In the dynamic world of business, the tools we use can significantly impact our productivity, efficiency, and ultimately, our success. Among these essential tools, the laptop stands out as a cornerstone for professionals across all industries. Recognizing this, our annual roundup for 2024 zeroes in on the best business laptops that promise to cater to the diverse needs of the modern professional. Whether you're an entrepreneur constantly on the move, a creative professional juggling multiple projects, or a corporate executive handling sensitive data, the importance of selecting the right laptop cannot be overstated. Factors such as battery life, keyboard comfort, processing power, and durability play pivotal roles in this decision-making process.
This year, we've meticulously evaluated a wide array of models to bring you a selection that embodies the pinnacle of innovation, reliability, and value. Our lineup includes options that boast unparalleled performance for those who demand the utmost in speed and efficiency, alongside versatile designs that offer the perfect blend of functionality and portability. For professionals prioritizing security and durability, we highlight laptops engineered to withstand the rigors of travel and safeguard sensitive information. Moreover, understanding the constraints of budget without compromising on quality, we've also included models that deliver impressive features at a more accessible price point. Through this comprehensive guide, BuySmart.ai aims to empower you with the knowledge to choose a laptop that not only meets but exceeds your business needs in 2024.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10: Premium Business Laptop
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 14" Notebook - 21CB000AUS -- 1018.72(Amazon)
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 Intel Core i7-1260P, 14" WUXGA (1920x1200) Low... -- 1348.53(Amazon)
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 Intel Core i7-1260P 14" Touch Laptop 16... -- 1499(Walmart - Piety Tech LLC)
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 Business Laptop, 14 Inch WUXGA IPS, Intel Core... -- 1399(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 stands out for its exceptional blend of durability, security, and performance tailored for business users. Its lightweight design and long battery life are ideal for professionals on the go, ensuring productivity isn't hampered by travel or long workdays. With features like a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, up to 16GB RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD, it's designed to handle demanding tasks with ease. Enhanced communication tools, robust security measures including a fingerprint reader, and a dazzling WUXGA 1920 x 1200 IPS display further solidify its position as a top choice for business laptops.
Who It's For
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 is best suited for business professionals and travelers who require a reliable, secure, and high-performance laptop. Its premium features and specifications make it an excellent choice for those who prioritize productivity and security in a portable package. However, its high price point may be a barrier for individuals or organizations with tighter budgets.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Top-notch durability and security features | ❌ High price point |
| ✅ Lightweight design with long battery life | ❌ May be overkill for casual users |
| ✅ Powerful performance with Intel Core i7 and 16GB RAM | ❌ Limited upgradeability due to thin and light design |
Dell Latitude 9420: Best 2-in-1 Business Laptop
Dell Latitude 9420 2-in-1 14in -- 849.99(Amazon)
Latitude 9000 9420 14" Touchscreen Convertible 2 in 1 Notebook - QHD+ - ... -- 849.99(Amazon)
DELL Latitude 9000 9420 08KF3 -- 958.63(Microless.com)
Latitude 9420 14" 2.5K 2-in-1 Touchscreen (Intel Core i7-1185G7 vPro, 16... -- 1299.99(Amazon)
Latitude 9000 9420 14" Touchscreen Convertible 2 in 1 Notebook - QHD+ - ... -- 1080.77(Amazon)
Dell Latitude 9420 Corei5-1145G7 Vpro, 16GB 256GB SSD (14"FHD, Windows 1... -- 1095.62(Microless.com)
Why We Picked It
The Dell Latitude 9420 is a premium 2-in-1 business laptop that offers advanced security and collaboration tools, making it an excellent choice for business professionals who need a versatile and secure device for different work environments. Its high-performance Intel Core i7 processor, ample RAM, and high-resolution touchscreen display provide a powerful and efficient user experience.
Who It's For
This laptop is best suited for business professionals who require a reliable and secure device that can keep up with demanding tasks and multitasking. It's also ideal for those who appreciate the flexibility of a 2-in-1 design for presentations, note-taking, or other interactive work. However, it may not be the best fit for users who prefer a more traditional, lightweight laptop without the additional bulk of a convertible design.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ High-performance Intel Core i7 processor for demanding tasks | ❌ The 2-in-1 design may add extra weight compared to traditional laptops |
| ✅ Versatile 2-in-1 design with a high-resolution QHD+ touchscreen | ❌ Higher price point may not be suitable for all budgets |
| ✅ Advanced security features including a fingerprint reader and Windows 10 Pro | ❌ Limited storage options on base models |
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro): Best Professional Performance Laptop
Apple MacBook Pro 14.2" 3024x1964 M1 16GB 512GB MKGP3LL/A - Space Gray -- 1499(MacPro-LA)
2021 MacBook Pro (14-inch, M1 Pro chip with 10‑core CPU and 16‑core GPU,... -- 2399.99(Amazon)
2021 Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Pro Chip (14-inch, 32GB RAM, 512GB ... -- 1749.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch with the M1 Pro chip is a powerhouse designed for professionals who require top-tier performance and long battery life. Its exceptional build quality and stunning Liquid Retina XDR display make it a standout device for demanding workflows.
Who It's For
This MacBook Pro is ideal for creative professionals such as video editors, graphic designers, and music producers who need robust processing power and high-quality graphics performance. It's also great for developers and researchers who can leverage the machine learning capabilities of the M1 Pro chip. However, it may not be the best fit for users who rely heavily on enterprise applications that are not compatible with macOS.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Powerful M1 Pro chip with up to 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU for intensive tasks | ❌ MacOS compatibility issues with some enterprise applications |
| ✅ Long battery life of up to 17 hours for extended work sessions | ❌ Premium price point may be a barrier for some users |
| ✅ Stunning 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display for an immersive visual experience | ❌ Limited port selection compared to some PC laptops |
HP Elite Dragonfly G3: Best Ultralight Business Laptop
Elite Dragonfly G3 13.5" Touchscreen Notebook - WUXGA+ - 1920 x 1280 - I... -- 1499.99(Amazon)
Elite Dragonfly G3 13.5" Touchscreen Notebook - WUXGA - 1920x1280 - i5 1... -- 889(Amazon)
Elite Dragonfly G3 13.5" Touchscreen Notebook - WUXGA+ - 1920 x 1280 - I... -- 999(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The HP Elite Dragonfly G3 is a top-tier business laptop that combines portability with performance. Its ultra-lightweight design makes it an excellent choice for professionals on the go, while its advanced security features ensure that sensitive data remains protected. The latest 12th Gen Intel Core processors provide the power needed for multitasking and productivity without sacrificing battery life.
Who It's For
This laptop is best suited for business professionals and executives who prioritize mobility, security, and performance. It's built for those who frequently travel or work remotely and need a reliable, high-performing device that can keep up with demanding workloads. However, its premium price point may not be ideal for casual users or those on a tight budget.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Ultra-lightweight and portable design | ❌ Premium price point may be prohibitive for some |
| ✅ Impressive security features for data protection | ❌ Limited upgradeability due to on-board memory |
| ✅ Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core processors for high performance | ❌ No optical drive, which may be a concern for users requiring this feature |
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: Sleek and Powerful Work Companion
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5" AMD Ryzen 5 8GB/256GB Touch, Platinum -... -- 899.99(Best Buy)
Surface Laptop 4 15-inch Touchscreen 256GB SSD AMD Ryzen 7 (8GB RAM, Win... -- 541(Amazon)
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5-inch Touch-Screen – AMD Ryzen 5 Surface ... -- 398.99(Amazon)
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4, AMD Ryzen 5 4680U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 13.5"... -- 399(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 stands out for its blend of performance, portability, and design elegance. With options for both AMD Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 processors, it offers a range of power suitable for business users and everyday tasks. Its high-resolution PixelSense Touchscreen Display provides an excellent visual experience, while the sleek and lightweight design makes it a great portable option. The comfortable keyboard and the overall build quality further enhance its appeal as a reliable work companion.
Who It's For
This laptop is ideal for business professionals and students who prioritize a blend of style, performance, and portability. It's perfect for those who need a reliable machine for everyday tasks, presentations, and light to moderate computing needs. However, due to its limited port selection, it might not be the best fit for users requiring extensive peripheral connectivity without the use of additional adapters.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ High-resolution PixelSense Touchscreen Display for vivid visuals | ❌ Limited port selection may require additional adapters |
| ✅ Lightweight and elegant design, starting at just 2.76 pounds | ❌ Higher configurations can be pricey |
| ✅ Comfortable keyboard and solid build quality | ❌ Surface Pen not included, limiting touch screen utility for some users |
Dell XPS 15: Best High-Performance Slim Laptop
Dell - XPS 15 15.6" Fhd+ Laptop - Intel Evo i7 - Intel Evo Design - Inte... -- 1499.99(Best Buy)
XPS 15 9530 Business Laptop (15.6" FHD+, Intel 14-Core i7-13700H (Beat i... -- 1884.99(Amazon)
Dell - XPS 15 15.6" Fhd+ Laptop - Intel Core i7 - Intel Evo Design - 16G... -- 1791(Walmart - Cmi Link Force LLC)
XPS 15 9000 9530 15.6" Notebook - Full HD Plus - 1920 x 1200 - Intel Cor... -- 1449.99(Amazon)
Dell XPS 15 9570 15.6" Laptop Silver -- 903.99(Newegg.com - AVALLAX)
Dell XPS 15 9520 (Latest Model) Intel 12th Gen Core i7-12700H (14-CORE) ... -- 1449.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Dell XPS 15 is a premium laptop that combines high-end performance with a sleek and portable design. It's equipped with the latest 13th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, a dedicated Intel Arc A370M graphics card, and a stunning 15.6-inch FHD+ InfinityEdge display. This makes it an excellent choice for professionals who require powerful computing capabilities without sacrificing portability or aesthetics.
Who It's For
This laptop is best suited for professionals such as designers, programmers, and small business owners who need a reliable and high-performance machine for demanding tasks. It's also a good fit for casual gaming, streaming, and remote learning. However, its high price point may not be ideal for those on a tight budget or users who only need a device for basic computing tasks.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Powerful 14-core Intel i7-13700H processor for demanding applications | ❌ Premium price point may be prohibitive for some buyers |
| ✅ Vivid 15.6-inch FHD+ display with 100% Adobe RGB coverage for professional-grade color accuracy | ❌ While suitable for casual gaming, dedicated gaming laptops may offer better performance for serious gamers |
| ✅ Generous memory and storage with 64GB DDR5 RAM and 2TB SSD, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space | ❌ The high-end specifications may be more than what is necessary for users with modest computing needs |
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s: Best Business Laptop for Reliability and Security
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 4 21F6001BUS 14" Notebook -- 1739.99(Best Buy)
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Business Laptop (Intel Core i7-1185G7 vPro, 32GB RA... -- 1099.98(Amazon)
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 3 14" Notebook - 21BR002TUS -- 869.73(Amazon)
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 2 Business Laptop (14" 4K UHD, Intel Core i7-11... -- 999.98(Amazon)
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 2 (AMD) 20XF00AEUS -- 509.99(Walmart - DealClock)
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 1 - 14" - Core i5 10210u - 8 GB Ram - 256 GB SS... -- 1199.99(Chicago Computer Supply)
Why We Picked It
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s is a premium business laptop that excels in delivering a balance of performance, durability, and security, all wrapped up in a lightweight and sleek design. Its robust build quality and comprehensive suite of security features make it a reliable workhorse for professionals who need a dependable device for their business tasks.
Who It's For
This laptop is best suited for business users and professionals who require a powerful machine for productivity on the go. It's ideal for those who value a durable build and enhanced security features, such as a fingerprint reader and privacy shutter for the webcam. However, it may not be the best fit for users who prioritize all-day battery life without access to a power source, especially under heavy usage.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ High-performance Intel Core i7 vPro processor with 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD | ❌ Battery life may diminish quickly under intensive tasks |
| ✅ Lightweight design with a durable build and comprehensive security features | ❌ Premium price point may be a barrier for some budgets |
| ✅ Multiple connectivity options including Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2, HDMI, and 4G LTE | ❌ No optical drive, which might be a concern for users with specific legacy media needs |
Asus ExpertBook B9450: Best Ultralight Business Laptop
Asus ExpertBook B9 B9450CEA-XH75 - 14-inch - Core i7 1165g7 - 16 GB Ram ... -- 1699.99(Best Buy)
ExpertBook B9 OLED Ultralight Business Laptop, 14” 16:10 OLED Display, I... -- 1884.98(Amazon)
Asus ExpertBook B9 B9450 B9450CBA-XVE77 14" Notebook -- 1934.99(Amazon)
ExpertBook B9 Thin & Light Business Laptop, 14” FHD Display, Intel Core ... -- 729(Amazon)
ExpertBook B9 (B9450, 12th Gen Intel) -- 1769.99(ASUS Store US)
Why We Picked It
The Asus ExpertBook B9450 stands out for its exceptional battery life and robust, lightweight design, making it a top choice for business professionals who are frequently on the move. With a range of high-performance features including Intel vPro Essentials for enhanced security, a 14” OLED HDR display, and a durable magnesium-lithium alloy chassis, this laptop is engineered to support productivity and withstand the rigors of travel.
Who It's For
The ExpertBook B9450 is best suited for business travelers, remote workers, and professionals who require a dependable, secure, and portable laptop with all-day battery life. Its high-capacity storage and powerful multitasking capabilities make it ideal for those who need to manage intensive workloads without being tethered to a power outlet.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Impressive all-day battery life | ❌ Keyboard layout may require adjustment |
| ✅ Durable and ultralight design | ❌ Premium price point |
| ✅ High-performance storage and multitasking | ❌ Limited number of USB 3.0 ports |
Acer TravelMate P6: Best Value Business Laptop
TravelMate P6 Thin & Light Business Laptop, 14" FHD IPS, Intel Core i5-1... -- 623.01(Amazon)
TravelMate P6 14 P614-53 TMP614-53-565S 14" Notebook - WUXGA - 1920 x 12... -- 1149.1(Amazon)
Acer TravelMate P6 TMP614-52 -- 1190.89(ShopBLT.com)
Why We Picked It
The Acer TravelMate P6 series offers a blend of performance, durability, and value that makes it an attractive choice for small business owners and startups. With its solid build, long battery life, and security features like a fingerprint reader and vPro technology, it's designed to handle the demands of a professional environment while keeping costs manageable.
Who It's For
This laptop is best suited for small business owners, startups, and professionals who need a reliable and secure machine for their day-to-day tasks without breaking the bank. It's also a good fit for those who value battery life and portability in their work devices.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Up to 23 hours of battery life with fast charging | ❌ Less premium design compared to competitors |
| ✅ Military-grade durability and security features | ❌ Limited storage capacity in the base model |
| ✅ Lightweight and portable with powerful performance | ❌ Integrated graphics may not be suitable for intensive graphic tasks |
HP Spectre x360 14: Best Premium 2-in-1 Laptop for Professionals
Spectre 2023 x360 Luxury 14T Intel Evo Laptop Intel i7-1255U 10 Cores, W... -- 1059(Amazon)
HP Spectre X360 14" Grey 2021 QHD+ TOUCH 2.8GHz I7-1165G7 16GB 1TB - Goo... -- 638(Mercari)
Spectre X360 14 2-in-1 Laptop | 13.5" WUXGA+ Touch 400 nits 100% sRGB | ... -- 1199(Amazon)
HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 Laptop 14-eu0098nr|Intel Processor|Windows 11 Pro... -- 1849.99(HP)
Why We Picked It
The HP Spectre x360 14 is a top-tier laptop that combines a luxurious design with versatile 2-in-1 functionality, making it an excellent choice for professionals who require a flexible computing solution. Its high-quality display, long battery life, and premium security features set it apart as a high-performance device that doesn't compromise on aesthetics or functionality.
Who It's For
This laptop is best suited for business professionals, creatives, and power users who need a reliable and powerful machine that can adapt to different use cases, including tablet mode for presentations or creative work. It's also ideal for those who prioritize security and privacy in their computing devices. However, it may not be the best value for users who do not require the 2-in-1 capability or premium features.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Stunning 13.5-inch touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio for enhanced productivity | ❌ High price point may not be justifiable for users who don't need 2-in-1 functionality |
| ✅ Premium performance with 12th generation Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD | ❌ Limited port selection may require additional adapters for some users |
| ✅ Excellent security features including a physical camera shutter and fingerprint reader | ❌ Heavier and bulkier than traditional laptops, which may affect portability |
Thanks for reading! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help you find the best business laptop for your needs.