The best 13 and 14 inch laptops in the UK 2023

Easily transportable and ergonomic, the 13 and 14 inch laptops are perfect to accompany you everywhere. Efficient and elegant, they are becoming more and more frequent on the market because of their unbeatable price-quality ratio. Thus, finding a model that suits our needs and requirements is not an easy task. To better choose, follow this buying guide.

Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 14IIL05 1
8/10

Best value for money

Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 14IIL05

The best 14-inch laptop in 2021

Performing and having a wide connectivity, the IdeaPad, 5i 14IIL05, is able to do everything. It is a 14-inch laptop with a 3.6 GHz i5 1035G1 processor and a 12-hour battery life.

687 £ on Amazon

This Idea Pad from Lenovo is a 14-inch laptop with an enticing list of included and optional features. With a 10th generation Intel core i5 processor, the machine has 8GB DDR4 RAM paired with 512GB NVMe SSD storage. The display is entrusted to an IPS panel, Full Hd (1920 x 1080), with an AAR ratio of 90%. This model is especially characterized by a multitude of connectivity options. It includes two USB-A 3.1 ports, a USB-C 3.1 port, HDMI, an SD card reader and an audio combo.

The wireless connection includes Wi-Fi ac 2x2 and a Bluetooth 4.2. Integrating two Dolby Audio Premium speakers, the laptop takes a dimension of 32.2 x 21.2 x 1.7 cm for a weight of 1.38 kg. To the structure is characterized a metal top panel with a set of finishes giving a soft touch appearance. Equipped with a backlit keyboard with two intensity levels, the laptop offers an autonomy of up to 12 hours.

Microsoft Office 365 Jumper 128 GB eMMC 2
7/10

Best value for money

Microsoft Office 365 Jumper 128 GB eMMC

The best 13-inch entry-level laptop

Despite its small price tag, the Microsoft 365 Jumper Laptop has everything you need to satisfy. Delivered with an Intel N3350 base, it performs with 4GB of RAM plus 128GB eMMC expandable to 1TB SSD.

240 £ on Amazon
HUAWEI MateBook X Pro 2021 3
9/10

Best value for money

HUAWEI MateBook X Pro 2021

The best 14-inch high-end laptop

The new MateBook X PRO 2021 adopts a 91% screen-to-frame ratio for a 3000 x 2000 pixel resolution. With a 14-inch display, it is armed with an i5 1135G7 processor with 16 GB of RAM.

1 199 £ on Amazon

Designed in anodized aluminum, the MateBook X Pro 2021 has a clean and solid look with a 13.9-inch display in 3:2 aspect ratio for a 3000 x 2000 pixel resolution. At its performance, the 14-inch laptop is equipped with a Core i5, 11th generation soc, coupled with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. With a metal finish, it takes a weight of 1.3 kg for a thickness of only 14.6 mm. In use, the computer offers up to 12 hours of work on a single full charge.

On top of that, Huawei provides it with an LTPS screen with a touchpad that allows you to zoom, scroll and select as you wish. The keyboard is backlit with two levels of light intensity. The machine takes advantage of a Wi-Fi 6 wireless connection speed and Bluetooth 5.1 to boost your productivity as well as your creativity. As far as connectivity is concerned, it includes two USB-C Tunderbolt 4 ports, USB-A 3.2, HDMI, VGA and audio jack output. The audio system stands out with four speakers.

Dell Inspiron 13-5301 Intel Core i5 4
8/10

Alternative

Dell Inspiron 13-5301 Intel Core i5

A great 13-inch laptop

The Dell Inspiron 13-5301 is a 13-inch laptop with excellent performance and quality. Equipped with a fingerprint reader, it has Soc i5 1135G7 supported by 8GB of DDR4 RAM plus 256GB SSD M.2.

599 £ on Amazon

Perfect for on-the-go activities, the Dell Inspiron 13-5301 is a 13.3-inch laptop with a borderless, Full HD WVA display. To give you excellent performance, this computer assigns an 11th generation Intel i5 processor with 8MB cache with an Intel iris UHD G4 Xe graphics chip. The latter is supported by 8GB LPDDR4-SDRAM RAM plus ultra-fast storage: 256GB NVMe M.2 SSD. The PC has a white backlit QWERTY keyboard in several shades of brightness for convenience in use.

The structure is elegantly designed with an aluminum chassis with a very sober design with smooth and matte surfaces. The connectivity includes two USB-A 3.2, one USB-C 3.2, one HDMI 2.0, a microSD card reader and a headphone/microphone combo. Wireless connectivity retains the standard of Wi-Fi ac 2x2 and Bluetooth 5.0. As far as battery life is concerned, the 13-inch laptop embeds a 40 Whr 3-cell Li-Ion battery reaching up to 7 hours of use without recharging.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best 13 and 14 inch laptop

Any specific needs?

The best 14-inch laptop in 2021

The best 13-inch entry-level laptop

The best 14-inch high-end laptop

A great 13-inch laptop

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best 13 and 14 inch laptops

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 14IIL05 5
8/10
Microsoft Office 365 Jumper 128 GB eMMC 6
7/10
HUAWEI MateBook X Pro 2021 7
9/10
Dell Inspiron 13-5301 Intel Core i5 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 14IIL05
Microsoft Office 365 Jumper 128 GB eMMC
HUAWEI MateBook X Pro 2021
Dell Inspiron 13-5301 Intel Core i5
Performing and having a wide connectivity, the IdeaPad, 5i 14IIL05, is able to do everything. It is a 14-inch laptop with a 3.6 GHz i5 1035G1 processor and a 12-hour battery life.
Despite its small price tag, the Microsoft 365 Jumper Laptop has everything you need to satisfy. Delivered with an Intel N3350 base, it performs with 4GB of RAM plus 128GB eMMC expandable to 1TB SSD.
The new MateBook X PRO 2021 adopts a 91% screen-to-frame ratio for a 3000 x 2000 pixel resolution. With a 14-inch display, it is armed with an i5 1135G7 processor with 16 GB of RAM.
The Dell Inspiron 13-5301 is a 13-inch laptop with excellent performance and quality. Equipped with a fingerprint reader, it has Soc i5 1135G7 supported by 8GB of DDR4 RAM plus 256GB SSD M.2.
Processor
Core i5 1035G1 at 3.6 GHz
Intel N3350 at 2.4 GHz
Core i5 1135G7 at 4.2 GHz
i5 1135G7 at 4.2 GHz
Memory and storage
8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD
4 GB RAM, 128 GB eMMC
16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD
8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD
Resolution
1920 x 1080 pixels
1920 x 1080 pixels
3000 x 2000 pixels (3 k)
1920 x 1080 pixels
Connectics
2 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C, 1 x HDMI, SD card reader
2 x USB-A, 1 x mini HDMI, microSD drive
2 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x VGA
2 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C, 1 x HDMI, SD card reader
Autonomy
12 hours
6 hours
12 hours
7 hours

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Buying guide - 13 and 14 inch laptop

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How to choose your 13 and 14 inch laptop

To avoid disappointment, opt for the best technical specifications, even if it means exceeding your budget. This way, you don't compromise on laptop performance, customer service or personal satisfaction.

#1 - The screen

It will come down to screen size, screen resolution and display type. To choose the right monitor, identify your needs. For example, if you are a gamer, prefer a large screen, at least 15.6 inches. However, the same may be less portable for a student or executive. So, when considering these three main aspects, keep in mind the end use and filter what is best for you. Generally, the standard screen size is between 14 and 16 inches. Screens in this range are large, making it easier to work with and view media. They ship with larger keyboards and offer a convenient experience for people of all ages, young and old.However, what is standard for the general public may not be standard for a particular segment. For example, entrepreneurs who need a mix of performance and portability may prefer something in the 12-inch to 14-inch segment, and professional gamers may consider the best laptop screen sizes to be larger than 17 inches to ensure uncompromised visuals.

#2 - The display resolution

Display resolution indicates the number of pixels that make up an image on the screen. As you might expect, the more pixels, the better and sharper the image. Similarly, the more pixels, the more content that can be displayed on the screen, allowing for better use of side-by-side windows. Display resolutions are classified by their number of pixels measured horizontally and vertically. The most common are HD or 720p, FHD or 1080p, and UHD 4k.

#3 - The panel type

Beyond the size and resolution of a laptop screen, the display type is another important parameter. This tells you the technology behind your LCD panel. Two of the most commonly used technologies are: In Plane Switching or IPS and Twisted Nematic or TN. In addition, there is vertical alignment or VA panel which promises a middle ground between IPS and TN.

  • IPS: Provides wide viewing angles, better color depth and reproduction. May suffer from "IPS glare," a disturbance in which the backlight is visible at certain angles.
  • TN: economical and faster response time. Better than IPS and a first choice for gamers. However, it gives a poor horizontal viewing experience. Colors can appear inverted and the image washed out.
  • VA: Excellent contrast with rich deep black levels. Beats IPS displays in this area. Good color reproduction, but poor response times.

#4 - The performance

Three

factors must be considered: processor, RAM and storage. A faster processor means more calculations, better speed of operations. Larger RAM means better multitasking capabilities. SSD storage means faster reads and writes.

  • Light Usage: If your usage consists primarily of browsing websites, watching online videos, staying active on social media platforms, and doing light office work, a budget laptop with average, but decent specs will suffice. An Atom / Celeron machine with a minimum of 4GB of RAM and about 128GB of SSD storage should do the trick.
  • Medium usage: If you consider your usage to be more intensive, specs like a Core i3 processor with 4GB to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage should suffice. A laptop with this hardware will allow you to do jobs such as photo editing, work with multiple windows simultaneously, and run semi-demanding office programs.
  • Heavy and demanding use: If you work on projects that require high performance or if you are a professional gamer, you need the specifications to meet your needs. Video editing and rendering, working with a large number of images, animation and graphic design work, or running intensive games require a laptop with a minimum of Core i7, 16-32GB of RAM, and a high-end SSD storage unit.

What is processor speed and why is it important?

The best 13 and 14 inch laptops 9

The processor speed listed on the laptop's datasheet indicates how many instructions your computer can process per second. It is measured in gigahertz. Today's processors have not one but many cores.

A core is a separate processing unit within the CPU capable of handling instructions. So the more cores you have, the more tasks your laptop can efficiently handle at once. Likewise, the faster your processor, the faster each core can work on task requests.

The best CPU is the one with the fastest processor speed and the most cores. Choosing between the two can be difficult, as both are critical to performance. High speed, but fewer cores means you can perform fewer tasks, albeit quickly. More cores, but lower speed means you can perform many tasks, but at a slower pace. Here are the most common types of processors you can find on the market today:

  • Atom/Celeron/Pentium: Cost-effective processors that support basic everyday computing tasks, such as surfing, streaming, and light office work.
  • Core i3: Supports seamless execution of everyday tasks, including 4K, 360° and HD viewing.
  • Core i5: Ideal if you want a laptop for both personal and professional use. Offers you more than the i3 with more power and responsiveness.
  • Core i7: Designed for more intensive business use, demanding games and multitasking.

What about RAM?

RAM (Random Access Memory) is what allows your CPU to do its job efficiently and without slowing down. For a basic business laptop, 4GB to 8GB of RAM will be sufficient for most people. If you want to get the most out of your CPU or if you edit videos, 16GB is better, although you will have to pay extra.

Classic 13" and 14" computer or 13" and 14" convertible computer?

13" and 14" classic computer

Notebooks are those standard laptop PCs, mobile personal computers available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Equipped with a 10 to 15″ screen, they are generally versatile (easy to upgrade), convenient and have good connectivity. They are rather heavy though, with an average weight of 2.5kg for 15″ screens. They also have a rather bulky design which is not at all fashionable these days.

13" and 14" convertible computer

Convertibles, on the other hand, allow you to enjoy 2 devices in one: a laptop that can be transformed into a tablet! They usually have a sleek and slim shape. But this also means compromises on performance, as there is less space to integrate more robust components. Connectivity won't be as good as on a notebook either.

Verdict

If you're looking for flexibility and elegant design, and you want a 2-in-1 device, then convertible PCs are perfect for you. But if you need performance and don't mind a bulky design, then a notebook is the way to go.

Why buy a 13 and 14 inch laptop?

Price

All things being equal, smaller screens cost less than larger ones, so a 13- and 14-inch laptop generally costs less than a larger model with similar specs. If you go much smaller, then other facets of laptop manufacturing can start to push costs in the other direction.

Portability

The larger the laptop, the less likely it is to fit into today's streamlined backpacks or shrinking airplane trays. Also, while smaller models may consume less power, a 13- and 14-inch laptop may have comparatively larger and more durable batteries. That said, they are easier to carry around compared to other models.

Usability.

Smaller laptops often sacrifice features such as full-size keyboards, internal storage drives, variety of ports, etc. In contrast, a 13- and 14-inch form factor, while heavier, offers more usability features that today's buyers value most.

Performance

From processors to graphics cards to RAM modules to storage drives, mid-range laptops can be equipped with every highest quality component imaginable. There's virtually no laptop feature or capability you can't find in a 13- and 14-inch model.

Reliability

13- and 14-inch models are rarely used by high-level PC gamers, who typically prefer larger screens, sophisticated cooling systems and other features that can't always fit into a smaller frame. For sole proprietorships, home offices and family buyers who legitimately weigh the relative advantages of 13-, 14- and 15-inch systems, today's 13- and 14-inch laptops are often in the lead. They are more reliable and very convenient.

Tips

Don't just pick the cheapest laptop available at random

There are some great budget laptops out there, but not all of them will be able to do the job you want or have all the features you need. Let's say you're choosing between a dual-core and quad-core processor. You want to run multiple applications at once, but you chose the dual-core processor because it's a little cheaper. You now have a system that is not as powerful as your needs require, and this problem will bother you until it's time to buy a new laptop. Rather than jumping for the lowest price, it's best to find the laptop that will actually meet your needs, and then compare it with your budget.

Don't buy a laptop for the short term

Unless you're obsessed with the latest technology, a new laptop should last a few years, and probably longer if you want to save money on another purchase. Instead of buying a laptop exclusively for your current needs, you should buy one trying to look ahead, assessing what your needs might be in a few years. You might be tempted to go for a basic model for its low price, with something like 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD. However, this will limit its long-term appeal, as it will quickly run out of storage space and may not handle multiple applications well. Opting for an upgraded model with a larger drive and more RAM is probably a good idea.

Don't neglect ports and compatibility

The

type and number of ports vary from computer to computer. Many current laptops only have Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C ports. If you need a USB-A drive or SD card reader, make sure your chosen laptop has those specific ports before you buy or else budget for an adapter.

Use a regularly updated antivirus software

Internet downloads and removable devices (USB stick, SD card) are the main sources of viruses for a computer. Not installing an antivirus will make your machine an easy target, once "infected" it will have a drop in performance. And not updating the antivirus is equivalent to not having one installed at all!

Don't crush the power cord under a chair

Many users neglect the power cord and accidentally crush it under a chair leg. This can go on for hours and happens regularly. If this is the case, your power cord won't last very long. Finally, don't pull on it roughly when removing it.

FAQ

What is the best 13" and 14" laptop?

The best 13- and 14-inch laptop depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide for the best products out there today.

Does the size of the laptop screen matter?

Yes

. The change in size can make things like working side by side in applications much smoother. The overall size of the laptop also makes a difference in terms of portability. Slipping a 15-inch laptop into a backpack isn't always possible, and don't try to use it in cramped spaces like a small coffee table or on an airplane, either.

What is the right resolution for a 13" and 14" computer screen?

Most 13" and 14" laptops come in two resolution options: 1080p (1920 x 1080) and 4K (3840 x 2160). The 4K options are often much more expensive and lose a few hours in battery life. For most people, the 1080p setups will look sharp, especially on a screen this size. However, you may want to upgrade to 4K for the wider color gamut that often accompanies it. Editing photos in 4K with better colors is ideal.

Is a 13" and 14" laptop too small for gaming?

This

will depend on both what you're used to and what kind of GPU can fit inside the laptop. As a general rule, you can play on a 13" and 14" laptop as long as it can handle your chosen game. Speed will probably be more of a concern than screen size, so look for a good amount of RAM, an SSD and a GPU that are suitable for gaming. An exception though for extremely fast games where screen size is really important for a good gaming experience.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  6. 10 Laptop Maintenance Tips for Maximum Performance, whatismyipaddress.com
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See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 14IIL05 10
Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 14IIL05
Microsoft Office 365 Jumper 128 GB eMMC 11
Microsoft Office 365 Jumper 128 GB eMMC
HUAWEI MateBook X Pro 2021 12
HUAWEI MateBook X Pro 2021
Dell Inspiron 13-5301 Intel Core i5 13
Dell Inspiron 13-5301 Intel Core i5

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