Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the best mini laptops available today. In a world where portability is paramount, mini laptops, also known as ultra-portable notebooks, have carved out a significant niche. These compact powerhouses offer the full functionality of a traditional laptop in a form factor that can easily slip into a small bag or even a jacket pocket.
They are the perfect solution for professionals on the go, students who need to take notes in class, and anyone who values convenience without compromising on performance. The primary benefit of a mini laptop is, of course, its size. But beyond that, these small-sized laptops often boast impressive battery life, innovative features, and enough power to handle a wide range of tasks, from word processing and web browsing to more demanding applications like coding and even gaming.
In this article, we will delve into the world of compact laptops, presenting our top picks for the best mini laptop in various categories. We will be taking a close look at several models from GPD, a brand that has become synonymous with high-quality mini laptops. Each product will be thoroughly examined, covering its design, technical specifications, performance, and ideal use cases.
Whether you are a business professional, a student, or a tech enthusiast, our in-depth reviews will help you find the perfect mini laptop to suit your needs. We’ll be crowning one device as the overall best mini laptop, but each of the contenders has its own unique strengths, making them the best in their own right for specific applications.
The Best Mini Laptops 2025
GPD WIN MAX 2 2025
The GPD WIN MAX 2 2025 is a powerhouse of a mini laptop that blurs the line between a portable gaming PC and a professional workstation. The 2025 revision comes with the latest AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, making it one of the most powerful devices in its class. Its unique selling point is its hybrid design, combining a traditional laptop form factor with built-in gaming controls, making it the best mini laptop for both work and play.
The GPD WIN MAX 2 2025 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen with a resolution of up to 2560×1600. It has a full QWERTY keyboard, a touchpad, and integrated game controllers that can be hidden under magnetic covers when not in use. It has an extensive selection of ports, including USB 4.0, USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 2.1, an OCuLink port for connecting an eGPU, and both SD and microSD card slots.
The GPD WIN MAX 2 2025 is powered by the AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 CPU and an AMD Radeon 890M GPU. It can be configured with up to 64GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to a 4TB NVMe SSD. The 67Wh battery provides decent endurance for a device of this power. It also features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
The performance of the GPD WIN MAX 2 2025 is exceptional. The AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor and Radeon 890M GPU can handle AAA games at respectable frame rates, as well as demanding productivity tasks like video editing. The OCuLink port allows for even greater graphics performance by connecting to an external GPU. Compared to the other devices in this article, the WIN MAX 2 2025 is the clear performance leader.
The GPD WIN MAX 2 2025 is the ultimate mini laptop for those who want it all. It offers desktop-class performance in a portable package, making it an excellent choice for gamers, content creators, and professionals who need a powerful machine on the go. The hybrid design is innovative and well-executed, and the extensive port selection provides excellent connectivity. While it is the largest and heaviest device in this lineup, its performance and versatility are unmatched. If you are looking for the absolute best portable laptop that can handle anything you throw at it, the GPD WIN MAX 2 2025 is the undisputed champion.
You can read our in-depth GPD WIN MAX 2 2025 review here to learn more about it.
GPD Pocket 4
The GPD Pocket 4 is the latest iteration in the Pocket series and a strong contender for the title of the best mini laptop. It represents a significant leap forward in terms of performance and features, aiming to redefine the ultra-portable notebook category. It is designed for professionals, students, and tech enthusiasts who need a powerful yet compact device. The unique selling point of the GPD Pocket 4 is its cutting-edge AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and a larger, high-refresh-rate display, making it a true powerhouse in a small form factor.
The GPD Pocket 4 measures 8.14 x 5.6 x 0.87 inches (20.68 × 14.45 × 2.22 cm) and weighs 785g (1.7 lbs). While slightly larger and heavier than the Pocket 3, it remains highly portable. The design is sleek and modern, with a premium feel. It features a good selection of ports, including HDMI 2.1, USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, and a modular port that comes with a Micro SD card reader by default but can be swapped for other modules including KVM and RS-232. This makes it one of the best ultra-portable notebooks for connectivity.
The GPD Pocket 4 is powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, which delivers exceptional performance for demanding tasks. It features a stunning 8.8-inch, 144Hz touchscreen display with a resolution of 2560×1600, a significant upgrade from the Pocket 3. The device has a 45Wh battery that supports 100W PD fast charging. Under light workloads, the battery can last for approximately five hours. The fan noise can be loud under full load, reaching 67dB, but the device maintains a cool temperature of 49°C.
The GPD Pocket 4’s performance is a major highlight. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor offers a significant performance boost over the previous generation and competes favorably with larger laptops. It outperforms the GPD Pocket 3 and is on par with, or even surpasses, other high-end mini laptops. The 144Hz display provides a smooth and fluid experience, whether you’re working, browsing, or gaming.
The GPD Pocket 4 is a top-tier mini laptop that packs a serious punch. Its powerful processor, high-refresh-rate display, and modular design make it an excellent choice for a wide range of users. It is one of the best lightweight laptops for students and business professionals who need a device that can handle demanding applications without sacrificing portability. While the fan can be loud under load and it lacks active stylus support, the overall package is incredibly compelling. If you are looking for the best all round mini laptop with cutting-edge performance, the GPD Pocket 4 is hard to beat.
You can learn more about this versatile mini laptop in our GPD Pocket 4 review here.
GPD MicroPC 2
The GPD MicroPC 2 is the long-awaited successor to the original MicroPC, a device highly regarded in professional industries for its rugged design and specific features. The MicroPC 2 brings a host of modern upgrades, including a 2-in-1 tablet design and a significant performance boost, making it a great option for field technicians, network engineers, and other professionals. Its unique selling point is its focus on industrial applications, with a rugged build and a native 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, making it one of the best laptops for industry.
The GPD MicroPC 2 is a truly compact device, measuring just 6.7” × 4.3” × 0.9” and weighing around 490g. It is designed to be a palm-sized workhorse. The 7-inch touchscreen display can be rotated and folded back to transform it into a tablet. The keyboard is small and best suited for thumb or single-finger typing. The device is packed with I/O, including two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, a microSD card slot, and a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port.
The GPD MicroPC 2 is available with either an Intel N250 or N300 processor and comes with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a PCIe SSD. The 7-inch touchscreen has a 1920×1080 resolution. The 27.5Wh battery provides around 4 to 6 hours of average use. The device runs cool and quiet, with a maximum fan noise of 55dB and a peak temperature of 53°C.
The performance of the GPD MicroPC 2 is a massive improvement over the original model. While it won’t compete with the high-end processors in the GPD Pocket 4 or WIN MAX 2 2025, it is more than capable of handling day-to-day tasks, industrial applications, and light productivity work. The performance difference between the N250 and N300 models is noticeable but not huge.
The GPD MicroPC 2 is a fantastic update to a classic device. It’s a highly portable and rugged mini laptop that’s perfect for professionals who work in the field. The 2-in-1 design adds versatility, and the impressive array of ports, including the 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, makes it a standout choice for network engineers and IT technicians. While the keyboard is not ideal for long typing sessions and the lack of a built-in RS232 port might disappoint some fans of the original, the overall package is excellent. For those who need a durable and highly connected device, the GPD MicroPC 2 is a very strong candidate for the best mini laptop.
You can read our detailed GPD MicroPC 2 review here to learn more about it.
GPD WIN MINI 2025
The GPD WIN MINI 2025 is a compact handheld gaming PC that also functions as a very capable mini laptop. The 2025 version features several improvements over the previous model, including an ergonomic redesign, an improved cooling system, and the powerful AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 CPU. Its unique selling point is its focus on providing a premium handheld gaming experience in a clamshell design that is also great for productivity, making it the best mini laptop for gamers who value portability.
The GPD WIN MINI 2025 features a 7-inch LTPS touchscreen with a 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It has a compact QWERTY keyboard, dual analog sticks, a D-pad, and gaming buttons. The 2025 model has a redesigned grip for improved comfort during long gaming sessions. It also features programmable macro keys and linear analog triggers for precise control.
The GPD WIN MINI 2025 is powered by the AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 CPU and an AMD Radeon 890M GPU. It can be configured with up to 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to a 4TB NVMe PCI-E Gen 4.0 SSD. The device has a superior cooling system ensuring consistent performance. The battery life is around 1 to 6 hours, depending on the workload.
The performance of the GPD WIN MINI 2025 is excellent for a device of its size. The powerful AMD processor and GPU can run modern games at good frame rates, especially at the native 1080p resolution. It offers a significant performance advantage over other handhelds and is a capable machine for productivity tasks as well. The 120Hz display provides a very smooth gaming experience.
The GPD WIN MINI 2025 is a fantastic choice for gamers who want a powerful and portable device. The clamshell design protects the screen and keyboard, making it easy to carry around. The improved ergonomics and controls of the 2025 model make it a joy to use for gaming. While the keyboard is too small for extensive typing, it is perfect for quick messages and browsing. If you are looking for the best mini laptop that is also a top-tier handheld gaming PC, the GPD WIN MINI 2025 is an excellent option. It is a true pocket powerhouse.
Find out more about the GPD WIN MINI 2025 in our review here.
GPD Pocket 3
The GPD Pocket 3 is a versatile 2-in-1 mini laptop that builds upon the success of its predecessors. It has seen revisions over the years, with the latest model featuring the newer Intel Core™ i3-1125G4 processor, a significant upgrade that boosts its performance. The unique selling point of the Pocket 3 is its modular design, which allows users to swap out a port for different modules, such as a KVM control module or an RS-232 port, making it an incredibly adaptable device for various professional and industry-specific applications. This makes the GPD Pocket 3 a strong contender for the best mini laptop for industry professionals.
The GPD Pocket 3 is a marvel of compact engineering. It measures approximately 7.79 x 5.3 x 0.78 inches (19.8 x 13.7 x 2.0 cm) and weighs around 725g (1.59 lbs), making it an extremely portable device. The case is constructed from a durable aluminum alloy, giving it a premium feel. The I/O is generous for a device of its size, featuring USB ports, a Thunderbolt 4 port, HDMI, and an RJ45 ethernet port. The highlight, however, is the modular port that offers unparalleled flexibility.
The updated GPD Pocket 3 is powered by an Intel Core i3-1125G4 processor, paired with 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM and a fast NVMe SSD. This combination delivers solid performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. The 8-inch H-IPS touchscreen display has a resolution of 1920×1200 and can be rotated 180 degrees to transform the device into a tablet. It supports a stylus with 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity. The battery life is respectable, offering around 5-6 hours of average use. In terms of thermals, the fan remains relatively quiet, with a maximum noise of 59 dB, and the device stays cool under load, with a peak temperature of 49°C.
Compared to other products in this article, the GPD Pocket 3 with its Intel Core i3 processor offers a good balance of performance and efficiency. While it may not match the raw power of the gaming-focused GPD WIN MAX 2 2025, it comfortably outperforms older models and is more than capable of handling productivity tasks, light creative work, and even some light gaming. The performance is a significant step up from the previous Intel N6000 model, especially in GPU-intensive tasks.
The GPD Pocket 3 is a highly versatile and customizable mini laptop that excels in professional environments. Its modular port system is a game-changer for those who need specific connectivity options, such as IT professionals and industrial technicians. The 2-in-1 design adds another layer of flexibility, making it a great choice for presentations and note-taking. If you are looking for the best mini laptop for business or industry-specific applications, the GPD Pocket 3 is an excellent choice that offers a unique blend of portability, performance, and adaptability.
Learn more in our GPD Pocket 3 review here.
Technical Specification Comparison
| GPD Pocket 3 | GPD Pocket 4 | GPD MicroPC 2 | GPD WIN MAX 2 2025 | GPD WIN MINI 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i3-1125G4 | AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 | Intel Processor N200 or N300 | AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 | AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 |
| GPU | UHD Graphics | AMD Radeon 890M | UHD Graphics | AMD Radeon 890M | AMD Radeon 890M |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR4x | Up to 64GB LPDDR5X | 16GB LPDDR5 | Up to 64GB LPDDR5X | Up to 64GB LPDDR5X |
| STORAGE | Up To 2TB | Up to 4TB | Up to 4TB | Up to 4TB | Up to 4TB |
| SIZE | 7.79 x 5.3 x 0.78 inches / 19.8 x 13.7 x 2.0 cm | 8.14 x 5.6 x 0.87 inches / 20.68 x 14.45 x 2.22 cm | 6.7 x 4.3 x 0.92 inches / 17.12 x 11.08 x 2.35 cm | 8.9 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches / 22.7 x 16 x 2.3 cm | 6.7 x 4.2 x 1 inches / 17.2 x 10.9 x 2.7 cm |
| WEIGHT | 725g / 1.59 lbs | 785g / 1.7 lbs | 500g / 1.10 lbs | 1098g / 2.42 lbs | 555g / 1.2 lbs |
| REVIEW | HERE | HERE | HERE | HERE | HERE |
| BUY | HERE | HERE | HERE | HERE | HERE |
Benchmark Comparison
PCMARK Benchmark Comparison
PCMark performs a series of tests covering your more day to day usage of a mini laptop. This can range from web browsing, through to video conferencing, working with large office documents and even image and video editing.
Cinebench R23& 2024 Benchmark Comparisons
Both Cinebench R23 and 2024 version perform CPU single and multi-core performance benchmarks. We include both versions for legacy comparisons.
Geekbench 6 Benchmark Comparison
Geekbench 6 also provides CPU single and multi-core preformance but across a range of CPU based tests rather than rendering performance like Cinebench.
3DMARK Time Spy Benchmark Comparison
The 3DMARK Time Spy benchmark comprises of CPU and GPU performance tests. While this is primarily for gaming related uses it can also be a good indicator for GPU intensive tasks such as video editing and rendering for example.
Which is the Best Mini Laptop for You?
Choosing the best mini laptop ultimately comes down to your specific needs and how you intend to use your device. As we’ve explored, the world of compact laptops is diverse, with each model offering a unique set of features tailored to different users. If you’re an IT professional or work in an industrial setting, the GPD Pocket 3 is an outstanding choice, with its unique modular port system offering unparalleled flexibility. For those seeking a cutting-edge, all-around performer that excels as one of the best laptops for business or study, the GPD Pocket 4 delivers with its powerful new processor and stunning high-refresh-rate display and modular port with RS-232 and KVM modules especially. Meanwhile, the GPD MicroPC 2 is the perfect companion for field technicians and network engineers who need a rugged and highly connected device that can withstand the rigors of on-site work.
For users who demand the absolute pinnacle of performance, the choice becomes clear. The GPD WIN MAX 2 2025 stands as the ultimate powerhouse, blending desktop-class gaming and productivity capabilities into a portable form factor, making it the best mini laptop for power users and serious gamers. Alternatively, if your focus is on a premium handheld gaming experience without sacrificing the utility of an ultra-portable notebook, the GPD WIN MINI 2025 is an exceptional hybrid that offers incredible performance in a pocket-friendly design. We are confident that one of these remarkable small-sized laptops is the perfect match for you, providing the ideal blend of portability, power, and features to enhance your work and play.
