5 Best Mini Laptops - Affordable, Ultra-Portable, Small Laptops

Mini laptops, with their compact size and lightweight design, have become a popular choice for those who prioritize portability above all else. They are easy to carry around and small enough to slip into almost any bag, making them ideal for frequent travelers and commuters, students, and professionals constantly on the go.

While they excel at handling everyday computing needs, such as web browsing, document editing, watching videos, or light multitasking, their unparalleled portability does come with a few tradeoffs. Mini laptops often have lower processing power and limited storage capacity than standard laptops. As a result, these devices may not be ideal for resource-intensive tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, or gaming.

So, if you want to travel light or don't like lugging around a big laptop everywhere you go, but you also don't require extensive performance from your portable device, a mini laptop might be the perfect solution for you. To help you choose, we'll show you our selection of some of the best mini laptops on the market.

But first, let's see what types of mini laptops are available and what to consider before making your choice.

What types of mini laptops are out there?

Mini laptops come in various types, each offering its own set of features and specifications. Here are some common types:

• 2-in-1 laptops: Also known as convertible laptops, these offer a versatile design and can be used as both a laptop and a tablet. They often feature detachable or foldable keyboards and touchscreens for flexibility.
• Clamshell mini laptops: These resemble traditional laptops but in a smaller form. They prioritize compactness and portability while still offering decent performance.
• Chromebooks: These laptops run on Google's Chrome OS and focus on web-based applications and cloud storage. They are known for fast boot times, built-in virus protection, long battery life, and affordability.

What to consider when choosing a mini laptop?

When selecting a mini laptop, it's essential to consider a few key factors:

• Intended usage: Will you primarily use it for work/study, entertainment, or a combination of both? This will help determine the necessary specifications, such as processor power, RAM, storage capacity, and display quality.
• Battery life: Since the main advantage of mini laptops is their portability, opt for models that offer long-lasting battery performance, ensuring you can work, study, or enjoy media without constantly searching for a power outlet.
• Keyboard and touchpad: Consider the keyboard and touchpad comfort, especially if you plan on typing extensively.
• Connectivity: Check out the connectivity options like USB ports, audio jacks, and memory card slots, as these can enhance the versatility and usability of your mini laptop.

By considering these factors, you'll be well on your way to finding the right mini laptop that meets your specific needs and preferences.

With that said, let's dive into our selection of the best mini laptops you can buy today.

Microsoft Surface Go 3

If you're after a mini laptop that combines style with power, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is your go-to gadget. With its eye-catching 10.5-inch touchscreen display and a detachable keyboard (sold separately), it seamlessly adapts to your needs, whether you're working, studying, or enjoying multimedia content. The Surface Go 3 is powered by an Intel processor, which ensures smooth multitasking and responsiveness. It weighs just 1.2 pounds and can last up to 11 hours on a single charge. In addition, it offers a range of connectivity options, including a USB-C port and a headphone jack.

HP Stream 11

The HP Stream 11 is an affordable yet capable mini laptop, perfect for those seeking a budget-friendly portable device without compromising essential features. With its crisp HD anti-glare 11.6-inch display, this small laptop offers vibrant visuals. It runs on Windows 11 and comes with one year of Microsoft Office 365 subscription. Thanks to its Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM, it effortlessly breezes through your day-to-day tasks. Plus, it weighs 2.37 pounds, and its battery life is so impressive (about 13 hours) that you won't have to worry about running out of juice during those long study, work, or binge-watching sessions.

ASUS Vivobook L210

When it comes to affordability and functionality, the ASUS Vivobook L210 is another mini laptop worth considering. It's super compact and lightweight, with an 11.6-inch display that won't weigh you down. Powered by an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage, this little device is a champ for handling everyday computing tasks. Whether you're conquering your assignments or typing up that novel you've been dreaming about, you can count on a comfortable typing experience thanks to its ergonomic keyboard. It runs on Windows 10 and its long-lasting battery life (up to 12 hours) lets you stay productive throughout the day without worrying about recharging.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet 2-in-1

If you're all about flexibility and versatility, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is an excellent 2-in-1 device that combines a laptop and a tablet in one sleek package. It comes with a 10.1-inch Full HD touchscreen display and a detachable keyboard, giving you the freedom to switch between laptop and tablet modes in a flash. Powered by a MediaTek processor and 4GB of RAM, it can handle everything from web browsing to media streaming. Plus, with ChromeOS on board, you'll have access to a whole array of Google apps. Its compact size, lightweight design, durability, and battery life of up to 10 hours make it the perfect partner for those who are always on the move.

Acer Chromebook Spin 311

The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is a highly flexible mini laptop with much to offer. Its 11.6-inch touchscreen display can rotate 360 degrees, so you can use it as a laptop, stand it up like a tent for presentations, or fold it flat like a tablet for casual browsing. Running on Chrome OS and powered by an Intel Celeron processor, the Spin 311 delivers solid performance while offering up to 10 hours of battery life, ensuring you stay productive and connected throughout your day. It has two USB Type-C ports for ultra-quick data transfer, video streaming, and battery charging, as well as two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports and a microSD slot for extra storage.