In an era where every millimeter counts, laptop manufacturers have pushed the boundaries of engineering to create machines that slip effortlessly into briefcases and backpacks. These ultra-thin devices prove you don’t need bulk to get serious computing power.
Leading the pack in svelte design is the apple MacBook Air M3, measuring just 11.3mm at its thickest point. Its tapered unibody aluminum design creates an even thinner profile that practically disappears in your bag. The M3 chip delivers impressive performance without the thermal demands that typically require thicker chassis.
The Dell XPS 13 Plus takes minimalism to extremes at 15.3mm thin. Dell eliminated the traditional function row in favor of capacitive touch buttons and created an edge-to-edge keyboard with zero lattice, resulting in a remarkably clean and compact design that doesn’t sacrifice the 13.4-inch display.
LG’s LG Gram 17 achieves something remarkable by packing a 17-inch display into a chassis that’s only 17.8mm thick. Weighing just 2.98 pounds despite its large screen, this laptop uses a magnesium alloy construction that proves big screens don’t require chunky bodies.
The HP Dragonfly G4 measures 16.4mm and targets business users who need premium build quality. Its CNC-machined magnesium chassis includes built-in privacy features and long battery life, all while maintaining a profile thin enough for airline tray tables.
Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 5 comes in at 14.5mm for the 13.5-inch model. The signature Alcantara fabric palm rest adds a touch of luxury to a design that balances thinness with practical port selection and excellent thermal management.
The Lenovo Yoga 9i achieves its 15.25mm thickness while maintaining 360-degree hinge flexibility. This convertible design means you get tablet functionality without the added bulk you might expect from such versatility.
ASUS ZenBook S 13 OLED pushes boundaries at just 14.9mm thick. ASUS managed to include a stunning OLED display and robust cooling despite the constrained space, making this one of the most visually impressive thin laptops available.
For those in the Apple ecosystem, the 13-inch MacBook Air M2 at 11.3mm offers the same incredible thinness as its M3 successor but at a lower price point. The fanless design means silent operation regardless of workload.
The Acer Swift 7 historically held records for thinness at around 9mm, though newer models have added slight bulk for improved performance. Even current Swift iterations remain among the thinnest Windows laptops you can buy, typically measuring under 15mm.
Rounding out the selection is the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro, which measures 11.3mm and weighs just 2.58 pounds for the 14-inch model. Samsung’s AMOLED display technology provides vibrant colors in a package that feels almost impossibly light.
These laptops demonstrate that thin doesn’t mean compromised. Modern processors run cooler and more efficiently, batteries have become denser, and manufacturing techniques allow for stronger materials at reduced thickness. Whether you prioritize macOS or Windows, business features or consumer appeal, there’s an ultra-thin laptop that meets your needs without weighing you down.
