To achieve the greatest performance, your remote team needs the best devices and tools. A laptop, in particular, is one of the key devices to support efficient remote work. In this guide, we’ll focus on the critical aspect of choosing the best laptop for working from home. As an employer, providing your team with the right hardware not only enhances productivity but also ensures a smooth and efficient workflow.
Assessing your team’s needs
Selecting the best laptop for remote work always comes first in the list of essentialities when working from home.
And it should begin with a thorough understanding of your specific needs. When outfitting your team, consider the following factors:
- Nature of job: The requirements of a laptop vary greatly depending on the nature of the job.
For tasks like 3D modeling, video editing, and graphic design, a laptop with substantial processing power and a bigger screen size is essential. On the other hand, employees primarily engaged in web browsing and light applications may not need the same level of performance.
- Software requirements: Take stock of the software your team uses.
For applications demanding higher system resources, such as those in video editing or graphic design, look for laptops with powerful processors and ample RAM, such as those featuring Intel Core processors and 16GB of RAM.
- Portability: Assess the need for portability. Some employees might need a laptop that’s lightweight and easy to carry around, while others may require a larger screen for extended hours of work. Laptops like the MacBook Air cater to those who prioritize portability, while others like Dell XPS 15 offer larger displays for enhanced productivity.
- Battery life: The hours of battery life matter, especially for remote professionals on the go. Long-lasting battery power ensures your team can work without frequent interruptions. Consider laptops with top-notch battery life to keep your team efficient.
- Operating system: Depending on your team’s preference and software compatibility, you may opt for Windows laptops or MacBooks.
Some remote employees prefer Windows laptops for their versatility, while others appreciate the seamless integration of macOS, such as the M2 chip in the latest MacBook models.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can ensure your employees have the right tools to excel in a remote work environment. Now, let’s explore the top laptop options available to meet your diverse needs. From MacBook Pros to gaming laptops, we’ve compiled a list of the best laptops for working from home, each with unique features to cater to different professional requirements.
💡 Extra tips: How to Set Up a Home Office Space on a Budget 💰
The 14 best laptops for working from home
Now that we’ve outlined the key factors to consider when choosing a laptop for remote work, it’s time to dive into the top laptop picks. We’ve curated a list of laptops that cater to various professional needs, ensuring that you can find the perfect match for your team.
Please note that while these laptops are presented in no particular order, each one offers distinct features that might make it the ideal choice for specific remote work scenarios.
1. Apple MacBook Pro: Power and Performance
Overview and Key Features:
- The MacBook Pro is renowned for its exceptional processing power, thanks to its Intel Core processors.
- It boasts a stunning Retina display, making it a top pick for graphic designers and video editors.
- The M1 chip models offer a new level of performance and efficiency.
Pros and Cons for Remote Professionals:
- Pros: Outstanding performance, high-resolution display, and the reliability of macOS.
- Cons: It comes with a premium price tag.
2. Dell XPS 13/15: Compact yet Mighty
Overview and Key Features:
- Dell XPS laptops offer a perfect balance of portability and power.
- They feature high-quality InfinityEdge displays, ideal for long hours of work.
- Available in 13-inch and 15-inch variants, catering to individual preferences.
Pros and Cons for Remote Professionals:
- Pros: Compact and lightweight, great build quality, and long battery life.
- Cons: May lack dedicated graphics for heavy video editing or gaming.
3. Microsoft Surface Laptop: Sleek and Versatile
Overview and Key Features:
- Microsoft Surface Laptops are known for their sleek design and versatile performance.
- They run on Windows 10, providing a familiar environment for many professionals.
- The Surface Laptop 4 offers a choice between Intel and AMD processors.
Pros and Cons for Remote Professionals:
- Pros: Premium design, touchscreen option, and excellent build quality.
- Cons: Limited port selection.
4. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon: Robust and Reliable
Overview and Key Features:
- The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a workhorse, designed for durability and reliability.
- It features powerful processors and a comfortable keyboard for extended use.
- Security features like a fingerprint reader and webcam cover add to its appeal.
Pros and Cons for Remote Professionals:
- Pros: Durable build, comfortable keyboard, and robust security features.
- Cons: May be slightly heavier than some competitors.
5. HP Spectre x360: A Convertible Gem
Overview and Key Features:
- HP Spectre x360 laptops are known for their 2-in-1 design, allowing flexibility in usage.
- They offer excellent performance and a vibrant display.
- HP’s emphasis on design and build quality is evident in this series.
Pros and Cons for Remote Professionals:
- Pros: Versatile design, premium build, and solid performance.
- Cons: Battery life can vary depending on usage.
6. ASUS ROG Zephyrus: The Choice for Power Users
Overview and Key Features:
- ASUS ROG Zephyrus laptops cater to power users and gamers.
- They feature high-end graphics cards like the NVIDIA RTX 3050 for exceptional gaming and graphics performance.
- Ideal for professionals with gaming interests.
Pros and Cons for Remote Professionals:
- Pros: Exceptional gaming and graphics performance, high refresh rate displays.
- Cons: May be overkill for non-gaming professionals.
7. Google Pixelbook Go: Seamless Cloud Integration
Overview and Key Features:
- Google Pixelbook Go is an excellent choice for those who rely on cloud-based applications.
- It’s lightweight, efficient, and has a responsive keyboard.
- Ideal for professionals who work predominantly in the cloud.
Pros and Cons for Remote Professionals:
- Pros: Lightweight, fast, and integrates well with Google services.
- Cons: Limited storage for offline work.
8. Acer Swift 7: Ultra-Thin and Light
Overview and Key Features:
- Acer Swift 7 is one of the thinnest and lightest laptops available.
- It’s perfect for those who need portability without sacrificing performance.
- Features a sleek design and a bright display.
Pros and Cons for Remote Professionals:
- Pros: Exceptional portability, impressive design, and good performance for everyday tasks.
- Cons: Limited connectivity options.
9. LG Gram: Long Battery Life Master
Overview and Key Features:
- LG Gram laptops are renowned for their incredibly long battery life.
- They offer a lightweight and portable design.
- Great for professionals on the move.
Pros and Cons for Remote Professionals:
- Pros: Unmatched battery life, lightweight, and durable build.
- Cons: Display quality might not be as impressive as some competitors.
10. Razer Blade Stealth: Gaming and Work Combined
Overview and Key Features:
- Razer Blade Stealth laptops offer a combination of gaming and work capabilities.
- They feature high-end graphics cards and fast refresh rate displays.
- Ideal for professionals who need both gaming and productivity power.
Pros and Cons for Remote Professionals:
- Pros: Impressive gaming performance, excellent build quality, and portability.
- Cons: Price may be on the higher side.
11. Huawei MateBook X Pro: Full-View Display Wonder
Overview and Key Features:
- Huawei MateBook X Pro features a stunning full-view display.
- It’s known for its design, high-resolution screen, and performance.
- Ideal for professionals who value aesthetics and visual quality.
Pros and Cons for Remote Professionals:
- Pros: Gorgeous display, premium design, and powerful performance.
- Cons: Availability may vary by region.
12. Surface Pro 8: The 2-in-1 Contender
Overview and Key Features:
- The Surface Pro 8 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that offers both tablet and laptop functionality.
- It’s known for its portability and touchscreen capabilities.
- Ideal for professionals who value flexibility.
Pros and Cons for Remote Professionals:
- Pros: Versatile 2-in-1 design, lightweight, and good battery life.
- Cons: Keyboard and pen sold separately.
13. MacBook Air: Lightweight and Efficient
Overview and Key Features:
- MacBook Air is known for its lightweight design and energy-efficient M1 chip.
- It offers excellent battery life and the familiarity of macOS.
- Ideal for professionals who prioritize portability.
Pros and Cons for Remote Professionals:
- Pros: Lightweight, excellent battery life, and the efficiency of the M1 chip.
- Cons: Limited to macOS.
14. MSI Prestige 14: For Creative Professionals
Overview and Key Features:
- MSI Prestige 14 is tailored for creative professionals, with dedicated GPUs.
- It’s known for its color-accurate display and performance.
- Ideal for professionals in graphic design and content creation.
Pros and Cons for Remote Professionals:
- Pros: Dedicated GPU, color-accurate display, and strong performance.
- Cons: Build quality may not match premium laptops.
As you can see, the diverse range of laptops presented here offers something for every professional working remotely. Whether you need processing power for demanding tasks, a lightweight design for portability, or a balance between work and gaming, there’s a laptop on this list that will suit your needs.
Esevel’s device marketplace: A game-changer for remote teams
Esevel‘s Marketplace is a dynamic hub that offers a curated selection of more than 2,000 IT devices and peripherals across 80 brands, spanning 8 Asia-Pacific countries.
We empower employers to effortlessly provision the laptops and accessories needed for their remote teams.
By leveraging Esevel’s Marketplace, employers can easily access top-of-the-line laptops and IT equipment, making the process of remote team setup and support a breeze. It’s not just about finding the best laptop for your team; it’s about having the resources and support in place to maximize your remote work potential.
