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Remote work is more widespread than it’s ever been. It is essential for professionals who work remotely to acquire a laptop that meets their needs. However, because there are so many great laptops for remote work, it can be challenging to decide which one is best for you.
Luckily, we’ve made it easier for you and thoroughly researched the best laptops for remote work and found the Apple MacBook Air M1 is the overall best laptop for remote work. This article will also examine other top laptops for remote work.
Review Of The Best Laptops For Remote Work
1. Best Overall Laptop for Remote Work – Apple MacBook Air M1
Key Features:
- QHD+ Display
- Apple M1 Processor
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB SSD Storage
The Apple MacBook Air is ideal for remote work and provides excellent performance and a stunning display. The new Apple M1 chipset powers the MacBook Air. The M1 chipset is Apple’s first-generation chip, if you’re unfamiliar.
TSMC, a Taiwanese chip manufacturer, is the first to use the new 5nm process. This chipset has four performance and battery-efficient cores on the inside and has a max clock speed of up to 3.1GHz. It also has a Neural engine with 16 cores for excellent artificial intelligence performance. In addition, this chipset includes an integrated seven-core GPU, 256GB SSD storage, and 8GB DDR4 RAM.
The MacBook Air has a 13.3-inch Retina display with IPS LED technology. This means the image quality will be sharper than on a QHD display. The panel achieves nearly 100 percent P3 color gamut with Dolby Vision support. Overall, with a maximum brightness of 400 nits, this is an excellent outdoor display.
Furthermore, there is an HD camera on the top surrounded by thin bezels, and it can be helpful for online meetings and video conferencing. Moreover, Apple has changed the keyboard layout on this MacBook. As a result, it now has a larger trackpad.
However, there are only two USB C ports. These ports are also capable of charging and displaying data via DisplayPort. In terms of battery life, the new MacBook Air is a beast. In our tests, the MacBook Air lasted over 10 hours. It also has Bluetooth 5 and Wi-Fi 6 for smooth wireless connectivity.
To sum it up, if you are shopping for a suitable laptop for remote work, the MacBook Air M1 should be your first choice as long as you are not tied to the Windows operating system. This laptop is an excellent choice if portability and effortless performance are your main criteria.
Pros:
- Smooth Performance
- Good Webcam Quality
- Long-Lasting Battery
- Backlit Keyboard for Night Work
Cons:
- Limited Ports Available
- Insufficient Storage
2. Best High-Performance Laptop for Remote Work – HP Pavilion 15
Key Features:
- 15.6-inch FHD Display
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor
- 512GB SSD
- 16GB RAM
HP is another well-known brand if you’re looking for a Windows laptop. The HP Pavilion 15 is a good notebook for remote work with a compact build but excellent specifications. The computer has a 15.6-inch FHD IPS LED display and goes up to 400 nits for clear visibility when outdoors.
Furthermore, the 178-degree field of view display provides sharp and color-accurate image quality. You would enjoy working on this laptop, thanks to the beautiful display. There are also fewer bezels, resulting in a far more immersive experience.
An Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor powers this laptop. This is an 11th Generation quad-core chipset. This chipset was designed using Intel’s 10nm technology. As a result, it is very power efficient and powerful. It has a maximum clock speed of 4.7GHz and a base clock speed of 2.80GHz.
The laptop includes an integrated Intel Iris XE Graphics G7. This GPU provides adequate graphics performance while consuming minimal energy. This device is powered by the latest Windows 11 operating system and includes all of the most recent features.
It also has a 512GB Solid State Drive and 16GB DDR4 RAM. This laptop supports Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and Bluetooth 5 for improved connectivity.
It comes with two USB C and USB A ports and an HDMI port. A headphone jack and micro-SD card reader are also included. In addition, this laptop can last for up to five or six hours on a full charge. If you need a small notebook with solid performance, the HP Pavilion 15 is an excellent choice with few drawbacks.
Pros:
- Impressive Performance
- Sturdy Design
- Comfortable Keyboard
- Adequate Storage and RAM
Cons:
- Average Battery Life
- Software Glitches
3. Best Budget-Friendly Laptop for Remote Work – Acer Swift 3
Key Features:
- 14″ FHD LED Display
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor
- AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 Graphics
- 512GB SSD Storage
- 8GB RAM
The Acer Swift 3 is an excellent budget-friendly laptop with an excellent processor and a splendid display. This laptop features an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor and is built on a power-efficient 7nm chipset.
Meanwhile, it is equipped with an octa-core CPU. These cores have a base clock speed of 1.8GHz and a maximum clock speed of 4.3GHz. The chipset also includes an AMD Radeon Vega 8 integrated GPU. This lightweight laptop packs a punch.
The Acer Swift 3 also has a 14-inch FHD IPS LED display. If you want a laptop with minimal screen bezels, this one has a 4-way NanoRdge bezel display.
Opening the laptop creates a slight angle, allowing better airflow and a more comfortable typing angle. Additionally, it also has 512GB SSD and 8GB RAM. Finally, the Acer Swift 3 comes with a fingerprint scanner and Windows Hello for facial recognition for better security.
The laptop’s main I/O ports include two USB Type-A ports, one USB Type-C port, one MicroSD Card Reader, and an HDMI port. The Acer Swift 3 runs the most recent Windows 10 OS. The laptop is also more secure because it includes a fingerprint sensor.
The laptop is also more secure because it includes a fingerprint sensor. This machine can provide five to six hours of battery life on a single charge, which means the battery life is adequate. Furthermore, this laptop supports fast charging and can charge this laptop to 50% in 45 minutes. To conclude, this is the best budget-friendly laptop for remote work.
Pros:
- Impressive Performance
- Good Battery Life
- Upgradable RAM and Storage
- Good Display
Cons:
- Average Audio Output
4. Best Compact Laptop for Remote Work – Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
Key Features:
- 13.5-inch QHD+ Display
- Ryzen 5 4680U Processor
- AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 Graphics
- 256GB SSD Storage
- 8GB RAM
Microsoft was primarily a software company until recently when it expanded into hardware. They started producing laptop computers and other electronic devices. The Surface Laptop 4 is a prime example, and it is the most recent addition to Microsoft’s Surface lineup.
This machine comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 4680U processor. Furthermore, the chipset uses six cores and twelve threads. It can reach clock speeds of up to 4.0Ghz with these cores. It outperforms last year’s Surface Laptop 3 by up to 14 percent.
This laptop also includes an AMD Radeon graphics card. Furthermore, this system comes with a 256GB SSD and 8GB DDR4 RAM that are non-upgradable. Aside from that, the Surface Laptop 4 has a 13.5-inch IPS LED touchscreen display with a stunning screen resolution, which produces clear picture quality and bright colors.
It supports Bluetooth 5 and Wi-Fi6 and offers a great internet connection when it comes to connectivity. Additionally, it has front-facing camera support for Windows Hello. In the meantime, this laptop only has one USB A and a USB C port.
It also includes a surface connector and headphone jack. You can also charge using the Type C port. The battery life of this computer is remarkable. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 can last over 17 hours on a single charge. Despite being thin and lightweight, this laptop has a powerful performance and excellent battery life.
Pros:
- Smooth UI
- High-Resolution Display
- Impressive Performance
- Thunderbolt 4 Support
- Ultra-Portable Design
Cons:
- No Upgradability
- Insufficient External Ports
5. Best Portable Laptop for Remote Work – Lenovo IdeaPad 3
Key Features:
- 14-inch Full HD Display
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor
- AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 Graphics
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB SSD Storage
This Lenovo IdeaPad 3 comes with decent specs for a low price of $500. On the front is a 14-inch display with a Full HD display. The display quality of the IdeaPad 3 is quite good and can go up to 250-nits of brightness, which is okay for indoor use but a bit dim for outdoor use.
An HD webcam is located just above the display and is one of the essential features for remote work. However, the webcam quality isn’t fantastic, but it’s more than adequate. As a result, it will be sufficient for video conferencing and other related tasks.
Furthermore, the laptop is powered by a powerful AMD 5000 series Ryzen 5 processor with a CPU with six cores and 12 threads to handle intense multitasking. When performing demanding tasks, this CPU can reach speeds of up to 4.0GHz, with a base clock speed of 2.1GHz.
Furthermore, it has an AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics processor to handle graphics-intensive activities. Nonetheless, it can handle routine tasks such as MS Excel, Word, and other programs. The laptop comes with 256GB SSD and 8GB RAM. The laptop comes pre-installed with the newest Windows 11 OS.
Also, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 runs Windows 10 Home. Thanks to its power-efficient 7nm chip, you can work for seven to eight hours on a single charge. This is the best portable laptop available, with excellent hardware and sturdy body construction.
Pros:
- Decent Battery Life
- Powerful Ryzen 5 Processor
- Quiet Performance
Cons:
- Plastic Build
- Average Webcam
6. Best Video Conferencing Laptop for Remote Work – Microsoft Surface Pro 8
Key Features:
- 13-inch QHD+ Touch Display
- Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor
- Intel Iris XE Graphics
- 8GB RAM
- 128GB SSD Storage
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is essentially a tablet with a keyboard. It also comes with a built-in stand at the back for use. This computing machine has a 13-inch PixelSense display with a sharp resolution. Furthermore, this is a highly color-accurate panel.
This laptop also becomes brighter in direct sunlight thanks to the ambient light sensor. The display of the Surface Pro 8 is also fully touch-responsive. The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 comes with a 5MP front-facing camera and an 8MP rear-facing camera.
For security, the front camera is equipped with Windows Hello face recognition. These high-quality cameras are essential for video conferencing, online meetings, and Zoom. The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is powered by an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor.
This quad-core processor with a base clock speed of 2.40GHz can even reach a maximum frequency of 4.20GHz with Turbo Boost technology. This processor was designed exclusively for this laptop by Microsoft and Intel. This laptop also has the Intel Iris XE GPU. This system comes with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and a 128GB SSD drive.
Furthermore, it runs on Windows 11, the most recent version of Windows, with a smooth UI. This machine comes with two USB Type-C ports, a Surface Connect port, a headphone jack, and a microSD card reader. Here are inbuilt Dolby Atmos speakers for good sound quality. This laptop has Bluetooth 5 and WiFi-6 connectivity.
Battery life is an essential factor when selecting a laptop, and the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 has this area covered. This laptop can last f 8-10 hours. It also supports fast charging technology. Overall, you should only consider the Surface Pro 8 for video conferences and presentations; better options are available if you want a laptop for regular office work.
Pros:
- Compact Build
- Excellent Display Quality
- Detachable Keyboard Design
- Latest Windows 11 OS
Cons:
- Limited Ports
- Stylus Not Included
7. Best Convertible Laptop for Remote Work – HP Envy x360
Key Features:
- 13.3-inch Touchscreen Display
- Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 8GB RAM
- 512GB SSD Storage
The HP Envy x360 has a convertible 2-in-1 display. This laptop is powered by an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor. It also has Intel’s Turbo Boost technology, which provides a maximum clock speed of 4.7GHz with a base frequency of 2.8GHz.
In addition, the Intel Iris Xe GPU is included in this laptop. It has an integrated GPU with sufficient power for light gaming and office work. The HP Envy x360 also comes with 512GB SSD storage and 8GB RAM with expansion slots.
So, if you require more RAM or storage space, you can upgrade. This laptop has a 13.3-inch FHD IPS display. The display is bright and has an anti-glare coating for visibility under direct sunlight. Furthermore, it has an integrated HP Sure View privacy screen that stops others from looking at your screen and is a valuable addition if you want to maintain work secrecy.
The touchscreen panel supports finger input and a digital pen. However, a digital pen isn’t included in the package. Furthermore, this computer features minimal bezels around the corners and an HD camera with a privacy shutter, a valuable tool for live streaming and video conferencing. The HP Envy x360 includes Wi-Fi 6 technology for a fast and stable internet connection.
It also has one USB Type-C port and two Type-A ports. In addition, this laptop has a backlit keyboard for a better typing experience. The HP Envy x360 can run for six to seven hours on one full charge. Additionally, this laptop supports fast charging capability. Overall, if you enjoy using convertible laptops, this may be the right laptop.
Pros:
- Ultra-Portable Body
- Flexible 2-in-1 display
- Wi-Fi 6 Support
- Backlit Keyboard
- Fingerprint Scanner
Cons:
- No Ethernet port
- Stylus-Pen Not Included
8. Best Ultrabook Laptop for Remote Work – Dell XPS 13 9310
Key Features:
- 13.4-Inch FHD+ Touch Display
- Intel Core i7-1195G7 Display
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB SSD Storage
The Dell XPS 13 is a masterfully constructed laptop from a renowned brand. If you’re looking for a high-end notebook, the Dell XPS 13 is a good option. This laptop is made of carbon fiber and aluminum. These materials make the computer lightweight and sturdy.
The laptop has a 13.4-inch infinity-edge LED display touchscreen with digital pen functionality. Furthermore, the maximum brightness is 500 nits, and the color coverage is 100 percent DCI-P3. The screen also has an anti-reflective coating to minimize reflections and Dolby Vision, enhancing colors by over 20 percent.
The laptop comes with an Intel Core i7-1195G7 processor and includes one of Intel’s most recent quad-core chipsets, with eight threads. The chipset incorporates Intel Turbo Boost technology, with a maximum clock speed of 5.0GHz. Furthermore, the Intel Iris XE GPU produces good graphics performance for professional and regular applications like AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, etc. This laptop is also equipped with 512GB SSD storage and 16GB DDR4 RAM.
The display has minimal bezels, a Windows Hello face recognition IR sensor, and an HD video conferencing and streaming camera. It also includes a quick fingerprint scanner for added security. In terms of I/O ports, the Dell XPS 13 comes with two USB Type C ports.
Furthermore, this laptop supports Bluetooth 5.1 and Wi-Fi 6. In addition, the battery on this computer lasts for over ten hours. This laptop is excellent for people who prefer a powerful and portable computer.
Pros:
- Powerful Intel Processor
- Fast Charging Support
- Two Thunderbolt 4 Ports
- Touch-Responsive Display
Cons:
- Inadequate External Ports
9. Best Chromebook Laptop for Remote Work – Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
Key Features:
- 13.3-inch Touchscreen Display
- Intel Core i3-10110U Processor
- Intel UHD Graphics 620
- 4GB RAM
- 64GB Storage
Chromebooks are an excellent alternative to low-cost Windows laptops. Previously, Chromebooks were primarily used by students. However, Chrome OS now offers more features making it more capable than ever. The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is proof of the new capabilities of the Chrome OS.
This laptop has a two-in-one design with a 13.3-inch Full HD touchscreen display. It also has 360-degree hinges, which means you can easily convert this into a tablet. Furthermore, this laptop supports a digital pen functionality. It also has a colorful and bright display for stunning picture quality. This laptop also comes with thin bezels on the sides, which house the webcam.
This computer is powered by a 10th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, a dual-core chipset with a maximum clock speed of 4.10GHz. The Lenovo Flex 5 is powerful enough to run any app on Chrome OS smoothly. Furthermore, because of its low-powered cores and 14nm architecture, the battery life of this computer is excellent.
This Chromebook has a battery life of over 10 hours. Additionally, it has an integrated GPU, the Intel UHD GPU with 64GB SSD storage and 4GB RAM. Unfortunately, neither can be upgraded.
You will also see two USB Type C ports, one USB A port, and an audio jack. There is also a micro-SD card reader. Additionally, it offers Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 wireless connectivity features. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is a solid option under $500.
Pros:
- Full HD Touch Panel
- Above Average Webcam Quality
- Impressive Performance
- Adequate Storage and RAM
Cons:
- Limited Apps Support
10. Best Multifunctional Laptop – Asus Zenbook 13
Key Features:
- 13.3-inch Full HD OLED Display
- Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 8GB RAM
- 512GB Storage
Asus is a well-known laptop producer renowned for its premium “Zenbook” models. This laptop is powered by an 11th gen Intel Core i7 processor with four CPU cores and eight threads inside in terms of specs.
Thanks to Intel Turbo Boost technology, the chipset can reach max clock speeds of 4.7GHz. The Zenbook 13 offers a 512GB SSD storage and 8GB RAM. This laptop also includes the Intel Xe graphics G7 GPU, which provides seamless graphics performance.
The Asus Zenbook 13 comes with an outstanding 13.3″ display. It is worth noting that the display uses an OLED panel to produce vibrant colors. Furthermore, the display is bright enough for outdoor use. Additionally, the screen reduces the level of blue light emitted, preventing your eyes from straining.
Also, the thin bezels provide an immersive viewing experience. The Asus Zenbook 13 is an excellent laptop for web browsing. Because it includes Wi-Fi 6, you will also need a router that supports Wi-Fi 6. There are two USB C ports and one USB 3.1 Gen A port.
The laptop is designed with a high-quality metallic unibody, offering an attractive appearance and premium feel. Furthermore, the laptop weighs only 2.45 pounds, making it one of the most lightweight laptops available. This sleek laptop offers excellent performance and long battery life and will suffice for remote work.
Pros:
- Latest Wi-Fi 6 Technology
- Thunderbolt 4 USB ports
- Stunning AMOLED Display
- Smooth Performance
- Decent Battery Life
Cons:
- Average Audio Quality
Things To Consider Before Buying A Laptop For Remote Work
Now that you’ve discovered some of the best laptops for remote, it’s essential that you thoroughly weigh your options and decide based on your preferences. Here are 15 things you need to consider before buying a laptop for remote work.
Size And Weight
Because high-end laptops use the latest parts and components, they are usually lighter than cheaper computers of the same size. However, inexpensive, lightweight laptops are also available on the market. Generally, laptops with larger screens are typically bulky and heavy.
However, companies such as Apple have found the perfect balance between weight and size, with their laptops offering an excellent monitor size to weight ratio. It is crucial to consider the size and weight of the computer if you’re often on the go.
Processor
A computer’s processor is its brain. The speed of any laptop depends on the type of processor it has. You may not need the best and fastest Intel Core processors for remote work. Also, a more powerful processor will consume more battery.
For remote work, we recommend picking a laptop with mid-range CPU performance. Unless you are working on photo or video editing, a mid-range CPU will suffice for basic office tasks like emails and writing documents.
AMD processors are cheaper than Intel processors and can easily handle office work. Also, the latest Apple M1 processor provides the best performance levels while remaining energy efficient. M1 chips are the most recent addition to Apple’s Macbooks.
RAM
Having more RAM will always be preferable. The laptops highlighted in this article include at least 8GB RAM. If your work requires more power, you can opt for a computer with 16GB RAM.
Storage
The storage space you need depends on how many software, files, or media you intend on storing. We recommend SSDs over HDDs due to their portability and faster performance. While most SSDs offer sufficient storage for most remote work, you can always purchase an external hard drive if you require more storage.
Graphics Card
Unless your job requires you to edit videos and images, this is one area where you can save money. Numerous consumers are enticed by video card specifications and purchase laptops with expensive video cards they’ll never use.
Most laptops now include integrated graphics cards that are adequate for an average user. Laptops with features such as “Intel Iris XE graphics” “Intel Iris XE graphics” are examples of integrated graphics cards.
Although integrated graphics cards improve battery life, only consider computers with a dedicated video card if you require a laptop with powerful video performance. Laptops with integrated video cards are cheaper, while laptops with dedicated graphics cards are more expensive but offer better graphics performance.
Webcam
Webcams were once regarded as gimmicks. However, laptops without webcams are now considered obsolete. The webcam is helpful for video calls, streaming, meetings, and other tasks. A good webcam is a must, mainly if you work remotely.
A 4K camera isn’t needed on a laptop for remote work. Even the most premium laptops can’t compete with a top-quality external camera, so you don’t need a 4k camera. It would be best if you had a computer with an HD camera for sending high-quality video and pictures and video conferencing.
Display Quality
Screen quality is essential, and we recommend devoting a chunk of your budget to getting a laptop with a high-quality display monitor. While a fast laptop is excellent, staring at a poor monitor can be challenging and hurt your eyes. A computer for remote work doesn’t need to have the best display available, but it helps if the laptop you choose comes with a high resolution.
Apple laptops have stunning Retina Displays, with the Macbook Pro models being renowned for having gorgeous displays. There are three main types to choose from for laptop screens. Let’s see which one is the best:
- Twisted Nematic (TN): These screens are less expensive to produce, have good color contrasts, and have low power consumption. However, these displays have no fixed image quality and poor viewing angles and color reproduction. TN screens are most commonly found in low-cost laptops.
- In-Plane Switching LCD (IPS LCD): IPS LCD screens have an incredible vibrancy and better viewing angles than TN screens. The overall screen consistency and color contrasts are also improved. This screen, however, has slow pixel response time and inefficient data consumption.
- Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED): If you’re searching for the best laptop for remote work that you’ll also use to watch videos, this is the screen type to pick. OLED screens have high brightness, viewing angles, color contrasts, and range while being power-efficient. Furthermore, OLED screens are costlier than IPS LCD screens and worse in direct sunlight. However, an OLED screen offers more consistent display performances.
Functionality and Speed
To determine whether a computer is suitable for remote work, you should consider its features and speed. Your laptop doesn’t need to be the quickest on the market, but it should be powerful enough to complete various tasks. At the very least, we recommend a recent Intel Core i5 processor with at least 8 GB RAM.
However, if you do more intensive work, such as photo or video editing, you’ll need at least 16GB of RAM. And since you’re working with videos and images, you’ll also need at least two USB ports, an external display port, and a MicroSD card reader.
Battery Life
Long battery life allows you to work wherever you want, without worrying about charging sockets. A long-lasting laptop battery is essential for a wide range of reasons. But most importantly, it means you won’t have to worry about your laptop shutting down while working.
Another advantage is that you don’t need to waste time topping up the battery. It is inconvenient waiting for your computer to charge before using it. The average battery life of most laptops is six hours.
Keyboard quality
The quality of the laptop’s keyboard is essential, especially if you spend most of your day writing articles and typing emails. The keyboard must be easy to use and comfortable to use.
Here are two primary considerations for those who want a good keyboard:
Layout: A good keyboard should have six rows of keys, Ctrl and Alt buttons on the left and right, and a Function row. Remember, the new-gen laptops typically lack a numeric keypad.
Quality: A good keyboard shouldn’t flex when put under pressure. Every key should have the maximum amount of travel possible. Moreover, check to see if the computer’s keyboard is rattles. It should ideally be static. An excellent laptop for remote work must have a suitable keyboard. So, when shopping for a computer, make sure the keyboard’s quality is one of your top priorities.
Connectivity
You’ll probably want to connect your laptop to other devices, such as monitors, cameras, headphones, etc. You could always purchase adaptors, but they can be messy and clumsy, so it’s best if your laptop already has every port you need. Ideally, a computer should come with a couple of USB ports and a MicroSD card slot if you frequently transfer photos.
Another thing to remember is that Wi-Fi 6 was released in 2019 with speeds three times quicker than Wi-Fi 5. It’s not necessary yet, but it’s a nice bonus if you can upgrade to a new computer that supports the next generation of Wi-Fi.
Price
Ultimately, everyone has a budget that conditions the type of computer you can get. However, before spending too much money on a laptop, think twice. It could quickly turn out to be a waste of money. A faster laptop will allow you to be more productive but cost you extra bucks.
Built-In Microphone
Most new laptops include a built-in microphone. The importance of being audible in online meetings and video conferences can’t be understated. Several laptop manufacturers use high-quality mics to record speech while blocking background noise.
Audio Quality
The audio quality is vital, especially for video conferences and online meetings. Even though computer stereo speakers don’t produce the same sound as a big external speaker will suffice. A laptop for remote work needs good speakers.
Operating System
One of the most important factors to consider when selecting the best laptop for remote work is the type of operating system. Most laptops come with either Chrome OS, macOS, or Windows. Because it runs on more laptop models than others, a computer with Windows OS is an excellent choice if you want a versatile operating system.
However, if you’re on a tight budget, a computer with Chrome OS is a good alternative because they’re usually reasonably priced. Finally, if you prefer a MacBook, don’t be concerned because Apple’s macOS offers top performance and is suitable for all types of work.
Conclusion
So, which is the best laptop for working from home? The best laptop for working from home needs to have a good battery life, have sufficient processing power, and other features that ensure portability and convenience. Here is our final verdict on the best laptops for remote work:
1. Best Overall Laptop for Remote Work: Apple MacBook Air M1
2. Best Budget-Friendly Laptop for Remote Work: Acer Swift 3
3. Best Portable Laptop for Remote Work: Lenovo IdeaPad 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Ultimately, everyone has a budget that conditions the type of computer you can get. However, before spending too much money on a laptop, think twice. It could quickly become to be a waste of money. A faster laptop will allow you to be more productive but cost you more.
Three factors to consider are performance, display quality, and Wi-Fi connectivity. When working on your computer for long periods, having an excellent monitor display can help alleviate eye strain. A powerful laptop will allow you to multitask and handle work overload, and a sound Wi-Fi card will ensure you can connect quickly.
If you intend to do lots of multitasking, aim for an Intel Core i5, and if your finances allow it, the Intel Core i7 is a powerful CPU. If your budget is tight or you only need a laptop for light-duty tasks like answering emails and using online applications, a less powerful CPU will suffice.
You will most likely spend between $500 and $2,000 for a good laptop. A good laptop typically includes medium to high-end specs. However, a computer with high-end specs will cost between $1,000 and $2,000.
Chromebooks are ideal for people who spend most of their time working on websites, remote desktops, or apps. These are safe, simple, and commonly low-cost laptops. If you primarily work with websites, a Chromebooks can be a good bargain.
This is, without a doubt, a subjective question. A touchscreen display may seem unnecessary for remote work, but this functionality can serve you well if you prefer a more interactive laptop. However, bear in mind that a touchscreen laptop will likely be more expensive.
Security is a must for any laptop, regardless of who uses them. A layer of security, like a password or PIN, is available to allow secure login to a Windows laptop. If you prefer a fingerprint sensor, you should consider purchasing a computer with one. Also, make sure there is a strong antivirus program installed to protect against malware.
We don’t advise sacrificing the quality of a laptop for a lower price. Conduct an extensive investigation before deciding on your preferred laptop. You may even notice that the price difference isn’t all that significant. Lastly, consider buying a recent laptop model.
In most cases, only the Windows Home Edition comes preloaded. However, Microsoft Office has to be purchased separately. Notwithstanding, there are free software programs similar to MS Word and MS Excel available online. You can readily download and use these free programs.
No, it does not. Many laptops lack an HDMI port. However, Bluetooth and other new options for connecting external devices are available in new laptops.
Many people’s jobs have changed as a result of the pandemic. Consider a 15.6″ laptop or larger if you’re going to be working without moving around. In general, a larger screen makes work easier and entertainment more enjoyable. Additionally, you can consider connecting the computer to an external monitor for a better viewing experience.
A bigger screen usually means you’ll get more ports, making it easier to connect external storage, external display, and a mouse and keyboard without needing a dock or hub. Moreover, consider 13 or 14-inch laptops if you move around often. These laptops are generally lighter and more compact while maintaining impressive battery life.
Recently, PC manufacturers have started shifting away from 16:9 widescreens and toward 3:2 or 16:10 ratio displays, which provide more vertical screen space without considerably increasing the laptop’s footprint. These models typically lack discrete graphics and powerful processors, although this isn’t always the case.
You can use any laptop to create content. However, the type of games you can play and the content you create will vary depending on the laptop’s internal components. Fortunately, you don’t need a high-end gaming laptop to play casual browser-based games or use streaming-game services such as Nvidia GeForce Now, Google Stadia, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Likewise, an inexpensive laptop or Chromebook with integrated graphics will suffice if you’re editing video clips, cropping photos, or live-streaming video from your webcam. Anything more demanding will require a larger investment in discrete graphics, such as Nvidia’s RTX GPUs.
A higher RAM of16GB or more, a faster processor like an AMD Ryzen 7 and Intel Core i7, and a quick SSD storage will significantly improve the laptop’s performance. The display is another crucial factor to consider. Prioritize screens with a refresh rate of 120Hz or faster to make games look smoother. Also, look for displays covering the entire sRGB color space if you’re a remote content creator.
A built-in graphics processor is more than adequate for most laptop users. Because the memory on the integrated graphics chip is usually fixed, increasing the laptop’s memory will not improve graphics performance.
Numerous gamers prefer a discrete GPU. When playing 3D games, even a low-cost gaming GPU will provide a significant advantage over an integrated graphics processor. It should be noted that some laptops will include low-end dedicated graphics solutions, such as the GeForce MX series, which are a step up from IGPs but aren’t intended for hardcore gaming.
Each laptop maker and reseller have their own set of standards for refurbishing used laptops. We recommend buying any refurbished machine from the producer’s online store rather than from a reseller, especially if the reseller is hawking refurbs from third parties.
Some of these third-party vendors usually assign a grade to their refurbished products. It’s a good idea to find out who refurbished the laptop. Refurbished laptops are typically sold with grades A, B, C, etc.
However, there isn’t any universal grading system for refurbished laptops. It is usually up to the reseller to define the grade so that it can differ from seller to seller. We’re wary of machines graded in this manner, and we strongly advise you to insist on a return policy so you can return if the product develops any flaws.
You might be pleasantly surprised with the product, but a refurbished laptop deal that seems too good is usually true. Lastly, you can also consider upgrading your current laptop, which will probably cost less.
Most laptop manufacturers provide a one-year warranty. Because these basic plans are limited, they will not cover accidents caused by dropping or spilling a drink on the laptop. Fortunately, your credit card company will most likely cover such incidents for a limited time after you purchase a new product. For more information, consult your account’s benefits guide.
If your credit card company does not cover you, a few laptop manufacturers will gladly sell you an extended warranty. For example, Dell, Apple HP, and Lenovo provide extensive extended warranties and accidental damage coverage. These options usually cost between $100 and $300.
A general rule is that if the warranty costs over 15% of the computer’s price, it’s better to spend that money on backup services or drivers that reduce downtime. The importance of peace of mind can’t be understated. There are times when the laptop’s most expensive parts may fail, and while this is uncommon, you may end up spending half of the laptop’s worth on repairs.
