Working from home has become an essential part of modern professional life, and finding the best laptop for working from home is crucial to maintain productivity, efficiency, and comfort. As someone who has spent countless hours researching and comparing laptops for various purposes, I understand the unique requirements and preferences for those who work remotely. In this guide, I'll share my insights into the top laptops for this specific need, based on an extensive laptop spreadsheet of recent releases, professional and user-generated reviews, and a keen understanding of the home-based work environment.
When searching for the best laptop for working from home, it's essential to consider factors such as performance, battery life, display quality, and ergonomics. A powerful processor, ample RAM, and a fast SSD are crucial for smooth multitasking, while a comfortable keyboard and trackpad can prevent strain during long work hours. Additionally, a high-quality display with accurate colors and adjustable brightness can help reduce eye strain and ensure that you can work effectively in various lighting conditions.
As a remote worker myself, I've frequented forums, subreddits, and social media groups dedicated to working from home, and I'm well-acquainted with the common challenges and preferences of this community. I'll be highlighting laptops that cater to various remote work setups, including those who require portability for a flexible workspace, professionals who need to run demanding applications, and individuals seeking a budget-friendly option without compromising on essential features. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to choose the perfect laptop that meets your work from home requirements, ensuring a seamless and productive remote work experience.
Power Up Your Productivity: Processor Edition
When it comes to choosing the right processor for your work laptop, there are several options available in the market. The processor you choose will depend on your budget, the type of work you do, and your performance requirements.
The laptop processor market is currently dominated by Apple's M1, M2, M2 Pro, and M2 Max system-on-chip modules, AMD's 6th and 7th-generation Ryzen processors, and Intel's 12th and 13th-generation Core processors. While each of these processors has its own strengths and weaknesses, they all offer excellent performance and battery life.
If you're on a tight budget, consider going for an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 processor. These processors offer decent performance for everyday tasks like word processing and browsing the web. For more demanding tasks like audio or video editing, you'll need a faster processor like an H-series processor. If you need the best performance possible, then look for an X-series processor, but expect to pay a premium price for it.
To rank processors by performance and battery life, I'll be using Cinebench, a popular benchmark for video editing and 3D rendering applications. The following are my favorite CPUs:
- Minimum: Intel Core i3-1115G4
- Recommended: Intel Core i5-1135G7
- High-end: Intel Core i7-11370H
Keep in mind that the processor alone won't determine the performance of your laptop. Other factors like RAM, storage, and graphics also play a role. Before making a decision, consider all these factors and choose a laptop that fits your needs and budget.
| Processor | Budget Level | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| i3-1115G4 | Minimum | Good |
| i5-1135G7 | Recommended | Better |
| i7-11370H | High-end | Best |
Power up your productivity with a dedicated graphics card
When it comes to selecting a laptop graphics card for working from home, the first thing to consider is whether you actually need a dedicated GPU. If you're only going to be using your laptop for basic office tasks like email, web browsing, and word processing, then a dedicated GPU is not necessary.
However, if you're looking for a gaming laptop, you'll want one with a dedicated graphics card. When it comes to gaming laptops, you should pay attention to its processor and graphics card (GPU) combination as well as its display panel (IPS/VA/TN).
Nowadays, desktop GPUs are a lot more power-hungry. Thus, the gap between power-limited notebook graphics and desktop graphics cards has widened in the past few years. Nvidia continues to dominate the laptop GPU market with their RTX series cards, and even though the RTX 40 series cards are now available, the majority of the market is still composed of RTX 30 series cards.
One thing to note is that Nvidia has discontinued the Max-Q label for its RTX graphics cards. Instead, an exact GPU wattage is determined by a laptop manufacturer (OEM). Unfortunately, this results in a wide variance in graphics performance even in laptops with the same GPU chipset.
When it comes to knowing if a laptop has a high-end GPU, I use 3DMark to compare different GPUs because it's widely used and easy to find results for different models (even old ones). However, if you're looking for a MacBook, there's no need to worry about the GPU since Apple has always prioritized battery life over raw performance.
If you're in the market for a gaming laptop, my recommendations for each price bracket are as follows:
- Minimum: GeForce GTX 1650
- Recommended: GeForce RTX 3050
- High-end: GeForce RTX 2060
Remember, the GPU is just one component of a laptop, and other factors such as the CPU, RAM, and storage should also be taken into consideration when making a purchase.
More RAM, More Power: How Much Do You Need for WFH Laptops?
As someone who works from home, I know the importance of having a laptop with enough RAM to handle all the multitasking that comes with it. RAM is one of the most crucial components in a laptop, especially if you're working with video or audio files.
So, how much RAM do you need? If you're just doing light multitasking (browsing the web, checking email, etc.), then 8 GB should be the minimum amount of RAM in any laptop nowadays. However, if you're working on a budget, don't expect to get a lot of memory.
For heavy multitasking (running multiple applications simultaneously), 16 GB of RAM is recommended. Most mid-range laptops come with 16 GB of RAM, which should be sufficient for most people. However, if you're looking for a laptop that can handle demanding tasks such as video editing or 3D rendering, look for laptops with 32 GB of RAM (or more).
When it comes to RAM technology, DDR4 is currently the most common type of RAM found in laptops. Latest-gen Intel and AMD CPUs support DDR4 and DDR5, though DDR5 is still quite expensive and needs time to mature as a technology. If you're looking for a professional-grade laptop, then you'll want to get one with DDR5 memory. However, if you're on a budget, DDR4 will be just fine for most people.
Aside from the amount and type of RAM, other specs to look for include latency and frequency. Lower latency and higher frequency mean faster data transfer between the RAM and CPU.
To make things easier for you, I've put together a table of recommended RAM configurations based on laptop price range:
| Laptop Price Range | Recommended RAM |
|---|---|
| Under $500 | 8 GB |
| $500-$1000 | 16 GB |
| $1000 and up | 32 GB or more |
In conclusion, when deciding on the right laptop RAM for working from home, it's important to consider how much multitasking you'll be doing and what type of tasks you'll be performing. While DDR5 is the future, DDR4 is still perfectly fine for most people. And, as always, make sure to check other specs such as latency and frequency to ensure optimal performance.
Working from Home Laptop Buying Guide: Answers to Your Top Questions
Q: What is the best laptop for working from home?
The best laptop for working from home depends on your needs and budget. We recommend the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro for its powerful specs, including an i7-11370H processor, 32 GB of RAM, and GeForce RTX 3060 graphics. It also has a 15.6-inch display and a sleek design. However, it may not fit everyone's budget as it costs around $1,350.
How to choose a laptop for remote work?
When choosing a laptop for remote work, consider your job requirements, your budget, and your personal preferences. Look for a laptop with a powerful processor, ample RAM, and good graphics capabilities, especially if you work with large files or do video editing. Also, consider the battery life and portability of the laptop, as well as its connectivity options.
Which laptops have good webcams for video conferencing?
Most laptops these days come with built-in webcams, but not all are created equal. If video conferencing is a big part of your remote work, look for a laptop with a high-resolution webcam, such as the Dell XPS 17 9720, which has a 720p webcam. Other laptops with good webcams include the ASUS Zenbook and the HP Victus 15t.
Can I use my personal laptop for remote work?
Yes, you can use your personal laptop for remote work if it meets the requirements of your job. However, keep in mind that using a personal laptop may pose security risks and it may not have the same level of performance as a laptop specifically designed for work.
What is the best budget laptop for working from home?
The ASUS Zenbook is a great budget option for remote work, with its i3-1115G4 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and GeForce GTX 1650 graphics. It costs around $640 and has a slim and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around.
Which laptops have the longest battery life for remote work?
Laptops with longer battery life are essential for remote work, especially if you need to work outside or in areas without a power outlet. The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro and the GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4 both have a battery life of around 8-9 hours, making them ideal for remote work.
How much RAM is needed for working from home on a laptop?
The amount of RAM you need for remote work depends on the nature of your job. For general office tasks, 8 GB of RAM is usually sufficient. However, if you work with large files or do video editing, we recommend getting at least 16 GB of RAM.
What laptops have good keyboards for typing all day?
If you spend a lot of time typing, having a comfortable and responsive keyboard is essential. The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro and the Dell XPS 17 9720 both have excellent keyboards that are suitable for typing all day.
Can a Chromebook be used for working from home?
Chromebooks can be used for remote work, but they may not be suitable for everyone. Chromebooks are designed to work primarily with web-based applications and may not be compatible with certain software. They also typically have less powerful hardware than traditional laptops, which may limit their performance.
Which laptops have the best Wi-Fi connectivity for remote work?
A stable Wi-Fi connection is essential for remote work. Laptops with Wi-Fi 6 connectivity are the best option, as they offer faster and more reliable internet speeds. The HP Victus 15t and the GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4 both have Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.
5 Best Laptops for working from home
1.ASUS Zenbook
ASUS Zenbook is a lightweight laptop with powerful performance and long battery life, perfect for work from home setup.- Excellent battery life
- Compact and lightweight
- Powerful 8-core processor
- Sleek design and bright display
- Soldered RAM cannot be expanded
- Annoying fan behavior at times
- High emissions under load
- Weak Wi-Fi
Summary
The ASUS Zenbook is a lightweight laptop with a surprisingly powerful 8-core processor and long battery life, making it a great option for those working from home. Its compact design and bright display are also positives, but potential buyers should be aware of the limited ports and soldered RAM.
Reviews
Alternatives
HP Victus 15
- Affordable price
- Good gaming performance
- Poor battery life
- Plain design
2.MSI Summit E13
MSI Summit E13 is a powerful and visually striking laptop with a long battery life and PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD support, but with some drawbacks.- Large battery with respectable runtimes
- Excellent CPU and GPU performance
- Bright display with high contrast and full sRGB coverage
- PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD support
- Slow display response times with noticeable ghosting
- Servicing requires breaking a factory seal sticker
- Can get hot when under load
- Accessing MicroSD reader is a hassle
Summary
MSI Summit E13 is a stylish and high-performing laptop for working from home. It boasts a large battery, excellent CPU and GPU performance, and a bright display with high contrast. However, it has slow display response times, servicing is not easy, and it can get hot when under load.
Reviews
Alternatives
Acer Nitro 5
- Decent processor (i5-12500H)
- Superb graphics card (RTX 3060)
3.Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is a powerful laptop with a high-quality display, but a mediocre battery and no Thunderbolt support.- High-quality 16:10 IPS display with 165 Hz refresh rate
- Easy to service
- Integrated numpad
- Fast charging
- Low resolution webcam with no IR or privacy shutter
- Very warm CPUGPU temperatures when gaming
- Moderate-heavy uneven backlight bleeding
- Only average battery life
Summary
The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is equipped with a 150 W TGP GeForce RTX 3070 Ti, 16-inch IPS display with a 165 Hz refresh rate and is easy to service. It is a fast charging laptop, however, the average battery life and lack of Thunderbolt support make it less attractive for those working from home.
Reviews
Alternatives
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
- High-quality 165Hz 16:10 IPS display
- Relatively easy serviceability
- Low-resolution webcam with no IR or privacy shutter
- Very warm CPUGPU temperatures when gaming
4.GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4
Gigabyte Aorus 15 XE4 is a powerful laptop for work and play at a premium price.- Highly responsive 165Hz panel and wide color gamut.
- High system performance and PCIe 4.0 SSD.
- Individual key lighting, Thunderbolt 4, and Power Delivery.
- Solid battery life and a free M.2 2280 slot (PCIe 4.0).
- High power usage at idle and low load.
- No card reader and only one USB
Summary
The Gigabyte Aorus 15 XE4 is a top-performing laptop with a 165Hz panel, wide color gamut, PCIe 4.0 SSD, individual key lighting, and Thunderbolt 4, which makes it a great pick for both gaming and non-gaming purposes. However, its premium price point and high power usage at idle and low load may deter some buyers.
Reviews
Alternatives
ASUS ROG Strix G15 G513RM
- Solid build quality and fair design
- Good inputs and IO
- No ThunderboltUSB 4, card-reader, camera or biometrics
- High CPU and GPU temperatures with games demanding loads (can be tweaked in Manual mode)
5.Dell XPS 17 9720
Great performance and display, but lacking in graphics and Wi-Fi capabilities.- Excellent 4K display with AdobeRGB
- High-quality case
- Thunderbolt 4 PCIe 4.0
- Very high system performance
- Lower graphics performance than the predecessor
- Performance not completely stable under combined load
- Not Wi-Fi 6E compatible
- 720p webcam
Summary
The Dell XPS 17 9720 boasts an excellent 4K display with AdobeRGB and high-quality case, as well as high system performance and fast card reader. However, the laptop's graphics performance is lower than its predecessor and not completely stable under combined load, and it is not Wi-Fi 6E compatible.
Reviews
Alternatives
ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo
- Impressive dual-screen layout
- Top-end performance with RTX 3080 Ti GPU and Ryzen 9 CPU
- Very expensive
- Awkward keyboard and touchpad layout
Table of the Best Laptops for working from home
| Laptop | Price (approx) |
| ASUS Zenbook | $640 |
| MSI Summit E13 | $1,140 |
| Lenovo Legion 5 Pro | $1,350 |
| GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4 | $1,600 |
| Dell XPS 17 9720 | $5,600 |
