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Home » Gear » best travel laptop

10 BEST Travel Laptops (MUST READ! • 2024)

From the sleek and mighty powerhouses to the budget-friendly gems, our list is tailored for diverse itineraries and preferences. Imagine unwinding in a quaint café with a laptop that boasts a battery life longer than your layover, or editing your travel vlog on a device that handles heavy graphics like a breeze.

I put this guide together with one goal in mind – to help you find the best travel laptop for YOUR travel style. With the help of this epic guide, you’ll easily to be able to know which laptop is best for your needs, style, and budget.

Alllrighty then, do you wanna find out what the best computer for travel is? Well, let’s get to it!

Quick answer: The Best Portable Travel Laptops

What type of traveller are you, best overall laptop for travel – macbook air, best laptop for professionals – macbook pro, best midrange travel laptop – dell xps 13″, best value for money laptop – microsoft surface book, best budget travel laptop – lenovo ideapad, best budget 2-1 laptop – microsoft surface pro 7, other great budget laptops for travel, the best overall travel laptop, what specs to consider before buying the best travel laptop, choosing the best travel laptop faqs, how we tested the best travel laptop, faq about the best travel laptop, final thoughts on the best laptops for travel.

• Macbook Air – Best Lightweight Laptop
• 16.2 Inch MacBook Pro – Best Laptop for Professionals
• Dell XPS 13″ – Best Midrange Laptop
• Microsoft Surface Book – Best Value Laptop
• Lenovo Idea Pad – Best Budget Laptop
• Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – Best Travel Tablet
• Jump to –> Travel Laptop Reviews

Macbook Air

• Portability > 2.5 lbs
• Battery Life > 18 hour battery
• Storage Space > 256 – 512GB SSD
• Processing Power > M2 chip
• Operating System > Mac OS Ventura

16.2 Inch Macbook Pro

• Portability > 6.4 lbs
• Battery Life > 22 hour battery
• Storage Space > 512 GB – 1 TB SSD

Dell XPS 13

• Portability > 2.7 lbs
• Battery Life > 7 hour battery
• Storage Space > 128 GB SSD
• Processing Power > Intel Core i5-7200U 3MB cache, up to 3.10 GHz 8G memory 128G SSD
• Operating System > Windows 10

Microsoft Surface Book

• Portability > 3.34 lbs
• Battery Life > 10.5 hour battery
• Processing Power > 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5
• Operating System > Windows 10 Pro

Lenovo Ideapad

• Portability > 5 lbs
• Storage Space > 500 GB Hard Drive
• Processing Power > Intel Pentium 4405U (2M Cache, 2.10 GHz), 2 cores, 4 threads

Microsoft Surface Pro 7

• Portability > 1.7 lbs
• Processing Power > 3 GHz Intel Core i5
• Operating System > Windows 10 Home

My laptop has literally changed my life – not only can I earn money online but I can also stream Game of Thrones wherever I go… and I think we can all agree that that’s pretty damn important.

But what about your needs?

You see, “the best travel laptop” is a pretty broad statement since there are many different types of travelers. The question is – which kind of traveler are YOU?

Here are some extremely important things to consider…

1. Do you need to get work done on your laptop?

If you aren’t planning on using your travel laptop for online work, you don’t necessarily need to splash out on a top of the range laptop.

While it might be tempting to spend $2,000 on the new best laptop, the truth is that only digital nomads and other professionals really need that sort of tech. If you don’t have any work deadlines to meet, it might be better to keep it simple.

2. What will you use your laptop for?

Will you be working on the road (writing, editing, etc.), or mainly surfing the web? Do you need the processing power to run multiple editing programs, or is your prime concern staying connected to social media?

Identifying exactly what you need a laptop for will help you decide on which one is best for your travels.

3. Do you have any size requirements?

Are you traveling with minimal room in your backpack? Are you bringing a bag with certain size requirements?

For instance, some expensive daypacks can’t fit 15-inch laptops, or some laptop sleeves can’t fit larger than a 13 inch. If you buy a special backpack for your laptop , then most of your needs should be met. Either way, make sure to keep these in mind.

4. Are you traveling heavy or light?

The more powerful the laptop, the more it weighs. The difference between a 1.5 lb tablet and a 7 lb professional laptop is HUGE.

Remember that a light traveler is a happy traveler, so if you don’t need a heavier laptop, there’s no reason to cause extra strain on your body.

There are different specs you need to considers when choosing the best laptop for you…

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Two quick things….

• If you are a digital nomad, working professional, or aspiring to work online. Do not pick this travel laptop.
• If you hate Macs or iOS. Do not pick this computer.

Everyone else. This is the best travel laptop. 

If you’re an Apple user, this is Apple’s best Mac laptop for the money and this was the first laptop I took traveling which was adequate for working online. The pros (as with any MacBook) are its integration with apple products, ease-of-use, trackpad and keyboard, design, and reliable performance. It’s also the lightest laptop for travel, so that’s a major win.

I’ve used MacBooks for 7 years now (my first one from 2010 is still alive and kicking!), and I’ve never needed repairs (except to replace an old battery). I can’t say the same for any of the PCs I’ve owned, which is why I think Macs are the best user-friendly laptops if you don’t have a computer background.

If you want a MacBook for browsing, streaming, social, and office, the MacBook Air is fast enough, especially with 2024’s updated processor speed and default memory. But if you want a Retina resolution screen, “Kaby Lake” processors, and more power for editing programs, you’ll have to fork out the money for a MacBook Pro instead.

I recommend you go for as much storage as you can afford if you plan on storing music, images or video because you can’t add storage to Apple computers after purchase. If your laptop is used for browsing and light document work (Excel, Word, etc.) the 256GB SSD should be fine.

• Fast and durable!
• Lightweight (super important)
• Can handle your internet needs and then some
• Not as powerful as other options
• Not good for working professionals

Is the MacBook Air for you?

If you are looking for a light laptop that can handle all of your basic internet needs and then a little bit more – the MacBook Air is my highest recommendation. It’s light and sleek design makes it ideal for travelers, and it comes at a reasonable price.

If you are interested in making money online, you need to invest in a great laptop. The MacBook Pro is my highest recommendation. Its starting price plus lack of ports can be a deal breaker for many, but I still think it is the most versatile, user-friendly laptop out there and mine has allowed me to start and run several businesses from all over the world. I love my MacBook Pro and investing in it was the smartest move I made.

Whether you are freelancing, doing graphic design, blogging or editing photo or video – if you are a traveling professional, it’s hard to beat the MacBook Pro. If you’re in the market for the best lightweight laptop that still has a ton of storage space, the 16.2-inch MacBook is the best choice for you. Weighing less than a 2 kg, this is the best lightweight laptop for travel. Overall, the MacBook Pro is one of the fastest computers on the market. It’s the best traveling laptop for digital nomads, but you have to pay for it.

This is a great choice for bloggers, freelance photographers , etc too. It outperforms the other laptops on this list, but if you’re not set on the Mac OS system, the Dell XPS and Microsoft Surface Book have competing specs for a much more affordable cost.

• Powerful – can handle anything
• Great battery life
• Great for Digital Nomads or professionals
• Unnecessary for normal web users

Is the MacBook Pro for you?

If you can afford a notebook above $1800, or have to bite the bullet because of work, these laptops are going to be fantastic options because they have powerful processors, larger storage space, and better quality build.

High-end laptops are the best laptops for travelling photographers, videographers, laptop bloggers, etc., but not necessary for the average traveller.

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The Dell XPS is best mid-range laptop for travel because of its superb battery life, 7th-generation Core performance and excellent Wi-Fi range. I love that it has more ports than on competing laptops, as well as an SD port. It also has a touch-screen higher-resolution option (for a bit more weight and quite a bit more money).

As for its design, the Dell XPS has a comfortable soft-touch, carbon-fibre deck, infinity display, and rose-colour option. Often the trade off for a thin, best ultralight laptop is shorter battery life and too few ports. The XPS 13, however, gives you nearly 14 hours of battery power, and all the connection options you need while also remaining pretty light and compact for travel.

If you are a PC user, the Dell XPS 13″ is the best travel computer within the $1000 range. Though if you want more memory than 256MB, or an i7 processor, you will have to pay more money. This is a high quality laptop at a great price…

• Incredible value
• Powerful – good for those who  work and travel
• Great alternative if you don’t like Apple products
• Pricey for a PC
• Touch screen option is very expensive

Is the Dell XPS right for you?

For under $1000, you should be able to find a high quality travel laptop for many of the specs that matter most to the average traveler: weight, portability, and reliability. If you are willing to spend a couple hundred more, I would recommend picking up the Dell…

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This is definitely one of the best-value laptops/tablets for travel! You essentially get the portability and ease of use of a tablet with a detachable keyboard. The Microsoft Surface book is lightweight and portable, but you can still run programs like Lightroom and upload your travel photos and videos. The Stylus Pen is a truly innovative and amazing addition as well.

While this isn’t the cheapest laptop in this guide, the Microsoft Surface book is definitely one of the best value laptops on the markets since you are getting a great tablet and computer all-in-one. When it comes to weight, size, features, battery, I think this is the best travel laptop for your money but if you are going pro and embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, I would recommend getting a Macbook instead.

The Microsoft Surface book is a great laptop for photographers and allows you to run Lightroom, Adobe Premier, and other intensive programs.This is the best Windows 10 option for creatives and travellers needing versatility, speed, and power. While technically a powerful laptop, this is also one of the best tablets for travel. It has a battery on the detachable screen and actual computer. When both are charged you can get up to 12 hours battery life.

The 6th generation processor is not as speedy as the 7th generation in the MacBook Pro, but it’s a bit more affordable. The Surface Book also has a leg up on graphics performance in comparison to the MacBook Pro.

• Great value
• Laptop AND a tablet
• Overall pick for best value
• Not powerful enough for professionals/Digital Nomads
• Not as durable

Is the Surface right for you?

People who need discrete graphics, want a powerful computer that is also a 2-1, and Microsoft program integration will find this laptop to be one of the best options out there.

To take full advantage of the separate graphics chip and power, you have to invest more than the starting price and pay for an upgrade, but it’s totally worth it.

The Lenovo is one of the best ultra-lightweight laptops in the budget price range. This Windows OS laptop has 9 hours of battery life, a nice design, and is one of the cheapest light laptops for travel. The performance is good enough for web surfing, editing documents, and viewing movies. The keyboard and touchpad’s quality, however, is less than subpar.

Overall, this is a cheap laptop and a solid choice for the minimal traveller, who wants to stream online and run basic programs. This is definitely not adequate for anybody who needs to work online and certainly the Lenovo cannot handle Lightroom or other photo editing programs.

The team felt this was a great option for those with pretty basic needs looking for something lightweight, affordable and that performs well enough given the tasks expected of it. For those working mostly on word processors and looking to store their travel photos, this is a great option. The standard edition comes with a massive hard drive too making it great for storing and doing some basic processing to travel photos on the road.

• Good for basic surfing and Netflix-ing
• Not durable

Is the Lenovo right for you?

If you are trying to get any work done or be productive, the Lenovo is NOT for you. This is a budget computer that can handle some basic browsing and streaming for the few years it lasts. If that is what you need it for, then this is one of the best budget options!

This is one of the top travel laptops out there because of its versatility and price range compared to the competition. However, the biggest drawback is that the Surface Pro Keyboard  must be bought separately (and costs an extra $120)! The Surface Pro can easily function as an ebook reader, travelling tablet, sketchpad, and video player all-in-one, making it the best tablet for travel, hands down. Plus, I can say from experience that it has awesome resolution and a sharp screen, making it great for watching movies on a plane/bus/train.

Its most stand out features are its touch screen and surface pen stylus. The pen has been tested by comic artists and graphic designers for its accuracy and real-feel! (The pen even learns your handwriting!)

The device doesn’t have as much storage space or processing power as its sister product, the Surface Book, so an external drive is crucial! Though you can upgrade to 256MB or 512MB, it will make the surface pro significantly more expensive.

• Best tablet for travel
• Super light
• Spectacular resolution
• Lacks power/storage
• Not ideal to get serious work done

Is the Surface Pro 7 for you?

The Surface Pro 7 is the best tablet for travel, and with the keyboard one of the most versatile laptops on the market and is definitely worth considering.

What are 2-1 Laptops?  They are travel tablets that can be converted into full laptops. Unlike conventional tablets, they’re made to be used offline and can run computer programs. Moreover, unlike with normal tablets, 2-1 laptops allow you to upload data (music, videos, photos, documents).

Just keep in mind, 2-1 laptops rarely have enough storage space for a lot of videos and photos. A 2-1 tablet/laptop isn’t the best laptop for GoPro users or videographers either since they cannot run intensive video editing programs without sacrificing performance and speed.

1. Samsung Chromebook

The Samsung Chromebook Plus offers a decent design, long battery life, touchscreen, and a hybrid hinge that turns it into a tablet, and is the lightest Chromebook on this list.

Unlike other ChromeBooks, this one is using the sister system, that allows you to download Android apps and use them offline, making it a great Chromebook for travel.

As an alternative to expensive and heavy Macbooks, the team felt the Samsung Chromebook Plus was a really viable option for those not wanting to travel with that kind of laptop but wanting similar performance levels.

2. Acer Chromebook

The Acer Chromebook is one of the better budget lightweight laptops on the market. The laptop has ultra portability, a comfortably sized keyboard, and a touchscreen. The downside is it does feel very “cheap” with a plastic like frame. At 1.1 Kg and 11.6 inches, this is one of the best budget laptops for surfing the internet, and a great option if you’re looking for a small, portable laptop to stream movies on or run other basic tasks with.

Note:  I have listed the starting price for the storage space available. Often you can add more storage space for a higher price.

3. Lenovo Yoga 910

An alternative to the Surface Pro and another one of the best tablets for traveling is another hybrid with cool features like a fingerprint sensor. At 1.4kg (3.09lbs), the Yoga 910 is a heavier than most 2-1s, but also has more storage space to start, an all-metal finish, the latest Kaby Lake processors (i7), and 14in HD display.

It’s reasonably well-priced for a hybrid of this quality, but there is a cheaper, more basic version called the Lenovo Yoga 710 if you’re trying to save some cash. The 910, however, is the best no-compromise option for work and pleasure making it one of the best laptops for travel and digital nomad life.

Tie Between MacBook Pro and Dell XPS 13 for the best travel laptop

MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro is the best laptop for travel for Mac users, who want the fastest, most reliable computer on the market. The MacBook Pro uses Kaby Lake processors (Intel’s seventh generation chips), has a sleek design, retina (2560 x 1600-pixel) display, touch ID, and the best rated audio sound.

The Dell XPS is the best Windows 10-based laptop. It comes with 13.3 HD display, nearly 14 hours of battery power, and all the connection options you while remaining plenty light and compact for travel. This is a great choice if you want to save a bit of cash and avoid Macs…

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Price is probably the most important factor when choosing the best laptop for traveling.

Unless you are working online, you really don’t need to spend $1000+ to get the best travel laptop. There are several cheap travel laptops and mid-range options that make great laptops for travel.

Remember that high-value items, such as a top of the range laptop, are often harder to claim for on insurance. There are some cheap lightweight laptop options on the market too and overall the price of laptops continues to come down… You get what you pay for though so if you need a laptop for work, I recommend not going for the cheapest laptop option.

2. Portability

Portability is especially essential for the on-the-go, minimal traveler, and an important factor to consider when choosing the best laptop for travel.

You want something lightweight so that your backpack doesn’t end up weighing too much (As we say in the hiking world, ounces add pounds and pounds add pain!). If you haven’t yet picked up a backpack for your trip, check out this post for plenty of backpack inspiration. 

Your laptop’s size is also important (usually correlating with weight) to easily pull your computer in/out of your bag at the TSA security line, etc. The smallest travel laptops and tablets have less storage space and processing power, but they are also cheap and highly portable. If you are going to be on the road a lot, I recommend trying to find a lightweight laptop.

If you have a smaller unit, you can also invest in a smaller laptop bag . So portability not only applies to the laptop itself, but what you’re going to use to carry it.

3. Battery Life

It’s always nice to have a reliable battery life, especially if you are taking your laptop up into the mountains. The best laptops on the market have at least 8 hours of battery life, and some can last for an entire day. If you are spending a lot of time off the grid and still need access to your laptop then consider picking up a portable battery capable of charging a laptop.

Quick travel tip: make sure your wi-fi and blue tooth are turned off (when you’re not using them) to save battery!

4. Storage Space

Most of the top travel laptops (with ample battery life and affordability) lack a large amount of storage space, and if you’re going to store a lot of photos and videos from your travels, it’s important to have ample hard drive space!

I’ve found it’s well worth investing in a cloud drive and/or an external hard drive, especially since photos and videos take up a lot of room. This way you don’t have to sacrifice laptop portability for storage space on the actual laptop.

My first backpacking laptop, a MacBook Air, didn’t have too much storage space so I kept a lot of my photos and videos on Dropbox and stored my movies on a nearly bulletproof portable hard drive .

Typical external drives with 1 terabyte cost around $80 USD, and cloud storage (through Google, Dropbox Microsoft, etc.) average around $10 a month. It’s also important to back up your files in case your travel laptop gets stolen (like my friend Ana’s did in Costa Rica)!

5. Processing Power

If you are running editing programs and high-resolution videos, you should also prioritize the processing power.

The CPU is like the “brain” of your computer. At the moment, Intel Core i7 is the highest performer, but also the most expensive. Intel Core i5 should work for most of the best travel computers, and anything older is fine if you’re just surfing the web.

A separate graphics chip allows gamers, 3D designers, and high-res video editors to run their programs without taking up a ton of RAM and slowing the overall performance of the computer.

An integrated graphics chips (one that shares system memory) is just fine if you don’t have these needs.

If you want a separate graphics chip, keep in mind Apple only puts separate graphics chips in their MacBook Pro 15in computers. The 15 inch MacBooks are more expensive, and in my opinion, anything over 13 inches is too large to be considered one of the best laptops to travel with.

6. Do you prefer Mac, Windows, or Chrome OS?

Most laptops run one of these three operating systems: Windows, Chrome OS, or Mac OS X (for MacBooks only).

Windows notebooks offer the largest range of options for the best travel laptop. The newest window computers offer cool features like touch screens, 2-1 convertible tablets, fingerprint readers, and dual graphics chips.

Mac’s newest operating system, MacOS Sierra, comes with all Apple computers. Once you get the hang of Apple’s programs and trackpad/keyboard short cuts, Mac is the best user-friendly laptop (in my opinion) for the average person who knows nothing about computer engineering or coding.

Macs are expensive, but also reliable, which is important when you are travelling around the world and don’t have time/money to take a computer in for repairs.

Chrome-OS is Google OS’ – simple and secure operating system, usually available on small portable laptops. The drawback? It’s mainly limited to surfing the web, checking email, and navigating social networks, not doing stuff offline. Still, ChromeBooks are the best cheap and light laptops for the minimal traveller.

Conclusion? Most travellers are going to need to prioritise versatility , weight , battery life , and price when picking the best travel laptop. Digital nomads and travellers working remotely are going to need powerful laptops for travel to handle multi-tasking and intensive programs.

Q. What is the best laptop for the money?

In my humble opinion, the best value laptop is definitely the Microsoft Surface Book  – from a specs / weight / price ratio, this laptop outperforms all the others.

Q. What is the best cheap laptop?

The Lenovo Idea Pad  is the best cheap laptop on the market at the moment. It is adequate for streaming movies and casual web browsing but that’s about it… Still, for less than $300, it’s a steal.

Q. What is the lightest travel laptop?

The MacBook Air  is the most compact, thinnest and lightest laptop for traveling on the market… If space and weight is your primary concern, this is the laptop to choose.

Q. What is the best laptop for blogging?

The Macbook Pro  is the best laptop for bloggers and photographers – it can handle whatever you throw at it and edit photos without any problems, even on very advanced, space hungry, software.

Q. What is the smallest travel laptop?

The Macbook Air  takes the gold again for the smallest laptop for traveling…

Q. What is the most durable laptop?

The Macbook Pro  is the toughest laptop in this list and if you put it in a case it can take some knocks… Still, be careful with it.

Q. Should I travel with a laptop or a tablet?

A 2-1 will give you a lot more versatility than just traveling with a laptop or a tablet. If you ARE a fan of tablets, I recommend that you consider getting a 2-1 laptop / tablet combo rather than just a tablet. The Microsoft Surface 7 Pro  is definitely the best 2-1 laptop / tablet on the market.

There is no perfect or exact science when it comes to testing out what the best work travel laptop is. Having been digital nomads for a number of years, we think we’re in a decent position to give our 2 cents on the matter!

So when it came to assessing the best travel computers, we looked at a few different factors like specific performance for certain jobs and tasks, memory, storage, speed, weight and durability too. Of course, when it comes to the best laptop for travel and work, much of what is needed is individual depending on your needs. But we tried to cover most of the common uses as well as generalised purposes for travelling with a laptop.

Finally, we also take into account how an item is priced. Travel computers vary wildly in price and the most expensive isn’t always the best for your needs and your trip. However, we did scrutinise the more expensive laptops and gave the cheaper ones a bit more leeway.

Still have some questions about the best laptops for travel? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What is the overall best travel laptop?

The perfect all-rounder for digital nomads is the Macbook Air . It packs style, efficiency, plenty of battery life and storage space and a solid operating systen in one little rectangle. For even more storage space, we’d suggest upgrading to a Macbook Pro .

What is the most affordable travel laptop?

The Lenovo Ideapad is one of the best budget options for digital nomads. While the value might not be as high as a Macbook, you’ll definitely get some real bang for your buck.

Which is the lightest travel laptop?

The Macbook Air is one of the best lightweight travel laptops on the market, with only 2.5lbs!

Should I get an insurance for my laptop during my travels?

Hell yes! If you’re relying on your laptop, having your electronics insured is one of first steps to travelling without any worries.

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There you have it!

Our epic reviews of the most versatile laptops, the most cost-efficient laptops, the best laptop for blogging and digital nomads and, of course, the best budget laptop on the market.

Overall, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the listed choices. I personally tend to lean towards MacBooks because of their reliability and my own personal experiences.

However, some of the newest Microsoft, Lenovo, and Dell laptops have unique, useful features like touch screen, and 2-1 convertibility that give them a leg up as the best traveling laptops.

If you just want the best cheap travel laptop to surf the web and stream online, one of the budget laptops or Chromebooks would be perfect for you.

You will need to upgrade from the ChromeBooks and budget options to one of the travelling tablet 2-1’s or more expensive laptop options if you want to store data but you can get around this by buying a portable hard drive. Personally, I’m a big fan of Macbook Pros but what does the data say? When we compare all the factors, what is the best laptop for traveling?

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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30 Comments

Great article and certainly needed. However, I wouldn’t use a Lenovo product, even if you gave it to me for free. They have lots of problems!

Nicely comprised info for travelers. Like you, I once brought a laptop while traveling, only for it to not turn on due to the none air conditioned climate. It worked fine once I got back to the air conditioned USA. Do you have a laptop suggestion for those traveling to poor areas where cool flowing air is not an option? I’ve heard someone say there are ASUS laptops that can take the heat, but I have yet to find an article that states this.

This is a tough question because I feel like most laptops would be susceptible to this problem. You should buy a laptop with a high-quality frame or invest in an industrial-grade laptop.

Hey, thanks for your effort. I love working outside and i am trying to become more independent. After going through your choices real quick, the microsoft surface pro seems to be the most fit for me. Although i would love to be able to use a powerbank or something to charge it. Any suggestions in that regard?

The most important information thats missing for me is, the ability to work outside. Are all of them equal in that regard? Will i be able to work in the sun? Because my current notebook will not let me do that.

Hey Flo! I’m working off a Surface Pro 4 and I love mostly love it…. Mine has a factory error that dates back to 2016, but new ones should be fine. I’m able to work in the sun… if I need to. But working in the sun is both miserable and can cause eye damage. You’re not meant to be focusing on tiny text on a screen while inundated with blazing sunlight!

The best Windows 10 option for creatives and travelers needing versatility, speed, and power. While technically a powerful laptop, this is also one of the best tablets for travel. I will go for it.

I think this is great and you have totally nailed it by making that statement. Right on.

Thanks for the review. I am going to making some tour videos and for that, I will buy a laptop for video editing. I hope MacBook Pro will do that job greatly.

very informative blog, to bring a laptop while traveling actually I am making a plan to go an India for some time before that I definitely will check your mention points like battery life, processing power etc.

I’ve had my MacBook Air for a couple years now and it’s starting to show signs of needing replacement. Kinda nervous about this and what Apple is currently offering. Hopefully, it will hold out for a bit longer to see what else Apple might have in store.

You should really add the “Surface Laptop” to the list, it’s a great little laptop that allows you to choose how much storage you want along with three different processor options

I am looking for a new laptop and your list is helpful. Thank you.

Thank you for sharing this. A lot of people recommended me to buy the MacBook pro definitely expensive but worth every penny especially for us freelancer who like to travel and do work not just outside our home. Anyways, thank you for sharing this list. I love that you also share how informative and being detailed about the pros and cons.

Glad you found our laptop reviews helpful Esther! I’m a Macbook Pro man myself! 🙂

Please stop using the term “Digital Nomad.” It’s cringeworthy… Also, being a “DM” isn’t the only reason to have a high-powered laptop.

If you have heaps of money to spend on a high end laptop purely for leisure then good for you dude but for most people that kind of investment is only worth making if you’re going to be working online, with your laptop, as you travel.

that was wonderful details on the travel laptpops for all the techno freaks. Good post with all the essential details.

The performance of the SurfaceBook 2 is everything you could want form a laptop and thanks to the dual battery the battery life on offer here is impressive from a performance-focused device.

While choosing the laptop for traveling it is most important to consider which specs will optimize the digital experience. Which type of laptop is best for traveling and also how you plan to use your laptop while traveling

I’m definitely a windows user! The surface book 2 is just awesome, I’m gonna buy it soon.

Chromebooks are pretty much the perfect laptop for travelling. I mean not only are they cheap and super light and portable, but you can’t do much on them – which hopefully means you’ll STAY THE HECK OFF OF THEM and actually enjoy your vacation 😉

Comprehensive and detailed. I love that you have included comparison and required specs of the different travel laptops. I’d go for portability, memory, and battery life. Thanks for providing the best choices!

Hii Will Hatton,

I would like to say big thank you for your post. I really love to read it , this is such a very appreciable & informative post for each travelers. Keep posting

Yeah portability is what makes laptops great 🙂

I’ve been looking for a laptop to use for my business when I am away from home. So glad I found your blog. It has great info and I think I’ve narrowed it down to 2 different ones. Price is going to effect my choice, but that’s how it goes.

Hi, I’m going to India this winter but I’m also a student so I do have to be checking my laptop to see if my assignments and homework. I’m a little worried about wifi coverage. When you go to 3rd world countries how do you get reliable wifi? What provider/coverage plan do you use?

You’ll be fine – WiFi can be found in most places these days, which is kind of a shame. I don’t have reliable WiFi when I travel, I just get on with it.

Yes, but what no travel writer thinks to mention is which of these computers, all or none or in between, can connect to Channels 12 (in Canada and the rest of the world) 13 (in Europe and the rest of the World) and 14 in Japan. I’ve bought devices in the past, for world traveling, only to discover that the devices had been needlessly throttled for US customers at the firmware level. In other words, they could only connect on Channels 1-11.

Hi Will, Great detailed post. For me, a travel laptop has to be extra portable and have long-lasting battery. Chromebooks tend to meet those requirements and I always keep one for when I am on the road.

I’m truly impressed with your business finesse while traveling in some really interesting places. Nicely done!

I used to be a MacBook fan, but this last one as well as my latest iPhone has made me look elsewhere. The Dell XPS and the Lenovo Yoga products definitely seems to get great reviews and rock solid performance. I think I’ll be checking them out next. And, of course, your travel on $10 a day…didn’t think that was possible anymore! Thanks for some great reads

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• Table of Contents
• Best Laptop
• Best Upper Mid-Range
• Best Mid-Range
• Best Budget
• Best Compact
• Best Gaming

Notable Mentions

Recent updates, all reviews, the 6 best travel laptops - spring 2024 reviews.

When shopping for a travel laptop, a couple of requirements immediately come to mind: size, weight, and battery life. Finding a thin and light laptop isn't so much a problem when it comes to general productivity and media consumption devices, but finding a relatively portable mobile workstation or gaming laptop can still be challenging. You must also ensure that portability doesn't come at the cost of a flimsier, cheaper-feeling build. Screen brightness is another thing to consider, as you want a display that can overcome glare in bright settings, and you'll want a good keyboard and touchpad, as they're your primary input methods. A good port selection is a must if you don't want to carry around a hub or dock, and webcam quality is important if you're often on video calls. Biometrics isn't necessary but nice to have, especially if you don't like typing out your password or PIN in a public area.

We've bought and tested over 105 laptops. Below are our recommendations for the best laptops for travel you can buy. You can also see our recommendations for the  best laptops , the  best business laptops , and the best laptops for college .

Best Laptop For Travel

The best travel laptop we've tested is the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023). This 14-inch workstation has nearly everything you could ask for in a premium model: a sturdy all-metal chassis, a compact design, tons of processing power, and a long battery life. It sports a bright 120Hz Mini LED display, a spacious keyboard, and a gigantic, easy-to-use haptic touchpad. The display is suitable for color work, as it has full DCI P3 coverage and superb factory calibration. Its 1080p webcam is excellent, so your colleagues can see and hear you clearly on video calls.

New in this generation of MacBook Pro is the addition of a base M3 model, similar to the discontinued 13-inch model with Touch Bar. This can be a great option if you don't need all the processing power but still want the 'Pro' features, like the display and up-firing speakers. The main downside is that the RAM and storage aren't user-replaceable, and upgrading them increases the total cost considerably.

The  Dell XPS 15 (2023) is our recommendation for Windows users. It's a larger 15.6-inch device but weighs the same as the MacBook Pro 14. It provides a great user experience and can easily handle demanding tasks like programming and video editing. Unlike the MacBook Pro, the RAM and storage drive are user-replaceable, so you can upgrade or add more space later. Unfortunately, there are a couple of tradeoffs, like its display's basic 60Hz refresh rate and its terrible 720p webcam. Port selection is also a slight downgrade compared to the MacBook Pro, as there's no HDMI port. Lastly, Dell has released new XPS models in 14- and 16-inch sizes, so if you're a fan of the 15-inch size, this is a good time to get one because it's often on sale on  Dell's website .

See our review

Best Upper Mid-Range Laptop For Travel

If your workload includes lighter tasks like text processing, web browsing, spreadsheets, and video playback, get the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022) instead. It's also a high-end model that provides a premium user experience; however, it doesn't have as much processing power, so you aren't overpaying for performance you don't need. Don't worry; its M2 SoC is fast and can stand toe to toe with current-generation Intel and AMD CPUs. While its IPS panel isn't as impressive as the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023) 's 120Hz Mini LED display, it's still pretty and bright enough for outdoor use. The main drawback is the port selection, which comprises two USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports with support for a single external display.

As you may have heard, Apple has released a new MacBook Air with its M3 chip. There are only a few changes, including a slightly faster SoC, Wi-Fi 6E, and support for two external displays, though the latter has a caveat, as you can only get two external displays with the laptop's lid closed. We'll have a full review of the new model soon. If you don't need these upgrades, Apple still sells the M2 model as a more budget-friendly option with a starting price of $999 USD. The Apple MacBook Air 15 (2023) is also a good option if you want more screen space and don't mind paying more. It's still very portable for a 15-inch model, but it might not fit into smaller messenger or sling bags.

A Windows alternative would be the LG gram 14 (2023) . At 2.1 lbs, this 14-inch ultraportable is even lighter than the MacBook Air 13. It provides a good user experience overall, and while its battery life is shorter, it's still enough to get through a typical workday. It also has a wider port selection that includes two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4s, allowing you to connect up to two 4k displays at 60Hz with a single cable. Naturally, there are compromises, like a worse dimmer, lower-resolution FHD+ display, and a less premium-feeling magnesium alloy build.

Best Mid-Range Laptop For Travel

Our best mid-range pick is the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2022), a 14-inch 2-in-1 convertible Chromebook. It's a very compact device that's easy to carry around, and its battery lasts over 13 hours of light use. The display gets bright enough for use in most indoor settings, and since it's a 2-in-1 convertible, you can set it up in tent mode for media consumption or flip the screen all the way around and use it as a tablet. If you want to take handwritten notes, it supports pen input and comes with a stylus that you can dock into its charging slot at the front of the device. Ports include one USB-A, two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4, and an HDMI port.

Spec-wise, this laptop has various Intel 12th Gen CPUs, from a Core i3 to a P-series Core i7. However, only the Core i5 model with 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage is widely available, and even that model is getting hard to find. There's a newer 2023 model, which we haven't tested but expect to be very similar. The upgrades include a faster Intel 13th Gen CPU and a 1440p webcam. You can get the 2023 model on Amazon or at  Best Buy . Lastly, if you're new to Chrome OS, know that the type of applications you can install is limited, so you need to ensure you can do everything through a Chrome browser or Android apps.

Best Budget Laptop For Travel

For those on a tighter budget, get the Acer Swift 3 14 (2020), a 14-inch Windows ultraportable. Acer's Swift models are typically more expensive, but since this is a 2020 version, you can get it much cheaper. It has a nice FHD display, a decent keyboard, and a wide port selection, including two USB-As, one USB-C/Thunderbolt 4, a full-size HDMI, and a headphone jack. It's available with an Intel 11th Gen Core i5 or i7 CPU and up to 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage.

The Intel 11th Gen CPUs are two generations behind Intel's latest offerings but can still easily handle general productivity tasks like web browsing, text processing, spreadsheets, and video playback. Plus, the battery life is amazing at over 13 hours of light use. Its 720p webcam is its main weakness; the image is underexposed, and the microphone sounds staticky.

Best Compact Laptop For Travel

If you need something compact to browse the web or answer emails on the go, get the Microsoft Surface Go 3 (2021), a 10.5-inch tablet PC with a built-in kickstand and a detachable keyboard. It's super compact, and its battery lasts a little over seven hours of light use. Its FHD+ display looks very sharp, gets bright enough to combat glare, and supports pen input. You get an excellent 1080p webcam, a second back-facing camera, and a facial recognition IR camera for quick logins. Like all Microsoft 2-in-1 tablets, you must buy the keyboard and stylus separately. The keyboard is worth getting, as it's much more comfortable to type on than an on-screen keyboard, and it protects the screen from scratches.

The Surface Go 3 is available with an Intel Pentium Gold or Core i3 CPU. They perform well enough for this tablet PC's intended use, which is to say simple tasks like web browsing, emails, and video playback, but don't expect to do anything remotely intensive. If your budget allows, it's worth upgrading the memory to 8GB, as you'll get a much smoother experience with fewer slowdowns when multitasking. Port selection is limited; you only get a USB-C, a headphone jack, and a proprietary Surface Connect charging port.

Best Gaming Laptop For Travel

We recommend the Razer Blade 14 (2022) for gaming on the go. This 14-inch model is surprisingly thin and light for a gaming laptop, and aside from its green logo on the lid, it has a fairly understated design, so it doesn't stick out in a professional environment if you use it for work. It's available in three preset configurations: a 1080p 144Hz display with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, a 1440p 165Hz display with an RTX 3070 Ti, or a 1440p 165Hz display with an RTX 3080 Ti. All three configurations deliver a smooth gaming experience in demanding AAA titles.

We don't have many complaints about the keyboard; the keys have a good amount of travel and tactility, but they could be more stable. And, of course, it has per-key RGB backlighting. As for upgradeability, the storage drive is replaceable, but not the memory, as all three configurations come with 16GB of soldered RAM.

A newer model of the Blade 14 is available. Its design remains largely unchanged, as the upgrades are internal. The CPU is now an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS, and GPU options include an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 and 4070. These new GPUs bring a new feature called Frame Generation, which boosts performance by inserting AI-generated frames. Few games currently support this feature, but as we've seen with DLSS, the adoption rate will likely grow quickly. There's also a new display option: a 240Hz QHD+ panel with a matte finish and VRR support. See  here  for more details about the new Razer Blade 14.

• ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (2023): The ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (2023) is a great 2-in-1 Windows convertible and a good alternative to the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022). It feels as well built as the MacBook Air and has a gorgeous, albeit slightly dimmer, OLED display. It also has a wider port selection, including two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4s with support for multiple external displays. It's heavier, though, and its battery life is shorter at around eight hours of light use. See our review
• Framework Laptop 13 (2023): The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is a good alternative to the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022) if you want a laptop that's easy to repair or upgrade. You can replace any component in the laptop, even the CPU and motherboard. All the parts are available via Framework, and the company provides manuals to guide you through the replacement process. It also has a modular port system that lets you swap out the ports on the fly. However, its keyboard, touchpad, speakers, and webcam aren't as good. Also, depending on where you live, it might be harder to get one because you can only get it via Framework's website. See our review
• Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (2023): The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (2023) is a great ultraportable alternative to the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022). It has a wider port selection and Thunderbolt 4 support, and its SSD is user-replaceable. However, it's slightly bulkier, and its battery doesn't last as long. It's also more expensive. See our review
• Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 (2023): The Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 (2023) is a good alternative to the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2022) if you prefer Windows. It provides a great user experience, and its battery lasts around 12 hours of light use. It's a pretty thin laptop, but ultimately, it's still a 16-inch device, so it might not fit into some bags. It also weighs considerably more at 4.4 lbs. See our review
• Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 (2021): The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 (2021) is a good alternative to the Microsoft Surface Go 3 (2021) if you only need a device for media consumption. It has a much nicer OLED display, and its battery lasts longer. It's a 13-inch device, though, so it isn't as portable as the Surface Go 3. See our review

Mar 15, 2024: Removed the Lenovo Slim Pro 7 14 (2023) from the Notable Mentions because it's discontinued. Added the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) as a Notable Mention. Minor text changes to provide information about new models of the Dell XPS 15, Apple MacBook Air 13, and Razer Blade 14.

Jan 23, 2024: Replaced the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M2, 2023) with the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023) because Apple no longer sells the M2 model.

Nov 16, 2023: Minor text changes to provide information about the new M3 MacBook Pro and to add the Dell XPS 15 (2023) as a Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. Added the Lenovo Slim Pro 7 14 (2023) and Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 (2023) as Notable Mentions.

Sep 18, 2023: Replaced the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) with the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) because the M1 model is no longer available. Small text changes to include the Lenovo Slim Pro 7 14 (2023) as an alternative to the MacBook Pro 14. Replaced the Lenovo Chromebook C340 15 (2020) with the Acer Swift 3 14 (2020) because the Acer is a better value.

Jul 18, 2023: Verified that the picks are valid and available. Added the ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (2023) as a Notable Mention.

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best travel laptops you can get. We factor in the price (a cheaper laptop wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no laptops that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).

If you prefer to make your own decision, here’s the list of all of our laptop reviews. Keep in mind that most laptops are available in various configurations, and the table only shows the results of the model we tested, so it’s best to see the full review for information about other variants.

What are you looking for?

12 best travel laptops you can buy in 2024 [for all budgets].

Bradley and I have been digital nomads for around 5 years now.

And one of the most important things we’ve invested in is our laptops. 

They are what we use to run our business and if they didn’t work well, then we’d be in trouble!

Over the years, we’ve used a number of brilliant laptops for travel, and we thought it would be a good idea to give you some guidance on the best travel laptops on the market this year. 

We’ve done a lot of research, and we’ve included all the best ones we’ve found, including the laptops we currently use, and laptops we have previously used. 

So, if you’re in search of a laptop to suit your travel needs, then look no further. We’ve got you covered!

Want a quick answer? Our top pick is the Asus Zenbook 13 .

Travellerspoint

Quick roundup of our top picks

What to look at when choosing a travel laptop

The best laptops for travelers excel in many or all of the following categories ...

Before actually thinking about the features and specs of the laptop, make sure you know your budget. It’s also worthwhile to compare laptops on a similar price point so you can choose the best one, without spending more than you should.

2. Weight and Size

The portability of a laptop matters too, especially for travel. Is it lightweight and small enough to make it convenient to travel with? Would it need a suitcase to fit? How heavy is it to lug around on a two-week backpacking trip ? Can it breeze through airport security?

These are just some questions to consider in terms of your laptop’s weight and size. It helps to know what you need!

3. Battery Life 

Longer battery life typically correlates with a higher price tag, but if you’re working on the road, having a long battery life can make your life so much easier!

Even if you’re stuck on a long flight or train journey where you can’t plug your laptop into a power source, a powerful laptop means you can still work.

4. Storage Space 

Again, you’ll pay more for more storage, but think of this as a long-term investment. Storage is especially crucial if you create content such as videos and photos, as they take up more space than mere word documents.

An option is to buy an external hard drive to expand your storage capacity. It can be a great alternative if you don’t have the budget to buy a higher storage capacity to begin with.

5. What RAM do you need?

RAM (Random Access Memory) is where your laptop stores data before processing them, and its size affects how well your laptop can handle “multi-tasking”.

Imagine editing photos on Lightroom, then writing a blog article on Google Docs, and then watching a YouTube video ( p.s. Check out our channel ). Having a large RAM lets you switch between tasks smoothly.

Here’s a quick summary of the most common RAM sizes:

• 4GB: Great for general browsing, word editing software, and writing emails.
• 8GB: Everything above, plus video calls and light photo editing. If you’re running a simple blog without doing anything too heavy, 8GB of RAM should be enough.
• 16GB : You’ll need at least this amount for editing up to 4K videos and photos while multitasking. It’s the minimum RAM size for digital nomads. Trust us, it will make your life (and travel) much easier!
• 32GB: Usually used in gaming laptops or heavy video editing, and by that we don’t mean travel or Youtube videos, we’re talking movie quality stuff!

Of course, the more RAM, the more expensive the laptop, so it’s important to strike a balance between what you need your laptop to do, and your budget. 

6. Processing Power 

If you are running editing programs and high-resolution videos, you should also prioritize the processing power. Trust us, this will make working on your laptop so much more enjoyable.

The CPU is like the heart and brain of your laptop. For high-power activities like video editing, you need to go for at least an i7, although the i9 is now on the market and the most powerful.

We opted for high processing power as Adobe Premier Pro can be very demanding for video editing, especially during the rendering process. Cloud/browser based video editors like Clipchamp may be less demanding for laptops with lower processing power.

i5 will work for a travel laptop if you’re not doing anything too heavy, or don’t mind editing at a buffering pace and have a lot of patience. However, anything less than an i5 processor (i3) will not be suitable as a travel laptop unless you just plan on answering emails and surfing the internet.

A separate graphics chip allows gamers, 3D designers, and high-res video editors to run their programs without taking up a ton of RAM and slowing the overall performance of the computer.

I use an i7 CPU and this allows me to edit video footage, including 4k very easily, and I can edit on Lightroom, Photoshop, and After Effects without any issues. It can also perform multiple of these tasks at one without crashing, which is a real testament to the quality! 

7. Do you have a software preference: Windows vs Apple vs Chrome OS?

Apple may seem like the quintessence of all technology brands, but if you don’t already use their products or like the Apple software system, there is no point in getting an Apple laptop. 

But if you already use Apple and want easy integration with their other products, then it would make sense to choose one of their laptops. 

For us, we don’t like Apple products and opt for Windows instead. It has never let us down so far, and there are so many more options to choose from!

Pros of Windows Operating System

• Excellent compatibility with Microsoft software
• Easier to upgrade
• Familiar interface, even for non-techy users
• More budget and model options

Cons of Windows Operating System

• More vulnerable to virus and hackers
• Windows updates may feel disruptive
• The huge range of options can be overwhelming

Pros of Apple Operating System

• Seamless integration with other Apple devices
• Feels premium and very durable
• Excellent for video, photo, and audio editing

Cons of Apple Operating System

• Extremely pricey and limited choice
• Few options for hardware
• May need to buy tons of adaptors

Pros of Chrome Operating System

• Feels fast compared to Windows laptop of the same price
• Easy set-up and usage 
• Chromebooks have great battery life

Cons of Chrome Operating System

• Cannot run Windows software
• Most web-based apps won't’ work without connection
• Weaker build, screen and audio quality

The 12 Best Travel Laptops

1. asus zenbook 13 - best overall travel laptop.

Weight: 1.11 kg

Battery Life: Up to 13 hours

Specs: Intel® Core™ i7-1165G7 Processor, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD

Display: 13.3", Full HD 1920 x 1080p

Operating system: Windows

In terms of weight, size, power and price, we decided that the ASUS Zenbook 13 comes out top as the best travel laptop you can currently buy.

It's not the most powerful on this list, but it is still an absolutely amazing piece of kit and is the exact laptop I have been suing since late 2018 on our trip to Sri Lanka .It is still working 100% the same as it did when we first bought it and I have used it to run our website for more than 3 years now.

It does everything most travelers could possibly need, and more; and costs roughly 40% less than it's slightly more powerful counterparts (the DELL XPS 13 and Apple MacBook Air 13 - both discussed below).

Battery life is also a key component of any great travel laptop and the ASUS Zenbook 13 boasts up to 18 hours of battery life, which in addition to its compact and ultralight design, makes it perfect for travelling.

Plus, the Zenbook 13 is the world’s thinnest 13” laptop that still has complete I/O ports, including USB-A and HDMI. It's small enough to even fit in my Loctote Flak Sack , which is testament to it's power-to-size ratio.

If you like having a number pad but don’t want to carry large laptops around, the innovative ASUS ScreenPad 2.0 will excite you! You can activate this feature and watch the touchpad light up.

Pros of the ASUS Zenbook 13

• Excellent battery life of 18 hours
• Ultra-thin design but still complete I/O ports
• Unique NumberPad 2.0 technology

Cons of the ASUS Zenbook 13

• Fan is easily triggered, which can be a bit loud
• You can’t upgrade RAM after purchasing
• Extra function keys may make keyboard feel cramped

2. Dell XPS 13 - Most powerful 13 inch travel laptop

Weight: 1.27 kg

Battery Life: Up to 4 hours

Specs: 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1195G7 Processor, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD

Display: 13.4", Full HD 1920 x 1080p

I would say that the DELL XPS 13 is definitely my second top pick for travel laptops.

Perfect for those of you that need a slightly more powerful laptop that the ASUS Zenbook 13 and are happy to pay the higher price tag.

But why is it better than the XPS 15? (discussed below).

Well, it’s not quite as powerful, but has a lower price tag, smaller screen size, weighs less, and is absolutely perfect for 90% of travellers. It’s what we would travel with if we didn’t need the video editing capabilities of the XPS 15.

At only 1.27 kg, it can easily fit into your backpack and you won’t even remember it’s there! Perfect if you’re moving around a lot and don’t want a heavy laptop. (On that note, be sure to check out the range of digital-nomad-friendly backpacks from Solgaard ).

The Dell XPS 13 has an Infinity Edge screen that is nearly borderless, so you can still enjoy beautiful colors on this display. Whether it’s for watching films or editing videos, a large screen can be very useful!

Moreover, it features the Killer 1535 Wireless-AC card , which means you will get impeccable Wi-Fi performance. It can be a lifesaver if you are travelling and working somewhere with limited connection.

Pros of the Dell XPS 13

• Extremely sleek and portable
• Infinity Edge Display with anti-glare finish
• Killer Wi-Fi performance, literally (Killer AX 1650 WiFi 6)

Cons of the DELL XPS 13

• Only one USB-C port
• No USB-A port
• Awkward camera angle

3. Dell XPS 15 - Best travel laptop for video editing

Weight: 2.05 kg

Battery Life: Up to 13.5 hours

Specs: Intel Core i7-10750H Processor, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD

Display: 15.6", Full HD 1920 x 1200p

If you’re a video editor, then you can’t go wrong with the Dell XPS 15 . It’s the one we currently use and has proven to be absolutely amazing.

You can edit 4K videos without lagging and multitask with no problem. In fact, it’s probably one of the best laptops on the market today.

It is pretty thin and easy to store in a van (as we are currently travelling in), but it’d be excellent to travel with even if we were still using a backpack.

With incredible performance and storage space, the Dell XPS 15 is a great choice if you need a high-performance laptop and aren’t too bothered by its relatively heavier weight.

One minor issue is that this laptop overheats easily. While this doesn’t actually shut down the system or affect its running, you can feel it get super hot, which is quite uncomfortable.

Top tip: If you are editing a lot, and want the extra screen space, I have been using the Duex Max Portable Screen Monitor . You plug it in via the USB port and it's a convenient way to have some extra woring space.

Pros of the DELL XPS 15 

• Super fast performance, excellent for travel vloggers and bloggers
• High-resolution screen for editing photos and watching films
• Excellent battery life, even when doing heavy work

Cons of the DELL XPS 15

• It may feel a little too heavy for backpackers
• The price can be an investment 
• It can overheat easily

4. MacBook Air M1 - 13 inch - Best Apple travel laptop

Weight: 1.29 kg

Battery Life: Up to 18 hours

Specs: Apple M1 chip and Octa-core Processor, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD

Display: 13.3", Quad HD 2560 x 1600p

Operating system: MacOS Big Sur (11.0)

Maybe Windows isn’t your thing, and you prefer using Apple OS for your travel laptop. In that case, our top recommendation would be the MacBook Air M1 . It’s thin, premium-looking, and incredibly fast.

And because it's so slim and lightweight, it can even fit in most decent camera backpacks ; great if you already carry lots of tech with you when travelling.

Obviously, the new Apple M1 chip offers astounding performance. It’s 3.5x faster and has excellent thermal efficiency. There is no fan inside the machine so it operates silently.

Better yet, it can perform heavy tasks without using up too much battery, which means you can use this laptop for up to 18 hours! We cannot stress how life-changing this can be, especially for a digital nomad who moves around a lot.

There are also additional features such as the Retina Display screen, True Tone technology , and massive 512 GB solid state drive for instantaneous loading. Plus, the updated Touch ID sensor ensures all your data is secure while you’re on the road.

Pros of the MacBook Air 

• Excellent battery life lasting whole day (18 hours)
• M1 chip is incredibly fast and powerful
• Inclusive built-in software like iMovie and GarageBand can be useful

Cons of the MacBook Air

• Limited connectivity with only two ports 
• Doesn’t support multiple screen displays
• No embedded 4G/5G option

"The MacBook Air M1 is the latest MacBook series with a custom Apple designed processor in it, tuned for the efficient execution of MacOS applications compared to the old ones. The design is thin and lightweight, similar to a ChromeBook but has the processing power of a high end laptop making it a perfect choice for travelling.

I used to travel with my ChromeBook, but it was not sufficient for travel content creation applications, whereas the MacBook solves this problem. All the Adobe applications (Lightroom, Photoshop and Illustrator) as well as Davinci, designed for video creation, work smoothly on this laptop with efficient battery usage.

This laptop is a perfect combination to go with the latest Iphone 12 Pro as your blogging camera and have all your travel content easily accessible to share on social media on the same day. MacBook Air M1 is certainly an optimized laptop from Apple with user experience in mind, perfect for travellers, due to its weight and content creation capabilities."

5. MacBook Pro 13 Inch - Most powerful Apple travel laptop

Weight: 1.4 kg

Battery Life: Up to 20 hours

Specs: Apple M1 chip and Octa-core Processor, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD

Again, if you're an Apple-fan and want the most powerful travel laptop you can get, look no further than the MacBook Pro 13” . It’s a true workhorse that can handle any intensive tasks while on the go.

Its M1 chip is obviously an advantage, but we also love that it features the Magic Keyboard. With a redesigned scissor mechanism and 1 mm of key travel, as well as an integrated Touch Bar, you can now streamline your workflow and make it super effective.

And if you thought the MacBook Air has a great battery life, then the MacBook Pro 13” is exceptional. Imagine having up to 20 hours of playback when using Apple TV, or 17 hours of wireless browsing !

It’s slightly heavier, but at 1.4 kg this is still a lightweight travel laptop that can easily fit in your backpack.

Our only complaint would be the low standard of 256 GB SSD, which despite being quite large, is still only half of most laptops nowadays. Considering the steep price tag, it’s also disappointing that the MacBook Pro 13” doesn’t come with a 1080p webcam.

Pros of the MacBook Pro

• Has one of the longest battery life for a laptop
• Fast and powerful performance from M1 chip
• Touch Bar and Touch ID fingerprint sensor
• Features Magic Keyboard for the best typing experience

Cons of the MacBook Pro

• Lower storage standard at 256 GB SSD
• Webcam is only 720p, which is mediocre for its price
• Only two Thunderbolt or USB-C ports

"I took my 13 inch Macbook Pro around the world for 14 months and couldn’t have been any happier with it. Its fast graphics performance, large storage, long lasting battery and retina display made video and picture editing a breeze. I also love the thin sleek look of it.

The 13” Macbook Pro is on the high end of laptops for price, however it’s worth the splurge if you plan to use large programs for video or picture editing on your travels. The 13” size and 3 lbs weight also make it easy to store and carry around in your backpack."

6. HP ENVY 13.3" Laptop - Intel® Core™ i5 - Best HP travel laptop

Weight: 1.3 kg

Battery Life: Up to 9.5 hours

Specs: Intel® Core™ i5-10210U Processor, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD

The HP Envy 13.3” laptop offers a stylish design and powerful performance, while its relatively affordable price tag makes it the perfect go-to laptop for those on a tighter budget.

It’s the first travel laptop we ever bought and is what we used for our first ever 4 month backpacking trip around South America.

We personally feel that this laptop could be the best laptop for travel photography, mainly because of its incredible performance. The NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics also lets you edit videos with relative ease, though you can still expect a certain degree of buffering.

The HP Envy has a screen with 400 nits, which is pretty bright and useful for working in bright spaces. Some might find the reflective screen a little distracting, but we don’t think it should be a problem for most.

Even better, you can get the model which supports a 4K display for stunning graphics and accurate colors. You can use this to view mesmerizing images at 8.2 million pixels!

Pros of the HP Envy

• Fast performance that is useful for editing high-quality images
• Bright display of 400 nits
• Powerful and excellent speakers

Cons of the HP Envy 

• Shorter battery life compared to other travel laptops
• No HDMI and Thunderbolt 3
• Reflective screen makes it harder to see in outdoor work spaces

7. ASUS C223 11.6" Chromebook - Best budget travel laptop

Weight: 1 kg

Battery Life: Up to 10 hours

Specs: Intel® Core™ Celeron N3350 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 32 GB eMMC

Display: 11.6", HD Ready 1366 x 768p

Operating system: Chrome OS

Those on a budget would love the ASUS C223 11.6" Chromebook , which in our opinion is probably the best budget travel laptop on the market today.

It’s extremely lightweight and has a thin profile (this is one of the thinnest Chromebooks). In addition to the 10 hour battery life , it really is an excellent travel companion.

However, this laptop is only suitable for basic functions like writing blog posts and basic internet browsing. It’s not capable of heavy tasks such as video or intensive photo editing. 

If all you need is a laptop to stream Netflix, Facetime your friends, reply to emails, and other less demanding tasks, this Asus Chromebook is perfect.

And coming in at under $200, it's even a viable gift for backpackers .

Pros of the Asus Chromebook

• Very affordable, especially considering its fast performance
• Lightweight and thin, so it’s easy to carry around
• High-definition images for watching films and videos

Cons of the Asus Chromebook

• Not suitable for heavy and intensive tasks
• Limited RAM of only 4 GB
• You can only use Microsoft products through subscription

8. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 - Best laptop for business travellers

Weight: 0.77 kg

Battery Life: Up to 10.5 hours

Specs: Intel® Core™ i5-1035G4 Processor, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD

Display: 12.3", Quad HD 2736 x 1824p

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 may not be the best choice for creative workers, including graphic designers and video editors, but it excels for business functions.

This 2-in-1 model which combines a laptop and tablet into one device is perfect for the travelling businessman or entrepreneur. 

In terms of versatility, it’s an absolute dream! You can use it in Tablet, Laptop, or even Studio Mode, depending on what you need at the moment. Unfortunately, you have to purchase the keyboard and pen separately, and the extra costs can add up.

However, this makes room for plenty of personalization as you can choose any color or design you want for each of the accessories.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is also very lightweight, at just 0.77 kg. Meanwhile, the high-resolution PixelSense Display and Dolby Audio Premium ensure you can enjoy a good movie comfortably.

Pros of the Microsoft Surface Pro 7

• Extremely lightweight and portable
• Switch between Laptop, Tablet and Studio Mode
• Sharp display and crisp images

Cons of the Microsoft Surface Pro 7

• Keyboard and pen are sold separately
• No Thunderbolt port
• No fan means performance can drop when used for long

9.  LENOVO IdeaPad Flex 5 - Best notebook for travel

Weight: 1.5 kg

Battery Life: Up to 10 hours battery life

Specs: Intel® Core™ i5-1035G1 Processor, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD

Display: 14", Full HD 1920 x 1080p

Compared to a laptop, a notebook is essentially its smaller, cheaper, and less powerful counterpart. But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean it’s bad!

In fact, if you’re looking for a more portable and versatile option for non-intensive tasks, then you might be better off buying the LENOVO IdeaPad Flex 5 . It’s not the lightest 2-in-1 laptop, but the design is still slim enough to fit in your laptop backpack .

This model is also something of an in-between. It’s both a laptop and tablet, while the touch screen and 360-degree hinge let you switch between modes easily.

You can be writing articles one second, scrolling through images the next, and catching up on your favorite show after that.

Also, the 10-hour battery life is pretty impressive. You can easily take only the IdeaPad to a nearby cafe or local library, and you won’t need to charge it the whole day!

Pros of the LENOVO IdeaPad

• 2-in-1 design with touch screen
• Durable, soft, and stylish chassis
• Privacy shutter for webcam

Cons of the LENOVO IdeaPad

• Relatively heavy for a 2-in-1 model; not the most portable
• 250-nit display is quite dim
• 4GB RAM is unsuitable for heavy multitasking

10. HP Spectre x360 i7

Battery Life: Up to 19.5 hours

Specs: Intel® Core™ i7-1065G7 Processor, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD

The HP Spectre x360 i7 has a 16:9 aspect ratio, which makes it excellent for streaming your favorite films and shows. Not to mention that the near borderless display is stunning too.

Aside from that, you can use this laptop to work on almost anything. It has a pretty powerful processor and 8GB RAM so you can multitask and handle heavy tasks comfortably.

However, the true charm of the HP Spectre x360 is in its exterior. It has an exquisite gem-cut design that feels premium, while the all-aluminum body is both durable and beautiful.

This HP laptop has some excellent security features too, including a fingerprint reader and privacy switch for the camera.

Lastly, true to its name, you can easily flip the screen 360-degree to get the desired viewing angle. It also works well on Tent mode for viewing texts or watching.

Pros of the HP Spectre x360

• Excellent and fast performance
• Great security features (fingerprint and face recognition
• Beautiful gem-cut design with all-aluminum body

Cons of the HP Spectre x360

• Overheats quite easily
• Fan noise can be loud and distracting
• Maximum volume may produce harsh audio

"I love my HP Spectre 360 i7 because of its top-of-the-line quality, while still being light and small enough to bring along without it being a hassle. It fits easily in my carry-on or day pack without taking up needed space.

I find that flipping between laptop and tablet modes is helpful when trying to get some work done or entertain myself, in smaller spaces such as during a train ride, on an airplane, or in the back seat of the car.

When you are a travel writer, you need to be able to easily get work done on the go. The touch screen is helpful as well when you cannot have a full desk setup. It is one of the best ultra-portable travel laptops I have had, without having to sacrifice power or usability."

11. DELL Inspiron 13

Battery Life: Up to 17 hours

Another excellent travel laptop to consider is the DELL Inspiron 13 . This is another versatile model that you can use in Laptop, Tablet or Tent Mode.

Like the IdeaPad Flex, you can use the DELL Inspiron 13 in different viewing modes and fold the screen into Tablet Mode. However unlike the Microsoft Surface laptop, you cannot actually detach the monitor from the keyboard.

Moreover, it has spectacular battery life of up to 17 hours. This is truly incredible, considering the powerful performance it also offers. With 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD, you can use this laptop for editing or even gaming.

You’ll also love the Windows Hello feature , which uses the webcam to automatically unlock the computer. Additionally, you can use the privacy shutter to feel more secure when browsing.

Pros of the Dell Inspiron 13

• Excellent battery life
• Incredible performance for a 2-in-1 model
• Full HD screen with touchscreen or Active Pen support

Cons of the Dell Inspiron 13

• Onboard memory cannot be upgraded
• Few ports and limited connectivity options
• On the heavy side for a 2-in-1 model

12. HP 14a 14" Chromebook

Weight: 1.46 kg

Specs: Intel® Celeron® N4020 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC

If you’re looking for a budget Chromebook to bring with you on your travels, the HP 14a 14" Chromebook is a brilliant choice.

We recommend this for simple tasks that can be done easier on a laptop than a smartphone. From researching or planning your journey, to streaming blockbuster films, and catching up on social media.

Plus, the virtually borderless Full HD screen is great if you’re planning to watch lots of movies or shows on the road!

Not to mention that it offers high-quality audio , thanks to the custom tuning by experts over at Bang & Olufsen.

One of the biggest drawbacks of using the HP 14a, much like other Chromebooks, is that you cannot run desktop-based software. This includes Microsoft Office, Photoshop and any graphics-intensive game. Instead, you can run them on a browser, but this will limit the functionality.

With that said, you can access Google Play, which means you will have a pretty much endless choice of apps for your every need. It’s great if you prioritize user-friendly interface and convenience over powerful performance.

• Affordable Chromebook for travel
• Large 14-inch screen for comfortable viewing
• Limitless app choices for everything
• May not be the best for demanding tasks
• You can’t run desktop-based software
• Not suitable for offline work

Other things to consider when buying a travel laptop

1. Do you need your laptop for work-related purposes?

If your job requires the use of a laptop and you’re planning to work while travelling, it’s a good idea to invest more and buy a higher-grade laptop. This is especially important if your work is related to your travels, for example if you’re a travel blogger or vlogger .

It’s better to spend more in the beginning than getting a bargain and discovering later that you can’t work because your laptop is unreliable!

2. What else will you use your laptop for?

Are you going to use your laptop just for entertainment on long journeys? Watching Netflix and browsing the internet in the evenings? For planning your travels? Editing photos and videos?

It’s great to know what you’ll be using your laptop for so you can buy accordingly, as some laptops are better suited for certain tasks.

For example, if you’re going to be editing, you might want a laptop with excellent colors and fast performance. Alternatively, for watching films, it’s nice if your laptop has high-quality audio and resolution.

If you solely want it to help plan upcoming trips , booking accommodation and finding what to do, then something more basic will be fine.

3. How light and portable do you need your laptop to be?

Travelling with a backpack immediately reduces the size and weight of the laptop you should buy. After all, you wouldn’t want your laptop to take up half the capacity of your bag.

If you plan on traveling with a larger suitcase, you might have more room for a larger laptop when packing for your trip . This also means you can enjoy more flexibility in terms of price. If you want a recommendation for a great laptop backpack, check out our Matein review .

4. What are your budget constraints?

Just like buying any gadget or electronic device, you should only buy a laptop within the price range you’re comfortable with. Our top tip is to set a budget before even starting your research. 

It will help you stick to it and not be enticed by the latest technologies and cool features which you might not necessarily need. Plus, it helps to be realistic of what a certain price point can get you.

After so long spent saving money for your travels , you don’t want to blow too much on an unnecessarily high performance laptop.

Reasons why you should travel with a laptop

If you’ve been pondering over the idea of whether getting a laptop for travel is the right choice for you. Let’s delve into some of the top benefits and reasons why getting a laptop for your travels is an awesome decision. 

1. You’re more productive 

Yes, phones have become extremely powerful and practical that you can probably perform most simple computing tasks on it. But working on a laptop is much easier and more motivating.

Even with things such as replying to emails, writing blog posts, or editing travel photos , you’ll find that a laptop allows you to do them faster. If you’re a creative individual, you may find it impossible to function on the road without a laptop.

2.  Better access to entertainment

Imagine being stuck in a hotel room with poor WiFi, or on extremely long train journeys with nothing else to do. A good laptop equals an excellent source of entertainment, whether that’s video games or watching downloaded movies.

Sure, you can do all these on a phone, but any film or TV show will surely seem more exciting on a laptop screen! Additionally, it is easier to play games together on a laptop than on a phone.

3. Easier to backup photos and videos 

If you take a lot of photos and videos throughout your travels, investing in a laptop can be worth it. It’s especially true for individuals who create for a living and might be worried about losing your content.

There are more ways to backup files on your laptop than on a phone. This includes an external hard drive, on the laptop itself, or cloud services - more options, more security!

4. Travel planning is much easier

Finally, a laptop can make planning your travels infinitely easier! It’s much simpler to book hotels, train tickets and flights, as well as map your journey on a laptop interface.

There is quite literally more space to search, open multiple tabs and plan your route, which can be frustratingly difficult on a small screen. You’ll be more efficient, which can probably save money. 

Travel laptop FAQs

What is the best travel laptop for blogging .

The Dell XPS 13 would be a good option for blogging because it’s lightweight and perfect for running all aspects of a blog.

We personally use the XPS 15, but that’s because we like the bigger screen for video editing. If you’re like us and “vlogging” as well as blogging, then the XPS 15 would be a better investment. Otherwise, the XPS 13 should be enough!

What is the best cheap laptop for travel? 

Chromebooks offer the best value for money. Out of the two listed above, we recommend going for the HP Chromebook , simply because the software in HP laptops works well. We have also used HP in the past and have never had any issues with it.

What is the lightest travel laptop? 

Strictly speaking, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 , weighing just 0.77 kg, would be the lightest travel laptop around. But it’s a 2-in-1 tablet and laptop that is more suitable for business purposes and lightweight functions. But if you’re planning on doing more intensive tasks, the ASUS Zenbook would a better bet.

Is a tablet a better option than a laptop?

Not if you’re planning on working remotely. This includes running a business, blogging, vlogging, or anything that requires heavy work, even editing pictures. A smaller laptop would still be a better investment than a tablet.

But if you simply want to stay connected on a bigger screen, watch Netflix, or reply to emails and do meetings, then a tablet would work perfectly. It’s much lighter, smaller, and more portable than even the most lightweight laptop.

Which travel laptop is right for you?

As you can see, there are a LOT of fantastic options out there.

Ultimately, which travel laptop you go for depends on …

• What you plan on using it for
• How often you travel
• How much space you have
• Your budget

Regardless of which sort of traveller you are, you should be able to find the perfect laptop from the list above.

Now, over to you …

Which laptop do you think you will go for?

Do you have any other ideas that aren’t on this list?

Just drop a comment below and let me know!

Other gear guides you might like:

• Best portable power stations
• Best GoPro alternatives
• Best travel drones

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

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Budget Travel Buff

10 Best Travel Laptops of 2023: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

In your travels, whether for leisure or business a laptop surely comes in handy when your phone or tablet does not suffice.

There are times where there are no other options but a good laptop for you to work while you travel. Mobile devices and tablets are not handy while multitasking as you face limitations working on a touch interface. 

Professional tools are a hassle to use in a tablet or mobile interface. These tools in a tablet or mobile interface may be limited in function or unavailable altogether.

Editing photos, coding, or video compilation work happen a lot faster using a good laptop. The reason being a laptop’s top-end processing power which mobile or tablet cannot compare to.

While researching for your best travel laptops you may want to pay attention to the price and the hardware specification. 

Whether you have a tight budget to follow or are affluent enough, travel full, or want something for casual travel we have got it covered.

Before we get into our list of best travel laptops, we can understand the things to consider while buying your best travel laptop to take while you are on a vacation.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay any extra penny, but I’ll get a small commission that encourages me to deliver more helpful content for you.

What To Look For to Purchase A Good Travel Laptop

What’s the purpose :.

During your travel, consider the kind of work that you will do. Laptops generally are divided by: 

Light use: For browsing the internet, email, social media or organizing digital photos, etc. 

Medium use: Streaming movies, TV-series, using spreadsheets, and creating documents.   

Heavy use: Using the laptop to multitask opening multiple tabs, coding, advanced graphic work, photo, and video editing.  

When you are traveling and working, you shouldn’t forget to carry a WiFi router. Here is our another top article on the best wireless travel routers to travel and work .

Operating System

A software that helps manage all other software and hardware in your laptop. It helps you interact with your laptop through a visual interface. According to your use and preference, you may choose the best-suited OS for you.

The popular choices of OS in best travel laptops would be:

Mac OS : Mac is installed only on Apple computers, with an easy-to-use interface as well as very few issues with viruses and malware. With a sleek look and feel and impressive battery life support a Mac OS is a choice to consider.

Windows OS : This OS was designed to support a seamless touchscreen interface that helps you with more navigation options. The Windows OS has high security and is supported in a large selection of laptops, unlike the Mac.  

Chrome OS : All Chromebook laptops run on Chrome OS. The interface is fast but simple to use.

The Chrome OS shines in the area of leveraging the Google Play Store, to download and run apps from their huge selection. 

This caters to your travel needs of downloading photo edits or document creation apps at a moment’s notice.  

Screen Features

Touch Screens

Using a touch interface gives us the navigation ease of a tablet or smartphone whereas the powerful hardware gives you great processing speed. You may tap to select, drag it to move, pinch to zoom in and out increasing your mobility while doing your tasks. 

The best laptops for travel and photography generally avail of the touch screen feature for greater navigation options.  

Screen size

Laptop screens when measured diagonally their sizes have a range of 11 to 17 inches approximately. You may choose the screen size as per your use. Gaming, movies, photo and video editing can be done on a larger screen. 

Whereas emails or light work documentation or keeping track of your business metrics can happen over a smaller screen as well.

A laptop with a higher resolution will display better picture quality. You have a choice on the resolution you prefer, here are a few choices to consider.

• 4K Ultra HD : 3840 x 2560 and 3840 x 2160 resolutions with four times pixels of full HD. Great for viewing and editing high-end images.
• QHD (Quad HD) and QHD+ : With 2560 x 1440 and 3200 x 1800 resolutions, with a high pixel density that creates crisp and sharp detail, ideal for professional graphics work and watching high-definition videos. 
• Retina display : 2560 x 1600 and 3072 x 1920 resolutions are found in Mac 13 inch and 16-inch laptops. 
• Full HD : 1920 x 1080 resolution, can play movies and videos in Blu-ray, and have good detail while playing games.
• HD+ : 1600 x 900 resolution is good only for casual gaming and watching movies.
• HD : 1366 x 768 resolution is the standard followed on mainstream laptops. It’s great for web surfing, email as well as consume less battery 

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• 10 Best Water Filter For Travel & Hiking
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The laptop’s processing power is decided on the kind of processor you will be using. 

The advantage of good processing power is the smoother and faster functioning of critical software, graphic work, or multitasking on different software.

The most popular processors belong to Intel, which gives you the widest choice among the laptops you will choose. 

The AMD Ryzen processors deliver great multitasking performance, stunning visuals, and good battery life.

The Apple M1 chip designed for Mac is found in the latest generation of Apple laptops. It is known to integrate CPU, GPU, and more to deliver on a good performance and power efficiency. 

The best gaming laptops for travel consider processing power as one of their key selling points.

The Random-access memory commonly known as RAM helps your processor tackle multiple tasks at once. A 12 Gb RAM or more is recommended if you have advanced graphic design to do whereas a 2 Gb RAM is sufficient for casual web browsing and emails. 

Internal Storage

If you intend to store high-resolution photos and videos on your laptop, you should at least have a storage drive of 512 GB. 4K movies and high-def games will require 1 TB at the least.

Any laptop with good internal storage will come quite handy as a laptop for travel vlogging as it helps you store your massive amount of raw footage to edit, at your convenience. 

Battery Life

Battery life is one of the most important factors to consider while traveling. Laptops that have higher specs generally have a higher consumption of battery charge so it’s important to balance specs with usage to ensure healthy battery use. 

A solid-state drive is preferred to a mechanical hard drive to improve power efficiency.

Now that you have an idea of what to look for while buying a travel laptop, we can now get into the List of the 10 Best Travel laptops.

Related Post : 10 Best Headphones for Teens: The Ultimate Buying Guide

List of 10 Best Travel Laptops: Which One to Choose?

1. acer aspire 5 slim laptop for business travel.

As per Acer the Aspire 5 features an AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Mobile Processor which can tackle complex jobs easily. 

It has sharp and crisp visuals on the 15.6” Full HD IPS screen providing a Clear HD viewing experience for you.

The thin bezel provides you more space to work with, making it a perfect companion to take with you while you travel.  

The battery life lasts a good 7.5 hours and the 128 GB hard disk will help store those memorable photographs during your trip. 

All of these simple yet important features make the Aspire 5 as one of the best laptops for travelers.

•  Weight: 3.97 pounds
•  Dimensions: 14.31 x 9.74 x 0.71 inches
•  Battery Life:7.5 Hours
•  Storage:128 GB Flash Memory Solid State
• RAM:4 GB DDR4

2. ASUS L210 Ultra-Thin Budget Travel Laptop

To be productive all day while on the move is what the ASUS laptop L210 is built for. This lightweight and compact 11.6-inch laptop is perfect to carry around to watch your emails and business metrics while traveling. 

Entrepreneurs can easily catch up on work due to the good processing power provided by the latest Intel processor.

The L210 has a standing battery life of 12 hours which lets you work free from the worry of power backups. 

With eMMC storage, your data is safe and secure. The Windows 10 in S mode offers great compatibility with a variety of software and applications you may use for your work, all such features making it one of the best and cheap travel laptops for air travel.

• Weight: 2.31 pounds
• Dimensions: 11 x 7.5 x 0.67 inches
• Battery Life:12 Hours
• Storage: 64 GB
• RAM: 4 GB DDR4 SDRAM

3. Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip 

The Apple MacBook Air has the Apple-designed M1 chip which provides a faster CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance. 

This laptop has one of the highest-rated battery life extending to 18 hours. 

The 8-core CPU that delivers 3.5x faster processing and 8 GPU cores which provide 5x faster graphics performance contribute greatly to the fluid navigation across multiple tabs. 

The laptop is very adept at handling complex work which requires high processing power. 

Featuring Superfast SSD storage and 8 GB of memory (RAM) the MacBook Air has all the features to deliver a powerful and portable performance. 

Additional Apple features like one-touch security, Wi-Fi 6 enabled and the thunderbolt USB are also available for your use. 

All these amazing features make the MacBook Air one of the best travel laptops for business.

• Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Dimensions: 11.97 x 0.63 x 8.36 inches
• Battery Life: 18 Hours
• Storage: 512 GB SSD
• RAM: 8 GB 

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4. Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5   gives you tons of creative choices by blending in performance with affordability and a sleek design and feel to boot. 

With the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U mobile processor and Radeon graphics, this laptop offers you great all-around performance, graphics, and productivity during your travels.

The laptop also offers privacy features like a physical shutter on the webcam ensures you are safe from unwanted attention. 

This laptop can be used in multi-modes such as the Tent mode or Stand mode or the Tablet mode.

Each mode corresponds to a task like Tent mode can be used for sharing things, Stand mode for binge-watching, or the Tablet mode for more intuitive interaction.

With such great features brought to the table, the Lenovo Ideapad is for sure to be on the list of best travel laptops for either business or leisure.  

• Weight: 3.63 pounds
• Dimensions:12.66 x 8.56 x 0.82 inches
• Battery Life: 10 Hours
• Storage: 256 GB Flash Memory Solid State
• RAM: 16 GB DDR4

5. Acer Chromebook Spin 311 Portable Laptop for Travel

The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 can easily transform into any mode as per your needs. It is versatile to rotate to an angle of your desire, transforming this laptop into a notebook or tablet easily. The laptop also has a stand-up display or the tent mode. 

Its 360-degree hinge lets you do all of these without any complications allowing for a cool laptop that you can take anywhere and use everywhere. 

The laptop features a wide-angle HD Webcam that supports HDR imaging enhancing your video calling experience during your travel. The battery backup extends to 10 hours which is quite sufficient for your work. 

The flexibility of using the Acer Chromebook as well as the availability of a wide variety of app choices places the Acer Chromebook as one of the best lightweight travel laptops on the list.

• Weight:2.62 pounds
• Dimensions: 11.65 x 8.11 x 0.79 inches
• Storage: 32 GB embedded multimedia card
• RAM: 4 GB LPDDR

6. Dell Inspiron 15 5502 : Best Lightweight Travel Laptop

Dell Inspiron 15 is thin and light, engineered with the 11th gen Intel i5 processor and a 15.6-inch Full HD with anti-glare LED Backlight Narrow Border WVA Display. 

The 8 GB 3200 Mhz DDR4 RAM helps run complex tasks seamlessly.    

The platinum silver color is an elegant touch that brings modern aesthetics to the laptop. 

The ExpressCharge will help recharge your battery in a flash making the Dell Inspiron one of the best laptops to take traveling. 

A multifunctional USB type-C port gives great compatibility with other laptop accessories. 

Other features in the Dell Inspiron 15 5502 include a lid-open sensor that will turn on the laptop even when completely off, as well as the fingerprint reader that provides hassle-free yet secure log-in. 

• Weight: 3.78 pounds
• Dimensions: 9.23 x 14.02 x 0.7 inches
• Battery Life: 8 Hours
• Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive
• RAM: 8 GB DDR4

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7. Acer Swift 3 : Best Laptop for Travel Blogging

This Ultra-thin and lightweight laptop sports a magnesium-aluminum metal chassis with a high screen-to-body ratio and a long-lasting battery. 

One of the best laptops for travelers, weighing only 2.65 pounds it is not cumbersome to carry at all. 

The ultra-notebook features an AMD Ryzen 7 4700U processor for fast and smooth workflow and a silver-colored chassis to complete the look. 

The 14-inch FULL HD IPS display will surely give you an amazing multimedia experience, along with features like dual-band Intel® Wi-Fi 6 (GIG+) (802.11ax) which provides 1,700 Mbps download speeds and the Thunderbolt 4 USB for ultra-quick data transfer (40 Gbps).

All of these features will surely make your work experience pleasant during your travels, making this laptop one of the best lightweight travel laptops.

• Weight: 2.65 pounds
• Dimensions: 12.73 x 8.62 x 0.63 inches
• Battery Life: 17 hours
• Storage: 512 GB Flash Memory Solid State
• RAM: 16 GB LPDDR4

8. Dell Inspiron 5000 : Best Travel Laptops

The Dell Inspiron 5000 sports a high 32 GB RAM to run multiple software smoothly while browsing the web, giving you a perfect multi-tasking experience. 

The 1 TB solid state drive has ample space to store your high-spec media files. 

The Intel i5 processor helps you switch between tasks without lag and the 15.6 inches FULL HD display is a visual treat while editing your media files.  

With the newer Intel processor and a docking station, it’s much easier to edit videos and perform cloud computing tasks.

This laptop was built to help you do those heavy-duty graphic edits or run software that will not lag even with multiple tabs open.  

Such great computing capabilities make the Dell Inspiron one of the best laptops for travelers.

• Dimensions: 14.02 x 9.23 x 0.7 inches
• Battery Life: N/A
• Storage: 1TB PCIe Solid State Drive
• RAM: 32 GB DDR4

9. HP Pavilion x360 Convertible Touchscreen Laptop

The HP Pavilion x360 can easily convert into four versatile modes. Drawing or note-taking feels as natural as on paper. 

The laptop easily supports online video meetings with its solid Wi-Fi 6 connection, the wide vision HD webcam, and dual-array microphone gives a wide-angle clarity which makes things look closer. 

Equipped with BIOS recovery and protection which automatically checks the health of the laptop and protects against unauthorized access.  

HP Pavilion has a 14 inch FULL HD IPS, micro-edge, WLED-backlight, multi-touch enabled, edge to edge glass touch screen display, which gives an amazing viewing experience.

The battery life lasts up to 9 hours and 15 minutes at normal usage. Amazon Alexa voice service is also one of its trendy features to use making this laptop one of the best laptops for travel and photography.

• Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 12.76 x 8.78 x 0.81 inches
• Battery Life:9.25 Hours

10. ASUS VivoBook

The ASUS VivoBook is one of the best lightweight travel laptops you can purchase with equal attention to performance. The RAM is upgraded to 12 GB DDR4 memory for adequate multitasking and a smooth running of applications. 

The internal storage is ample enough with the 1 TB variant to store your important digital data whereas the 15.6-inch FULL HD LED nano edge bezel display gives you an amazing visual experience. 

The AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor provides maximum high-efficiency power to run all work tasks smoothly.

The Asus VivoBook is the best laptop for travel blogging with great internal storage and a powerful processing unit it will make your blogging and vlogging edits as easy as it can get. All such features make this laptop a sure feature in the list of top 10 best travel laptops.

• Weight: 3.51 pounds
• Dimensions: 14.1 x 9.1 x 0.8 inches
• Storage: 1 TB Flash Memory Solid State
• RAM: 12 GB DDR4

These top 10 travel laptops here will surely fulfill your needs while traveling. 

The things you need to take note of are generally the weight, processing power, and battery life to make your travel hassle-free in terms of using a laptop. 

The laptops featured in have a lot more to offer though. Travel laptops in this list offer you choices in the higher and lower price ranges. 

The laptops with a slightly lower price may offer less processing power due to hardware restraints but they do not compromise in the quality and are great for emails, checking business metrics, browsing the web, etc. 

The laptops with high-end specifications do not compromise processing power giving you a seamless navigation experience while editing your media files, however, the battery backup may not be as great as the lower priced models. The trade-off here will depend on your usage. 

All the laptops featured here have high-security measures, a few also have the finger touch verification enabled ensuring security while you travel.

With Wi-Fi 6 enabled in almost all laptops, the connectivity will also not be an issue. All of these features were designed for a great travel experience and hopefully, the list of the best laptops for travelers will help you choose yours.

16 Best Pocket Friendly Hiking Backpacks

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Best Travel Laptop in 2023: Portable & Powerful

Need a laptop that’s good for travel? Something small and lightweight, but which is still powerful enough that you can perform your everyday tasks on it? Perfect – that’s exactly what I will be talking about in this review!

I will show you 10 excellent laptops for travel, in all different price ranges. From $200 Chromebooks to Mac and Windows laptops that cost well over $1000 – whatever it is that you are looking for, I’m sure you will find something suitable right here!

At A Glance: Our Top Travel Laptops

• best lightweight travel laptop Dell XPS 13 UHD InfinityEdge Jump To Review
• BEST WINDOWS TRAVEL LAPTOP Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Jump To Review
• BEST APPLE TRAVEL LAPTOP Apple MacBook Air 13” Jump To Review
• BEST CHROME OS TRAVEL LAPTOP ASUS C302CA-DHM4 Chromebook Flip 12.5” Touchscreen Jump To Review
• best budget travel laptop Lenovo 11.6" HD IPS Touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook Jump To Review

I’ll start you off with some portable Windows laptops, and then I will move on to the MacBooks and Chromebooks. So, scroll down to your preferred operating system to find the best laptop for travelers and digital nomads!

Top Product Overview

Best travel laptops, dell xps 13 uhd infinityedge.

If you’re okay with  Windows 10 Home , then you’ll really like this laptop. This Dell XPS 13 has  a 13.3” 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) display,  which is amazing for any graphic work.

And not to mention that you’ll have an amazing experience watching movies and TV shows on this Dell.

There are  two storage options on the Dell XPS 13– one includes a 512 GB SSD, and the other one includes a 1 TB SSD .  The difference between the two is only $100, so I would definitely recommend you go for the 1 TB device.

Both storage space options feature  16 GB of RAM,  so you will easily be able to multitask on this laptop. The Dell XPS 13 version here features an i7 processor , so you can be sure that it will easily handle any task you throw at it.

But it is not all great with this Dell XPS. This lightweight laptop has a camera at the bottom of the display, which could be an issue if you’re not used to it. It is a really weird angle, so you might want to go for a different laptop if you spend a lot of your time video chatting.

And then there’s the battery life, which varies significantly depending on how you use it. The 4K resolution is quite demanding, so  if you spend a lot of time watching 4K videos, the battery won’t last too long .

However, if most of your day includes web browsing and emails, this could almost get you through the workday on a single charge. Which is pretty great.

Another thing worth mentioning is that the Dell XPS 13 laptop is recycle-friendly. Around 90% of its parts can be reused or recycled, and the packaging trays it comes with are 100% recyclable. It’s not a very important feature, but it’s always a plus in my book when companies care about the environment.

• High resolution touchscreen display
• Very powerful computer
• Recycle friendly
• No HDMI port
• Battery life could be improved

Product Information

• Display: 13.3'' 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) Infinity Edge touch display
• Processor: 4 GHz Intel Core i7
• Dimensions: 7.84” x 11.88” x 0.46”
• Weight: 2.67 lbs

Microsoft Surface Book 2

By now, you should be familiar with the Microsoft Surface computer. The Microsoft Surface Book is the most powerful lightweight laptop out of the bunch, and it’s  an amazing all-in-one machine . What makes it one of the most popular travel lightweight laptops is the (only 3.62 lbs), versatility, functionality, and amazing battery life.

You can easily get  over 10 hours of battery life with normal use in laptop mode, which is pretty good. However, if you want to use it only as a tablet, you will need to keep the charger handy. The battery life is nowhere near as good when you detach the actual batteries from the display –  you could get some 3-4 hours at best.

The detachable display of the Microsoft Surface is amazing for on-the-go, and it is a great option for people who spend most of their time drawing. It allows you to leave the keyboard part of the laptop at home and shed even more weight.

Make no mistake, this is a powerful machine, with some specs only seen in gaming laptops. With16 GB of RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 GPU, and Windows 10 Pro preinstalled, this is capable of handling pretty much any task you can throw at it, including some demanding PC games.

And the one thing that truly pains me is that you will still experience the usual Windows glitches on this. It’s a lightweight laptop made by Microsoft, so you would expect that Apple level of hardware/software compatibility. But, they never cease to surprise us.

The one upside is that the Microsoft Surface Book 2  wonderfully takes advantage of the fact that Windows 10 was designed for both laptops and tablets.

• Very powerful machine
• Detachable display and 360 hinge
• Long battery life in laptop mode
• Battery life in tablet mode is disappointing
• Not as slim and lightweight as other options
• Pretty pricey
• Display: 13.5" 3000 x 2000 PixelSense Display,
• 1.9GHz (Up To 4.2GHz) Intel Quad-Core i7-8650U4 GHz Intel Core i7
• Dimensions: 2.44” x 13.86” x 10.63”
• Weight: 3.62 lbs

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

If you’re a hardcore Windows user, then you have several amazing options – the X1 Carbon is one of those. It’s an amazing travel laptop that just so happens to be very portable, because of its lightweight. At less than 2.5 lbs, this one of the lightest laptops in this entire review.

The X1 Carbon comes with  16 GB of RAM, a 512 GB SSD storage space , and a stunning 14” touchscreen display. Don’t let the small size fool you – this is a very powerful machine that is capable of handling nearly every task.

You get  up to 15 hours of battery life  on the X1 Carbon, depending on how you’re using it. And with Lenovo’s Rapid Charge technology, you can juice up your laptop to 80% battery in just one hour. Which is pretty insane.

One thing I absolutely adore about this laptop is that it has an integrated ThinkShutter – a cover for the webcam . If you’re as paranoid as me and tend to cover up the webcam on all your laptops, you will love this feature.

There are two USB 3.0 ports, two USB C ports and an HDMI port on this thing. And the laptop also has  a fingerprint reader,  which allows you to log in in a matter of seconds.

The X1 Carbon comes with  Windows 10 Pro (64-bit) preinstalled,  so no surprises there. If you’re a business user looking for the perfect Ultrabook, I think this might just be the best laptop out there for you.

• High resolution touchscreen
• Rapid Charge technology
• Fingerprint reader
• Not the best option for gaming
• Heats up easily and the fan is loud
• Display: 14" FHD Touchscreen Display
• Processor: 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8650U Processor
• Dimensions: 12.7” x 0.6” x 8.6”
• Weight: 2.49 lbs

Dell Latitude 7370 12.5” FHD

If you want a really good Windows laptop for your life as a digital nomad, but can’t afford a really expensive one, this is a good option. The catch is that  it is a refurbished laptop , but it works and runs like new.

Plus,  the price tag is pretty amazing,  especially when you take a good look at all the specs of this Dell laptop .

It has  16 GBs of RAM and a 256 GB SSD storage space ,  so it will be able to handle anything you throw at it. The high amount of RAM also makes it an excellent option for multitasking , especially if you’re one of those people that always have 20+ tabs open in Chrome.

The laptop comes with Windows 10 Professional preinstalled (64-bit), which is great. The (touchscreen) display is Anti-Glare,  so you should be able to use these even in sunlight.

In addition to that, this laptop also features  a backlit keyboard,  which is awesome.

One downside is the battery life.  It’s nowhere near as great as with most other laptops I’ve shown you. In fact, it’s exactly what you’d expect from an older, used Windows laptop –  some 3 hours on average.

But if that is okay with you, then by all means take a really good look at this laptop.

The price point is really good for the performance you get. Plus, it is small and lightweight, so it’s a really great option for travel. As long as you’re okay using this plugged in most of the time, you will really enjoy the Latitude 7370.

• Great price point
• Backlit keyboard
• Anti-glare touchscreen display
• A refurbished computer
• Battery life is not great (some 3 hours)
• Display: 12.5 Inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare Infinity Edge Display
• Processor: Intel Core m7-6Y75 (Dual Core, up to 3.10 GHz)
• Dimensions: 12” x 8.3” x 0.56”
• Weight: 2.5 lbs

Apple MacBook Air 13”

The MacBook Air is a classic, so you bet it’s going to be at the top of our list. It’s the perfect laptop for those who are always on the go because  it is reliable, lightweight and has a monster M1 chip and battery life.

One of the reasons to get the latest M1 Macbook Air from 2020 and beyond is the new M1 chip from Apple. This chip is a game-changer, and not in the way that Apple or other computer companies usually say. It is fast, powerful and does not suck the life out of the battery. I ran a video compression tool recently that used to take 1 minute per minute of video, and it compressed an hour in 5 minutes!!!

So, if you do any heavy-duty work on your computer like gaming or video editing then this will change your life, seriously! Bonus tip: You can check out Veed – a powerful video editing software that works on your Mac computer, with no software download or plugin required.

The 13 inch Macbook Air also has a Retina display, with a much higher native resolution than the previous model. And Apple has solved that pesky butterfly keyboard issue from a few years ago.

You will have zero issues with a light workload – if it’s mostly replying to emails and writing, you won’t ever hear your computer operating (there is actually no fan), and your battery will last you a long time (18 hours according to Apple, but in reality less).

But if you’re looking for Apple’s best portable laptop, then you’ve found it – the Macbook Air. It  weighs less than 3 lbs, the display is just the right size that you can do anything on it  – from watching Netflix or gaming to editing videos and programming – and the battery can last you a really long time, depending on what you’re using the computer for.

I have had my original Macbook Air 13 inch for nearly 6 years. And sure, the battery does not last like it used to, but it’s still one of the lightest and best machines I have seen amongst other travelers.

• Insane M1 processor
• Top-notch battery life
• Very reliable
• Lightweight and portable
• Not cheap by any means
• Can’t go higher than 16 GB RAM
• Display: 13.3-inch (Retina display)
• Processor: M1 from Apple
• Dimensions: 11.97 x 0.63 x 8.36 inches”
• Weight: 2.8 pounds (1.25 kg)

Apple MacBook Pro 13"

The MacBook Pro was never really considered a portable machine. But that was in the days of yore when it was still a fat, heavy laptop. Nowadays ,  the smallest Pro is as light as the MacBook Air, and it is the perfect option for all of you who need an incredibly powerful travel laptop.

It  weighs only 3.02 lbs , so the difference between it and the Air is almost negligible. Especially when you consider just how much more powerful this machine is; if you consider yourself a Pro user, then this is definitely the travel laptop you should be getting.

There are two versions of the 13” Macbook Pro to consider – the one with the Touch Bar and the one with the regular F keys.

If you are old-fashioned like me,  go for the older Macbook Pro model – not only does it look exactly like a laptop should, but it is also about $400 cheaper.  And if you like trying out new things, go for the Touch Bar version – it is a convenient feature for people that edit a lot of videos or photos.

The Macbook Pro that I am talking about here comes with 8 GB of RAM, and there are two SSD options – 256GB and 512GB storage space . It has four USB-C ports  and  a battery that can last up to 10 hours,  depending on what your workload looks like.

Overall, if you’re looking for an Apple laptop that’s portable but still capable of handling even the most demanding software, the 13” Pro is undoubtedly the right option for you.

• Insanely powerful
• Excellent battery life
• Quite pricey
• Butterfly keyboard issue possible
• Display: 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Retina display
• Processor: 2.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 4.1GHz)
• Dimensions: 11.97” x 8.36” x 0.59”
• Weight: 3.02 lbs

Apple MacBook 12”

Size-wise, this is probably the best macOS laptop you can get. It’s the  smallest Apple laptop that exists these days, since the 11” Macbook Air was discontinued a while ago. It is a pretty powerful laptop, and it will be able to handle most of the tasks that you throw at it.

But what makes the regular MacBook one of the best travel laptops that exist is its portability. Out of all the laptops in this review, this is easily the lightest one, as it weighs in at mere 2.03 lbs (1 lb lighter than the Macbook Pro) .  It will fit into your every backpack and purse, and you will barely feel that it’s there.

Now, there are two types of the MacBook to choose from. There’s the  256 GB SSD model, which comes with an Intel m3 processor, and a 512 GB model that features the Intel i5 processor.  The two CPUs are very different, so you should choose the model based on what you tend to do on your laptop.

Go for the m3 version if you spend most of your time editing videos or gaming – this is the one area where this CPU really outshines the i5. However, the i5 is the better choice in all other areas – it is faster and more efficient.

The MacBook has  a great battery life of up to 10 hours and a stunning Retina display  that really allows you to enjoy videos, even when you’re watching them on a really small display.

• Extremely lightweight and portable
• Powerful laptop
• Very pricey
• Rose Gold option is discontinued (RIP)
• Display: 12-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Retina display
• Processor: 1.2GHz dual-core Intel Core m3 with Turbo Boost up to 3.0GHz
• Dimensions: 7.4” x 11.04” x 0.52”
• Weight: 2.03 lbs

ASUS C302CA-DHM4 Chromebook Flip 12.5” Touchscreen

The C302 Chromebook by Asus is a great option if you’re looking for  a portable and affordable laptop . It currently costs less then $450, which is a pretty great price point for a laptop. And it is  very lightweight, at only 2.65 lbs.

The  battery can last you up to 10 hours , which is pretty great. But, you’re only getting  64 GBs of SSD storage space,  and that is quite disappointing. The good news is that this Chromebook  supports a microSD card, and you can add up to 256 GBs to it . Plus, SD cards are usually cheaper than external hard drives, so you will save some money there as well.

The  360 hinge allows you to use this laptop however you want , which is very convenient. You can play Android games on it in tablet mode, and then reply to emails and do some light work in laptop mode.

However , the 4 GBs of RAM are a little bit disappointing.  Especially because most smartphones these days have at least 8 GBs. But it’s a completely different processor, so it should be  enough for a light workload .

Keep in mind that you can’t really run any demanding software on this and that you are limited to apps like Google Docs, Gmail, etc.

Overall, if you’re in need of something affordable and efficient, this laptop is a good option for you. Especially if you like the idea of being able to use it as both a tablet and a laptop.

• Supports microSD card up to 256 GB
• In the pricier range of Chromebooks
• Only 4 GB of RAM
• Display: 12.5” Full-HD touchscreen
• Processor: 2.2 GHz Intel Core m3
• Dimensions: 8.3” x 12” x 0.5”
• Weight: 2.65 lbs

Lenovo 11.6" HD IPS Touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook

If you’re on a really tight budget, I suggest you check out this Lenovo Chromebook . It is  one of the most affordable laptops in this review , with a price tag that is under $250. Yes, for a laptop – I don’t think you can even get a smartphone for that amount of money these days!

This laptop is a good option for you if most of the work you do is online and you don’t need a lot of storage space. You can watch movies on Netflix, and do pretty much anything in Chrome. However,  it only has 32 GBs of eMMc storage,  which is just too little these days.

Another thing to consider is that it has  eMMc storage, which is slower, less reliable and efficient than an SSD . But it is also  a lot cheaper,  hence that super attractive price tag on this Chromebook.

You also get  4 GBs of RAM,  which hurts my heart a little bit. But, I consider myself a pretty heavy user – if you’re not,  4 GB should be plenty for light web browsing and work.

The Lenovo laptop features a 360 hinge, which means you can use it both as a laptop and a tablet. And honestly, when you look at its storage specs, it is a pretty decent tablet. If you’re okay with mostly being in touchscreen mode, you will really like this computer.

One issue I have with this laptop is the size of those bezels. It’s 2019 – haven’t we moved on from those thick nasty bezels? They are a bit of an issue, especially considering how small this laptop is – the actual screen is even smaller than that.

• Very affordable
• Only 32 GB of eMMc storage
• Very thick bezels on the display
• Display: 11.6" HD (1366x768) IPS touchscreen display
• Processor: MediaTek MT8173C Quad-Core Base Clock Speed 1.3 GHz (Maximum Boost Speed 2.16
• Dimensions: 11.7" x 0.8" x 8.1"

Samsung Chromebook 3, 11.6"

Samsung’s Chromebook 3 is one of the most affordable laptops in this review. It is small, lightweight, and pretty efficient for people who are comfortable with chromeOS. It does not have a touchscreen, so keep that in mind.

One interesting thing to note is that I am talking about the most expensive Chromebook 3 here – the one with  4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMc storage . There are two options with less storage, which are even cheaper than this one.

Samsung claims you can get up to 11 hours of battery life from a single charge, which sounds a bit optimistic. But you can get  some 9 hours of light use  without any issues, and that is still pretty good.

Another cool thing about this laptop is that it has  a water-resistant keyboard.  So if you’re anything like me and you tend to spill stuff a lot, you will find that pretty convenient. Especially if you’re always eating or drinking something while using your laptop.

This is a great option for people who don’t need a powerful machine. If you’re happy with Google’s apps, Play Store, and the 11.6” anti-reflective display, you will find that this laptop is a good fit for you. Plus, it is so small and lightweight that you can carry it wherever you want, and you will barely feel its weight.

• Small and portable
• Water-resistant keyboard
• No touchscreen display
• 64 GB of storage is maximum option
• Display: 11.6” HD anti-reflective Display
• Processor: 1.6 GHz Intel Celeron N3060 Processor
• Dimensions: 11.37” x 0.7” x 8.04”
• Weight: 2.54 lbs

What To Look For In A Travel Laptop

There are lots of options and specs when it comes to laptops, so it pays to know what you want, more or less, before you start. The following will help you find the perfect laptop, to go in that handy travel backpack along with your travel router !

Size And Weight

Obviously, choosing the best laptop for travelers is going to involve finding one that is lighter and smaller than your favorite 17” machine. Because of that,  I’m only showing you laptops up to 14” in this review.  I know, there are some 15” laptops that are pretty lightweight and portable, but they just didn’t make the cut.

A 13-14” laptop is just  easier to carry around , you can’t argue with that. It will  fit into most backpacks and purses,  and it is almost always going to be lighter than anything larger.

Plus, if you just can’t live without a large display,  you can always get yourself  a portable monitor .

Operating System – Windows, Mac or Chromebook

I will show you three types of laptops here – Windows laptops, Apple laptops and Chromebooks.  And it is important to know what you can expect from each of them.

If you’re already a Windows user, then you’re probably looking for a Windows laptop for travel. You will see several excellent options here, from the best manufacturers .  If you’re considering getting a Windows laptop for the first time, you should know that it is  a full-grade OS , which is capable of pretty much anything.

The same cannot be said for Chromebooks – even though they are perhaps the best travel options because they are cheap and lightweight , they are not capable of much. The  ChromeOS on these laptops is designed around Google’s browser . So, you can’t run any demanding software on these laptops – forget about Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, and even Microsoft Word. Instead, you will need to make due with various online programs – Google Docs, Pixlr or even Microsoft Office Online.

Some of the newer Chromebooks can run many Android apps, so they’ll be great for playing the casual phone game . In general, these are a great option if you want something inexpensive, which you can use to reply to emails, browse the Internet and watch a movie on Netflix.

If you’re an Apple user, then you already know exactly what to expect from macOS.  It’s a full grade operating system with a  remarkably simple and intuitive UI . It is also more reliable and efficient than Windows, in terms of bugs, RAM usage and energy impact.

Price Range

Laptops are not cheap toys, and I think you know that. So, I will try to show you options for different budgets – from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Here’s the thing – if you want a cheap and portable travel laptop and you want it now, go for one of the Chromebooks. They will get the job done if you need something for simple tasks and the occasional movie, and they’re usually in the $300-500 range.

The Apple and Windows laptops are going to be a lot more expensive than that. You will rarely see anything below $1000, with a few exceptions of course.

But if you’re looking for a full-grade OS in a portable and travel-friendly machine, that’s the amount of money you will need to cough up for it.

Best Laptops For Travelers: Our Favorites

Not sure which is the best travel laptop to pick up? Go for one of our favorites – they are the best value for money in each category!

If you want a Windows laptop, I’m recommending the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon . It is an amazing laptop –  slim, lightweight, and incredibly powerful.  It will be able to handle any task you throw at it, so it’s a good option regardless of what you primarily use your laptop for.

It has  a great battery life, a built-in fingerprint reader, and a very inviting keyboard that makes replying to emails an enjoyable task. The Dell XPS 13 is also a popular option, but I prefer the Lenovo.

• Brand Lenovo, Model 20KH002JUS
• Product Type: Ultrabook, Processor Manufacturer: Intel, Processor Type: Core i7, Processor Generation: 8th Gen, Processor Model: i7-8650U, Processor Speed: 1.90 GHz, Processor Core: Quad-core (4 Core), Standard Memory: 16 GB, Memory Technology: LPDDR3, Solid State Drive Capacity: 512 GB, Screen Size: 14", Display Screen Type: LCD,

If you’re looking for an Apple laptop, then the MacBook Air is probably the best option. It is really good value for money. But you’re sacrificing that Retina display, which won’t really be that big of an issue.

This is a  thin and lightweight laptop that you fit into almost any backpack and purse, and that has amazing battery life. The Macbook Pro is obviously way more powerful, but it’s just too heavy for travel.

• 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 Processor
• Turbo Boost up to 2.9GHz

And if you are a very light user and just want something cheap and efficient, go with the ASUS C302 Chromebook . It’s one of the best Chromebooks you can buy, and it’s actually a solid laptop.

The 360 hinge allows you to use it as both a laptop and a tablet,  while the backlit keyboard lets you work in the dark. It’s  one of the few Chromebooks that features an SSD,  so you know it will be fast and reliable.

• The flexible 360 Degree hinge and 12.5 inches full HD touchscreen lets you use the C302 in tablet or laptop mode
• Intel Core Processor with 64GB storage and 4GB RAM for fast and efficient performance with a bright backlit illuminated keyboard

Head over to Amazon to see the prices of all of these laptops, and see all of the configurations that are available.

Check out our related posts to get some other gear for that travel laptop you choose!

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• What To Do With All Your Stuff When You Travel: The Ultimate Guide To Pre-Trip Decluttering
• The Best Travel Insurance Providers For Backpackers, Nomads & Adventurers in 2020
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• The 18 Best Travel Cameras in 2021: Complete Buyer's Guide
• 19 Underexploited Ways To Deal With A Slow Wifi Connection When Travelling
• The 7 Best Travel Laptops in 2021 (Complete Buyer's Guide))
• How To Back Up Your Photos And Videos When Travelling - A Definitive Guide
• Travels in Sri Lanka
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The 7 Best Travel Laptops in 2021 (Complete Buyer's Guide)

Easier photo and video backups

If you’re a shutter bug, it’s important during every trip to periodically back up photo and video files from your camera’s SD card to a storage device like a laptop, USB flash drive or external hard drive.

Although there are ways to back up files from an SD card without a laptop, the majority of storage devices on the market today do not have an SD card slot and must be first connected to a laptop or other computer in other for you to copy the files to them.

Also, if you don’t have a dedicated storage device to back up your files to, a laptop can itself serve as a place to store backups, at least temporarily. While it’s true that mobile devices can also be used in this way, laptops generally have much more free storage space on them than mobile devices do.

Essential travel-related tasks are easier

Even if you don’t plan to engage in any kind of productive work or digital creative endeavours during your trips, there are certain essential travel tasks that are much easier for travellers to accomplish on a laptop.

For example, those travelling on a tight budget may occasionally need to create a spurious flight reservation to present as proof of onward travel at the airline check-in desk or at passport control on arrival at the destination. This is a task that is far easier to accomplish on a laptop than on a phone. 

Booking flights, hotels, trains, tours and other common travel tasks that require logging into online accounts, entering personal information into form fields and manually inputting 16-digit credit card numbers are also much easier to accomplish on a laptop.

Some online visa application forms can only be completed on glitchy Government websites that either perform poorly or go totally haywire on mobile devices, often necessitating the use of a laptop or desktop computer just to apply for the next visa.

​ ​ Overview: The 7 Best Travel Laptops in 2021  

1. Best overall travel laptop: Dell XPS 13 

2. Best travel laptop for Mac users: Macbook Air 2020

3. Best travel laptop for professionals: Macbook Pro 13 2020

4. Best 2-in-1 travel laptop: HP Spectre x360 13T

5. Best budget travel laptop: Lenovo Flex 14" 2-in-1

6. Best travel laptop for battery life: Asus ExpertBook B9450

7. Best travel laptop for minimalists: Microsoft Surface Go 2

You may also like:

19 Underexploited Ways To Deal With A Slow Wi-Fi Connection When Travelling

The 18 Best Travel Cameras in 2021 (Complete Buyer's Guide)

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13 Best Travel Laptops for Digital Nomads

1. MacBook Air

Pros and Cons

2. dell xps 13.

3. Microsoft Surface Go

4. Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 14

5. Acer Spin 3

6. HP Envy X360 13

7. Acer TravelMate P6 (2022)

8. Lenovo Yoga 6

9. Asus ZenBook

10. HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook

11. Dell Latitude 7370

12. Asus Chromebook Flip C302

13. HP Pavilion x360 Convertible Touchscreen Laptop

Travel Laptop: FAQs

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The Best Laptops for Travel

Need to work or access the internet while you're away? Wherever you are in the world, these laptops should provide everything you need.

Travelers have specific requirements when buying laptops, especially if they are on the go for extended periods. You could be a backpacker on a three-month trip, a digital nomad who doesn’t know what going home is, or a two-week vacationer relaxing by the pool. Whatever type of traveler you are, you will need something slim and lightweight so you can easily transport it. Battery life, RAM, and storage will also be crucial for some, especially traveling professionals.

Here are the best laptops for travel available today.

MacBook Air M2 13-inch

Microsoft surface go 3, hp spectre x360 16-inch 2-in-1, macbook pro m2, microsoft surface pro 9, dell xps 13 9310, lenovo yoga 9i 2-in-1, asus zenbook 14x laptop, our top travel laptop picks for 2023.

Convenience and Power for All Travelers

The MacBook Air with M2 chip is a powerful beast with excellent features for travelers. It has a stunning display and a substantial battery life to back it up. It also boasts a superior webcam to some other MacBooks and is highly portable thanks to its slight weight and thin design.  

• MagSafe charger
• 1080p webcam
• Gorgeous and bright display
• Slim and lightweight
• Excellent battery life
• No ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate

MacBooks offer travelers performance and portability, and the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with M2 chips are both excellent yet similar choices. However, there are subtle differences between the two that might help you decide.

Both laptops offer up to 24GB of unified memory, up to 2TB of SSD storage, an 8-core CPU, and a 16-core neural engine. They also offer a 10-core GPU, but with the MacBook Air M2, you can settle for an 8-core GPU at a lower price.

Display-wise, the MacBook Air M2 has a slightly larger 13.6-inch screen, but the laptop weighs a little less than the Pro M2 and is even slimmer. The MacBook Air also has a Liquid Retina display, which is slightly better than the Pro’s Retina display, offering a wider color gamut and better reflection handling. Peak brightness is identical at 500 nits, so watching movies after a hard day's sightseeing is delightful. However, it doesn’t feature Apple’s ProMotion technology for a 120Hz refresh rate.

The MacBook Air M2 has a better 1080p webcam, a plus for travelers and nomads attending online meetings, taking classes, or calling home. Another positive is the reintroduction of the popular MagSafe charger, which effectively frees up one of the Thunderbolt 4 ports that the Pro must use when charging. However, the battery life on the MacBook Air M2 is a bit worse, although still outstanding at 18 hours.

A Budget-Friendly Option for Poolside Emailing

If you don't need high-end power and are looking for something more affordable, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is an excellent pocket-friendly choice. It's ideal for travelers thanks to its ultra-portable size and build. While you need to purchase a separate keyboard to turn it into a complete laptop, you do get a decent battery life and a display worthy of your attention to enjoy videos.

• Touchscreen
• Fanless design
• Compact and lightweight
• Bright, vibrant display
• Battery drains quickly when watching videos
• Doesn't perform well with demanding workloads

For vacationers that don’t use CPU-intensive apps or play graphic-intensive games, there are more budget-friendly options for you to consider. One of those is the Microsoft Surface Go 3. It’s lightweight, small, and slips into any luggage with ease, handy for any excursions or day trips you make.

However, you should note that this is the tablet only. To turn it into a complete laptop, you will need to purchase a separate compatible Surface Go keyboard . You can also buy other accessories, such as the Surface Pen and Mobile Mouse .

With 8GB of RAM, you can stream movies, browse the internet, send messages, and do other daily tasks with ease. Catching up on documents while sipping pina coladas by the pool is also a breeze. But it’s the webcam and battery life that are especially pleasing. Making calls home or even taking online classes look great. And, with its 11-hour battery life, digital nomads can spend a full day teaching or taking meetings without worry.

On the downside, traveling business professionals may find the screen too small for multitasking. But it is bright, vibrant, detailed, and good enough to watch movies and shows while on the go. The battery does drain more quickly when playing video, lasting for around four hours, so you'll want to keep the charger handy.

A Large 2-in-1 Perfect for Nomads and Backpackers

Digital nomads will love the HP Spectre x360 thanks to its 2-in-1 design, durable build, and excellent webcam with features to make you look your best in Zoom meetings and video conferences. The display is also stunning, making it a good choice for watching your shows and editing your travel snaps and videos. It also has a comfortable stylus pen included for use on the 10-point multitouch screen.  

• Excellent webcam features
• Good audio system
• 10-11 hour battery life with regular usage
• HDMI 2.1, 1x USB-A, and 2x T4 ports
• Fast charging
• On the heavy side at 4.4lbs

The HP Spectre x360 is a 16-inch 2-in-1 laptop that checks most boxes for digital nomads and other long-term travelers. While it may be on the heavier side at 4.4lbs, tough Corning Gorilla Glass protects the 3K IPS multitouch display. This glass also features an excellent anti-reflective coating that preserves the stunning display in bright conditions.

Watching and editing content is a joy, and the 360-degree hinge allows you to find the optimum comfort for the various tasks you might perform as a digital nomad. You can place the device in tent mode to enjoy the stunning display when watching movies or get involved in editing, note-taking, and sketching in tablet mode with the included HP Tilt Pen.

It is powered by a 12th Gen Intel i7-12700H processor, 16GB of RAM, and 2TB SSD storage. It’s powerful enough for most nomads but may not perform as well for those needing to use CPU-intensive apps simultaneously. Additionally, while it is a good choice for most casual gaming, it is not not the best choice for serious gamers.

The 5MP webcam is excellent, and anyone attending video conferences and Zoom meetings will be delighted with the experience. It has features like auto-ISO sensitivity, white balance and brightness sliders, autofocus, a GlamCam panel for lighting correction, and Beauty Mode that will help you look your most dapper on those important work calls.

Mighty Battery Performance

The 13-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 chip is a powerful machine for travelers. It’s slim, lightweight, and has a beautiful display, perfect for editing snaps and videos. It also has an incredible battery performance that ensures you can take the laptop anywhere you like to catch up on work while traveling.

• Bright and detailed display
• Fast and reliable performance
• Slimline and lightweight
• Premium battery performance
• Lacks ports
• Average webcam

In terms of portability and performance, it doesn’t get much better than the MacBook Pro fitted with Apple’s M2 chip. The 13.3-inch display is perfect for travel. And, with it being just a little over half an inch thick, it can slot into your carry-on luggage or backpack quite easily while being barely noticeable at only 3lbs.

The M2 chip has an 8‑core CPU, a 10‑core GPU, and a 16‑core Neural Engine, and you can choose from 8,16, or 24GB of unified memory and up to 2TB of SSD storage. The gorgeous Retina display offers up to 500 nits of peak brightness, so viewing any content is a joy. It’s also one of the best laptops for editing video . The few that are better are heavier, bulkier, and for more expensive machines, including the MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips.

The biggest selling point for travelers is the incredible battery life of up to 20 hours. Digital nomads can work at the beach, and you won’t need to be on the lookout for wall outlets at the cafe.

Unfortunately, the FaceTime camera remains at 720p, which is a strange choice considering the MacBook Air M2 has an upgraded 1080p webcam. It may be a deciding factor if you are an on-the-go educator or just want to look your sharpest during calls back home. Another drawback is that it only has two Thunderbolt 4 ports. Considering you will need one when charging, this may not be enough, and you might want to consider a lightweight docking station.

An Excellent Choice for Professional Video On the Go

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a reliable portable laptop that can be used as a proper tablet when not attached to the removable keyboard. You can also buy a stylus to make the most of the touchscreen. The display is stunning and fun for entertainment purposes. The battery life gets you through an entire day, and it’s lightweight and easily transportable. The excellent webcam is a bonus and helps you look your best during video calls and meetings.

• Robust and lightweight design
• Excellent webcam
• 5G connectivity
• Dual far-field microphones
• 19-hour battery life
• No headphone jack
• Keyboard and stylus sold separately

The Surface Pro 9 sports the excellent Microsoft SQ3 chip. This chip offers outstanding energy efficiency and battery life and is an ideal choice for travelers. It may not be powerful enough for traveling creatives running highly-demanding apps but is a great choice for everyone else. This model has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, but there are plenty of other options if you need more power and space.

If video conferencing is essential to your day-to-day, this laptop won’t fail you. It has features that make Zoom meetings, online classes, and webinars look sharp and professional. The gaze correction feature will make your eyes appear to be looking at the camera at all times. Background noise elimination and central framing are other valuable features. On top of looking great, you will also sound great with the dual far-field microphones.

The screen is bright enough for watching movies while indoors. But, at 450 nits peak brightness, viewing by the pool on a sunny day might be tricky in direct sunlight. However, it has a 2K, edge-to-edge, 120Hz display with a 100 percent sRGB color gamut and good contrast.

A Powerful Choice With a Stunning OLED Display

The Dell XPS 13 9310 is a powerful laptop that travelers can enjoy. With its slim, durable construction, and light weight, you can easily slip it into a bag and transport it. However, the powerful processor and stunning display are what make this laptop such a good value. Creatives will enjoy editing their photos and videos, while the OLED display offers superb contrast and color for media watching after long, hot days at the beach or sightseeing.

• Robust and portable
• Stunning OLED display
• Powerful performance
• Good for gaming
• 720p webcam
• OLED display drains the battery quicker

The Dell XPS 13 9310 is small, lightweight, ultra-portable, and very powerful. It features an 11th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD that can handle most tasks you throw at it with little trouble. Running multiple programs together is also a breeze, and the XPS 13 can take on casual gaming and even some demanding titles.

With its 13.4-inch, 3.5K OLED screen, it’s an excellent choice for traveling creatives and is perfect for editing those vacation snaps and videos. The stunning display is also large enough for enjoying movies and shows after a long day. And while the 400-nit peak brightness isn’t as high as some of its rivals, it has an excellent anti-reflective coating that enhances the display in bright conditions. In dimmer environments, the deep blacks and rich colors of the OLED technology ensure any media content looks simply stunning.

It’s also very portable at just over a half-inch thick and weighing just under 2.8lbs. And, while it doesn’t match some of its competition, the battery life is also decent, and a full charge should see you get a whole day away from any wall outlet. Additionally, the touchscreen is a bonus and a good option for scribbling down notes if you are keeping a journal or planning your day.

A 4K OLED Display With Good Audio for Immersive Entertainment

The Lenovo Yoga 9i is the ideal 2-in-1 laptop for taking in media content when you’re on your travels. Long bus journeys or days when you have to wait out poor weather are all the easier on a 4K OLED display with a surprisingly good audio system. It also boasts a powerful processor with ample RAM and storage, making it a good choice for digital nomads.  

• 2-in-1 design
• Stylus included
• Stunning display with great speakers
• Average battery life

The Lenovo Yoga 9i is another slim and lightweight choice for travelers. And, thanks to the 360-degree hinge, you can fold this device seamlessly into tent, tablet, or laptop modes, making it another ideal 2-in-1 option that any intrepid adventurer would love to have. The keyboard is also comfortable with snappy keys, and the included stylus pen is a bonus.

On the Yoga 9i, watching videos and TV shows is an excellent experience because of the 4K resolution on a stunning 14-inch OLED display. Images are natural and vibrant, and the contrast is excellent. This superb display is rounded off with 400 nits of peak brightness.

A Bowers and Wilkins speaker system with a Dolby Atmos soundbar rotates and directs the audio straight to your waiting ears. Additionally, the rare presence of subwoofers means thumping low frequencies in bass-heavy songs and shows.

On top of being an excellent choice for watching media content, it’s also a top performer when it comes to multitasking and handling demanding applications. The Core i7-1360P is a powerful processor, and it also boasts 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. One downfall, however, is the battery life. You’ll get around 10 hours with regular usage, but with anything more intensive, you might need to find a wall outlet.

Enhanced Productivity While On the Go

The ASUS Zenbook 14X is another lightweight option perfect for travelers. With its stunning 2.8K OLED display, media content looks fantastic. Its powerful specs and handy ScreenPad make it a good choice for multitasking, too. Having a primary display and a secondary display to assign less critical applications to is extremely useful for travelers and nomads looking to enhance their productivity on the go.

• 1080p ScreenPad
• Beautiful display with thin bezels
• Good number of ports
• Multitasking is easy
• Middling webcam

If you are searching for a travel laptop with a gorgeous display, you might want to check out the ASUS Zenbook 14X. This laptop has a stunning 14-inch, 2.8K OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate pumping out a peak brightness of 550 nits. On top of that, it has an extensive color gamut. With a DCI-P3 and an sRGB of 100 percent, and an RGB of 99 percent, you can be sure that colors are vivid while blacks are deep and dark. It’s an excellent laptop for watching movies and editing travel photos and videos.

This is a powerful and lightweight laptop that you can transport with ease. It boasts an Intel Core i7-1260P CPU, NVIDIA GeForce MX550 graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD storage. Streaming, surfing, and creating content is seamless, and gamers will also get a decent experience. It doubles as an excellent entertainment source in your downtime or when flying. However, It has below-par battery life, so you might need to be near a power source.

One unique feature this laptop has is its ScreenPad. It’s larger than most trackpads, but it's also a secondary screen. Some may see this as a gimmick, but others may find genuine uses for it. Anyone multitasking will find it particularly helpful. These tasks can include working on the main display while you chat with colleagues or enter data on the ScreenPad.

Another thing to consider, especially for digital nomads, is the average 720p webcam. It works well enough in a brightly lit room. But travelers joining online meetings may want to find something sharper.

Considerations Before Buying a Laptop for Travel

The first thing you should consider is the type of traveler you are. Long-term backpackers and digital nomads will have different requirements than short-term vacationers. For example, they will likely need a good amount of storage for all their photos and videos, and they'll probably seek a model on which to smoothly edit them, too.

Nomads will also need features specific to their profession. Online educators and business professionals need a good webcam. In fact, they might even look for extra video features for web conferencing and Zoom meetings. The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a good choice for this. However, the HP Spectre also has excellent video features as well as ticking many other boxes that digital nomads require, such as good performance, fantastic battery life, touchscreen capabilities, and a beautiful display.

On the other end, short-term vacationers may be looking for a decent, affordable machine for watching media content, emailing, and browsing. The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is an excellent shout, though you’ll need to buy a separate keyboard to make it a complete 2-in-1.

MacBooks generally cover all the needs of the traveler. They are lightweight and slim, easily transportable, have powerful performance, and their displays are excellent. They usually have decent audio, too, which saves you from carrying around a portable speaker. The MacBook Air M2 13-inch is a tremendous overall pick for travelers, and the MacBook Pro M2 is a good option, too, albeit at a higher price.

Apple M2 Convenience and Power for All Travelers

The best travel laptops

With the best travel laptops, you can work, play, stream content and more, wherever you are.

Now lockdown is becoming a distant memory, the best travel laptops are firmly back on our radar. Handy for everything from short train rides to transatlantic flights, and everythig in between, these laptops allow you to do everything you can do at your desk while you're on the move.

The best travel laptops are small, light and easy to carry, but still packed with enough power to do everything you need while you're away. We've gathered our favourites together in the article below, covering a variety of budgets and a range of capabilities. If you're not sure what you're looking for, though, first read our section on how to pick the best travel laptop .

Looking for some more specific? Then you might also want to check out our roundups of the best laptops for graphic design or the best laptops for programming . Meanwhile, for some extra help planning a trip, also see our guides to the best travel accessories for designers .

The best travel laptops available now

Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

01. Dell XPS 13 (2022)

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Nice and compact, and weighing just 1.17 kg (2.59 lbs), the Dell XPS 13 (2022) offers an exceptional combination of portability and power, along with great battery life. In our eyes, that makes it the perfect travel companion.

The screen can give out just under 450 nits of brightness, so even bright daylight shouldn't be an issue. The inclusion of Intel 's 12th-gen U-series chips means everything runs super-fast, and it's powerful enough to run creative software like Photoshop . It stays cool and quiet in use, and you can expect around 13 hours' battery life with light use. 

On the downside, the webcam is only 720p, which is okay for Zoom calls but not the best picture quality. You're limited in the number of devices you can connect, with just two Thunderbolt 4 ports in total. But as long as those aren't deal breakers, we reckon the Dell XPS 13 offers better value overall, making it our pick as the best travel laptop of 2022.

02. MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022)

Weighing just 1.4 kg (3 lbs), this latest version of the 13-inch MacBook Pro is perfect for travel. Showcasing the high build quality you'd expect from Apple , this thin and light laptop touts the latest M2 chip, a beautiful 13.3-inch Retina display and that convenient Touch ID. Our tests showed that it's great for multitasking, handles creative software like Photoshop very well, and lasted 15 and a half hours in our battery test, which involves playing a looped 1080p video.

On the downside, the webcam is just 720p and as far as connectivity goes, you're limited to just 2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) slots and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Plus you're tied into Apple's ecosystem, which may be a good or bad thing, depending on where you stand. For more details, see our full MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) review .

03. PixelBook Go

The diminutive sibling to Google's higher-end Pixelbook , the Pixelbook Go is truly great value for money. For sheer class and ease of use, due the stellar components that you get, this is a great bargain, and one of the best entry level Chromebooks out there for travel. 

Of course, being a Chromebook , this will work on Google Chrome OS operating system, running cloud-based applications and storing a lot of data online, so a solid internet connection for its user is essential. And of course, you won't be able to run any Windows or macOS software you're used to. 

More generally, its design is slim and light, its frame made from magnesium alloy with a matte finish, and it weighs in at 2.3 pounds and is 0.5-inches thin. On top on that, it offers a back-lit keyboard, and a 1080p front-facing camera; two elements that you won't find on most of the laptops here.

04. HP Spectre x360 (2021)

When you're travelling, particularly if you're jammed into tight spaces on planes, trains and automobiles, you need to be flexible. Helpfully, the HP Spectre x360 (2021) has a hybrid design so you can switch between, for instance, working in traditional laptop mode, playing games in tablet mode and streaming your favourite shows in tent mode.

More generally, it's gorgeous, with its elegant gem-cut design that will be the envy of everyone on your holiday. It offers a fair number of ports, so you can connect lots of devices: a USB-A 3.1 port, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a microSD card reader and a combi audio jack. And it also boasts great Bang & Olufsen speakers, an exquisite touchscreen display and a whopping 12-hour battery life. 

05. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5-inch

The Surface Laptop 4 continues Microsoft’s tradition of crafting excellent portables. This thin and light laptop comes fitted with 11th-generation Intel Core processors, plenty of memory for most computing needs and decent storage options. It delivers such an excellent performance, and boasts Microsoft’s impressive keyboard and trackpad as well. 

As with most ultrabooks, there's a lack of ports: just one USB-C, one USB-A, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and Surface Connect port for power. However, at under 1.27 kg, this is lighter than most of its 13-inch rivals. So if weight is a top priority for you, this must be at the top of your list of options. For more details read our Surface Laptop 4 review .

06. Razer Blade Stealth 13

Razer is no stranger to excellent gaming laptops that boast mind-blowing power, but it’s the Razer Blade Stealth 13 that’s really impressed us. While most gaming laptops are big and bulky machines, this 13-inch model has fitted all that gaming prowess in an Ultrabook laptop, so you can play all those latest games smoothly at 1080p while on the go. It’s not just for games, mind you – it can handle creative tasks like photo and video editing as well. There’s even a 4K option for an even better image quality. And the sophisticated and sleek non-gaming aesthetic is a bonus.

07. Lenovo Flex 5 14

The Lenovo Flex 5 14  may be a couple of years old now, but it remains a great laptop for when you're out and about, serving brilliantly as a secondary travel laptop if you want to leave your heavy duty work horse in the office. 

It's a 2-in-1 device, which makes it that little bit more, well, flexible. You can fold the screen back to use it as a supported tablet, ideal if you want the screen only to watch media on long journeys. And with its 14-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080) resolution display, the image is crisp and clear. And, it's specs include an impressive 16GB RAM, and a super fast and stable 256 solid state drive – perfect for when TV shows turn into a work project on the move, as it'll run the most common creative design software without breaking a sweat. With the Lenovo's Active Pen Stylus, digital artists should be happy too. 

Add to that a nice array of ports, including a USB-C and two USB-A ports, plus an HDMI port in case you want to connect to an external monitor, and this is a fantastic allrounder at a affordable price.

How to pick the best travel laptop

Not every laptop can be a good travel laptop. Some are powerful yet too heavy to go traipsing around with, while others just aren’t powerful enough to be reliable, especially for digital nomads whose computing demands are more intensive than that of regular users.

The best travel laptops must combine portability with power and durability. They must be thin and light so you can easily slip them in your backpack or carry-on, and not have to worry too much about the added weight. Anything under 1.59kg (3.5lbs) is ideal. After all, traveling as light as possible is one of the key things for a more relaxing – and cheaper – trip.

They must also be powerful enough to handle your needs, whatever those may be. If you’re just looking to do travel research, stream movies and chat with friends, a less powerful laptop will do. However, if you’re planning on working while traveling, not just any laptop will do. Luckily, there are excellent mobile workstations out there that are fitted with powerful processors and plenty of memory.

The best travel laptops must also be extremely durable, robust enough to not only handle hard bumps, but also accidental drops. MacBook Pros, for example, are tough enough to survive a high fall.

A long battery life is also extremely useful. While most cafes, airports, stations, trains and planes provide outlets for laptop users, a portable that will last you a while on a single charge is preferred in case you find yourself stuck in a place where charging just isn’t possible. It wouldn’t hurt to have plenty of storage space, either – although Cloud storage and best external hard drives are readily available, if upgrading to a bigger storage space proves too pricey for you.

Related articles: 

• The best art books
• The best laptops for photo editing
• Cheap Apple Pencil deals

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Tom May is an award-winning journalist and editor specialising in design, photography and technology. Author of the Amazon #1 bestseller Great TED Talks: Creativity , published by Pavilion Books, Tom was previously editor of Professional Photography magazine, associate editor at Creative Bloq, and deputy editor at net magazine. Today, he is a regular contributor to Creative Bloq and its sister sites Digital Camera World , T3.com and Tech Radar . He also writes for Creative Boom and works on content marketing projects. 

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7 BEST travel laptops for digital nomads 2024 (+ SAVINGS TRICKS)

Project Untethered is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commissions at no cost to you ( full disclosure ).

A portable laptop for travel is a digital nomad’s best friend.

Most normal travelers can get by without packing a computer, but not digital nomads. (After all, it’s called the “laptop lifestyle” for a reason!)

And not only do you need a laptop, but you need the right kind of laptop.

The best laptops for digital nomads have some unique characteristics (which we’ll get to in a sec), and a budget laptop for working from home may not cut it.

If you buy a crappy non-portable laptop, digital nomad life isn’t gonna be fun.

Since you will be using it on a daily (or almost daily) basis to earn a living while traveling , it’s an investment you’ll want to take seriously.

Let me tell you from experience…it’s no fun having your travel laptop poop out on you in the middle of nowhere, then having to throw down big bucks to get a whatever type of emergency replacement is available (Long story short, Day now works with a Thai keyboard…)

A quality laptop is a must. 

And after nearly 50 hours of research (plus quite a bit of first-hand experience), I’ve narrowed it down the list of best digital nomad laptops to 7 rock-solid options in 2024.

Now, since every digital nomad’s needs are different, the best laptop for you might not be the best laptop for me. 

That’s why in this list, I’ll break up each recommendation based on what type of traveler you are, and what you will use your travel laptop for.

Whether you’re looking for the cheapest possible option, the most ultraportable and lightweight laptop, or the most powerful high-end computer…I’ve got you covered.

We’ll start with what to look for when comparing laptops for digital nomads. Next, we’ll take an in-depth look at each of the top picks. And finally, I’ll share some tips on how to save money when buying your travel laptop and building your digital nomad office setup . 

Let’s dive in!

Important: Even with the absolute best laptop for digital nomads, you’re not going to get far without a reliable internet connection you can take on the go. For that, check out these handy mobile wifi hotspots for digital nomads that you can fit in your pocket. You’ll also want some sturdy anti-theft digital nomad luggage to protect and carry your laptop.

Table of Contents

TL;DR: The Best Travel Laptops for Digital Nomads

Laptop vs. tablet for travel (or both), 1 –  macbook air (best all-around portable laptop for travel and work), 2 – macbook pro (best laptop for photographers and youtubers), 3 – apple ipad pro (best travel tablet for digital nomads), 4 – dell xps 13 (best apple alternative laptop for digital nomads), 5 – acer spin 5 – (best value travel laptop), 6 – lenovo flex 5 14 (best budget travel laptop), 7 – lenovo yoga c940 (best 2-in-1 laptop for travel), how to save money on your travel laptop, recap: what’s the best laptop for travel and work, frequently asked questions.

Macbook Air (M2) – Best portable laptop for MOST digital nomads Macbook Pro 13 (M2 ) – Best laptop for travel professionals who use heavy graphics Ipad Pro – Best travel tablet Dell XPS 13 – Best Apple alternative travel laptop (for Apple-haters) Acer Spin 5 – Best value digital nomad laptop Lenovo Flex 5 14 – Best budget travel laptop Lenovo Yoga C940 – Best 2-in-1 laptop for travel

What to Look for in a Digital Nomad Laptop

Lightweight : Most of the laptops on this list are under 3.5 pounds. You want something compact that won’t weigh your backpack down (and break your back), and ideally something that is usable in tight spaces like airplanes. Your best bet is a 13” screen laptop that weighs less than 3.5 pounds. But keep in mind, the lighter you go, the more sacrifices you’ll have to make in other areas.

Sturdy : As I mentioned, replacing a laptop for remote work while you’re traveling is not fun. You want something that’s not going to snap in half when you’re on some remote tropical island. It’s easy to feel the difference between a quality piece of equipment and a chintzy one.

Accessible Parts and Repair : If your laptop does run into a technical glitch while traveling (and you can’t fix it yourself), having access to repair centers and computer parts is a life-saver. Luckily, most countries have authorized repair and service providers for brands like Apple and Dell.

Fast/Reliable : You are making a living from this machine. If you buy a crappy laptop, work will be miserable. The best laptop for digital nomads will have an i7 chip or better. Apart from the chip, the higher the clock speed (usually stated in GHz or MHz) and number of cores, the better.

Ports: To keep travel laptops portable and lightweight, you might have to sacrifice some ports. If you find a laptop with all the ports you need, consider it a plus. But if there are limited ports, it’s not the end of the world. You’ll get used to carrying around an adaptor. That said, ideally your choice will have at least a USB-C port, as they are the “ports of the future”.

Memory: Memory (or RAM) is the short-term storage in your computer that allows it to access information and run quickly. 8GB should cover most digital nomad needs. But if your digital nomad job involves editing 4k video, 3D modeling, or running tons of apps at once, then 16GB might be a better option. Keep in mind that some laptops have upgradeable memory, while others do not (i.e. you’re stuck with whatever you buy).

Battery Life: Sometimes outlets are few and far between when on the road, so long-lasting batteries are a must. A good travel laptop should have at least 8-hours of battery life. I recommend looking for 3rd-party reviews when researching battery life, as the manufacturers tend to exaggerate.

Brightness: If you dream of working from a hammock out in the sun, you’ll need a bright display. Shoot for a minimum of 400 nits.

Storage: Running out of storage on the road SUCKS. This happens fast if you’re taking lots of videos (especially 4k). 256GB should be enough for normal people. But if you work with a lot of images and videos, you’ll want more. Keep in mind that some storages (like Macbooks) are not expandable. So if you don’t get enough when you buy, you’ll need to end up using external drives (which isn’t the end of the world—this is what Day does).

Note for online teachers: If you work as an online teacher while traveling, check out these best laptops for teaching online as well. Most digital nomad laptops should do the trick, but since online teachers have specific needs, it’s nice to have options.

For the past five years, I’ve traveled with just a laptop. Now that I’m turning into a bit of a slower traveler—setting up shop for several weeks at a time (or more)—I was delightfully surprised when Day bought me this entry-level iPad .

At first I thought I wouldn’t use it much, but it’s turned out to be the best travel gift ever!.

I love using it as an extra monitor so I don’t have to keep switching tabs as I work on a small laptop screen. I realize you can do this cheaper with a lightweight portable external monitor (like the ASUS ZenScreen ). But I have a rule that if something takes up space in my backpack, it better have multiple uses. (Plus I LOVE drawing on it and making graphics for the blog, and it’s way more comfortable to use on planes, trains, and buses).

You definitely don’t need both, but it can make your digital nomad setup more productive. 

Also, if you like the idea of both a laptop and a tablet, but don’t want to carry around two separate devices, I’ve included some awesome 2-in-1 laptop/tablet combo options on this list. That way, you get the best of both worlds!

Recommended articles: How to become a digital nomad (complete blueprint) How to make money living in a van (10 epic van life jobs)

Dimensions (H x W x D): 0.44” x 11.97” x 8.46” (11.2 x 304 x 215mm) Weight: 2.7 lb (1.24 kg) Storage: Up to 2TB SSD (non-upgradeable) RAM: Up to 16 GB (soldered) Processor: 3.49 GHz Apple M2 chip Ports: Thunderbolt 4 USB-C (x2) Battery Life: Up to 18 hours

The new Macbook Air with the Apply M2 chip is a super lightweight laptop for digital nomads that you really can’t go wrong with. It won’t blow you away with high-tech features, but it’ll do everything you need it to (and do it well). 

In the past, it was more for casual users who didn’t work on their computer for a living. But after recent upgrades, it’s now a powerful machine that can handle most tasks.

I say most because if you’re looking to do graphics-intensive work like editing 4k video, you’ll probably want to choose something on this list with a bit more power (but that’s not to say it’s impossible !)

The Macbook Air is one of the lightest and most compact travel laptops on this list, weighing in at just 2.7 pounds (1.24 kg), it won’t take up much space in your carry-on bag (and is comfortable to use on a plane). 

The base model comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, which is plenty for the average user. And if you think you’ll need more, you can soup it up even further (but at that point, you might be better off just getting the Macbook Pro).

Best of all, the new M2 chip boasts a whopping 18-hour battery life. This is clutch for remote working in places without outlets.

✅ Lightweight, ultraportable laptop with incredible battery ✅ Unlike older models, recent upgrades make it powerful enough for most digital nomads ✅ Apple products are built to last ✅ Super convenient if you already use an iPhone, iPad, etc. ✅ Thousands of Apple service centers worldwide if repairs needed

❌ Not as powerful as Macbook Pro for things like video editing ❌ Limited ports ❌ Doesn’t have some cool feature that other non-apple laptops have in this price range ❌ Can’t do aftermarket upgrades

Who It’s Best For: The Macbook Air is best for digital nomads who like/already use Apple products, don’t need to do a lot of graphic-intensive work, and don’t care about touchscreen or tablet capabilities.

Dimensions (H x W x D): 0.61” x 11.97” x 8.36” (15.6 x 304 x 212mm) Weight: 3.0 lb (1.4 kg) Storage: Up to 2TB SSD (soldered) RAM: Up to 16 GB (non-upgradeable) Processor: 3.49 GHz Apple M2 Chip Ports: Thunderbolt 3 (x2) Battery Life: Up to 20 hours

When it comes to the new Macbook Pro, the latest model comes with the new Apple M1 chip. Compared with the previous M1 chip, the M2 is not only 1.4 faster, but it also takes up less power, so for most digital nomads, this is the best choice.

The Macbook Pro is about the same size as the Air, but at 3.0 pounds, it’s just a teensy bit heavier. That said, the performance packed into those 3.0 pounds is far FAR from teensy.

I’ve been traveling with a Macbook Pro for the past 5 years, and it’d be hard to convince me to use something else. For most people, the Macbook Air might be sufficient. But if you’re going to be editing videos, you’ll want the power of the Pro.

The downside of using a Macbook Pro as your travel laptop is obvious—It’s expensive. And you’ll always have to worry about it getting damaged or stolen on the road. (A Pacsafe gives me a little peace of mind, though).

That said, if you’re going to be using it to make a living, spending long hours behind it—you’ll thank yourself for choosing quality. 

It’s also reassuring to know that these things were built to last (and hold their value). I gave my 2009 Macbook Pro to my brother, and it’s still kicking just fine. A few months ago my wife sold her 2013 Macbook Pro to another traveler for $250, which we used towards her new one. These things last.

Basically, the Macbook Pro is like the Air on steroids. It has much more processing power, a bigger trackpad, louder speakers, a better display, and more customization options. To top it off, it can get up to TWENTY hours of battery life. That is unheard of!

The question is—how important are those things to you?

If they’re important, choose the Pro. You will not be disappointed.

If they don’t matter much, save your money and stick with the Air (or other non-Apple choice on the list, which have some pretty sweet features not found on Macs).

✅ Enough power to crush any task  ✅ Plenty of expandability options ✅ Insane battery life ✅ Similar dimensions as Air (and only slightly heavier) ✅ Last a LONG time (in our experience) ✅ Thousands of Apple service centers worldwide if repairs needed

❌ Expensive (compared to Windows laptops with similar specs) ❌ Can’t do aftermarket upgrades ❌ Lacks some cool features that non-Apple products in this price range have ❌ Touch bar is stupid and annoying

Who It’s Best For: The Macbook Pro is best for those who prefer/already use Apple products, need a lot of power, want something that stands the test of time, and don’t care about touchscreens or tablet options.

Dimensions (H x W x D): 11-inch model (0.23” x 9.74” x 7.02”); 12.9-inch model (0.25” x 11.04” x 8.46”) Weight: 11-inch model (1.04 lb / 0.47 kg); 12.9-inch model (1.42 lb / 0.68 kg) Storage: Up to 2TB RAM: Up to 16 GB (non-upgradeable) Processor: Apple M2 chip Ports: Thunderbolt 3 / USB (x1) Battery Life: Up to 10 hours; up to 9 hours for WiFi + Cellular models

While not an actual laptop, the Apple iPad deserves to be on this list. If you go with the latest iPad Pro and connect it to a magic keyboard, you can do almost the same (and sometimes more ) than most laptops on this list. 

However, there are some drawbacks…

• The keyboard is small, so typing isn’t quite as comfortable as a normal laptop
• Some apps still don’t have cursor support (but that will probably improve)
• Multi-tasking is easier on a laptop (but might be good enough on the iPad)
• There’s only one USB-C port, so connecting multiple devices is complicated
• Editing apps are limited (and some aren’t even available) on the iPad

That said, if none of these are deal-breakers for you, the iPad Pro might be just what you’re looking for.

This is especially true for artists, as drawing on the iPad is AMAZING (and addicting!).

You also have the option of buying a celular-equipped iPad, which lets you use a SIM card to stay connected.

If none of that bothers you and you prioritize saving space, then this might be the option for you.

So, depending on what your needs are, it’s possible you can nix the laptop altogether, do everything you need to do with an iPad, and travel super light.

The other, not-so-light option would be to do what I do and use an entry-level iPad (which is WAY cheaper than the Pro model) in addition to my Macbook. It fits right alongside my Macbook in my laptop case and works as the perfect second monitor for maximum productivity.

✅ Allows you to travel super light ✅ Easy to use in small spaces like airplanes ✅ 5G celular models can stay connected with a data SIM ✅ Touchscreen, drawing, and notetaking is awesome

❌ See bullets in description above

Who It’s Best For : The iPad Pro is best for ultralight and carry-on only travelers who don’t mind the limitations of not having a normal travel laptop. It’s also great for people who love art. 

Dimensions (H x W x D): 0.55” x 11.6” x 7.8” (14 x 296 x 199mm) Weight: Touch: 2.8 lb (1.27 kg); Non-touch: 2.64 lb (1.22 kg) Storage: Up to 1TB SSD RAM: Up to 32GB (soldered) Processor: Up to 12th Gen Intel i7 1250U Ports: Thunderbolt 4 USB-C (x2), (USB-A 3.0 and USB-C headset adaptor also included) Battery Life: 12+ hours

The Dell XPS 13 is one of the best laptops for travelers for those who aren’t tied to Apple.

In fact, some would say it even outshines the Macbook in a few different areas. 

For one, it’s even lighter and more compact than the Macbook Air, making it the most ultraportable travel laptop on this list.

It comes in three different options: a regular clamshell laptop, a touchscreen laptop, or a 2-in-1 laptop.

The XPS 13 also boasts a 12+ hour battery life (some tests even show 15 hours). This is longer than Macbooks with the Intel chip, but can’t quite compete with the Apple M1 chip battery life. That said, how often do you actually need more than 15 hours of battery without charging?

You have the option of choosing between a Full HD screen (1920 x 1200) or 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2400), but with a 13” laptop, all you really need is Full HD (this will also extend your battery even longer).

As far as tech specs go, you can build it out exactly as you need it. Choose from an 12th-gen i5, or i7 processor, beef the RAM up to 32GB, or expand the hard drive up to 1TB—there’s a customization option for every need.

Similar to Macbook laptops, you’re stuck with only a couple USB-C ports. But really, it’s a small price to pay for such a lightweight and portable travel laptop. Plus, unlike Apple, they’re nice enough to include a USB-C to USB-A adaptor in the box.

✅ Compact and powerful ✅ Quality materials and slick looking ✅ Great battery life ✅ Tons of customization options to suit your needs ✅ Can upgrade hard drive later if you need more space

❌ Lack of ports ❌ Adding specs to base model can get pricey ❌ Poor quality webcam

Who It’s Best For : The Dell XPS 13 is the best lightweight laptop for travelers who aren’t tied to Apple’s ecosystem.

Dimensions (H x W x D): 0.67” x 12.3” x 8.6” Weight: 2.9 lb (1.31 kg) Storage: Up to 1TB RAM: Up to 16GB Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1260P Processor (Up to 4.7GHz) Ports: Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C (x2), USB 3.2 A (x1), SD card reader, HDMI, SD card reader, HDMI Battery Life: Up to 12 hours

If you can’t justify plopping down over a grand for a new digital nomad computer, the Acer Spin 5 might be right up your alley.

And as you’ll see, even at a lower price point, it has some pretty awesome features not found on the more expensive models we’ve covered so far. 

The first of which is that it’s a 2-in-1 laptop. That means you can:

• Use it as a regular “clamshell” laptop
• Fold the screen backward into a screen stand (perfect for movie-watching in tight spaces)
• Fold it completely backwards to use as a tablet

That said, the 2-in-1 option does come with a downside:

The Acer Spin 5 is a bit bulkier and about a pound heavier than some of the other options on this list. But unless you’re traveling carry-on only and counting every ounce, are you really going to tell a one pound difference?

That’s for you (and your budget) to decide.

It’s good to know that the weight is put to good use, though, with the base model boasting some higher specs than other laptops costing several hundred dollars more. Also, with a bigger laptop also comes more space ports (yay!). 

A rechargeable stylus is also included with the Spin 3, so if you like to draw or take digital notes (and don’t want to fork over several hundred dollars for an iPad and Apple Pencil), this is a great alternative.

Overall, this is one of the best budget laptops for remote work.

✅ Impressive value for the price ✅ 2-in-1 flexibility ✅ Extra ports ✅ Good battery life

❌ No USB-C ❌ Heavier and bulkier ❌ Awkward keyboard

Who It’s Best For : The Acer Spin 3 is the best computer for digital nomads looking for the best value for their money. If you can get over the fact that it’s slightly heavier, it’s a great bang for your buck.

Dimensions (H x W x D): 0.7” x 12.32” x 8.85” Weight: 3.42 lb (1.55 kg) Storage: Up to 1TB SSD RAM: Up to 16GB Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7730U (2.00 GHz up to 4.50 GHz) Ports: USB-A (x2), USB-C (x1), HDMI, SD card reader Battery Life: Up to 15 hours

If you’re looking to get a quality travel laptop as cheaply as possible, you can’t go wrong with the Lenovo Flex 5 14.

In many ways it is similar to the Acer Spin 3, though not quite as powerful. You’re not going to want to edit photos and videos on this bad boy, but it’s perfectly fine for most tasks.

With the Flex 5 14, you get the flip-around screen with stylus. So despite it not being the smallest laptop on the list, the tablet mode makes it portable enough for flights and other cramped spaces.

It also boasts a surprising 16GB of RAM, which is more than what you’d expect for a digital nomad laptop at this price point.

And, while chunkier than some of the other ultraslim laptops on this list, at least you’ll enjoy a dongle-free experience as it comes with two USB-A ports, a USB-C port, HDMI port, and SD card reader.

You might consider this a “starter” laptop for digital nomads. But other than being slightly heavier and having a not-so-bright screen, this laptop is perfect for those on a tight budget.

✅ Super affordable ✅ Converts into tablet with stylus ✅ Lots of ports

❌ Not a bright enough screen for extended outdoor use ❌ Heavier and bulkier than more expensive options

Who It’s Best For : The Lenovo Flex 5 14 is the best portable laptop for digital nomads who are on a tight budget, have a little extra space to spare, and don’t plan on spending too much time working outside.

Dimensions (H x W x D): 0.6” x 12.6” x 8.5” Weight: 3 lb (1.4 kg) Storage: 512GB SSD RAM: 12GB Processor: Intel 10th Gen Core i7-1065G7 1.3 GHz Ports: USB-A (x1), Thunderbolt 3 USB-C (x2) Battery Life: Up to 15 hours

So far we’ve covered a couple different 2-in-1 laptops for digital nomads. They’re both great bargains that’ll get the job done. But there’s only so much you can expect at those lower price points.

If you love the idea of a 2-in-1, but want something lighter with top-of-the-line specs, the Lenovo Yoga C940 is exactly what you’re looking for.

Weighing in at 3 pounds, it’s lighter than the other bulkier 2-in-1s on this list. It also boasts a whopping 15 hour battery life (with the FHD screen)—perfect for those travel days where it’s hard to find a place to charge.

And if you want to draw or take notes, the included stylus has a nice handy storage slot in the back.

The Yoga C940 also has one of the most bumping sound systems on this list. It makes the perfect mini entertainment system for netflix binges when you need a break from all that hard digital nomad work.

You’re also covered with both a USB-A and two USB-C ports, so you can ditch those pesky adaptors and save space in your backpack.

Overall, the Lenovo Yoga C940 is a super versatile pick and is a great choice for those looking for the best laptop for travel and work.

✅ You can feel the quality ✅ Powerful enough for pretty much anything ✅ Bumping sound system ✅ Super long battery life ✅ Lighter than other 2-in-1s

❌ Pricey ❌ Still heavier than other ultralight weight models on this list

Who It’s Best For : The Lenovo Yoga C940 is the best laptop for digital nomads who love the 2-in-1 concept, aren’t on a tight budget, and are looking for the best quality.

The best time to buy a travel laptop is when you don’t need a travel laptop. That way, you have the flexibility to shop around for deals.

Here are some top tips for making your money stretch as far as possible:

Compare cost of third-party upgrades. If the laptop you choose is upgradable, it may be cheaper to buy the cheapest base model and upgrade it yourself (vs. buying it with top specs out of the box). You can learn how to do anything with Youtube these days!

Only buy what you need. Just because you see everyone else with their fancy Macbook Pros doesn’t mean you need one too. Remember, the best travel laptop for writers won’t necessarily be the best travel laptop for video editing and other “heavy” jobs. If you’ve got money to blow and want the absolute best (or you do a lot of photo and video editing like we do), then go for it. You won’t be disappointed. But other than that, it’s probably overkill. 

Consider a fast SSD external hard drive. If you’re buying a non-upgradable laptop (like Macs), it may be cheaper to buy a fast SSD external hard drive than buying a laptop with a bigger hard drive. This is what we did when we bought our emergency laptop in Thailand. It’s kind of a pain to have to plug in all the time, but it also adds flexibility to your setup. 

Research the cheapest countries to buy in. Speaking of Thailand, laptop prices vary from country to country (and Thailand is NOT the cheapest…at least for Apple products). If you do buy abroad, remember that you can usually get reimbursed for taxes when you leave the country. This usually only works if you are flying out though. We learned the hard way that you can’t do it at land border crossings.

Buy refurbished. Before buying anything new, check for Amazon Renewed products or the Apple Refurbished pages. You might be able to save a couple hundred dollars and still get a “good as new” digital nomad laptop with a warranty.

Wait for holidays. If you’re able to wait until Black Friday (or at least the next big holiday of the year), you’re bound to find cheaper prices.

Open a rewards credit card. Whenever I’m planning to make a big purchase, I always open a new rewards credit card. For example, if you open the Chase Sapphire Preferred and spend $4000 within the first 3 months, you get a 60,000-point sign-up bonus (at the time of writing). That’s equivalent of $750+ in flights. So if you think about it, it’s kinda like getting a $750 discount on your computer…just in the form of flights. A lot of these credit cards also will double the laptop’s manufacturer warranty, so you won’t have to pay for an extended protection plan.

Even if you find a great deal on a digital nomad laptop, it can still be stressful traveling with expensive equipment. If you’re worried about your equipment, it might be worth buying travel insurance that covers your lost or stolen electronics (make sure to read the conditions though).

The best laptop for travel and work really comes down to your needs, budget, and desired features.

If you are just starting out and don’t have an extra grand (or more) to plop down on one of the top laptops for travel, then a budget option like the Lenovo Flex 5 14 is a great starter option.

But if you are able to free up some budget for a more powerful machine, look into either a Macbook (for Apple lovers who want incredible battery life) or the Dell XPS 13 (for Windows lovers who want one of the smallest, lightest travel laptops on the market).

In the end, the simplest way to determine the best digital nomad laptop for you is to:

Step 1.) List out all the laptops that fall in your budget Step 2.) Circle the laptops that have the “dealbreaker” features you want your computer to have Step 3.) From the laptops you circled, choose the most powerful, highest quality option

As a digital nomad, you won’t regret investing in the best equipment that your budget allows. You’ll be using this machine to earn a living for years to come, and the better the machine you have, the easier (and more enjoyable) the experience will be.

Traveling with a laptop is safe if you take the proper precautions. Be careful about where you pull it out, always have a place to lock it up, and consider buying travel insurance that covers your laptop. 

The best travel laptop depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you have no operating system preference, the best overall travel laptop for most people is the Dell XPS 13.

Fifteen-inch laptops get a bit bulky when it comes to traveling light. That said, I’ve seen many digital nomads using them. If your work requires extra screen space, you have plenty of room, and you don’t mind the extra weight—go for it!

You can protect your laptop while traveling by only taking it out in safe places, getting it covered by insurance, buying a Pacsafe to keep it secure in your room, and making sure you have a way to protect it from water (e.g. a backpack rain cover)

Bringing too many laptop accessories when traveling can be tricky. So it’s best to stick with the essentials like your charger, external hard drive, or laptop sleeve. If you have enough room, you can always throw in an ergonomic mouse or portable keyboard.

Mitch is your typical nomadic backpacker. Or at least, he was . But after stopping in Colombia to take “one week” of salsa lessons, his life took a sharp left turn. He met a cute Colombian girl in dance class, fell in love, and got married. Over half a decade has passed since he left his career to travel the world as a digital nomad, and he’s never looked back.

Nowadays, he’s the blogger behind Project Untethered — where he runs an awesome email newsletter and Youtube channel teaching adventure-craved wanderlusters how to escape the rat race, earn money from anywhere, and build an “untethered life”.

His advice has been featured in Forbes, USA Today, Yahoo, MSN, Reader’s Digest, Condé Nast Traveler, and more.

Mitch's Travel Recommendations: Travel Planning Resources - Everything you need to plan your trip on one convenient page. Going Cheap Flights Newsletter - Get flight deals from your airport up to 90% off sent straight to your inbox. Safetywing Insurance - This cheap travel insurance has saved me over $15,000 in medical bills. Booking.com - Book accommodation without adding your credit card (in case you need to cancel). Trusted House Sitters - Take care of pets in exchange for free (sometimes luxury) accommodation. Flexjobs - Find remote jobs without having to sift through crappy ones. Skillshare - Free trial to take unlimited classes that teach digital nomad skills. Wise - Send and receive money abroad cheaply (great for freelancers).

Sunday 14th of February 2021

i was just planning to buy a laptop !! I really liked the Acer Spin 3, the design looks so good. Keep it up!

Monday 15th of February 2021

It's definitely a great bang for your buck! Let me know which one you end up going with and how you like it!

Monday 8th of February 2021

Do you think that the MacBook Air is the best laptop for writers? Because I heard their keys are very good for typing for long periods of time. Which makes it seem like a good laptop for writers by default, if that's the case.

Wednesday 10th of February 2021

It's definitely a good choice if you can afford it. In the end, it comes down to your budget. If you have the budget, you won't be disappointed. But if all you're doing is typing in a doc all day, you can certainly survive with something cheaper.

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Best Digital Nomad Laptops for Remote Work

Digital nomads lead a unique lifestyle, relying heavily on technology to work and travel at the same time. The most crucial tool for a digital nomad? A laptop.

But not just any laptop will do. It has to be lightweight, durable, reliable, and powerful enough to handle remote work demands.

To help you choose this essential tool, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to the best laptops for digital nomads, considering key factors such as performance, battery life, portability, and connectivity among others.

Top 15 Digital Nomad Laptops for Remote Work & Travel

• Best for Portability and Performance: Apple MacBook Air M2
• Best for Battery Life: LG Gram 17
• Best for Video Conferencing: Dell XPS 15
• Best for 4G/5G Connectivity: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10
• Best for Multitasking: Acer Aspire 5
• Best 2-in-1 Travel Laptop: Microsoft Surface Pro 9
• Best for Gaming: Razer Blade Stealth 14
• Best for Design or Photography" Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch
• Best for Programming: Dell XPS 17
• Best for Video Editing: Asus ROG Zephyrus G15
• Best Budget Option: Acer Swift 5
• Best for Data Analysis: HP Spectre x360 16t
• Best for Streaming: Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 2-in-1
• Best for Office and Productivity Work: Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3
• Best for General Web Browsing and Emails: Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601)

Best 15 Digital Nomad Laptops for Remote Workers

Now that we have identified the key factors for our device selection let's unveil our top picks for the best digital nomad laptops in the market.

1. Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022)

Best laptop for portability and performance.

The Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022) is a top choice for most digital nomad needs. It effortlessly balances portability and performance, making it an ideal laptop for work and leisure. It's not just a laptop; it's a powerhouse that fits in your backpack . It's equipped with Apple's new M2 chip, resulting in a responsive, fast, and efficient laptop that's perfect for remote workers. The superior performance, impressive display, stellar battery life, lightweight build, and sleek design, make it an excellent choice for any remote worker needing a reliable, high-performing machine on the go. The package is incredibly compelling despite a few missing features and a slightly higher starting price.

Specifications

• Display: 13.6-inch, 2560 x 1664 Liquid Retina display
• Processor: Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU (configurable to 10-core GPU)
• Memory: 8GB unified memory (configurable to 16GB or 24GB)
• Storage: 256GB SSD (configurable to 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) wireless networking and Bluetooth 5.0
• Camera: 1080p FaceTime HD camera
• Battery: Up to 18 hours of Apple TV app movie playback and up to 15 hours of wireless web
• Operating System: macOS
• Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, MagSafe 3 charging port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack
• Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches (304.1 x 215 x 11.3 mm)
• Weight: 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg)
• Powerful Apple M2 chip for multitasking and editing tasks
• 18-hour battery life, ideal for on-the-go use
• Vibrant Liquid Retina display for a superior visual experience
• 1080p FaceTime HD camera for clear virtual meetings
• Fast data transfer and charging with Thunderbolt 4 and MagSafe 3
• Thin, compact, and lightweight, great for travel
• Lack of Touch Bar
• No SD card slot or HDMI port for additional connectivity
• Missing Ethernet port and fingerprint reader
• Higher starting price than the previous model
• Heats up and aggressively throttles during heavy workloads

Price Range

• $999: Base model with M1 chip, 8GB of memory, 256GB of storage
• $1,199: Model with M2 chip, 8GB memory option, and 256GB storage option
• $1,499: Model with M2 chip, 8GB of memory, and 512GB storage option

2. LG Gram 17 (2023)

Best travel laptop for battery life.

The LG Gram 17 (2023) is an impressive laptop that successfully merges power and portability. It's a brilliant choice for digital nomads and remote workers who demand more from their devices — be it for productivity, content creation, or entertainment. The remarkable battery life ensures you can work or play for longer, making it a reliable companion for those long travel days. Despite the larger screen, the laptop remains incredibly lightweight, which is a massive win for digital nomads on the go.

• Display: 17-inch IPS LCD WQXGA (2560 x 1600 pixels)
• Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core Processor i7-8565U
• Memory: 16GB LPDDR5
• Storage: 512 or 1TB NVMe SSD
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 (80EU)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
• Camera: Full HD IR Webcam with Dual Mic (Face recognition)
• Battery: Up to 20 hours and 9 minutes of battery life
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home
• Ports: 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C/Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, microSD card reader, headphone jack
• Dimensions: 19.5 x 12.3 x 2.4 inches (378.8 x 258.8 x 17.7 mm)
• Weight: 2.76 lbs (1.25 kg)
• Lightweight and portable despite the large screen
• Exceptional battery life of up to 20 hours
• High-resolution IPS LCD display for vibrant visuals
• Powerful Intel Core i7 processor for efficient multitasking
• Ample memory and storage options
• A versatile array of ports for varied connectivity
• Comfortable keyboard and large touchpad for ease of use
• Durable build quality ensures longevity
• No Ethernet port may limit connectivity options in some scenarios
• Speakers could be louder
• Higher starting price compared to some other options
• Magnesium feels less premium than aluminum
• $1,699: Base model with 16GB of memory, 512GB of storage
• $1,799: Top-of-line model with an upgrade to 1TB of storage

3. Dell XPS 15 (2023)

Best travel laptop for video conferencing.

The Dell XPS 15 (2023) sets the bar high for compact yet powerful travel laptops. It's a device that truly packs a punch while staying light on the shoulders. As a digital nomad, the first thing that strikes us is the beautifully crafted InfinityEdge display, which offers an expansive screen area in a compact form factor. The 3.5K resolution guarantees crisp, high-definition visuals, especially if video conferencing, editing content, and catching up on your favorite shows. Finally, the 12th Gen Intel Core processors ensure seamless multitasking, and substantial memory while its good storage options cater to varying remote work needs.

• Display: 15.6-inch OLED 3.5K (3456x2160) InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflective 400-Nit Display
• Processor: 13th Generation Intel Core i7-13700H or Intel Core i9-13900H
• Memory: 16GB, 32 GB, or 64GB DDR5 unified memory
• Storage: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8 TB PCIe NVMe SSD
• Graphics: Intel Arc A370M or Nvidia GeForce RTX options: 4050 with 6GB, 4060 with 8GB, 4070 with 8GB
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth
• Camera: 720p HD webcam with privacy shutter with dual-array microphone
• Battery: Up to 15 hours and 2 minutes of battery life
• Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, microSD card reader, headphone jack
• Dimensions: 0.71 x 13.6 x 9.1 inches (18 x 345 x 230 mm)
• Weight: 4.21 lbs (1.86kg) for FHD+ and 4.23 lbs (1.92kg) for OLED
• InfinityEdge display provides immersive visuals in a compact size
• 13th Gen Intel Core processor delivers robust performance
• Memory and storage options to suit varied needs
• Impressive battery life allows for extended use
• Compact and lightweight design for easy portability
• Comfortable keyboard and large touchpad enhance user experience
• No Ethernet port, potentially limiting connectivity options
• More expensive compared to some other options
• Wi-Fi 6 is an outdated technology and should be upgraded
• $1,499: Base model with 16GB of memory, 512GB of storage, and Intel Core i7-12700H processor
• $2,299: Mid-range model with 32GB memory option, 1TB of storage, and Intel Core i7-12700H processor
• $2,949: Top-of-the-line model with 64GB memory option, 2TB of storage, and Intel Core i9-12900HK processor

4. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (2021)

Best travel laptop for 4g/5g connectivity.

As digital nomads who are often on the go, we know the importance of connectivity. And we can confidently say that the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (2022) is one of the best travel laptops with 4G/5G connectivity on the market. It caters brilliantly to the needs of a nomadic lifestyle by ensuring you remain connected no matter where your adventures take you. Its rugged build, MIL-STD 810H certification, and robust 13th Gen Intel Core processors also give it the power and durability to handle any challenge. On the other hand, the range of memory and storage options provides the versatility needed for various tasks while its built-in ThinkShield security features and tested durability make it a dependable workhorse, capable of withstanding the rigors of travel.

• Display: 14 inches WUXGA (1920 x 1200), IPS, Anti-Glare, Touch, 100%sRGB, 400 nits, 60Hz, LED Backlight, Narrow Bezel, Low Blue Light
• Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1240P, i5-1250P, i7-1260P, i7-1270P or i7-1280P processor options
• Memory: 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB LPDDR5 unified memory
• Storage: Samsung 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD
• Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E AX211 2x2 AX vPro & Bluetooth 5.2; Optional : 4G/LTE CAT16 with eSIM & physical nano SIM or WWAN 5G sub6 CAT20 with eSIM & physical nano SIM
• Camera: FHD + IR mobile industry processor interface (MIPI) webcam with Computer Vision & webcam privacy shutter
• Battery: Up to 16 hours of battery life
• Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
• Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, HDMI port, USB-A port, microSD card reader, headphone jack
• Dimensions: 0.60 x 12.43 x 8.76 in. (15.36 x 315.6 x 222.5 mm)
• Weight: Starting at 2.48 lbs (1.12 kg)
• Durable and reliable build perfect for on-the-go usage
• 4G/5G connectivity for uninterrupted access to the internet
• Long battery life for continuous productivity during travels
• Powerful processor for seamless multitasking
• Plenty of memory and storage options to suit diverse needs
• Versatile port selection for easy connectivity
• MIL-STD 810H certification ensures ruggedness and durability
• Starting price might be a barrier for some people
• The design could be improved
• Some problems with the cooling
• $1,299: Base model with 16GB of memory, 256GB of storage, and an Intel Core i5-1335U processor
• $1,499: Mid-tier model with 16GB of memory, 512GB of storage, and an Intel Core i7-1355U processor
• $1,799: Top-of-the-line with 32GB of memory, 1TB of storage, and an Intel Core i7-1365U vPro processor

5. Acer Aspire 5 (2023)

Best travel laptop for multitasking.

The Acer Aspire 5 (2022) is a versatile choice for digital nomads who need to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. Its strength lies in the impressive 12th Gen Intel Core processors and generous memory and storage options, enabling you to handle multiple tasks and applications simultaneously. Although its build quality may not match that of high-end laptops, its powerful processing capabilities and affordable price make it a valuable asset for anyone who requires a reliable, cost-effective laptop that can handle diverse workloads.

• Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS LCD display with 250 nits brightness and 45% NTSC color gamut
• Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 options available
• Memory: 4GB, 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB LPDDR5 unified memory
• Storage: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512GB, or 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD and 1TB HDD
• Graphics: GeForce MX550, GeForce RTX 2050, Iris Xe Graphics, Radeon or UHD graphics options
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 AX201 or Wi-Fi 6E AX211
• Camera: 720p HD webcam with privacy shutter
• Battery: Up to 9 hours of battery life
• Ports: Two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, HDMI port, Ethernet port, headphone jack
• Dimensions: 14.3 x 0.71 x 9.9 in. (36.3 x 1.8 x 25.1 cm)
• Weight: 4.4 lbs (1.99 kg)
• Powerful processor and ample memory for multitasking
• Sufficient storage options to handle various data needs
• Long battery life for sustained productivity on the go
• Versatile port selection for diverse connectivity needs
• A comfortable keyboard and large touchpad for efficient input
• Affordable price, offering great value for its capabilities
• Build quality could be improved to enhance durability
• Below-average battery life
• Keyboard could be improved as it feels loose

$379.99: Base model with 4GB of memory, 128GB of storage, and an Intel Core i3 Dual-core processor

• $579.99: Mid-range model with 12GB of memory, 512GB of storage, and an Intel Core i5 Deca-core processor
• $1,029.99: Top-of-the-line model with 16GB of memory, 1TB of storage, and an Intel Core i7 Dodeca-core processor

6. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (2022)

Best 2-in-1 travel laptop.

The Surface Pro 9 (2022) is a splendid choice for digital nomads who value flexibility and performance. The device's 2-in-1 nature makes it a versatile tool, capable of adapting to a variety of work environments while its powerful features make it more than capable of handling demanding tasks. It's in fact power-packed with 12th Gen Intel Core processors that deliver exceptional performance, and it's complemented by a stunning PixelSense Flow Display that is simply a joy to use. Despite its lightweight and compact design, it doesn't compromise on battery life, offering up to 11 hours. Additionally, its support for Surface Pen and Surface Dial adds versatility to its use, making it a perfect fit for digital creatives who need to work while traveling.

• Display: 13-inch PixelSense Flow Display with 2880 x 1920 resolution and 267 PPI
• Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U or i7-1255U processor
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth Wireless 5.1 technology; Optional: 4G/LTE/5G and eSim support
• Camera: 10MP rear, 5MP front-facing, Windows Hello
• Battery: Up to 15.5 hours of battery life
• Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4/USB-4 ports, Surface Connect port, Surface Type Cover port
• Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 in. (287 x 209 x 9.3 mm)
• Weight: 31.95 lbs (883 g) without keyboard
• Great processor for high-performance tasks
• PixelSense Flow Display offers excellent visual experience
• Long battery life for all-day productivity
• Compact and lightweight design for easy travel
• Keyboard and touchpad offer comfortable typing and navigation
• Support for Surface Pen and Surface Dial enhances user interaction
• Versatile port selection for diverse connectivity options
• No headphone jack
• High starting price compared to some other options
• Average battery life
• No microSD card slot
• No USB-A port
• Keyboard not included
• $999: Base model with 8GB of memory, 128GB of storage, and 12th Gen Intel Core i5
• $1,399: Mid-range model with 16GB memory, 256GB of storage, and 12th Gen Intel Core i7
• $2,299: Top-of-line model with 32GB memory, 1TB of storage, and 12th Gen Intel Core i7

7. Razer Blade Stealth 14 (2021)

Best travel laptop for gaming.

Razer has consistently delivered top-notch gaming laptops, and the Stealth 14 is no exception. The Razer Blade Stealth 14 (2021) is a dream come true for gaming enthusiasts on the move. It’s a fantastic blend of portability (it's 40% smaller in volume than average 15” gaming laptops) and power, ensuring that your gaming doesn't have to stop, no matter where you are. Its stunning OLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate offers a visually impressive gaming experience. At the same time, the long battery life means you can game on for hours without worrying about finding a power outlet. If gaming is your thing and you're looking for a laptop that can effortlessly handle your favorite titles, the compact Razer Blade Stealth 14 is definitely worth considering.

• Display: 14-inch 165Hz QHD (2560 x 1440) OLED display with 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and 400 nits brightness
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX Processor (8-Cores /16-Threads, 20MB Cache, Up to 4.9 GHz max boost) with NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics
• Memory: 16 GB DDR5-4800MHz (Fixed Onboard)
• Storage: 1TB SSD (M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4)
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (6GB) or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti (16GB)
• Connectivity: Qualcomm Wi-Fi 6E, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.3
• Battery: Up to 12 hours of battery life
• Dimensions: 0.6 x 12.5 x 8.6 in. (16.8 x 220 x 319.7 mm)
• Weight: 3.92 lbs (1.78 kg)
• Stunning OLED display for immersive gaming
• Powerful processor for efficient gaming performance
• Plenty of memory and storage options for heavy games
• Long battery life to endure intense gaming sessions
• Compact and lightweight gaming laptop for easy travel
• Comfortable keyboard for precise control
• Large touchpad for easy navigation
• Durable build quality to withstand the rigors of travel
• Thunderbolt 4 ports for high-speed data transfer
• 165Hz refresh rate for fluid game visuals
• High temperatures and loud fans under demanding loads
• It could have a better battery life
• High starting price compared to other options
• Slightly heavier than other travel laptops
• Speakers are not that loud
• $1,799 : Base model with GeForce RTX 3060 graphics, 1 TB in storage, and 16 GB memory and Full HD 144 Hz Display
• $1,999: Mid-range model with GeForce RTX 3070 Ti graphics and QHD 165 Hz display
• $2,699: Top-of-the-line model with GeForce RTX 3080 Ti graphics and QHD 165 Hz display

8. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023)

Best travel laptop for design or photography.

The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is a stellar pick for design or photography professionals who need a reliable and powerful machine on the go. The Liquid Retina XDR display is a standout feature that brings your creative work to life with its vivid colors and sharp details. Combined with the power of the M2 Pro or M2 Max chip, this laptop can handle any creative task you throw at it. While the price is on the higher side, the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is a worthy investment for those who demand performance, versatility, and quality. It is indeed a mobile creative studio that fits right into your backpack!

• Display: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 3456 x 2234 resolution and 1600 nits peak brightness
• Processor: M2 Pro or M2 Max chip
• Memory: 16GB or 32GB unified memory (configurable to 64GB and 96GB only with M2 Max chip)
• Storage: 512GB or 1TB (configurable to 2TB, 4TB or 8TB)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3
• Camera: 1080p HD webcam with TrueDepth camera system
• Battery: Up to 21 hours of battery life
• Operating System: macOS Ventura
• Ports: Three Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, headphone jack
• Dimensions: 14 x 9.77 x 0.66 in. (355.7 x 248.1 x 16.8 mm)
• Weight: 4.7 lbs (2.15 kg)
• Vibrant Liquid Retina XDR display for precise color
• High-performance M2 Pro/Max chip for demanding tasks
• Multiple memory and storage options
• Impressive battery life for on-the-go productivity
• Versatile port selection for peripherals
• Comfortable keyboard and large touchpad
• Durable build for travel demands
• ProMotion support for smoother screen motion
• Six-speaker setup for immersive audio
• High price tag may discourage some users
• Lack of touchscreen may disappoint creative professionals
• No significant upgrade from 2021 model
• $2,499: Base model with the M2 Pro chip, 16GB of memory, and 512GB of storage
• $2,699: Mid-range model with the M2 Pro chip, 16GB of memory, and 1TB of storage
• $3,499: Top-of-the-line model with the M2 Max chip and 32GB of memory

9. Dell XPS 17 (2023)

Best travel laptop for programming and coding.

For digital nomads and remote workers who require a robust travel laptop for their programming tasks, the Dell XPS 17 (2023) is a perfect choice. Its exceptional specifications, performance, and compact design make it a dependable workhorse for any coding project. The ample screen size is beneficial for programmers, as it allows for efficient multitasking and better code legibility. This powerful, yet portable workstation delivers top-notch performance without sacrificing portability, making it an ideal solution for those who need to take their codebase with them on the go. Although it may be a bit on the expensive side, the investment is well worth it, considering the time it saves and the increase in productivity it provides.

• Display: 17.3-inch InfinityEdge display with 3.5K (3456 x 2160) resolution and 500 nits brightness
• Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H or i9-12900HK processor
• Memory: 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB LPDDR5 unified memory
• Storage: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB PCIe NVMe SSD
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 with 6GB, 4060 with 8GB, 4070 with 8GB, or 4080 with 12GB
• Connectivity: Wireless Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 1675 (AX211), 2x2, 802.11ax, Bluetooth wireless card
• Battery: Up to 10 hours of battery life
• Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, HDMI port, SDXC card reader, headphone jack
• Dimensions: 14.74 x 9.77 x 0.77 in. (374.45 x 248.05 x 19.5 mm)
• Weight: 5.09 lbs (2.31 kg)
• Large InfinityEdge display ideal for coding tasks.
• Good processor for smooth multitasking
• Many memory and storage options for diverse development needs
• Long-lasting battery for extended coding sessions
• Compact and lightweight design for easy mobility
• Comfortable keyboard ideal for lengthy typing
• Large touchpad for seamless navigation
• Robust build quality for travel endurance
• High price tag, though justified by its premium features and performance
• No touch screen, which could have added another dimension to user interaction
• No OLED screen option
• Absence of USB-A, HDMI, or Ethernet port
• Webcam could be better
• $1,199: for the base model with 8GB of memory, 512 GB of storage, 12th Gen Intel i5, and Intel UHD Graphics
• $1,849: for the mid-tier model with 32GB of memory, 1 TB of storage, 13th Gen Intel i7, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, and Touch Screen with InfinityEdge
• $3,369 : for the top-of-the-line model with 64GB of memory, 8 TB of storage, 13th Gen Intel i7, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Graphics, and Touch Screen with InfinityEdge

10. Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 (2022)

Best travel laptop for video editing.

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 (2022) is it's a reliable, high-performing machine that checks all the boxes for a professional-grade video editing laptop while still being mobile enough for someone constantly on the move. It has the power and performance to handle all your video editing and animation needs, and its mobility ensures you can bring your projects wherever you go. If video editing or animation is a significant part of your digital nomad lifestyle, investing in this laptop is definitely a smart move.

• Display: 15.6-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS-Type display with 240Hz refresh rate, 3ms response time, and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS Mobile Processor (8-core/16-thread)
• Memory: 8GB or 16GB DDR5 unified memory
• Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti or 3070 Ti
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax) (Triple band), Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless Card
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Laptop GPU
• Camera: 720P HD IR Camera for Windows Hello
• Ports: one 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, one HDMI 2.1 TMDS, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, one RJ45 LAN port, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support DisplayPort/power delivery, one card reader (microSD) (UHS-II)
• Dimensions: 13.98 x 9.57 x 0.78 in. (35.5 x 24.3 x 1.99 cm)
• Weight: 4.19 lbs (1.90 Kg)
• WQHD display with a 240Hz refresh rate for high-quality imaging
• Powerful AMD Ryzen 9 processor for efficient multitasking
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Laptop GPU for demanding graphics tasks
• Diverse memory and storage options for different workflows
• Long battery life for extended editing sessions
• Versatile port selection for all connectivity needs
• Comfortable keyboard and large touchpad for enhanced user experience
• Durable build to withstand travel
• ROG Intelligent Cooling for heat management
• Noise cancellation feature for audio work
• High price point, although justified by power and features
• It can get pretty hot when overloaded
• The webcam is only 720p and could be improved

11. Acer Swift 5 (2022)

Best travel budget laptop.

If you are a digital nomad considering both performance and budget, we can confidently say the Acer Swift 5 (2022) hits the sweet spot. This travel laptop it's a solid choice for any digital nomad looking for a reliable, budget-friendly laptop without compromising power or performance. In fact, this laptop delivers impressive specs and a solid performance at a price point that won't break the bank, making it the best travel budget laptop in our book. If you're a budget-conscious traveler who needs a dependable workhorse, the Acer Swift 5 (2022) should be at the top of your list.

• Display: 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS LCD display with 300 nits brightness and 45% NTSC color gamut
• Processor: Intel Core i7-1165G7 Quad-core or i7-1260P Dodeca-core processors
• Memory: 16GB LPDDR4X or LPDDR5 unified memory
• Storage: 1 TB PCIe NVMe SSD
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics shared memory
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
• Battery: Up to 15 hours of battery life
• Ports: Two USB-A ports, one USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4, HDMI port, Ethernet port, headphone jack
• Dimensions: 0.59 x 12.6 x 8.1 in. (1.49 x 32 x 20.6 cm)
• Weight: 2.29 lbs (1.03 kg)
• Vivid, crisp display for an excellent visual experience
• Beautiful design
• Great performance for a budget laptop
• Impressive battery life, up to 15 hours
• Compact and lightweight ideal for travel
• Robust build for durability on the move
• Thunderbolt 4 ports for fast data transfer and multiple connections
• The presence of screen glare could be a problem for some
• Slippery keyboard
• Limited availability outside the US
• Slightly pricier than other budget laptops but justified by performance
• $1,199.99: for the base model with 16GB of memory, 1TB of storage, and an Intel Core i7-1165G7 Quad-core
• $1,399.99: for the higher model with the Intel Core i7-1260P Dodeca-core processor

12. HP Spectre x360 16t (2022)

Best travel laptop for data analysis.

The HP Spectre x360 16t (2022) is a powerful, versatile, and feature-rich laptop that is a dream come true for digital nomads who often deal with data analysis. Whether running complex simulations or simply crunching numbers, this laptop will serve you well on any data elaboration projects. This device delivers top-notch performance while providing the flexibility of a 2-in-1 device, making it the best travel laptop for data analysis in the market.

• Display: 16-inch 3072 x 1920 (16:10) OLED touch display with 400 nits brightness and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut
• Processor: Intel Core i7-12700H or i7-1260P
• Memory: 16 or 32GB LPDDR5 unified memory
• Storage: 512GB, 1TB or 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe or Intel Arc A370M (4 GB)
• Connectivity: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.3 wireless card
• Camera: 5MP front-facing camera with Windows Hello
• Dimensions: 14.1 x 9.6 x 0.8 in. (35.8 x 24.53 x 1.99 cm)
• Stunning OLED touch display, ideal for data visualization
• Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor with ample memory and storage for complex data models
• Pleasant design
• Comfortable keyboard and large touchpad for efficient data input
• Fingerprint reader and Windows Hello for secure and convenient access
• Thunderbolt 4 ports for fast data transfer with large data sets
• Higher price point, although justified by great performance
• Battery life could be better
• Lack of webcam privacy shutter
• Too large to use as a tablet for long
• $1,649.99: for the base model with 16GB of memory, 512GB of storage, and an Intel Core i7- processor
• $1,999 : for the mid-tier option with 16GB memory, 1TB of storage, and an Intel Core i7- processor
• $2,419: for the top-of-line option with 32GB memory, 2TB of storage, Intel Core i7- processor, and OLED screen

13. Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 2-in-1 (2022)

Best travel laptop for streaming.

We are digital nomads who love to relax while streaming content or connecting with audiences online, so we know what it means to properly enjoy a show on the go or do some high-quality live streaming. If you are like us, the Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 2-in-1 (2023) is the best travel device for streaming you should have your hands on. It has a 14-inch OLED display which is a treat for the eyes, rendering crisp images and vibrant colors for an immersive viewing experience. Whether you're catching up on your favorite Netflix series or hosting a live-streaming session, this display won't disappoint.

• Display: 14 inches WQUXGA (3840 x 2400), OLED, Glare, Touch, 100% DCI-P3, 400 nits, 60Hz, Low Blue Light
• Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i7-1260P
• Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics eligible
• Memory: Up to 16 GB LPDDR4X 4266MHz
• Storage: 1 TB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 TLC
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 802.11AX (2 x 2) and Bluetooth 5.1 or Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2
• Camera : 1080P FHD IR/RGB Hybrid with Privacy Shutter and Dual Microphone
• Battery : Up to 18 hours of FHD video playback or up to 10 hours of UHD video playback; Rapid Charge Boost: 2 hours from a 15-minute charge
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home or Pro
• Ports: USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 2 x USB-C Thunderbolt 4, headphone/mic combo
• Dimensions: 0.6 x 12.52 x 9.06 in. (15.2 x 318 x 230mm)
• Weight: Starting at 3.09 lbs (1.4 kg)
• Powerful Intel Core i7 processor ensuring robust performance
• Multiple display options, including OLED with Dolby Vision, for high-quality visuals
• Impressive battery life of up to 23 hours, perfect for travel
• Secure and fast storage with up to 1 TB PCIe SSD Gen 4
• Integrated security features like a webcam privacy shutter and facial recognition
• Superior audio with Bowers & Wilkins speakers and Dolby Atmos
• High-speed connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1.
• Compact and lightweight design
• Comes with Precision Pen 2 for enhanced functionality
• Absence of a dedicated graphics card
• Limited to 16GB of memory
• Missing SD card slot or Ethernet port
• High-resolution displays might deplete battery faster
• Potential heating due to slim design
• Lack of a full-sized HDMI port
• Slightly heavier than other 2-in-1 laptops

14. Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Detachable Gen 3 (2022)

Best travel laptop for office and productivity work.

If your life revolves around productivity tools and meeting tight deadlines, you will definitely spend some quality time with the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Detachable Gen 3 (2022) . This is a laptop that doesn't just talk the talk but walks the walk when it comes to office and productivity work. It's a stellar choice for productivity-focused digital nomads thanks to its performance, versatility, and portability blend. Just remember, with great power comes a slightly heftier price tag!

• Display: 13.3-inch (2560 x 1600) IPS touchscreen display with 400 nits brightness and 100% sRGB color gamut
• Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U or i5-1250P processor
• Memory: 16GB LPDDR5 unified memory
• Storage: 256GB or 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
• Connectivity: Intel WiFi 6E (2 x 2), Bluetooth 5.2; Optional : 4G Sim Fibocom L860-GL-16 CAT16
• Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Camera: 720p or 1080p FHD + IR hybrid with privacy shutter
• Dimensions: 0.71 x 12.04 x 8.56 in. (18.10 x 305.8 x 217.56 mm)
• Weight: Starting at 2.6lbs (1.19kg)
• Powerful Intel Core processors for robust multitasking
• Sufficient memory and storage options for productivity tasks
• Compact and lightweight, ideal for nomadic lifestyle
• Two Thunderbolt 4 ports for fast data transfer
• Touchscreen and detachable design for versatility
• Overall build quality could be better
• Battery life could be improved but recharge pretty quickly
• Possible noise due to fan operation
• $1,249: for the base model with 16 GB memory, 256 GB for storage, 720P HD camera, and Intel i5 processor
• $1,749: for the higher model with 16 GB memory, 1 TB for storage, 1080P FHD camera, and Intel i7 processor

15. Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601 - 2022)

Best travel laptop for general web browsing and emails.

As a digital nomad who frequently checks emails and surfs the web for everything from travel inspiration to the latest tech news, we find the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601 - 2022) to be a great partner. This laptop is all about delivering a reliable, smooth, and efficient web browsing and email experience. And it's not just a tool; it's a reliable companion that makes staying connected to the world a seamless and enjoyable experience. So, if you're after a device that offers a balance between performance and functionality, this could be the Chromebook for you.

• Display: 16-inch Touch screen, WUXGA (1920 x 1200) 16:10, Wide view, Glossy display, LED Backlit, 300nits, With stylus support
• Processor: Intel Core i3-1215U, i5-1235U, i5-1245U, i7-1255U and vPro i7-1265U vPro processor options
• Memory: 8 GB or 16GB LPDDR4X unified memory
• Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics or Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 (Dual band) 2x2, Bluetooth 5.3
• Camera: 1080 FHD webcam with privacy shutter
• Operating System: Chrome OS
• Ports: USB-A port, 2x USDB-C ports, HDMI 2.1 port, microSD card reader, headphone jack, 2x Thunderbolt 4
• Dimensions: 14.10 x 10.30 x 0.75 in. (35.82 x 26.16 x 1.90 cm)
• Weight: 4.74 lbs (2.15 kg)
• Bright, large display for better viewing
• Silky, responsive touchpad for smooth navigation
• Great port variety enhances connectivity
• Stylish design and aesthetic
• Exceptional performance ensures smooth operation
• Good battery life for prolonged use
• Low-profile keyboard may require adaptation
• Inconsistent audio performance
• Build quality could be improved
• Not the lightest Chromebook
• Rough edges on faceplate
• Pricier than other Chromebooks but performance justify the price

What Exactly Makes a Laptop Suitable for Digital Nomads?

We shared with you our top picks for the best digital nomad laptops out there. But before you make your final decision, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when choosing your most important tool as a digital nomad. These are:

• Portability: Having a light, slim laptop makes transportation easier during our travels
• Performance: An efficient laptop is equally important, as lagging systems can be a major productivity killer
• Battery Life: Excellent battery life is also crucial for working on the go
• Display Quality: A high-resolution display with accurate colors is key for visual tasks and for reducing eye strain during long remote work hours
• Durability: A good device build ensures the laptop can withstand a nomadic lifestyle
• Connectivity Options: Adequate connectivity options are vital for staying connected while on the go
• Price Range: Of course, the laptop's price must provide value for all its features to make it worth our money.

Once we get clarity about those factors, it will be clear to you what's the best laptop for your digital nomad needs.

Additional Accessories for Your Remote Work Laptop To Consider

As digital nomads ourselves, we know that the life of a digital nomad demands more than just a laptop. To make your remote working experience even smoother, below are a few essential laptop accessories that can significantly improve your productivity:

Portable Laptop Stand

The Roost Laptop Stand is a portable and adjustable stand that raises your laptop to eye level, promoting better posture and reducing the risk of neck strain and discomfort.

Roost Laptop Stand

Wireless mouse.

The Logitech MX Anywhere 3 is a compact and versatile mouse that can track on virtually any surface. It offers a smooth scroll, precise control, and customizable buttons for optimized productivity. If you're fond of the Apple ecosystem instead, you might consider the Apple Magic Mouse 2 , with its sleek design and Multi-Touch surface, which allows for easy navigation. It pairs automatically with your Mac so that you can make it work immediately.

Logitech MX Anywhere 3

External hard drive.

The Samsung T7 Portable SSD is a great option for additional storage or backups. It offers high-speed data transfer and is compact and durable, making it perfect for travelers.

Samsung T7 Portable SSD

Noise-canceling headphones.

If you often work in noisy environments, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones offer industry-leading noise cancelation, exceptional sound quality, and a comfortable fit for long use. If you carry with you Apple devices, the Apple AirPods Pro are also a popular choice. They're compact, have excellent noise cancellation, and the transparency mode is great when you need to hear the environment around you.

Sony WH-1000XM4

Compare the best headphones here:.

Portable Power Bank

The Anker PowerCore 20000mAh is a high-capacity power bank that can charge your USB-C-enabled laptop when you don't have access to an outlet. It's compact and perfect for long flights or work sessions at cafes.

Anker PowerCore 20000mAh

Compare the best laptop power banks here:.

Laptop Backpack

The Incase ICON Slim Backpack is a good choice if you usually use an additional laptop backpack for your travels. It's designed for the comfort and protection of your laptop with multiple compartments to hold all your accessories, making it a great choice for digital nomads.

Incase ICON Slim Backpack

Portable monitor.

Finally, if you often work with multiple screens, consider the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC . It's a slim, lightweight, and portable USB-C monitor that you can easily carry anywhere.

ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC

Compare the best portable monitors here:.

These accessories are not just add-ons, but essential tools that can make your digital nomad lifestyle significantly more comfortable and efficient so consider selecting the ones that best fit your needs.

Other remote work gear you may also be interested in:

So, What's the Best Digital Nomad Laptop for Remote Work?

As a digital nomad and remote worker, it's all about identifying the tool that best aligns with your workflow and lifestyle. Selecting the best remote work laptop depends largely on specific needs, budget , and personal preference. Each one of these laptops has something unique to offer, and while none of them may be the perfect choice for everyone, each is the best in its specific category.

If you're an artist or designer, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (2022) with its Surface Pen (optional) and powerful GPU could be your best bet. The Acer Swift 5 (2022) balances cost and performance for budget-conscious people who still need a competent device. And if your work involves heavy data analysis, the HP Spectre x360 16t (2022) with its powerful processor and memory options is a strong contender. Streaming enthusiasts might instead enjoy the Lenovo Yoga 9i (2023) , while those heavily involved in office and productivity work might find the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Detachable Gen 3 (2022) a perfect fit. When it comes to general web browsing and email tasks, the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5601 - 2022) excels. Finally, the Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022) is hard to beat for the best overall blend of portability and performance.

You may also be interested in:

Ready To Choose Your Next Travel Laptop?

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Electrostal History and Art Museum

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Electrostal History and Art Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Turn Your Curiosity Into Discovery

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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