HP OmniBook Ultra 14 Review: A Strong Contender to the MacBook Air

The MacBook Air remains hard to beat. With every new Windows laptop in this category I test, I'm always looking for the device that can truly challenge its dominance. Some laptops undercut it in price to achieve a better value, such as the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x .

Others, like the HP OmniBook Ultra 14, try to go toe-to-toe in every aspect. And while the OmniBook Ultra still falls short of knocking out the MacBook Air as the best overall laptop , it's one of the most compelling Windows alternatives I've tested in a long time. The HP OmniBook Ultra 14 is a beautiful laptop.

Refreshingly, it doesn't attempt to be a MacBook Air look-alike. It has its own distinct style, though it bears a strong resemblance to the 2026 Dell XPS 14 —especially in its zero-lattice keyboard and haptic feedback trackpad. Those elements aren't just there for the minimalist aesthetic, either; they are tactile, responsive, and every bit as high-quality as the XPS 14 and MacBook Air.

The HP OmniBook Ultra 14's design and features make it a serious contender in the premium laptop market. Its unique style and high-quality keyboard and trackpad bring it close to the MacBook Air's level. For developers and businesses, this increased competition can drive innovation and better products.

Consumers now have more choices, with the OmniBook Ultra offering a viable alternative to Apple's offerings. However, questions remain about its performance and battery life compared to the MacBook Air, and whether HP can maintain its momentum in future releases. The OmniBook Ultra's success will likely influence the direction of future Windows laptops.