The best business laptops on the market [2023]

Looking for a new business laptop? It's easy to be overwhelmed with the volume of different devices that are out there. It's important to think about a few key things:

Cost - how much do we want to pay? Remember, if you buy cheap, you'll probably buy often.

Power - how much do you need it to be able to do? Buying a laptop with a lower spec probably won't cut it when it comes to running high-performance applications, games, etc.

Compatability - are you running Microsoft solutions all day, every day? If so, you might want to consider a Microsoft device, for example.

So - let's get into it. Here are our recommendations for the best business laptops currently available

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

In its 2023 Gen 11 version, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon retains its status as a renowned icon in the world of business laptops. Thanks to its carbon-fibre and magnesium-alloy design, this ultraportable is not only slim but also one of the lightest and most durable models available on the market. Despite this impressive feat, Lenovo didn't compromise on quality to reduce the weight. For instance, the laptop boasts an outstanding keyboard, top-notch business-oriented features, and a long-lasting battery that lasted nearly 13 hours during our rundown test. This feat is especially impressive given the machine's lightweight of just 2.48 pounds.

Key features include:

• Lightweight and durable: The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is constructed with a carbon fiber chassis, making it incredibly light and thin. It also meets MIL-STD 810H durability standards, so you can be confident it can withstand everyday bumps and bruises.
• Long battery life: The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is known for its excellent battery life, which can last a full workday on a single charge. This is ideal for business professionals who are constantly on the go.
• Excellent keyboard: The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is known for having one of the best keyboards on the market. It's spill-resistant, has comfortable key travel, and features a red TrackPoint pointing stick for easy navigation.
• Security features: The ThinkPad X1 Carbon comes with several security features, including a fingerprint reader, TPM 2.0 encryption, and Intel vPro manageability. These features help to keep your data safe and secure.
• Variety of configurations: The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is available in a variety of configurations, so you can choose the one that best meets your needs. You can choose from different processors, displays, storage options, and more.
• Great display: The ThinkPad X1 Carbon offers a variety of display options, including high-resolution OLED panels. These displays are great for productivity and entertainment.
• Optional features: The ThinkPad X1 Carbon also offers several optional features, such as an IR camera for facial recognition and a Tile integration for finding your lost laptop.

HP Dragonfly G4

The HP Dragonfly G4 stands out as an excellent option with its sleek and stylish design, a generously sized 3:2 display, and an impressive battery life all packed into a thin and lightweight frame. It is a top-notch device catered specifically to the needs of business professionals. Notably, it weighs less than its Lenovo counterpart. Additionally, its extensive range of ports and the option for mobile broadband make it an ideal choice for professionals constantly on the go, whether they're working from the office or travelling around the country.

Key features and benefits include:

• Ultra-lightweight and durable: Made with magnesium and aluminium alloy, the Dragonfly G4 is incredibly light and perfect for frequent travellers. It also boasts MIL-STD 810H certification for toughness, so you can be worry-free about bumps and drops.
• Long battery life: Like the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, the Dragonfly G4 promises a full workday's worth of battery life on a single charge, keeping you productive on the go. HP Fast Charge allows you to reach 50% in just 30 minutes for those times you need a quick boost.
• Excellent display: The 13.5-inch 3:2 aspect ratio display offers more vertical space for working on documents and web pages compared to traditional 16:9 displays. It boasts high brightness, excellent colour accuracy, and a touchscreen option for added versatility.
• Top-notch security: HP Wolf Security provides comprehensive protection against modern threats, safeguarding your data from the BIOS to the browser. Features like fingerprint reader and TPM encryption add further layers of security.
• Collaboration features: The Dragonfly G4 boasts dual-facing cameras, one facing forward and another facing upwards, ideal for video conferencing and presentations.
• Strong audio: The quad-speaker system with Bang & Olufsen tuning delivers clear and powerful sound, enhancing your video conferencing and multimedia experience.
• Great connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E provides the latest wireless standard for super-fast and reliable internet connections. Optional 4G/LTE or 5G connectivity allows you to stay connected even without Wi-Fi.
• Sustainable design: HP uses recycled magnesium in the chassis, making the Dragonfly G4 an eco-friendly choice.

Apple Macbook Pro

Despite its similar appearance to the 2016 model, Apple's latest 13-inch MacBook Pro boasts a superior performance thanks to its new M2 processor, surpassing both the older Apple M1 and most Intel CPUs. The Retina display may fall short compared to newer models' screens and the Touch Bar, previously criticised, remains on the keyboard. However, the MacBook Pro's battery life is remarkable, lasting almost 22 hours in our tests - an achievement that few Windows laptops can match.

Key features and benefits include:

• Powerful M-series chips: The M1, M2, and the latest M3 chips deliver exceptional performance for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and music production. These Apple-designed chips boast impressive efficiency, allowing for sustained power without sacrificing battery life.
• High-resolution displays: Both 14-inch and 16-inch models offer stunning Retina displays with exceptional clarity, colour accuracy, and brightness. The 16-inch Pro goes a step further with support for hardware-accelerated ray tracing, enhancing visuals in creative applications.
• Seamless user experience: macOS is known for its intuitive interface, smooth operation, and tight integration with other Apple devices.
• Optimised for Apple silicon: Apple designs both the hardware and software (MacOS) of the Macbook Pro, leading to exceptional optimisation and performance tailored for the M-series chips.
• Sleek and sturdy: The Macbook Pro features a premium aluminium chassis that's lightweight yet durable.
• Excellent keyboard and trackpad: The Macbook Pro consistently receives praise for its comfortable, responsive keyboard with backlight and a spacious trackpad known for its precise multi-touch gestures.
• Long battery life: The Macbook Pro boasts impressive battery life, lasting a full workday on a single charge for most users.
• Wide range of ports: The Macbook Pro offers a variety of ports, including Thunderbolt 4 for high-speed data transfer and connection to multiple displays. Some models also include an SDXC card slot and HDMI port.
• ProRes support: Video editors will appreciate the Macbook Pro's ability to handle ProRes encoding and decoding efficiently.
• Excellent ecosystem: If you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem with iPhones, iPads, or other Apple devices, the Macbook Pro integrates seamlessly for easy file sharing and continuity across devices.

View laptop here.

Dell Precision 5680

Although powerful workstation laptops have been around for some time, the Dell Precision 5680 offers an unparalleled level of power to handle massive datasets and challenging tasks such as engineering, video editing, and CGI rendering - all in a sleek and lightweight package.

Key benefits and features include:

• Latest Intel Processors: Equipped with 13th Gen Intel Core i9 CPUs, it tackles demanding tasks like engineering simulations, 3D modelling, and video editing smoothly.
• Nvidia RTX 5000 GPUs: Featuring the latest Nvidia RTX 5000 series laptop GPUs with improved performance and efficiency compared to previous generations. This allows for complex graphical workflows and professional rendering.
• Optional ECC VRAM: Select configurations offer Error-Correcting Code (ECC) VRAM, which minimizes data corruption and ensures better reliability for critical tasks.
• 16-inch Display: While offering a larger display size than many mobile workstations for better multitasking and visuals, it remains relatively portable at 16 inches.
• Thin and Light: Compared to bulkier traditional workstations, the Precision 5680 is designed to be thinner and lighter for easier carrying.
• ISV Certifications: The Precision 5680 is ISV (Independent Software Vendor) certified, meaning it's rigorously tested and optimized to run specific professional applications smoothly, ensuring compatibility with leading engineering, design, and creative software.
• Optional VR Support: For users working in virtual reality (VR), you can configure the machine with VR support for immersive design and development workflows.
• Multiple Display Options: Connect to multiple external displays for a more expansive workspace, ideal for multitasking and increased productivity.
• Security Features: Business-grade security features like fingerprint reader and TPM encryption help protect your data.
• Long Battery Life: Despite the powerful components, the Precision 5680 offers decent battery life to last you through a workday.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a remarkable detachable Windows tablet, powered by Intel and equipped with features that resemble a laptop's performance. Its cameras are excellent, and the battery life is impressive, making it an ideal choice for professionals who need a device that can replace a laptop while being suitable for daily work, creative projects, and productivity on the go.

Moreover, the Surface Pro 9's sleek design incorporates a 3:2 inking-friendly screen, two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, and expandable storage, offering convenience and functionality to its users. Although it lacks 5G connectivity, the 10-core Intel Core i7-1255U processor, and over 13 hours of battery life make it a reliable choice for businesses that require practicality.

Key features and benefits include:

• Two Processor Options: Choose between the latest 12th Gen Intel Core processors for a familiar Windows experience and strong performance or the Microsoft SQ3 chip with an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for better battery life and AI-powered features.
• High-Resolution Display: The 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen display boasts a stunning 2880 x 1920 resolution, great for visuals, creative work, and inking with the Surface Pen (sold separately). It also offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for a more responsive feel (though battery life might be slightly impacted).
• Versatility of a 2-in-1 Device: Functioning as both a tablet and a laptop with the addition of a keyboard (also sold separately), the Surface Pro 9 adapts to your needs. Use it for presentations in tablet mode, detach the keyboard for note-taking, or reattach for a traditional laptop experience.
• Enhanced Connectivity: Multiple ports provide flexibility. Depending on the model, you'll get a USB-C Thunderbolt 4 for fast data transfer and charging, a Surface Connect port for connecting the proprietary keyboard and accessories, and potentially a USB-A port on the charger for legacy devices (not available on all models).
• Optional 5G connectivity: The Surface Pro 9 with the SQ3 chip offers an optional 5G modem for ultrafast internet on the go, ideal for cloud-based work or downloading large files.
• Long Battery Life (Claimed): Microsoft advertises up to 19 hours of battery life, allowing you to work a full workday without needing to recharge. However, real-world usage may vary depending on tasks and configuration.
• Improved Security: Secured-core PC with a Microsoft Pluton security processor helps safeguard your data and device from potential threats. Windows Hello facial recognition provides a secure login option.
• Optional Studio Mics: Dual microphones enhance audio quality for online meetings and calls.