So You’re Looking for the Best Laptops for Remote Work?
Today we’re going to dive deep and share with you the best laptops for remote work.
When it comes to remote work, you need to make a solid investment in a top-notch laptop. I’m talking about freelancers, remote workers, entrepreneurs – the whole shebang. The right laptop can make or break your productivity, comfort, and overall success. But with a million options out there, it can be a headache to figure out which one suits your fancy.
Importance of Choosing the Best Laptops for Remote Work
Picking the right laptop for remote work is crucial. It can make or break your ability to get the job done effectively. A laptop that’s a snail’s pace, weighs a ton, or is about as reliable as a rubber crutch will cause nothing but delays, missed deadlines, and lost opportunities.
On the flip side, a laptop that’s a powerhouse, feather-light, and dependable can help you work more efficiently, stay organized, and communicate like a boss with colleagues and clients.
Key Features to Look for in a Laptop for Remote Work
In my experience working remotely, I’ve learned how crucial it is to get the best laptop for the job. There are a number of important specs to look for when shopping for a laptop to meet your specific demands.
Computer hardware components such as CPU and memory, screen size and resolution, battery life, portability, weight, and network capabilities are examples. In this piece, we’ll examine these components in detail and discuss why they’re crucial for telecommuting.
Processor and RAM
A laptop with a speedy processor and enough RAM is essential for working remotely. The speed at which your laptop can carry out tasks is directly related to the processing power of its central nervous system. You’ll be able to get more done in less time with a more powerful CPU.
On the other hand, random access memory controls how much data may be stored on your laptop simultaneously. When working with huge files or many apps simultaneously, having a laptop with lots of RAM is essential.
Minimum requirements for the CPU and memory should be at least an Intel Core i5 and 8 GB respectively. This will make sure that your laptop doesn’t bog down under the strain of working remotely.
Display and Resolution
The size and quality of your laptop’s display can have a big impact on your productivity. A larger display can make it easier to multitask, while a high-resolution screen will make text and images appear clearer and sharper.
When it comes to display size, you should consider your personal preferences and how much screen real estate you need for your work. However, for remote work, a minimum of 13 inches is recommended.
For resolution, a minimum of 1080p (full HD) is recommended, but if you work with high-quality images or videos, you may want to consider a 4K display.
Battery Life
Because of the inherent nature of remote work, which frequently involves working in the absence of a power outlet, battery life is a critical consideration. Go for a laptop with a battery life of at least 8 hours, but if you anticipate needing to work for extended periods away from an electrical outlet, a longer-lasting battery may be more practical.
Depending on how you use your device and its settings, the battery life may be shorter or longer. For instance, battery life may be reduced when running resource-heavy applications as opposed to lighter tasks like web browsing.
Portability and Weight
As a remote worker, you’ll likely be carrying your laptop around with you, so portability and weight are important factors to consider. Look for a laptop that is lightweight and easy to transport.
Consider the weight and size of the laptop, as well as the design. For example, some laptops have a slim profile and can easily fit into a backpack or briefcase.
Connectivity Options
Finally, think about your laptop’s connectivity possibilities. Look for a laptop that has all of the required ports and connectivity choices, such as USB-C, HDMI, and Wi-Fi.
If you need to connect to external displays or projectors, verify that your laptop has the required connectors. If you need to connect to the internet through Ethernet, ensure that your laptop has an Ethernet port or that you have a USB Ethernet adapter.
The 7 Best Laptops for Remote Work
1. Macbook Pro 14 Inch
The MacBook Pro 14 inch is a high-end laptop designed for professionals who need a reliable and powerful device for remote work. It features a sleek design, a vibrant Retina display, and the latest Apple technology for enhanced performance and productivity.
Technical Specifications:
- Processor: Apple M1 Pro or M1 Max chip
- RAM: 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB
- Storage: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB SSD
- Display: 14-inch Retina display with True Tone and ProMotion technology
- Battery life: Up to 11 hours
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
Pros:
- Powerful performance thanks to the latest Apple chip technology
- Stunning display with True Tone and ProMotion technology for a more natural viewing experience
- Long battery life for all-day productivity
- Plenty of connectivity options with Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI ports
- Sleek and lightweight design
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other laptops on the market
- Limited upgrade options due to Apple’s closed system design
Pricing
Price starts at $1,999 – Buy it here.
2. Samsung Galaxy Book S
The Samsung Galaxy Book S is a slim and lightweight laptop designed for on-the-go productivity. It features a long battery life, an impressive display, and the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon technology for enhanced performance and efficiency.
Technical Specifications:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2
- RAM: 8GB or 16GB
- Storage: 256GB or 512GB SSD
- Display: 13.3-inch FHD touchscreen display
- Battery life: Up to 17 hours
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, 2 USB-C ports, microSD card slot
- Weight: 2.1 pounds
Pros:
- Long battery life for extended work sessions
- Ultra-slim and lightweight design for easy portability
- Vibrant and responsive touchscreen display
- Powerful performance with Qualcomm Snapdragon technology
- Reasonably priced compared to other laptops on the market
Cons:
- Limited storage options compared to other laptops
- No HDMI or Thunderbolt ports for external displays or peripherals
Pricing
The price starts at $949; buy it here.
3. HP Pavilion 14 Plus
The HP Pavilion 14 Plus is an affordable laptop that offers solid performance and a variety of connectivity options for remote work. It features a sleek design, a full HD display, and the latest Intel technology for reliable productivity.
Technical Specifications:
- Processor: 11th Gen Intel Core i3, i5, or i7
- RAM: 8GB or 16GB
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD
- Display: 14-inch full HD IPS display
- Battery life: Up to 9 hours
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C port, USB-A port, HDMI port, microSD card slot
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
Pros
- Affordable price point compared to other laptops on the market
- Full HD display for crisp and clear visuals
- Plenty of connectivity options with USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and microSD ports
- Powerful performance with the latest Intel technology
- Sleek and stylish design
Cons:
- Shorter battery life compared to other laptops on this list
- Limited storage options compared
Pricing
The price starts at $459; buy it here.
4. Macbook Air M2
The MacBook Air M2 is a sleek and lightweight laptop that is perfect for remote work. It features Apple’s M2 chip, which is incredibly fast and efficient, allowing you to work on multiple applications without any lag. The laptop also boasts an impressive battery life, lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge.
Technical Specifications:
- Processor: Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU
- RAM: 8GB or 16GB
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD
- Display: 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone technology
- Battery life: Up to 18 hours
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
Pros:
- Incredibly fast performance thanks to Apple’s M2 chip
- Lightweight and portable design
- Long battery life
- Retina display with True Tone technology for accurate colors
Cons:
- Limited ports (only two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports)
- No option for discrete graphics
- Relatively expensive compared to other laptops in its class
Pricing
The price starts at $999 – Buy it here.
5. Dell XPS 13
The Dell XPS 13 is a powerful and portable laptop that is perfect for remote work. It features a stunning InfinityEdge display that is almost bezel-less, allowing for a more immersive viewing experience. The laptop also boasts a long battery life and is available in a range of configurations to suit your needs.
Technical Specifications:
- Processor: 11th Gen Intel Core i3, i5, or i7
- RAM: 8GB or 16GB
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD
- Display: 13.4-inch InfinityEdge display with FHD+ or UHD+ resolution
- Battery life: Up to 14 hours
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
Pros
- Beautiful InfinityEdge display with minimal bezels
- Powerful performance with Intel’s 11th Gen processors
- Long battery life
- Available in a range of configurations to suit your needs
Cons
- Limited ports (only two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a microSD card reader)
- No option for discrete graphics
- Relatively expensive compared to other laptops in its class
Pricing
The price starts at $999; buy it here.
6. Microsoft Surface 4
The Microsoft Surface 4 is a versatile and lightweight laptop that is perfect for remote work. It features a detachable keyboard and can be used as a tablet, making it ideal for those who need a device that can be used for both work and play. The laptop also boasts a long battery life and is available in a range of configurations to suit your needs.
Technical Specifications:
- Processor: 11th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7
- RAM: 8GB or 16GB
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD
- Display: 13.5-inch PixelSense display with 201 PPI
- Battery life: Up to 19 hours
- Weight: 2.79 pounds
Pros
- Versatile design with detachable keyboard
- Powerful performance with Intel’s 11th Gen processors
- High-resolution display
- Long battery life
- Powerful processor and plenty of RAM
Cons:
- Limited port selection
- No Thunderbolt 4 support
- Limited upgradability
Pricing
The price starts at $999; buy it here.
7. LG Gram 14
The LG Gram 14 is a lightweight and portable laptop that is perfect for remote work. It boasts an ultra-thin and sleek design, making it easy to carry around with you wherever you go. Despite its slim profile, the LG Gram 14 doesn’t compromise on power or performance. It comes equipped with the latest hardware and features, making it a great choice for both personal and professional use.
Technical Specifications
- Processor: 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor
- RAM: 8GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM
- Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD
- Display: 14″ Full HD IPS Display (1920 x 1080)
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Battery life: Up to 18.5 hours
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Ports: HDMI, USB-A, USB-C, MicroSD
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable design
- Long battery life
- Fast performance
- Bright and clear display
- Good selection of ports
Cons:
- No Thunderbolt 3 port
- Limited upgradability
Pricing
The price starts at $999; buy it here.
Comparison of the Best Laptops for Remote Work
Finding the right laptop that meets your specific needs can be challenging. With the wide variety of options available, it’s essential to consider factors such as performance, design and build quality, display and screen resolution, battery life, portability, and weight when choosing the best laptops for remote work.
Performance
In order to choose the most suitable laptop for off-site work, it is important to take into account the device’s performance. The 14-inch Macbook Pro and the 13-inch Dell XPS are two of the most powerful laptops on the market today.
For demanding jobs like video editing, coding, and graphic design, nothing beats the M1 CPU in Apple’s 14-inch MacBook Pro. The 11th generation of Intel Core processors included in the Dell XPS 13 are both powerful and energy efficient, allowing for effortless multitasking and lightning-fast performance.
Competitors in the performance field include the Samsung Galaxy Book S and the MacBook Air M1. The Samsung Galaxy Book S employs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Gen 2 CPU that is optimized for thin and light notebooks, resulting in quick and flawless performance, whereas the MacBook Air M1 has the same M1 chip as the MacBook Pro 14 inch, which contributes to the device’s remarkable performance.
It’s true that the HP Pavilion 14 Plus and LG Gram 14 lag behind in terms of performance, but they’re still great choices for regular usage.
Design and build quality
While searching for the most suitable laptop for working remotely, it is important to take into account the design and build quality of the device. In regards to style and construction, the 14-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch Dell XPS, and 14-inch LG Gram stand out as the best.
Neither the MacBook Pro 14 inch nor the Dell XPS 13 are bulky or heavy, but both are stylish and well-made. The LG Gram 14’s low weight and military-grade build quality make it convenient to carry around.
In addition to its sturdy construction, the Samsung Galaxy Book S stands out because of its unique design and ultra-thin metal shell, although the MacBook Air M1 and HP Pavilion 14 Plus are also well-made.
Display and Screen Resolution
The Dell XPS 13 and the 14-inch MacBook Pro are head-and-shoulders above the competition when it comes to screen size and resolution. Graphic designers and photographers who need true colors and high resolution will like the Dell XPS 13’s 13.4-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 or the MacBook Pro 14-inch display with a resolution of 3072 x 1920.
The 13.3-inch Retina display on the MacBook Air M1 has a resolution of 2560 x 1600, making it a high-quality device. Comparable to the Dell XPS 13 and Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch, the screens of the LG Gram 14 and HP Pavilion 14 Plus are excellent, but they lack the pixel density of the competition.
The 13.3-inch Full HD display on the Samsung Galaxy Book S has a resolution of 1920 x 1080, which is decent but not as high-end as the displays on some of the other laptops on our list.
Battery life
A laptop’s battery life is a crucial specification to look for if you want to use it for off-site work, since it will dictate how long you can use it before needing a recharge. With its impressive battery life of up to 18 hours, the MacBook Air M1 is the undisputed champion in its category. The battery life of the HP Pavilion 14 Plus and Dell XPS 13 is likewise quite good, lasting up to 12 hours on a single charge.
Up to 10 hours of use on a single charge are provided by the MacBook Pro 14 inch and the Samsung Galaxy Book S. On the other hand, with only 8 hours of battery life, the LG Gram 14 has the lowest longevity of all of these devices.
Portability and Weight
When shopping for a laptop for remote work, portability and weight are two of the most important criteria, especially if you plan to travel regularly. The LG Gram 14 easily takes the cake here as the lightest laptop in this roundup at just 2.2 pounds. Even more impressively, the MacBook Air M1 and the Samsung Galaxy Book S both weigh in at just 2.8 and 2.1 pounds, respectively, making them ideal travel companions.
As compared to the HP Pavilion 14 Plus and the Dell XPS 13, the latter two are noticeably heavier (2.8 and 3.2 pounds, respectively). At 3.5 pounds, the MacBook Pro 14-inch is the heaviest laptop on this list.
Connectivity Options
The ease with which your laptop can connect to various devices and networks is a major factor to consider when purchasing a laptop for remote work. The Dell XPS 13 and the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch are the best laptops in this category since they both come equipped with Thunderbolt 4 connectors.
The USB-C connectors on the MacBook Air M1, Samsung Galaxy Book S, and LG Gram 14 are multifunctional and may be used for charging as well as transferring data. If you need to connect to newer devices, you may want to look elsewhere, since the HP Pavilion 14 Plus is the only laptop on our list that has USB 3.0 connections.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are standard on each of these laptops, while the Dell XPS 13 and Apple MacBook Pro 14 inch also have Ethernet connectors for hardwired internet access.
Other Considerations for Remote Work Laptops
Price range
While deciding on the best laptops for remote work, it is vital to take cost into account. It is possible to locate a laptop that satisfies your demands and doesn’t drain your bank account, provided you shop around. Both the more reasonably priced HP Pavilion 14 Plus and the more expensive 14-inch MacBook Pro have been mentioned in this article.
While shopping for a laptop, it’s crucial to think about both your budget and the specs that are most important to you. It’s important to remember that more powerful laptops typically cost more.
Customer Support and Warranty
When it comes to buying a laptop for remote work, you should also consider customer support and warranty options. A laptop is an investment, and you want to ensure that you have access to excellent customer support in case something goes wrong.
Make sure to check the warranty options offered by the manufacturer before making a purchase. Some laptops come with a standard warranty, while others may offer extended warranties or additional support options. You should also read reviews and do research on the manufacturer’s customer support reputation to make sure you can rely on their assistance if needed.
Security Features
As remote workers frequently deal with confidential information, data protection should be a primary concern when selecting a laptop. Some laptops use biometric authentication technologies like fingerprint readers or face recognition to keep your data safe.
If you want to keep your files and data safe, it’s best to get a laptop that has strong security software and encryption options. The T2 security chip in computers like the 14-inch MacBook Pro delivers hardware-level encryption for extra safety.
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of your workspace are particularly relevant while working remotely. Discomfort, suffering, and even permanent health issues can result from a lack of attention to ergonomics.
Try to get a laptop with a smooth, responsive touchpad and a keyboard that won’t tire your fingers after long periods of use. When you buy a laptop, check to see whether it comes with a dock or stand that can be adjusted to your preferred viewing angle. The use of external keyboards, mice, and displays can also help you create a more relaxing and healthy work environment.
Which One of the Best Laptops for Remote Work are You Choosing?
Choosing the right laptop for remote work is crucial for productivity, comfort, and efficiency. With many professionals working from home, the need for a reliable and high-performance laptop has become more important than ever.
Your laptop should be able to handle demanding tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and multitasking while also being comfortable and easy to use for extended periods.
Investing in the right laptop can make a significant impact on your remote work experience, so it’s essential to consider all factors when making a decision.
The MacBook Pro 14-inch and the Dell XPS 13 are the most powerful laptops for working remotely, while the MacBook Air M1 and the Samsung Galaxy Book S are the next best options in terms of speed. Apple’s 14-inch MacBook Pro, Dell’s XPS 13, and LG’s Gram 14 all stand out for their superior design and construction, while the Samsung Galaxy Book S stands out for its one-of-a-kind look.
The Dell XPS 13 and the 14-inch MacBook Pro are head and shoulders above the competition in terms of screen size and resolution.
The best laptops for remote work will vary depending on your specific needs and preferences.
It’s important to consider factors such as performance, design and build quality, display and screen resolution, battery life, portability and weight, and connectivity options when choosing the best laptops for remote work.
Additionally, other considerations such as price range, customer support and warranty, security features, and ergonomics can also play a significant role in your decision.
You can select a laptop that satisfies all your needs as a remote worker and improves your productivity and comfort by carefully evaluating all the elements and conducting extensive research. If you’re looking for a laptop for remote work, we hope this comparison has been helpful in narrowing down your options.