13 Best Laptops for Remote Work in 2025

Remote work offers a lot of benefits, such as more flexibility and freedom when it comes to hours, but it can also be difficult if you don't have the right tools. Laptops let you operate your business from anywhere, whether it’s your home office or a coffee shop with Wi-Fi.

Remote-work laptops need to be powerful enough to handle a variety of tasks and portable enough to take with you. You can choose from many styles, each with its own pros and cons. For example, a 2-in-1 laptop functions as both a laptop and tablet, allowing artists more flexibility in how they sketch. If tablet functionality isn’t something you need, no problem—there are many other types to consider.

From light and portable options to powerful machines that can handle more intensive tasks, we’ve got you covered. This article discusses high-quality laptops for remote work, considering factors like tech specs, pros and cons, style, and user goals.

Best laptops for remote work

The following selection represents some of the best options available, catering to various needs and budgets.

MacBook Pro

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If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line laptop that can handle just about anything you throw at it, the MacBook Pro is a solid choice. It’s Apple’s most powerful laptop, with a large Retina display, fast processing speed, and all the features you need to get work done (and then some). The laptop is available in 14- or 16-inch models and has different configuration options. For instance, the 14-inch MacBook Pro has four options with differences in SSD storage and GPU.

Its Magic Keyboard, with Touch ID, lets you easily enter emojis, lock your laptop, and perform many system functions at the touch of a key. With Touch ID, use your fingerprints to lock and unlock your laptop, make purchases on Apple apps, or use Apple pay on websites.

The Apple MacBook Pro is a great choice for graphic designers, video editors, and other creative professionals who need a powerful machine that is easy to use. Mac is often the preference for professional creatives due to the simple, streamlined, and sleek design of Apple OS system and high-quality creative applications (like Final Cut Pro) that run on Apple devices. The price is high, but a MacBook Pro’s power and versatility make it worth considering.

MacBook Pro 16-inch specs:

• 18-Core GPU
• 512GB SSD Storage
• Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3 port
• Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
• 140W USB-C Power Adapter

Pros:

• Powerful processor and graphics card
• High-quality, high-resolution display
• Light and thin, considering the quality and resolution of the display

Cons:

• Price (starting at $1,599 for the 14-inch and $2,499 for the 16-inch)
• Sluggish scroll performance
• Soldered RAM in place, nonupgradable after purchase

‍MacBook Air

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The MacBook Air is a more affordable option from Apple that still offers plenty of features for remote workers. The MacBook Air can easily handle web browsing, working on documents, light photo and video edits, and most gaming with Apple's M3 processor. However, hardcore gamers and video editors may wish to research before they purchase, as the processing power may not be sufficient for heavy games or video projects.

The Air is slightly less powerful than the MacBook Pro but still has a beautiful Retina display and fast processing speed. Plus, it’s ultra-portable, light, and thin, making it perfect for those who need to travel often for work or want to throw it in a backpack to work on the go.

The MacBook Air is available with the M2 processor or the brand-new M3. You can also select your memory (8GB and 16GB options), storage (256 GB SSD and 512GB options), power adaptor, keyboard language, and software options.

MacBook Air 13-inch specs:

• 8-core CPU
• 8GB or 16GB of unified memory
• 256GB or 512GB SSD storage
• 13.6-inch or 15.3-inch Retina display with True Tone
• Two Thunderbolt 4 ports

Pros:

• Powerful processor and graphics card
• M2 or M3 chip for better performance
• Lightweight and portable

Cons:

• Price (starting at $999 for the 13-inch M2 and $1,299 for the 15-inch)
• Limited storage

HP Pavilion 15

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The HP Pavilion 15 earns its place on our list for affordability and high-spec hardware. It’s a mid-range laptop with all the essentials, like a speedy 512GB SSD and a touch-screen FHD display. While the laptop body isn’t as slim as a MacBook Air, it’s still thin and well-designed, looking more expensive than it is.

The Pavilion 15 has some notable improvements from the previous version, the HP Pavilion 14, like two times better multi-core CPU performance, thinner bezels, touch screen, and the ability to run popular games at about 28% to 38% higher FPS. This makes it a decent option for those looking for gaming laptops that can also handle work tasks.

The HP Pavilion 15 is a great choice for business professionals who need a machine that doesn’t break the bank but can still get the job done. It’s more than enough for web browsing, working on documents, casual photo editing, streaming a movie, and all your basic day-to-day desktop work, including managing spreadsheets and participating in video calls.

HP Pavilion 15 specs:

• 8th Generation Intel Core i7 processor
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics card
• 1TB hard drive and 128GB solid-state drive
• 15.6-inch full HD IPS display
• Two USB 3.0 ports, one HDMI port, one Ethernet port, and one headphone jack

Pros:

• Powerful processor and graphics card for the price
• Affordable, mid-range laptop
• Plenty of ports

Cons:

• No backlit keyboard
• High power consumption and short battery life
• Unpleasant fan noise under load

Other laptops worth considering

Now that you’ve reviewed the top three options for remote work laptops, let’s review a few more quality options that may better fit your needs.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

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The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a Windows laptop that’s perfect for business professionals who need a reliable and secure machine for remote work. Known for its exceptional durability and build quality, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon can withstand the rigors of daily use and frequent travel.

Key features include its lightweight and slim design and a keyboard for comfortable typing during long work sessions. It also boasts built-in security features like biometrics. The long battery life supports extended work periods away from power outlets, while Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 6E and 7 provide connectivity with peripherals and networks.

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is an excellent choice for those who prioritize reliability, security, and performance in their work laptop. It’s well-suited for a variety of tasks, from running complex business applications to hosting Zoom meetings.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon specs:

• Intel Core Ultra 7
• Carbon fiber chassis
• Up to 2TB PCIe SSD
• 2 x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, headphone/mic combo

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight and portable
• Excellent build quality and durability
• Long battery life
• Robust security features

Cons:

• Premium price point
• Limited GPU options for intensive graphical work
• Some configurations can get expensive

Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra

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The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra earns an honorable mention on our list of best laptops for remote workers for a few reasons. It combines the power of a traditional laptop with the mobility and connectivity features that are crucial for remote work. Its impressive battery life and powerful specs make it an attractive option for remote workers who need a high-performance machine that can keep up with their demanding workflow.

The Galaxy Book4 Ultra is designed to integrate with other Samsung devices, creating a cohesive ecosystem that can enhance productivity. It features a vibrant AMOLED display, which is excellent for both creative work and video conferencing.

‍Samsung Galaxy Book specs:

• Intel Core Ultra 9 processor
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
• 16-inch 3K Dynamic AMOLED
• One USB 3.2 ports, one HDMI port, and one microphone/headphone jack

Pros:

• 12-hour battery life
• Touch screen
• Thin, elegant design

Cons:

• Shallow keyboard
• No antiglare display
• Software compatibility issues

Acer Aspire 15

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The Acer Aspire 15 is a solid budget laptop. It has a starting price of $629 and a wide variety of ports. With a comfortable, well-spaced keyboard and decent battery life, the Acer Aspire 15 is a good choice for budget-conscious remote workers.

At that price, you might wonder what the trade-off is. With rave reviews from many of the biggest laptop review sites, it’s difficult to see its faults. While it easily handles the daily duties of remote work, multitasks, and even plays games, it may not be able to handle heavy games at their highest settings.

The design also leaves something to be desired. It’s large, a little clunky, and weighs 4 pounds. If those trade-offs are worth the affordability, the Acer Aspire 15 may just be the laptop for you.

Acer Aspire 15 specs:

• Intel Core i5 processor 120u
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics card
• 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a spacious 512GB SSD
• 15.6-inch screen size, full HD IPS display
• Two USB 3.2 ports, one HDMI port, one type-C Thunderbolt 4 port, and one microphone/headphone jack

Pros:

• Wide port range
• Good battery life
• Very affordable

Cons:

• Bulky design
• Thick and heavy
• Lacks Windows Hello, fingerprint reader, or iris scanner

‍AceAcer Swift Go 14

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The Acer Swift Go 14 has an accessible price for its size, a touchpad, a backlit keyboard, and a sleek case. If you’re looking for a big laptop with a generous screen that’s great at multitasking for day-to-day work, the Acer Swift Go 14 is worth consideration.

Its mid-range pricing does come with a few trade-offs. While the key feel and keyboard are spacious, the webcam and display brightness could be better and performance falls behind with demanding apps. Despite its cons, the Swift Go 14 is a great laptop with mass appeal. It’s especially suited for writers, students, or remote workers who have places to go and people to see.

‍Acer Swift Go 14 specs:

• Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 155H
• 14-inch 1080p LCD
• Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one HDMI port, and a MicroSD slot
• 1440p webcam

Pros:

• Excellent for multitasking
• Great performance for the price
• Aluminum chassis

Cons:

• Not as powerful as some other laptops on this list
• Weaker screen display
• Speakers aren’t great

Dell XPS 15

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The Dell XPS 15 is a premium laptop designed for users who need power and performance in a sleek, portable package. With its larger 15.6-inch display, it’s ideal for creatives, professionals, and anyone who requires a high-performance machine. Although it comes with a premium price tag (starting at $1,299), the XPS 15 delivers advanced features and a refined design.

Dell XPS 15 specs:

• Windows 11 Home
• 15.6-inch non-touch laptop display FHD+ 1920x1200
• 512GB, M.2, PCIe NVMe, SSD
• Touchpad
• 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports, 1 headset (headphone and microphone combo) port

Pros:

• Sleek, luxurious design
• Thinner display bezels
• Improved, larger touchpad

Cons:

• Average webcam
• Dim display
• More expensive than the predecessor

LG Gram Pro 16

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The LG Gram Pro 16-inch laptop is one of the lightest (as the name implies), high-quality, high-resolution laptops for working from home. If you’re looking for a featherweight laptop with great connectivity, the LG Gram Pro 16 might be the laptop for you. Freelance writers will love working on a laptop that’s almost as light as a notebook.

LG Gram Pro 16 specs:

• Intel Evo Edition powered by Intel Core Ultra 7
• 32GB of RAM
• Dual SSD (M.2) NVMe PCIe Gen 4
• 16-inch OLED
• Two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, two USB-A 3.2 ports, a full-size HDMI port

Pros:

• Featherweight
• High-resolution screen
• 2-in-1 laptop, combining a laptop with a tablet

Cons:

• Mediocre battery life
• Expensive
• Mediocre speakers

Lenovo 3i Chromebook

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The Lenovo 3i Chromebook 15-inch laptop is currently available for $279. Because it’s a Chromebook, it does have distinct disadvantages and capabilities. For more information on Chromebooks, read an in-depth article devoted to the subject.

If you’re looking for a budget laptop and a Chromebook is a good fit for your needs, the Lenovo 3i is well worth your consideration. Chromebooks are great for remote workers who don’t need to run high-end software or heavy games and just need basics like web browsing and Google apps.

Lenovo 3i Chromebook specs:

• Intel Pentium Silver N6000 processor
• 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS, anti-glare, touch screen, 300 nits
• Up to 8GB DDR4 2667MHz (Soldered)
• 128GB PCIe SSD
• 2 front-facing 2W speakers

Pros:

• Slim and light design with digital pen support
• Affordable laptop
• Great for video conferencing

Cons:

• Disappointing battery life
• Limited ports
• Some users might need more RAM or storage

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3

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The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is a lightweight yet powerful laptop in Microsoft’s Surface lineup, ideal for users who value portability without sacrificing performance. While it may not be as powerful as the higher-end Surface devices, it offers a balance of speed, functionality, and beautiful display graphics at a more affordable price, starting at $699.

Because this laptop functions as a portable studio, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 could be one of the best laptops for working from home if you’re a freelance artist. Like the Surface Pro, it’s amazing for sketching, animating, and drawing on the screen.

‍Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 specs:

• Intel 12th Gen Core i5-1235u
• 256GB SSD
• Intel Iris Xe graphics
• One USB 3.1 Type-A port, one USB 3.2 Type-C, one 3.5mm headphone jack, Surface Connect port
• 720p HD front-facing camera

Pros:

• 2-in-1 laptop, tablet, and touch screen
• Bright screen
• Good keyboard

Cons:

• Underwhelming battery life
• No Thunderbolt 3 support

ASUS Zenbook S 16

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The ASUS Zenbook S 16 is a sleek and powerful ultrabook designed for users seeking high performance in a portable, elegant form factor. With its 16-inch 3.2K 120 Hz OLED display and ultra-thin chassis, this laptop combines cutting-edge visuals with a lightweight design. The Zenbook S 16 offers an impressive balance of performance and efficiency, making it a great choice for professionals, content creators, and students alike.

ASUS Zenbook S 16 specs:

• Windows 11 Home OS
• AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processors
• Up to 32GB LPDDR5 RAM
• Up to 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD

Pros:

• Stunning 3.2K OLED display with exceptional color accuracy
• Powerful Ryzen 9 processor for demanding tasks
• Thin and lightweight design

Cons:

• Integrated graphics may not be ideal for heavy gaming or graphic-intensive tasks
• No Thunderbolt support (due to AMD platform)
• Pricey for higher-end configurations

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i

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The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that combines the convenience of ChromeOS with the power of an Intel processor, making it ideal for students, professionals, and casual users.

Its flexible design allows users to switch between laptop and tablet modes, enhancing productivity and entertainment. With a 14-inch FHD touch screen, it’s perfect for on-the-go users who value portability and efficiency.

Lenovo IdeaPad 5i (15-inch) specs:

• 13th Generation Intel Core i3-1315u processor
• Chrome OS
• 14-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200), IPS, glossy, touch screen
• Up to 10 hours battery life

Pros:

• Flexible 2-in-1 design with 360-degree hinge
• Responsive 14-inch FHD touch screen for tablet mode and drawing
• Great value for ChromeOS users

Cons:

• Limited internal storage compared to traditional laptops
• Not ideal for heavy multitasking or intensive software beyond web-based tasks
• ChromeOS has limited support for certain professional applications

What to consider when choosing your laptop

Laptops offer a range of benefits, and some of them are mutually exclusive. If price is a limiting factor, for example, you might have to compromise on speed or even performance. If you need a powerful laptop, you might have to compromise on weight, size, or price. Depending on your line of work, some laptops may be better suited to your needs than others.

Here are some factors to consider before making a purchase.

Purpose and functionality

What do you need your laptop to do? If you’re a web developer, you’ll need a powerful laptop with more RAM and storage than someone who just needs to check email and surf the web.

If you work from home but occasionally travel or run to the office, you need a lightweight laptop that is portable and easy to take with you.

Weight and size

How much space do you have for a laptop? Do you need a laptop that can fit in your purse or backpack, or are you looking for something a little larger?

Lightweight laptops are becoming more popular as people move away from desktop computers and look for ways to be more mobile. For instance, a freelance producer might want something small and light to take to meetings or on-location shoots.

Battery life

How many hours of battery life do you need? This is an important consideration for anyone who needs to be able to work without being tethered to a power outlet.

If you're a content creator, long battery life is amazing for editing videos on the go. Most laptops will get you through a workday, but it’s important to choose a model with excellent battery life.

Ram and storage

How much RAM and storage do you need? If you’re a power user like a graphic designer or video editor, you’ll need a machine with a lot of RAM so you can have multiple programs open at the same time without slowing down your computer.

If you’re just using your laptop for basic tasks, 4GB of RAM should be plenty. As for storage, most people will find that 128GB is plenty of space for their needs. Those working with large files or who store a lot of photos and videos may want to consider getting a machine with a larger hard drive and more processing power.

CPU

What kind of CPU and graphics do you need? You won’t need a powerful processor or dedicated graphics card if you’re just using your laptop for basic tasks. However, if you’re a power user or plan on doing any gaming, you’ll want to choose a machine with a good CPU and graphics card.

Operating system

Which operating system do you need? Windows 11 is the most popular choice for business users, while creative professionals often prefer Apple macOS for its design and video editing software.

If you’re just looking for a basic machine to browse the web and check email, a Chromebook may be a better (and more affordable) fit for your needs.

Usability and Interface

Is the laptop easy to use? Some laptops have a lot of features and buttons, while others are very simple. Choose a machine that’s easy to use, includes all the features you need, and has a user-friendly interface.

Webcam

Does the laptop have a webcam? If you need to participate in video conferences or take pictures and videos, ensure your laptop has a built-in webcam. For instance, streamers need a webcam to show their face on camera.

Price

How much are you willing to spend on a laptop? You can find budget laptops for under $500, but they may not have all the features you need. If you’re willing to spend more, you can get a machine with a better processor, more RAM, and a larger hard drive. The goal is to find a great laptop with everything you need at a price point that works for you.

Put your new laptop to good use

Now that we’ve explored the best laptops for remote work, it’s time to put your new laptop to good use. If you’re an independent professional looking to expand your work, find new clients, or land the perfect job, Upwork can help. We’re the world’s work.

Sign up today to get started and find the perfect freelance job for you.

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Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

Prices are current at the time of writing and may change over time based on each service’s offerings.