The Best Laptops for College Students in 2022

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A college laptop must also respect your budget while lasting through four years of undergrad and maybe a year or two of grad school. Lucky for you, we've collected our favorites from recent reviews—notebooks that not only fit the above criteria but (for the most part) are priced under $1,000, so they won't replace tuition as the biggest threat to your bank account. Check them out, then keep reading to learn the details of what to look for while shopping.

For students, a laptop is as essential as textbooks and a school ID—and not just for taking notes and writing papers. It also needs to handle your extracurricular activities, from streaming movies and music to keeping up with your social networks, posting photos, gaming, and video chatting with the 'rents back home. With more colleges and universities mixing on-campus and remote learning, a laptop you can use wherever you are is essential.

MSI Modern 14 Best Overall Value Laptop for Most College Students 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It Here's the knock on the MSI Modern 14: Its 128GB solid-state drive is too small for lots of bulky files like videos, though it's enough for four years' worth of documents and spreadsheets. Otherwise, the Modern gives you quite a bit in a trim 2.8-pound package—aluminum instead of plastic construction, 8GB of memory instead of an inadequate 4GB, a backlit keyboard, and decent display quality and battery life, all for a surprisingly low $449.99. Who It's For This MSI is no speed demon or gaming laptop, but it's capable, highly portable, and cheap. It's a backpack accessory you won't have to apologize for. PROS Pleasing light design, with aluminum construction

Pleasing light design, with aluminum construction Backlit keyboard

Backlit keyboard Solid port and slot selection, including USB Type-C and microSD

Solid port and slot selection, including USB Type-C and microSD Eight-hour battery life CONS Though common at this price, 128GB SSD is limiting Sold By List Price Price Amazon $602.72 $602.72 See It (Opens in a new window) Best Buy $502.99 $502.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our MSI Modern 14 Review

Apple MacBook Air (M1, Late 2020) Best Affordable macOS Laptop 4.5 Outstanding Why We Picked It To get the obvious out of the way, the new-for-2022 MacBook Air with Apple's more powerful M2 processor is a faster, more desirable machine; if you can swing its $1,199 starting price or a costlier upscale configuration, don't look back. But the M1 version of Apple's lightest portable is still a highly capable, lovable laptop for $999. Weighing a trim 2.8 pounds, it offers a sharp 13.3-inch Retina display; elegant unibody metal construction in Space Gray, Gold, or Silver; one of the best keyboards and arguably the best touchpad on any laptop; snappy performance and unbeatable integration with the iPhone; and phenomenal battery life (29 hours in our video-playback test). Who It's For Apple still insists touch screens are only for tablets and phones, but otherwise it's hard to find fault with the system that invented the ultraportable category. The MacBook Air remains a great grab-and-go productivity partner for almost any around-campus computing task short of hardcore gaming. PROS Good value, especially for a MacBook

Good value, especially for a MacBook Much-improved performance, thanks to Apple’s new M1 processor

Much-improved performance, thanks to Apple’s new M1 processor Exceptional battery life

Exceptional battery life Sleek, portable metal design

Sleek, portable metal design High-quality keyboard, touchpad, and display

High-quality keyboard, touchpad, and display Multiple color options CONS Port selection limited to two USB Type-C connections

Port selection limited to two USB Type-C connections Still no touch-screen option Sold By List Price Price Amazon $799.00 $697.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Apple MacBook Air (M1, Late 2020) Review

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 Best Small Laptop for College 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It The Surface Laptop Go 2 occupies a middle ground between Microsoft's mini tablet (the Surface Go 3) and its mainstream clamshell (the Surface Laptop 4). It starts at a low $599.99 ($799.99 as tested), but is more stylish and better made than many budget notebooks, with a squarer 3:2 aspect ratio screen that lets you see more of a webpage or word processing document without scrolling. The PixelSense display is on the small side, at 12.4 inches, and its resolution isn't ultra-sharp, but the Laptop Go 2 weighs only 2.5 pounds despite a battery that lasts over 12 hours, so it's hard to complain. Who It's For If your collegiate laptop hunt is shadowed by a tight budget and portability is a priority, the Surface Laptop Go 2 is a fairly well-equipped winner. Available in four snazzy colors, it gives you some of the chic of a MacBook and even offers replaceable parts for sustainability and longevity. PROS Competitive performance from updated CPU

Competitive performance from updated CPU Stylish, colorful design

Stylish, colorful design Quality build and comfortable keyboard

Quality build and comfortable keyboard Reasonably priced

Reasonably priced Swappable SSD and chassis parts for longevity CONS Less-than-1080p display with nonstandard resolution

Less-than-1080p display with nonstandard resolution Updated (but still ho-hum) webcam Sold By List Price Price Amazon $599.99 $599.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Best Buy $699.99 $599.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 Review

HP Pavilion Aero Best Light Laptop for College 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It There are very few laptops easier to carry than HP's Pavilion Aero—it weighs just 2.2 pounds, with a sleek magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis available in several colors. An AMD Ryzen processor gives the Pavilion potent performance to go with its comfortable keyboard and attractive display, and it lasted an impressive 12 hours in our battery rundown test. It even has the HDMI monitor and USB Type-A ports the legendary Dell XPS 13 lacks. Who It's For It's not hard to find a take-it-anywhere ultraportable (though most are half a pound heavier than the Aero), and it's not hard to find a good laptop for $1,000. But it's not easy to find both in one machine. The Pavilion Aero is a surprisingly premium piece from HP's unassuming consumer brand that is a great match for highly mobile campus dwellers. PROS Aggressively priced for the set of specs

Aggressively priced for the set of specs Powerful eight-core Ryzen 7 CPU

Powerful eight-core Ryzen 7 CPU Handsome and ultralight metal chassis in choice of four colors

Handsome and ultralight metal chassis in choice of four colors HDMI, USB-A, and USB-C ports CONS No touch screen available

No touch screen available Test configuration's keyboard not backlit (though a $20 option)

Test configuration's keyboard not backlit (though a $20 option) No SD or microSD card slot Sold By List Price Price HP $799.99 $549.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our HP Pavilion Aero Review

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14-Inch (2022) Best 2-in-1 Convertible for College 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It The 2022 version of the IdeaPad Flex 5i 14-Inch we tested gets a nod, thanks to a sturdy convertible design that offers true portability, a vibrant, easy-to-read screen, and above average performance for an affordable price. Tough, capable, and affordable? That's a college laptop trifecta. We also love that the system includes plenty of ports (including USB and USB-C) and supports pen input—if you buy one. From the reinforced hinges to the excellent keyboard and larger touchpad, it's an improvement over last year's model, which was already a value favorite. Who It's For College students that want a great Windows 2-in-1 convertible laptop will be pleased by the performance and port selection, and those who want handwritten notetaking and sketching can get it for just a tiny bit more. The only complaint is battery life, but the Flex 5i will still get you through hours of classes and lectures. PROS Sturdy as a tablet or laptop

Sturdy as a tablet or laptop Includes both HDMI and USB-C ports

Includes both HDMI and USB-C ports Responsive, bright touch screen

Responsive, bright touch screen Decent performance for the price CONS Display's color coverage is lacking

Display's color coverage is lacking Battery life is shorter than average

Battery life is shorter than average Active pen not included

Active pen not included Proprietary power port instead of USB-C charging Sold By List Price Price Amazon $449.00 $449.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14-Inch (2022) Review

MSI Katana GF66 Best Budget Gaming Laptop for College 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It You may not go to Faber College (you've seen Animal House, right?), but all work and no play makes a dull student. MSI has a laptop for you: The Katana GF66 is an exceptional value among 1080p gaming laptops, with a speedy Intel Core i7 CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, plus a roomy 1TB solid-state drive. It'll play the latest, most demanding titles at frame rates approaching those of much more costly machines, with a 144Hz screen refresh rate to show them to their best advantage. Who It's For No 15.6-inch laptop is particularly portable (this one weighs 5 pounds), and few gaming rigs boast of their battery life (the MSI just cleared four hours in our tests). But if gameplay is a priority, the Katana GF66 will outrun almost anything in its price class. And yes, it's fine for writing and researching papers and answering emails, too. PROS Aggressive price for the component mix

Aggressive price for the component mix Solid 1080p gaming performance

Solid 1080p gaming performance 144Hz display

144Hz display Roomy 1TB SSD CONS Display isn't overly bright or colorful

Display isn't overly bright or colorful Middling CPU performance

Middling CPU performance Brief battery life Sold By List Price Price Amazon $1,167.00 $1,167.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Micro Center $999.99 $999.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our MSI Katana GF66 Review

Dell Inspiron 16 Plus (7610) Best 15- or 16-Inch Desktop Replacement for College 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It Most laptops that earn the label "desktop replacement" have 15.6-inch screens. The Dell Inspiron 16 Plus has a slightly larger display with impressively sharp 3K resolution (3,072 by 1,920 pixels), plus a graphics card fast enough for gaming (Nvidia's GeForce RTX 3050) and a beefy eight-core Intel Core i7 processor, all for under $1,400 as tested. Like all desktop alternatives, it's not ideal for toting around campus from dorm to classroom—it weighs 4.4 pounds—but it's a sensational midrange value. Who It's For We love 13- and 14-inch ultraportables as much as anybody, but when you're logging lots of hours or pulling an all-nighter to finish a report, there's no shame in giving your eyes a break with a bigger screen. The Inspiron 16 Plus is one of Dell's best bargains and a great general-purpose PC. PROS Powerful graphics and computing performance

Powerful graphics and computing performance Compact chassis with easy access for upgrades

Compact chassis with easy access for upgrades Expansive 3K display

Expansive 3K display Giant touchpad

Giant touchpad Reasonably priced CONS No touch-screen option

No touch-screen option Blue chassis hue looks a bit dull Sold By List Price Price Dell $1,509.99 $1,509.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Dell Inspiron 16 Plus (7610) Review

HP Laptop 17 (2022) Best 17-Inch Desktop Replacement for College 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It When it comes to screens, 17 inches is the largest you'll find in a mainstream system. The HP Laptop 17 (2022) is one of the best values we've seen in this larger size, combining a big screen with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, a lighter-than-average design, and a big, comfortable keyboard. The design is simple but capable, and AMD-powered processing and graphics offer better performance than most budget systems can offer. The end result is a desktop replacement that saves you a few bucks. Who It's For You won't see a lot of 17-inchers brought to class, but the HP Laptop 17 (2022) is lighter than most, and it lasts more than 11 hours on a charge, making it pretty portable for a bigger laptop. The hardware is up to most taks, and the design gets the job done without being gaudy or cheap-looking. That's a pretty big win for a big display at a smaller-than-expected price. PROS Large, bright screen

Large, bright screen Comfortable keyboard with number pad

Comfortable keyboard with number pad Thin and light for its screen size

Thin and light for its screen size USB-C port included CONS No keyboard backlighting

No keyboard backlighting No webcam privacy slider

No webcam privacy slider No SD card reader

No SD card reader 256GB SSD fills up fast

256GB SSD fills up fast Still heavy Sold By List Price Price HP $649.99 $649.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our HP Laptop 17 (2022) Review

Microsoft Surface Pro 8 Best 2-in-1 Tablet for Note-Taking 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It Most 2-in-1 portables—PCs that give you a choice of working in laptop or tablet mode—are convertibles with pivoting but permanently attached keyboards. Microsoft's Surface Pro 8 is the top Windows detachable, a 13-inch tablet that jettisons its folding keyboard cover for times when you only want to carry the 1.96-pound slate and a stylus pen for jotting notes or dashing off a drawing. It's expensive, especially since Microsoft sells the keyboard and pen as extra-cost accessories rather than standard equipment, but it's a full-fledged, high-performance alternative to a conventional clamshell. A well-designed kickstand and the snap-on keyboard give you full laptop functionality, though like all detachables, it's a bit wobbly perched in your lap as opposed to placed on a desk or table. Who It's For Like Apple's iPad but with an even better software library (the full universe of Windows apps), the Surface Pro 8 is a clever handheld computer that makes a paper pad or notebook look primitive. If you can afford a well-equipped Core i5 or Core i7 model, it'll serve you well with unbeatable tablet/laptop versatility for in-class note-taking, out-of-class video watching, and lots else around campus. PROS Modern design with thin bezels and larger (13-inch) display

Modern design with thin bezels and larger (13-inch) display Superior 1080p webcam

Superior 1080p webcam Two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support

Two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support Well-implemented kickstand

Well-implemented kickstand User-accessible SSD

User-accessible SSD Perky performance in tested Core i7 configuration CONS Higher starting price diminishes entry-level appeal

Higher starting price diminishes entry-level appeal Accessories and configuration upgrades are pricey

Accessories and configuration upgrades are pricey Keyboard base still sold separately

Keyboard base still sold separately USB-C ports only Sold By List Price Price Amazon $797.00 $797.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Microsoft Store $899.99 $899.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Best Buy $1,099.99 $799.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Microsoft Surface Pro 8 Review

Acer Chromebook Spin 714 Best Chromebook for College 4.5 Outstanding Why We Picked It If your course load lets you get by with Google Docs or use the web or Android versions of Word and Excel, then there's plenty to love about Chromebooks—including a price that lets you save some cash for important things, like textbooks or pizza. The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is not only the best ChromeOS-powered laptop we've reviewed, it's also one of the best 2-in-1 laptops around, competing with the best Windows convertible systems, with a new 16:10 aspect ratio touch screen, support for an included pen, and sturdy-yet-stylish aluminum construction. The hybrid Chromebook is made for zippy performance with an Intel Core i5 CPU and a relatively large SSD, and includes handy ports, like Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI output. Who It's For If ChromeOS meets your student's needs (and your school's software requirements), then the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is pretty much the perfect campus companion. With almost 13 hours of battery life, a 2-in-1 design with a stylus, and an expanding collection of apps and capabilities, this Chromebook is a great choice for freshman and grad students alike. PROS Roomy 14-inch, 16:10 display

Roomy 14-inch, 16:10 display Durable all-metal chassis

Durable all-metal chassis 1080p webcam with physical cover

1080p webcam with physical cover Garaged pen included CONS Latest model drops the microSD card reader

Latest model drops the microSD card reader Still a bit heavy Sold By List Price Price Amazon $689.99 $689.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Best Buy $729.00 $729.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Walmart $919.99 $919.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Acer Chromebook Spin 714 Review

Buying Guide: The Best Laptops for College Students in 2022

How do you narrow down the list above, let alone other laptops not mentioned here, to find the right one to be your college colleague? Some of the questions to ask apply to all laptop shoppers, whether families with kids or corporate executives; others are specific to higher education. Let's run down what you need to know.

Check With the School: Do College Students Get Laptop Discounts?

The first, and most important, thing to do is check with your school for specific system requirements and negotiated discounts. They may have hard-and-fast hardware recommendations available at special prices from vendors. (Or not.)

Some colleges and universities want their students equipped with Windows-based laptops, to cut down on software incompatibility issues or to keep technical support concentrated on one platform. Others don't care which operating system you use, whether it's Windows, macOS, or even Linux if you're a hardcore type. Some institutions have onsite computer repair centers that service only laptops purchased from the university or an affiliated computer store on campus. Using one of these facilities, the turn-around time will be much quicker than if you were to send it overnight to the original manufacturer.

Most schools do offer price breaks for particular vendors and include extensive software bundles, which can shave off a good amount from your laptop purchase. So you might want to look into the campus store as a first shopping destination, before you hit your local superstore or favorite online seller.

How Heavy Should a College Laptop Be?

Not every student will agree, but depending on how far you'll haul it every day, a big-screen notebook may not be such a good idea.

It's nice to have a mini home theater in your dorm room or play the latest games in big-screen glory, but a 5-pound-plus laptop with a 15-inch or 17-inch screen will be a chore to haul across campus while you're running from class to class. You're better off with something that's light: If screen size matters less to you than convenience, a super-thin ultraportable might be the way to go.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

For most people, a 13- or 14-inch widescreen panel is ideal, as it will make room for other items in your backpack and minimize the weight burden. Depending on your tolerance level, a smaller display works as long as you understand that full web pages and productivity applications will involve more scrolling, and fonts will appear smaller than they do on larger screens, assuming the same resolution and zoom level.

Essays, research papers, and chatting online with your classmates will take up most of your computing time, so a full-size keyboard and a comfortable touchpad are crucial. Also know: When you venture smaller than a 13-inch-class laptop, you run the risk of not getting the same typing experience. The easiest way to ensure that you have the best keyboard is to stop by a brick-and-mortar store and spend some time typing on prospective choices of different size classes.

If you do decide to buy a smaller, less expensive laptop, it's probably worth investing in a standalone keyboard you can keep at home or in the dorm for when you need to do a lot of typing. A desktop monitor you attach via HDMI could be a nice complement, too.

What Processor to Get in a College Laptop?

Laptops offer a wide selection of processors across both budgets and usage cases—you can choose one that maximizes performance, or one that favors battery life. Or you can select one that plays to both strengths: Intel's Core CPUs confer the benefits of both power and battery efficiency. AMD's Ryzen mobile chips are less common but have also emerged as viable picks for ultraportable laptops.

If you desire all-day battery life, and spend almost all of your time in a web browser, you might want to consider going with a Chromebook. These typically run on low-powered processors (Intel Celeron and Pentium chips, in most cases), but these CPUs suffice for the kinds of workaday online tasks that Chromebooks excel at. (More about Chromebooks in a bit, below.) If performance, on the other hand, ranks high on the list, a Mac with an Apple M1 or M2 chip, or a Windows laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, gives you the most oomph. (If you want to dig deeper, our guide to laptop processors gets into lots more detail on understanding CPUs for laptops.)

(Credit: Molly Flores)

If you like playing games in your downtime, you might want to splurge on a more expensive gaming laptop. Most general-purpose machines, especially at under-$800 prices, won't have the kind of discrete graphics chip (GPU) necessary to make the hottest AAA game titles look good and play smoothly. But if you hunt around a little, you can find gaming laptops these days starting at around $700 tp $800 with a decent Nvidia GeForce GTX or (less commonly) AMD Radeon RX GPU for playing games at 1080p and moderate or better settings. (See our guide to the best cheap gaming laptops for lots more about budget GPUs, and about how to buy just enough gaming machine for your needs.) A powerful GPU can also help in certain high-end and scientific applications that can benefit from GPU acceleration, but, like a high-powered processor, they also feast on the battery.

The good news is that, in most other cases (unless, say, you're an architecture major with a heavy reliance on CAD software), integrated graphics solutions should suffice for the day-to-day tasks you'll face. This is the graphics silicon built into the processors of most budget and midrange laptops. Today, that overwhelmingly means some form of Intel integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics, Intel UHD Graphics, Intel Iris/Iris Plus graphics, or Intel Xe Graphics. Our reviews will detail their comparative performance levels, but none is a match for even a moderate dedicated GPU. (Read more about limits of gaming on the integrated graphics processors in mainstream laptops.)

SSDs Are Tops: How Much Storage to Get in a Laptop for College?

With the increasing prevalence of cloud storage and web applications, having plentiful local storage space is somewhat less vital now than it used to be, but you should still make sure that your laptop meets your needs. If you plan to install a lot of programs or want to hang on to lots of large media files, you'll need 500GB of space or more. If you don't foresee needing all that local storage, or are content with leaving a lot of your work online, you can get by with a laptop with less space.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

Whichever way you go, remember that storage affects speed, too. If you go with one of the increasingly uncommon budget laptops that uses a hard drive, because you get more storage for less money, know that it will be noticeably slower than a snappy-feeling solid-state drive (SSD). The higher cost and lower capacity of a faster SSD is a trade-off that some students are willing to make, and most should. We strongly recommend SSDs for laptops that are carried around campus a lot, since the SSDs (if not the laptop itself) are impervious to drop damage. Plus, being a lot faster than hard drives, they give a laptop a much snappier perceived feel.

The good news is that by plugging an external hard drive or external SSD into one of your laptop's USB ports, you can add more space whenever you need it. Although you probably won't have to do this unless you're a video junkie or an aspiring filmmaker, it's a good option to have.

Gamers may want to take an altogether different view. With many AAA game installations topping 40GB or 50GB each, a small SSD can get eaten up fast. You'll want to think about that before you buy a machine, say, with a 256GB SSD alone, or at least be prepared to swap games on and off the drive as you tire of or complete them. You really need to insist on at least a 500GB SSD in a gaming laptop.

What Kind of Battery Life to Expect From a College Laptop?

A sizable battery can be your biggest ally on a day filled with classes and extracurricular activities. A few school-oriented laptops come with multiple battery options. Most, though, have only one—and it's not removable.

In this case, figure out where battery life ranks in the grand scheme of things. If removable batteries are an option (most of the time, they are not, alas), it might be a good idea to get a second one, or a larger "extended" one if available, at the time of purchase. The more "cells" the battery contains within a given model line, the better the battery life, all else being equal.

A big battery can mean some heft, but the weight gain is well worth it if it means leaving the system unplugged from dawn until dusk. This is where our reviews come in especially handy; we've tested every laptop that passes through our labs for battery runtime with nonstop video playback, so you can get a good idea of relative endurance between models.

Are Chromebooks Good for College?

In the past several years, we have seen a strong push by Chromebook manufacturers into the education market. Chromebooks themselves have gone from being glorified netbooks running ChromeOS to laptops that are still web-centric but have a relatively full feature set. If, like many schools, the one you're attending puts its coursework in the cloud, a Chromebook can offer you much of the functionality of a regular laptop, and it may deliver longer battery life.

It will also likely cost you a lot less than other types of notebooks. Prices for basic Chromebook models typically run between $200 and $400 (although higher-end models can go for as much as $1,000). Just be sure you have ready access to constant, stable Wi-Fi, as there is scant local storage on these systems, and you have to plan ahead to use them effectively offline.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

PC gamers, of course, won't find much use for one of these laptops; they only run ChromeOS apps and Android apps from the Google Play store. But a Chromebook can also be a good, inexpensive second laptop you carry around campus to take notes, while your beastly gaming rig (or desktop gaming PC, for that matter) hangs back at the dorm or at home. (In the market for a ChromeOS laptop? We've rounded up today's best Chromebooks.)

Are 2-in-1 Laptops Worth It for College?

In recent years, a new category of laptop has emerged. Hybrids, also known as 2-in-1s, are capable of functioning as traditional clamshell-style laptops when you need them to, but can transform into tablets when that's a more convenient form for what you're doing. Some (generally called convertibles) sport a folding design that flips the keyboard out of the way, usually by rotating all the way around its hinge. Others ("detachables") allow you to dock a tablet/screen portion of the PC with an accessory keyboard for laptop-like functionality.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

A budget 2-in-1 might be just what you need to fill a number of roles. One thing to be mindful of: If you are considering a detachable 2-in-1 design, make sure the keyboard base is included in the price. In some cases, it is; in others, it is an added-cost accessory that will bump up the price, sometimes by more than you'd expect. (See how we test laptops.)

How Long a Warranty to Get in a College Laptop?

Almost every laptop you might buy today is backed by at least a one-year warranty on parts and labor. Extended warranties are also available, but whether they're worth it depends on who you are as a user.

For starters, know that the standard warranty doesn't cover accidents that stem from a spilled drink or a drop on concrete. Most manufacturers sell accident coverage as a separate plan, on top of extended warranties that supplement the standard one, so you might end up spending close to $300 for three years of coverage. Apple offers a maximum extended warranty of three years, while some makers of Windows laptops will offer up to four years.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

In our opinion, if the warranty costs more than 15% of the total laptop price, you're better off spending the money on backup drives or services that minimize downtime in case something does go awry. Of course, you can't put a price on peace of mind. In rare instances, the logic board or the display—the most expensive pieces of a laptop—can fail and cost you in repairs half or more of what the laptop is worth. Faulty inner components (excepting the battery) usually break down during the first year, though; anything after that is probably more about regular wear and tear.

This again, though, is a case where the college itself may be an X-factor. Some schools have special arrangements with specific vendors for onsite service of their laptops, so it could pay, once again, to check with the college's bookstore or computer store to see if any such special circumstances apply. It's possible, say, that you could get parts and repairs for your Lenovo ThinkPad done overnight.

So, What Are the Best Laptops for College Students?

As in so many things...it depends. True, there are ever more choices on the market today, and slogging through them can be daunting. No worries, though: We did the work for you.

Scroll or swipe down for detailed specs on the hottest laptops to grace the dorm room, college classroom, and campus quad for this school year. And if you or the person you're shopping for is closer to graduation than freshman year, you should check out our guide to the best laptop for each type of graduate, which offers better choices for career-specific options. For more general factors to look for when shopping, check out our overall top laptop picks, as well as our favorite budget notebooks.

The Best Business Laptops for 2022

Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test. (Opens in a new window)

Take a look at some of the best options available, and then read on to learn the fine points of everything from IT management and deployment to secure logins and durable chassis and keyboards. Business laptops work harder than civilian consumer models (and usually cost more), but your business deserves nothing less. These are the best business laptops we've tested for 2022.

Choosing the best laptop for a team is a formidable decision for any business. You need something that's durable, secure, powerful, light, and capable of lasting through a long workday—and you have countless options. We've scanned our recent business laptop reviews and winnowed down our favorite models for getting work done, but as we'll explain in detail after the following picks, selecting from even this subset requires care. Not every laptop matches how you or your employees work, or what you do.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (2022) Best Business Laptop Overall 5.0 Exemplary Why We Picked It The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon has always been one of the best business laptops around, and was built from the ground up to be a top-notch ultraportable. When we looked at last year's model, we could scarcely think of ways it could improve, but Lenovo has managed to do just that by adding an OLED display option, a 12th Generation Intel processor, a rich collection of ports that include USB-A and HDMI alongside Thunderbolt 4, a best-in-class keyboard, and even MIL-STD 810H construction—all of this while shaving off enough weight to make it one of the lightest ultraportables around. Built for business, it's an easy choice for our favorite business laptop, outshining even competing systems from Dell and Apple. And if our five-star rating didn't already say it, we'll spell it out here: This isn't just the finest business laptop we've seen, it's the world's best laptop. Who It's For The ThinkPad X1 Carbon has always been the traveler's business laptop. If you want the best business ultraportable on the planet, this is the undeniable choice, somehow improving on what was already the best lightweight business machine on the market. PROS Sleek, sturdy, and ultralight

Sleek, sturdy, and ultralight USB-A and HDMI as well as Thunderbolt 4 ports

USB-A and HDMI as well as Thunderbolt 4 ports Unbeatable keyboard

Unbeatable keyboard Top-quality screen choices including OLED and 4K

Top-quality screen choices including OLED and 4K Solid productivity performance and battery life CONS Business-class price

Business-class price No SD or microSD card slot

No SD or microSD card slot 5G option not yet available Sold By List Price Price Lenovo $1,499.40 $1,499.40 See It (Opens in a new window) Amazon $1,439.50 $1,439.50 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (2022) Review

Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch (2022, M2) Best MacBook for Business 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It Apple's latest 13-inch MacBook Pro looks pretty much like the same aluminum slab introduced in 2016—its 2,560-by-1,600-pixel Retina display can't match the resolution of many newer models' screens, and it's odd to see the mostly maligned Touch Bar still hanging around above the keyboard after its quiet removal from other MacBooks. But under the hood, the new M2 processor gives this three-pounder performance that tops the older Apple M1 and most Intel CPUs, and the Pro's battery life is amazing—nearly 22 hours in our tests, with few Windows laptops even in the same ballpark. Who It's For Graphic designers and content creation professionals will lean toward the larger 16-inch MacBook Pro (available with the M1 Max processor, which is more than a match for the first M2), but businesspeople who want macOS in a trim, tidy package will be happy with the 13. PROS Performance tops M1 predecessor and Intel competitors

Performance tops M1 predecessor and Intel competitors Tried-and-true design

Tried-and-true design Fantastic 22-hour battery life CONS Dated physical design

Dated physical design Lackluster 720p webcam and 2,560-by-1,600-pixel display

Lackluster 720p webcam and 2,560-by-1,600-pixel display Supports just one external display

Supports just one external display Touch Bar has its proponents, but feels like a design throwback Sold By List Price Price Amazon $1,299.00 $1,099.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Best Buy $1,299.00 $1,149.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch (2022, M2) Review

Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 4 Best Workstation Laptop 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It The ThinkPad P1 Gen 4 isn't Lenovo's flagship mobile workstation—it's not quite as powerful and expandable as the ThinkPad P15. It's no weakling, however, with plenty of CPU and GPU power including a choice of Intel's Core i7, Core i9, and Xeon processors and both Nvidia's GeForce and professional RTX A-series graphics options. Its 16-inch IPS screen is exceptionally bright and colorful, with razor-sharp 3,840-by-2,400 resolution available. And as a ThinkPad, it packs everything from MIL-STD 810G sturdy construction to the famous TrackPoint pointer (an alternative to its responsive touchpad). All this in a chassis that's thinner and easier to carry (at 4 versus 6.3 pounds) than the P15 makes it a winner. Who It's For Its seven-hour battery life isn't fabulous, but the ThinkPad P1 is a first-rate mix of portability and power for design, 3D rendering, engineering, or scientific apps. Unless you crave ultimate muscle (in which case you might as well get a bulky, heavy 17.3-inch workstation), the P1 is an A-1 pick. PROS Trim, light design

Trim, light design Ample CPU and GPU power

Ample CPU and GPU power Extra-bright, high-res touch screen

Extra-bright, high-res touch screen Snappy keyboard

Snappy keyboard Full complement of ports CONS Expensive

Expensive No OLED screen option Sold By List Price Price Amazon $2,569.00 $2,099.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 4 Review

Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Best Ultraportable Business Laptop 4.5 Outstanding Why We Picked It The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 is one of many ultraportable business laptops, but this AMD-powered system stands out from the pack, thanks to its mix of premium design and superb performance. From the first look, you'll know this isn't your father's ThinkPad: Instead of basic black, the lid is covered in recycled vegan leather, and the metal frame of the chassis is accented with polished, bronze-colored aluminum. With a fantastic keyboard, a reimagined TrackPoint and a spacious glass-surfaced touchpad, there is so much tactile luxury at your fingertips that you'll love to sit down to work. And this slim machine can work, with AMD Ryzen processing and graphics providing some of the best performance in the category, backed with a battery that lasts all day. Who It's For Any business user that values mobility will want a great ultraportable, but the premium price of the ThinkPad Z13 makes it a bit more exclusive than most. If you want style and sustainable thinking to be part of your daily driver, then the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 is the business ultraportable for you. PROS Posh, polished design

Posh, polished design Eco-conscious materials and packaging

Eco-conscious materials and packaging Great Ryzen-powered performance and graphics

Great Ryzen-powered performance and graphics Impressive battery life

Impressive battery life Excellent keyboard with re-imagined TrackPoint CONS Only two USB-C ports

Only two USB-C ports Full HD resolution falls short of higher-res competitors Sold By List Price Price Lenovo $1,709.40 $1,709.40 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Review

HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook The Best Chromebook for Business 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook is a powerful and flexible laptop that makes a strong case for ChromeOS in the workplace. It features a haptic touchpad, a built-in fingerprint reader, a magnetic pen, and a beautiful 3:2 touch screen. The laptop is powered by an Intel Core i5-1245U processor and comes with 256GB of solid-state storage. It also features Intel's vPro IT management and security, a standard in business laptops. Additionally, the Elite Dragonfly Chromebook is a 2-in-1 laptop, which means it can be used as a laptop or a tablet. It also supports Android apps and comes with HP's QuickDrop smartphone file transfer software, making it a highly versatile productivity machine. Who It's For If your daily work already relies on Google's productivity suite and a handful of Android apps, then this is a no-brainer for your next office machine. But even the Windows faithful may want to give it a second look, as the collected features and functionality are superb, and IT managers might just thank you for making the switch. PROS Thin and light

Thin and light Beautiful 3:2 aspect ratio touch screen

Beautiful 3:2 aspect ratio touch screen Snappy backlit keyboard with haptic touchpad

Snappy backlit keyboard with haptic touchpad Great performance, connectivity, webcam, and sound

Great performance, connectivity, webcam, and sound Fingerprint reader and magnetic pen CONS High price only makes sense for business use

High price only makes sense for business use Windows users will have to learn new keyboard shortcuts Sold By List Price Price HP $1149.00 - Get 20% off with code CHROME20 $1149.00 - Get 20% off with code CHROME20 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook Review

Dell Latitude 9330 2-in-1 Best 2-in-1 Convertible for Business 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It The Dell Latitude 9330 2-in-1 is a compact and versatile business convertible laptop with helpful features such as a smart 1080p webcam and touchpad with Zoom shortcuts. It delivers speedy performance and is available with either 4G or 5G mobile broadband, so you can stay connected even when you're away from the office. The ultraportable design makes it great for frequent fliers, and the convertible 2-in-1 functions are helpful whether you're working from home or regularly commuting to the office. Who It's For The Latitude 9330 2-in-1 is aimed at frequent fliers and flex workers who need a versatile laptop for videoconferencing and remote work. We wish it had more ports and screen options, but this flexible system is a winning convertible laptop for remote-working enterprises. PROS Light and compact

Light and compact Available 4G or 5G mobile broadband

Available 4G or 5G mobile broadband Smart 1080p webcam

Smart 1080p webcam Touchpad with Zoom shortcuts CONS No HDMI, USB-A ports, or SD card slot

No HDMI, USB-A ports, or SD card slot No 4K or OLED screen option

No 4K or OLED screen option C-suite price Sold By List Price Price Dell $1,969.00 $1,969.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Dell Latitude 9330 2-in-1 Review

Dell Latitude 5430 Rugged Best Rugged Laptop 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It Like Panasonic's Toughbooks, Dell's Latitude Rugged laptops are available in both fully rugged and semi-rugged flavors—able to survive drops of six versus three feet, among other differences. The Latitude 5430 is a semi-rugged model, so it's probably more suited for field workers and first responders than actual combat troops, but it's still plenty tough. This 14-inch workhorse is much lighter and easier to carry than many rugged notebooks (4.35 pounds), but its MIL-STD 810H and IP53 credentials reassure you that it won't break down when subjected to outdoor or factory-floor abuse. Who It's For The Latitude 5430's touch-screen display, connectivity and I/O ports, and customization and security options are all above average. It's not actually bulletproof and won't work underwater, but it's more than able to keep you productive and in touch when things get rough. PROS Extremely lightweight for a rugged laptop

Extremely lightweight for a rugged laptop Excellent touch-screen display

Excellent touch-screen display Lots of I/O ports

Lots of I/O ports Many customization and security options CONS Expensive

Expensive Semi-rugged, not fully rugged Sold By List Price Price Dell $1,709.00 $1,709.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Dell Latitude 5430 Rugged Review

HP ZBook Firefly 15 G8 Best Budget Workstation Laptop 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It Officially, the economy model for engineering students and other budget-conscious customers of HP's mobile workstation family is the ZBook Power, but the ZBook Firefly 15 G8's light weight (3.74 pounds), impressive battery life, spiffy 4K screen, and 5G broadband connectivity make it our top pick. As you'd expect, its processor and graphics options stop short of the heavyweight ZBook Fury's—its top CPU has only four instead of six or eight cores—but it can tackle all kinds of jobs, with all the independent software vendor (ISV) certifications for specialized apps of its bigger brothers. Who It's For We admit the ZBook Firefly isn't the lowest-priced mobile workstation available, but it strikes a swell balance of affordability, portability, and power for 2D and mild 3D design and other professional and creative needs. PROS Sharp 4K screen

Sharp 4K screen Thin and light design

Thin and light design Impressive battery life

Impressive battery life ISV certifications

ISV certifications Top-notch input devices and speakers

Top-notch input devices and speakers Available with 5G WWAN CONS A bit expensive for the performance level

A bit expensive for the performance level Tops out with a quad-core processor Sold By List Price Price HP $2,290.00 $1,374.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Amazon $2,059.00 $2,059.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Walmart $1,479.00 $1,413.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our HP ZBook Firefly 15 G8 Review

HP ZBook Studio G8 Best Business Laptop with Nvidia RTX Graphics 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It Is it a mobile workstation? Is it a digital content creator's laptop? Is it a gaming machine? Yes! The ZBook Studio G8 is the chameleon in HP's workstation lineup, available with your choice of an Nvidia professional GPU (one of the RTX A-series formerly known as Quadro) or Nvidia GeForce gaming graphics. (If you're wondering which side of the fence it tilts toward, it has an RGB-rainbow-backlit keyboard like deluxe gaming rigs.) At 3.96 pounds, the Studio is barely heavier than the ZBook Firefly but offers more powerful configurations, including a spectacular 4K OLED touch screen and the arguably even more spectacular 4K DreamColor non-touch panel we loved on the flagship ZBook Fury 15. Who It's For Its maximum 32GB of memory and 2TB of storage, though plenty for most professionals, are a little light by serious workstation standards, but the ZBook Studio G8 is a sensational pick as a creative desktop replacement for graphic design and photo and video editing and streaming. And if you want to play the latest games after 5 we won't stop you. PROS Gorgeous 4K touch screen

Gorgeous 4K touch screen Sizzling Core i9 and RTX 3070 performance

Sizzling Core i9 and RTX 3070 performance Choice of Nvidia professional or gaming GPUs

Choice of Nvidia professional or gaming GPUs Colorful RGB keyboard

Colorful RGB keyboard Above-average audio

Above-average audio Only 4 pounds CONS Expensive

Expensive Relatively low RAM and storage ceilings for a workstation

Relatively low RAM and storage ceilings for a workstation Mini DisplayPort or HDMI, not both

Mini DisplayPort or HDMI, not both Wi-Fi 6, not 6E Sold By List Price Price HP $2,521.80 $2,521.80 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our HP ZBook Studio G8 Review

Lenovo ThinkBook 14s Yoga Gen 2 Best Small/Medium Business Laptop 3.5 Good Why We Picked It Lenovo's ThinkBook laptops are a great affordable option for small businesses, and the Yoga 2-in-1 design has been the best version of the laptop/tablet hybrid for years. With the Lenovo ThinkBook 14s Yoga Gen 2, you get all of that business-ready capability in a budget-friendly model that's perfect for entrepreneurs or small businesses operating on a shoestring. The result isn't a standout in design or performance, but it's a solid value for a flexible workhorse business 2-in-1. With prices starting at $1,000, you shouldn't expect niceties like OLED screens or best-of-breed networking, but Lenovo still delivers plenty of bang for the buck. Inside are an Intel 12th Generation Core i5 processor, an included stylus and note-taking app, and a generous port selection. The design isn't the sleekest on the market, but the aluminum construction is sturdy and durable. A brighter display or better keyboard might be nice, but you can't deny the great value. Who It's For Costly competitors offer better business machines, but if you're a solo entrepreneur or small business on a budget, the Lenovo ThinkBook 14s Yoga is a capable performer that gets our recommendation for its attractive price. PROS Affordable price

Affordable price Good array of ports

Good array of ports Stylus pen included CONS Dim display with no OLED option

Dim display with no OLED option Tepid performance for a Core i7

Tepid performance for a Core i7 Wi-Fi 6, not 6E Sold By List Price Price Lenovo $868.00 $868.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Lenovo ThinkBook 14s Yoga Gen 2 Review

Microsoft Surface Pro 8 Best Detachable Windows Tablet 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It Most 2-in-1 laptop/tablet combos are convertibles whose keyboards fold behind their screens. The 13-inch Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is the king of detachables, genuine tablets that jettison their keyboards altogether for handheld convenience (just 1.96 pounds) yet have all the power of full-fledged laptops. Once you get past its glaring flaw—a premium price, made super-premium by Microsoft's charging extra for the keyboard cover and stylus pen—the Surface Pro 8 is a genuine laptop alternative that excels at sketching and annotating, with a handy kickstand, great 1080p webcam, and impressive performance and battery life. Who It's For The Pro's Type Cover and kickstand are both as good as detachable accessories get, but the device is still happier on a desk than in your lap in laptop mode. Otherwise, its best-in-class design and build quality make the Surface Pro 8 (and the Surface Pro 8 for Business with LTE mobile broadband support) the definitive Windows tablet. PROS Modern design with thin bezels and larger (13-inch) display

Modern design with thin bezels and larger (13-inch) display Superior 1080p webcam

Superior 1080p webcam Two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support

Two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support Well-implemented kickstand

Well-implemented kickstand User-accessible SSD

User-accessible SSD Perky performance in tested Core i7 configuration CONS Higher starting price diminishes entry-level appeal

Higher starting price diminishes entry-level appeal Accessories and configuration upgrades are pricey

Accessories and configuration upgrades are pricey Keyboard base still sold separately

Keyboard base still sold separately USB-C ports only Sold By List Price Price Amazon $797.00 $797.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Microsoft Store $899.99 $899.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Best Buy $1,099.99 $799.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Microsoft Surface Pro 8 Review

Dell Latitude 7420 Best Laptop for Enterprise Fleets 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It Does your company buy laptops by the hundred or thousand instead of a few at a time? Well, your next enterprise deployment won't be any smoother than the Dell Latitude 7420, a 14-inch corporate champion available in both standard clamshell laptop and 2-in-1 convertible form. It's a better buy than the company's flagship Latitude 9000 series, combining excellent performance, long battery life, and near-endless configurability with options ranging from Intel vPro processors to LTE mobile broadband for keeping in touch when away from Wi-Fi hotspots. Who It's For Even if you opt for the carbon fiber rather than aluminum version, the Latitude 7420 is slightly heavier than Lenovo's legendary ThinkPad X1 Carbon, but it's a fleet (in both senses of the word) notebook with more "have it your way" choices than Burger King. Corporate IT managers will be delighted. PROS Excellent performance from 11th Generation Intel Core i7

Excellent performance from 11th Generation Intel Core i7 Long battery life

Long battery life Eminently configurable

Eminently configurable Corporate chic styling with aluminum or carbon fiber

Corporate chic styling with aluminum or carbon fiber Optional LTE

Optional LTE Three-year warranty CONS Expensive as configured

Expensive as configured Heavier and pricier than Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

Heavier and pricier than Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Occasional fan noise Sold By List Price Price Dell $889.00 $889.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Dell Latitude 7420 Review

Buying Guide: The Best Business Laptops for 2022

Every laptop benefits from a speedy CPU, bright screen, comfortable keyboard, and long battery life. But the makers of business models add features to meet specific office needs such as secure logins (via biometric fingerprint readers or facial recognition or SmartCard IDs) and sturdy designs that have passed MIL-STD 810G or the even more severe 810H tests against road hazards like shock and vibration. (First responders and field workers may require even tougher rugged laptops.)

IT departments appreciate fleet deployment and remote manageability functions like those offered by laptops with Intel vPro processors and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) support for secure access. Enterprises also prefer Windows 11 Pro over the consumer-oriented Windows 11 Home (or sometimes a business-focused Linux distribution) and look for laptops with less bloatware or fewer extraneous bundled programs. With so many thin black and silver notebooks on the market, business machines tend to look samey, but the differences that matter most to office users tend to be below the surface, inside the chassis.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

The line between tablets and laptops is also blurring in the business-machine world. Once the two were separated by operating systems, but there are now several tablets aimed at businesses that run true versions of Windows. Some of these tablets even have physical, detachable keyboards.

But make no mistake, in the business sphere, conventional clamshell-style laptops still rule, and choosing the right one can determine whether you run a company that's successful or one that suffers from too much downtime. Let's walk through essential business-laptop features, the components you'll need, and—also important—how to distinguish between a business laptop and a consumer one.

Evaluating Processing Muscle and Memory

Today, processors with four or more cores are widely available to handle both everyday email checking and more strenuous business applications. Many business laptops use Intel's latest 11th Generation "Tiger Lake" processors, and 12th Generation "Alder Lake" processors are just hitting the market, though models with the previous 10th Generation "Ice Lake" and "Comet Lake" chips remain widely available and are plenty capable for mainstream productivity tasks. Truly demanding workflows will need hexa-core units like the latest top-end Core i7 and Core i9 CPUs. You can even find eight-core Core i9 chips, previously limited to desktops, in some larger workstation-grade machines meant for designers, engineers, and serious data crunchers. AMD-based laptops, employing the Ryzen Pro series of CPUs, remain uncommon but have started to infiltrate some classic business-laptop lines, such as Lenovo's ThinkPad.

At the other end of the spectrum are power-saving processors such as Intel's Y-series Core (now phasing out of laptops in the market) and Pentium and Celeron chips in tablets and ultraportable laptops. These ultra-low-wattage processors are often marketed alongside higher-performance chips; look for the "Y" in the chip name (if it's a Core chip) to tell the difference. Really, though, Core Y, Celeron, and Pentium CPUs may prove a bit underpowered for everyday productivity work if you tend to multitask, with lots of programs open at once.

Mainstream business laptops employ Intel's Core i3, i5, and i7 U-Series processors, and these will end in either a "U" or with a "G3," "G4," or "G7," indicating the relative strength of the on-chip graphics. (Intel's naming style of U-series chips has flip-flopped over the last few generations.) Getting into laptop-processor specifics can get you pretty deep in the weeds, but for a good overview that doesn't overwhelm, check out our guide to choosing a laptop CPU that fits what you do.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

A few business laptops you'll see will sport Intel Xeon processors, or the option for them. These are mobile workstations, and they're designed to run specialized software in fields such as financial modeling, engineering, and graphic design that require the ultimate in both power and constant-grinding reliability. They're typically more expensive—and have far shorter battery life—than mainstream business laptops powered by Intel's Core CPUs. Only choose one of these if you need to run a specialized app that requires that kind of specific CPU support. Otherwise, an Intel Core i7 or Core i9 will offer similar performance, and typically lower prices and better battery life.

Also, look for absolutely no less than 8GB of RAM if shopping for a PC for a rank-and-file worker, but go for 16GB if at all possible. (Graphic artists and spreadsheet ninjas should aim for 16GB as their absolute minimum.) The right amount of memory allows you to keep more programs, windows, and browser tabs open at once, as well as perform multimedia processes (such as editing photos) faster.

Go Solid State, If You Can: Laptop SSDs

With businesses using video, multimedia PowerPoint slides, and multi-megapixel photos in staff meetings virtual and in-person, opting for a spacious drive is a good idea. If you're going to go with a traditional platter drive, a 1TB hard drive is a good balance between economy and space.

That said, we're huge fans of solid-state boot drives, and almost all business laptops have moved over to them at this point. While pricier and more meager in their storage capacities, solid-state drives (SSDs) don't have any spinning parts and are therefore better suited to take a licking on the road. SSD-equipped systems also boot and launch apps more quickly. If you'll travel or commute much with your laptop and don't need maximal storage capacity, an SSD is the right choice. SSDs tend to be pricier than hard drives, which means that you'll likely be looking at 256GB or 512GB capacities to maximize your budget.

(Credit: Kyle Cobian)

Optical drives have all but disappeared on business laptops. If you need to retrieve older files or records stored on CDs or DVDs, an external drive can help; that's a smarter move than buying a bulky laptop equipped with an optical drive if you know you're not quite done shuffling discs yet.

The Graphics Card in Your Laptop: Integrated vs. Dedicated

Most business PCs come with integrated graphics chips, which are a lightweight graphics-acceleration solution that's part of the main CPU. These integrated GPUs are usually fine for business laptops, since you won't be playing 3D games on a computer meant for work. (Right?) Most professionals who require discrete graphics will use them for specialized tasks such as GPU acceleration in Photoshop, high-definition video creation in Adobe Premiere Pro, or 3D graphics visualization in architectural drawings and CAD software. Mobile-workstation-class laptops will usually come with some sort of discrete graphics, either for their 3D capabilities or to drive multiple monitors.

When evaluating graphics solutions, it's easy to tell what tier of business laptop you're looking at. Integrated graphics silicon is usually dubbed "Intel HD Graphics," "Intel UHD Graphics," "Iris Plus," or "Iris Xe" and indicates a mainstream business machine. (Iris Xe indicates the most up-to-date silicon inside; Radeon Graphics is what you get in the rare AMD Ryzen Pro-based business machines.) In contrast to integrated solutions, the most common dedicated graphics chips in laptops, as a whole, are from Nvidia's GeForce line, but they are not usual fare in business machines. GeForce GTX or RTX chips tend to be reserved for higher-end consumer or gaming systems, though some business machines will include one of Nvidia's lesser GeForce MX chips to give graphics a little boost. A higher-end workstation machine will tend to use dedicated graphics chips from Nvidia's RTX A series (formerly known as Quadro) or (rarely) AMD's Radeon Pro line.

(Credit: Kyle Cobian)

As for the display panel, LCD screens with 1,366-by-768-pixel resolution are still available if you're trying to save some money on your laptop, but avoid them. Your eyes will thank you for upgrading to at least a 1,920-by-1,080-pixel display that makes use of in-plane switching (IPS) technology. This combination will ensure that you have plenty of space for displaying many columns of numbers in Excel or arranging many windows on the screen at once, and that your coworkers will be able to see them from any angle while clustering around your desk.

For graphics or scientific work, a 3K or 4K display provides more real estate still, as well as sharper text and more detailed visuals. Though these are still fairly uncommon fixtures on business laptops, they're emerging at least as options in some isolated models, and worth the money if your job will make use of extra pixels. Just know that, all else being equal, a high-resolution screen will drain battery life more rapidly than a lower-res one of the same base technology.

Stay Connected: Wired and Wireless Options

A strong wireless-connectivity loadout is essential in any business machine these days. Offices, airports, and client sites demand wireless connectivity for access to real-time email, messaging clients, and cloud services. Few businesspeople work fully local anymore.

Every laptop these days has some flavor of Wi-Fi built in. It should get you satisfactory throughput, but you have to find a hotspot or an unprotected network to surf the web. Look for dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) Wi-Fi for the best flexibility for your IT organization. The most common kind nowadays, 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), runs primarily on 5GHz networks, but it will work with 2.4GHz networks as a fallback. Offices in high-density buildings may wish to use the less-populated 5GHz bands, as the 2.4GHz channels tend to get more crowded. Some budget business laptops still sport older 802.11ac Wi-Fi; these may offer less reliable connections but are still adequate for most small and medium businesses.

Don't discount good old Ethernet entirely: You'll still need it for crowded conferences where the Wi-Fi is saturated. So, if your laptop is too thin to house an Ethernet jack, a USB-to-Ethernet adapter is a worthwhile investment. (One might come in the box.)

(Credit: Molly Flores)

These difficulties are, in part, why some business laptops have built-in mobile-broadband wireless modems as options. They work in tandem with available cellular networks to bring broadband speeds to your laptop wherever there's a cellular signal available. You can configure many business laptops with one of these modems integrated for a nominal fee; this option is one of the key distinguishing features of business laptops.

Mobile data plans to use with the laptop, on the other hand, don't come cheap. Depending on whether or not you have an existing plan, rates can run as high as $60 to $80 per month. A 4G LTE or 5G wireless connection will give you transfer speeds rivaling what you get from a Wi-Fi connection, and they're available from the top cellular networks with the most coverage, notably AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Mobile hotspots and smartphone tethering are also available in case you don't want to buy internal modems for all your employees; they're a quick fix if you only need mobile internet part-time.

Keep Running: How to Get the Best Laptop Battery Life

A big battery can be your best friend on a lengthy flight or a long commute. Business laptops usually come with multiple battery options. Some enterprise-class laptops have two or three different kinds of batteries (four-, six-, and nine-cell options). More cells means longer battery life, all else being equal. The "equal" is the tricky part; this isn't always the case with laptops that use 4K displays or other power-hungry components. A big battery adds some heft, but being able to run it unplugged from dawn 'til dusk is worth the weight gain.

Most ultraportable laptops have non-removable, sealed-in-the-chassis batteries. Laptops with removable batteries do still exist, but they are increasingly uncommon, limited mostly to rugged tablets and laptops designed for extreme conditions.

If you think you'll need more battery life than a single charge can offer, look for an external battery pack rather than limiting yourself to a model with a swappable internal battery. Combined with the internal battery, these external solutions can help deliver battery life in the 19-to-24-hour range. Just be forewarned that these extra-life batteries can weigh down your system by an extra pound or more.

2-in-1 Laptops: Are They Good for Work?

Price and portability are arguably the biggest reasons why a business might consider a Windows-based tablet for work. Some tablets sell for less than $500 and can easily adapt into a corporate environment. While specialized (read: expensive) tablets have been in vertical markets, such as health care, for years, the ubiquity of the Apple iPad means that people are used to carrying a computer that doesn't have a physical keyboard or that uses a detachable, basic one.

Look for a Windows tablet if you need to run in-house or third-party apps that were originally created for PCs. True enterprise-class tablets running Windows are still evolving, but most business users expect their work computers to behave the same as their personal tablets. Apple fans will have to be content with using the iPad or iPad Pro for business, as a tablet-optimized version of macOS doesn't exist.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

Most Windows tablets are built to surf the web, run Office apps, and perform other very light computing tasks, but they are also compatible with the gamut of security applications, VPN and email clients, and countless hardware peripherals such as printers, scanners, and network-attached storage (NAS) devices. We wouldn't run an entire business on a tablet, but one can be a nice take-along unit for an offsite meeting or used as a portable alternative to your 6-pound big-screen bruiser of a workstation. Microsoft (the Surface line) and Lenovo are the key players in this market for business Windows tablets.

The Best Chromebooks for Business: Simple and Affordable

With the cloud becoming omnipresent in our computing lives at both work and home, Chromebooks are more viable options than ever for laptops devoted to work activity. These laptops are restricted to using Google's Chrome OS, which began as a souped-up version of the popular web browser. Android apps from the Google Play Store (such as the Microsoft Office suite or Adobe Photoshop Lightroom) extend Chromebooks' abilities, but they often lack features found on the Windows-based versions of the same programs. Businesses that run their core applications on the Google suite may find Chromebooks useful under certain circumstances, though, as emailing and communications stations. The latest models even have Intel vPro IT manageability and security tech built in.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

If web-based collaboration is key to your workflow, a Chromebook could be enough, and because Chromebooks don't need powerful hardware to run most web apps, they generally cost a lot less than other business laptops. Some Chromebooks designed for work do have beefier processors and more memory. Our general takeaway, though, is that under most circumstances, they tend to work better as adjunct than primary machines in most businesses.

So, What Is the Best Business Laptop to Buy?

Take some time to consider the nature of your particular job. Doing so should point you toward the ideal business laptop. Paying a little extra for more power or capabilities now will save you headaches down the road. The added value of a longer warranty (some business laptops come with three years), specialized tech support, and a more ruggedized frame (fortified by carbon fiber or magnesium alloy) are some of the extra benefits you may get with a business laptop.

If your work is graphics-intensive, you'll want to opt for a laptop with discrete graphics. When choosing a processor, you'll have to find the right balance between power for your applications and energy efficiency, and in selecting a battery, you'll need to choose between its capacity and weight. When you determine the best features for your needs, you can focus on just those laptops that incorporate them. And that's where our deep-dive reviews come in.

Our current favorite business laptops are laid out below. We refresh the list often to include the newest products, and because of the large number of laptops we review every year, not every top-rated product makes the cut. For more, also see our overall top laptop picks, and if money is tight, our roundup of the best budget laptops is worth a read.

If you're looking to fully outfit your work area, also check out our takes on the best business monitors, plus our favorite ergonomic keyboards and printers.

Top 10 Best- Selling Laptop Brands in the World

Top 10 Best-Selling Laptop Brands in the World

Laptops are essential to lead a modern life. We need to edit photos, write emails, compose documents, stay connected to our loved ones and a ton of other stuff to be finished with the help of a laptop. Life comes to a standstill mode if it stops working. This is why a well-functioning laptop is extremely important. A good laptop has the balance of power, efficiency, portability and comfort. It is a machine which is equipped with the latest technology and enables us to work faster. Also, it must come within our budget. This list of ‘best-selling laptop brands in the world in 2022’ helps you know the possible best pick for you. Keep reading!

Here is the list of top brands of laptops in the world.

HP Samsung Asus Dell Microsoft MSI Global Lenovo Acer Razer Apple

1.HP

Hewlett-Packard, usually known as HP, is one of the oldest electronics manufacturers. This top laptop manufacturer has an annual turnover of about $53 billion. Although, HP didn’t enjoy a good reputation when it came to laptops but that was its past. The most recent models have upped the bar significantly by adopting certain contemporary design trends. The latest generation of laptops is quick, strong, and simpler for users to adapt for their individual tasks and it comes under the best laptop brands under Rs 30,000

HP offers a variety of laptops, including gaming laptops, 2-in-1 convertibles, fanless laptops, basic notebooks, and high-end workstations. Their machines perform really well. They also give the finest value for the money with their high-end series, including the Spectre, Omen, and ZBook. Notably, HP share is the highest among laptop brands in India.

The whole HP Spectre and Envy range has appealing design elements and gem-cut details. Other series include Chromebooks, the Pavilion, EliteBook, Essentials, and ProBook. HP is in the top five brands for customer service options. You may get yourself some significant protection for your new laptop with choices for up to three years of complete warranty.

Pros-

HP has laptops available in every price range.

Its customer support system is efficient.

HP provides a thorough device warranty that lasts up to three years.

AMOLED panels are standard in high-end devices.

slimmest convertibles possible

HP has a 22.6 percent global laptop market share.

Cons-

except for the premium versions, it has one-dimensional design cues.

Lacks hardware’s sturdiness

2. Samsung

When it comes to smartphones, tablets, televisions, air conditioners, and refrigerators, Samsung is a household name. It’s one of the most well-known electronics companies, with service facilities all around the world. This company also produces laptops for all different sorts of budgets, making it one of the greatest laptop companies. This Korean business guarantees to provide consumers with the most recent features. The brand has gained recognition owing to its exceptional qualities on a global scale. Their computers feature a sleek, glossy design with an appealing and fashionable appearance.

High performance, fantastic battery life, and a brighter display are all qualities that Samsung’s laptops provide. Additionally, everyone who wants to buy a laptop may afford one of their computers. The company’s Galaxy Books, Notebook 9, Notebook Odyssey, and Notebook Flash are some of its greatest product lines. Moreover, the business has a number of Chromebooks in its arsenal. Some well-known laptops, such the ATIV Book 9 Pro and ATIV Book 9 Plus, have been released by the Korean company. These laptops are renowned for their excellent features and ultra-thin design.

Pros:

slim devices

reasonable set of requirements.

The video game line-up meets expectations.

Cons:

Uninspired design

a subpar battery backup

For updated devices, warranties are not covered.

3. Asus

Asus is widely renowned for making the most affordable PCs in the market. Because they manufacture their own motherboards, Asus laptops are known for being more affordable than those made by other companies. The company’s division of devices and their dependability are what make them most well-known. Even their budget-friendly laptops offer great speed, a full HD display, and a battery life of more than 4 hours, illustrating ASUS’s attention to the user’s experience.

They use premium materials in their design, even though their computers cost less than $300. They also provide the incredibly powerful ASUS ROG brand of gaming laptops, which is currently preferred by most players over MSI and Alienware models..

Pros:

Excellent screen-to-body ratio and displays.

creative design features.

accident protection programmes that are complementary with certain equipment.

For a professional gaming experience, there are designated lines.

Global market share of 5 percent

good selection of convertibles.

Cons:

Some technology is bulky.

On some devices, battery support might be a problem.

4. Dell

The current generation of ultraportable computers produced by Dell are great and powerful, especially in the Ultrabook category. If you want a PC that will last as long as possible and you need it for work or school, Dell’s PCs are a great option. Also, one of the best business laptops is the Dell Latitude 7400 2-in-1, which has a sturdy build and a long battery life.

The company’s most recent XPS models, which perform excellently, are a prime example of this. They have the latest connections, software, materials, and high-resolution screens. Dell is one of the top selling laptop brands in India.

Pros-

Innovative and ultraportable technology that is ahead of its time.

wide selection of products.

Global market share of Dell is 17 percent

Dell makes portable computers.

Each device features a respectable battery life.

Fantastic and quick customer service.

30-day policy for returns.

modern design characteristics, such as thinner bezels

Excellent ratio of screen to display.

Cons:

Some people find the simple design unappealing.

The company doesn’t provide extra gifts or accessories with the computers.

5. Microsoft Surface

Another well-known brand that made the top 10 laptop manufacturers list throughout the globe is Microsoft. In 1975, Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded the company. Microsoft employs more than 120.000 people worldwide and is one of the top companies in the computer manufacturing sector. In order to advance innovation, design, and performance, the organisation consistently makes an effort to innovate cutting-edge technologies.

Pros:

class-leading equipment

99% reliability guarantee

On some devices, the battery life is exceptional.

technical assistance for 90 days.

a decent range of ports.

Cons:

competitive pricing

Lack of manufacturing consistency

6. MSI Global

One of the top laptop manufacturers for gaming, MSI is renowned for producing the greatest high-end gaming laptops. When measured against current worldwide standards, MSI produced several respectable gaming laptops, and the products are still rather excellent and feature-rich. Most significantly, the brand suffered greatly when customers rated the tech support and customer care as being terrible. Further, the corporation hasn’t even slightly changed the design aspects, and the value for the money isn’t that fantastic. However, if there are fantastic laptop bargains available, MSI is still a solid brand to choose from.

Pros:

provides enormous computing power.

Amazing construction quality.

Global presence in the gaming community.

specialised sensors and trackers.

presence over the world in the gaming industry.

Cons:

lack of customer service available 24/7.

High price.

7. Lenovo

The most popular brand of laptops is Lenovo. This brand is crucial in producing the best laptops appropriate for all professionals that want great performance when using a laptop. The hardware and high-quality parts of Lenovo laptops are their finest features. High performance and comfort are this brand’s most crucial characteristics. Additionally, the exceptional quality and exquisite features of this laptop brand have drawn interest from all over the world.

The line of 2-in-1 laptops offered by Lenovo is well known. The finest laptop a company has ever produced is the Lenovo ThinkPad T450s. Numerous characteristics of this model include a long battery life, a sturdy build, and a spacious keyboard. Undoubtedly, Lenovo is one of the top laptop brands around the globe.

Pros:

regardless of price range, boasts incredibly robust hardware components Lenovo has a product for any budget range.

wide variety of laptops in terms of form factors and design.

Quick customer service system.

a well-connected network of easily reachable service locations.

Lenovo has Global market share of almost 25 percent.

Cons:

Bad structure and design.

Even on mid-range devices, the graphics capability is questionable.

8. Acer

The computer manufacturer Acer has global reach when it comes to clients. Acer laptops normally offer the best value for the money, and with Acer, you typically get what you pay for. The 1976-founded company, which sells laptops, has a solid 5.7 percent global market share. Without a doubt, the company provides a product for any price range. Besides, the battery life on all Acer laptops is excellent. The Acer laptops perform exceptionally well despite their inexpensive price.

Acer has been charged with oversupplying the market with Chromebooks and extremely cheap laptops. Along with the broadest range of goods conceivable, Acer also provides a first-rate customer support system, interactions over the phone, over the Internet, via email, and on social media. Acer furthermore offers customer support via a forum or community and a strong physical service network.

Pros-

wide selection of products

inexpensive devices with several uses

7 percent global laptop market share

7 percent of the worldwide laptop market.

For high-end, professional gaming, there are specific series.

Cons-

An issue is with durability.

Unsatisfactory warranty management.

inadequate client service

9. Razer

The firm, which was founded in 2005, has made it a priority to change gaming using a wide range of devices. They are renowned for the graphics and general gaming prowess of their laptops. The astronomical price tags are justified by the amazing computing capability on show.

One may browse the whole line of gaming laptops from Razer that are appropriate for both work and pleasure thanks to a special function they have developed for laptops. The newest technology is built into the laptops, which have the greatest graphics on a fantastic display. Razer doesn’t produce products for everyday usage. The company instead creates gaming laptops with various screen sizes. In addition, the business also sells tools for designers and developers.

Users may engage with a respectable and sizable support group that Razer provides. Additionally, you may communicate with their professionals via emails, phone calls, and internet channels in the event of serious problems. The brand works with its maintenance partner, Acro engineering, to handle physical servicing needs. The offered one-year guarantee covers any manufacturing flaws.

Pros:

The company makes some of the greatest laptops for gamers.

accessible technical assistance from service providers.

It is present everywhere.

insanely potent technology.

Cons:

increased price tags.

normally little storage.

10. Apple

In a list of the top 10 most popular laptop brands in the world, Apple comes in first. The luxury laptop brand is one of the top 10 best- selling laptops in India. The most extraordinary laptops on the market are manufactured by the chic laptop brand. For their superior quality and performance, Apple-branded laptops have a well-deserved reputation.

Most of the technology in Apple’s laptops has been tweaked, and the company doesn’t think its unique specs should be compromised. If you’re intending to spend a significant amount of money on laptops, Apple is a sophisticated name to consider. Though it is quite pricey, it has a lot of features. Apple MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are the elegant and attractive versions from this company.

Pros:

The baseline model delivers outstanding results.

The devices are really quick and responsive.

Excellent battery life Stunning appearance

Nearly 6% of the worldwide laptop market is dominated by Apple.

Unmatched colour reproduction is supported by Retina displays.

The speakers on MacBooks are fantastic.

Outstanding client service

enables dual boot installation of Windows for users

Cons:

Equipment isn’t designed for gaming

increased cost

No-upgrade RAM

QnAs:

Q.1 Which are the best- selling laptops in the world as per Quora?

Here are the top best-selling brands of laptops in the world.

HP Samsung Asus Dell Microsoft Surface MSI Global Lenovo Acer Razer Apple

Q.2 Which is the no.1 laptop brand in the world?

Apple is undoubtedly one of the best laptop brands that also manufactures smartphones, computers and watches etc. Apple is known for its build quality, user friendliness, design, and customer support.

Q.3 Which laptop brand sells the most?

It’s Dell. Dell has been one of the most selling laptop brands in the world for the last few years because of its high-quality products and best services.

Q.4 What are the top 10 best-selling laptops brands in India?

Samsung HP Asus Dell Apple Lenovo Microsoft MSI Acer Razer

Q.5 Which laptop brands have the highest market share in India?

With 25.1%, HP has the highest market share when it comes to laptops in India and it is followed by Lenovo which has 23% market share. Dell has 3rd place with 14% market share.

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