Best Laptops 2026

Introduction + Quick Picks

With the rise of remote work, having a reliable laptop for working from home is more important than ever. In this review, we’ll cover the best laptops for working from home, covering a range of budgets and use cases. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or full-time employee, we’ve got you covered. Here are our quick picks for the best laptops for working from home:

For general use, we recommend the Dell XPS 13, which offers a great balance of performance, portability, and price. For gaming and video editing, the MSI GS66 Stealth is a top choice, with its powerful Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card. For those on a budget, the Acer Aspire 3 is a great option, offering a full HD display and reliable performance at an affordable price.

What to Look For

When choosing a laptop for working from home, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key criteria to keep in mind:

• Processor: Look for a laptop with a recent-generation processor from Intel or AMD, such as the Intel Core i5 or i7, or the AMD Ryzen 5 or 7.
• Memory and Storage: Ensure the laptop has enough RAM (at least 8GB) and storage (at least 256GB) to handle your workload and files.
• Display: A good display is essential for productivity and entertainment. Look for a laptop with a full HD or 4K display, and consider a touchscreen or 2-in-1 design for added versatility.
• Ports and Connectivity: Make sure the laptop has enough ports to connect all your devices, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and an SD card slot. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 are also important for reliable connectivity.
• Battery Life: A laptop with a long battery life is essential for working on the go or during power outages. Look for a laptop with at least 8 hours of battery life.

Top Picks

Dell XPS 13

The Dell XPS 13 is a top choice for general use, with its compact design, beautiful display, and excellent performance. Specs include:

• Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7
• Memory: 8GB RAM
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Display: 13.4-inch Full HD touchscreen
• Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x HDMI, 1x SD card slot
• Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
• Price: $999

Pros: portable, great display, excellent performance. Cons: limited ports, no SD card slot.

Best for: general use, writing, browsing, and streaming.

MSI GS66 Stealth

The MSI GS66 Stealth is a powerful laptop designed for gaming and video editing. Specs include:

• Processor: Intel Core i9-11900H
• Memory: 16GB RAM
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• Display: 15.6-inch 4K touchscreen
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
• Ports: 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, 1x HDMI, 1x SD card slot
• Battery Life: Up to 9 hours
• Price: $1,699

Pros: powerful performance, great display, long battery life. Cons: expensive, heavy.

Best for: gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.

Acer Aspire 3

The Acer Aspire 3 is a budget-friendly laptop that’s perfect for general use. Specs include:

• Processor: Intel Core i3-1005G1
• Memory: 6GB RAM
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Display: 14-inch Full HD
• Ports: 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 1x HDMI, 1x SD card slot
• Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
• Price: $349

Pros: affordable, reliable performance, long battery life. Cons: limited storage, no touchscreen.

Best for: general use, browsing, and streaming on a budget.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a business-oriented laptop with a focus on productivity and security. Specs include:

• Processor: Intel Core i7-1165G7
• Memory: 16GB RAM
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Display: 14-inch Full HD touchscreen
• Ports: 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, 1x HDMI, 1x SD card slot
• Battery Life: Up to 15 hours
• Price: $1,331

Pros: lightweight, great keyboard, excellent security features. Cons: expensive, limited ports.

Best for: business use, productivity, and security.

HP Envy x360

The HP Envy x360 is a 2-in-1 laptop with a focus on creativity and entertainment. Specs include:

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800U
• Memory: 16GB RAM
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Display: 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen
• Ports: 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, 1x HDMI, 1x SD card slot
• Battery Life: Up to 14 hours
• Price: $699

Pros: versatile design, great display, long battery life. Cons: heavy, limited ports.

Best for: creative tasks, entertainment, and general use.

How We Tested

We tested each laptop for performance, battery life, and display quality. We used a range of benchmarks, including Geekbench, Cinebench, and 3DMark, to evaluate performance. We also tested battery life by streaming video, browsing the web, and performing other tasks. Finally, we evaluated display quality by watching videos, browsing the web, and playing games.

Comparison Table

Laptop	Processor	Memory	Storage	Display	Ports	Battery Life	Price
Dell XPS 13	Intel Core i5-1135G7	8GB RAM	256GB SSD	13.4-inch Full HD touchscreen	2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x HDMI, 1x SD card slot	Up to 12 hours	$999
MSI GS66 Stealth	Intel Core i9-11900H	16GB RAM	1TB SSD	15.6-inch 4K touchscreen	2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, 1x HDMI, 1x SD card slot	Up to 9 hours	$1,699
Acer Aspire 3	Intel Core i3-1005G1	6GB RAM	256GB SSD	14-inch Full HD	2x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 1x HDMI, 1x SD card slot	Up to 8 hours	$349
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon	Intel Core i7-1165G7	16GB RAM	512GB SSD	14-inch Full HD touchscreen	2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, 1x HDMI, 1x SD card slot	Up to 15 hours	$1,331
HP Envy x360	AMD Ryzen 7 5800U	16GB RAM	512GB SSD	15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen	2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, 1x HDMI, 1x SD card slot	Up to 14 hours	$699

Which to Buy

Based on our testing and evaluation, here are our recommendations for different use cases and budgets:

For general use, we recommend the Dell XPS 13 or the Acer Aspire 3, depending on your budget. For gaming and video editing, the MSI GS66 Stealth is a top choice. For business use, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a great option. For creative tasks and entertainment, the HP Envy x360 is a versatile and affordable choice.

FAQ

What is the best laptop for working from home?

The best laptop for working from home depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a general-use laptop, the Dell XPS 13 or the Acer Aspire 3 are great options. For gaming and video editing, the MSI GS66 Stealth is a top choice.

What are the most important features to consider when buying a laptop?

When buying a laptop, consider the processor, memory, storage, display, ports

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Sources & Further Reading

• The Verge Laptop Reviews
• Wirecutter Best Laptops
• CNET Laptop Buying Guide