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  • Best Laptop
  • Best Upper Mid-Range
  • Best Mid-Range
  • Best Budget
  • Best Compact
  • Best Gaming

Notable Mentions

Recent updates, all reviews, the 6 best travel laptops - winter 2024 reviews.

Best Travel Laptops

When shopping for a travel laptop, a couple of requirements immediately come to mind: size, weight, and battery life. Finding a thin and light laptop isn't so much a problem when it comes to general productivity and media consumption devices, but finding a relatively portable mobile workstation or gaming laptop can still be challenging. You must also ensure that portability doesn't come at the cost of a flimsier, cheaper-feeling build. Screen brightness is another thing to consider, as you want a display that can overcome glare in bright settings, and you'll want a good keyboard and touchpad, as they're your primary input methods. A good port selection is a must if you don't want to carry around a hub or dock, and webcam quality is important if you're often on video calls. Biometrics isn't necessary but nice to have, especially if you don't like typing out your password or PIN in a public area.

We've bought and tested over 105 laptops. Below are our recommendations for the best laptops for travel you can buy. You can also see our recommendations for the  best laptops , the  best business laptops , and the best laptops for college .

Best Laptop For Travel

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023) Design Photo

The best travel laptop we've tested is the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023). This 14-inch workstation has nearly everything you could ask for in a premium model: a sturdy all-metal chassis, a compact design, tons of processing power, and a long battery life. It sports a bright 120Hz Mini LED display, a spacious keyboard, and a gigantic, easy-to-use haptic touchpad. The display is suitable for color work, as it has full DCI P3 coverage and superb factory calibration. Its 1080p webcam is excellent, so your colleagues can see and hear you clearly on video calls.

New in this generation of MacBook Pro is the addition of a base M3 model, similar to the discontinued 13-inch model with Touch Bar. This can be a great option if you don't need all the processing power but still want the 'Pro' features, like the display and up-firing speakers. The main downside is that the RAM and storage aren't user-replaceable, and upgrading them increases the total cost considerably.

The  Dell XPS 15 (2023) is our recommendation for Windows users. It's a larger 15.6-inch device but weighs the same as the MacBook Pro 14. It provides a great user experience and can easily handle demanding tasks like programming and video editing. Unlike the MacBook Pro, the RAM and storage drive are user-replaceable, so you can upgrade or add more space later. Unfortunately, there are a couple of tradeoffs, like its display's basic 60Hz refresh rate and its terrible 720p webcam. Port selection is also a slight downgrade compared to the MacBook Pro, as there's no HDMI port. Lastly, Dell has released new XPS models in 14- and 16-inch sizes, so if you're a fan of the 15-inch size, this is a good time to get one because it's often on sale on  Dell's website .

See our review

Best Upper Mid-Range Laptop For Travel

Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022) Design Photo

If your workload includes lighter tasks like text processing, web browsing, spreadsheets, and video playback, get the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022) instead. It's also a high-end model that provides a premium user experience; however, it doesn't have as much processing power, so you aren't overpaying for performance you don't need. Don't worry; its M2 SoC is fast and can stand toe to toe with current-generation Intel and AMD CPUs. While its IPS panel isn't as impressive as the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023) 's 120Hz Mini LED display, it's still pretty and bright enough for outdoor use. The main drawback is the port selection, which comprises two USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports with support for a single external display.

As you may have heard, Apple has released a new MacBook Air with its M3 chip. There are only a few changes, including a slightly faster SoC, Wi-Fi 6E, and support for two external displays, though the latter has a caveat, as you can only get two external displays with the laptop's lid closed. We'll have a full review of the new model soon. If you don't need these upgrades, Apple still sells the M2 model as a more budget-friendly option with a starting price of $999 USD. The Apple MacBook Air 15 (2023) is also a good option if you want more screen space and don't mind paying more. It's still very portable for a 15-inch model, but it might not fit into smaller messenger or sling bags.

A Windows alternative would be the LG gram 14 (2023) . At 2.1 lbs, this 14-inch ultraportable is even lighter than the MacBook Air 13. It provides a good user experience overall, and while its battery life is shorter, it's still enough to get through a typical workday. It also has a wider port selection that includes two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4s, allowing you to connect up to two 4k displays at 60Hz with a single cable. Naturally, there are compromises, like a worse dimmer, lower-resolution FHD+ display, and a less premium-feeling magnesium alloy build.

Best Mid-Range Laptop For Travel

Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2022) Design Photo

Our best mid-range pick is the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2022), a 14-inch 2-in-1 convertible Chromebook. It's a very compact device that's easy to carry around, and its battery lasts over 13 hours of light use. The display gets bright enough for use in most indoor settings, and since it's a 2-in-1 convertible, you can set it up in tent mode for media consumption or flip the screen all the way around and use it as a tablet. If you want to take handwritten notes, it supports pen input and comes with a stylus that you can dock into its charging slot at the front of the device. Ports include one USB-A, two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4, and an HDMI port.

Spec-wise, this laptop has various Intel 12th Gen CPUs, from a Core i3 to a P-series Core i7. However, only the Core i5 model with 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage is widely available, and even that model is getting hard to find. There's a newer 2023 model, which we haven't tested but expect to be very similar. The upgrades include a faster Intel 13th Gen CPU and a 1440p webcam. You can get the 2023 model on Amazon or at  Best Buy . Lastly, if you're new to Chrome OS, know that the type of applications you can install is limited, so you need to ensure you can do everything through a Chrome browser or Android apps.

Best Budget Laptop For Travel

Acer Swift 3 14 (2020) Design Photo

For those on a tighter budget, get the Acer Swift 3 14 (2020), a 14-inch Windows ultraportable. Acer's Swift models are typically more expensive, but since this is a 2020 version, you can get it much cheaper. It has a nice FHD display, a decent keyboard, and a wide port selection, including two USB-As, one USB-C/Thunderbolt 4, a full-size HDMI, and a headphone jack. It's available with an Intel 11th Gen Core i5 or i7 CPU and up to 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage.

The Intel 11th Gen CPUs are two generations behind Intel's latest offerings but can still easily handle general productivity tasks like web browsing, text processing, spreadsheets, and video playback. Plus, the battery life is amazing at over 13 hours of light use. Its 720p webcam is its main weakness; the image is underexposed, and the microphone sounds staticky.

Best Compact Laptop For Travel

Microsoft Surface Go 3 (2021) Design Photo

If you need something compact to browse the web or answer emails on the go, get the Microsoft Surface Go 3 (2021), a 10.5-inch tablet PC with a built-in kickstand and a detachable keyboard. It's super compact, and its battery lasts a little over seven hours of light use. Its FHD+ display looks very sharp, gets bright enough to combat glare, and supports pen input. You get an excellent 1080p webcam, a second back-facing camera, and a facial recognition IR camera for quick logins. Like all Microsoft 2-in-1 tablets, you must buy the keyboard and stylus separately. The keyboard is worth getting, as it's much more comfortable to type on than an on-screen keyboard, and it protects the screen from scratches.

The Surface Go 3 is available with an Intel Pentium Gold or Core i3 CPU. They perform well enough for this tablet PC's intended use, which is to say simple tasks like web browsing, emails, and video playback, but don't expect to do anything remotely intensive. If your budget allows, it's worth upgrading the memory to 8GB, as you'll get a much smoother experience with fewer slowdowns when multitasking. Port selection is limited; you only get a USB-C, a headphone jack, and a proprietary Surface Connect charging port.

Best Gaming Laptop For Travel

Razer Blade 14 (2022) Design Photo

We recommend the Razer Blade 14 (2022) for gaming on the go. This 14-inch model is surprisingly thin and light for a gaming laptop, and aside from its green logo on the lid, it has a fairly understated design, so it doesn't stick out in a professional environment if you use it for work. It's available in three preset configurations: a 1080p 144Hz display with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, a 1440p 165Hz display with an RTX 3070 Ti, or a 1440p 165Hz display with an RTX 3080 Ti. All three configurations deliver a smooth gaming experience in demanding AAA titles.

We don't have many complaints about the keyboard; the keys have a good amount of travel and tactility, but they could be more stable. And, of course, it has per-key RGB backlighting. As for upgradeability, the storage drive is replaceable, but not the memory, as all three configurations come with 16GB of soldered RAM.

A newer model of the Blade 14 is available. Its design remains largely unchanged, as the upgrades are internal. The CPU is now an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS, and GPU options include an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 and 4070. These new GPUs bring a new feature called Frame Generation, which boosts performance by inserting AI-generated frames. Few games currently support this feature, but as we've seen with DLSS, the adoption rate will likely grow quickly. There's also a new display option: a 240Hz QHD+ panel with a matte finish and VRR support. See  here  for more details about the new Razer Blade 14.

  • ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (2023): The ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (2023) is a great 2-in-1 Windows convertible and a good alternative to the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022). It feels as well built as the MacBook Air and has a gorgeous, albeit slightly dimmer, OLED display. It also has a wider port selection, including two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4s with support for multiple external displays. It's heavier, though, and its battery life is shorter at around eight hours of light use. See our review
  • Framework Laptop 13 (2023): The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is a good alternative to the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022) if you want a laptop that's easy to repair or upgrade. You can replace any component in the laptop, even the CPU and motherboard. All the parts are available via Framework, and the company provides manuals to guide you through the replacement process. It also has a modular port system that lets you swap out the ports on the fly. However, its keyboard, touchpad, speakers, and webcam aren't as good. Also, depending on where you live, it might be harder to get one because you can only get it via Framework's website. See our review
  • Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (2023): The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (2023) is a great ultraportable alternative to the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022). It has a wider port selection and Thunderbolt 4 support, and its SSD is user-replaceable. However, it's slightly bulkier, and its battery doesn't last as long. It's also more expensive. See our review
  • Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 (2023): The Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 (2023) is a good alternative to the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2022) if you prefer Windows. It provides a great user experience, and its battery lasts around 12 hours of light use. It's a pretty thin laptop, but ultimately, it's still a 16-inch device, so it might not fit into some bags. It also weighs considerably more at 4.4 lbs. See our review
  • Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 (2021): The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 (2021) is a good alternative to the Microsoft Surface Go 3 (2021) if you only need a device for media consumption. It has a much nicer OLED display, and its battery lasts longer. It's a 13-inch device, though, so it isn't as portable as the Surface Go 3. See our review

Mar 15, 2024: Removed the Lenovo Slim Pro 7 14 (2023) from the Notable Mentions because it's discontinued. Added the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) as a Notable Mention. Minor text changes to provide information about new models of the Dell XPS 15, Apple MacBook Air 13, and Razer Blade 14.

Jan 23, 2024: Replaced the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M2, 2023) with the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023) because Apple no longer sells the M2 model.

Nov 16, 2023: Minor text changes to provide information about the new M3 MacBook Pro and to add the Dell XPS 15 (2023) as a Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. Added the Lenovo Slim Pro 7 14 (2023) and Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 (2023) as Notable Mentions.

Sep 18, 2023: Replaced the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) with the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) because the M1 model is no longer available. Small text changes to include the Lenovo Slim Pro 7 14 (2023) as an alternative to the MacBook Pro 14. Replaced the Lenovo Chromebook C340 15 (2020) with the Acer Swift 3 14 (2020) because the Acer is a better value.

Jul 18, 2023: Verified that the picks are valid and available. Added the ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (2023) as a Notable Mention.

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best travel laptops you can get. We factor in the price (a cheaper laptop wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no laptops that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).

If you prefer to make your own decision, here’s the list of all of our laptop reviews. Keep in mind that most laptops are available in various configurations, and the table only shows the results of the model we tested, so it’s best to see the full review for information about other variants.

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Home » Gear » best travel laptop

10 BEST Travel Laptops (MUST READ! • 2024)

From the sleek and mighty powerhouses to the budget-friendly gems, our list is tailored for diverse itineraries and preferences. Imagine unwinding in a quaint café with a laptop that boasts a battery life longer than your layover, or editing your travel vlog on a device that handles heavy graphics like a breeze.

I put this guide together with one goal in mind – to help you find the best travel laptop for YOUR travel style. With the help of this epic guide, you’ll easily to be able to know which laptop is best for your needs, style, and budget.

Alllrighty then, do you wanna find out what the best computer for travel is? Well, let’s get to it!

danielle remote working from the jungle in thailand

Quick answer: The Best Portable Travel Laptops

What type of traveller are you, best overall laptop for travel – macbook air, best laptop for professionals – macbook pro, best midrange travel laptop – dell xps 13″, best value for money laptop – microsoft surface book, best budget travel laptop – lenovo ideapad, best budget 2-1 laptop – microsoft surface pro 7, other great budget laptops for travel, the best overall travel laptop, what specs to consider before buying the best travel laptop, choosing the best travel laptop faqs, how we tested the best travel laptop, faq about the best travel laptop, final thoughts on the best laptops for travel.

  • Macbook Air – Best Lightweight Laptop
  • 16.2 Inch MacBook Pro – Best Laptop for Professionals
  • Dell XPS 13″ – Best Midrange Laptop
  • Microsoft Surface Book – Best Value Laptop
  • Lenovo Idea Pad – Best Budget Laptop
  • Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – Best Travel Tablet
  • Jump to –> Travel Laptop Reviews

travel notebook computers

Macbook Air

  • Portability > 2.5 lbs
  • Battery Life > 18 hour battery
  • Storage Space > 256 – 512GB SSD
  • Processing Power > M2 chip
  • Operating System > Mac OS Ventura

macbook pro best laptops for professionals

16.2 Inch Macbook Pro

  • Portability > 6.4 lbs
  • Battery Life > 22 hour battery
  • Storage Space > 512 GB – 1 TB SSD

Dell Xps Laptop for Digital Nomads and Travellers

Dell XPS 13

  • Portability > 2.7 lbs
  • Battery Life > 7 hour battery
  • Storage Space > 128 GB SSD
  • Processing Power > Intel Core i5-7200U 3MB cache, up to 3.10 GHz 8G memory 128G SSD
  • Operating System > Windows 10

travel notebook computers

Microsoft Surface Book

  • Portability > 3.34 lbs
  • Battery Life > 10.5 hour battery
  • Processing Power > 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5
  • Operating System > Windows 10 Pro

travel notebook computers

Lenovo Ideapad

  • Portability > 5 lbs
  • Storage Space > 500 GB Hard Drive
  • Processing Power > Intel Pentium 4405U (2M Cache, 2.10 GHz), 2 cores, 4 threads

travel notebook computers

Microsoft Surface Pro 7

  • Portability > 1.7 lbs
  • Processing Power > 3 GHz Intel Core i5
  • Operating System > Windows 10 Home

My laptop has literally changed my life – not only can I earn money online but I can also stream Game of Thrones wherever I go… and I think we can all agree that that’s pretty damn important.

But what about your needs?

You see, “the best travel laptop” is a pretty broad statement since there are many different types of travelers. The question is – which kind of traveler are YOU?

Here are some extremely important things to consider…

1. Do you need to get work done on your laptop?

If you aren’t planning on using your travel laptop for online work, you don’t necessarily need to splash out on a top of the range laptop.

While it might be tempting to spend $2,000 on the new best laptop, the truth is that only digital nomads and other professionals really need that sort of tech. If you don’t have any work deadlines to meet, it might be better to keep it simple.

2. What will you use your laptop for?

Will you be working on the road (writing, editing, etc.), or mainly surfing the web? Do you need the processing power to run multiple editing programs, or is your prime concern staying connected to social media?

Identifying exactly what you need a laptop for will help you decide on which one is best for your travels.

3. Do you have any size requirements?

Are you traveling with minimal room in your backpack? Are you bringing a bag with certain size requirements?

For instance, some expensive daypacks can’t fit 15-inch laptops, or some laptop sleeves can’t fit larger than a 13 inch. If you buy a special backpack for your laptop , then most of your needs should be met. Either way, make sure to keep these in mind.

4. Are you traveling heavy or light?

The more powerful the laptop, the more it weighs. The difference between a 1.5 lb tablet and a 7 lb professional laptop is HUGE.

Remember that a light traveler is a happy traveler, so if you don’t need a heavier laptop, there’s no reason to cause extra strain on your body.

There are different specs you need to considers when choosing the best laptop for you…

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travel notebook computers

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macbook air the best laptop for travel

Two quick things….

  • If you are a digital nomad, working professional, or aspiring to work online. Do not pick this travel laptop.
  • If you hate Macs or iOS. Do not pick this computer.

Everyone else. This is the best travel laptop. 

If you’re an Apple user, this is Apple’s best Mac laptop for the money and this was the first laptop I took traveling which was adequate for working online. The pros (as with any MacBook) are its integration with apple products, ease-of-use, trackpad and keyboard, design, and reliable performance. It’s also the lightest laptop for travel, so that’s a major win.

I’ve used MacBooks for 7 years now (my first one from 2010 is still alive and kicking!), and I’ve never needed repairs (except to replace an old battery). I can’t say the same for any of the PCs I’ve owned, which is why I think Macs are the best user-friendly laptops if you don’t have a computer background.

If you want a MacBook for browsing, streaming, social, and office, the MacBook Air is fast enough, especially with 2024’s updated processor speed and default memory. But if you want a Retina resolution screen, “Kaby Lake” processors, and more power for editing programs, you’ll have to fork out the money for a MacBook Pro instead.

I recommend you go for as much storage as you can afford if you plan on storing music, images or video because you can’t add storage to Apple computers after purchase. If your laptop is used for browsing and light document work (Excel, Word, etc.) the 256GB SSD should be fine.

  • Fast and durable!
  • Lightweight (super important)
  • Can handle your internet needs and then some
  • Not as powerful as other options
  • Not good for working professionals

Is the MacBook Air for you?

If you are looking for a light laptop that can handle all of your basic internet needs and then a little bit more – the MacBook Air is my highest recommendation. It’s light and sleek design makes it ideal for travelers, and it comes at a reasonable price.

macbook pro best laptops for professionals

If you are interested in making money online, you need to invest in a great laptop. The MacBook Pro is my highest recommendation. Its starting price plus lack of ports can be a deal breaker for many, but I still think it is the most versatile, user-friendly laptop out there and mine has allowed me to start and run several businesses from all over the world. I love my MacBook Pro and investing in it was the smartest move I made.

Whether you are freelancing, doing graphic design, blogging or editing photo or video – if you are a traveling professional, it’s hard to beat the MacBook Pro. If you’re in the market for the best lightweight laptop that still has a ton of storage space, the 16.2-inch MacBook is the best choice for you. Weighing less than a 2 kg, this is the best lightweight laptop for travel. Overall, the MacBook Pro is one of the fastest computers on the market. It’s the best traveling laptop for digital nomads, but you have to pay for it.

This is a great choice for bloggers, freelance photographers , etc too. It outperforms the other laptops on this list, but if you’re not set on the Mac OS system, the Dell XPS and Microsoft Surface Book have competing specs for a much more affordable cost.

  • Powerful – can handle anything
  • Great battery life
  • Great for Digital Nomads or professionals
  • Unnecessary for normal web users

Is the MacBook Pro for you?

If you can afford a notebook above $1800, or have to bite the bullet because of work, these laptops are going to be fantastic options because they have powerful processors, larger storage space, and better quality build.

High-end laptops are the best laptops for travelling photographers, videographers, laptop bloggers, etc., but not necessary for the average traveller.

travel notebook computers

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Dell Xps Laptop for Digital Nomads and Travellers

The Dell XPS is best mid-range laptop for travel because of its superb battery life, 7th-generation Core performance and excellent Wi-Fi range. I love that it has more ports than on competing laptops, as well as an SD port. It also has a touch-screen higher-resolution option (for a bit more weight and quite a bit more money).

As for its design, the Dell XPS has a comfortable soft-touch, carbon-fibre deck, infinity display, and rose-colour option. Often the trade off for a thin, best ultralight laptop is shorter battery life and too few ports. The XPS 13, however, gives you nearly 14 hours of battery power, and all the connection options you need while also remaining pretty light and compact for travel.

If you are a PC user, the Dell XPS 13″ is the best travel computer within the $1000 range. Though if you want more memory than 256MB, or an i7 processor, you will have to pay more money. This is a high quality laptop at a great price…

  • Incredible value
  • Powerful – good for those who  work and travel
  • Great alternative if you don’t like Apple products
  • Pricey for a PC
  • Touch screen option is very expensive

Is the Dell XPS right for you?

For under $1000, you should be able to find a high quality travel laptop for many of the specs that matter most to the average traveler: weight, portability, and reliability. If you are willing to spend a couple hundred more, I would recommend picking up the Dell…

travel notebook computers

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microsoft surface book

This is definitely one of the best-value laptops/tablets for travel! You essentially get the portability and ease of use of a tablet with a detachable keyboard. The Microsoft Surface book is lightweight and portable, but you can still run programs like Lightroom and upload your travel photos and videos. The Stylus Pen is a truly innovative and amazing addition as well.

While this isn’t the cheapest laptop in this guide, the Microsoft Surface book is definitely one of the best value laptops on the markets since you are getting a great tablet and computer all-in-one. When it comes to weight, size, features, battery, I think this is the best travel laptop for your money but if you are going pro and embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, I would recommend getting a Macbook instead.

The Microsoft Surface book is a great laptop for photographers and allows you to run Lightroom, Adobe Premier, and other intensive programs.This is the best Windows 10 option for creatives and travellers needing versatility, speed, and power. While technically a powerful laptop, this is also one of the best tablets for travel. It has a battery on the detachable screen and actual computer. When both are charged you can get up to 12 hours battery life.

The 6th generation processor is not as speedy as the 7th generation in the MacBook Pro, but it’s a bit more affordable. The Surface Book also has a leg up on graphics performance in comparison to the MacBook Pro.

  • Great value
  • Laptop AND a tablet
  • Overall pick for best value
  • Not powerful enough for professionals/Digital Nomads
  • Not as durable

Is the Surface right for you?

People who need discrete graphics, want a powerful computer that is also a 2-1, and Microsoft program integration will find this laptop to be one of the best options out there.

To take full advantage of the separate graphics chip and power, you have to invest more than the starting price and pay for an upgrade, but it’s totally worth it.

lenovo thinkpad best laptop for travellers

The Lenovo is one of the best ultra-lightweight laptops in the budget price range. This Windows OS laptop has 9 hours of battery life, a nice design, and is one of the cheapest light laptops for travel. The performance is good enough for web surfing, editing documents, and viewing movies. The keyboard and touchpad’s quality, however, is less than subpar.

Overall, this is a cheap laptop and a solid choice for the minimal traveller, who wants to stream online and run basic programs. This is definitely not adequate for anybody who needs to work online and certainly the Lenovo cannot handle Lightroom or other photo editing programs.

The team felt this was a great option for those with pretty basic needs looking for something lightweight, affordable and that performs well enough given the tasks expected of it. For those working mostly on word processors and looking to store their travel photos, this is a great option. The standard edition comes with a massive hard drive too making it great for storing and doing some basic processing to travel photos on the road.

  • Good for basic surfing and Netflix-ing
  • Not durable

Is the Lenovo right for you?

If you are trying to get any work done or be productive, the Lenovo is NOT for you. This is a budget computer that can handle some basic browsing and streaming for the few years it lasts. If that is what you need it for, then this is one of the best budget options!

microsoft surface pro 4

This is one of the top travel laptops out there because of its versatility and price range compared to the competition. However, the biggest drawback is that the Surface Pro Keyboard  must be bought separately (and costs an extra $120)! The Surface Pro can easily function as an ebook reader, travelling tablet, sketchpad, and video player all-in-one, making it the best tablet for travel, hands down. Plus, I can say from experience that it has awesome resolution and a sharp screen, making it great for watching movies on a plane/bus/train.

Its most stand out features are its touch screen and surface pen stylus. The pen has been tested by comic artists and graphic designers for its accuracy and real-feel! (The pen even learns your handwriting!)

The device doesn’t have as much storage space or processing power as its sister product, the Surface Book, so an external drive is crucial! Though you can upgrade to 256MB or 512MB, it will make the surface pro significantly more expensive.

  • Best tablet for travel
  • Super light
  • Spectacular resolution
  • Lacks power/storage
  • Not ideal to get serious work done

Is the Surface Pro 7 for you?

The Surface Pro 7 is the best tablet for travel, and with the keyboard one of the most versatile laptops on the market and is definitely worth considering.

What are 2-1 Laptops?  They are travel tablets that can be converted into full laptops. Unlike conventional tablets, they’re made to be used offline and can run computer programs. Moreover, unlike with normal tablets, 2-1 laptops allow you to upload data (music, videos, photos, documents).

Just keep in mind, 2-1 laptops rarely have enough storage space for a lot of videos and photos. A 2-1 tablet/laptop isn’t the best laptop for GoPro users or videographers either since they cannot run intensive video editing programs without sacrificing performance and speed.

Samsung Chromebook 3

1. Samsung Chromebook

The Samsung Chromebook Plus offers a decent design, long battery life, touchscreen, and a hybrid hinge that turns it into a tablet, and is the lightest Chromebook on this list.

Unlike other ChromeBooks, this one is using the sister system, that allows you to download Android apps and use them offline, making it a great Chromebook for travel.

As an alternative to expensive and heavy Macbooks, the team felt the Samsung Chromebook Plus was a really viable option for those not wanting to travel with that kind of laptop but wanting similar performance levels.

Acer Chromebook for Digital Nomads and Travellers

2. Acer Chromebook

The Acer Chromebook is one of the better budget lightweight laptops on the market. The laptop has ultra portability, a comfortably sized keyboard, and a touchscreen. The downside is it does feel very “cheap” with a plastic like frame. At 1.1 Kg and 11.6 inches, this is one of the best budget laptops for surfing the internet, and a great option if you’re looking for a small, portable laptop to stream movies on or run other basic tasks with.

Note:  I have listed the starting price for the storage space available. Often you can add more storage space for a higher price.

lenovo yoga 2-1 traveler computer

3. Lenovo Yoga 910

An alternative to the Surface Pro and another one of the best tablets for traveling is another hybrid with cool features like a fingerprint sensor. At 1.4kg (3.09lbs), the Yoga 910 is a heavier than most 2-1s, but also has more storage space to start, an all-metal finish, the latest Kaby Lake processors (i7), and 14in HD display.

It’s reasonably well-priced for a hybrid of this quality, but there is a cheaper, more basic version called the Lenovo Yoga 710 if you’re trying to save some cash. The 910, however, is the best no-compromise option for work and pleasure making it one of the best laptops for travel and digital nomad life.

Tie Between MacBook Pro and Dell XPS 13 for the best travel laptop

Macbook Pro vs Dell XPS 13 comparison for the best travel laptops

MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro is the best laptop for travel for Mac users, who want the fastest, most reliable computer on the market. The MacBook Pro uses Kaby Lake processors (Intel’s seventh generation chips), has a sleek design, retina (2560 x 1600-pixel) display, touch ID, and the best rated audio sound.

The Dell XPS is the best Windows 10-based laptop. It comes with 13.3 HD display, nearly 14 hours of battery power, and all the connection options you while remaining plenty light and compact for travel. This is a great choice if you want to save a bit of cash and avoid Macs…

travel notebook computers

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Price is probably the most important factor when choosing the best laptop for traveling.

Unless you are working online, you really don’t need to spend $1000+ to get the best travel laptop. There are several cheap travel laptops and mid-range options that make great laptops for travel.

Remember that high-value items, such as a top of the range laptop, are often harder to claim for on insurance. There are some cheap lightweight laptop options on the market too and overall the price of laptops continues to come down… You get what you pay for though so if you need a laptop for work, I recommend not going for the cheapest laptop option.

2. Portability

Portability is especially essential for the on-the-go, minimal traveler, and an important factor to consider when choosing the best laptop for travel.

You want something lightweight so that your backpack doesn’t end up weighing too much (As we say in the hiking world, ounces add pounds and pounds add pain!). If you haven’t yet picked up a backpack for your trip, check out this post for plenty of backpack inspiration. 

Your laptop’s size is also important (usually correlating with weight) to easily pull your computer in/out of your bag at the TSA security line, etc. The smallest travel laptops and tablets have less storage space and processing power, but they are also cheap and highly portable. If you are going to be on the road a lot, I recommend trying to find a lightweight laptop.

If you have a smaller unit, you can also invest in a smaller laptop bag . So portability not only applies to the laptop itself, but what you’re going to use to carry it.

3. Battery Life

It’s always nice to have a reliable battery life, especially if you are taking your laptop up into the mountains. The best laptops on the market have at least 8 hours of battery life, and some can last for an entire day. If you are spending a lot of time off the grid and still need access to your laptop then consider picking up a portable battery capable of charging a laptop.

Quick travel tip: make sure your wi-fi and blue tooth are turned off (when you’re not using them) to save battery!

4. Storage Space

Most of the top travel laptops (with ample battery life and affordability) lack a large amount of storage space, and if you’re going to store a lot of photos and videos from your travels, it’s important to have ample hard drive space!

I’ve found it’s well worth investing in a cloud drive and/or an external hard drive, especially since photos and videos take up a lot of room. This way you don’t have to sacrifice laptop portability for storage space on the actual laptop.

My first backpacking laptop, a MacBook Air, didn’t have too much storage space so I kept a lot of my photos and videos on Dropbox and stored my movies on a nearly bulletproof portable hard drive .

Typical external drives with 1 terabyte cost around $80 USD, and cloud storage (through Google, Dropbox Microsoft, etc.) average around $10 a month. It’s also important to back up your files in case your travel laptop gets stolen (like my friend Ana’s did in Costa Rica)!

5. Processing Power

If you are running editing programs and high-resolution videos, you should also prioritize the processing power.

The CPU is like the “brain” of your computer. At the moment, Intel Core i7 is the highest performer, but also the most expensive. Intel Core i5 should work for most of the best travel computers, and anything older is fine if you’re just surfing the web.

A separate graphics chip allows gamers, 3D designers, and high-res video editors to run their programs without taking up a ton of RAM and slowing the overall performance of the computer.

An integrated graphics chips (one that shares system memory) is just fine if you don’t have these needs.

If you want a separate graphics chip, keep in mind Apple only puts separate graphics chips in their MacBook Pro 15in computers. The 15 inch MacBooks are more expensive, and in my opinion, anything over 13 inches is too large to be considered one of the best laptops to travel with.

6. Do you prefer Mac, Windows, or Chrome OS?

Most laptops run one of these three operating systems: Windows, Chrome OS, or Mac OS X (for MacBooks only).

Windows notebooks offer the largest range of options for the best travel laptop. The newest window computers offer cool features like touch screens, 2-1 convertible tablets, fingerprint readers, and dual graphics chips.

Mac’s newest operating system, MacOS Sierra, comes with all Apple computers. Once you get the hang of Apple’s programs and trackpad/keyboard short cuts, Mac is the best user-friendly laptop (in my opinion) for the average person who knows nothing about computer engineering or coding.

Macs are expensive, but also reliable, which is important when you are travelling around the world and don’t have time/money to take a computer in for repairs.

Chrome-OS is Google OS’ – simple and secure operating system, usually available on small portable laptops. The drawback? It’s mainly limited to surfing the web, checking email, and navigating social networks, not doing stuff offline. Still, ChromeBooks are the best cheap and light laptops for the minimal traveller.

Conclusion? Most travellers are going to need to prioritise versatility , weight , battery life , and price when picking the best travel laptop. Digital nomads and travellers working remotely are going to need powerful laptops for travel to handle multi-tasking and intensive programs.

Q. What is the best laptop for the money?

In my humble opinion, the best value laptop is definitely the Microsoft Surface Book  – from a specs / weight / price ratio, this laptop outperforms all the others.

Q. What is the best cheap laptop?

The Lenovo Idea Pad  is the best cheap laptop on the market at the moment. It is adequate for streaming movies and casual web browsing but that’s about it… Still, for less than $300, it’s a steal.

Q. What is the lightest travel laptop?

The MacBook Air  is the most compact, thinnest and lightest laptop for traveling on the market… If space and weight is your primary concern, this is the laptop to choose.

Q. What is the best laptop for blogging?

The Macbook Pro  is the best laptop for bloggers and photographers – it can handle whatever you throw at it and edit photos without any problems, even on very advanced, space hungry, software.

Q. What is the smallest travel laptop?

The Macbook Air  takes the gold again for the smallest laptop for traveling…

Q. What is the most durable laptop?

The Macbook Pro  is the toughest laptop in this list and if you put it in a case it can take some knocks… Still, be careful with it.

Q. Should I travel with a laptop or a tablet?

A 2-1 will give you a lot more versatility than just traveling with a laptop or a tablet. If you ARE a fan of tablets, I recommend that you consider getting a 2-1 laptop / tablet combo rather than just a tablet. The Microsoft Surface 7 Pro  is definitely the best 2-1 laptop / tablet on the market.

There is no perfect or exact science when it comes to testing out what the best work travel laptop is. Having been digital nomads for a number of years, we think we’re in a decent position to give our 2 cents on the matter!

So when it came to assessing the best travel computers, we looked at a few different factors like specific performance for certain jobs and tasks, memory, storage, speed, weight and durability too. Of course, when it comes to the best laptop for travel and work, much of what is needed is individual depending on your needs. But we tried to cover most of the common uses as well as generalised purposes for travelling with a laptop.

Finally, we also take into account how an item is priced. Travel computers vary wildly in price and the most expensive isn’t always the best for your needs and your trip. However, we did scrutinise the more expensive laptops and gave the cheaper ones a bit more leeway.

Still have some questions about the best laptops for travel? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What is the overall best travel laptop?

The perfect all-rounder for digital nomads is the Macbook Air . It packs style, efficiency, plenty of battery life and storage space and a solid operating systen in one little rectangle. For even more storage space, we’d suggest upgrading to a Macbook Pro .

What is the most affordable travel laptop?

The Lenovo Ideapad is one of the best budget options for digital nomads. While the value might not be as high as a Macbook, you’ll definitely get some real bang for your buck.

Which is the lightest travel laptop?

The Macbook Air is one of the best lightweight travel laptops on the market, with only 2.5lbs!

Should I get an insurance for my laptop during my travels?

Hell yes! If you’re relying on your laptop, having your electronics insured is one of first steps to travelling without any worries.

travel notebook computers

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There you have it!

Our epic reviews of the most versatile laptops, the most cost-efficient laptops, the best laptop for blogging and digital nomads and, of course, the best budget laptop on the market.

Overall, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the listed choices. I personally tend to lean towards MacBooks because of their reliability and my own personal experiences.

However, some of the newest Microsoft, Lenovo, and Dell laptops have unique, useful features like touch screen, and 2-1 convertibility that give them a leg up as the best traveling laptops.

If you just want the best cheap travel laptop to surf the web and stream online, one of the budget laptops or Chromebooks would be perfect for you.

You will need to upgrade from the ChromeBooks and budget options to one of the travelling tablet 2-1’s or more expensive laptop options if you want to store data but you can get around this by buying a portable hard drive. Personally, I’m a big fan of Macbook Pros but what does the data say? When we compare all the factors, what is the best laptop for traveling?

Digital Nomad in Malta

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ralph Cope

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Pocket Wanderings

10 best travel laptops – ultimate buyer’s guide

Best Travel Laptops

Whether it’s for the daily commute, business trips, holidays or blogging, I know that having the best laptop for travelling can make so much difference. Finding the best travel laptops isn’t like choosing a laptop solely for use at home, however.

As someone who works from all over the world and is constantly on the move, I understand the importance of having a travel laptop that ticks all the boxes.

My guide will help you choose a laptop for travelling, whether for short-haul trips, use on a daily basis or heading off around the world.

For business travel and commuting to holidaymakers and digital nomads, discover 10 of the best travel laptops – based on my own personal experience, plus recommendations from fellow travellers.

In this guide, you’ll also find all the technical details you need (and none that you don’t).  The options to consider come from some serious brands.

Apple, of course, is represented twice in the following list (and is a personal favourite. Other options well worth considering include lightweight yet portable powerhouses from HP, Lenovo, Microsoft and more. 

From a small, light laptop for travelling that won’t break the budget to powerhouses capable of video editing, gaming and much more, here’s the full lowdown on buying the right one from yours truly.

But before listing 10 of the best travel laptops, let’s take a look at what I think you should consider when choosing. 

Author Bio: Jessie Moore

Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

What to look for in a travel laptop

If you want to find the best lightweight laptop for travel, then this has to be number one.

A travel laptop is by definition something you’re going to carry around. So you need to find one that’s as portable as possible. 

Laptop for Travelling

The lightest laptop listed in my guide is a little over 500 grams, while the heaviest is around three times that. So it’s something to look at closely when choosing the best laptop for travelling. 

Screen size

There’s little point in buying the best budget laptop for travel if you cannot see the screen properly when working or playing.

So do bear in mind that the best cheap travel laptop, for example, is more likely to have a smaller screen. 

A hack I’d recommend to get around this – when working at home or in the office – is plugging a compatible laptop into a larger monitor. This is what I do when I’m at home.

Battery life

How you travel may affect the relationship between the best laptop for travel and business and its battery life.

If you always have access to a power socket on the train, for example, then it may not matter so much. But what if you have an aisle seat without this connection? 

The best laptop for travel and work is therefore always going to be one with a good battery life. In fact, this is one of the key reasons why I’m recommending the laptops on this list. 

When choosing the best laptop to take travelling, it’s worth asking yourself this question.

What do I want to use the laptop for? Is it for work or leisure, for starters? But beyond that, what do you do most when sitting in front of your computer? 

Best Laptop for Digital Nomad

The best gaming laptop for travel, for instance, may be completely different to the best laptop for travel vlogging. Or the best lightweight laptop for business travel.

Try to choose a computer with the technical features to fit your intended purpose(s) – that may be watching the latest box set or making your latest YouTube video.  

Whether you want the best laptop for travel blogging, your corporate role or a trip around the world, I’d recommend thinking long term.

Buying a cheap laptop can be a false economy, as it may not last for as long as a more expensive product.

A really good laptop may last you for many years, meaning it actually pays in the long run. 

If you want the best Windows laptop for travel, then good brands include Lenovo, Asus, Microsoft, Acer, Zenbook and HP.

Otherwise, Apple Macbooks come highly recommended. The Pro in particular, if your budget can stretch to it. 

Best travel laptops – quick comparison

Note that prices are based on the best price available at the time of writing. These may fluctuate depending on special offers.

10 best laptops for travellers

1. macbook pro 13 inch.

Best video editing laptop

  • Price: £1,349.00
  • Battery life: Up to 20 hours
  • Weight: 1.4kg
  • Screen size: 13-inch
  • Features: Up to 24GB memory, play and edit up to 11 streams of 4K and up to 2 streams of 8K ProRes video, touch ID and touch bar
  • Good for: Video editing, battery

MacBook Pro 13 inch

If you’ve got a bigger budget, then I really think that the 13 inch MacBook Pro is worth splashing out on – this is the laptop that I am currently using.

It’s arguably the best travel laptop for photographers, writers, viewers and workers alike. And it truly leads the field when it comes to making videos.

If you have a YouTube channel or are planning to give it a go, I’d really recommend picking this one. It’s also the leader in terms of battery life, as it can last for up to 20 hours on a single charge.

All without heating up, thanks to the effective cooling system that’s built in. 

This is the most portable model of the Apple Pro range, weighing in at 1.4 kilos. It also has a FaceTime HD camera – ideal for making you feel connected to the loved ones you may have left at home.

M2 chip technology makes it super fast, and you can also stream 4K and 8K ProRes video with ease. 

In fact this laptop is up to six times faster than an Intel laptop, and up to 1.4 times faster than the previous M1 models.

The display is incredibly clear, with realistic colours and crisp images. Plus there are studio-quality microphones perfect for video and podcast producers. 

If you want to find the best laptop of the bunch, this is my favourite and the one I use personally. 

2. Zenbook S UX393

Best touchscreen travel laptop

  • Price: From £1,099.00
  • Battery life: Up to 14 hours
  • Weight: 1.35kg
  • Screen size: 13.9-inch
  • Features: NanoEdge touchscreen, facial recognition, 10th Generation Intel® Core™ processor
  • Good for: Lightweight, battery life, touchscreen

Zenbook S UX393

The Zenbook S UX393 can go for up to 14 hours on a single charge, and is an ultra lightweight choice too.

For portability, I think this one scores serious points as it’s super thin. It also weighs in at a little over a kilo, yet is packed with power and useful features.

These include facial recognition protection and an intuitive NanoEdge touchscreen. The Generation Intel® Core™ processor makes this Zenbook a great all-rounder, perfect for multitasking.

For an even longer battery life from the same brand, check out the Zenbook S 13 OLED.

3. Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Best travel tablet hybrid

  • Price: From £1,075.00
  • Battery life: Up to 15.5 hours or 19 hours with 5G
  • Weight: 879g
  • Features: Front and rear 1080p camera, rear 4k video, 2 in 1 can add keyboard
  • Good for: Lightweight, 2 in 1 

Microsoft Surface Pro 9

If you want to find the best small laptop for travel that involves business trips, I’d recommend considering the Surface Pro 9 from Microsoft.

At under 880 grams, it’s also one of the lightest models on the market. I love that it can also be used as a tablet, so may save you from carrying two devices around.

High-speed 5G connectivity is an optional extra here too, which is ideal if you want to work without delay while on the go. Do check regarding 5G availability in the area, though, if you’re relying on this.

Unlike laptops from other makes, this Microsoft one comes preloaded with Windows 11. So you can set to work – or play – straight away.  

4. ROG Zephyrus G14 Gaming Laptop

Best gaming travel laptop

  • Price: £1,799.00
  • Battery life: Up to 8 hours
  • Weight: 1.65kg
  • Screen size: 14-inch
  • Features: AMD Ryzen™ 9 processors, Nebula Display, fast charging, intelligent cooling, Dolby Atmos® audio
  • Good for: Gaming

ROG Zephyrus G14 Gaming Laptop

In my opinion, the ROG Zephyrus G14 is the best on-the-go laptop for any keen gamer. Its powerful AMD Ryzen™ 9 processor ensures reliable speed and a true powerhouse laptop. 

This ROG gaming laptop also features intelligent cooling to avoid overheating, as well as the ROG Nebula Display for excellent graphics.

Care has also been taken when it comes to sound, as this laptop has Dolby Atmos® for crystal clear audio. 

At a weight of 1.65 kilos, it’s not the lightest in this list – but it’s surprisingly compact considering its powerful function. The battery life is up to 8 hours.

Finally, I think it’s wonderfully sleek for a gaming laptop so it hits the aesthetics points too.

5. Microsoft Surface Go 3 

Best lightweight travel laptop

  • Price: £369.00
  • Battery life: Up to 12 hours
  • Weight: 544g
  • Screen size: 10.5-inch
  • Features: Touchscreen, pen compatibility, lightweight, 1080p HD cameras
  • Good for: Ultra-lightweight, on the go, budget

Microsoft Surface Go 3

I’d recommend the Microsoft Surface Go3 as an ideal option for those seeking a lightweight laptop for travel. It’s also a very pocket-friendly pick. 

A 10.5 inch touchscreen and a kickstand combine to give you great flexibility here.

Whether you want to watch a film, study, work, play or surf the internet, this incredibly lightweight little machine can help you out. At 544 grams, it’s the lightest one featured in this article. 

Despite the modest weight and price tag, this Microsoft Surface device offers a battery life of up to 12 hours, plus 1080P HD cameras and a high resolution touchscreen.

I love that it’s also pen compatible for those who like to take notes or get creative. 

6. MacBook Air M2 

Best for portability and video quality

  • Price: From £1,249
  • Battery life: Up to 18 hours
  • Weight: 1.24kg
  • Screen size: 13.6-inch
  • Features: Ultra-thin (1.13cm), play and edit 4K and 8K ProRes videos, made with recycled materials, touch ID, 1080p camera and three-mic array
  • Good for: Video-editing, lightweight, video calls

MacBook Air M2

In my opinion, the best travel laptop for video editing is the MacBook Air M2 . For many people (myself included), there’s no going back to other operating systems once they’ve tried a Mac.

Apple products work a little differently to the likes of Windows laptops, yet are very easy to get used to. 

The benefits of the MacBook Air M2 include a battery life of up to 18 hours, advanced audio and visual tech and an ultra-thin build.

This latter feature places this among the most portable laptops on the market. Being made from recycled materials, this is also an eco-conscious choice. 

Video-friendly features of the MacBook Air M2 include a 1080p camera and the ability to edit and play 4K and 8K ProRes videos.

There’s also three microphones for sound recording plus a touch ID for security purposes. 

7. Acer Aspire 5 A515-57 15.6 inch Laptop

Best travel laptop for work

  • Price: £699.99
  • Battery life: 11 hours
  • Weight: 1.8kg
  • Screen size: 15.6 inch
  • Features: HD camera with dual microphones and AI noise reduction, 4k streaming
  • Good for: Working remotely

Acer Aspire 5 A515-57 15.6 inch Laptop

It’s not always about the best laptop screen size for travel. Sometimes it’s even more important to choose a laptop with a screen of a decent size, so you can see what you’re doing very clearly at all times.

Especially when your eyes are tired at the end of a long day!

The Acer Aspire 5 A515-57 15.6 inch laptop scores highly on visuals, with wide viewing angles, Quad HD resolution and true-to-life colours. It also has a backlit keyboard so you can see better, even in dim lighting. 

A 12th Gen Intel core, 16GB of RAM and pre-installed Windows 11 means you have power at your fingertips when using this laptop.

Features making it particularly work-friendly include the HD webcam and AI noise reduction for those online meetings, plus a raised hinge for more ergonomic posture.

I don’t know about you, but I could definitely do with a better posture when hunched over my laptop!

8. ASUS Chromebook Flip CM3 (CM3200) 

Best for work, rest and play  

  • Price: From £219.99
  • Battery life: Up to 16 hours
  • Weight: 1.1kg
  • Screen size: 12-inch
  • Features: 360° hinge to turn into a tablet
  • Good for: Budget, lightweight, 2 in 1

ASUS Chromebook Flip CM3

I love that the ASUS Chromebook Flip CM3 stands out from the crowd because of its innovative design.

It’s called the Flip because you can turn it up the other way, which means that the keyboard is no longer in your way. This is known in the trade as “tent mode”.

If you can’t decide between a laptop and a tablet, this device offers you the best of both. All you need to do is fold back the screen however you like. A 360 degree hinge gives you full flexibility here.

The ASUS Chromebook Flip CM3 is a great all-rounder. You can use it to watch TV or a movie in bed or take it to the boardroom fully powered up, ready to go for up to 16 hours.

It’s fast, lightweight and versatile, and you can also connect it to a monitor if you like using a large screen. 

9. LENOVO IdeaPad Duet 10.1″ 2 in 1 Chromebook

Best budget travel laptop

  • Price: From £260.00
  • Battery life: Up to 10 hours
  • Weight: 920g
  • Screen size: 10.1-inch
  • Features: 2 in 1 keyboard included, HD touchscreen, 1 year guarantee
  • Good for: Lightweight, budget, 2 in 1 

LENOVO IdeaPad Duet 2 in 1 Chromebook

I’d recommend this IdeaPad Duet 10.1 inch 2 in 1 Chromebook as a great bet if you’re on a budget. Because of the modest price tag, I think it also makes the perfect starter laptop for teens.

The battery life on this one is limited to 10 hours, however. Weighing only 920 grams, it’s not asking too much even if you want to carry this one around all day long.

A one year guarantee is provided for peace of mind, and a clever detachable keyboard means you can use it as a tablet. 

As well as being the best laptop size for travel, this IdeaPad Duet 2 in 1 Chromebook weighs just 450 grams when used solely as a tablet. You can also use it for watching full HD videos. 

10. HP ENVY x360 13.3″ 2 in 1 Laptop – Intel® Core™ i5

Best for blogging

  • Price: £999.00
  • Battery life: Up to 17.5 hours
  • Weight: 1.3kg
  • Screen size: 13.3-inch
  • Features: Full HD touchscreen, includes stylus for note taking
  • Good for: Blogging, battery life

HP ENVY x360 2 in 1 Laptop

If you want to source the best laptop for travel photography, writing and taking notes, the HP ENVY x360 1.3 inch 2 in 1 laptop is a very good bet indeed.

Like the ASUS Chromebook Flip CM3, you can flip this one up the other way for viewing the screen via the 360 degree hinge.

This is ideal for online meetings – or winding down with a film at the end of a long, demanding day. 

This laptop comes with a full HD touchscreen. Unlike others, I love that a stylus is also part of the package, so you won’t need to buy one of these separately.

If you appreciate good sound, you’ll also love the fact that this laptop comes with Bang & Olufsen speakers, no less. 

A powerful 12th gen Intel® Core™ i5 processor, an edge-to-edge HD touchscreen and Intel® Iris® Xe integrated graphics are all features to wrte home about.

You can also transfer files without wires via HP QuickDrop, or load up a video by using Intel® WiFi 6E.

There’s even a webcam privacy shutter for when you’d rather not be seen on screen.

Of course this isn’t a comprehensive list of the best travel laptops, but these are my personal pick of the best. To keep your laptop safe while on the move, discover my guide to the best travel laptop bags .

Plus, read my tips on how to become a digital nomad or how to protect yourself online when travelling .

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Jessie is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

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Pocket Wanderings is a luxury travel and lifestyle brand run by London-based content creator, Jessie Moore. Here you’ll find a community of fellow wanderlusters and adventurers.

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The 7 Best Laptops for Travel and Beyond

Look for lightweight devices with a long battery life like our picks from Apple, Microsoft, Dell, and more.

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In This Article

Jump to a Section

  • Our top picks
  • Tips for Buying
  • Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / David Hattan

So, you’ve got the opportunity to work remotely and want to give it a try on your next trip. Or maybe you simply want to do a bit of work by the pool at a resort, or answer some emails on your backpacking journey abroad. As much as you love your home office setup with two monitors and an ergonomic keyboard, you can’t reasonably bring the whole kit and caboodle.

Even though laptops are inherently travel-friendly, look for something that won’t weigh down your pack as well as one that has the power to support the tasks you plan to do. Fortunately, there are plenty of ultraportable options on the market these days — and they can be even cheaper than a new smartphone.

Best Overall

Apple macbook air m2.

This is a tried, tested, and true remote working tool.

There’s just 8GB of RAM on the base model, which might not be enough for power users.

Apple changed the game in 2020 with the release of its MacBook Air M1 , which was made with a processing chip produced in-house as opposed to at Intel. That laptop, which is being used to type these very words, is unbelievably light and fast — perfect for walking around a new city on a cafe crawl — and there are few clear faults. So, it came as a big surprise to everyone, including this writer, that Apple updated the Air in 2022. But the change is a welcome one and even surpassed the MacBook Air M1.

The MacBook Air M2 is 1.4 times faster than its predecessor and graciously added a MagSafe charging port, so your computer won’t tumble off the table if someone kicks the cord in one of those stylish bistros you’ve found yourself in. The new Air also does away with the black border for a larger screen, has a better webcam, is slightly lighter, and comes in a 15-inch model , too.

The Details: 13.6-inch or 15.3-inch | 2.7 pounds | macOS | MagSafe 3 and two Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C ports | 18 hours | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD storage | 8, 16, or 24GB RAM

Apple 14" MacBook Pro M3

There are more ports and power than many similarly sized devices.

It’s nearly a pound heavier than the Air.

For many travelers, the MacBook Air M2 or M1 will do the trick. But for those who need more oomph — such as video creators and graphic designers — take a look at the MacBook Pro M3 Pro. This model will give you way more RAM than the Air with 18GB and many more ports. It also has an even faster processor, the M3 Pro chip, which Apple says can facilitate edits of multiple streams of 8K video and easily support up to two external displays. The biggest drawback, other than the price, is that it’s about a pound heavier — but at 3.5 pounds, that’s still very suitable for travel.

If you need even more power, more CPU and GPU are available as well as a larger 16-inch display .

The Details: 14.2-inch or 16-inch | 3.5 pounds | macOS | MagSafe 3, 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, headphone jack | 18 hours | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB SSD storage | 16GB, 36GB, 48GB, 64GB, 96GB, or 128GB RAM

Best Chrome

Lenovo ideapad flex 5i chromebook plus.

At this price, you may feel less precious about how you pack it.

It could be lighter.

Much of what’s done on laptops these days is on the internet from Google docs to Gmail, and even most organization apps can be used right in your browser. So, with that in mind, consider a Chromebook, which runs on Google’s cloud-based operating system instead of macOS, Windows, or Linux. The thing with Chromebooks is that they tend to have little storage, but this model has a decent amount for any files or photos you do want to save on the device itself and even has a touchscreen. But the best part is that the price is often marked down to something you won’t feel too gutted slipping into a bag to use in most any condition at all.

The Details: 14-inch | 3.6 pounds | ChromeOS | 2 USB 3.1 Type-C, 1 USB 3.1 Type-A, 1 audio jack | 8.5 hours | 128GB SSD storage | 8GB RAM

Best Windows

Lenovo thinkpad x1 carbon gen 11.

This is a productivity beast in an ultralight package.

It may be worth considering an upgrade to a higher-quality screen.

If you’re worried that leaving home or the office will sacrifice performance and security, Lenovo’s premiere business laptop puts those concerns to rest. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 competes at the top echelon of laptops in all categories from speed to battery life and certainly weight; at 2.5 pounds it’s lighter than the MacBook Air M2 and one of the lightest laptops you’ll find. It’s also customizable, so you can get it with more storage (soldered in) and even with an anti-glare touchscreen model.

In terms of design, it looks like a classic ThinkPad, just way lighter. And there’s even that little red eraser ball cursor from back in the day for nostalgics.

The Details: 14-inch | 2.5 pounds | Windows 11 Pro | 2 Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, 2 USB-A, HDMI ports, and headphone jack | 12 hours | 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD storage | 16GB or 32GB RAM

Best 2-in-1

Microsoft surface pro 9.

It’s a tablet with plenty of power.

The Signature Pro keyboard is not included.

This top-of-the-line Windows computer is an impressive travel companion for those who want to have both a computer and a tablet at the same time. A long list of options from color to speed to storage allow you to customize it to your needs and desires, though even the base model is very capable for most users with its 12th-generation Intel Core i5-1235U chip. A bonus for this model compared to the last one is that it’s repairable and has upgradable storage, which are options you definitely won’t find in any Apple products.

A major point to note is that the Signature Pro Keyboard is sold separately — adding some weight and most notably cost to your purchase. Another drawback is that it only has a USB-C port, so you’ll need to get a dongle (not included) even to stick in your wired headphones.

The Details: 13-inch | 1.94 pounds (without the keyboard) | Windows | USB-C | 8 hours | 128, 256, 512GB, or 1TB SSD storage | 8, 16, or 32GB RAM

Dell XPS 13 9315

This is a very lightweight and capable computer at an affordable price.

It has just two ports.

If you want a laptop as light as a MacBook Air for a fraction of the price, check out this model from Dell. The XPS 13 has been around since 2012, but the updated 2022 model stands out for its razor-thin half-inch frame, decent battery life, and, yeah, the weight. The speed is okay, but if you’re planning to do much editing on it you might want to look for something speedier or to upgrade to the i7 processor.

A major thing to note with this laptop is that it has just two ports on either side. Fortunately, it comes with adapters for headphones and USB-A, but you’re out of luck if you want to plug in anything else.

The Details: 13.4-inch | 2.59 pounds | Windows 11 | 2 Thunderbolt, 4 USB Type-C | 12 hours | 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD storage | 8, 16, and 32GB RAM

Most Lightweight

Hp pavilion aero 13.

This is the lightest laptop on our list.

You have to upgrade to a faster processor and Windows 11 Pro for more power.

This is an excellent all-around laptop that also happens to be the lightest we’ve seen. At just 2.2 pounds, it’s half a pound lighter than the MacBook Air M2 and a fraction of the price. While it isn’t as zippy as a MacBook, it still stands up to much pricier options and it comes with more RAM (16GB) than the Apple model without having to upgrade.

A couple of drawbacks with this HP model include the webcam (with just 720p) and the lack of an SD slot, but it has a pretty good lineup of ports compared to other laptops on the market these days.

The Details: 13.3-inch | 2.2 pounds | Windows 11 | HDMI, USB-A, and USB-C ports | 12 hours | 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD storage | 16GB RAM

Tips for Buying a Laptop for Travel

Know how you want to use it.

Do you want a travel laptop simply to catch up on emails, or is it for working and watching movies while camping? If you’re planning to do remote work while on the road, look for something with a speedy processor and ample RAM, especially if you plan to edit video. And make sure the screen is a good quality one if you’re going to use it as a television replacement.

Consider size and weight

Most travel-friendly laptops are under four pounds before factoring in additional accessories and cases. Consider the overall dimensions of the device (which vary from the listed screen dimensions) to make sure you’re picking something that both functions as you need it to but also won’t take up too much space at the same time. Lastly, make sure the laptop can fit in your personal item or carry-on as you aren’t allowed to check it under the plane.

Factor in other internal specs

If you plan to work by the pool or from cafes, wall plugs can be few and far between, so look for a laptop with good battery life. Also make sure the memory (RAM) is suitable for the tasks you want it for, and the screen is big enough for your purposes. Suffice to say, getting the cheapest laptop might not be worth it if it’s just going to frustrate you.

Not necessarily. Some of the lightest laptops on the market (such as the HP Pavilion Aero 13) are also among the best value.

A tablet is a comfortable device if watching a movie in transit or showcasing a visual presentation while standing up. The thing is, tablets lack power and storage space compared to laptops, and some of the programs you can use on a laptop may not be available on the tablet app store. So, if you’re predominantly using the device for work and typing, opt for a laptop instead.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, writer Joel Balsam reviewed the best laptops on the market and used his insights as a gearhead, full-time traveler, and digital nomad to make these picks.

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Best Travel Laptop in 2023: Portable & Powerful

Need a laptop that’s good for travel? Something small and lightweight, but which is still powerful enough that you can perform your everyday tasks on it? Perfect – that’s exactly what I will be talking about in this review!

I will show you 10 excellent laptops for travel, in all different price ranges. From $200 Chromebooks to Mac and Windows laptops that cost well over $1000 – whatever it is that you are looking for, I’m sure you will find something suitable right here!

At A Glance: Our Top Travel Laptops

  • best lightweight travel laptop Dell XPS 13 UHD InfinityEdge Jump To Review
  • BEST WINDOWS TRAVEL LAPTOP Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Jump To Review
  • BEST APPLE TRAVEL LAPTOP Apple MacBook Air 13” Jump To Review
  • BEST CHROME OS TRAVEL LAPTOP ASUS C302CA-DHM4 Chromebook Flip 12.5” Touchscreen Jump To Review
  • best budget travel laptop Lenovo 11.6" HD IPS Touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook Jump To Review

I’ll start you off with some portable Windows laptops, and then I will move on to the MacBooks and Chromebooks. So, scroll down to your preferred operating system to find the best laptop for travelers and digital nomads!

Top Product Overview

Best travel laptops, dell xps 13 uhd infinityedge.

Dell XPS 13 - 13.3' UHD InfinityEdge, 8th Gen Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD - Silver - 9370

If you’re okay with  Windows 10 Home , then you’ll really like this laptop. This Dell XPS 13 has  a 13.3” 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) display,  which is amazing for any graphic work.

And not to mention that you’ll have an amazing experience watching movies and TV shows on this Dell.

There are  two storage options on the Dell XPS 13– one includes a 512 GB SSD, and the other one includes a 1 TB SSD .  The difference between the two is only $100, so I would definitely recommend you go for the 1 TB device.

Both storage space options feature  16 GB of RAM,  so you will easily be able to multitask on this laptop. The Dell XPS 13 version here features an i7 processor , so you can be sure that it will easily handle any task you throw at it.

But it is not all great with this Dell XPS. This lightweight laptop has a camera at the bottom of the display, which could be an issue if you’re not used to it. It is a really weird angle, so you might want to go for a different laptop if you spend a lot of your time video chatting.

And then there’s the battery life, which varies significantly depending on how you use it. The 4K resolution is quite demanding, so  if you spend a lot of time watching 4K videos, the battery won’t last too long .

However, if most of your day includes web browsing and emails, this could almost get you through the workday on a single charge. Which is pretty great.

Another thing worth mentioning is that the Dell XPS 13 laptop is recycle-friendly. Around 90% of its parts can be reused or recycled, and the packaging trays it comes with are 100% recyclable. It’s not a very important feature, but it’s always a plus in my book when companies care about the environment.

  • High resolution touchscreen display
  • Very powerful computer
  • Recycle friendly
  • No HDMI port
  • Battery life could be improved

Product Information

  • Display: 13.3'' 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) Infinity Edge touch display
  • Processor: 4 GHz Intel Core i7
  • Dimensions: 7.84” x 11.88” x 0.46”
  • Weight: 2.67 lbs

Microsoft Surface Book 2

Microsoft Surface Book 2 HNM-00001 Laptop (Windows 10, Intel i7-8650U, 13.5' Screen, Storage: 512 GB, RAM: 16 GB) Silver

By now, you should be familiar with the Microsoft Surface computer. The Microsoft Surface Book is the most powerful lightweight laptop out of the bunch, and it’s  an amazing all-in-one machine . What makes it one of the most popular travel lightweight laptops is the (only 3.62 lbs), versatility, functionality, and amazing battery life.

You can easily get  over 10 hours of battery life with normal use in laptop mode, which is pretty good. However, if you want to use it only as a tablet, you will need to keep the charger handy. The battery life is nowhere near as good when you detach the actual batteries from the display –  you could get some 3-4 hours at best.

The detachable display of the Microsoft Surface is amazing for on-the-go, and it is a great option for people who spend most of their time drawing. It allows you to leave the keyboard part of the laptop at home and shed even more weight.

Make no mistake, this is a powerful machine, with some specs only seen in gaming laptops. With16 GB of RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 GPU, and Windows 10 Pro preinstalled, this is capable of handling pretty much any task you can throw at it, including some demanding PC games.

And the one thing that truly pains me is that you will still experience the usual Windows glitches on this. It’s a lightweight laptop made by Microsoft, so you would expect that Apple level of hardware/software compatibility. But, they never cease to surprise us.

The one upside is that the Microsoft Surface Book 2  wonderfully takes advantage of the fact that Windows 10 was designed for both laptops and tablets.

  • Very powerful machine
  • Detachable display and 360 hinge
  • Long battery life in laptop mode
  • Battery life in tablet mode is disappointing
  • Not as slim and lightweight as other options
  • Pretty pricey
  • Display: 13.5" 3000 x 2000 PixelSense Display,
  • 1.9GHz (Up To 4.2GHz) Intel Quad-Core i7-8650U4 GHz Intel Core i7
  • Dimensions: 2.44” x 13.86” x 10.63”
  • Weight: 3.62 lbs

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Laptop, High Performance Windows Laptop, (Intel Core i7, 16 GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Windows 10 Pro), 20KH002JUS

If you’re a hardcore Windows user, then you have several amazing options – the X1 Carbon is one of those. It’s an amazing travel laptop that just so happens to be very portable, because of its lightweight. At less than 2.5 lbs, this one of the lightest laptops in this entire review.

The X1 Carbon comes with  16 GB of RAM, a 512 GB SSD storage space , and a stunning 14” touchscreen display. Don’t let the small size fool you – this is a very powerful machine that is capable of handling nearly every task.

You get  up to 15 hours of battery life  on the X1 Carbon, depending on how you’re using it. And with Lenovo’s Rapid Charge technology, you can juice up your laptop to 80% battery in just one hour. Which is pretty insane.

One thing I absolutely adore about this laptop is that it has an integrated ThinkShutter – a cover for the webcam . If you’re as paranoid as me and tend to cover up the webcam on all your laptops, you will love this feature.

There are two USB 3.0 ports, two USB C ports and an HDMI port on this thing. And the laptop also has  a fingerprint reader,  which allows you to log in in a matter of seconds.

The X1 Carbon comes with  Windows 10 Pro (64-bit) preinstalled,  so no surprises there. If you’re a business user looking for the perfect Ultrabook, I think this might just be the best laptop out there for you.

  • High resolution touchscreen
  • Rapid Charge technology
  • Fingerprint reader
  • Not the best option for gaming
  • Heats up easily and the fan is loud
  • Display: 14" FHD Touchscreen Display
  • Processor: 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8650U Processor
  • Dimensions: 12.7” x 0.6” x 8.6”
  • Weight: 2.49 lbs

Dell Latitude 7370 12.5” FHD

Fast Dell Latitude 7370 FHD Business Laptop Notebook (Intel Core M7-6Y75, 16GB Ram, 256GB Solid State SSD, Camera, Type C Port, Mini HDMI) Win 10 Pro (Renewed)

If you want a really good Windows laptop for your life as a digital nomad, but can’t afford a really expensive one, this is a good option. The catch is that  it is a refurbished laptop , but it works and runs like new.

Plus,  the price tag is pretty amazing,  especially when you take a good look at all the specs of this Dell laptop .

It has  16 GBs of RAM and a 256 GB SSD storage space ,  so it will be able to handle anything you throw at it. The high amount of RAM also makes it an excellent option for multitasking , especially if you’re one of those people that always have 20+ tabs open in Chrome.

The laptop comes with Windows 10 Professional preinstalled (64-bit), which is great. The (touchscreen) display is Anti-Glare,  so you should be able to use these even in sunlight.

In addition to that, this laptop also features  a backlit keyboard,  which is awesome.

One downside is the battery life.  It’s nowhere near as great as with most other laptops I’ve shown you. In fact, it’s exactly what you’d expect from an older, used Windows laptop –  some 3 hours on average.

But if that is okay with you, then by all means take a really good look at this laptop.

The price point is really good for the performance you get. Plus, it is small and lightweight, so it’s a really great option for travel. As long as you’re okay using this plugged in most of the time, you will really enjoy the Latitude 7370.

  • Great price point
  • Backlit keyboard
  • Anti-glare touchscreen display
  • A refurbished computer
  • Battery life is not great (some 3 hours)
  • Display: 12.5 Inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare Infinity Edge Display
  • Processor: Intel Core m7-6Y75 (Dual Core, up to 3.10 GHz)
  • Dimensions: 12” x 8.3” x 0.56”
  • Weight: 2.5 lbs

Apple MacBook Air 13”

Apple MacBook Air (13-Inch, 1.8GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) - Silver

The MacBook Air is a classic, so you bet it’s going to be at the top of our list. It’s the perfect laptop for those who are always on the go because  it is reliable, lightweight and has a monster M1 chip and battery life.

One of the reasons to get the latest M1 Macbook Air from 2020 and beyond is the new M1 chip from Apple. This chip is a game-changer, and not in the way that Apple or other computer companies usually say. It is fast, powerful and does not suck the life out of the battery. I ran a video compression tool recently that used to take 1 minute per minute of video, and it compressed an hour in 5 minutes!!!

So, if you do any heavy-duty work on your computer like gaming or video editing then this will change your life, seriously! Bonus tip: You can check out Veed – a powerful video editing software that works on your Mac computer, with no software download or plugin required.

The 13 inch Macbook Air also has a Retina display, with a much higher native resolution than the previous model. And Apple has solved that pesky butterfly keyboard issue from a few years ago.

You will have zero issues with a light workload – if it’s mostly replying to emails and writing, you won’t ever hear your computer operating (there is actually no fan), and your battery will last you a long time (18 hours according to Apple, but in reality less).

But if you’re looking for Apple’s best portable laptop, then you’ve found it – the Macbook Air. It  weighs less than 3 lbs, the display is just the right size that you can do anything on it  – from watching Netflix or gaming to editing videos and programming – and the battery can last you a really long time, depending on what you’re using the computer for.

I have had my original Macbook Air 13 inch for nearly 6 years. And sure, the battery does not last like it used to, but it’s still one of the lightest and best machines I have seen amongst other travelers.

  • Insane M1 processor
  • Top-notch battery life
  • Very reliable
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Not cheap by any means
  • Can’t go higher than 16 GB RAM
  • Display: 13.3-inch (Retina display)
  • Processor: M1 from Apple
  • Dimensions: 11.97 x 0.63 x 8.36 inches”
  • Weight: 2.8 pounds (1.25 kg)

Apple MacBook Pro 13"

Apple MacBook Pro (13-Inch, 8GB RAM, 128GB Storage) - Space Gray (Previous Model)

The MacBook Pro was never really considered a portable machine. But that was in the days of yore when it was still a fat, heavy laptop. Nowadays ,  the smallest Pro is as light as the MacBook Air, and it is the perfect option for all of you who need an incredibly powerful travel laptop.

It  weighs only 3.02 lbs , so the difference between it and the Air is almost negligible. Especially when you consider just how much more powerful this machine is; if you consider yourself a Pro user, then this is definitely the travel laptop you should be getting.

There are two versions of the 13” Macbook Pro to consider – the one with the Touch Bar and the one with the regular F keys.

If you are old-fashioned like me,  go for the older Macbook Pro model – not only does it look exactly like a laptop should, but it is also about $400 cheaper.  And if you like trying out new things, go for the Touch Bar version – it is a convenient feature for people that edit a lot of videos or photos.

The Macbook Pro that I am talking about here comes with 8 GB of RAM, and there are two SSD options – 256GB and 512GB storage space . It has four USB-C ports  and  a battery that can last up to 10 hours,  depending on what your workload looks like.

Overall, if you’re looking for an Apple laptop that’s portable but still capable of handling even the most demanding software, the 13” Pro is undoubtedly the right option for you.

  • Insanely powerful
  • Excellent battery life
  • Quite pricey
  • Butterfly keyboard issue possible
  • Display: 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Retina display
  • Processor: 2.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 4.1GHz)
  • Dimensions: 11.97” x 8.36” x 0.59”
  • Weight: 3.02 lbs

Apple MacBook 12”

Apple MNYG2LL/A 12' MacBook, Retina, 1.3GHz Intel Core i5 Dual Core Processor, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Mac OS, Space Gray

Size-wise, this is probably the best macOS laptop you can get. It’s the  smallest Apple laptop that exists these days, since the 11” Macbook Air was discontinued a while ago. It is a pretty powerful laptop, and it will be able to handle most of the tasks that you throw at it.

But what makes the regular MacBook one of the best travel laptops that exist is its portability. Out of all the laptops in this review, this is easily the lightest one, as it weighs in at mere 2.03 lbs (1 lb lighter than the Macbook Pro) .  It will fit into your every backpack and purse, and you will barely feel that it’s there.

Now, there are two types of the MacBook to choose from. There’s the  256 GB SSD model, which comes with an Intel m3 processor, and a 512 GB model that features the Intel i5 processor.  The two CPUs are very different, so you should choose the model based on what you tend to do on your laptop.

Go for the m3 version if you spend most of your time editing videos or gaming – this is the one area where this CPU really outshines the i5. However, the i5 is the better choice in all other areas – it is faster and more efficient.

The MacBook has  a great battery life of up to 10 hours and a stunning Retina display  that really allows you to enjoy videos, even when you’re watching them on a really small display.

  • Extremely lightweight and portable
  • Powerful laptop
  • Very pricey
  • Rose Gold option is discontinued (RIP)
  • Display: 12-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Retina display
  • Processor: 1.2GHz dual-core Intel Core m3 with Turbo Boost up to 3.0GHz
  • Dimensions: 7.4” x 11.04” x 0.52”
  • Weight: 2.03 lbs

ASUS C302CA-DHM4 Chromebook Flip 12.5” Touchscreen

ASUS Chromebook Flip C302 2-In-1 Laptop- 12.5” Full HD Touchscreen, Intel Core M3, 4GB RAM, 64GB Flash Storage, All-Metal Body, USB Type C, Corning Gorilla Glass, Chrome OS- C302CA-DHM4 Silver

The C302 Chromebook by Asus is a great option if you’re looking for  a portable and affordable laptop . It currently costs less then $450, which is a pretty great price point for a laptop. And it is  very lightweight, at only 2.65 lbs.

The  battery can last you up to 10 hours , which is pretty great. But, you’re only getting  64 GBs of SSD storage space,  and that is quite disappointing. The good news is that this Chromebook  supports a microSD card, and you can add up to 256 GBs to it . Plus, SD cards are usually cheaper than external hard drives, so you will save some money there as well.

The  360 hinge allows you to use this laptop however you want , which is very convenient. You can play Android games on it in tablet mode, and then reply to emails and do some light work in laptop mode.

However , the 4 GBs of RAM are a little bit disappointing.  Especially because most smartphones these days have at least 8 GBs. But it’s a completely different processor, so it should be  enough for a light workload .

Keep in mind that you can’t really run any demanding software on this and that you are limited to apps like Google Docs, Gmail, etc.

Overall, if you’re in need of something affordable and efficient, this laptop is a good option for you. Especially if you like the idea of being able to use it as both a tablet and a laptop.

  • Supports microSD card up to 256 GB
  • In the pricier range of Chromebooks
  • Only 4 GB of RAM
  • Display: 12.5” Full-HD touchscreen
  • Processor: 2.2 GHz Intel Core m3
  • Dimensions: 8.3” x 12” x 0.5”
  • Weight: 2.65 lbs

Lenovo 11.6" HD IPS Touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook

Lenovo 11.6' HD IPS Touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook, Quad-Core MediaTek MT8173C (4C, 2X A72 + 2X A53), 4GB RAM, 32GB eMMC, 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, HDMI, Type-C, Chrome OS

If you’re on a really tight budget, I suggest you check out this Lenovo Chromebook . It is  one of the most affordable laptops in this review , with a price tag that is under $250. Yes, for a laptop – I don’t think you can even get a smartphone for that amount of money these days!

This laptop is a good option for you if most of the work you do is online and you don’t need a lot of storage space. You can watch movies on Netflix, and do pretty much anything in Chrome. However,  it only has 32 GBs of eMMc storage,  which is just too little these days.

Another thing to consider is that it has  eMMc storage, which is slower, less reliable and efficient than an SSD . But it is also  a lot cheaper,  hence that super attractive price tag on this Chromebook.

You also get  4 GBs of RAM,  which hurts my heart a little bit. But, I consider myself a pretty heavy user – if you’re not,  4 GB should be plenty for light web browsing and work.

The Lenovo laptop features a 360 hinge, which means you can use it both as a laptop and a tablet. And honestly, when you look at its storage specs, it is a pretty decent tablet. If you’re okay with mostly being in touchscreen mode, you will really like this computer.

One issue I have with this laptop is the size of those bezels. It’s 2019 – haven’t we moved on from those thick nasty bezels? They are a bit of an issue, especially considering how small this laptop is – the actual screen is even smaller than that.

  • Very affordable
  • Only 32 GB of eMMc storage
  • Very thick bezels on the display
  • Display: 11.6" HD (1366x768) IPS touchscreen display
  • Processor: MediaTek MT8173C Quad-Core Base Clock Speed 1.3 GHz (Maximum Boost Speed 2.16
  • Dimensions: 11.7" x 0.8" x 8.1"

Samsung Chromebook 3, 11.6"

Samsung Chromebook 3, 11.6', 4GB Ram, 64GB eMMC (XE500C13-K06US)

Samsung’s Chromebook 3 is one of the most affordable laptops in this review. It is small, lightweight, and pretty efficient for people who are comfortable with chromeOS. It does not have a touchscreen, so keep that in mind.

One interesting thing to note is that I am talking about the most expensive Chromebook 3 here – the one with  4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMc storage . There are two options with less storage, which are even cheaper than this one.

Samsung claims you can get up to 11 hours of battery life from a single charge, which sounds a bit optimistic. But you can get  some 9 hours of light use  without any issues, and that is still pretty good.

Another cool thing about this laptop is that it has  a water-resistant keyboard.  So if you’re anything like me and you tend to spill stuff a lot, you will find that pretty convenient. Especially if you’re always eating or drinking something while using your laptop.

This is a great option for people who don’t need a powerful machine. If you’re happy with Google’s apps, Play Store, and the 11.6” anti-reflective display, you will find that this laptop is a good fit for you. Plus, it is so small and lightweight that you can carry it wherever you want, and you will barely feel its weight.

  • Small and portable
  • Water-resistant keyboard
  • No touchscreen display
  • 64 GB of storage is maximum option
  • Display: 11.6” HD anti-reflective Display
  • Processor: 1.6 GHz Intel Celeron N3060 Processor
  • Dimensions: 11.37” x 0.7” x 8.04”
  • Weight: 2.54 lbs

What To Look For In A Travel Laptop

There are lots of options and specs when it comes to laptops, so it pays to know what you want, more or less, before you start. The following will help you find the perfect laptop, to go in that handy travel backpack along with your travel router !

Size And Weight

Obviously, choosing the best laptop for travelers is going to involve finding one that is lighter and smaller than your favorite 17” machine. Because of that,  I’m only showing you laptops up to 14” in this review.  I know, there are some 15” laptops that are pretty lightweight and portable, but they just didn’t make the cut.

A 13-14” laptop is just  easier to carry around , you can’t argue with that. It will  fit into most backpacks and purses,  and it is almost always going to be lighter than anything larger.

Plus, if you just can’t live without a large display,  you can always get yourself  a portable monitor .

Operating System – Windows, Mac or Chromebook

I will show you three types of laptops here – Windows laptops, Apple laptops and Chromebooks.  And it is important to know what you can expect from each of them.

If you’re already a Windows user, then you’re probably looking for a Windows laptop for travel. You will see several excellent options here, from the best manufacturers .  If you’re considering getting a Windows laptop for the first time, you should know that it is  a full-grade OS , which is capable of pretty much anything.

The same cannot be said for Chromebooks – even though they are perhaps the best travel options because they are cheap and lightweight , they are not capable of much. The  ChromeOS on these laptops is designed around Google’s browser . So, you can’t run any demanding software on these laptops – forget about Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, and even Microsoft Word. Instead, you will need to make due with various online programs – Google Docs, Pixlr or even Microsoft Office Online.

Some of the newer Chromebooks can run many Android apps, so they’ll be great for playing the casual phone game . In general, these are a great option if you want something inexpensive, which you can use to reply to emails, browse the Internet and watch a movie on Netflix.

If you’re an Apple user, then you already know exactly what to expect from macOS.  It’s a full grade operating system with a  remarkably simple and intuitive UI . It is also more reliable and efficient than Windows, in terms of bugs, RAM usage and energy impact.

Price Range

Laptops are not cheap toys, and I think you know that. So, I will try to show you options for different budgets – from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Here’s the thing – if you want a cheap and portable travel laptop and you want it now, go for one of the Chromebooks. They will get the job done if you need something for simple tasks and the occasional movie, and they’re usually in the $300-500 range.

The Apple and Windows laptops are going to be a lot more expensive than that. You will rarely see anything below $1000, with a few exceptions of course.

But if you’re looking for a full-grade OS in a portable and travel-friendly machine, that’s the amount of money you will need to cough up for it.

Best Laptops For Travelers: Our Favorites

Not sure which is the best travel laptop to pick up? Go for one of our favorites – they are the best value for money in each category!

If you want a Windows laptop, I’m recommending the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon . It is an amazing laptop –  slim, lightweight, and incredibly powerful.  It will be able to handle any task you throw at it, so it’s a good option regardless of what you primarily use your laptop for.

It has  a great battery life, a built-in fingerprint reader, and a very inviting keyboard that makes replying to emails an enjoyable task. The Dell XPS 13 is also a popular option, but I prefer the Lenovo.

  • Brand Lenovo, Model 20KH002JUS
  • Product Type: Ultrabook, Processor Manufacturer: Intel, Processor Type: Core i7, Processor Generation: 8th Gen, Processor Model: i7-8650U, Processor Speed: 1.90 GHz, Processor Core: Quad-core (4 Core), Standard Memory: 16 GB, Memory Technology: LPDDR3, Solid State Drive Capacity: 512 GB, Screen Size: 14", Display Screen Type: LCD,

If you’re looking for an Apple laptop, then the MacBook Air is probably the best option. It is really good value for money. But you’re sacrificing that Retina display, which won’t really be that big of an issue.

This is a  thin and lightweight laptop that you fit into almost any backpack and purse, and that has amazing battery life. The Macbook Pro is obviously way more powerful, but it’s just too heavy for travel.

  • 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 Processor
  • Turbo Boost up to 2.9GHz

And if you are a very light user and just want something cheap and efficient, go with the ASUS C302 Chromebook . It’s one of the best Chromebooks you can buy, and it’s actually a solid laptop.

The 360 hinge allows you to use it as both a laptop and a tablet,  while the backlit keyboard lets you work in the dark. It’s  one of the few Chromebooks that features an SSD,  so you know it will be fast and reliable.

  • The flexible 360 Degree hinge and 12.5 inches full HD touchscreen lets you use the C302 in tablet or laptop mode
  • Intel Core Processor with 64GB storage and 4GB RAM for fast and efficient performance with a bright backlit illuminated keyboard

Head over to Amazon to see the prices of all of these laptops, and see all of the configurations that are available.

Check out our related posts to get some other gear for that travel laptop you choose!

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The Best Travel Laptop for Remote Workers and Business Travelers

By Emily Price

Laptops for Travel

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

When it come to travel these days (and especially business travel ), a laptop is an essential addition to your carry-on . But the best travel laptop isn’t always the same device you'd use while at the office. And sure, many laptops might tout that they’re great for taking on the go, but we've learned that not every option is created equal.

To identify the best travel laptop on the market, we spent the past few months working, watching movies, editing photos , and gaming on several different models before narrowing down to our six favorites. In choosing our favorites, we took a few key factors into account:

Weight: When you’re carrying a laptop around with you all day, be it to a coffee shop or in transit to your destination, an extra pound can make a dramatic difference. Almost all of the options on our list weigh in at less than two and a half pounds; some are even lighter.

Battery life: You want a laptop that’s going to be able to make it from point A to point B on a single charge, not one that’s going to run out of battery power halfway through your cross-country flight.

Performance: A light laptop won’t do you any good if you can’t get all your work done on it. We looked for laptops that packed a punch in a tiny package.

Below, the six best travel laptops to buy now, whether you're looking for something that can double as a tablet for easy vacation reading , the lightest option out there, or a laptop that functions just as well as a WFH back-up for when you're stuck at home.

All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Image may contain Screen Electronics Monitor Display Lcd Screen Television and TV

Best overall: MacBook Air 2020

The MacBook Air has been the gold standard for travelers for a while now, due to its ability to handle complex tasks without added bulk. This year’s Air replaces Apple’s problematic butterfly keyboard with a new Magic Keyboard, and offers faster graphics and double the storage capacity of previous versions. You can purchase models with up to 2TB of internal SD storage, enough to hold over 70 hours of 1080p video. You can also watch up to 12 hours of video on the device on a single charge.

Touch ID makes unlocking the laptop a snap, and the edge-to-edge Retina display offers a resolution of 2560 x 1600, making everything from web pages to videos crisp and easy to read or see. The computer weighs in at 2.8 pounds, which, while once considered light for Macs, is a bit heavier than some of the other options out there. That said, if you use a Mac already, transitioning to the Air will be a relatively seamless experience and that extra pound will likely only come into play if you have to carry the laptop around for long periods of time.

Pros: This full-powered computer with a great keyboard is easy for Mac users to transition to.

Cons: While great for web-based work, the computer gets overloaded if you need to have multiple software programs or a large volume of browser tabs open at once.

Buy now: $1,000, amazon.com

Image may contain Electronics Pc Computer Laptop Computer Hardware Computer Keyboard Hardware and Keyboard

Best for work and entertainment: Lenovo Yoga C940

Lenovo’s Yoga C940 is our favorite for both work and play, thanks to its 4K display and powerful Intel Core i9 that can handle heavy photo and video editing software, on top of basics like word processing.

The keyboard side easily folds back to put the device in tablet mode, perfect for watching a movie on your tray table, and the C940 is available with storage up to 2TB, so you can queue up viewing materials for your entire trip without running out of space. The Yoga’s Dolby Atmos speaker system also makes it a solid choice for watching movies; however, the laptop weighs in at 4.41 pounds, which is almost double the weight of other options on our list.

Pros: The device's pen fits into its side, making it easy to carry around without losing it.

Cons: Travelers having to carry their gear for extended periods of time will notice the laptop’s 4.41-pound weight.

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Buy now: From $1,050, lenovo.com

Image may contain Electronics Pc Computer Laptop and Tablet Computer

Best combination laptop and tablet: LG Gram 2-in-1

LG’s 2-in-1 does double duty as both a laptop and a tablet. The 2.3-pound device folds easily in half, turning the keyboard into a stand for when you want to binge watch or video chat. It's battery life was also among the best we’ve seen, with the computer able to last up to 21 hours on a single charge.

Like some of the other Windows options we tested, the Gram 2-in-1 offers smart pen support. The laptop ships with a AAA-powered LG Stylus Pen that you can use to take handwritten notes on the screen, or mark up drawings and documents. Fingerprint recognition makes signing in as easy as touching the computer’s power button, and the laptop comes with two USB slots, in addition to the USB-C port used for power, so you can connect a few devices to it without using dongles.

Pros: The ability to fold it in half, and multiple USB ports, make this ultraportable device especially convenient.

Cons: The included pen doesn’t have a way to attach to the laptop, so you have to carry it separately. (We recommend a tech organizer like Bellroy's so you don't lose it.)

Buy now: $1,599, amazon.com

Image may contain Electronics Pc Laptop Computer Computer Hardware Hardware Keyboard and Computer Keyboard

Best thin laptop: Samsung Galaxy Book S

Samsung’s Galaxy Book S is both thin and lightweight, at just .46 inches thick and 2.12 heavy, making it a great choice for travelers whose carry-on space is at a premium.

The laptop has a built-in SIM card slot, so you can also use it to connect to mobile networks through your phone plan. With the fingerprint sensor built into the power button, signing in is a breeze (and you can feel good about the added security). Since the device is so thin, it doesn’t offer any full-sized USB ports, just two USB-C ports, which means you’ll need to pack a dongle to attach any additional devices like keyboards or cameras.

The laptop isn’t as high-powered as some of the other options, so it's not the best choice for running a lot of programs at once—but those who mainly work with documents and spreadsheets on the go will have all the power they need.

Pros: The built-in SIM slot allowing access mobile networks on-the-go, and the laptop’s thin design, make it easy to use on the move.

Cons: No built-in traditional USB ports means that using the laptop with other devices is challenging, and while great for things like web browsing and word processing, the laptop lags when trying to handle more complex tasks.

Buy now: From $1,000, samsung.com

Image may contain Laptop Electronics Computer Pc and Tablet Computer

Best lightweight laptop: Microsoft Surface Pro X

Technically, this is actually a tablet that works like a laptop—but if you’re looking for something ultra-light, you’re not going to find anything as compact as Microsoft’s 1.7-pound Surface Pro X.

The tablet is 7.33mm thick (just over a quarter of an inch), making it thinner than many cell phones, even with the removable keyboard attached. (Bonus: There's a stylus tucked inside the keyboard.)

The device’s battery lasts up to 13 hours, ensuring you’ll have enough juice to make it through the day. If that battery does wane on long journeys, you can get it back to 80 percent in just an hour thanks to a quick charging feature. LTE support also allows you to stay connected even when WiFi isn’t available, helpful for road trips where you need to stay connected from the passenger seat. One downside: While it’s able to handle things like word processing, email, and spreadsheets with ease, it is a tablet after all. If you need to run more complex software, like for video editing, you might need to opt for a more high-powered machine.

Pros: Fast charging means you’ll always have power when you need it, and the ultra thin profile makes it easy to carry around. (Plus, we love a stylus that stores inside the keyboard like this one.)

Cons: The Surface Pro X tablet can’t run many applications you might use on your regular computer.

Buy now: From $1,000, microsoft.com

Image may contain Electronics Pc Computer and Laptop

Best for those who need big displays: Microsoft Surface Laptop 3

While most people think of the tablet version when they hear “Surface,” Microsoft also makes a pretty solid laptop by the same name. The touchscreen laptop comes in both 13.5” and 15” varieties, the larger being the best for those who need a little extra screen to work with. The laptop’s battery can last up to 11.5 hours on a single charge, and, like the Surface Pro X, it can charge to roughly 80 percent after just an hour of being plugged in, so you could potentially get enough juice to make it through your long-haul flight just by charging up at the gate.

The Smart Pen support allows you to precisely draw on the screen or mark up documents. However, that extra screen space is reflected in the device’s weight: The 13.5” version of the laptop weighs in at 2.84 pounds, while the larger 15” is 3.40 pounds. (Both, it's worth noting, weigh less than the Lenovo Yoga, the heaviest on our list.)

Pros: The 15” version is a powerful machine with a ton of screen in a small package; and while that brilliant screen drains the battery, fast charging ensures you’ll have power when you need it.

Cons: The larger version can be heavy to carry around for longer periods of time, and the laptop is overall bulkier than other options on our list.

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13 Best Travel Laptops for Digital Nomads

travel notebook computers

1. MacBook Air

MacBook Air

Pros and Cons

2. dell xps 13.

Dell XPS 13

3. Microsoft Surface Go

Microsoft Surface Go

4. Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 14

Lenovo

5. Acer Spin 3

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6. HP Envy X360 13

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7. Acer TravelMate P6 (2022)

Acer TravelMate

8. Lenovo Yoga 6

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9. Asus ZenBook

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10. HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook

HP Elite Dragonfly

11. Dell Latitude 7370

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12. Asus Chromebook Flip C302

Asus Chromebook Flip C302

13. HP Pavilion x360 Convertible Touchscreen Laptop

HP Pavilion x360 Convertible

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The Best Laptops for Travel

Need to work or access the internet while you're away? Wherever you are in the world, these laptops should provide everything you need.

Travelers have specific requirements when buying laptops, especially if they are on the go for extended periods. You could be a backpacker on a three-month trip, a digital nomad who doesn’t know what going home is, or a two-week vacationer relaxing by the pool. Whatever type of traveler you are, you will need something slim and lightweight so you can easily transport it. Battery life, RAM, and storage will also be crucial for some, especially traveling professionals.

Here are the best laptops for travel available today.

MacBook Air M2 13-inch

Microsoft surface go 3, hp spectre x360 16-inch 2-in-1, macbook pro m2, microsoft surface pro 9, dell xps 13 9310, lenovo yoga 9i 2-in-1, asus zenbook 14x laptop, our top travel laptop picks for 2023.

Convenience and Power for All Travelers

The MacBook Air with M2 chip is a powerful beast with excellent features for travelers. It has a stunning display and a substantial battery life to back it up. It also boasts a superior webcam to some other MacBooks and is highly portable thanks to its slight weight and thin design.  

  • MagSafe charger
  • 1080p webcam
  • Gorgeous and bright display
  • Slim and lightweight
  • Excellent battery life
  • No ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate

MacBooks offer travelers performance and portability, and the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with M2 chips are both excellent yet similar choices. However, there are subtle differences between the two that might help you decide.

Both laptops offer up to 24GB of unified memory, up to 2TB of SSD storage, an 8-core CPU, and a 16-core neural engine. They also offer a 10-core GPU, but with the MacBook Air M2, you can settle for an 8-core GPU at a lower price.

Display-wise, the MacBook Air M2 has a slightly larger 13.6-inch screen, but the laptop weighs a little less than the Pro M2 and is even slimmer. The MacBook Air also has a Liquid Retina display, which is slightly better than the Pro’s Retina display, offering a wider color gamut and better reflection handling. Peak brightness is identical at 500 nits, so watching movies after a hard day's sightseeing is delightful. However, it doesn’t feature Apple’s ProMotion technology for a 120Hz refresh rate.

The MacBook Air M2 has a better 1080p webcam, a plus for travelers and nomads attending online meetings, taking classes, or calling home. Another positive is the reintroduction of the popular MagSafe charger, which effectively frees up one of the Thunderbolt 4 ports that the Pro must use when charging. However, the battery life on the MacBook Air M2 is a bit worse, although still outstanding at 18 hours.

A Budget-Friendly Option for Poolside Emailing

If you don't need high-end power and are looking for something more affordable, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is an excellent pocket-friendly choice. It's ideal for travelers thanks to its ultra-portable size and build. While you need to purchase a separate keyboard to turn it into a complete laptop, you do get a decent battery life and a display worthy of your attention to enjoy videos.

  • Touchscreen
  • Fanless design
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Bright, vibrant display
  • Battery drains quickly when watching videos
  • Doesn't perform well with demanding workloads

For vacationers that don’t use CPU-intensive apps or play graphic-intensive games, there are more budget-friendly options for you to consider. One of those is the Microsoft Surface Go 3. It’s lightweight, small, and slips into any luggage with ease, handy for any excursions or day trips you make.

However, you should note that this is the tablet only. To turn it into a complete laptop, you will need to purchase a separate compatible Surface Go keyboard . You can also buy other accessories, such as the Surface Pen and Mobile Mouse .

With 8GB of RAM, you can stream movies, browse the internet, send messages, and do other daily tasks with ease. Catching up on documents while sipping pina coladas by the pool is also a breeze. But it’s the webcam and battery life that are especially pleasing. Making calls home or even taking online classes look great. And, with its 11-hour battery life, digital nomads can spend a full day teaching or taking meetings without worry.

On the downside, traveling business professionals may find the screen too small for multitasking. But it is bright, vibrant, detailed, and good enough to watch movies and shows while on the go. The battery does drain more quickly when playing video, lasting for around four hours, so you'll want to keep the charger handy.

A Large 2-in-1 Perfect for Nomads and Backpackers

Digital nomads will love the HP Spectre x360 thanks to its 2-in-1 design, durable build, and excellent webcam with features to make you look your best in Zoom meetings and video conferences. The display is also stunning, making it a good choice for watching your shows and editing your travel snaps and videos. It also has a comfortable stylus pen included for use on the 10-point multitouch screen.  

  • Excellent webcam features
  • Good audio system
  • 10-11 hour battery life with regular usage
  • HDMI 2.1, 1x USB-A, and 2x T4 ports
  • Fast charging
  • On the heavy side at 4.4lbs

The HP Spectre x360 is a 16-inch 2-in-1 laptop that checks most boxes for digital nomads and other long-term travelers. While it may be on the heavier side at 4.4lbs, tough Corning Gorilla Glass protects the 3K IPS multitouch display. This glass also features an excellent anti-reflective coating that preserves the stunning display in bright conditions.

Watching and editing content is a joy, and the 360-degree hinge allows you to find the optimum comfort for the various tasks you might perform as a digital nomad. You can place the device in tent mode to enjoy the stunning display when watching movies or get involved in editing, note-taking, and sketching in tablet mode with the included HP Tilt Pen.

It is powered by a 12th Gen Intel i7-12700H processor, 16GB of RAM, and 2TB SSD storage. It’s powerful enough for most nomads but may not perform as well for those needing to use CPU-intensive apps simultaneously. Additionally, while it is a good choice for most casual gaming, it is not not the best choice for serious gamers.

The 5MP webcam is excellent, and anyone attending video conferences and Zoom meetings will be delighted with the experience. It has features like auto-ISO sensitivity, white balance and brightness sliders, autofocus, a GlamCam panel for lighting correction, and Beauty Mode that will help you look your most dapper on those important work calls.

Mighty Battery Performance

The 13-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 chip is a powerful machine for travelers. It’s slim, lightweight, and has a beautiful display, perfect for editing snaps and videos. It also has an incredible battery performance that ensures you can take the laptop anywhere you like to catch up on work while traveling.

  • Bright and detailed display
  • Fast and reliable performance
  • Slimline and lightweight
  • Premium battery performance
  • Lacks ports
  • Average webcam

In terms of portability and performance, it doesn’t get much better than the MacBook Pro fitted with Apple’s M2 chip. The 13.3-inch display is perfect for travel. And, with it being just a little over half an inch thick, it can slot into your carry-on luggage or backpack quite easily while being barely noticeable at only 3lbs.

The M2 chip has an 8‑core CPU, a 10‑core GPU, and a 16‑core Neural Engine, and you can choose from 8,16, or 24GB of unified memory and up to 2TB of SSD storage. The gorgeous Retina display offers up to 500 nits of peak brightness, so viewing any content is a joy. It’s also one of the best laptops for editing video . The few that are better are heavier, bulkier, and for more expensive machines, including the MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips.

The biggest selling point for travelers is the incredible battery life of up to 20 hours. Digital nomads can work at the beach, and you won’t need to be on the lookout for wall outlets at the cafe.

Unfortunately, the FaceTime camera remains at 720p, which is a strange choice considering the MacBook Air M2 has an upgraded 1080p webcam. It may be a deciding factor if you are an on-the-go educator or just want to look your sharpest during calls back home. Another drawback is that it only has two Thunderbolt 4 ports. Considering you will need one when charging, this may not be enough, and you might want to consider a lightweight docking station.

An Excellent Choice for Professional Video On the Go

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a reliable portable laptop that can be used as a proper tablet when not attached to the removable keyboard. You can also buy a stylus to make the most of the touchscreen. The display is stunning and fun for entertainment purposes. The battery life gets you through an entire day, and it’s lightweight and easily transportable. The excellent webcam is a bonus and helps you look your best during video calls and meetings.

  • Robust and lightweight design
  • Excellent webcam
  • 5G connectivity
  • Dual far-field microphones
  • 19-hour battery life
  • No headphone jack
  • Keyboard and stylus sold separately

The Surface Pro 9 sports the excellent Microsoft SQ3 chip. This chip offers outstanding energy efficiency and battery life and is an ideal choice for travelers. It may not be powerful enough for traveling creatives running highly-demanding apps but is a great choice for everyone else. This model has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, but there are plenty of other options if you need more power and space.

If video conferencing is essential to your day-to-day, this laptop won’t fail you. It has features that make Zoom meetings, online classes, and webinars look sharp and professional. The gaze correction feature will make your eyes appear to be looking at the camera at all times. Background noise elimination and central framing are other valuable features. On top of looking great, you will also sound great with the dual far-field microphones.

The screen is bright enough for watching movies while indoors. But, at 450 nits peak brightness, viewing by the pool on a sunny day might be tricky in direct sunlight. However, it has a 2K, edge-to-edge, 120Hz display with a 100 percent sRGB color gamut and good contrast.

A Powerful Choice With a Stunning OLED Display

The Dell XPS 13 9310 is a powerful laptop that travelers can enjoy. With its slim, durable construction, and light weight, you can easily slip it into a bag and transport it. However, the powerful processor and stunning display are what make this laptop such a good value. Creatives will enjoy editing their photos and videos, while the OLED display offers superb contrast and color for media watching after long, hot days at the beach or sightseeing.

  • Robust and portable
  • Stunning OLED display
  • Powerful performance
  • Good for gaming
  • 720p webcam
  • OLED display drains the battery quicker

The Dell XPS 13 9310 is small, lightweight, ultra-portable, and very powerful. It features an 11th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD that can handle most tasks you throw at it with little trouble. Running multiple programs together is also a breeze, and the XPS 13 can take on casual gaming and even some demanding titles.

With its 13.4-inch, 3.5K OLED screen, it’s an excellent choice for traveling creatives and is perfect for editing those vacation snaps and videos. The stunning display is also large enough for enjoying movies and shows after a long day. And while the 400-nit peak brightness isn’t as high as some of its rivals, it has an excellent anti-reflective coating that enhances the display in bright conditions. In dimmer environments, the deep blacks and rich colors of the OLED technology ensure any media content looks simply stunning.

It’s also very portable at just over a half-inch thick and weighing just under 2.8lbs. And, while it doesn’t match some of its competition, the battery life is also decent, and a full charge should see you get a whole day away from any wall outlet. Additionally, the touchscreen is a bonus and a good option for scribbling down notes if you are keeping a journal or planning your day.

A 4K OLED Display With Good Audio for Immersive Entertainment

The Lenovo Yoga 9i is the ideal 2-in-1 laptop for taking in media content when you’re on your travels. Long bus journeys or days when you have to wait out poor weather are all the easier on a 4K OLED display with a surprisingly good audio system. It also boasts a powerful processor with ample RAM and storage, making it a good choice for digital nomads.  

  • 2-in-1 design
  • Stylus included
  • Stunning display with great speakers
  • Average battery life

The Lenovo Yoga 9i is another slim and lightweight choice for travelers. And, thanks to the 360-degree hinge, you can fold this device seamlessly into tent, tablet, or laptop modes, making it another ideal 2-in-1 option that any intrepid adventurer would love to have. The keyboard is also comfortable with snappy keys, and the included stylus pen is a bonus.

On the Yoga 9i, watching videos and TV shows is an excellent experience because of the 4K resolution on a stunning 14-inch OLED display. Images are natural and vibrant, and the contrast is excellent. This superb display is rounded off with 400 nits of peak brightness.

A Bowers and Wilkins speaker system with a Dolby Atmos soundbar rotates and directs the audio straight to your waiting ears. Additionally, the rare presence of subwoofers means thumping low frequencies in bass-heavy songs and shows.

On top of being an excellent choice for watching media content, it’s also a top performer when it comes to multitasking and handling demanding applications. The Core i7-1360P is a powerful processor, and it also boasts 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. One downfall, however, is the battery life. You’ll get around 10 hours with regular usage, but with anything more intensive, you might need to find a wall outlet.

Enhanced Productivity While On the Go

The ASUS Zenbook 14X is another lightweight option perfect for travelers. With its stunning 2.8K OLED display, media content looks fantastic. Its powerful specs and handy ScreenPad make it a good choice for multitasking, too. Having a primary display and a secondary display to assign less critical applications to is extremely useful for travelers and nomads looking to enhance their productivity on the go.

  • 1080p ScreenPad
  • Beautiful display with thin bezels
  • Good number of ports
  • Multitasking is easy
  • Middling webcam

If you are searching for a travel laptop with a gorgeous display, you might want to check out the ASUS Zenbook 14X. This laptop has a stunning 14-inch, 2.8K OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate pumping out a peak brightness of 550 nits. On top of that, it has an extensive color gamut. With a DCI-P3 and an sRGB of 100 percent, and an RGB of 99 percent, you can be sure that colors are vivid while blacks are deep and dark. It’s an excellent laptop for watching movies and editing travel photos and videos.

This is a powerful and lightweight laptop that you can transport with ease. It boasts an Intel Core i7-1260P CPU, NVIDIA GeForce MX550 graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD storage. Streaming, surfing, and creating content is seamless, and gamers will also get a decent experience. It doubles as an excellent entertainment source in your downtime or when flying. However, It has below-par battery life, so you might need to be near a power source.

One unique feature this laptop has is its ScreenPad. It’s larger than most trackpads, but it's also a secondary screen. Some may see this as a gimmick, but others may find genuine uses for it. Anyone multitasking will find it particularly helpful. These tasks can include working on the main display while you chat with colleagues or enter data on the ScreenPad.

Another thing to consider, especially for digital nomads, is the average 720p webcam. It works well enough in a brightly lit room. But travelers joining online meetings may want to find something sharper.

Considerations Before Buying a Laptop for Travel

The first thing you should consider is the type of traveler you are. Long-term backpackers and digital nomads will have different requirements than short-term vacationers. For example, they will likely need a good amount of storage for all their photos and videos, and they'll probably seek a model on which to smoothly edit them, too.

Nomads will also need features specific to their profession. Online educators and business professionals need a good webcam. In fact, they might even look for extra video features for web conferencing and Zoom meetings. The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a good choice for this. However, the HP Spectre also has excellent video features as well as ticking many other boxes that digital nomads require, such as good performance, fantastic battery life, touchscreen capabilities, and a beautiful display.

On the other end, short-term vacationers may be looking for a decent, affordable machine for watching media content, emailing, and browsing. The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is an excellent shout, though you’ll need to buy a separate keyboard to make it a complete 2-in-1.

MacBooks generally cover all the needs of the traveler. They are lightweight and slim, easily transportable, have powerful performance, and their displays are excellent. They usually have decent audio, too, which saves you from carrying around a portable speaker. The MacBook Air M2 13-inch is a tremendous overall pick for travelers, and the MacBook Pro M2 is a good option, too, albeit at a higher price.

Apple M2 Convenience and Power for All Travelers

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Table of Contents

How to choose the best laptop for travel

Top travel laptop recommendations, safety and security.

how to choose best travel laptop

The importance of portability and weight

Durability and build quality, connectivity and mixed-use features, entry-level travel laptop options, victus by hp gaming laptop (15z-fb100): best entry-level travel laptop.

Victus by HP Gaming Laptop (15z-fb100)

  • Processor: AMD Ryzen™ 5 7535HS (Base)
  • Display: 15.6" diagonal, FHD (1,920 x 1,080) (Base)
  • Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2050 Laptop GPU (Base)
  • Memory: Up to 16GB DDR5-4800 SDRAM
  • Storage: Up to 1TB PCIe® NVMe™ TLC M.2 SSD
  • Weight: 5.06 lbs
  • Dimensions: 14.09 x 10.04 x 0.93"
  • Battery recharge time: approximately 50% in 30 minutes

Mid-range travel laptop options

Hp envy laptop (17t-cw000): best mid-range travel laptop.

HP ENVY Laptop (17t-cw000)

  • Processor: Intel® Core™ i7-13700H (Base)
  • Display: 17.3" diagonal FHD (1,920 x 1,080) (Base)
  • Graphics: Intel Iris® Xe Graphics (Base)
  • Memory: Up to 32GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM
  • Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
  • Weight: 5.5 lbs
  • Dimensions: 15.59 x 10.18 x 0.77"

High-end travel laptop options

Hp spectre x360 2-in-1 laptop (14-ef2047nr): best high-end travel laptop.

HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 Laptop (14-ef2047nr)

  • Processor: Intel Core i7-1355U (Standard)
  • Display: 13.5" diagonal WUXGA+ (1,920 x 1,280) (Standard)
  • Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics (Standard)
  • Memory: 16GB LPDDR4x-4266 MHz RAM
  • Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe TLC M.2 SSD
  • Weight: 3.01 lbs
  • Dimensions: 11.73 x 8.68 x 0.67"
  • Battery recharge time: approximately 50% in 45 minutes

Bonus: HP Spectre Foldable (17-cs0097nr) 3-in-1 Laptop: Best new laptop for travel

HP Spectre Foldable 17-cs0097nr

  • 12th Generation Intel Core i7 processor
  • Intel Iris Xe Graphics
  • 16GB memory and 1TB SSD storage
  • 17" diagonal 2.5K touch display
  • Switch easily between laptop, extended screen, tablet, or desktop modes
  • Includes HP Rechargeable MPP2.0 Tilt Pen
  • AI Privacy Alert blurs screen when someone is detected behind user
  • Walk away screen lock and wake on approach

Important security features on HP travel laptops

Tips for keeping your data safe with public wifi, about the author.

Dwight Pavlovic is a contributing writer for HP Tech Takes. Dwight is a music, gaming, and technology writer based out of West Virginia.

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Best Laptops for Travel in 2024

G oing on a trip with the right travel partner can transform your experience, and when it comes to tech, nothing beats the perfect travel laptop. There are many laptops for every type of traveler, from digital nomads to busy professionals. Finding a laptop with good performance, portability, and long battery life is important for a better travel experience. So, if you're getting ready to travel, you'll want to check out our expertly curated selection of the best laptops for travel.

Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 Gaming Laptop

Msi raider ge78 hx 17.3 gaming laptop, alienware x14 r1 gaming laptop, asus tuf f17 gaming laptop, razer blade 18 gaming laptop (rtx 4090), hp victus 15, choosing the ideal travel laptop.

When selecting a laptop for travel, consider these essential factors:

  • Portability and Weight : Lighter laptops make travel more comfortable without sacrificing screen size or quality.
  • Battery Life : Long-lasting battery life keeps you going with productivity and entertainment throughout long flights or layovers.
  • Durability : A strong build can handle the challenges of travel, including airport security and bumpy rides.

Choosing the best laptop for travel sets the stage for work and enjoyment on the move. But pairing it with the right accessories can further improve your experience. Discover the best wireless mice for laptops , designed for easy connectivity and portability, ensuring your setup is as mobile as you are.

The Best Gaming Laptops for 2024

Game rant's best laptops for travel.

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 Gaming Laptop comes packed with features including a Mini-LED 2K display, the best Intel laptop CPU money can buy, and plenty of storage and RAM in a neat 16-inch package that still allows you to get the performance you need versus competing 17-inch laptops.

Operating System Windows 11 Pro

CPU Intel Core i9-13980HX

GPU RTX 4090 Laptop GPU

Storage 2TB (1+1TB in RAID 0 config)

Battery 4 cell 90WHr Battery

Display (Size, Resolution) 2K (2560 x 1600), Mini-LED, 240Hz

Camera 720P Camera

Speakers 4 Speakers

Memory 32GB DDR5

Ports USB-C, USB-A, Thunderbolt, Ethernet, Headphone Jack, HDMI 2.1

Network Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 2.5G Ethernet

Dimensions 13.94" x 10.39" x 0.89"

Weight 5.73 lbs

Brand ASUS ROG

Power 330W AC Adapter

  • Intel Core i9 for high-end performance
  • Stunning 2K Mini-LED 240Hz display
  • Dual 1TB SSDs in RAID 0 for speedy storage
  • Heavier laptop for carrying around
  • Premium price point

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 tops our list as the best overall laptop for travel. It has the latest Intel Core i9 processor and RTX 4090 Laptop GPU in a travel-friendly 16-inch size. Its 2K Mini-LED display at 240Hz makes everything look amazing on your trips. Also, with 32GB DDR5 RAM and two 1TB SSDs, you get plenty of storage and speed to handle any task.

Its size and weight might challenge some carry-ons, but paying for such high-end specs is often worth it for those needing exceptional performance on the go. Given these considerations, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 secures its position as the best overall laptop for travelers, especially for gamers and creators who demand no compromise on performance and quality during their travels.

The MSI Raider GE78 HX 17.3-inch Gaming Laptop is one of the best all-around RTX 4090 PCs players can currently grab with the top-of-the-line Intel Core i9 processor, the RTX 4090. It also has an excellent display coupled with plenty of RAM and SSD space.

Operating System Windows 11 Home

GPU RTX 4090 16GB GDDR6 175W

Storage 2TB NVME SSD

Battery 4-Cell 99 Whr Battery

Display (Size, Resolution) 2K (2560x1600) 17.3'', 240Hz

Camera 1080P 30FPS

Speakers 2x 2W Speakers, 4x 2W Woofers

Colors Core black

Ports USB Type-C, USB Type A, SD Card, HDMI, Ethernet

Network Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 2.5G Ethernet

Dimensions 380 x 298 x 23 mm

Weight 6.8 lbs

Form 17.3''

Power 330W AC Power Adapter

  • Stunning 2K 240Hz display
  • Massive 2TB NVMe SSD storage
  • Flexible 32GB DDR5 RAM
  • Heavy 6.8 lbs build
  • Expensive price tag

The MSI Raider GE78 HX is our top choice for a gaming laptop suitable for travel. It's a high-performing machine specifically crafted for gamers who are frequently on the move. This model is powered by the latest Intel Core i9-13980HX processor and an RTX 4090 GPU, delivering uncompromised gaming performance in terms of both speed and graphics quality.

The Raider GE78 HX impresses with its excellent specifications and surprising portability, featuring a durable build and a long-lasting battery. Whether gaming in a hotel room or editing videos on a flight, this laptop is the best gaming laptop for travel, offering a perfect blend of high performance and easy portability.

The Alienware X14 R1 is a super lightweight and ultra-thin gaming laptop with a clean white case. Powered by NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, 16 GB of RAM, and a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H, gamers can expect decent specs despite the impressively compact packaging. Weighing just over four pounds with a thickness of only 0.6 inches, this laptop is one of the thinnest and lightest gaming-specific laptops on the market.

Operating System Windows 11

CPU Intel Core i7-12700H

GPU Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060

Storage 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD

Display (Size, Resolution) 14-inch, 1920 x 1080

Dimensions 12.7 x 10.3 x 0.6 inches

Weight 4.1 pounds

Brand Alienware

Connectivity Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2

  • Ultra-slim 0.6-inch profile
  • Powerful Intel i7 and RTX 3060 combo
  • Exceptional portability at 4.1 pounds
  • Limited upgradability due to compact size
  • High performance can lead to heat build-up

The Alienware x14 R1 stands out as the best lightweight laptop for travel on our list, offering powerful gaming capabilities in a sleek, thin design perfect for on-the-go gaming. Equipped with an Intel Core i7-12900HK processor and an NVIDIA RTX 3060 graphics card, it effortlessly manages the most demanding games, making it an excellent choice for traveling gamers. The 14-inch FHD display delivers vibrant visuals, while the 16GB RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD ensure fast performance and ample storage.

Even with its powerful hardware, the x14 R1 maintains a remarkably light and slim profile, which is uncommon among gaming laptops. While some may find the keyboard space a bit limited, the superior build quality and gaming experience it provides are second to none. For those who prioritize gaming performance as well as travel convenience, the Alienware x14 R1 is an unparalleled choice, standing out as the best lightweight laptop for travel without any compromise on performance or portability.

Read the full review here.

The ASUS TUF F17 is a laptop powered by an Intel Core i5-11400H processor with six cores and a boost speed of up to 4.5 GHz. It features an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card with 4 GB of GDDR6 RAM. The display on the laptop is a 17.3-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS panel with a refresh rate of 144 Hz.

As part of the TUF Series, this laptop is designed for durability and meets the MIL-STD-810H military standard. It uses a dual-fan system for cooling.

CPU Intel Core i5-11400H Processor

GPU NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6 Graphics

RAM 8 GB DDR4 3200MHz

Storage 512 GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD

Memory Memory Speed 4.5 GHz

  • Fast Intel Core i5-11400H processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050
  • Impressive 17.3-inch FHD 144Hz IPS display for vibrant visuals
  • 512 GB M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD and 8 GB DDR4 RAM
  • Larger size may not be ideal for portable needs
  • 8 GB RAM might need upgrading for intensive multitasking

Meet the ASUS TUF F17, our top pick for the best mid-range laptop for travel. It's an outstanding choice for those who seamlessly blend travel with work. Equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor and a GeForce RTX 3050, it guarantees that users won't have to compromise on work or enjoyment, even while traveling. The 17.3-inch screen vividly brings every detail to life, enhancing the travel experience with more colorful and enjoyable visuals.

While it offers exceptional performance, the ASUS TUF F17 is big and heavy, which might not be ideal for those who want portability. But its durability and specs make it an excellent choice. For a travel laptop that strikes a balance between performance, durability, and visual excellence, the ASUS TUF F17 stands out as the best mid-range option.

The Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop is a laptop that pushes the boundaries of what people can genuinely call a gaming laptop (but in a good way). Razer has no qualms about it, calling it the ultimate desktop replacement with a feature-packed offering that also comes with some of the most premium pricing on the market.

  • Desktop-grade performance in a portable design
  • 240Hz 2K display for stunning visuals
  • 32GB DDR5 RAM for superior multitasking
  • High price point
  • Shorter battery life under heavy use

The Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop is the best high-end option for those seeking to merge top-tier performance with portability. Equipped with an Intel Core i9-13950HX 24-core processor and an NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU, it delivers desktop-like performance, making it an excellent choice for both gamers and professionals. Its 240Hz 2K screen offers stunning visuals, elevating gaming and content creation to an immersive experience.

The Razer Blade 18's premium price reflects its exceptional build quality and advanced components, often matching a desktop's performance and setting a high standard among Windows laptops. Its powerful features and solid build may exceed the needs of regular users, and its larger size could be a factor for those who prefer more compact travel options. However, for those who prioritize exceptional performance on the go, the Razer Blade 18 is unrivaled, making it the best high-end travel laptop, catering to those who refuse to compromise on power and quality while traveling.

With a decent Intel Core i5 12th generation processor and a GTX 1650 GPU powering it, the Victus 15 isn't the fastest laptop, but it does offer decent pricing, a 144Hz display, and a healthy slew of ports.

CPU Intel Core i5-12450H

GPU GTX 1650

Storage 512 GB NVMe SSD

Battery 52.5 WHr

Display (Size, Resolution) 15.6", 1080p, 144 Hz

Camera 720p

Colors Mica Silver

Memory 8 GB DDR4 3200 MHz

Ports 1 USB Type-C, 2 USB Type-A, Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, SD Card Reader

Weight 5.06 lbs

  • Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5 performance
  • Amazing 15.6" 1080p 144Hz display
  • Plenty of storage with 512GB NVMe SSD
  • 8GB RAM may need upgrading for heavy multitasking
  • Larger design compared to ultraportables

For budget-conscious travelers seeking a combination of affordability, performance, and portability, the HP Victus 15 emerges as the best choice. It is equipped with a 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12450H CPU and NVIDIA GTX 1650 GPU, making it adept at handling both work related tasks and entertainment needs while traveling. The laptop's fast display enhances the smoothness of visuals, perfect for photo editing or enjoying games during layovers.

While the HP Victus 15 features a sturdy design and a comprehensive selection of ports for added versatility, travelers should consider its noise level and battery life. Even with these factors in mind, the overall value of the HP Victus 15 is exceptional, making it an outstanding choice for travelers seeking the best budget laptop at an affordable price.

Best Laptops for School in 2024

Final thoughts on choosing your travel companion.

Picking the best travel laptop is all about finding the right balance between its specs and what fits your travel style and needs. When considering purchasing a laptop for travel, don’t forget about three, very important concerns. These are portability and weight, battery life, and durability.

Portability and Weight

The ideal travel laptop should be your go-to gadget without being too heavy. Look for models that balance lightweight design and screen size perfectly, so you don't sacrifice usability for portability.

Battery Life

Long flights and travel layovers require a laptop that can keep up. Choose laptops with extended battery life to make sure you are still working or enjoying entertainment, no matter how far off from home your travels may take you.

Travel can be unpredictable, so your laptop should be designed to handle some rough and tumble. Durable materials and a solid design can protect your laptop from bumpy rides, airport security, etc.

Q: How important is a laptop's durability for travel?

Extremely important. Travel laptops should have a solid body to handle the challenges of moving from place to place, offering peace of mind on your trips.

Q: Can travel laptops handle demanding tasks like video editing?

Many travel-friendly laptops have high-performance specs that can handle demanding tasks like video editing and gaming and offer a great balance of power and portability.

Q: How do I secure my laptop while traveling?

Look for laptops with advanced security features like fingerprint readers or facial recognition to keep your data safe while traveling.

Best Laptops for Travel in 2024

Best PC and laptop security accessories 2024

Looking to secure your new PC or laptop? Here are my must-have accessories.

  • Best Kensington security cable
  • Best alternative security cable
  • Best USB biometric key reader
  • Best anti-theft laptop bag

Best tag tracker

Best anti-theft software

How to choose

• The list in brief ↴ 1.   Best security cable 2.   Best alternative cable 3.   Best USB fingerprint key 4.   Best anti-theft backpack 5.  Best tag tracker 6.   Best anti-theft software •   How to choose

As laptops have become more expensive and an investment, protecting them has become more important than ever. This guide gathers different security accessories and covers different use cases and scenarios.

Not everybody will need a security cable or a biometric USB key, but having different options for unique situations is never a bad thing. There are a lot of Kensington products on this list, as it's the leader in laptop security and has some of the best products on the market, so it's hard not to recommend. 

There are also applications you can install on mobile devices and laptops that can help to track stolen devices and we will highlight one of those today so if the worst-case scenario does happen, you might have a chance at getting your device back.

The quick list

If you're in a hurry, check out a quick list of my picks for the best security accessories for your PC or laptop. Hit the links below to read a full breakdown of any options, with details of the pros and cons for each.

Best security cable

While not every device has a standard Kensington slot on it, a lot of them do. Even if this cable won't fit your device, Kensington likely makes a cable that does fit it. Kensington locks are well trusted and an easy way to secure your laptop or mobile tablet/electronics. 

Read more below

Best budget cable

We all love Amazon Basics products. They are normally a great product for a huge discount over the brand name option. This lock seems to have most of the same features as the Kensington locks but comes at a cheaper price. While this lock might be a bit bigger than the number 1 option, it does still have a slim profile. As always, check to make sure it will fit your device slot before ordering. 

Best fingerprint reader

While most laptops already come with a fingerprint reader built-in, not all of them do. Especially in the case of a desktop PC, they are much less common. This is a cheap option to pick up and can greatly improve security for your device as well as make authentication faster. With 4.0 stars on over 3,300 reviews on Amazon and Kensington's name on it, this is a great product if you have the need for it. 

Best anti-theft bag

While researching multiple bags, and having used my own anti-theft laptop bags in the past, I was surprised to see how many reviews this laptop bag has. With 4.6 stars out of over an outrageous 47,000 reviews this Tzowla backpack must be checking a lot of boxes. Having a way to lock zippers is great, and having USB and headphone passthrough is also a nice feature. 

It's never a bad idea to throw a tracker tag into your laptop bag or even try to attach it to your laptop if possible. While it's not foolproof, if it does stay with your laptop after being stolen, tracker tags like the SmartTag 2 or an Apple AirTag are one of the fastest ways to recover a lost/stolen item. Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 is a great Android alternative with great features. 

Prey is a multi-platform anti-theft solution for mobile, MacOS, Windows, and other operating systems. The software is basically like "find my phone" but for laptops and other devices. While Prey isn't free, the price isn't overwhelming either. For about $1.30 per month, you can keep your laptop safe and be able to track it if it does get stolen. Prey also has enterprise solutions if you're in the market for that. 

The best security accessories in 2024

Why you can trust Windows Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

Below, you'll find complete breakdowns of why these choices have made my list of the best security accessories for PCs and laptops. While I haven't had the opportunity to hand-test some of these exact models, I have used almost identical counterparts and items from the same brands in the past, and these accessories have the features and user reviews to bolster my confidence in recommending them. 

The best Kensington security cable

1. kensington slim combination laptop lock - k60600ww, specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

As Kensington likes to boast, Kensington is the "inventor and worldwide leader in laptop security locks." There are several different types of slots depending on your device. It's important to make sure that the lock you're purchasing fits the slot on your laptop or device. 

While there are several reasons you might want a security cable, they aren't the most practical outside of a public place. That being said, if you need to leave your laptop in your car, or take it to a public place, it could be worthwhile to have a lock so it can't be lifted by a passerby. 

I've used security cable locks before, mostly Kensington and they are a useful tool that perform their function. There isn't much negative to say about them, and if you can think of any reason you might want to lock your laptop or compatible device down, a security cable is the best option to do that. 

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The best alternative security cable

2. amazon basics 6-foot carbon steel cable lock.

If you don't want to go with the market leader Kensington, Amazon Basics has a great alternative for a cheaper price. It has some bad reviews, but it's mostly people who mistakenly bought it and it didn't fit the slot on their device. 

Most reviews focus on the quality being good, and that is expected. If you have never purchased an Amazon Basics product before, they are usually generic clones of name-brand items but have decent quality. 

Again, a security cable lock won't be a solution for everybody, but if you're in the market for one you can either go with Kensington, Amazon Basics, or another alternative on the market. They are a budget friendly solution that work well to lock down your device to a physical location. 

The best USB biometric key reader

3. kensington verimark usb fingerprint key reader - k67977ww.

If you haven't had the pleasure of using biometrics on a device for authentication through Windows Hello, you're missing out. It's much faster and easier than having to type in your password.

Unfortunately, most desktop PCs don't come with a fingerprint reader, and even some laptops still don't have them integrated, I'm looking at you Surface Book 3. 

Being able to have an external USB that can plug in and quickly authenticate you is a great option, and biometrics are more secure than passwords in most situations. 

The Kensington USB biometric security key can also be setup to work with popular password applications like " Dashlane, LastPass (Premium), Keeper (Premium) and Roboform, to allow the fingerprint to authenticate and automatically fill in usernames and passwords for websites. "

The best anti-theft laptop bag

4. tzowla travel laptop backpack.

I have a few backpacks that have zipper locks on them, and they do ease my mind a bit when I'm traveling. I often do have to take my work laptop on the road with me when I'm on call, and having my laptop stolen out of a bag would be catastrophic, so I always make sure to lock up the zippers and keep the bag with-in arms reach at all times when I'm out and about. 

This laptop bag has some great features like USB and headphone passthrough so you can charge your phone if you need to or plug in some headphones. The price for this bag isn't horrible either, at around $30 at the time of this write-up, it has 47,000 reviews and is one of the most popular items I've seen on Amazon that I've never heard of before. 

If you're in the market for a security-focused laptop backpack, this looks like it is a great option and with my experience with different locking backpacks, this seems to have all the features you could want out of a $30 bag. 

The best tag tracker

5. samsung galaxy smarttag2.

Apple AirTags are all the craze right now, to be honest I didn't even know that Samsung made a competitor to Apples popular AirTag. Doing some research into the best tracker tags and knowing that a lot of us prefer Android to Apple led me to recommend the Samsung SmartTag2. If you do have an iPhone, feel free to pick up an Apple AirTag , but if you're team Green and using an Android, the Samsung SmartTag2 is a comparable price and does everything you could need it to. 

While it would be difficult to actually attach a SmartTag to your laptop, most laptops usually travel around in bags, so it's a good idea to throw one into your bag as a secondary precaution. I have seen some Reddit posts online of user's opening up their laptops and putting a tracker tag inside of it, but since the batteries don't last forever, that seems like a bad idea to me. 

We are all mostly familiar with "findmyphone" features, but there is nothing worse than having your device stolen, or it gets lost, and you realizing you never enabled the feature in the first place. A SmartTag can help track things when the software options fail. 

The best anti-theft software

6. prey anti-theft software.

While researching the best anti-theft software there were many names that came up, but one of the best multi-platform options that came up again and again was Prey. Prey works on nearly any device, and you can use install it on one device for free per the Prey web site. 

It works by downloading the executable onto your laptop, tablet, or phone and then signing up for an account online. The executable will send logs back to your online account so that you can access it online and see your device location. You can also lock your screen remotely and check the activity log. 

Prey does offer plans for multiple devices and even enterprise options. It has glowing reviews online and is a fair price for what it's offering. While this isn't quite anti-theft, software like these have been proven to be one of the best ways to help law enforcement recover stolen items. 

How to choose the best security accessories for you

Luckily, in this buying guide, I focused on different accessories that aren't in competition with each other besides the two security cable locks. With that in mind, which security accessory you should pick will really depend on how you use your laptop. Are you going to be traveling with it a lot? Then, the anti-theft backpack is a good pickup. Do you have to take your laptop to an office or public place? Then, the security cable locks could make sure your laptop doesn't wander off while you're away from your desk. 

All of these products are great options, and most of them have alternatives you can pick up at a different price point, or that will fit your specific device. These accessories are a jumping-off point and hopefully can give you an idea of some ways to better secure your laptop or PC in the future. 

Can I use these security accessories for travel?

Yes, these accessories would be extremely useful while traveling, especially internationally. Many times, while traveling we are forced to leave our laptops or other devices in our hotel rooms, having a security cable to lock the device down would be a great idea during these times.

Unfortunately, expensive electronics inside bags are a prime target while riding public transportation or walking around in a big city. Having a laptop bag that locks the zippers and is built to prevent easy entry could be a huge deterrent to thieves. It's also smart to put a Samsung SmartTag2 in your bag so that if the entire bag gets stolen, you can track it. 

The use cases for these security accessories are pretty obvious, but there is never a foolproof way to protect everything. Make sure you have all of your important items backed up to the cloud. Microsoft OneDrive offers backup services at a good price if you need more storage than the 1 TB included in Microsoft 365 . 

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Colton Stradling

Colton is a seasoned cybersecurity professional that wants to share his love of technology with the Windows Central audience. When he isn’t assisting in defending companies from the newest zero-days or sharing his thoughts through his articles, he loves to spend time with his family and play video games on PC and Xbox. Colton focuses on buying guides, PCs, and devices and is always happy to have a conversation about emerging tech and gaming news. 

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How to ship a computer

Here's what you’ll find on this page:, shipping a computer.

The thought of shipping an expensive computer or other fragile electronics might seem daunting. But when you use the right packaging and pack your item correctly, you can get it where it needs to be safely. Use the info on this page to help you pack and ship your PC, laptop, tablet, or other electronics with more confidence and less stress.

Prep to ship a computer: Here’s what you’ll need

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Original manufacturer’s packaging (if you still have it and it’s reusable)

1–3 sturdy shipping boxes (depends on whether you have original packaging and the number of pieces you’re shipping)

Box for cables and other accessories (if needed)

Packing supplies, such as bubble packaging, packing peanuts, or air pillows

Foam corners (ideal for shipping a PC/desktop computer)

Packing tape at least 2" wide

If you’re shipping a laptop or tablet, we recommend:

FedEx ® laptop box

FedEx ® tablet box

NOTICE: This packaging information is provided to FedEx customers to help reduce loss or damage due to improper packaging. It is NOT intended to be a comprehensive guide for packaging items we accept for transit. We make no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding this information. Proper packaging is the sole responsibility of the shipper. For more information and comprehensive guidelines, contact the FedEx Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials Hotline at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339; press “81” or say “dangerous goods,” then press “4” for the next available dangerous goods agent. (Outside the U.S., request to speak to a dangerous goods representative.) Refer to the current FedEx Service Guide for terms, conditions, and limitations applicable to FedEx ® delivery services.

First things first: Double-box to defend against damage

To help protect your computer, you need to give it multiple layers of protection. This includes cushioning (packing materials) and using a sturdy outer box. Use these instructions for double-boxing your items as needed.

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How to double-box

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Choose an outer box that is the appropriate size and strength.

  • Select a sturdy box that is at least 6" larger in length, width, and height than the original manufacturer’s packaging or the box you used to pack your item(s).
  • Use the H taping method to enclose the bottom of the box.

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Pack the outer box.

  • Fill the bottom of the outer box with 3" of packing material, such as bubble packaging, air pillows, or peanuts. Don’t use crushed paper.
  • Place the box you used to pack your items in the center of the outer box, on top of the packing material.
  • Fill empty space on all sides with packing material. The inner box should be surrounded with at least 3" of packing material around all six sides.

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Properly seal and label the box.

  • Use the H taping method and apply at least three strips of packing tape (at least 2" wide) to the top, bottom, and all seams and flaps to close and seal.
  • Place your shipping label on the top of the box. Marking your box with “This End Up” doesn't guarantee that it will remain that way while in transit. By placing your label on top, you increase the chances that it will be shipped in the preferred orientation.

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Your one-stop shop for computer shipping

Get the packing supplies you need to ship PCs, laptops, and other electronics. Want us to pack it for you? Find a FedEx Office location with packing services near you.

How to ship a desktop computer

Use the steps below to pack a computer for shipping.

Pack the computer hard drive and accessories

If you have the original desktop box from the manufacturer, follow these steps.

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Repack the hard drive in the original packaging.

  • Inspect the original packaging to make sure the cushioning material and box are intact and unbroken.
  • Make any repairs to the packaging with packing tape that is at least 2" wide.
  • Pack the hard drive and any accessories using all of the original packaging components.
  • Follow steps 1–3 in the double-boxing section .

If you don’t have the original packaging or it’s too damaged to use, choose one of these three methods to pack and protect your computer.

  • Wrap the hard drive on all sides with 3–4" of bubble packaging. Secure the wrap with packing tape.
  • Place the wrapped computer inside a sturdy box.
  • Wrap accessories (e.g., keyboard, power cords, adapters, and cables) in bubble packaging. Place them in an open space inside the box if available. If there’s no room, pack them in a separate box.
  • Fill any remaining empty spaces with additional cushioning so the wrapped computer and/or accessories fit snugly inside the box.
  • Place your shipping label on the top of the box.
  • Wrap the hard drive in a plastic bag. (This will prevent the peanuts from getting inside the unit.)
  • Fill the bottom of a box with at least 2" of peanuts and place the wrapped hard drive in the center of the box.
  • Fill the empty spaces on all sides of the hard drive with peanuts. There should be at least 2" of peanuts on all six sides.
  • Close and seal the top and bottom of the box with three strips of packing tape (at least 2" wide).
  • Pack accessories, such as the keyboard, power cords, adapters, and cables, separately. 
  • Place the hard drive inside a box and surround it with air pillows, or at least 2" of packing peanuts or bubble packaging on all sides.
  • Place the box containing the computer inside an outer box fitted with foam corner cushions. Make sure the outer box fits tightly around the foam corner cushions to prevent the inner box from shifting in transit.
  • Pack accessories, such as a keyboard, power cords, adapters, and cables, separately.

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Pack the monitor

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Use our how-to guide for shipping TVs and monitors to prepare and pack your computer monitor for shipping.

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Successfully shipping a PC and its components requires the right amount of protection and support. Find heavy-duty double-walled boxes online and at nearby FedEx locations .

How to ship a laptop or tablet

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Laptop computers and tablets may be smaller than a desktop computer, but they still need extra care and protection. We recommend our laptop shipping box or tablet box. Each includes specially made cushioning, so you don’t have to use your own or purchase it. Learn more about our ready-made boxes online or head to a FedEx Office location to get the one you need.

If you choose not to use a FedEx laptop or tablet box, you’ll need the original packaging from the manufacturer or other boxes and packing materials.

Repack the laptop or tablet in the original packaging.

  • Pack the laptop or tablet using all the original packaging components.
  • Make any repairs to the packaging with packing tape (at least 2" wide).

If you don’t have the original packaging for your laptop or tablet, or it’s too damaged to use, use one of the three options provided for shipping a hard drive .

Tips for shipping other computer equipment

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Printers Remove ink cartridges and place them inside a plastic bag and seal it. This will help prevent ink or powder from leaking into the shipping box. Tape moving parts, such as doors and print heads, to secure them during transit. Remove any paper trays and pack them separately.

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Scanners Most manufacturers recommend that you secure the scanner carriage to keep it from moving around in transit. Refer to your owner’s manual for more information.

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Data storage Before shipping CDs, memory sticks, magnetic tapes, or other data storage media, back up any stored data. For security reasons, you may also want to remove or encrypt any sensitive, personal, confidential, or financial information. Our liability for loss of any electronic data is limited only to the cost of the medium on which the data is stored. See Liabilities Not Assumed in the FedEx Service Guide .

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Need to ship heavy-duty or high-volume computer equipment? Reach out to your sales rep or call Customer Support at 1.800.GoFedEx 1.800.463.3339.

Packaging pointers: Use these tips to care for your computer

Back up important data before you ship computers, laptops, and tablets.

Take photos of your computer before you disassemble it so you’ll know where to reconnect cables and cords.

Place your shipping label on top of the box to increase the chances that it will be transported in the preferred orientation.

When you use bubble packaging, secure it around your item with packing tape. This will keep the wrap from unraveling and exposing your equipment in transit.

Pack your box snugly with filler so that the computer or laptop doesn’t shift in the box. However, don’t pack it too tightly. That will create unnecessary pressure on the equipment.

Choose a computer shipping service

The service you choose really comes down to where you’re shipping  a computer to and how fast you need to get it there. Other factors include how often you ship, and whether you need a signature upon delivery.

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Need speed? Choose a FedEx Express ® overnight shipping option for next-business-day delivery. You can ship packages up to 150 lbs., up to 119" in length, and 165" in length and girth. Services include:

  • FedEx First Overnight ®
  • FedEx Priority Overnight ®
  • FedEx Standard Overnight ®

All overnight express shipments must follow lithium battery guidelines .

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Got more time? Choose a more cost-efficient FedEx Ground ® service. You can ship packages up to 150 lbs., up to 108" in length, and 165" in length plus girth.

  • FedEx Ground ships to businesses in 1–5 business days.
  • FedEx Home Delivery ® ships to residences in 1–5 days, including weekends.

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Need to ship a heavy package? A package that weighs more than 150 lbs. is considered freight. Learn about specific packaging requirements , then compare our freight shipping options .

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Need to ship to another country? Check out our international shipping options.

Read to ship?

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Use your FedEx account or log in as a guest. Have your shipping info ready and your credit card handy.

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Save time by having one of our couriers pick up your shipment from your home or other location.

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Drop off your shipment at a FedEx Office location or other participating retailer like Walgreens or Target.

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Have a computer delivered today. Yes, today. If you’re in a crunch to get a computer to a customer across town or across the country, we can help. Find a FedEx SameDay ® service option that can help you save the day.

Helpful resources

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With FedEx Delivery Manager ® , you can get detailed tracking and alerts, and even have your deliveries held for pickup at a secure location.

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Download our free mobile app to track and manage your shipments, create shipping labels, and get alerts.

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Shipping a cell phone? Get step-by-step instructions to help keep it and your data safe.

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Learn how declaring a value can increase the limit of liability for your package, with or without purchasing third-party insurance.

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Have other specialty items to ship? Check out our How-to Hub for guides and tutorials to help you pack, label, ship, and more.

FAQs about computer shipping

How much does it cost to ship a laptop or computer.

Shipping costs depend on the weight and size of the box and your delivery needs. See our shipping options for details or get a rate .

What is the best way to ship a laptop?

We recommend our easy-to-pack laptop box for shipping. It’s specially made for laptops and includes all the packing materials and cushioning you’ll need. Learn more about our laptop box and other packaging materials like heavy-duty double-walled boxes. Or find a FedEx Office location near you.

Do I need to remove the battery from my laptop before I ship it?

No, but there are rules you must follow when shipping a laptop overnight using our express services. Learn more about our guidelines for shipping lithium batteries .

I don’t have the original packaging for my computer. Can I buy a computer box for shipping or use a regular box?

You can still ship your computer safely without its original packaging. Learn more about our packaging options, including specialty and heavy-duty double-walled boxes, available at FedEx Office and FedEx Ship Center ® locations. And review our steps for packing and shipping computers to make sure you’re on the right track.

Can FedEx pack my PC for me?

Yes, we’re happy to help. Find a location with packing services near you, and a team member will pack it for you. Plus, if we pack it, your shipment will be backed by the FedEx Office ® Packing Pledge .

How do you ship a laptop safely?

We recommend shipping laptops in our ready-made FedEx laptop box. If that’s not an option for you, you can repackage your laptop in the original packaging from the manufacturer, then place it inside a sturdy outer shipping box. Make sure to add enough cushioning materials and follow our packing steps . Don’t forget to back up important data before shipping.  

Is my computer insured when I ship with FedEx?

FedEx does not provide insurance. The first $100 of value in your shipment is included in your shipping rate at no extra charge as part of our standard $100 declared value limit of liability. You can, however, choose to purchase insurance from a third party and/or declare a value with us.

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Companies Linked to Russian Ransomware Hide in Plain Sight

Cybersecurity experts tracing money paid by American businesses to Russian ransomware gangs found it led to one of Moscow’s most prestigious addresses.

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By Andrew E. Kramer

MOSCOW — When cybersleuths traced the millions of dollars American companies, hospitals and city governments have paid to online extortionists in ransom money, they made a telling discovery: At least some of it passed through one of the most prestigious business addresses in Moscow.

The Biden administration has also zeroed in on the building, Federation Tower East, the tallest skyscraper in the Russian capital. The United States has targeted several companies in the tower as it seeks to penalize Russian ransomware gangs, which encrypt their victims’ digital data and then demand payments to unscramble it.

Those payments are typically made in cryptocurrencies, virtual currencies like Bitcoin, which the gangs then need to convert to standard currencies, like dollars, euros and rubles.

That this high-rise in Moscow’s financial district has emerged as an apparent hub of such money laundering has convinced many security experts that the Russian authorities tolerate ransomware operators. The targets are almost exclusively outside Russia, they point out, and in at least one case documented in a U.S. sanctions announcement, the suspect was assisting a Russian espionage agency.

“It says a lot,” said Dmitry Smilyanets, a threat intelligence expert with the Massachusetts-based cybersecurity firm Recorded Future. “Russian law enforcement usually has an answer: ‘There is no case open in Russian jurisdiction. There are no victims. How do you expect us to prosecute these honorable people?’”

Recorded Future has counted about 50 cryptocurrency exchanges in Moscow City, a financial district in the capital, that in its assessment are engaged in illicit activity. Other exchanges in the district are not suspected of accepting cryptocurrencies linked to crime.

Cybercrime is just one of many issues fueling tensions between Russia and the United States, along with the Russian military buildup near Ukraine and a recent migrant crisis on the Belarus-Polish border.

The Treasury Department has estimated that Americans have paid $1.6 billion in ransoms since 2011. One Russian ransomware strain, Ryuk, made an estimated $162 million last year encrypting the computer systems of American hospitals during the pandemic and demanding fees to release the data, according to Chainalysis, a company tracking cryptocurrency transactions.

The hospital attacks cast a spotlight on the rapidly expanding criminal industry of ransomware, which is based primarily in Russia. Criminal syndicates have become more efficient, and brazen, in what has become a conveyor-belt-like process of hacking, encrypting and then negotiating for ransom in cryptocurrencies, which can be owned anonymously.

At a summit meeting in June, President Biden pressed President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia to crack down on ransomware after a Russian gang, DarkSide, attacked a major gasoline pipeline on the East Coast, Colonial Pipeline , disrupting supplies and creating lines at gas stations.

American officials point to people like Maksim Yakubets, a skinny 34-year-old with a pompadour haircut whom the United States has identified as a kingpin of a major cybercrime operation calling itself Evil Corp. Cybersecurity analysts have linked his group to a series of ransomware attacks, including one last year targeting the National Rifle Association. A U.S. sanctions announcement accused Mr. Yakubets of also assisting Russia’s Federal Security Service, the main successor to the K.G.B.

But after the State Department announced a $5 million bounty for information leading to his arrest, Mr. Yakubets seemed only to flaunt his impunity in Russia: He was photographed driving in Moscow in a Lamborghini partially painted fluorescent yellow.

The cluster of suspected cryptocurrency exchanges in Federation Tower East, first reported last month by Bloomberg News, further illustrates how the Russian ransomware industry hides in plain sight.

The 97-floor, glass-and-steel high-rise resting on a bend in the Moscow River stands within sight of several government ministries in the financial district, including the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Signals and Mass Communications .

Two of the Biden administration’s most forceful actions to date targeting ransomware are linked to the tower. In September, the Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a cryptocurrency exchange called Suex, which has offices on the 31st floor. It accused the company of laundering $160 million in illicit funds.

In an interview at the time, a founder of Suex, Vasily Zhabykin, denied any illegal activity.

And last month, Russian news media outlets reported that Dutch police, using a U.S. extradition warrant, had detained the owner, Denis Dubnikov, of another firm called EggChange, with an office on the 22nd floor. In a statement issued by one of his companies, Mr. Dubnikov denied any wrongdoing.

Ransomware is attractive to criminals, cybersecurity experts say, because the attacks take place mostly anonymously and online, minimizing the chances of getting caught. It has mushroomed into a sprawling, highly compartmentalized industry in Russia known to cybersecurity researchers as “ransomware as a service.”

The organizational structure mimics franchises, like McDonald’s or Hertz, that lower barriers to entry, allowing less sophisticated hackers to use established business practices to get into the business. Several high-level gangs develop software and promote fearsome-sounding brands, such as DarkSide or Maze, to intimidate businesses and other organizations that are targets. Other groups that are only loosely related hack into computer systems using the brand and franchised software.

The industry’s growth has been abetted by the rise of cryptocurrencies. That has made old-school money mules, who sometimes had to smuggle cash across borders, practically obsolete.

Laundering the cryptocurrency through exchanges is the final step, and also the most vulnerable, because criminals must exit the anonymous online world to appear at a physical location, where they trade Bitcoin for cash or deposit it in a bank.

The exchange offices are “the end of the Bitcoin and ransomware rainbow,” said Gurvais Grigg, a former F.B.I. agent who is a researcher with Chainalysis, the cryptocurrency tracking company.

The computer codes in virtual currencies allow transactions to be tracked from one user to another, even if the owners’ identities are anonymous, until the cryptocurrency reaches an exchange. There, in theory, records should link the cryptocurrency with a real person or company.

“They are really one of the key points in the whole ransomware strain,” Mr. Grigg said of the exchange offices. Ransomware gangs, he said, “want to make money. And until you cash it out, and you get it through an exchange at a cash-out point, you cannot spend it.”

It is at this point, cybersecurity experts say, that criminals should be identified and apprehended. But the Russian government has allowed the exchanges to flourish, saying that it only investigates cybercrime if Russian laws are violated. Regulations are a gray area in Russia, as elsewhere, in the nascent industry of cryptocurrency trading.

Russian cryptocurrency traders say the United States is imposing an unfair burden of due diligence on their companies, given the quickly evolving nature of regulations.

“The people who are real criminals, who create ransomware, and the people working in Moscow City are completely different people,” Sergei Mendeleyev, a founder of one trader based in Federation Tower East, Garantex, said in an interview. The Russian crypto exchanges, he said, were blamed for crimes they are unaware of.

Mr. Mendeleyev, who no longer works at the company, said American cryptocurrency tracking services provide data to non-Russian exchanges to help them avoid illicit transactions but have refused to work with Russian traders — in part because they suspect the traders might use the information to tip off criminals. That complicates the Russian companies’ efforts to root out illegal activity.

He conceded that not all Russian exchanges tried very hard. Some based in Moscow’s financial district were little more than an office, a safe full of cash and a computer, he said.

At least 15 cryptocurrency exchanges are based in Federation Tower East, according to a list of businesses in the building compiled by Yandex, a Russian mapping service.

In addition to Suex and EggChange, the companies targeted by the Biden administration, cyberresearchers and an international cryptocurrency exchange company have flagged two other building tenants that they suspect of illegal activity involving Bitcoin.

The building manager, Aeon Corp., did not respond to inquiries about the exchanges in its offices.

Like the banks and insurance companies they share space with, those firms are likely to have chosen the site for its status and its stringent building security, said Mr. Smilyanets, the researcher at Recorded Future.

“The Moscow City skyscrapers are very fancy,” he said. “They can post on Instagram with these beautiful sights, beautiful skyscrapers. It boosts their legitimacy.”

An earlier version of a picture caption with this article misstated the year in which Colonial Pipeline was hacked. It was 2021, not 2020.

How we handle corrections

Andrew E. Kramer is a reporter based in the Moscow bureau. He was part of a team that won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize in International Reporting for a series on Russia’s covert projection of power. More about Andrew E. Kramer

Inside the World of Cryptocurrencies

Pushed by a nonprofit with ties to the Trump administration, Arkansas became the first state to shield noisy cryptocurrency operators from unhappy neighbors. A furious backlash has some lawmakers considering a statewide ban .

Ben Armstrong, better known as BitBoy, was once the most popular cryptocurrency YouTuber in the world. Then his empire collapsed .

Federal judges are weighing whether digital currencies should be subject to the same rules as stocks and bonds. The outcome could shape crypto’s future in the United States .

New investment funds that hold Bitcoin have begun trading , and it might be tempting to invest in them. Should you ?

Since the FTX cryptocurrency exchange collapsed in 2023, a whole new market has emerged that hopes to profit from claims in the company’s bankruptcy .

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Airport 100ml liquid rule: when will the UK ban be lifted?

London city airport and teesside airports are the first to scrap 100ml liquid rule and the need to remove laptops for scanning.

travel notebook computers

T he 100ml liquid rule will continue at some of the busiest UK airports this summer because of a delay in the installation of the necessary equipment. The Department of Transport previously set a deadline of June 2024 for UK airports to introduce new 3D scanners that would end the need to remove liquids and laptops during pre-flight security checks. The 100ml liquid rule would also end, allowing passengers to bring bottles of up to two litres. But while smaller airports including Teesside and London City airport have already introduced the new technology, London Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester are expected to miss the deadline.

Main photo: security notices at Luton Airport (Alamy)

Liquids and other items might soon no longer have to be removed from your baggage (Getty Images)

What are the current restrictions on liquids?

Most airports around the world have a limit on the amount of liquids you can take through airport security in your carry-on luggage. At the moment, the cap is one litre in most cases, split across containers with no more than 100ml of liquid, gel or cream inside. All of the liquids must be put inside a clear, resealable plastic bag that measures approximately 20cm x 20cm, and removed from your luggage to be scanned at airport security.

The rules were put into place in 2006, after the Metropolitan police foiled an al-Qaeda plot to bring down at least seven transatlantic flights using liquid explosives concealed in 500ml soft drinks bottles in August of that year. Immediately, authorities in the UK and US banned the carriage of all liquids except baby milk in hand luggage.

In November 2006, the ban was relaxed to allow for liquids, gels or creams in quantities of 100ml or less to be carried onboard as long as they were packed in a clear plastic bag and removed from luggage before screening. Within months, most other countries had followed suit, and a rule widely criticised as an overreaction had the immediate effect of creating long security queues at airports all over the world as passengers took extra time to unpack and repack hand luggage, and security staff were forced to make more manual inspections after scanning.

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When might the rules change.

The UK government believes the introduction of advanced computed tomography (CT) scanners will allow the restrictions on the carriage of liquids to be lifted, and the Department for Transport has given major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh until 2024 to invest in the new technology — also known as 3D scanning.

The government confirmed in December 2022 that airports will have until June 2024 to upgrade their screening equipment and processes, meaning the 100ml liquid rule would be changed to two litres. In addition, the requirement to remove laptops from hand luggage would also be scrapped.

Teesside airport and London City airport were among the first to introduce the changes. Elsewhere, Shannon and Donegal airports in Ireland, which have 3D scanners in operation, have also lifted their bans.

However, Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester airports are behind schedule . While the technology has been installed in some security lanes already, it has not been implemented across the board. Gatwick says it expects to install the remaining scanners by the first three months of 2025, which is a similar time frame to Stansted and Manchester. Heathrow is also expecting to finish the installation in 2025.

The issue stems from the fact that introducing the scanners not only requires the purchase of expensive machines but also the reconfiguration of the security areas, including reinforcement of the floor in some cases due to the size and weight of the devices.

Nick Barton, chief executive of Birmingham airport, which is on track to meet the June deadline, told The Times : “The existing scanner is like a large domestic washing machine. The new machines are the size of a Ford Transit.”

Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester will be able to apply for an extension to the deadline but penalties haven’t been ruled out.

A Smiths Detection HI-SCAN unit at London Southend Airport (Getty Images)

How do 3D scanners work?

CT scanners such as the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX — developed by London-based Smiths Detection and on trial at Heathrow since 2019 — use advanced x-ray technology to create layered 3D images that security staff can tilt and rotate to better identify the contents of cabin baggage. Coupled with the latest explosives-detection capabilities, the new scanners can detect a threat without the need for hand baggage to be unpacked, liquids to be limited to 100ml, or the use of clear plastic bags.

Will I still have to unpack my laptop at security?

Laptops, along with tablets, large cameras and any other electronic devices that currently need to be put on the belt in a separate tray can be left in your luggage where 3D scanners are in operation. In theory, this development, in conjunction with the end of the liquids ban, will greatly reduce the time taken for passengers to clear security.

Are there any other luggage restrictions?

Hand luggage allowances aside, there are a few other restrictions you should be aware of when going through airport security. Weapons are banned — but so is anything that might reasonably be confused for a weapon on an x-ray. That might include toy guns, swords and even something as innocuous as a snow globe. Hazardous materials fall into the same category.

Some destinations operate bio-secure rules, which means food items and certain toiletries (insect repellent for example) may also be restricted.

If you’re carrying a battery pack, make sure it’s suitable for air travel. The rules can vary between destinations and airlines but generally passengers are allowed to carry up to two spare lithium-ion batteries (101–160Wh) or lithium metal batteries (2-8 grams). If you have a suitcase with a built-in battery pack, this will need to be removed and taken as carry-on luggage.

Travellers will be able to keep their laptops and other electronics in their baggage when 3D scanning arrives (Getty Images)

Will biometric technology also speed up the airport experience?

It already has. The adoption of facial recognition technology at around 100 airports, including Beijing International, Tokyo’s Narita, Istanbul, Fort Lauderdale, Basel, Hamburg, Munich and Vienna, has driven down the time spent in queues both land and airside. The UK is a latecomer to the biometric revolution but in January 2023, Heathrow announced it was trialling facial recognition at Terminal 5. Airport bosses believe that biometrics will allow check-in, bag drop and boarding to be completed in less than 60 seconds per passenger, thus reducing the dependence on staff and increasing the time for airside shopping.

A British biometric passport (Alamy)

How does biometric technology work?

All you need is a biometric passport — which has an embedded chip containing unique identifiers such as face, fingerprint or iris data — and a boarding pass, and registration is quick and easy. The process can be completed at home, using a mobile phone to take a selfie, or at the airport, using self-service terminals that scan travel documents, take a high-resolution portrait and generate an encrypted biometric profile. Thereafter, bag drop, security, lounge access and boarding can be completed by simply glancing at facial recognition cameras at each barrier, thereby allowing fast-track progress from check-in to departure.

What is a biometric passport?

Easily identified by the gold camera logo on the cover, a biometric passport has a microchip embedded within it that contains identifying information such as your name, date of birth, fingerprints and facial and iris data. If your passport isn’t biometric then it’s probably out of date: every British passport issued since 2010 has the chip embedded.

• What happens if I miss my flight because of security queues? • Can I get a refund if my flight is cancelled?

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