The 5 Best Laptops for Small Businesses in 2024 [All Budgets]

Laptops are a must-have for every business, much like a second brain, but better at managing spreadsheets, processing orders, video meetings with many people at once, and creating presentations for upcoming product releases. 

Laptops are the go-to tools for small businesses until we can connect with our phones through virtual reality. Choosing the right one from the thousands available can be challenging, but don’t worry. We’ve done the legwork by consulting IT pros and business owners to narrow down your search. 

In this guide, we’ll show you what to look for in the best laptop for small business and review the top 5 options to consider.

What should the best laptop for small business have?

Choosing the right laptop is crucial for small businesses, directly impacting productivity, efficiency, and overall operations. To ensure that your business is equipped with the best tool for the job, it’s essential to consider a range of factors that align with your specific needs and priorities.

Here are some features and considerations when selecting the best laptop for your small business:

• Performance: The laptop must feature sufficient processing power and RAM to handle business applications seamlessly. Minimum RAM should be 8GB, with 16GB recommended for more demanding tasks.
• Portability: Opt for a lightweight and compact design for easy mobility. Laptops weighing around 3 pounds or less are ideal for portability.
• Battery Life: Aim for a battery life of at least 8 hours to sustain productivity throughout the workday.
• Security Features: Essential security features such as fingerprint scanners or TPM for encryption should be included to protect sensitive business data.
• Connectivity: Essential ports such as USB Type-A, USB Type-C, HDMI, and Ethernet should enable seamless connectivity with peripherals and networks.
• Budget: While considering features and specifications, ensure the laptop falls within your budget range without compromising essential requirements.

READ MORE: The 5 Best Laptops For Working From Home in 2024 ➜

The Best Laptops for Small Business

We’ve researched the market and compiled a list of the top five laptops from well-known brands. These laptops have long-lasting batteries and strong processors, giving you all you need to excel in business activities. Keep reading to discover which one is the perfect match for you.

1. Apple MacBook Air M1

Best Value for Money

Pros

• The M1 chip gives amazing speed
• Apps made for Intel chips run smoothly
• Long-lasting battery
• The screen is sharp and colorful
• You can use iPhone and iPad apps on it

Cons

• It only has two USB-C ports for plugging things in
• It still has thick bezels
• Heating issues are normal

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↪ Specs

• Processor: Apple M1 8-Core Processor
• Memory: 8-16 GB RAM
• Display: 13.3-inch Retina Display, 2560 x 1600 resolution
• Battery: Up to 15 hours of web, up to 18 hours of video playback
• Weight: 2.8 pounds

The MacBook Air M1 is a top pick for anyone running a small business due to its powerful M1 chip by Apple. This sleek laptop packs a punch, making it perfect for those needing strong performance to complete their day-to-day tasks. 

It’s about more than just speed; this laptop is great at handling multiple tasks at once. Whether it’s dealing with numbers, creating designs, or editing videos, the MacBook Air M1 does it all smoothly, keeping your work flowing without any hitches.

You can choose up to 16GB of RAM and a massive 2TB of SSD storage, giving you plenty of space and speed for all your projects. The visuals on this laptop are also something to talk about. With its impressive Retina display, everything from presentations to video meetings and bringing your ideas to life looks better than ever.

Connectivity is another strong point of the MacBook Air M1, a plus point for small businesses. It comes with Thunderbolt 3 ports, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, making it easy to connect to the internet and other devices anywhere your business takes you.

The M1 chip means this laptop performs much better than older models, with tests showing faster CPU and graphics speeds. It runs on macOS 13.2 Ventura, which adds handy features for screen sharing and staying connected. 

Whether you’re working from your home office, seeing clients, or on the go, the MacBook Air M1 is an excellent laptop for small business owners.

READ MORE: The 9 Best i7 Windows Laptops To Buy In 2024 ➜

2. Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon

Best Overall

Pros

• Good speed and battery lasts a long time
• Top-notch keyboard for typing
• Thin and lightweight still has lots of plug-in spots
• Decent speakers
• Very durable and built to last

Cons

• Missing slots for SD or microSD cards
• It costs a lot of money
• You can't get it with a 4K screen anymore

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↪ Specs

• Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1365U vPro 
• Memory: 16 GB LPDDR5-6400MHz (Soldered)
• Storage: 1 TB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 Performance TLC Opal
• Display: 14″ WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS, Anti-Glare,
• Battery: 57 Watt-hour battery (13 hours and 45 minutes battery life)
• Weight: 2.5 lbs

If you’re running a small business and need a powerful laptop that is easy to carry and great for all kinds of tasks, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a solid choice. It’s stylish and packed with top-notch features, perfect for work.

This laptop is super light, weighing just 2.5 pounds, so it’s easy to take anywhere. But don’t let its slim and light design fool you—its MIL–STD–810H certification makes it tough enough to handle drops and everyday challenges, meaning your investment is safe and sound.

The X1 Carbon runs on an Intel Core i7-1365U vPro. This gives it plenty of power to multitask, run business programs, and keep up with your busy schedule without lagging, especially with 16GB of RAM supporting smooth operations even with heavy software.

The 14-inch touchscreen makes everything look clear and sharp, though it might need to be brighter and more color-accurate than other laptops. Still, it gives you enough space for work, like managing spreadsheets, documents, and presentations.

Security is key for small businesses, and this laptop has you covered with a fingerprint reader on the power button and an optional face-recognition camera for secure logins. It also comes with the same tough durability certification, ready to take on the demands of daily work life.

For plugging in extras, the X1 Carbon includes several ports: Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2, HDMI, and a headphone jack. You can easily connect to other devices, screens, and accessories.

With its portability, power, and strong security features, this laptop is ideal for small businesses and startups. It ensures that you stay productive and secure wherever you are.

READ MORE: What’s the Difference Between A Chromebook and A Laptop? ➜

3. HP ProBook 450 G9

Best for Performance

Pros

• High-performance Intel Core i7 processor.
• Durable with spill-resistant keyboard with wide numeric keypad.
• Sufficient storage with 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD.
• Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics for quality visuals
• HP security management tools for enhanced protection

Cons

• Limited GPU performance with power constraints.
• Standard brightness at 250 nits may affect outdoor visibility.
• There is only 45% NTSC color gamut on the display.

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↪ Specs

• Processor: Intel Core i7-1255U Intel Turbo Boost Technology
• Memory: 8 GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM
• Storage: 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
• Display: 15.6″ diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080), IPS
• Battery: HP Long Life 3-cell, 42 Wh Li-ion
• Weight: Starting at 1.74 kg

If you are finding a strong and high performing laptop for your small business, the HP ProBook 450 G9 is an excellent example of high efficiency and strong durability. It is designed for small business people who need dependability and power in their work tools.

It stands out in the ProBook series by offering a good mix of features that suit everyday needs and demanding tasks, all without costing too much money.

This laptop is powered by Intel’s Core i7-1255U processor, making it very efficient. It’s part of the Alder Lake-U series and competes well with similar processors. The ProBook 450 G9 works quietly and stays cool, even when used for challenging tasks.

With Intel Iris Xe Graphics, the ProBook 450 G9 does well with graphics-heavy activities, like editing business videos or working with demanding graphic design software.

Its 15.6-inch Full HD screen is bright and clear, showing sharp and vibrant pictures. The screen also has a special coating to reduce glare, so you can work long hours without your eyes getting tired, keeping you productive even in bright or reflective environments.

The laptop has plenty of storage and memory, with a 512 GB SSD and 8 GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM. This means it starts quickly and can handle many tasks at once without slowing down.

The HP ProBook 450 G9 has a versatile range of ports, including one USB Type-C port capable of 10Gbps data transfer, which also supports power delivery and DisplayPort connections. It also offers three USB Type-A ports with a 5Gbps signaling rate, including one for charging and another for power, alongside an AC power input.

It also has an HD webcam that, together with HP’s noise-reducing software, makes business meetings great in both visuals and sound.

Security is taken seriously, with options like a fingerprint scanner, TPM 2.0, and HP Wolf Security to protect against online threats, making it ideal for startups. The ProBook 450 G9’s keyboard is resistant to spills so that a little accident won’t ruin your day.

READ MORE: 10 Guaranteed Fixes For When Your Laptop is Not Turning On ➜

4. Dell XPS 13

Best for Multitasking

Pros

• A lightweight & portable design ideal for travel.
• High-performance 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor
• 512GB SSD offers ample storage space
• Bright and clear FHD+ display enhances visuals
• Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics for quality graphics

Cons

• Limited port selection requires adapters
• High specs may impact battery life
• Premium features at a higher price point

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↪ Specs

• Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1250U 
• Display: 13.4″, FHD+ 1920×1200, Anti-Glare
• Memory: 8 GB LPDDR5, 5200 MT/s
• Storage: 512 GB PCIe x2 NVMe SSD
• Battery Life: 3 Cell, 51 Wh, Up to 12 hours with FHD+ non-touch
• Weight: 2.59 lb (1.17 kg) minimum

A reliable and powerful laptop is crucial for small businesses. The Dell XPS 13 is a solution and a game-changer with its top-notch features and strong performance.

The Dell XPS 13’s main attraction is its 12th-generation Intel Core i7 processor. This four-core beast makes multitasking and demanding tasks seem effortless. Despite its base speed of 1.3GHz, which can boost up to 3.9GHz, it’s built to perform well without draining the battery quickly.

The Dell XPS 13 stands out with its storage and memory capabilities, featuring an 8 GB LPDDR5, 5200 MT/s memory, and a 512 GB PCIe x2 NVMe SSD. These specs ensure the laptop handles storage demands and multitasking efficiently, making it suitable for various small business’s tasks.

The XPS 13 stands out for its connectivity features. It has two Thunderbolt 4 ports for quick data transfers and connecting to various displays or devices, boosting productivity. A microSD card reader lets you add more storage, and Wi-Fi 6 offers speedy and stable internet connections, which are essential for any business.

One of the Dell XPS 13’s standout features is its 13.4-inch FHD Anti-Glare InfinityEdge display. The nearly edgeless screen makes everything from presentations to video calls look fantastic, with sharp and precise details. The option for a touch screen adds an extra level of interaction, which is ideal for presentations and other hands-on tasks.

Its design is both stylish and tough, ready to handle daily business tasks and light enough to take on the go, weighing only 2.59 lb. This makes the XPS 13 perfect for traveling to meetings or business trips.

For small businesses, security is a big deal, and the XPS 13 takes it seriously with a fingerprint reader built into the power button. This, along with Windows Hello, provides a secure and quick way to access your laptop, keeping your business information safe.

READ MORE: How to Fix a Lagging Laptop When Plugged In: Causes and Solutions ➜

5. Microsoft Surface 5

Best Efficiency

Pros

• Sleek & minimalist design with a new sage green color option
• Comfortable viewing without aggressive PWM
• Magnetic Surface Connect port for convenient charging and docking
• Decent battery life for productivity tasks
• Premium touchpad and keyboard experience

Cons

• Lacks a card reader for direct media access
• No Ethernet LAN port for wired internet connections.
• It is missing a security lock slot for physical device security.

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↪ Specs

• Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1255U, Intel Evo platform
• Memory: 8GB, 16GB LPDDR5x RAM
• Storage: 56GB, 512GB Removable SSDs
• Display: 13.5″ PixelSense Display, 2256 x 1504 (201 PPI
• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
• Weight: Fabric 2.80 lbs, Metal: 2.86 lbs

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is an excellent tool for small business owners, blending a stylish look, strong performance, and great flexibility. It runs on the latest 12th Gen Intel processors, ensuring it can keep up with the fast pace of today’s business tasks.

You can choose between an Intel Core i5-1235U or Core i7-1255U processor. Moving to these 12th-generation CPUs means better efficiency and more power, letting business people handle demanding tasks like analyzing data or creating content smoothly.

The Surface Laptop 5 excels in performance and storage capacity, equipped with 8 GB or 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM options and removable SSDs ranging from 256 GB to 1 TB. This configuration ensures the laptop can efficiently manage various tasks and store significant data, making it a versatile choice for both work and personal use.

The Surface Laptop 5 stands out for its thin design and light build, especially the 13.5″ version that starts at just 2.80 lbs for fabric and 2.86 lbs for metal. It’s perfect for small business people who are always on the move. 

The touchscreen PixelSense display works with the Surface Pen and Surface Dial, offering bright colors and sharp details that can boost your productivity and creativity. The screen’s 3:2 aspect ratio also means less scrolling when working on documents or online.

The Surface Laptop 5 features a range of connectivity ports, including a USB-C port that supports USB 4.0 and Thunderbolt 4 for high-speed data transfer and external display capabilities. 

It also includes a USB-A 3.1 port for traditional USB devices, a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio connections, and a Surface Connect port, enhancing its versatility in connecting various accessories, charging, and docking.

The 13.5″ model can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, making the Surface Laptop 5 ready to support long workdays. It’s easy-to-carry design makes it simple for small business owners to switch between the office, client meetings, and work from anywhere.

READ MORE: 8 Solutions to Fix Laptop Can’t Detect Wi-Fi But Phone Can ➜

Why we selected these 5 laptops for small businesses?

Selecting the ideal laptop for small businesses involves balancing performance, cost, and reliability. We’ve chosen these five laptops for small businesses based on critical criteria that meet the diverse needs and constraints typical of smaller operations. Here’s why these models stand out:

↪ Budget-friendly without compromise

All selected laptops are within a modest price range of $600 to $1200. This range is particularly appealing for small businesses with significant budget constraints.

Despite their affordability, these laptops do not compromise on essential features such as performance, durability, and battery life. They offer the best value for money, providing small businesses with the necessary tools without breaking the bank.

↪ Availability of refurbished and used options

The market for the chosen laptops is extensive. Along with new ones, you can easily get refurbished and used ones. This availability is crucial for small businesses looking to optimize their expenditures further.

Refurbished and used laptops are often in excellent condition and come from businesses that regularly update their IT equipment. These options allow small businesses to access high-quality laptops at a fraction of the cost of buying new ones, making premium features and robust performance more accessible.

↪ Battery life & performance

These laptops are chosen for their ability to keep businesses running smoothly, long battery life, and strong performance. They’re equipped to handle multitasking and business applications efficiently, ensuring productivity isn’t hindered by frequent recharges or slow processing.

↪ Durability & reliability

These laptops are designed to withstand the demands of small business operations with their durable build and proven performance reliability. They’re built to minimize downtime and maintenance costs, ensuring businesses operate smoothly without frequent interruptions.

↪ Connectivity options

These laptops are made to easily fit into different work setups with their wide range of connection options. They come with modern USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth for easy and fast connections to devices and the internet, helping work and teamwork flow smoothly.

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Which one should you pick for your small business? 

If you’re looking for the perfect small business laptop, we’ve explored options like the Lenovo X1 Carbon, Dell XPS 13, Microsoft Surface 5, and HP ProBook G9 450. Each offers strengths from powerful performance and durability to flexibility, meeting various business needs efficiently.

The Apple MacBook Air M1 is the prime choice for its supreme performance, battery life, and reliability. The revolutionary M1 chip redefines what’s possible in a lightweight laptop, offering blistering performance that can easily tackle any business task.

Its exceptional battery life ensures you can work through the longest days without searching for a power outlet, while the robust build quality and macOS ecosystem offer reliability and a seamless user experience. The MacBook Air M1’s connectivity and security features make it a wise choice for businesses prioritizing data protection and versatility.