5 Best Energy Saving Laptops 2025

Choosing an energy saving laptop cuts your power bill and carbon footprint in one move. Below you'll find the most energy efficient laptops this year, plus expert tips to boost computer energy efficiency on any device.

New to sustainable tech? Read our starter guide on smart home technology .

What Makes a Laptop Energy Efficient?

Flat vector illustration of an energy efficient laptop with icons for battery, SSD, microchip, green leaf, and power button

Efficient processors & chipsets: ARM based Apple M series, Qualcomm Snapdragon, or Intel "U series" CPUs maximise performance per watt.
Low power graphics & displays: Integrated GPUs and LED/OLED screens with adaptive brightness save watts.
SSD storage: Faster data, lower energy draw versus HDDs.
Smart power settings: Eco or battery saver modes throttle resources when idle.
Energy Star / EPEAT Gold: Verified low electricity use throughout a product's life cycle.

Top Energy Saving Laptops at a Glance

Model	Processor	Battery Life	Certifications	Highlight
Apple MacBook Air M2 (13″)	Apple M2 (ARM)	Up to 18 h	Energy Star, EPEAT Gold	Fanless, ultra-efficient
Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Gen 4	Intel Core i5 (U-series)	≈ 12 h	Energy Star, EPEAT Gold, TCO	Upgradeable, 40% lower energy use
Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 (2024)	Snapdragon 8cx Gen3 (ARM)	≈ 17 h	Energy Star, EPEAT Gold	Large 15″ display, fanless
Dell XPS 13 (9315)	Intel Core i7-1250U	10-12 h	Energy Star, EPEAT Gold	Intel Evo, compact design
HP Elite Dragonfly G3	Intel Core i7-1265U	≈ 14 h	Energy Star, EPEAT Gold	Lightweight magnesium body

Top view of a modern home office desk with three energy efficient ultra slim laptops, a steaming coffee mug, and a potted succulent on a wooden surface

1. Apple MacBook Air M2 - Fanless, All Day Efficiency

Apple's ARM based M2 chip runs circles around many Intel CPUs while using a fraction of the power. Expect a whisper quiet energy efficient laptop with 12 - 15 hours of real world use, Energy Star compliance, and recyclable aluminum enclosure.

2. Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Gen 4 - Low Consumption, High Sustainability

Built with recycled plastics and Lenovo Power Manager, the L13 Gen 4 reportedly slashes consumption by 40% versus legacy models. It ticks every box for a business ready energy saving computer.

3. Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 - ARM-Powered Marathon Runner

Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8cx brings smartphone style efficiency to Windows, squeezing roughly 17 hours from a single charge. Perfect for road warriors seeking a full size display without the tether.

4. Dell XPS 13 (9315) - Sleek & Efficient Ultrabook

Intel's hybrid i7 1250U balances performance and efficiency, while Dell's InfinityEdge display keeps power draw low. A premium energy saving laptop for commuters and creators alike.

5. HP Elite Dragonfly G3 - Business Class Efficiency Champion

Weighing under 1 kg yet lasting 14+ hours, the Dragonfly G3 proves enterprise laptops can be energy saving PCs. It's EPEAT Gold and built from ocean bound plastics.

How to Boost Computer Energy Efficiency

Hand adjusting laptop screen brightness slider in a dimly lit room with green ambient light

Lower display brightness: Dropping to 60% can add an extra hour of runtime.
Enable eco / battery saver mode: On Windows, macOS, or Linux (e.g. TLP).
Disconnect peripherals: USB drives and RGB accessories drain power even when idle.
Use mindful charging habits: Avoid constant 100% charge, enable optimized battery charging where available.

Environmental Impact of Energy Saving Laptops

Modern laptop on a wooden desk beside a potted plant and a green recycling symbol in the background

Switching to an energy efficient computer slashes electricity related CO₂ emissions, reduces e-waste through longer life cycles, and supports brands investing in greener supply chains.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most energy efficient laptop today?

ARM based models such as Microsoft's Surface Laptop 15 and Apple MacBook Air M2 top 2025 charts, each surpassing 15 hours of mixed usage on battery.

What makes a computer energy efficient?

A low voltage CPU/GPU, SSD storage, power smart firmware, and certifications like Energy Star ensure minimal electricity draw.

Are desktops or laptops more energy efficient?

Laptops (20-50 W) beat desktops (100-200 W). You can build an energy saving desktop, but portables remain the efficiency champs.

Do energy saving laptops sacrifice performance?

No. Modern efficient chips (Apple M series, Intel Evo, Snapdragon 8cx) deliver top tier everyday performance while sipping power.

Conclusion

The most energy efficient laptops of 2025 prove you no longer need to choose between power and sustainability. Upgrade wisely and you'll enjoy longer battery life, a cooler machine, and a smaller environmental footprint. Looking for more ways to live green? Check out our guide to cutting carbon at home .