The 10 Best 13 In Laptops Of 2024, Tested By Our Experts

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch

The 13-inch MacBook Pro version is an excellent choice for anyone who does processor-intensive work such as video editing or app development but doesn't need the additional weight and size of the 16-inch Pro. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Microsoft Surface Laptop 3

The laptop has a good computing performance and a strong battery that can last all day. Read Review

3. Best FHD Touch: HP Spectre x360 13T 2021 Intel Core i7

The laptop also has a true-color HP TrueVision HD IR camera with a dual array digital microphone and a rechargeable HP MPP 2.0 tilt pen for flexibility. Read Review

4. Worth Considering: Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Laptop

This laptop is a stunning product that features a thin form factor and a stunning Infinity Edge display. Read Review

5. Best Battery Life: 2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop

We've been very impressed with the battery life of the MacBook Air - even after a few hours of work, the battery only dropped a few percentage points, and even if you leave it on standby for a day and return to it, the battery level remains high. Read Review

A 13-inch laptop is an excellent choice for people who don’t want a bulky item. For students, a laptop this size is convenient in case you need to walk around the campus or between classes. This size is also ideal for businessmen during traveling. Just simply slide them inside your backpack or briefcase and you’re good to go. 

Due to the rise of technology these years, there are tons of 13-inch laptops out there that have different prices. So, finding the right one for you is not an easy task.

But no worries, we have come to help you. Just below, you will find our top selections of the best 13-inch laptops. The Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch- is currently favored by computer professionals due to its powerful, speedy performance and attractive appearance.

If you’re not sold on this one, we also got plenty of other models from the most well-known brands like Lenovo, Samsung, and more.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch
Our Score:
9.9
Apple
  • Superfast SSD storage launches apps and opens files in an instant
  • 8-core CPU delivers up to 2.8x faster performance to fly through workflows quicker than ever
  • 16-core Neural Engine for advanced machine learning
  • Get more done with up to 20 hours of battery life, the longest ever in a Mac
  • FaceTime HD camera with advanced image signal processor for clearer, sharper video calls
  • Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
  • 8-core GPU with up to 5x faster graphics for graphics-intensive apps and games
  • Active cooling system sustains incredible performance
  • 8GB of unified memory so everything you do is fast and fluid
  • 13.3-inch Retina display with 500 nits of brightness for vibrant colors and incredible image detail
TOP Choice #2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
Our Score:
9.8
Microsoft
  • Clean, Elegant Design: Thin and light, starting at just 2.79 pounds, Surface Laptop 3 is easy to carry
  • All day power on the go, with up to 11.5 hours of battery life, Plus standby time when you’re away, Go from empty to a full battery with fast charging up to 80 percent in about 1 hour
  • More ways to connect, with USB C and USB A ports for connecting to displays, docking stations and more, as well as accessory charging
  • Free Upgrade to Windows 11 when available (see below).
  • Improved speed and performance to do what you want, with the latest processors: Surface Laptop 3 is up to 2 times faster than Surface Laptop 2
  • Choose from rich tone on tone color combinations: New Sandstone, plus Matte Black, Cobalt Blue, and Platinum
TOP Choice #3 HP Spectre x360 13T 2021 Intel Core i7
Our Score:
9.7
HP
  • A Masterpiece for Multitaskers - Designed for reliability, our HP Spectre laptop is equipped with 16GB of memory so you can multitask without lags or delays. The Spectre 13T x360 has a high-speed PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD with 1 TB capacity. The laptop also comes with a full-size island-style backlit keyboard, HP TrueVision HD IR camera with dual array digital microphone, a rechargeable HP MPP 2.0 tilt pen for flexibility, and a lasting 4-cell 60wh Li-Ion polymer battery that can withstand heavy use.
  • Built With Utility & Privacy In Mind-This laptop has 2 Thunderbolt 4 USB4 Type C ports with 40 Gbps signaling rate and 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-A port (5 Gbps signaling rate) with HP Sleep and Charge. That’s all on top of its 3.5 mm headphone/micr jack combo, and microSD card reader. For audio, the laptop has dual speakers powered by Bang & Olufsen and HP Audio Boost. Security-wise, it’s built with a mic mute key, webcam kill switch, and trusted platform module(TPM) support. It has no CD/DVD drive.
  • Dazzlingly Display - See everything in amazing detail at 1920x1080 resolution. Enjoy a high-quality 13.3” touchscreen IPS panel that offers crisp visuals; thanks to HP’s BrightView technology w/ anti-reflection. The display has edge-to-edge glass for smaller bezels & can produce 400 nits of brightness. ALSO included is a Super Sleek & cool 64GB ULTRA SLIM Tech Warehouse USB Flash drive. A speedy little performer with a great look! This stunning Night fall black laptop weighs only 2.8 lbs!
  • Ready For Use Out Of The Box- Once you unbox this 2in1 laptop, all that’s left to do is turn it on and start using it! HP has already preinstalled this convertible computer with the 64-bit version of Windows 10 Pro for your convenience. We’re also including a one-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal, a 60-dollar value that you’re getting for free! Microsoft 365 Personal provides access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and 1 TB of OneDrive Cloud for all your office and personal needs.
  • Power At Your Fingertips - With the Spectre x360, you’re never short on processing power. This convertible laptop is kitted with the 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 (up to 4.7 GHz, 12 MB L3 cache, and 4 cores) and the AI-powered Intel Iris Xe Graphics. This processor is up to 33% more powerful than its predecessors and is arguably the most efficient CPU of its time. Our touchscreen PC also has Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5 combo that supports gigabit file transfer speeds.
4 Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Laptop
Our Score:
9.5
Dell
  • See Every Detail: The FHD+ (1920 x 1200) 500-nit touchscreen display offers pinpoint accuracy for all your computing needs. See the detail of every pixel in photos without needing to zoom in.
  • Including 2 Year On-Site and 6 months Dell Migrate easily move your files and settings from your old PC to your new Dell
  • Guaranteed Power: With 11th Gen InteI Core mobile processors, it’s now possible to enjoy incredibly immersive entertainment on a remarkably thin and light touchscreen laptop.
  • Advanced Thermal Engineering: Dual fans separated to spread heat over a larger area ensure you have the best performing system in the thinnest form factor possible.
  • Powerful Graphics: Intel Iris Plus graphics take a huge leap forward in gaming, streaming and creativity, pushing a smoother, more detailed and more vivid experience than ever before.
  • Killer Wireless: The XPS 9310 thin laptop is built with Wi-Fi 6 techology, the AX1650 prioritizes streaming video, communication, and game traffic in your system for fast, smooth online experiences.
5 2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop
Our Score:
9.4
Apple
  • Superfast Memory – 8GB of unified memory makes your entire system speedy and responsive. That way it can support tasks like memory-hogging multitab browsing and opening a huge graphic file quickly and easily.
  • All-Day Battery Life – Go longer than ever with up to 18 hours of battery life.
  • Why Mac – Easy to learn. Easy to set up. Astoundingly powerful. Intuitive. Packed with apps to use right out of the box. Mac is designed to let you work, play, and create like never before.
  • Environmentally Friendly – MacBook Air is made with a 100% recycled aluminum enclosure and uses less energy for a smaller carbon footprint.
  • Powerful Performance – Take on everything from professional-quality editing to action-packed gaming with ease. The Apple M1 chip with an 8-core CPU delivers up to 3.5x faster performance than the previous generation while using way less power.
  • AppleCare – Every Mac comes with a one-year limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support. Get AppleCare+ to extend your coverage and reduce the stress and cost of unexpected repairs.
  • Fanless Design – Your MacBook Air stays cool and runs quietly even while tackling intense workloads.
  • Simply Compatible – All your existing apps work, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft 365, and Google Drive. Plus you can use your favorite iPhone and iPad apps directly on macOS. Altogether you’ll have access to the biggest collection of apps ever for Mac. All available on the App Store.
  • Stunning Display – With a 13.3” Retina display, images come alive with new levels of realism. Text is sharp and clear, and colors are more vibrant.
  • Easy to Learn – If you already have an iPhone, MacBook Air feels familiar from the moment you turn it on. And it works perfectly with all your Apple devices. Use your iPad to extend the workspace of your Mac, answer texts and phone calls directly on your Mac, and more.
6 Google Pixelbook Go Laptop
Our Score:
9.2
Google
  • Pixelbook Go lets you stay unplugged for up to 12 hours [1] so you don't need to carry a charger; when you do need a charge, get up to 2 hours of battery use in just 20 minutes so you can keep going [2]
  • Please refer to the product description section below for all applicable legal disclaimers denoted by the bracketed numbers in the preceding bullet points (e.g. [1], [2], etc.)
  • This Google Product features the Google Seal for Online Marketplace when purchased from a seller other than Amazon.
  • Starts up in seconds so it's always ready when you are; the 8th Gen Intel Core Processor is quick and responsive powering everything you do[5]
  • Pixelbook Go is a quiet and comfortable laptop with a backlit keyboard ultra quiet keys, and and a spacious touchpad that only needs a light touch
  • Lightweight Chromebook laptop that's barely 2 pounds and 13 millimeter thin with a grippable design making it easier to carry[3]
  • Protects your data passwords, and information with the Titan C security chip and built-in antivirus software; Chrome OS updates automatically to give you the latest features and security [4]
  • Get amazing picture and sound with the brilliant HD touchscreen display and dual stereo speakers so you can watch movies edit photos, or video chat with the 1080p webcam
7 ASUS ZenBook 13 Laptop
Our Score:
9.1
ASUS
  • Latest 10th generation Intel Core i5-1035G1 Core Processor (6M Cache, up to 3.6 GHz) with Intel UHD graphics
  • 13.3 inch wide-view Full HD 4-way NanoEdge bezel display
  • Windows 10 Home
  • Fast storage and memory featuring 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM
8 Acer Spin 5 Convertible Laptop
Our Score:
8.9
Acer
  • Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX201 802.11ax ; Backlit Keyboard ; Fingerprint Reader ; Rechargeable Acer Active Stylus with Wacom AES 1.0
  • 13.5" Acer VertiView 2K 2256 x 1504 Widescreen IPS LED-backlit Touch Display (3:2 aspect ratio) ; Intel Iris Plus Graphics
  • 10th Generation Intel Core i5-1035G4 Processor (Up to 3.7GHz) ; 8GB LPDDR4 Memory ; 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • 2 - USB 3.1 Type C port supporting USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps), DisplayPort over USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, USB Charging, DC-in, 2 - USB 3.2 Gen 1 port (one featuring power-off charging) and 1 - HDMI 2.0 port
  • Up to 15 Hours Battery Life ; Windows 10 Professional
9 SAMSUNG Galaxy Chromebook
Our Score:
7.9
SAMSUNG
  • Stroke of genius: Take notes, sketch ideas and edit documents easily and accurately with the built-in pen that fits seamlessly into Galaxy Chromebook’s ultra-slim design.
  • Speedy. Simple. Secure: Chrome OS is the speedy, simple and secure operating system that powers Chromebooks. It is designed to feel intuitive and helpful every step of the way. It comes with the Google Assistant which helps you multitask and control smart devices. Plus, with apps from the Google Play Store, you can get work done, watch your favorite shows or play your favorite games.
  • Split-second productivity: Boot up in as fast as 6 seconds and hit the ground running. Get ample storage with 256GB SSD and work, play and multitask seamlessly.
  • More space for what matters. Get Google One with 200GB of cloud storage for 12 months when you purchase a new Samsung Chromebook. Enjoy plenty of space for all your files, photos, and more. Redeem offer until 1/31/22
  • A better way to Wi-Fi: Unlock network speeds up to 3x1 faster than previous generation Wi-Fi. Download music, movies and more in seconds backed by Intel’s high-performance wireless hardware.
  • Crystal clarity. Vivid color: Experience superior picture quality and fully expansive color, contrast and depth with the 4K AMOLED touchscreen display to take your work and play to the next level.
  • 120hz full HD thin bezel display: Super-fast 120hz full HD display that enables smooth visuals in games, with 100% sRGB color space.
  • Designed for mobility: Ultra-thin, light and incredibly durable with a cnc unibody aluminum frame and long battery life.
  • Operating system: Windows 10
  • Razer chroma keyboard and precision touchpad: keyboard featuring single-zone rgb lighting with 16.8 million color options, and a precision glass touchpad.
  • System ram type: ddr4_sdram
  • Complete connectivity — Includes thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, wireless AX, HD webcam utilizing windows hello, and 4-array mics.
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best 13 in laptops?

Battery Life

People buy a laptop because they want to be mobile. The battery is an essential component of a laptop. It is not a good idea to have your laptop plugged into a wall or to worry about the battery dying and preventing you from being able to continue working. It doesn't matter what battery quality you have, there are many factors that can cause your battery to drain quicker, such as the size of the RAM and how frequently the processor is used.

Form Factor

The term "form factor" refers to the physical size and configuration of a computer in computing. A laptop's form factor is obviously different from a desktop computer. What form factor suits your requirements best? The clamshell design factor is the most common for laptops. They are rectangular in shape and open to 90 degrees.

Hard Drive

Your data will be stored on your hard drive. This is the file cabinet that you keep next to your desk. Although solid-state drives (SSD) are the most popular choice, some laptops with lower budgets use spinning drives.
If you have the funds, consider an SSD drive. It should be at least 256 gigabytes. SSDs perform faster than older standards like SATA, particularly if you use NVMe. This allows data to be transferred from the drive quickly.

Understanding Processor Names (CPUs)

After you have an idea of what operating system you prefer and the software that you will be using, it is possible to determine the hardware requirements you need. We recommend starting with the processor. Also known as the chip, or simply the CPU.
Two companies make laptop processors, Intel and AMD.

RAM

More is better! Your laptop's random-access memory (or RAM) is used to store data, while your processor processes it. Consider RAM your desk. Your desk should have enough space for all the items you are working on. Things will fall from your desk and it won't be possible to work on them. The same goes for RAM. If you don't have enough, you will not be able open more tabs in your browser or complete compiling your video. Your laptop may freeze and require a restart.
For the most part, 8 gigabytes should suffice for Windows users. However upgrading to 16GB will increase your computer's performance and be a requirement for gamers. Before you purchase RAM, make sure it is properly soldered to your motherboard. It is impossible to replace the RAM if it has been soldered.

Graphics Card

Although all laptops have graphics cards, some are integrated into the motherboard along with the processor. This is called "integrated graphics", and it's fine for most people. It will be possible to view HD movies, as well as play casual games with no problem.

Operating System

You must first determine which OS (operating system) is best for your needs before you start looking at laptops. You can determine what hardware you require by thinking about the software that you use and which operating system it runs.

Ports

The CPU, RAM and hard drives will all have the greatest impact on the performance of your computer. However, it is important to consider the number and type of ports available on your machine. The various methods of connecting things to your laptop's computer, such as USB devices and charging them, are called ports.
At least one USB-C and at most one USB-A are required, as well as a microphone/headset connector. You should also consider USB-C charging and an SD reader.

FAQs

Are Chromebooks Worth It?

They are indeed, but not suitable for all users. Google Chrome OS, which Google launched 10 years ago, has made a lot of progress. Chromebooks are laptops running on Chrome OS that can be used for web browsing or mobile applications. These laptops are simple to use, secure and affordable. They can only run Windows and Mac software natively.

Which Is Better, MacOS Or Windows?

Personal preference and financial budget will determine which laptop is best for you.
There are many software options between them, so you shouldn't have to choose one. A Windows laptop has the advantage of gaming.
MacOS can also be used more easily and safely than Windows. This is especially true for those who need their computer to do the work.

Which Laptops Last The Longest?

A good laptop should last between three and five years depending on the type of notebook you purchase. An ultrabook or business notebook, as well as a MacBook, will last longer and feel better than an inexpensive laptop under $500 with only a plastic body and basic processing. A laptop you use primarily around your home will last longer than one you take with you on trips. It is easier to add more storage and memory to business laptops and photo editing laptops to prolong their life expectancy. Gaming laptops will be more worn than any other types of laptops, as new 3D gaming apps are becoming increasingly demanding.

What's The Best Laptop For Home, Travel, Or Both?

Many people's work habits were affected by the pandemic. People who used laptops to travel frequently may find that these ultra-portable devices are no longer suitable for home work. You might prefer a larger display and more power to play games than a long-lasting battery.
Consider a 15.6 inch laptop or bigger if you plan to use your laptop for work and do not need to move it around much.
Travel with a 13- or 14 inch laptop or two in one is the best option. These laptops are the most lightweight and compact, but they still provide excellent battery life.

Do I Need A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)?

To create images on your computer's screen, graphics cards are used in conjunction with the CPU. Many desktops have integrated graphics units (IGU) These units are very simple and will handle basic tasks. They are not sufficient to handle games and other complex computing. Many gamers opt for IGUs with dedicated gaming hardware. It improves performance as well as portability.

How Much RAM Do I Need?

For most users, we recommend at least 8GB. This should suffice for most web browsing tasks, spreadsheet editing, occasional photo and video editing, as well as basic web browsing. If you use Adobe Photoshop and Premiere regularly, play 3D drafting or work in app or web development, you might consider upgrading to 16GB. You can not add more memory to laptops after they are purchased. This usually costs $100 to $200.

Which Laptop Is Best For Gaming Or Creating?

Any laptop can be used to create and play games. However, the component of the laptop will determine the content and speed with which it is played and created.
You don't require a gaming laptop to play casual web-based games.
You will need more money to buy discrete graphics such as Nvidia's RTX 30 series GPUs.
Gaming screens should have a 120Hz refresh rate or higher to make games run smoothly. Displays that can display 100% of the sRGB colour space are ideal for content creation.

Conclusion

So, what's the easiest approach to get the best 13 in laptops you need quickly? You may use what we know about cognitive neuroscience concepts in your marketing approach. 

When choosing the ideal product, you must have a clear idea of what you want in terms of price, quality, and function. If you don’t like any model in this list, then the Lenovo Yoga C940-14 Laptop will be your new buddy.


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About Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward is an elite author with many years of experience in the music field and the owner of many engaging articles at TheAudioInsights. He studies music production and has many years of passionate research into sound systems. Appearing in many popular newspapers, Nicolas Ward provides useful knowledge and the latest information on music and sound.