The 10 Best Business Laptops in 2022 (Including Microsoft Surface, Apple MacBook Air, and Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon)
Guides
Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best business laptop 2022. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Not only have computers become a huge part of our society but they have also rapidly become an integral part of any workspace, no matter the field. With everyone on the go, a desktop version won’t cut it anymore. Companies need to have reliable and portable business laptops for all employees for the utmost efficiency.
Business laptops offer employees more flexibility than a desktop computer
Image credit: Shutterstock/Natee Meepian
As a desktop replacement, laptops are a great way for businesses to ensure that their employees can stay connected and work from home or while on a business trip. However, most business laptops aren’t like the typical consumer-grade laptop. Instead, many business laptops have better performance, durability, and longer battery life to keep up with the daily 9 to 5.
Business Laptops—Buying Guide
It can be difficult to determine exactly what laptops are going to be the best for business users, but this buying guide will walk you through all of the essential requirements that should be found in the best business laptops.
Portability
Like any laptop, portability is always going to be a major consideration, but this is especially true in a good business laptop. Most business users often have to travel around for work or may just commute from the office to their home; either way, having a computer that is lightweight and slim can increase a user’s ability to transport their laptops between locations as well as work remotely.
Battery Life
Along with portability, long battery life on a laptop is important for employees who work remotely. Better battery life can also improve work productivity. The battery life refers to how long a laptop can be used before dying. This is determined by a battery test and although this number may vary drastically depending on usage, it gives a solid estimate as to which models have good battery life and which have weak battery life.
Processor
Depending on the profession, business laptops are sometimes required to handle heavy applications that may run on them. Having efficient processors, similar to the ones on gaming laptops, is a must. A faster processor will also allow for stable performance and more efficient use without having to wait a long time for applications to load. A processor that has many cores is great for multitasking as this allows a laptop to run multiple applications and tasks simultaneously without freezing or crashing.
Memory
With all-day use and numerous files and documents to manage, it is important that the business laptop you go for has enough available RAM to store this data without slowing down the performance of the system. On average, 16 GB should be efficient for most applications.
Durability
Laptops can be a big investment for a company and they may be handed down through multiple employees or held in the company for many years before transitioning to other future brands. A good business laptop must be made out of durable materials like aluminum and they go through military-grade testing for extreme durability.
Other Considerations
Other than those major requirements, there are a few more options to think about when choosing the best laptop for a specific use.
Touch screen: Although it isn’t as often seen in standard business laptops, a touch screen is a great tool for creative users and employees to get their ideas out on a canvas. A touch screen can also be easier to use than a typical responsive touchpad, allowing users can edit documents and add notes.
Although it isn’t as often seen in standard business laptops, a touch screen is a great tool for creative users and employees to get their ideas out on a canvas. A touch screen can also be easier to use than a typical responsive touchpad, allowing users can edit documents and add notes. Connectivity: Many modern laptop designs seem to leave out a lot of ports, but it still is important to have at least some. Options to connect to a docking station, add an external display, or for importing data can come in handy. This could include a USB-A port and a microSD card slot.
Thomas’ Top Picks for the Best Business Laptops 2022
There are so many options available when it comes to laptops. While considering the previously mentioned factors, buyers can easily find their favorite business laptop for the best prices from our top picks below.
Best Overall Computer: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 Laptop | Buy Now
Best Computer with a Long Battery Life: Apple MacBook Air | Buy Now
Best Slim Computer: Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 | Buy Now
Best Computer with Excellent Performance: Dell Latitude 5520 Laptop | Buy Now
Best Mobile Workstation: HP ZBook Fury 15 G8 Laptop | Buy Now
Best Convertible Laptop: ASUS ZenBook Flip 13 UX363 Laptop | Buy Now
Best Lightweight Computer: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 Laptop | Buy Now
Best Computer for Video Editing: Apple MacBook Pro | Buy Now
Best Computer with a Comfortable Keyboard: Dell XPS 15 Laptop | Buy Now
Best Budget-Friendly Computer: Acer Swift 3 | Buy Now
Scroll down to read more about these top picks for the best business laptops according to many happy buyers.
*Prices listed in this article were as shown in US$ on and (USA) as of August 2022
1. Best Overall Computer—Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 is loaded with great features, making it one of the best business laptops available. It comes with Windows 11 Pro 64, which is one of the most recommended operating systems for business use on Windows laptops. This laptop can handle the pressure of multiple applications open at the same time with the 12th Generation Intel Core i5 processor that has 12 cores. Even with a handful of windows up and running all day, this laptop won’t overheat courtesy of the keyboard air flow and a combination of two internal fans and a rear vent.
The laptop is perfect for conference video calls thanks to its communication bar that integrates a full HD camera and four 360° Dolby Voice microphones that have AI noise canceling. It’s important that a business laptop has enough security features to protect company information, that is why this ThinkPad has a fingerprint reader within the power button, for seamless protection. The device is even compatible with Tile, so if the laptop goes missing, companies can easily find its location with a smartphone. “My 5th X1 and always happy with the quality and performance,” wrote one loyal customer. “My number one chosen work laptop.”
Specifications
Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1240P
Screen size: 14 in.
Memory: 16 GB
2. Best Computer with a Long Battery Life—Apple MacBook Air
No matter the type of business, no one wants to be tied to a charger cord, especially when expected to travel. With the Apple MacBook Air, that isn’t an issue thanks to its incredible battery life of 18 hours, allowing users to work long stretches of time from any location. Beyond the stellar battery life, the MacBook Air further promotes portability with its extremely thin and lightweight construction.
The device weighs just 2.8 pounds and is little over half an inch thick, making it one of the best laptops to just slip into a backpack or briefcase. The laptop also has efficient performance, with a fast Retina display and SSD storage for minimum loading time. “It is super portable and works very quickly and efficiently,” confirmed one reviewer. “The battery lasts for an incredible amount of time even when doing constant work on it.”
Specifications
Processor: Apple M1
Screen size: 13.3 in.
Memory: 8 GB
3. Best Slim Computer—Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is only 0.57 inches thick, making it easy to carry around the office or pack for a trip. The laptop’s display is also only 13.5 inches wide, which is big enough for a clear image. This is thanks to the Intel Iris Xe graphics that won’t sacrifice the portability of the device or the image resolution. The screen also doubles as a tablet with Windows Ink, leaving room for creative freedom and more intuitive use. Overall, the Microsoft Surface is very thin, but it still packs an outstanding battery life of 17.5 hours.
Even when the battery life drops, users don’t have to sacrifice much of their workday plugged in, as the internal battery only takes an hour to charge up to 80 percent. The small frame still retains important inputs for users, including USB-C ports, USB-A ports, and a headphone jack. One employee, who has tried many other computer models for work, commented, “I cannot stress enough how the Surface line blows those other competitors out of the water.” They went on to describe this computer as “well-built, lightweight, convenient, [with] numerous accessories to customize your needs.”
Specifications
Processor: 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1185G7
Screen size: 13.5 in.
Memory: 16 GB
4. Best Computer with Excellent Performance—Dell Latitude 5520 Laptop
Thanks to the 11th Gen Intel Core i7 vPro and a large 16 GB memory, the Dell Latitude 5520 Laptop has great performance that makes work less stressful and more efficient. The vPro processors are perfect for businesses with their security features and speeds of up to 4.80 GHz on turbo. The full HD anti-glare screen displays smooth graphics using an Intel Iris Xe RAM. The system also can automatically secure itself to the strongest wifi access point to get optimal and smooth bandwidth.
As if the use of this system wasn’t quick enough, signing in is a breeze, too. The computer wakes up when it senses a user and logs them in instantly using facial recognition. One buyer described this laptop as a “workhorse for all your basic tasks.” Another business owner found that it was a “reliable long-lasting laptop,” adding that it “is the go-to laptop for all of our employees.”
Specifications
Processor: 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1185G7 vPro
Screen size: 15.6 in.
Memory: 16 GB
5. Best Mobile Workstation—HP ZBook Fury 15 G8 Laptop
The HP ZBook Fury 15 G8 gives the power and performance of a large desktop in a portable device. At just 1.02 inches thick and 5.18 pounds in weight, this business laptop has an impressively powerful 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor. It has eight cores and can run up to 4.8 GHz with a turbo boost for handling multiple applications with great efficiency. It even has one TB of HP Z turbo drive high-speed SSD storage for quick access from anywhere.
The laptop also has integrated ultra Intel HD graphics for smooth visuals. This, and the hefty processor, make this computer perfect for design firms. One reviewer confirmed that the laptop had “excellent processing speed when it comes to performing tasks associated with graphic design.” Another user described the laptop as “fast, powerful, and capable of running large 3D Revit and CAD models very smoothly.”
Specifications
Processor: 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11850H
Screen size: 15.6 in.
Memory: 16 GB
6. Best Convertible Laptop—ASUS ZenBook Flip 13 UX363 Laptop
With a 360° hinge and an interactive touch screen, the ASUS ZenBook Flip 13 UX363 doubles as both one of the best business laptops and best tablets. The laptop even comes with a stylus, so employees in creative fields can use the touch screen to draw or anyone can easily add written notes to documents. Its OLED screen gives cinema-grade colors at any screen brightness for clear drawing.
Unlike a traditional tablet, the ASUS ZenBook has a ton of power packed in a small 2.87-pound and 0.55-inch body. It has an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor that runs up to 4.7 GHz and 16 GB of RAM. This thin computer does have a shorter battery life than other models—11 hours maximum—but it can charge to 49 percent in just an hour. “It's light and holds a good battery charge,” wrote a customer. “Charges up fast too when the battery is low.”
Specifications
Processor: 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1165G7
Screen size: 13.3 in.
Memory: 16 GB
7. Best Lightweight Computer—Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2
At a mere 2.14 pounds, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 makes working on the go very easy. The laptop even has an option for 5G connection to get access from any location. Although this computer is lightweight, it’s proven to be extremely durable after Lenovo tested it under 12 military-grade standards to resist extreme elements.
The laptop has a stunning 13-inch 2K Dolby Vision display and Intel Iris Xe Graphics. Although the computer does have limited ports, it still has two USB-C ports to connect the laptop to two different display screens for larger and more flexible viewing. One happy buyer commented, “The ThinkPad X1 Nano is THE premier ultralight laptop with great features and Mercedes Benz build-quality.”
Specifications
Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i7-1260P
Screen size: 13 in.
Memory: 16 GB
8. Best Computer for Video Editing—Apple MacBook Pro
The 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display on the Apple MacBook Pro makes it the perfect computer for employees that specialize in video editing or other image-focused niches. The million-to-one contrast ratio and range of one billion colors make images look clear and hyperrealistic. One reviewer wrote, “The colors are extremely accurate and the mini LEDs in this display make it so you have near OLED levels of true blacks when displaying dark/contrasty images.”
The computer also has six speakers for clearly receiving audio. All of these features, plus the 1080p video camera and three studio-quality microphones, translate into a laptop that’s very suitable for video conferencing as well. With an excellent battery life of 17 hours, users can video chat with coworkers or edit content all day from any remote location.
Specifications
Processor: Apple M1 Pro
Screen size: 14 in.
Memory: 16 GB
9. Best Computer with a Comfortable Keyboard—Dell XPS 15 Laptop
What makes the keyboard on the Dell XPS 15 Laptop so much more comfortable than other laptops? According to many in-depth reviews, it’s the laptop’s edge-to-edge design and large keys. This reduces spelling errors and makes typing so much smoother. One reviewer raved that “the keyboard is a pleasure to type on.” This laptop makes viewing easy as well with its large 15.6-inch full HD display and a 92.9 percent screen-to-body ratio.
Not only is this Windows laptop easy to use, but it is a workhorse with the fastest Intel core processor at 5.0 GHz. With such a powerful system, the XPS has a surprisingly solid battery life of 13 hours. Another shopper called this laptop “top-of-the-line.” They added that the processor “is ahead of its competitors, keeping up with whatever it is you're doing and making the experience silky.”
Specifications
Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i9-12900HK
Screen size: 15.6 in.
Memory: 32 GB
10. Best Budget-Friendly Computer—Acer Swift 3 Laptop
Business laptops typically come at a hefty price, which is a bit of a downside when companies are looking to distribute computers to a number of employees. Fortunately, Acer Swift 3 laptop combines the great performance of a business laptop at an affordable price. It has a battery life of 11.5 hours and can run up to 4.1 GHz for more efficient computing.
Although this is a less expensive laptop, it is still constructed with durable and quality materials, like magnesium-aluminum metal. It also has a full HD display with a 16:9 aspect ratio for a clear picture. It keeps sensitive information more secure with a fingerprint reader, too. “This thing is legit,” wrote one buyer. “Amazing performance at a great price.”
Specifications
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 4700U Octa-Core
Screen size: 14 in.
Memory: 8 GB
The Best Business Laptop—Summary
For an extremely portable laptop, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 (US$1,399.99 (Was US$1,699.99), Best Buy) is slim, light, and has an epic battery life. For a computer that has more processing power, the HP ZBook Fury 15 G8 (US$5,639, HP) is a true workhorse.
We hope our review of the best business laptops has been helpful. As the leading digital publisher of manufacturing suppliers, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for on the Thomas platform. For more suppliers of related products, including industrial computers, tablet computers, cellular telephones, computer monitors, and television monitors, consult our additional guides, or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.
Sources
Other Laptop Articles
Other Best Product Articles
More from Automation & Electronics
The Best Business Laptop In 2022
To find the best business laptop, you’ll need to determine the features that are right for you and your setup, no matter what kind of work you do. We recommend that you favor laptops with high-grade processors and enough RAM to ensure you can have multiple applications running at the same time. Make sure to also consider the form factor, as a light and thin laptop will be better for portability and transport. When buying a business laptop, always look for a powerful processor, a comfortable keyboard, and a long-lasting battery.
After analyzing hundreds of reviews amongst a multitude of products with varying price points and features, we’ve determined that the Acer Chromebook Flip C434 is the best business laptop on the market today. Keep reading about this and our other top picks to learn more about the best laptops on the market today.
Top 10 Best Business Laptop
#1 Acer Chromebook Flip C434 Business Laptop
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Best laptop for business and personal use thanks to a high-end feature set that includes a Full HD touch display that can double as a tablet and the Intel Core m3-8100Y processor.
Pros Light and compact form factor
Intel Core m3-8100Y processor
FHD touch display doubles as tablet Cons 4GB of RAM
Speakers are on weaker side
The Acer Chromebook Flip C434 is the best laptop for professionals, with a stunning number of high-grade features. The specs are absolutely on point, thanks to a powerful Intel Core m3-8100Y processor and a fairly large and speedy 64GB solid-state drive. We also appreciated the Full HD touch display, which allows tablet-like functionality and comes in at a respectable 14-inches of width. This is also a particularly light and compact laptop, weighing just under three pounds.
Though most of the specs here are excellent, it does only ship with 4GB of RAM, which could impact multitasking. Additionally, the integrated stereo speakers are on the weaker side, if you plan on using this laptop to listen to music. Compare this to the stereo speakers with audio boosting technology integrated into the best laptop with an i5 processor.
#2 Dell XPS 13 9380 Business Laptop
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Best laptop for IT professionals, in addition to garden variety business users, thanks to a robust feature set that includes a powerful Intel processor and Intel-manufactured UHD graphics card. If you need to upgrade to a new graphics card to keep up with your gaming sessions, then read our best gaming laptop video card guide.
Pros Long-lasting battery life
Powerful Intel processor and UHD graphics card
Relatively light, under 4lb Cons 13” display on smaller side
No touch functionality
The Dell XPS 13 9380 is a great choice for IT professionals and regular users alike, thanks to a powerful Intel processor and an Intel-manufactured UHD graphics card. Despite the robust specifications, this is still a light and thin laptop, coming in at under four pounds. We also appreciated the high-grade lithium-ion battery that ships with this laptop, as it allows for around nine hours of use, which is enough to handle an average business day. For more laptops with great battery longevity, check out our guide to the best battery life laptop.
Though the display is UHD and gorgeous, it is on the smaller side, at just 13-inches wide. Also, this is a standard and traditional laptop with no touch functionality, so it cannot double as a tablet. So if that is what you’re looking for, check out the best netbook on the market that is touch-capable and has a surprisingly powerful Intel Celeron quad-core processor.
#3 Dell XPS 15 Business Laptop
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: Best laptop for business and gaming, thanks to high-quality features that support both activities, including an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card and 16GB of RAM.
Pros Plenty of solid-state storage
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card
16GB of RAM Cons Fairly heavy at 5.5lb
Extremely expensive
The Dell XPS 15 is a high-grade laptop that excels while running both business and gaming applications, thanks to a powerful Intel processor and the inclusion of the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card. The related specs are also extremely impressive, as this laptop ships with 16GB of dedicated RAM and a massive 1TB solid-state drive, which is speedy and large enough to hold numerous games, business applications, and personal documents.
This is an extremely expensive computer, however, likely due to the advanced feature set. Additionally, it is on the heavier side, coming in at nearly six pounds. This could impact portability and transport. A more portable option is the best i3 laptop that has excellent specs and still features a light and thin form factor.
#4 Apple MacBook Pro Business Laptop
Award: BEST AESTHETICS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Iconic Apple design that is aesthetically pleasing and offers some impressive features, such as an 8th gen quad-core Intel Core i5 processor and a long-lasting lithium battery.
Pros Quad-core Intel Core i5 processor
256GB SSD
Battery lasts up to 10 hours on single charge Cons 13” display on smaller side
Upgrades must be made at point of purchase
The Apple MacBook Pro is a gorgeous laptop, as Apple products tend to be, but this computer doesn’t stop at aesthetics. The features are also on point, thanks to a powerful quad-core Intel i5 processor and an integrated lithium-ion battery that can last up to ten hours on a single charge, making it great for an entire day’s work. We also appreciated the speedy 256GB solid-state drive, which gives a respectable amount of storage space.
Though the Retina display is gorgeous, it is on the smaller side, coming in at just around 13-inches wide. Also, both the RAM and storage can be significantly upgraded, but one must do so during the initial purchase, as these computers cannot be improved upon once received. Alternatively, consider the best laptop with an i7 processor that has enough RAM to ensure you can have multiple applications running at the same time.
#5 Asus ExpertBook B9450 Business Laptop
Award: BEST PORTABLE DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: Extremely thin, compact, and lightweight design, weighing just 2lb, with a bevy of high-end features that include a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a large 512GB SSD.
Pros Long-lasting battery up to 20 hours
Intel Core i7-10510U processor
16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD Cons No touch display, despite rotational ability
On the expensive side
The Asus ExpertBook B9450 is built for the business user in mind and, as such, it is highly portable, with a thin form factor and a lightweight design, weighing only two pounds. The specs are impressive, thanks to an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. We also appreciated the fantastic battery here that offers nearly 20 hours of use on a single charge, which should come in handy during long business days.
This laptop is designed so the display can rotate a full 180-degrees, but this is only to improve the viewing angle and does not indicate a touch-enabled screen. Additionally, this business laptop is on the expensive side, likely due to the high-end features. A much more affordable option would be the best laptop for seniors which still offers a robust feature set that includes an eighth-generation Intel Core i7 processor.
#6 Dell XPS 9500 Business Laptop
Award: BEST ERGONOMICS
WHY WE LIKE IT: An ergonomically designed laptop that is comfortable for long periods of use, with a 10th gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a powerful NVIDIA graphics card, for gaming and for running graphically intensive business applications.
Pros Powerful graphics card for gaming
10th gen Intel Core i7 processor
16GB of RAM Cons On the expensive side
16GB of RAM
The Dell XPS 9500 is designed with comfort in mind, with an extremely large and ergonomic touchpad, a carbon fiber palm rest, and the company’s proprietary EyeSafe vision care technology. The specs here are also incredible, thanks to a powerful 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a large 512GB solid-state drive. We also appreciated the inclusion of an NVIDIA GeForce graphics card, which is great for gaming and for running graphically intensive applications of all kinds.
Though most of the features here are top-notch, including four integrated stereo speakers, the webcam is on the weaker side, so you might want to invest in a dedicated webcam if you find yourself making plenty of Zoom calls. Also, this is a fairly expensive laptop, likely due to all of the impressive specs on offer. A more affordable option is the best Ubuntu laptop that still boasts advanced features such as a high-grade seventh-generation Intel Core i7 CPU and 16GB of dedicated DDR4 RAM.
#7 Huawei MateBook X Pro Business Laptop
Award: BEST DISPLAY
WHY WE LIKE IT: Features an incredible 3K touch display with ultra-slim bezels for immersion, in addition to a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of dedicated RAM, and a 512GB SSD.
Pros Powerful Intel processor
16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD
Backlit and spill-resistant keyboard Cons On the expensive side
The Huawei MateBook X Pro comes equipped with a gorgeous 3K display that is touch-enabled, allowing some light tablet-like functionality and features ultra-slim bezels, for immersion. The specs here are more than sufficient, thanks to a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of dedicated RAM, and a large and speedy 512GB solid-state drive. We were also impressed by the backlit and spill-resistant keyboard.
The battery here is also long-lasting and can go up to 12 hours on a single charge, which should easily last an entire workday. The only downside here is the relatively exorbitant cost, which is likely due to the advanced feature set. This is similar to the best rugged laptop that features a powerful eighth-generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of dedicated RAM, and a speedy 512GB solid-state storage drive.
#8 HP ZBook Business Laptop
Award: BEST STORAGE
WHY WE LIKE IT: Ships with an astounding amount of internal storage that comes in the form of 2TB of hard disc storage and 2TB of solid-state storage, in addition to boasting a gorgeous 15.6” touch display.
Pros Display offers tablet functionality
Intel Core i7 Processor
32GB of RAM Cons Extremely expensive
Battery can only get around 7 hours
The HP ZBook comes with an incredible amount of storage for personal documents, business applications, and media, totaling 4TB that is split across 2TB of solid-state space and a 2TB HDD. The specs here are equally impressive, with a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, 32GB of dedicated RAM, and an NVIDIA Quadro P600 graphics card. We were also blown away by the gorgeous FHD touch display, which clocks in at a respectable 15.6-inches wide.
This is an extremely expensive business laptop, due to the impressive range of high-end features. Also, the integrated lithium battery takes a hit here, also due to the advanced specs, and can only last around seven hours per charge. Compare that to the best 2-in-1 laptop that has a high-grade integrated lithium battery, which can go all day before needing a charge.
#9 Apple Macbook Air Business Laptop
Award: Best Value
WHY WE LIKE IT: Fantastic budget laptop with a pleasing and iconic form factor, in addition to surprisingly robust speakers, an all-aluminum exterior, and an incredibly thin and light design, weighing around 2.7lb.
Pros Surprisingly robust speakers
Plenty of connections and ports
Incredibly thin and light, under 3lb Cons 13” display on smaller side
Upgrades must be made at point of purchase
The iconic Apple MacBook Air is iconic for a reason. It comes in at a value-friendly price while offering features in line with more expensive competitors, which is a rarity for Apple. The specs are solid, thanks to a powerful Intel Core processor and 8GB of dedicated RAM. This is also an exceptionally durable laptop, as it features an exterior made from recycled aluminum alloy. The long-lasting battery, light form factor, and thin design help round out the advanced feature set here.
Though the display is gorgeous, featuring a Retina panel, it is on the smaller side, at just 13-inches wide. Additionally, like all modern Apple laptops, any upgrades to the RAM, storage, or processor must be done at the point of purchase. You may not need to do that upgrade if you had the best touch screen laptop with a stellar feature set that includes a powerful tenth-generation Intel Core i7 processor, 12GB of dedicated RAM, and a speedy 512GB solid-state drive.
#10 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Business Laptop
Award: Best on a Budget
WHY WE LIKE IT: Best budget business laptop with a slew of high-grade features, such as a powerful Intel Core processor that operates up to 3.40 GHz and a Full HD anti-glare display.
Pros Plenty of connections and ports
Powerful Intel Core processor
Anti-glare FHD display and HD webcam Cons 256GB SSD on smaller side
Not upgradable
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is the best business laptop under $1000, as this model comes in at an appealing price point while offering a suite of robust features that include an efficiently designed Intel Core i5 processor that can operate up to 3.40 GHz and an Intel-manufactured UHD graphics card. We also appreciated the multitude of ports on offer here, including USB 3.0, USB 3.1, Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, MicroSD, and more. The Full HD anti-glare display is indeed gorgeous and the HD webcam should keep your Zoom meetings looking crispy.
Though most of the specs are up to par, including 8GB of dedicated RAM, the solid-state drive is on the smaller side, coming in at just 256GB. Also, the RAM and storage are soldered to the chipset, so neither can be upgraded after making a purchase. You may be better off with the best laptop for students that allows for the 8GB RAM to be upgraded.
How We Decided
To help narrow down to the above list, we focused our research on computers that were built for business users. To that end, we liked laptops that were relatively light and featured long-lasting lithium batteries that could easily last an entire workday without needing to hit the power outlet for a recharge.
Other specs were equally important. We ended up preferring laptops with powerful processors, often manufactured by Intel or Apple. We also liked business laptops with plenty of dedicated RAM, for multitasking, and those that came with large and speedy solid-state drives, for storing business applications and personal documents, among other items.
Laptops with an abundance of connectivity options were also awarded bonus points, as we liked computers with an array of ports, including USB 3.1 and HDMI. Finally, we liked computers with gorgeous displays with resolutions of at least 1080p and those that featured touch integration, which allows for some light tablet-like functionality.
Business Laptop Buying Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
Business Laptop Computers - Dell Work PCs
Dell provides laptops for every user, workload, and business purpose. The Latitude and Vostro families of laptops, as well as Precision mobile workstations, are designed for the specific needs of various workers.
Vostro
Vostro laptops are designed with the needs of small business users in mind. Delivering key productivity features, reliable security, and outstanding support, these laptops offer exceptional affordability for small businesses. State-of-the-art processors ensure faster performance, while anti-glare displays offer easy viewing. Multiple ports ensure easy connectivity, and a thin and light design makes these devices easily portable. Vostro devices are the perfect laptop for finance applications, productivity suites, and other common office software packages.
Features include:
Space-saving, professional designs
Commercial-grade security with hardware protection and storage for encryption keys
An array of ports to connect to both legacy and next-generation technology
Exceptional support with optional 24/7 priority access to ProSupport or ProSupport Plus engineers
Tested and certified by leading industry software application providers
Dell ExpressCharge enables an empty battery to charge to 80% in about one hour when the system is turned off and to 100% in approximately two hours
Longer battery life
Narrow border screens and advanced cooling solutions that let users work comfortably anywhere
A wide array of ports for remote office or conference room set up
SafeScreen and camera shutter options for greater privacy
The latest processors for peak business performance
Dell Optimizer, a built-in, AI-based optimization software that learns and responds to the way you work
Tested and certified by leading industry software application providers
The latest generation processors and graphics cards
Premium design and professional-level components
Essential and high-end displays are available, with ambient sensing, blue-light reduction, and touch options
Dell Optimizer for Precision with features like ExpressSign-in, ExpressConnect, ExpressResponse, Intelligent Audio, and ExpressCharge that intuitively analyze and adjust critical areas of the system for greater productivity
Reporting analytics that help to identify bottlenecks and improve resource planning
Reduced downtime through more reliable memory, with Error Correcting Code (ECC) and Dell's Reliable Memory Pro software.
Immersive productivity features built for emerging technologies such as VR and AI
Tested and certified by leading industry software application providers
Latitude laptops are the world’s most intelligent PCs with built-in AI. These small, light, and stylish devices are designed for mobility and productivity. With innovative designs, easy connectivity, untethered power, and smarter systems, Latitude laptops increase the speed of productivity while delivering industry-leading security. Available as standard laptops or 2-in-1 laptop tablets, Latitude devices are among Dell’s best laptops for business and personal use.Features include:Precision workstations are Dell’s most intelligent and powerful laptops. Precision workstations are the ideal laptops for CAD users and applications in media and entertainment, engineering and manufacturing and oil and gas. With award-winning designs, 4K InfinityEdge displays, state-of-the-art thermal cooling, and top-end performance, Precision mobile workstations are designed to optimize performance and ensure reliability.Features include:
