Quick Summary
Choosing the right laptop for your business can be a daunting task, given the plethora of options in the market. The right business laptop can significantly enhance productivity, streamline options, and support your team in achieving its goals.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best business laptops available today, comparing their key features, performance and capabilities. We’ll also look at which types of professionals they’re best suited for and explain how leasing through HardSoft can help your business access the latest technology more flexibly.
Introduction
Every business is different, but most organisations should look for a laptop that offers:
- Reliable performance
- Long battery life
- Strong security features
- AI-ready hardware
The best device for your organisation will depend on how your employees work, the software they use and your long-term IT strategy.
Our Top Business Laptop Picks
1. Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)
Apple’s MacBook Pro continues to be one of the most popular business laptops available.
With Apple’s M5 processor, 24GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage, the MacBook Pro 14-inch offers exceptional performance, battery life and reliability in a portable package.
Why We Like It
- Offers up to 40% faster CPU speeds and enhanced GPU performance
- The retina XDR display ensures ultra-smooth visuals at up to 120Hz
- All-day productivity is made possible with up to 20 hours of battery life that maintains peak performance under heavy workloads
Best for: Creative teams, startups, agencies and Apple-focused organisations.
2. Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Aura Edition
If you’re looking for a premium business laptop, this is one of the strongest options on the market.
ThinkPads have long been trusted by businesses for their durability, security features and excellent keyboard experience. The X9 Aura Edition takes this further with modern performance, premium design and AI-ready capabilities.
Why We Like It
- The 15.3-inch 2.8K OLED displays delivers exceptional colour accuracy and contrast, making it ideal for detailed professional work
- The dedicated Intel Arc Graphics B390 enhances visual processing
- 1TB SSD provides fast access to files and robust storage capacity, helping maintain productivity without delays
Best for: Business professionals, remote workers, small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs), productivity-focused teams.
3. Dell XPS 14
The Dell XPS 14 combines premium design with powerful performance, making it an excellent choice for professionals who need a laptop that’s as portable as it is productive.
Why We Like It
- Its 14” 2.8K touchscreen display offers excellent clarity for presentations and detailed project work
- Powered by an Intel Core Ultra X7 358H processor, it delivers the responsiveness required for multitasking and AI-enhanced workflows.
Best for: Hybrid and remote workers, sales teams, and account managers.
Should You Buy or Lease Your Next Business Laptop?
Once you’ve selected the right device, the next question is whether to buy or lease.
Increasingly, businesses are moving away from purchasing laptops outright and choosing flexible leasing solutions instead.
Leasing can help organisations:
- Spread technology costs through predictable monthly payments
- Access the latest hardware more frequently, including AI hardware
- Upgrade devices as requirements change
- Access expert support
- Simplify technology lifecycle management
As AI hardware continues to evolve, leasing also provides more flexibility to refresh devices when newer technology becomes available.
For more information, you can read our guide on why leasing makes sense for AI hardware.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right business laptop is about more than specifications. You need a device that supports productivity today and can adapt to your future business needs.
| Laptop | Best for |
| Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5) | Ideal for creative teams and businesses invested in the Apple ecosystem |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Aura Edition | Offers an excellent balance of performance, security and AI-ready capabilities |
| Dell XPS 14 | A strong choice for hybrid workers and client-facing professionals who need portability and performance |
FAQs
How much RAM is good for a business laptop?
For most businesses, 16GB of RAM is ideal, providing enough power for multitasking, Microsoft 365 applications, video calls and everyday productivity. Teams working with large datasets, creative software or AI-powered tools may benefit from 32GB or more to ensure smooth performance and future-proof their devices.
Read our guide to selecting the right RAM for your MacBook.
Can I add devices to my leasing plan?
Absolutely. Need an extra device halfway through your agreement? No problem. You can add a single device or multiple devices at any time during the 36-month term.
What can I do with my old computers?
If you’re replacing Apple devices, we may be able to buy back your existing Macs. Whether they’re in perfect working order or showing their age, we welcome second-hand Apple hardware and can also provide a secure, sustainable device recycling service.
What is on-device AI and does my business need it?
On-device AI allows artificial intelligence tasks to be processed directly on a laptop rather than relying entirely on the cloud. This can improve performance, enhance security and help businesses get more from AI-powered tools such as Microsoft Copilot. Avoid overspending on high-spec AI devices if your team primarily uses basic productivity applications.
For a deeper dive, read our On-Device AI for Business Guide.
Andrew Morgan is Co-Founder of HardSoft Computers, where he’s spent over 40 years driving innovation in tech leasing. With a focus on making IT solutions flexible and accessible, Andrew leads strategy across product development, SEO, and digital marketing.
He’s passionate about helping businesses thrive with the right technology and regularly shares insights on the HardSoft blog.
LinkedIn: Andrew Morgan
Email: andrew@hardsoft.co.uk