 13 is a compact and lightweight device with a metal body.

A powerful processor, a powerful video card, a large amount of RAM, a Wi-Fi module and other components allow you to easily perform tasks of various levels.

The lithium polymer battery ensures long operating time of the device without recharging. The model's keyboard is equipped with spectacular backlighting.

Specifications:

OS - macOS;
processor - Core i3/i5;
RAM - 8-16 GB;
diagonal and screen resolution – 13.3″, 2560×1600;
IPS matrix;
graphics - Intel Iris Plus Graphics;
hard drive - SSD with a capacity of 256-1024 GB;
wireless technologies - Bluetooth, Wi-Fi;
interfaces - Thunderbolt 3, audio;
operating time up to 12 hours;
1 MP camera;
weight - 1.29 kg.

Advantages

spectacular appearance;
high-quality assembly;
excellent sound from built-in speakers;
availability of fast charging;
good autonomy.

Flaws

case heating;
easily soiled case and screen;
high price.

Lenovo IdeaPad 5 14

The classic design with a screen diagonal of 14 inches is best combined with the excellent performance of the device.

The matte anti-glare Full HD IPS screen with a refresh rate of 60 Hz does not cause eye fatigue when using the device for a long time.

A powerful processor, built-in video card and high-speed RAM are responsible for performance.

The autonomy of the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 model is supported by a high-capacity Li-Pol battery. At the same time, the device is quite light and compact.

Specifications:

OS - Windows 10;
processor - Core i3/i5;
RAM - 8-16 GB;
diagonal and screen resolution – 14″, 1920×1080;
matrix - IPS, WVA;
graphics - AMD Radeon Graphics, Intel UHD Graphics;
hard drive - SSD with a capacity of 256-512 GB;
slots MultiMedia Card, SD, SDHC, SDXC;
wireless technologies - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth;
interfaces - USB, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, audio;
battery capacity - 5000 mAh;
operating time - 10-14 hours;
1 MP camera;
weight - 1.39 kg.

Advantages

powerful hardware configuration;
assembly at a high level;
nice design;
USB Type-C charging;
good autonomy.

Flaws

the color balance of the picture is disturbed (the problem can be solved by adjusting);
keyboard backlight is too dim;
the power button is not the most convenient (it takes some getting used to);
Webcam quality is below average.

ASUS VivoBook S15 M533IA

It was developed for users who want to get a reliable and productive computer device with up-to-date functionality at an affordable price.

The installed solid-state drive allows you not only to store the necessary information for a long time, but also to instantly launch any software.

Thanks to the autonomy of the ASUS VivoBook S15 M533IA laptop, built-in wireless modules, webcam and microphone, you can establish video communication anywhere in the world.

For greater convenience, the kit includes a carrying bag.

Specifications:

OS - Windows 10;
processor - AMD Ryzen 7;
RAM - 8 GB;
diagonal and screen resolution – 15.6″, 1920×1080;
IPS matrix;
graphics - AMD Radeon Graphics;
hard drive - SSD with a capacity of 256-512 GB;
microSD slot;
wireless technologies - Bluetooth, Wi-Fi;
interfaces - USB, HDMI, audio;
battery capacity - 3650-4210 mAh;
operating time up to 6 hours;
1 MP camera;
weight - 1.8 kg.

Advantages

light weight;
comfortable, well-backlit keyboard, separate numeric keypad;
high performance;
good autonomy.

Flaws

mediocre contrast and color rendition of the screen;
there is no slot for additional RAM;
strange design solution for the acid yellow border of the Enter button.

HONOR MagicBook Pro

Equipped with a highly efficient SharkFin cooling system and a high-quality webcam integrated into the keyboard.

Its widescreen display has an edge-to-edge design with a usable area of 90%.

The matte finish of the HONOR MagicBook Pro ultrabook screen minimizes flicker and glare. The hardware is mounted in a metal case.

In terms of hardware, it is worth noting the quad-core AMD Ryzen processor and Radeon graphics, which can handle heavy programs and games, among other things.

Sound with Dolby Atmos promotes complete immersion when listening to music and watching video content.

Specifications:

OS - Windows 10;
processor - AMD Ryzen 5;
RAM - 8 GB;
diagonal and screen resolution – 16.1″, 1920×1080;
IPS matrix;
graphics - AMD Radeon Vega 6/8;
hard drive - 512 GB SSD;
wireless technologies - Bluetooth, Wi-Fi;
interfaces - USB, HDMI, audio;
battery capacity - 7330 mAh;
operating time - 9-12 hours;
1 MP camera;
weight - 1.7 kg.

Advantages

matte screen without glare;
fast processor;
powerful Wi-Fi module;
Dolby Atmos sound + good speaker placement.

Flaws

not very convenient touchpad;
RAM cannot be increased;
Structurally poor placement of USB ports.

Best Ultrabooks 2021 | TOP 10

Review of the best ultrabooks from HowTablet.

The best ultrabooks are at the top of the laptop market because they are higher-end laptops. Even in this age of tiny, thin components whose power increases year after year, making a laptop thin, light, powerful and fast is still not easy and certainly not cheap. This is probably why top-end ultrabooks have become something of a status symbol.

After all, it takes a ton of engineering to proudly advertise an ultra-thin and ultra-light form factor without sacrificing performance or time. And the best ultrabooks show off their manufacturers' craftsmanship in abundance. Combining style and functionality, often packing the best processors, graphics cards and SSDs in the thinnest chassis, they make other laptops look like bulky bricks from the '90s.

While they may be more expensive than their classic counterparts, the best Ultrabooks are worth the extra investment. Whether you want to work unplugged, do light video or photo editing, or carry your work laptop through the rest of the day, one of these great Ultrabooks is perfect for your needs.

DELL XPS 15 (2020)

The best laptop has arrived in the market.

Processor : Intel Core i5 – Core i7 (10th generation) | Video card : Intel UHD Graphics – Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti | RAM : 8 – 64 GB | Screen : 15.6" FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge, non-touch, anti-glare, 500 nits – 15.6" UHD+ (3840 x 2400) IninityEdge, touch, anti-glare, 500 nits | Physical memory : 256 GB – 2 TB M.2 PCIe NVMe.

Pros : Great sound | Beautiful screen | Comfortable keyboard;
Cons : GTX 1650 Ti is a bit weak;

The Dell XPS 15 is quite an extraordinary laptop, capable of seducing even the most ardent Mac fans. This is not only the best ultrabook of 2021, but also the best laptop of the year overall. Combining powerful performance with a sleek, slim design, the XPS 15 knows no limits when it comes to desktop-ready components. Its features include a gorgeous panel with 500 nits of brightness, an extremely comfortable keyboard, impressive speakers, and a comfortable touchpad. We're not saying it's perfect, but our review score of 10 should speak for itself.

Read more : Dell XPS 15 review

HP ELITE DRAGONFLY

The best ultrabook for the traveling professional.

Processor : Intel Core i5 – Core i7 (8th generation) | Graphics : Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM : 8 GB – 16 GB | Screen : 13.3" Full HD Touch - 13.3" Full HD Sure View | Physical memory : 256 GB SSD.

Pros : Impeccable design | Working hours;
Cons : Quite expensive;

If you are a professional who needs or prefers to travel while working and is now looking for the best companion for such work, you will be hard-pressed to find anything better than the HP Elite Dragonfly. Achieving a coveted 10-point score, the laptop topped or ranked in most of this year's rankings, as well as taking first place in the ranking of the best ultrabooks. This comes as no surprise as the laptop brings together a combination of incredible features, including a superb keyboard and amazing speakers, fast performance, portability, attractive design and long battery life. Admittedly, it is more expensive than most competitors. But if you have the money, it's worth every penny.

Read more : HP Elite Dragonfly Review

HP SPECTER X360 (2021)

This year's model is a brilliant 13-inch laptop.

Processor : Intel Core i5 – Core i7 (11th generation) | Graphics : Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM : 8 GB – 16 GB | Screen : 13.3-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS BrightView with thin panels, touch panel – 13.3-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) UWVA BrightView | Built-in memory : 256 GB – 2 TB SSD.

Pros : Stunning design | Battery life;
Cons : Fans are noisy | High price;

The HP Specter x360 has been one of the best laptops for years, but the 2021 model is no different. Now equipped with 11th Gen Intel Core processors that offer a decent boost in performance and equipped with upgraded Intel Iris Xe graphics, the HP Specter x360 (2021) is better than ever. It still features an impeccable 2-in-1 design and an impeccable body whose feature is the diamond-cut edges that these laptops are known for, meaning the HP Specter x360 (2021) is one of the most beautiful ultrabooks ever made, the same This also applies to build quality. While it's certainly quite expensive, you do get some great options, including a host of safety features, as well as Bang & Olufsen speakers. If you care about aesthetics as much as performance, here's the best ultrabook of 2021.

Read the full review : HP Specter x360 (2021)

DELL XPS 13 (LATE 2020)

Dell is doing it again.

Processor : Intel core i7-1165G7 (11th generation) | Graphics : up to Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM : up to 32 GB LPDDR4x 4267 MHz | Screen : 13.4" FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge, non-touch, anti-glare, 500 nits - 13.4" UHD+ (3840 x 2400) InfinityEdge, touch, anti-glare, 500 nits | Physical memory : up to 2 TB M.2 PCIe NVMe.

Pros : Great design | Screen 16:10 | Working hours;
Cons : Sound quality is average | The price is high;

Year after year, the consensus is that the Dell XPS series simply cannot go the wrong route. Annual updates to this series are constantly included in our ranking of the best laptops of the year, becoming better every year. The Late 2021 Dell XPS 13 isn't just an attractive ultrabook. As expected, the XPS 13 offers amazing performance behind a great screen and lasts for long hours without being plugged in, not to mention some premium features. Like its predecessor, the modern XPS 13 remains a fairly expensive laptop, but that's simply not enough to put off fans of the series. Here is one of the best ultrabooks of 2021, which is worth every ruble.

Read more : Dell XPS 13 (Late 2020) review

LG GRAM 17 (2021)

Powerhouse for increased productivity.

Processor : Intel Core i7 (11th generation) | Graphics : Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM : 16 GB LPDDR4X | Screen : 17-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS LCD | Physical memory : up to 2 TB NVMe SSD.

Pros : Opening hours | Great screen | Very light;
Cons : Expensive | The screen is susceptible to glare;

Laptops for work and business are returning to the 17-inch format, and they will be led by the famous LG Gram 17, an amazingly thin and light laptop that has won multiple awards. It returns in 2021 better than ever, updated with new components including 11th Gen Intel processors with integrated Iris Xe graphics, and two USB-C-based Thunderbolt 4 ports. The long battery life and stunning display picture are also back, but the price is to match. And make no mistake, the Gram 17 is worth it if you want the best performance with the portability of an Ultrabook, but a large screen diagonal.

Read more : LG Gram 17 (2021) review

SURFACE LAPTOP 3

Longer than most.

Processor : 4-core Intel Core i5 – Core i7 (10th generation) | Graphics : Intel Iris Plus | RAM : 8 GB – 32 GB | Screen : 15-inch (2496 x 1664), PixelSense touchscreen | Physical memory : 128 GB – 1 TB.

Pros : Opening hours | Exciting debut from AMD;
Cons : Too few ports | Not enough power;

With an impressive, reasonable price tag and better battery life, the 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 certainly does a lot right. Including, as a fact, its attractive design, as well as its low weight, a surprisingly light laptop for its size. When it comes to performance, it's not all rosy. While it's not the most powerful 15-inch laptop on the market, it does come with 10th Gen Intel processors and Iris Plus graphics. This is more than enough to make the Surface Laptop 3 one of the best Ultrabooks of 2021.

Read more : Surface Laptop 3 review

LENOVO THINKPAD X1 NANO

Ultra-light and surprisingly powerful.

Processor : Intel Core i7 (11th generation) | Graphics : Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM : 8 GB – 16 GB LPDDR4x | Screen : 13-inch 2K (2160 x 1350) IPS, anti-glare, anti-smudge, Dolby Vision touchscreen | Physical memory : 256 GB – 1 TB PCIe SSD.

Pros : Sleek design | Incredibly lightweight | Great screen;
Cons : Limited port selection | Keyboard layout;

Even the limited port selection and small touchpad can't hold back the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano. One of the best Ultrabooks we've tested, it's not only the lightest laptop we've ever tested, but it's also surprisingly powerful considering its slim profile. There's also a significant selection of features to keep in mind, including a 2K (16:10) touchpad, a physical shutter on the webcam, and advanced biometric authentication features, all of which add value to the laptop. At least when mobility and productivity are a top priority.

Read the full review : Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano

RAZER BLADE STEALTH 13 (2019)

Lightweight and stylish Razer, now in white.

Processor : Intel Core i7 (10th generation) | Graphics : Intel Iris Plus – GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q | RAM : 16 GB | Screen : 13.3" FHD Matte with 4.9mm bezels - 13.3" 4K Touch | Physical memory : 512 GB SSD.

Pros : Top-notch build | Quiet operation | Working hours;
Cons : Expensive | Low memory | No discrete graphics;

“The world's first gaming ultrabook” is not just talk. It is also one of the best ultrabooks of 2021. Razer embellishes its new Blade Stealth 13 ultrabook with advanced hardware components that don't interfere with its silent operation. The gaming maker's updated 13-inch laptop now has a 10th generation Intel Core i7 with better graphics, so the performance is much higher than its predecessor. In fact, it can offer the best gaming experience you've ever had with integrated graphics, thanks to Iris Plus. To top it all off, we'll highlight the near-silent fans, low power consumption, extended battery life, and stunning Mercury White color, sold out!

Read more : Razer Blade Stealth 13 (2019) review

MICROSOFT SURFACE BOOK 3

Purebred, premium hybrid.

Processor : Intel Core i5-1035G7 – Core i7-1065G7 (10th generation) | Graphics : Intel Iris Plus Graphics – Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti (Max-Q) | RAM : 8 – 32 GB (3733 MHz) LPDDR4x | Screen : 13.5-inch 3000 x 2000 (267 PPI) – 15-inch 3240 x 2160 (260 PPI) PixelSense Display | Physical memory : 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB or 2 TB PCIe SSD.

Pros : Great design | Keyboard | Screen;
Cons : U-series processor | Touchpad size | Speakers;

In most ways, the Surface Book 3 is a shining example of what high-end laptops have achieved in the last few years. It's an exceptionally premium machine - with one of the best screens available on a laptop, it puts the new Magic Keyboards on the MacBook Pro to shame, and the hybrid design allows you to detach the screen. Less than 2.5 centimeters thick, measuring 312 x 232 mm for the 13-inch model and 343 x 250 mm for the 15-inch model, the dimensions make Surface Book 3 the best Ultrabook of 2021. Unfortunately, the compromise is a weak processor (relative to competitors), mediocre speakers and a high price. On the other hand, this is a wonderful and compact laptop if you have the money.

Read more : Microsoft Surface Book 3 review

ASUS ROG ZEPHYRUS S GX701

Performance and attractiveness.

Processor : Intel Core i7 | Video card : Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 – GeForce GTX 2080 (Max-Q) | RAM : 8 GB – 24 GB | Screen : 17.3-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 144Hz with G-Sync.

Pros : Extremely thin | Performance reserve;
Cons : Very expensive;

In today's world, manufacturers of the best gaming laptops strive for exceptionally thin models that can offer high performance. At the moment, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX701 stands out in this area. Less than 2 centimeters thick, this is the best ultrabook for gaming.

And don’t let its slender façade fool you, performance is driven by an Intel Coffee Lake Core i7, Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 (Max-Q) graphics and 16 GB of RAM. This means you can run every game under the sun on the Ultra, and you can take your favorite games with you wherever you go - ideal for gamers on the go. The laptop also features amazing RGB lighting.

Read more : ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX701 review

Check out our ranking of the best laptops;
We've also picked out budget laptops for 2021;

Laptops

Premium devices

It is worth noting! These are expensive and powerful devices with high-end components and premium build quality.

No less attention is paid to design here.

Apple MacBook Pro 13 Retina display with True Tone Mid 2020

To perfectly adapt the screen to lighting, the Apple MacBook Pro 13 ultrabook features True Tone Mid 2021 technology, which automatically changes color to suit the surroundings.

The 13.3-inch model is also equipped with a Magic keyboard, processor and graphics from Intel.

The device is equipped with an excellent monolithic metal body and a high-quality display.

Another feature is an incredible number of ports for external connections, which is generally unusual for ultrabooks.

Specifications:

OS - macOS;
processor - Intel Core i5;
RAM - 8-32 GB;
diagonal and screen resolution – 13.3″, 12560×1600;
IPS matrix;
graphics – Intel Iris Plus Graphics/Iris Plus Graphics 645;
hard drive - SSD with a capacity of 256-1024 GB;
wireless technologies - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth;
interfaces - Thunderbolt 3, USB, DVI, DisplayPort, VGA, audio;
operating time up to 10 hours;
1 MP camera;
weight - 1.4 kg.

Advantages

natural reproduction of colors on the screen;
long battery life;
physical Esc button;
variety of ports for connecting external devices.

Flaws

low maximum volume of built-in acoustics;
low webcam resolution;
high price.

Apple MacBook Pro 16 with Retina Display and Touch Bar Late 2019

Touch Bar Late 2021 technology in the Apple MacBook Pro 16 ultrabook with Retina display allows you to work using gestures directly from the panel.

The Pro version is the most powerful device in the MacBook line with the corresponding capabilities.

In addition to the 16-inch Retina display, the device is equipped with an incredibly fast processor, powerful graphics card and a long-lasting battery.

The Magic Keyboard is responsible for input, and a capacious solid-state drive is responsible for data storage. Touch ID will help you quickly log in.

Specifications:

OS - macOS;
processor - Core i7/i9;
RAM - 16-64 GB;
diagonal and screen resolution – 16″, 3072×1920;
IPS matrix;
graphics – AMD Radeon Pro 5300M/Pro 5500M;
hard drive - SSD with a capacity of 512-8000 GB;
wireless technologies - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth;
interfaces - Thunderbolt 3, audio;
operating time up to 11 hours;
1 MP camera;
weight - 2 kg.

Advantages

large screen diagonal;
excellent autonomy;
huge amount of RAM;
high-quality sound;
convenient touchpad.

Flaws

weak webcam;
the case can get quite hot;
high price.

HUAWEI MateBook X Pro 2020

Thanks to pre-installed Windows 10, a high-resolution screen, a powerful processor and a large amount of RAM, it copes well with running the most resource-intensive software.

Another advantage of this thin portable computer is the discrete GeForce MX250 graphics card with the highest efficiency and speed of graphics processing.

Also, the HUAWEI MateBook X Pro 2021 ultrabook is equipped with a fast and silent SSD drive with a capacity of up to 1 TB, a huge capacity lithium-ion battery and wireless communication modules.

Main characteristics:

OS - Windows 10;
processor - Intel Core i7;
RAM - 16 GB;
diagonal and screen resolution – 13.9″, 3000×2000;
LTPS matrix;
graphics - NVIDIA GeForce MX250;
hard drive - SSD with a capacity of 1000 GB;
wireless technologies - Bluetooth, Wi-Fi;
interfaces - USB, audio;
battery capacity - 7565 mAh;
operating time up to 13 hours;
1 MP camera;
weight - 1.33 kg.

Advantages

light weight;
good performance;
high-quality assembly;
perfectly working touchpad;
powerful battery.

Flaws

no Dolby Atmos, the sound is not up to par;
the case gets very hot;
unimportant webcam.

Lenovo ThinkPad E15

Best suited for solving everyday problems at home, in the office and while traveling, it is not afraid of accidental impacts and liquids spilled on the case.

A modern processor, a powerful video card and fast RAM of the Lenovo ThinkPad E15 model are complemented by several pleasant and useful little things.

This, for example, is an audio system with a built-in subwoofer and support for Dolby Audio technology, a fingerprint scanner with unlocking by touching a finger, and many interfaces for connecting peripheral devices.

Main characteristics:

OS - Windows 10;
processor - Core i3/i5/i7;
RAM - 8-16 GB;
diagonal and screen resolution – 15.6″, 1920×1080;
IPS matrix;
graphics – AMD Radeon RX 640, Intel UHD Graphics;
hard drive - HDD, HDD+SSD, SSD with a total capacity of 128-1512 GB;
wireless technologies - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth;
interfaces - Ethernet, USB, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, audio;
battery capacity - 3980 mAh;
operating time up to 12 hours;
camera - 0.9-1 MP;
weight - 1.9 kg.

Advantages

silent cooling system;
good build quality;
a fingerprint sensor is built into the power button;
comfortable keyboard with large arrows + microjoystick.

Flaws

screen backlight with PWM;
low accuracy of touchpad positioning.

ASUS ZenBook Duo UX481

It is not similar to other devices due to the futuristic design of the case with an asymmetrical pattern of thin concentric circles.

The dual-screen ASUS ZenBook Duo UX481 ultrabook uses an innovative ErgoLift screen hinge, thanks to which when you lift the lid, the keyboard automatically tilts at an optimal angle of 5.5 degrees.

This engineering idea brought to life improves the cooling and sound of the device's speakers.

But most importantly, the ultrabook is equipped with two displays at once, while the additional ScreenPad Plus touch screen is as wide as the main one.

Main characteristics:

OS - Windows 10;
processor - Core i5/i7;
RAM - 8-16 GB;
diagonal and screen resolution – 14″, 1920×1080;
IPS matrix;
graphics - NVIDIA GeForce MX250;
hard drive - SSD with a capacity of 256-1024 GB;
slots microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC;
wireless technologies - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth;
interfaces - USB, HDMI, audio;
battery capacity - 4880 mAh;
operating time up to 9 hours;
1 MP camera;
weight - 1.5 kg.

Advantages

additional touch display;
excellent color rendition;
convenient software for working with the screenpad;
Quiet operation of the cooling system even under load;
light weight and compactness of the laptop itself and the power supply.

Flaws

the keyboard is not very ergonomic;
there is no possibility for an upgrade - everything is soldered on the motherboard;
high price.

Rating of the best ultrabooks for work

Requirements for work ultrabooks vary greatly depending on the specifics of the activity. People in creative professions need powerful devices; budget models are suitable for regular work with documents.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

One of the top models in the review of the best ultrabooks is equipped with a comfortable keyboard, a built-in 4G modem and a screen with good Full HD resolution. It has a very durable carbon fiber body.

You can buy a ThinkPad Carbon from 89,000 rubles

Asus ZenBook 15 UX533FD

An ultrabook with a wide diagonal of 15 inches is equipped with a powerful discrete graphics card and a full keyboard with a numeric keypad. There is an IR recognition scanner and a high-speed Wi-Fi interface.

The average price of UX533FD is about 81,000 rubles

Asus ZenBook 13 UX331UAL

A mid-budget ultrabook with good performance and high battery life is equipped with numerous USB connectors and a fingerprint scanner. The keyboard is backlit and has good sound.

The price of the ultrabook UX331UAL starts from 74,000 rubles