Laptops are essential for traveling digital nomads or business owners, but there are so many out there it can seem impossible to choose between them.
Laptops will always beat smartphones and tablets for having a larger screen, a full keyboard, and higher processing power.
You should always consider getting a laptop over a computer where possible because it just lets you take it anywhere.
If you’re trying to become a digital nomad, it just lets you take your business anywhere you like.
Also, laptops are getting better and better, and it’s almost the case that they’re better and faster than their bigger, home computer rivals.
The best travel laptops (complete list)
Below are my top picks for the best travel laptops. Any links included here should open in new tabs, so you won’t lose your place in this article!
If you think we’ve missed anything out, let us know!
1. Acer Chromebook R 11 Touch Notebook – White
Honestly, this device impressed me. As a touchscreen, it works great for what it is intended to do, such as reading and annotating e-books and pdf files.
If you want to play games on your tablet and underline the occasional text, this is awesome.
Switching back and forth is very seamless. Whatever position you put it, the screen stays solid allowing you to use the touchscreen.
The promised 8–9 hours definitely hold true and will last longer if brightness is turned down. It will definitely survive long flights and layovers.
2. Samsung XE510C24-K01US Chromebook Pro
The thing that will make you select this Chromebook is the pen. If you are looking for a tablet or laptop extension—something that you could take notes on in a meeting without an annoying person in the room, this one is perfect.
The stylus is awesome and the handwriting is a pleasure to use. Best choice for active and often moving business travelers.
3. HP X360
This laptop is bigger than expected but has a very clean look to it. The HPX360 is fast and the touchscreen is also responsive.
The hinge feels great and you can say that it is not made of a cheap material. Overall the build quality and the power of this laptop are great.
The conversion from a tablet is easy to use, and it’s great for reading while traveling.
The stereo system has a good sound system and the keyboard has a nice click and a soft touch to it.
4. ASUS C100PA-DB02 10.1-inch Touch Chromebook Flip
For the price, this is an excellent travel computer, whether you are going 100 feet or 1,000 miles.
I don’t recommend it as your only computer as eventually, particularly if you’re doing work, you’ll likely want more resolution and room.
However, this is extremely light just under 2 pounds, slim, and durable, and brings a return of the small size that we lost when Asus’ excellent netbooks disappeared.
5. Acer Premium R11
I was so impressed with this laptop that I was compelled to purchase this one for myself. I took it along on my trips and it functioned so well.
The versatility of its use as a laptop or a tablet was very convenient. It’s moderately heavy as a tablet and the texture of the device makes it feel good to hold.
Like most Chromebooks, it has excellent battery life.
The fact that it has a touchscreen reduces its battery life compared to models without one, but a full charge will still get you through a standard workday during your travels.
6. Lenovo Yoga 720 Touch-Screen Ultrabook
Generally, this laptop is great and the backlight works as described on the reviews I encountered. You need a case for this because it’s not as though this seems flimsy.
Its shock resistance thus it should always be in your carry-on bag. Great unit overall and this choice will definitely please you. If weight is a buying factor, get this one.
7. Microsoft Surface Book
This thing is just great! It’s got lots of hard drive capacity and runs your applications the way you need it.
The ability to separate the screen from the base and carry it around is like magic, and having a stiff hinge between the base and screen when they are connected means this can be a true laptop.
The keyboard is comfortable and the touchpad is about as good as one. This laptop is feather-light, especially when the screen is separated, so it is really easy to hold during transits. Carry on!
8. Samsung Chromebook Plus Convertible Touch Laptop
This laptop is great for traveling! Also, this laptop has a very streamlined look. It’s super slim, and light, and you can carry it anywhere you want.
This Chromebook does not have a backlit keyboard but the deal is the screen brightness on the SCP is much brighter as compared to others thus you can see the lettering on the keys in complete darkness.
Kudos to Samsung for making another great product!
9. Acer Aspire R 15 Convertible Laptop
I am very impressed with this laptop. Size is just right that it fits your backpack. The screen is very bright and clear, and the build quality is very good and I especially like the keyboard.
It is apparently also pretty tough and spill-resistant. I would definitely recommend this laptop.
The battery life is a winner plus this laptop can last for about 2-3 hours of continuous use.
If you want to go for something lighter which you can carry anywhere during your travels, this one is perfect!
10. Lenovo Yoga 720
The Lenovo Yoga 720 is a laptop with the intent of having a light, mobile computer with a decent battery life you can take with you for work travel, and conference presentations.
If you need a fairly powerful computer, grab this one. It is also can handle some large office files, email, and some basic music processing and recording.
Lenovo Yoga 720 is a great performing laptop with great power all around.
Choosing a laptop fit for traveling is fun. Go after the weight, size, and performance.
Design and style should just be secondary but with many options in the market, you can choose something that appeals to you.
Innovation in computers resulted in cutting-edge and aesthetically appealing laptops.