Power packs that come with regular laptops can easily add to the bulk of your load. Also, they often tend to charge the batteries at a slower pace. However, that is changing already with the coming of USB-C. In addition to supporting superfast data transfer, the USB-C of some laptops come with charging functionality. Lenovo has capitalized on this new charging capability to create a power bank for laptops—but that is a story for another day.
If you are here, we reckon that you are searching for the best USB-C laptops. Like we already hinted, not all laptops with USB-C support charging. Finding the ones that do may be a difficult task. Also, not all the laptops with USB-C are worth your money for one reason or another. Finding the right laptop with all the specs suitable for modern-day computing can be a serious challenge. Solving these nagging problems is the reason why we created this list.
Review of the Best USB-C Laptops
All USB-C chargers are not on the same lane. Some computers can only be charged by their own USB-C chargers while others accept universal USB-C chargers. We have done the hard work so that you will have an easier time making your choice. It is important to pay attention to these details to avoid disappointment. Enough said, have a look at our best USB-C laptops below.
MacBook Pro – Best overall
Apple MacBook Pro squeezes in 4 USB-C ports on this one. Two of those ports are Thunderbolt 3 with charging and DisplayPort compatibilities while the remaining two are USB 3.1 gen 3 with up to 10 Gbps transfer speed. One of the ports can support up to 6K display. And it comes with a 61W USB-C charger that is 2m long. But that is not the only reason why the MacBook Pro is a stunner. This laptop boasts of a Retina Display (2560 x 1600 resolution) with True Tone technology.
It runs on the 8th generation Intel Core i5 quad core processor with a speed of up to 3.9 GHz. The USB-C ports are not the only new additions. It comes with a Touch Bar which you can customize with shortcuts to make your navigation and use of certain software faster. There is also a Touch ID that provides biometric safety. For this product you will get 256GB SSD storage. However, there is an option for you to choose between 512GB and 1TB when making your purchase.
MacBook Pro 13 can last up to 10 hours on wireless web surfing—and even more on light use. Although it is the lowest in the series but it is still something. Irrespective of all the cool features, the manufacturers were still able to keep the weight fair at 3.1 pound. The only major problem most people will likely have is the high cost. Overcome that and you have a masterpiece to brag about.
Pros
- Multiple USB-C ports with charging capability
- Retina Display with True Tone technology
- Large storage options
- Touch Bar for customizing shortcuts
- Up to 10 hours of wireless web surfing
Cons
- No provision for other types of USB ports
- Pricey
Dell XPS 13 – Best laptop that charge with USB-C
Not all laptops with USB-C supports charging but Dell XPS 13 does. From the design to performance, there are loads of features that come with this laptop that will steal your admiration. In terms of design, the InfinityEdge Full HD display and tiny bezels give you a lot to talk about. The screen boasts of vibrant colors and has anti-reflective properties with superior 400-nit brightness. These features make outdoor entertainment possible without irritating your eyes.
At a first glance, it is easy to see that this one was built for strength and performance. The body is cut from a single block of aluminum which is more durable. Also, it runs on the 10th generation Intel Core i7 with 6 cores for improved performance. Another endearing feature is the Gore thermal insulation with a thermal conductivity level that is lower than air. This is the first of its kind in a laptop. It is ideal for entertainment, thanks to the deeper bass, 3D sound, greater volume, and Waves MaxxAudio Pro.
It comes with 256GB SSD storage and 16GB RAM, all of which work together to deliver fast multitasking experience. Dell Mobile Connect integrates your laptop with your smartphone so you can call, text, and interact with all your favorite mobile apps straight from your phone. The critical features of this laptop that may be a problem are its 5.69 pounds weight and high price. Overcome these and enjoy the best of USB-C charging.
Pros
- InfinityEdge Full HD display
- Cut from a single block of aluminum
- Gore thermal insulation
- Improved sound with Waves MaxxAudio Pro
- Dell Mobile Connect integrates your laptop and smartphone
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Large weight might limit flexible usage
Asus ZenBook 13 – Best for creative
Asus ZebBook 13 is a quantum leap from the ZenBook 3 that has just a solitary USB-C port. This one offers 2x USB 3.1 gen 1 ports and 1x USB-C port with charging capability. However, the true beauty of this laptop lies in its portability. At just 2.60 pounds and with a battery of up to 14 hours, you can pick it up and take it anywhere you go. It runs on the 8th generation Intel Core i7 with 16GB RAM for seamless multitasking.
The NanoEdge screen design has a Full HD gives a more immersive viewing experience. You won’t help but drool over the exclusive Asus NumberPad. With just a single tap, your trackpad transforms into a numeric keypad which helps to fast-track your data entry tasks. When you open the laptop, the ErgoLift design tilts the keyboard at an angle which makes typing easier. The military standard body was designed to outlast the price.
Asus ZenBook 13 makes use of the Harman Kardon-certified audio system which has a combination of hardware and software that boost volume by up to 3.5x. Other interesting features are the backlit keyboard, fingerprint sensor, and 2×2 dual band Wi-Fi. ZenBook 13 is still slightly expensive and the Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) is not available to everyone.
Pros
- USB-C port with charging capability
- Up to 14 hours of battery life
- NanoEdge screen design has a Full HD
- Trackpad doubles as NumberPad
- Harman Kardon-certified audio system
- ErgoLift design for better typing and cooling
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- ADP is only available in US and Canada
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 – Best for entertainment
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 was elegantly designed to provide seamless entertainment for those that need it. This is one of the best laptops that charge with USB-C. The port can also connect to docking stations, displays, and more. The screen resolution can reach 2256 x 1504. This is in addition to the sleek, elegant design and enticing colors. It combines the powerful Intel Core i5 quad-core processor with 8GB RAM to deliver seamless multitasking experience.
Another outstanding feature of this laptop is the 11.5 hours battery life—but that is just half of the story. In addition to the huge battery life, it incorporates a fast charging technology that shoots you from zero to 80% in just 1 hour. It comes with 128GB SSD storage, although you can choose a version with up to 1TB when making your purchase—but the price will certainly be higher.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 has limited number of ports which can be a huge limitation. However, you can get around this using the Microsoft Surface Dock. At 3.40 pounds, it can be classified as slightly heavy. The price is not entirely budget-friendly too. However, if you are looking for quality entertainment, Surface Laptop 3 is definitely one of the best ultrabooks with USB type c.
Pros
- USB-C supports charging
- High screen resolution and good processor
- Up to 11.5 hours of battery life
- Fast charging technology
Cons
- Limited number of ports
- Slightly expensive
Razer Blade Stealth – Best gaming laptop with USB-C
Manufacturers of gaming laptops are constantly pushing the limit and Razer Blade Stealth has just brought the power and versatility of USB-C to gamers. You can choose between Full HD and UHD 4K touch display—whichever tickles your fancy. It comes with NVIDIA GeForce MX 150 with 4GB dedicated graphics RAM to power your gaming experience to another level. It runs on the 8th generation Intel Core i7 with pairs well with 16GB RAM to deliver speed as you have never seen before.
Having a weight of 2.90 pounds and a battery that can last for up to 13 hours points to the fact that this laptop was designed for mobility. It has the exclusive Razer Chroma keyboard which delivers single-zone RGB lighting for precision control irrespective of the light quality of your environment. The casing was milled from a single block of aluminum for maximum durability.
Like Surface Laptop 3, Razer Blade Stealth has limited number of ports. However, unlike other laptops, Razer Blade Stealth makes use of 4 stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos for greater audio boost and clarity. It has IR camera that allows you to sign in using facial recognition. In terms of storage, you will get 256GB SSD. All these come at a huge price which many may not be able to pay.
Pros
- NVIDIA GeForce MX 150 with 4GB dedicated graphics RAM
- Up to 13 hours of battery life
- Razer Chroma keyboard with precision touchpad
- Comes with 4 stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
- Biometric protection
Cons
- Pricey
- Limited number of ports
Asus Chromebook Flip C434 – Best Chromebook
Chromebooks usually have attractive thin design while a few of them have flexible 360 degrees hinge that can transform it from a laptop to a tablet. Asus Chromebook Flip C434 has it all. The NanoEdge Full HD 4-way display will catch your attention but there is more on the inside. You can use it in the laptop, tent, stand, or tablet mode—whichever works best at each point in time.
This laptop runs on the Intel Core m3 processor with a speed of up to 3.4 GHz. This pairs with a 4GB RAM to deliver superfast computing experience. Since it makes use of the Chrome OS operating system, you can get all the apps you love and work or play seamlessly as you go. At just 3.30 pounds and with a battery of up to 10 hours, it can tag along wherever you go.
Asus Chromebook Flip C434 is crafted with a precision all-aluminum body with diamond-cut anodized edges for elegant look and improved durability. The backlit keyboard and touchpad with palm-rejection will all come in handy at various times. It is one of the few USB 3.1 laptops with 3 ports of the same generation. Asus crowns a stylish design with dual high-quality stereo speakers and large resonant chambers that generates high-fidelity audio. There is actually little to hate here.
Pros
- NanoEdge Full HD 4-way display
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Access to apps on Google Play Store
- Backlit keyboard and touchpad with palm-rejection
- Dual high-quality stereo speakers
Cons
- Storage space is only 64GB
- Slightly heavy
HP Spectre x360 – Best sound
Sometimes it is OK to follow the sound. Among the type c laptops, HP Spectre x360 stands out in terms of sound. Thanks to the Bang & Olufsen HP Quad speakers which bring premium sound to your personal computing device. It literarily brings your entertainment to life with sound you can feel. This laptop is powered by the 8th generation Intel Core i7 quad-core processor with a speed of up to 4 GHz. This works with 16GB RAM to deliver fluid multitasking.
The impressive HD Active Stylus Pen and USB-C with Thunderbolt support are two features that really stand out with this product. However, this is in no way relegating the Full HD IPS Widescreen display with exceptional colors and clarity. It also comes with fingerprint reader that adds a biometric layer of security. This laptop is convertible. You can detach the screen and use it as a big tablet.
If you are heavy on multimedia, you will definitely be excited by the 512GB SSD that comes with this one. On the average, expect a battery life of about 7 hours. HP Spectre x360 is lightweight at just 2.92 pounds. This is one of the laptops that you will easily fall in love with at a first glance—and marry for life when you use it.
Pros
- Bang & Olufsen HP Quad speakers
- USB-C with Thunderbolt support
- HD Active Stylus Pen
- Convertible 2-in-1 laptop
- Large storage space
- Biometric protection
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- Slightly expensive
LG Gram – Best battery life
LG Gram is one of the few ultrabooks with USB type c that will instantly grab your attention if your main focus is battery life. It boasts of up to 24.5 hours of battery life—one feature you need to give a spin. At 2.1 pounds, this is one of the slimmest and lightest laptops you will ever come across. You can carry it with just 2 fingers. It is powered by the 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor which pairs with 8GB RAM for a smooth, lag-free computing experience.
This laptop is designed with premium Nano carbon magnesium full metal body that gives it a military-grade durability. This makes it tougher than regular laptops not withstanding its lightweight. It has a built-in DTS Headphone:X processing which delivers stunning audio experience with 11.1 audio channels. Poorly lit environment will never stop your workflow, thanks to the backlit keyboard.
LG Gram has a touchpad that supports up to four-finger multi-touch gestures. Its 13.3” IPS screen offers full HD display with a support for broad color gamut. The combination of these delivers a lifelike picture quality. In terms of storage, you will get 256GB SSD space. This laptop is most suitable for those on mid-range budget and certainly one of the best USB-C laptops
Pros
- Battery life of up to 24.5 hours
- Extremely lightweight
- Premium Nano carbon magnesium full metal body
- Built-in DTS Headphone:X processing
Cons
- Storage space is potentially insufficient
- Processor speed is questionable
Newest Lenovo Ideapad 14 – Best budget
You don’t need a $1,000 budget to be able to afford a USB-C powered laptop—and this Lenovo Ideapad confirms it. Inasmuch as it is a low-budget laptop, it comes with USB-C that supports charging. However, the low price does not water down the experience you will have. In addition to that, it also has 2x USB 3.0 ports. You will also get a Full HD anti-glare display with impressive color and clarity.
Another thing you will admire about laptop is the 720p HD webcam and the dual 2×2 Wi-Fi band. You can finally call your friends on video with better clarity. It runs on AMD Dual Core A6 with a speed of up to 2.7 GHz when turbo boosted. It pairs with 4GB RAM to deliver a fairly smooth multitasking experience—up to some limits.
The graphics card is the Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics which has its own limitations too. Like you would expect with all budget product, there is usually a gaping flaw. For this one it is the storage space. You will only get 64GB eMMC storage. Also, it weighs 5.29 pounds which is something you need to bear in mind if you move around a lot. When budget is of the essence, this would make a great choice.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Full HD anti-glare display
- Dual 2×2 Wi-Fi band
- Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
Cons
- Large weigh may limit flexible use
- Disappointing storage space
Asus VivoBook F510UA – Best Display
When it comes to the best display, you cannot take it away from Asus Vivobook. Inasmuch as its USB-C port doesn’t support charging, it still gives you all the power to transfer files at lightning speed. The NanoEdge, anti-glare Full HD display of this laptop’s 15.6” screen which is further enhanced with Asus Tru2Life Video technology is simply captivating. This laptop is powered by the 8th generation Intel Core i5 with a speed of up to 3.4 GHz.
In terms of connectivity, you will get USB 3.1 Type C, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and HDMI. That is basically all the types of connections available giving you the option of choosing which works best for you. Unlike all the other products on this list, this one offers 8GB RAM and 1TB HDD. Although SSD is a faster option but the HDD dives you enough space to carry all your favorite files.
Other features like ergonomic chicklet keyboard and fingerprint sensor are hard to miss. Inasmuch as this is a midrange laptop, you will get only about 5 hours of battery life which is a bit disappointing. Also, it weighs 3.7 pounds which is another factor that you should consider before making your payment. It certainly deserves a spot on this list
Pros
- Multiple port options
- Large storage space
- NanoEdge display with Asus Tru2Life Video technology
- Slightly affordable
Cons
- Battery life is disappointing
- Large weight can deter flexible use
Buyer’s guide to Best USB-C Laptops
Inasmuch as this list is about the best USB-C laptops, we bet that you are looking for more than just ports. Therefore, we looked at other factors in selecting our list and we made sure that this list is as diverse as possible to fit different types of users. It is OK if you want to carry out your own research but you need to bear the following factors in mind.
USB Ports
You have to decide if you need just USB-C ports all you still want to retain your traditional ports as well as how many of each types you want. Also, like we already mentioned, you have to decide if you need a USB-C port with charging capability or just for file transfer. Apple MacBook Pro has 4 USB-C with no other types of ports while Asus Vivobook has one of all the types of port. The choice is up to you.
Screen Size and Resolution
From 11” all the way up to 17”, you will find laptops with USB-C ports. If you work with spreadsheet or use your device for games, larger screens mostly bring better experience. In terms of resolution, the minimum you should accept should be Full HD. It is not a fluke that all the products on our list has this as their minimum. The better the resolution, the less you will have to strain your eyes.
Storage Space
Exception of Chromebooks, 256GB SSD storage seems like the perfect entry-level storage space. If you choose a Chromebook, you need to rely on the 100GB cloud storage offered by Google. Also, you need to choose between HDD and SSD. The former is usually cheaper with larger space but less efficient like the SSD.
RAM
The size of the RAM is critical depending on the level of multitasking you intend doing with your laptop. For this list we kept the minimum at 4GB. Always aim higher especially if you intend running demanding software like games or graphic designing software.
Battery Life
The minimum battery life you should accept from any laptop is 5 hours. If you move around a lot, aim for 10 hours. You should also keep your eyes open for laptops with fast charging technology.
Portability
Since USB-C is a relatively new innovation, the laptops that come with this option are usually new products. Manufacturers are increasingly minimizing the size of their products so expect that most laptops in this range would be thin. Thin doesn’t always mean lightweight. We consider laptops that are below 3 pounds as lightweight. If you move around a lot, the weight of a laptop is a critical point to consider.
Price
From budget to midrange to the expensive options, we took our time to find the best products across different price categories. For this particular list we would suggest you focus less on the price and more on other components unless you are really on a stiff budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I charge my laptop with USB-C?
USB-C is a universal charging standard. What this means is that you can plug in any charger and power your laptop. This eliminates the limitation of power packs. However, some manufacturers like HP still limit USB-C charging to their unique chargers alone. Always verify before making your purchase. Also bear in mind that not all USB-C support charging.
- Can I charge my Asus laptop with USB-C?
This will depend on the model of your laptop. Most Asus laptops with USB-C support charging but others don’t. Older USB-C will most likely not charge.
- What is DP USB-C?
This means a USB-C that supports DisplayPort. This unique feature allows you to project display from your laptop to an external connector. It can support a resolution of up to 4K.
- Can I charge my USB-C laptop with my phone charger?
The answer is technically yes. USB-C is a universal charging standard which means it doesn’t matter the charger, it should be able to power your laptop. However, always bear in mind that not all USB-C ports have charging feature.
- What laptops can charge via USB-C?
If you go through our list, we clearly mentioned those that support charging and those that don’t.
Conclusion
Without doubt, USB-C ports with charging compatibility is the next big thing that will hit the world of electronics and the best time to prepare for it is now. However, while you shop for laptops with USB-C ports, don’t ignore all the other features. If you are not sure of what to accept from a laptop, refer to our Buying Guide to see all the necessary features, how they can impact your experience as well as the minimum spec you should accept. If you find this review helpful, be kind enough to share with your friends. This is the farthest we can go, the rest of the decision is left for you.