ASUS ExpertBook Ultra 2026 review: AI-powered 14-inch business powerhouse
The ExpertBook Ultra 2026 is pitched as an executive-grade machine, but in practice it’s a potent portable workstation. Inside, it packs Intel’s latest Core Ultra 7X processors, an integrated Arc B390 GPU, and a hardware AI stack that accelerates Copilot and other AI-enabled apps. Across testing, it impressed with design and performance, with the standout being the ultrafast internal SSD that hints at the platform’s true potential. AI acceleration feels baked into the hardware, not just a cloud feature, and even the integrated GPU delivered more punch than expected for a business-class system.
- Stunning design and build
- Extremely fast internal SSD
- Native AI processing boosts productivity
- Premium price
- No upgrade options
- Limited port selection for a business laptop
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ASUS ExpertBook Ultra 2026: 30-second verdict Aimed squarely at professionals, the ExpertBook Ultra 2026 combines a high-end AI-enabled CPU with Copilot-ready hardware and an OLED 14-inch display. It’s a strong performer across productivity and creative tasks, and the internal storage speeds are astonishingly fast. The trade-off is its premium price and a chassis that prioritizes portability over a wide range of I/O. If you want mobile power with AI acceleration in a sleek package, this is one of the best options on the market.
Price and availability
- Not yet released at the time of review
- Expected in Q2 2026
- Rough price target around $2500 / £2000
Spec highlights
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7X (AI-optimized)
- GPU: Intel Arc B390 integrated
- RAM: 32GB LPDDR5x (soldered)
- Storage: 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
- Display: 14" OLED, 3K, 16:10, 100% DCI-P3, up to 1400 nits, touchscreen
- OS: Windows 11 Pro / Copilot-ready
- Connectivity: Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1 TMDS, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, audio combo; dual TB4 on some models
- Weight: ~0.99 kg (body only)
- Battery: 70Wh, 50% charge in ~30 minutes
[Image: asus-expertbook-ultra-design](/expertbook-ultra-design.jpg)
ASUS ExpertBook Ultra 2026: Design The chassis uses a magnesium alloy with a ceramic coating for a distinctive, premium look and feel. It weighs just under a kilogram, making it exceptionally portable for its performance class. MIL-STD-810H durability adds peace of mind for travel and daily use. The rounded back shows generous venting, signaling solid cooling for sustained workloads.
- 14" OLED panel delivers rich contrast and high brightness with a matte finish to minimize glare
- 3K resolution on a 14" panel provides sharp detail and ample workspace
- The chassis feels sturdy and premium, with a compact footprint that fits easily in a slim bag
[Image: asus-expertbook-ultra-ports](/expertbook-ultra-ports.jpg)
ASUS ExpertBook Ultra 2026: Features Powered by the latest AI-enhanced Intel Ultra X7-series CPU, the Ultra 2026 pairs it with an integrated Intel Arc B390M GPU. Even though the GPU is integrated, it delivers enough graphical horsepower for video work and light gaming, while AI tech inside the CPU accelerates Copilot-style tasks. The OLED display is fully touchscreen and validated by Pantone, offering color accuracy that’s welcome for creatives and presenters alike. The device ships with ASUS software layers such as MyExpert for quick AI-powered file search and a security suite called Expert Guardian for remote IT management. The combination of a matte protective screen, Gorilla Glass Victus, and robust speakers helps round out a premium, enterprise-ready package.
- AI-accelerated CPU with integrated NPU for Copilot-style tasks
- OLED 3K display, 100% DCI-P3, 1400 nits, touchscreen
- Gorilla Glass protection and Pantone validation
- ASUS software ecosystem enhances AI workflows and security
[Image: intel-ultra-x7-processor](/intel-ultra-x7.jpg)
ASUS ExpertBook Ultra 2026: Performance Performance benchmarks show the Ultra 2026 punching well above typical 14-inch business laptops. The system’s combination of CPU, integrated GPU, and NPU gives strong productivity results, with especially notable storage performance. In tests, the NVMe SSD achieved read speeds around 14,000 MB/s and write speeds around 7,750 MB/s, making large project transfers and software loading exceptionally quick. The CPU/GPU/NPU blend handles Microsoft 365, heavy documents, and creative apps like Photoshop and Premiere Pro with ease, and AI features such as Copilot data enhancement feel more immediate thanks to on-device processing.
- CPU/GPU/NPU integration delivers practical speed boosts for everyday tasks and AI-enabled workflows
- The SSD’s blistering read speeds reduce load times and improve large-file handling
- Windows 11 Pro remains fast and responsive, even when driving multi-application workloads
Performance snapshot (representative benchmarks):
- CrystalDiskMark Read: ~14,000 MB/s; Write: ~7,750 MB/s
- General productivity: very quick app launches and smooth multitasking
- Creative workloads: capable handling 4K video editing and large RAW image work with sensible responsiveness
[Image: ssd-speed](/ssd-speed.jpg)
ASUS ExpertBook Ultra 2026: Final verdict The ExpertBook Ultra 2026 is one of the most capable 14-inch business laptops you can buy today. Its blend of AI-enabled silicon, a fast storage subsystem, and a vibrant OLED display makes it highly capable for both productivity and light creative tasks. It’s not a value laptop, and its port selection is intentionally narrower to preserve a slim, elegant silhouette. If your workflow benefits from AI-accelerated tasks, instant Copilot-style assistance, and a portable yet powerful machine, this is a standout option.
Should you buy the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra 2026?
- Buy if...
- You need portable power with AI acceleration for executive work, heavy documents, and on-the-go editing
- You value a high-quality OLED display and long battery life in a slim chassis
- You want integrated Copilot-like AI features and enterprise-focused management tools
- Don’t buy if...
- You require extensive I/O with lots of ports or plan to upgrade RAM/GPU later
- You’re on a tight budget and want a more affordable business laptop
- You need desktop-like gaming performance or heavy rendering power
Overall rating: very strong for business users who want premium build quality, top-tier AI-assisted workflows, and a superb screen in a portable 14-inch form factor.
Author note Alastair is a photographer, filmmaker, and technology writer with decades of experience across Future’s photography, technology, and gaming brands. He tests gear for real-world use, including AI-enabled tools and creative software workflows.
Image credits
- Alastair Jennings contributed photography for the review images.
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