Best Laptops for Bloggers
Written by Casey Botticello
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.
A good laptop is definitely one of the items you will need to build your blogging business. But often, little thought is put into choosing this piece of equipment. After all, any basic laptop can do the job, right?
Wrong.
As a blogger, having the right kind of computer can mean the difference between success and failure.
That’s because bloggers do more than just write content. You may use your laptop to conduct research, run image editing and video editing software, perform social media tasks, host or participate in zoom meetings or video calls, update your blog, or even manage an online store.
If you are an experienced blogger with numerous daily tasks, you might even find that you have 30, 40, or even 50 tabs open all at once. All these demands can put considerable pressure on the machine you are using, so you need to get a computer that can keep pace with your livelihood.
What is Considered a Suitable Laptop for Bloggers?
Ideally, you need a laptop that is reliable, fast, and portable, enabling you to work from anywhere. To get a bit technical, the features to pay great attention to when selecting a laptop for blogging include:
- RAM amount: A minimum of 4 GB of RAM is considered good enough to run basic tasks without noticeably slowing up your system. 8 GB and over is considered better, especially if you are going to be streaming, using memory-intensive apps such as Photoshop, playing games, or having multiple browser tabs running at the same time. Alternatively, you can choose to get a laptop that gives you the option to upgrade the RAM later on if necessary.
- Hard drive/SSD size: Most laptops these days come with a minimum of 128 GB of storage (ROM) space. This is fine if you won’t be storing many large files on the machine. However, if you plan to work with graphical content such as images or videos, you will likely need a laptop with more storage. On the other hand, you can also get an external hard drive or equivalent cloud storage option to store your stuff.
- Processor specs: Clock speed and core/thread count are important here. CPUs with 2.0 GHz or higher, as well as having multiple cores and threads (4, 6, 8. and above) are considered good picks. Processors in the Intel Core or AMD Ryzen families are viewed as suitable for most productivity tasks (the higher the numbers, the better).
- Screen size and resolution: A screen size of 13 or 14 inches is usually good enough for blogging. However, it is okay to go for a 15-inch or 17-inch laptop if you prefer to look at something bigger. Also, you want to aim for at least an FHD screen and high resolution specs (1920 x 1080 is one of the most popular configurations these days). Some of the laptops discussed in this article have touchscreens. This feature is often optional and based on personal preference rather than being a critical function.
- Battery life: Being able to keep your laptop running all day without having to plug it in is extremely important if you are a blogger who works long hours or is always on the go. While battery performance will decrease over time, something that promises at least eight hours run time is a good starting point.
- Weight: Portability is increasingly important to bloggers, hence you will likely want a machine that is not too bulky. For that reason, most of the laptops on our list fall in the lightweight category (less than four pounds).
- Peripheral connections: If you are going to be connecting an external monitor, you will need a laptop with a HDMI or VGA port. You also want to look out for the number of USB ports, as well as whether the unit has an SD card slot or headphone jack, as per your particular needs.
Best Laptops for Bloggers
In 2023, there are many great laptop options to choose from that can meet almost any requirement a blogger might have. But the wide selection and different price categories can make it difficult to choose. That’s why we have done the research for you, narrowing down the list so you can better pinpoint a suitable computer for your blogging business. Here are our 15 best laptops for bloggers – in no particular order – chosen for performance, features, and value:
1. Dell XPS 13
Starting at around $1,000 and higher, this slim and lightweight Windows laptop falls in the upper mid-range category. The Dell XPS 13 has a stunning 13-inch display, fast i5 or i7 processor configurations, and long battery life. Coupled with stunning graphics, storage ranging from 256 GB to 2 TB, and minimum 8 GB of RAM, this system is one that can handle almost any task you throw at it.
2. Apple MacBook Air
If you’re a blogger who prefers Mac products, the MacBook Air is a top contender for best laptops for bloggers with a not too high price tag. This machine is especially suitable if you are in need of something that can handle memory-intensive tasks and comes with all-day battery life. The powerful M1 processor, excellent graphics, and a high-resolution Retina display further seal the deal.
3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
This laptop is regarded as the peak of durability, speed, and performance in the business world. A long battery life of up to 19 hours makes it a great choice for bloggers who need a reliable machine while on the move. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon also comes with a sizable 1 TB of storage space, 16 GB of memory, and an i7 processor with speeds of up to 4.9 GHz, making it an absolute beast.
4. Apple MacBook Pro
For Mac lovers with extreme power needs, the Apple MacBook Pro might be a better choice instead of the Air. This 14-inch laptop is pretty much top of the line in terms of speed and performance. Primed for graphics-intensive tasks and boasting 21-hours of battery life, the Pro also comes with the much touted M1 Pro or Max chip, along with GPU of up to 32 cores, up to 64 GB of RAM, and a 16-core neural engine. While most blogging tasks won’t require that kind of raw power, the Apple MacBook Pro might be worth your while (and its price tag) if you plan to do things like 8K video editing, 3D rendering, or extensive coding.
5. Asus VivoBook S15
Looking for something cost-effective yet still powerful enough to get the job done? The Asus VivoBook S15 is a laptop that fits this bill. It sports a slim and lightweight design, 15-inch monitor, fast i5 processors, and a full HD display. RAM space of 8 GB and a 512 GB SSD further make the S15 perfect for bloggers seeking portable reliability.
6. Acer Aspire 5
The Acer Aspire 5 range of laptops represent the most budget-friendly but feature-packed machines on the market. The line includes products ranging from $400 – $700+, boasting AMD Ryzen 3, 5, or 7 chips that are fast and powerful. Overall, these laptops have a solid build, excellent 15.6 inches FHD displays, and versatile RAM options of up to 36 GB, making them a great value for bloggers who are after the most bang for their buck.
7. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
While not necessarily a budget laptop, some variations of this computer are sometimes available at hugely discounted prices. Considering what you get – a solid build, fast performance, and a full HD display – it is a worthwhile option for bloggers who are on a tight budget but want a laptop that offers more than the bare minimum. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 features plenty of external ports, sturdy Intel Core processors, and capacity configurations starting at 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of ROM.
8. Google Pixelbook Go
If it’s not a deal breaker to do without Microsoft Office and other essentials that come with a Windows laptop (or Mac, for that matter), you may want to go with a Chromebook for blogging. The 13-inch Google Pixelbook Go is easily one of the better machines in this category. Being extremely lightweight and sporting a 12-hour, fast-charging battery make the Pixelbook Go ultra-portable. In addition, the 8th Gen Intel Core processor, Titan security chip, and fan-less design are features that will appeal to the blogger who puts emphasis on peace of mind.
9. Dell Inspiron 14
Fans of Dell love this 14-inch laptop for its sturdy build, reasonably lightweight design, and overall power. The machine comes with an anti-glare FHD plus display, AMD Ryzen 7 processor with Radeon graphics, and WiFi-6 technology. RAM options starting at 8 GB and a 512 GB SSD, add further to the Dell Inspiron 14’s proposition as a suitable option for budget-minded bloggers.
10. Asus ZenBook 14
Zenbooks are known for being lightweight, sleek, and big on security. The Asus Zenbook 14 is no different. A bright and vivid NanoEdge bezel display, super-fast i7 processor, and 8 GB of RAM allow it to easily handle a variety of blogging and other tasks. The Zenbook is also easy on the eyes with an ultra-slim design and comes with a unique number pad that you won’t find on similar machines.
11. HP Pavilion x360
HP makes a number of 2-in-1 notebooks that could probably make it on the list of best laptops for bloggers. The Pavilion x360 gets the nod for its combination of features and value for money. It boasts a 10-core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM and a 14-inch edge-to-edge screen that is easy on the eyes. The sleek, modern design and fast charging technology also add to its appeal as a laptop many bloggers will appreciate.
12. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
The Surface range of laptops has built up a reputation for being light yet powerful. The Go 2 is no different, packing a nippy i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and the options of 128 or 256 GB SSD. Although the screen is only 12.4 inches, the PixelSense display brings everything to life. On board studio microphones, immersive sound, and an HD webcam complete the impressive package.
13. MSI GS66 Stealth
Okay, so this one is a gaming machine with a somewhat hefty price tag, so why is it on a list of best laptops for bloggers? Well, if you work with a lot of graphics and regularly use programs and carry out activities that draw a lot of processing power, a gaming laptop such as the MSI GS66 Stealth might actually be a good buy. The machine comes with a zippy Intel i9 brain and 32 GB of RAM, backed by a GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card for seamless multitasking. A slim and lightweight design, high-resolution display, and all the ports you will ever need mean this laptop is ready to handle everything you want to throw at it.
14. HP 15
Here is another budget laptop that punches above its class. The HP 15 proves useful to bloggers who are just looking for a powerful machine without unnecessary bells and whistles. It comes standard with a fast i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB SSD storage. An anti-glare 15-inch display, full-size keyboard, and reasonably long battery life allows comfortable productivity while being easy on the pocket. Good to know: you can get the same laptop with a 17-inch screen and bigger hard drive.
15. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook
Samsung is known for its smartphones and tablets, but the brand has also managed to make inroads in the laptop market. The Galaxy Chromebook is a fine example of this, with its stunning 13” 4K AMOLED touchscreen, Intel i5 processor, and ultrathin design. Capacity storage of 256 GB ROM and 8 GB of RAM also mean the machine is the opposite of slouchy. Built with Chrome OS, the 2-in-1 Chromebook also offers access to the Google Assistant and Play Store, so you still get a mobile experience although working with a laptop.
Conclusion
Picking the most suitable machine for blogging comes down to understanding the unique needs of your business. The items listed above represent a great mix of power, performance, features, and extras that should help you choose the best laptop that will fit effortlessly into your life as a blogger.
