Laptops for Working From Home must be ideal for professional and personal use cases. But it will be rare to find such laptops in 2024. The struggle to find a perfect Work From Home laptop that balances performance, battery, media consumption, and cost is ubiquitous.
This guide, based on extensive research and evaluation experience, will help you find the best Work From Home laptops. Read on to uncover key factors to consider before purchasing.
How to Choose the Right Laptop to Work From Home?
Drawing from personal experience and extensive user reviews online, The following specifications for an optimal #WorkingFromHomeLaptop are recommended:
1. Processor
- Generation: Look for newer generations, such as Intel Core 11th Gen and AMD Ryzen 5000 Series onwards. They provide better performance and efficiency.
- Type: Intel Core 5i/7i or AMD Ryzen 5/7 are excellent choices to achieve good performance with reasonable power consumption. For higher performance needs, consider Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9.
2. RAM & Storage
- RAM Capacity: 8 GB is the standard for basic operations and light multitasking. 16 GB or more is recommended for demanding applications like graphic design or video editing.
- RAM Upgradability: Selecting laptops with upgradable RAM is recommended. The lifespan of laptops can be extended this way.
- Storage Type: Solid-State Drives (SSDs) should be prioritized over Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). They are more reliable, have faster startup times and load applications quicker.
- Storage Capacity: Aim for SSD storage that is at least 256 GB in capacity. If you are handling media files or large datasets, 512 GB or 1 TB of SSD storage is recommended.
3. Battery Life
- Usage Time: Its recommended to seek laptops with a minimum 8 hours of battery life. For extended #wfh applications, consider models with over 15 hours of battery life.
- Charging Speed: Prioritize fast charging if you take brief breaks, despite the extra cost. The idea that fast charging reduces laptop lifespan is a myth.
4. Display
- Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080) is the minimum recommended for sharp and clear images. Higher resolutions (such as 4K) offer better clarity but shorten battery life.
- Color Accuracy: Seeking our color accuracy is crucial for tasks involving design, photography or video editing. Displays with good color reproduction standards like sRGB or Adobe RGB are recommended.
- Brightness: Displays with a minimum of 300 nits ensure visibility in a variety of lighting conditions. The conditions include well-lit rooms and outdoor spaces.
5. Form Factor
- 2-in-1 Convertible: These devices can switch between a traditional laptop and a tablet. They’re versatile for various tasks like typing documents or giving presentations.
- Bendable: With 180° folding screens, these laptops are excellent for media consumption since they provide various viewing angles.
- Detachable: The screens detach from the keyboards, transforming into standalone tablets. Ideal for users alternating between typing and touch-based tasks.
Best Work From Home (WFH) Laptops
Laptop | Processor | RAM & Storage | Battery Life | Price (Recommended Variant) | Buying Link |
👍 Lenovo Yoga 7i | Intel Core i7-13th Gen | 16 GB & 1 TB SSD | 19 Hours | $999 | Lenovo Yoga 7i |
Apple MacBook Air | Apple M3 SoC | 8 GB & 256 GB | 18 Hours | $1049 | Apple MacBook Air |
Acer Aspire 5 | AMD Ryzen 4-Core | 20 GB & 1 TB SSD | 8 Hours | $499 | Acer Aspire 5 |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon | Intel Core i7 13th Gen | 16 GB & 512 GB | 11 Hours | $1499 | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon |
HP Pavilion Aero | AMD Ryzen 5 5th Gen | 16 GB & 256 GB | 9 Hours | $900 | HP Pavillion Aero |
1) Lenovo Yoga 7i
- Lenovo Yoga 7i is the best work from home laptop for professionals who want an economical and long-lasting laptop.
- Its aluminum chassis is solid and durable, which is valuable for rough home usage.
- The i7 11th Gen processor and Intel Iris Xe Graphics are plentiful for running most work from home related apps, tools, and services.
- It provides a comprehensive array of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, USB 3.2, and HDMI for connecting displays, headphones, and cameras.
Features | Benefits |
2-in-1 Convertible Design. | Transitions between laptop and tablet, enhanced productivity. |
Active Pen Support. | Favorite for note-taking, drawing and creative tasks. |
WUXGA IPS Display, 82.55% Screen-to-Display Ratio. | Ideal for multimedia applications and spotting minute details. |
Webcam Privacy Shutter. | Guard against potential monitoring and privacy violations. |
Fingerprint Scanner. | Faster and secure device startup using biometric authentication. |
Backlit Keyboard. | Suitable for working in dim-lighting. |
Pros | Cons |
Thunderbolt connectivity ports allow high-speed data transmission across your devices. | The addition of new hardware to increase RAM is not possible. |
Dolby Atoms audio technology provides immersive sound quality. | |
Dual microphones enable background noise filtering for comfortable work calls. |
Variants | Processor | RAM | SSD Storage | Current Price | Link |
14″ (i7/16/1024/1.7) | Intel Core i7-13th Gen (1355U) | 16 GB | 1TB | $999 | Buy Now |
14″ (i5/16/512/1.3) | Intel Core i7-13th Gen (1335U) | 16 GB | 512GB | $949 | Buy Now |
2) Apple MacBook Air M3
- Apple MacBook Air M3 is best for multimedia handling and features a Liquid Retina display to minimize eye strain.
- It is one of the best laptops for working from home for battery life with its large 52 Whr battery. It can easily last more than one workday on a single charge.
- A key advantage of the MacBook Air M3 is the MagSafe charging port, which prevents the laptop from falling if the cable is accidentally pulled.
- One can opt for Apple Care+ with this laptop for 24×7 support in any device-related matter, along with all accidental damages covered.
- Genius Bar reservations can be made to receive hands-on support, troubleshooting, and repairs at Apple retail stores.
Features | Benefits |
Ports and Connectivity. | 3.5mm headphone jack, Thunderbolt 4, USB 4 and USB3.1 Gen2 ports. |
Backlit Keyboard and Force-Touch trackpad. | Working in dim-environments and precise cursor control. |
Apple Ecosystem Integration. | Content Sharing and Data Synchronization across apple devices. |
Fan-less Design. | Quiet and stays cool during use. |
Pros | Cons |
A six-speaker sound system will provide an immersive experience while consuming media. | External display is limited. Only two screens can be run by the device simultaneously. |
True Tone Technology produces accurate images regardless of ambient lighting. | |
The triple microphone array captures and transmits the speaker’s rich sound. |
Variant | RAM | SSD STORAGE | Current Price | Link |
👍(8/256) | 8 GB | 256 GB | $1049 | Buy Now |
(8/512) | 8 GB | 512 GB | $1249 | Buy Now |
(16/512) | 16 GB | 512 GB | $1399 | Buy Now |
3) Acer Aspire 5
- Acer Aspire 5 is best for workday tasks like making presentations with a powerful AMD Ryzen processor for heavy workloads.
- It’s 14″ Full-HD display that offers a wide field of view, minimum distortions, and a 180° lid-opening design.
- This laptop is ideal for working from home, featuring a bright backlit keyboard for precise typing in low-light settings.
- This laptop comes with 36GB RAM, available in top variants, and is ideal for multitasking and long #WorkFromHome sessions.
Features | Benefits |
Fingerprint Sensor. | Enhances security and log-in speed. |
Ports and Connectivity. | 3.5mm combo audio jack, USB 3.2 x 2 and USB 2.0 Type-A, USB 3.2 Type-C, HDMI and Ethernet ports. |
Acer True Harmony Audio. | Listening euphoria with deeper bass and increased volume. |
Alexa. | Aids in directly executing basic tasks and answer common queries. |
Pre-Installed Software. | Norton Antivirus, Dropbox, Firebox and a taskbar shortcut to Amazon’s main page. |
Pros | Cons |
It weighs less than 4 pounds, making it easy to carry. | It contains a basic 720p webcam, which prevents sharp video conferencing. |
The 60 Hz refresh rate suits it for office work and casual web surfing. | |
The anti-glare display reduces bothersome reflections and enhances readability. |
Variant | RAM | SSD Storage | Current Price | Link |
8/256 | 8 GB | 256 GB | $399 | Buy Now |
👍20/1TB | 20 GB | 1 TB | $499 | Buy Now |
36/1TB | 35 GB | 1 TB | $579 | Buy Now |
36/2TB | 36 GB | 2 TB | $649 | Buy Now |
4) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is best for processor-heavy calculations as it’s powered by Intel Core i7 13th Gen.
- The Windows Hello IR face scanner enables login via face recognition, eliminating the need to type passwords during login, making it a convenient choice for your #WFH laptop.
- Prompts you to take breaks, make posture adjustments, or make eye movements for a better lifestyle.
- The laptop offers up to 11 hours of battery life and supports rapid charge technology, making it suitable for prolonged use.
Features | Benefits |
Lenovo View. | Comfortable viewing with enhanced video feeds for clear visuals. |
Cursor TrackPoint. | Achieve quick and precise cursor control for seamless screen navigation while typing. |
Touch Screen. | Increases versatility and allows intuitive interaction. Suitable for multimedia creation. |
Lift & Lock Keyboard. | Automatically locks the keyboard when the display is closed to prevent accidental key presses. |
100% sRGB display. | Immersive viewer experience with high color accuracy. Ideal for graphic design and video editing. |
Virtual Presenter Privacy Guard | Blurs presentations from unauthorized viewers during video conferencing. |
Pros | Cons |
A spill-resistant keyboard allows work to be done in the comfort of a casual setting. | Limited performance in graphic-intensive applications owing to the absence of a dedicated graphics card. |
Documents can be edited with ease and quickness using the multi-gesture touchpad. | |
Rapid-charge technology complements its battery life and permits extended use. |
Variant | Processor | RAM | SSD Storage | Current Price | Link |
👍(14″/16/512) | Intel Core i7-1355U vPro | 16 GB | 512 GB | $1,609 | Buy Now |
(14″/16/1024) | Intel Core i7-1355U vPro | 16 GB | 1 TB | $1,599 | Buy Now |
(14″/32/2056) | Intel Core i7-1365U vPro | 32 GB | 2 TB | $1,899 | Buy Now |
(14″/32/1024) | Intel Core i7-1365U vPro | 32 GB | 1 TB | $2,149 | Buy Now |
(14″/32/2056) | Intel Core i7-1365U vPro | 32 GB | 2 TB | $2,299 | Buy Now |
(14″/32/2048) | Intel Core i7-1365U vPro | 32 GB | 2 TB | $2,299 | Buy Now |
(14″/16/512) | Intel Core i7-1355U | 16 GB | 1 TB | $1,899 | Buy Now |
5) HP Pavilion Aero
- HP Pavillion Aero is the best lightweight work from home laptop with a compact 2.2-pound build. Its considered it suitable if you have to move around in your home or travel a lot.
- It includes ports like USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI, making connecting to peripheral devices and external displays easy.
- Ideal for multitasking and entertainment, this budget laptop features the latest Ryzen processor and at least 8 GB of RAM.
- The laptop’s small keyboard and screen flex are noticeable due to its chassis being crafted from recycled ocean-found plastic.
Features | Benefits |
HP CoolSense | Adjusts laptop performance and fan speed based on your specified cooling preferences automatically. |
Fast Charge Technology | Laptop battery can be charged up to 50% in 30 minutes. |
3D Fingerprint Sensor | Facilitates quick logins with high security. |
Noise Cancellation | Enhanced audio-video conferencing with improved sound quality by minimizing background noise. |
Wolf Security | Advanced security with virus protection and robust data encryption. |
Pros | Cons |
It’s suitable for prolonged use due to its 10-hour battery life. | Small trackpad and fewer multi-touch functions. |
The QuickDrop feature allows efficient file transfer between the laptop and mobile. | |
Long-lasting laptop as it’s known to perform well over 5-6 years. |
Key Specifications
Processor | Intel i3 11th Gen |
RAM | 16 GB |
Storage | 1 TB SSD |
Display | 15.6″ |
Price | $409 |
Link | Buy Now |
6) Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2
- Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 is the best ChromeOS-based laptop for web applications.
- It boasts a sleek design with an aluminum chassis and a slim profile. Samsung’s unique design language and style are visible.
- This laptop for students can sync with your phone using the Google SmartLock application for students.
- It is among the best work from home laptops for connectivity with dual USB-C ports, a combined headphone/microphone jack, and a microSD card reader.
Features | Benefits |
Dual Cameras (1 MP Front and 13 MP Back) | Ideal for video conferencing, with the world-facing camera excelling at capturing photos and videos. |
Convertible 2-in-1 Model | Switchable between tablet and laptop mode to suit personal and professional use. |
Stylus Pen Support | Enhances creativity with note-taking, sketching, and annotating directly on the touchscreen display. |
Stereo Speakers | Produces stereo effect to deliver clear and crisp audio. |
Internet Tethering | Sync your phone with your Chromebook for direct control, including activating the mobile hotspot. |
Pros | Cons |
Immersive multimedia experience through the high-resolution AMOLED display provided. | The lack of a fingerprint sensor may leave the laptop feeling excessively vulnerable for your liking. |
360° flip design allows the display to rotate on a hinge, enabling multiple usage modes fully. | |
It is regarded as a long-lasting laptop due to its good build quality. |
Variant | RAM | Storage | List Price | Link |
(4/64/SSD) | 4 GB | 64 GB SSD | $299 | Buy Now |
👍(8/128/SSD) | 8 GB | 128 GB SSD | $688 | Buy Now |
(16/128/SSD) | 16 GB | 128 GB SSD | $1263 | Buy Now |
7) ASUS ZenBook 14X
- ASUS ZenBook 14X is best for multimedia applications and gaming.
- It offers hotkeys for special functions like screen capture, camera disablement, and microphone mute.
- The backlit keyboard offers natural, easy typing with sufficient key travel.
- This home use laptop offers a screenpad with a secondary touchscreen, which is helpful for quick-launching certain apps. It can also be used for text input and data entry.
- The chassis is crafted from recycled aluminum and aluminum-magnesium alloy, ensuring durability.
- You can control and adjust the screen color profile based on your preference using the MyASUS app.
Features | Benefits |
Ports and Connectivity. | 3.5mm audio jack, USB Type-A, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2, and a microSD card reader. |
USB-C Charging. | The laptop can be charged with any 4-20V USB-C type charger. |
MyASUS App Support. | Effortlessly access ASUS apps for system updates and optimized PC performance. |
16:10 OLED Panel, 2.8k Resolution Display at 120 Hz. | Ideal for gaming, multimedia editing, and entertainment. |
Pros | Cons |
The laptop adjusts its screen brightness according to the ambient lighting. | The lack of a privacy shutter for the webcam may dismay the privacy sentiments of some users. |
Rich audio conferencing due to noise filtering by dedicated AI tools. | |
It is ideal for visual tasks with a 100% sRGB color gamut and a bright 400-nit screen. |
Variant | RAM | SSD Storage | List Price | Link |
(16/512) | 16 GB | 512 GB | $869 | Buy Now |
👍(16/1024) | 16 GB | 1 TB | $939 | Buy Now |
(16/2048) | 16 GB | 2 TB | $999 | Buy Now |
(16/4096) | 16 GB | 4 TB | $1169 | Buy Now |
8) Dell Inspiron 16″ 5630
- Dell Inspiron 16″ 5630 is best for home use, editing documents, and streaming videos.
- The laptop has a rigid screen that resists flexing when opened with one hand.
- Its high-resolution and high-refresh-rate 120 Hz FHD display is ideal for gaming sessions after work.
- The built-in Dell Optimizer software helps manage and maintain your machine efficiently.
- AI tools optimize application performance and filter background noise during conferencing.
Features | Benefits |
Thermal Cooling | Laptop maintains optimal temperature with dual fans and heat pipes in an efficient cooling system. |
Waves MaxxAudio Pro | Enhances audio with 3D stereo surround, noise reduction, and optimized audio range. |
ExpressCharge Boost | Laptop battery can be charged up to 80% in just 60 minutes. |
Backlit Keyboard | Uninterrupted work in dimly-lit environments. |
Temporal Noise Reduction | Cleans images by averaging out noise patterns found across adjacent frames. |
Pros | Cons |
The anti-glare display reduces bothersome reflections and prevents eye strain. | The RAM is permanently set at 16 GB and cannot be upgraded. |
It increases security and reduces login time by relying on a fingerprint sensor. | |
Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio and up-firing speakers provide an immersive sound experience. |
Variant | Display | Processor | SSD Storage | List Price | Link |
Dell Inspiron 16 5630 (16/1/NT) | Non-Touch | Intel i7-13th Gen – 1360P | 1 TB | $849 | Buy Now |
👍Dell Inspiron 16 5630 (16/1/T) | Touch | Intel i7-13th Gen – 1360U | 1 TB | $850 | Buy Now |
9) HP Spectre x360
- HP Spectre x360 is among the best work from home laptops for creative workloads like video and photo editing.
- The 12th-generation processor is integrated with a powerful GPU and effortlessly handles demanding graphic applications.
- Like the MacBook Air, it offers limited port selection, making connectivity difficult. However, the HDMI-to-USC dongle and a USB-C multi-port adapter are the silver lining.
- This is an ideal work from home laptop with a 360° hinge that efficiently works in laptops, tablets, tents, and stand modes.
Features | Benefits |
Touch Screen. | You can intuitively interact with the device and utilize its switchable modes efficiently. |
QHD Webcam (9MP). | High pixel count ensures accurate color capture and vibrant visuals for enhanced video conferencing. |
16:10 OLED Panel, 2.8k Resolution Display at 120 Hz. | Delivers superior visuals, ideal for multimedia editing and entertainment. |
Haptic Touchpad. | Uses vibrations, feedback, and multi-touch gestures for immersive interaction. |
Built-in Audio Boost. | Enhances audio quality by providing an additional amplifier to the speakers. |
Pros | Cons |
The 10 hours of battery life renders this laptop ideal for extended use. | The laptop lid is susceptible to fingerprints, which may require careful cleaning. |
You’ll enjoy the bundled HP Rechargeable Tilt Pen (stylus) that boasts impressive pressure sensitivity detection. | |
The impeccable heat management system ensures the laptop remains cool even during processor-intensive tasks. |
Variant | RAM | SSD Storage | List Price | Link |
👍HP Spectre x360 (16/512) | 16 GB | 512 GB | $1,249 | Buy Now |
HP Spectre x360 (16/2048) | 16 GB | 2048 GB | $1,399 | Buy Now |
How to pick an OS platform best suited for working from home?
#WorkFromHomeLaptops mainly offer the following operating system options:
- Windows: Windows is the most flexible platform for researchers, students, and business users. It is the best platform to consider for gaming. I suggest choosing Windows if you want the broadest range of compatibility and customizability.
- macOS: macOS is exclusively for Apple laptops and offers similar functionality to Windows, but it substitutes an Apps Dock with the taskbar. It provides better synchronization with other Apple devices and enables Apple Pay transactions. Mac users get Siri, which is known to be superior to the Windows assistant Cortana.
- ChromeOS: ChromeOS is more limited than Windows and MacOS but prevails in simplicity and security. Its functionality and popularity have grown recently, especially with schools, colleges, and businesses. Its interface is similar to Windows, focusing on the Chrome browser. If used as a primary laptop, at least 8 GB of RAM is recommended for a smooth experience.
How do we aim to purchase laptops at discounted prices?
There are multiple ways to buy your target laptop at a discounted price. Speaking from personal experience, using the following browser extensions and tools will be the most reliable:
- Honey: Automatically searches and applies coupon codes at checkout during online shopping.
- Rakuten: A cashback platform that offers cashback rewards when you shop via their provided links.
- PriceBlink: Automatically compares prices against various retailers and finds the best deal.
- InvisibleHand: Automatically searches for lower prices when you shop online.
- Cently: Similarly to Honey, it automatically searches and applies coupon codes at checkout.
- CamelCamelCamel: An extension primarily for Amazon that tracks the price history of products and alerts you when the prices drop.
- RetailMeNot Genie: Automatically searches and applies coupon codes at checkout during online shopping. It also provides cashback offers.
FAQs
Conclusion
We have discussed the desirable qualities to be aware of when choosing the best #WorkFromHomeLaptops. I have recommended the most suitable laptops for ranging requirements and specifications. Here is a concise version listing the best features of each laptop to aid the consumer.
Best For | Best Laptops For Working From Home |
👍Best for clerical work with a focus on budget. | Acer Aspire 5/Dell Inspiron 16″ 5630 |
Best for business work. | Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon Gen 11. |
Best long-lasting laptop with resale profit. | MacBook Air M3. |
Best for processor-intensive tasks. | Lenovo Yoga 7i. |
Best for web-based applications. | Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2. |
Best for portability and lightweight work. | HP Pavillion Aero |
Best for heavy multimedia workloads. | HP Spectre x360. |
Best for gaming. | ASUS Zenbook 14X. |
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