Best Battery Life Laptops of 2026

The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) is powered by the Apple M3 chip, featuring an 8-core CPU with a balance of performance and efficiency cores. This architecture is designed to optimize power consumption while delivering impressive processing capabilities, making it ideal for everyday computing tasks and more intensive applications. In contrast, the LG gram 17" utilizes the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, part of the Meteor Lake series, offering 16 cores and speeds up to 4.8 GHz. This makes the LG gram a powerhouse capable of handling demanding workloads, although it may consume more power under heavy use compared to the MacBook Air. Both laptops utilize advanced neural processing units (NPU), with the MacBook Air integrating a 16-core Neural Engine and the LG gram featuring Intel's AI Boost. These NPUs enhance machine learning tasks, contributing to smoother performance in AI-driven applications. Ultimately, if raw processing power and multitasking are priorities, the LG gram may offer an edge, while the MacBook Air's efficiency is suited for balanced usage.

The display technology in these laptops also presents notable differences. The MacBook Air 13-inch features a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1664, offering vibrant colors and a brightness up to 500 nits. This display is well-suited for users who prioritize color accuracy and brightness, making it a great fit for creative professionals. On the other hand, the LG gram 17" offers a larger 17-inch WQXGA IPS touchscreen with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 and a color gamut covering 99% of DCI-P3. Despite its larger size, the LG gram's display is slightly dimmer at 350 nits, which may affect visibility in bright environments. However, its touchscreen capability adds an extra layer of interactivity, beneficial for users who prefer touch input. Both displays operate at a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is adequate for most tasks but may not satisfy users looking for the ultra-smooth motion found in 120Hz panels.

Battery life is a standout feature for both laptops, with the MacBook Air offering up to 18 hours of usage thanks to its efficient M3 chip and 52.6 Wh lithium-polymer battery. This makes it ideal for users needing a device that can last through a full day of work or travel without needing a recharge. The LG gram 17" also offers impressive battery longevity with its 77 Wh battery, designed to support its larger display and more powerful hardware. Although the LG gram's battery life is exceptional for its size, the MacBook Air's fanless design contributes to its lighter weight of 2.7 lbs, enhancing its portability. In comparison, the LG gram weighs slightly more at 3.12 lbs but remains one of the lightest 17-inch laptops available. Portability considerations should include not only the weight but also the overall size and ease of carrying the device, with the MacBook Air being more compact due to its smaller footprint.