Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4, 2025)
Best OverallLenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10 (Aura Edition)
Best 2-in-1 UltrabookPrice
$1,099-$1,299
$1,199-$1,599
Summary
The unanimous community and expert pick for best ultrabook. Unmatched battery life, fanless silent operation, and M4 performance in a sub-3-pound chassis.
The top 2-in-1 ultraportable pick from PCMag, combining laptop and tablet flexibility with Intel's Lunar Lake AI processor for excellent efficiency and a premium build.
Pros
- M4 chip delivers class-leading performance for productivity and creative tasks
- All-day and beyond battery life — consistently praised across all sources
- Fanless design means completely silent operation under most workloads
- More starting memory at a lower price than previous generations
- Exceptionally sturdy and sleek build quality
- Versatile 360-degree hinge for laptop, tent, and tablet modes
- Intel Core Ultra 'Lunar Lake' processor with strong NPU for AI tasks
- Excellent balance of performance and battery efficiency
- Premium build quality with a spacious OLED touchscreen
- Comfortable keyboard and reliable trackpad
Cons
- macOS ecosystem lock-in — not suitable for Windows-only software users
- No touchscreen
- Limited to two Thunderbolt ports on base model
- No significant design redesign from previous Air generations
- Premium pricing compared to non-convertible alternatives
- Heavier than non-2-in-1 ultrabooks due to hinge mechanism
- Stylus often sold separately
- Intel integrated graphics limits heavier workloads
Our take
If you don't need Windows, this is the no-brainer answer. Reddit threads consistently call it foolish to overlook, and rtings.com backs that up with a top testing score.
If you want a convertible that doesn't compromise on performance or feel, the Yoga 9i is the one to beat — Wirecutter also highlights Lenovo's Yoga line as having the best combination of features at a reasonable price.
Buy
The verdict
Get the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4, 2025) if you want overall performance. Get the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 10 (Aura Edition) if you value 2-in-1 ultrabook more. Both are excellent choices in ultrabooks.
