In-depth review of the 8 best business laptops off 2023

The 8 Best Business Laptops of 2023

11 August 2023

In today’s fast-paced world, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference in achieving success. When it comes to professionals and entrepreneurs, a reliable and powerful laptop is often at the top of the list. In this comprehensive guide, we present a curated selection of the eight best business laptops of 2023. These laptops have been carefully chosen for their exceptional performance, innovative features, and reliability, making them the ideal companions for both on-the-go productivity and demanding work scenarios. Whether you’re a creative seeking an impeccable display, an analyst crunching numbers, or a manager coordinating tasks, these laptops cater to a range of business needs. Join us as we explore the standout features, specifications, and user experiences of each laptop, helping you make an informed decision on the perfect tool to elevate your professional endeavours.

If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, you can also explore our reviews of the top 5 budget business laptops under $1000.

The Definitive Business Laptop Rankings for 2023:

Jump to DELL XPS 15 review
Jump to Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M2 Pro, 2023) review
Jump to HP EliteBook 840 G9 (2023) review
Jump to Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 review
Jump to ASUS ZenBook S 13 OLED (2023) review
Jump to Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 review
Jump to Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra review
Jump to Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio (2023) review

1. DELL XPS 15

The Dell XPS 15 is a high-performance laptop that seamlessly combines style, power, and versatility. Designed for a range of tasks, from content creation to gaming, this laptop offers an impressive blend of features that cater to both professionals and enthusiasts.

DISPLAY AND DESIGN:

Featuring a 15.6-inch 4K OLED touchscreen display with vibrant colors, the XPS 15 also sports a slim and elegant aluminum chassis. Its InfinityEdge display provides a virtually borderless experience, and its color accuracy is impressive, making it suitable for professional tasks.

PERFORMANCE AND COMPONENTS:

Under the hood, the XPS 15 is powered by Intel Core i7 or Core i9 processors, with dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX GPU options for gaming and content creation. It can be equipped with up to 64GB of DDR4 memory, fast NVMe SSD storage, and handles demanding applications and heavy workloads with ease.

CONNECTIVITY AND PORTS:

In terms of connectivity, the XPS 15 offers Thunderbolt 4 ports for high-speed data transfer and versatile connectivity, along with USB-A, HDMI, and a headphone jack for additional options. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for modern wireless connectivity.

BATTERY LIFE:

The laptop’s battery life is respectable for productivity and entertainment on the go, and it features adaptive battery management for a longer lifespan.

USER EXPERIENCE AND MULTIMEDIA:

The user experience and multimedia aspects of the XPS 15 include an immersive audio experience with Waves Nx 3D audio technology, a responsive keyboard with a comfortable typing experience, a large precision touchpad for accurate navigation, and a high-quality webcam and microphone for video conferencing.

BUILD QUALITY AND DURABILITY:

The build quality and durability are top-notch, with premium materials and attention to detail in construction. The laptop has a sturdy build with robust hinges for durability and a compact, portable design suitable for professionals on the move. Its exceptional performance is delivered in a stylish package.

2. Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M2 Pro, 2023)

The Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M2 Pro, 2023) is a powerful mobile workstation that leverages the new M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, delivering unrivaled performance in a compact and portable form factor. While its design remains unchanged from its predecessor, this isn’t a disadvantage as the laptop maintains its impressive screen quality and robust build.

DISPLAY:

The MacBook Pro features a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display with a resolution of 3024 x 1964 and up to 120Hz refresh rate. The color accuracy and vibrancy are exceptional, and the display supports HDR for deep contrast and stunning visuals.

DESIGN:

In terms of design, the MacBook Pro maintains an unchanged design from the previous model, ensuring solid build quality. It has dimensions of 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61 inches and weighs 3.5 lbs (1.6kg). Connectivity options include 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), HDMI, SDXC card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, and MagSafe 3.

PERFORMANCE:

The laptop is equipped with new M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, handling intensive tasks like 8K video editing with ease. It offers a unified memory configuration of up to 32GB and runs on macOS Ventura OS for fast and responsive operation.

BATTERY LIFE:

Battery life is impressive, providing over 19 hours on a single charge, thanks to the efficient M2 Pro chip that contributes to extended battery performance. This makes it suitable for professionals who need extended productivity on the go.

USER EXPERIENCE:

The MacBook Pro is an ideal choice for creative professionals requiring power and performance, excelling in tasks like video editing, graphics design, and coding. However, its high price tag may deter users who don’t need such extensive performance capabilities.

3. HP ELITEBOOK 840 G9 (2023)

The HP EliteBook 840 G9 (2023) has emerged as a standout business-class laptop, surpassing its rivals in various aspects. Its exceptional performance and versatility have positioned it as a favorite for diverse tasks. The HP EliteBook 840 G9 excels as a leading choice for professionals seeking a potent and reliable laptop tailored for hybrid work scenarios. Its potent blend of performance, durability, and features positions it as a formidable contender in the business laptop arena.

Design and Durability:

The laptop boasts an aluminum build with a sleek, professional gray color, embodying utilitarian elegance. The G9 variant introduces rounded corners and softened edges, offering a contemporary design that’s both modern and inviting. Furthermore, it has successfully passed 19 MIL-STD 810H tests over 120,000 hours, underlining its robustness and reliability.

Display:

Featuring a 14-inch display with a WUXGA (1920 x 1200) resolution and a 16:10 aspect ratio, the EliteBook 840 G9 provides a productive canvas. A range of display panel options is available, each adopting IPS technology and varying levels of brightness. The review model features a 400-nit non-touch display, striking a balance between brightness and usability, both indoors and outdoors.

Performance and Components:

The laptop is powered by Intel’s 12th Gen Core i5 and i7 processors, with options encompassing both U-series and P-series variants. Configurations include 16 to 64 GB of DDR5-4800 RAM and 256 GB to 2 TB of PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2-based storage. The laptop excels in performance, leveraging its high-end Core i7 processor and ample RAM to effortlessly handle daily productivity and software development tasks. Despite its powerful components, the device maintains cool and quiet operation.

Connectivity and Ports:

Modern connectivity features include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC, ensuring up-to-date connectivity standards. Additionally, the laptop provides optional 5G cellular connectivity with nano-SIM and eSIM options. The laptop’s port selection is comprehensive, including Thunderbolt 4/USB4/Type-C, HDMI, USB-A, and a smart card reader.

Audio and Video:

Equipped with top-notch stereo speakers and discrete amplifiers, the laptop delivers impressive audio quality for meetings, music, and videos. Dual microphones, featuring AI-based noise suppression and dynamic voice leveling, enhance the experience of hybrid meetings. The 5 MP webcam marks a notable upgrade, boasting improved image quality, enhanced low-light performance, and auto-framing.

Security and Sustainability:

HP’s Wolf Security suite provides robust protection, extending beyond Windows to safeguard against offline threats and firmware hacks. Biometric security options include a swift fingerprint reader and an IR-equipped webcam for Windows Hello facial recognition. The laptop’s sustainability is commendable, featuring environmentally conscious materials and easy repairability and upgradability.

Portability and Battery Life:

Weighing a mere 2.99 pounds, the laptop proves highly portable for professionals on the move. However, it’s worth noting that the P-series processor contributed to underwhelming battery life, yielding slightly over 4 hours of typical use.

Software and Pricing:

The laptop ships with Windows 11 Pro and minimal pre-installed software, enhancing the out-of-the-box experience. Pricing varies according to configurations, with entry-level models offering remarkable value. The review concludes with a strong recommendation for the EliteBook 840 G9, lauding its outstanding performance, expandability, connectivity, and overall versatility. The sole downsides highlighted are battery life and the arrangement of arrow keys/PgUp/PgDn keys.

The best business laptops of 2023 - LENOVO THINKPAD Z16

4. LENOVO THINKPAD Z16

The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 is a flagship laptop that combines cutting-edge technology, impressive performance, and robust build quality. Designed for professionals and power users, this laptop offers a range of features that cater to demanding workloads and multitasking. The ThinkPad Z16 stands out as a testament to Lenovo’s commitment to providing high-quality laptops that excel in both form and function. With its blend of powerful components, stunning display, and thoughtful design, the ThinkPad Z16 is a compelling choice for users who require top-tier performance and reliability.

Display and Design:

16-inch 16:10 display with up to 4K resolution Vibrant colors, high contrast, and Dolby Vision HDR support Slim aluminum chassis with a professional aesthetic Spill-resistant keyboard with comfortable typing experience

Performance and Components:

Powered by Intel’s 13th Gen Core processors Options for dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX GPUs Up to 64GB of DDR5 memory for multitasking Ample storage options with up to 4TB SSD Handles demanding tasks such as content creation and software development

Connectivity and Ports:

Thunderbolt 4 ports for fast data transfer and versatile connectivity USB-A, HDMI, and headphone jack for added flexibility Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for modern wireless connectivity

Battery Life:

Impressive battery life for an all-day productivity experience Rapid Charge technology for quick charging when needed

User Experience and Durability:

Enhanced audio quality with Dolby Atmos Speaker System Integrated security features including webcam privacy shutter Tested against 12 military-grade requirements for durability Reliable performance and build quality for professionals

The best business laptops of 2023 - ASUS ZENBOOK S 13 OLED (2023)

5. ASUS ZENBOOK S 13 OLED (2023)

The Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED (2023) continues its legacy as a remarkable ultraportable laptop, solidifying its position as a Windows-based alternative to Apple’s MacBook Air. With its even thinner and lighter design compared to its predecessor, this laptop offers a winning combination of features and performance that make it a standout option in the ultrabook category. The Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED (2023) excels as a premium ultraportable laptop that caters to users seeking a lightweight and powerful device. Its impressive build quality, stunning OLED display, strong performance, and all-day battery life set it apart as an ideal alternative to the MacBook Air. While there are minor areas for improvement, such as audio quality and touchpad design, the Zenbook S 13 OLED remains a top choice for Windows users who prioritize portability and performance in equal measure. Whether you’re a professional on the move or a student looking for a versatile laptop, the Zenbook S 13 OLED delivers on its promise of providing an exceptional Windows-based alternative to Apple’s MacBook Air.

Design and Build

The Zenbook S 13 OLED boasts an incredibly light and thin profile, making it one of the lightest laptops available on the market. The use of “plasma ceramic aluminum” for the lid contributes to a unique design with an artistic touch. This material not only enhances the laptop’s aesthetics but also showcases Asus’ commitment to environmental sustainability. The lid’s texture effectively hides fingerprints, while the chassis remains sturdy and durable, surviving the rigors of everyday use.

Display and Performance

Featuring a stunning 2880 x 1800 OLED display, the Zenbook S 13 OLED offers vibrant colors and ample brightness. The laptop’s OLED screen impresses with its visual quality, making it suitable for various tasks, from browsing to content creation. Powered by Intel’s 13th Generation Core i7-1355U processor, the laptop performs admirably in daily tasks and office work. While the thermal performance can sometimes result in higher temperatures during benchmark tests, the laptop maintains adequate thermal control for regular use.

Connectivity and Port Selection

Modern connectivity is at the forefront of the Zenbook S 13 OLED’s design, with support for Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and versatile USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports. The inclusion of HDMI, USB-A, and a headphone jack ensures a comprehensive array of connectivity options, providing flexibility for various devices and peripherals.

Battery Life

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Zenbook S 13 OLED is its impressive battery life. The laptop delivers over eight and a half hours of use on a single charge, a feat that aligns closely with the MacBook Air’s battery longevity. This enhanced battery life sets a new standard for Windows-based ultraportable laptops, making it an enticing option for users who prioritize extended usage on the go.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The laptop’s keyboard offers a satisfying typing experience with wide keys and a quiet yet tactile response. While backlight bleed is present, it doesn’t hinder usability. The touchpad, while slightly smaller than the previous year’s model, remains functional and smooth to the touch. The touchpad’s sensitivity prevents inadvertent clicks, but occasional issues with palm rest interference were noted on uneven surfaces.

The best business laptops of 2023 - LENOVO THINKPAD X1 CARBON GEN 10

6. LENOVO THINKPAD X1 CARBON GEN 10

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10, a member of the highly regarded ThinkPad series, is a testament to Lenovo’s commitment to creating laptops that blend functionality with style. In this review, we’ll delve into the design, features, performance, and more that make this laptop stand out in a crowded market. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 combines the best of traditional design with modern features, resulting in a laptop that caters to professionals seeking both style and performance. While the price point may deter some buyers, those who prioritize quality and are willing to invest in a top-tier laptop will find the X1 Carbon Gen 10 to be an excellent choice. With its unmatched keyboard, practical design, and reliable performance, the X1 Carbon Gen 10 continues to uphold the ThinkPad legacy.

Design: Tradition Meets Modernity

The ThinkPad series is known for its timeless design, and the X1 Carbon Gen 10 continues this tradition while incorporating modern elements. Its classic sober style is accentuated by a thin and lightweight build that weighs just 1.17kg. Despite its lightweight design, the laptop doesn’t compromise on build quality, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking both portability and durability. The laptop’s construction utilizes a mix of magnesium alloy and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, striking a balance between sturdiness and lightweight appeal. With a 180-degree hinge and a footprint optimized for travel, the X1 Carbon Gen 10 is a blend of classic design and modern practicality.

Keyboard and Input Excellence

One of the defining features of the ThinkPad series is its legendary keyboard, and the X1 Carbon Gen 10 lives up to this reputation. The keyboard offers a satisfying typing experience, characterized by darker key characters that contribute to a sense of substance and comfort. Even though it may not match the depth of ThinkPads from a decade ago, it remains superior to many other laptops on the market. The laptop features the classic ThinkPad-style TrackPoint mini joystick mouse embedded in the keyboard, offering users an alternative means of navigation. Combined with a touchpad that boasts a smooth glass surface and precise clicker control, the input methods of the X1 Carbon Gen 10 are designed to enhance productivity.

Display: Balancing Practicality and Luxury

The laptop offers a 14-inch 2880 x 1800 OLED panel, boasting deep colors and contrast typical of OLED displays. While it lacks the immediate allure of a glass-surfaced OLED screen, the underlying image quality remains excellent. The semi-matte finish of the display minimizes reflections, making it suitable for outdoor use. However, it’s important to note that the OLED screen is not the default option for the X1 Carbon Gen 10; entry-level models feature a 1080p LCD.

Performance and Battery Life

Powered by Intel’s Core i7-1260P CPU and coupled with 32GB RAM, the X1 Carbon Gen 10 offers great general performance suitable for productivity tasks. Its score of 5596 points in PCMark 10 demonstrates its capability for handling a range of tasks. However, it’s worth noting that the laptop utilizes “last gen” processors at the time of the review, with newer 13th generation Intel CPUs available. When it comes to battery life, the X1 Carbon Gen 10 offers all-day use, lasting around nine hours in PCMark’s Modern Office benchmark. While this is a respectable duration, it’s important to highlight that the battery life has decreased compared to the previous generation.

The best business laptops of 2023 - SAMSUNG GALAXY BOOK3 ULTRA

7. SAMSUNG GALAXY BOOK3 ULTRA

The Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra is an exceptional addition to the laptop market, offering a combination of powerful performance, sleek design, and innovative integration with Samsung Galaxy devices. Whether you’re a devoted Samsung fan or simply in search of a top-tier laptop, the Galaxy Book3 Ultra has a lot to offer. The Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra offers a great Windows laptop experience, combining premium design, powerful performance, and seamless integration with Samsung Galaxy devices. Whether you’re a content creator, gamer, or professional seeking a high-quality laptop, the Galaxy Book3 Ultra’s combination of features and capabilities make it an excellent choice. While its battery life may not match that of the MacBook Pro, its innovative integration with Galaxy devices and competitive pricing solidify its position as a top-tier option in the laptop market.

Integration with Galaxy Devices: A Unique Advantage

The Galaxy Book3 Ultra stands out by seamlessly integrating with Samsung Galaxy devices, similar to how Apple devices work together within the Apple ecosystem. This integration, achieved through a combination of Samsung software and Microsoft Phone Link features, allows users to connect their Galaxy phones, tablets, and other devices to the laptop for enhanced functionality. For instance, you can easily share files using Quick Share, control your phone or tablet with your laptop’s keyboard and mouse, and use your Galaxy device’s apps directly from the laptop.

Stunning Display and Performance

The Galaxy Book3 Ultra features a brilliant 16-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. This high-quality display, certified for DisplayHDR True Black 500, ensures a visual feast for content creators and gamers alike. Under the hood, the laptop is powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700H CPU and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Ti GPU, which provide a performance boost suitable for demanding tasks such as content creation and gaming.

Battery Life and Portability

While the Galaxy Book3 Ultra excels in many areas, its battery life falls short compared to its MacBook Pro counterpart. Despite this, it manages a respectable 10 hours and 34 minutes of streaming video playback, which is commendable given its powerful hardware components and energy-intensive AMOLED display. The laptop’s portability is also a highlight, with a slim and lightweight design weighing just 4 pounds, making it an ideal option for those on the move.

Premium Features and Connectivity

The laptop boasts a range of premium features, including a quad-speaker sound system, a comfortable backlit keyboard with a built-in fingerprint reader, and a large touchpad. The display’s color gamut coverage is impressive, making it suitable for content creators who demand accurate color representation. The Ultra’s port assortment is equally impressive, with Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, HDMI 2.0 output, USB-A port, microSD card slot, and headphone jack, though the placement of the USB-C ports on the left side limits charging flexibility.

The best business laptops of 2023 - MICROSOFT SURFACE LAPTOP STUDIO (2023)

8. MICROSOFT SURFACE LAPTOP STUDIO (2023)

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio (2023) introduces innovative features while catering to creative professionals and digital artists. With a pull-forward screen design, improved webcam, and versatile form factor, it offers a unique blend of creativity and practicality. However, its performance might not match the expectations of demanding users. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio (2023) offers a mix of innovation and practicality, making it an appealing option for creative individuals. Its unique design and impressive display quality cater to digital artists and professionals who require a versatile canvas for their work. However, its performance might not match that of laptops designed for intensive tasks, and the limited port selection could be a drawback for some users. Consider your specific needs and preferences before making a decision.

Design and Display:

Innovative pull-forward screen design for improved usability 14.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with rounded corners Display resolution of 2,400 x 1,600 pixels and 3:2 aspect ratio Excellent color accuracy with 100% sRGB and 86% DCI-P3 coverage Brightness measuring up to 485 nits for indoor use

Keyboard and Touchpad:

High-quality keyboard with comfortable typing experience Haptic touchpad with uniform clicking sensation

Connectivity:

Two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support Headphone jack and Surface Connect port for charging Wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.1

Performance:

Configurations with Intel Core i7-11370H processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU available 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD for multitasking and storage Satisfactory performance for everyday tasks and content creation Falls short in gaming and demanding workflows compared to competitors

Battery Life:

Impressive battery life of over 14 hours in productivity tasks Suitable for on-the-go productivity and collaboration

Audio and Webcam:

Clear and punchy sound through built-in speakers Improved Windows Hello webcam with better low-light performance 1080p sensor for crisp video and images

User Experience:

Perfect for creative professionals and digital artists with its display quality and form factor Thin and sleek design suitable for portability Limited port selection with two USB-C ports and headphone jack Starting price of $1,599 may be a significant investment

Conclusion

The best business laptops of 2023 offer a diverse range of options, from the powerhouse performance of the Dell XPS 15 to the sleek and innovative design of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio. The Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M2 Pro, 2023) impresses with its display quality and integration with the Apple ecosystem, while the Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 and HP EliteBook 840 G9 provide durable and versatile solutions for demanding professionals. The Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED (2023) and Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra offer unique advantages with their lightweight design, impressive displays, and integration with other devices. Lastly, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 upholds the ThinkPad legacy with its quality build, exceptional keyboard, and reliable performance.

As you navigate the landscape of business laptops, consider your specific needs and priorities. Whether it’s powerful performance, stunning displays, portability, or integration with other devices, there’s a laptop on this list that can meet your requirements. These laptops are not only tools for productivity but also companions on your professional journey, helping you achieve your goals and succeed in today’s dynamic business environment.

Choose wisely, and let your business laptop empower you to excel and reach new heights.

Business Laptop Comparison Overview

Laptop	Processor	GPU	Price
Dell XPS 15	Intel Core i9-13700H	Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 or RTX 4060 or RTX 4050 or Intel Arc A370M	$2,949 or $2,250 or $1,899 or $1,499
Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M2 Pro, 2023)	Apple M2 Pro with 10-core CPU or 12-core CPU	Apple M2 Pro with 16-core GPU or 19-core GPU	$1,999 or $2,499 or $3,099 or $3,299
HP EliteBook 840 G9	Intel Core i5-1240P or i7-1255U	Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 (96EU)	$800 or $1,129
Lenovo ThinkPad Z16	AMD Ryzen 9 Pro 6950H or Ryzen 5 Pro 6650H	AMD Radeon RX 6500M or integrated Radeon graphics	$2,025 or $1,975 or $1,682 or $1,741
Asus Zenbook 13 OLED	AMD Ryzen 7 5700U or Intel Core i5-1135G7 or Ryzen 7 6800U	Integrated Radeon graphics or Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 (80EU)	$799 or $899 or $1,359 or $1,499
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10	Intel Core i7-1270P or i7-1260P	Intel Iris Xe Graphics	$1,479 or $3,716 or $3,269 or $2,999
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra	Intel Core i9-13900H or i7-13700H	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 or RTX 4050	$2,999 or $1,900 or $2,399 or $3,269
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio	Intel Core i5-11300H or i7-11370H	Intel Iris Xe Graphics or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti	1699 Euros or $2,099 or $3,599 or $3,699 or $4,199

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Laptop specifications, prices, and availability are subject to change. We do not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of the information presented. It’s advisable to verify details with manufacturers before making any purchasing decisions.

Tags: