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The Best Business Laptop Deals This Week*
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
How do I choose a laptop for my business? The question of choosing the best laptop for a team is a heavy decision for any company. You need something 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.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 consumer models (and usually cost more), but your business deserves nothing less. These are the best business laptops for 2024.
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12
Best Business Laptop Overall
Why We Picked ItThe Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 follows in the footsteps of some of the best laptops ever made, and while it doesn’t quite blow those past versions away, it’s still the best business ultraportable on the market. With an elegant carbon fiber-infused ultralight design, this slim machine pairs a top-notch keyboard with a sharp, vivid OLED display, and a robust collection of ports. The price is a bit rich for our liking, but it’s hard to deny that this is still an Editor’s Choice business laptop for a reason.Who it’s ForIf you’re a professional that needs a Windows laptop that’s just as useful on a cross-country flight as on your desk in the office, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is as effective as a lightweight productivity laptop gets. From the immensely portable design to the ultra-comfortable keyboard, it’s our favorite business laptop, especially for users on the go.
PROS
Elegant and light design
Fabulous keyboard
Sharp, vivid OLED screen
USB-A, HDMI, and USB-C ports
CONS
Sky-high price
Decent but not class-leading performance and battery life
No SD or microSD card slot
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Business, Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Secondary Drive Type
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
Manual
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.59 by 12.3 by 8.5 inches
Weight
2.47 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
13:51
Learn More
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Review
HP Dragonfly G4
Best Alternative to the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
Why We Picked ItFor a sleek business ultraportable outside of the Lenovo brand, the HP Dragonfly G4 is a superb choice. With a sharp-looking design, an expansive 3:2 screen, and a long-lasting battery in a thin-and-light frame, this is a first-class machine for business users. It’s even a bit lighter than the leading Lenovo. Throw in a wide selection of ports and optional mobile broadband for on-the-go connectivity, and you have an ideal laptop for the office or jet-setting across the country.Who It’s ForProfessionals who want an ultraportable business laptop have a wealth of quality choices, but the HP Dragonfly G4 is a particularly excellent alternative to the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11. Leaving few potential buyers behind, the laptop has a similar mix of portability and capability (not to mention nearly 20 hours of battery life) all with its own svelte style.
PROS
Handsome 3:2 aspect ratio display
Long battery life
Full array of ports and available mobile broadband
Whizbang 5-megapixel webcam
Sleek and super light
CONS
No SD or microSD card slot
Expensive, especially when customized
Slightly awkward keyboard
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Ultraportable, Business
Processor
Intel Core i7-1365U
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Secondary Drive Type
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
Screen Size
13.5 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1280
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G
Dimensions (HWD)
0.65 by 11.7 by 8.7 inches
Weight
2.22 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
19:46
Learn More
HP Dragonfly G4 Review
Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1
Best Budget Business Laptop
Why We Picked ItIf you want a capable business laptop at an aggressively low price, the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is the budget work machine to get. With a starting price of less than $600, you’ll get a rock solid productivity laptop that’s outfitted with a 16-inch display, an ample port selection, Lenovo’s best-in-class keyboard, and your choice of Intel or AMD processors. The whole thing is packaged in Lenovo’s classic black ThinkPad aesthetic, with excellent build quality and relatively few compromises for the bargain price.Who It’s ForIf you want a business laptop for a budget price, the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is the easy choice. It may be built to appeal to small and mid-sized businesses, but you don’t need an extensive fleet of work machines to appreciate this laptop. If you need the reliability of the ThinkPad brand, but need to stick to a modest budget, this is the best cost-effective choice.
PROS
Aggressive starting price for ThinkPad line
Delivers to traditional ThinkPad build quality and keyboard
Decent array of ports
CONS
Not the brightest, nor the most colorful, display
No SD card slot
Wi-Fi 6—not 6E
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Business, Budget, Desktop Replacement
Processor
Intel Core i5-1335U
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
Hard Drive
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Secondary Drive Type
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.77 by 14 by 9.8 inches
Weight
3.9 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
11:57
Learn More
Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 Review
HP EliteBook 840 G9
Best Laptop for Enterprise Fleets
Why We Picked ItThe HP EliteBook 840 G9 is one of the best laptops for enterprise fleets due to its impressive performance, long battery life, and top-notch security features. HP sells it in a sleek ultraportable design with a decent selection of ports and the option for 4G or 5G mobile broadband, ensuring connectivity on the go. The laptop stands out with its up-to-date features, like a 5-megapixel webcam, a taller 16:10-aspect-ratio display, and a Wi-Fi 6E radio. While it may not surpass the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon as our favorite business laptop, the EliteBook 840 G9 remains a compelling choice for your core workforce.Who It’s ForIf you’re buying for an enterprise fleet of business travelers needing a reliable, secure laptop, consider this HP EliteBook. Its impressive performance, long battery life, and optional mobile broadband ensure productivity on the go, while the design and feature set provide versatility for work scenarios in the office and on the road. Enterprises seeking a well-rounded, secure laptop should have it on the shortlist for their fleets.
PROS
Impressive performance, battery life, and security
Trim design with a decent array of ports
Available 4G or 5G mobile broadband
Smart 5-megapixel webcam
CONS
A tad heavier than competitors
No high-res or OLED screen options
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Business, Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core i7-1280P
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Secondary Drive Type
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.76 by 12.4 by 8.8 inches
Weight
2.99 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
13:11
Learn More
HP EliteBook 840 G9 Review
Dell Precision 5680
Best Workstation Laptop
Why We Picked ItPowerful workstation laptops are nothing new, but the Dell Precision 5680 delivers the power to tackle mammoth datasets as well as engineering, video, or CGI rendering jobs in a slimmer, trimmer, lightweight package. Powered by the first Nvidia “Ada Lovelace” mobile professional GPU we’ve tested, it goes toe-to-toe with other workstations despite being in a lighter weight class. Combine that with a beautiful 4K OLED touch screen and a battery that will actually let you do some work on the go, and you’ve got the best workstation laptop around.Who It’s ForThe Precision 5680 is for professionals who need uncompromising workstation performance, but also want portability and crisp visuals. Top configurations deliver truly blistering performance, provided you’re in a position to pay for it.
PROS
Blazing CPU and GPU performance
Beautiful 4K OLED touch screen
Decent battery life
Relatively trim and light
CONS
No USB-A or Ethernet ports
Balky touchpad
ECC memory not available
Expensive
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Workstation, Business
Processor
Intel Core i9-13900H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Secondary Drive Type
SSD
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
3840 by 2400
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia RTX 5000 Ada
Graphics Memory
16 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.87 by 13.9 by 9.5 inches
Weight
4.46 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
13:07
Learn More
Dell Precision 5680 Review
MSI Stealth 14 Studio
Best Budget Workstation Laptop
Why We Picked ItThe MSI Stealth 14 Studio is our favorite media workstation for professionals on a budget, with enough muscle to handle video and audio work, and even a little rendering—all in a 14-inch design that’s perfect for use on the move. Between the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 laptop graphics chip and the Intel Core i7-13700H processor, it’s got enough oomph for a basic workstation, and its 240Hz screen is ready for whatever high-refresh rate work you need to do. Pair that with Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and speedy Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and it’s ready to get you up to speed for under $1,800.Who It’s ForThe MSI Stealth 14 Studio is more of a content creation machine than a professional, ISV-certified workstation, but it still delivers enough power for some media pros, STEM students, and most other digital professionals from behind a 100% sRGB and 99% DCI-P3 screen. The balance of affordability, portability, and power for everything from crunching numbers to rendering 3D imagery make it a smart buy for frugal professionals.
PROS
Competitive performance in creative apps
Totable 14-inch size
Stunning 16:10 display
Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI connectivity
Flashy RGB effects
CONS
Fans are loud when maxed out
Short battery life
Just a 720p webcam
No SD card reader
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Workstation, Gaming
Processor
Intel Core i7-13700H
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Secondary Drive Type
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
WVA
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
240 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.75 by 12.4 by 9.7 inches
Weight
3.75 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
3:22
Learn More
MSI Stealth 14 Studio Review
Apple MacBook Pro 14-Inch (2023, M3)
Best MacBook for Most Business Users
Why We Picked ItFor a rock-steady business laptop running macOS, you want the 14-inch MacBook Pro. Armed with the new M3 chip, this is Apple’s entry-level Pro model, but it’s no slouch. The new processor features more cores and faster performance, along with a more powerful GPU and enhanced machine learning, providing ample power for all of your productivity needs. It bridges the gap between the portability-focused MacBook Air and the more capable Pro line, but without any of the performance limitations of the Air. The 14-inch MacBook Pro features a bright and colorful Liquid Retina XDR screen, an excellent keyboard for comfortable typing, and battery life that will carry you through the longest of work days.Who It’s ForGraphic designers and content creation professionals may favor the larger, more powerful 16-inch MacBook Pro (available with the M3 Pro and M3 Max processors). However, office workers who want macOS in a trim, tidy package will be happy with the latest MacBook Pro 14 with M3.
PROS
Respectable productivity power
Honest-to-goodness gaming chops
Bright and colorful Liquid Retina XDR screen
Excellent keyboard
Long battery life
CONS
Power ceiling is relatively limited
FaceTime camera needs work
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Desktop Replacement, Workstation
Processor
Apple M3
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Secondary Drive Type
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
Screen Size
14.2 inches
Native Display Resolution
3024 by 1964
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
Mini LED
Variable Refresh Support
ProMotion
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Apple M3 (10-core)
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.61 by 12.3 by 8.7 inches
Weight
3.4 pounds
Operating System
Apple macOS Sonoma
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
22:14
Learn More
Apple MacBook Pro 14-Inch (2023, M3) Review
Apple MacBook Pro 16-Inch (2023, M3 Max)
Best MacBook for Business Power Users
Why We Picked ItIf you want a true blend of refined design and raw power, the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max sets a sky-high standard. Outfitted with the outsized power of the M3 Max chip, a 40-core GPU, and a massive 128GB of memory, this is a top-tier workstation for the macOS crowd. It keeps the familiar design of the MacBook Pro, dresses it up in a new Space Black color, and revs the engine with enough power for the most demanding video editor or engineer. Its top-of-the-line performance will handle the most intense workloads, but this level of power doesn’t come cheap. If you want the best, be ready to pay for it.Who It’s ForBusiness power users working in fields like engineering, data science, or even animation will crave the power of the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max. The recently revised MacBook Pro design is matched with best-in-class performance and nearly 28-hour battery life, making this the cream of the crop for business Macs.
PROS
Fiery M3 Max processor
Beautiful Liquid Retina XDR display
Ample configuration options
Abundant ports and connectivity
Superb battery life
CONS
Expensive, particularly for higher configurations
Inconsistent GPU performance in testing
No touch screen
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Workstation, Desktop Replacement
Processor
Apple M3 Max
RAM (as Tested)
128 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
8 TB
Secondary Drive Type
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
Screen Size
16.2 inches
Native Display Resolution
3456 by 2234
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
Mini LED
Variable Refresh Support
ProMotion
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Apple M3 Max (40-core GPU)
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.66 by 14 by 9.8 inches
Weight
4.8 lbs
Operating System
Apple macOS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
27:53
Learn More
Apple MacBook Pro 16-Inch (2023, M3 Max) Review
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5
Best Small/Medium Business Laptop
Why We Picked ItIf you need a budget-friendly work laptop for your small or medium business, the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 is an excellent choice. The ThinkPad E15 is outfitted with Lenovo’s gold-standard keyboard, Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, and a sturdy clamshell design that will hold up to the rigors of everyday office use. A few features are unexpectedly premium, like the aforementioned Thunderbolt 4 port, and the included 1080p webcam. If you want a touch screen, it’s only $50 more. Throw in lengthy battery life that will carry you through a full workday and performance that will keep pace with a busy office environment, and you’ve got the best small/medium business laptop we’ve tested so far this year.Who It’s ForSmall and medium businesses need to balance cost-effectiveness with daily productivity, and the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 does both. The reliable design is durable and feature-filled, and the battery life will be welcomed by any professional who values working without interruptions or carrying bulky chargers everywhere.
PROS
Reasonably priced
Long battery life
Gold standard ThinkPad keyboard
Thunderbolt 4 uncommon for the price
Just $50 for touch-screen upgrade
Three-year warranty as tested
CONS
Middling performance, even with Core i7
Screen needs more color
Tinny speakers
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Business
Processor
Intel Core i7-1355U
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Secondary Drive Type
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.7 by 12.3 by 8.6 inches
Weight
3.11 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
11:53
Learn More
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 Review
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8
Best Convertible 2-in-1 Business Laptop
Why We Picked ItFor the best 2-in-1 for business, the convertible Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga takes everything we love about the X1 Carbon, and mashes it up with Lenovo’s Yoga design, giving you an exemplary hybrid business machine. The top-quality build does more than flip between laptop and tablet, with a trim 14-inch design, MIL-STD 810H sturdiness, a decent port selection, and top-notch performance that goes for nearly 14 hours on a single charge. We do wish the included self-charging stylus were a little more substantial, but that’s barely a complaint when looking at this Editors’ Choice winner.Who It’s ForIf you need more flexibility than even the best clamshell business laptop can deliver, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 delivers best-in-class capabilities in a convertible design that will make even your boss envious.
PROS
Exemplary build quality and keyboard
Decent array of ports
Onboard self-charging stylus
Trim and light for a 14-inch convertible
Available mobile broadband
CONS
No SD or microSD card slot
Base screen is a bit low on resolution
Toy-like mini stylus
Expensive when individually priced
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Business, Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core i7-1355U
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Secondary Drive Type
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.61 by 12.4 by 8.8 inches
Weight
3.04 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
13:57
Learn More
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 Review
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel)
Best Detachable Windows Tablet
Why We Picked ItThe Intel-based Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is an impressive 2-in-1 detachable Windows tablet with laptop-like performance, impressive battery life, and outstanding cameras. It’s ideal for business users who need a tablet that can replace a laptop and want to use it for daily work, creative projects, and productivity on the go, and who may be keen on stylus use. Its sleek design features a 3:2 screen that’s inking-friendly and comes with two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports and user-upgradable storage. Some frequent-traveling workers may balk at the lack of 5G connectivity, but the impressive engineering, 10-core Intel Core i7-1255U processor, and more than 13 hours of battery life make it a practical tablet for business users, and a deserving Editors’ Choice award winner.Who It’s ForClearly, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a high-end tablet suited to professionals and anyone else who needs a pen-computing device with impressive performance, long battery life, and a sleek design. The device is expensive, especially once you factor in upgrades and crucial accessories like the keyboard base and Surface stylus, but it’s worth the price for anyone who values quality and performance.
PROS
Impressive performance and battery life
Outstanding cameras
Sleek design, with inking-friendly 3:2 screen
Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports
User-upgradable storage
CONS
Essential accessories still not included
No more headphone jack
5G only available with SQ3 processor
High starting price
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Detachable 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core i7-1255U
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Secondary Drive Type
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
Screen Size
13 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1920
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.37 by 11.3 by 8.2 inches
Weight
1.9 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
13:12
Learn More
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel) Review
Getac S410 G5
Best Rugged Laptop for Business
Why We Picked ItA tough-as-nails machine that can handle both your business software and survive shocks, drops, and much worse, the 14-inch Getac S410 G5 is the best rugged laptop for business. It’s the latest edition of one of our favorite semi-rugged notebooks, packed with features like a bright display that’s easy to read outdoors, an array of armored ports that repel dust and dirt, and a stout grab-and-go handle. Made for the front seats of ambulances and police cruisers, it will power through the toughest environments and hazards, while the Intel Core i5 processor inside handles whatever work you need to do. Pair all of that with a jaw-dropping near-30-hour battery life, and it’s easy to see why this is our favorite rugged laptop for business.Who It’s ForFor outdoor professionals like first responders and field workers, the Getac S410 G5 is a rugged laptop with both durability and power. If your workplace is more extreme than the standard office, and you need a powerful laptop for resource-intensive work, the Getac S410 G5 is the rugged laptop to get.
PROS
Laughs at rough treatment and bad weather
Epic battery life
Super-bright screen
High-res webcam
Plenty of ports and configuration options
CONS
Deeply expensive
Heavy
Rigid, dimly backlit keyboard
Not as drop- and- waterproof as fully rugged machines
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Rugged, Business
Processor
Intel Core i5-1350P
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Secondary Drive Type
SSD
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
1.5 by 13.8 by 11.5 inches
Weight
5.25 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
29:45
Learn More
Getac S410 G5 Review
Buying Guide: The Best Work Laptops for 2024
What Is a Business-Grade Laptop?Every laptop benefits from a speedy CPU, a bright screen, a 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 provided 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 similar, 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 now several tablets aimed at businesses 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 successful company 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.Which Laptop Processor is Best for Office Work?Choosing the right processor for your business machines can be a little complicated, but we have a few rules of thumb to bear in mind whether you’re shopping for a personal work machine or upgrading the IT fleet for your whole company.We recommend choosing the latest processor generation whenever possible since the latest chips will feature newer capabilities, and current and ongoing support, and push the unavoidable future upgrade back a bit further than if you started with last year’s hardware.Next, it helps to know what class of processor you need. Our guide to choosing a laptop CPU provides our most detailed advice, but for business users, we have some rules of thumb you should know.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The lowest-end processors, like Intel’s Pentium and Celeron CPUs, aren’t really meant for work but would be a decent fit for powering a sales kiosk or running signage. Basic processors, like Intel’s Core i3, are suited to basic work like writing up documents and browsing the web. If the most demanding program you run is PowerPoint, then a basic processor will suit you just fine.For more demanding work, you’ll look to more productivity-focused options. On Intel, these are Core i5 and i7 chips (with upper-end business machines gravitating in 2024 toward Intel Core Ultra 5 and 7 processors). Apple’s M3 and M3 Pro processors fill out the same category on Macs, while AMD’s Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 processors are suitable for office users who need to do some light video editing, or power through larger spreadsheets and datasets.If you need more horsepower for number crunching, media creation, or even workstation-grade processing, look to Intel’s Core i9 (which lives alongside Core Ultra chips for now), Apple M3 Max, and AMD’s Ryzen 9 CPUs. These will almost always be paired with powerful graphics and plenty of RAM, but check out our guide to mobile workstations to find out what specifics you should consider.Finally, consider the form factor. As a rule, Intel’s H- and HX-series chips will deliver the highest power for the most demanding uses and will be found in mobile workstations and creator laptops, while U-series CPUs are made for midrange thin-and-light laptops. Ultraportable laptops generally use lower-wattage chips, generally around 15 watts from U-series chips, with wattage driving up to 45W or higher in workstations. But, even with the U-series models, the basic tiers provide good, better, and best in terms of processing power.How Much RAM Do I Need for a Business Laptop?The basic rule of thumb when it comes to laptop memory is this: Always ask for more, within reason. RAM is the short-term memory of the computer, and it’s used for running apps and multitasking.Just like you would benefit from having better short-term memory, having more RAM allows you to not only do more, but to do it with less lag time and fewer hiccups, and work with larger files.As a general rule, we recommend that the rank-and-file office worker have at least 8GB of RAM, which is the realistic floor for any decent Windows laptop these days. If you work with photos or other media files, 16GB is a better minimum. But, if you’re expecting to work with huge files, complex spreadsheets, or engineering-grade programs, 32GB or more is recommended.How Much Storage Do I Need in a Work Laptop? 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 smart idea. If you’re going to go with a traditional platter drive (and at this point, you not only should not, but will likely be starved of options), a 1TB hard drive is a decent balance between economy and space.That said, we’re huge fans of solid-state boot drives, and practically all new business laptops have moved over to them at this point. (You will see hard drives as boot drives only in refurbished and used machines now.) While pricier per gigabyte and more meager in their storage capacities, solid-state drives (SSDs) don’t have any spinning parts and are far better suited to take a licking on the road. SSD-equipped systems also boot and launch apps more quickly. Capacities of 256GB or 512GB will anchor most base models.
(Credit: Brian Westover)
Optical drives have disappeared on business laptops. If you need to retrieve older files or records stored on CDs or DVDs, an external disc drive can help; that’s a smarter move than buying an older, bulky laptop equipped with an optical drive if you know you’re not quite done shuffling discs yet.Integrated vs. Dedicated: What Graphics Should You Get in Your Laptop? 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?) Unless a laptop has a separate GPU, it will use integrated graphics, usually named “Intel UHD Graphics” or “Iris Xe Graphics” (or in the very latest Intel Core Ultra-based models, “Intel Arc Graphics”). AMD’s chips use the name Radeon Graphics.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.While a few professional laptops will get the Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics cards you’d normally find in a higher-end consumer laptop or gaming machine, most will get an extra boost with Nvidia’s professional GPU lines. Older workstations frequently use Nvidia’s older Quadro GPUs, while newer models use Nvidia’s RTX A series or (rarely) AMD’s Radeon Pro line.The exception to this rule is Apple, which builds pro-level graphics processing right into its higher-end chips. Even the basic M3-powered MacBook Pros may be limited to some light photo and video editing, but the beefier M3 Pro and M3 Max processors found in the latest MacBook Pro models contain the same level of graphics power as a Windows system with a dedicated GPU.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
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 1600p 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 are 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 OptionsAn effective and fast 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. The best wireless at the moment is Wi-Fi 6E, but the newest standard, Wi-Fi 7, should quickly gain traction in 2024.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 come with older 802.11ac Wi-Fi 5; these 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: Joseph Maldonado)
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 you find 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.Constant connectivity is a common option for business laptops, but it doesn’t come cheap. A 5G wireless connection can run up a hefty monthly fee, but with widely available coverage and service plans from top cellular providers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, it’s a good way to stay connected for work on the road. 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 LifeA 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 mean 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.Ultraportable laptops as a rule have non-removable, sealed-in batteries. Laptops with removable batteries do still exist, but they are quite uncommon, limited mostly to rugged tablets and laptops designed for extreme conditions.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 to a corporate environment. While specialized (i.e. 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.Ypu might look for a Windows tablet if you need to run key in-house or third-party apps that were originally created for PCs but emphasize touch or pen input. 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 super-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 helpful take-along unit for an offsite meeting or used as a portable alternative to your six-pound big-screen bruiser of a workstation. Microsoft (with its Surface line) and Lenovo (with its ThinkPad variants) are the key players in this market for business Windows tablets.The Best Chromebooks for Business: Simple and AffordableWith the cloud becoming omnipresent at work and home alike, Chromebooks are more viable options than ever for laptops devoted to work activity. These laptops are restricted to using Google’s ChromeOS, 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: Joseph Maldonado)
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 adjuncts than primary machines in most businesses.What Are the Best Laptops for Home-Office Use?By and large, work laptops are ideal whether you’re in a cubicle in the office, or working from the comfort of your home. But, if you want a great work-from-home laptop, we have a few additional factors to consider, like portability if you’re commuting to an office for part of the week, or camera quality so you can look your best while working remotely.One of the major concerns is portability, which includes both a laptop’s size and weight, but also the battery life. You might be able to tote a laptop under an arm or nestled inside a laptop bag, but you also want to be able to use it without being tethered to an outlet. If you’re going to a coffee shop, on an airplane, back and forth from an office to your home, or wherever your remote work happens, choosing a lightweight, long-lived laptop will pay off.But stationary use is also a concern. If you work from home more often than you take your laptop on the road, you’ll want to take advantage of dedicated desk space, and the accessories and peripherals that a desk allows. That means an external monitor, a proper keyboard and mouse, and any other peripherals you want for your workspace.Finally, look for a laptop with a 1080p camera, which will help you look better on video calls than the 720p cameras many office models default to. Some of our favorite models with better-than-average cameras include the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12, the HP Dragonfly G4, and the Apple MacBook Pro 14-Inch (2023, M3).Which Brands and Styles Are Better for Business Users?One of the biggest decisions to make about a work laptop is brand. Which is better for business, Dell or HP? Lenovo or Apple? These questions are further complicated by IT-department requirements, software needs, and other concerns. By and large, major brands making work laptops do a decent job of staying competitive, providing similar options in terms of hardware and features, with an added layer of brand-specific software for power users or IT management.If you want to shop by brand, definitely check out some of our manufacturer-specific pages, where we highlight the best Dell laptops, the best Lenovo laptops, or the best Apple MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops. And to a extent, which brand you choose may depend on the volume discounts you can work with the sales team at a Dell, an HP, or a Lenovo, and what the installed base of laptops at your office comprises. There’s no single easy answer.But what often matters before the brand is what you need your laptop to do. If you want something light and easy to carry, check out the best ultraportable laptops. If you need a beefy laptop for demanding professional work, try the best mobile workstations. Or read up on the best rugged laptops if you need something that can survive out in the field or on a work site. Looking at the top models that fit your team’s or teams’ use cases can help you narrow down to specific models and, from that, brands if you’re not wedded to just one.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, or you may be able to negotiate terms on a bulk fleet buy), 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 a discrete GPU. 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 in our spec list. We refresh the list constantly 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. And 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.
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