10 Best Laptops for Digital Nomads in 2025

Digital nomads are well and truly making their mark in the world.

Indeed, in any given cafe, you are sure to find someone typing away intently on their laptop. Moreover, we all know somebody who is trying to be a social media influencer or make their fortune through affiliate marketing or crypto investments.

Overall, there are estimated to be upwards of 80 million people around the world who identify as bona fide digital nomads. And their lifestyle is becoming more mainstream and mobile than ever before.

Evidenced by co-working cafes in Bali, beachside Airbnbs in Mexico, and the ultra-fast Wi-Fi that is now available in many Eastern European countries, remote professionals are setting up their “offices” wherever inspiration strikes. Central to this, of course, is their trusty laptop, which enables them to manage client Zoom meetings from Lisbon, edit videos from a cabin in Costa Rica, or update their blog while enjoying views of the Grand Canyon.

For these people, their laptop is their business. But it is also their passport to freedom. That’s why choosing the right one to use is vital to their productivity and success.

Overall, your ideal setup will depend on how you work, how often you travel, and what kind of environments you’re logging on from. For instance, are you a writer who values battery life and portability? A designer who needs sharp visuals and extra RAM? Or a full-stack developer who requires serious processing power on the go?

In this guide, we’ll help you find the ideal piece of equipment for your lifestyle by breaking down the best laptops for digital nomads in 2025. From featherlight ultrabooks to powerhouse machines that can handle 4K video editing, we’ll showcase the cream of what’s available.

What Digital Nomads Should Look for in a Laptop

Laptops come in a wide range of makes, models, and sizes. But not all of them are suitable for a lifestyle that involves bouncing between countries, climates, and cafés.

So, if you find yourself constantly needing to use your device whilst on the road, here’s what to keep in mind when choosing a laptop as a digital nomad in 2025.

1. Portability

If you are carrying everything on your back, then weight is going to matter. So, it is important to choose a device that won’t feel like you are hauling a brick around with you.

A laptop under 3 pounds is easier to slide into a carry-on or backpack, especially if you’re also lugging around chargers, cameras, and travel gear. Hence, looking for one of the more lightweight models is a good starting point.

2. Battery Life

There’s nothing worse than scrambling around looking for a power outlet in an airport or café because your device is on 10%.

For digital nomads, laptops that offer 10 hours of battery life are ideal, although the more the better. In addition, the brand should get bonus points if it supports fast charging, as this will mean you have less downtime if it runs out.

3. Performance

Depending on the work you do, a laptop’s performance could make or break your productivity.

For example, writers and bloggers may be fine with 8GB of RAM. However, graphic designers and video editors should aim for 16GB or more.

In addition, models with a modern Intel i5/i7, AMD Ryzen 5/7, or Apple M-series chip are better for multitasking than those without one.

4. Build Durability

If you use your laptop daily on the road, it will eventually take its toll. Therefore, it is worth choosing a model with a solid chassis, preferably aluminum or carbon fiber, that can handle knocks in transit. Overall, drop-tested builds and spill-resistant keyboards are a smart choice if you’re regularly on the move.

5. Connectivity

Every digital nomad wants stable and fast internet. Therefore, you should look for a model with Wi-Fi 6 or 7 compatibility, as this will help you stay connected in busy networks.

At the same time, Multiple USB-C ports, HDMI, and SD card slots can also be useful, as they give you the flexibility to work with cameras, monitors, or hard drives without needing a dongle jungle.

6. OS Preference

We all have a system we are most productive on, so it is worth sticking to it. Generally speaking, macOS offers seamless creative tools, Windows provides wide software support, and Chrome OS suits light users who live in the cloud. Therefore, choose the one that works best for you.

7. Local Repairability or Support

Unfortunately, even the best-made models are liable to break at some point in time, and if you are on the road at the time, this could be a real issue.

For this reason, it is a good idea to choose brands with global service centers or solid international warranties. If your laptop can easily be fixed abroad, it could save you valuable time and prevent lost revenue.

Top 10 Laptops for Digital Nomads in 2025

There are hundreds of brands of laptops on the market, so creating a list of the top 10 for digital nomads was no easy task.

That said, by focusing on aspects such as performance, portability, battery life, and reliability for remote work, we were able to settle on this lineup. (Presented in no particular order.)

1. Apple MacBook Air M4 (2025) – Best All-Rounder

If you want a laptop that does everything well without weighing you down, the new MacBook Air M4 is a dream machine.

Weighing just 2.7 pounds and packing up to 18 hours of battery life, it’s ideal for digital nomads who bounce between writing gigs, online meetings, and managing content on the go.

This laptop features the brand-new Apple M4 chip, a sharp 13.6” Liquid Retina display, and 8–24GB RAM options, among its specs. It also has a fanless design, which means it runs quietly even when under the most pressure. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if you’re crafting blog posts from a hammock or running your marketing agency from a hotel lobby in Lisbon, this MacBook should easily keep up.

Despite being incredibly light, having a powerful chip, and running silently, you should be aware that this laptop has a limited port variety. It is also probably not the best option for those dabbling in high-end creative software.

That said, as an all-rounder, it is pretty reliable. As it blends portability, performance, and polish, it is perfect for writers, marketers, and casual video editors who need something they can count on to work, wherever they are.

2. Apple MacBook Pro 14” M4 Pro – Best for Creatives

For video editors, designers, photographers, and content creators, the MacBook Pro 14″ with the M4 Pro chip is the undisputed champion. For 2025, Apple has fine-tuned this model to cater to demanding creative workflows that require blistering speeds and top-quality visuals rivaling anything you’ll get with high-end monitors.

This model’s 14.2-inch mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display offers over 1000 nits of brightness and sharp HDR color. So, it is ideal for color grading and visual work. In addition, the M4 Pro chip makes multitasking so much easier, regardless of whether you’re rendering 4K footage or running Photoshop, Lightroom, and Final Cut Pro at once.

The device weighs around 3.5 lbs, which is slightly heavier than others, but still manageable for short-haul flights and coworking sprints. It also has a long battery life to match its gorgeous display and ultra-fast performance. But it is a little pricey compared to other brands on this list.

All things considered, though, for nomads who depend on visual quality and processing muscle, this is a creative workhorse that can handle just about anything.

3. Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 – Longest Battery Life

If you are the kind of person who constantly forgets their charger or are in a position, for instance, off-grid, where they might not be able to juice up their laptop for a while, then the Surface Laptop 7 is a great option.

Delivering up to 20 hours of battery life, it’s fair to say it is a true marathon machine. So, if your travel schedule involves long layovers or remote locations with limited power, this one’s a lifesaver.

With a Snapdragon X Elite chip, this device brings a fresh new take on Windows laptops. Its clean design and 3:2 PixelSense touchscreen make it excellent for note-taking, browsing, and productivity. In addition, its lightweight build (weighing in at just over 2.7 lbs) makes it convenient to carry around, and its integrated AI Copilot tools for Windows 11 lend it a futuristic yet familiar feel.

Unfortunately, its outstanding battery, sleek design, and snappy performance within the Windows ecosystem are diluted slightly by the fact that it has no SD card slot, and its app compatibility needs improving. However, if you are a business traveler, travel blogger or remote worker, this should be a very attractive option for you.

4. Dell XPS 14 Plus (2025) – Best AI Laptop

For many digital nomads, the use of AI is integral to their work. So, it follows that buying a laptop with strong in-built capabilities might be high on some people’s list.

If you are one of them, then it’s worth checking out the Dell XPS 14 Plus. It is built with the Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) to drive AI-powered features in real-time. Both of which means it is a tech lover’s dream.

From voice dictation to live background blur in video calls, this machine supports a more intelligent workflow. It also boasts a beautiful 14.5” OLED InfinityEdge display and comes with up to 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD. Therefore, it is incredibly fast, which is ideal for multitaskers who need to run creative software, spreadsheets, and calls all at once.

The device weighs just under 3.5 lbs, which may be a little heavy for some. However, its AI-enhanced features, premium screen, and powerful internals are real drawcards, particularly if you are using AI for content creation, productivity, or coding. In fact, the only downsides to it really are that it can get warm under load and has fewer legacy ports than other brands.

5. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 – Best for Business

If you are a business executive who travels a lot, then Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 should tick a lot of boxes for you.

For a start, it is only 2.4 lbs, which makes it one of the lightest premium business laptops in the world. Moreover, it also offers enterprise-level durability with military-grade testing standards, which should provide you with plenty of peace of mind.

As the device is equipped with Intel Core Ultra chips, it offers 10–12 hours of battery, a super comfortable keyboard, and excellent reliability for video calls and document-heavy workflows. On top of that, security features like a fingerprint scanner, facial recognition, and a webcam privacy shutter make it ideal for client-sensitive work.

Sadly, its display isn’t as flashy as some of its competitors and some of its upgrades are a bit on the pricier side. However, its lightweight, tough build and incredible keyboard are ideally suited to consultants, remote workers, and entrepreneurs who spend most of their days in Google Docs, Zoom meetings, and Asana.

6. Acer Swift Edge 14 AI – Most Portable

Laptops are meant to be taken from place to place, but if they are too heavy, this can be difficult to do. So, if you are looking for something featherlight that does not compromise on performance, the Acer Swift Edge 14 AI might be your perfect match.

Weighing in at just 2.2 pounds, it’s among the lightest full-feature laptops you can buy in 2025. As it runs on AMD Ryzen AI chips and boasts a stunning 14” 2.8K OLED display, it is ideal for frequent flyers and backpack nomads who want to use it for work and streaming.

Despite its lightweight frame, this device includes Wi-Fi 7 support, a solid battery life (around 11 hours), and enhanced AI tools like voice typing and smart calendar summaries. Unfortunately, it’s not the best machine for heavy creative tasks, and it doesn’t have as many ports as other brands. But for writers, marketers, and Zoom-heavy professionals who want ultra-mobility without settling for a Chromebook-level experience, it is a terrific option.

7. Acer Aspire 5 (2025) – Best Budget Option

For beginner nomads, students, or part-time freelancers on a tight budget who want something reliable, the Acer Aspire 5 is one of the best options in the budget category.

Offering a solid all-around performance, it features a 15.6” Full HD screen, AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 options, and up to 16GB RAM. So, it’s more than capable of handling browser-based work, video calls, and light design tasks.

While the chassis is mostly plastic, it is durable enough for daily travel and delivers 7–9 hours of battery life. That said, it weighs in at about 3.8 lbs, which is bulkier than most premium models, and its display is only average. However, it is cheap and reliable, so it’s a great choice for those who need to keep costs down.

8. Framework Laptop 16 (2025) – Most Upgradeable

The Framework Laptop 16, a modular machine that is designed for users who want to customize or repair their laptop over time.

Perhaps its biggest selling point is that it is one of the few laptops that lets you swap RAM, battery, storage, ports, and even GPU modules with ease.

The device is built with eco-conscious nomads in mind and weighs in at around 4.4 lbs, which means it is heavier than most others on the list. However, if that doesn’t put you off, then you should enjoy the long-term usability it provides you with.

Overall, this device is perfect for long-term travelers, tech-savvy digital nomads, and those heading to remote places where local repairs or part replacements are tricky. Its 16” high-refresh display, AMD Ryzen processors, and up to 64GB RAM make it a productivity powerhouse.

9. ASUS Zenbook Duo OLED (2025) – Best Dual-Screen Laptop

If you’re juggling content calendars, editing timelines, and Slack threads all at once, the ASUS Zenbook Duo OLED may be the perfect solution for you.

Boasting not one, but two 14” OLED touchscreens, this dual-display laptop is built for serious multitaskers. The main and secondary screens work seamlessly for dual-app setups, so you can have Zoom on top and notes below, or Photoshop and asset folders side-by-side.

This laptop weighs around 3.7 lbs, which is impressive considering its unique layout. It also includes the latest Intel Core Ultra chip and gets about 9–10 hours of battery life.

Of course, the device is more expensive than single-screen options because of its beautiful dual OLED screens. It also may require a bit of a learning curve for most users. However, once they get a handle on it, the device is ideal for designers, developers, or creators who thrive on having multiple windows open at once without needing a second monitor.

10. HP Dragonfly G4 – Best Corporate-Level Ultralight

Form, function, and finesse come together perfectly in the wonderful HP Dragonfly G4.

Tailored towards corporate travelers and digital professionals who live in meetings, it blends professional style with serious portability, thanks to its weighing under 2.5 lbs.

This work of art offers a 13.5” touchscreen, 12+ hours of battery life, and a gorgeous keyboard that is a joy to use. It also has one of the best AI-enhanced webcams on the market, so all your video calls should be crisp even in low light. Moreover, as the smart audio tuning adapts to your background, it is perfect for calls made in unpredictable locations.

It does come at a high price, and it’s less ideal for heavy creative workloads. However, if you are a business professional who wants to make a good impression while getting the job done, then you can’t go wrong with this one.

Comparison Table

We have reviewed ten excellent laptop brands here. But to further help you decide on the right one for you, it may help to see a side-by-side comparison of them.

Outlined below is a quick snapshot of the top contenders for digital nomads in 2025. Use it to weigh your options based on your workflow, budget, travel habits, and your other needs.

Best Laptop Accessories for Digital Nomads

Owning the right laptop is just part of the equation because having the right accessories can significantly improve your remote setup. Here are five must-have add-ons you should get to make your digital nomad working experience smoother, more comfortable, and secure.

1. Laptop Stand – This elevates your screen to eye level, improves your posture and reduces neck strain during long work sessions. Its lightweight and foldable models are ideal for travel.

2. Bluetooth Keyboard & Mouse – A wireless combo helps you type more comfortably and work faster, especially when paired with a laptop stand. Look for rechargeable options to avoid needing batteries when on the road.

3. Noise-Cancelling Headphones – ANC headphones help you stay focused on work and tune out distractions that might otherwise put you off in a bustling café or a noisy hostel.

4. Portable Charger or Power Bank – An essential item for long flights or remote work sessions without a wall socket. Choose one with a USB-C port and at least 20,000mAh capacity for laptop-level charging.

5. External SSD / Backup Solution – Backing up your work is critical when you are on the road. A compact SSD keeps your files safe, offers faster transfer speeds than traditional hard drives and better durability for life on the road.

Closing Thoughts

For any digital nomad, choosing the best laptop is about finding the device that fits your lifestyle.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a minimalist traveler hopping between co-working spaces or a creative professional editing from remote islands; the right laptop should support how you work and live.

There’s no single “perfect” machine for everyone. Instead, what matters most is aligning your gear with your day-to-day needs, whether that means prioritizing battery life, portability, power, or all three.

At the end of the day, you should think of your laptop as your mobile HQ. Therefore, view investing in quality tech is a way to protect your freedom, productivity, and peace of mind as you explore the world.

Whatever brand of laptop you choose to buy, we hope this guide has been helpful in deciding which one best suits your needs.