Best Laptops for Remote Work in 2025

When picking a laptop for work, you need something reliable, secure, lightweight, and powerful enough to last through a long day. But with so many options, how do you choose?

At PCMag, we’ve been testing business laptops for over 40 years. Every year, we review more than 100 models, evaluating their performance, screen quality, battery life, connectivity, and price. Based on our expertise, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition is our top pick for the best work laptop. It stands out with its ultra-light carbon-fiber design, sharp OLED screen, and an exceptional keyboard.

But that’s not the only great choice! We’ve got nine more recommendations tailored to different needs. Check out our list, detailed buying guide, and side-by-side spec comparison to find the perfect fit.

Best Budget Business Laptop

🏆 Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1

Pros & Cons

✅ Affordable price for a ThinkPad
✅ Solid build quality and keyboard
✅ Plenty of ports
❌ Display isn’t the brightest or most colorful
❌ No SD card slot
❌ Wi-Fi 6 instead of newer Wi-Fi 6E

Why We Picked It

If you’re looking for a reliable business laptop on a budget, the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is a great pick. For under $600, you get a 16-inch screen, plenty of ports, and Lenovo’s famous keyboard. You can also choose between Intel and AMD processors. It delivers ThinkPad durability without breaking the bank.

Who It’s For

If you want a budget-friendly business laptop that doesn’t compromise on quality, this one’s for you. Whether you’re running a small business or just need a dependable work laptop, the E16 Gen 1 offers excellent value.

Also Read: Essential Software for Remote Teams

Best Convertible 2-in-1 Business Laptop

🏆 Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 Gen 4

Pros & Cons

✅ Compact, stylish build
✅ Great keyboard
✅ Good port selection, including HDMI and microSD
❌ Display could be brighter
❌ Slightly heavier than expected
❌ Wi-Fi 6 instead of newer versions

Why We Picked It

The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 Gen 4 is our favorite convertible laptop for work. It offers strong build quality, a fantastic keyboard, and plenty of ports. The 14-inch touch screen and included Lenovo Active Pen make it ideal for those who want the flexibility of a laptop and a tablet in one.

Who It’s For

If you’re a freelancer, small-business owner, or remote worker who needs a versatile, affordable work laptop, this is a great option. It’s a portable, cost-effective choice for daily office tasks.

Also Read: Best Budget‑friendly Tablets for Remote Work

Best Workstation Laptop

🏆 Dell Precision 5690

Pros & Cons

✅ Stunning 4K OLED touch screen
✅ Powerful performance
✅ Premium build with a comfortable keyboard
❌ Not as expandable as bulkier workstations
❌ No USB-A ports or webcam shutter
❌ Expensive (but worth it for the power)

Why We Picked It

If you need serious power for demanding tasks, the Dell Precision 5690 is the best workstation laptop. It features an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and a high-end Nvidia RTX 5000 GPU, making it perfect for 3D rendering, engineering, CAD, and animation. Despite its powerful specs, it remains relatively portable.

Who It’s For

This laptop is built for professionals in engineering, design, architecture, and data science who need a high-performance machine. If you’re working with complex software or heavy workloads, this is the laptop for you.

Also Read: Best Noise‑Canceling Headphones for Focus

Best Snapdragon Laptop for Work

🏆 Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 (Snapdragon)

Pros & Cons

✅ Amazing battery life
✅ Best-in-class keyboard
✅ Lightweight and portable
❌ Display isn’t the sharpest
❌ No OLED or WWAN options (yet)
❌ Occasional Windows Camera glitches

Why We Picked It

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 is the first ARM-based Windows laptop we confidently recommend for work. It runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X processor, offering exceptional battery life and modern AI-powered features. If you need a thin, light, and long-lasting business laptop, this one’s a game-changer.

Who It’s For

This is the perfect laptop for professionals who prioritize battery life and typing comfort. It’s also great for those looking to explore ARM-based computing and AI-driven productivity tools.