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Best Laptops for Working from Home in 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: March 29th, 2024

💻Working from home has become a major part of our lives, and having a good laptop can make all the difference. We’ve pulled together some great options to help you stay productive and comfortable, no matter what your job or budget looks like.

Whether you need high performance or a budget-friendly choice, we've got something for everyone.

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Overall Best: Apple MacBook Pro 14 M3

(CTO) Apple MacBook Pro 14-in - M3 Max 14C CPU - 30C GPU, 36GB, 2TB, 96W - (Fall 23) Z1AU0029Z - Space Black

The Apple MacBook Pro 14 M3 is a powerhouse, ideal for professionals requiring precision and high performance in their work. This laptop features the advanced M3 Pro chip with an 18-core GPU, ensuring top-tier performance across demanding tasks like video editing, graphic design, and software development. Its 14.2-inch display is stunningly clear and bright, while the long battery life keeps you productive throughout the day. Built with durability and premium features in mind, the MacBook Pro 14 M3, despite its higher price, is a valuable investment for those who require the best.

Pros: Gorgeous display with high brightness and refresh rate, exceptional performance from the M3 Pro chip, ample storage options.

Cons: Pricey at higher configurations.

Available at Amazon

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More Answers

Still curious about the MacBook Pro 14" M3 Max (Fall 23)? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What is the battery life like on the MacBook Pro 14-inch with M3 Max?

Wondering about the battery life for the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Max chip? According to our research, it can last up to 18 hours on a single charge. Of course, that might vary depending on what you're doing. If you're doing heavy stuff like video editing or gaming, you might notice the battery draining faster. But overall, it's still a solid performer compared to some older models. The MacBook Pro with the M3 Max is really meant for high-performance tasks, thanks to its 14-core CPU and 30-core GPU. It's great for intense workloads like graphic processing or software development, so if that's your jam, it should work nicely. Oh, and the design doesn't disappoint. The 14-inch Pro looks sleek, especially with the new Space Black option, and the quality feels up there as you'd expect from Apple. The Liquid Retina XDR display is pretty impressive too—perfect for anyone who needs sharp and vibrant visuals. Just keep in mind, this machine is a bit of an investment, but if you're looking for top-notch performance and those cutting-edge features, it might just be worth it. Just make sure this aligns with what you need out of a laptop.

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Is the MacBook Pro 14-inch with M3 Max good for gaming?

So, the MacBook Pro 14-inch with the M3 Max chip might not be what you'd first think of for gaming, but it's worth a look. Macs haven't always been seen as gaming machines, especially compared to laptops designed specifically for that purpose. Still, the M3 Max model has some perks for those wanting a versatile device. From what we've seen, the M3 Max delivers pretty impressive performance, both in terms of speed and graphics. It's got a 30-core integrated GPU, which is pretty solid and can even hold its own against some high-end desktops. This setup means the MacBook Pro can handle modern games and demanding video tasks without hiccups, maintaining good frame rates even at high settings. Take, for example, '[Shadow of the Tomb Raider](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DShadow%2Bof%2Bthe%2BTomb%2BRaider%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20).' Our research showed it runs smoothly on this MacBook, even at high settings. Just a heads up—when the going gets tough, the fans can get a bit noisy as the laptop works to stay cool. The display is another highlight. It's a Liquid Retina XDR screen that offers really sharp visuals and vibrant colors. According to our insights, it's great for rendering clear, bright images, and it supports HDR, which gamers will definitely notice and appreciate. While the battery life is decent for everyday use, gaming can drain it faster. So if you're thinking of long gaming sessions, you might want to keep it plugged in. Overall, for casual to moderate gaming, this MacBook Pro does the job well. Its price and some challenges like battery life and fan noise might deter hardcore gamers, who might lean toward traditional gaming laptops. But if you're after a machine that can juggle different tasks and still squeeze in some gaming, the MacBook Pro 14-inch with M3 Max is a strong contender. It shines in performance across the board, ideal for someone who needs versatility with occasional gaming on the side.

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How does the M3 Max chip in the MacBook Pro 14-inch compare to previous models?

So, you're curious about the M3 Max chip in the MacBook Pro 14-inch? In terms of performance and efficiency, it's definitely a step up compared to the older [M1](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dm1%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and [M2](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dm2%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) models. From what we've gathered, the M3 Max is built on a more advanced architecture, which means it's more power-efficient and faster overall. This makes it perfect for heavy-duty tasks like video editing, software development, and graphic design. The graphics performance has also improved. If you're into gaming or any graphics-intensive work, you'll notice it runs a lot smoother with the M3 Max. This is great for creative pros who need that extra oomph in performance. The keyboard still has that backlit [Magic Keyboard](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dmagic+keyboard%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) with [Touch ID](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dapple+touch+id%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which Apple fans have come to expect. According to the product description, it continues to offer a comfy typing experience, especially useful in low-light conditions. As for the build quality, it's the same high standard you'd expect from Apple. Some folks say it's not a total overhaul from previous models, but for those who need top-notch mobile hardware, the changes are quite significant. Overall, if you're searching for a laptop that can handle just about anything, the MacBook Pro 14-inch with the M3 Max chip is worth checking out.

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Runner-Up: Dell XPS 13

Dell XPS 13 9315 Thin & Light Business Laptop (13.4" FHD+, Intel 10-Core i7-1250U, 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD), Long Battery Life, Thunderbolt 4, Webcam, Backlit, Fingerprint, Wi-Fi 6E, Win 11 Pro

Our runner-up, the Dell XPS 13, strikes a balance between portability, performance, and aesthetics. It houses the latest Intel processors and offers a stunning InfinityEdge display, making it perfect for tasks ranging from video calls to multitasking. The lightweight design and impressive battery life mean you can work from virtually anywhere without hassle. The only drawback is its limited ports, but if you need a sleek, high-performing laptop without the bulk, the XPS 13 is an excellent choice.

Pros: Lightweight, long battery life, stunning display.

Cons: Limited ports.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$999.99 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: ASUS Vivobook 16 M1605 (2023)

ASUS Vivobook 16 Laptop, AMD 8-Core Ryzen 7 7730U Processor, 16"" WUXGA Display, AMD Radeon Graphics, 16GB DDR4 1TB SSD, Backlit KB, Fingerprint, WiFi 6E, Type-C, Win11 Home, Tough Black 16GB DDR4 - 1TB SSD Windows 11 Home

For those on a budget, the ASUS Vivobook 16 M1605 (2023) offers excellent performance without the hefty price tag. It's powered by an AMD Ryzen CPU and features a 1080p display, providing reliable performance for everyday tasks. The laptop's build quality is solid, and it includes a comfortable keyboard and responsive touchpad. While the display could be brighter and the USB-C port does not support video output, these minor issues are overshadowed by its overall value and capability.

Pros: Affordable, robust build quality, comfortable keyboard.

Cons: Dimmer display, USB-C port lacks video output support.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$561.02 at Amazon

Best Chromebook: HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook

HP Elite Dragonfly G4 13.5" Touchscreen Notebook - WUXGA+ - 1920 x 1280 - Intel Core i7 13th Gen i7-1355U Deca-core (10 Core) 1.70 GHz - Intel Evo Platform - 16 GB Total RAM - 16 GB On-board Memory

For those who prefer Chrome OS, the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook stands out as a premium option. It's equipped with an i7-1265U processor, up to 32GB of RAM, and Iris Xe graphics, allowing it to manage intensive workloads effortlessly. This Chromebook's lightweight design and strong build quality make it particularly suitable for mobile professionals. Although priced higher than typical Chromebooks, the performance and features it offers justify the investment.

Pros: High performance, lightweight, superior build quality.

Cons: High price for a Chromebook.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$1,239.99 at Amazon

Best 2-in-1: Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition

Microsoft Surface Pro 2-in-1 Laptop/Tablet (2024) Windows 11 Copilot+PC 13” Touchscreen - Snapdragon X Plus - 16GB RAM – 256 GB Storage - Platinum + Surface Pro Keyboard with Pen Storage Platinum Snapdragon X Plus - 16GB RAM- (Pen)

The Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition is perfect for those in need of a flexible device that doubles as a laptop and a tablet. It comes with a detachable keyboard, allowing for easy transitions between modes, and is powered by an energy-efficient Snapdragon ARM processor. One of its standout features is the brilliant 1440p webcam, making it an excellent choice for video calls. However, to unlock its full potential, you'll need to purchase the keyboard and stylus separately.

Pros: Dual-purpose design, detachable keyboard, exceptional webcam quality.

Cons: Keyboard and stylus not included.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$1,116.65 at Amazon

Best for Creative Work: Asus ZenBook Duo

ASUS Zenbook Duo Laptop, Dual 14” OLED 3K 120Hz Touch Display, Intel Evo Certified, Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU, Intel Arc Graphics, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11, Inkwell Gray, UX8406MA-PS99T

Designed for creative professionals, the Asus ZenBook Duo elevates productivity with its innovative dual-screen setup. It features the latest Intel Core Ultra processors and dual 14-inch OLED displays with superb color accuracy, making it ideal for graphic design, video editing, and other creative tasks. Despite its lack of a dedicated GPU for 3D rendering, the ZenBook Duo's strong performance and unique design make it an excellent tool for content creators looking to enhance their workflow.

Pros: Dual OLED displays, robust performance, creative-focused design.

Cons: No dedicated GPU for 3D rendering.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$1,499.95 at Amazon

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