Best 11-Inch Laptops 2023 | Ultraportable Small Notebook

Much like with cell phones and tablets, laptops have undergone a revolution in design over the last 10 years.

From the addition of touch screens to fingerprint readers, the average notebook computer today looks very different from when this tech was just starting off.

Size is another constantly changing aspect of laptop hardware, as tiny and ultraportable 11 inch models are now readily available.

Want an extremely light and compact computer? Let’s take a look at the best 11 inch laptops 2023 on the market!

Those downsides pale in comparison to the unrivaled portability of these tiny mechanical wonders, however. Ready to dive in and see what’s available at every price point and for every kind of user?

Best 12 inch laptops – 2023

Recommendations for November 2023

• HP ProBook x360 11 – 2in1 Touchscreen Laptop
• Samsung Chromebook 3 – Best Chromebook Option
• Dell Inspiron 11.6″ – Casual Gaming Laptop
• Apple MacBook Air – Best Bang For The Buck
• Lenovo N22 – Best Battery Life
• Acer Chromebook 11 – Catchy Looks
• Samsung Galaxy Book – Best Webcam Option
• Asus Chromebook – Drop and Spill-Resistant
• Microsoft Surface Go – Stylus For Digital Painting
• Lenovo Flex 11 – All-around Mini Laptop

Contenders For Best 11-inch Laptops In 2023

HP ProBook x360 11 – 2in1 Touchscreen Laptop

11.6-inch laptops are the perfect size for a hybrid 2-in-1 design. Due to their small size, they work well as touch screen tablets or as 90-degree angle portable computers.

When looking for an 11-inch hybrid model, you want to make sure you get the best of both worlds. With Windows 10 and a spacious, well-designed keyboard, that’s what you get with HP’s x360 ProBook.

4GB of RAM and a 128GB solid-state drive are usually at the upper end of what you can expect from a device of this size.

There are really only two downsides here, and they are both pretty minor. Despite being a 2-in-1, you don’t get a stylus included with this model.

If you like to scribble notes or doodle designs, you’ll need to buy a touchscreen pen separately. This model is also slightly heavier than many other 11 inch devices, at just over three pounds.

That being said, the ProBook is still significantly lighter than any larger laptop. In fact, buyers often mention how light size and hybrid nature work well for students needing a portable computer.

Hardware Specifications for HP Probook x360 11

CPU: Intel Core Celeron N4100| Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 600| RAM: 4GB RAM | Screen: 11.6-Inch 1366×768 Touchscreen display| Storage: 128GB SSD| Operating System: Windows 10| Battery Life: up to 11 hours | Weight: 4.6 lbs

Samsung Chromebook 3 – Best Chromebook Option

Chrome OS offers an experience somewhere between an Android tablet and a full laptop. It isn’t meant for running Windows programs, but you don’t lose many options since you can still use Google Play apps.

For users who mostly browse the web, stream videos, and send emails, this is an excellent pick. Obviously 64GB isn’t a ton of storage space, but with a chromebook, you are meant to save data online.

If you really need storage, there are multiple USB ports as well. To top it all off, you get a really solid battery life here that will outperform most Windows machines.

Buyers typically don’t have many complaints about this machine, but they do often warn about some differences in keyboard layout. You will need to get used to a more compact design that’s slightly rearranged.

For instance, there’s no dedicated delete key on this keyboard. Instead, you’ve got to learn key combo shortcuts to use all the features you’d expect from a full-size keyboard.

Hardware Specifications for Samsung Chromebook 3

CPU: Intel Atom x5-E8000| Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 600| RAM: 4GB RAM | Screen: 11.6-Inch 1366×768 HD display| Storage: 32GB eMMC| Operating System: chromeOS| Battery Life: up to 11 hours | Weight: 2.6 lbs

Dell Inspiron 11.6” – Casual Gaming Laptop

We need to be clear about one thing right off the bat — 11-inch laptops aren’t really meant for gaming.

That being said, you can still get some casual gaming use from them, if you look for the right model. With DDR4 RAM and Windows 10, this tiny computer will get Steam up and running.

To be clear, you won’t be able to play anything close to modern AAA titles at stable frame rates. Plenty of older titles and 2D indie games will run, however.

There’s another big downside to smaller laptops for gaming besides just decreased specs. Since they generally have more cramped keyboards and tiny touchpads, you’ll have trouble with key bindings for online games.

That’s why Inspiron 11 outclasses its competitors for gaming. This model features a better layout than a lot of other ultrabooks, with more keys and the power button on the side rather than built into the keyboard.

As a bonus, if you want to multitask and use this machine for other purposes, it comes with a free 1-year subscription to Microsoft Office 365.

If the games you want to play are available through the Mac OS, be sure to take a look at our next contender as well. The MacBook Air may not have Windows, but it does sport a better processor.

Hardware Specifications for Dell Inspiron 11.6”

CPU: AMD A6-9220e| Graphics: AMD Radeon R4| RAM: 4GB RAM | Screen: 11.6-Inch 1366×768 HD display| Storage: 32GB eMMC| Operating System: Windows 10| Battery Life: up to 8 hours | Weight: 2.65 lbs

Apple MAcBook Air- Best Bang For The Buck

Windows-based machines tend to beat out Apple products in terms of raw hardware specs. The reverse is actually true here when you stick to 11-inch models, however.

Although the MacBook Air is getting to be a few years old now, it’s actually a better machine than most newer Windows or Chrome OS ultrabooks.

The Air MD711LL easily has the best processor of any 11-inch laptop in our list of contenders. It also has some of the most storage space, with a 128GB solid-state drive right out of the box.

To stay under the $500 threshold with that level of specs, you’ll have to go with a certified refurbished unit, however. These MacBook Air models have been used before, but repaired and restored to factory settings before being shipped out again.

If you’re willing to spend a little over $500, you can find this particular machine in new condition as well.

Hardware Specifications for Apple MacBook Air

CPU: Intel Core i5-4th Gen| Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 5000| RAM: 4GB RAM | Screen: 11.6-Inch 1366×768 HD display| Storage: 128GB SSD| Operating System: macOS| Battery Life: up to 9 hours | Weight: 2.38 lbs

Lenovo N22 – Best Battery Life

Want to spend all day writing at the coffee shop or working on projects for a long trip? Lenovo’s N22 is an 11-inch laptop that doesn’t skimp on battery life at all.

For basic tasks like video streaming or typing up emails at lower screen brightness settings, you can seriously get 14 hours on a charge. At full brightness settings, the duration is shorter, but will still easily last a regular workday.

The overall hardware specs are on par with the other contenders above, but there’s another way where this machine shines. The N22 features a microSD card reader, 3 USB ports, and an HDMI port, so its on par with a full-size laptop in that regard.

Buyers often mention two main features here. First off, although the keyboard is more compact than with a full-size laptop, it does have more buttons than many other 11 inch designs.

Second, this model doesn’t have an ethernet port, so this is a wifi only machine, although that’s becoming less and less of an issue over time.

Hardware Specifications for Lenovo N22

CPU: Intel Celeron N3050| Graphics: Intel HD Graphics| RAM: 4GB RAM | Screen: 11.6-Inch 1366×768 HD Anti-glare display| Storage: 64GB eMMC| Operating System: Windows 10| Battery Life: up to 14 hours | Weight: 2.8 lbs

Acer Chromebook 11 – Catchy Looks

Acer 11 is a powerful Chromebook that could suffice your entertainment and everyday usage, it comes with catchy looks and HD display screen.

The long battery life is one of its advantages, so you can bring it with you without worrying about getting the battery drained.

Acer Chromebook is powered by Intel Celeron N3060 processor so it is much faster than others on the list, the 4GB RAM can handle multitasking, although the 16GB storage is only suitable for saving basic files. The Intel HD Graphics 400 ensures lag-free videos plus crisp and clear images.

This mini laptop is more than capable of your light tasks and it is very portable to bring everywhere you go.

Hardware Specifications for Acer Chromebook 11

CPU: Intel Celeron N3060| Graphics: Intel HD Graphics| RAM: 4GB RAM | Screen: 11.6-Inch 1366×768 HD display| Storage: 16GB eMMC| Operating System: chromeOS| Battery Life: up to 10 hours | Weight: 2.43 lbs

Samsung Galaxy Book – Best Webcam Option

You cant find much better 10.6-inch laptop than this one, though it is a bit expensive than others on the list. Take a look and you’ll know its more than worth it.

This ultraportable laptop machine is fitted with Intel Core-M and 4GB RAM to take on your everyday computing needs, a 128GB SSD to ensure the device boots fast and for you to save light files. Also, multitasking is definitely doable in this device.

The greatest asset this laptop comes with is the 99MP camera which is great for video conferencing and other camera-related tasks. The 99MP makes sure you look very real in your videos and images.

The display is also on point, with a resolution of 1920x1280p it delivers accurate images and video quality. Other than that, the battery life is very great that it would last for up to 11 hours in a single charge.

This is definitely one of the best mini portable windows laptops you could ever find.

Hardware Specifications for Samsung Galaxy Book

CPU: Intel Core-M| Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515| RAM: 4GB RAM | Screen: 10.6-Inch 1920×1280 HD display| Storage: 128GB SSD| Operating System: Windows 10| Battery Life: up to 11 hours | Weight: 1.42 lbs

Asus Chromebook – Drop and Spill-Resistant

Are you clumsy? Or you just want a durable laptop to give to your younger siblings or your son. Take a look at this compact powerful and durable choice in this best 11-inch laptops.

Asus Chromebook is one of the finest 11-inch laptops that comes with the most beautiful design that you’ll ever see. The laptop is covered with a plastic guard to protect it from scratches and damages during bumps and drops. While the spill-resist keyboard is one of its greatest advantages, who doesn’t want that? 

The hardware and specs components are pretty acceptable at such low-end prices, while the 2.2 pounds enhances the portability so you can bring this with you anywhere.

Video streaming and other entertainment are great with its 1366×768 HD display, while the 4GB memory keeps you lag-free, just don’t open too much application.

So, if you find this durable machine a great choice for your next laptop, you better take a look and decide. We’re pretty sure you’ll like its durable build.

Hardware Specifications for Asus Chromebook

CPU: Intel Celeron N3060| Graphics: Intel HD Graphics| RAM: 4GB RAM | Screen: 11.6-Inch 1366×768 HD display| Storage: 16GB eMMC| Operating System: chromeOS| Battery Life: up to 10 hours | Weight: 2.2 lbs

Microsoft Surface Go – Stylus For Digital Painting

Are you in digital arts but don’t have the money to buy for an expensive laptop with a stylus? Worry no more because Microsoft Surface Go is a very great deal for you.

This laptop is a game-changer for an artist like you, it is the slimmest yet well built and good design laptop that comes with powerful specs at a low price tag, plus the stylus is a great feature for artists.

It can be used as a tablet, which is great for artists who like to draw sitting the machine on their lap, or any position they desire for its very portable so you’re always on the go.

Powered by Intel Pentium Gold and 8GB of RAM to ensure smooth sketching experience and is able to multitask. It is also good for streaming videos and entertainment, the 8GB RAM makes sure you do that lag-free.

While the 128GB storage is one of the biggest storage you get for this low price tag and it is more than enough to store your files, just don’t store big files.

A great machine for a great price is definitely a great deal for you.

Hardware Specifications for Microsoft Surface Go

CPU: Intel Pentium Gold| Graphics: Intel HD Graphics| RAM: 8GB RAM | Screen: 10-Inch 1800×1200 HD display| Storage: 128GB SSD| Operating System: Windows 10| Battery Life: up to 9 hours | Weight: 1.15 lbs

Lenovo Flex 11 – All-around Mini Laptop

While portability is already an advantage, the Lenovo Flex can be your perfect laptop or tablet. This budget-friendly laptop has a compact and sturdy design alongside the powerful hardware possible in a $300 budget.

The Lenovo Flex 11 is fitted with an Intel Platinum processor and a 4GB RAM which makes this convertible laptop a best in terms of power in the price range.

Though the storage is a little disappointing, instead of SSD or HDD they offer eMMC storage which means you can only store basic files but use cloud-based storage and your set!

The resolution on this machine is not bad, offering 1366×768 pixels and the touch screen offers more convenience to the laptop. This laptop may be portable but it comes with USB Type-C, USB 3.0, Card Reader, and HDMI which makes it welcoming for other devices.

It also comes with a comfortable keyboard and the touchpad is on point, making it a great deal.

Hardware Specifications for Lenovo Flex 11

CPU: Intel Platinum N5000| Graphics: Intel HD Graphics| RAM: 8GB RAM | Screen: 11.6-Inch 1366×768 HD display| Storage: 64GB eMMC| Operating System: Windows 10| Battery Life: up to 6 hours | Weight: 2.75 lbs

Picking The Best 11 Inch Laptop in 2023

Although the future holds big things for ultraportable 11 inch devices, at the moment they are still on the low end in terms of hardware specs. As more advanced hardware becomes more compact, that will change.

For now however, you need to understand you aren’t likely to find a high end gaming rig or business class machine. Usually, 4GB of RAM is about the max you can get with an 11.6-inch laptop.

Storage space will also be quite limited, so be aware that these devices aren’t meant for saving large files. When you go with a tiny 11 inch machine, you’ll need to either save your data online or pick up an external USB drive.

Why Should I Pick An 11-Inch Laptop Over A Larger Model?

One word answers this question above all others: portability. 11.6 inch screens allow for a much smaller, much lighter chassis than with any other style of notebook computer.

While the average 15 inch laptop has become lighter over the years, these tiny ultrabooks will still be significantly less heavy.

The upper end of the weight spectrum for 11 inch machines is usually three pounds. Most models of this size are well under that threshold, with an average weight around two-and-a-half pounds.

It’s not just the weight, but also the overall profile that offers enhanced portability. With the exception of a few bulkier rugged models, most of them are an inch or less thin when closed.

If you don’t have much room to carry a larger laptop and just want to throw your computer in a bag or purse, then 11 inch models are the perfect option.

Whether you are headed from home to the coffee shop or traveling between classes, these laptops are light enough to carry all day.

What Are The Downsides To 11 Inch Notebook?

In their current configurations, 11 inch laptops will always have far lower specs than 14 or 15 inch models. In general, they top out at 4GB of RAM and usually have slower Celeron processors.

The main issue there is simply one of space, as there isn’t room to pack in 8GB of RAM and and a dedicated graphics card.

Due to that small size, you also typically get a tiny solid state drive. Your average onboard storage will be 32GB, with a few models in the 64 – 128GB range.

There’s a problem with that storage space beyond just less room for saving files that many users don’t recognize at first If you pick a Windows 10 machine, Microsoft’s automatic updates will be a frequent issue.

When you only have 32 – 64GB of onboard space, Windows will eat up your storage capacity very quickly.

Make absolutely sure to buy an external USB hard drive or SD storage card for saving your files, or you will run out of room immediately when Windows updates.

Can I Upgrade 11 Inch Laptops Later On With New Hardware?

Unfortunately, this is the other main downside to 11 inch models. Much like other extremely thin ultrabook models, laptops of this size aren’t designed with upgrades in mind.

In the vast majority of cases, the 4GB of RAM will be soldered directly to the motherboard, with no second slot available. That means that even if you do manage to crack open the case (which isn’t recommended), there won’t be any way to increase the memory anyway.

With every last inch of space used up by the motherboard, processor, and USB ports, there’s also very rarely an M.2. slot. Don’t expect to be able to throw in a larger SSD down the line.

The only way to perform “upgrades” on these machines will be with external devices. They almost always come with USB or SD card slots, so you can plug in hard drives or connect to external monitors and keyboards.

Finding Power In A Portable Package

Did you find a lightweight and portable laptop that will work for you in our list of contenders? Whether you are a Windows, Chrome, or Mac fan, one of these options should be your personal best 11 inch laptop choice!

Have you seen any other great 11 inch portable computers hit the market recently that we missed? Be sure to let us know which ones we should be looking at in the comments below!