Adam Levell, Author at iTech Level

Best MacBook for Video Editing (2026): M5, M5 Pro or M5 Max?

MacBooks for video editing compared

Model	Best for	Memory	ProRes engines	Display	Weight	From	Buy
MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Pro)	Best overall	24GB and up	1	14.2″ XDR, 1,000 nits SDR, 120Hz	3.5 lb	$2,499	—
MacBook Pro 14 (M5)	Best value	16–32GB	Yes (hardware ProRes)	14.2″ XDR, 1,000 nits SDR, 120Hz	3.4 lb	$1,999	—
MacBook Pro 14 or 16 (M5 Max)	8K, multicam, colour	Up to 128GB	2	14.2″ or 16.2″ XDR	3.6 / 4.7 lb	$4,099	—
MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro)	Biggest screen	24GB and up	1	16.2″ XDR, 120Hz	4.7 lb	$2,999	Check price
MacBook Air 15 (M5)	Light editing on a budget	16–32GB	Yes (hardware ProRes)	15.3″ Liquid Retina, 500 nits	3.3 lb	$1,499	Check price

Specs from Apple’s tech specs pages for the 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/M5 Max), 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/M5 Max), 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5) and 15-inch MacBook Air (M5). Starting prices from Apple’s March 2026 announcement.

The best MacBooks for video editing

1. MacBook Pro 14 with M5 Pro: best overall

The M5 Pro model is the sweet spot for editing. Apple offers the chip with a 15- or 18-core CPU and a 16- or 20-core GPU, 307GB/s of memory bandwidth, and a dedicated ProRes encode/decode engine. It starts with 1TB of storage. The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display reaches 1,000 nits in SDR and 1,600 nits peak for HDR, with 120Hz ProMotion, so you can judge HDR footage on the laptop itself. You also get three Thunderbolt 5 ports for fast external SSDs, plus HDMI and an SDXC slot for camera cards, in a 3.5 lb body rated for up to 22 hours of video streaming.

Good to know: spec it with at least 24GB of memory for 4K timelines with effects. Neither the memory nor the internal storage can be upgraded later, so buy what you’ll need.

Check the MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Pro) on Amazon →

2. MacBook Pro 14 with M5: best value

The base 14-inch MacBook Pro is the cheapest way to get the XDR display, HDMI and an SD card slot. It starts at $1,999 with 1TB of storage, after Apple’s June 2026 price increase. The M5 has a 10-core CPU, a 10-core GPU and hardware acceleration for H.264, HEVC, ProRes and ProRes RAW. Unlike the MacBook Air, it has a fan, so long exports hold their speed. It’s a good fit for YouTube, wedding and social video work in 4K.

Good to know: memory tops out at 32GB, bandwidth is 153GB/s, and the ports are Thunderbolt 4 rather than 5. Heavy multicam, 8K or complex Fusion and After Effects work will push you toward the M5 Pro.

Check the MacBook Pro 14 (M5) on Amazon →

3. MacBook Pro with M5 Max: best for 8K, multicam and colour grading

The M5 Max doubles the ProRes engines to two, which speeds up exports of multiple ProRes streams. It supports up to 128GB of unified memory with 460–614GB/s of bandwidth depending on the GPU, and starts with 2TB of storage. Apple says it’s up to 3x faster than the M4 Max in DaVinci Resolve Studio in its own testing. It comes in both sizes: the 14-inch at 3.6 lb, or the 16-inch at 4.7 lb for the larger screen.

Good to know: at $4,099 and up, it only pays off if your projects actually hit the limits of the M5 Pro. The 14-inch M5 Max is rated for slightly less battery life than the M5 Pro (20 vs 22 hours of video streaming).

Check MacBook Pro M5 Max models on Amazon →

4. MacBook Pro 16 with M5 Pro: best for a bigger screen

If you edit mostly at a desk but still travel, the 16-inch gives you a 16.2-inch XDR panel (3456 × 2234) with room for a full timeline and viewer, and it’s rated for up to 24 hours of video streaming. It has the same ports and M5 Pro chip options as the 14-inch.

Good to know: at 4.7 lb it’s over a pound heavier than the 14-inch, and it starts at $2,999.

Check the MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro) on Amazon →

5. MacBook Air 15 with M5: best for light editing on a budget

The MacBook Air uses the same M5 chip family, with hardware ProRes support, 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage as standard. The 15-inch model has the 10-core GPU and weighs 3.3 lb, starting at $1,499; the 13-inch starts at $1,299 with an 8-core GPU. For short-form social video, vlogs and simple 4K edits, it’s plenty.

Good to know: it has no fan, so long exports and effects-heavy timelines slow down as it heats up. The 500-nit display isn’t an XDR panel, so it’s not suited to HDR grading. There’s no HDMI or SD slot, just two Thunderbolt 4 ports. If you find last year’s MacBook Air 15 (M4) heavily discounted, it’s a reasonable alternative for the same kind of work.

Check the MacBook Air 15 (M5) on Amazon →

What matters most for video editing on a Mac

Memory: 16GB is fine for 1080p and light 4K. Choose 24–36GB for regular 4K work with effects, and 48GB or more for 8K, heavy Fusion or After Effects. Unified memory can’t be upgraded after purchase.
Storage: 1TB is a practical minimum for the system and active projects. Keep media on a fast external SSD; Thunderbolt 5 on the M5 Pro and M5 Max models helps here.
ProRes and codecs: every M5 MacBook here accelerates H.264, HEVC and ProRes in hardware. The M5 Max’s second ProRes engine matters mainly for multicam and multiple ProRes streams.
Display: the MacBook Pro’s XDR panel (1,000 nits SDR, 1,600 nits HDR peak) is the one to have if you grade HDR. The Air’s 500-nit panel is fine for SDR work.
Cooling: MacBook Pros have fans and sustain performance on long exports. The fanless Air slows down under sustained load.
Ports: HDMI and an SDXC slot on the MacBook Pro save you from carrying dongles for monitors and camera cards.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best MacBook for video editing in 2026?

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro is the best MacBook for most video editors in 2026. It combines a dedicated ProRes engine, a 1,000-nit XDR display, HDMI and SD card ports, Thunderbolt 5 and 1TB of storage as standard. The M5 Max is worth it for 8K, heavy multicam or colour grading.

Is the MacBook Air good for video editing?

For light editing, yes. The M5 MacBook Air has hardware ProRes support and 16GB of memory as standard, which handles short-form and simple 4K projects. It has no fan, though, so long exports slow down, and it lacks an XDR display, HDMI and an SD card slot. Skip the cheaper MacBook Neo for editing: its 8GB of memory can’t be upgraded.

How much RAM do I need on a MacBook for video editing?

16GB is enough for 1080p and light 4K editing. 24–36GB is better for regular 4K work with effects, and 48GB or more suits 8K and heavy effects. Mac memory can’t be upgraded later, so buy what you’ll need for the life of the laptop.

Is the M5 Pro or M5 Max better for video editing?

The M5 Pro is the better value for most editors. The M5 Max adds a second ProRes engine, more GPU cores, more memory bandwidth and up to 128GB of memory, which helps with 8K, multicam and heavy colour grading, but it costs $1,600 more to start.

Should I get the 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro for editing?

The 14-inch if you travel often: it’s about 3.5 lb with the M5 Pro. The 16-inch if you edit mostly at a desk and want more room for your timeline: it’s 4.7 lb and rated for up to 24 hours of video streaming with the M5 Pro.

Best Sony Headphones for Gaming (2026): INZONE vs 1000X

Sony gaming headphones compared

Model	Best for	Connection	Noise cancelling	Battery	Weight	Buy
INZONE H9 II	Best overall	2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth, 3.5 mm	Yes	Up to 30 hr (ANC on)	About 260 g	Check price
INZONE H5	Best value (PC/PS5)	2.4GHz dongle, 3.5 mm	No	Up to 28 hr	About 260 g	Check price
PlayStation Pulse Elite	Best for PS5	PlayStation Link, Bluetooth	No	Up to 30 hr	About 340 g	Check price
INZONE Buds	Best earbuds	2.4GHz USB-C dongle, Bluetooth LE Audio	Yes	Up to 12 hr (24 hr with case)	About 6.5 g per bud	Check price
INZONE H3	Best budget (wired)	Wired	No	None needed	About 299 g	Check price
WH-1000XM6 / XM5	Music first, casual gaming	Bluetooth, 3.5 mm	Yes (class-leading)	Around 30 hr	About 250 g	—

Specs from Sony and PlayStation product pages and listings. Weights are approximate and exclude detachable mics.

Are Sony headphones good for gaming?

It depends on which family you mean. Sony makes two very different kinds of headphones:

Gaming headsets (INZONE and PlayStation): they connect through a dedicated low-latency wireless dongle or PlayStation Link, have a boom or built-in mic designed for voice chat, and work with a PS5 out of the box. These are the ones to buy if gaming is the main job.
Everyday headphones (WH-1000X, ULT, WH-CH series): they connect over Bluetooth, which adds noticeable delay, and consoles like the PS5 and Xbox don’t send game audio over Bluetooth at all. Plugged in with a 3.5 mm cable they have no lag, but on the 1000X models the headset mic stops working when wired.

If you already own a pair of XM4s, XM5s or XM6s, you can game with them: see our guides to the Sony XM4 for gaming and the XM5 and XM6 for gaming. For the numbers behind Bluetooth lag, see can you use Bluetooth headphones for gaming.

The best Sony headphones for gaming

1. Sony INZONE H9 II: best overall

The INZONE H9 II is the Sony headset that does everything. It uses the same drivers as the WH-1000XM6, adds active noise cancelling, and connects three ways: a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle for low-latency play on PC and PS5, Bluetooth (including LE Audio) for your phone, and a 3.5 mm cable. The detachable cardioid boom mic is a real gaming mic, which the 1000X line doesn’t have. At about 260 g without the mic and with a suspension headband, it’s light for a wireless headset, and Sony rates the battery at up to 30 hours with ANC on.

Good to know: it’s the priciest Sony gaming headset, and RTINGS’ review is a useful read on its sound and mic before you buy. If you mostly play on PS5 and don’t need ANC, the H5 or Pulse Elite costs less.

Check the INZONE H9 II on Amazon →

2. Sony INZONE H5: best value for PC and PS5

The INZONE H5 keeps what matters for gaming and drops the extras. You get the 2.4GHz dongle (plus a 3.5 mm option), a bidirectional boom mic with AI-based noise reduction, 40 mm drivers, up to 28 hours of battery and the same light 260 g build. On PS5 it shows on-screen settings and game/chat balance automatically.

Good to know: there’s no active noise cancelling and no Bluetooth, so it can’t double as your phone headphones. SoundGuys’ review covers its sound and mic in detail.

Check the INZONE H5 on Amazon →

3. PlayStation Pulse Elite: best for PS5 owners

Made by Sony Interactive for PlayStation, the Pulse Elite uses planar magnetic drivers and PlayStation Link, a lossless low-latency wireless connection that works with the PS5, PC, Mac and the PlayStation Portal. It can stay connected to your game over PlayStation Link and to your phone over Bluetooth at the same time. The mic retracts into the earcup, the battery is rated at up to 30 hours, and a 10-minute charge gives about 2 hours (PlayStation specs).

Good to know: at around 340 g it’s the heaviest pick here, there’s no ANC, and PlayStation Link on PC needs the included USB adapter.

Check the Pulse Elite on Amazon →

4. Sony INZONE Buds: best gaming earbuds

If you want gaming audio without a headset, the INZONE Buds connect through a small USB-C dongle with latency Sony rates at under 30 ms, which also makes them a good fit for a Switch, a Steam Deck or an Android phone with USB-C. They add active noise cancelling, Bluetooth LE Audio, and an AI noise-reducing mic. Sony’s specs list up to 12 hours of play on the dongle (11 hours with ANC on) and about 6.5 g per bud.

Good to know: a mic in an earbud can’t match a boom mic for voice clarity, so squad-chat regulars may prefer the H9 II or H5.

Check the INZONE Buds on Amazon →

5. Sony INZONE H3: best budget (wired)

The INZONE H3 is Sony’s entry-level wired gaming headset. It has no battery to charge and no wireless lag to worry about, a flip-up boom mic that mutes when raised, and support for Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound for Gaming on PC through the INZONE Hub app. It works with PC and PS5. At about 299 g it’s heavier than the wireless H5 and H9 II, but it’s usually the cheapest way into Sony gaming audio.

Check the INZONE H3 on Amazon →

6. Sony WH-1000XM6 or XM5: best if music comes first

If you want one pair of headphones for commuting, flights and some gaming, the 1000X line has the better noise cancelling and a more refined everyday design. For gaming, plug in the 3.5 mm cable for zero lag and use your controller or a separate mic for chat, because Sony’s help guide confirms the headset mic doesn’t work over the cable. Over Bluetooth they’re fine for single-player games on a phone or PC but lag in fast shooters. Our XM5 and XM6 gaming guide covers the details.

See the Sony WH-1000XM6 and the Sony WH-1000XM5. Already own the older XM4? Here’s how the XM4 does for gaming.

Which Sony headset for your platform?

PS5: INZONE H9 II, INZONE H5 or Pulse Elite (all wireless without Bluetooth). Other brands are in our best PS5 headsets guide. The 1000X headphones only work on PS5 wired through the controller.
PC: any INZONE model; the H9 II and H5 dongles give the lowest lag, and the INZONE Hub app adds EQ and spatial sound.
Xbox: Xbox doesn’t support these 2.4GHz dongles or Bluetooth audio, so use a 3.5 mm cable through the controller (the H9 II and H5 have a 3.5 mm option).
Switch, Steam Deck, phones: the INZONE Buds’ USB-C dongle is the neatest option; any model also works wired. More options in our best headphones for Switch 2 guide.

Frequently asked questions

Are Sony headphones good for gaming?

Sony’s INZONE gaming headsets and the PlayStation Pulse Elite are very good for gaming, with low-latency wireless and proper mics. Sony’s everyday WH-1000X headphones are good for casual gaming when plugged in with a cable, but they lag over Bluetooth and their mic doesn’t work over the cable.

What is the best Sony headset for gaming?

The Sony INZONE H9 II is the best all-round Sony gaming headset: low-latency 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, active noise cancelling, a detachable boom mic and up to 30 hours of battery. The INZONE H5 is the best value, and the PlayStation Pulse Elite is a strong PS5-focused alternative.

Can I use Sony WH-1000XM5 or XM6 headphones for gaming?

Yes. Plug them in with the 3.5 mm cable for zero lag, but use your controller’s mic or a separate mic because the headset mic doesn’t work over the cable. Over Bluetooth they’re fine for single-player games but lag in competitive shooters, and PS5 and Xbox don’t send game audio over Bluetooth.

Do Sony INZONE headsets work with Xbox?

Not wirelessly. Xbox doesn’t support Sony’s 2.4GHz dongles or Bluetooth audio, so connect a model with a 3.5 mm option, such as the INZONE H9 II or H5, to the Xbox controller with a cable.

Is the PlayStation Pulse Elite better than the INZONE H9 II?

For PS5-only players who want PlayStation Link and a retractable mic, the Pulse Elite is a strong choice. The INZONE H9 II is more versatile: it adds active noise cancelling, a 3.5 mm option, a detachable boom mic and a lighter build (about 260 g versus 340 g).

Can You Use Bluetooth Headphones for Gaming? Latency Explained (2026)

How much delay is too much?

Broadcast standards give a useful benchmark. The ATSC recommends keeping audio within about 45 ms behind the picture, and research on lip sync puts the point where most people notice a mismatch at around 40–45 ms. Standard Bluetooth is three to four times over that, which is why it feels “off” in fast games even when it’s fine for YouTube, where apps and TVs can delay the video to match.

Games can’t do that trick. Your inputs have to happen in real time, so the audio simply arrives late.

Latency by connection type

Connection	Typical delay	Good for competitive gaming?
Wired (3.5 mm or USB)	Effectively zero	Yes
2.4 GHz USB dongle (gaming headsets)	Very low; designed for gaming	Yes
Bluetooth LE Audio (LC3)	~20–30 ms codec latency; ~30–50 ms measured on the Sony XM6	Mostly, where supported
aptX Adaptive	~80 ms	Casual only
Standard Bluetooth (SBC / AAC)	~150–200 ms or more	No
LDAC (hi-res Bluetooth)	Similar to SBC or higher	No

Tip: if your headphones support several codecs, choose AAC or LC3 over LDAC for gaming. LDAC is great for music quality but has the most delay.

Can you use Bluetooth headphones on each platform?

PS5

No, not directly. The PS5 doesn’t support Bluetooth audio. Your options are to plug your headphones into the DualSense controller’s 3.5 mm jack, use a USB-dongle headset, or use a headset built on Sony’s PlayStation Link wireless tech, such as the PlayStation Pulse Elite, which Sony describes as lossless and ultra-low latency.

Xbox Series X|S

No. Xbox consoles don’t support Bluetooth audio either. Plug into the controller’s headset jack, or use a headset made for Xbox Wireless or with an Xbox-compatible dongle, such as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X.

Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

Yes. The Switch gained Bluetooth audio in a 2021 update, and the Switch 2 supports it too, but expect standard Bluetooth delay. Wired is better for rhythm and action games. The Switch 2 doesn’t support Bluetooth microphones, so for GameChat use a USB-C dongle or wired headset: see our best headphones for Switch 2.

PC

Yes, but with a catch: when you use the headset mic over Bluetooth, Windows usually switches to a low-quality “headset” profile, and game audio sounds noticeably worse. A USB dongle headset or a separate desk mic avoids this.

Phones

Yes, and phones are where Bluetooth gaming works best. Many earbuds have a “game mode” that trims delay, and newer Android phones with LE Audio can get close to wired latency with compatible earbuds and headphones.

What about Sony’s WH-1000X headphones?

They’re some of the most popular headphones people try to game with. The short version: excellent wired, laggy over standard Bluetooth, and the headset mic doesn’t work over the cable. We cover each model in detail:

Sony WH-1000XM4 for gaming: honest review
Sony WH-1000XM5 and XM6 for gaming, including the XM6’s LE Audio gaming mode

Wireless headsets that are actually built for gaming

If you want wireless without the lag, these use a 2.4 GHz dongle or a console-specific wireless link instead of relying on Bluetooth for game audio:

Headset	Low-latency connection	Also has Bluetooth	Works with
Sony INZONE H9 II	2.4 GHz USB-C dongle	Yes, plus LE Audio	PC, PS5, Switch, mobile	Check price
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2	2.4 GHz dongle	Yes, and it can mix both at once	PC, PS5, Switch, mobile (7X version for Xbox)	Check price
PlayStation Pulse Elite	PlayStation Link (USB adapter)	Yes	PS5, PC, Mac, PlayStation Portal	Check price

The INZONE H9 II uses the same drivers as the Sony WH-1000XM6, so it’s the closest thing to “XM6 sound without the lag,” with a proper boom mic. The Arctis Nova 7’s ability to mix dongle audio with Bluetooth is handy if you take calls or use Discord on your phone while gaming.

How to reduce Bluetooth lag

Use the lowest-latency codec your devices share: LC3, then aptX Adaptive, then AAC. Avoid LDAC for gaming.
Turn on game mode in your earbuds’ app if it has one.
Keep the source close with nothing blocking the signal; dropouts and re-buffering add delay.
Turn off multipoint while gaming on headphones that lower codec quality or add buffering when two devices are connected.
Go wired for competitive play. Most headphones include a 3.5 mm cable; it’s the only zero-latency option on consoles.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bluetooth good for gaming?

For casual and story games, yes. For fast competitive games, standard Bluetooth’s 150–200 ms delay is noticeable. Use wired, a 2.4 GHz dongle headset, or Bluetooth LE Audio where your device supports it.

Do Bluetooth headphones have lag in games?

Yes. Standard Bluetooth (SBC or AAC) typically adds about 150–200 ms, while LE Audio’s LC3 codec cuts that to roughly 20–50 ms depending on the device.

Why doesn’t the PS5 support Bluetooth headphones?

Sony and Microsoft left Bluetooth audio out of the PS5 and Xbox mainly because of latency and bandwidth. Standard Bluetooth is too slow for game audio, so they use their own low-latency wireless systems instead.

Can I use AirPods or other earbuds for gaming?

On a phone, tablet or Switch, yes, with standard Bluetooth delay. On PS5 and Xbox, not directly, because those consoles don’t support Bluetooth audio.

What is the lowest-latency wireless option for gaming?

A headset with a 2.4 GHz USB dongle or a console-specific link like PlayStation Link. These are designed for gaming and avoid Bluetooth’s delay.

Lightest 17-Inch Laptops (2026): Ranked by Weight

The lightest 17-inch laptops, ranked by weight

#	Laptop	Weight	Screen	Best for
1	LG gram 17 (2025, Core Ultra 7)	~3.0–3.1 lb / 1.35–1.42 kg	17″ 2560×1600	Lightest overall, all-day battery	Check price
2	LG gram Pro 17 (2025, RTX 5050)	3.26 lb / 1.47 kg	17″ 2560×1600, 144 Hz	Lightest 17-inch with NVIDIA graphics	Check price
3	LG gram Max 17 (2026, Core Ultra 7 355)	3.39 lb / 1.54 kg	17″ 2560×1600 touch	Newest light 17-inch, easiest to find new	Check price
4	LG gram Pro 17 (2026, RTX 5050)	3.83 lb / 1.74 kg	17″ 2560×1600, 30–120 Hz	Newest light 17-inch with NVIDIA graphics	Check price
5	HP 17 (17-cn series)	~4.5 lb / 2.05 kg	17.3″ 1920×1080	Budget big screen	Check price
6	ASUS Vivobook 17 (X1704 / F1704)	~4.6 lb / 2.1 kg	17.3″ 1920×1080	Budget big screen with a numpad	Check price

Before you buy on Amazon: when we checked on October 14, 2026, every laptop in this table was listed on Amazon US by third-party sellers rather than by Amazon, and the LG gram listings were priced well above LG’s own prices (the 2026 gram Max 17 sold for $999.99 at Best Buy in a late-September deal, against about $1,945 for third-party listings on Amazon). Check the seller, the exact model number and the warranty, and compare prices before you order.

Newer isn’t lighter: LG’s 2026 17-inch models weigh more

LG has made the lightest 17-inch laptops for years, but its 2026 models gained weight. According to LG’s own spec pages, the 2026 17-inch model without a dedicated GPU (sold in the US as the gram Max 17, model 17Z90UB elsewhere) weighs 1,539 g (3.39 lb), and the 2026 gram Pro 17 with an RTX 5050 (17Z90UR) weighs 1,739 g (3.83 lb).

Model	2025	2026	Change
17-inch, integrated graphics	gram 17: ~3.0–3.1 lb	gram Max 17: 3.39 lb	about 0.3 lb heavier
17-inch with RTX 5050	gram Pro 17: 3.26 lb	gram Pro 17: 3.83 lb	about 0.6 lb heavier

The 2026 RTX model adds a touchscreen that runs from 30 to 120 Hz, so you get something for the extra weight. But if the lowest weight is the reason you’re buying a gram, a 2025 model is lighter, if you can find one new.

1. LG gram 17 (2025): the lightest 17-inch laptop

LG lists the 2025 gram 17 Core Ultra 7 configuration at 3.12 lb, and Notebookcheck lists the Lunar Lake (Core Ultra 7 258V) version at about 1.39 kg (3.06 lb). For comparison, a 13-inch MacBook Air weighs about 2.7 lb, so you get a 17-inch 2560×1600 screen for roughly the weight of a small ultrabook.

Screen: 17-inch, 2560×1600 (16:10), with touchscreen options
Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 (Core Ultra 7 258V on the Copilot+ versions)
Battery: 77 Wh; LG quotes up to 20 hours of video playback on the Core Ultra 7 model
Thickness: about 0.74 in

Good to know: it’s light partly because of a magnesium-alloy chassis that flexes more than heavier aluminium laptops, and it uses integrated graphics, so it’s built for work, study and streaming rather than gaming. It’s also getting harder to find new: on October 14, 2026, Amazon itself wasn’t selling it, and third-party listings started at about $2,132.

Buy it if: you want the lightest big screen you can carry every day and can find one at a fair price.
Skip it if: you need a dedicated GPU for games or creative work (see the gram Pro 17 below).

2. LG gram Pro 17 (2025): the lightest 17-inch laptop with an RTX GPU

LG marketed the 2025 gram Pro 17 as the world’s lightest 17-inch laptop with NVIDIA RTX graphics. According to LG’s spec sheet, the RTX 5050 model weighs 3.26 lb (1.47 kg) and is just 0.57 in (14.5 mm) thick. Most 17-inch laptops with dedicated graphics weigh 5–6 lb or more.

Screen: 17-inch IPS, 2560×1600, 144 Hz variable refresh rate
Processor and graphics: Intel Core Ultra 9 285H with an NVIDIA RTX 5050 (8 GB GDDR7)
Memory and storage: 32 GB LPDDR5X; dual SSD slots
Battery: 90 Wh; LG quotes up to 27 hours of video playback

Good to know: an RTX 5050 in a thin chassis is an entry-level gaming and creator GPU. It handles photo and video editing and lighter 1080p gaming, but it isn’t a replacement for a full gaming laptop (see the gaming section below).

Buy it if: you want a big, light laptop that can also edit video or play games casually.
Skip it if: you mainly need battery life and portability. The regular gram 17 is lighter.

3. LG gram Max 17 (2026): the newest light 17-inch

The gram Max 17 is LG’s 2026 17-inch laptop without a dedicated GPU, with an Intel Core Ultra 7 355 (Panther Lake) processor. LG lists the model at 1,539 g (3.39 lb) and 13.3 mm at its thinnest point, with a 77 Wh battery and a 17-inch 2560×1600 touchscreen. That’s slightly heavier than the 2025 gram 17, but still more than a pound lighter than mainstream 17-inch laptops.

Buy it if: you want a current-generation light 17-inch laptop that’s easier to find new than the 2025 models.
Skip it if: you can find a 2025 gram 17 new at a fair price; it’s a little lighter.

4. LG gram Pro 17 (2026): light, with an RTX 5050

The 2026 gram Pro 17 (17Z90UR) pairs an Intel Core Ultra 9 with an NVIDIA RTX 5050 Laptop GPU. According to LG, it weighs 1,739 g (3.83 lb) and is 16.7 mm thick, with a 90 Wh battery and a 17-inch 2560×1600 touchscreen that runs from 30 to 120 Hz.

Buy it if: you want the newest light 17-inch laptop that can also edit video and play lighter games.
Skip it if: weight matters most: the 2025 gram Pro 17 with the same GPU weighs about 0.6 lb less.

5. HP 17: a lighter-than-average budget 17-inch

If the gram models are over budget, mainstream 17-inch laptops are about 1.5 lb heavier. The HP 17 (17-cn series) is one of the lighter budget options at about 2.05 kg (4.5 lb), with a 17.3-inch Full HD screen, a full keyboard with a number pad, and Intel Core i5 options. On October 14, 2026, a Core i5-1334U / 16 GB / 512 GB version was $665 on Amazon from a third-party seller.

Buy it if: you want the most screen for the money and will mostly use it on a desk or around the house.
Skip it if: you’ll carry it daily; at 4.5 lb it’s noticeably heavier in a bag.

6. ASUS Vivobook 17: another budget big-screen pick

The ASUS Vivobook 17 (X1704 / F1704) weighs about 2.1 kg (4.6 lb) according to ASUS, and is about 0.78 in thin. It has a 17.3-inch Full HD screen, a number pad, a fingerprint reader on many configurations, and a webcam shield. On October 14, 2026, a Core 7 150U / 16 GB / 512 GB version was $849 on Amazon from a third-party seller.

Buy it if: you want an affordable, simple 17-inch laptop for home, office or school.
Skip it if: weight is your main priority.

The lightest 17-inch gaming laptops

Full gaming laptops are much heavier, because a powerful GPU needs a bigger cooling system. If you want a 17-inch laptop for gaming, these are the trade-offs between weight and graphics power (GPU power figures are the makers’ maximums from our laptop GPU power database):

Laptop	Weight	GPU options	Max GPU power
LG gram Pro 17 (2025 / 2026)	3.26 lb / 3.83 lb	RTX 5050	Not published by LG
Acer Nitro V 17 AI (ANV17-61/41)	6.2 lb	RTX 5050, 5060, 5070	95 W
Lenovo LOQ 17 Gen 10 (17IRX10)	~6.4 lb / 2.9 kg	RTX 5050, 5060, 5070	115 W

The gram Pro 17 is half the weight of a real gaming laptop but has entry-level graphics. The Nitro V 17 and LOQ 17 are heavy desk laptops, but they run much faster GPUs, and the LOQ 17 gives its GPU the full 115 W. Our pick under $1,200, the Acer Nitro V 17 with an RTX 5060, was $1,129.99 from Acer’s authorized store on Amazon on October 13.

Check the Nitro V 17 (RTX 5060) on Amazon →

Is a 16-inch laptop a better idea?

If you mostly want a big screen that’s easy to carry, the lightest 16-inch laptops are even lighter than the gram 17: the Acer Swift Air 16 is listed at about 0.99 kg (2.2 lb) and the LG gram 16 at about 1.2 kg (2.65 lb). You give up about an inch of diagonal screen, but most people won’t notice the difference in daily use. A 17-inch screen still wins for spreadsheets, side-by-side windows, and anyone who prefers larger text.

What to look for in a lightweight 17-inch laptop

Weight under 3.5 lb (1.6 kg): today, only LG’s gram models reach this at 17 inches. Anything around 4.5 lb is fine for home but tiring to carry every day.
The model year: newer isn’t always lighter. LG’s 2026 17-inch models weigh more than the 2025 ones, so check the weight of the exact model you’re buying.
Battery size: a bigger screen draws more power. Look for 70 Wh or more if you work unplugged.
16:10 screens: a 2560×1600 16:10 panel shows more of a document than a 1920×1080 16:9 panel of the same size.
Build rigidity: the lightest laptops use magnesium alloys, which can feel flexier. That’s a trade-off, not a defect.
Graphics needs: integrated graphics are enough for work and streaming; you only need an RTX GPU for gaming or heavy creative work.

Frequently asked questions

What is the lightest 17-inch laptop?

The 2025 LG gram 17. Depending on configuration, it weighs about 3.0–3.1 lb (1.35–1.42 kg), according to LG and independent spec databases. LG’s 2026 gram Max 17 is a little heavier at 3.39 lb.

What is the lightest 17-inch laptop with a dedicated GPU?

The 2025 LG gram Pro 17 with an NVIDIA RTX 5050, at 3.26 lb (1.47 kg) according to LG’s spec sheet. The 2026 version with the same GPU weighs 3.83 lb (1,739 g).

Are the 2026 LG gram 17 models lighter?

No. According to LG’s spec pages, the 2026 17-inch gram without a dedicated GPU weighs 1,539 g (3.39 lb) and the 2026 gram Pro 17 with an RTX 5050 weighs 1,739 g (3.83 lb), both heavier than the 2025 models.

How much does a typical 17-inch laptop weigh?

Most mainstream 17.3-inch laptops weigh about 4.5–5 lb (2–2.3 kg), and 17-inch gaming laptops such as the Acer Nitro V 17 and Lenovo LOQ 17 weigh about 6.2–6.4 lb (2.8–2.9 kg).

Is a 17-inch laptop too big to carry?

Not if it’s a gram. At around 3–3.4 lb it’s lighter than many 14-inch laptops, though you’ll need a bag with a 17-inch sleeve. Standard 4.5 lb 17-inch laptops are better suited to use at home or in an office.

Are the Sony WH-1000XM5 and XM6 Good for Gaming? (2026 Guide)

Can you use the Sony XM5 or XM6 for gaming?

Yes, but how well it works depends almost entirely on how you connect them:

Sony XM5 and XM6 latency by connection

Connection	WH-1000XM5	WH-1000XM6	Good for
3.5 mm cable	No lag	No lag	Any game, on PS5, Xbox, Switch, Steam Deck or PC
Standard Bluetooth (SBC, LDAC)	Noticeable delay	About 100–200 ms (SoundGuys)	Story games, turn-based games, video
AAC or LC3 Bluetooth	AAC only; delay not measured	About 30–50 ms, depending on the device (SoundGuys)	Casual games on supported phones and PCs
LE Audio gaming mode	Not supported	Lower latency and usable mic chat on supported Android phones (July 2026 update; SoundGuys)	Phone gaming
PS5 or Xbox over Bluetooth	Not possible	Not possible	Use the cable: the consoles don’t support Bluetooth audio

The mic doesn’t work over the cable. Sony’s own help guide says you talk through your phone’s mic when wired, so on a console you’ll need the controller mic or a separate mic for chat.
The XM6’s gaming mode is limited for now. The July 2026 firmware update added the Bluetooth Gaming Audio Profile (GMAP), which promises lower latency and mic chat without game audio dropping to call quality. SoundGuys found it works on a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, but PS5 and Xbox don’t support Bluetooth audio at all, and neither Nintendo (Switch 2) nor Valve (Steam Deck) has enabled it yet.

New to Bluetooth latency? Our Bluetooth headphones for gaming explainer covers delay by codec and what works on each console.

XM5 vs XM6 for gaming: side by side

	Sony WH-1000XM5	Sony WH-1000XM6	Sony INZONE H9 II (gaming headset)
Released	2022	May 2025	Aug 2025
Weight	~250 g	~254 g	~260 g
Bluetooth codecs	SBC, AAC, LDAC	SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3	Bluetooth + LE Audio
Low-latency wireless	No	LC3 / LE Audio (limited device support)	Yes: 2.4 GHz USB-C dongle (PC, PS5)
Wired 3.5 mm	Yes, no lag	Yes, no lag	Yes
Mic for game chat	Bluetooth only (call-quality audio)	Bluetooth only; better with LE Audio on supported phones	Detachable cardioid boom mic
Multipoint	Yes	Yes	Not listed
Rated battery (ANC on)	Up to 30 h	Up to 30 h (SoundGuys measured 37 h)	Up to 30 h
Folds for travel	No (lies flat)	Yes	Not listed
Best for	Wired gaming + travel ANC	Wired gaming, phone gaming, travel	Competitive PC/PS5 gaming

Which one should you buy for gaming?

Buy the XM5 if:

You mostly play single-player games and don’t mind plugging in the cable.
You want top-tier noise cancelling for travel and commuting first, gaming second.
You want to save money: the XM5 is the older model and is often discounted.

Buy the XM6 if:

You game on an Android phone that supports LE Audio, where the XM6’s gaming mode actually works today.
You want the newest noise cancelling, a folding design and the lowest Bluetooth latency Sony offers in this line.
You’re buying one headphone for everything and gaming is a regular but not competitive part of it.

Skip both and get a gaming headset if:

You play competitive shooters where every millisecond and clear team chat matter.
You play on PS5 or PC wirelessly and want a proper boom mic. The Sony INZONE H9 II uses the same drivers as the XM6 and adds a 2.4 GHz dongle and a cardioid boom mic.

What about the XM4?

The XM4 behaves much like the XM5 for gaming: great wired, laggy over standard Bluetooth, and no mic over the cable. We cover it in detail in our Sony WH-1000XM4 for gaming guide. If you already own the XM4, upgrading to the XM5 won’t change much for gaming; the XM6’s LC3 and LE Audio support is the only meaningful gaming upgrade in the series.

Setup tips for gaming with Sony XM headphones

PS5 / Xbox: plug the included cable into the controller’s 3.5 mm jack. Game audio comes through the headphones; use the controller’s built-in mic (PS5) or a separate mic for chat.
PC: wired gives zero lag. Over Bluetooth, Windows switches to a low-quality “headset” profile the moment the mic is in use. A USB or desk mic avoids that.
Android phones: on the XM6, enable LE Audio in the Sony Sound Connect app if your phone supports it; otherwise prefer AAC over LDAC for lower lag.
Turn LDAC off for gaming: LDAC sounds great for music but has the highest delay.
Nintendo Switch: the original Switch and Switch 2 both support Bluetooth audio, but expect standard Bluetooth lag. Wired is better for rhythm or action games.

Frequently asked questions

Are Sony headphones good for gaming?

Sony’s WH-1000X series sounds excellent for immersive single-player games, especially wired. For competitive online gaming, Sony’s INZONE headsets are the better choice because they add a low-latency wireless dongle and a boom mic.

Do the Sony XM5 or XM6 have lag when gaming?

Over standard Bluetooth, yes: roughly 100–200 ms with SBC or LDAC. With AAC or LC3 on the XM6 it drops to about 30–50 ms, and with the cable it’s effectively zero.

Can you use the Sony XM5 or XM6 on PS5?

Only wired. The PS5 doesn’t support Bluetooth headphones, so plug the included cable into the DualSense controller. The headset mic won’t work that way; use the controller’s mic instead.

Can you use the Sony XM5 or XM6 on Xbox?

Same as PS5: Xbox consoles don’t support Bluetooth audio, so use the 3.5 mm cable through the controller’s headset jack.

Does the microphone work for game chat?

Only over Bluetooth, and on most PCs that drops game audio to call quality while the mic is active. The XM6’s LE Audio gaming mode fixes this on supported Android phones. Over the cable, the headset mic doesn’t work on either model.

Is the XM6 worth it over the XM5 for gaming?

Only if you game on a phone that supports LE Audio or LC3. For wired console gaming the two perform the same, so the cheaper XM5 is the better value.

Adam Levell

Best MacBook for Video Editing (2026): M5, M5 Pro or M5 Max?

MacBooks for video editing compared

The best MacBooks for video editing

1. MacBook Pro 14 with M5 Pro: best overall

2. MacBook Pro 14 with M5: best value

3. MacBook Pro with M5 Max: best for 8K, multicam and colour grading

4. MacBook Pro 16 with M5 Pro: best for a bigger screen

5. MacBook Air 15 with M5: best for light editing on a budget

What matters most for video editing on a Mac

Frequently asked questions

What is the best MacBook for video editing in 2026?

Is the MacBook Air good for video editing?

How much RAM do I need on a MacBook for video editing?

Is the M5 Pro or M5 Max better for video editing?

Should I get the 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro for editing?

Related guides

Best Sony Headphones for Gaming (2026): INZONE vs 1000X

Sony gaming headphones compared

Are Sony headphones good for gaming?

The best Sony headphones for gaming

1. Sony INZONE H9 II: best overall

2. Sony INZONE H5: best value for PC and PS5

3. PlayStation Pulse Elite: best for PS5 owners

4. Sony INZONE Buds: best gaming earbuds

5. Sony INZONE H3: best budget (wired)

6. Sony WH-1000XM6 or XM5: best if music comes first

Which Sony headset for your platform?

Frequently asked questions

Are Sony headphones good for gaming?

What is the best Sony headset for gaming?

Can I use Sony WH-1000XM5 or XM6 headphones for gaming?

Do Sony INZONE headsets work with Xbox?

Is the PlayStation Pulse Elite better than the INZONE H9 II?

Related guides

Can You Use Bluetooth Headphones for Gaming? Latency Explained (2026)

How much delay is too much?

Latency by connection type

Can you use Bluetooth headphones on each platform?

PS5

Xbox Series X|S

Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

PC

Phones

What about Sony’s WH-1000X headphones?

Wireless headsets that are actually built for gaming

How to reduce Bluetooth lag

Frequently asked questions

Is Bluetooth good for gaming?

Do Bluetooth headphones have lag in games?

Why doesn’t the PS5 support Bluetooth headphones?

Can I use AirPods or other earbuds for gaming?

What is the lowest-latency wireless option for gaming?

Related reading

Lightest 17-Inch Laptops (2026): Ranked by Weight

The lightest 17-inch laptops, ranked by weight

Newer isn’t lighter: LG’s 2026 17-inch models weigh more

1. LG gram 17 (2025): the lightest 17-inch laptop

2. LG gram Pro 17 (2025): the lightest 17-inch laptop with an RTX GPU

3. LG gram Max 17 (2026): the newest light 17-inch

4. LG gram Pro 17 (2026): light, with an RTX 5050

5. HP 17: a lighter-than-average budget 17-inch

6. ASUS Vivobook 17: another budget big-screen pick

The lightest 17-inch gaming laptops

Is a 16-inch laptop a better idea?

What to look for in a lightweight 17-inch laptop

Frequently asked questions

What is the lightest 17-inch laptop?

What is the lightest 17-inch laptop with a dedicated GPU?

Are the 2026 LG gram 17 models lighter?

How much does a typical 17-inch laptop weigh?

Is a 17-inch laptop too big to carry?

Related reading

Are the Sony WH-1000XM5 and XM6 Good for Gaming? (2026 Guide)

Can you use the Sony XM5 or XM6 for gaming?

Sony XM5 and XM6 latency by connection

XM5 vs XM6 for gaming: side by side

Which one should you buy for gaming?

Buy the XM5 if:

Buy the XM6 if: