In today’s fast-paced world, travel and work often go hand in hand. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a frequent business traveler, or simply someone who enjoys staying connected while on the go, having the right travel laptop is essential for a good journey. In this article, we will explore the key factors to consider when choosing the best travel laptop to meet your specific needs. When it comes to selecting the best travel laptop, the first step is understanding your unique travel needs. Ask yourself:
1. Price
Make sure you are aware of your budget before considering the laptop’s features and specifications. Comparing laptops with similar price points is also valuable for ensuring that you get the best deal possible.
2. Size and Weight
A laptop’s portability is important, especially while travelling. Is it portable and light enough to make travelling with it easy? Would a suitcase fit inside? How much weight can you carry for a two-week hiking trip? Can it easily pass security at the airport?
3.Battery Life
A longer battery life is often associated with a greater price, but if you work while travelling, it can really simplify your life!
A powerful laptop allows you to continue working even when you’re stuck on a long trip or train ride without access to a power outlet.
4. Room for Storage
Again, additional storage will cost more, but consider this a long-term investment. If you produce content like films and images, which take up more space than simple word documents, storage is very important.
5. How Much RAM Is Required?
Your laptop’s RAM (random access memory), which stores data before processing it, determines how effectively it can perform “multi-tasking” based on its size.
Imagine using Lightroom to edit images, Google Docs to write a blog post, and YouTube to view a video (p.s. Check out our channel). A big RAM capacity enables seamless job switching.
A concise summary of the most popular RAM sizes is provided below:
- 4GB: Perfect for email writing, word processing programmes, and ordinary browsing.
- 8GB: All of the aforementioned, plus video calls and simple photo editing. 8GB of RAM ought to be sufficient if you’re just running a basic blog without doing anything particularly demanding.
- 16GB: This is the minimum amount required to multitask while editing up to 4K films and images. It meets the requirements for digital nomads’ RAM. We assure you that it will greatly simplify your life (and travel)!
- 32GB: Typically utilised in gaming laptops or for intensive video editing—we’re not talking about travel or YouTube videos here—this is high-quality content!
6. Computer Power
You should also give processing power priority if you are using high-resolution videos and editing software. We assure you that doing this will make using your laptop much more enjoyable.
Your laptop’s CPU acts as its brain and heart. You should get at least an i7 for demanding tasks like video editing, however the i9 is currently the most potent model available.
As Adobe Premier Pro may be quite demanding for video editing, particularly during the rendering process, we chose for high processing power. For laptops with less computing power, cloud/browser based video editors like Clipchamp could be less demanding.
If you’re not doing anything too demanding or don’t mind editing at a buffering pace and have a lot of patience, an i5 will work for a travel laptop. Any laptop with a processor smaller than an i5 (i3) will not work well as a travel laptop, unless all you want to do is check email and browse the internet.
Gamers, 3D designers, and high-resolution video editors can run their programmes without consuming a lot of RAM and slowing down the computer’s general performance thanks to a separate graphics chip.
I can readily edit video footage, even in 4K, thanks to my i7 CPU, and I have no trouble editing in Lightroom, Photoshop, and After Effects. Additionally, it can carry out several of these operations simultaneously without crashing, which is a true testimonial to its high quality!
7. Do You Prefer Windows, Apple, or Chrome OS For Software?
Even though Apple can seem to be the pinnacle of all technology companies, buying an Apple laptop makes little sense if you don’t already utilise their goods or appreciate their operating system.
But picking one of their laptops makes sense if you currently use Apple and want simple connection with their other goods.
Windows Operating System Advantages
- a high degree of compatibility with Microsoft software
- simple to upgrade
- Even for non-technical people, a familiar interface
- more affordable and model choices
Drawbacks of the Windows operating system
- more susceptible to hackers and viruses
- Updates to Windows could feel disruptive.
- There are so many choices it might be overwhelming.
Advantages of the Apple operating system
- interaction with other Apple devices that is seamless
- Premium-feeling and extremely durable
- Excellent for editing photos, videos, and music
Drawbacks of the Apple Operating System
- extremely high prices and a small selection
- hardware possibilities are limited.
- many adaptors may need to be purchased.
Benefits of the Chrome OS
- Compared to a Windows laptop of the same price, feels faster.
- Simple to use and set up
- Chromebooks have long-lasting batteries.
Drawbacks of the Chrome OS
- No Windows software will run
- Most web-based applications cannot function without a connection.
- Poorer construction, audio, and visual quality
The Top 12 Portable Laptops
1. ASUS Zenbook 13 – Best Travel Laptop in General
1.11 kilogrammes
Up to 13 hours of battery life
Specifications: Intel® CoreTM i7-1165G7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of SSD
Display: 13.3″, 1920 x 1080 Full HD
Window’s operating system
We determined that the ASUS Zenbook 13 is the best travel laptop you can now buy based on its weight, size, power, and price.
Even if it isn’t the most powerful device on this list, the laptop I have been using since late 2018 on our vacation to Sri Lanka is nonetheless an incredible piece of equipment.I’ve been using it to run our website for more than three years, and it is still operating exactly the same way as it did when we initially acquired it.
It provides all that the majority of travellers could possible need and then some, and it costs about 40% less than its marginally more potent competitors.
A great travel laptop must also have a long battery life, and the ASUS Zenbook 13 offers up to 18 hours of battery life in addition to its small size and light weight, making it ideal for travel.
Additionally, the Zenbook 13 is the thinnest 13″ laptop in the world with full I/O connections, including USB-A and HDMI. Its power-to-size ratio is demonstrated by the fact that it is even small enough to fit in my Loctote Flak Sack.
The cutting-edge ASUS ScreenPad 2.0 will thrill you if you prefer using a number pad but don’t want to tote around bulky computers. When this feature is turned on, the touchpad will begin to glow.
The ASUS Zenbook 13’s advantages
- 18 hours of excellent battery life
- I/O ports are fully functional despite the small design.
- NumberPad 2.0 innovation
The ASUS Zenbook 13’s drawbacks
- Fan is easily activated and is quite loud.
- After buying, you can’t upgrade your RAM.
- Keyboards with more function keys could seem crowded.
2. The most powerful 13-inch travel laptop is the Dell XPS 13
1.27 kilogrammes
Up to 4 hours of battery life
Specifications: 512 GB SSD, 16 GB RAM, and an 11th-generation Intel Core i7-1195G7 processor.
Display: 13.4″, 1920 x 1080 Full HD
Window’s operating system
The DELL XPS 13 is unquestionably my second top option for best travel laptop, I would say.
Perfect for those of you who desire a laptop with a little bit more power than the ASUS Zenbook 13 and are willing to spend a premium price.
It’s not nearly as powerful, but it costs less, has a smaller screen, is lighter, and is ideal for 90% of tourists. If we didn’t require the XPS 15’s video editing capabilities, it is what we would bring on our trip.
It can fit into your rucksack with ease and you won’t even notice it’s there at 1.27 kg! Ideal if you travel frequently and don’t want a bulky laptop.
With its practically borderless Infinity Edge screen, the Dell XPS 13 still delivers stunning colour reproduction. A large screen may be quite helpful, whether it’s for viewing movies or editing videos!
The Dell XPS 13’s benefits
- extremely portable and elegant
- Display with Infinity Edge and anti-glare coating
- Killer AXE 1650 WiFi 6 offers literally killer Wi-Fi performance.
The DELL XPS 13’s drawbacks
- a single USB-C port
- USB-A port absent
- incorrect camera angle
3. Best Travel Laptop For Video Editing: Dell XPS 15
2.05 kilogrammes
Life of Battery: Up to 13.5 hours
Processor: Intel Core i7-10750H, RAM: 8 GB, SSD: 512 GB
Display: 15.6″, 1920 x 1200p Full HD
Window’s operating system
With the Dell XPS 15, you can’t go wrong if you’re a video editor. We presently employ it, and it has shown to be simply fantastic.
You may multitask and edit 4K videos without experiencing any slowdown. It’s possibly one of the best laptops available right now.
It is quite light and convenient to keep in a van (which is what we are presently using to travel in), but it would be great to bring along even if we were still using a backpack.
The Dell XPS 15 is a best travel laptop if you require a high-performance laptop and aren’t too worried by its somewhat higher weight due to its outstanding performance and storage space.
The DELL XPS 15’s benefits
- Performance that is incredibly quick is great for travel bloggers and vloggers.
- a screen with high quality for viewing movies and editing photos
- excellent battery life, even when prolonged use
The DELL XPS 15’s drawbacks
- For hikers, it could seem a little too heavy.
- The cost may represent an investment.
- It is readily overheated.
4. MacBook Air M1, the best Apple travel laptop at 13 inches
1.29 kilogrammes
Up to 18 hours of battery life
Specifications: Apple M1 processor, Octa-core, 8 GB RAM, and 512 GB SSD
13.3″ Quad HD 2560 x 1600p display
MacOS Big Sur (11.0) is the operating system.
Perhaps you don’t like Windows and would rather use Apple OS on your laptop for vacation. The MacBook Air M1 is our best pick in that situation. It is exceptionally fast, sleek, and thin.
Additionally, because it is so small and light, it can even fit in most quality camera backpacks, which is ideal if you already travel with a lot of technology.
It is clear that the new Apple M1 chip has incredible performance. It has outstanding thermal efficiency and is 3.5 times faster. The machine runs quietly because there isn’t a fan inside.
Better better, you may use this laptop for up to 18 hours because it can do demanding tasks without draining the battery too much. We cannot emphasise enough how drastically altering this may be, particularly for a digital nomad who travels frequently.
The MacBook Air’s benefits
- long-lasting battery that lasts the entire day (18 hours)
- The M1 chip is very quick and potent.
- It can be handy to have integrated programmes like iMovie and GarageBand.
The MacBook Air’s drawbacks
- only two ports and limited connectivity
- not compatible with multiple screen displays
- No integrated 4G or 5G option
5. Most powerful Apple travel laptop: MacBook Pro 13″
Size: 1.4 kilogramme
Up to 20 hours of battery life
Specifications: Apple M1 processor, Octa-core, 8 GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD
13.3″ Quad HD 2560 x 1600p display
MacOS Big Sur (11.0) is the operating system.
Again, the MacBook Pro 13 is your best option if you’re an Apple enthusiast and want the most potent portable computer. It is a true workhorse that is capable of managing any demanding tasks while in motion.
Although its M1 chip is undoubtedly a benefit, we also adore that it has the Magic Keyboard. Your productivity can now be streamlined and made extremely effective thanks to a new scissor mechanism, 1 mm of key travel, and an integrated Touch Bar.
The MacBook Pro’s benefits
- has one of the longest laptop battery lives.
- The M1 chip delivers quick and powerful performance.
- Touch ID fingerprint reader and Touch Bar
- Magic Keyboard is included for the greatest typing experience.
The MacBook Pro’s drawbacks
Standard SSD storage is less at 256 GB.
Webcam only has 720p resolution, which is subpar for the price.
just two USB-C or Thunderbolt ports
The best HP travel laptop is the HP ENVY 13.3″ Intel Core I5 laptop
Size: 1.3 kilogramme
Battery life: 9.5 hours or more
Specifications: Intel® CoreTM i5-10210U processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of SSD
Display: 13.3″, 1920 x 1080 Full HD
Window’s operating system
The HP Envy 13.3″ laptop has a sleek appearance, strong performance, and a price that makes it an excellent choice for individuals on a limited budget.
It was the first portable computer we had purchased, and we travelled around South America on it for four months for the first time ever.
Because of its outstanding performance, we believe that this laptop might be the greatest laptop for trip photography. Videos may be edited rather easily using the NVIDIA GeForce MX450 GPU, albeit there will still be some buffering.
Benefits Of The HP Envy
- For editing high-quality photos, quick performance is useful.
- 400 nit display that is bright
- strong and fantastic speakers
Issues With The HP Envy
- a shorter battery life than other portable computers
- No Thunderbolt 3 and HDMI
- In outdoor work areas, reflective screens make it more difficult to see.
7. Best Cheap Travel Laptop: ASUS C223 11.6″ Chromebook
One kilogramme
Up to 10 hours of battery life
Intel® CoreTM Celeron N3350 Processor, 4 GB RAM, and 32 GB eMMC are the specifications.
11.6″ HD Ready 1366 x 768p display
System of operation: Chrome OS
The ASUS C223 11.6″ Chromebook, which is in our opinion the best budget travel laptop currently available, is ideal for those on a tight budget.
This is one of the thinnest Chromebooks and is incredibly light in weight. Additionally to having a 10 hour battery life, it is a great travel companion.
The Asus Chromebook’s advantages
- Very reasonable, especially given how quickly it performs.
- It is thin and lightweight, making it simple to transport.
- viewing films and videos in high HD
The Asus Chromebook’s drawbacks
- Unsuitable for demanding and prolonged tasks
- 4 GB of RAM is not enough
- Microsoft items can only be used with a subscription.
8. best laptop for business travellers is the Microsoft Surface Pro 7
0.77 kilogrammes
Battery Life: 10.5 hours maximum
Specifications: Intel Core i5-1035G4 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 128 GB SSD
12.3″ Quad HD 2736 x 1824p display
Window’s operating system
Although graphic artists and video editors may not find the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 to be the best option, it performs exceptionally well for commercial tasks.
This 2-in-1 model, which combines a laptop and tablet into one gadget, is ideal for the businessperson or entrepreneur who travels frequently.
It’s a total dream in terms of adaptability! Based on your current needs, you can utilise it in Tablet, Laptop, or even Studio Mode.
However, as each accessory may be any colour or style you like, this allows for a tonne of personalisation.
With a weight of only 0.77 kg, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is likewise exceptionally light. You can watch a good movie in comfort thanks to the high-resolution PixelSense Display and Dolby Audio Premium.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7’s advantages
- extremely portable and light
- Alternate between the laptop, tablet, and studio modes
- clear visuals and a sharp display
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7’s drawbacks
- Pen and keyboard are offered separately.
- lacks a Thunderbolt port
- If there is no fan, usage may result in decreased performance.
9. LENOVO IdeaPad Flex 5 – Top Travel Notebook
Size: 1.5 kilogramme
Battery life is 10 hours or more.
Specifications: Intel® CoreTM i5-1035G1 Processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD
Display: 14″ 1920 x 1080 Full HD
Window’s operating system
A notebook is essentially a laptop’s smaller, less expensive, and less powerful sibling. Don’t worry though, it’s not necessarily a terrible thing!
In fact, the LENOVO IdeaPad Flex 5 might be a better choice if you’re seeking for a more mobile and adaptable device for simple jobs. Although it is not the lightest 2-in-1 laptop, the design is still compact enough to carry in a laptop bag.
The LENOVO IdeaPad’s advantages
- 2-in-1 touch screen design
- a sturdy, plush, and fashionable chassis
- webcam privacy shutter
The LENOVO IdeaPad’s drawbacks
- A 2-in-1 type that is somewhat heavy and is not the most portable
- A 250-nit display is very low light.
- Unsuitable for intensive multitasking is 4GB RAM.
10. HP Spectre X360 I7
Size: 1.3 kilogramme
Up to 19.5 hours of battery life
Specifications: Intel® CoreTM i7-1065G7 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of SSD
Display: 13.3″, 1920 x 1080 Full HD
Window’s operating system
With a 16:9 aspect ratio, the HP Spectre x360 i7 is ideal for streaming your favourite movies and television shows. Not to mention how amazing the almost borderless display is.
Apart from that, you can work on nearly anything with this laptop. It boasts an 8GB RAM and a fairly strong processor, allowing you to multitask and execute demanding jobs with ease.
However, the HP Spectre x360’s appearance is where its greatest beauty lies. The all-aluminum body is strong and gorgeous, with a lovely gem-cut design that feels upscale.
Added security features on this HP laptop include a fingerprint reader and a privacy setting for the camera.
The HP Spectre X360’s advantages
- outstanding and quick performance
- Excellent security features, including face and fingerprint recognition
- Stunning gem-cut design and body made entirely of aluminium
The HP Spectre X360’s drawbacks
- Heats up very easily
- Fan noise can be obtrusive and loud.
- Maximum volume could result in grating sounds.
11. DELL Inspiron
1.27 kilogrammes
Up to 17 hours of battery life
Specifications: Intel® CoreTM i7-1165G7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of SSD
Display: 13.3″, 1920 x 1080 Full HD
Window’s operating system
The DELL Inspiron 13 is another top-notch travel laptop to take into consideration. This type is also adaptable and can be used as a laptop, tablet, or tent.
The DELL Inspiron 13 may be used in several viewing modes and can be folded into tablet mode, just as the IdeaPad Flex. However, unlike the Microsoft Surface laptop, the monitor and keyboard are not genuinely detachable.
It also has a fantastic battery life of up to 17 hours. When you consider the great performance it also provides, this is absolutely amazing. This laptop’s 512 GB SSD and 16 GB of RAM make it suitable for editing and even gaming.
You’ll also adore Windows Hello, a function that uses the webcam to unlock the computer automatically. Additionally, you can feel more protected while browsing by using the privacy shutter.
The Dell Inspiron 13’s advantages
- fantastic battery life
- For a 2-in-1 model, the performance is astounding.
- a full HD screen that supports a touchscreen or an active pen
Cons of the 13-inch Dell Inspiron
- There is no way to increase onboard memory.
- few connectivity choices and few ports
- Quite heavy for a two-in-one model
12. 14-inch HP 14a Chromebook
1.46 kilogrammes
Life of Battery: Up to 13.5 hours
Specifications: Intel Celeron N4020 processor, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of eMMC
Display: 14″ 1920 x 1080 Full HD
System of operation: Chrome OS
The HP 14a 14″ Chromebook is a fantastic option if you’re searching for a cheap Chromebook to take on vacation.
For easy chores that can be completed on a laptop rather than a smartphone, we advise using this. From planning your trip or doing research, to watching blockbuster films online, to checking up on social media.
Not to mention that it provides excellent audio, courtesy of the personalised tuning performed by professionals at Bang & Olufsen.
The inability to run desktop-based software on the HP 14a, like other Chromebooks, is one of its main limitations. Microsoft Office, Photoshop, and all graphically demanding games fall within this category. Instead, you can run them through a browser, but the functionality will be constrained.
The Dell Inspiron 13’s advantages
- Travel-friendly Chromebook price
- Viewing on a large 14-inch screen is comfortable.
- countless app options across the board
Cons of the 13-inch Dell Inspiron
- Possibly not the best for difficult tasks
- Desktop-based software cannot be used.
- Inappropriate for offline work
