Working from home has become the new norm, and having the best laptop for working from home is essential for maintaining productivity and comfort. Whether you’re a remote worker, freelancer, small business owner, corporate employee or someone else, finding the best laptop for work from home that caters to your needs is more crucial than ever. A well-chosen laptop can streamline your workflow, enhance efficiency, and provide the reliability you need for daily tasks. To assist you in making an informed decision, we’ve spent hours testing the latest models and come up with these top picks that stand out in our testing from best budget laptop for working from home and more. These picks perfectly fit your needs in 2024.
Key Features to Look For:
- Performance: Look for the latest generation processor for ideal performance with at least 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD is mandatory for optimal performance.
- Display: A high resolution display with eye certification, ideally 14 or 16 inches, is good for both your eyes and productivity.
- Webcam & Mic: A high-quality webcam and built-in mic are essential for clear and professional video conferences and meetings.
- Keyboard & TouchPad: A comfortable keyboard is critical to minimizing fatigue, and a smooth touchpad is vital for long working sessions.
- Connectivity: Ensure reliable and fast Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, along with a variety of ports, specifically USB Type-C, for fast data transfer.
We have tested all of the laptops based on the given criteria, and you should always make sure that if you are buying a laptop for remote work then must meets these requirements.
Quick List:
Best Laptop for Working from Home, Recommended by Our Experts:
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch
Specifications:
SPEC | |
---|---|
CPU | Apple M3 Chip |
GPU | Integrated |
RAM | 8GB RAM |
Storage | 256GB SSD |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 |
Ports | MagSafe 3, with 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack |
Display | 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display |
Weight | 3.3 Pounds |
The Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M3, 2024) stands out as the best laptop for working from home due to its impressive performance with the Apple M3 Chip. The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display delivers a stunning visual experience, ideal for long work hours. The high-quality webcam and mic ensure clear video calls, conferences, and meetings. The keyboard is comfortable and make typing fun. Connectivity options includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 provides fast and relbile connection, while the ports on the Mac were always a big problem, especially for those who use multiple accessories at once
The slim, sleek design and portable form factor make it easy to carry. The laptop has an amazing, long-lasting battery, but you can’t upgrade both the storage and RAM, which makes it less future-proof compared to other laptops.
Dell Inspiron 15 3530
Specifications:
SPEC | |
---|---|
CPU | Intel Core i5-1335U |
GPU | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
Storage | 512GB NVMe SSD |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 |
Ports | 1x USB 3.2 (Gen 1) Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 (Gen 1) Type-C (full function), 1x USB 2.0, 1x 3.5mm headset jack, 1x HDMI 1.4 |
Display | 15.6-inch FHD (1920×1080), 120Hz, Anti-Glare, IPS Display |
Weight | 3.64 Pounds |
The Dell Inspiron 15 delivers solid performance for all kinds of work. The 15.6-inch FHD IPS display offers vibrant visuals and excellent viewing angles, making it ideal for work and entertainment. With 16GB of RAM, the laptop runs multiple applications seamlessly, and a 512GB SSD provides fast boot times and ample storage. For connectivity, the Dell Inspiron 15 features Wi-Fi 6 for faster internet, Bluetooth 5.2 for easy pairing with peripherals, and multiple USB ports, including USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI. These features make it versatile for various needs, whether connecting to an external monitor, transferring data, or pairing with wireless devices. Additionally, the laptop didn’t have a backlit keyboard but had a comfortable typing experience and a durable build quality, making it a solid choice for budget users.
However, a long-lasting battery life of up to 9 hours and 15 minutes, a durable carbon plastic build, and portability. However, it needs better speakers and fans that get loud under heavy tasks.
ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34
Specifications:
SPEC | |
---|---|
CPU | Intel Core i5-1235U |
GPU | Integrated |
RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
Storage | 256GB SSD |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
Ports | 1x USB 3.2 (Gen 2) Type-A, 2x USB 3.2 (Gen 2) Type-C with support for display and power delivery, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, Micro SD card reader |
Display | 14-inch (1920×1200), 144Hz, NanoEdge Touch Display |
Weight | 6.03 Pounds |
The ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 is an awesome Chromebook choice for working from home because of its amazing performance and comprehensive features. It is equipped with an Intel Core i5-1235U CPU, and an integrated GPU ensures smooth performance for all kinds of remote working tasks. The NanoEdge Touch Display with a 144Hz refresh rate offers vibrant visuals and a smooth experience, making it the perfect Chromebook for working from home. In addition to its impressive display and processing power, the ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 includes a 720p webcam with a privacy shutter, which offers fair video quality but is not so suitable for professional video calls and meetings. The touchpad feels smooth and nice. Reliable Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity ensure fast and stable internet connections, reducing lag and improving productivity. All these features combine to enhance the remote working experience, making the ASUS Chromebook Vibe CX34 a top choice for professionals who want a Chromebook for their working from home needs.
Its battery life is commendable, offering up to 8 hours on basic usage, which is convenient for long work sessions. However, it has some limitations, such as the absence of Thunderbolt 4, restricting high-speed data transfers, and its somewhat bulky and heavy design, making it less portable. Additionally, while the 720p webcam is decent for standard use, it is not so great for professional meetings and conferences.
Acer Swift X (2024)
Specifications:
SPEC | |
---|---|
CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 5600U |
GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 |
RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
Storage | 1TB SSD |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 |
Ports | 2x USB 3.2 (gen 1) Type – A, 1x Headphone / Microphone-in jack, 1x USB 3.2 (gen 2) Type – C, HDMI 2.1, DC-in jack for AC Adapter |
Display | 14-inch (1920×1080), IPS Widescreen |
Weight | 3.06 Pounds |
The Acer Swift X (2024) is a good choice for those in need of a reliable and efficient laptop for data entry while working from home. Its AMD Ryzen 5 5600U processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU deliver’s impressive performance making it well-suited for handling data-heavy tasks without lag. The laptop’s 14-inch IPS widescreen display offers crisp and clear visuals and keeping your eyes safe from bluelight. The lightweight and sturdy aluminum build also adds to its portability which mkes it easy to move around the house or for traveling.
In addition to its strong performance, the Acer Swift X excels in other areas critical for remote work. The keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience which is necessery for long hours of data entry, and the touchpad is responsive which enhances the overall productivity. With 12 hours of battery life, the laptop is built to last through extended work sessions without needing to recharge frequently. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 ensures fast and reliable connectivity and stays you connected throughout the day, whether you’re accessing cloud databases or something else. Although the non-upgradable RAM might be a drawback for some, the overall performance and features make the Acer Swift X a top contender for the best data entry laptop for working from home.
Dell XPS 15 9530
Specifications:
SPEC | |
---|---|
CPU | Intel Core i7-13620H |
GPU | Intel Arc Graphics A370M |
RAM | 16GB DDR5 |
Storage | 1TB NVMe SSD |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 |
Ports | 1x USB 3.2 (gen 2) Type – C / Display Port, 2x USB 3.2 (gen 2) Type – C / Thunderbolt 4, 1x Headphone / Microphone-in jack, 1x SD-card slot, 1x Wedge-shaped lock slot |
Display | 15.6-inch FHD (1920×1200), Anti-Glare display |
Weight | 4.21 Pounds |
The Dell XPS 15 9530 is an impressive choice for those who needs high performance for their working from home tasks. Powered by an Intel Core i7 processor and paired with Intel Arc Graphics it dilivers stellar performance for all kind of demanding high perfromance tasks. The 15.6-inch anti-glare display provides clear and vibrant visuals and preventing strain for long working hours. The laptop’s robust build quality adds to its premium feel, while the backlit keyboard and responsive touchpad make typing more enjoyable and fun. Additionally, the connectivity options includes Wi-Fi 6 and multiple ports ensures that your workflow remains uninterrupted.
However, the Dell XPS 15 9530 has its limitations. While the performance is top-notch, the keyboard get hot under heavy workloads, which can be uncomfortable during extended use although you can external keyboard for this situation. The webcam and microphone offers below average quality which is not for meeitngs and digital confrences. Despite these drawbacks, the Dell XPS 15 remains a strong contender for the best performance laptop for working from home.
How Do We Pick Laptops?
When picking laptops, our team tests and experiences them just like regular users would. We looked at the laptop’s specs and price, ran benchmarks to check its performance, and conducted battery tests to see how long it lasts in real-life situations. These tests help us understand how the laptop performs under different conditions.
We also examine every possible use case. This includes testing the speakers, checking the display quality, and assessing the keyboard and trackpad’s comfort. We use laptops for various use cases, such as streaming videos, multitasking with multiple apps, gaming, and much more. By doing this, we get a complete picture of how the laptop works in real life, helping us recommend the best options for various needs and preferences.
Furthermore, we evaluate the laptop from a software perspective. We check for any pre-installed bloatware that might slow down the system and ensure that all drivers are up-to-date for optimal performance. We also assess the overall real-life software experience, including how smoothly the laptop runs various applications and handles updates. This thorough evaluation of both hardware and software ensures that the laptops we recommend offer the best possible user experience.
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is best laptop for working from home?
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch standsout as the best laptop for working from home in our testing because of its impressive performance, elegant, sharp display, 1080p webcam, Apple Magic keyboard that offers a comfortable experience with a smooth and responsive touchpad, with wifi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, MagSafe 3, with 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack and much more, makes it the perfect choice for working from home.
What is the best laptop for working from home with Microsoft Office?
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is one of the best laptop for working from home that comes with the Microsoft Office due to its impressive performance and stunning display that provides vibrant visuals. It ensures efficient connectivity with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and multiple ports including USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI. The laptop’s durable build and long-lasting battery life of up to 9 hours and 15 minutes make it highly portable and reliable. While the speakers could be improved and the fans can get loud under heavy tasks, the Dell Inspiron 15 offers a well-rounded package for various home office needs.