As more people work from home, the need for a reliable and efficient laptop has become increasingly important. A computer that can handle everyday tasks, such as video conferencing, emailing, and document editing, is a must-have for anyone working remotely.
However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. This article will provide an overview of the best laptops for working from home, considering factors such as performance, battery life, portability, and price. Whether you’re a freelancer, a remote employee, or a student, we’ve got you covered with the top laptops for getting work done at home.
Table of Contents
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Laptop
When choosing a laptop for working from home, several factors must be considered. Here are some of the most important ones:
Performance: The performance of your laptop is critical, especially if you’ll be using it for demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, or programming. If needed, you’ll want to look for a laptop with a fast processor, plenty of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card.
Screen Size and Resolution: The size and resolution of your laptop screen can affect your productivity and comfort level. A larger screen can help you see more information simultaneously, while a higher resolution can make text and images look sharper.
Portability: If you plan to take your laptop with you when you travel or work outside your home office, portability is a key consideration. Look for a lightweight and slim laptop that’s easy to carry.
Battery Life: If you work from different locations or outside your home office, you’ll need a laptop with long battery life. Look for a computer that can last at least 8 hours on a single charge.
Keyboard and Touchpad: You’ll be spending a lot of time typing on your laptop, so choosing a comfortable keyboard and responsive touchpad is important.
Connectivity: Ensure your laptop has all the ports and connectivity options you need for your work, such as USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet.
Price: Finally, consider your budget. Laptops can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and look for laptops that meet your requirements within your budget.
10 Best Laptop for Working from Home in 2023
As we continue to adapt to remote work culture, having a reliable laptop is crucial for productivity and efficiency. With so many options available on the market, choosing the best one for your needs can be overwhelming. The top 10 best laptops for working from home in 2023 are based on performance, features, and value.
Dell XPS 17
The Dell XPS 17 is a high-end laptop well-suited for professionals requiring top-notch performance and a large display. It features a 17-inch 4K touchscreen display that is bright, crisp, and accurate. A 10th-generation Intel Core i7 processor powers the laptop and has 16GB of RAM, making it capable of handling demanding tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering.
One of the standout features of the Dell XPS 17 is its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card, which delivers excellent gaming and graphics performance. The laptop also comes with a large 1TB solid-state drive, which provides plenty of storage space and fast load times.
In terms of design, the Dell XPS 17 is sleek and modern, with a slim bezel and an aluminum chassis that is both lightweight and durable. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the touchpad is responsive and accurate.
MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro is a high-end laptop computer designed and manufactured by Apple Inc. It is regarded as one of the best laptops for professionals and creatives due to its powerful performance, sleek design, and advanced features.
Design: The MacBook Pro features a slim and lightweight design, with a sleek aluminum body that is durable and aesthetically pleasing. It is available in two sizes, 13-inch and 16-inch, with a thin bezel and a high-resolution Retina display that offers excellent color accuracy and sharpness.
Performance: The MacBook Pro is powered by Apple’s M1 or M2 chip, which delivers lightning-fast performance and enhanced efficiency. It offers up to 16GB of RAM and up to 2TB of SSD storage, which ensures smooth multitasking and fast data access. The laptop also features advanced graphics capabilities, with up to 16-core Neural Engine and up to 32GB of unified memory, making it ideal for demanding tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering.
Keyboard and Trackpad: The MacBook Pro comes with Apple’s latest Magic Keyboard, which provides a comfortable typing experience with a responsive touch and backlit keys. It also features Apple’s Force Touch trackpad, which offers precise control and haptic feedback, making navigating and interacting with the laptop easier.
Connectivity: The MacBook Pro features Thunderbolt 4 ports that support fast data transfer, external displays, and charging. It also comes with a headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring seamless connectivity and compatibility with various devices.
Battery Life: The MacBook Pro offers an impressive battery life of up to 17 hours, making it ideal for long work sessions or travel. It also features fast charging technology, which allows you to charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes.
Security: The MacBook Pro comes with advanced security features such as Touch ID and the Apple T2 Security Chip, which provides secure boot and encrypted storage, and ensures that only trusted software loads during startup.
Operating System: The MacBook Pro runs on the latest version of Apple’s macOS operating system, which offers a seamless and intuitive user interface, advanced features such as Siri and FaceTime, and access to a wide range of apps through the Mac App Store.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a premium business laptop with top-of-the-line performance and durability. It is powered by a 10th-generation Intel Core processor with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage. It has a 14-inch full HD display with anti-glare technology and a slim design, making it easy to carry around.
One of the standout features of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is its durability. It is built with a carbon fiber chassis designed to withstand harsh conditions, and it has been tested to military-grade standards for durability. Additionally, it has a spill-resistant keyboard, which is excellent for anyone working with drinks nearby.
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon also offers excellent security features, including a fingerprint reader, IR camera, and the option for a privacy screen. It also has a long battery life, with up to 19.5 hours of use on a single charge.
Regarding connectivity, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon offers two Thunderbolt 3 ports, two USB-A 3.1 ports, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. It also has Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for fast wireless connectivity.
HP Spectre x360
The HP Spectre x360 is a 2-in-1 laptop with great reviews for its sleek design, long battery life, and powerful performance. It comes in various configurations, from 11th-generation Intel Core i5 to i7 processors.
One of the standout features of the HP Spectre x360 is its display. It has a 13.3-inch Full HD or 4K OLED display with touchscreen capability, making it easy to navigate through tasks and media. Additionally, the laptop has a built-in privacy screen that can be activated with a button, ensuring your work stays confidential even in public spaces.
The HP Spectre x360 also has a durable build, with a CNC-machined aluminum body that can withstand wear and tear. It also has a comfortable keyboard and touchpad for typing and navigating.
Another key feature of the HP Spectre x360 is its battery life. The laptop can last up to 12 hours on a single charge, making it great for long workdays or travel. It also has fast charging capability, up to 50% in 30 minutes.
ASUS ZenBook UX425
The ASUS ZenBook UX425 is a lightweight and slim laptop ideal for working from home or on the go. It has a 14-inch Full HD display with slim bezels, making it an excellent choice for multitasking or watching videos. An Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor powers the laptop and comes with 16GB of RAM, which provides plenty of power for running multiple applications simultaneously.
One of the standout features of the ASUS ZenBook UX425 is its long battery life, which can last up to 22 hours on a single charge; This means you can work all day without worrying about running out of power. Additionally, the laptop has fast charging capabilities, allowing you to charge it up to 60% in just 49 minutes.
The laptop has various connectivity options, including USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI ports. It also has a microSD card reader and a headphone jack. The laptop also features an IR camera for secure and easy sign-in with Windows Hello.
The ASUS ZenBook UX425 has a sleek and stylish design, with a thin and light chassis that weighs just 2.49 pounds. It is made of high-quality materials and has a durable construction, which makes it an excellent choice for those who are always on the move.
In terms of drawbacks, the ASUS ZenBook UX425 does not have a dedicated graphics card, which may not be suitable for users who require intensive graphic tasks such as video editing or gaming. Additionally, the laptop needs a touchscreen display, which may be a drawback for some users.
Acer Swift 5
The Acer Swift 5 is a lightweight, powerful laptop designed for productivity and mobility. It weighs just 2.31 pounds and is 0.59 inches thin, making it one of the thinnest and lightest laptops on the market. Despite its slim profile, it packs a lot of power with its 11th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics. It also has a long battery life of up to 15 hours, allowing you to work all day without worrying about running out of power.
The Acer Swift 5 features a 14-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen display with 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution. The screen has narrow bezels, providing an immersive viewing experience. It also has a backlit keyboard and a precision touchpad, making it easy to navigate and type in low-light environments.
Regarding connectivity, the Acer Swift 5 has all the ports you need, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a headphone jack. It also has Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
The Acer Swift 5 comes with 8GB or 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage, providing ample space for your files and applications. It also has a built-in fingerprint reader for secure and convenient login.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 has a sleek and stylish design that is both functional and aesthetic. The laptop is available in two sizes, 13.5 and 15 inches, and comes in various colors, including platinum, black, and sandstone. The laptop is lightweight, easy to carry, and has a durable aluminum body that feels sturdy and well-built.
Display:
The display on the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is stunning, with a high-resolution touchscreen available in both 13.5 inches and 15 inches. The screen has a 3:2 aspect ratio, perfect for productivity tasks, and excellent color accuracy and contrast. The touch screen is also highly responsive and works well with the included stylus.
Performance:
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is powered by the latest 11th Gen Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, making it a powerful machine that can easily handle demanding tasks. The laptop also comes with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage, ensuring you have plenty of space for your files and applications.
Battery Life:
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 has excellent battery life and can last up to 19 hours on a single charge, making it perfect for those who need to work on the go without worrying about running out of battery.
Keyboard and Trackpad:
The keyboard on the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is comfortable to type on, with well-spaced keys that have a good amount of travel. The trackpad is also highly responsive and supports Windows Precision drivers, making navigating the screen easy.
Ports:
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 has a good selection of ports, including a USB-C port, a USB-A port, and a headphone jack. However, the laptop lacks an SD card reader, which may be a downside for some users.
Audio and Video:
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 has excellent audio quality, with front-facing speakers that deliver clear and balanced sound. The laptop also has a 720p HD camera that is good for video conferencing, although there may be better options for high-quality video production.
Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model
The Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model is a powerful and sleek laptop perfect for professionals working from home. It has a 15.6-inch Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate that provides smooth visuals and excellent color accuracy. It is powered by a 10th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, which can handle even the most demanding applications and games. The laptop has 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD for fast and efficient storage.
One of the standout features of the Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model is its build quality. The laptop is made of premium materials and has a durable aluminum chassis that withstand everyday wear and tear. It also has a comfortable and responsive keyboard, perfect for long typing sessions.
The Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model is a bit pricey, but it is a worthwhile investment for professionals who require high-performance laptops. It also comes with a one-year warranty, providing users peace of mind.
Samsung Galaxy Book S
The Samsung Galaxy Book S is an excellent option for those who want a laptop with a long battery life and a slim design. It is a lightweight laptop that is ideal for working on the go or for use at home. The computer has a 13.3-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, which provides sharp and clear visuals.
The Samsung Galaxy Book S is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx processor and 8GB of RAM, which makes it a reliable laptop for multitasking and running multiple programs simultaneously. It has 256GB of storage, which should be sufficient for most users, and it also comes with a microSD card slot that can be used to expand the storage capacity if needed.
One of the most significant features of the Samsung Galaxy Book S is its long battery life. It has a 42Wh battery that can last up to 25 hours on a single charge, which is more than enough for a full day’s work. The laptop also has a fast-charging feature that can charge the battery up to 80% in an hour.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M2
The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 is a highly anticipated laptop expected to release in 2023. This new model will likely come with several upgrades and improvements compared to its predecessor, the MacBook Pro 16-inch. Here’s a detailed look at its features and specifications:
Design:
The MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 is expected to have a similar design to its predecessor, with an aluminum body and slim profile. However, there may be changes, such as a smaller bezel around the screen and a new color option.
Display:
The MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 is rumored to have a 14-inch mini-LED display with a resolution of 3024 x 1964 pixels, providing a more vivid and detailed viewing experience than the previous models.
Processor:
The MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 is expected to be powered by Apple’s next-generation M2 chip, which is expected to have better performance and efficiency than the M1 chip used in previous models. This chip will be based on the 5-nanometer manufacturing process and will have 10 CPU cores and 16 GPU cores.
Memory and Storage:
The MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 is expected to come with a minimum of 16GB of RAM and a 512GB solid-state drive (SSD), with options to upgrade to 32GB or 64GB of RAM and up to 8TB of storage; This will provide ample storage space and faster read/write speeds.
Ports:
The MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 is expected to feature an HDMI port, an SD card reader, and Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, allowing for easy connectivity with other devices.
Battery Life:
The MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 is expected to have a longer battery life than its predecessor, with an estimated 14-20 hours depending on usage.
Keyboard and Touchpad:
The MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 is expected to come with a backlit Magic Keyboard, known for its comfortable and responsive typing experience. The touchpad is also expected to be larger and more responsive compared to previous models.
Operating System:
The MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 is expected to come with the latest version of Apple’s macOS operating system, providing a user-friendly and intuitive interface.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Laptop for Remote Work
Portability
When choosing a laptop for remote work, portability is an important factor to consider. A lightweight and slim laptop can make it easier to carry, especially if you travel frequently. Look for laptops that weigh around 3 pounds or less, with a thin profile that can easily fit in a backpack or tote bag. Consider the size of the laptop as well; a 13-inch screen is generally the sweet spot for a balance of portability and usability. If you need a larger display, look for notebooks with thin bezels to reduce the overall size and weight.
Battery Life
Battery life is another critical factor to consider when choosing a laptop for remote work. As you will be working from home, you can only access a power outlet sometimes. You want a laptop that can last through your workday without needing to be plugged in.
The battery life of a laptop is measured in watt-hours (Wh), and the higher the watt-hours, the longer the battery life. A good laptop for remote work should have a battery life of at least 8 hours, 10 hours, or more.
However, it’s important to note that battery life can vary depending on the screen’s brightness, the type of applications you are running, and the power consumption of your hardware components. So, it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s specifications and read reviews from other users to get an accurate idea of the battery life of a laptop.
Processor and RAM
The processor and RAM are crucial factors to consider when choosing a laptop for remote work. A powerful processor and sufficient RAM ensure your laptop can handle multiple applications and processes simultaneously without slowing down or crashing.
For most remote work tasks, a mid-range to high-end processor such as an Intel Core i5 or i7 or an AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 should suffice. Regarding RAM, having at least 8GB for basic tasks and 16GB or more for more demanding work such as video editing or data analysis is recommended.
It’s also important to consider the generation and speed of the processor and RAM, as newer and faster models will generally provide better performance. Additionally, laptops with upgradeable RAM slots offer the option to increase memory in the future if necessary.
Display and Graphics
Regarding remote work, a laptop with good display and graphics capabilities is important for many professionals. A high-quality display can reduce eye strain and improve productivity, while a dedicated graphics card can be essential for tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming.
Resolution is one of the most important factors in a laptop display, affecting how crisp and clear images and text will appear. A higher resolution display (such as 1080p or 4K) will provide sharper images and make it easier to read small text. Screen size is also essential, as a larger screen can provide more real estate for multiple windows or applications.
In terms of graphics, integrated graphics cards are often sufficient for basic tasks such as web browsing and word processing. However, plan on using your laptop for more demanding tasks such as video editing or gaming. A dedicated graphics card will provide better performance and allow you to run more intensive programs. Some popular dedicated graphics cards include Nvidia GeForce and AMD Radeon.
It is also essential to consider factors such as color accuracy and brightness when choosing a laptop for remote work, especially if you work with graphics or video. Look for laptops with high color gamut and brightness ratings to ensure your work will be accurately represented on the screen.
Keyboard and Touchpad
When working from home, you may spend long hours typing on your laptop’s keyboard and using its touchpad. Therefore, choosing a computer with a comfortable and responsive keyboard and touchpad is essential.
Look for a laptop with a keyboard with a good key travel distance, meaning the keys travel a good distance when pressed down; This makes typing more comfortable and reduces the risk of typos. Additionally, a backlit keyboard helps work in low-light conditions.
For the touchpad, make sure it is responsive and accurately tracks your movements. Some laptops also offer touchpads with additional features, such as multi-touch gestures and precision touchpads that provide more control and accuracy.
If you prefer using a mouse instead of a touchpad, ensure the laptop has at least one USB port to connect an external mouse or a Bluetooth connection to connect wirelessly.
Connectivity
Connectivity is another important factor to consider when choosing a laptop for remote work. The laptop should have a variety of ports, such as USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet, to allow for easy connection to other devices and networks. It’s also important to consider if the laptop has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities for wireless connectivity. Additionally, some laptops may have a built-in SIM card slot for cellular connectivity, which can be useful for working on the go or in areas without reliable Wi-Fi networks.
Pros and Cons of each laptop
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (2022):
Pros: High-performance specs, advanced cooling system, customizable RGB lighting, sleek design, excellent build quality.
Cons: Expensive, limited battery life, loud fans, no webcam.
Samsung Galaxy Book S:
Pros: Slim and lightweight design, long battery life, 4G LTE connectivity, bright and colorful display.
Cons: Underwhelming performance, limited storage, no Thunderbolt 4 ports, no backlit keyboard.
Dell XPS 17 (2022):
Pros: High-quality 4K display, powerful specs, long battery life, solid build quality, good keyboard and touchpad.
Cons: Expensive, heavy, no SD card reader, limited port selection.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 (2023):
Pros: High-performance specs, longer battery life, improved thermal design, MagSafe charging, new ports including HDMI and SDXC, improved webcam.
Cons: Expensive, no touch screen, limited upgradeability.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4:
Pros: Slim and lightweight design, excellent battery life, a comfortable keyboard, sharp and bright touch display, good build quality.
Cons: Limited ports, underwhelming performance compared to similarly priced laptops, no Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Acer Swift 5:
Pros: Lightweight and portable, long battery life, good performance, bright and colorful display.
Cons: Limited storage, no Thunderbolt 4 ports, no dedicated graphics card.
ASUS ZenBook UX425:
Pros: Thin and light design, long battery life, fast performance, excellent keyboard and touchpad, good port selection.
Cons: No dedicated graphics card, no SD card reader.
HP Spectre x360:
Pros: Sleek and stylish design, long battery life, good performance, versatile 2-in-1 design, good keyboard and touchpad.
Cons: Expensive, limited upgradability, no Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon:
Pros: Durable and robust build quality, excellent keyboard and touchpad, good performance, long battery life, good port selection.
Cons: Expensive, limited graphics performance, no Thunderbolt 4 ports.
MacBook Pro:
Pros: High-performance specs, longer battery life, improved thermal design, MagSafe charging, new ports including HDMI and SDXC, improved webcam, macOS operating system.
Cons: Expensive, limited upgradeability, no touch screen.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the right laptop for remote work, it depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some recommendations based on common use cases:
If you value portability and long battery life, the Acer Swift 5, Samsung Galaxy Book S, and Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 are great options.
If you need a powerful processor and a lot of RAM for intensive tasks, the Dell XPS 17, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, and Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 are all excellent choices.
If you prioritize a high-quality display and graphics, the MacBook Pro and Dell XPS 17 are both great options.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon and HP Spectre x360 are excellent options if you prefer a comfortable and responsive keyboard and touchpad.
Finally, the ASUS ZenBook UX425 and Dell XPS 17 are great if you need a wide range of connectivity options.
Ultimately, the best laptop for working from home is the one that meets your specific needs and preferences, whether that’s portability, power, display quality, keyboard comfort, or connectivity.
