Welcome to the much-loved 14″ screen size – the display option that expertly combines beauty and mobility. Manufacturers from Dell to Razer have 14″ laptops in their repertoire. These cater to portability-seeking users who may also need to work or create at a workstation. Consequently, you will find numerous options in this screen size – from full-blown workstations to gaming-oriented laptops.
While 14″ devices may miss out on a full-sized keyboard or abundant ports, you will likely get good battery life and dazzling A/V experiences with powerful components. Many companies now produce a thinner chassis than ever, offering 14″ screens in astonishingly sleek form factors.
12 Best 14-inch Laptop 2023 for Ultra-Portable Computing
Without further ado, here goes our prized picks – the crème de la crème of this screen size.
Best Overall: HP Envy x360 2-in-1 14t
The HP Envy x360 2-in-1 14t costs only $849.99 but epitomizes the ideal 14″ laptop in several ways. It has a competent Intel Core i5 processor, 512 GB of storage, and a long battery life with quick charging (50% in 30 minutes). While it uses integrated graphics, the screen-to-body ratio is impressive at 87.36%. It also offers Bang & Olufsen audio for satisfying multimedia experiences.
This 2-in-1 also works well for work with features like a camera privacy shutter and secure firmware (Trusted Platform Module). At 3.35lbs, it is a light and portable device well-suited to travel.
Best Mac: Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
The Apple MacBook Pro is one of the best 14″ laptop you can buy and the finest in its league in combining performance with versatility. It is a performance-oriented machine with an M2 Pro chip, 16GB memory, and a 512GB SSD. The Retina XDR screen is vivid (1000 nits of brightness) and perfect for working on creative apps like Adobe Creative Cloud or Affinity Designer.
It also exhibits smooth compatibility with other Apple devices like your iPhone or iPad. The 18-hour battery life and magic keyboard with Touch ID let you work wherever you are. It can cost you almost $2000 – as always, your budget is a vital consideration for a Mac.
Best Value for Money: Acer Swift Go 14
Trust Acer to deliver a value-for-money proposition! The Acer Swift Go 14 is based on an efficient Intel Evo platform and makes the most of its portable design. It hosts a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a 100% sRGB color gamut. All this comes in a neat, durable $849.99 package.
Acer also integrates Killer Wi-Fi 6E for fast connectivity. Its thin and mobile build (0.59″, 2.76lbs) grants you flexibility during work, combined with technologies to optimize imagery and audio when you call or create.
Best 2-in-1: Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1
We recommend the hybrid form factor for anyone keen on travel, collaborating with peers, or getting the most bang for their buck. The Inspiron 14 2-in-1 costs $799.99, but delivers impressive specs. It runs on an Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The 360-degree hinge can mold the laptop into different modes, like a tent, stand, or tablet. Since the battery charges fast (up to 80% in an hour), users can conveniently stay tuned to work or play.
The FHD+ display uses Dolby Atmos and delivers 250 nits of brightness. Dell also lowers blue light emissions and employs spatial audio for realistic, non-straining entertainment.
Best for Creators: Acer Predator Triton 14
For approx. $1,500, the Acer Predator Triton 14 packs a mighty punch as a creator device. It delivers on all the crucial fronts: performance, display, and personalization. So, while an Intel i7, RTX 4050, and 16GB RAM maximize speed and productivity, a 165Hz refresh rate and G-SYNC guarantee immersive audio-visuals. This laptop also benefits from Advanced Optimus, a technology that lets the display switch seamlessly between integrated and discrete graphics.
Acer also offers DTS:X audio and intelligent software (PredatorSense) for color mixing.
Best Budget: HP Pavilion Plus 14
The HP Pavilion Plus is a trustable budget-friendly laptop that works for day-to-day computing and more resource-intensive pursuits. It gets powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD. It is also very portable at just 3.09lbs.
At $849.99 and integrated graphics, one cannot sensibly expect extreme multimedia performance. However, HP does decently enough with B&O audio and a screen-to-body ratio of 87.21%.
Best Cheap: Acer Aspire 3
One of the bonuses of the 14″ form factor is portability. Another is pocket-friendly pricing, thanks to options like the Acer Aspire 3. This 3.09lbs laptop uses an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, and AMD Radeon graphics. The FHD screen and overall audio output benefit from technologies like temporal noise reduction.
This inexpensive machine can last on a single charge for 10 hours. Plus, it offers Wi-Fi 6 for consistent connectivity.
Best Touchscreen: ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED
We adore the touchscreen of the ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED laptop. The screen has an exceptional response time of only 0.2ms and a 550 nits brightness. A color gamut of 100% DCI-P3, Dolby Vision, and Pantone validation render your imagery vibrant and infinitely more realistic. The stylus is also excellent – responsive and precise with multiple tips selection.
Besides this, ASUS uses an Intel Evo Platform for performance, employing an Intel Core i5, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. This portable under-$1000 laptop benefits from a flexible, hinge-based design; it lets you work in different modes.
14-inch Gaming Laptop: Alienware x14 R2
There’s little competition to the magnificent Alienware x14 R2 for gaming on this screen size. It costs $1,749.99 and provides good specifications for the price. The combo of an Intel Core i5, RTX 3050, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD proves enough for playing many modern titles at moderate to high settings.
We also admire the QHD+ display with a 165Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 color, and Dolby Vision. Dell sticks to a robust, dependable build for this 4.22lbs computer.
Best Dual-Screen: ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo has a unique DialPad – a dual screen that lets users customize app settings and improve productivity during work or content creation. This personalized controller is a significant help to artists, permitting them to edit brush sizes, for instance. The display dazzles with Dolby Vision and Pantone validation.
It is a performance-based machine driven by an Intel i9 CPU, RTX 4070, 32GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD. This 3.5lbs device lets you work on the go without affecting your creativity.
Best Lightweight: HP Dragonfly Pro
Almost feather-light at 3.42lbs and beautiful to behold is the HP Dragonfly Pro, our pick for this bucket. It is an AMD Ryzen 7 laptop with 16GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a clear FHD touchscreen with 100% sRGB. B&O audio contributes to its usability as a work or entertainment device.
As usual, HP delivers durability and longevity (15 hours of battery backup). It also incorporates security features like a fingerprint reader and a dedicated mute button for the mic. This 14″ laptop costs $1,399.
Best Workstation: Dell Precision 3480 Workstation
Our vote goes to the Precision 3480 Workstation, a competent and professional pick at around $1,400. The processing chamber holds an Intel Core i5, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The default display configuration is an FHD monitor with 250 nits brightness. But you can go up to 400 nits and integrate provisions like a proximity sensor.
Dell ensures that upgradability is simple; users can choose essential software per their needs. For example, you can opt for an anti-virus program, PDF solutions, and even 5G mobile broadband.
FAQs
Who should buy a 14″ laptop?
These machines have several student-friendly advantages, like lightweight build, battery backup, and gaming-friendly screens. They are ideal for designers and professionals if they seek a compact computer for work. You can visualize them as a step up from 13″ ones without things getting too big or unmanageable in cafes, public transport, backpacks, etc.
Is a 13″ laptop a better option than a 14″ one?
Undeniably, 13″ laptops are ahead at mobility. However, many 13″ devices have 13.3″ screens which doesn’t make them all that sleeker than a 14″ counterpart. But opting for the latter has multiple benefits in screen resolution (an FHD is usually enough for excellent picture quality) and better battery life. The probability of discrete graphics is also higher as there’s more space to accommodate GPUs.
We love 14″ laptops for their compact design but powerful specs. They can be incredibly versatile and are taking on the 15″ alternative by the horns. Undoubtedly keep them in your considerations list when laptop shopping.
