5 Best Laptops For Remote Work 2022/2023 – Work From Home
An estimated 44 million Americans work from home occasionally, and 3.7 million do it full-time. Over 55% of employees want to work from home at least 3 days per week.
Whether you’re looking to get paid as a digital nomad or just looking for a more flexible way to work, it’s essential to have a good laptop that meets your needs. The best laptops for remote work are lightweight, easily portable in a backpack, have excellent battery life, and offer fast performance. Whether editing your camera photos, video conferencing with clients or simply browsing the web, these are the best laptops for working from anywhere.
Our Top Picks
When purchasing the best laptop for working, there are key factors to remember.
- Portability is vital since you’ll likely be working from different locations. The best laptop for working is easy to carry with you on the go.
- Battery life is crucial since you won’t have access to outlets all the time. Look for laptops that offer long battery life so you can stay productive.
- Fast performance is a must since you’ll work with large files and multiple applications. The best laptop for working will have a powerful processor and plenty of RAM.
What Are The Best Laptops For Remote Work?
Here is our ranked and reviewed list of the best laptops for remote work.
The 5 Best Laptops For Remote Work
- Best Overall Laptop – MacBook Pro
- Best Value Laptop – Lenovo IdeaPad 3i
- Best Performance Laptop – Dell XPS 15
- Best Chromebook – Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
- Best Writing & Blogging – Google Pixelbook Go
- Best Windows 2-in-1 Tablet Laptop – Microsoft Surface Pro 9
- Best Portable Laptop – ASUS ZenBook 14
1) Best Overall – MacBook Pro
Mac users have long been spoiled for choice when it comes to laptops. The MacBook Pro is the ultimate in Apple’s line-up, and while it might not be perfect, it’s still the best overall laptop you can buy for remote work. Apple’s ecosystem of apps and services is unrivaled. With the new M2 chip, the MacBook Pro is more powerful than ever.
With a brilliant retina display and up to 20 hours of battery life, the MacBook Pro is ideal for working remotely. The FaceTime HD camera and studio-quality mics make it perfect for video calls. The 10-core GPU is more than capable of handling graphic-intensive tasks.
Whether you are editing videos, browsing the web, or working on a complex spreadsheet, the MacBook Pro is up to the task.
If you’re looking for the best overall laptop for remote work, the MacBook Pro is a clear choice.
Specifications
- Processor: m2
- Display: 13″ Retina Display
- Memory: 24GB
- Hard Drive: Up to 2TB SSD
- Weight: 3lbs
- Battery Life: 20 Hrs
- Operating System: macOS
What We Like
- Loaded with apps that are ready to go right out of the box
- Nothing beats apple’s styling
- Integration with the Apple ecosystem
- Fantastic battery life
Price
MSRP From $1299
2) Best Value – Lenovo IdeaPad 3i
Overview
The full-featured Lenovo IdeaPad 3i is the best affordable laptop if you’re looking to balance performance versus price. It has a powerful 11th Gen Intel Core processor, integrated Intel graphics, and a 17″ FHD IPS display. The IdeaPad 3i’s wide screen gives it one of the highest active area ratios in its class.
With the lower price, however, there must be some sacrifices, and in this case, it is the battery life and weight. Weighing in at almost 5 pounds, it’s not the lightest laptop on our list. And with a battery life of just over 6.5 hours, you’ll need to keep the charger handy.
Despite the weight and battery life, if you’re looking for an affordable laptop that checks all the boxes, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i is a great choice.
Specifications
- Processor: Core i3 3.0 GHz
- Display: 17.3″ FHD IPS
- Memory: 8GB
- Hard Drive: 512 GB SSD
- Weight: 4.6lbs
- Battery Life: Up to 6.5 hrs
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
What We Like
- The reasonable price
- Screen size and resolution
Price
MSRP From $799.99
3) Best Performace – Dell XPS 15
Overview
The Dell XPS 15 is the best performant laptop for remote work. It has a large 15.6-inch screen, making it great for working on multiple projects at once or for watching movies and TV shows. The powerful Intel Core i9 processor and 32GB of RAM will power through anything you throw at it, and the 4K UHD display is beautiful.
The XPS 15 is the ideal combination of size and performance and will power even your most creative aspirations. The optional NVIDIA® GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU provides the horsepower to enhance production methods with ray tracing to AI-powered video editing. The only downside to this laptop is its price tag, but it’s definitely worth the investment if you can afford it.
Specifications
- Processor: Core i9 5.0 GHz
- Display: 15.6″ FHD
- Memory: 16GB
- Hard Drive: 1TB SSD
- Weight: 4 lbs
- Battery Life: Up to 13hrs
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
What We Like
- Nvidia 3050Ti GPU for video editing (and gaming)
- Hi-Res FHD 15″ screen
- Excellent battery life
Price
MSRP $2,999.00
4) Best Chromebook – Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
Overview
Welcome to the world of Chromebooks. These devices are generally smaller, more lightweight, and are often considered budget laptops. You sacrifice some performance and functionality with a chrome book over other laptops. They run on the Chrome operating system, which is not as powerful as Mac or Windows. But if you’re looking for a lightweight laptop for remote work, a Chromebook is a great choice.
The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a budget laptop that can handle most word processing and cloud-based applications. If you are a fan of Google products such as Gmail, Google Docs, and YouTube, this is your affordable laptop. With its lightweight operating system, Chromebook Flex 5 has long battery life. It’s a 2-in-1 device, so you can also use it as a tablet, which is not bad for a budget laptop.
Specifications
- Processor: Intel Core i5 2.00 GHz
- Display: 14.0″ FHD
- Memory: 8GB
- Hard Drive: 128GB
- Weight: 3.1lbs
- Battery Life: Up to 10 Hrs
- Operating System: ChromeOS
What We Like
- Integration with Google products
- Flex Tablet/Laptop configuration
- Lightweight
- Long battery life
- The affordable price
Price
MSRP $264.99
5) Best Writing & Blogging – Google Pixelbook Go
Overview
The Google Pixelbook Go is the best laptop for remote work, especially if you’re a writer or blogger. It’s ultra-thin and a lightweight laptop, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go. It has a powerful processor and up to 12 hours of battery life, so you can stay productive all day long. The 13.3″ touchscreen display is brilliant and offers high-definition picture quality. The backlit keyboard is quiet and comfortable, even in the dark. And with the Google Assistant built-in, you can get things done quickly and easily.
Specifications
- Processor: Intel Core i5
- Display: 13.3″ 4K UHD Touch Display
- Memory: 16GB
- Hard Drive: 128GB SSD
- Weight: 2.4 lbs
- Battery Life: 12 Hrs
- Operating System: ChromeOS
What We Like
- Google ecosystem
- Sleek look and feel
- Lightweight
- Long battery life
Price
MSRP $999
6) Best Windows 2-in-1 Tablet Laptop – Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Overview
Looking for the ultimate laptop for remote work? Look no further than the Microsoft Surface Pro 9. Featuring powerful new processors, a sleek and lightweight design, and up to 15.5 hours of battery life, this versatile 2-in-1 device is perfect for productivity on the go. Specifically designed for those who work remotely, the Surface Pro 9 offers a variety of unique features that make it a top choice for professionals. These include an ultra-portable design, edge-to-edge touchscreen display, and powerful Intel processors for unbeatable performance. With its powerful Intel processors and sleek design, the Surface Pro 9 offers unbeatable performance that makes it ideal for productivity and multitasking on the go. So if you’re looking for the best laptop for remote work, look no further.
Specifications
- Processor: Intel Core i5/i7
- Display: 13″ PixelSense Flow Display
- Memory: 8GB to 32GB
- Hard Drive: 128GB to 1 TB
- Weight: 1.94 lbs
- Battery Life: 15.5 Hrs
- Operating System: Windows
What We Like
- Good battery life
- Detachable keyboard
- Windows Operating System
Price
MSRP $999
7) Best Portable Laptop – ASUS ZenBook 14
Overview
The refined ZenBook 14 is one of the world’s smallest 14-inch laptops. The stunning frameless NanoEdge display and an innovative ScreenPad 2.0 are designed to give you the biggest possible screen with the smallest real estate. With outstanding performance and portability, the Zenbook 14 is an excellent option for remote workers. The ZenBook 14 features a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, providing the speed and power you need to run multiple applications at once or tackle complex workloads. With its remarkable battery life of up to 12.3 hours on a single charge. Choose the Asus Zenbook 14 if you want an ultraportable laptop.
Specifications
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- Display: 14″ FHD
- Memory: 16GB
- Hard Drive: 512GB
- Weight: 2.78 lbs
- Battery Life: 12.3 Hrs
- Operating System: Windows
What We Like
- Size and weight
- 14″ screen
- Portability
- Keypad secondary display
Price
MSRP $1199
Laptop Buying Guide
When buying a good laptop for working, many factors must be considered before making a purchase. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Type of Work You Will Be Doing
Digital marketers
Digital marketers often use laptops due to the need for constant connectivity. If you work as a digital marketer, your laptop should be lightweight, portable, and have excellent battery life.
SEO professionals
SEO professionals need fast processing speeds and ample memory to handle large workloads. Look for a laptop with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage space.
Social media managers
Like digital marketers, social media managers require fast and efficient laptops to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Speed is also crucial for social media managers because they must create and modify various content.
Writers, bloggers, and journalists
Writers and bloggers will spend long hours typing and editing on their laptops. Look for a computer with a comfortable, long-lasting keyboard and a high-quality screen.
YouTubers and influencers
Influencers and YouTubers are mainly required to create a lot of edited visual content. You will need a high-end laptop with a powerful processor and GPU. Look for models with high-speed ram and large hard drives.
Portability
As a remote worker, you will want to be able to move around. Look for lightweight laptops with good battery life.
Mac vs. PC
When choosing a laptop for work, you must decide whether you want a Mac or a PC. Mac computers are known for their sleek and sophisticated design, while PCs tend to be more customizable and affordable. Ultimately, the choice between Mac vs. PC comes down to personal preference and what kind of work you plan on doing with your laptop.
Operating System
The first thing to decide is which operating system you want. The three most popular choices are Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so choosing the right one is essential.
Windows Laptop
A Windows laptop runs the Windows operating system. There are a variety of manufacturers and 3rd party software providers that support Windows. They are highly functional and run a large variety of software.
MacOS Laptops
Mac computers are built by Apple and run the macOS operating system. They typically cost more than a Windows laptop but offer a more seamless user experience. Macs have fewer software applications but are well-regarded for video, audio, and design work. The two models are the MacBook Pro and the MacBook air.
ChromeOS Laptops
A ChromeOS laptop is a more affordable alternative to Mac and PC computers. They run the Chrome operating system and are usually smaller and lighter. They have long battery life and are easy to use but have fewer software applications than Windows or macOS laptops. Software is limited to the google play store applications, which are often designed specifically for phones or tablets.
Processor
The processor is the heart of the laptop and determines how fast it can run. Intel and AMD are the two most popular brands. Intel core processors are typically more expensive but offer better performance. AMD processors are a good choice if you’re looking for a budget laptop.
Memory
The amount of memory, or RAM, is another essential factor. More RAM means the laptop can run more programs simultaneously without slowing down. 4GB is the minimum you should look for, but 8GB or more is ideal.
Hard Drive
The hard drive is where all your files and programs are stored. You’ll want to choose a laptop with a large hard drive if you have a lot of data to store. SSDs are faster than traditional hard drives but are also more expensive.
Graphics Card
A good graphics card is essential if you plan on editing photos or videos. Most laptops have integrated graphics cards, but it is possible to find laptops with smaller versions of PC GPUs. If performance is absolutely critical, consider purchasing a gaming laptop.
Display
The size and resolution of the display are other important considerations when choosing the best laptops. A larger screen is better for productivity, while a higher resolution will make text and images look sharper, which can be important when looking for the best laptop for working.
Battery Life
Decent battery life is essential if you plan to use your laptop away from a power outlet. Laptops with smaller screens and processors typically have more hours of battery life than other laptops.
A good webcam
A good webcam is essential if you think you’ll be hosting online meetings as part of your work.
Price
Of course, price is always a factor when choosing a laptop. You’ll want to set a budget and then look for a model with the needed features without breaking the bank.
FAQ
What is the Best Laptop for Remote Work?
The best laptop for remote workers is the MacBook pro. It has a large screen, a powerful processor, and hours of battery life.
What is the Best Chromebook for Remote Work?
The best Chromebook for remote workers is the Google Pixelbook Go. It’s lightweight, has a good battery, and has a brilliant touchscreen display.
How do I Choose The Best Laptop for Working?
When choosing the best laptop for working, you’ll want to consider the operating system, processor, memory, hard drive, display, and battery. You’ll also want to set a budget and look for a model with the needed features without breaking the bank.
What’s the Best Laptop for Business?
The best laptop for working depends on your needs. Suppose you need a powerful machine for graphic design or video editing. In that case, you’ll want to choose a model with a powerful processor and a large display. If you plan to use your laptop away from a power outlet, battery life will be an essential consideration.
What’s the Best Laptop for Gaming?
The best laptop for gaming depends on your budget and what type of games you like. You can get by with a less expensive machine if you’re a casual gamer. But if you’re a hardcore gamer, you’ll need a powerful laptop with a large display and high-end graphics.
What’s the Best Laptop for School?
The best laptop for school depends on your budget and what type of schoolwork you’ll be doing. Suppose you need a powerful machine for graphic design or video editing. In that case, you’ll want to choose a model with a powerful processor and a large display. If you plan to use your laptop away from a power outlet, battery life will be an essential consideration.
Final Thoughts
The best laptop for you depends on your needs and budget. Consider the operating system, processor, memory, hard drive, display, and battery life when making your decision. And don’t forget to set a budget to ensure you don’t overspend.
Now that you know what to look for in a laptop, it’s time to start shopping!
