Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Best business laptops 2021: top devices for working from home, SMB and more

It doesn’t matter if you’re back in the office or work from home, you need one of the best business laptops at your disposal for your productivity needs. Not only are laptops of this variety versatile but they're powerful as well, coming with the kind of security features that will safeguard your most important documents when you’re working on the go.

Lighter Ultrabooks and cheaper options may have attracted most professionals’ attention these last couple of years. But, more demanding users need something that’s equipped to handle their entire productivity workflow. And, more recently, the better business laptops out there have been designed to be as thin, light, and portable as those prosumer options that most people gravitate towards.

No matter where you’re working from home these days, whether it’s remotely or back in the office, you need one of the best business notebooks to get you through the most demanding projects. And, to help you find that next laptop, we’ve gathered our top choices here, as well as our included price comparison tool so you can find the best Black Friday laptop deals available come Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

The Dell XPS 15 at an angle against a white background

The Dell XPS 15 is one of the best business laptops around. (Image credit: Dell)

1. Dell XPS 15 (2020)

All-powerful laptop for creative students

CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics – NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti | RAM: 8GB – 64GB | Screen: 15.6" FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge Non-Touch Anti-Glare 500-Nit – 15.6" UHD+ (3840 x 2400) InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflective 500-Nit Display | Storage: 256GB – 2TB M.2 PCIe NVMe

Amazing speakers
Beautiful display
Comfy keyboard
GTX 1650 Ti is a little weak

Combining staggering power in a stylish thin and light chassis, this laptop doesn’t hold back when it comes to internals and features that improve your computing experience overall, making this one of the best business laptops around. Among those amazing features are a gorgeous bright display with 500 nits of brightness, an extremely comfortable keyboard, impressive speakers, and a terrific trackpad. We’re not saying that this laptop is perfect, but our coveted 5 out of 5 rating should speak for itself.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 15

MacBook Pro M1 against a white background

The MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020) comes with Apple's M1 chip, making it more powerful than ever.

2. MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020)

Apple’s little MacBook Pro gets a big refresh

CPU: Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU | Graphics: Integrated 8-core GPU | RAM: 8GB – 16GB unified memory | Screen: 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 LED-backlit Retina display | Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD

Huge battery life
Great performance that can run iOS apps
Still lacks ports

What the MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020) lacks in redesign, it makes up for massively in performance overhaul. Touting Apple’s now-legendary M1 chip, which gives it a boost in power and efficiency, the smallest MacBook Pro is more powerful and longer lasting than ever. We’re talking 4K and even 8K video editing prowess. That means it can pretty much handle any business-related task you want to throw at it while still keeping things smart and svelte in the design department.

Read the full review: MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020)

HP Elite Dragonfly G2 at an angle against a white background

The HP Elite Dragonfly G2 performs beautifully. (Image credit: HP)

3. HP Elite Dragonfly G2

One of the best business laptops we’ve tested

CPU: 11th-generation Intel Core i3 – i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: 8GB - 32GB | Screen: 13.3-inch diagonal BrightView LED FHD, 400 nits – 13.3-inch diagonal BrightView LED 4K UHD HDR-400 550 nits | Storage: up to 2TB SSD

Comfortable keyboard
Excellent screen
USB-C ports on only one side

The next-generation HP Elite Dragonfly continues its line’s tradition of being the most impressive business laptop inside and out. The HP Elite Dragonfly G2 doesn’t just look and feel good with its smart design, 4K display, 2-in-1 form factor, and comfortable keyboard. It performs spectacularly as well, thanks to its 11th-gen Intel Core chips, Iris Xe graphics, and long battery life of more than nine hours. As far as business laptops go, this is certainly the smartest route.

Read the full review: HP Elite Dragonfly G2 

Surface Laptop 4 on white background with the Windows 10 desktop showing on the screen

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is beautiful yet powerful. (Image credit: Microsoft)

4. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4

The best laptop for business users who love Windows

CPU: 11th-generation Intel Core i5 – i7 /AMD Ryzen 5 - 7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe / AMD Radeon | RAM: 8GB – 32GB | Screen: 13.5-inch PixelSense (2,256 x 1,504) touch | Storage: 256GB – 1TB SSD

Comfortable keyboard
Beautiful screen
Not enough ports

Microsoft continues to impress us with its new Surface Laptop 4, which touts the kind of build quality and design that is absolutely top-notch. There are a few other things to love here: the gorgeous PixelSense touchscreen really sets it apart from the competition and the brilliant keyboard that's a joy to type on. Of course, the specs are great as well – and that includes a battery life that lasts over 13 hours. If you’re on a budget, don’t worry as the price is competitive as well.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Laptop 4

MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021) against a white background

The MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021)  boasts breathtaking power and truly long battery life. (Image credit: Apple)

5. MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021)

Mightily impressive

CPU: Apple M1 Pro 8-core – M1 Max 10-core | Graphics: Integrated 14-core – 32-core GPU | RAM: Up to 64GB | Screen: 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display | Storage: Up to 8TB

Brilliant performance
Best screen on a laptop
Screen may be a bit small for some

Apple’s MacBook Pro line might have been traditionally better suited for creative professionals than business ones, but the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021)’s arrival seems to change that. This new addition to the MacBook Pro family boasts breathtaking power and truly long battery life, something both creative and business pros need for their day-to-day. With the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, it’s sure to deliver the graphical prowess creatives need and the processing potential that business folks require. Ports abound as well, with Apple finally expanding from the usual USB-C-only roster. The stunning XDR display with 1600 nits of peak brightness is just cherry on top.

Read the full review: MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021)

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 laptop with keyboard folded backwards

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 is a 2-in-1 workhorse with excellent battery life. (Image credit: Lenovo)

6. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6

Best 2-in-1 laptop for business users

CPU: 11th generation Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel Xe Plus | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 14-inch, 1920 x 1200p, IPS touchscreen, 400 nit | Storage: 256GB – 512GB SSD

Fantastic 16:10 display
Excellent battery life especially with its outstanding performance
Rather plain design for the price

As far as business laptops go, very few are more powerful than the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6, a 2-in-1 workhorse that delivers excellent battery life of up to 14 hours and a breathtaking 16:10 display to boot. If you’re going to be working long hours, which pretty much comes with the territory, this is the laptop you’ll want to be working in and staring at. Of course, being an Evo-certified laptop targeted for business professionals, it boasts many security add-ons as well. And, we’re sure all professionals will appreciate that SD card slot and garaged stylus.

Read the full review: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6

Image of the laptop in black against a white background

The Dell XPS 13 (Late 2020) is a terrific option for business users as well as prosumers. (Image credit: Dell)

7. Dell XPS 13 (Late 2020)

Dell does it again

CPU: Up to 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 | Graphics: Up to Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: Up to 32GB 4267MHz LPDDR4x | Screen: 13.4" FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge Non-Touch Anti-Glare 500-Nit – 13.4" UHD+ (3840 x 2400) InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflective 500-Nit Display | Storage: Up to 2TB M.2 PCIe NVMe

Stunning design
Excellent battery life
Sound quality is just OK

The gorgeous piece of kit that is the Dell XPS 13 (2020) isn’t just for prosumers. With its breathtaking performance, stunner of a display, and long-lasting battery life, it’s a terrific option for business users as well. Especially because it comes with advanced features like an IR webcam for Windows Hello face scan login and a fingerprint scanner built into the power button. This is a high-end machine that looks every bit the part and is paired with some robust hardware, and a great option for professionals who aren’t very partial to the more somber options.

Read the full review: Dell XPS 13 (2020) 

Lenovo ThinkBook 14S Yoga at an angle against a white background

The Lenovo ThinkBook 14S Yoga is a solid and affordable convertible for both work and school. (Image credit: Lenovo)

8. Lenovo ThinkBook 14S Yoga

Excellent for both work and school

CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: up to 24 GB DDR4 3200MHz | Screen: 14.0” FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS, glossy, touchscreen, 300 nits | Storage: up to 1TB PCIe SSD

Great performance
Garaged stylus
Battery life is just OK

The ThinkBook 14S Yoga is a solid and affordable convertible that comes with some great features and terrific performance. It has a terrific price-to-performance ratio, with its 11th-gen Intel Core chip and Intel Iris Xe graphics inside ensuring that it’ll see you through even arduous tasks. Supporting that coveted 2-in-1 design is a garaged pen that’s certainly a boon to business users. Its webcam shutter, on the other hand, is there as extra security to protect your privacy. We only wish it had a longer battery life and a brighter display. Still, for the price, you can’t beat it.

Read the full review: Lenovo Thinkpad 14S Yoga

HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8

The premium HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8 is a powerful laptop. (Image credit: HP)

9. HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8

Premium productivity workhorse

CPU: Up to 11th-gen Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: Up to 64GB DDR4 3200 | Screen: Up to 14" FHD LED UWVA (1920x1080) 1000 Nits | Storage: Up to 2 TB PCIe NVMe TLC SSD

Beautiful design that’s ultralight
Plenty of security features for IT/Enterprise
Battery life is far from class leading

Business-class laptops are expected to be pricier than consumer laptops, which means you shouldn’t expect anything different from the HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8. You’ll be happy know, however, that it’s well worth its expensive price tag, touting a stunning, ultralight design ideal for business trips and meetings, a slew of customizations and IT/Enterprise-level security features, and a robust build that will keep your mind at ease when you’re out on the field. What’s more, you’ll love working on it thanks to its comfortable keyboard and terrific touchpad. Just be sure to bring that charger with you if it’s going to be a long work day. Its battery life, while decent, won’t last you more than nine hours.

Read the full review: HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8

MacBook Air (M1, 2020) against a white background

The MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is great for professionals with less demanding workloads. (Image credit: Apple)

10. MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

Best business laptop for those with less demanding workloads

CPU: Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU | Graphics: Integrated 7-core – 8-core GPU | RAM: 8GB – 16GB unified memory | Screen: 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 Retina display | Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD

macOS Big Sur is fast and responsive
Battery life is great
Fanless design could impact performance

The first laptop to receive Apple’s legendary M1 chip, the MacBook Air (M1, 2020), the company’s thinnest and lightest, is no longer a notebook that will only satisfy the most casual of users. Among the most exciting Apple laptops of recent years, the MacBook Air is better than ever, touting excellent performance and brilliant battery life (up to 15 hours of wireless web browsing or up to 18 hours of video) worthy of business users and other professionals. That’s while keeping the price affordable still. 

Read the full review: MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 at an angle against a white background

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 packs a lot of power in its stylish package. (Image credit: Lenovo)

11. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9

Lenovo improves upon a classic

CPU : 11th gen Intel Core i5 - i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe | RAM: 8GB - 32GB | Screen: 14-inch, 16:10 (1920 x 1200p) - (3840 x 2400), touchscreen | Storage: 256GB - 1TB SSD

Incredible performance
Fantastic battery life
Integrated graphics struggle with creative workloads

The Lenovo X1 Carbon Gen 9 is among the best Lenovo laptops for good reason. Just like the previous versions of this laptop, the X1 Carbon offers a lot in performance as well as features in a slim, portable package. Its battery life is about as good as it gets so professionals who need something to take on the road will appreciate all the extra juice. And, while it isn’t a top pick for creative projects, it will handle productivity tasks with aplomb, thanks to that 11th gen Intel Core CPU and Intel Iris Xe graphics, not to mention at least 8GB of RAM (upgradable to 32GB). On top of that, it’s Evo-certified so you know it’s serious business, as well as chock full of security features.

Read the full review: Lenovo X1 Carbon Gen 9

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano at an angle against a white background

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano abounds with excellent features. (Image credit: Lenovo)

12. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano

Ultra light and surprisingly powerful

CPU: up to 11th-gen Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: 8GB - 16GB LPDDR4x | Screen: 13.0" 2K (2160 x 1350) IPS, anti-reflective, anti-smudge, touchscreen with Dolby Vision | Storage: 256GB – 1TB PCIe SSD

Sleek design
Incredibly light
Excellent display
Limited ports
Keyboard layout

Even its limited ports and small trackpad cannot hold the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano back. One of the best business laptops we’ve ever tested, this portable is not only the lightest laptop we’ve ever tested, but also surprisingly powerful considering how sleek it is. That makes it the most ideal choice for professionals who are always on the go. Excellent features abound as well, with the likes of a crisp 2K 16:10 touchscreen, a physical webcam shutter and advanced biometrics of the fingerprint scanner adding to its value and making it worth its steep price. At least if portability and performance are your top priorities.

Read the full review: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano

Google Pixelbook Go at an angle against a white background

The Google Pixelbook Go brings a lot of the original Pixelbook's premium features. (Image credit: Google)

13. Google Pixelbook Go

The best Chromebook ever made

CPU: Intel Core m3 - Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 615 | RAM: 8GB - 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) or 4K LCD touchscreen | Storage: 128GB - 256GB eMMC

Incredible battery life
Amazing ‘Hush’ keyboard
Iffy pricing at mid- to- high-end
No biometric login

Google continues its tradition of making the best Chromebook in the world. This is a Chromebook that proves that these devices can be just as stylish and powerful as traditional laptops, and the Pixelbook Go brings a lot of the original Pixelbook's premium features to a more affordable device. It also features a fantastic battery life and a brilliant keyboard that makes typing on a pleasure. This is among the best business laptops for professionals looking to save some cash.

Read the full review: Google Pixelbook Go

The Ceneva F158G on a wooden desk

The Ceneva F158G features a large 15.6 inch FHD screen. (Image credit: Future)

14. Ceneva F158G

A business laptop that won't break the bank

CPU: Intel Celeron J4125 | Graphics: Intel UHD 600 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 15.6-inch Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) | Storage: 512GB SATA SSD

Aggressively priced
Windows 10 Pro
Fingerprint reader
Webcam location
Poor battery life

Newcomer Ceneva has created an affordable business laptop that includes a backlit keyboard, a fingerprint reader and ships with Windows 10 Pro. The Ceneva F158G also features a CNC-machined body with a brushed metal finish and weighs just over 1.5kg which makes it quite portable. The fingerprint reader is built in to the huge touchpad and the keyboard includes a numeric keypad for working with spreadsheets. The Ceneva F158G also features a large 15.6 inch FHD screen with a 5mm border and a 90 percent screen-to-body ratio. This is because the webcam is built into the bottom bezel but some may find its placement off-putting while video conferencing due to the angle. 

Read the full review: Ceneva F158G

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