The digital nomad lifestyle is nothing new but is growing in popularity every day. There are clearly important aspects to consider that relate to travel, mental fitness, social living, dangers and risks of being abroad for long periods of time, and much more.
But another important aspect that can be easily resolved is what device is best suited for working remotely. After all, it is the most important piece of equipment that you need.
Obviously, there are tons of devices and each one caters to a specific need, such as lightweight ultrabooks, sturdy and impact-resistant laptops, high-performance and gaming notebooks, foldable devices, touchscreen devices, notebooks that pay more attention to security and access control, etc. On top of this, there are the actual specs of the models and their corresponding price ranges. It’s therefore impossible to definitively rank the “best” laptop for everyone, but some models consistently stand out. Leading brands such as Lenovo, Acer, Asus, HP, and Dell often produce these top-tier devices.
For a general overview of what to look out for when choosing a device check out this article
A key feature of the 2024 models is the integration of Intel’s next-generation “Meteor Lake” Core Ultra processors, released in December 2023. These processors offer up to 30% faster performance, making the newest ultrabooks of the flagship models of these companies exceptionally powerful while maintaining their slim and portable design.
Below you may find a list of the 15 most popular choices aimed at working abroad and digital nomading in general.
If you want to skip to the comparison chart, click here
If you want to skip to my conclusions on the best models, click here,
Contents
Brief side notes and disclaimer:
- Only smaller devices are considered, between 13 and 15 inches. This is because I personally put more emphasis on portability and consider 16-inch models out of scope.
- On top of the actual physical device, the most important thing to consider is the ecosystem of apps and programs that one needs. From VPNs (check out this article on why you should always use a VPN and which are the best VPN providers on the market), to data storage and backup and synching, productivity utilities, calendars, and the list goes on. The following list does not consider these specific application needs and does not delve into the differences between the major application providers such as Apple, Microsoft, Chrome, and open-source Linux systems.
- I did not personally test these laptops so when it comes to the “actual” battery lives of the different models, this information was sourced from other articles. I tried to find reviews that use the same benchmarks for battery duration to have comparable results. As always though DYOR.
MacBook Pro 14 M3
No list can be considered complete without Apple’s flagship notebook. It is often considered the “best” and there are good reasons for it. Not only is it a joy to look at in terms of design, but it is a quite sturdy device allowing you to bring it around on your adventures, and can take some battering (although a small tear may run down your cheek when you see a scratch on the beautiful polished metal finish).
Its application ecosystem is almost unparalleled and is one of those devices that can be used out of the box and the user can find (mostly) all that they need. This clearly comes with downsides as Apple is particularly keen on locking users in their app ecosystem.
In terms of performance, ever since their release of the first ARM-based processors in 2020, the M-series have burned through the competition and on the higher end, 16-inch displays are comparable to Desktop computers. All this power comes with an excellent battery life which also outlasts most of the competition (between 13 and 14 hours which is incredibly high). This, coupled with the tightly integrated and optimized operating system make the Apple notebooks a force to be reckoned with,
In late 2023 the new M3 models have been released. That being said the M2 models are still extremely competitive, and by some measure better models come with M2 Pro and M2 Max chips. However, even the older 2021 models with M1 chips are excellent and can even be a better option due to their lower price.
Tech Specs
2024 M3 processors
| CPU | M3 |
| GPU | M3 |
| RAM | 18GB, 36GB |
| storage | 512GB, 1TB, 4TB |
| display | 14.2-inch (3024 x 1964) Micro LED, no touch option |
| weight | 3.5 pounds |
| dimensions | 12.3 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches |
2023 M2 processors
| CPU | M2 |
| GPU | M2 |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB, 24GB |
| storage | 256 GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| display | 13.3-inch IPS display, 2560 x 1664, 60Hz, no touch option |
| weight | 3 pounds |
| dimensions | 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.61 inches |
Price: 1,549.00 at Amazon.
MacBook Air M3
The latest MacBook Airs have lost their iconic shape and now look like any other regular laptop but the internal components make them all but common. As with the MacBook Pro, the new M3 chipsets are the best processors at the moment in terms of performance and battery life. The MacBook Air is slightly less powerful than its Pro cousin in favor of being more lightweight. Battery life which lasts a whopping 14 hours remains stellar.
If weight and portability are of concern to you, a slim MacBook Air at 0.44 inches might just be the device you’re looking for.
Tech Specs
| CPU | M3 |
| GPU | M3 |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB, 24GB |
| storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| display | 13.6-inch IPS display, 2560 x 1664, 60Hz, no touch option |
| weight | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches |
| dimensions | 2.7 pounds |
Price: starting at $1,299.00 at Amazon.
Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon Gen 12
It has been many years since the China-based company Lenovo came up on the stage becoming the manufacturer of devices from IBM. Like HP, it consistently provides a vast array of models that cater to all needs.
The flagship Thinkpad model is one of those and has wide options for customization of its internal components.
The most notable aspect of this device is the connectivity since the Lenovo Thinkpad (as well as the Lenovo Yoga covered below) includes a 4G or 5G eSIM allowing for constant connectivity wherever you go. Just this single aspect may be what makes it a top choice among digital nomads and remote workers.
The Carbon Gen 12 is slightly lighter and thinner than the previous Gen 11 and Gen 10 models.
Where the Carbon Gen 12 suffers is in the price tag, which is pretty steep compared to other similar models, and in the battery life, which at 9h is enough for a day’s work but much lower than its competition.
Tech Specs
| CPU | 1Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
| GPU | Intel Arc Graphics |
| RAM | 32GB |
| storage | 1TB |
| display | 14 inches 2880 x 1800 OLED, 120Hz |
| dimensions | 0.59 x 12.3 x 8.5 in. |
| weight | 2.47 pounds |
Price: $1,499.00 at Amazon.
HP Spectre x360 14
As one of the oldest tech companies, HP knows what users want and will consistently provide competitive devices. Their Spectre line is always among the top notebooks and the 14-inch 2024 model – the Spectre x360 14 is no different.
It may not have the stellar battery life of Apple’s newest MacBook but at 12 hours the battery is more than enough for a long work stretch.
The device has a touch option and a foldable screen making it an ideal choice to use as a tablet. It even comes with a stylus that can be magnetically attached to the side of the notebook.
On top of that it has a wonderful polished design, a decent number of ports, and enough power for it to be used in office and productivity work.
Tech Specs
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
| GPU | Intel Arc Graphics |
| RAM | 32GB |
| storage | 2TB SSD |
| display | 14-inch, 2880 x 1800/OLED, 120 Hz, touch option |
| weight | 3.19 pounds |
| dimensions | 12.4 x 8.7 x 0.67 inches |
Price: $1,479.00 at Amazon.
Dell Inspiron 14 Plus
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus offers strong performance and impressive battery life, making it an excellent choice for everyday use. It features a 13th Gen Intel Core H-series processor for enhanced processing power and comes at a competitive price point.
The laptop’s design has improved, showcasing a premium aluminum build and modern aesthetic, offering sophistication and refinement, though not on par with Apple’s MacBooks or Dell’s XPS line. Overall, it’s a well-rounded laptop option for budget-conscious buyers.
Tech Specs
| CPU | Intel Core i7-12700H |
| GPU | Intel Arc integrated |
| RAM | 32GB |
| storage | 2TB SSD |
| display | 14-inch, 2880 x 1800/OLED, 120 Hz, touch option |
| weight | 3.19 pounds |
| dimensions | 12.35 x 8.68 x 0.67 inches |
Price: $1,315.00 at Amazon.
Asus Zenbook 14 (q425)
The Asus Zenbook 14 (Q425) is an ultraportable laptop designed for travelers and commuters, offering a balance of performance, portability, and features. Key highlights include a 14-inch FHD OLED display with touch screen support and reduced blue light, powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD storage.
It boasts impressive battery life stated at over 21 hours, (tested at 15h) and a sleek all-metal design, weighing 2.82 pounds. With its vibrant display, long battery life, and stylish build, the Zenbook 14 is a reliable choice for everyday use at a very affordable price.
Tech Specs
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
| GPU | Intel Arc Graphics |
| RAM | 16GB |
| storage | 1TB |
| display | 14-inch OLED, 1920 x 1200, 60Hz, OLED |
| dimensions | 12.3 x 8.67 x 0.59 inches |
| weight | 2.82 pounds |
Price: $929 at Amazon.
Acer Swift Go 14 OLED
The Acer Swift Go 14 OLED is a 14-inch ultraportable laptop known for its stunning OLED display with a 2880×1800 resolution and 90Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant colors and smooth visuals. It offers impressive performance with options for 13th Gen Intel Core i7 or Intel Core Ultra processors, up to 16GB RAM, and up to 1TB SSD storage. The laptop features an aluminum chassis, making it sleek and lightweight at 2.9 pounds.
It provides up to 8.5 hours of battery life, which is an improvement over previous models but not the best in its category. Additional features include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, a backlit keyboard, and multiple connectivity ports. Pros include its stunning display, strong performance, and portability; however, it has some cons like relatively short battery life, noticeable fan noise during intensive tasks, underwhelming speakers, and potential discomfort with the keyboard and touchpad layout. It is ideal for professionals, students, and anyone seeking a high-quality OLED display and performance in a compact laptop. Overall, it balances performance, portability, and display quality well, making it an appealing versatile laptop choice.
Tech Specs
| CPU | Intel Core i7-1355U |
| GPU | Intel Iris Xe |
| RAM | 16GB |
| storage | 1TB |
| display | 14-inch OLED, 2880 x 1800, 60Hz |
| dimensions | 12.3 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches |
| weight | 2.9 pounds |
Price: $799 at Amazon.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 6
The Surface Laptop 6 is a mix between the Microsoft flagship Surface Pro models and regular laptops. This is a great device if considering a laptop that is well-balanced. It does not come with any bells and whistles, does not shine in terms of performance, and isn’t the thinnest laptop in the world but it is an excellent device nonetheless with a clean and polished design, good overall performance, and affordable price.
Battery life is decent, nothing special. It is declared up to 18 hours, but realistically and during tests was found to last 10 hours. Enough though for allowing comfortable stretches of remote work without needing to recharge.
If you don’t have any particular requirements and just want a very good “regular old laptop” the Surface Laptop 6 may be the right choice for you.
Tech Specs
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 5 processor 135H |
| GPU | Intel Iris Xe |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, |
| storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| display | 13.5-inch IPS, 2256 x 1504, 60Hz, touch option |
| dimensions | 12.1 x 8.8 x .57 inches |
| weight | 2.8 pounds |
Price: $1,634 at Amazon.
Microsoft Surface Pro 10
Ok, I know that we are not considering tablets here but the Microsoft Surface Pro 10 is comparable in terms of performance and components with most notebooks.
Being a tablet its dimensions and weight are on another level, weighing only 1.94 pounds (without a keyboard). It also has an excellent battery life: declared at 16 hours and tested at 13 hours.
This laptop can be the perfect choice for people needing a device that can also be comfortably used as an internet browsing device or the remote workers whose profession revolves around graphic design as direct interaction with the screen allows for better control.
Tech Specs
| CPU | Intel Core i5-1235U or i7-1255U |
| GPU | Intel Iris Xe |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB, 32GB |
| storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| display | 13-inch PixelSense Flow Display with 2880 x 1920 resolution and 267 PPI |
| dimensions | 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches |
| weight | 1.94 pounds |
Price: $2,834 at Amazon.
DELL XPS 15
Similarly to the Microsoft Surface Laptop 6, the Dell XPS 15 is a highly regarded line of consumer-focused laptops, known for its powerful performance and sleek design. It is an overall well-rounded device, with a great design, and very good internal components. It is compact, resistant, and lightweight, and might just be the best device to have when being often on the move.
Pricing starts at around $1,000 for the base model, reaching over $2,500 for top configurations with premium components.
Tech Specs
| CPU | Intel Core i7-13700H |
| GPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 |
| RAM | 32GB |
| storage | 1TB |
| display | 15.6 inch, OLED, 3456 x 2160, 60Hz, |
| dimensions | 13.6 x 9.1 x 0.71 inches |
| weight | 4.2 pounds |
Price: $1,530 at Amazon.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
Devices that come with Chrome OS take the idea of portability to new levels with their cloud-based operating system. It may be the device that arguably locks you in the most, but the advantages of having a notebook that you take out of the box, sign in to, and are ready to go are undeniable.
Among the many Chromebook laptops, the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 is considered the best and is an excellent choice if your work revolves primarily around composing and checking emails, browsing, and lightweight content creation.
Being a flip model it can be turned into a tablet and comes with an optional stylus
Overall it is a device with lower performance capabilities but fast and reactive and with great pricing.
Tech Specs
| CPU | Intel Core i3-1315U |
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB |
| storage | 128GB |
| display | 14-inch LED, 1920 x 1200 |
| dimensions | 12.4 x 9 x 0.72 |
| weight | 3.52 pounds |
Price: $399.00 at Amazon.
Acer Chromebook Spin 714
Another heavy hitter with a great track record in the yearly battles of best portable devices is Acer. With its Spin model Acer jumped on the bandwagon of foldable devices that can be used as tablets.
The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is a powerful and portable 2-in-1 Chromebook suitable for everyday tasks like school, work, or entertainment, offering strong performance and battery life with durable build quality.
Like the HP Spectre, it also comes with a stylus for when it is folded and used as a tablet.
The competitive pricing and light weight are it’s strong points
| CPU | Intel Core i5-1335U |
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| storage | 256GB |
| display | 14” touchscreen (1920 x 1200) |
| dimensions | 12.3 x 8.8 x 0.71 inches |
| weight | 3.02 pounds |
Price: $575.99 at Amazon.
Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Pro
The Galaxy Book 4 Pro is a wonderful and very portable device. It is a premium laptop tailored for professionals and tech enthusiasts. It combines sleek, lightweight design with advanced features and powerful performance.
I personally used the 2023 model extensively and found it a perfect balance of ultralight portability and durability with excellent battery life.
The new models are equpped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, up to 16GB DDR5 RAM, and up to 512GB SSD storage expandable via a microSD card slot. Optional NVIDIA graphics enhance versatility.
It features an aluminum chassis offering durability, weighing 1.23 kg (2.71 lbs) for the 14-inch model, with a backlit keyboard, quiet operation, and a large, smooth touchpad.
Tech Specs
| CPU | Intel Core i7-1165G7, i7-1260P |
| GPU | Intel Iris Arc Graphics |
| RAM | 16GB |
| storage | 512TB |
| display | 14-inch Full HD (1800 x 12880), 120Hz, touch option |
| dimensions | 12.29 x 8.8 x 0.45 in. |
| weight | 2.71 pounds |
Price: $1,399.99 Amazon.
Lenovo Yoga 9i (2024)
The Lenovo Yoga 9i is considered one of the best devices for video playback and streaming in general. It is a 2-in-1 convertible laptop that combines performance, portability, and versatility, making it ideal for both work and entertainment. Like the Thinkpad described above, this Lenovo device ships with an optional 4G or 5G SIM card allowing for constant connectivity.
It is a bit on the heavy side but this is countered by a stellar battery life. The declared duration is up to 18 hours in full high definition video playback and 10 hours for UHD, and the actual tested battery reaches 10 hours.
Overall, the Lenovo Yoga 9i (2024) is a robust and versatile option for users seeking high performance, upgraded processors, and advanced display capabilities.
Tech Specs
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 9 processor (185H) |
| GPU | Intel Arc Graphics |
| RAM | 32GB |
| storage | 1TB |
| display | 14 inches (3840 x 2400), OLED, Glare, Touch, 100% DCI-P3, 400 nits, 60Hz, Low Blue Light |
| dimensions | 12.4 x 8.58 x 0.6 in |
| weight | 2.98 pounds |
Price: $2,199.00 at Amazon.
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18
Games are the most power hungry, battery destroying, graphic demanding applications, so if you want a device exclusively aimed at performance without compromises gaming laptops are the obvious choice. Despite this post covering smaller 13 – 15 inch devices, the ROG Strix Scar with 18 inches display is included here because of its top tier specifications, mostly given by the new Intel 13th and 14th gen processor and the dedicated high-performance NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card.
Obviously this high performance display and graphic card come with a big consumption of battery which lasts around 4h during power-hungry tasks. The Strix Scar is also very heavy and bulky, and the plastic chassis cannot compare to the sleeker alluminium chassis of previous covered ultrabook models.
Tech Specs
| CPU | Intel Core i9-13980HX |
| GPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 |
| RAM | 32GB |
| storage | 2TB |
| display | 14-inch 165Hz QHD (2560 x 1440) OLED display |
| dimensions | 0.6 x 15.7 x 8.6 in |
| weight | 6.77 lbs |
Price: $2,781 at Amazon.
Models comparison from a portability perspective
| Model | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple MacBook Pro | 3.5 | 14.2 | 14 | no |
| Apple MacBook Air | 2.7 | 13.6 | 15 | no |
| Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon Gen 12 | 2.47 | 14 | 9 | yes |
| HP Spectre x360 14 | 3.19 | 14 | 11 | yes |
| Dell Inspiron 14 Plus | 3.19 | 14 | 14.5 | no |
| Asus Zenbook 14 (q425) | 2.82 | 14 | 12 | yes |
| Acer Swift Go 14 OLED | 2.9 | 14 | 11.5 | yes |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 | 2.8 | 13.5 | 18 | yes |
| Microsoft Surface Pro 10 | 1.94 | 13 | 15 | yes |
| DELL XPS 15 | 4.2 | 15.6 | 14 | yes |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus | 4.5 | 13.3 | 11.5 | yes |
| Acer Chromebook Spin 714 | 3.02 | 14 | 15 | yes |
| Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Pro | 2.71 | 14 | 14 | no |
| Lenovo Yoga 9i (2024) | 2.98 | 14 | 10.5 | yes |
| ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 | 6.77 | 18 | 4.5 | no |
