
There is no singular, perfect laptop model. Certainly, not one that would ideally match the exact needs of every single business.
It’d be so much easier if there was, but alas every industry and every job role have unique requirements.
Therefore, the answer to “What is the best business laptop?” changes depending on the sector and the tasks of a specific job.
The best business laptop for each of these criteria will also shift from year to year as the top manufacturers bring out new advancements and models to compete for which of them has the best technology.
When it comes to selecting the best business laptop, multiple factors come into play, such as:
- Power
- Speed
- Storage
- Overall performance
- Visual displays
- Breadth of functionality
- Portability and more.
In this article, we shall explain how to select the best business laptops for your company, including:
- Important qualities to look for in determining the best business laptops
- The different laptop requirements of several very different industries
- A list of what we think are the best business laptops of the year

Qualities of a Top Business Laptop
- Power and Speed:
Powerful processors and ample RAM are vital for handling resource-intensive tasks efficiently. Industries such as video editing, 3D rendering, and data analysis demand laptops equipped with high-performance CPUs and substantial memory capacities. This ensures a smooth workflow. However, nearly all business tasks in any industry will require more power and speed than the average personal use laptop.
2. Storage and Performance:
Unless a business relies totally on cloud storage, many sectors will require storage on the device itself and usually far more than a personal laptop. Solid-State Drives (SSDs) provide fast access to data and improve overall performance. They offer quicker boot times, faster application launches, and speedy file transfers. Industries dealing with large datasets, such as engineering and architecture firms, can greatly benefit from laptops with substantial storage capacities.
3. Visual Displays:
For professionals in design, photography, and creative industries, visual clarity and colour accuracy are paramount. Laptops equipped with high-resolution displays and a wide colour gamut, such as Retina displays or AMOLED panels, ensure precise image rendering, allowing creatives to work with confidence.
4. Portability and Battery Life:
Business professionals on the go require lightweight, portable laptops with long-lasting battery life. Sales representatives, consultants, and frequent travellers benefit from laptops that strike a balance between performance and portability. A lightweight, slim design coupled with extended battery life keeps productivity uninterrupted during long workdays.

Different Industry Needs for Laptops
While the above considerations will be useful for any business, your industry and job roles have the biggest impact on your laptop requirements, and, therefore, which model will be the best for your company.
Let’s take a look at several very different industries, and why your sector impacts the important features of a business laptop.
Science Research Labs:
In scientific research labs, where complex simulations, data analysis, and scientific modelling are commonplace, laptops with powerful processors like the latest Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 series, coupled with high RAM capacities, deliver optimal performance. These laptops provide the necessary computational power to handle large datasets and perform resource-intensive calculations swiftly.
Programmers and Developers:
Programmers and developers require laptops capable of multitasking, running virtual machines, and handling resource-heavy development environments. Business laptops equipped with top-tier CPUs and sufficient RAM, such as the latest Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processors with 16GB or more RAM, provide the necessary processing power for efficient coding, compiling, and debugging.
Marketing Agencies:
Creative marketing agencies often rely on laptops that offer excellent visual displays for designing graphics, editing videos, and producing visually compelling content. Laptops with high-resolution screens, a wide colour gamut, and colour accuracy, such as MacBook Pros with Retina displays or laptops with AMOLED panels like the Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra, are well-suited for creative professionals in marketing agencies.

Construction, Civil Engineering, Geology, and Other Field Work:
Professionals working in construction, civil engineering, geology, wildlife filming, and conservation might require two very different qualities.
The first is portability. If you are working out in the field, depending on your role, a 2-in-1 device or tablet might be best. This is because you might need to quickly demonstrate a build-design to clients on-the-go, or check supplies.
Other roles in these fields might require more heavy-duty software and analysis yet withstand harsh outdoor environments. These roles will need full laptops with power but also specialist screens and casings to compensate for the harsh environment.
Both types of roles would require long battery life and in-built Wi-Fi and 5G to connect anywhere.
When we think about the tasks and software involved for different industries, it becomes obvious why there isn’t simply one answer to which is the best business laptop.
The Best Business Laptops of 2023:
The Latest MacBook Pro:
- Best business laptop for creative professionals.
For years and years, the MacBook has been continually appearing in run-downs of the best business laptops of the year. It is rare that you will not see the MacBook mentioned near the top of these lists, especially since the dawn of Apple Silicon.
MacBooks have garnered significant attention as one of the best business laptops and this is no different for the MacBook Pro which is designed with business users in mind.
The latest MacBook Pro model is available in 14 and 16-inch displays. These devices are powered by the M2 chip (although you can still lease cheaper models with the older M1 chips).
These Apple Silicon-based laptops are renowned for exceptional speed and energy efficiency.
Hardsoft has both display sizes available, as well as versions with the M1 chip, M2 Pro, and the M2 Max chip. This means that there will be phenomenal speed even for the most power-demanding industries.
The retina display enhances visual clarity, making it an excellent choice for creative professionals. With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, the MacBook Pro provides seamless connectivity for companies.

– Best all-round business PC
If your company prefer PC to Apple and needs a powerful but good all-round performer, then the Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra should be in your shortlist.
The Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra is equipped with the 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, which delivers impressive power and performance.
It excels in multitasking scenarios, making it a top choice for various business users.
The AMOLED display technology also makes it a strong contender for professions in need of vibrant and crisp visuals. With 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, this laptop strikes a balance between power and versatility, making it one of the best all-round business Windows laptops available.

– Best business laptop for writers, marketers, PR professionals, reporters, and administrative tasks.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is a decent all-round business laptop with a nice balance of power and speed. Its main claim to fame as a best business laptop is its excellent battery life at 17 hours and one of the best and most comfortable keywords of any laptop on the market.
For extending typing sessions, this business laptop is a must. It is also highly repairable, ensuring that any potential issues can be addressed promptly. With excellent portability and a 10-point multi-touch display, the Surface Laptop 5 caters to the needs of many employees.

-Best 2-in-1 business device
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is currently recognised as the best 2-in-1 business device on the market.
Its versatility allows users to switch seamlessly between laptop and tablet modes, making it a preferred choice for businesses that require maximum flexibility, portability, and on-the-go dynamic working.
The Surface Pro 9 features a 10-point multi-touch screen, 12th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, and up to 1TB SSD storage.
-Best business laptop for out in-the-field
The Dell Latitude 7330 Rugged is specifically designed to withstand extreme conditions, including shocks, vibrations, and temperature variations. Its special casing, along with Corning Gorilla Glass DX to prevent scratches and screen breakages, makes it an ideal choice for professionals working in challenging environments. Construction, civil engineering, geology, wildlife filming, and conservation are some examples of sectors that would highly benefit from the construction of the Dell Latitude 7330 Rugged.

-Best business laptop for portability.
When it comes to portability, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 takes the lead. This 2-in-1 device is the lightest on the market, making it highly portable for business professionals who are frequently on the move. In addition to its compact design, the Surface Go 3 offers affordability without compromising on essential features required for business tasks.
-Best business laptop for communication & collaboration
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is well known for being brilliantly balanced across all areas. It boasts an excellent battery life of 11 hours, which is great for working out and about, but it also has some of the most robust in-built security features. This ThinkPad has a TPM 2.0 chip and finger print reader. It also doesn’t compromise on speed or power and is ideal for intensive workflows. Some particular stand-out features are how proficient it is for outstanding communication and collaboration thanks to its HD IR webcam, quad array microphone, and high-definition Dolby Atmos speakers.
If you are still unsure of which is the best business laptop for the various departments in your business, then it is best to get a consultation from expert suppliers like Hardsoft. Not only do we lease business laptops, but we have an in-depth knowledge of all their features and which roles they would best suit.
The best business laptop depends on your workers’ needs, so during your consultation, we get to know your objectives and how your departments work, so we can select the laptops with the best features and power requirements for your budget.

Ryan may have been with HardSoft since 2008, but has confessed he “might still be on probation, we haven’t really talked about it”. The move to HardSoft was a natural one for him. “I like a challenge and prefer solution selling or trying to find the right product for a task”.
Ryan specialises in MDM, Jamf and Cisco Meraki and his interests include Films, Gaming and a proper cup of tea!
LinkedIn: Ryan Kelly
Email: ryan@hardsoft.co.uk
Tel: 0204 551 0473