In today's fast-paced world, the need for a reliable and portable laptop has become increasingly essential for travelers. Whether you're a digital nomad, a business professional, or a student on-the-go, having the right laptop can significantly enhance your travel experience. In this article, we'll delve into the best laptops for travelers in 2024, providing you with valuable insights, shopping tips, and recommendations to suit your specific needs.
When it comes to choosing a laptop for travel, there are three key factors to consider: size, weight, and battery life. A compact and lightweight laptop is ideal for easy portability, while long battery life ensures uninterrupted productivity during long flights or transit days. Moreover, for those looking to save on costs without compromising quality, there are budget-friendly options available in the market. In the following sections, we'll explore the top picks for travel laptops, taking into account these factors and more to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking a sleek and powerful laptop for business trips or a versatile and affordable option for leisure travel, we've got you covered.
Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2024): High-Performance Ultralight Laptop
2024 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M3 chip: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Di... -- 1249.99(Amazon)
Apple MacBook Air M2 13.6" - 8GB Ram 256GB SSD - Starlight -- 999(Apple)
Apple MacBook Air M2 13.6" - 8GB Ram, 256GB SSD - Space Gray -- 899(Best Buy)
Why We Picked It
The Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2024) stands out for its exceptional battery life, lightweight design, and the powerful M2 chip, making it a versatile laptop that can handle a wide range of tasks efficiently. Its portability and performance are tailored for professionals and students who need a reliable machine for work, study, and entertainment on the go.
Who It's For
This MacBook Air is perfect for users who prioritize mobility, long battery life, and seamless performance for everyday tasks and more demanding applications alike. It's ideal for professionals working remotely, students, and anyone who values the Apple ecosystem's integration. However, its higher price point and limited port selection might not suit those on a tight budget or users who require extensive connectivity options without relying on additional adapters.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Exceptional battery life up to 18 hours | ❌ Higher price point compared to some competitors |
| ✅ Lightweight and ultra-portable design | ❌ Limited port selection |
| ✅ Powerful M2 chip suitable for a wide range of tasks | ❌ Base model comes with only 8GB of RAM |
Dell XPS 13 (2024): Best Compact High-Performance Laptop
Dell XPS 13 Laptop - w/ Windows 11 Os & 12th Gen Intel Core - 13.4" FHD ... -- 699(Dell)
XPS 13 9315 Thin and Light Business Laptop 13.4" FHD+ 500nits 12th Gen I... -- 1399.98(Amazon)
Dell – XPS 13 – 13.4” Fhd+ Laptop – Intel Core Ultra 7 – Evo Edition - 1... -- 1399.99(Best Buy)
XPS 13 Plus 9000 9320 13.4" Touchscreen Notebook - 3.5K - 3456 x 2160 - ... -- 1679(Amazon)
Dell XPS 13 Laptop - w/ Windows 11 OS & 12th gen Intel Core - 13.4" FHD ... -- 799(Dell)
Dell XPS 13 13.4" Fhd+ Laptop - 12th Gen Intel Evo i7 - 32GB Memory - In... -- 1289(Walmart - Delight Tech Electronics)
Why We Picked It
The Dell XPS 13 (2024) is a premium laptop that combines portability with powerful performance, making it an ideal choice for professionals and power users who need a reliable machine on the go. Its high-resolution screen and long battery life ensure productivity is not hampered, while its compact size allows for easy transportation.
Who It's For
This laptop is best suited for business professionals, frequent travelers, and anyone who prioritizes a balance between performance and portability. It's also a great fit for users who require a high-quality display for detailed work. However, budget-conscious buyers might find the higher configurations a bit steep in price.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ 13.4" FHD+ high-resolution anti-glare display with 500 nits brightness | ❌ Higher configurations can be expensive |
| ✅ Powerful 12th Gen Intel 10-core i7-1250U processor with 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD | ❌ No SD or microSD card slot mentioned |
| ✅ Up to 12 hours of battery life with ExpressCharge and Windows 11 OS | ❌ Limited to integrated graphics, which may not suit heavy gaming or 3D rendering tasks |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10: Best Business Ultrabook for Professionals
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)
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 14" FHD+ Touchscreen (Intel 12-Core i7-... -- 1549.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 stands out for its robust construction, exceptional keyboard, and impressive battery life, making it a reliable choice for professionals on the go. Its array of connectivity options ensures that users can easily connect to various peripherals and networks, enhancing productivity and convenience.
Who It's For
This laptop is best suited for business professionals and power users who require a durable, high-performance machine for productivity tasks. It's ideal for those who prioritize a comfortable typing experience and long battery life. However, it may not be the best fit for individuals who need a laptop for heavy graphics work, such as video editing or 3D rendering, due to its integrated graphics.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Robust and lightweight design | ❌ Premium price point |
| ✅ Outstanding keyboard and touchpad | ❌ Integrated graphics not suitable for intensive graphic tasks |
| ✅ Long battery life and quick charging | ❌ No SD card slot for additional storage expansion |
HP Spectre x360 14 (2024): Versatile High-Performance 2-in-1 Laptop
HP Spectre x360 -1 Laptop 14t-eu000, 14|Intel Processor|512 GB SSD|14" D... -- 1168.99(HP)
Spectre 2023 x360 Luxury 14T Intel Evo Laptop Intel i7-1255U 10 Cores, W... -- 1059(Amazon)
HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 Laptop 14-eu0098nr|Intel Processor|Windows 11 Pro... -- 1849.99(HP)
Spectre X360 14 2-in-1 Laptop | 13.5" WUXGA+ Touch 400 nits 100% sRGB | ... -- 1089(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) stands out for its versatile 2-in-1 design, offering the flexibility of a tablet and the productivity of a laptop in one device. With options for an OLED display, users can experience stunning visuals with vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it ideal for both work and entertainment. Coupled with all-day battery life, it ensures productivity isn't hampered by the need to stay near an outlet. Its premium aesthetics, enhanced security features, and high-performance components make it a top contender in the high-performance laptop category.
Who It's For
This laptop is perfect for professionals and students who need a versatile device that can keep up with their dynamic work or study environments. It's also ideal for creatives who will benefit from the OLED display's superior color accuracy and the included HP Zenvo Tilt Pen for drawing or note-taking. However, its slightly heavier weight compared to non-convertible options might not suit those who prioritize ultra-portability above all else.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Versatile 2-in-1 design with tablet and laptop modes | ❌ Heavier than non-convertible laptops |
| ✅ Option for OLED display for superior visuals | ❌ Premium price point |
| ✅ All-day battery life for uninterrupted productivity | ❌ Limited port selection compared to some competitors |
Asus ZenBook 13 OLED (2024): Best Ultrabook for Vivid Display Enthusiasts
ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop, 13.3 OLED NanoEdge, Intel Evo Platform i5-... -- 649.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Asus ZenBook 13 OLED (2024) is a top-tier ultraportable laptop that stands out for its stunning OLED display, delivering exceptional color accuracy and contrast. Its Intel Evo platform certification ensures a balance of performance, responsiveness, and battery life, making it an excellent choice for users who need a reliable machine on the go. The sleek and lightweight design, coupled with AI noise-cancellation technology, makes it ideal for professionals who demand portability without compromising on productivity.
Who It's For
This laptop is best suited for business professionals, students, and anyone who prioritizes a high-quality display and portability in their computing experience. It's also a great fit for users who rely on video conferencing, thanks to its AI noise-cancellation feature. However, it may not be the best option for gamers or creative professionals who require dedicated graphics power.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Vivid OLED display with full HD resolution | ❌ Limited I/O ports may require additional adapters |
| ✅ Ultralight and thin design for maximum portability | ❌ No dedicated graphics card for intensive graphic tasks |
| ✅ Intel Evo certification for balanced performance and battery life | ❌ The included 256GB SSD may be insufficient for users with large data storage needs |
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (2024): Best for Style and Performance
Surface Laptop 5 13.5" Touchscreen Notebook - 2256 x 1504 - Intel Core i... -- 1449(Amazon)
Microsoft Surface 5 2024 Laptop 14" Touch 512gb, I7, -- 995(eBay)
Why We Picked It
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (2024) stands out for its sleek design, comfortable keyboard, and the latest 12th Gen Intel Core processors that ensure improved performance for multitasking and productivity. Its high-resolution touchscreen and long battery life make it a compelling choice for users who need a reliable and stylish laptop for work and entertainment.
Who It's For
This laptop is best suited for professionals and students who prioritize design and performance in a portable package. It's also a great fit for those who are already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem and prefer a seamless integration with Windows 11 Pro. However, it may not be the best value for users who need advanced connectivity options like Thunderbolt or are on a tight budget.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Elegant and lightweight design | ❌ Lacks Thunderbolt port, offering Surface Connect instead |
| ✅ High-resolution 13.5-inch touchscreen display | ❌ Relatively high price point |
| ✅ Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor with 16 GB RAM | ❌ Limited upgradeability |
Acer Swift 5 (2024): Best Lightweight Performer for Creatives and Gamers
2024 Newest Swift X Business Gaming Laptop, 14" FHD Display, AMD Ryzen 5... -- 799.99(Amazon)
acer Swift 2024 Ultra-Thin(2.58lb) 16'' OLED 4K(3840x2400) Laptop, Ryzen... -- 519.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Acer Swift 5 (2024) is a compelling choice for users seeking a balance between portability and power. With its lightweight design, efficient AMD Ryzen 5 5600U processor, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics, it offers a solid performance-to-price ratio. The inclusion of a touchscreen display adds to its versatility, making it suitable for both productivity and creative tasks.
Who It's For
This laptop is ideal for business professionals, gamers, and creative students who need a machine that can handle demanding applications without sacrificing mobility. Its long battery life and portable form factor make it perfect for those who are always on the go. However, users who prioritize durability over weight might want to consider other options.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Powerful AMD Ryzen 5 5600U processor with NVIDIA RTX 3050 graphics | ❌ Build quality may not be as robust as some competitors |
| ✅ Ultra-thin and lightweight design for easy portability | ❌ 8GB RAM might be limiting for some intensive multitasking scenarios |
| ✅ Touchscreen display with FHD resolution and high color accuracy | ❌ Limited upgradeability due to thin and compact design |
LG Gram 16 (2024): Best Ultrabook for Portability and Screen Size
LG 16" Gram Laptop - Intel i7 - 16GB DDR5/256GB - Black -- 699.99(Amazon)
LG Gram 16" Lightweight Laptop, Intel Evo Edition - Intel Core Ultra 7 P... -- 1499.99(LG Electronics)
2024 Gram 16” WQXGA IPS Touch Laptop 12-Core Intel Core i7-1360P Iris Xe... -- 1299(Amazon)
LG Gram 16" 2in1 Lightweight Laptop, Intel 13th Gen Core i7 Evo Platform... -- 1599(B&H Photo-Video-Audio)
Gram 16 Touchscreen Laptop 16.0" WQXGA IPS Intel Evo Platform (12-Core I... -- 1099.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The LG Gram 16 (2024) stands out for its exceptional portability and impressive battery life, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize mobility without sacrificing screen real estate. Its large 16-inch display offers ample workspace, while the lightweight design ensures it can be carried around with ease. The long battery life means you can work or play for extended periods without needing to recharge, making it perfect for on-the-go users.
Who It's For
This laptop is best suited for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a reliable, large-screen laptop that's easy to carry around. It's also a great fit for those who have long commutes or travel frequently and need a device that won't weigh them down. However, power users who require top-tier performance for tasks like video editing or gaming might find the LG Gram 16 (2024) less appealing due to its focus on portability over raw power.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Incredibly lightweight for a 16-inch laptop | ❌ Performance may not match other ultrabooks designed for power users |
| ✅ Extended battery life for all-day use | ❌ Higher-end models can be pricey |
| ✅ Large, high-resolution display for productivity and entertainment | ❌ Base model comes with limited storage capacity |
Razer Blade Stealth 13 (2024): Best Gaming-Capable Ultrabook
Blade 14 (2024) Gaming Laptop: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS CPU - NVIDIA GeForce R... -- 2699.99(Amazon)
Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook Touch ‎1920x1080 Pixels 60Hz 13.3" Ga... -- 839.99(My Child Parc)
Blade 16 Gaming-Laptop: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 13th Gen Intel 24-Core i... -- 2399.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Razer Blade Stealth 13 (2024) is a top-tier ultrabook designed for gamers and power users who need a blend of portability and performance. It stands out with its discrete GPU, premium build quality, and compact form factor, making it a versatile machine for gaming and productivity on the go.
Who It's For
This ultrabook is ideal for gamers who are always on the move and need a lightweight laptop that doesn't compromise on graphics performance. It's also suitable for professionals who require a powerful machine for demanding applications but prefer a sleek and portable design. However, it may not be the best fit for those on a tight budget or users who prioritize battery life over gaming capabilities.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Equipped with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40-series graphics for high-end gaming performance | ❌ Higher price point due to premium gaming hardware |
| ✅ Compact and lightweight design for easy portability | ❌ Shorter battery life as a trade-off for gaming capabilities |
| ✅ Expandable DDR5 memory to cater to future needs and power users | ❌ Limited screen size and refresh rate compared to dedicated gaming laptops |
Google Pixelbook Go (2024): Best Portable Chromebook for Google Users
Google Pixelbook Go i5 Chromebook 16GB/128GB Just Black (Renewed) -- 329(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Google Pixelbook Go (2024) is a testament to the balance between affordability and functionality, offering a seamless Chrome OS experience in a highly portable form factor. Its extended battery life and quick charging capabilities make it an excellent choice for users who are always on the move and prefer a device that integrates smoothly with Google's ecosystem.
Who It's For
This Chromebook is ideal for students, professionals, and anyone who requires a lightweight, travel-friendly laptop for everyday tasks, web browsing, and media consumption. It's especially well-suited for those who are already invested in Google's suite of applications and services. However, it's not intended for users who need to run heavy software or rely on extensive offline capabilities.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Up to 12 hours of battery life with fast charging | ❌ Limited functionality when offline |
| ✅ Ultra-portable design at just over 2 pounds and 13 mm thin | ❌ Not suitable for intensive computing tasks |
| ✅ Responsive 8th Gen Intel Core Processor with Chrome OS | ❌ HD screen resolution could be higher for the price |
Thanks for checking out our top laptop picks for travelers! If you need more help or recommendations, feel free to reach out. Happy travels and happy shopping!