Top 10 best business laptops 2023 (best laptop for office use) based on our reviews.
The contemporary business landscape is rapidly evolving. With it, so is the need for computing devices that understand modern professional requirements.
Traditionally, businesses have relied on desktops that are easier to configure for the entire crew and come with inherent data security.
However, many workspaces now lean toward laptops, mindful of the constant travel needs and easy accessibility options – core to new-age business. Leading manufacturers like Apple, HP, MSI, Acer, ASUS and Lenovo now produce professional laptops for different budgets.
Table of Contents
- Our Picks: The 10 Best Business Laptops 2023
- 1. ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 Business Laptop
- 2. HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 Office Laptop
- 3. Dell Latitude 14 7420 2-in-1 Business Laptop
- 4. MSI Summit E13 Flip EVO Professional Laptop
- 5. ASUS ExpertBook B9 Thin Light Office Laptop
- 6. Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch
- 7. HP EliteBook 855 G8 Laptop
- 8. Dell Latitude 5520 Office Laptop
- 9. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 2 in 1 Business Laptop
- 10. Acer Swift 3 Cheap Business Laptop
- Selecting the Right Business Laptop: Essential Features
- Closing Note
Our Picks: The 10 Best Business Laptops 2023
From conventional clamshell laptops to tablets, from MacBooks to ThinkPads, businesses now have plenty to choose from when it comes to computing devices.
Choosing the right laptop for business is a grave decision since it affects productivity, performance, and the amount of downtime you may have to tackle.
The list below includes sensible choices for modern-day businesses, encompassing performance, security, connectivity, sustainability, and superior audio-visuals.
They also span across budgets, starting at less than $1000, so that you can pick according to the costs you have in mind for the fleet.
1. ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 Business Laptop
With a price tag of around $1500, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 business laptop is an excellent choice for the workplace.
It runs on a speedy and efficient Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, supported by up to 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD. The battery lasts for an incredible 16.7 hours, which means you need not be interrupted during an important meeting.
Display-wise, too, this device is winsome with its anti-glare FHD+ monitor (optional UHD+) that comes with Dolby Vision, reduced blue-light emissions, and a brightness of 400 nits.
Despite its power-packed performance, this ThinkPad is light and sleek at 2.49lbs and 0.59”. It provides rear ventilation and a military-grade chassis so that you can travel with it effortlessly, working for several hours when required.
From a security standpoint – an imperative for modern-day business – this device delivers splendidly. You can enjoy a veritable combination of a fingerprint reader, human-presence detection and a privacy display.
Voice/video calling is a pleasure due to Dolby Voice and a high-definition camera. Smooth internet connectivity is a given, thanks to Wi-Fi 6 and optional 4G/5G WWAN.
2. HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 Office Laptop
Combining HP’s security and knack for remaining contemporary is the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 laptop – a terrific choice for business people.
It runs on an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, 16GB RAM, a 256GB SSD, and a provision for hassle-free recovery.
It is a powerful machine ideal for demanding business tasks like working on multiple spreadsheets and running CPU-intensive applications.
This 2.2lbs laptop, infused with excellent support for internet connectivity with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi 6, is highly portable. Like many HP notebooks, this one also powers up very quickly (50% in only 30 minutes), letting you work uninterrupted.
The EliteBook x360 comes with excellent display and sound: Bang and Olufsen, specialized noise reduction, and an IPS screen with 1000 nits brightness. You can also opt for a rechargeable active pen to enhance the flexibility of use.
Security is an intrinsic feature of this device, and this works out perfectly for present-day professionals. For instance, the integrated privacy screen lets you work privately in a shared working space.
3. Dell Latitude 14 7420 2-in-1 Business Laptop
Dell has long been a reliable brand for work devices, and the $1,589.00 Dell Latitude 14 7420 2-in-1 business laptop is no exception.
This 14″ device has inbuilt AI (Dell Optimizer) and seamless connectivity for all your devices.
The built-in intelligence enables you to target your bandwidth to critical applications, log in instantly with the proximity sensor, and, on the whole, ramp up your productivity at work.
On the processing front, you get an eleventh-gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD. Dell also offers an FHD (or 4K) monitor with anti-glare and low blue-light emission.
Fine-tuning your calling experience are the enhanced speakers and background noise reduction. You can configure this 2.7-3.23lbs laptop as a 2-in-1 convertible with Corning Gorilla Glass, which is ideal for those with a travel-intensive lifestyle. You will also benefit from the fast-charging battery; it fires up to 35% in just 20 minutes.
4. MSI Summit E13 Flip EVO Professional Laptop
Stylish and powerful, the 13” MSI Summit E13 Flip EVO professional laptop is an excellent choice if you are looking for a flexible business companion.
It is a touch-based device with a smooth MSI Pen and a 180-degree hinge to allow you to share ideas/content with colleagues.
This $1,861.99 laptop is driven by an Intel core i7-1185G7 processor based on the new Intel Evo platform to let you experience faster performance.
The storage and memory are to the tune of 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD – adequate for your professional endeavors, including file transfer and wireless streaming.
Plenty of connections is a significant plus of this 2.98lbs device and come in handy in the contemporary work environment.
For instance, you have Thunderbolt 4 ports to plug into your devices/peripherals and Wi-Fi 6E for speedy internet connectivity. Thanks to the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) technology, security is not a problem even amidst intense collaboration.
5. ASUS ExpertBook B9 Thin Light Office Laptop
ASUS has some exciting offerings in the business devices space, including the 14” ASUS ExpertBook B9 thin light business laptop, priced at $1699.99.
Among the highlights of this product is an inbuilt light bar compatible with Alexa. The battery backup is spectacular: 23 hours.
It is a lightweight but durable computer at 2.2lbs, with a magnesium alloy chassis adhering to military-grade durability (MIL-STD 810G).
The strength radiates inwards; this laptop runs on an efficient Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, a 512GB SSD, and 16GB RAM.
Convenient design and comfortable user experience are second nature to this business laptop, evident from the 180-degree hinge, privacy shield, and noise-cancellation with Harman Kardon speakers.
The display follows a narrow-bezel design, while the backlit keyboard comes with a numeric keypad to simplify data entry and number crunching tasks in business.
6. Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch
Synonymous with the creative business for a long time, Apple lives up to its reputation with the Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch that delivers a mighty punch for its relatively affordable $1399 price tag.
This device smartly uses a unification of the M1 chip and macOS Big Sur to provide a seamless work environment. You can access iPhone or iPad applications directly, uplifting the overall productivity in the workspace.
This laptop has 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD (up to 2TB). One of the hallmark features of this 3lbs MacBook is its superb battery backup of up to 20 hours – almost unprecedented for Apple. The magic keyboard with Touch ID facilitates a secure, quiet, and faster typing experience.
Display-wise, things are as gorgeous as you would expect in a MacBook. The Retina display with True Tone technology and 500 nits of brightness offers perfect white balance and P3 wide color.
The three-mic array delivers studio-quality audio, while the two USB Thunderbolt 4 ports permit you to enjoy rapid data transfer and connect up to a 6K external display.
7. HP EliteBook 855 G8 Laptop
The 15.6” HP EliteBook 855 G8 laptop is a fast and efficient business laptop that harnesses the power of AMD Ryzen 5 PRO processors.
Infused with 16GB memory, a 256GB SSD, and rapid charging of 50% in half an hour, this device is perfect for business people who need to collaborate and be on the go.
This EliteBook is a stylish laptop, offering a bright display with a screen-to-body ratio of 85%.
You can opt for a 1000-nit screen that bundles up with touch and a 170-degree recline for ergonomic usage. The intrinsic AI-based audio accentuates your work experience while facilitating productivity.
HP has ensured MIL-STD 810 testing for this laptop. It weighs just 3.75lbs and has a profile thickness of 0.75”, making it straightforward to carry it along on business travels. For more security, you may choose to get the HP privacy camera with a physical shutter for data protection.
8. Dell Latitude 5520 Office Laptop
Another powerhouse from the Dell family is the 15.6″ Dell Latitude 5520 laptop – a magnificent pick for business with inbuilt AI for optimization, exceptional battery capacity, and smooth scalability.
While it comes with an eleventh-gen Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 128GB SSD, it is straightforward to scale up to 64GB memory, 2TB SSD (dual), and a UHD monitor, based upon your requirement.
This device starts at a price bracket of $1,159.00 and offers two battery setups: a 42WHr one for lighter overall weight and a 63Whr battery for more uninterrupted working time.
It is a stylishly built laptop, weighing only 3.5lbs and employing bioplastics from trees. Connectivity, an imperative for present businesses, is a cakewalk with this device, thanks to its 450 Mbps LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, and several ports.
The two Type-C Thunderbolt ports can connect two 4K displays or even an 8K display. From a security standpoint, you will be well-placed with the fingerprint reader and the facial login.
9. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 2 in 1 Business Laptop
Trust Lenovo to know their stuff in business, as is evident from the 14” Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 2 in 1 business laptop.
Based on the new Intel Evo vPro platform, this computer comes with an Intel Core i7-1185G7 CPU, up to 32GB RAM, and up to 1TB SSD to facilitate demanding tasks like teleconferencing during your workday. It is possible to pick a UHD+ panel with Dolby Vision for tremendous visual clarity.
Lightweight at 3lbs and easily molded into different modes with a 360-degree hinge – tablet, tent and stand – this ThinkPad is easy to use.
This 2-in-1 convertible, starting at $1493, is reasonably affordable and offers pro-business features like Dolby Atmos speakers for clear sound and an inbuilt garaged pen for taking notes.
Lenovo has a particular focus on security, which is a blessing for business people. It provides a fingerprint reader and optional human-presence detection to keep your data safe from prying eyes. You can also choose the privacy guard panel for additional security.
10. Acer Swift 3 Cheap Business Laptop
Available at just $749.99, the 14″ Acer Swift 3 cheap business laptop is a lucrative pick for budget-watching business people.
Inside, it has an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It comes with an FHD monitor with IPS support and 100% sRGB color, thereby ensuring vivid colors.
An engaging screen-to-body ratio of 85.73% lets you immerse yourself in the task at hand.
This 2.65lbs laptop also throws in a backlit keyboard to let you work in dimly lit surroundings and crystal-clear audio with the Acer Purified Voice technology.
Upping the overall convenience of use is Amazon Alexa that allows you to fire commands on the go, especially when pressed for time.
With Wi-Fi 6 and a long battery backup of 12.5 hours, you will stay connected wherever you go. Security, always essential in a modern computing device, is ensured with a biometric fingerprint reader and secure sign-in with Windows Hello.
Selecting the Right Business Laptop: Essential Features
When you go about making a purchase decision for your workspace, be prepared to be inundated with products.
From expensive desktop-like laptops that come in at over $1500 to flexible and inexpensive convertibles – professional computing has taken monumental leaps over time.
Today, business devices are not restricted to clamshell laptops anymore.
Tablets are becoming more popular and have even started becoming available with detachable keyboards and other full-purpose features. So, what should you look for when picking the right computer for your business?
- Security: Data confidentiality and a secure work environment are imperatives for business devices. Look for top-end security solutions like facial recognition and fingerprint readers. They make it convenient to work in collaborative environments without fretting about a data breach. If you are an IT-based buyer looking to purchase a fleet of laptops, you might require additional security such as support for Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
- Performance: High-performance processing compartments are essential, ideally with minimal bloatware. You will also require plenty of storage and memory for demanding tasks in and outside the office. An Intel Core i3 CPU and above will allow you to complete everyday tasks in the workspace like working on spreadsheets, making calls, etc. It is a good idea to aim for a minimum of 4GB of RAM; 8GB/16GB is preferable. Getting an SSD (256GB and above) works out well in the long run, although you may opt for a 1TB hard drive.
- Display and sound: Superior audio-visuals feature dominantly among the provisions of work laptops since spectacular image clarity is crucial for those in multimedia-based businesses. However, if this is not a priority for you, picking integrated graphics over a dedicated GPU and an FHD instead of a UHD panel makes more monetary sense.
- Connections: As a businessperson, you will typically need to plug into devices such as external displays, additional storage, keyboards, mice, etc. Seek out a laptop that offers several USB ports, HDMI, and card readers. The latest Thunderbolt USB 4 ports will let you charge quickly and transfer data without losing precious time. Add to that connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6 and 4G/5G WWAN, and you have a full-purpose workstation that lets you interact with colleagues from anywhere.
- Battery backup: A long-lasting battery lets you toil on uninterrupted, but it does add some bulk to your device. While you should target at least 10-12 hours, you can consider external battery packs and quick-charging capacity to work un-tethered for longer.
Closing Note
In light of the challenging business environment of today, professional laptops have risen to the occasion. Not only do they encompass performance and security, but also provide features like new-age audio for improved calling and wireless streaming.
For instance, the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 comprises Bang and Olufsen speakers; the ASUS ExpertBook B9 provides Harman Kardon speakers. Expect to find the newest processing technology, from multi-core CPUs of the eleventh generation to neural engines and artificial intelligence.
Business laptops like the MSI Summit E13 Flip EVO are powered on the new Intel Evo platform to give you a performance edge, while the Acer Swift 3 uses AMD to realize a more budget-friendly product.
Most business computers have robust but lightweight build; you can find many options in the 2-3lbs range. That said, features to boost overall accessibility and portability are also prominent in this space.
The Dell Latitude 5520, for example, lets you choose a higher battery capacity if you are willing to take on the extra weight. If your business takes you on extensive travels, it is possible to look for military-standard construction that can sustain extreme working environments.
Business laptops may look similar to those intended for everyday use, but what matters is what is within. Choosing the right one ranks high among the business decisions that have lasting repercussions.