Everyone is now engaged with online or home office work in this modern era. If you plan to become a freelancer to build a strong career, the first tool or gadget you need is a good, portable laptop.
Factors such as processing power, battery life, portability, and affordability must be considered when selecting a laptop for this affair. Again, different freelancers need different requirements as their working process is different from other professions.
You may already take a lot of burdens thinking about what to look for while buying a laptop for freelancing. No worries, I will suggest some of the best laptops for freelancers in 2023, helping you make an informed decision and find a device that suits your workflow and budget.
Are Laptops Worth for Freelancers in 2023?
Frankly speaking, Laptops are the best-suited gadget for freelancers, in my personal opinion. It’s because they provide a lot of benefits like a broadband network. Laptops have become more powerful and lightweight in recent years, making them a convenient and efficient choice for freelancers who need to work on the go.
They also offer a range of software tools and applications specifically designed to help 3D motion artists, animators, and graphic designers. You can communicate with clients and collaborate with other team members anytime. Moreover, the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards remote work, increasing the demand for laptops among freelancers. As the world becomes more digitally connected, laptops will likely remain an essential tool for freelancers. Therefore, laptops will be worth the price for freelancers in 2023 and beyond.
Best Laptops for Freelancers in 2023 with Specifications
Most freelancers require a laptop with powerful processes so that they can complete their tasks seamlessly. Here I listed the best laptops for freelancers in 2023 with their key specifications, pros, and cons.
1# Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
This is a lightweight and ultra-thin laptop, letting you open it using a single finger. Let’s look at the key specifications below.
Specifications:
| Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB |
| Display | 13.5” and 15” |
| Battery Life | 13.5” AMD Ryzen Edition Processor: 19 hours 13.5” Intel Core Processor: 19 hours15” AMD Ryzen Edition Processor: 17.5 hours 15” Intel Core Processor: 16.5 hours |
| Memory | 8 GB, 16 GB or 32 GB LPDDR4 X RAM |
| Processor | Surface Laptop 4 13.5”:
Quad Core 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-1135G7 processor Quad Core 11th Intel® Core™ i7-1185G7 processor AMD Ryzen™ 5 4680U Mobile Processor with Radeon™ Graphics Microsoft Surface® Edition (6 cores) Surface Laptop 4 15”: Quad Core 11th Intel® Core™ i7-1185G7 processor AMD Ryzen™ 7 4980U Mobile Processor with Radeon™ Graphics Microsoft Surface® Edition (8 cores) |
Pros
- Outstanding battery life
- Multiple display options for your need
- Elegant and clean display
Cons
- The Thunderbolt port is unavailable
2# Apple MacBook Air M2
This is a budget-friendly laptop for freelancers. Its finish gives it a premium and stylish look. The key specs are given in the below chart.
Specifications:
| Display | Liquid Retina Display, 13.6” |
| Battery | 18 hours of Apple TV app movie playback |
| Memory | 8 GB Unified Memory |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Weight | 2.7 lbs. |
| CPU | Apple 8-core M2 chip CPU and 16-core Neural Engine Processor |
Pros
- Faster GPU and PU performance
- Upgrading connectivity
- Dual built-in speaker
Cons
- Unsuitable for gaming
3# Asus ZenBook 13
Are you planning to run Hokintosh on your laptop? Don’t look further, but the Asus ZenBook 13. It is equipped with Core i7 10th Gen processor, providing excellent performance.
Specifications:
| Display | 13.30” |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| SSD | 256 GB |
| Processor | Core i7 |
| Weight | 1.33 kg 10th Gen |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 hours |
Pros
- All necessary connectivity options and ports are available
- Reliable and durable performance
- Slim, lightweight and portable
Cons
- A bit expensive
4# HP Pavilion X360
This is another great choice for freelancers. The biggest feature of this device is, it can be used as both laptop and tablet at the same time.
Specifications:
| Processor | Core i5 |
| Hard Disk | 128 GB |
| Weight | 1.71 KG |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Special Feature | Touch Screen |
| Battery Life | Maximum 8 hours |
Pros
- Top-notch aluminum body
- Great cooling management
- Borderless glass display
Cons
- Unsuitable for modern gaming
5# Lenovo Legion 5
This Lenovo Legion 5 is much more efficient in completing all freelancing tasks with its powerful processor. It is designed with the updated Ryzen processor, making it a gaming laptop.
Specifications:
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Screen | 15.6” |
| Battery Life | Maximum 5 Hours |
| Storage | 256 GB |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4RAM |
| Weight | 11 lbs. |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 4600H (6C / 12T, 3.0 / 4.0GHz, 3MB L2 / 8MB L3) |
Pros
- Excellent choice for freelancers
- High Storage and RAM
- Anti-glare display
Cons
- Average battery life
How to Choose the Best Laptops for Freelancers in 2023?
When choosing the best laptop for freelancers in 2023, there are a few factors that you should consider. These requirements will help you to ensure that the laptop you select meets your needs as a freelancer. Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Processor
While purchasing a laptop for freelancing, consider a powerful and efficient processor. However, make sure to have the following recommendations for processors to get better output.
Intel Core i5/i7/i9: These powerful processors offer excellent performance and efficiency. They’re ideal for freelancers, such as graphic designers and video editors, who run multiple applications simultaneously.
AMD Ryzen 5/7/9: These are offered similar performance to the Intel Core processor but at a lower cost. AMD Ryzen is great for those who need a powerful laptop but are working with a tighter budget.
Apple M1: The Apple M1 chip is the most recommended processor designed for Apple laptops. It offers excellent performance and long battery life, making it a great choice for freelancers who need to work elaborately. Some recommended laptops with these processors are:
- Dell XPS 13 with Intel Core i7
- HP Envy x360 with AMD Ryzen 7
- MacBook Pro 13-inch with Apple M1
2. RAM
As a freelancer, you may need a laptop with a good amount of RAM to handle various tasks, such as running multiple applications, working with large files, and multitasking. The amount of RAM will depend on your work type and software. Generally, a laptop with at least 8 GB of RAM should suffice for most freelancing tasks, but if you work with more demanding software or large files, consider 16 GB or even 32 GB of RAM.
Again, try to choose a laptop with the initial type and speed, including the best RAM database. Consider the type and speed of the RAM. DDR4 RAM is the most common type of RAM found in modern laptops and is generally faster than DDR3 RAM. The speed of the RAM is generally measured in MHz, with higher MHz ratings indicating faster performance. Ultimately, the amount and type of RAM will depend on your needs as a freelancer. It’s a good idea to research the software you use and see their recommended system requirements, then choose a laptop that meets or exceeds those requirements.
3. HDD & SSD
Choose a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD) that largely depends on the specific needs and budget. HDDs are less expensive than SSDs and offer larger storage capacities, making them a good option if anyone needs a lot of storage for large files. Besides this, if you’re on a tight budget, then HDD is a good option. Although they’re less expensive, they’re slower, less durable than SSDs, and prone to failure. On the other hand, SSDs are faster, more reliable, and more durable than HDDs. They are a great choice if you frequently work with large files or run resource-intensive programs, as they can significantly improve your laptop’s performance.
However, they’re typically more expensive and offer small storage capacities than HDDs. Ultimately, opt for a laptop with an SSD for the operating system and frequently used programs. Meanwhile, choose HDD as an additional tool for storage. This will give you the best of both worlds: fast performance and ample storage space.
But the decision between an HDD and an SSD comes down to your specific needs and budget. It considers your storage requirements, performance needs, and budget when choosing the drive type for your freelance laptop.
4. Battery Life
The next job is to choose and consider the fact of laptop battery life. It’s also important if you frequently work on the go or need access to power outlets for extended periods. To address these situations, opting for a laptop with a longer battery life is best. Aim for a battery life of at least 8 hours to get you through a full day of work without recharging. However, if you work mostly from a fixed location where power outlets are readily available, you may not need to prioritize battery life as much. In that case, you can consider laptops with shorter battery life but with other features that may be more important to your work, such as a larger display, more processing power, or better graphics. Balancing battery life and other features crucial to your freelancer’s work is important.
5. Display
Try to choose a wide-spacious and medium size screen laptop for freelancing. It can greatly impact your work productivity and overall user experience. But remember that the ideal display depends on the type of freelancing work you do. For example, if you are a content writer, try getting a 1366×768 resolution display. A 1920×1080 resolution display is good for 3D or 2D artists. Again, some displays that come with 1920×1080 resolution are great for developers. Apart from this, do check the following factors to consider when choosing a display:
Screen Size: Consider the screen size based on your work requirements. If you’re into graphic designing, video editing, or coding, a larger screen (15″ inches or more) is preferable for better visibility.
Display Resolution: A higher resolution display (1080p or higher) can provide better image quality and details. This is important for graphics, images, and video professionals.
Color Accuracy: This is vital for graphic designers, photographers, and video editors. Look for a laptop with an IPS (In-Plane Switching) display or OLED (Organic Light-emitting Diode) display, which offers better color accuracy and wider viewing angles.
Brightness: A laptop with a bright display (300 Nits or higher) is preferable for outdoor work or in brightly lit environments.
Anti-glare Coating: Anti-glare coating can help reduce eye strain and glare from overhead lights, making it easier to work longer.
Touchscreen: A display can be useful for designers and artists who want to work directly on the screen with a stylus. Consider your work requirements and personal preferences when choosing a laptop display. Then proceed to other characteristics that suit your work needs.
Portability
When buying a laptop for a freelancer, portability is a crucial consideration. Freelancers often need to work from different locations, and having a laptop that is easy to carry around can make your work much more convenient. Herein are a few things to consider when looking for a portable laptop for freelancers:
Size And Weight: Grab a lightweight laptop with a small form factor, such as a 13-inch or 14-inch screen. This will make it easy to carry around with you wherever you go.
Durability: Choose a laptop built to withstand daily use and travel rigors. A sturdy, well-built laptop will be less likely to break down or suffer damage from being transported frequently.
Connectivity Options:
Check the laptop’s connectivity options, such as the number of USB ports, HDMI ports, and SD card slots. Enough ports and connections will make connecting external devices such as a printer or monitor facile.
Performance: A laptop with a fast processor, adequate RAM, and a solid-state drive (SSD) will perform your work efficiently and without lag or delays. Overall, a laptop with a balance of portability and performance is ideal for a freelancer, as it will allow you to work abruptly while on the go. Based on these factors, some of the best laptops for freelancers in 2023 include:
- MacBook Pro
- Dell XPS 13
- HP Specter X360
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 4, etc.
Anyway, it depends on your needs as a freelancer, so be sure to research and compare different models before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Much RAM is Required for Freelancing?
It is totally up to the person and their work traits. Because the laptop RAM requirements often vary on the difference between freelancing sectors. But you can do freelancing work without any headache if that laptop has at least 8 to 16 GB of system memory. An 8-16 GB RAM is a standard number suitable for any freelancing field.
Do Freelancers Need a laptop?
Of course, every person should have a laptop, from part-time to professional freelancers. It is an obvious tool before starting this occupation. The laptop makes the pavement of the pathway more facile and easier. Especially if you want to finish your work while traveling or while staying outside, you should buy a portable laptop.
Is 4 GB RAM Good for Freelancing?
No, 4 GB Ram isn’t good for freelancing. It is nothing but only fair use for purposes of office work and other productivity-related jobs.
Final Words
Finding the best laptops for freelancers in 2023 might be difficult as you need to consider many things here. It is impossible to say specifically which one suits you best. But after finishing this writing, you can at least get the right one. Furthermore, keep your eyes on the laptop’s RAM, processor, keypad, or touch screen, even if the budget is too tight. Remember that these are the essential parts of tracing a good laptop that you should consider. Lastly, do more research and bring your desired one at home or office.