14-inch laptops 2026: compact solutions for every day
December 15, 2025
When it comes to choosing a compact laptop, the 14-inch size almost feels like its own category. This is a format where users have to balance several things at once: the device should fit comfortably in a backpack, the screen should not feel cramped, and performance should be enough for more than just a browser and documents. In 2026, this segment becomes even more diverse, ranging from lightweight ultrabooks to near-workstation machines in a compact body.
This article brings together and takes a detailed look at the best 14-inch laptops that will remain relevant in 2026. The goal of this selection is not to push a single "right" option, but to show different approaches to the 14-inch format. Some people prefer a quiet and lightweight laptop for studying and travel, others need a powerful configuration for editing and coding, while some are looking for a versatile machine "for the next several years". Within this size, all of this is possible - the key is understanding your use cases and paying attention not only to screen size, but to the details as well.
1. Acer Swift Go 14 OLED Laptop
This Acer Swift Go 14 OLED is one of those compact 14-inch models that works equally well on a desk and in a backpack. The lightweight body, slim profile, and a 14-inch OLED display with high resolution make it a solid choice for people who move between home, office, and school, but do not want to settle for a dull screen. The OLED panel with 2.8K resolution, refresh rate up to 90 Hz, and 100% DCI-P3 coverage delivers rich colors and deep blacks, making it pleasant both for creative work and for watching videos in the evening.
Inside, it runs on an AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS processor with integrated Radeon 760M graphics, paired with 16 GB of fast LPDDR5X memory and a 512 GB SSD. This setup handles office tasks, heavy browser workloads, light video editing, casual gaming, and everyday use without issues. At the same time, the laptop weighs around 1.25 kg, comes in an aluminum chassis, includes a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint scanner. Overall, it feels like a classic travel-friendly 14-inch ultrabook that you actually want to take with you.
Technical specifications:
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS, 6 cores
Graphics: integrated AMD Radeon 760M
RAM: 16 GB LPDDR5X
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Display: 14 inches, OLED, 2880x1800 resolution, up to 90 Hz
Color gamut: 100% DCI-P3
Aspect ratio: 16:10
Operating system: Windows 11 Home
Wireless: Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth 5.3
Chassis: aluminum, gray color
Extras: backlit keyboard, fingerprint scanner, two USB4 ports
Pros:
Compact 14-inch format is ideal for frequent travel and working on the go
14-inch OLED display delivers high contrast and vibrant visuals for movies and photos
High 2880x1800 resolution keeps text and fine details sharp on a compact screen
16 GB of RAM is enough for comfortable multitasking on a 14-inch work laptop
Cons:
512 GB SSD is fine for the system and core apps, but may feel limited for large media libraries
Integrated graphics are aimed at everyday tasks and light games, not heavy gaming or complex 3D work
The slim 14-inch chassis can heat up more under sustained load compared to larger, thicker models
2. Apple MacBook Pro 14" with Apple M4
The MacBook Pro 14 with the M4 chip stands apart among 14-inch laptops. Its screen measures slightly larger at 14.2 inches, but in everyday use it still feels like a compact form factor that fits easily into a backpack and takes up minimal desk space. The Liquid Retina XDR display with mini LED backlighting, high brightness, and ProMotion support up to 120 Hz delivers smooth visuals, deep contrast, and wide color coverage, making it feel a step above average for photo, video, and general work.
The Apple M4 chip with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, paired with 16 GB of unified memory and a 512 GB SSD, is built for video editing, photo processing, coding, and demanding projects, not just office documents. Despite this, the laptop remains relatively light for its class at around 1.55 kg. It runs macOS and offers a port selection well suited for a 14-inch work machine: three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, an SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3, and a headphone jack. Add Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, six speakers, and a high-quality webcam, all packed into a compact body that still qualifies as a true 14-inch work tool.
Technical details:
Processor: Apple M4, 10-core CPU
Graphics: integrated 10-core Apple M4 GPU
RAM: 16 GB unified memory
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Display: 14.2 inches, Liquid Retina XDR, 3024x1964 resolution, ProMotion up to 120 Hz
Aspect ratio: approximately 16:10
Operating system: macOS
Ports: three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), HDMI, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3, 3.5 mm audio jack
Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Weight: around 1.55 kg
Audio: six-speaker system with Spatial Audio, three-microphone array
Strengths:
High-end 14-inch XDR display with high pixel density and adaptive refresh rate
The near-14-inch form factor remains comfortable for daily carry despite the powerful hardware
M4 chip with 16 GB of memory handles demanding professional workloads on a compact laptop
Dedicated HDMI, card reader, and three Thunderbolt ports simplify connecting monitors and peripherals
Weak points:
The large battery reduces charging frequency, but under heavy load the compact body still needs to be plugged in regularly
The price is noticeably higher than many comparable 14-inch Windows laptops with similar memory and storage
The macOS ecosystem may not suit everyone, especially when specific Windows-only software is required
3. Dell XPS 14 9440 Laptop
The Dell XPS 14 9440 targets users who want a powerful 14-inch Windows laptop without moving up to heavier 15-16-inch bodies. The 14.5-inch display offers a bit more workspace than a classic 14-inch screen, while the overall size stays compact thanks to a slim profile, narrow bezels, and a clean design. The 16:10 display with 1920x1200 resolution works well for documents, content consumption, and basic editing, with minimal distraction from the bezels.
Inside, it features an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 with 6 GB of memory, 16 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD. This configuration delivers strong performance for demanding software, gaming, and creative tasks in a 14.5-inch body. The laptop keeps a practical port selection: three Thunderbolt 4 ports, a headphone jack, and a microSD card slot, along with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support. With a weight around 1.6-1.7 kg and a 70 Wh battery, the XPS 14 is not the lightest option, but still mobile enough for those who want near-desktop performance in a form factor close to 14 inches.
Technical details:
Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
Graphics: dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, 6 GB GDDR6
RAM: 16 GB DDR5 or DDR5X
Storage: 1 TB SSD
Display: 14.5 inches, FHD+ panel, 1920x1200 resolution
Aspect ratio: 16:10
Operating system: Windows 11 Pro
Ports: three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), 3.5 mm headset jack, microSD card slot
Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Battery: approximately 70 Wh
Weight: around 1.68 kg for the FHD+ version
Pros:
Slightly larger 14.5-inch display provides more workspace while staying in the compact category
The Core Ultra 7 and RTX 4050 combo allows the XPS 14 to work as both a productivity and gaming laptop
The 16:10 screen format is comfortable for text and spreadsheet work on a near-14-inch device
The 1 TB SSD suits users who store projects and media locally
Trade-offs:
Weight sits near the upper limit for a 14-inch class laptop, which is noticeable during long carries
Dedicated graphics and a powerful CPU in a compact body can lead to noticeable heat under load
All-USB-C port selection may require adapters or a dock for older peripherals
4. ASUS Zenbook S 14 OLED
The ASUS Zenbook S 14 OLED in Scandinavian White is a laptop that blends style with performance. Its 14-inch OLED display with a 2880x1800 resolution delivers rich colors and deep blacks, making it a solid choice for image work, video, and casual gaming. The laptop is powered by a modern Intel Core processor and 16 GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance and comfortable multitasking. Compact dimensions and low weight make it easy to carry for everyday travel.
Technical details:
Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V (8 cores, 8 threads, base clock around 2.2 GHz, turbo up to around 4.8 GHz, with AI acceleration support)
RAM: 32 GB LPDDR5X, not upgradable
Storage: 1 TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD
Graphics: integrated Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Display: 14", OLED, 2880x1800, 16:10, 120 Hz, 0.2 ms, up to around 500 nits with HDR support, 100% DCI-P3, high contrast, wide color gamut, HDR and Pantone certified
Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, HDMI 2.1, 3.5 mm audio jack
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Chassis and size: aluminum body, compact dimensions, thickness around 12.9 mm, weight around 1.2-1.3 kg
Battery and charging: 72 Wh, 65 W power adapter
Operating system: Windows 11 (Home or Pro, depending on configuration)
Pros:
High-resolution OLED display with smooth refresh rate delivers sharp, vibrant visuals and realistic colors
Fast SSD, large memory capacity, and a modern CPU provide headroom for a wide range of tasks
Light weight and compact chassis make the laptop easy to carry for travel and remote work
Cons:
Memory cannot be upgraded, which may become a limitation in the long term
Integrated graphics limit performance in heavy 3D workloads and modern games
Battery can drain faster under sustained high loads
5. Acer Swift Go 14 OLED Laptop
This Acer Swift Go 14 configuration feels like a very responsive 14-inch laptop for users who spend most of their day in browsers, editors, and light games, but do not want to compromise on display quality. The 14-inch OLED panel with a 2880x1800 resolution and 90 Hz refresh rate delivers rich visuals, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling. For movies, photo editing, and dark UI workflows, this display is noticeably more comfortable than a standard IPS panel, especially in the evening.
The AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor paired with 32 GB of RAM makes this compact laptop feel as responsive as a mid-range desktop PC. Apps launch quickly, heavy browser tabs stay active, and multiple editors and messengers run side by side without issues. The 1 TB SSD provides plenty of space for local projects, media libraries, and work files without constant cleanup. Despite this, the body remains slim and light, the 14-inch form factor fits easily into a bag, and the gray, minimalist design stays low-profile in offices and coworking spaces.
Technical details:
Display size: 14 inches OLED
Display resolution: 2880x1800, 90 Hz refresh rate
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS, 8 cores, 16 threads
Graphics: integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
RAM: 32 GB
Storage: 1 TB PCIe SSD
Operating system: Linux
Display finish: glossy
Chassis: slim body, Steel Gray color
Advantages:
Bright 14-inch OLED display with high resolution and smooth visuals
Large 32 GB memory capacity for multitasking and demanding applications
Spacious 1 TB SSD for keeping projects and media on a single 14-inch laptop
Slim and lightweight body is comfortable for everyday carry
Limitations:
The glossy OLED display can reflect light in bright environments
The Linux operating system may not suit everyone and some software requires extra setup
The lack of a dedicated GPU limits performance in demanding games, which is expected for this form factor
6. Dell XPS 14 9440 Laptop
The Dell XPS 14 9440 in this configuration feels like a compact laptop for users who want to get the most out of the 14-inch format, both in performance and display quality. It features a 14.5-inch OLED display with a 3200x2000 resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate, so the interface looks extremely sharp and animations and scrolling feel smooth. For graphics work, editing, 3D tasks, or long hours in multiple windows, this is a very comfortable and premium-looking screen.
Inside, it runs on an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, 32 GB of RAM, and a dedicated GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card with 6 GB of memory. For a 14-inch chassis, this is already mobile workstation territory. Graphic projects, renders, code, virtual machines, and modern software with AI features all run confidently. The 1 TB SSD covers storage needs for work files and part of a media library, while the metal body with minimal bezels makes the laptop feel solid and clean on the desk.
Technical specifications:
Display size: 14.5 inches OLED
Display resolution: 3200x2000, 120 Hz refresh rate
Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16 cores
RAM: 32 GB LPDDR5X
Graphics: dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 6 GB
Storage: 1 TB SSD
Operating system: Windows 11 Pro
Wireless: Wi-Fi 802.11ax and Bluetooth 5.3
Ports: 3 x Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm audio jack, MicroSD card slot
Chassis: metal body, silver color
Best features:
High-end 14.5-inch OLED display with high resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate
Powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 and RTX 4050 combo for demanding tasks in a compact form factor
32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD make it suitable as a primary 14-inch work machine
Metal chassis and compact size work well for daily carry and remote work
Drawbacks:
The advanced hardware and OLED panel push the price well above most 14-inch laptops
USB-C only ports mean adapters are needed for some peripherals
Heavier than typical ultrabooks, which is noticeable if carried in a backpack every day
7. ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED Laptop
The ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED in a 14-inch format looks like a typical travel laptop, but in terms of performance it is closer to a work machine. The compact body, weight of around 1.2 kg, and slim profile make it easy to carry in a backpack every day without turning the commute into a workout. The display is not just small in size, but genuinely comfortable to use. The taller 16:10 aspect ratio, high detail, and rich colors make text, spreadsheets, and photos equally readable and lively. For a 14-inch format, this is one of those cases where you do not constantly feel the need to connect an external monitor.
Inside, it uses a mobile AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor with integrated Radeon 780M graphics and 16 GB of fast LPDDR5X memory. This setup handles a heavy browser with many tabs, photo work, and light editing without trouble. The 1 TB SSD easily stores projects, media, and work files without frequent disk cleanup. At the same time, the laptop stays quiet and runs relatively cool during typical office tasks. A full set of ports and Wi-Fi 6E support make it possible to work comfortably without carrying a bag of adapters.
Technical details:
Display: 14 inches, OLED, 2880x1800 resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, 16:10 aspect ratio
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS, 8 cores, up to 5.1 GHz
RAM: 16 GB LPDDR5X, soldered
Storage: 1 TB SSD, PCIe NVMe 4.0
Graphics: integrated AMD Radeon 780M Graphics
Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Ports: HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 4 Type-C, 3.5 mm combo audio jack
Camera and audio: 1080p webcam with IR sensor and privacy shutter, stereo speakers
Battery: 4-cell battery, around 75 Wh
Operating system: Windows 11 Home
Chassis and size: aluminum body, dimensions about 312.4 x 220.1 x 14.9 mm, weight around 1.2 kg
Advantages:
Compact 14-inch form factor with a lightweight body that is easy to carry every day
Bright 14-inch OLED display with high resolution, comfortable for text and graphics work
Ryzen 7 processor and 16 GB of memory handle demanding tasks in a 14-inch format
Large 1 TB SSD provides enough storage without relying on external drives
Limitations:
RAM cannot be expanded in the 14-inch chassis if needs grow over time
The glossy 14-inch display can reflect light in bright daytime conditions
8. Acer Swift Go 14 OLED Laptop
The Swift Go 14 in this configuration is aimed at users who want a lightweight 14-inch laptop with a good display and without unnecessary extras. The 14-inch size is paired with a 2880x1800 OLED panel, delivering a very sharp and contrast-rich image. Text remains easy to read at smaller scaling, while interface elements and photos look vibrant. The 14-inch format hits that sweet spot where the screen no longer feels small, yet the laptop still fits easily on a train table or a narrow desk.
Performance is handled by a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 processor from the 7000 series with integrated Radeon 760M graphics. Combined with 16 GB of LPDDR5X memory and a 1 TB SSD, it covers typical study and work tasks with room to spare. The laptop weighs around 1.25 kg and uses an aluminum chassis, so it feels like a truly mobile device rather than an office-bound machine. USB 4, a pair of USB 3.2 ports, HDMI, and modern Bluetooth 5.3 make this 14-inch Swift Go a convenient hub for peripherals both at home and on the go. Out of the box, it may ship with Linux, but switching to another operating system is straightforward.
Technical specifications:
Display: 14 inches, OLED, 2880x1800 resolution, glossy finish
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5, 6 cores
RAM: 16 GB LPDDR5X
Storage: 1 TB SSD
Graphics: integrated AMD Radeon Graphics, Radeon 760M series
Wireless: Wi-Fi 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.3
Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2 x USB 4, 3.5 mm audio jack, HDMI
Camera and extras: webcam, backlit keyboard, fingerprint scanner
Battery: capacity around 53 Wh
Chassis and weight: aluminum body, weight around 1.25 kg
Best features:
Lightweight body and a 14-inch OLED display make it a comfortable everyday companion
High resolution on a 14-inch screen provides ample workspace without an external monitor
16 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD are well balanced for a study and work focused 14-inch device
Modern USB 4 ports and a fingerprint scanner improve everyday usability
Drawbacks:
The glossy OLED display can reflect light in bright environments
Integrated graphics lag behind dedicated solutions for heavy gaming or advanced 3D work
9. Apple MacBook Pro 14" with Apple M3 Pro
The MacBook Pro 14 with the M3 Pro chip is no longer just a compact laptop, but a full-fledged work tool that fits equally well in the office or on business trips. The 14.2-inch display feels like a classic 14-inch format. The body remains relatively compact, while the screen offers enough space for code, timelines, and side-by-side windows. The Liquid Retina XDR display with high brightness and refresh rates up to 120 Hz provides long-term visual comfort. The image stays sharp, text remains clean, and eye strain is noticeably lower during extended work sessions.
The configuration with an M3 Pro chip featuring 11 CPU cores and 14 GPU cores, paired with 18 GB of unified memory, is designed for demanding workflows. You can comfortably keep a browser with many tabs open, a code editor, several messengers, and work with graphics or 4K video at the same time. The built-in 512 GB SSD suits users who store active projects and media locally, while archives and large files are kept on external storage. The open box format means the same full 14-inch model with identical hardware, but offered at a more attractive price due to packaging specifics.
Technical specifications:
Display: 14.2 inches, Liquid Retina XDR, 3024x1964 resolution, refresh rate up to 120 Hz
Processor: Apple M3 Pro, 11-core CPU, 14-core GPU
RAM: 18 GB unified memory
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Graphics: integrated Apple M3 Pro graphics
Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Ports: three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, 3.5 mm headphone jack, SDXC card slot, MagSafe charging port
Keyboard and trackpad: full-size backlit keyboard, large Force Touch trackpad
Camera and audio: 1080p camera, multi-speaker audio system with spatial audio support
Operating system: current generation macOS
Pros:
The 14.2-inch display provides a true work area feel in a 14-inch laptop form factor
The powerful M3 Pro chip and 18 GB of memory allow this 14-inch laptop to serve as a primary work machine
The compact body remains easy to carry, while the 14-inch size is sufficient for editing and document work
HDMI, a card reader, and three USB-C ports reduce reliance on adapters
Cons:
The 512 GB SSD may feel limiting for users who work extensively with video and photo libraries
The open box format implies different warranty conditions compared to sealed retail units
10. ASUS Zenbook S 14 OLED Zumaia Gray
The ASUS Zenbook S 14 OLED Zumaia Gray is a compact 14-inch laptop that combines elegant design with strong specifications. The lightweight and slim body in Zumaia Gray looks stylish while remaining practical in everyday use. The 14-inch OLED display with accurate color reproduction and high brightness works well for content consumption, graphic work, and video editing. The processor and graphics deliver solid performance, while the comfortable keyboard and responsive touchpad improve long work sessions.
Technical details:
Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V (4 performance cores plus 4 efficiency cores, base clock around 2.2 GHz, turbo up to around 4.8 GHz, with AI acceleration support)
RAM: 32 GB LPDDR5X, soldered and not expandable
Storage: 1 TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD
Graphics: integrated Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Display: 14.0 inches, OLED, 2880x1800 resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, 120 Hz refresh rate
Ports and connectivity: 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 3.5 mm combo audio jack
Wireless: Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band), Bluetooth 5.4
Chassis and size: aluminum body, thickness around 12.9 mm, dimensions around 310.3 x 214.7 mm, weight around 1.2-1.3 kg
Battery and charging: 72 Wh battery, 65 W power adapter
Operating system: Windows 11 Pro, depending on configuration
Advantages:
Slim and lightweight body
Excellent OLED display with vivid colors
Long battery life
Strong performance for most everyday tasks
Minimal display bezels
Disadvantages:
High price
No HDMI port
The power adapter may feel slightly bulky
No option to expand system memory
Conclusion
Looking at the entire selection, one thing becomes clear. The 14-inch format is no longer a compromise. Within the same size, you can find lightweight models for everyday tasks as well as powerful machines that handle complex projects with ease. This article covered the best 14-inch laptops that will remain relevant in 2026, making them suitable not only for current needs, but also for several years of use ahead.
When choosing, it makes sense to start from your own habits. For those who work on the go, weight, battery life, and a comfortable 14-inch display for reading and writing matter most. For users focused on editing, coding, or graphics, it is worth paying closer attention to the display type, processor performance, and the amount of memory and storage.