9 Best Laptops for Digital Nomads to Work from Anywhere
The two things that allow you to live a location-independent lifestyle are a remote job and one of the best laptops for digital nomads that allow you to work from anywhere.
Finding the right digital nomad laptop is essential for easy travel and to stay productive. You don’t want to lug around a five-pound computer that takes up too much precious space in your luggage.
We know just how important your laptop is while living the digital nomad lifestyle. It must be durable, reliable, and also travel-friendly. This is your literal lifeline! I’ve always said the three most important things a digital nomad must have are their passport, their laptop, and a change of underwear. The rest is replaceable.
Because I understand the importance of a traveling remote worker’s laptop is, I put together a list of the best laptops for digital nomads to help you find the right one for you and your journey.
Our Top Picks for the Best Laptops for Digital Nomads
In this list, you’ll find laptops from all price ranges and a variety of processing power. Depending on the type of remote job you have, you’ll need different features in your laptop. Hopefully, one of these laptops meets your criteria.
1. MacBook Pro
Size: 13 inches, 14 inches, 16 inches
Weight: 3 lbs, 3.5 lbs, 4.7 lbs
Battery Life: 20 hours, 17 hours, 21 hours
Price: Starting from $1,299
In my opinion, you can never go wrong with a MacBook Pro. I just upgraded my computer (and am on my third Macbook) last year to the MacBook Pro 13’’ inch and am in love with it.
The high-definition display is impeccable, the battery life lasts for what feels like forever, and I’m obsessed with the touch bar above the keyboard and the fingerprint reader.
It’s also so easy to carry around. It fits perfectly in a tote bag or day backpack. Honestly, I can’t rave about this enough! Plus, if you have an iPhone, Airpods, and other Apple devices, all of your data will be synced; it just makes sense to get a Macbook Pro.
As you can see, this laptop comes in different sizes and processing power so you can choose the one that’s right for you.
The one downfall of the Macbook Pro is the price, of course. It’s a fantastic computer, but sometimes you just can’t spend a grand on a laptop. If this is your mindset, think about Apple’s awesome customer care service, the durability of their devices, and the innovation and ease of use behind the computer’s software.
It’s most definitely worth the price. And when you go Mac, you’ll never go back!
2. MacBook Air
Size: 13 inches
Weight: 2.8 lbs
Battery Life: 18 hours
Price: Starting at $999
One of the best laptops for digital nomads is the MacBook Air. You simply cannot beat the lightweight and durability features of this laptop. I have had two Macbook Airs in the past and loved them so much.
The MacBook Air is perfect for those who don’t need a lot of processing power. Digital nomads who write, manage social media, are virtual assistants, or run e-commerce stores can suffice with a Macbook Air. It’s perfect for everyday use like browsing the web and streaming videos. If you’re a graphic designer or programmer, I would suggest the Macbook Pro.
The newer MacBook Air models also have a Touch ID sensor so that you can access your computer with just your fingerprint.
I can’t go on enough about how lightweight this computer is. Weighing less than 3 lbs is incredible for such a powerful travel laptop. You’ll barely notice this computer in your bag as you explore new countries.
3. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5
Size: 14 inches
Weight: 3.3 lbs
Battery Life: 10 hours
Price: Starting at $559
What if you had a laptop and touchscreen tablet in one device? With the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5, you can!
The touchscreen display folds back so you can use it as a tablet. This is perfect for designers, illustrators, and anyone who simply likes the idea of having access to a tablet without carrying another device in their luggage. The company does recommend getting the Lenovo Digital Pen to easily write and draw on the touchscreen.
This travel laptop has a fingerprint reader safety feature, so nobody can get into your computer even if they tried. This is almost as important as having a VPN service to hide your IP address and information.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 runs on Windows 11 and offers a clutter-free display to help you stay productive and organized.
This laptop also has ports for USB, HDMI, and a 4-in-1 card reader, so you can do virtually everything you need while on the road with just one computer!
Check Out the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5
4. Lenovo Yoga C940
Size: 14 inches
Weight: 2.8 lbs
Battery Life: 15 hours
Price: Starting at $849.99
If you like the idea of your laptop turning into a tablet but want to take it up a notch, the Lenovo Yoga C940 is the travel laptop for you.
More powerful than the last digital nomad laptop we mentioned, the Yoga C940 has incredible display features, making it perfect for gamers, video editors, and graphic designers. The extra built-in speakers also enhance your experience.
One of the coolest features (in my opinion) of this laptop is the hidden compartment for the digital pen. Simply unlock the pen and scribble it down on your laptop/tablet whenever an idea comes to you. You’ll never lose a thought again.
As with most of the best laptops for digital nomads, the Lenovo Yoga C940 has impeccable security features. This laptop has a fingerprint reader to unlock your computer. There is also a built-in TrueBlock Privacy Shutter that automatically covers your webcam when you aren’t using it.
Let’s also not forget to mention how lightweight this laptop is. It’s perfect for traveling with, and the slim design takes up minimal space in your luggage. It doesn’t get better than that!
Check Out the Lenovo Yoga C940
5. Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Size: 13 inches
Weight: 1.96 lbs
Battery Life: 16 hours
Price: Starting at $999.99
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is one of the world’s most powerful tablets with an attachable keyboard. It has all of the functionality and power of a regular laptop, just more compact and flexible.
The sleek design is innovative, with a platinum kickstand to rest your tablet at an elevated on any surface. This is also helpful when using the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard. You can also choose a keyboard with or without a fingerprint reader, but I highly recommend one with the reader.
This is one of the best laptops for digital nomads who don’t necessarily like the feel of a traditional laptop. For those who prefer a more flexible way to use their computer, like a tablet, this is definitely the travel laptop for you.
Check Out the Microsoft Surface Pro 9
6. Microsoft Surface Pro X
Size: 13 inches
Weight: 1.7 lbs
Battery Life: 15 hours
Price: Starting at $799
Microsoft claims that the Microsoft Surface Pro X is their most powerful laptop yet, and after learning more about it, you’ll see why.
With the same sleek design as the Surface Pro 8, the Microsoft Surface Pro X is a 2-in-1 computer that instantly transforms from a laptop to a tablet. However, this model looks and acts much more like a laptop with a more durable keyboard attachment.
This laptop is perfect for digital nomads who work in coding, programming, design, video and podcast editing, and web developers. You can work on anything you wish anywhere in the world with this high-performance computer. Even if you want to relax with gaming or watching Netflix, you’ll enjoy your experience on this laptop/tablet.
With the Microsoft Surface Pro X, you also have USB-C and USB-A charging ports, plus an SD card reader perfect for photographers and video editors.
Check Out the Microsoft Surface Pro X
7. Asus Zenbook 13 OLED
Size: 13.3 inches
Weight: 2.45 lbs
Battery Life: 16 hours
Price: Starting at $769
The Asus Zenbook 13 OLED has a super sleek design that makes it extremely portable and one of the best travel laptops on the market.
This laptop is especially useful for a digital nomad who does a lot of typing for their job. Whether they’re a writer, virtual assistant, or transcriptionist, the angled design of the keyboard makes it easier and more comfortable to type.
Two especially interesting features include the IR camera for face recognition to unlock your computer and the NumberPad on the trackpad. You can open your computer completely hands-free with this extra layer of security. And with the NumberPad, your trackpad turns into a calculator for quick accounting work.
As one of the lightest and most probable laptops around, we dub this one of the best laptops for digital nomads.
Check Out the Asus Zenbook 13 OLED
8. Acer Chromebook 311
Size: 11.6 inches
Weight: 2.4 lbs
Battery Life: 10 hours
Price: Starting at $149
One of the best travel laptops you can find is the Acer Chromebook 311. Its super-compact design is smaller than most laptops you’ll find and still has an impressive battery life.
If you’re as obsessed with Google and its apps, such as Google Drive, then you’ll fit right in with the Asus Chromebook 311. Designed with Google lovers in mind, you’ll have access to everything Chrome as well as thousands of Android apps.
While this laptop isn’t as high-tech as the others on this list, it’s perfect for those who don’t need much processing power. Plus, it’s exceptionally affordable. You cannot beat the price for what you get!
Check Out the Acer Chromebook 311
9. Acer Travelmate Spin 4
Size: 14 inches
Weight: 3.3 lbs
Battery Life: 14 hours
Price: Starting at $779.99
The versatile Acer Travelmate Spin 4 is a laptop that turns into a tablet simply by folding the screen back 360 degrees. The touchscreen is especially convenient, especially if you’re a designer or someone who likes to take notes.
Made for the clumsy digital nomad, this travel laptop can withstand water, falls, bumps, and more. This is an important factor to consider if you’re bringing your computer around the world in exotic terrain.
This computer has a fingerprint reader, Windows Hello, and an automatic webcam cover for security measures. Pair these features with a VPN, and your information is more secure than ever!
Powerful, fast, and chic, this laptop is perfect for digital nomads of any profession.
Check Out the Acer Travelmate Spin 4
Features to Consider When Buying a Travel Laptop
As you can see, not all laptops are made the same. Some have features for certain digital nomad jobs, while others can be used by anyone. It also comes down to what you prefer in a laptop you travel with.
Battery Life
One of the most important things (in my opinion) to look for in travel laptops is the battery life. As a digital nomad, you’re going to be working from cafes, airports, on buses, and more. You may find yourself in a situation where you don’t have access to outlets.
Therefore, to stay productive and get your work done on time, you’ll need a laptop with reliable and lengthy battery life. Your laptop shouldn’t have less than 10 hours of battery from a single charge.
It’s an extra bonus if the battery charges quickly!
Size & Weight
As a digital nomad, you have to be strategic about what you carry with you on your travels. You can’t have a bulky laptop taking up space and weight in your backpack or suitcase.
So, when buying your digital nomad laptop, consider how big it is and how much it weighs.
Storage Space
I’ll be honest. I’m not super computer-savvy. I’m a writer; all I need is a keyboard and a wifi connection. However, more tech-focused professions like programmers and even video and photo editors require more storage space on their computers.
Think about the file sizes you typically work with and what programs you have running. This can help you decide how much storage and RAM your laptop should have.
Price
Everyone has a different budget for how much they can spend on a computer. In the list above, I included laptops for all price ranges.
It is important to note that a laptop is an investment. It’s a tool to get your work done remotely and make your income. For many freelancers and entrepreneurs, computers are actually tax write-offs!
So, I recommend putting some more money into your computer than you may have planned. Don’t look for the cheapest option. Instead, search for a computer that meets your needs and will make traveling with it convenient.
Find a Remote Job and Start Your Digital Nomad Lifestyle
Are you ready to begin your location-independent lifestyle working remotely from one of the best laptops for digital nomads?
If not, don’t worry! Nomads Embassy can help you get started.
From finding the right digital nomad job to becoming part of a community, we’re here to support and guide you to achieve this exciting and adventurous lifestyle.
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