However, most people will find the combination of a large screen and physical keyboard within a portable device hard to beat. Also, you’re one of the many offices to have switched to a hot desking system recently, a laptop is the easiest way to keep all your files in one place. Many of the most popular laptop makers have at least one line of laptops specifically designed for business. They typically go for a minimalist design while focusing on performance and security, but there’s no need to limit yourself to those. Plenty of laptops that are technically aimed at consumers can be great options, too. We’ve included both in this round-up, alongside links to full reviews and detailed buying advice at the bottom. Remember, being higher in the list doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a better option for you.
Best business laptops 2023
Stunning large display Thin and lightweight Superb performance
Expensive Software tweaks not for everyone
With that in mind, allow us to introduce you to the LG Gram 17. It represents the pinnacle of laptop design right now, offering a huge 17in (2560×1600) display within a chassis that’s just 17.8mm thick and 1.35kg in weight. It’s powered by Intel’s 11th-gen processors, alongside up to 16GB of RAM and a bumper 1TB SSD on high-end models. If that’s not enough, you also get stellar battery life from the 80Wh cell. The below-par trackpad and speakers – our two biggest complaints about the 2020 model – have also both been addressed by LG, making this the best big-screened laptop you can buy. There are now 2023 versions of this and the smaller LG Gram 16, but aside from new Intel CPUs it’s generally more of the same.
Great display Excellent everyday performance Fast charging Lots of ports
No discrete GPU No separate number pad No SD card slot
The high-res 16in touchscreen is a joy to use, and there’s enough room within the slim top bezel for a decent 1080p webcam. Huawei has embraced Intel on the 16s with strong results from the 12th-gen CPUs. Decent battery life is supplemented by impressive fast charging speeds, all within a slick, premium design. But the MateBook 16s isn’t perfect by any means. Performance is limited during demanding tasks with no discrete GPU, while Huawei has decided against a separate number pad next to the keyboard despite there being plenty of space for it. While there are lots of ports, you’re missing out on an SD card slot so might need an adapter. However, all these things would be easy to overlook for most consumers. Whether they’re dealbreakers in a business environment is up to you. If you’re looking for something more affordable, the latest MateBook D 16 is a great alternative.
Stunning design Impressive keyboard & trackpad Solid performance 90W fast charging
No discrete GPU Sub-par battery life No USB-A ports
That’s not a problem, though, as it was already one of the best laptops you can buy. Moving to 12th-gen CPUs delivers a notable improvement to performance, even without a discrete GPU. Elsewhere, subtle refinements to the thin and light design means it looks and feels better than ever – especially with combined with the gorgeous 90Hz display/ A superb keyboard and trackpad are among the best you’ll find in any laptop. Huawei has managed to squeeze in no fewer than four USB-C ports, but for some reason there’s no USB-A. You’ll also have to contend with underwhelming battery life, although there is 90W fast charging for when you do run low. That premium price tag makes those drawbacks harder to ignore, but the latest MateBook X Pro remains an excellent option for almost all business users.
Fantastic performance Great battery life Useful pre-installed software
Sub-par webcam Limited port selection
It delivers incredible improvements to performance and power efficiency, with the latter yielding a big boost to battery life. Much of the rest of the device is unchanged, although you do get the much-improved Magic Keyboard alongside the already excellent trackpad. You also shouldn’t overlook the wide range of software that’s either pre-installed or free to download on macOS – everything from Pages and Keynote to GarageBand and iMovie are included at no extra cost. This may avoid the need to spend extra on software. Be warned though, the webcam and port selection still isn’t great, while you’re limited to just one external display. You may also prefer the 2022 MacBook Air or 14in/16in models of the MacBook Pro.
Powerful with lots of ports Great keyboard Excellent 90Hz display Webcam above the display
Plain design Thunderbolt 4 only on top-spec model Webcam only 720p
It’s one of the few consumer laptops to have a 90Hz display, making everything on the 14.2in, 2560×1680 display feel more fluid and responsive. It works in tandem with Intel’s 11th-gen chips – you get a choice of i5 or i7 here – for excellent performance, even without a discrete GPU. The keyboard is also one of the best you’ll find anywhere, while Huawei has even returned the webcam to its rightful place above the display. You also get all-day battery life (for most tasks) and quad speakers, all within an 1.43kg chassis. If you don’t need the extra screen real estate of the LG Gram devices, this is the next best thing for on-the-go business. There’s also a new version of the MateBook 14s, but it’s also an iterative update with newer Intel CPUs.
Vibrant display Stunning design Great port selection
Underwhelming battery life No discrete GPU Expensive
They include great performance from Intel’s 12th-gen CPUs, alongside the option for 5G on high-end models. It’s equipped with a high-quality 15.6in OLED display, while you also get a full-size keyboard with separate numberpad. Despite being just 11.7mm thick, Samsung has still found room for a generous port selection, which adds USB-A and HDMI to the usual USB-C ports. There’s also a Full HD webcam and dual speakers for a solid video calling experience. It’s far from perfect, with mediocre battery life and a lack of some high-end specs, but the Galaxy Book 2 Pro is a great option for business users who value portability.
Lightweight and portable Excellent 120Hz display Solid performance & battery life
Not enough ports Keyboard cover still sold separately Expensive
It includes a laptop-sized 13in display, complete with 120Hz refresh rate for silky-smooth visuals. Paired with the premium surface design and solid performance from Intel’s 12th-gen chips, the Pro 9 nails the basics. Other highlights include a great webcam, solid battery life and and excellent detachable keyboard – although the latter is sold separately. Adding that and a pen makes the device very expensive, while the port selection still needs work. You might be tempted to go for the ARM version, which offers 5G support, new video calling features and even better battery life. But the performance issues and clunky experience with some apps simply isn’t worth it.
Stunning design Great keyboard Superb OLED display
Underwhelming battery life Not enough ports No physical function keys
It offers a new take on the classic Dell design, with a stunning OLED display and new edge-to-edge keyboard. The viewing and typing experience are great as a result, but the new haptic function keys flatter to deceive. Performance from Intel’s 12th-gen CPUs is solid, and it’s nice to have support for both face unlock and a fingerprint sensor. But disappointing battery life and a poor port selection take the shine off the experience, particularly at this price. However, if you can afford it and are content with the compromises, it remains a great option for business use.
Solid performance Excellent keyboard Decent display
Dated design No option for AMD CPUs Prices climb quickly
Microsoft has decided against updating what was already a dated design, meaning the device doesn’t look like a laptop that was released in 2022. The only upgrade compared to the Laptop 4 is a move to 12th-gen Intel CPUs, which yields a small boost to performance and power efficiency. The latter benefits battery life, but no option for AMD processors this year limits its impact – that was where the better battery life could be found last time out. But despite being unchanged, the 13.5in or 15in touchscreens remain excellent, while the keyboard is one of the best in any laptop. Aside from that, the Surface Laptop 5 isn’t best-in-class in any area. But it does do most things pretty well, which bodes well for business use.
Impressive performance Great battery life S-Pen stylus support
Relatively expensive No dedicated GPU Display lacks brightness
Other key strengths include a superb keyboard and capable trackpad, although you might still want to connect a mouse. There’s also plenty of ports, something which is often sacrificed on thin and light laptops – a slightly chunkier design is worth it. However, underwhelming battery is the main reason it’s not higher in this list. The 14.5in, 120Hz display has a high resolution, but struggles a bit for colour accuracy. Alongside that high price tag, it stops the Slim 7i Pro X from being an instant recommendation. Apple’s MacBooks are definitely worth considering, but the sheer number of options means Windows is your safest bet. Any Windows 10 devices on this list are eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11, although there are two main versions to consider. Learn more in our separate guide: What’s the difference between Windows 11 Home and Pro? Some of the laptops in this list are higher priced, but they often represent good value considering the features and specifications they have. We’ve included a range of different prices and options. It’s important to make sure the laptop you choose has the right specs for your line of work. Do you need a powerful processor and graphics card for demanding software or can you save money by getting something lower-end? That all depends on your workload and how your current device compares. Also, make sure the display will suit your environment. Someone working outside will need to make sure the screen is bright enough to view, but there are plenty of dim screens out there that you’ll want to avoid. Ports are often forgotten about, but a laptop is no good if you can’t plug a vital accessory in. Many laptops come with USB-C only now, so you might need an adapter or a hub. As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.
