Taking the decision to start working from home is tough but getting the right laptop for the job is tougher. Majority of the laptops on display are either too slow or limited in battery capacity or the kind of software they can handle. One of the major difficulties that people who work from home face is keeping up with their deadlines. A laptop that is suited for your kind of job can help you to quickly complete your task.
Since you are already going through the stress of adjusting to the realities of working from home, making out time to sieve through the thousands of products on the market may be too much for you to handle. That is why we are here to help you find the best laptops for working from home. These laptops tick the necessary boxes and will make your transition easier.
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Review of the Best Laptops for Working from Home
Some laptops are more suited for some types of tasks than the others. While for most types of jobs, just any laptop will do, others require more sophisticated specs. If your job involves heavy multitasking, you need to pay attention to the type and kinds of processor. To ensure this list is of maximum benefit to anyone transcending from office to remote work, we put a lot of factors into consideration in selecting the products. Have a look!
List of Best Laptops For Working From Home
- Apple MacBook Pro 16 – Best overall
- HP 14” FHD – Best laptop for home office
- Lenovo Flex 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop – Best 2-in-1 laptop for working from home
- ASUS Chromebook – Best Budget work from home laptop
- Acer Aspire R – Best work from home laptop for animators
- Dell XPS9350 – Best for digital nomads
- Asus VivoBook Pro 15 – Best for graphic designer
- Newest HP – Best for voice artist and audio transcription
- Acer Aspire 5 – Best for video conferencing
- Microsoft Surface Pro – Best laptop for travel and work
Apple MacBook Pro 16 – Best overall
Whether you are a voiceover artist, a graphics designer or video editor, Apple MacBook Pro 16 has all the power that you need to handle any task that is thrown at you. It runs on the 9th generation Intel Core i7 processors. The 16 inch screen boast of stunning Retina Display with True Tone technology. This will be particularly useful for video editors.
It makes use of six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers. Whether you are into audio transcription or work with audio files, you will find these features rewarding. Apple MacBook Pro 16 boasts of up to 64GB of RAM which is about 4.3x faster than 16GB. Security is one of the major challenges you have to deal with when working from home. Thankfully, Pro 16 comes with Touch ID.
In terms of storage, this laptop boast of up to 8TB of SSD storage which is many times faster than HDD. Also, the battery can last up to 11hrs after a single charge which gives you more time to work between charges. All these cool features come at a huge cost which is one of the limitations of this device. Also, unless you are familiar with Apple laptops, getting used to it can take you time.
Pros
- Big and bright display
- Superfast with up to 8 cores and 16 threads
- Large RAM and storage space
- Touch ID provides extra layer of security
- Six-speaker sound system
- Up to 11 hours of battery life
Cons
- Highly expensive
- Challenging for first-timers to use
HP 14” FHD – Best laptop for home office
If you job involves heavy use of spreadsheet or word document software, HP 14 will definitely be a great match. Its mini keyboard and wider keys limits the problem of accidentally hitting the wrong keys—but there is more. It runs on the 10th generation Intel Core i5 with a processor speed of up to 3.7GHz. Combine this with a 6MB Intel Smart Cache and you have a laptop that will allow you to open multiple files without lagging.
Also, it makes use of IPS BrightView WLED-Backlit FHD Display thus allowing you to easily spot misspelled words or wrongly entered data. You will also be able to stare on the scream for longer hours without your eyes becoming watery. The backlit keyboards also allows you to see your keys in poorly lit environment.
Other features that you further enhance the speed of this laptop include the 8GB RAM (which is upgradable to 32GB) and the 128GB SSD. The price of this laptop is considerably lower than the rest on this list. However, those on a stiff budget may still find it challenging to buy one. But, when data accuracy matters, HP 14 will definitely give you an edge.
Pros
- Mini backlit keyboard
- High processor speed makes multitasking possible
- Upgradable RAM
- IPS BrightView technology reduces watery eyes
Cons
- Low storage space
- Small screen size can make split screen challenging
Lenovo Flex 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop – Best 2-in-1 laptop for working from home
One of the features of working from home is that you may be on your work table in one minute and the next you are on your bed. A 2-in-1 laptop makes a perfect companion because you can carry it along as you move from one location to another. With Lenovo Flex you get FHD touchscreen display with active Pen which you can use to take notes or draw directly on the screen.
The processor is the third generation Ryzen 5 which has been proven to be fast and efficient. This pairs with the Radeon Vega 8 which is fast for video and photo editing. It offers many levels of protection including the presence of true block privacy shutter that physically close you webcam when it is not in use. You will get up to 10 hours of battery. Also, it makes use of a technology that allows you to get up to 80% of battery in just one hour of charge.
Lenovo Flex is highly versatile. You can use it as a laptop, a tablet, or in stand mode for watching your favorite shows. The Windows 10 comes with security features like internet protection and firewall to help safeguard you from viruses, ransomware, and malware. Inasmuch as this is one of the best laptops for working remotely, the price can be a major limiting factor.
Pros
- Convertible and can be used in four ways
- High processor speed
- Advanced graphics card
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- True block privacy shutter protects your privacy
Cons
- Highly expensive
- Low storage space
ASUS Chromebook – Best Budget work from home laptop
Asus Chromebook is one of the best laptop for travel and work and you will be able to get it for less than $300. Notwithstanding its low price, this laptop is packed with lots of features that will make your work from home experience exciting. It has a 180 degrees hinge that allows you to turn the screen all the way around. The drops and spill resistant feature will certainly come handy if you have kids at home.
It runs on Intel Celeron processor with a speed of up to 2.48GHz. This pairs with a 4GB RAM to deliver a speed that should handle all your day-to-day office tasks. An interesting feature of all Chromebook is it gives you access to Google Play Store where you can find and download countless number of apps, games, books, and more.
Although its 16GB offline storage is pretty poor, it gives you access to 100GB of Google Drive space. This backs up your files automatically. Apart from the low storage, Asus Chromebook has other limitations including the absence of FHD. However, you will get up to 10 hours of battery life which gives you more working flexibility.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Rugged spill and drop resistant design
- Flexible 180 degrees hinge
- High processor speed
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Access to apps on Google Play Store
Cons
- Lacks Full HD display
- Low storage space
Acer Aspire R – Best work from home laptop for animators
A laptop for animation need a powerful and fast processor with good graphics card. Acer Aspire R has these and more. It runs on the 7th generation Intel Core i7 with a speed of up to 3.5GHz. Its graphics card is the powerful NVIDIA GeForce 940MX with 2GB of dedicated VRAM. Also, you will get a 12GB RAM. The combination of these features gives you a fast rendering time.
In terms of storage, you will get 256GB SSD. The use of SSD means you will have faster load time and greater computing speed. A single charge can give you up to 9 hours of battery life which gives you greater working flexibility. The flexible hinge allows you to use this laptop in four different modes namely notebook, tent, tablet, and display. Thanks to the FHD IPS touchscreen display, you can work for longer hours without feeling the strain on your eyes.
In addition to all the other cool stuff, you will the Acer’s patented ExoAmp antenna which enhance wireless reception. It also has a finger reader that adds to your security. The major limitation that can stop majority of people from acquiring this the high price. However, this does not dispute the fact that it is one of the best laptop for work.
Pros
- Superfast processor speed
- Comes with NVIDIA GeForce graphics card
- Up to 9 hours of battery life
- Adjustable for use in four different modes
- ExoAmp antenna for enhanced wireless reception
- MU-MIMO technology for ultra-fast wireless speed
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- Low storage memory space
Dell XPS9350 – Best for digital nomads
Freelancers can hardly predict with certainty the next project that they will be working on. However, they always try to be ready for whatever comes their way. Dell XPS is a rare laptop that every digital nomad should aim to have. It runs on the 6th generation Intel Core i7 with a speed of up to 2.2 GHz and makes use of the Intel Iris Graphics 540. Merge these together and you have one of the best work laptops that can handle almost any type of task.
The processing speed of this laptop is also partly because of its 16GB RAM. Furthermore, you will get a 512GB SSD storage space. Dell XPS also boasts of a stunning 13.3” QHD with LED-lit touchscreen display and thin bezels which allows you to see content clearly from almost any angle. Also, it has an integrated widescreen HD webcam when interviews or video conferencing is needed.
This laptop offer up to 11 hours of battery life giving you a flexible usage. You can even use it in poorly lit environments, thanks to the backlit keyboard. All these features that can keep a digital nomad ahead of the competition comes at a huge cost which many may not be able to afford. You may have to squint when a large screen is required.
Pros
- Stunning QHD LED display
- Backlit keyboard comes handy in poorly lit environment
- Up to 11 hours of battery life
- Thin bezels allows viewing from wider angle
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- Storage space may be potentially insufficient
Asus VivoBook Pro 15 – Best for graphic designer
The most important feature of the Asus VivoBook that makes it a treasure for all graphic designers is that it comes with Corel Painter Essential 6 as part of the Intel Software Suit. The suit also has other programs that will enhance your productivity. Corel Painter Essential 6 has award-winning Natural-Media brushes and practical photo-painting tools—what more could you possibly want?
This best laptop for work at home also offer 4K UHD WideView display. It runs on the 7th generation Intel Core i7 with a processor speed of up to 3.8 GHz. Another cool feature of this laptop is that it comes with the NVIDIA GTX 1050 graphics card with Asus Hyper cool, dual-copper and dual-fan cooling system. You will also get a combo of 256GB SSD and 1TB HDD eliminating the problem of insufficient storage.
It uses a fast charge technology that gives you up to 60% battery in just 49 minutes. In fact, Asus ViviBoo Pro 15 has all the features that makes it suitable for not just graphic designers but various other jobs too. However, its huge price tag may make it accessible to only a limited number of users.
Pros
- Corel Painter Essential 6 included
- Offers 4k UHD WideView display
- High processor speed
- Comes with the powerful NVIDIA GTX 1050 graphics card
- Dual fan with Asus Hyper cooling system
- Fast charge technology
- Large storage space
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- Lots of customer complaints about speed
Newest HP – Best for voice artist and audio transcription
Voice artists or those who are into audio transcription are particularly interested in the audio quality of the laptop they intend to buy. Newest HP stands out by offering HD audio with stereo speakers. It runs on the 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor with a speed of 1.8GHz which can be boosted to 4.0GHz. This pairs with a 16GB RAM to ensure swift and fast response suitable for multitasking. It has a slightly higher storage of 512GB SSD to accommodate all your audio files.
If you are using a wired headphone, you can connect it to the combo headphone / microphone jack. It also has inbuilt Bluetooth 4.2 which you can use to connect your wireless headphone. Another feature that you will enjoy in this laptop is the HD SVA BrightView display and the wide screen of 17.3”. The full-size island-style keyboard will also make your data entry work faster.
Newest HP is slightly expensive and definitely not for those on a slim budget. This product is bulky a weighs a lot which means you may have to confine your work to one area of the house. However, you can be sure to have all the features that will make your work from home experience easier.
Pros
- HD audio with stereo speakers
- Large RAM and storage space size
- Combo headphone/microphone jack
- Wide 17.3” screen
Cons
- Processor speed is low unless boosted
- Slightly expensive
Acer Aspire 5 – Best for video conferencing
Two principal features that a video conferencing laptop must have are good sound quality and webcam. Thankfully you will get both and more with Acer Aspire 5. Experience the power of HD Webcam (1280×720) which offers impeccable clarity allowing you to launch a career as an online tutor. You will also experience the power of sound and voice, thanks to a combination of Acer TrueHarmony and built-in 2 speakers as well as Microsoft Cortana which lets you go hands-free.
Acer Aspire 5 runs on the 8th generation Intel Core i7 with a speed of up to 4.6GHz. This pairs with 12GB RAM to give you lightning-fast performance. The 15.6” widescreen offer Full HD LED IPS display. As a result of the thin bezels, you will also get a wider viewing angle. The graphics card is the powerful NVIDIA GeForce MX250 with a 2GB dedicated video memory. With these, there is no job that you won’t conquer.
In terms of memory, you will get 512GB SSD. The battery can last up to 9.5 hours which gives you better working flexibility. Also, the presence of backlit keyboard makes it convenient for working in poorly-lit environment. However, these features are only accessible to those who can afford the high price tag.
Pros
- HD Webcam
- Built-in 2 speakers with Acer TrueHarmony
- High processor speed
- Comes with NVIDIA GeForce graphics card
- Up to 9.5 hours of battery life
Cons
- Highly expensive
- Storage space may potentially be insufficient
Microsoft Surface Pro – Best laptop for travel and work
If you work on the move, Microsoft Surface Pro is just what you need. This 2-in-1 device can serve as a tablet or laptop and has a wide 12.3” screen. Traditional tablets usually have smaller screen. It brings the power and speed of the 7th generation Intel Core i7 to your fingertips. With up to 13.5 hours battery life and extremely light weight, this laptop makes the perfect travel companion.
Increase your experience when you buy accessories like the surface pen and surface dial which works seamlessly with this device. It comes with 3D creation tools which graphic designers would love as well as other creative tools that further helps you to personalize your experience. Surface Pro can be used in three different modes namely laptop, studio, and tablet—find what works best for you at each point in time.
It’s not all rosy with the Microsoft Surface Pro. The high price tag restricts it to a certain category of users. The storage memory is also potentially insufficient—especially for those that work with lots of multimedia files. Overcome these seeming limitations and you have the best travel and work companion.
Pros
- 2-in-1 laptop and tablet
- Up to 13.5 hours of battery life
- Compatible with Surface Pen and Surface Dial
- Comes with 3D creation tools
Cons
- Highly expensive
- Storage memory could be better
Buying guide for the Best Laptops for Working from Home
The best laptops for working remotely must have certain features. Thankfully, irrespective of your budget, you should be able to find a suitable product. Inasmuch as there are lots of features to consider in a laptop, emphasis should be on the processor speed, RAM size, internal storage, and battery life. Perhaps you want to do your own research, below are the most important features as well as how they’ll affect your experience.
Processor
This is probably the most important factor you have to pay attention to when shopping for the best laptop work laptop. However, this may not be a big deal if your job involves data entry and sending emails. On the other hand, if your job is CPU-intensive like photo or video editing, programming, or modelling, getting a PC with a great processor will make all the difference. Ideally, we recommend that your minimum should be Intel Core i3 but you should aim for Intel Core i7. With a $1000 budget, you should not settle for anything less than Core i7.
RAM
The size of your RAM will determine how much tasks your laptop can handle at a time. You will know when your laptop is running low on space because it will begin to lag or freeze. The heavier your work requirement, the more RAM space you will need. The minimum RAM size we recommend even for less tasking jobs is 4GB. For heavier jobs you need to aim for 8GB or higher.
Storage
Although not a critical factor, but you need to consider the size of your storage space. If you are dealing with large multimedia files, this can be a crucial factor. There are two types of storage drives; the SSD and HDD. The former offer fast boot time and can considerably speed up the performance of your programs but it is usually costlier than HDD. The minimum you should accept irrespective of the type of job is 500GB HDD or 128GB SSD.
Display
Flickers or dull screen display can make your eyes to water thereby reducing the amount of time you can spend in front of a screen. The size of the screen will also have a part to play if you want to split your screen and have different tasks on different sections of the screen. The higher the screen resolution, the better image you will get. Mind you, screen resolution can be a big deal if you are into photo or video editing.
Battery Life
The best laptop for travel and work need to have a reliable battery life. A good battery also gives you more working flexibility and removes the need to confine yourself to a small working space. This is highly important if you experience frequent power cuts in your area. When it comes to battery life, the least we recommend is 5 hours. However, you should aim for at least 8 hours.
Webcam
You may need to communicate frequently with your team therefore a webcam is a must. Inasmuch as most laptops have a webcam, the resolution can be worrisome. Basically, you need at least a webcam with 720p resolution. To ensure sharper image, some laptops come with four-element lens.
Price
The price of the best laptops for working from home can vary from $300 to several thousands. It is vital to weigh your options properly before making the investment. Your choice should be guided by the purpose and not the price. It makes no sense to invest thousands of dollars in a laptop that you will basically be using to send just emails.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a laptop for working from home?
The kind of job that you will be doing will ultimately affect how you choose your laptop. We have outlined the most important factors to consider when choosing a laptop on our buying guide.
What laptop should I buy for 2020?
Apple MacBook Pro 16 remains one of the best laptops for working from home in 2020. However, the huge price can limit who can afford it. Not to worry, there are other great laptops suitable for performing all sorts of tasks at home.
What kind of laptop do I need to work from home?
Different jobs will require different categories of laptops. We have made a list of the best laptops for working remotely with a focus on different types of jobs.
What is the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop?
On the outside there is basically no difference. However, Chromebook runs on Chrome OS and usually have lower storage space compared to regular laptops. Chromebook encourages cloud storage and your files will be automatically backed up.
How much should I spend on a laptop?
With a budget of $500 to $1500 you should be able to find laptops that can perform just any task. However, only spend more when it is absolutely necessary. If your work doesn’t require high-end laptops, there is no need spending so much money to get one.
Which brand of laptop is best?
Popular brands of laptop manufacturers like Apple, Del, Lenovo, HP, and so on make great laptops. However, your view about any of the brands will depend on finding a product among their available range that best satisfies your purpose.
Conclusion
Transitioning from office to home work is a difficult decision but you shouldn’t add to that stress by aimlessly rummaging for the best laptop. When it comes to choosing a laptop for working from home, it is critical to first of all consider the purpose of the purchase. Clearly defining your job description is the first step to finding a laptop that will work for you. While there are lots of features to consider in a laptop, your job description may require that you focus on just a few. Scroll to our buying guide to find what matters in every laptop and how they affect you. Good luck!
Last update on 2020-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API