10 Best Laptops for Digital Nomads

Embracing a life of digital nomadism gives you the flexibility to make a living while exploring the world. However, being a digital nomad means relying heavily on technology, namely your laptop. Considering that your laptop will go virtually everywhere that you go, it is definitely not a purchase to take lightly as a digital nomad.

When comparing the best laptops for digital nomads, you need a lightweight, durable device capable of withstanding the rigors of constant travel. But you also need something with plenty of processing power, excellent connectivity, a long battery life, and a high-value price tag.

If tracking down the right travel laptop is proving challenging, fear not! We’ve made things simple by detailing everything you need to know about the best laptops for digital nomads in this guide.

10 Best Laptops for Digital Nomads

1. Apple MacBook Air M2 – Best Balance of Portability and Power

Equipped with Apple’s recently released M2 chip, the Apple MacBook Air M2 is a processing powerhouse with a sleek design, a 13.6-inch screen, and a miniscule weight of just 2.7 pounds. Better still, it has a battery life of up to 18 hours, allowing you to get through a full day’s work on a single charge. While not the most affordable laptop in its category, the Air M2’s robust build combined with admirable efficiency should give it a long lifespan.

Specs

• Screen size: 13.6-inch, 2560 x 1664 Liquid Retina display
• Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches
• Weight: 2.7 lbs.
• Memory: 8–24GB memory
• Storage: 256 GB to 2 TB SSD
• Battery life: Up to 18 hours of Apple TV playback or 15 hours of Wi-Fi usage
• Operating system: macOS

Pros

• Efficient multi tasker: Run multiple programs without experiencing lags or technical issues.
• Highly portable: Fits easily into your backpack and weighs barely anything.
• Long battery life: Use your laptop for up to 18 hours on a single charge.
• Crisp and vibrant visuals: Vibrant Liquid Retina display for a crisp visual experience.
• Fast charging: Recharge your computer fully within a few hours.

Cons

• Some missing features: No Apple Touch Bar
• Limited ports: No USB-C, ethernet, HDMI, or SD card slot.
• Relatively high price: Higher price tag than its predecessor.
• Occasional throttling: Heavy workloads can cause overheating and throttling.

2. Dell XPS 13 – Best Compact Laptop for Video Editing

Despite weighing less than 1.8 lbs., the 13-inch Dell XPS is fitted with up to 16 GB of RAM and an Intel Core i-series processor. It’s also made from a single piece of aluminum, so you can feel confident it can withstand the rigors of travel. The 3.5K resolution, anti-glare screen makes the XPS 13 hard to beat when it comes to video conferencing and editing. Partially making up for its small size is the infinity display, giving you more space to work on. On top of all that, this powerful Dell has a battery that’s quick to charge and lasts up to 12 hours. A tad on the pricey side, but a savvy investment nonetheless.

Specs

• Screen size: 13 inch
• Dimensions: 11.69 x 8.15 x 0.51 inches
• Weight: 1.6–1.8 lbs.
• Memory: Up to 16 GB
• Storage: 256 GB to 1 TB SSD
• Battery life: Up to 12 hours
• Operating system: Windows 11

Pros

• Super compact and portable: Super lightweight, allowing you to carry your laptop around all day.
• Anti-glare screen: The anti-glare screen allows you to work without eye strain.
• Fast charging: Recharge your computer fully within a few hours.
• Robust build: Being made from a single piece of aluminum makes this Dell extremely durable.

Cons

• Low storage on base models: The base model comes with 256 GB SSD, and upgrades are somewhat pricey.
• No Ethernet port: A lack of an Ethernet port may cause connectivity issues in certain scenarios.
• Battery variability: Expect a noticeable dip in battery life if you choose a high-end configuration (such as 4K resolution)

3. LG Gram 17 – Best Large Laptop for Battery Life

Even though it has a 17-inch screen, ideal for watching movies and surfing the web, the LG Gram 17 weighs under three pounds, making it a handy, lightweight travel companion despite its fairly large size. It’s also powerful with 16GB of RAM, fitted with all the prerequisite ports, and comes with up to 1TB of SSD storage. The cherry on top – the LG Gram 17 can last over 20 hours on a single charge.

Specs

• Screen size: 17-inch IPS LCD WQXGA (2560 x 1600 pixels)
• Dimensions: 19.5 x 12.3 x 2.4 inches
• Weight: 2.76 lbs.
• Memory: 16GB LPDDR5
• Storage: 512 or 1TB NVMe SSD
• Battery life: Up to 20 hours and 9 minutes
• Operating system: Windows 11

Pros

• Excellent processing power: Powerful Intel Core i7 processor can run numerous apps without experiencing technical issues or overheating.
• Good portability: Weighs in under 3 lbs. despite having a large screen.
• Excellent battery life: Up to 20 hours on a single charge.
• Beautiful display: High-resolution IPS LCD display for vibrant visuals.
• Wide array of inputs: Compatible with a range of devices and accessories with inputs including 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C/Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, microSD card reader, and headphone jack.

Cons

• Quiet audio: The in-built speakers could be louder.
• No Ethernet ports: Could limit connectivity options in certain scenarios.
• Relatively high price: Higher purchase price than some competitors.
• Low-quality build: Constructed with magnesium, which lacks the premium feel and durability.

4. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 – Best Laptop for Connectivity

Equipped with 4G and 5G connectivity, the Lenovo ThinkPad can hook up to the internet just about anywhere. Also handy for digital nomads are features such as an anti-glare 14-inch screen, a powerful Intel Core i-series processor (range of options available), and a light weight of just 2.48 lbs. Thanks to the ThinkPad’s durable build, it has achieved the military-grade MIL-STD 810H certification, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of your adventures.

Specs

• Screen size: 14 inches WUXGA (1920 x 1200)
• Dimensions: 0.60 x 12.43 x 8.76 inches
• Weight: Starting at 2.48 lbs.
• Memory: 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB LPDDR5 unified memory
• Storage: 256GB – 2TB PCle NVMe SSD
• Battery life: Up to 12 hours
• Operating system: Windows 11 Pro

Pros

• 4G and 5G connectivity: Access high-speed internet on the go and connect multiple devices with minimal latency issues.
• Extremely durable: Certified for use on the International Space Station, making it a very tough travel companion.
• Multiple memory and storage options: Up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage available.

Cons

• Not the most aesthetic design: The design may be too simple and ‘business-like’ for some digital nomads.
• Relatively high price: Higher purchase price than some competitors.
• Occasional overheating: Some users report cooling issues with prolonged use.
• Short battery life: A battery life of 12 hours might not be enough for those who use their laptops away from power sources for extended periods.

5. Acer Aspire 5 – Best Budget Laptop for Multitasking

The Acer Aspire 5 makes multitasking a breeze thanks to its 12th Gen Intel Core processors and generous memory options. It’s also fitted with a 15.6-inch, Full HD screen with a narrow border that offers a clear, crisp, and immersive experience. Equally as impressive, the Aspire 5 has a battery life of up to 15 hours. While the Aspire’s price tag beats most of its competitors, its build quality leaves a little to be desired. Weighing in at nearly 4.5 lbs., it’s also not the lightest device.

Specs

• Screen size: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS LCD display
• Dimensions: 14.3 x 0.71 x 9.9 inches
• Weight: Starting at 4.4 lbs.
• Memory: 4GB, 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB LPDDR5 unified memory
• Storage: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512GB, or 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD and 1TB HDD
• Battery life: Up to 15 hours
• Operating system: Windows 11 Home

Pros

• Many ports: Versatile port selection.
• Processing power: Ample memory multitasking.
• Memory and storage: Plenty of options available.
• Affordable: Great value regarding its capabilities.

Cons

• Build quality: Quality could be improved to enhance durability.
• Keyboard: The keyboard feels a little loose.

6. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 – Best 2-in-1 Laptop

If you want a powerful laptop that doubles as a tablet with a detachable keyboard, you’ll love the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (although we should mention that the keyboard isn’t included). Its 12th Gen Intel Core processors make it lightning fast, while its PixelSense Flow Display makes watching movies a true pleasure. Despite being very lightweight, the Surface Pro’s battery can last up to 15.5 hours. Adding to the laptop’s versatility is support for Surface Dial and Surface Pen.

Specs

• Screen size: 13-inch PixelSense Flow Display with 2880 x 1920 resolution and 267 PPI
• Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches
• Weight: Starting at 1.94 lbs.
• Memory: 4GB, 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB LPDDR5 unified memory
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
• Battery life: Up to 15.5 hours
• Operating system: Windows 11 Home

Pros

• Sharp display: PixelSense Display provides an immersive viewing experience.
• Excellent processing power: Ample memory for seamless multi-tasking, ideal for those who run numerous apps simultaneously.
• Great portability: Compact and lightweight design; fits easily into your laptop.
• Support for Surface Dial and Surface Pen: Handy for those who want to streamline working on the move.

Cons

• Missing port connections: No headphone jack, micro-SD card slot, or USB-A port.
• Affordability: More expensive than other options.
• Keyboard not included: You’ll need to buy the keyboard separately, adding to the total cost.

7. Razer Blade Stealth 14 – Best Travel Laptop for Gaming

Compared to the average 15-inch gaming laptop, the powerful Razer Blade Stealth 14 is 40% smaller in volume, scoring high marks on the portability scale. And its OLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate guarantees a visually spectacular gaming experience. While its battery life is a little below average, 12 hours will still provide you with plenty of screen time between charges. The build quality is fantastic, though the fans can be loud under demanding loads, and the speakers could be louder.

Specs

• Screen size: 14-inch 165Hz QHD (2560 x 1440) OLED display
• Dimensions: 0.6 x 12.5 x 8.6 inches
• Weight: Starting at 3.92 lbs.
• Memory: 16 GB DDR5-4800MHz (Fixed Onboard)
• Storage: 1TB SSD (M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4)
• Battery life: Up to 12 hours
• Operating system: Windows 11 Home

Pros

• Visually stunning display: The OLED Display promises immersive gaming and viewing experience.
• Powerful processor: Efficient processing power for a smooth gaming experience with minimal latency issues.
• Comfortable to use: Comfortable keyboard and large touchpad.
• High-speed data transfer: Thunderbolt 4 ports are ideal for those who frequently run data-intensive applications.

Cons

• Quiet audio: The built-in speakers are pretty quiet.
• Slightly heavy: At nearly 4 pounds, this product is a little heavier than other travel laptops.
• Low battery life: The battery life of up to 12 hours could be improved.

8. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch – Best Laptop for Photography and Design

One of the most iconic digital nomad laptops on the market, the Apple MacBook Pro’s standout features include the super-powerful Apple M2 processing chip and the Liquid Retina XDR display, ensuring it can take on any creative task you throw at it. In fact, just about all the MacBook’s specifications are awe-inspiring – up to a whopping 96GB of configurable memory, up to 8TB of storage, 21 hours of battery life… the list goes on. It may not be cheap, but this mobile creative studio is a smart purchase for anybody who needs a portable laptop that packs a punch!

Specs

• Screen size: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 3456 x 2234 resolution
• Dimensions: 14 x 9.77 x 0.66 inches
• Weight: Starting at 4.7 lbs.
• Memory: 16GB or 32GB unified memory (configurable up to 96GB with M2 Max chip)
• Storage: 512GB or 1TB (configurable to 2TB, 4TB or 8TB)
• Battery life: Up to 21 hours
• Operating system: macOS Ventura

Pros

• Vibrant display: Liquid Retina XDR display provides an immersive viewing experience no matter where you are.
• Excellent processing power: The M2 Pro/Max chip allows you to run countless apps simultaneously without technical issues.
• High-quality audio: Listening to music and watching movies is a pleasure, thanks to the laptop’s six-speaker setup.
• Durability: Excellent build quality means you can rest assured you can laptop can handle travel.

Cons

• No touchscreen: The lack of a touchscreen could be a negative for certain digital nomad careers.
• Few improvements: Few significant upgrades from its 2021 predecessor.

9. Acer Swift 5 – Best Overall Budget Laptop

Weighing under three lbs. with a 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, the Acer Swift 5 hits the sweet spot between power and portability. It also features a 14-inch display with a 90% screen-to-body ratio and touchscreen functionality, making it a visual treat that’s a pleasure to use. While the battery life and the speaker quality aren’t awe-inspiring, the Acer Swift 5 is hard to beat when it comes to price.

Specs

• Screen size: 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS LCD display
• Dimensions: 0.59 x 12.6 x 8.1 inches
• Weight: Starting at 2.29 lbs.
• Memory: 16GB LPDDR4X or LPDDR5 unified memory
• Storage: 1 TB PCIe NVMe SSD
• Battery life: Up to 11 hours
• Operating system: Windows 11 Home

Pros

• Bright and clear display: The HD display with 300 nits brightness and 45% NTSC color gamut provides an amazing viewing experience.
• Admirable processing power: Excellent performance for its price tag – more than powerful enough for almost all work tasks.
• Affordability: One of the best-value travel laptops on the market.
• Great portability: The compact and lightweight design makes the Swift 5 easy and painless to carry around.
• High-speed data transfer: Thunderbolt 4 ports are ideal for those who frequently run data-intensive applications.

Cons

• Screen glare: Glare can be an issue, which isn’t ideal for those who work on-the-go.
• Quiet audio: Speakers could be louder.
• Slightly uncomfortable keyboard: The keyboard feels a little slippery.

10. Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 2-in-1 – Best Laptop for Streaming

For some digital nomads, the ability to stream videos on a laptop in high definition is top of their priority list when choosing a travel laptop. If you need a device to catch up on the latest Netflix shows while traveling, consider the Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 2-in-1, which features a 14-inch OLED display with 3.5K resolution, anti-glare, touchscreen, and Low Blue Light. You can also choose a laptop with Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics. The battery provides up to 18 hours of FHD playback or 10 hours of UHD playback. Better still, 15 minutes of charging provides two hours of power.

Specs

• Screen size: 14-inch WQUXGA (3840 x 2400), Glare, Touch, OLED, 400 nits, 100% DCI-P3, 60Hz, Low Blue Light
• Dimensions: 0.6 x 12.52 x 9.06 inches
• Weight: Starting at 3.09 lbs.
• Memory: Up to 16 GB LPDDR4X 4266MHz
• Storage: 1 TB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 TLC
• Battery life: Up to 23 hours
• Operating system: Windows 11 Home or Pro

Pros

• Sharp and vibrant display: The OLED with Dolby Vision display option provides an incredible viewing experience.
• Fantastic battery life: Up to 23 hours – or up to 18 hours of FHD video playback – on a single charge.
• High-tech security features: Integrated security features like a webcam privacy shutter and facial recognition ensure you and only you can access your laptop.
• High-quality audio: The Bowers & Wilkins speakers with Dolby Atmos are amazing for music lovers.
• Good connectivity: Features such as Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 are useful for those who need dependable connectivity options in a variety of places.

Cons

• No graphics card: Graphic card doesn’t come as standard.
• Not the best memory: Limited to 16GB, which may make it unsuitable for digital nomads that depend on memory-intensive apps.
• Occasional overheating: Slim design can cause overheating issues with prolonged use.
• No HDMI ports: No full-sized HDMI port, which means you may struggle to connect your laptop to a second screen.
• Weight: Slightly heavier than many competing 2-in-1s.

What to Consider When Buying a Digital Nomad Laptop

Being able to browse a list of incredible travel laptops along with their specifications is all good and well – provided you know what specs you need in a laptop. So, keep these factors in mind when deciding which travel laptop to purchase for your upcoming adventures:

• Performance: A laptop that lags and freezes can kill your productivity and lead to frustration. Make sure you choose a laptop that can keep up with your demands.
• Portability: You’re shopping for a laptop to take traveling with you, which means you need something compact and lightweight enough to fit in your backpack and carry around for hours.
• Display quality: A high-quality and crisp display with vibrant visuals is important for just about any modern laptop user, but it’s crucial for those who work on creative projects on-the-go.
• Battery life: If you need to work for long periods without having access to a power outlet, you’ll need a laptop with a long battery life.
• Durability: The nomadic lifestyle can be hardwearing. Make sure your laptop can withstand the rigors of travel.
• Connectivity: Being able to browse the web is vital for most digital nomads, so you’ll need a laptop with Wi-Fi and – ideally – 4G and 5G connectivity.
• Price: Naturally, you don’t want to spend over the odds for a laptop that isn’t worth its price tag. Fortunately, all the laptops detailed above are high-value investments.

Consider your specific requirements when choosing a travel laptop. If you rarely watch videos, play games, or edit images, you might be able to choose a laptop with a lower-resolution screen to save some money. Similarly, if you prefer to work in shared workspaces and cafés rather than on-the-move, you may not need to spend thousands of dollars on a laptop just for its long battery life.

Laptop Accessories for Digital Nomads

As a digital nomad, your laptop is the most important item on your packing list. However, you might need a few accessories for your laptop to boost your productivity and make remote working as smooth an experience as possible. Here are some of the most useful laptop accessories for digital nomads:

Wireless Mouse

If you find using a laptop’s touchpad slightly annoying, you might want to buy a wireless mouse. With its smooth scroll, customizable buttons, and ability to track on just about any surface, the Logitech MX Anywhere 3 is one of the best travel mice for digital nomads. If you use a Mac rather than a PC, we recommend the Apple Magic Mouse 2.

Portable Laptop Stand

A laptop stand can raise your laptop to eye level in order to reduce symptoms such as eye strain and neck discomfort, ultimately helping you improve your posture and minimize fatigue. The Roost Laptop Stand is, in our opinion, one of the best accessories on the market.

External Hard Drive

If your laptop lacks the storage you need, you can beef up its capacity with an external hard drive. The Samsung T7 Portable SSD is one of our favorite options.

Portable Power Bank

Even laptops with incredible battery lives have a habit of losing power when it suits you the least. With a portable power bank, you’ll never be without the power you need to work on the go. For a compact power bank, check out the Anker PowerCore 20000mAh.

Noise Cancelling Headphones

Working in noisy environments needn’t be a problem if you have a pair of noise-canceling headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM4. If you use a Mac, Apple AirPods Pro are a fantastic alternative.

Laptop Backpack

Being a digital nomad involves moving around frequently. If you don’t want to cram your laptop into your luggage, pack it safely into a backpack such as the Incase ICON Slim Backpack, a comfortable and lightweight option with multiple compartments.

Check out our post on the best backpacks for digital nomads for more recommendations.

Portable Monitor

Are you accustomed to working with two screens? Thanks to portable monitors such as the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC that have USB-C connections, you can use your usual dual-screen setup just about anywhere.

The Best Laptop for Digital Nomads

Choosing the best laptop for digital nomads means identifying the device with features that best align with your lifestyle and workflow. While budget will play a significant role in determining your choice, it’s important to choose a laptop that will maximize your productivity while on the go.

If you’re a designer, video editor, or artist, you’ll likely love a laptop such as the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 or the Dell XPS 13. If you’re shopping on a budget but still need a device with a lot of processing power, good options include the Acer Swift 5 and the Acer Aspire 5. Avid gamers will find the Razer Blade Stealth 14 allows them to game just about anywhere. If money is no object, you might want to check out laptops like the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch and the Microsoft Surface Pro 9.

Embrace Digital Nomadism with a Travel Laptop

Invest in a laptop that strikes the perfect balance between portability, power, and affordability for your workflow and travel preferences, and you won’t be limited to working within the same four walls daily. Instead, you can explore the world with a device that’s as adept at traveling as you are. So, choose one of the laptops detailed above, and get ready to embrace the Remote Revolution!

Looking for more amazing travel products? Head over to our post on the top shoes for traveling!

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