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Welcome to our best laptops for working from home review of 2024!
We’ve spent over $55 on coffee and clocked 35 hours crawling tech forums to bring you this review.
Whether you are working from your home office, or embracing the Digital Nomad lifestyle, the importance of choosing the best laptops for working from home experience cannot be overstated.
The last thing you want to do is blow decent money on a laptop that does not serve your working from home job requirements, whatever that may be, leaving you feeling frustrated (yes, we’re looking at you, HP Stream 14).
This guide categorises the best laptops for working from home for 2024, based on specific needs: Budget, Performance, Battery Life, and Careers.
If you already know what you are looking for, here’s a quick overview of our best products:
- Acer Aspire 5 – The Best Budget Laptop for Remote Work
- Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra – Best Performance Laptops for Professionals
- Apple MacBook Air 15 – Best Battery Life Laptop
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon – Best Laptop for Remote IT Professionals
- ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 – Best Laptop for Game Developers/3D Designers
Our Budget Pick: Acer Aspire 5
For freelancers and those engaged in basic work tasks, the Acer Aspire 5 stands out as a budget-friendly option. This laptop strikes a balance between affordability and essential features, offering great value for money. Powered by efficient processors and equipped with a host of essential features, the Aspire 5 ensures that freelancers can navigate their basic work easily without breaking the bank.
Our team thinks there is excellent value in this laptop for basic work tasks. Both the RAM and storage are upgradeable to provide added horsepower to perform more intensive tasks. It’s also fairly lightweight at 3.75 lbs with a slim 0.7-inch aluminium body.
Some users noted that the body wears fast, due particularly to the silver paint on the keyboard, and the battery life is fairly average. However, if you are shopping in this category there are going to be some trade-offs.
Features:
- CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7
- Screen Resolution: 14-inch 1080p LCD
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Battery Life: ~6 hours
Pros:
- This laptop provides a great balance of performance and productivity for the price
- Upgradeable RAM and storage available
- With a weight of 3.75 lbs and dimensions of 12.9 x 8.8 x 0.7 inches, this laptop is extremely portable.
Cons:
- The screen lacks brightness
- The numeric keypad addition can make the keyboard feel cramped and take some getting used to
Who is this for?
Anyone who requires a portable, budget laptop, with solid performance specs to perform basic work tasks without breaking the bank. For a couple hundred dollars more you can easily turn this laptop into a work beast that will compete against higher-end laptops.
The team unanimously agreed that this sets the Aspire 5 apart from many competitors in this category for best remote budget laptop.
Also Good: Lenovo Ideapad 5
In the category of budget laptops, the Lenovo Ideapad 5 is another compelling choice. Fueled by an AMD Ryzen processor, this laptop excels in efficient multitasking, making it a decent companion for remote workers with diverse workloads. Its portable design and Ryzen processor make it a reliable workhorse for this price point.
The entry-level variant with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage is an attractive price point, while the variants with more storage & RAM options will see you crossing the ~$800 range.
It’s made with a sturdy aluminium chassis and is easy to transport for a 15.6-inch laptop. There are plenty of ports on this machine, including a USB-C (for charging), HDMI, and two regular USB. This allows you to easily plug into your remote monitor setup.
Features:
- CPU: AMD 8-Core Ryzen 7 5825U
- Screen Resolution: 15.6-inch 1080p HD
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Battery Life: ~8 hour
Pros:
- The keyboard feels good, and the backlit feature is nice to have
- The 15.6-inch screen size is great for remote workers who do not have a dedicated dual monitor setup
Cons:
- Low-quality plastic material, with multiple users noting issues with the screen hinge
- Limited RGB and DCI-P3 coverage, meaning this not suited to colour-sensitive tasks
Our team unanimously agreed that the quality of material lags the Aspire 5, making this our second choice in this category of Budget laptops.
Who is this for?
This laptop is well suited for those who require a slightly larger screen size and increased storage capacity without breaking the bank.
Best Performance Laptops for Work from Home Professionals
Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra
For remote Professionals, the Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra takes centre stage. This laptop boasts a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics, making it a force to be reckoned with in terms of performance. Seamless integration with other Galaxy devices adds a layer of convenience, making it an ideal choice for professionals engaging in collaborative workflows.
This laptop is Samsung’s first serious attempt in quite some time at entering the ultra-competitive ‘Professionals’ laptop category. A category that includes heavy-weight competitors such as the MacBook Pro. And although it doesn’t match the MacBook Pro 16-inch for raw graphics output and battery life, it certainly excels as an ultra-portable, higher-performing laptop, with access to the Galaxy ecosystem.
Features:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-13700H Processor
- Screen Resolution: 16.0-inch 3K (2880 x 1800) AMOLED
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Battery Life: ~8 hour
Pros:
- Large, beautiful OLED display
- Thin and lightweight laptop, making it a perfect solution for professionals on the move
- Excellent integration with other Galaxy devices
- Impressive performance output for conquering that giant Excel model or large system database
Cons:
- The webcam is not overly impressive
- The audio lacks low-end sound quality
Who is this for?
This is a fast, sleek laptop for professionals immersed in the Windows ecosystem. It can handle heavy workloads with ease, and the graphics are as close as you will get to a MacBook Pro on a Windows machine. This is our top pick in this category as it’s so well-rounded, with minimal drawbacks.
Dell XPS 17 (2024)
In the world of high-end specifications, the Dell XPS 17 (2024) emerges as a powerhouse, catering to game developers and graphic designers. With its large display, dedicated GPU, and ample RAM, this laptop provides the resources needed for resource-intensive tasks. The Dell XPS 17 stands out for its ability to handle complex creative processes, making it a go-to choice for professionals in the creative industry.
Name a base model laptop with high-powered specs, a beautiful 17-inch screen, and stunning graphics, you ask?
Well, the Dell XPS 17 is just that. The design, power, GPU, efficiency, and customer support Dell offers are all solid reasons to consider this laptop.
Features:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-13700H Processor
- Screen Resolution: 17.0-inch FHD (1920 x 1200)
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Battery Life: ~12 hour
Pros:
- The screen is seriously massive; with impressive graphics and touch-display
- The all-round performance is impressive and will see you powering through productivity tasks
- Impressive audio output
Cons:
- The webcam is only 720p and lacks some quality
- The base model is not cheap
- Battery life is not super impressive for the size of the machine at ~12 hours
Who is this for?
Our team is calling it. This is the best big-screen laptop for remote professionals. The XPS range is the best of the Dell line-up and the XPS 17 is more of the same. We’d recommend this for anyone who is on-the-go and requires a larger screen for intense workloads, with the support of a supercharged processor, and a sleek design.
Apple MacBook Pro (M3 Pro)
Joining the league of high-performance laptops is the latest MacBook Pro with an M3 pro chip. Apple’s M-series chips have redefined performance benchmarks, and the MacBook Pro with an M3 is no exception. The M3 chip, designed in-house by Apple, brings unparalleled processing power and efficiency. Coupled with advanced graphics capabilities, this MacBook Pro is a top contender for professionals seeking a seamless and powerful computing experience.
We think the 16-inch, powered by the M3 Pro chip and 18GB of RAM is the sweet spot for most professions, as you are going to pay through the nose for the M3 Max chip with 32GB of supercharged performance.
If you are a media creator requiring additional performance output and storage capacity, you may wish to move up in category to the 32GB/1TB. However, if you are only looking for additional storage, you could consider using an external hard drive for increased capacity.
Features:
| Variant | Display Size | Chip | RAM | Storage | Price (USD)* |
| MacBook Pro | 14-inch | M3 | 8GB | 512GB | $1,599 |
| MacBook Pro | 14-inch | M3 Pro | 16GB | 512GB | $1,999 |
| MacBook Pro | 16-inch | M3 Pro | 18GB | 512GB | $2,499 |
| MacBook Pro | 16-inch | M3 Max | 32GB | 1TB | $3,499 |
Pros:
- Fantastically fast M3 Pro performance
- Upgraded media engine to handle editing with ease
- A whopping ~17 hours of battery
- Stunning graphics display which comes to life during intense media editing
- Mean-looking 100% recycled aluminium construction.
Cons:
- These machines start expensive and can get very expensive as move up in specs
- It can be argued that there aren’t that many new features in the M3, so why pay extra?
Who is this for?
If you want a laptop that will be the envy of other café goers, with absurd speed, stunning graphics, and exceptional battery life, this is for you. The M3 Pro comes alive when you turn the media engine on, never stressing out or taking a break.
The downside is your bank balance will cry; however, onlookers will be jealous.
Best Battery Life Laptops for Work from Home
MacBook Air (2024)
There’s one clear winner in this category; the MacBook Air. Apple’s commitment to efficiency is evident in the MacBook Air (2024). Boasting optimised battery efficiency and seamless integration with macOS features, this laptop is tailored for prolonged productivity.
The MacBook Air offers a compelling option for those deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, providing a consistent and streamlined work experience. One of our PicoOffice team members uses the MacBook Air 15-inch 8GB for his daily driver laptop, including website development, writing, and basic media editing. The feedback on the battery life is compelling: “I only charge my Mac Air once every two days, as I’m constantly on the go without access to an AC output. The battery is next level”.
Base model 15-inch:
- Chip: M2
- Screen Resolution: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Battery:
- Up to 18 hours of Apple TV app movie playbackUp to 15 hours of wireless web52.6-watt‑hour lithium‑polymer battery
- 30W USB-C Power Adapter (included with M2 with 8-core GPU)
While the MacBook Air is more expensive relative to competitors with similar specs, it could be argued that this is the most versatile 15-inch laptop for professionals on-the-move. Its sleek and elegant design makes it ultra-portable, and the battery life is industry-leading.
Pros:
- Impressively fast performance
- Industry-leading battery life
- Sleek, elegant, and robust design
- Beautiful and vivid 15-inch screen
Cons:
- This laptop only supports one external monitor
- There are only two external ports (Thunderbolt 4), meaning you will need to carry an adaptor if you require more
- The refresh rate is only 60Hz, which is not good enough for a laptop in this price range
Who is this for?
The Mac Air is for remote professionals who are on-the-move and require an ultra-portable laptop with a stunning large screen. This machine will provide amazing performance in between charges. If you don’t require the extra horsepower of a MacBook Pro, then why break the bank? In our opinion, the Mac Air would be the perfect companion for a freelance writer or Digital Nomad.
Best Laptops for Remote Administrators in 2024
HP Elite Dragonfly G4
Elegance meets efficiency in the HP Elite Dragonfly. Designed with a sleek and lightweight profile, the Elite Dragonfly adds a touch of sophistication to the work of administration professionals, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritise both performance and aesthetics.
This compact 14-inch laptop has an unusual 3:2 display ratio, meaning you can see more vertical lines in your documents and databases. It only weighs approximately 2.2 lbs and is constructed from 90% recycled magnesium, ticking all the boxes as an ultra-portable professional laptop.
One of the coolest features of this laptop is the crystal-clear 1440p webcam, which provides accurate shades and tones on those important Zoom calls. But if that’s not satisfactory enough, the Dragonfly G4 allows you to setup a second USB webcam, meaning you can shift from one camera to the other. This is truly one of the best laptops for Zoom/video conferencing!
Whilst not top of the pack in terms of performance output, the Dragonfly G4 will breeze through everyday remote administration tasks.
Features:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 -1355U Processor
- Screen Resolution: 13.5-inch FHD Touchscreen (1920 x 1280)
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Battery Life: ~14 hour
Pros:
- Impressive sleek design
- The 3:2 screen ratio means you get more visual area for this sized laptop
- A beautiful webcam, with dual camera optionality, makes this one of the best laptops for video conferencing in 2024
Cons:
- Entry-level is quite expensive, and can quickly move up in price when customised
Who is this for?
If you are looking for an ultra-portable business laptop, that wouldn’t look out of place in a C-suite boardroom, the Dragonfly G4 is for you. The 3:2 screen aspect means you are squeezing maximum vertical visibility out of a 13.5-inch laptop. And the webcam quality and capability will ensure you’re looking your best self in those important conference calls.
Best Laptops For Remote IT Professionals in 2024
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
In the realm of IT, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon emerges as a powerhouse. Its robust 13th Gen Intel workstation processor, significant RAM, and business-centric features make it a great and affordable choice for IT professionals. Security features and compatibility with remote collaboration tools position the ThinkPad X1 Carbon as a reliable companion for IT professionals navigating the complexities of network management and system administration.
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon 11 is powered by the i7-1365U processor which can perform at a speed of up to 5.20 GHz, allowing you to move through coding smoothly. Further, the machine won’t stress out when you have multiple windows of applications open, supported by 32GB of RAM.
What about the aesthetics and comfort for IT professionals, you ask?
The build quality is nice, made from a mix of carbon and magnesium. It weighs around 2.5 lbs with a sharp and bright 14-inch 16:10 aspect display ― ticking all the boxes of an ultra-portable machine.
The keyboard is well known as best-in-class for business laptops. It features a snappy backlit keyboard, with a small but responsive touch pad, and a mini joystick.
Features:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-1365U
- Screen Resolution: 14-inch IPS panel (1920 x 1200)
- RAM: 32GB
- Storage: 2TB SSD
- Battery Life: ~13 hours
Pros:
- Impressive build quality
- Top performance output
- Stellar keyboard layout
- Strikes a nice balance between screen size and portability
Cons:
- RAM is soldered, with limited upgrade capability
- The touchpad may feel undersized for those with larger hands
Who is this for?
IT Professionals, of course! This machine’s standout characteristics are its fast performance and best-in-class keyboard layout ― both top-of-mind buying considerations for IT Professionals. It also scores well across other categories, with a quality screen, a beautiful robust build, and decent battery life. It’s no surprise this machine continually ranks among the top business laptops!
Best Laptops For Game Developers/3D Designers in 2024
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14
Game developers and 3D designers demand a laptop that can unleash their creativity. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 takes centre stage in this category. This machine has Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics, high RAM capacity, and advanced gaming capabilities. With a focus on GPU performance and rendering performance, the Zephyrus G14 empowers professionals in the gaming and design industry.
Development and design users raved about the performance of this laptop on forums, with the combination of the Ryzen 9 processor and the RTX 4060 graphics
“This laptop is stupid-powerful for the size, from gaming to developing and 3D work”
Whether you are tackling resource-intensive tasks like game development, media editing, or 3D rendering this laptop handles it with ease. The 16GB RAM supports seamless multitasking and the 1TB storage ensures load times don’t suffer.
Features:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9
- Screen Resolution: 14-inch 165Hz QHD (2560 x 1600)
- RAM: 32GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD (with micro-SD slot)
- Battery Life: ~10 hours
Pros:
- Blazing fast performance
- Top-quality speakers
- Comes pre-installed with useful software
Cons:
- No ethernet port
- The laptop can get hot
- The backlit keyboard is poor, due to the raised keys releasing more light than the letters let through
Who is this for?
If you are a gaming or 3D media expert and want true value for money, this machine is for you. The ROG Zephyrus G14 at the time of writing this article is ~$500-$800 cheaper than the ASUS ProArt StudioBook for similar specs, representing tremendous value. It packs a mean punch for a small laptop!
This is an extremely good laptop for game development and 3D design. It won’t disappoint!
Buying Guide: Considerations for Remote Work Laptops
Navigating the vast sea of laptops requires a keen understanding of the essential specifications. Here’s a concise buying guide to help you make an informed decision tailored to your unique needs:
Processor: Powering Your Productivity
The processor is the heartbeat of your laptop, influencing its overall performance. For general productivity, a mid-range processor suffices. However, for resource-intensive tasks like gaming or graphic design, opt for a high-performance CPU.
RAM: Ensuring Seamless Multitasking
RAM plays a crucial role in multitasking efficiency. For basic tasks, 8GB is adequate, but for demanding applications, aim for 16GB or more.
GPU: Elevating Graphics Performance
Graphic-intensive tasks, such as gaming or 3D design, necessitate a potent GPU. A dedicated graphics card enhances visual performance, ensuring smooth rendering and immersive experiences.
Storage: Balancing Capacity and Speed
Choosing the right storage solution depends on your needs. SSDs offer faster data access, enhancing overall system responsiveness. For ample storage, consider a combination of SSD and HDD.
Screen: Size, Resolution, and Display Technology
The screen is your window to the digital world. Choose a size that suits your preference and workspace. Higher resolutions contribute to sharper visuals, while innovative display technologies enhance colour accuracy and viewing angles.
Size and Portability: Balancing Performance with Mobility
Consider your work environment when selecting the laptop size. Larger screens offer better visibility, but smaller laptops enhance portability. Striking a balance ensures your laptop suits both your performance needs and on-the-go requirements.
Battery Life: Sustaining Extended Productivity
Extended work sessions demand a robust battery life. Aim for a laptop that can last through your typical workday. Ultra-portables often sacrifice battery life for sleek designs, so choose accordingly.
Additional Features: Enhancing User Experience
Backlit keyboards, high-quality webcams, and versatile connectivity options are often overlooked but contribute significantly to your overall user experience. Assess these additional features based on your preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
Remember, the key to a successful remote work setup lies in aligning your laptop features with your work requirements. Whether you prioritise affordability, power, or mobility, there’s always a laptop waiting to be the perfect companion for your professional journey.
As you embark on the journey of finding your best laptop for working from home, consider the buying guide’s insights into essential specifications. Your choice should reflect not only your current needs but also your future aspirations.
In this dynamic era of remote work, your laptop isn’t just a device; it’s a gateway to productivity, creativity, and connectivity. Choose wisely, work efficiently, and thrive in the evolving landscape of the digital workspace.
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