{"id":3861,"date":"2022-12-30T07:35:21","date_gmt":"2022-12-30T13:35:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/picknotebook.com\/blog\/best-13-inch-laptop\/"},"modified":"2023-04-12T08:07:54","modified_gmt":"2023-04-12T14:07:54","slug":"best-13-inch-laptop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/picknotebook.com\/blog\/best-13-inch-laptop\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Best 13-inch laptops to buy in 2023 (March update) on a budget"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When it comes to laptops, some people prioritize power<\/strong> over everything else, while others prize portability<\/strong>. There is, of course, a range of options between the two, but if you fall on the latter end of the spectrum, a 13-inch laptop<\/strong> might be your ideal size.<\/p>\n

This size offers an optimal balance between portability<\/strong> and usability, with a screen that's large enough to work on comfortably yet small enough to slip into most bags effortlessly. With so many manufacturers producing 13-inch laptops, it can be challenging to narrow down your options. That's why we've compiled this guide to help you make an informed purchase decision. From entry-level models to high-end powerhouses, we'll cover everything you need to know to find the best 13-inch laptop<\/strong> for your needs. So, sit tight and read on for our breakdown of what makes a great 13-inch laptop, as well as a comprehensive list of recommendations at various price points.<\/p>\n

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Best processors found in 13 inch laptops<\/h2>\n\"13\n

When it comes to choosing a processor for your 13-inch laptop, there are several options to consider. Apple has released laptops with ARM-based M-series chips, while AMD and Intel offer options for both Windows and macOS systems.<\/p>\n

For those who want an efficient, well-rounded option, Apple's M-series chips are a great choice. These chips offer exceptional single-core performance and battery life, making them ideal for tasks like web browsing and light productivity.<\/p>\n

On the Windows side, AMD has captured a significant portion of the laptop CPU market, with plenty of notebooks sporting Ryzen CPUs. Intel also has options available, including the latest 13th-generation Core processors and previous generation Core CPUs that can provide a lot of value.<\/p>\n

When it comes to choosing the right CPU for your needs, it's essential to consider what you'll be using your laptop for. If you're a gamer, developer, or power user, you'll want a high-end CPU that can handle intensive tasks. However, if you're just using your laptop for light daily use, a lower-end processor may be sufficient.<\/p>\n

Here are some recommended processors based on your performance needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Performance Level<\/th>\nIntel<\/th>\nAMD<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Minimum<\/td>\ni5-1235U<\/td>\nRyzen 5 6600U<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Recommended<\/td>\ni5-12500H, Apple M2<\/td>\nRyzen 5 6600H<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
High-end<\/td>\ni7-12700H<\/td>\nRyzen 7 6800H, Apple M1 Pro<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Overall, choosing the right processor for your 13-inch laptop depends on your specific needs and usage requirements. By considering factors such as battery life and performance benchmarks, you can select a processor that will provide the best balance of power and efficiency for your needs.<\/p>\n

Do you need a dedicated GPU?<\/h2>\n\"laptop\n

When it comes to graphics cards in laptops, Nvidia continues to dominate the market. However, the laptop GPU market is still primarily comprised of RTX 30 series cards, with the new RTX 40 series just starting to hit the shelves. It's worth noting that there is now a wider gap between power-limited notebook graphics and desktop graphics cards as desktop GPUs have become more power-hungry.<\/p>\n

If you're looking for a lightweight ultrabook for daily tasks, you won't need a dedicated GPU, but if you're looking for a 13-inch gaming laptop, you'll need a discrete graphics card. Unfortunately, 13-inch laptops rarely come with a discrete GPU, and when they do, they often have limited power delivery, meaning that they may not perform as well as larger laptops with the same GPU.<\/p>\n

Nvidia dominates the laptop graphics card market, so we will focus primarily on their offerings. To compare different GPUs in various notebooks, we'll use 3DMark, which offers an overall score that can be used as a proxy for real-world gaming performance. However, this may not be enough as some laptops can't deliver 100% of their graphics potential due to limited power delivery. Throttled GPUs are common in thin and light notebooks, so it's essential to check the allocated power (watts) to the GPU in a specific laptop model's spec sheet.<\/p>\n

One significant issue with small laptops is their limited cooling, as there's less space for pipes and fans. Therefore, if you're primarily looking to game on your laptop, I wouldn't recommend going for a 13-inch laptop.<\/p>\n

Here are my recommendations for the best GPUs in each price bracket:<\/p>\n