Laptop251 is supported by readers like you. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
“What are the best laptops for working from home?” is a common question nowadays. Whether you are a freelancer, a digital nomad, or someone who recently started working outside of the office, having a reliable laptop is essential.
But what to look for when getting a new laptop? Well, we’ve put together a buying guide to answer this question, so that anyone who’s working from home has an easy way of finding out what they should consider when shopping for one of these laptops.
We have done thorough research and selected some of the best laptops for remote work and getting things done at home. These computers will help you get more out of your time off the clock without sacrificing performance or style.
So here’s what we’ll do today:
P.s. we’re also including a value-packed FAQ section in this guide, be sure to stick around!
Let’s dive right in.
Minimum & Recommended System Requirements
Although, resources such as CPU, RAM, GPU, Battery, etc requirements change based on the type of work. For instance, a writer might just want a good work laptop that can run a word processor but a freelance data scientist might want a machine that comes with better CPU, RAM, GPU, and SSD storage to be able to run high-end machine learning software.
Here’s a list of the minimum and recommended system requirements one must consider to make an informed buying decision and ensure that the system does not face any lag, heating issue, or more while they are in the middle of a video conference call or writing program or code.
| CPU | 8th Gen Intel Core i3 | 10th Gen Intel Core i7 |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB SSD | 512GB SSD |
| Display | 12.3-inch PixelSense [2736 x 1824] | 15.6-inch FHD IPS [1920 x 1080] |
| GPU | Integrated Intel HD 620 | 2GB NVIDIA GeForce MX350 |
| Battery | Up to 5 hours | Up to 8 hours |
Best Laptops For Working From Home or Remotely
| LG Gram 14 |
| ||
| HP Envy |
| ||
| Acer Swift X |
| ||
| Apple MacBook Air M1 |
| ||
| Microsoft Surface Pro 7 |
| ||
| Asus ZenBook 14 |
| ||
| Dell Inspiron 15 |
| ||
| Lenovo IdeaPad 3 |
|
Whether you perform CPU-intensive tasks, memory-intensive tasks, tasks that require high graphics, or even tasks that require a combination of all the resources mentioned above. Our list includes the best-rated laptops that are highly suitable for remote access or working from home.
- CPU: 1.3GHz Intel Core i7-1065G7
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display:14-inch FHD IPS [1920 x 1080]
- GPU: Integrated Intel Iris Plus
- Battery: Up to 18.5 hours
With remote desktops being a necessary aspect to rely on in the post-pandemic era, it might just be appropriate to invest in a portable yet powerful notebook. This is where the LG Gram 14 comes forth as one of the best laptops for remote work on our list, courtesy of the insanely powerful battery and an otherwise impressive specs sheet.
Taking care of the processing requirements is the Intel Core i7-1065G7 chipset. Despite not being the most powerful i7 mobile SoC in the retail arena, the featured CPU is still a good enough choice for several multithreaded tasks like photo editing and video creation. Besides, the highest possible single-core, Turbo Clock speed of up to 3.9GHz makes it a relatively smart choice for Illustrator CC, MS-Excel management, and relevant tasks.
The integrated Iris Plus Graphics co-processor is a good resource for casual games and edits. Then again, the LG Gram 14 hardly runs out of multitasking juice, courtesy of the 16GB DDR4 RAM. As per the featured processor, the existing chunk of system memory is one of the fastest processing modules on a productivity-focused notebook, at 3200MHz. Storage-specific requirements are met by the 512GB SSD unit.
As LG accommodates an NVMe-compatible storage module, you can expect the same to load applications and boot up the pre-existing Windows 10 Home OS, in a heartbeat. Then again, it is the 14-inch IPS screen that excites us the most, courtesy of the sharpest visuals and the work-focused color accuracy. In terms of resolution, LG offers 1920×1080 pixels, to be exact.
Following the class-leading specs, the sheet is several productivity-based resources, which qualify the LG Gram 14 as the perfect WFH notebook. Firstly, it is the illuminated and spacious keyboard that makes a positive difference to productivity.
Besides, you also get access to a decent set of stereo speakers that boast 3D audio and DTS: X enhancement. As work from home requires you to protect confidential data, LG accommodates a nifty fingerprint scanner for the job.
Professionals can also make good use of the standard webcam and serviceable microphones. Regardless of these inclusions, the LG Gram 14 continues to be one of the lightest models on the list at 2.2 pounds. This attribute ensures that you need not be restricted to a particular workstation and might contribute towards professional productivity, even on the move.
LG ensures that the metal-clad chassis is MIL-STD certified and accommodates a decent set of connectivity-based specs; including Type-A, HDMI 2.0, and the elusive Thunderbolt 3 port for the fastest possible data transfers. Besides, you also get access to high-speed wired and wireless connectivity standards, allowing you to set up secured WFH networks.
The battery on the Gram 14 continues to steal the show with an 18.5-hour backup. Therefore, if you are seeking a portable and efficient device for your WFH tasks, the LG Gram 14 readily shows up as a worthy investment to make.
- 10th gen chipset
- Feathery notebook
- Long-lasting battery
- Stellar display
- Ultrafast RAM module
- Glossy panel restricts sunlight visibility
- A bit noisy
- CPU: 2.8GHz Intel Core i7-1165G7
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD + 32GB Optane
- Display: 17.3-inch FHD Touch [1920 x 1080]
- GPU: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Battery: Up to 10 hours
The HP Envy has a strong Dell aesthetic design and the laptop itself have noticeable changes as compared to the previous XPS models. Aluminum has been used to build the lid and the bottom. Carbon fiber gives the sides, deck, and hinges a premium look. Undoubtedly, our best laptop for working from home.
A 2.8GHz Intel Core i7-10750H CPU is configured into HP Envy. The turbo clock speeds have significantly increased thanks to the powerful processor, and the laptop displays great efficiency. With an integrated Intel Iris Xe and a respected battery life of up to 10 hours, the HP Envy is an excellent choice for light video editing, everyday work needs and can serve you as well if you want to play mid-level games as well.
With the support of 12GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, the device is quick during business and personal use like documentation, Microsoft Office, web browsing, switching between tabs, and video playback. This laptop is great for those working from home. The device also has 32GB Optane memory, which will accelerate this computer, without compromising system storage capacity.
The HP Envy comes with a 17.3-inch FHD touchscreen panel that is rich in color and ensures wide viewing angles. With a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, the ultra-thin bezel’s screen gives a very vivid viewing experience to users. The luminosity on this device is excellent. Hence, whether you are working from home or on the go, you’ll love this laptop’s screen.
With sufficient key travel, the HP Envy brings to the users a decent typing experience as the palm rest is very comfortable. Tactile feedback is great and the Touchpad works quite well. The accuracy of the Touchpad, as well as the response, is an attractive feature.
The inclusion of one Thunderbolt 4 port is useful in that it gives users the ability to charge the laptop and connects to USB-C ports. Three USB 3.2, DisplayPort 1.4, headphone jack, battery meter button, and a light indicator to let you check power even when the computer is not in use.
You will love the 5MP resolution webcam on this work-from-home laptop. It comes in handy when attending online Zoom meetings. The hinge itself is quite sturdy and at 7.75 pounds, and the machine is comfortably light and easy to carry. In short, the HP Envy comes in first place on our best work from home laptop list.
- Excellent performance
- Decent Integrated card
- Long battery life
- Seamless typing experience
- Touch is not as smooth as expected
3. Best Laptop For Digital Nomads: Acer Swift X
- CPU: 2.4GHz AMD Ryzen 7 5800U
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 14-inch FHD IPS [1920 x 1080]
- GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
- Battery: Up to 12 hours
Launched as an everyday performer for those who deal with routine work-from-home, the Acer Swift X is meant to provide them with a quick and reliable performance that they expect from a recommended system.
Laced with a 2.4GHz AMD Ryzen 7 5800U processor, the machine is configured with 16GB DDR4 RAM and an astonishing 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD internal storage. This setup is well-chosen amongst digital nomads who work by themselves at home or are freelancers. This is further supported by a powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card which is a value addition under the budget. Acer chose to sell this model with Windows 10 Home Operating System.
With a 14-inch screen, Acer Swift X competes well with the likes of high-end ASUS VivoBook laptops. The IPS FHD screen has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels which provides clear picture quality. However, the viewing angles are not wide.
The Swift X is designed to look like a high-end machine with a black chassis, lid, and deck. This item weighs 3.06 pounds, which is an exciting feature for those who travel a lot with their office work laptops. The configuration is a cherry on the top.
The keyboard works well and is accompanied by a responsive touchpad that allows multi-touch inputs. This makes the keyboard comfortable to use and provides tracking accuracy. Speakers provide average sound quality when listening to music.
The Swift X is also known for its fusion connectivity features. Alongside the Gigabit ethernet port, and an HDMI port with HDCP support, you will also find one USB 3.2 Type C and two USB 3.2 ports. This is further supported by WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity which makes Swift X a preferred choice for working professionals. Shockingly, there is no provision of an SD Card slot.
Lastly, the battery life on Acer Swift X can last up to 12 hours which is above average for laptops meant for work office and it goes a long way for standard use. If you need the best laptop for working from home, Swift X is the one.
- Good performance
- Thin and lightweight
- Decent level of GPU
- Impressive battery life
- Multi-touch keypad
- Value for money
- No SD Card slot
- Average design
- CPU: 8-Core Apple M1 Chip
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 13.3-inch FHD Retina [2560 x 1600]
- GPU: Integrated Apple 7-core
- Battery: Up to 18 hours
With a robust design and a sturdy body build, the M1-powered MacBook Air is here to do its only job – provide endurance and convenience to the work-from-home professionals. Following the previous MacBook model’s design approach, the new MacBook Air is a reliable model with an elegant aesthetic.
Apple MacBook Air is quite lightweight as compared to a few counterparts. This 2.8 pounds machine is quite suitable for portability and it does stand out for its excellent performance. The 8-Core Apple M1 chip boosts the laptop’s value for money. It gives the professionals reason to use the device to work with Adobe Photoshop and everyday documentation purposes without hassle.
The fascinating Graphics unit on Apple MacBook Air is laced with the power of the Apple 7-core integrated GPU that enhances the performance slightly amidst the mid-range laptops for programming. The best laptop for working from home? We don’t doubt that.
The high-quality processor is further paired with an efficient 8GB RAM which provides Apple MacBook Air with speed and easy access to programs and applications. Moving to the internal storage of this high-power device, a 256GB SSD storage configuration goes a long way for those who work on the laptop routinely.
A 13.3-inch LED IPS retina display helps provide the professional with a more than decent viewing experience. The resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels on this True Tone Technology display is a valuable feature too, given the long duration which the professionals working from home spend in front of the laptop screens.
Unfortunately, the keyboard unit is not the best-in-class although it comes with RGB backlit features. The typing experience is decent even as key travel is not quite deep. The speakers on Apple MacBook Air are pretty good at a reasonable price given that you tweak the sound settings on the laptop.
The battery life on MacBook Air is above-average with up to 18 hours and you can adjust the performance of the processor, GPU, and RAM on this laptop. Ergo, the Apple MacBook Air is a good buy for those who are looking for an entry-level, mid-range machine for everyday professional use whether at home or on the go to fit under their budget.
- Elegant body design
- High-resolution display
- Seamless work experience
- Good speaker quality
- Sleek and robust build
- Thunderbolt 3 port
- Affordable price
- CPU: 1.3GHz Intel Core i7-1065G7
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 12.3-inch PixelSense [2736 x 1824]
- GPU: Integrated Intel Iris Plus
- Battery: Up to 10.5 hours
Launched as an ultralight and versatile machine, the new Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a winner when it comes to the super lightweight 2-in-1 models.
The leap in performance on this Surface Pro model comes due to the 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor paired with an integrated Iris Plus graphics support. Multitasking becomes smooth with the addition of 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD internal storage. You can switch between multiple apps on the browser without facing any lag.
The 12.3-inch PixelSense screen on this laptop is competitive amidst the convertibles. The resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels is vivid and bright. The sRGB color gamut is excellent and accurate, something you expect usually from an iPad Pro. Coders and video editors will find it good to use this screen as it will be easy on the eyes and ensure accuracy.
As for the keyboard, everyday users will find it easy to gauge through the keys on the Surface Pro laptop. The key travel on the thin Type Cover [which has to be additionally purchased] or the keyboard is great. The Touchpad on this laptop is effective when it comes to precision. Switching between apps is smooth through the glass Touchpad. However, it may be loud and clicky.
With the presence of a tablet, laptop, and studio modes, the Surface Pro 7 comes with a matte-black finish and appears to be a thin machine. Fingerprints are resisted, thanks to the black exterior and the texture that make the user grip the 2-in-1 laptop well.
The build is sturdy but the thick bezels around the display may not be an attractive feature for some. But weighing at just 1.70 pounds, the Surface Pro 7 is still a steal deal for professionals working from home who also travels a lot.
There is an addition of Surface Pen at extra cost which ensures good sensitivity and comes with an eraser on the back. It can support artists to draw and sketch on the apps available on Surface Pro. Professionals and art students can use this to create handwritten notes or edit documents.
The longevity of this laptop is probably one of the key highlights. Surface Pro can endure up to 10.5 hours of laptop use at high brightness and constant web-surfing. This makes the Surface Pro 7 a great laptop for travel and work.
- Extremely lightweight and convertible
- PixelSense display with vivid colors
- Keyboard functions very well
- Battery life is improved up to 10.5 hours
- Multitasking is easy with high performance
- Smaller display
- Expensive
- CPU: 2.8GHz Intel Core i7-1165G7
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB
- Display: 14-inch FHD [1920 x 1080]
- GPU: Integrated Intel Iris Xe
- Battery: Up to 21 hours
While ASUS laptops are known for their reliability and convenience, the ASUS ZenBook 14 laptop seems to be one of the most exciting laptop models by the brand by far. Plus, the convenient budget has been a point of attraction for routine professionals.
With a 2.8GHz Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, the performance on this laptop is fairly decent. This is paired with 8GB LPDDR3 RAM for standard multitasking. Moreover, the 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD internal storage helps better the overall performance of the laptop.
The GPU for Asus ZenBook 14 is packed with Intel Iris Xe to provide an average display quality to support tech professionals, editors, and it’s great as an entry-level gaming laptop as well.
At only 2.58 pounds, ZenBook 14 is a thin and lightweight device that ensures portability and a 14-inch WideView Full HD LED screen. The resolution on this laptop is configured at 1920 x 1080 pixels. However, the image quality might not be up to the mark. The keyboard is slightly cramped and the Touchpad works alright with no lag.
As for the connectivity, the Zenbook comes with 1 Thunderbolt 3, 3 USB 3.0 ports, 1 USB 2.0 port, 1 HDMI port, a built-in media reader, WiFi, Bluetooth. The speakers provide a decent listening experience.
Overall, it is a decent laptop with a surprisingly long battery life lasting up to 21 hours. This is a good option for young professionals and college students who can’t spend a lot and regularly work at home. One of our best work-from-home laptops.
- Doesn’t cost a fortune
- Full HD LED display
- Lightweight machine
- Long battery life
- Above-average configuration
- Modest connectivity under this range
- The keyboard is not up to the mark
- Average speakers
- Non-upgradable RAM slot
- CPU: 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-1135G7
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD Touch [1920 x 1080]
- GPU: Integrated Intel Iris Xe
- Battery: Up to 7 hours
The Dell Inspiron 15 is known for its affordability and good performance. With a robust design and a sturdy body build, the machine falls a bit short on the aesthetic of the design.
The high-speed 2.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor is further paired with an efficient 8GB DDR4 RAM which helps the professionals perform multitasking. Moving to the internal storage of this high-power laptop, a 512GB SSD configuration goes a long way for those who work on the laptop routinely. Intel Iris Xe support further adds to the value of this affordable working laptop that ensures productivity daily. Windows 10 Home OS comes pre-installed with this device.
Even with a 15.6-inch display accompanied by a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, this machine falls behind when it comes to displaying innovation. The picture quality might not be the greatest when compared to the others in the same budget range, but the colors are moderately better.
With 1.4 mm of key travel, the keyboard is decent but the typing experience may not be the most comfortable. However, the Touchpad on Inspiron 15 is quite impressive, with the provision of performing multiple gestures.
This Windows laptop for work comes with a 1080p display surrounded by massive bezels which might put a few users off. However, it also provides the professionals with a fingerprint reader which increases productivity. At 3.78 pounds, the Dell Inspiron 15 is a slim machine and not too bad for a convertible laptop.
As for the connectivity, this device comes with an HDMI port, 3 USB 3 ports, an SD Card slot, an Ethernet jack, and a headphone jack. The speakers on this home laptop are pretty good at a reasonable price, given that you tweak the sound settings on the laptop.
The battery life on Dell Inspiron 15 is average with up to 7 hours. This mid-range laptop is meant for everyday professional use whether at home or on the go to fit under their budget.
- Decent performance
- Smooth multitasking
- Affordable price
- Good speaker quality
- Sturdy body build
- CPU: 2.2GHz AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 14-inch FHD IPS [1920 x 1080]
- GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon Vega 8
- Battery: Up to 8.5 hours
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is one of the most lightweight and sleek 15-inch laptops in the market currently. It is highly portable and is a preferred choice of digital nomads, thanks to the ease of carrying it around.
However, for a mainstream machine, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 comes with a powerful configuration in the form of a 2.2GHz AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor and the GPU support of AMD Radeon Vega 8. This is further accompanied by 8GB DDR4 RAM and an internal storage capacity of 256GB M.2 SSD. The overall performance of this laptop is magnificent and is therefore recommended for those working from home.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 comes with a 14-inch screen which provides an FHD viewing experience. This NanoEdge screen is known for its wide viewing angles. While the brightness is consistent, the color vividness might not be the best.
The keyboard doesn’t include Numpad but provides everyday professionals with a good typing experience. The Touchpad, operating on the Microsoft Precision drivers, includes a fingerprint scanner. The battery life is a disappointment, up to 8.5 hours
At 3.78 pounds, this cheapest lightweight machine is courtesy of a small footprint and a light chassis which is an evident improvement from the past models of Asus. Also, the lid is built of aluminum while the base is born out of plastic, which gives it slight flexibility.
The approach to the design of this computer has been minimal and simplistic with a metal finish. Along with 3 USB 3.0 ports and a microSD card slot, Asus VivoBook provides connectivity.
If you’re still picking your best laptop for working from home, it won’t get any better than Lenovo IdeaPad 3.
- Good performance
- Smooth multitasking
- Affordable price
- Lightweight
- Limited connectivity options
What to Consider When Selecting the Best Laptops For Remote Work?
Let’s look at the top four things that affect your work-from-home experience. If you buy your laptop with these factors/features in mind, we guarantee you an excellent purchase.
One essential point to note before we move on: it’s all too subjective and based on self-assessment. No matter how similar, all of us have different needs [slightly or mightily]. To make the most out of your purchase, the number one rule is to conduct a self-assessment. Study your needs and pinpoint what your needs are and what you will use your laptop for.
Our buyers’ guide will help you achieve this.
Internal Specifications
Ask yourself what you’re buying the laptop for: you could need anything from an entry-level Core i3-processor laptop to a high-end Core i9 one. People in designing and creative fields [photo editor, video editor, 3D designers, etc.] usually require higher-end laptops as their work is more GPU-intensive.
For those of you working corporate jobs, or providing other services, it’s best to go with a mid-range Core i5 or i7 processor [or AMD equivalent], 8GB-16GB RAM, 256GB-512GB SSD, and an integrated graphics card will do the trick.
Ergonomic Keyboard
Ensuring an ergonomic setup should be high on any remote worker’s list – health is wealth. Along with requiring you to sit up straight, you need to ensure that the keyboard is lovely enough to be used all day without a frown.
Make sure the laptop you’re purchasing has a keyboard with well-spaced keys, and overall a comfortable real-estate for your hands to occupy. If the key spacing is too narrow, your palms will hurt at the end of every workday.
Similarly, try to look for longer, more comfortable key travel as well. Keyboards that have deeper, more clicky, and tactile keys provide a smoother typing experience, where you don’t have to spend too much energy.
Display Quality
Working from home isn’t painful, right? Well, with a poor display laptop, it is. Low-quality displays [anything below the FHD IPS panel] will make you focus more on the screen, in turn causing your eyes to strain. Though you might be able to sleep it off, long-term effects are worse.
Be sure to purchase a laptop with an excellent screen. The FHD IPS panel has become entry-level now, though many laptops out there still come with FHD panels only. The IPS technology provides better viewing angles, as a result of which, your eyes strain less and don’t hurt.
Our favorite HP Envy has a good Touch FHD screen. Avoid compromising display quality, as again, comfort should be your number one priority.
Portability
As a remote worker, you could either be the sitter, the mover, or the normal guy—let us explain.
So, the sitter is the worker who doesn’t move around [forcibly or habitually] and spends the whole day sitting. The mover, on the other hand, is the one who is mostly on the move. And, the normal guy, of course, is the one who maintains the balance.
If you’re a sitter, weight shouldn’t be a concern to you. Go with anything between 3.5 and 5.0 lbs. In case you move a lot, go with a laptop that weighs less than 2.0 lbs. And for the normal guys out there, anything should be fine if it’s carriable.
In short, assess all your needs and pick the laptop out of these value-intensive picks that suit you the best.
Was this buying guide helpful? Let us know in the comments below, your feedback is valuable to us.
FAQs About Best Laptops For Working From Home
Usually, professionals who work remotely, be it home or away from the office, focus on the three key aspects to choose the best laptop for their professional use: connection, communication, and performance. These factors help us understand which configuration is best suited for working from home on your laptop.
The best laptops for working from home purposes must include Intel i5 or higher processors. They provide high performance. The higher the number of cores, the more optimal the speed of the laptop. However, if you don’t wish to choose the Intel processor, you can find notebooks with newer AMD processors too.
If a professional’s priority is big display size, 13-inch laptops wouldn’t be ideal for professional use. However, more than the screen size, the screen quality matters when considering laptops for home office. So, a 13-inch notebook with a Full HD Display and a high resolution will be feasible for work from home purposes.
The best laptops for work-from-home purposes ensure that the users can perform multitasking, they can switch between tasks without lag, and the battery life is above average. These laptops have an above-average configuration and are considered portable.
Not necessarily. For high-end tech professionals like coders and creative professionals like video editors, specific configurations are essential thereby increasing the cost of the laptop. However, for most professionals who need routine documentation and web browsing, mid-range laptops can provide the required specifications for work from home too.
Verdict
When it comes to working from home, the users do not have to be very specific about their choice of laptop. This might confuse them and therefore they need to know the significant factors affecting their choices like processor speed, productivity, display quality, storage capacity, accessibility, and budget restrictions.
In this ‘best laptops for work from home’ article we primarily wanted to help people who are looking to buy laptops at different price ranges.
- If you’re into small business, consider ZenBook 14. It is a budget-friendly option for general use as well.
- However, if you the best value for money, we would suggest HP Envy. It has a fast processor with a a good integrated GPU with a FHD Touchscreen.
- And if you’re looking for an Apple device for work, go for the latest Apple MacBook Air M1.
Not only do most of the laptops above provide effective overall performance, but these machines have also outdone their predecessors and have created a benchmark for many professional users from a variety of fields.