9 Best laptops for remote work and distributed teams in 2024

As more companies take advantage of a globally talented workforce and offer remote working to their current employees, they have to make sure their workforce has the best laptop for working remotely.

This means ensuring employees have a laptop that is easily transportable and can handle multiple programs and tabs at the same time. So, how do you find the right laptop to equip your new remote hire, and how do you get it to them?

This guide will help you choose the perfect laptop and the best technology for your remote workforce. With the right equipment, you can easily manage a remote team efficiently.

What is the best laptop for remote work in 2024?

Full disclosure: We love Apple. There are just too many positives regarding processing power, portability, build quality, and design. There is also the fact that with GroWrk, you can get your business laptops shipped to over 150+ countries while enjoying the benefits of our comprehensive services, including IT procurement.

We still included several other options available in our platform, like the Dell XPS 13 or Lenovo Thinkpad x1 carbon for the Windows laptop lovers out there. 

Since we didn't want to limit this list to just the type of portable computer you can purchase on our platform, we added the Microsoft Surface Pro 7, HP Envy, Acer Aspire, and the Asus Zenbooks, which can also be great business laptops. Plus, if you need help sending these devices to your distributed team, we've got you covered!

Want these options shipped to your address immediately? We offer PC options and distribution services for your current inventory. 

1. Apple MacBook Pro -16"

The best laptop for remote work in 2024 is the Apple MacBook Pro. This laptop is perfect for graphic designers, developers, video editors, or those who need to use a bunch of apps for work. It comes equipped with the powerful Apple M3 Pro chip, featuring a 12-core CPU and an 18-core GPU, ensuring optimum application responsiveness and processing power.

With up to 8TB of onboard storage capacity, you will never need an external hard drive. The 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display provides an immersive viewing experience, making it a great gaming laptop –in case you are a pro gamer and gaming is your day job. Additionally, hardware-accelerated ray tracing accelerates any type of design task.

This Apple MacBook model also boasts up to 22 hours of battery life, support for multiple external displays, and advanced security features like hardware-accelerated encryption and a 16-core Neural Engine. 

Features:

• Includes AppleCare+
• Screen Size: 16.2"
• Processor: Apple M3 Pro (12-core CPU with 6 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores)
• Memory: 18GB unified memory, configurable to 36GB, 48GB, 64GB, or 128GB
• Hard Drive: 512GB SSD, configurable to 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB
• Weight: 2.14kg (M3 Pro), 2.16kg (M3 Max)

2. Apple MacBook Pro - 14"

The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch is a powerful and versatile laptop ideal for remote work. Equipped with the new Apple M3 chip, this laptop offers incredible processing power with an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, ensuring smooth performance for demanding tasks.

With a great battery life of up to 22 hours, you can work remotely without constantly searching for a power outlet. Its smaller screen and incredible performance make it one of the best laptops for working on the go. The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display delivers stunning visuals, making it perfect for design work, video editing, and content creation. 

The high-fidelity six-speaker sound system and studio-quality three-mic array provide excellent audio performance for virtual meetings, video calls, and media consumption. 

Features:

• Includes AppleCare+
• Screen Size: 14.2"
• Processor: Apple M3 (8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores)
• Memory: 8GB unified memory, configurable to 16GB or 24GB
• Hard Drive: 512GB SSD, configurable to 1TB or 2TB
• Weight: 1.55kg

3. Apple MacBook Air 13"

The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch is a staple among remote workers due to its portability and impressive battery life. The 2024 MacBook Air, powered by the Apple M3 chip, offers an 8-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks like web browsing. This lightweight laptop for working features a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display for stunning visuals and up to 18 hours of battery life for long work sessions.

The latest MacBook Air model supports remote management of devices and provides excellent audio and video quality with a 1080p FaceTime HD camera and a four-speaker sound system, making it ideal for virtual meetings. 

The extended battery life, sleek design, and excellent performance of the MacBook Air make it one of the best laptops for working remotely and a serious contender for the best business laptop. 

Features:

• Includes AppleCare+
• Screen Size: 13.6"
• Processor: Apple M3 (8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores)
• Memory: 8GB unified memory, configurable to 16GB or 24GB
• Hard Drive: 256GB SSD, configurable to 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB
• Weight: 1.24kg

4. Lenovo Thinkpad x1 Carbon

If we only listed Macs on this list, we might as well be working for Apple. The bias, of course, for most remote teams is that they should select a brand and model to stick with when purchasing a business laptop. Of course, we also have something for the Windows enthusiasts. Lenovo features a wide variety of durable and powerful machines, from the Lenovo Ideapad to the ThinkPad, which make for excellent business laptops.

Apple is the more well-known brand, but this Windows laptop has almost all the same power as a MacBook. Plus, Lenovo laptops are well known for offering solid performance while being cost-efficient. The impressive battery life and the high-definition audio system ensure great sound quality for virtual meetings. It also features a FHD 1080p webcam with IR and a private camera for added security features. The chassis, made of carbon fiber and aluminum, combines durability with a sleek design.

Features:

• Screen size: 14"
• Processor: Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 165U
• Memory: Up to 64GB LPDDR5x-6400
• Hard Drive: Up to 2TB SSD
• Weight: 1.09 kg

5. Dell XPS 13

This Dell laptop is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 165H (16-core, up to 5.0 GHz) processor that lets you multitask without lags or interruptions. The XPS 13 is crafted with machined aluminum and Gorilla Glass 3, making it sleek, lightweight, and durable. Its 13.4-inch InfinityEdge display offers true-to-life color and sharp detail, perfect for work and entertainment. 

You can work for extended hours with the utmost convenience on this laptop as it comes with a sturdy, full-length, and ergonomically designed keyboard. Also, there are zero chances of battery overheating or swelling, ensuring reliable performance and battery life.

Features:

• Screen size: 13.4"
• Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 165H
• Memory: Up to 64 GB RAM
• Battery: Li-Ion
• Hard Drive: 1 TB SSD
• Weight: 1.19 kg
• Performance: Intel Arc Graphics

6. ASUS Zenbook 14

The common misconception is that ASUS laptops are bulky and slow. However, the new Zenbook is compact and has enough processing power to run most remote work setup software. It is a much better option than 2020's Asus Zenbook 13. We would also recommend it over a Samsung Galaxy Book Pro for its functionality and key features.

It is light enough to carry around in a backpack without feeling any strain, making it one of the best budget laptop options for frugal distributed companies or digital nomads. Plus, it is durable and can withstand most adventures (kayaking not recommended) with a long battery life.

Just be careful because the memory can fill up fast. 

Source: Asus.com

Features:

• Screen size: Touch screen 14.0 inches at 1920x1080 screen resolution
• Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 125H 1.2 GHz (18MB Cache, up to 4.5 GHz, 14 cores, 18 Threads) Intel AI Boost NPU
• Memory: 16GB LPDDR5X
• Hard Drive: 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
• Weight: 1.22 kg

7. Microsoft Surface Pro 7

At the office, at home, or en route, the new Surface Pro 11 adapts to the way you work, delivering more power than ever with a laptop-class Snapdragon processor, all-day battery life, instant startup, graphics, and more multitasking connections. The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a laptop, tablet, and portable studio all in one. Pair it with a colorful Surface cover (included) and Surface Pen to match your style of working remotely.

This Surface Pro 11 is designed for remote workers and offers great performance for different tasks, including virtual meetings, web browsing, and other remote work needs. The long battery life ensures you can work uninterrupted throughout the day, making it an ideal choice for distributed teams and the digital nomad lifestyle.

Source: Microsoft.com

Features:

• Screen size: 13" PixelSense™ Flow display, 2880 x 1920 resolution
• Processor: Snapdragon® X Plus (10 Core)
• Memory: 16GB LPDDR5x RAM
• Hard Drive: 256GB SSD
• Weight: 1.97 lbs (895 g)

8. HP Envy x360

The HP Envy x360 14 (2024) features a sturdy and ergonomically designed island-style keyboard, offering a comfortable keyboard using experience. This work laptop is known for its comfortable typing and great performance, making it suitable for extended use. The HP Envy x360 is heavier than other models, but it remains a reliable choice with excellent build quality and support for external displays.

The HP Envy x360's sleek design includes a robust aluminum chassis and an active cooling system. It runs on the latest operating systems, ensuring compatibility with different applications. The display quality is impressive, with vibrant colors and sharp details. Additionally, the laptop has a long-lasting battery, making it ideal for those who need a reliable device throughout the day. This model offers excellent performance for a variety of tasks, earning its place in this list of the best laptops for working remotely.

Source: Hp.com

Features:

• Screen size: 14" IPS LCD touchscreen, 1920 x 1200 screen resolution
• Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 125U / Intel Core Ultra 7 155U / AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS / AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS
• Memory: 16GB LPDDR5
• Hard Drive: 1TB SSD
• Weight: 1.39 kg (3.06 lbs)

9. Acer Aspire 5

The Acer Aspire 5 offers powerful performance with Intel® or AMD processors and NVIDIA® or AMD graphics. With up to 24GB memory, it handles demanding tasks like Adobe Photoshop and video editing. The narrow border and 81.61% screen-to-body ratio provide a color-rich Full HD IPS display. Acer Color Intelligence™ enhances visual appearance and protects your eyes.

This work laptop is ideal for remote workers doing video or photo editing. It offers various connectivity options for easy updates. Despite being heavier, it remains one of the best options for remote work in visual fields. 

The laptop features a great keyboard with backlighting and a multi-touch gesture TouchPad for ease of use. The battery life lasts up to 7 hours, supported by a 3-cell Lithium Ion battery, ensuring long-lasting productivity. The laptop also includes a fingerprint reader for enhanced security and quick access. 

Source: Acer.com

• Screen size: 15.6" Full HD In-plane Switching (IPS) Technology
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Processor: Intel Core i5-1235U (12th Gen)
• Memory: 16GB DDR4 SDRAM
• Hard Drive: 512GB SSD
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce MX550, 2GB GDDR6
• Weight: 1.80 kg

Things to consider before buying a laptop for remote work in 2024

So you might have just found a unicorn employee skilled in paid digital marketing and an SEO wizard. You want to send them a new MacBook Air, but they are based in Colombia, and the shipping costs are astronomical. 

Maybe you are onboarding a C++ developer from Nigeria and want to offer them a stipend for a new laptop for working from home but don't know how much to give. These issues will become increasingly common as over a third of the global workforce adopts remote work.

Companies must also reconsider what they offer as part of their remote onboarding plan to attract top international talent. Some organizations have dedicated programs like the Amazon virtual onboarding program, where they set up technology before the employee start date.

However, the problem is distribution bottlenecks. The best laptops for working remotely have substantial price differences depending on where you live or work. Most are readily available in the USA and Europe, while countries in Latin America and Africa have to spend large amounts of money on the same products. 

To overcome this hurdle, strategic international laptop shipping through platforms like GroWrk ensures equitable access globally, fostering an inclusive remote work environment.

On top of all that, some remote employees are interested in changing their locations or want to work and travel. Their laptop requirements will differ depending on their job function, whether they are developers, marketers, or graphic designers.

Keep in mind that providing the right equipment for your distributed teams can increase their productivity and prevent remote employee burnout.

When looking for the right laptop for working remotely, consider these categories:

a) Weight and size

Of course, a laptop's weight and size are considerations for digital nomads and those who want to clock in while on vacation in the Caribbean. You want to have a lightweight and not too bulky travel laptop that can fit in any carry-on luggage. 

However, these are also factors that should be taken into account when ordering and sending laptops to locations worldwide. The weight and size will impact how much you pay for shipping and the taxes at the border. 

A good-sized laptop screen that won't make you squint but is also portable is around 13 inches. This makes it easy to transport and won't require extensive packaging material when shipping. 

Anything above 1.5 kilograms or around 3 pounds will start to get a bit heavy for carrying around large distances. This also fits in the lower weight categories for most shipping services and taxes for going through customs.

b) Battery life

Another critical factor in remote working is your laptop's battery life. Imagine having to send an email in a bus station or airport without any available outlets. If you want to work several hours outside in the fresh air, you will need a longer battery life. 

Most laptops offer between 6-12 hours of battery life. The problem is that batteries rarely maintain that capacity for more than the first several months of use. Battery life degrades over time depending on how often and how long you charge.

Battery life also varies depending on your settings and what programs you are running. It is good to get a laptop that advertises 10 hours of battery life, and that way, you are left with 6-8 hours for years to come.

c) Processor

Your processor is what renders everything you see on your screen. This is often tricky for those unfamiliar with the difference between processor types like dual core processors, I5 processor and I7 processor.  

The question you have to ask yourself is: What do my team members require? If they are working with heavy graphic design programs and have to save many files to their hard drive, they would probably do better with an Intel Core I5 and up. 

If they do basic data entry and web browsing, then I3 or a dual-processor should be enough to get the job done. 

d) Functionality

These days, laptops don't make it easy for the consumer. New generation Mac computers require you to buy separate adapters for anything that isn't an Apple product. Think USBs and HDMI cords.  

Other computer manufacturers follow suit with many new laptops with only one or two USB outlets and no HDMI port. 

Consider how much you are willing to spend on a new reliable laptop for yourself. Always include 50-100 USD for adapters and cords, so your employee can connect multiple peripherals or an external monitor. You may also want to consider whether a touch screen and tablet functionality are essential. 

Some people prefer the compactness of tablets like an iPad Pro or a Surface laptop with the ability to add a keyboard and mouse. These are great for remote working but are limited in what they can do.

e) Price

Whether you are equipping your remote team or looking to upgrade, budget plays the most crucial role. Be careful with selecting a cheap laptop as this is a device someone will be using day-in and day-out.

Don't sacrifice functionality or power for a low price point. You may be investing in a device that will only last a year when, for a couple of hundred dollars more, it could last five. Think about the longevity of your equipment. You want to buy the best laptop possible so your team members can work seamlessly for a long time.

There is always the option for resale, or if a remote worker leaves, they can send back the computer, and you can offer the refurbished laptop to someone else. The point is you are paying for productivity and getting the job done. A budget laptop prevents that. 

You will also have to factor in shipping costs. The best option is to choose a standard model that all new employees receive and then adjust your budget accordingly, depending on their location. Luckily, some services like GroWrk handle the selection and distribution of laptops from one platform. 

How much RAM do you need for working from home?

If we compile all this information, we are still left with the question of how much RAM and storage are necessary to work from home. Your processor is important, but these components make up the power and performance of your operating system.  

• Part-time remote work or standard administration: RAM 4GB, Storage 60GB-120GB
• Full-time remote work: RAM 8GB, Storage 250GB-500GB
• Complex job tasks (Design or programming): RAM 16GB, Storage 500GB-1TB
  
  

Wrapping things up

When choosing the best laptop for working remotely, Apple machines like the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are premium choices. If you are a Windows die-hard fan, the Lenovo Thinkpad or the Microsoft Surface are the way to go. For bootstrapped startups, a refurbished laptop or a cheap laptop can be the safest bet.  

Whatever you choose, remember that the best laptop for working remotely is the one that meets your business needs. GroWrk is the easiest way to equip your distributed team with the best business laptops and a wide variety of device options. 

Manage your IT asset lifecycle worldwide with our unified platform. Discover how GroWrk can streamline device management, tracking, and support across 150+ countries. Schedule a demo today!