Some people need a really quiet environment for their creativity to flourish. This phenomenon is backed by science and explains why many people are more creative at night. However, achieving that level of quietness can be impossible if you are using a laptop with a fan. Prolonged use of a laptop with fans will lead to dust accumulation and exhaustion of lubricant which will ultimately increase the noise of the fan. The noise can be so loud that it makes it difficult for you to concentrate.
The elimination of fans solves one problem but quickly creates another. Fanless laptops need a different kind of processor that doesn’t generate too much heat. These processors are usually less powerful than the standard voltage processors. Also, the increasing competition among manufacturers has led to the flooding of the market with numerous options—and most of them are low-grade.
This can make it more difficult for you to make a choice. As always, we sieved through the pile to bring to you the best fanless laptops.
Review of the Best Fanless Laptops
With advances in technology, the processors are also getting better too. Newer fanless laptops tend to perform better than their predecessors. The elimination of fans also allows manufacturers to make the laptops lighter. Therefore, fanless laptops are easier to carry around. Enough of the chitchat, have a look at our list.
Acer Spin 7 – Best overall
The combination of a number of factors makes Acer Spin 7 our personal favorite. The first thing you will notice is the ultra-thin design and light weight of just 2.65 pounds. It runs on the 7th generation Intel Core i7 processor which is one of the latest in the Y series. The screen delivers crystal clear Full HD, multi-touch IPS display which is covered with Coming Gorilla Glass 4.
Complementing the impeccable display is the powerful Dolby Audio which is further enhanced with Acer TrueHarmony. The Acer 360 degrees hinge allows you is highly durable and gives you the flexibility of using this laptop in four different modes. For those who binge on streaming entertainment, the 2×2 MU-MIMO 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology will definitely be another talking point. You get to stream all you like with less buffering.
Acer Spin 7 offer 256GB SSD storage space with 8GB RAM (expandable to 32GB) which is one of the highest with a fanless laptop. The battery can last up to 8 hours which is also impressive. However, the huge price tag is one of the major drawbacks with this product. Those that can afford it will witness a total spin in their work and entertainment lifestyle.
Pros
- Ultra-thin and lightweight design makes for flexible use
- Acer 360 degrees hinge allows for different modes
- Entire screen is covered with Coming Gorilla Glass 4
- Dolby Audio enhanced with Acer TrueHarmony
Cons
- Pricey
- Heavier than most competitors
Apple MacBook – Best Apple fanless laptop
If you prefer Mac OS to Windows, there are also a few fanless options for you. MacBook stands out in among the rest for a number of reasons. It is advertised as the thinnest, lightest Mac notebook yet—and it is. This 12” laptop weighs just 2.03 pounds and you get to choose from a wide range of processors including the 7th generation Core m3, i5, and i7 with a speed of up to 3.6 GHz.
In terms of display, you will also get the signature LED-backlit Retina display with IPS technology and a resolution of 2304×1440. You can now do more with the trackpad. Depending on how much pressure you apply or the amount of times you click, you can enable new capabilities, fast-forward videos, or change the thickness of your drawing strokes. The switch from traditional scissor mechanism to Apple-designed second-generation butterfly mechanism gives you a smoother and quieter typing experience.
Apple MacBook offers up to 10 hours of battery life, thanks to the innovative terraced battery cell. In terms of storage, you will get to choose between 256GB or 512 GB SSD. However, bear in mind that the higher you go with the specs, the hotter the price will become.
Pros
- Thin and lightweight design improves flexibility
- LED-backlit Retina display with IPS technology
- Trackpad offers more functionality
- Larger storage space
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
Cons
- Extremely expensive
Asus VivoBook – Best budget laptop
The minimalized designs of fanless laptops often come with the benefit of lower price tag. Inasmuch as the number of budget-friendly fanless laptops is staggering, the Asus VivoBook L203MA is one of the best you will find. You will definitely get more than the $300 dollar price tag suggests. It runs on the efficient Intel Celeron N4000 processor with a speed of up to 2.6 GHz.
Part of the reason for its incredible performance speed is as a result of the 4GB RAM. This laptop has an 11.6” screen with HD display. Thanks to the Asus Tru2Life, the sharpness and contrast have been optimized by 150% to give you realistic imagery. Completing a thrilling entertainment experience is the inclusion of dual speakers and Asus SonicMaster technology. It relies on the latest 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology to deliver faster data transmission speed.
Asus VivoBook L203MA comes with a durable 180 degrees hinge that allows you to lay it flat on the ground. However, this laptop has its own subtle flaws. The most disturbing is its 64GB storage space which is extremely low. Also, the processor is not really one of the latest for fanless laptops and you should expect a few performance difficulties.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Thin and lightweight design improves flexibility
- Asus Tru2Life offer better contrast and sharpness
- Dual speakers with Asus SonicMaster technology
- Durable 180 degrees hinge
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
Cons
- Storage space is highly disappointing
- Display is not Full HD
Asus Chromebook Flip – Best fanless Chromebook
The first feature that will catch your attention when you pick up this Asus Chromebook Flip is the flexible 360 degrees hinge. This means you can use it as a laptop or a tablet. It runs on the Intel Core M5 processor with a speed of up to 1.1 GHz and it has 4GB RAM. Like all Chromebooks, this one runs on Chrome OS. With this OS, you have access to the large archive of apps in the Google Play Store.
At 2.65 pounds, it is one of the lightweight laptops out there. The Asus fanless Chromebook Flip has only 64GB storage space but you will also have access to cloud storage across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. Cloud storage helps to secure your files. This laptop starts up in seconds and has a battery life of up to 10 hours.
Another admirable feature of the Chrome OS is the built-in anti-virus protection. In terms of display you will get 12.5” Full HD Wide View display. On the downside, we feel this laptop is overpriced. The bezels are unattractive too. However, when it’s time for business, this is still one of the best Chromebooks we found.
Pros
- Access to apps on Google Play Store
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Lightweight and thin design allows flexible use
- Flips into 4 different modes
- Built-in anti-virus protection
Cons
- Large and unattractive bezels
- Feels overpriced
- Disappointing offline storage space
HP Spectre Folio Leather – Best performance laptop
Most times, nothing matters more than good performance. When you get to that point you need to consider HP Spectre Folio Leather. This 13.3” touchscreen laptop is basically 2-in-1. You either use it as a laptop or a tablet. The secret to the powerful performance of this laptop lies in the combination of the 8th generation Intel Core i7 Y series and 8GB RAM. The list of fanless laptops that can boast of this is highly limited.
There is even more. This laptop comes with a pen which is neatly tucked beside the screen. The pen is pressure sensitive and can help you to reinvent your creativity. In terms of storage, it offers 256GB SSD which is close to the highest you will find in a fanless laptop for now. The inclusion of a backlit keyboard also gives you the flexibility to work in environments with different types of lighting.
Unlike other fanless laptop models, HP Spectre Folio Leather is quite heavy, weighing 3.24 pounds. Well, this is understandable considering the immense computing power it offers. It has limited connectivity options and the price is not also on the friendly side. Nevertheless, whenever performance matters, you can trust this laptop to deliver.
Pros
- One of the latest fanless processors
- Large RAM and storage space
- Includes a pressure sensitive pen
- Backlit keyboard
Cons
- Heavier than most competitors
- Highly expensive for budget buyers
Dell XPS 12 – Best touchscreen display
How about a touchscreen with 4K Ultra HD display? This is certainly one of the features you won’t see on a regular basis. The innovative design of Dell XPS 12 connects the screen with the keyboard using a magnet. You can separate them easily and use as a tablet. It comes with Wacom Bamboo Paper that allows you to capture your ideas, sketch, or draw while on the move. What more could you possibly want?
It runs on the 6th generation Intel Core M and backs this power with 8GB RAM. This laptop deals with durability using the Coming Gorilla Glass which is up to 10 times more scratch resistant than the regular soda lime glass. Another inspiring feature here is the Accidental Activation Protection that prevents unintentional clicks when your palm hit the touchpad. You won’t have any problem typing in any type of environment because of the backlit keyboard that comes with this one.
With Dell XPS 12, you will get an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. The storage space is 256GB. Irrespective of all these cool features, Dell has been able to maintain the weight at 2.8 pounds which is quite impressive. Make no mistake, this laptop has its own flaws. Firstly, it is not budget-friendly. Also, the average battery life is just 4.5 hours which is really a letdown considering that some competitors offer more than twice of that.
Pros
- 4K Ultra HD display
- Improved protection with Coming Gorilla Glass
- Front and rear camera
- 2-in-1 laptop linked using a magnet
- Accidental Activation Protection
Cons
- Pricey for budget buyers
- Poor battery life
Microsoft Surface Pro 6 – Best battery life
With Microsoft Surface Pro 6, you will also get up to 13.5 hours of battery life which is one of the highest in this category. This laptop is extremely lightweight at 1.70 pounds yet it offers more power and performance than most of the fanless laptops. It runs on the 8th generation Intel Core i5 which pairs with 8GB RAM to deliver unrivaled speed and performance. This laptop basically brings together the power of a studio and a tablet into one device.
Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is stunning in different areas too. It supports more accompanying accessories than other laptops in this category including Surface Pen and Surface Arc Mouse. The pen allows you to ink with precision on one end while the other end has a rubber eraser for taking out error marks. The PixelSense display is clearer than the regular Full HD display.
Microsoft smartly eliminates fans and introduces a fanless cooling system. In terms of storage you will get 256GB SSD storage which is faster and quieter than HDD. The two limiting factors we found with this product are the high price and 802.11abg wireless type which is not as efficient as the 802.11ac wireless technology. This is not a deal breaker anyways.
Pros
- PixelSense display
- Extremely lightweight
- Compatible with various accessories
- Up to 13.5 hours of battery life
Cons
- Pricey for budget buyers
- Wireless technology is not the latest
Samsung Galaxy Book – Best lightweight fanless laptop
When your judgment comes down to weight, nothing beats the Samsung Galaxy Book. At just 1.42 pounds, this is one of the lightest laptops you will encounter. The battery life of a laptop is one thing and the time it takes to get a full charge is another. Samsung Galaxy Book offers up to 11 hours of battery life and you can get from zero to 100 in under 3 hours.
Samsung Galaxy Book offer stunning Full HD display. Also, the Samsung Flow allows a seamless connection between your Galaxy Book and your Samsung smartphone with just a single touch. You can switch from touch input to keyboard and back in a breeze. Unlike most of the laptops in this category, the keyboard and S Pen that comes with this device don’t need charging.
This 10.6” laptop makes use of the Intel Core M fanless processor with a speed of up to 2.6 GHz. This pairs with 4GB RAM to give you a smooth computing experience. In terms of storage, you will get 128GB SSD. However, it has microSD card slot where you can add up to 256GB of additional storage. It has a 5MP front-facing camera which is suitable for chatting.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Up to 11 hours of battery life
- Keyboard and S Pen doesn’t need charging
- Expandable storage
Cons
- Pricey for budget buyers
- Wireless technology is not the latest
Asus Zenbook Flip – Best passively cooled laptop
The Zenbook Flip is one of the best Asus fanless laptops. The 13.3” laptop offer Full HD wide view anti-glare display. It runs on the 6th generation Intel Skylake Core m3 with a speed of up to 2.2 GHz which combines with 8GB RAM to deliver arguably one of the best performances offered by a fanless laptop. There is more to Asus Zenbook Flip that will literarily blow your mind.
Asus put in a lot of work in developing a Chicklet keyboard with ergonomic design that allows you to type for longer hours. There is a 1.2 megapixel HD camera at the front that allows you to video chat with friends. This device makes use of Asus USB Charger+ to achieve 50% faster charging time. Also, Asus Golden Ear team and Bang & Olufsen ICEpower worked together to create a sound experience like no other.
At 2.9 pounds, Asus Zenbook Flip can be considered lightweight but clearly heavier than most of the competing brands. This laptop has an impressive storage space of 256GB SSD but it is also slightly expensive and may not be suitable for those on a stiff budget. But it makes up for this with a battery life of up to 12 hours. It’s definitely worth every penny.
Pros
- Chicklet keyboard with ergonomic design
- Up to 12 hours of battery life
- Asus USB Charger+ achieve 50% faster charging
- Large RAM and storage space
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Poor front-facing camera quality
HP Pavilion x360 – Best bundle
You can buy more at a lower price when you participate in a bundle. The 2020 Newest HP Pavilion x360 is offering a bundle that includes NexiGo Wireless Mouse. It has been upgraded to 5GB Ram and 512GB SSD to give you the most performance and storage space. The glossy finish of this product will get your attention but the performance will make you to fall in love.
It runs on the 8th generation Intel Core i5 with a speed of up to 3.9 GHz and 4 cores. This is one of the best fanless laptops for those who are into mobile entertainment. The 15.6” diagonal screen offer micro-edge WLED-backlit HD display. However, the audio quality is superb. It comes with dual speakers featuring B&O audio and HP Audio Boost technologies that delivers immersive sound. This allows you to hear every detail with flawless clarity.
At just 2.24 pounds, it is lightweight and can make a good travel companion. There are a few setbacks we noticed with this product. The first the absence of a backlit keyboard. Using this product in an environment with poor light may be difficult. The battery lasts up to 7 hours which is not really impressive considering the huge price tag. Nevertheless, it’s perfect for entertainment.
Pros
- Bundled with NexiGo Wireless Mouse
- Large RAM and storage space
- B&O audio and HP Audio Boost technologies
- Lightweight
Cons
- Keyboard lacks a backlight
- Display is not Full HD
- Battery life could be better
Buying Guide for the Best Fanless Laptops
Fanless laptops present a whole new type of computing experience. Therefore, you will definitely get it wrong if you attempt to make your choice based on the minimum requirements of regular laptops. The first obvious difference is the type of processors they use. Our buying guide will help you to set your expectations right. Take a look at the following factors to consider as well as how they’ll affect you.
Processor
Fanless laptops make use of processors that produce less heat when compared to the standard processors. Intel Skylate Core M tend to outperform other types of processors. However, chip manufacturers are continuously pushing the limit and there are now Core i5 and higher for fanless laptops. Therefore, we recommend a minimum of Core M but for better performance, aim for Core i5 or higher—but it should come at a higher cost too.
RAM
The RAM size plays a huge role in determining how many programs your laptop can run at the same time. You will know that you are out of memory when programs start shutting down on their own or your laptop begins to freeze. The minimum RAM size you should settle for is 4GB. However, we strongly recommend at least 8GB.
Storage
All fanless laptops use SSD storage which is many times faster and quieter than HDD. So far, the highest we have seen for a fanless laptop is 512GB. However, laptops with those large storages are usually more expensive. We would recommend at least 128GB. Those who use their laptops for entertainment should consider going for at least 256GB. Another way around the limited storage of the fanless laptops is to get an external storage drive.
Battery Life
Fanless laptops tend to have batteries that last longer because of the lower energy consumption of their processors and the absence of a fan. Their thin nature makes them a good on-the-go companion but this experience can be hampered if they have a poor battery life. The best fanless laptops should be able to last at least 5 hours. However, students and those who are mostly on the field will need at least twice of that.
Display
A fanless laptop with 4K Ultra-High Definition display seems almost like a luxury. For most of the laptops in this category, the best you would get is either HD or Full HD. For us, the minimum you should settle for should be HD. Anything less than that will likely be a pain on the eyes.
Weight
There is no point of making a laptop so thing yet so heavy for you to carry around. When it comes to weight, any laptop above 3 pounds is considered heavy. If you move around a lot with your gadget, we strongly recommend that you get a laptop that is less than 3 pounds.
Price
Most of the best fanless laptops occupy the midrange price (usually $500 to $800). However, you can still find the highly budget friendly options below $300. One thing we noticed is that those on a lower price range usually have storage spaces and processors that are difficult to work with. We strongly recommend you save up and go for the midrange options—where possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dell XPS 13 fanless?
The new Dell XPS 13 is follows the design of the predecessor but has a larger screen and it is not fanless. Also, there is an improvement in the trackpad and keyboard as well as the original design.
How do fanless laptops stay cool?
Fanless laptops use the principle of conduction to stay cool. A heat conductor links the processor to a heat sink that dissipates the heat into the surrounding.
Do new laptops have fan?
With the increasing demand for lightweight laptops, most manufacturers tend to produce more fanless laptops to meet the growing demand. However, a larger percentage of new laptops still come with fans.
Do laptops with SSD have fans?
Most laptops with SSD still need fans to keep the processor and graphics card cool. However, SSD don’t spin like the HDD, therefore generate lesser heat. The need for a fan usually depend on the type of processor.
Do fanless laptops overheat?
Overheating is rare in a fanless laptop. However, after prolong use, dust may accumulate in head sync lowering their heat dissipation potential. Overheating is more likely if you use CPU intensive apps on them.
Do all laptops have cooling fans?
Most laptops have a cooling fan. However, fanless laptops don’t have fans but relies on heat conduction to keep the processor cool.
Conclusion
Fanless silent laptops are a whole new experience and it is OK to feel they fall short in performance when compared to your regular laptops with fans. However we would advise that you see them for what they are. Savor their positives like lightweight, faster SSD storage, as well as the potential of working in a quieter environment. If you prefer working on-the-go, the ultrabooks should give you the needed flexibility while the full-size laptops are better for those who need more computing power. A lot of thought and work went into the selection of our laptops but at the end of the day it is up to you to decide the best fit.