Despite the prevalence of powerful tablets, iPads, and smartphones, laptops remain a staple in the business realm. With that said, whether you want one or a whole fleet to equip your employees, getting the best business laptops is no walk in the park. A simple Google search will have you browsing through hundreds of business laptops, some from brands you never even knew existed.  This begs the question, what makes the best business laptop?

Well, while there’s no short answer to that, a good business laptop should do more than just send emails. It should deliver peak performance, and at the same time, unrivaled comfort without blowing a hole in your budget. We know finding a laptop that fits the said description can be pretty hectic. But don’t fret because we went through dozens of models and outlined only the best business laptops in the market today.

Editors choice

1. HP Spectre x360 2019

9.50 / 10
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Costing at around 1,099 US dollars, the HP Spectre x360 is a compact 2-in-1 convertible laptop that provides users trailblazing connectivity and performance for a reasonable price. The HP x360 might not be the best laptop in the market in terms of display. Still, it offers exclusive and useful displays, thoughtfully placed ports, making this laptop a great choice for design-conscious users who want productivity and versatility in a small, pretty laptop.

Measuring 17.018 x 307.34 x 195.58mm and weighing around 3 pounds, the Spectre x360 is one of the petite laptops you will ever see in the market that includes both a 13.3-inch touchscreen and a 360-degree convertible hinge.

To fit everything into such a small bag, the manufacturer of this laptop considered incredible thin bezels around the display that resulted in a 90% screen-to-body ratio. HP designers also had to increase the hybrid’s thickness to about 0.67 inches. The extra tenth of an inch in comparison to other previous models means the HP x360 has more room to cool down its 16 GB memory, 512GB solid-state disk drive, and 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor.

Key Features
  • 13.3-inch touchscreen
  • 16 GB RAM
  • 512GB solid-state drive
  • Windows 10
Pros
  • Elegant design
  • Outstanding battery life
  • Powerful speakers
  • Thin and lightweight
Cons
  • Bezels are a bit thick
  • Screen resolution could be brighter
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HP Spectre x360 2019
Premium pick

2. New Apple MacBook Pro

9.50 / 10
Read Reviews

If you have been holding off buying devices from Apple’s MacBook Pro series due to keyboard issues, you will be ecstatic at this new 16-inch MacBook Pro. Apple brings back the traditional Scissor switch borrowed from the popular iMac Magic keyboard ditching the problematic Butterfly switch. This means the new keyboard solves issues (e.g., keys getting stuck) experienced with previous versions.

Another notable upgrade has to do with its internal components. The New Apple MacBook Pro features the new AMD Radeon Pro 5000m GPU giving the device unrivaled graphic display. For the first time, this MacBook Pro can be configured with up to 8TB of SSD storage and up to 64GB of RAM. The two features enhance the device’s graphic-quality when streaming video editing.

Its image quality is exceptional too. Despite the increased screen size, its high screen resolution 3072 x1920 delivers a crisp, sharp, and vibrant display.  What’s more, the bezels surrounding the screen give the device a much slimmer profile for a 16-inch MacBook.

Moreover, the 16-inch MacBook Pro has a new Retina display that delivers 500 nits of brightness. This means the device delivers deeper blacks and brighter whites. The feature borrows from IPS LCD technology with a few tweaks such as the P3 wide color gamut; the new color standard.

 

Key Features
  • OLED screen display
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Intel Core i9 Processor
  • Scissor switch from Magic Keyboard
Pros
  • Retina display configuration
  • Increased key travel
  • Better audio capabilities
Cons
  • Limited ports
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New Apple MacBook Pro

If you prefer Chromebooks but looking for one that doesn’t cost you an entire fortune, then this Asus C423 is just what you need. As far as ultra-portability goes, this Asus Chromebook is up there. It features pleasantly thin bezels, an ultra-sleek chassis, and weighs a mere 3.1 pounds. Simply put, it’s the lightest and sexiest Chromebook within its price range.

But its ultra-slim design isn’t the only impressive detail about this business laptop. It features a 14inch NanoEdge display, which means it has a luxuriously roomy screen for incredible video streaming, gaming and viewing experiences.

It has a dual-core Intel Celeron N3350 processor, capable of delivering up to 1.1GHs. Add in its 4GB RAM, and you will carry out day to day official tasks without hiccups. What we, however, like most about this model is that it supports Android Apps. You can download and operate any android apps of your choice, which saves you time as you’ll no longer have to look at your phone. It has 32GB internal storage, which is enough space to download and store your Android Apps as well as work-related data. It has a relatively long battery life and delivers up to 8hours on a single charge.

Key Features
  • 2x USB 3.1 ports as well as 2 USB-C ports
  • 180 degree hinge
  • 4GB RAM, 32GB Storage
  • 14inch NanoEdge technology display
Pros
  • Supports Android apps
  • Has type C USB ports
  • Ultra-sleek design
  • Features NanoEdge Technology
Cons
  • It has no 1080 display
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ASUS Chromebook Laptop

Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 2 is a worthy development that gives the 13-inch MacBook Pro a run for its money. Its design, performance, price range, coupled with its long-lasting battery life, provide unparalleled Windows 10 experience.

Beyond its 13.5-inch display, it weighs an odd 2.76 pounds with a thin, lightweight design. This means the Surface Laptop 2 is quite portable for students and professionals who are always on the go. On top of that, it has a pretty quiet keyboard that maintains an impressive force under your fingers.

Its touchpad provides an impeccable user experience as it is smooth, spacious, and extremely sensitive. What’s more, with the Alcantara fabric surrounding the inputs, Surface Laptop 2 provides a more relaxing working surface compared to the regular hard and cold aluminum.

As if that’s not enough, Microsoft introduces some pretty handy upgrades when it comes to Laptop 2’s performance. First, its electronics feature a complete overhaul that reduces the need for using cooling fans when activating the system. This means that the laptop throttles much less.

Secondly, its Intel Core i7 processor enables the laptop to perform demanding computing tasks, edit photos and videos, and churn out loads of lengthy spreadsheets. It also spots the Windows Hello facial recognition feature that users the infrared camera. It is incredibly fast, accurate and can capture an image off-angle, even when the subject is several feet away.

Key Features
  • Intel Core i7
  • Screen resolution of 2256x1504
  • 720p HD webcam
  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Connectivity
Pros
  • Lightweight design
  • Long-lasting battery life
  • Spaced keyboard
Cons
  • Doesn’t have USB-C ports
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Microsoft Surface Laptop 2

The Surface Pro 7 presents a few upgrades from its predecessor, Surface Pro 6. The most notable is the inclusion of the USB-C port, a major leap for any modern laptop. USB-C is an industry-standard port that replaces the mini-display port in older devices enabling you to charge the laptop and connect accessories like drives, displays, and Ethernet adapter.

That’s not all; you can connect the laptop to a USB-C dock for displays, charging, and accessories using one cable. That laptop also features the standard USB-A port for connecting older accessories. Its design hasn’t changed much. It still has an ultra-slim profile with a lightly textured magnesium body and curved corners. Its 12.3-inch screen provides a crisp and detailed display pretty comfortable for both laptop and tablet displays.

Despite its lightweight design, it doesn’t compromise on functionality. Its 10th generation Intel Core i5 processor with 8GB RAM and 256 GB of storage enables you to handle a range of general computing tasks with no slowdown. What’s more, Intel Core i5 has a longer battery life compared to other Pro 7 models equipped with Core i7 and Core i3. It lasts 10.5 hours and can charge up to 80% within an hour using the included Surface Connect power adapter.

Key Features
  • Intel Core i5 Processor
  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity
  • USB-C, USB A ports
Specifications
  • Operating System: Windows 10
  • CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i5
  • GPU: Intel Iris Plus
  • Storage: 0 GB
  • Battery: Lithium Polymer
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 12.3 inches, ‎2736 x 1824 pixels
  • Camera: Built-in
  • Speakers: Built-in
  • Colors: Platinum
  • Memory: 128 GB
  • Ports: 2
  • Network: N/A
  • Dimensions: ‎12.8 x 2.68 x 9.21 inches
  • Weight: 1.1 lbs
  • Auto Update Expiration (AUE): N/A
  • Form: Laptop, tablet
  • Price: $667.80
  • Board: 10th Gen Intel Core i5
  • Brand: Microsoft
  • Model: Intel i5
  • USI Compatibility: Yes
  • Adaptor and Battery: Included
  • Power: AC
  • Delete: Yes
  • Finish: Aluminum, polymer
  • Card Reader: Keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, stylus
Pros
  • Has a USB-C port
  • Dual-function: laptop and tablet
  • Long battery life
Cons
  • Does not have Thunderbolt 3
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Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Looking for the best business laptop but working on a tight budget? If yes, then Acer A5 might be the perfect fit for you.  This unit packs some pretty enticing features. It weighs a little over 3.9 pounds, and is only 0.7 thick, making it the most lightweight laptop you’ll find within the same price range.

While it has a slim, light chassis, Acer A515-43-RI9L doesn’t compromise on durability. It sports a silver aluminum build on the exterior and most parts of its interior, making it not only durable but also pleasant to look at. The lid can go up to 180 degrees, a handy feature for when you want to work while lying down.

Design aside, the Acer A515-43-RI9L display is also something to be revered. It has a 15.6-inch FullHD display with a 1080p resolution and in-plane (IPS)technology, which seamlessly delivers crisp, clear images even when brightness is optimal. Working at night becomes more comfortable because, besides the top-notch display, it has a backlit keyboard.

The performance is equally as impressive, as it runs on a 3.5GHz ryzen processor, and brings with it 4GB of RAM. The battery keeps you up and running for seven and a half hours. We also like that it features plenty of connectivity features. On the left edge is an Ethernet and HDMI port as well as two USB slots while on the right, you get two additional USB ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Kensington style cable.

Key Features
  • 15.6inch, 1920x108p FullHD Screen
  • 4GB DDR4 RAM and 128GB SSD
  • AMD Vega 3 Graphics Card
  • 3.5GHz AMD Ryzen Processor
Pros
  • Sleek and modern design
  • Ample battery life
  • Excellent performance for a budget laptop
  • Pretty compact design
Cons
  • Lacks touchscreen
  • No SD Card slot.
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Acer Aspire 5

While there’s now an upgraded 2020 version, this 2019 model remains one of the most luxurious as well as the best business laptops Apple has ever brought forth. Available in gold, gray, and dark silver, this Macbook boasts trim and modern bezels and outstanding portability as it is only 0.71 inches thick and weighs a mere 3.02 pounds. Despite its incredibly compact design, it’s pretty sturdy, and as with most Apple laptops, it is housed in an all-aluminum body.

Performance is never a question with Apple’s laptops, and this Macbook sure does back that up. It runs on an 8th generation Intel Core processor and boasts 8GB RAM so you  can run multiple programs simultaneously without worrying about lagging. It also offers sufficient storage as it features a 128GB solid-state drive.

The display doesn’t disappoint either. The 13.3 inches LED retina display delivers incredibly clear images. Add in Apple’s renowned True Tone feature, which fine-tunes the color temperature based on ambient light, and you’ve got crisp, clear images without negatively impacting your eye health.

This MacBook Air features a quick, intuitive touch ID sensor for quick logins and seamless Apple Pay authentication. When it comes to connectivity options, you’ve got two Thunderbolt 3 ports and a headphone jack for when you need to join in that conference meeting or listen to some music while on the move. It has a butterfly switch keyboard with although not that impressive, gets the job done. However, it makes up for its keyboard with an all-impressive glass touchpad.

Key Features
  • Intel UHD Graphics 617
  • 13.3” LED Retina display with True tone technology
  • 8th Generation Intel Processor
  • 802.11ac WI-fi and Bluetooth connectivity
Pros
  • Thin, sleek ultraportable design
  • Excellent display
  • Touch ID sensor
  • Very long battery life
Cons
  • Limited port options
  • The keyboard is not intuitive
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Apple 13 Macbook Air

Available in a sleek, platinum gray finish, Lenovo Ideapad 330, perfectly mimics the metallic construction on high-end notebooks. It has a 15.6-inch display with a screen resolution of 1366 x 768, which is pretty reasonable for those looking for a low-priced device. Despite its low resolution, the display covers 66% of sRGB color gamut. What’s more, its matte finish enhances its view when used in bright rooms. The display is also equipped with an anti-glare coating feature that eliminates reflections making the laptop an excellent choice for sub-HD media.

Note, Lenovo IdeaPad runs on the 7th generation Dual-Core 3.1 processor. This means it delivers exceptional speed almost as mainstream Chromebooks and notebooks. However, since the system is fully customizable, you can reconfigure the CPU, RAM size, and graphics to your liking.

Its ports and storage capacity is pretty impressive for a budget laptop.  It has two USB 3.0 ports: the HDMI port and a single USB Type-C port. The device has 8GB of RAM and 256 GB SSD, but you can extend the system’s storage capacity using the SD card slot. However, with its 1TB 5400RPM hard drive, you hardly need to increase storage.

Key Features
  • 7th generation AMD A9-9425 Processor
  • Wireless, Bluetooth connectivity
  • 4-in-1 card reader
  • Webcam
Pros
  • Reasonably priced
  • RAM can be upgraded
  • Four-in-one card reader
Cons
  • HDD is slow
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Lenovo Ideapad 330

The HP Pavilion 15 is an inexpensive touch screen laptop that emerges better than most competitive models, making it an ideal choice for office workers and students to consider.

The personal computer has the 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor sitting under the cover, next to the Intel UHD Graphic 620 graphics card. This means on paper that you should be able to enjoy enough processing power to navigate through primary PC responsibilities and enough graphic processing unit (GPU) to run and play Fortnite, Overwatch, and other bulky games. However, according to our analysis, do not expect to run high definition games at a top clip with texture packs that are cranked up. The HP Pavilion 15 might have a dedicated graphics card, but it is not designed to work as a high-end gaming laptop.

That said, the HP Pavilion 15 has two speakers that sit behind its triangular weave tuned with the assistance from well established Danish audio company Bang and Olufsen.

Measuring 36.6 x 241.5 x 17.9mm with a 15.6-inch display, a number pad, and a full-sized keyboard, the HP Pavilion 15 is somewhat a big laptop. In terms of ports, the right-hand side has a full-sized SD card reader, a lock slot, and two Type-A USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, while the left side has a 3.5mm headphone jack, HDMI 1.4 slot, Type-C USB 3.1 ports, along with an Ethernet port.

Key Features
  • 15.6-inch IPS touchscreen display
  • 8 GB DDR4 RAM
  • 8th generation Intel quad-core i5 processor
  • 1 Terabyte SATA hard disk drive
  • Windows 10 Home operating system
Pros
  • Suitable for office work
  • Good speakers
  • Nice keyboard
Cons
  • Display is sub-average
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HP Pavilion 15

For business users looking for a durable PC that is sure to serve them for the next four years, the Fast Dell Latitude E5470 is a credible option. Apart from being fast and robust, this PC has a wide selection of ports and offers an excellent battery life to its users. Brand new out of the box, you will notice it runs 64-bit Microsoft Windows 10 professional.

For individuals and businesses that used to interact with IBM ThinkPads, the Dell E5470 comes with a TrackPoint-style pointing stick that can be found between the G, B, and H letters.

For laptop veterans, the Dell E5470 presents one noticeable flaw; it does not have a removable battery, like most laptops today. However, that is less of a defect, considering it has a system that runs for about 12 hours compared to the 4 hours average laptops manage to clock.

This is not to refute that selecting this laptop model means making some compromises. Weighing at around 3.88 pounds, the Dell E5470 is not the lightest laptop in the market today. Its standard 1366 x 768 screen resolution falls short of many rivals (up-gradable to 1920x1080), and it does not support touch-sensitivity.

Key Features
  • 14-inch anti-glare screen
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 6th generation Intel Core i5 processor
  • 256 GB Opal encrypted solid-state drive (SSD)
  • Windows 10 Pro (64-bit)
Pros
  • Stylish, practical design
  • Powerful audio
  • A robust central processing unit (CPU) performance
Cons
  • Gets hot in spots
Buy This Product
Fast Dell Latitude E5470

The plethora of business laptops in the market today can make shopping for one pretty overwhelming. To find only the best, be sure to consider the processing power. If your daily business-related tasks are strenuous but nowhere close to demanding, a laptop with four or more cores will help you stay on top of your job.

If your work is genuinely demanding, you’ll be glad to know nowadays, some laptops run on hexa-core processors, that is, iCore7 to iCore9. These are powerful beasts and will take on any task, demanding as it may be, without as much as a glitch.

Memory Muscle

Processing power aside, you also need to consider the laptop’s memory muscle. For workflows that revolve around basic, yet data-intensive duties, a laptop with 4GB RAM will get the job done. But if you’ve got some bucks to spare, it’d be a good idea to opt for a laptop with 8GB RAM so you never at any given time, stress about lagging. For workflows that involve a lot of data crunching, and require you to have multiple browsers and window tabs open simultaneously, 16GB RAM is the bare minimum.

While on memory, be sure to review the unit’s storage capability. As a business person, you want to store as much data as you can without having to delete older files. In that light, a laptop with a 1TB drive is your best bargain between functionality and budget. At the same time, you want a business laptop that’ll keep you up and running whether you’re on a 7-hour flight to a business conference, or miles away on vacation. Therefore, ensure you consider the battery life.

Consider Weight And Wi-Fi Capability

As a business person, you’ll probably be on the go a lot. You want a business laptop that’s lightweight enough to throw in your bag and run, and at the same time, one that won’t get ugly or lose a nut or two every time you travel with it. It’s, therefore, a good idea to ensure that after you’ve considered all the mentioned factors, you review the model’s portability, as well as durability.

While at it, how great is the laptop’s wired and wireless connectivity? If your job involves working remotely and traveling a lot, it’s wise to opt for a laptop with dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity. With these elements in mind, this well-curated list of the best business laptops that you will come across in the market will perfectly suit your needs.