– 2026 OmniBook Ultra 14 finally feels like a wholly original design, but loses some Spectre-era features.
– Redesigned keyboard has spongier, shallower feel, making it a downgrade from the 2024 model and Spectre/EliteBook series.
– No integrated USB-A port for the first time in the OmniBook series, with potential for future removal of the 3.5mm jack.
– Otherwise one of HP’s best prosumer subnotebooks, but carries a steep $2000+ price tag.
HP’s OmniBook Ultra 14 2026: A New Design Direction
The OmniBook series was introduced in 2024 to supplant the flagship Spectre series of prosumer laptops and convertibles. The original 2024 OmniBook Ultra 14 would subsequently inherit several design elements of the Spectre series including the “diamond-cut” corners, but the latest 2026 model finally feels like a wholly original design that can stand on its own. There are nonetheless a couple of features from the older Spectre series that the new OmniBook design can’t quite match.
Keyboard Redesign: A Step Backwards
For the 2026 OmniBook Ultra 14, HP has redesigned the keyboard to mixed results. The chiclet layout of the 2024 OmniBook Ultra is now gone for a beveled layout. The problem is that feedback and travel feel spongier and shallower, respectively, for a less satisfying typing experience than the previous generation model. This is especially disappointing when considering that the Spectre and EliteBook series have some of the best keyboards already and so the revised keyboard on the OmniBook Ultra 14 can feel like a downgrade.
Port Selection: Legacy Connectors Being Phased Out
Another more minor missing feature is the lack of any integrated USB-A ports which is a first for the OmniBook series as even the lighter and thinner OmniBook X includes a USB-A port. We wouldn’t be surprised to see HP eventually drop the 3.5 mm headset jack as well on future OmniBook models which is something Lenovo has already done on its competing Yoga Slim 7 Ultra lineup. Owners who rely on these legacy ports may have to resort to annoying USB-C adapters should the trend continue.
The OmniBook Ultra 14 is otherwise one of the best prosumer subnotebooks in HP’s extensive catalogue if you can afford the steep $2000+ asking price. Additional benchmarks and comparisons can be found on our full review of the model.