When I first started freelancing many years ago, I used a Lenovo ThinkPad R61. My biggest nightmare was its weight (between 2.4 kg / 5.3 lbs and 2.9 kg / 6.4 lbs). As a student, I had to carry it everywhere, and it quickly became a struggle. That experience made me realize how important Lightweight Laptops are for freelancers who need to work on the go.
My experience with Lightweight Laptops
Everything changed in 2017 when I bought my first Lightweight Laptop : a MacBook Air. Suddenly, traveling between cities and working from coffee shops felt easy and stress-free.
I managed to travel for over 12 months with my MacBook Air and later with my MacBook Pro M1 (2020), always enjoying their impressive battery life. I can’t even remember a time when I needed to charge them outside, and they both fit perfectly into my backpack.
That’s why today I’m creating this curated guide to the best Lightweight Laptops for freelancers in 2025. My goal is to help other freelancers and digital nomads find the right laptop without wasting hours scrolling through endless articles.
It’s also important to note that weight isn’t the only factor when choosing a Lightweight Laptop for travel or freelancing. Other essentials like battery life, portability, and size are just as important, and often non-negotiable for remote workers.
With that in mind, let’s dive into our list of the best Lightweight Laptops for freelancers in 2025.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from eligible purchases
1. Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4, 2025)
Key specs:
- Apple M4 chip (10-core CPU, integrated GPU with up to 10 cores)
- 13.6‑inch Liquid Retina display, ~500 nits brightness, wide P3 color, supports 1 billion colors
- Unified memory options: 16 GB (base), 24 GB (higher config), optional 32 GB at purchase
- SSD storage: starting at 256 GB, up to 1 TB
- Up to 20 hours battery life: the longest Air battery to date
- Weight: super-light and ultra-thin (lighter than 5.1 lb)
- Extras: 12 MP Center Stage webcam, Touch ID, MagSafe 3, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, 3.5 mm headphone jack
This Lightweight Laptop is ideal for freelancers and digital nomads aiming for long battery life, vibrant display, and portability, all in a single stylish aluminum piece of tech.
Apple’s new M4 chips deliver faster performance and improved power efficiency, giving you enough processing power for demanding tasks while still lasting a full workday on a single charge.
2. Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (2024)
Key specs:
- Apple M4 chip with 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU (some versions feature M4 Pro or M4 Max)
- 14.2‑inch Liquid Retina XDR display (mini‑LED); up to 1000 nits sustained brightness, 1600 nits peak (HDR), ProMotion adaptive refresh up to 120 Hz
- Unified memory: 16 GB base; up to 24 GB (M4 Pro) or even 36 GB (M4 Max) in higher configs
- SSD storage: 512 GB base, up to 1 TB+ depending on variant
- Excellent battery life, often exceeding 18 hours
- Ports: Three Thunderbolt 4 (USB‑C), HDMI 2.1, SDXC slot, MagSafe 3, 3.5 mm jack
- Weight: about 4.7 lbs (for 16‑inch), slightly lighter for 14‑inch
One of the premium Lightweight Laptops : a brilliant balance between creative power and portability, totally perfect for freelancers working in video, design, or any multi-app workflow.
3. Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Gen (2025)
Key specs:
- Runs Windows on ARM with AI assistance via built-in Neural Processing Unit (NPU)
- Includes both USB-A and USB-C ports, a rare plus for travel flexibility
- Lightweight and designed for productivity on the go
This Microsoft Surface blends familiar Windows usability with modern efficiency and smart features, especially well-suited for freelancers or digital nomads tied to Microsoft eco-system.
4. ASUS Zenbook A14 OLED (2025)
Key specs:
- Packs an impressively light build, around 2 lb (~0.9 kg)
- Strong battery performance (many models exceed 14 to 16 hours)
- Vivid, power-efficient OLED display delivers rich contrast and colors
This is a compelling Lightweight Laptop offering a bright, pleasing display and long runtime: great value for freelancers seeking an affordable yet premium experience.
5. ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025)
Key specs:
- Balanced overall laptop with strong performance
- Long battery life (~16 hours)
- Vibrant OLED screen and full port options
When you want a truly all-round Lightweight Laptop, with power, practicality, and eye-catching visuals, the Zenbook 14 delivers as expected.
6. LG Gram 17 (2025)
Key specs:
- Ultra-light for its size, around 3.2 lb (~1.45 kg) despite its large screen
- Long battery life, estimated around 15.5 hours
- Spacious 17-inch display: ideal for multitasking without feeling cramped
This Lightweight Laptop is for those who crave bigger laptop without the weight penalty, excellent for spreadsheet-heavy or creative work.
7. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12
Key specs:
- Business-grade durability and build quality with lightweight design
- Excellent keyboard and haptic trackpad experience
- OLED display options for sharper contrast and deeper colors
For freelancers who value typing comfort and reliability on the road, this Lightweight Laptop is a solid, trusted companion.
Although the battery life is much lower than other premium options, this laptop can be good if you don’t spend more than 4-5 hours working outside.
8. Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro (14″/16″)
Key specs:
- Slim profile with AMOLED displays
- Versatile port mix for easy connectivity
- AI-ready ecosystem integration, handy if you use Samsung mobile or software
Ideal as a Lightweight Laptop for those invested in Samsung’s eco-system, stylish and very functional.
9. ASUS Zenbook S16 OLED (2025)
Key specs:
- Premium 16-inch OLED screen
- Thin, travel-friendly form factor
- Latest AMD Ryzen™ AI processor
Balancing screen size with portability, this Lightweight Laptop makes everything, from multitasking to movie nights, a smooth experience.
10. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14
Key specs:
- Compact gaming powerhouse that remains portable
- Strong performance for gaming and creative workflows (video editing, 3D, etc.)
- Latest AMD Ryzen™ AI processor
If you need your Lightweight Laptop to double as a creative and gaming workstation, without lugging a desk-sized setup, this is your pick!
Lightweight Laptops Summary – Use Case
| Use Case | Best Fit | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Lightest, everyday traveling | MacBook Air 13 (M4) | Battery & portability perks |
| Creative work on-the-go | MacBook Pro 14 (2024) | Display & performance |
| Windows portability with AI features | Surface Laptop 7th Gen | ARM + NPU + port flexibility |
| OLED value but ultra-lightweight | ASUS Zenbook A14 (OLED) | Price-to-performance |
| All-rounder with lots of ports | ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED | Battery, display, value |
| Large screen but travel-friendly | LG Gram 17 | Big screen, low weight |
| Business-grade toughness | ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 | Build, input, security, design |
| Slim, display-rich, Samsung ecosystem | Galaxy Book5 Pro | AMOLED, AI features, design |
| Big-screen travel laptop | ASUS Zenbook S16 (OLED) | 16″ OLED, premium hardware |
| Portable plus gaming/creative muscle | ROG Zephyrus G14 | Compact but powerful |
Final Verdict: Best Lightweight Laptops for Freelancers in 2025
1- Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4, 2025)
If you’re looking for the best all-round Lightweight Laptop, the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4, 2025) remains the top choice thanks to its unbeatable mix of performance, portability, and long battery life. For those who need maximum screen space without carrying extra weight, the LG Gram 17 (2025) is the best choice, ultra-light for its size and perfect for multitasking. And if budget is your priority, the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) delivers excellent value with strong battery life, a vibrant OLED display, and a lightweight design at a more affordable price.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from eligible purchases