7 Best Laptops for Remote Work from Home (Any Budget) in 2023

Working from home and looking for the best laptop for remote work? You’ve come to the right place.

This article will list some of the best laptops for people working remotely on any budget. Whether you’re looking for an affordable laptop or something to cover your high-quality video editing needs, we have you covered.

Let’s take a look!

What are the best laptops for remote work from home?

Here are the best laptops for remote work for people on any budget:

Apple MacBook Pro 16.2 Inch (Best Overall)

Specifications:

• CPU: M1 Pro or M1 Max
• RAM: 16 GB
• Resolution: Liquid Retina (2732 x 2048 px)
• Screen Size: 16.2 inches
• Storage: 512GB or 1TB SSD
• Battery Life: Up to 21 hours
• Weight: 4.7 pounds
• OS: macOS

Reasons to buy:

• Amazon’s Choice
• Choose between the M1 Pro or M1 Max for maximum power
• Up to 10 cores of CPU for an incredibly fast workflow, so you can get more done
• Incredible battery life of up to 21 hours that lasts all day long
• 16 GB of RAM allows you to run multiple applications at once effortlessly
• Choose between 512 GB or 1 TB of storage for plenty of room to hold all of your files
• Stunning Liquid Retina display with vibrant colors and deep contrast
• 1080p HD camera for all of your Zoom calls in crystal clear quality
• Exceptional six-speaker sound system with noise-canceling woofers to eliminate unwanted vibrations
• Plenty of ports for connectivity: SDXC, Thunderbolt, HDMI, headphone jack, plus a USB-C Power Adapter

Reasons to avoid:

• It could be lighter for better portability
• On the more expensive side

If you’re a remote worker in the market for a new laptop with incredible performance, the MacBook Pro is your best bet. The Apple MacBook Pro has powerful features that make it stand out from the rest.

The Macbook Pro has been a primary category for Apple for several years. I currently use it as a companion laptop next to my iMac and the extra screen really helps with research and productivity.

Of course when you need to run out for a meeting, it’s a perfect option because you can not only take notes, but it’s going to have enough power to double as a workstation on its own so you don’t need to run back to your home office after each meeting.

It comes in Space Gray or Silver and offers incredible battery life that lasts up to 21 hours, up to 10 cores of CPU power, 16 GB of RAM, up to 1 TB storage, and a stunning Liquid Retina display.

The Apple MacBook Pro is equipped with an HD camera for all your Zoom calls and an exceptional six-speaker sound system with noise-canceling woofers to eliminate unwanted vibrations.

With its powerful specs and performance capabilities combined into one device, you can take on projects like never before and get more done faster than ever!

Apple MacBook Air 13.3 inch (Most Affordable)

Specifications:

• CPU: Intel Core i5 8th Gen Dual-Core
• RAM: 8 GB
• Resolution: 2560×1600 pixels
• Screen Size: 13.3 inches
• Storage: 128-256 GB
• Battery Life: 10 hours
• Weight: 3.84 pounds
• OS: macOS

Reasons to buy:

• It comes in Space Grey, Gold or Silver for a personal touch
• Impressive resolution for its size
• Stunning Retina Display equipped with True Tone technology so the visuals look extremely natural
• Touch ID so logging in is simple and fast
• Fast, durable, compact, quiet, and energy-efficient SSD Storage
• Lightweight and compact design
• Integrated stereo speakers

Reasons to avoid:

• The screens size could be bigger
• On the lower side for storage
• The dual-core 8th-Generation Intel Core i5 Processor is not the best and could provide better performance
• The Intel UHD Graphics 617 is considered to be average compared to other graphics cards
• 8 GB RAM is fine but it won’t go much further than cover basic computer operating needs
• It could have more ports for more connectivity options (it only has two Thunderbolt ports)

If you’re looking for a fast, reliable, and lightweight laptop, look no further than the Apple MacBook Air. It’s the best budget laptop that’s powerful enough to handle multiple tasks at once yet still portable so you can take it anywhere with ease.

It also has a beautiful Retina display equipped with True Tone technology for immersive visuals that look incredibly natural. Plus, its touch ID makes logging in simple and fast!

Very few other laptops give these kinds of visuals packed into an ultra-lightweight design like this one! And as one of the best budget laptops for remote workers, you can’t go wrong.

Dell XPS 15 9520 (Best Display)

Specifications:

• CPU: Intel Core i9
• RAM: 32 GB
• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 px (4K UHD) Touchscreen
• Screen Size: 15 Inches
• Storage: 1 TB
• Battery Life: Up to 13 hours
• Weight: Around 4.5 pounds
• OS: Windows 11

Reasons to buy:

• The display is stunning, with a rich, true-to-life 4K 3840 x 2160 resolution and an optional OLED touchscreen
• It comes with the latest Windows 11 operating system and Teams to call and chat with anyone
• Eyesafe technology reduces harmful blue light
• Powerful Intel Core i9 processor that’s ideal for creative projects and fast exports
• Get the most out of your battery usage (which can last up to 13 hours) with different performance modes (quiet, performance, cool, and optimized)
• 1 USB-C slot to transfer files or connect a mouse to rest your hand, 2 Thunderbolt ports, headphone/microphone jack, and an SD card reader for pictures and videos
• Made of aluminum for both an elegant and durable design with a scratch-resistant surface
• The touchpad is large and comfortable
• Backlit keyboard with large keycaps for maximum productivityGreat sound quality with Waves Nx® 3D Audio quad speakers
• Powers up in milliseconds so you can get to work immediately
• Quick and easy log in with facial recognition and a fingerprint reader
• Made of recyclable materials

Reasons to avoid:

• It could be lighter for better portability
• It could have more ports (like an HDMI port) for a wider range of connectivity
• On the more expensive side

The Dell XPS 15 9520 has some of the most advanced technology available.

This awe-inspiring laptop has a brilliant 4K display that gives you true-to-life colors and details, while its OLED touchscreen allows you to make use of a completely responsive interface.

Packed with an Intel Core i9 processor, Eyesafe technology, four different performance modes, high battery life, multiple ports, and durable aluminum exterior, this powerful laptop is designed to provide long-lasting speed and responsiveness for all your creative projects and export needs.

Enjoy a smooth typing experience from the comfortable keyboard with large keycaps or stay connected on Teams with friends and colleagues with a built-in webcam and crystal clear audio, all powered by Windows 11 Operating System.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (Most Lightweight)

Specifications:

• CPU: 12th Gen Intel Evo i5 or i7
• RAM: 8 GB
• Resolution: 2256 x 1504 pixels
• Screen Size: 13.5 Inches
• Storage: Up to 1 TB
• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
• Weight: 2.69 pounds
• OS: Windows 11

Reasons to buy:

• Touchscreen display for better productivity
• It comes in a variety of colors like Platinum, Black, Sage, and Sandstone
• Very sleek and lightweight, making this device perfect for taking anywhere
• The keyboard is extremely comfortable for day-long use
• Intel Evo delivers fast charging and more battery life
• 12th Gen Intel Core processor is top of the line for incredible performance
• Thunderbolt 4 port capable of connecting external devices like monitors for an enhanced work environment
• Up to 18 hours of battery that is sure to last you all-day
• Microphone and built-in webcam for all of your meetings
• Dolby Vision for vibrant colors with great contrast, and Dolby Atmos for high-quality sound
• Windows Hello to quickly and easily log in with the latest Windows 11
• Up to 1 TB of ample storage so you don’t have to buy an external hard drive

Reasons to avoid:

• The RAM could be higher for better multitasking and speed
• The 13.5 Inch screen size is nice for portability, but it could be bigger
• There could be more ports for a wider range of connectivity

If you’re looking for a sleek and lightweight Windows laptop that’s great for taking anywhere and can handle any task, look no further than the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5.

This laptop does more than just check boxes. With a 12th Gen Intel Core processor, great battery life that lasts up to 18 hours, and Dolby Vision/Atmos, it turns basic tasks into blissful experiences.

Its touchscreen display allows for better productivity while its Thunderbolt 4 port gives you the option to connect different devices like monitors.

The latest Windows 11 provides effortless login with Windows Hello. It also comes in several unique colors for personalization, and it’s equipped with everything you need for your day-to-day activities, like taking notes during online meetings. 

This device has everything you could want in a laptop, allowing you to experience lightning-fast performance, immersive sound quality, vibrant colors, and long-lasting battery life so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice throughout the day.

With all these features packed into one product, the Surface Laptop 5 is ready to take on whatever challenge comes your way.

HP Pavilion (Best for Everyday Use)

Specifications:

• CPU: Intel Core i7
• RAM: 16 GB
• Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
• Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
• Storage: 512 GB
• Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
• Weight: 3.86 lbs
• OS: Windows 11

Reasons to buy:

• Premium performance for more workflow efficiency
• The design is compact, thin, and light which is great for portability
• Bang & Olufsen high-quality sound, which is great for entertainment or listening to music
• Powerful and responsive performance with the Intel Core i7 that’s really great for things like content editing
• The 16 GB RAM is great for multitasking and improved performance
• It charges quickly, going from 0-50% in about 45 minutes
• It comes with Bluetooth to connect all of your wireless devices
• Full-size keyboard with a number pad and extremely precise touchpad
• Peace of mind with a one-year warranty

Reasons to avoid:

• The HD resolution is good but could be better
• Decent battery life but it could last longer
• The Intel Iris Xe Graphics graphics card is only suitable for running less intensive programs

If you’re looking for a laptop that will keep up with your fast-paced lifestyle, the HP Pavilion is just what you need.

This laptop is slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry around anywhere and its 16GB of RAM ensures seamless multitasking and maximum performance.

Powered by an Intel Core i7 processor, this laptop is a great choice for more intense uses like content editing, video streaming, or listening to music. Plus, it charges extremely quickly, so you can return to work in no time.

Get ready to experience crisp visuals and realistic sound quality with the Bang & Olufsen audio system featured on this amazing device. No lags or hiccups while streaming videos or attending meetings as the HP Pavilion comes with an 11th Gen Intel Core processor that offers blazing speed without interruptions.

If that sounds great, but you’re wondering if it’s worth investing in, every HP Pavilion is backed by a one-year warranty, so even after your purchase, you have nothing to lose.

All these features combine into an affordable package, making it more than worth every penny spent on it! 

HP ENVY x360 Convertible (Most Versatile)

Specifications:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5825U
• RAM: 8 GB
• Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
• Screen Size: 15 Inches
• Storage: 512 GB
• Battery Life: Around 11 hours
• Weight: 4.11 lbs
• OS: Windows 11

Reasons to buy:

• Equipped with the newest version of Windows 11 with features to easily connect and create
• The AMD Ryzen 7 5825U is the fastest U-series processor for a quick and seamless workflow for all of your programs
• The AMD graphics card brings visuals to life with impressive and reliable performance
• It can recharge from 0-50% in about 30 minutes so this laptop is ready to go whenever you need it
• Large screen so you can immerse yourself into whatever task is at hand
• Bang & Olufsen speakers for high-quality sound when listening to music or joining a video call
• Convertible 2-in-1 design with a touchscreen meaning you can place this laptop in tent mode or use it as a laptop or tablet
• Thin (0.72 in.) premium metal design that’s very durable
• Fingerprint reader to easily log in
• A large touchpad for more room to zoom and swipe
• SD card reader for transferring photos and videos, USB-C port for connectivity, and headphone jack
• Made from sustainable and recyclable materials so you have peace of mind

Reasons to avoid:

• The HD resolution is vibrant but could be better
• 512 GB storage is sufficient but it could be more
• It could be lighter for better portability
• It could have more ports like HDMI

The HP ENVY x360 Convertible has everything you need and more. 

It has all the features you need, like Windows 11 and an amazing AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor that’s faster than ever. Plus, it has impressive graphics and Bang & Olufsen speakers to bring your visuals and sound to life with reliable performance.

It has an incredibly impressive charge speed that goes from 0-50% in just 30 minutes! And let’s not forget its versatile 2-in-1 design, which allows you to use it as a laptop or tablet with its large touchscreen display (plus fingerprint reader login for added convenience).

With its slim metal design that looks great, powerful specs, and intuitive usability, this is one of the best laptops for remote work on the market today.

Now, everything from taking assignments online, streaming movies, creating digital art, or attending video conferences can be done easily with this convertible device, making it perfect for any task at hand! 

Google PixelBook Go 13.3 Inch (Most Portable)

Specifications:

• CPU: Intel Core i5
• RAM: 8 GB
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Screen Size: 13.3 inches
• Storage: 128 GB
• Battery Life: 12-hour battery life
• Weight: 2.33 pounds
• OS: Chrome OS

Reasons to buy:

• A long battery life that will last throughout the day; no need to carry a charger around with you
• It charges quickly, so you can get to work faster (2 hours worth in 20 minutes)
• Very lightweight, making this great for taking with you wherever you go
• The grippable exterior makes it easy to grab and go
• It starts up in seconds, so you can get to work as soon as possible
• Enhances security with the Titan C security chip and integrated antivirus software for peace of mind when downloading and surfing the web
• Automatic updates so you always have the latest features
• Backlit keyboard with Hush Keys for enhanced precision in darker environments and more focus
• Large touchpad that is extremely precise
• No fans, but the device stays cool and feels comfortable on your lap
• It has a touchscreen display with dual speakers which offers great sound and visuals that are perfect for video chatting

Reasons to avoid:

• HD resolution is good but it could be better
• The screen is compact but it could be bigger
• Not a lot of storage so it’s not the best option for storing lots of large files
• The processor could be better for improved work efficiency

If you’re looking for the most portable laptop for remote workers, check out the Google PixelBook Go!

It’s a lightweight yet powerful tool that is designed to make life simpler. With up to 12 hours of battery life, you can forget about bringing your charger and still get through the day with plenty of juice in the tank.

On top of that, it charges quickly, so you don’t have to wait for long before getting back to work. Plus, its fan-less design helps keep sound levels low while keeping temperatures comfortable on your lap or at a desk. 

The slim design, coupled with a backlit keyboard and Hush Keys, adds another layer of convenience when working in dark environments when you need to be quiet.

And because it features automatic updates and an integrated anti-virus security chip, the Google PixelBook Go ensures that users are always equipped with the latest features while providing peace of mind against possible malware threats from surfing the web or downloading files. 

Frequently Asked Questions

For those looking for the best laptop for remote work, it’s important to look for a few things.

What should you consider when selecting the best laptop for remote work?

Weight

When choosing a laptop for remote work, portability should be top-of-mind. You’ll want something that’s easy to carry around whenever you’re on the go.

Look for a lightweight laptop that offers plenty of portability without compromising performance. A laptop, roughly between 3-4.5 lbs is ideal for remote workers.

An ultraportable laptop will make all the difference in having the best experience remote working experience.

Durability

Durability is also important; a durable and reliable laptop can best handle the rigors of frequent travel while standing up to the test of time.

The best way to determine a laptop’s durability is to keep your eye out for trustworthy brands. Some of the best brands known for durability include Apple, HP, and Dell.

Screen size

It’s important that the screen size is large enough for long days of working and attending video conferences.

On the one hand, you’ll want a laptop with a screen size that’s large enough for you to efficiently get your work done, while remaining compact enough for portability since you can work from anywhere.
You’ll want to go for something that is at least 13 inches. A compact laptop makes it easy to transport and carry around wherever the job takes you.

Long battery life

Next, it should have strong battery life that can last all day if necessary. You’ll want to go for a laptop with at least 8 hours of battery to last you through the day.

You’ll also want something with quick charge capabilities if needed on the go. A common target is a laptop that can be nearly fully charged in about half an hour.

Look for laptops that can get a 50% charge or more in 30 minutes.

RAM

RAM (Random Access Memory) is critical for remote work for the smoothest and fastest operating speed to optimize multitasking and video calls.

When looking for the best laptop for remote work, look for one with at least 8GB and preferably 16 GB RAM for the best type of memory for your laptop because it allows quick access to stored data and provides fast performance.

However, depending on your budget, it’s always best to look for a laptop with the highest amount of RAM you can afford.

CPU (central processing unit)

The best laptops for remote work should also have sufficient processing power.

Like RAM, a computer’s processor ensures that your laptop can handle all of your remote work software at once, allowing you to work efficiently and quickly.

When it comes to choosing the best processor for remote workers, you’ll want a good laptop with Intel Core i5 or higher.

If you’re wondering whether or not you should get GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) in addition to a CPU, it isn’t totally necessary unless you are using your laptop for more complex tasks like 3D rendering or video editing.

Wifi, webcam, and speakers

A reliable wireless connection and a webcam with sound are also key components when considering the best laptop for remote work and staying connected from afar in today’s digital world.

It’s also worth noting that you can work remotely without Wifi by using your cellphone’s built-in hotspot and connecting that to your computer.

All you need is a cellphone plan with sufficient data. From there, go to Settings on your mobile device, turn on your Cellular Data, Personal Hotspot, and Bluetooth, and connect to your computer (make sure Bluetooth is turned on your laptop as well).
If you don’t want to use your cellphone for a hotspot and want to preserve its battery, take a look at the best portable mobile hotspot devices.

Display quality

When choosing the best laptop for remote work, display quality is incredibly important.

It’s crucial to select a laptop with ample display resolution and size that can handle your workload.

Bare minimum, you’ll want to go for a screen resolution of at least 1080p which is Full HD.

If you have the budget and want vibrant visuals, there are also plenty of other screen resolutions like 1440p (QHD), 2732 x 2048 px (Liquid Retina exclusively on Apple computers), and 3840 x 2160 px (4K).

Also, consider the different software applications you will likely be using and make sure the display quality can support them.

OS (Operating system)

Additionally, be aware of the operating system your laptop uses. This is arguably the most important computer software as it controls its memory and processes its software.

Contemporary laptops mainly use either macOS or Windows. For the best laptop for remote work, you’ll want to go for laptops with the latest operating systems.

Some laptops come with an outdated version of Windows (Windows 10) which is fine, but you’ll generally want to go for laptops with Windows 11 already installed.

Ports

For remote workers, having the right ports to connect their devices is essential. Finding a laptop that has multiple ports can make life so much easier!

A USB-C port can provide one cable connection to power your device and transfer data and video. They’re great for plugging in a hard drive if you want to transfer files or have additional storage. They are also required if you want to plug in a mouse for better ergonomics and comfort for your hand for long work days.

HDMI ports enable you to output video to external displays, while a microSD card reader allows you to access photos and videos quickly.

If your computer didn’t come with these ports, there’s no need to worry. Portable USB-C converters enable users to instantly add additional USB-C and other ports to any compatible laptop! Do note, not all converters will output video, but may just transfer data and charging power.

Alternatively, if you need to expand your ports, there are always additional adaptors for all types of ports.

Tablet functionality

Additionally, consider whether or not a tablet functionality is important for your lifestyle and work environment. Tablets often have performance and design capabilities for increased portability.

Considering these key factors will help ensure you get the best laptop for your remote work needs.

Conclusion: What is the best laptop for remote work?

Working from home has become the new normal for many of us. And, if you need a laptop that can handle all of your remote work and tasks, we’ve got you covered.

Check out this list of the best laptops for working from home on any budget. From entry-level to high-end options with plenty of features, there’s sure to be a perfect fit for your needs and budget.

So, what are you waiting for? Find the perfect laptop for your remote work setup today.

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