9 Best Laptops For Working From Home In 2024
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If you have the opportunity to work from home, you should do it! But it’s important that you are just as productive at home as you are at your office. A good laptop can help.
Working from home has become increasingly popular over the past few years, and with it, the need for a reliable laptop. Whether you’re a remote employee or freelancer, having the right laptop can make all the difference in the quality of your work.
That is why we have compiled a list of the nine best laptops for working from home in 2024. We’ve taken into account specs, performance, price and reviews to create a list of the best laptops that are suitable for working from home or a flexible office space. From high-end options to budget devices, there’s something for everyone on this list.
What Matters Most When Buying A Laptop?
Buying a new laptop is always a big decision. You want to make sure you’re getting the best deal and that you’re making the right choice for your needs. It’s hard enough trying to figure out specs, but then add in the price tag and it’s easy to see why people put off buying a new laptop for years.
When it comes to finding the best laptop for working from home, there are a few key features to look for.
First, you need to make sure that the laptop you choose has enough power for your needs. This means looking at processor speed, RAM, and storage capacity. You don’t want to be stuck with a laptop that can’t keep up with your workload. Even the best budget laptop won’t help you if it can’t do the jobs you need it for.
Second, you need to make sure that the laptop has a long battery life. Working away from the office can mean you’ll be away from power outlets for long periods of time, so having a laptop with good battery life is essential.
Finally, you need to make sure that the laptop has the right ports and connections for your setup. If you’re working with multiple monitors on a monitor stand or other peripherals, make sure that the laptop has enough ports and connections to support your setup.
Our Standards
Computers come in so many different configurations these days at many different price points. This makes it difficult to recommend a one-size-fits-all durable and reliable lap for working from home. It’s important to ask yourself: what type of work do you do? How much computer power do you really need?
For most people, we believe that these are the minimum specs you should look for, no matter what kind of work you do. They are:
- 1TB SSD storage or more
- 8GB RAM or more
- Less than 5 pounds weight
- 13″ display or bigger
- Minimum 8 hours battery life
Let’s break those specs down into a chart with nine PC models that fit the bill:
Computer | RAM | HardDrive | Ports | Display | Weight | CPU | Battery |
Acer Swift 3 | 8GB | 1TB SSD | Two USB3-A, One Thunderbolt 4, HDMI | 14″ FHD | 2.65 pounds | Intel Core i7-1165G7 | 12 hours |
Lenovo Ideapad 3 | 8GB | 1TB SSD | One USB2-A, One USB3-A, One USB-C, HDMI, SD Card Reader | 14″ FHD | 3.1 pounds | Intel Core i5-1135G7 | 9 hours |
Acer Aspire 5 | 20GB | 1TB SSD | One USB-C, Two USB3-A, HDMI | 15.6″ FHD | 3.97 pounds | Intel Core i7-1165G7 | 8 hours |
Asus Zenbook 14 | 16GB | 1TB SSD | Two USB-C, One USB3-A, HDMI, Micro SD Card Reader | 14″ FHD | 2.6 pounds | AMD 8 Core Ryzen 7 5800H | 15 hours |
Dell Inspiron 7425 | 16GB | 1TB SSD | Two USB-C, One USB3-A, HDMI, SD Card Reader | 14″ Touchscreen | 3.61 pounds | AMD Ryzen 5 5625U | 12 hours |
HP Pavillion 14 | 16GB | 1TB SSD | One USB-C, 2 USB3-A, HDMI | 15.6″ FHD | 3.53 pounds | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U | 9 hours |
HP Spectre XP360 | 16GB | 1TB SSD | One USB-C, Two Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, Micro SD Reader | 16″ Touchscreen | 5 pounds | Intel Core i7-12700H | 10 hours |
LG Gram 14 | 16GB | 1TB SSD | Two USB3-A, Two Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, Micro SD Reader | 14″ IPS | 4.2 pounds | Intel Core i7-1260P | 10 hours |
Samsung Galaxy Book 2 | 16GB | 1TB SSD | Two USB-C, One Thunderbolt 4, Micro SD Reader | 15.6″ Touchscreen | 3.06 pounds | Intel Core i7-1165G7 | 16 hours |
Here Are The Top 9 Laptops We Found:
1. Acer Swift 3
With an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a whopping 1TB of SSD storage space, the Acer Swift 3 withstands even the most demanding tasks. And at just 2.65 pounds and 14″ FHD display size, it is a highly portable tool that fits perfectly in any bag or briefcase.
Other features include two USB3-A and one Thunderbolt 4 ports plus HDMI so you can plug into all sorts of external devices like monitors and external hard drives with ease. You won’t need to worry about your battery running out either thanks to a 12 hour battery life.
2. Lenovo Ideapad 3
The Lenovo Ideapad 3 is a serious laptop for professionals who need to stay connected. Weighing in at just 3.1 pounds and measuring 14″, this Ultrabook is perfect for the working professional on-the-go who requires functionality and convenience.
It’s powered by an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, with 8GB of RAM and a generous 1TB of SSD storage, allowing you to run multiple tasks with ease. With up to 9 hours of battery life, its ports include one USB2-A, one USB3-A, one USB-C, HDMI, and SD Card Reader; so you have plenty of options for peripherals and accessories.
3. Acer Aspire 5
The Acer Aspire 5 is the perfect companion for anyone looking for a laptop with enough power to work from home. Along with its sleek design, the Acer Aspire 5 combines 20GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage, giving you faster performance and plenty of storage space. Plus, it’s equipped with one USB-C port, two USB3-A ports and an HDMI port, so you can easily connect to your monitor or external devices.
The 15.6″ FHD display makes watching movies or streaming content a visual treat, and the Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor ensures all your work is done smoothly without lag. Weighing in at a lightweight 3.97 pounds, this laptop is easily portable so you can take it wherever you go. And the 8 hour battery life should keep you going through an average workday.
4. Asus Zenbook 14
The Asus Zenbook 14 is the perfect lightweight laptop for working from home. Its sleek aluminum body is light and durable so you can take your work anywhere you go. The 14″ FHD display allows for clear, bright visuals with vivid colors so everything looks vibrant at any angle. The lightweight 2.6 pound design also ensures that you can easily take it on the go without being weighed down by a heavy device.
It packs a punch too: an AMD 8 Core Ryzen 7 5800H processor provides ultra-fast performance, while 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD ensure that all of your tasks are taken care of quickly. With two USB-C ports, one USB3-A port, HDMI output, and micro SD card reader you have all the slots you need to connect peripherals or transfer data in a flash. And with up to 15 hours battery life, you don’t have to worry about running out of juice throughout a long day’s work either.
5. Dell Inspiron 7425
With an AMD Ryzen 5 5625U processor and 16GB RAM, you will have no problem powering through your tasks efficiently and quickly with the Dell Inspiron 7425, the best Dell laptop for working from home. Its 1TB SSD space provides ample storage for all of your remote work software tools and files. And the 12 hour battery life is very helpful for those long workdays.
In addition to its power and speed, this Dell laptop features two USB-C ports, one USB 3-A port, HDMI, an SD Card Reader and a 14″ HD touch display that helps maximize productivity as you work from home. The display can fold backwards so it can serve as both a laptop and a tablet with its touchscreen. And with a lightweight design of only 3.61 pounds, you won’t have any trouble carrying it around with you wherever you need to go.
6. HP Pavillion 14
The HP Pavillion 14 is designed for maximum portable productivity. With 16GB of RAM and a 1TB solid state drive, this laptop has the power and speed you need to get the job done. Despite its compact size, the Pavilion 14 comes with One USB-C port, Two USB3-A ports, and an HDMI port. It also features an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor, ensuring peak performance when commuting between home and office.
The 15.6″ FHD display provides razor-sharp graphics that make work easier and entertainment more enjoyable. Weighing only 3.53 pounds, it’s perfect for carrying around all day while still delivering a full 9 hours of battery life on a single charge.
7. HP Spectre X360
The HP Spectre X360 is the perfect choice for professionals who are looking for a reliable laptop to help them work from home. Featuring the latest Intel Core i7-12700H processor, this laptop will ensure that long hours of productivity won’t slow you down. With 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD, you can have plenty of room to store all your large files with ease.
The extra large 16″ touchscreen lets you experience vivid colors and sharp images as you work on your creative or professional projects. The port selection includes USB-C, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, and micro SD reader providing users with various options for connecting their devices. Yet those ports don’t add any bulkiness to this slim 5-pound laptop, so you can take it and its 10 hour battery life along with you wherever your workload takes you.
8. LG Gram 14
The LG Gram 14 packs serious power without sacrificing mobility or convenience. With 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage around your computing needs are maxed out at peak performance, so you can focus on getting more done quicker with the Intel Core i7-1260P processor powering everything underneath. And its 14″ IPS display lets you view content from just about any angle, so you can work in comfort when need be.
But don’t think that all that power comes with weight; with its 4.2 pound frame, this laptop is still lightweight enough to take wherever life takes you. And the 10 hour battery life makes sure you spend less time searching for outlets than actually getting stuff done — perfect for longer sitting periods allowing you to max out its performance potential without worrying about if it’s plugged in or not.
9. Samsung Galaxy Book 2
The Samsung Galaxy Book 2 is a powerful laptop for working from home. With its Intel Core i7-1165G7, 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD, you can enjoy seamless multitasking with quick response times that let you get more done in less time. And for added convenience, it has two USB-C ports, one Thunderbolt 4 port and a micro SD card reader. Plus, its 15.6″ touchscreen offers an expansive display quality with accurate color reproduction so you can view texts and images with crystal clear clarity.
Best of all, it can fold its display backwards to serve as both a laptop and a tablet in the same device, and there is an included stylus called an S pen. It’s even lightweight at only 3.06 pounds, making it easy to carry around wherever your work takes you! Not to mention it has an insane battery life of 16 hours so you can stay productive no matter where your day takes you.
FAQs
Can I use MacBooks or Chromebooks? Why weren’t they reviewed?
There’s nothing wrong with a Macbook Pro or a Macbook Air or Chromebooks or other laptops. In fact, depending on the work you do, maybe one of those would indeed be better than the Windows-based machines we’ve reviewed here today.
But, most office environments are Windows-based and Office 365-based. There’s no easy way around the differences between Mac and PC computers short of finding a different line of work.
That being said, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best laptop for working from home will vary depending on individual needs and preferences. However, we can narrow down the options by considering what factors are most important for a work from home laptop.
First and foremost, the laptop should be able to handle all of the necessary tasks for your job or business. For many people, this will include basic office functions like word processing and spreadsheet creation, but if you have more specific needs (like video editing or graphic design), you’ll need to make sure your chosen laptop can accommodate those programs.
Secondly, portability may be a factor to consider when choosing a work-from-home laptop. If you need to be able to take your laptop with you on business trips or to client meetings, you’ll want to make sure it’s lightweight and easy to transport.
Finally, price is always a consideration when purchasing any type of computer. You’ll want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck, so be sure to compare features and prices before making your final decision.
What computer specs do I need for working from home?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, many people recommend a business laptop with at least 8GB of RAM for working from home. Additionally, you may want to consider a laptop with a discrete graphics card if you plan to do any video or graphic design work and USB C ports for fast external storage.
Strictly speaking, your computer specs don’t need to be anything special for working from home. Most laptops will do just fine. Make sure that your laptop has excellent battery life so you can work without being tied to an outlet (and don’t overpay for a laptop from a battery life price point), and make sure that it’s comfortable enough to use for hours at a time.
Bottom line: If you’re going to be doing a lot of graphics or photo editing, then you may need a more powerful computer, but for most basic tasks, any laptop will work. Just make sure that you have a reliable internet connection and plenty of storage space for your files.
What operating system do I need to work from home?
It’s likely that most employers will require you to have a laptop that has the appropriate version of the Windows operating system in order to work from home. (Although there could be exceptions.)
It’s possible that your employer uses some kind of proprietary software or online platform that is designed to be used on Windows computers alone. Check with your company’s IT Department to make sure.
If you’re self-employed, then you can be much more flexible in the operating system and laptop type you choose to use. Many freelancers and companies use Windows 10.
Windows 10 is great for working from home because it’s a very user-friendly operating system and it also has a lot of features that are helpful for remote workers. For example, the Windows 10 Action Center provides you with notifications about your computer’s health and security, and it also allows you to configure settings for VPNs, network connections, and more. Plus, the Microsoft Edge browser included with Windows 10 is perfect for surfing the web and completing online tasks.
How much SSD do I need to work from home?
A laptop with a 1TB SSD or larger should be more than enough for most people working from home. You could probably get away with a 512GB SSD, but since prices of SSDs are dropping all the time, we recommend going with at least a 1TB drive to give yourself some breathing room.
In addition to the size of the SSD, you’ll also want to consider the type of work you’ll be doing.
If you’re mostly going to be working in Microsoft Office or browsing the internet, then your basic internal SSD should be enough. But if you work with large databases, video files, or any other kind of intensive workflow, you may want to invest in some external USB storage on another SSD or even a very large cheap HDD.
Which is better: more RAM or SSD?
Uh oh, now you’ve done it. (just kidding!) Computer users have been asking this question for many years.
And there’s no definite answer. Why not? Because it depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a laptop for working from home, then you might want to consider getting one with more RAM so that you can have more programs open at the same time.
However, if you are looking to save money and you use a lot of storage space, then an SSD might be a better option. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which is best for your needs.
More RAM or SSD is a matter of debate among laptop users. Some say that more RAM is better because it allows the computer to run more programs at once. Others claim that SSD is superior because it offers faster data access and saves battery life.
If you plan on doing a lot of multitasking or running memory-intensive programs, then extra RAM will be beneficial. If you’re mostly concerned with speed and efficiency, an SSD will help your laptop perform its best.
For working from home, either option could be a good choice depending on your budget and what type of tasks you’ll be performing most often. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which is best for your needs.
Is it better to have a laptop or desktop to work from home?
This is a more difficult question to answer than it appears.
There’s no denying that laptops have become increasingly popular in recent years. They’re portable, which makes them ideal for working from home or anywhere else. And, to be honest, they’re just more convenient in general. Plus, thanks to advances in technology, laptops are now more powerful than ever before.
However, that doesn’t mean that laptops are always the best choice for working from home. In fact, there are certain situations where a desktop computer would be a better option. Here are a few things to consider:
What type of work will you be doing? If you’ll be doing a lot of writing or other word processing tasks, a laptop might not be the best choice. The smaller keyboard and display can make it difficult to type for long periods of time.
On the other hand, if you’ll be doing mostly web browsing and other light tasks, a laptop will be just fine.
Do you need a computer for work? In some cases, a budget laptop with decent battery life will suffice. However, there are certain professions that require a desktop computer.
For example, if you’re a graphic designer or video editor or university researcher, you’ll need the extra power that a desktop computer provides.
Do you need to travel with a computer for your work? If you’re going back and forth to your office often, if you take a lot of business trips, or if you just like to pop into your local cafe to do a bit of web research, then a laptop is obviously the best choice.
So, to answer the question, it really depends on what type of work you’ll be doing. If you need a powerful computer for work and you don’t need the portability, a desktop is the way to go. But if you just need a basic machine for light tasks and you’re constantly on the move, a laptop will be fine.
How does a touchscreen laptop work?
Much like a smartphone or a tablet, a touchscreen laptop works by using a touch sensor to detect when and where you’re touching the screen. This information is then sent to the computer, which processes it and displays the corresponding action.
For example, if you were to touch the top left corner of the screen, the computer would assume that you wanted to open the Start menu. Alternatively, if you were to hover your finger over an icon on the desktop, a tooltip would appear displaying more information about that icon.
Touchscreen laptops are great for working from home because they allow you to interact with your computer in a more intuitive way. For example, instead of having to use a mouse to click on an icon, you can simply tap on it with your finger like a smartphone or a tablet.
Despite the ability to just touch an icon on the screen to open it, it is still possible to use a touchscreen and a mouse simultaneously.
Both methods have their plusses and minuses, such as a mouse with a scroll wheel is great for zipping through large documents or webpages, whereas using your finger to drag through them might not be so practical. But touching a hyperlink with your fingertip might just be easier and faster than carefully positioning a mouse pointer over tiny text.
What are the differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Before we get into the differences between these software versions, it’s important to note that Microsoft generally will offer a free upgrade for most computers sold new today from Windows 10 to 11. So if you are comfortable with Windows 10 now, feel free to keep using it as long as Microsoft supports it and make the decision to upgrade to 11 when you’re ready.
The company you work for may also have their own requirements. If your office computer runs some kind of specialized accounting software that is only known to work on Windows 10, you may need a laptop with that.
But if none of the above applies to you, or if you’re a freelancer and can choose whatever tools you like, Windows 11 may appeal to you.
There are several new features in Windows 11 that can improve your productivity when working from home. One of these is the new multiple desktops feature, which allows you to have separate desktop layouts for different tasks. This can be useful for keeping work and personal items separate, or for having different desktops for different projects.
Another new feature in Windows 11 is the improved taskbar. The taskbar now includes a central area where you can see all of your open windows, making it easy to switch between them. There are also new options for sorting and grouping your windows, so you can customize it to match your workflow.
One of the most notable changes in Windows 11 is the addition of the Microsoft Store. The Store is a central location for downloading apps and games, as well as keeping them up to date. This can be useful for finding productivity-boosting apps or for keeping your work and personal apps separate.
Finally, Windows 11 includes a number of small improvements that can make a big difference when working from home. For example, the new File Explorer includes a Quick Access area that makes it easy to find your most frequently used files and folders. There are also new improvements to the way you can manage your notifications, so you can stay focused on your work.
Overall, Windows 11 includes a number of new features that can improve your productivity when working from home. If you’re looking for a more efficient way to work, then Windows 11 is worth considering.
How can I use these laptops connected to my office?
There are a few ways to use your laptop when connected to your office. You can either work from home by accessing your office computer remotely, or you can set up a local virtual desktop on your laptop so that you can work as if you were in the office.
If you want to access your office computer remotely, you’ll need to install remote desktop software on both your office and home computers. Once the software is installed, you can log in to your office computer from anywhere in the world and have full access to all of its applications and files.
If you’d rather not install remote desktop software, or if your office doesn’t allow remote access, you can set up a local virtual desktop on your laptop. This will give you a separate desktop environment that mimics your office setup, complete with all of the same applications and files. You can access your virtual desktop just like you would your regular desktop, and you can even use it while offline.
Whichever method you choose, working from your laptop while connected to your office can be a great way to boost your productivity. With a little bit of planning, you can ensure that you have everything you need to get work done, even when you’re away from the office.
What kind of work can I do at home with one of these laptops?
There are a few things to keep in mind when working from home with a laptop.
First, make sure you have a comfortable workspace set up. It should be well-lit and free of distractions.
Second, invest in a good wireless router so you can have a strong and reliable internet connection.
And third, if you need to print anything out, remember to connect your laptop to a printer before you start working.
So what kind of work can you do from home with a laptop? Well, just about anything that can be done on a desktop computer. Here are just a few examples:
Writing and editing: Whether you’re working on an article for your blog or writing a report for work, you can do it all from your laptop. And with apps like Google Docs, it’s easy to collaborate with others no matter where they are in the world.
Graphic design: If you’re a graphic designer, then you’ll be happy to know that you can do all of your work from home on your laptop. With the right software, you can create stunning designs that will impress your clients.
Web development: If you’re a web developer, then you can do all of your work from home on your laptop. You can code websites, create databases, and test applications – all from the comfort of your own home.
So as you can see, there’s a lot that you can do from home with a laptop. If you’re looking for a more efficient way to work, then working from home is definitely worth considering.
The Best Laptops For Working From Home: The Last Word
Working from home is more widespread than ever before. It provides workers with more options for their busy lives, such as taking care of a child and saving on childcare costs, reducing driving time to and from a distant office saving gas money, vehicle wear and tear, and reducing stress levels, and even being free from obnoxious co-workers at the office, at least temporarily.
All you have to do now is click on the green button next to the images above to get a durable and reliable laptop for working from home today! You won’t miss the office!