Pandemic or no pandemic, it looks like the world of hybrid working is here to stay, and that means it pays to ensure your hardware is up to the task. But trying to find one of the best business laptops in 2023 that best fits your needs is not always a straight forward task, especially when you never know where you'll be working from.
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Not all laptops are created equal, however, and so it’s important to pick the best laptop for your personal circumstances. If your workload consists of emails, word processing and spreadsheets, then the portability of an ultrabook would be ideal, but if you routinely edit photos, videos, develop software and manage databases, then you’ll need something more powerful.
There are factors that are universally important, of course. A comfortable keyboard, a reliable trackpad and decent battery life are all massively important, and something we’ve always prioritised in our laptop reviews.
What to look for in a business laptop
When shopping for a business laptop, there are a few key things to consider, many of which may not be as important as with consumer-grade devices. Performance, for example, is just as important with personal laptops as with business machines (albeit with a focus on different tasks), and you should look for a machine with at least a mid-range processor from the last two years to ensure competitive performance over the device’s lifespan, but operating system versions probably won’t enter into the discussion.
Opting for a device that comes with the professional version of Windows out of the box gives you more access to business-friendly tools like increased deployment and encryption options, and if you’re shopping for a new machine, it makes sense to pick one that’s compatible with the latest version of Windows for the sake of future-proofing - if not one that already comes with it pre-installed.
It’s also important to note what ports you’re likely to need, taking into account things like your most commonly-used devices and peripherals, and the kinds of connections that your office infrastructure uses for things like hot-desk equipment or AV systems. While the do-it-all flexibility of USB-C is incredibly versatile, it’s a good rule of thumb to ensure you’ve got at least one full-size USB type-A port on hand to save having to carry around an adapter.
On the flip-side, display quality probably isn’t going to be a major factor unless you’re working with art assets or graphic design. As long as the screen’s bright enough to see clearly and colours don’t appear overly muted or unnaturally vibrant, a less-than-perfect display isn’t likely to impede your workflow too much.
Battery life is arguably one of the most important factors to look for, and anything that manages to last ten hours or more in our battery benchmark tests is likely to be a solid option for workers that spend a lot of time travelling or away from a power source. Many machines will even have fast-charging features to help you juice back up quickly.
FAQ
Can you use a gaming laptop for business?
If you’re an avid PC gamer and you’re looking to spend some money on a new laptop for work, it may be tempting to try and have your cake and eat it too by buying a high-end gaming laptop that you can use in your off hours as well as at the office. The good news is that - from a technical perspective, at least - this isn’t too outlandish.
Modern gaming laptops have a huge amount of processing power that will allow them to blitz through the vast majority of standard work tasks. They’re also ideally suited to compute-intensive roles like graphic design, video editing and anything that benefits from hardware acceleration (although usually not professional engineering applications). On top of that, they’re usually designed with high-quality screens and large, comfortable keyboards.
It’s also possible to pick up a gaming laptop that won’t look out of place in a professional setting, and isn’t festooned with garish RGB lighting and overly flashy vents. Many gaming machines are now relatively sedate, and straddle the line between enthusiast devices and mobile workstations.
The biggest downside with using a gaming machine for work is that they tend to be heavier than most other machines, and their powerful components typically result in a significantly shorter battery life. If you’re only going between your home and the office, this may not be an issue, but for those who do a lot of offsite work, this may prove to be a dealbreaker.
Why are business laptops more expensive?
You may have noticed that laptops which are specifically aimed at business buyers tend to be noticeably more expensive than those which are mostly consumer-focused. Although this is partially attributable to the fact that businesses can usually afford to drop a little more cash on their purchases, there are several good reasons why business laptops are more expensive.
For one thing, they’ll often come with AMD Ryzen Pro or Intel vPro chips. These special professional-grade components don’t confer any additional performance advantages, but they include extra security and manageability features designed to make it easier for IT admins to manage large fleet deployments.
Business machines are also more likely to have a wider range of ports and connectivity options, as many offices still rely on older connections like HDMI or even VGA for connecting to projectors and other peripherals. Other additional features like biometric security and better access to internal components for the purposes of repair and upgrade are a more common sight on business devices, too.
How long do business laptops last?
Another factor in why business laptops tend to command higher price tags is that they last longer than personal machines. The manufacturer’s warranty will generally cover a standard consumer laptop for a year, but business machines often come with a three year warranty.
Even beyond that, the typical device refresh cycle for most companies tends to be around five years - which means that business laptops will need to last for at least that long with no major problems in order to avoid unhappy customers. In fact, some companies can sweat their laptops for as much as ten years before replacing them - although they may upgrade certain components such as storage and RAM every so often.
Should I buy a convertible business laptop?
Convertible laptops allow users to seamlessly flip between tablet-style operations and the more traditional laptop form-factor. In theory, this offers increased flexibility and greater productivity, but while it can be a convenient way to display your screen for an informal presentation to colleagues, you may find its workplace utility to be somewhat limited unless you’re a big fan of taking handwritten notes or doing digital illustration.
The convertible form factor also comes with certain trade-offs. They often tend to be more expensive than regular clamshell models, and the touchscreen can sometimes get in the way when trying to reposition the display. Moreover, the touchscreen usually prevents any form of anti-glare coating from being applied to the display, which can limit its usefulness outdoors. If you’re keen on working with a stylus, then you may find that these are sacrifices worth making, but in most cases, a convertible form-factor does little to improve a business laptop’s overall appeal.
What are the best business laptops in 2022?
Dell XPS 15
Best laptop for power users
IT Pro
Dell’s mid-sized flagship laptop packs a phenomenal amount of power into a surprisingly discreet package, and is almost rivalling mobile workstations in terms of sheer performance. Combined with the gorgeous screen, it makes a tempting proposition for professionals looking for a portable rig that can keep up with their needs.
We do have a few quibbles - namely a slightly underwhelming battery life, the lack of USB-A ports and a distinctly disappointing webcam - but overall, this is one of the most robust options for serious power on the move.
|
CPU |
Intel Core i7-1180H |
|
RAM |
32GB |
|
Screen |
15.6in, 3840 x 2400 touchscreen |
|
Dimensions |
354 x 230 x 18mm |
|
Weight |
2kg |
Price when reviewed: £2,040 exc VAT
Read our full Dell XPS 15 review for more information.
Acer Chromebook Spin 513
Best laptop for budget-conscious users
If you want the last word in affordability without having to sacrifice on user experience or design, it’s hard to do better than a Chromebook, and Acer’s Chromebook Spin 513 is one of the best-value options around. Not only does it come in at less than £350 before tax, it’s got the looks of a much more expensive device.
Of course, there are some compromises - the build quality could be better, and performance isn’t going to blow anyone’s socks off - but it’s capable enough to handle basic office workloads, and the battery life is actually rather good.
|
CPU |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c |
|
RAM |
4GB |
|
Screen |
13.3in 1,920 x 1,280 touchscreen |
|
Dimensions |
310 x 209 x 15.5mm |
|
Weight |
1.2kg |
Price when reviewed: £332 exc VAT
Read our full Acer Chromebook Spin 513 review for more information.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
Best laptop for creative professionals
Microsoft’s Surface range has always been popular with digital artists, and the Surface Laptop Studio is a perfect option for graphic designers who need a versatile creative workstation. Combining a clever multi-function screen with outstanding pen support and the performance to power professional creative apps, this laptop is an artistic powerhouse.
Bear in mind that you’ll have to pay a considerable amount for the privelege of all this functionality, but for individuals (or agencies) that can stomach the price, this machine really does do it all.
|
CPU |
Intel Core i7-11370H |
|
RAM |
32GB |
|
Screen |
14.4in, 2,400 x 1,600 touchscreen |
|
Dimensions |
323 x 228 x 19mm |
|
Weight |
1.82kg |
Price when reviewed: £2,399 exc VAT
Read our full Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio review for more information
Acer Swift 5
Best laptop for mobile workers
Looking for a new business laptop? Then add the Acer Swift 5 to your shortlist. Look forward to a 14in touchscreen in a svelte frame with remarkable 5mm bezels, as well as it being almost as light as a feather at 990g.
Under the hood, it has plenty of power in its 8GB of RAM with an Intel Core i5 chip. Be aware of its battery life and unimpressive speakers, although both can be mitigated fairly easily. This device is a great choice for users looking for a portable and powerful laptop.
| CPU |
2.4GHz Intel Core i5-1135G7 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Screen | 14in, 1,920 x 1,080 |
| Dimensions | 14.95 mm x 318.9 mm x 207 mm |
| Weight | 990g |
Price when reviewed: £833 exc VAT
Read our full Acer Swift 5 review for more information.
Dell Inspiron 15 7000 2-in-1
Best laptop for flexibility
If you’re looking for the flexibility of a tablet but still prefer the comfort and power found in a laptop, it might be a good idea to consider the Dell Inspiron 15 7000. Since it’s a 2-in-1, users can flip the screen 180 degrees and activate its tablet mode. To give this a further boost and make it feel more like a tablet, you can always purchase the £27 Dell Active Pen for taking notes, or drawing.
However, the trackpad and keyboard won’t win any awards, but aren’t a complete disaster either. This device could be an ideal choice, at a competitive price, if you need the freedom of a 2-in-1 when you work.
| CPU | 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-1135G7 |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Screen | 15.6in, 1,920 x 1,080 |
| Dimensions | 356 x 238 x 17.9mm |
| Weight | 1.78kg |
Price when reviewed: £691 exc VAT
Read our full Dell Inspiron 15 7000 2-in-1 review for more information.
Apple MacBook Pro 13in (Apple M1, 2020)
Best laptop for all-round performance
Apple stopped using Intel processors at the end of 2020 to try and build its own ‘Apple Silicon’ processors, in what was seen as a risky move. This worked out perfectly, as its M1 chip used in MacBook Pros are extremely rapid and offer great energy efficiency which allowed its devices to boast of over 17 hours of battery life in our standard test.
Although there are some hiccups the new chip may encounter when it comes to legacy software, as well as users having to learn MacOS if they don’t already know it, this laptop has very few drawbacks. If you’re in need of similar power with a smaller footprint, then it could be worth taking a look at the 2020 MacBook Air.
| CPU | 8-core 3.2GHz/2.1GHz Apple M1 chip |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Screen | 13.3in, 1,2560 x 1,600 |
| Dimensions | 356 x 238 x 17.9mm |
| Weight | 1.4kg |
Price when reviewed: £1,083 exc VAT
Read our full Apple MacBook 13in (2020) review for more information.
Razer Book 13
Best laptop for ultraportable performance
Keumars Afifi-Sabet/IT Pro
You might be surprised to find a device from Razer, a brand normally associated with gaming, in a best business laptop list. The Razer Book 13 is the brand’s first laptop geared for productivity instead of relaxation. Although it’s fairly expensive, it is a very good device.
Performance is extremely good, thanks to its Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB RAM. This is also true for users who need to use hardware that can carry out intensive tasks like photo editing. Additionally, its keyboard and screen are of a high quality too. The only thing that might put people off is its hefty price tag, but you will not be disappointed if you decide to throw your cash at this machine.
| CPU | 1.2GHz – 2.8GHz Intel Core i7-1165G7 |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Screen | 13.4in, 1,920 x 1,200 |
| Dimensions | 295.6 x 198.5 x 15.2mm |
| Weight | 1.4kg |
Price when reviewed: £1,317 exc VAT
Read our full Razer Book 13 review for more information.
Samsung Galaxy Book S
Best ultraportable laptop
Even though it weighs in at only 961g and is a mere 11.8mm thick, the Samsung Galaxy Book S boasts of a jaw-dropping battery life. It lasted for 14hrs 28mins in our tests, surging past larger laptops extremely easily.
This is probably down to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx SoC powering it efficiently. Be aware, however, that the Qualcomm chip could be a problem since most of them are destined for Android smartphones, and might bring about compatibility issues in Windows. As long as you don’t require specialist software, this device is a great choice, with a solid keyboard and fantastic display.
| CPU | 2.84GHz Snapdragon 8cx SoC |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Screen | 13.3in, 1,920 x 1,080 |
| Dimensions | 203 x 305 x 11.8mm |
| Weight | 961g |
Price when reviewed: £833 exc VAT
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Book S review for more information.
MSI Prestige 14 Evo
Best laptop for high-value performance
Although it might not be one of the cheaper options on this list, the MSI Prestige 14 Evo can provide users with good value for money when you take into account its high-quality IPS panel and powerful internal hardware.
This laptop’s design is nicely understated, avoiding the company’s history of producing gaming hardware, and has a reassuring heft, as well as a powerful Tiger Lake Intel Core i7 processor. However, it does have some downsides including a unique keyboard layout and very noisy fans, but it won’t stop us from recommending this as a solid business laptop.
| CPU | 1.2 - 3GHz Intel Core i7-1185G7 |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Screen | 14in, 1,920 x 1,080 |
| Dimensions | 319 x 219 x 15.9mm |
| Weight | 1.29kg |
Price when reviewed: £999 exc VAT
Read our full MSI Prestige 14 Evo review for more information.
Asus ZenBook Duo 14 UX482
Best laptop for multi-taskers
The Asus ZenBook Duo may be one of the more curious laptops in this list, but it lives up to its name as it has double the amount of panels you usually get from the design, thanks to its 12.6 x 3.4in IPS touchscreen coming with the main 14in one. This is great for users who need to multitask or use a laptop for creative purposes, especially since it comes with a 4,096-point stylus which will make any artist happy.
However, the extra screen does elevate its price, leaving it on the more expensive side of this list. Moreover, since the additional screen is located above the keyboard, the keys feel a little cramped since they're pushed down, lacking a space for your wrist to sit. This design also affects the trackpad which is on the right hand side and a little tricky to use.
This laptop is only for those who can see the massive boost they’d get from having a second screen, but if you can’t explain how you would use it then it might be best to stay away from this option.
| CPU | 1.2GHz – 2.8GHz Intel Core i7-1165G7 |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Screen | 14in, 1,920 x 1,080 |
| Dimensions | 324 x 222 x 16.9mm |
| Weight | 1.58kg |
Price when reviewed: £1,249 exc VAT
Read our full Asus ZenBook Duo 14 UX482 review for more information.
LG Gram 17
Best laptop for portable productivity
Feast your eyes on the biggest laptop on this list: The LG Gram 17 with its imposing 17in screen. You’ll be pleased to know that although it’s the biggest, it’s also not the heaviest. It weighs 1.35kg and is 18mm thick, which will probably make you double check your bag when you leave the house to make sure it’s in there considering how light it is for its size.
Your eyes are sure to enjoy its 2,560 x 1,600 display, while you’ll also be grateful for its large trackpad, full-size keyboard, and amount of ports. However, it’s multi-core scores were a little underwhelming, with its thin design holding back its potential here. Despite this, it’s a solid choice, especially if you’re having a hard time choosing between portability and size.
| CPU | 1.2GHz – 2.8GHz Intel Core i7-1165G7 |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Screen | 17in, 2,560 x 1,600 |
| Dimensions | 380 x 260 x 18mm |
| Weight | 1.35kg |
Price when reviewed: £1,599 exc VAT
Read our full LG Gram 17 review for more information.
HP Envy 13
Best laptop for all-round value
The HP Envy ticks a lot of the boxes for business users: It has a bright 15.6in screen, a great keyboard, and the battery lasted for 14.5 hours in our video tests. It’s not bad, especially considering it costs £749 excluding VAT.
Now, for its disadvantages. When it comes to performance it’s about average thanks to its Intel Core i5 processor. It’s not the prettiest machine to look at and is fairly chunky too. Despite this, it performs well in the areas that count, and has earned its place on our list of the best laptops of 2023.
| CPU | 0.9GHz - 4.2GHz Intel Core i5-1135G7 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Screen | 13.3in, 1,920 x 1,080 |
| Dimensions | 307 x 195 x 17mm |
| Weight | 1.3kg |
Price when reviewed: £749 exc VAT
Read our full HP Envy 13 review for more information.
How we test business laptops
When we review a laptop, there are a number of tests that we use to determine its capabilities. To measure the quality of the display, we use the open-source DisplayCal app and a dedicated colorimeter to determine the maximum brightness, the contrast ratio and how much of the sRGB colour gamut it covers (as well as the DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB gamuts where applicable) - which determines the range of colours the screen can reproduce. We also measure the average Delta-E rating, which indicates how accurately those colours are displayed.
Performance is tested by running it through our own in-house benchmarks, which consist of three tests: an image conversion test, which gives an indication of single-threaded speeds, a video encoding test, which makes greater use of multi-core processing, and a multitasking test which runs both processes simultaneously while also playing a video. This test is the most strenuous and is designed to push processors to their limits. These tests give us individual scores, as well as an overall result.
We’ll also run the Geekbench 5 performance test to confirm the accuracy of these results, as well as assessing its performance in day-to-day tasks throughout our evaluation period. Storage is tested using the AS SSD benchmark.
In order to measure battery life, we’ll charge the battery fully, then set the display brightness as close to 170cd/m2 as possible using a colour calibrator, turn on flight mode and play a looped video until the battery dies. This gives us a consistent figure to compare the battery life of different models, although it may not necessarily give us an indication of real-world battery life. For this, we assess how long the battery lasts over several days of actual use, subjecting it to a range of workloads and activities.
