The best Ultrabooks in Australia for 2022: top thin and light laptops reviewed

PRICE
VERDICT
REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
VERDICT
REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
Dell XPS 15 on green background
(Image credit: Future / Dell)

We can largely thank Apple and its MacBook Air for the Ultrabook trend we're seeing. Where large, clunky laptops aren't sleek enough, and thin, portable tablets aren't powerful enough, the Ultrabook shines.

Now, to complete the great cycle, Apple's MacBook Pro is topping our list again, and the MacBook Air gets an honourable mention a little further down, thanks to the latest generation of M1 chipsets, designed by the tech giant specifically for these laptops.

A unibody chassis packed with some of the best SSDs, processors and battery life available to devices this size, the Ultrabook is a thin and portable marvel that'll let you get on with your business, browsing or buffering without the lengthy wait times.

With TechRadar's extensive reviewing and lab testing, we've got a strong idea of what's going to cut it in today's Ultrabook landscape, and on this page we've ranked the best of the best so that you can find yourself a bargain on the cream of the crop.

Whether you're chasing the well-known brands like Apple, Dell, HP, Microsoft and Lenovo, or some surprise entrants like Huawei and Razer, we've got you covered.

Best Ultrabooks in Australia at a glance

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

  1. Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021)
  2. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
  3. Apple MacBook Pro (M1, 2020)
  4. Dell XPS 15 (2021)
  5. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9
  6. LG Gram 17 (2021)
  7. HP Spectre x360 (2021)
  8. Razer Blade 14
  9. Dell XPS 17 (2021)
  10. Lenovo ThinkBook 14S Yoga
The best ultrabook ... is a MacBook

Specifications

CPU: Apple M1 Pro 8-core – M1 Max 10-core
Graphics: Integrated 14-core – 32-core GPU
RAM: Up to 64GB
Screen: 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
Storage: Up to 8TB

Reasons to buy

+
 Brilliant performance
+
 Best screen on a laptop

Reasons to avoid

-
14-inch screen may be a bit small

The brand-new MacBook Pro 14-inch is easily the best productivity laptop you can buy in 2021. For creative professionals such as photographers, video editors and music producers, the MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021) is a dream to use, thanks to a choice between powerful new M1 Pro or M1 Max chips that can handle even the most intensive workloads with ease.

Not only that, but its Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED technology is absolutely stunning, and the best screen you can get on a laptop right now. Add in a 1080p webcam and boosted port selection, and you have a brilliant business and productivity laptop. It won't be for everyone – the price and power will be too much for most people's needs – but if you want a killer Ultrabook to do creative work on, this is the laptop to get. For everyone else seeking an Apple ultrabook, check out the MacBook Pro (M1, 2020) below.

Read the full review: MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021)

2. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4

The best Windows laptop

Specifications

CPU: 11th-generation Intel Core i5 – i7 /AMD Ryzen 5 - 7
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe / AMD Radeon
RAM: 8GB – 32GB
Screen: 13.5-inch PixelSense (2,256 x 1,504) touch
Storage: 256GB – 1TB SSD

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable keyboard
+
Beautiful screen

Reasons to avoid

-
Not enough ports
-
Alcantara fabric might get gross over time

While Apple's M1 lineup of MacBooks certainly made an impression, the latest Surface Laptop 4 from Microsoft has come in hot, landing straight in at number 2 of our best Ultrabooks list. As has always been the case with Surface products, build quality and design is absolutely top-notch here, and its gorgeous PixelSense touchscreen really sets it apart from the competition (a touchscreen is something we've yet to see on an Apple laptop, as Microsoft likes to remind us).

It also comes with a brilliant keyboard that's a joy to type on, and some pretty great specs as well, which ensures that Windows 10, and all your favourite apps, run extremely well. Battery life is also very impressive – lasting over 13 hours in our tests – and the price is fairly competitive as well. If you're looking for the best Windows-based ultrabook, this is it.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Laptop 4

3. Apple MacBook Pro 13 (M1, 2020)

The best value ultrabook going

Specifications

CPU: Apple M1
Graphics: Integrated 8-core GPU
RAM: 8GB – 16GB
Screen: 13.3-inch (diagonal) 2,560 x 1,600 LED-backlit display with IPS technology
Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD
Dimensions: 30.41 x 21.24 x 1.56cm; W x D x H

Reasons to buy

+
Silent to use
+
Amazing battery life

Reasons to avoid

-
No new design
-
Fanless design could impact performance

While the more recent and more powerful 14-inch (2021) MacBook Pro is a better laptop for those wanting ultimate performance, the 2020, M1-toting model still offers the best value in an ultrabook overall. With the best performance-to-battery life ratio we've seen on an Apple laptop to date, the Pro is classy, stylish, powerful, and comfortably portable. Where the Dell XPS 13 previously reigned, the MacBook performs better for its price, has a gorgeous display, and can now run iOS apps natively.

If you've been a Windows fan to date, this could be the machine that makes you jump ship.

Read the full review: Apple MacBook Pro (M1, 2020) review

The Dell XPS 15 against a white background

The Dell XPS 15 might tempt any Mac fan out there to make the switch. (Image credit: Dell)

4. Dell XPS 15 (2021)

Dell delivers an (almost) ultimate Ultrabook

Specifications

CPU: Up to 11th Generation Intel Core i9-11900H
Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6
RAM: Up to 64GB DDR4-3200MHz
Screen: 15.6" FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge Non-Touch Anti-Glare 500-Nit – 15.6" UHD+ (3840 x 2400) InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflective 500-Nit
Storage: Up to 4TB M.2 PCIe NVMe

Reasons to buy

+
Speedy performance
+
Gorgeous display

Reasons to avoid

-
Could have better discrete graphics

The Dell XPS 15 (2021) is a Windows powerhouse, and while it doesn't achieve the dizzying heights that the XPS range once saw, it's still one of the best Ultrabooks on the market. With an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, it can handle all of your creative and productivity work with ease, though it can be a little underpowered for heavy gaming. It’s also a stunner of a machine, setting the standard of what a well-designed Windows laptop can look like. Pair that with a gorgeous display and great battery life, and it's easier to overlook the relatively high price (especially in Australia).

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 packs a lot of power in its stylish package.

(Image credit: Lenovo)
Lenovo improves upon a classic

Specifications

CPU : 11th gen Intel Core i5 - i7
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
RAM: 8GB - 32GB
Screen: 14-inch, 16:10 (1920 x 1200p) - (3840 x 2400), touchscreen
Storage: 256GB - 1TB SSD

Reasons to buy

+
Incredible performance
+
Fantastic battery life

Reasons to avoid

-
Integrated graphics struggle with creative workloads

Not only is the Lenovo X1 Carbon Gen 9 among the best Lenovo laptops but it’s one of the best ultrabooks out there as well. Keeping with what made its predecessors so good, the X1 Carbon packs in a lot of power and features in a thin, light, and stylish package. Its battery life can’t be beat so professionals needing a portable to take on the road will appreciate all that extra juice. And, while it isn’t ideal for creative projects, it handles productivity tasks like a pro, thanks to that 11th gen Intel Core CPU and Intel Iris Xe graphics, not to mention at least 8GB of RAM (upgradable to 32GB). On top of that, it’s Evo-certified so you know it’s a quality machine, not to mention brimming with security features.

Read the full review: Lenovo X1 Carbon Gen 9

The LG Gram 16 (2021) against a white background

The LG Gram 16 (2021) is amazingly thin and light. (Image credit: LG)
A productivity powerhouse

Specifications

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

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent battery life
+
Large, high-quality display
+
Very light

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Subject to screen glare

Laptops for work are rejoining the 17-inch fray and leading them is the much-lauded LG Gram 17, whose amazingly thin and light form factor has won awards and makes it among the best Ultrabooks on the market. It’s back and better than ever, with more powerful internals like the 11th-generation Intel chips and the Iris Xe graphics as well as two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports. The long battery life and stunner of a screen are back, though as is its steep price tag. It’s worth it though if you want the power and portability of Ultrabooks yet also need a bigger screen.

Read the full review: LG Gram 17 (2021) 

HP Spectre x360 (2021)

(Image credit: HP)

7. HP Spectre x360 (2021)

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

Specifications

CPU: 11th-generation Intel Core i5 – i7
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: 8GB – 16GB
Screen: 13.3" FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS BrightView micro-edge WLED-backlit multitouch – 13.3" diagonal 4K (3840 x 2160) UWVA BrightView micro-edge AMOLED multitouch
Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD

Reasons to buy

+
Gorgeous design
+
Excellent battery life

Reasons to avoid

-
Fans can get noisy
-
Pricey

The HP Spectre x360 has been one of the best laptops for years now, and the 2021 model is no different. Now coming with 11th-generation Intel Core processors, which offer a decent performance boost, and feature better integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, the HP Spectre x360 (2021) is better than ever. It still features the impeccable 2-in-1 design and pristine gem-cut chassis that these laptops are known for, meaning that the HP Spectre x360 (2021) is one of the best looking Ultrabooks ever made, and when it comes to build quality. While it's certainly pricey (even more so in Australia), you're getting some excellent extras, such as formidable security features and Bang & Olufsen speakers. If you care about aesthetics as much as you do performance and overall quality, this is the best Ultrabook for you.

Read the full review: HP Spectre x360 (2021)

The Razer Blade 14 on a white background with its display, keyboard and trackpad visible.

(Image credit: Razer)
Portability and performance

Specifications

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 – 3080
RAM: 16GB
Screen: 14-inch 144Hz Full HD – 14-inch 165Hz QHD
Storage: 1TB SSD

Reasons to buy

+
Beautiful yet robust chassis
+
Thin and light

Reasons to avoid

-
Lower performance than other laptops

A luxurious portable option comes in the form of a Razer, naturally. The manufacturer’s latest gaming laptop release, the Razer Blade 14, comes with lots of power with a Ryzen 9 from the 5000 series as well as the most powerful Nvidia 3000 graphics. That means you can pretty much play the latest AAA game on it without lugging around a heavy device around with you. At 0.66 inches thick and just under 4lb, that thin and light chassis is definitely a boon to gamers who often travel. Luckily, it also boasts a luxe design so you won’t hesitate to pull it out at a cafe or on a train. Of course, things are still solid, from performance to build.

Read the full review: Razer Blade 14

Dell XPS 17 (2021) against a white background

With the Dell XPS 17 (2021), you can dabble in 4K video editing, especially if you splurge for that gorgeous UHD display. (Image credit: Dell)
A larger than life Ultrabook

Specifications

CPU: Up to 11th Generation Intel Core i9-11980HK
Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6
RAM: Up to 64GB DDR4-3200MHz
Screen: 17.0" FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge Non-Touch Anti-Glare 500-Nit – 17.0" UHD+ (3840 x 2400) InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflective 500-Nit
Storage: Up to 4TB M.2 PCIe NVMe

Reasons to buy

+
Great performance
+
Gorgeous design

Reasons to avoid

-
Lack of ports

The Dell XPS 17 (2021) may be pricey (especially so down under, where the Australia tax has taken its toll) but it has the kind of power that smaller Ultrabooks just can’t deliver. With specs of up to an Intel Core i9 CPU, 64GB of RAM, and an Nvidia RTX GeForce 3060, you can even dabble in 4K video editing , especially if you splurge for that gorgeous UHD display. On top of that, all this performance fits in a 0.77 inch thick machine making this 17 inch laptop surprisingly portable. While the XPS 17 does come at a premium and could come with a few more ports, it is a great machine for a creative professional.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 17 (2021)

The Lenovo ThinkBook 14S Yoga against a white background

The Lenovo ThinkBook 14S Yoga comes with some great features. (Image credit: Lenovo)

10. Lenovo ThinkBook 14S Yoga

An excellent 2-in-1

Specifications

CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i5 – i7
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: up to 24 GB DDR4 3200MHz
Screen: 14.0” FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS, glossy, touchscreen, 300 nits
Storage: up to 1TB PCIe SSD

Reasons to buy

+
Great performance
+
Garaged stylus 

Reasons to avoid

-
Battery life is just OK

Lenovo’s latest release, the ThinkBook 14S Yoga, is a solid and affordable convertible that comes with some great features and a terrific performance – not to mention that coveted 2-in-1 design and a garaged pen, which doesn’t come standard on every hybrid. There’s a lot to love here, starting with its great price-to-performance ratio, even though admittedly, it isn’t perfect. That battery life, for example, is no match to the competition. Still, this is among the best hybrid laptops out there.

Read the full review: Lenovo Thinkpad 14S Yoga


Thinking of insuring your ultrabook?

While your ultrabook's portable nature increases its convenience and flexibility, it also means it's at greater risk of becoming lost, damaged or stolen. In Australia, you can often protect against those scenarios (even outside the home) by adding 'personal effects' insurance to your contents insurance. To find out more, check out our sister site Mozo and compare contents insurance offers.

Harry Domanski
Harry is an Australian Journalist for TechRadar with an ear to the ground for future tech, and the other in front of a vintage amplifier. He likes stories told in charming ways, and content consumed through massive screens. He also likes to get his hands dirty with the ethics of the tech.