12 Best Business Laptops for Entrepreneurs and Freelancers

The average lifespan of a laptop is around five years, but about one in three fails by its fourth year.

Business laptops in particular see harder use, which can potentially shorten their lifespan even more.

That’s why buying a business laptop is a decision that requires careful consideration.

We’ve done that careful research for you, looking at the most important factors, from laptop weight to battery life.

Before we present the 12 best options to help you thrive professionally, here’s what we looked into before picking the top laptops:

How We Picked

It is important to distinguish the good, the bad, and the ugly. Here’s what we looked at before picking the gems from the trash mountain:

• Battery Life: We feel you when you say that “I hate roaming around with my charger everywhere I go”. That’s why we ensured that most, if not all, laptops provide a battery life of at least 6–8 hours.
• Processor (CPU): A good battery backup largely depends on the type of processor your laptop relies on. We have included laptops with at least Intel i7, AMD Ryzen 7, and Apple M1 chip.
• RAM: If your business requires you to open countless software and tabs simultaneously, a RAM of at least 8 GB is a good bargain.
• Storage: The business laptops we have recommended have at least 256 GB of SSD.
• Display and camera quality: If you are a work-from-home knowledge worker and find yourself in virtual meetings a lot, we ensured the camera quality of all the laptops included in this blog post is at least 720p-1080p.
• Weight: You do not want to become a beast of burden. That’s why we took care of the fact that most of the laptops are lightweight and portable.
• Warranty: 1–3 years of warranty is what we looked into before selecting a machine.
• Budget: Finally, we empathized with different target audiences. However, business-class laptops tend to be comparatively costlier than regular-use laptops, for all the good reasons.

Why Trust Squeeze Growth

At Squeeze Growth, we don’t take laptop recommendations lightly. We know our readers rely on us to thoroughly research products before making any recommendations.

When it came to selecting the 12 best business laptops, we dug deep. We didn’t just read a few reviews and call it a day.

We turned to trusted experts, reading dozens of in-depth product reviews from technology sites and watching countless YouTube videos breaking down the pros and cons of each laptop.

We even joined Reddit forums, looking at real-world users to get unfiltered opinions.

Finally, we continue to test and use the Dell XPS 13 (our top recommendation).

When you read a “best of” laptop list on Squeeze Growth, you can be sure much care and consideration went into curating it.

Our Top Picks

1. Dell Latitude 5540

The Dell Latitude 5540 is a powerful yet portable 15-inch laptop built for business. It has the 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with 12 cores for fast performance.

It comes configured with a generous 16GB of RAM to effortlessly multitask between dozens of browser tabs and apps.

You also get a speedy 512GB solid-state drive so files and programs launch in an instant.

The 15.6-inch full HD display renders web pages, documents, and media with sharp detail and accurate color.

An integrated HD webcam captures crisp video for virtual meetings. And with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, you’ll enjoy fast wireless connectivity wherever you set up shop.

What sets the Latitude 5540 apart is enterprise-level security features like fingerprint authentication and optional vPro remote management.

Reasons to buy

• Powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor provides fast performance
• Generous 16GB RAM for smooth multitasking
• Fast 512GB solid-state drive loads apps instantly
• Sharp and colorful 15.6″ full HD display
• HD webcam captures crisp video for meetings
• Military-grade tested for durability on the go

Reasons not to buy

• Limited to a 15.6″ display, some may prefer the larger screen
• Integrated graphics less capable of intensive gaming/video editing
• Average battery life, may need to carry a charger for full-day use

2. Dell Latitude 7440

The Dell Latitude 7440 is this capable yet compact business laptop built with entrepreneurs and freelancers in mind.

It packs some serious performance into its durable yet portable aluminum chassis.

I am talking about 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processing power, speedy PCIe SSD storage, and fast LPDDR5 memory to handle all your multitasking needs.

But it’s not just about speed with the Latitude 7440.

The 14-inch full HD+ display gives you enough screen real estate for comfortable viewing while still allowing the laptop to maintain a slim profile.

And it has all the connectivity options you’d expect in a modern business machine – Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and plenty of ports.

What I like about this laptop for entrepreneurs as well as freelancers specifically are the security and management features.

The built-in privacy shutter, fingerprint sensor, and facial recognition give you peace of mind when working on client projects in coffee shops or co-working spaces.

The Latitude 7440 also offers ample customization potential during the ordering process.

You can tailor components like the processor, storage, wireless cards, and more to get the right configuration based on performance, budget, and other personal preferences.

Reasons to buy

• Powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor provides excellent performance
• 14-inch 1080p display strikes a nice balance between portability and screen real estate
• Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C ensure full connectivity capabilities
• Robust security features like a fingerprint reader and webcam shutter
• Intel vPro enables remote management for IT admins

Reasons not to buy

• • Starting configuration may feel underpowered for some
  • Limited to 14-inch display, less screen real estate than 15-inch options
  • Lacks dedicated graphics card, not ideal for intensive creative tasks

3. MacBook Pro M1

Although they are shown to be targeted towards the creatives, Macs are for everyone, including executives.

For starters, the MacBook Pro 2020 version has a super lightweight and slim design at just 3 pounds.

But don’t let its size fool you: this thing is a beast in terms of performance.

The M1 chip gives it the speed and muscle to handle everything from complex spreadsheets to graphics-heavy software.

I’m talking cutting-edge power that will make all your multitasking fly by smoothly.

Plus, it’s got a brilliant 13-inch Retina display that makes all your work look vibrant and crisp.

I feel 13 inches is not too small to strain your eyes and not too big which makes it hard to carry. It’s the perfect sweet spot for easy portability.

And the battery life is unreal – we’re talking up to 20 hours of video playback.

It’s also got two high-speed Thunderbolt ports for your accessories.

And MacOS offers built-in encryption and protections to keep your data secure.

SIDENOTE: We didn’t mention newer versions of MacBooks with Apple’s M2 and M3 chips because M1 excellently handles most software and apps that entrepreneurs and freelancers use daily. There is no reason to pay extra for the resources you are never going to use.

Reasons to buy

• • • Powerful M1 chip provides fast performance for demanding tasks
    • Long battery life up to 20 hours
    • Slim, lightweight, and portable design
    • Brilliant Retina display with great color accuracy
    • The backlit keyboard is comfortable for typing in low light
    • FaceTime HD camera (720p) great for video calls and conferences

Reasons not to buy

• • • Only supports up to 16GB RAM which may be limiting for some
    • Limited to two Thunderbolt ports only
    • Lack of full-size legacy USB-A ports
    • Relatively low storage capacity on base model

4. MacBook Air M1 (13.3 inches)

If the MacBook Pro’s features and processing power are something you don’t require, you can’t go wrong with MacBook Air, which also happens to come with an M1 chip.

MacBook Air also provides blazing-fast performance means you can run multiple apps with ease, making multitasking effortless.

The brilliant 13.3-inch Retina display offers super sharp images and text, so presentations pop and video calls look fantastic.

One major rant about laptops is their short battery life, but not with the MacBook Air.

You’ll get an amazing 18 hours on a single charge, so you can work confidently without your charger from morning to night.

The fanless, silent design means distraction-free working during important video conferences and meetings.

Sleek, portable, and silent: it’s a winning combination if you ask me.

Security is built right into the MacBook Air, too, with the convenient Touch ID login and multiple layers of protection for your company data.

SIDENOTE: Besides the price difference, some people prefer the MacBook Air instead of the Pro because of the controversial touch bar that comes with the Pro model.

Reasons to buy

• • • Blazing fast performance thanks to the Apple M1 chip
    • Long battery life (up to 18 hours) for all-day work
    • Brilliant Retina display for sharp visuals
    • Silent, fanless design won’t disrupt meetings
    • Lightweight and portable for business travel
    • Built-in security features like Touch ID

Reasons not to buy

• • • Limited ports (two Thunderbolt ports only)
    • Not the most affordable option
    • Not ideal for gaming or graphic-intensive tasks

5. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio combines portability with sheer processing power.

It has a unique hinged design that transforms it into different modes for ultimate flexibility.

When you need a traditional laptop, the touchscreen display sits upright like normal.

But when you want to sketch or take notes by hand, simply fold the screen down into Stage mode, bringing it closer for an amazing pen experience.

You can even fold it down into Studio mode, perfect for collaborating around the device or watching movies.

It’s packed with 11th-gen Intel Core processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics that’ll make short work of tasks like 3D modeling, video editing, and graphics design.

Speaking of graphics, the 14.4” touch display is simply stunning, with ultra-fast 120Hz refresh rates and true-to-life colors.

The battery life is also respectable, getting you through most of an 8-hour workday without issue.

Reasons to buy

• • • Transformable design allows multiple usage modes for flexibility
    • Powerful performance with the latest Intel processors and NVIDIA graphics
    • Vivid 14.4″ high-refresh touchscreen great for graphics work
    • Excellent stylus experience for drawing, sketching, and note-taking
    • Immersive Dolby Atmos audio for music, movies and conferencing

Reasons not to buy

• • • Runs warm when taxing the CPU and GPU for extended periods
    • Creative apps may require some optimization for unique screen size
    • Adjustable hinge adds complexity and a potential failure point

6. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen

Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 is a solid business laptop that comes with a powerful brain.

It is equipped with a 12th Gen Intel Core processor. That simply means no lag when you’ve got 20 browser tabs open!

Now onto the cool communication features.

There’s a bright FHD camera with infrared and computer vision capabilities housed in the unique communications bar.

Plus four 360-degree mics that use AI noise cancellation so your video calls come through crystal clear on the other end.

Lenovo redesigned the keyboard to improve airflow and packed in a dual fan system.

The hot air vents out the back, keeping things nice and chill.

This laptop was built tough, too, adhering to Department of Defense durability standards. So don’t be afraid to take it on the road, to job sites, wherever work takes you.

And it has all the wireless bells and whistles – 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC.

Reasons to buy

• • • Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core processor
    • Communications Bar with HD camera, mics, and AI noise cancellation
    • Prevents overheating thanks to dual-fan system
    • Biometric security features like fingerprint reader and facial recognition

Reasons not to buy

• • • Not ideal for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming or video editing
    • Lacks a dedicated numeric keypad which some users may prefer

7. Lenovo Yoga Book 9i (13th Gen)

Lenovo Yoga Book 9i combines a dual-screen design to multitask like a pro, with the portability of a thin and light laptop.

For starters, the dual OLED touchscreens make it easy to reference research on one screen while cranking out that essay or a presentation on the other.

They’re also great for creative work, letting you sketch on one screen with a stylus while reference photos are pulled up on the other.

It’s powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core processor, so you can count on speedy performance even when running multiple demanding programs.

The specs don’t cry out loud on battery life, either, with up to 15 hours of juice on a single charge.

At just 2.2 lbs, the Yoga Book 9i won’t weigh down your shoulder or bag.

And with the included detachable keyboard, you can easily convert it into a tablet for when you need to travel extra light.

Reasons to buy

• • • Dual OLED touchscreens for multitasking
    • Powerful 13th Gen Intel Core processor
    • Ultra-portable 2-in-1 design with detachable keyboard
    • Long battery life of up to 15 hours
    • Eco-friendly construction and packaging

Reasons not to buy

• • • Unconventional design may have a learning curve
    • Limited ports compared to traditional laptops
    • Mediocre webcam quality

8. HP Dragonfly G4

The HP Dragonfly G4 is a lightweight yet powerful laptop that makes multitasking and productivity “something to look forward to”.

With its 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, you’ll fly through tasks like video editing, data analysis, and graphic design.

It handles demanding programs with ease, so you can take your work anywhere without disruption.

The 13.5” diagonal touchscreen provides vivid visuals and responsive interaction.

Whether you’re presenting to clients or reviewing reports, everything looks crisp and clear on the Dragonfly’s screen.

It also comes equipped with 16 GB of RAM, so you can have all your business apps open at once. With at least 512 GB of speedy solid-state storage, you’ll have plenty of room for large files and important documents.

Weighing less than 1 kg, you’ll barely notice it in your bag.

Additional features like Bang & Olufsen speakers, a 5MP camera, and a spill-resistant backlit keyboard make the Dragonfly a versatile pick for any professional.

Reasons to buy

• • • 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor
    • Lightweight 0.99kg design
    • Vivid 13.5″ WUXGA+ touchscreen display
    • Bang & Olufsen speakers
    • Spill-resistant backlit keyboard
    • Battery life up to 20 hours

Reasons not to buy

• • • Limited to 16GB RAM which may be insufficient for some users
    • The lack of a dedicated graphics card reduces performance for intensive tasks

9. LG Gram 16T90R-G.CH78A2

LG Gram 16T90R-G.CH78A2 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop with a portable weight of just 1.14 kg.

It runs on a 13th Gen Intel Core processor that breezes through demanding tasks like financial modeling, data analysis, and graphic design.

Multitasking is a breeze with the laptop’s 16 GB RAM and speedy 1 TB Gen4 NVMe SSD.

The 16-inch WQXGA touchscreen display makes working on spreadsheets and presentations an absolute visual treat.

When you need to sketch ideas or take handwritten notes, the included Stylus Pen transforms the Gram into a digital notebook.

One of the best parts about the LG Gram 16T90R is its versatile 2-in-1 design.

You can use it in laptop mode for typing, pop it into tent mode for binge-watching movies, or fold it into tablet mode for easy portability.

The 360° hinge gives you tremendous flexibility to use the Gram in any scenario.

And with its 80Wh battery, you can keep working for up to 18.5 hours between charges.

Reasons to buy

• • • Ultra lightweight and portable design
    • 13th Gen Intel Core processors
    • Versatile 2-in-1 design with 360° hinge
    • 16″ high-resolution WQXGA touchscreen display
    • Long battery life up to 22.5 hours
    • Stylus pen included for sketching and notes

Reasons not to buy

• • • Fans can get noisy when under heavy load
    • No dedicated graphics card, not ideal for gaming
    • Screen brightness could be better
    • No biometric login options like fingerprint scanner

10. Lenovo ThinkPad E14

The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 4 is a 14-inch laptop that runs on an AMD Ryzen 7 processor.

The anti-glare HD screen makes it easy on your eyes, and the built-in Dolby Audio pumps up the sound for presentations or kicking back with movies.

Weighing in at just 1.6 kg, the E14 Gen 4 won’t weigh down your bag during a commute or business trip.

It’s military-grade tough, too, so don’t worry about dropping it (although don’t be intentional about it).

Security features like fingerprint login and a webcam cover keep your data safe.

With up to 9 hours of battery life, you can work unplugged on long flights.

And it comes with Windows 11 Pro to keep everything running smoothly.

It may not have all the flashy extras, but if you need a reliable workhorse laptop for daily productivity, this one deserves a close look.

Reasons to buy

• • • Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor
    • Portable and lightweight design at just 1.6 kg
    • Long battery life up to 9 hours
    • Anti-glare HD display

Reasons not to buy

• • • At 250 nits, the display brightness is decent but not exceptional

11. Asus ExpertBook B9

The ASUS ExpertBook B9 is phenomenal at just 1.94 pounds.

It runs on up to an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics, so you can expect speedy responsiveness irrespective of what you’re doing.

A major pain point with laptops is poor battery life, but not with the ExpertBook B9.

You can get through nearly 20 hours of work on a single charge.

And when you do need a boost, the fast-charging feature has you covered: you can get 60% battery capacity back in just 49 minutes!

ASUS packed this laptop with a range of ports including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and USB.

You can easily hook up to monitors, networks, and peripherals when you’re working at your desk.

With built-in noise-canceling technology, Harman/Kardon speakers, and a microphone array, video calls, and conferences sound incredible on the ExpertBook B9.

Reasons to buy

• • • Extremely lightweight and portable at just 2.2 lbs
    • Up to 20 hours of battery life
    • Fast charging capability to 60% in 49 minutes
    • Military-grade durable magnesium-lithium alloy body
    • Immersive audio with noise-cancellation technology

Reasons not to buy

• • • Limited to integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, less ideal for graphics-intensive tasks
    • Not easily customizable or upgradeable
    • No option for a discrete GPU, less suitable for gaming
    • RAM capped at 16GB, may limit performance for certain users

12. HP Zbook Studio G9

HP ZBook Studio G9 means business, with top-tier components that can handle demanding tasks like 3D rendering and video editing.

Its brain is equipped with a 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor. With

a whopping 14 cores, this CPU plows through intensive workflows, while still having muscle left over for quick-fire office productivity.

Pair it with NVIDIA’s pro-grade graphics, and you’ve got a creative powerhouse for tasks like CAD and animation.

The ZBook Studio G9 delivers with its gorgeous 16-inch 4K DreamColor display that accurately reproduces colors or an OLED option for supreme vibrancy.

Despite packing some seriously strong specs, the ZBook Studio G9 manages to stay surprisingly portable at just 1.73 kg.

It’s crafted from aluminum and magnesium for a sturdy yet lightweight build.

With support for up to 1 TB of speedy NVMe SSD storage, you can say goodbye to annoying loading times too.

Reasons to buy

• • • 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor, NVIDIA professional graphics
    • Lightweight and slim aluminum/magnesium design
    • ISV certifications for reliability with professional software

Reasons not to buy

• • • Battery life is just okay at around 7 hours, not exceptional
    • May be overpowered for more basic business/productivity needs

Which Business Laptop Is Right For You?

With so many great options, choosing the right business laptop ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences.

If you’re a traveling entrepreneur who’s always on the go, portability and battery life should be top priorities. In that case, the ultralight ASUS ExpertBook B9 or MacBook Air/Pro M1 are ideal picks.

Creative professionals and designers will require stronger graphics capabilities, making the HP Zbook Studio G9 or Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio better suited.

For executives and professionals who need to run multiple programs and apps smoothly, the processing power of the Dell XPS 13 or Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon should fit the bill nicely.

Consider your typical workload, software needs, and budget.

And think about conveniences that are important to you, whether it’s a touchscreen, lots of ports, or biometric login.

With our thorough buying criteria and product summaries, you can confidently choose a new business laptop that takes your productivity and creativity to the next level.

We’re confident one of these laptops will serve your needs and help you accomplish great things.