I knew I’d found my favorite computer of CES 2025 well before the event even began—back in early December, in fact. Even before I had a chance to check out what other PC makers were bringing to the table, ASUS had my attention with its new Zenbook A14. It’s the laptop ASUS playfully considered naming the “Zenbook Air,” and honestly, the name would’ve been spot-on.
Why? Because the Zenbook A14 is featherlight—tipping the scales at less than 2.2 pounds (or 1kg). That’s half a pound lighter than Apple’s lightest MacBook Air. But the real magic lies in how it outshines Apple’s ultraportable in almost every way. With a stunning 14-inch OLED screen, up to 32 hours of battery life, and thoughtful design details, it feels like a true evolution of what a lightweight laptop can be.
The one caveat? It’s powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X and X Elite chips, which means compatibility with older Windows apps (and some peripherals) might be limited. But that trade-off feels minor when you consider the rest of the package.
What struck me most about the Zenbook A14 wasn’t just its specs—it was how good it feels to hold. Its lightness is a huge factor, of course, but there’s also ASUS’s unique Ceraluminum material. This isn’t your standard laptop metal; it has a texture and feel that stands out. ASUS has been using Ceraluminum in its premium products for a while, but the Zenbook A14 takes it further, wrapping practically every surface in this innovative material—from the lid to the keyboard deck to the bottom.
ASUS packed the Zenbook A14 with practical design touches that make it a joy to use. For starters, it opens effortlessly with one hand—a small but meaningful feature, enabled by a refined hinge that perfectly balances the laptop’s light frame. Despite its slim profile, the A14 doesn’t skimp on ports. It offers one USB Type-A, two USB-C ports, HDMI 2.1, and even a headphone jack—connectivity options that are now unheard of on a MacBook Air.
The keyboard and trackpad are equally impressive for a laptop this thin. The keys offer 1.3mm of travel—not the deepest, but perfectly adequate for casual typing. The trackpad is smooth and responsive, rounding out the overall experience. Other premium features include a 1080p IR camera for secure logins, Dolby Atmos-supported speakers for rich audio, and Wi-Fi 7 for lightning-fast connectivity. It’s clear ASUS didn’t cut corners, making this a full-featured laptop that’s ready for the future.
The Zenbook A14 starts at $900 for the version with a Snapdragon X Plus processor, 16GB of RAM, and a slightly heavier 2.4-pound design. But if you’re looking for the ultralight experience, the 2.18-pound model is available for $1,100. That configuration includes a Snapdragon X Elite chip and 32GB of RAM, making it a powerhouse for multitasking and portability.
The ASUS Zenbook A14 feels like a game-changer. It’s not just an alternative to the MacBook Air—it’s a genuine competitor that redefines what you can expect from an ultraportable laptop in 2025. With thoughtful design, impressive specs, and a price point that undercuts many of its rivals, the Zenbook A14 is easily one of the most exciting laptops of the year. If portability and performance are your priorities, this might just be your dream machine.
