Top 5 Best Laptops for Working from Home
The world of working from home is an ever-increasing reality for many of us. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or remote employee, you need a laptop to help you stay productive. The best laptops for working from home must be versatile, speedy, and reliable.
After all, you don’t want to be the person who’s stuck with a slow laptop while everyone else is powering through their work. And if you’re stuck at home, your laptop should look good on your desk. We have reviewed and compared the top 5 best laptops work from home to help you decide on the best one for your needs.
Top 5 Best Laptops for Working from Home
Here are our top 5 laptops for working from home.
Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop Best Values
Model Name: MacBook Pro
Screen Size: 16.2 Inches
CPU: 12-core CPU
Hard Disk Size: 512 GB
RAM: 16 GB
HP Stream 14-Inch Laptop
Model Name: HP Stream Laptop 14-ds0080nr
Screen Size: 14 Inches
CPU: AMD Dual-Core a4-9120e Processor
Lenovo 3i Chromebook 2023
Model Name: IdeaPad 3
Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
CPU: 1.1 GHz Celeron P4500
Acer Flagship Chromebook 14
Model Name: Acer Chromebook
Screen Size: 14 Inches
CPU: 2.6 GHz
ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop
Model Name: ZenBook 13
Screen Size: 13.3 Inches
CPU: Core i5
Apple 2023 MacBook M2 Pro Laptop
Specifications
Brand: | Apple |
Model Name | MacBook Pro |
Screen Size | 16.2 Inches |
CPU | 12-core CPU |
Hard Disk Size | 512 GB |
RAM | 16 GB |
Apple is a leader in the tech world, and the laptops they offer are some of the best laptops for any purpose. If you’re looking for a powerhouse laptop that won’t let you down, the MacBook Pro is the perfect choice.
Here are some features that make this one of the best laptops for working from home.
Quality and design
This laptop is designed with a sleek aluminum body that gives off a professional look. The anti-glare coating on the display ensures a comfortable viewing experience. The backlit keyboard is comfortable and precise, making it easy to type away for hours.
The 16.2-inch display offers vibrant colors, exceptional contrast, and wide viewing angles. The True Tone technology automatically adjusts the white balance of the display according to the lighting conditions in your room. This ensures that your eyes won’t strain even after long work hours.
Power and performance
The MacBook Pro is powered by a 12-core CPU and 19‑core GPU, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage. It also offers a Liquid Retina XDR display that delivers stunning visuals with bright highlights and true-to-life colors. The graphical performance on this laptop is great, and it can easily handle complex tasks such as video editing.
This laptop has long battery life, with up to 22 hours of use on a single charge. The battery is fast-charging and can be replenished in a matter of minutes. The magical keyboard with touch ID lets you quickly access your apps and documents with a single touch. Your data is also safe with the Apple T2 security chip.
Multimedia and connectivity
The audio quality on this laptop is excellent, with six high-fidelity speakers offering immersive sound. The spatial audio feature further enhances the experience. The mic system is also great and lets you communicate clearly on calls. The camera is also great for video conferencing. It offers 1080p resolution and a 60fps frame rate, with enhanced low-light performance.
The MacBook Pro has excellent connectivity features with WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and two USB Type C ports. You can connect multiple peripherals to this laptop, such as external monitors and hard drives. 3 thunderbolt ports are also available for connecting to ultra-fast storage devices. MagSafe charging is also available, which makes it easy to charge your laptop without having to worry about cords.
Compatibility and security
The MacBook Pro is compatible with MacOS as well as iOS-based apps. This makes it easy to use and manage your files across both platforms. The laptop also offers excellent security features, such as the Apple T2 security chip, which encrypts data on the device for enhanced data protection.
Pro apps like Affinity Designer, Adobe Creative Cloud, and more are available on this laptop. The MacBook Pro is one of the best work from home laptops.
The only downside to the MacBook Pro is compatible with Windows-based apps and services. If you need to use Windows applications for your work, this laptop is not for you. It is also quite expensive compared to other laptops on the market.
Overall, the MacBook Pro is the best laptop for working from home. Its powerful processor and graphics, long battery life, and exceptional display make it a great choice for professionals working from home. It also offers great security features, connectivity options, and compatibility with MacOS and iOS apps.
HP Stream 14-Inch Laptop
Specifications
Brand: | HP |
Model Name | HP Stream Laptop 14-ds0080nr |
Screen Size | 14 Inches |
CPU | AMD Dual-Core a4-9120e Processor |
Hard Disk Size | 64 GB |
RAM | 4 GB |
HP is also a leader in the laptop world, and its Stream laptops offer great value for your money.
The HP Stream 14-inch laptop is an affordable and lightweight laptop designed for casual users. It packs a powerful processor, plenty of RAM, and adequate storage into its slim frame. The features and specs make it a great everyday laptop for everyday tasks.
Performance and design
The HP Stream is powered by an AMD processor, which is more than capable of handling most everyday tasks. With 4GB of RAM, it can easily multitask between programs and web browsers. It also has 64 GB of eMMC storage, which is great for storing files and documents. You may need to invest in an external hard drive if you plan on downloading large files or videos.
The Stream has a slim design with beveled edges and a 14-inch HD display. The display has a 1366 x 768 resolution, so you can enjoy watching videos or streaming movies in full HD. You can also connect to an external screen with the included HDMI port. While its slim and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, it’s not as robust as some of the larger laptops on the market.
Battery life and Connectivity
The HP Stream has a battery life of 8 hours of power on a single charge. That’s enough juice to get through your workday without hunting for a plug. The laptop also features quick charging, so you can get back to work quickly if you do run low on battery.
Connectivity options are adequate, with a USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports for connecting external devices. It also has 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 for connecting to the internet or wireless peripherals. The laptop doesn’t have an optical drive, but it does have an embedded 64 GB eMMC storage.
Media and software
The Stream comes preloaded with Windows 10 Home and a one-month trial of Office 365. It also includes 1TB of cloud storage for free, making it easier to save and access your data while on the go. In addition, HP has included several useful apps, such as Skype and Dropbox, so you can start working immediately.
Compatibility and warranty
The HP Stream is compatible with most Windows software to install any program. The ports are also compatible with most external devices and peripherals. 2 USB ports with 3.1 Gen 1 and 1 USB port with 2.0 ensure you can connect various devices. HDMI port also makes it easy to connect to external monitors.
The Stream is backed by a one-year limited warranty, so you can rest assured that your laptop is covered in case of any issues. HP also offers optional extended warranties for added protection.
Overall, the HP Stream 14-inch laptop is a great everyday computer that offers plenty of features and specs for the price. Its lightweight and slim design makes it easy to carry around, and its battery life will keep you going all day long. With its powerful processor and decent amounts of storage, it can handle most tasks with ease. It’s a great option for anyone looking for an affordable laptop that won’t break the bank.
Lenovo 3i Chromebook 2023
Specifications
Brand: | Lenovo |
Model Name | IdeaPad 3 |
Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
CPU | 1.1 GHz Celeron_P4500 |
Hard Disk Size | 64 GB |
RAM | 8 GB |
Lenovo is also a well-known name in the laptop world, and its 3i Chromebook series offers great value for your money. The 3i Chromebook 2023 is a lightweight and affordable laptop designed for casual users or even students. Why should you buy it? Let’s find out.
Design and performance
The Lenovo 3i has a slim and lightweight design at just 5.6 lbs. It has a 13-inch display with a 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution, making it great for watching movies or streaming shows in full HD. The laptop is powered by an Intel Celeron processor and 8 GB LPDDR4X RAM, meaning you can easily multitask without lag.
It also has a fast 64 GB Emmc internal storage for storing all your files and documents. And if that isn’t enough, you can expand the storage with a MicroSD card up to 1TB.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The 3i Chromebook has a strong battery life, offering up to 10 hours of power on a single charge. That’s enough juice to get through most of your workday without a plug-in.
Connectivity options are plentiful, with two USB 3.0 ports and an HDMI port for connecting external devices. The laptop also features a headphone jack and dual speakers to enjoy music or movies without external speakers.
Media and Software
The 3i Chromebook comes preloaded with Google Chrome OS, a great operating system for most everyday tasks. You can also access all your favorite apps from the Google Play Store. It’s also compatible with many Windows programs, so you can install any software you need.
In addition, the laptop has dual speakers and a headphone jack for listening to music or watching movies. Integrated graphics support allows for basic video editing and photo viewing but not for more advanced tasks.
Compatibility and price
The 3i Chromebook is compatible with all USB-C devices, so you can easily connect to various peripherals. The laptop also features an HD webcam and two microphones for video conferencing. It’s the perfect size for taking on the go or working from home.
Finally, the price is a plus. The 3i Chromebook 2023 starts at just $299, making it one of the most affordable laptops on the market. It’s also easy to find good deals and discounts if you shop around.
All in all, the Lenovo 3i Chromebook 2023 is a great laptop for casual users or students on a budget. It has a sleek design, fast performance, and good battery life. Plus, it’s compatible with all USB-C devices and comes preloaded with Google Chrome OS. With its affordable price tag, it’s worth considering if you’re looking for an everyday laptop.
Acer Flagship Chromebook 14
Specifications
Brand: | Acer |
Model Name | Acer Chromebook |
Screen Size | 14 Inches |
CPU | 2.6 GHz celeron_n4020 |
Hard Disk Size | 64 GB |
RAM | 4 GB |
Acer’s Flagship Chromebook 14 is the perfect laptop for those who need a powerful device with plenty of features. It has a sleek design featuring an aluminum chassis and a 14-inch Full HD IPS display. Let’s take a closer look at what the Flagship Chromebook 14 offers.
Design and performance
The Acer Flagship Chromebook 14 is a sleek and stylish laptop with an aluminum chassis measuring 0.7 inches thick. It has a 14-inch Full HD IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, so you can enjoy movies and shows in sharp and vivid detail.
Under the hood, the laptop is powered by an Intel Celeron N4020 processor and 4 GB of RAM, providing plenty of power for everyday tasks like browsing the web or streaming videos. The laptop also includes a 64 GB SSD of internal storage, so you have plenty of space for storing your files.
Battery life and Connectivity
The Flagship Chromebook 14 offers up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge to get through your day without worry. It also has numerous ports for connecting peripherals like a mouse or external hard drive. The laptop includes two USB 3.1 Type-C ports, two USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, an SD card slot, and a headphone/microphone jack.
The laptop also features dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 for connecting to the internet or other wireless devices. For a secure connection, the laptop has a built-in cable lock slot. You can also use the laptop’s Trusted Platform Module 2.0 to encrypt and secure your data.
Media and software
The Chromebook 14 comes preloaded with Chrome OS, Google’s operating system. It also includes useful apps like Gmail, Maps, and Photos for managing your emails, navigating around town, or organizing your digital photos.
The laptop features a webcam and two speakers enhanced with Dolby Audio technology for a great audio experience. For those who want to watch movies or listen to music, the laptop has a built-in media reader and support for popular video and audio formats.
Compatibility and security
The Acer Flagship Chromebook 14 has the Chrome operating system to access all your favorite Google apps and services. It also supports Android apps through the Google Play Store, providing various productivity and entertainment options.
The laptop also includes built-in security features like Verified Boot and sandboxing for keeping your data safe. The laptop also includes Acer Care Center, so you can troubleshoot any issues you may have with the laptop. And, if you ever need it, the Flagship Chromebook 14 comes with a one-year warranty.
ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop
Specifications
Brand: | ASUS |
Model Name | ZenBook 13 |
Screen Size | 13.3 Inches |
CPU | Core i5 |
Hard Disk Size | 64 GB |
RAM | 8 GB |
The ASUS ZenBook 13 ultra-slim laptop is a great choice for those who need a lightweight and powerful laptop. Let’s take a closer look at what the ZenBook 13 offers.
Design and performance
The ZenBook 13 is built with a slim and lightweight design, weighing just 2.5 lbs and measuring only 0.6 inches thin. It also has the latest 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor for smooth and reliable performance. You can expect fast speeds, even when multitasking lots of tasks.
The 8GB of RAM can handle any job you throw at it, from web browsing to gaming. You’ll also get a generous 256GB SSD for storage space. For graphics, the ZenBook 13 has an integrated Intel GTX 1650 – although it’s not a powerhouse for gaming, it’ll handle most everyday tasks.
Display and battery life
The ASUS ZenBook 13 features a beautiful 13.3-inch HD display with wide-view technology. The 1080p screen is crisp and vivid, great for movies and gaming. The display resolution is also adjustable to 1920×1080, allowing you to get the best out of your visuals.
You’ll also get an impressive battery life of up to 6 hours, so you can work all day without worrying about charging. The laptop also has fast-charge technology, allowing you to
charge the battery up to 60% in just 49 minutes.
Multimedia & connectivity
The ASUS ZenBook 13 is packed with multimedia features. It has a built-in 1.2 MP webcam, allowing you to make video calls easily. There’s also dual-band Wi-Fi 6 for super-fast speeds, and Bluetooth is supported for connecting wireless devices.
You also get a range of ports, including thunderbolt ports for connecting to external displays and other peripherals. There’s also an HDMI port connecting the laptop to a TV or monitor. For audio, the ZenBook 13 features two high-quality speakers for a great sound experience.
Compatibility and warranty
The ASUS ZenBook 13 is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows 10 Home and Pro. Windows 10 Home comes pre-installed, and you can easily upgrade to Windows 10 Pro.
ASUS also offers a 1-year warranty on all parts, excluding the battery, for 6 months from purchase. The laptop also includes 30 days of complimentary tech support if you need help setting up or troubleshooting your laptop.
Overall, the ASUS ZenBook 13 is an impressive ultra-slim laptop perfect for working from home. It has a slim and lightweight design, powerful performance, great display, and battery life.
In addition, it also includes lots of multimedia features plus compatibility with a range of operating systems. If you’re looking for the best laptop to work from home, the ASUS ZenBook 13 is an excellent choice.
Buying Guide: What To Consider When Purchasing a Laptop for Working From Home
If you want to work from home, you need the right laptop. After all, you’ll rely on it to stay productive and connected. Here are some of the key factors to consider when purchasing the best work home laptop:
What Type of work will you be doing?
When deciding on a laptop, you should consider what type of work you’ll do most often. If you plan to do graphic design, video editing, or gaming, your laptop needs more RAM and a more powerful graphics card.
If your job requires spreadsheets or presentations, look for one with a larger screen and the right keyboard. If you’re primarily using the internet, getting a lightweight laptop with an efficient processor and good battery life might be the way to go.
What Size should you get?
The laptop size you choose will depend on how much portability you need versus power. While larger laptops offer more power, they can also be difficult to carry around. On the other hand, smaller laptops might not have enough RAM or storage capacity for your needs.
If you plan to work mainly from home, a larger laptop will probably be the best choice. However, if you anticipate needing to take your work on the go, you might want to consider a smaller size.
What Operating System is Best?
Today there are two main operating systems to choose from: Windows and Mac OS. Windows is generally the more popular choice for office work since it’s compatible with most software programs. However, if you’re doing media-heavy tasks like graphic design or video editing, Mac OS might be the better option as it offers more specialized applications.
What Kind of Battery Life Should You Look For?
Battery life is another important factor to consider when buying a laptop for working from home. If you don’t plan on carrying it around, having a long battery life isn’t as essential. However, if you need to take your work with you, then getting one with longer battery life will be beneficial.
For example, if you intend to use the laptop in places with little access to power, then choosing a laptop with good battery life can make all the difference.
How Much RAM Do You Need?
The amount of RAM you need will depend on what kind of work you’re doing. If your job requires a lot of multitasking or running multiple programs at once, then 8GB might be the minimum you want to look for to ensure smooth performance. You can also opt for more RAM if your job is particularly memory-intensive.
What Size Hard Drive Should You Get?
The size of the hard drive you choose will depend on how much storage space you need. If you’re storing mostly documents, then 500GB should be plenty. However, if you’re dealing with large files like videos or images, 1TB may be a better choice.
People who need a lot of storage space for work may also want to consider getting an external hard drive or cloud storage. This way, you can keep all your important files safe and accessible anytime.
What Features Should You Look for?
When purchasing a laptop for working from home, certain features can help you stay productive and efficient.
For instance, look for laptops with multiple ports for connecting accessories like external monitors or keyboards. Additionally, make sure it has the necessary security measures in place to protect your data from hackers.
Finally, you’ll want to look at the laptop’s extra features before purchasing. If you’re doing any kind of audio or video editing, sound quality, and an HD webcam could be two important factors for you. Other features like HDMI ports or a touchscreen may also be useful depending on your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The processor, RAM, storage, and graphics capabilities should be the top priorities when selecting a laptop for work. Look for laptops with at least 8GB RAM and 256GB storage capacity. If you want to run powerful programs and multitask, opt for laptops with an Intel Core i5 or higher processor.
Some of the most popular and reliable brands are Apple, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, Acer, and HP laptop. Each brand offers a range of laptops with different features and price points, so consider your budget and needs before deciding.
Dell and HP offer a range of laptops, from budget-friendly to high-end models. Dell tends to have more powerful processors, while HP has better graphics capabilities. Consider your needs before deciding which one is right for you.
Yes, 8GB RAM is sufficient for most office work, such as web browsing, word processing, and spreadsheets. If you plan to do more intensive tasks like video editing or gaming, 16GB of RAM or higher is recommended.
If you are looking for a lightweight, portable option, then go for a 13-inch or 14-inch laptop. For more power and gaming capabilities, 15-inch laptops offer better performance. Anything larger than this can be bulky and difficult to carry with you.
Conclusion
You don’t need to break the bank to find the best laptop for working from home. Whether you are a student, freelancer, or professional, there’s an option that suits your needs. We’ve looked at the top 5 best laptops for working from home and identified their pros and cons.
The Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop is a great choice for those who need reliable performance and the latest technology. HP Stream and Lenovo 3i Chromebook are great options for those who need a lightweight and portable laptop. Other reviewed laptops include the Acer Flagship Chromebook 14 and the ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop.
Each laptop has different features that make them great for working from home. Make sure to read the details and compare specifications before making your purchase. With a few simple steps, you can find the perfect laptop for remote working.