Robert Triggs / Android Authority
You want the laptop, but you don’t want the bulk. Standard models typically range from 13.3-inch to 17.3-inch screens, but even the smallest devices may be too big for your liking. It sounds like you need a tiny machine, and we’re here to help you find the best mini laptops on the market.
We would consider a mini laptop a PC with a screen that’s around 12 inches or smaller. Some have a detachable keyboard, while others have the keyboard permanently attached. Because of their size, it’s easy to think of mini laptops as large tablets with keyboards. Regardless of your preferences, there is something on this list for everyone.
The best mini laptops:
Editor’s note: We will update the list of best mini laptops as more devices launch.
1. Microsoft Surface Go 3
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is one of the best mini laptops and the smallest option coming from the company. The screen is tiny at 10.5 inches, but it still has a 1080p resolution, albeit only with a 60Hz refresh rate. Microsoft advertises up to 11 hours of battery life on this iteration of the Surface Go.
Here: These are the best Windows tablets you can buy
The coolest feature is likely its form factor. This is technically a tablet that runs Windows and has a very neat keyboard cover. And with prices starting at just $399, it is also a very affordable alternative. You can take things up a notch if you’re willing to pay a good buck for upgrades, though.
The base version comes with an Intel Pentium Gold processor, but this can be upgraded to an Intel Core i3. It has 4/8GB of RAM, and 64/128/256GB of storage. You can also get a version with built-in 4G LTE.
2. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go
If you like the Surface Go 3 but wished it had a laptop design, was a bit larger, and packed more power, look no further than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go. Its screen is slightly larger than 12 inches at 12.4 inches, but it still has a tiny form factor with an awesome design.
More: The best Microsoft Surface laptops and tablets you can buy
The laptop is a bit more expensive, but you can get a much better Intel Core i5 processor. It can also have up to 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage at its highest configuration. This is definitely among the best mini laptops around, as well as a much more powerful one. And if you’re into colorful designs, you get three options: Ice Blue, Platinum, and Sandstone.
3. Samsung Chromebook Plus V2
The Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 isn’t only one of the best mini laptops; it is also one of the most popular Chromebooks around. It comes with powerful features and an accessible price point. Specs include a 12.2 FHD display, an Intel Core M3 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage.
Also: Here are the best Chromebooks you can buy
The included stylus is a great addition, especially for those who like using drawing apps. Chrome OS has access to the Google Play Store, so you will have plenty of application options.
4. HP Pavilion x360 2-in-1
HP is a natural choice for mini laptops, as it makes some very balanced machines. The Pavilion x360 laptop has an 11.6-inch touchscreen, a Pentium Silver processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD.
The great thing about 2-in-1 machines like this one is the ability to essentially turn the machine into a tablet. In bending the device backward, the keyboard will automatically turn off so that you’re not mashing keys while you use the touchscreen to navigate Windows.
This laptop also offers a bevy of ports, including full-size HDMI, USB-C, and a microSD card reader.
5. HP ProBook x360 11 G6
Most mini laptops tend to be on the affordable side of the spectrum, but the HP ProBook x360 11 G6 is a proper laptop for professionals. It offers a powerful set-up on a small form factor. Its price can get pretty high, especially once you start throwing upgrades at it.
More: Here’s a list of the best HP laptops
That said, it’s also a really cool mini laptop. The keyboard can’t be detached, but the screen can be flipped all the way back and be used in tablet mode. This makes it possible to use it in a variety of situations. You could take advantage of the keyboard, use it as a tablet, or use tent mode to watch movies. You could even do some serious editing considering the specs this mini laptop rocks.
6. Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3
Asus is known for making quality laptops at a good price. And while this is technically a Chrome OS tablet, it’s no exception to the rule. It comes with a nice, elegant design that will look good anywhere. Not to mention its versatility. You can use it as a computer with its detachable keyboard, or remove it and use the device as a tablet. It even comes with a nifty stylus, as well as access to the Google Play Store.
Also read: The best cheap laptops you can buy right now!
The price is very competitive, which is why its specs are modest. It comes with a MediaTek 8183 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64/128GB of storage. The 10.5-inch screen features a very nice 16:10 Full HD resolution. These specs are nothing to write home about, but the value is outstanding. This is definitely among the best mini laptops around.
7. Lenovo Chromebook Duet
Eric Zeman / Android Authority
Here’s another great option for those in need of something affordable yet functional. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet comes with good build quality and a small 10.1-inch display. This officially makes it the smallest of the best mini laptops on this list.
More: The best Lenovo laptops
It’s a great Chromebook with a versatile design. The magnetic back cover has a stand, and the detachable keyboard is super thin and light. Specs are modest, but this is OK for Chromebooks, which aren’t as resource intensive.
8. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold
We have to throw the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold into the list of the best mini laptops! This thing is one of the most unique PC contraptions we’ve seen in years. What makes it unique is its foldable nature. This is technically a 13.3-inch Windows tablet, but it can be folded in half and be used in clamshell mode. You can do this with a software keyboard, or slap a physical keyboard addition over the lower half of the screen and type away!
Next: The best foldable phones you can buy
This unique computer is no slouch either. It comes with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The only bad news is that it comes with an insane price. This is probably the best mini laptop if you can stomach that price, though.
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