Best work-from-home laptops: What’s the best laptop for working from home? (2023)
What’s the best laptop for working from home?
Working from home has become more and more common over the past decade or so. The phenomenon accelerated in 2020 and 2021 when the COVID-19 pandemic forced many companies to allow their employees to work remotely.
And while several teams have returned to the office since then, some people have found the freedom too enjoyable to give up.
More people work from home, at least part-time, because of several factors. You’ll save a lot of money on commuting, and it’s also nice not having to sit in traffic or stand on an overcrowded train for hours each day. Working from home has also resulted in higher productivity for many individuals.
Knowing which computers will help you complete your job is a good idea if you already work from home or are looking for a remote job. This article will show you the best laptops for working from home and highlight where you can purchase them.
EDITORS CHOICE
9.7
- Excellent processing speed
- Sleek design
- Multiple color options are available
- User-friendly
BUDGET PICK
9.5
- Works with Windows 11
- High-resolution display
- Multiple SSD and RAM sizes
- Good battery life
PREMIUM PICK
9.1
- Fast processing
- Multiple models available
- Spill-resistant keyboard
- Ultra-fast recharge
Intro: The best work from home laptop
You’ll need to consider several factors when looking for a good laptop for working from home. One of the essential things to keep in mind is whether it can perform the tasks you need; if you’re a photographer or a graphic designer, you’ll need your device to handle high-performing tasks.
Cost is another thing to keep in mind.
Many laptops are pretty expensive, and you’ll want to get something that fits within your budget – or at least have an idea of how much you need to save. It’s also worth thinking about the operating software; if you don’t like Windows, you’ll want to ensure that you don’t need to use it.
We’ve considered these and many other factors in selecting the best work-from-home laptops. With that out of the way, let’s jump into things.
1. Dell XPS 15
Dell is one of the most recognizable computer brands on the market, and the XPS 15 is a good work-from-home laptop. Priced at $1,100+, it’s one of the best work-from-home laptops over $1,000 and one of the pricier options on our list.
The Dell XPS 15 comes with several options for memory, video cards, and more. You can also choose several different hard drive options with two colors. In addition, you can pick the type of keyboard you want your computer to have.
If you buy the Dell XPS 15, you can choose from 13, 15, and 17-inch screens. The 13-inch screen has two model designs; the first is a standard laptop, whereas the 2-in-1 option works more as a hybrid between a tablet and what you’d expect from a laptop.
Pros
- Multiple models to choose from
- Multiple colors to choose from
- Varying sizes of memory etc.
Cons
- One of the more expensive work-from-home laptops
RECOMMENDED
2. Lenovo Slim 7 Pro X
Lenovo is another of the most famous computer brands globally, and it’s well-known for its office laptops. If you’ve ever worked in a corporate office, you might have used one of those yourself.
However, you don’t need to be in your office to get the most out of these devices; the Slim 7 Pro X has a lot to offer remote workers.
The Lenovo Slim 7 Pro X has the standard laptop design you’re probably used to seeing. As you might have guessed from its name, the computer has a sleek outer look that will make it easy to use and carry around with you simultaneously.
The device works with Windows 11 and programs such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
The Slim 7 Pro X has a 14.5-inch screen; you can navigate this with your hand or a screen-suited pen. Gray is the only color available at the time of writing in December 2022.
Pros
- Easy to carry around
- Touchscreen included
- Fast operating speed
Cons
- Only one color is available
RECOMMENDED
3. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5
Microsoft might be better known for its Windows software than computers, but it’s still making moves in the laptop industry. The Surface Laptop 5 is another slim device that’s easy to carry around – it’s one of the best laptops for working from home under $1,000 (some models go above this price).
The Surface Laptop 5 comes in multiple colors, including black and gray. You’ll get an Intel Core processor, along with a touchscreen. In addition, you have numerous customization options when choosing the best device for you.
You can choose whether you want a 13.5-inch or 15-inch screen and pick between different random-access memory (RAM) sizes – plus more.
Pros
- Some of the best customization options on our list
- Multiple laptop colors are available
- Numerous price points
Cons
- Only two screen sizes are available
RECOMMENDED
4. Lenovo Yoga 9i 14″
In the form of the Yoga 9i 14″, Lenovo has another laptop for working from home on our list. This might be your best choice if you’re looking for something more of a hybrid between a computer and a tablet. Admittedly, it’s one of the more expensive laptops on our list.
The Lenovo Yoga 9i 14″ computer has a 14-inch screen and operates on Windows 11 software. The device has a 512 GB hard drive with 8 GB of usable memory. The camera is 720p, which is more than enough if you’re only going to use it for Zoom calls and similar purposes.
This computer uses an Intel Core processor and an Intel graphics card. It also comes with a pen that you can use to navigate the touchscreen and perform other actions, such as drawing .
Pros
- Best of both worlds between a laptop and a tablet
- Touchscreen
- Fingerprint reader included
Cons
- Pretty expensive
RECOMMENDED
5. LG Gram 16
If you love LG’s TVs and want to see what their laptops are like, the LG Gram 16 is worth checking out when looking at good work-from-home laptops. This device is lightweight and portable; it’s easy to carry in a suitcase or backpack.
The laptop also features a slim design, making it a pleasure to type on.
The LG Gram 16 has a 1 TB hard drive with 16 GB of RAM for storing your files and folders. The laptop also features multiple USB ports, which are suitable for the older and newer slots you’ll see. You can also transfer photos, videos, and more via the micro-SD slot.
This computer features an HD webcam if you want to look good during your remote meetings. On top of that, you can enjoy technology that filters out background noise – making it easier for you to understand what others are saying.
Pros
- Multiple slots for different types of USBs
- High-quality graphics
- Large battery and good battery life
- Other screen sizes available
Cons
- Expensive
- No ordinary SD card slot; only one for micro SD cards
RECOMMENDED
6. ASUS VivoBook Pro 16X OLED
ASUS has positioned itself as one of the best competitors to the leading laptop brands for several years. If you want to try out one of its laptops for working from home, the VivoBook Pro 16X OLED should feature somewhere near the top of your list.
ASUS laptops in this range come in multiple colors, and you can also get a 2 TB solid-state drive (SSD). The computer has an Intel Core processor, weighing just 2.3 kilograms. The VivoBook Pro 16X OLED comes with a 16-inch screen, and you will receive a computer designed out of metal.
As such, you should only have a few problems if you accidentally drop your device.
This computer has a 90 Wh battery, one of the larger ones on our list. In addition to that, you can switch on a webcam shield if you’re concerned about privacy.
Pros
- Lots of unique features
- Metal design
- Large battery
Cons
- Some users might find the design a little bland
RECOMMENDED
7. HP Zbook Studio G9
We haven’t yet mentioned any HP work-from-home laptops on this list, so now is a good time to change that. The Zbook Studio G9 is one of the best work-from-home laptops you can get, and it’s also one of the pricier options.
So, if you don’t like using macOS software, this is an excellent alternative to the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro (more on those later).
The Zbook Studio G9 has a wide selection of laptops available. This model is also easily one of the most expensive on our list. Each has an Intel Core processor, which you can use for heavy-duty tasks like editing video content.
One handy feature of the Zbook Studio G9 is that you can benefit from noise-canceling software. On top of that, you can scroll less, thanks to its design.
Pros
- Fast processing
- Multiple models available
- Ideal for working from home and in the office
Cons
- Incredibly expensive
PREMIUM PICK
8. HP Spectre x360
Another HP computer that puts in a good case for one of the best laptops for working from home is the HP Spectre x360. This one is more like the Lenovo Yoga 9i because it works as both a computer and tablet, with a fully foldable screen.
And like its Lenovo counterpart, you’ll receive a pen that lets you navigate the device’s touchscreen.
The Spectre x360 comes with a 14 or 16-inch screen, and you can choose between several different SSD sizes – allowing you to pick whichever works best for you. In addition to that, you can select multiple colors.
Pros
- Versatile
- Multiple models available
- Different screen sizes are available
Cons
- You might find the touchscreen annoying
RECOMMENDED
9. Lenovo ThinkPad Carbon Gen 10
The Lenovo ThinkPad is one of the classic office computer series. But even if you’re not working from the office anymore, you can still find these devices helpful. The ThinkPad Carbon Gen 10 is up there with the best work-from-home laptops, and it can offer a lot in a simple design.
The ThinkPad Carbon Gen 10 features the typical basic ThinkPad outer design that you’re used to, and it also operates on Windows 11 software.
One of the most remarkable features is that it has a touchscreen that you can use to move things around and select different objects; the device comes with a pen that you can use with this.
You can choose from a wide range of different SSD sizes, along with numerous RAM solutions.
Pros
- Anti-glare technology included
- Touchscreen
- Multiple options for RAM and SSD
Cons
- Some users might find the design a little boring
RECOMMENDED
10. Macbook Air M2 13″
We couldn’t talk about the best work-from-home laptops without mentioning Apple’s range of MacBooks at some point. The MacBook Air M2 13″ is one of our favorite computers on this list, and it’s available in multiple colors. On top of that, you’ll get a 1080p camera for talking to others on FaceTime.
The M2 MacBook Air features a MagSafe charging port and a 13.6-inch display for editing photos, videos, graphics, and more. On top of that, the device can perform high-demand tasks without too many issues.
Pros
- Excellent processing speed
- Sleek design
- Multiple color options are available
- User-friendly
Cons
- Expensive
EDITORS CHOICE
11. MacBook Pro 14″
The next step up from the MacBook Air is the MacBook Pro. If you’re looking for a good work-from-home laptop, this is the best on our list. The device comes with a 14-inch screen, though you can also pick 13 and 16-inch screens.
For the 14-inch screen model, you can pick between a 512 GB and 1 TB SSD.
Like the MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro is capable of performing demanding tasks without too many issues. On top of that, you can enjoy a beautiful display, and – while you don’t have a touchscreen – you will get a bar that allows you to perform multiple tasks.
The MacBook Pro has easy syncing with other Apple devices and lets you stay within the Apple ecosystem if you use an iPhone or an iPad.
Pros
- Performs well when performing demanding tasks
- High-quality screen resolution
- Integrates well with other Apple devices
Cons
- You might need to buy accessories, such as SD card readers
- Expensive
RECOMMENDED
12. Acer Aspire 5
We have not mentioned any Acer laptops on our list, so this is probably a good time to change that. The Aspire 5 has a slightly bigger build than some other laptops on our list, but that doesn’t mean you should automatically overlook it.
The device runs on Windows 11 and features an Intel Core processor.
The Acer Aspire 5 is one of the best laptops for working from home under $1,000, with a retail price that fits most budgets. You can choose from multiple SSD and RAM sizes, and it’s also possible to pick your computer processing unit (CPU).
Pros
- Affordable
- Works with Windows 11
- Has multiple options to choose from
Cons
- The design isn’t as sleek as some of the other options on our list
BUDGET PICK
13. Dell Inspiron 2 in 1
As we edge toward the end of our list of work-from-home laptops, let’s cover another Dell device. The Inspiron 2-in-1 is another device that works as a hybrid between a laptop and your tablet, making it a great option if you want both – but you don’t want two different devices.
The Inspiron 2-in-1 has a foldable screen, and it also comes in a variety of options. For example, you can choose between different video cards and hard drives. In addition, you can select the type of keyboard you want – plus much more.
Pros
- Affordable
- Choice between different processing systems
- Multiple options for RAM, SSD, etc.
Cons
- The design is a bit bigger than some of the other laptops on our list
RECOMMENDED
14. HP Pavilion 15
Another work-from-home laptop worth looking at is the HP Pavilion 15, another of the best laptops for working from home under $1,000. The device comes with a 15-inch screen, and like many other HP computers, you’ve got various options when customizing your device.
HP’s Pavilion 15 computers come with Windows 11, and you’ll also get an Intel Core processor. If you cannot afford the Zbook Studio 9, this range of computers is a viable option. Other benefits you’ll get include an HD display and Intel graphics cards.
Pros
- Affordable
- Multiple customization options
- Good selection of RAM choices
Cons
- Only one color option
RECOMMENDED
15. Samsung Galaxy Book 2
Samsung is one of the world’s most reputable consumer electronics brands, and it has a selection of laptops that are worth checking out. The Samsung Galaxy Book 2 is one of those. This device comes in two color options: graphite and silver. Both feature a minimalistic design and look incredibly sleek.
When picking the computer you want to use, you can select which processor you’d like. In addition to that, you can choose your RAM and SSD. You can use a wide selection of programs with the Galaxy Book 2, such as Adobe Lightroom.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Different customization options
- Not too expensive
Cons
- Could perhaps have more SSD/RAM options
RECOMMENDED
16. ASUS ZenBook 14X OLED
To round off our best work-from-home laptops list, we’ll look at the ASUS ZenBook again. This time, however, we’re looking at the 14-inch screen options – which are slightly different from those we previously mentioned.
The 14-inch ZenBook has a 2.8K OLED display, which – for many people – will be ideal for editing visual content. It also has up to 16 GB of memory to save your files and folders. The computer is also incredibly lightweight, at just 1.39 kilograms.
If you want to log in faster using this computer, you can take advantage of the fingerprint reader, similar to the MacBook Pro.
Pros
- Multiple USB ports for different sizes
- Affordable
- Good level of memory storage
Cons
- The battery isn’t as big as some of the other laptops on this list
RECOMMENDED
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Frequently asked questions
Now that we’ve gone through our list of the best work-from-home laptops let’s answer some of your FAQs.
What is the best laptop for working from home?
The answer to this question is subjective. You’ll need to think about what you aim to achieve and the operating systems you like using. We believe the MacBook Pro is the best all-rounder for people working from home, but you might have a different opinion.
Do I need a MacBook to work from home?
No – you can choose from multiple different computer brands. Dell, HP, and Lenovo are just three non-Apple manufacturers that you can choose from, and all of them have a high-quality selection of laptop devices.
Is my laptop tax-deductible?
This depends on where you live and what you’re using your laptop for. If you’re a freelancer or have another kind of business, and you use your laptop strictly for work, you can deduct your device from your tax expenses. Check the laws where you live to see whether this is the case for you.
Are these laptops available outside the US?
The laptops we’ve listed are available in the US, but you don’t necessarily need to live there. Many of these computers are also available in other countries, but prices and VAT will vary.
Can I get my laptops in person?
We’ve included links to the best work-from-home laptops throughout this article, but you don’t have to buy them online if you don’t want to. You can often get what you’re looking for by visiting an electronics store in person instead.
All of the best laptops for working from home
So, there you have it – now that you’ve read this article, you shouldn’t have any problems finding a laptop for working from home.
While we didn’t include the best laptops for working from home under $500, you will find a good selection for less than $1,000. And if you have a bigger budget, you can also choose from a range of different devices.
When choosing a laptop for working from home, think about what you will use it for. It’s crucial that if you’re going to perform demanding tasks, your device can handle these. But if you only need something for admin work, you can get away with a less powerful device.
Before you make a purchase, it’s worth stepping back and taking the time to decide which is the best choice for you. Once you’ve done that, you’ll make a more rational and informed decision.
Fabrik: A branding agency for our times.
Danny is a senior writer and regular contributor to the pages of Brand Fabrik, where he creates resources, guides and reviews to assist readers from the creative services community. Adding sparkle and clarity to his content, Danny allows our brand personality to shine.
