Best Laptops For Working From Home In 2022 – Top Picks For Home Workers
Work from home laptop
If you don’t see yourself switching from Mac OS to Windows any time soon, the choice for the best laptop for remote work has already been made for you.
Apple’s Macbook Pros have always been a favourite, and their most recent 2021 model is currently one of the best computers for working from home in existence. Available with a 14 or 16-inch screen, this laptop is sleek with all the functionality necessary for a productive day.
The 2021 Macbook Pro can be extended to have up to 8 TB of storage with the possibility of up to 64 GB RAM making it the most advanced laptop on this list when it comes to numbers.
If you’re looking for performance, this is the laptop for you.
The innovative M1 Max chip guarantees lightning-fast speeds and reliable results. Apple also included a so-called liquid retina extreme dynamic range display, which is perfect for those working with graphics.
The Macbook Pro weighs between 3.5 and 4.7 lbs depending on the configuration and size and provides up to 21 hours of battery life should you be working somewhere other than the comfort of your own home.
This is also the only laptop in Apple’s lineup with a 10-core CPU, so it is a true workhorse when it comes to performance.
Initially, this MacBook release was met with some scepticism and even controversy. Apple previously removed most of their ports from all types of MacBooks and gave their pro version a touch bar to aid with navigation.
However, the 2021 Macbook Pro surprisingly returned without the touch bar and once again includes a selection of ports, including SD and HDMI. Since the release, this has been met with positive feedback as those working from home need functionality in their laptop and might want to prevent having to buy extra gadgets and adapters.
All in all, this MacBook is a fantastic choice for remote work and is without a doubt one of the best laptops in 2021. Unfortunately, it is an expensive piece of equipment ranging between US $1,999 and $5,899 for the maximum configuration.
MacBook Pro 14-inch 2021 - PROS & CONS
PROS
- very long battery life
- fantastic performance
- beautiful retina display
- incredibly large RAM and internal storage
CONS
- not all remote workers are able to get their work done on Mac OS
- very expensive
- no USB ports
WORK FROM HOME LAPTOP​
The HP Envy 17T is somewhat of a jack of all trades when it comes to laptops suitable for working from home. It has great specs but also doesn’t really stand out, which makes it a safe choice for those who aren’t yet sure whether they need premium features.
At US $1000 to $1,800, depending on the configuration, the HP Envy 17T is not a very expensive laptop compared to the other models on this list. However, it also doesn’t have nearly as many features as the more pricey options, so it’s more suitable for someone just starting out with remote work.
The 17-inch screen provides plenty of space for productivity, and up to 32 GB of RAM boost this laptop’s performance when working from home. The quad-core intel processor guarantees fast speeds, and a GeForce MX330 graphics card pushes the visuals to the next level.
Weighing in at 6 pounds, the HP Envy 17T is not too heavy but also not incredibly portable despite its respectable eight hours of battery life.
However, internal storage for this laptop is limited to 1 TB SSD, which is relatively small for a laptop meant to replace your desktop while you work. All in all, the HP Envy 17T is a safe choice and won’t break the bank compared to other remote work laptops.
HP Envy 17T - PROS & CONS
PROS
- fast, i7 processor
- touch screen
- good amount of ports
- great audio system
CONS
- doesn't stand out from the competition
- only 1 TB internal storage
WORK FROM HOME LAPTOP​
The MSI GE75 Raider appears to be a top choice for many remote workers trying to find a fast and reliable laptop. It only weighs 5.8 pounds despite measuring 17 inches across its ultra thin-bezel display that sets it apart from other devices in its size category.Â
Built for performance and speed, this laptop is a great choice for remote work, especially when working on projects involving elaborate graphics and video editing.Â
With a base of 2.6 GHz and an optional boost of 5GHz, the CPU doesn’t disappoint. The MSI GE75 Raider comes with a six-core processor and an advanced GeForce RTX 2080 graphics card ideal for displaying visuals on the 1080p/144Hz display.Â
MSI chose to give this laptop a distinct branding with their backlit dragon crest logo displayed prominently and colourful backlighting for the keyboard.Â
This design might not be to everyone’s taste so consider whether you care about the performance of your new laptop or if you’re looking for something a little bit more sleek and minimalist.Â
However, despite its stellar performance in most categories, the MSI GE75 Raider has a terrible battery life and will need to be charged every two to three hours realistically.Â
This shouldn’t be too much of a problem for those working from home, but if you are planning to take your laptop to places outside of your own office occasionally, you might run into difficulties with this computer.Â
The MSI GE75 Raider comes with up to 2.5 TB internal storage (including twin 512 GB RAID SSDs) and up to 32 GB RAM. Prices start at US $1,749 and go as high as US $3,999 for the most advanced model.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus - PROS & CONS
PROS
- affordable and great entry-level laptop
- great performance considering the price
- good amount of ports
CONS
- small screen
- might not be advanced enough for some remote workers
WORK FROM HOME LAPTOP​
The MSI GE75 Raider appears to be a top choice for many remote workers trying to find a fast and reliable laptop. It only weighs 5.8 pounds despite measuring 17 inches across its ultra thin-bezel display that sets it apart from other devices in its size category.
Built for performance and speed, this laptop is a great choice for remote work, especially when working on projects involving elaborate graphics and video editing.
With a base of 2.6 GHz and an optional boost of 5GHz, the CPU doesn’t disappoint. The MSI GE75 Raider comes with a six-core processor and an advanced GeForce RTX 2080 graphics card ideal for displaying visuals on the 1080p/144Hz display.
MSI chose to give this laptop a distinct branding with their backlit dragon crest logo displayed prominently and colourful backlighting for the keyboard.
This design might not be to everyone’s taste so consider whether you care about the performance of your new laptop or if you’re looking for something a little bit more sleek and minimalist.
However, despite its stellar performance in most categories, the MSI GE75 Raider has a terrible battery life and will need to be charged every two to three hours realistically.
This shouldn’t be too much of a problem for those working from home, but if you are planning to take your laptop to places outside of your own office occasionally, you might run into difficulties with this computer.
The MSI GE75 Raider comes with up to 2.5 TB internal storage (including twin 512 GB RAID SSDs) and up to 32 GB RAM. Prices start at US $1,749 and go as high as US $3,999 for the most advanced model.
MSI GE75 Raider - PROS & CONS
PROS
- good port selection
- 512 GB boot drive
- fantastic performance
CONS
- built-in webcam isn't great
- battery life is disappointing
- colourful keyboard lighting might not be everyone's taste
WORK FROM HOME LAPTOP​
Dell really created a beast of a laptop when they came up with the Dell Alienware 17 R5. This computer is all about performance and will be a great fit for those working on anything involving graphics, video editing or other complicated processes from home.
The Dell Alienware 17 R5 weighs nearly ten pounds which is no surprise considering its screen is over 17 inches in diameter. It comes with up to 32 Gb of RAM and can be upgraded to 2 TBs of hybrid internal drives.
A 2.9 GHz 8th generation core processor powers the laptop making remote work fast and efficient. The battery is significantly less impressive though and only lasts around five hours which is low compared to other laptops on this list.
However, considering the Dell Alienware, 17 R5 is meant to replace desktop computers, this is perfectly acceptable for those looking for a laptop for working exclusively from home.
The Dell Alienware 17R5 also comes with an advanced high-quality audio system and even eye-tracking capabilities. This is yet another computer marketed for gaming which explains the extravagant LED lighting and alien branding.
The performance of this laptop is fantastic, however, it is not the most professional-looking setup, which could be an issue if you don’t exclusively plan on working from home.
The basic version of this laptop costs US $1,399, although prices go up all the way to US $3,999 for all possible upgrades.
Dell Alienware 17 R5 - PROS & CONS
PROS
- fantastic graphics
- very large screen
- lightning-fast
CONS
- very expensive
- design might not be professional enough
- battery life is not great
WORK FROM HOME LAPTOP​
The Dell Ultra Performance Flashship laptop has many benefits for remote workers, including the possibility of upgrading internal features easily without professional knowledge.
Buying a laptop and deciding how much money you are able to invest is an important decision. However, the Dell Ultra Performance makes it so much easier by allowing users to add RAM and hard drives as needed.
This way, you could buy a budget version of this laptop and upgrade after a little while if you notice you might need more capabilities when working from home.
Starting at just US $800, this Dell is more than affordable and a great mid-range laptop for those on a budget. At just 4.12 pounds, it’s also remarkably light, considering it has a 15-inch screen.
A fantastic choice for people who need to type a lot while working from home, this laptop features an exceptionally comfortable keyboard that has been compared to that of desktop computers.
The full HD display might not be the best currently on the market, but it does its job.
If you’re working with graphics or editing videos as part of your remote work, this laptop might not be the best choice for you, though. Its graphics are definitely not the best out there, and the on-screen colours could be better.
The battery is also not the best but still usable and by far not the worst on this list at around six to seven hours.
Dell Ultra Performance Flagship 7000 Inspiron - PROS & CONS
PROS
- great value for money
- one of the best keyboards on a laptop
- can easily be upgraded
CONS
- screen colours and graphics aren't the best
- battery could be better
Why laptops for work from home jobs are different from laptops for digital nomad
Remote work is becoming more and more relevant in today’s world, and people are choosing to embrace it in different ways.
Some might be looking to create an elaborate setup when working from home with only the best computers or laptops. Others look to try out the digital nomad lifestyle, which requires far more flexible and lightweight gear.
Carefully consider what your work routine might look like at home before you decide which computer to buy. Someone working from home will have completely different needs than a digital nomad, and their laptop choices will be completely different.
If you’re going to be changing location frequently and working from places like coworking spaces and cafes, you’ll want a lightweight setup with a long battery life that is easily portable. A small laptop with a good performance that can be added to using hard drives or external adapters is most likely a good choice.
If you’re someone who is going to be working from home and embracing a remote work lifestyle without having to move their laptop around every single day, this will most likely not be a good fit.
If your computer is not going to be leaving your desk on most days, there is no real need for a lightweight and small device with long battery life. You’re going to be more interested in desktop replacement computers that are able to keep up even if you challenge them with complicated processes while working from home.
You’ll want to look for a strong processor, a large RAM, and, of course, a screen of at least 16 inches (perhaps smaller depending on your work).
Also, consider the size of the keyboard and whether it is comfortable to use. A lot of smaller laptops have less than ideal keyboard setups, which could turn into a problem if you need to type a lot.
Keep in mind that these advanced laptops come at a price. Expect to pay at least US $2,000 for a decent laptop suitable for remote work or even close to US $4,000 if you’re looking for top performance.
So which laptop is the best for working from home?
Six different laptops suitable for working from home were reviewed in this article ranging from just US $800 (Dell Ultra Performance Flagship 7000 Series Inspiron) all the way to the US $5,899 2021 Macbook Pro.
So which one is the best laptop for remote work?
That answer depends on how much money you’re willing to spend and what sort of work you do every day.
If you have a large budget and are a Mac user not willing to switch to Windows, definitely go for an upgraded MacBook pro with a large RAM.
If you’re not looking for an Apple product or are unable to work on Mac OS, go for either the MSI GE75 Raider or the Dell Alienware 17 R5. That is, of course, if you’re willing to spend upwards of US $2,500 on a laptop.
However, both of these computers are technically gaming devices, so they come with quite a few strange design choices and features you might not use every day.
The Dell Ultra Performance Flagship 7000 Inspiron and the HP Envy 17T sit on the other end of the spectrum. They’re far more down to earth choices with reliable, although not fantastic, performances.
You’ll get a fantastic laptop suitable for remote work for only around US $1,000, and you can always choose to upgrade later on.
All six of the laptops mentioned in this article are some of the best computers for working from home, and you won’t go wrong whichever one you choose.