The 10 Best Laptops for Working from Home
Working from home has become increasingly popular over the past few years. With remote work on the rise, having the right laptop to get work done productively and comfortably at home is more important than ever. But with so many options on the market, choosing the best laptop for your unique needs can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide breaks down the key factors to consider and reviews the best laptops for working from home in 2024 and beyond.
Table of Contents
What to Look for in a “Work from Home” Laptop
When choosing a laptop optimised for working from home, there are a few key features you’ll want to prioritise:
Display Size and Resolution
Bigger is often better when it comes to laptop screens for home use. Look for a 15 to 17-inch display with a Full HD (1920 x 1080p) or 4K resolution for excellent clarity and lots of on-screen real estate.
Processing Power
Aim for an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor with at least 8GB of RAM for solid multitasking capabilities and productivity. Graphics cards are less significant for remote work versus gaming uses.
Battery Life
Look for over 6 hours of battery life for full-day computing away from an outlet. Charging isn’t always convenient when moving around the house.
Webcam
A built-in HD webcam is essential for video calls and meetings. Make sure the resolution is at least 720p.
Connectivity
Key connectivity features include WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-A and USB-C ports, an Ethernet port, and an HDMI port for connecting external monitors.
Weight and Portability
If you are moving around your home with your laptop, keep the weight under 4 pounds for comfortable portability. Thinness for easy transport is also ideal.
Operating System
Windows 10 or 11 and macOS are well-suited for remote work. Choose the OS you are most comfortable with.
Peripherals
Consider what peripherals you need – such as an external keyboard, mouse, webcam cover, laptop stand, etc. USB and Bluetooth connectivity make these easy to set up.
Price
Determine your budget, but expect to invest $800+ for a well-equipped laptop with the critical features for productive and comfortable remote work. Sales can help find deals.
The Best Laptops for Working from Home
If you're looking for an exceptional all-purpose laptop with top performance for working from home, these options have superb display quality, fast internals, and excellent connectivity.
Best Overall: Dell XPS 15
With powerful performance, a gorgeous display, and a premium design, the XPS 15 is a top choice for at-home productivity.
- Display: 15.6-inch 4K Ultra HD+ touch display
- Processor: 11th Generation Intel Core i7
- RAM/Storage: 16GB / 1TB SSD
- Battery: Up to 14 hours
- Webcam: HD 720p webcam
- Weight: 4 pounds
- 32GB DDR5 4800MHz RAM, 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD;Intel Core i7-13700H Evo Processor (24 MB cache, 14 cores, 16 threads, Max Boost Clock up to 5.00 GHz Turbo)
- 15.6-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) Non-Touch, Anti-Glare, IPS, 500nits, 16:10, 100% Adobe RGB, InfinityEdge display; 720p Webcam; Dedicated Graphics Intel Arc A370M, 4GB GDDR6 – Expandable to 4 monitors via, Thunderbolt 4, Type-C. Max resolution of the External Monitors: 4K (3840*2160) @60Hz
- Backlit Keyboard; Fingerprint Reader; 2 x Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40Gbps, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, headphone/microphone combo jack, SD Card reader; Intel Wi-Fi 6E (AX211) 2×2 + Bluetooth 5.2.
The nearly borderless InfinityEdge display provides an immersive viewing experience with over 8 million pixels, 500 nits brightness, 100% Adobe RGB colour gamut, and a 16:10 aspect ratio for more vertical space. The 11th Gen Intel processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, and ample RAM/storage tear through demanding remote work tasks. The XPS 15 nails connectivity, too, with WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-C port, an SD card reader, and a headset jack.
Best Convertible: HP Spectre x360 15
With its convertible 2-in-1 form factor, long battery life, and vibrant OLED display, the Spectre x360 15 brings versatility for working remotely.
- Display: 15.6-inch 4K OLED touch display
- Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i7
- RAM/Storage: 16GB / 1TB SSD
- Battery: Up to 12.5 hours
- Webcam: 5MP IR camera + Windows Hello
- Weight: 4.23 pounds
- 【2 in 1 3K+(3072 x 1920) Display】: 16-inch diagonal, 3K+ (3072 x 1920), multitouch-enabled, IPS, edge-to-edge glass, micro-edge. 3072 x 1920 resolution delivers incredible details and lifelike colors. And with touch, you can control your PC right from the screen. Plus keep your eyes comfortable with adaptive color and EyeSafe Certified low blue light panels.
- 【11th Generation Intel Core i7-11390H Processor】: Intel Evo platform powered by 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11390H. Brings the perfect combination of features to make you unstoppable. Get things done fast with high performance, instant responsiveness and best-in-class connectivity.
- 【16GB DDR4-3200 RAM& 512GB PCIe SSD】 16GB DDR4-3200 high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once, 512GB PCIe SSD for ample storage space. Get up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive. Original Seal is opened for upgrade ONLY. We do provide a 1-year standard warranty on upgraded RAM/SSD. Bundled with MOUSE PAD.
The Spectre x360 15's 15.6-inch 4K OLED touchscreen display brings incredible vibrancy with over 400 nit brightness and 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut. As a 2-in-1, the device effortlessly converts between laptop and tablet modes for comfortable use. You also get the power of a 12th Gen Core i7 CPU, GeForce RTX 2080 Super Max-Q graphics, fast Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, Thunderbolt 4, and loads of I/O ports. The built-in security camera supports facial recognition login via Windows Hello.
Best Mac: Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch
For Mac users wanting power, luxury design, and a gorgeous screen, the 16-inch MacBook Pro delivers for work-from-home needs.
- Display: 16-inch Retina display
- Processor: Apple M1 Pro chip
- RAM/Storage: 16GB / 1TB SSD
- Battery: Up to 14 hours of wireless web
- Webcam: 1080p FaceTime HD camera
- Weight: 4.7 pounds
- SUPERCHARGED BY M3 PRO OR M3 MAX — The Apple M3 Pro chip, with a 12-core CPU and 18-core GPU, delivers amazing performance for demanding workflows like manipulating gigapixel panoramas or compiling millions of lines of code. M3 Max, with an up to 16-core CPU and up to 40-core GPU, drives extreme performance for the most advanced workflows like rendering intricate 3D content or developing transformer models with billions of parameters.
- UP TO 22 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Go all day thanks to the power-efficient design of Apple silicon. The MacBook Pro laptop delivers the same exceptional performance whether it’s running on battery or plugged in. (Battery life varies by use and configuration. See apple.com/batteries for more information.)
- BRILLIANT PRO DISPLAY — The 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display features Extreme Dynamic Range, over 1000 nits of brightness for stunning HDR content, up to 600 nits of brightness for SDR content, and pro reference modes for doing your best work on the go. (The display has rounded corners at the top. When measured diagonally, the screen is 16.2 inches. Actual viewable area is less.)
- FULLY COMPATIBLE — All your pro apps run lightning fast — including Adobe Creative Cloud, Apple Xcode, Microsoft 365, SideFX Houdini, MathWorks MATLAB, Medivis SurgicalAR, and many of your favorite iPhone and iPad apps. And with macOS, work and play on your Mac are even more powerful. Elevate your presence on video calls. Access information in all-new ways. And discover even more ways to personalize your Mac. (Apps are available on the App Store.)
- ADVANCED CAMERA AND AUDIO — Look sharp and sound great with a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, a studio-quality three-mic array, and a six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio.
The stunning 16-inch Retina display has a sharp 3456-by-2234 native resolution, 500 nits brightness, P3 wide colour gamut, and ProMotion technology for up to 120Hz adaptive refresh rates. Power comes from Apple's exceptional M1 Pro chip with a 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU. The new 1080p webcam improves video call image quality. You also get a premium aluminium unibody design, excellent 14-hour battery life, and the latest wireless connectivity. For creative pros, this MacBook Pro has it all for remote work.
Most Affordable: Acer Swift 3
The Acer Swift 3 packs excellent productivity performance into an ultraportable body at a reasonable price point for tight budgets.
- Display: 14-inch FHD Display
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U
- RAM/Storage: 8GB / 512GB PCIe SSD
- Battery: Up to 17 hours
- Webcam: HD Webcam
- Weight: 2.65 pounds
- Get high performance, responsiveness and long battery life with the Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor – up to 4.7GHz, 4 cores, 8 threads, 12MB Intel Smart Cache
- 14″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Widescreen LED-backlit 100% sRGB Display | Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 8GB Onboard LPDDR4X Memory and 256GB NVMe SSD
- 1 – USB Type-C Port USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps) DisplayPort over USB Type-C, Thunderbolt 4 & USB Charging | 1 – USB 3.2 Gen 1 port (featuring power-off charging) | 1 – USB 2.0 port | 1 – HDMI port
- Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 | Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution | Up to 16 Hours Battery Life
Despite its budget-friendly pricing, the Acer Swift 3 doesn't compromise on premium features. Standouts include the bright 14-inch 1080p display, zippy 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 processor, vastly improved battery life of up to 17 hours, and better webcam. At just 0.67 inches thick and 2.65 pounds, the Swift 3 is ultraportable for easy mobility around the home. Connectivity is also excellent for the price, with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, USB Type-C ports, a fingerprint reader, and a backlit keyboard. This Swift 3 config brings tremendous value, especially for lighter remote work.
Best Battery Life: HP Elite Dragonfly Max
If all-day battery endurance is your top priority for unplugged remote work, the HP Elite Dragonfly Max should be at the top.
- Display: 13.3-inch touch display
- Processor: 11th Generation Intel Core i7
- RAM/Storage: 16GB / 512GB SSD
- Battery: Up to 30 hours
- Webcam: 5MP + IR camera
- Weight: 2.49 pounds
The standout feature of this premium convertible is its extraordinary battery life, reaching up to 30 hours on a single charge. HP accomplished this with an extra battery in the keyboard to power the 13.3-inch 1080p touchscreen laptop. Processing performance also keeps up well thanks to 11th Gen Intel Core i7 CPUs, Iris Xe integrated graphics, Wi-Fi 6E/Bluetooth 5.2 wireless, and plenty of ports. The 5MP webcam captures sharp video, and Windows Hello facial recognition enables secure logins. At just 2.5 pounds, the Dragonfly Max is also easy to use around the house. For all-day remote work freedom, this Elite 2-in-1 can't be beaten.
Most Secure: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 4
Security-focused remote workers will appreciate the robust safeguards in Lenovo's formidable ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 4 workstation.
- Display: 16-inch QHD+ display
- Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i7 vPro
- RAM/Storage: 32GB / 1TB SSD
- Battery: Up to 10.7 hours
- Webcam: 1080p + IR Camera
- Weight: Starting at 3.99 pounds
- 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11800H Processor (Octa-core 16 threads, base clock speed 2.5GHz, max turbo to 4.5GHz, 18MB L3 Cache); 64GB (32GB x 2) DDR4 3200MHz, 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- 16″ WQXGA (2560×1600) IPS 400nits Anti-glare, 100% sRGB; NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB Graphics – Support to expandable with 3 monitors via HDMI & Thunderbolt 3 Ports. Maximum supported resolution of (4096*2160) @60Hz; FHD 1080p IR Hybrid with Privacy Shutter
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (One Always On), 2x Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40Gbps (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.4), SD card reader, Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm), Power connectoro, HDMI 2.1, Kensington Nano Security Slot; Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint; Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210, 11ax 2×2 + Bluetooth 5.1
The ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 4 offers one of the most secure computing experiences. Key security provisions include dTPM 2.0 chip data encryption, anti-spoofing technology, Human Presence Detection to lock the device when you step away, and an IR camera supporting facial recognition login through Windows Hello. You also get the dedicated ThinkShutter webcam privacy cover to turn off video when needed. The influential 12th Gen Core i7 processor, GeForce RTX graphics card, vast memory configuration, and Rapid Charge battery provide excellent productivity. Durability is ensured by the trademark ThinkPad MIL-STD-810H military testing against extreme work-from-home conditions.
Best 2-in-1 Convertible: Lenovo Yoga 9i 14”
For remote professionals wanting a premium 2-in-1 ultraportable with a rotating soundbar hinge, the highly versatile Lenovo Yoga 9i 14″ convertible laptop is a top choice.
- Display: 14-inch 4K touch display
- Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i7
- RAM/Storage: 16GB / 1TB SSD PCIe
- Battery: Up to 10 hours
- Webcam: 1080p with E-shutter
- Weight: 3.09 pounds
- 【Powerful Storage】: 16GB DDR5 SDRAM Memory, 512GB Solid State Drive
- 【Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Laptop 13th Gen i7】: 13th Gen Intel 12-Core i7-1360P Processor
- 【Strong Graphics & Display】: Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 14″ 2.8K 2880×1800 OLED Touch, Glossy, 100% DCI-P3, 90Hz, HDR500
The lovely 14-inch 4K touch display has a touchscreen, Lenovo Pen support, 500 nits high brightness, 100% sRGB colours, and reduced blue light. Rotating the display 360 degrees provides laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes for working from anywhere at home. Processing performance stays speedy with new 12th Generation Core i7 processors and integrated Iris Xe graphics. The unique rotating soundbar with Bowers & Wilkins speakers pumps out powerful audio. Expect up to 10 hours of battery life for remote work needs. Other highlights include the physical webcam shutter for privacy, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and plenty of ports in the thin/light convertible chassis.
Best 17-Inch Display: LG Gram 17
Featuring a massive 17-inch screen paired with a slim, lightweight design, the 2022 LG Gram 17 allows for comfortable long hours of remote work.
- Display: 17-inch WQXGA Display
- Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i7
- RAM/Storage: 16GB / 1TB NVMe SSD
- Battery: Up to 19.5 hours
- Webcam: FHD 1080p Webcam
- Weight: Just 2.98 pounds
- 13th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor – Powered by Intel’s Evo 13th Gen processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics, this LG gram is engineered to keep users multitasking with ease. You can accomplish those intensive daily demands from crunching numbers, to editing a masterpiece with processor power that won't slow you down.
- 16GB LPDDR5 RAM – 16GB of memory to a substantial clock speed of 6000 MHz, we’re making it simple to do work and play with minimal buffering
- 17″ WQXGA Non-Reflective IPS Display With DCI-P3 99% – Expand the realm of what’s possible using a 17” screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio that can make your visions come to life. The non-reflective screen helps maintain your focus and a bold DCI-P3 99% color gamut display adds a vivid touch to graphics.
The LG Gram 17 is an engineering marvel with its lightweight chassis and enormous screen. The 17-inch 2560 x 1600 resolution IPS display provides a fantastic workspace for productivity. Visuals appear sharp and vivid, covering 99% DCI-P3 colour. Despite the giant display, the Gram 17 still weighs an astonishingly light 2.98 pounds for easy room-to-room portability, enabling you to work comfortably from anywhere at home. Processing performance is snappy thanks to a 12th generation Core i7 CPU and Iris Xe graphics. The 80Wh battery delivers incredible 19.5-hour longevity for unplugged freedom.
Best Display: Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 15
Boasting Samsung's spectacular AMOLED display technology, the Galaxy Book Pro 360 15 provides an unrivalled viewing experience for work, creative projects, or streaming media.
- Display: 15.6-inch 1080p Super AMOLED touch display
- Processor: 11th Generation Intel Core i7
- RAM/Storage: 16GB / 512GB SSD
- Battery: Up to 20 hours of video playback
- Webcam: 720p HD camera + Windows Hello IR camera
- Weight: 3.06 pounds
- The Galaxy Book Pro 360 2-in-1 laptop is designed to help keep your ideas flowing, anywhere, anytime. Use it in laptop mode for everyday computing, tent mode for easy viewing with others, stand mode for enjoying your favorite movies and shows, or tablet mode for a more portable and interactive experience.
- Comes with an active electrostatic (AES) pen for finer details and more precision, the stylus pen is great for testing, drawing, taking notes and delineating details. Memory: 16GB LPDDR4x (Soldered); Storage: 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe; Weight: 3.06 lbs. 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor (2.80 GHz, up to 4.70 GHz with Turbo Boost, 4 Cores, 8 Threads, 12 MB Cache)
- 15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080) AMOLED, Touchscreen, 370 nits; Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics – Expandable to 2 monitors via Thunderbolt 4. Max resolution of the External Monitors: 8K @30Hz
The 15.6-inch FHD Super AMOLED touchscreen display produces remarkable contrast and colour thanks to self-emissive technology with over 1 million zones of true black. You'll also appreciate excellent 1100 nit peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 gamut, reduced blue light, and silky smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Processing power keeps up with 11th Gen Core i7, 16GB RAM, Wi-Fi 6E, and Thunderbolt 4. Battery life also impresses at up to 20 hours of video playback. At just over 3 pounds, the elegant metal chassis comfortably moves around the home.
Most Expandable: Dell XPS 17
Creative professionals and power users needing maximum performance will appreciate the Dell XPS 17’s desktop-class capabilities in a slim notebook design.
- Display: 17-inch 4K+ touch display
- Processor: 11th Generation Intel Core i7/i9
- RAM/Storage: Up to 64GB / 4TB
- Battery: Up to 7 hours
- Webcam: 720p + IR camera
- Weight: 4.87 pounds
The gorgeous 17-inch 4K+ touchscreen display has 100% Adobe RGB and 94% DCI-P3 colour gamut for creators. Configurable with up to an 8-core i9 CPU, GeForce RTX 3060 graphics, a whopping 64GB RAM, and a massive 4TB SSD, the XPS 17 provides desktop-grade horsepower for intensive remote work. The giantAssertive backlit keyboard makes typing comfortable, while the giant Endurance 90WHr battery enables up to 7 hours of runtime. Ports include Thunderbolt 4, USB Type-C, SD card reader, and a wedge-shaped lock slot. If max power is needed, this loaded XPS 17 delivers.
Most Durable: Panasonic Toughbook 55
Demanding conditions are no match for Panasonic’s enterprise-grade Toughbook 55 laptop, engineered to handle the rigours of mobile work.
- Display: 14-inch 1080p touchscreen display
- Processor: Intel Core i5 vPro
- RAM/Storage: Up to 64GB / 2TB SSD
- Battery: Up to 20 hours
- Webcam: 1080p webcam + IR camera
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
- core i7 FZ-55 panasonic toughbook
- 16gb ddr4 ram 512gb m.2 solid state hard drvie
- 4g lte multi carrier card / deciated gps
- windows 10 pro 64 bit
- 14 inch touch screen / wifi
The Toughbook 55 lives up to its name with rugged durability built to achieve MIL-STD-810H certification for resistance to shock, vibrations, extreme temperatures, humidity, and altitude. Rain, dust, and spilt liquids don’t stand a chance against the sealed IP53-rated chassis. The bright 500-nit touchscreen provides a 10-finger multi-touch while the backlit-resistant keyboard shrugs off 1000 grams of downward pressure. Expect up to 20 hours of battery life from dual hot-swappable batteries. Barcode/RFID/Smartcard readers, authenticators, and accessories are also supported. With hardcore survivability and performance, the Toughbook 55 gets remote work done without fail anywhere.
Compare Top “Work from Home” Laptop Contenders
| Laptop | Display | CPU | Battery Life | Webcam | Weight |
| Dell XPS 15 | 15.6′′ 4K Touch | 11th Gen Core i7 | Up to 14 hours | HD 720p | 4 lbs |
| HP Spectre x360 15 | 15.6′′ 4K OLED | 12th Gen Core i7 | Up to 12.5 hours | 5MP + IR | 4.23 lbs |
| Apple MacBook Pro 16 | 16′′ Retina | Apple M1 Pro | Up to 14 hours | 1080p FaceTime | 4.7 lbs |
| Acer Swift 3 | 14′′ FHD | AMD Ryzen 7 5700U | Up to 17 hours | HD | 2.65 lbs |
| HP Dragonfly Elite Max | 13.3′′ FHD Touch | 11th Gen Core i7 | Up to 30 hours! | 5MP + IR | 2.49 lbs |
How to Choose the Best “Work from Home” Laptop
When selecting your optimal work-from-home laptop, follow this decision process:
- Identify Primary Usage – Decide if you'll use the computer for mainstream productivity, intensive computing, creative media, gaming, etc. This guides specs.
- Prioritise Needs – Determine must-have features vs nice-to-haves for remote work scenarios based on your work style and home connectivity.
- Compare Specs – Research specs like display, CPU, RAM, storage, battery life, ports, and unique technologies that match your usage needs.
- Consider Size & Weight – Will you move around your home with the device? If so, keep size/weight manageable—measure workspaces.
- Check Reviews – Read expert reviews on top-contending laptops for performance insights in real-world remote working environments.
- Evaluate Budget – Today's prices range widely from $500 to $4000+ for work laptops. Set reasonable spending limits before shopping.
- Try In-Store – Don't buy purely online. Visit local retailers when possible to test keyboards, trackpads, webcams, screens, and the general feel of the laptops you're considering.
Conclusion
The laptop world features a dizzying array of choices for every preference and budget. This guide showcased stellar picks spanning desirable attributes like performance, battery life, portability, displays, webcams, and value.
When deciding the best laptop for your work-from-home needs, reflect on which combination of traits tops your priority list. People wanting absolute premium power can't go wrong with the exceptional Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch or Dell XPS 15. Shoppers craving fantastic portability packed into an amazingly light chassis will love the LG Gram 17 or Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano. If all-day endurance away from power outlets proves critical, the epic battery capacities of the Dell Latitude 9430 or Microsoft Surface Pro 9 impress. Those on tighter budgets don’t need to sacrifice capability thanks to cost-effective models like the Asus Vivobook Pro 14 or Acer Nitro 5.
Having flexibility in your remote workspace proves invaluable. The right laptop allows you to move freely and change your scenery. By researching the expanded options available today catering to wide-ranging wants and needs, you can confidently acquire the perfect laptop to maximise productivity and comfort, whether working from your living room recliner, kitchen counter bar stool, or backyard patio lounger!
FAQs: Choosing the Best Laptops for Working Remotely
How much should I budget for buying the best laptop for working remotely?
Quality laptops for working from home range from $600 on the affordable end to $3,000+ for top-tier premium models. Realistically plan around a $1,000 mid-range budget if you require strong performance and reliability.
Is a touchscreen laptop better for WFH?
Touchscreen options make the most sense for creative fields or people who appreciate their versatility and tablet functionality. But standard trackpad-based laptops work excellently for remote jobs focused on productivity, communication, writing, and research.
Should I get a Mac or PC laptop for remote work?
This decision depends mainly on personal preference. Many freelancers or people in creative industries favour MacBooks for their seamless ecosystem integration, while most corporate environments standardise on Windows. Focus on software and app requirements critical to your role.
Last update on 2024-05-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
