Best Laptop for Small Business Owner: Top Picks for 2024‍

As a small business owner, I know the importance of having a reliable and efficient laptop by my side. In today's fast-paced world, staying connected and organized is a must for any entrepreneur. A laptop is not just a simple tool; it's an extension of our work life, and choosing the right one can truly make a difference.

Small business owners need a reliable laptop, that can handle multitasking, run essential software, and have a good battery life for those long workdays. Size and portability are also crucial, as we often find ourselves working from different locations, such as coffee shops or co-working spaces. With these aspects in mind, the search for the best laptop for small business owners begins.

When it comes to selecting a best business laptop ever, it's essential to consider performance, durability, and budget. As a small business owner, you need a device that can keep up with your demanding work schedule without breaking the bank. Some key factors to consider when shopping for the best laptop include processor speed, memory (RAM), storage capacity, and battery life, as well as the good business laptop ever's build quality and warranty. You can also go through this list of Best Business Laptop Under $1000.

In this quest for the perfect laptop, I've spent hours researching and testing various laptop models to find the ones that offer the best value and performance for small business owners. So join me as we dive deeper into the world of best business laptops, and discover the top choices to enhance your business productivity.

Best Laptops for Small Business Owners

As a small business owner, I understand the importance of having a reliable and efficient business laptops to help manage daily tasks. That's why I've put together a list of the best laptops for small business owners like us.

Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Series 3511 Laptop

This Dell Inspiron is a solid and reliable choice for small business owners who need a fast and efficient laptop with a touchscreen feature.

Pros

• High-speed RAM and ample storage

• Responsive FHD touchscreen

• Lightweight and portable

Cons

• Lacks a backlit keyboard

• S-mode limitations for some users

• Not suitable for heavy gaming

As a small business owner, I recently purchased the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Series 3511 Laptop, and I have been impressed with its performance and features. The 32GB RAM allows me to run multiple applications concurrently without any lag, while the 1TB PCIe SSD ensures quick boot-up times and fast data transfers.

One of the highlights of this laptop is its 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen, which comes in handy when I am giving presentations or browsing through documents. The laptop is also lightweight and portable, making it convenient to carry around for meetings or working remotely. If you are among the frequent business travelers, do not forget to check this list of Best Laptop for Business Travel.

However, there are a few areas where this laptop falls short. It does not come with a backlit keyboard, which can make typing in dimly lit environments challenging. Some users may also find the S-mode limiting, as it restricts the use of certain applications outside the Windows store. Lastly, this laptop is not designed for heavy gaming, so if you're a small business owner with gaming needs, this might not be the right choice.

In conclusion, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Series 3511 is an excellent option for small business owners who prioritize performance, touchscreen capabilities, and portability. While it does have its drawbacks, the benefits outweigh the cons for those who primarily use their laptops for work-related tasks.

Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 4

The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 4 is an excellent investment for small business owners seeking a reliable, high-performance laptop.

Pros

• Powerful Intel 12th Gen Deca-Core Core i5-1235U processor

• Portable and durable design with MIL-STD-810H military standard

• Impressive battery life of up to 12 hours

Cons

• Memory is limited due to 8GB being soldered

• No optical drive

• Only 512GB of storage may be limiting for heavy users

I recently had the chance to use the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 4 and immediately noticed its impressive performance. Powered by the Intel 12th Gen Deca-Core Core i5-1235U processor, it managed all my business tasks with ease. The 16GB of DDR4 memory (although 8GB is soldered) and 512GB SSD provided a smooth computing experience.

I found the design to be sturdy and well-built, adhering to the MIL-STD-810H military standard. Its 14-inch FHD IPS anti-glare display was perfect for long hours of work, and the full HD webcam with privacy shutter was a valuable addition in this era of remote meetings. The backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader offered an extra layer of security and convenience, but the lack of an optical drive could be a downside for some. You can also go through this list of Best Laptop for Zoom Meetings.

The battery life on the ThinkPad E14 Gen 4 was impressive, lasting up to 12 hours. This can be incredibly beneficial for small business owners who are always on the move or working long hours. It also has a good assortment of ports, including Thunderbolt 4/USB4, USB-A, HDMI, and Ethernet.

In conclusion, the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 4 is an excellent laptop for small business owners creative professionals seeking a portable and powerful device. Its strong performance, durable build, and long battery life make it a worthwhile investment. Just be aware that the memory is somewhat limited, there's no optical drive, and storage could be limiting for heavy users.

Dell XPS 13 9310 Laptop

The Dell XPS 13 9310 is a decent laptop for small business owners with a stunning OLED display and powerful performance, but keep in mind its drawbacks.

Pros

• Impressive 13.4-inch OLED 3.5K touchscreen display

• Powerful Intel Core i7-1195G7 processor

• 16GB RAM for multitasking capabilities

Cons

• Tends to run hot during extended use

• Limited USB connectivity options

• Subpar battery life

When I first unboxed my Dell XPS 13 9310, I was struck by the gorgeous 13.4-inch OLED 3.5K touchscreen display. The colors appeared vibrant and sharp, making it a pleasure to work on presentations and browse the web. Additionally, the Intel Core i7-1195G7 processor provided snappy performance, allowing me to run multiple applications simultaneously without any hiccups.

However, after using the laptop for longer periods of time, I noticed it started to run quite hot. This might be a concern for those who frequently use their laptops for extended sessions. Moreover, the available USB ports did not allow me to connect my external hard drive and other accessories directly to rugged laptop, which was a definite inconvenience. I had to resort to using a separate USB hub or adapters for connecting my peripherals.

As a small business owner, the battery life of my devices is crucial as I constantly move between meetings and locations. Unfortunately, the XPS 13 9310's battery life did not meet my expectations, and I found myself needing to charge the laptop more frequently than I'd like.

In conclusion, the Dell XPS 13 9310 has some noteworthy features such as the brilliant OLED 3.5K display and powerful processing power prowess, but falls short on battery life and cooling capabilities. If you can work around the latter issues, it might still be a suitable option for small business owners seeking a powerful and aesthetically appealing laptop.

Acer Swift 3 Thin & Light Laptop

I believe small and business users and owners of many business laptops will find this laptop to be a reliable and high-performance companion for their daily tasks.

Pros

• Impressive AMD Ryzen 7 Octa-Core Processor

• Lightweight and slim design

• Long-lasting battery life

Cons

• Limited color options

• 6-bit display panel

• Limited upgrade options

I recently had the opportunity to use the Acer Swift 3, and it is an impressive laptop for small business owners. The AMD Ryzen 7 Octa-Core processor ensures speedy performance throughout the day, allowing me to switch between multiple software and applications with ease.

The lightweight and slim design of the laptop doesn't compromise on durability. I find it very easy to carry it around, making it perfect for those who are always on the go. The battery life is also excellent, lasting up to 11.5 hours, which means I don't have to worry about having a charger around most of the time.

On the other hand, there are some aspects that could be improved. Firstly, the laptop comes only in silver, which may not be the preference for everyone. Secondly, the display is a 6-bit panel instead of 8-bit, meaning colors may not be as accurate as I would like them to be. Finally, the laptop features 8GB of LPDDR4 memory and 512GB NVMe SSD storage, which may not be sufficient for more demanding users; unfortunately, it can't be easily upgraded.

Overall, I find the Acer Swift 3 to be a reliable and powerful laptop that will suit the needs of most small business owners. Its solid performance, lightweight design, and excellent battery life make it a standout choice, despite its few shortcomings.

HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T

I highly recommend the HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T to small business owners looking for a powerful, versatile, and stylish laptop.

Pros

• Stellar performance with Intel Core i7-1165G7 and 16GB RAM

• Vibrant 13.5" WUXGA touchscreen with 3:2 aspect ratio

• Premium build quality and luxurious design

Cons

• A bit on the expensive side

• The hinges might feel a bit loose for some users

• Windows 11 Pro pre-installed (may conflict with some Windows 10 environments)

Upon unboxing the HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T, I was immediately impressed with its elegant design and sleek nightfall black finish. Its sturdiness gave me confidence in its durability, and I couldn't wait to test it out.

As I powered it up and started using the laptop, I was blown away by its performance. The Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM provided smooth multitasking capabilities, allowing me to easily manage my small business tasks. The 13.5" WUXGA touchscreen was excellent for both work and play – the display is crisp, and the colors are true-to-life, making it a pleasure to work on.

The HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T also offered great versatility with its 2-in-1 design, allowing me to use it in tablet mode for more casual tasks or when I needed to take notes during a meeting. The included HP Zenvo Tilt pen, with its magnetic attachment, provided accurate and smooth writing experience.

However, the Spectre x360 Luxury 14T might not be for everyone, especially those on a tight budget or those who require a consistent Windows 10 environment across their team. The pre-installed Windows 11 Pro might not be ideal, but upgrading or downgrading the operating system should be a simple process if necessary.

In conclusion, the HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T is a fantastic choice for any small business owner who demands performance, durability, and versatility in their everyday laptop. Its luxurious design and impressive capabilities make it well worth considering as your next business laptop.

ASUS Newest Zenbook 14" 2.8K

I believe the ASUS Newest Zenbook 14" 2.8K laptop is an excellent choice for small business owners due to its powerful processor, sleek design, and impressive display.

Pros

• Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1240P processor

• Incredible 2.8K OLED 90Hz display

• Long battery life of up to 18 hours

Cons

• Only 8GB of non-expandable RAM

• No optical drive

• Limited number of USB ports

Recently, I had the opportunity to use the ASUS Newest Zenbook 14" 2.8K laptop, and I must say, it didn't disappoint. The 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1240P processor allowed me to multitask seamlessly, and the 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD provided ample storage and fast performance. This combination made it easy for me to handle my daily business tasks without any hiccups.

One of the standout features that I loved on this laptop is the 14" 2.8K (2880x 1800) OLED NanoEdge display. The 90Hz refresh rate and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut made visuals crisp and vibrant, allowing for an enjoyable experience while working on presentations or browsing the web.

Battery hours of battery life is also a crucial factor for small business owners who are always on the go. I was pleasantly surprised that the ASUS Zenbook could last up to 18 hours on a single charge, giving me the freedom to work without constantly worrying about finding a power outlet.

Unfortunately, there were a few drawbacks to consider. With only 8GB of non-expandable RAM, this laptop might struggle with heavier tasks or when running multiple memory-intensive applications. Additionally, the absence of an optical drive and the limited number of USB ports could be an issue for some users.

Overall, the ASUS Newest Zenbook 14" 2.8K laptop is a suitable choice for small business owners seeking a powerful and sleek laptop with a fantastic display. However, if you require more RAM or additional connectivity options, you may want to look for alternatives.

Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-347N Slim Laptop

The Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-347N is a fantastic choice for small business owners seeking a powerful, reliable, and portable laptop.

Pros

• Excellent performance with 11th Gen Intel i3-1115G4 Dual Core processor

• Sharp and vibrant 15.6" Full HD IPS display

• Ergonomically designed hinge for comfortable typing and improved cooling

Cons

• Limited storage capacity at 128GB NVMe SSD

• Lacks an optical drive

• Comes with Windows 11 Home in S mode, which may not suit all users

I recently had the opportunity to use the Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-347N, and I found it to be an impressive laptop for my small business tasks and video editing. The 11th Gen Intel i3-1115G4 Dual Core processor provided incredible speed and allowed me to multitask efficiently. I could manage multiple business applications, edit photos and videos, and even do some light gaming when I had some downtime.

The 15.6" Full HD IPS display was another standout feature of this laptop. The screen offered crisp details and true-to-life colors, making it a pleasure to work on for long hours. The narrow-bezel design also maximized the screen real estate, which I found quite useful for multitasking.

One downside to this laptop was its limited storage capacity. The 128GB NVMe SSD filled up quickly, and I had to rely on external storage solutions to store my files and media. However, for those who don't require a lot of storage space, the solid-state drive offers fast read and write speeds, which is a definite plus.

Overall, the Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-347N is an excellent laptop for small business owners who prioritize performance, portability, and a great display. It's a fantastic device that I wholeheartedly recommend for its versatility and impressive features.

Apple 2023 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip

The Apple 2023 MacBook Air with M2 chip is an outstanding laptop choice for small business owners, offering exceptional performance and design.

Pros

• Lightweight and sleek design

• Powerful M2 chip for smooth multitasking

• Impressive battery life (up to 18 hours)

Cons

• Expensive for those on a budget

• Limited internal storage (256GB SSD)

• Only two Thunderbolt ports

Having recently used the Apple 2023 MacBook Air with M2 chip, I was genuinely impressed by its sleek design and performance capabilities. The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display delivers vibrant colors and crisp visuals, providing a premium experience for both productivity and leisure tasks. As a small business owner, this laptop made it easy for me to manage multiple applications simultaneously, with the powerful M2 chip ensuring smooth performance at all times.

One highlight of this MacBook Air is its exceptional battery life, lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge. This feature is invaluable to me, as I frequently find myself working remotely or in situations where access to a power outlet is limited. The fanless design also contributes to a silent work environment, allowing me to focus on my tasks without any distracting noises.

However, the Apple 2023 MacBook Air is not without its drawbacks most business users. Considering the cost of the laptop, the 256GB SSD storage capacity might prove insufficient for some small business owners who require ample space for their digital assets. Additionally, with only two Thunderbolt ports, you may need to rely on adapters or dongles for multiple peripherals; this could be an inconvenience for users who require numerous connections simultaneously.

In conclusion, the Apple 2023 MacBook Air with M2 chip is an outstanding laptop option, providing a powerful and sleek solution for small business owners’ everyday needs. Despite its slightly premium price and minor connectivity limitations, its design, performance, and display quality make it a highly recommended choice for those seeking a reliable and stylish laptop for their small or business use.

HP 17.3" Flagship HD+ Business Laptop

This laptop is a solid choice for small business owners seeking an affordable and reliable option for business systems.

Pros

• Impressive 11th Gen Intel Core i3 performance

• Spacious 17.3" HD+ Anti-Glare IPS display

• Large storage with 16GB RAM and 1TB PCIe SSD

Cons

• Keyboard lacks backlighting

• Slightly heavier at 5 pounds

• Screen may flicker occasionally

After using the HP 17.3" Flagship HD+ Business Laptop, I genuinely found it to be a great all-around device for small business owners. The 11th Gen Intel Core i3 processor ensures that the laptop runs smoothly, even with multiple applications open at once.

The 17.3" HD+ Anti-Glare IPS display is definitely a standout feature, providing crystal-clear visuals without any distracting reflections. However, it's worth noting that the keyboard isn't backlit, which may be inconvenient if you plan to work in low-light conditions. The laptop also weighs in at 5 pounds, making it slightly heavier than some alternatives, but not a dealbreaker.

In terms of storage, the 16GB RAM and 1TB PCIe SSD provide ample space for all your files, programs, and browser tabs. While using this laptop, there were only a few instances where I experienced an occasional screen flicker, but it didn't affect overall performance.

Overall, the HP 17.3" Flagship HD+ Business Laptop is a reliable and affordable option for small business owners seeking a laptop with impressive performance, a fantastic display, and ample storage. Just be prepared to work around the keyboard's lack of backlighting and the slightly heavier weight.

LENOVO ThinkPad X1 Carbon 9th Gen

The LENOVO ThinkPad X1 Carbon 9th Gen is a powerful and lightweight laptop that's perfect for small business owners who value performance, portability, and security.

Pros

• Impressive performance with Intel Core i7

• Lightweight and portable design

• Robust security features

Cons

• Soldered RAM, not upgradable

• No optical drive

• A bit pricey

I recently had the chance to use the LENOVO ThinkPad X1 Carbon 9th Gen and I was truly impressed. With its powerful Intel Core i7 processor, this laptop was more than capable of handling all the demanding tasks that I needed for my small business. The 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD ensured that everything ran smoothly and quickly, allowing me to stay productive throughout the day.

Being a small business owner, I often have to work on the go, so the thin and lightweight design of this laptop was a major plus. I can easily carry it around in my bag without feeling weighed down, which is not something I can say about other laptops I have used in the past. The battery life was also impressive, lasting around 11 hours, meaning I didn't have to hunt for power outlets during the day.

The security features on the LENOVO ThinkPad X1 Carbon 9th Gen is something I truly appreciated. With the fingerprint reader integrated with the power button, logging in was quick and secure. Additionally, the camera privacy shutter and various ThinkShield security solutions provided peace of mind while working with sensitive data.

However, there were a few drawbacks as well. The RAM is soldered to the motherboard, which means it's not upgradable – so if you need more RAM in the future, you're out of luck. Additionally, there's no optical drive, which might be an issue for some users. Lastly, the price tag might be a bit steep for some small business owners.

Overall, I think the LENOVO ThinkPad X1 Carbon 9th Gen is a fantastic laptop for small business owners who need a reliable and powerful machine that's also portable and secure. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, I believe the benefits certainly outweigh the cons.

Buying Guide

As a small business owner, I understand the importance of choosing the right laptop to increase productivity and efficiency. The following buying guide will help you make an informed choice of budget business laptop based on essential features.

Performance

Processor: Look for a laptop with a powerful processor, preferably a quad-core or better. A faster processor will ensure smooth multitasking and prevent slowdowns.

RAM: A minimum of 8GB RAM is recommended to run multiple applications simultaneously without hiccups.

Storage: SSDs are faster and more reliable than traditional HDDs. Opt for an SSD with at least 256GB capacity for a balance between performance and storage space.

Battery Life

Long battery life enables working without being interrupted by constant charging. Aim for a laptop with a battery life of at least 8 hours to comfortably work through your day.

Display

A crisp and clear display is crucial for preventing eye strain during long hours of work. A Full HD (1920x1080) resolution screen is a good starting point, and an anti-glare feature is a bonus.

Portability

As a small business owner, I may need to carry my laptop to meetings or while traveling. Lighter laptops with a screen size of 13-14 inches offer a good balance between screen size and portability.

Connectivity

Ensure the laptop has a variety of ports to connect peripherals and external devices like a printer, mouse, or additional monitor. Look for USB-C, USB-A, HDMI or DisplayPort, and SD card slots, along with reliable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

By keeping these factors in mind while shopping for a laptop, you'll be well-equipped to find the perfect device to boost productivity and efficiency for your small business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal laptop for remote work?

In my experience, the ideal laptop for remote work should have a long battery life, compact design, and reliable performance. Lightweight devices like the Dell XPS 13, HP Spectre x360, and MacBook Air are great options in this regard. They are easy to carry around and provide sufficient power for most tasks.

Which laptop suits business trips?

For business trips, I recommend choosing a laptop with a solid build and excellent battery life. Laptops like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, Microsoft Surface Laptop, and Apple MacBook Pro are perfect choices. They offer excellent performance, durability, and portability, making them perfect companions for travel.

What laptops are best for entrepreneurs?

As an entrepreneur, you may need a versatile and powerful laptop for multitasking. Devices like the Apple MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 15, and HP EliteBook 1040 G7 provide these business laptops offer outstanding performance, sleek design, and enough power to run demanding applications. These laptops are ideal choices for entrepreneurs.

Which laptops are budget-friendly for small businesses?

If your small business is on a tight budget, some affordable yet reliable laptops can fit the bill. The ASUS VivoBook 15, Acer Aspire 5, and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 are budget-friendly options that offer decent performance for day-to-day tasks without breaking the bank.

What are the top computers recommended for small businesses?

There are several top computers that I'd recommend for small businesses. For desktop computers, consider the Dell OptiPlex 3080 Micro, HP ProDesk 400 G6 Small Form Factor, or the iMac 24-inch (2021) for their reliable performance and compatibility with business software. Regarding laptops, popular models include the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, and Dell Latitude 7410.

How much memory is needed for a small business laptop?

The required memory for a small business laptop depends on the tasks you need to perform. For basic tasks like web browsing, word processing, and spreadsheets, 8GB of RAM should suffice. However, if your business requires multitasking, running multiple applications at once, or dealing with data-intensive software, I suggest going for 16GB or higher to ensure smooth operation.