best laptop for creative writing

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Notable Mentions

Recent updates, all reviews, the 6 best laptops for writers of 2024.

For most writers, getting a laptop that provides a great user experience is far more important than finding one with amazing CPU performance. At the end of the day, word processing isn't a compute-intensive task; as long as a laptop can handle having a dozen or more browser tabs open simultaneously along with a few applications, it should be powerful enough for a typical writer's workload. So, instead of looking for a laptop with the most powerful hardware, you'll want to find a thin-and-light laptop that's easy to carry around. Of course, you'll also want one that has a long battery life, a sharp display that doesn't tire your eyes, and a spacious and comfortable keyboard. Fortunately, there are plenty of ultraportable laptops on the market that check all those boxes. This article will help you narrow your options and, hopefully, help you choose the right laptop for your needs.

We've bought and tested more than 140 laptops. Below, you'll find our recommendations for the best laptops for writers you can buy. You can also see our recommendations for the  best laptops , the best Chromebooks , and the best Windows laptops .

Best Laptop For Writers

The best laptop for writers we've tested is the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition 15 (2024), a premium Windows ultraportable. It feels incredibly well built, sporting a full-aluminum chassis, and its compact design makes it easy to carry around. Its 15-inch display looks sharp and provides plenty of room for split-screen multitasking, so you can keep your reference material on one side while writing. Plus, the screen gets bright enough to combat intense glare, allowing you to work in various places, even outdoors in broad daylight. You get a spacious and tactile keyboard, an easy-to-use haptic touchpad, and a reasonable number of ports to connect peripherals and external displays. The laptop comes with a proprietary power adapter, but you don't have to use it if you don't want to, as the laptop can charge over USB-C.

As you may have heard, this 7th Edition of the Surface Laptop is on an ARM-based SoC, the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite. This chip can easily handle general productivity tasks like text processing, web browsing, and video playback. It's also incredibly power-efficient, resulting in 17 hours of battery life in light uses. However, some programs don't run natively on an ARM processor. You'll likely be fine if you can access your work through a web browser, but it's best to check for compatibility first if you use a third-party writing app. Like all Surface devices, there's a facial recognition IR camera for added security and quick logins. If you want something even more compact, there's a 13-inch version of the Surface Laptop, which we haven't tested but expect to be very similar.

See our review

Best MacBook For Writers

For Mac users, we recommend the Apple MacBook Air 15 (2024), which is also a 15-inch premium ultraportable. It has a sturdy but thin design, making it well-suited for on-the-go use, and its battery easily lasts through a full workday. The overall user experience is excellent, though the keyboard's short key travel might not be to everyone's liking, and while Apple's Retina display is very pretty, it doesn't get nearly as bright as the Surface Laptop's and is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. The port selection is scant and comprises only two USB-Cs and a MagSafe charging port. Unlike the M2 MacBook Air, you can run two external displays, but this only works with the lid closed. Performance isn't a problem—Apple's M3 SoC easily handles most writers' workloads, like text processing, web browsing, and video playback.

If you want a smaller form factor, the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2024) is a good choice, too. It's the same device but with a 13-inch screen and worse speakers. Don't worry; the keyboard and touchpad still feel great despite the smaller chassis! If you want to save a bit more money, Apple still sells the M2-based Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022)  as a budget-friendly alternative; the differences are minimal, with slightly less performance and battery life, with support for only one external display.

Best Mid-Range Laptop For Writers

Our best mid-range pick is the Acer Swift Go 14 (2024). Though sturdily built, this model doesn't feel as premium as the picks above, as there's more plastic in the construction. It also has a smaller 14-inch display, a slightly mushier keyboard, and a non-haptic diving board touchpad. That said, the overall user experience is still good. You can choose between an FHD+ IPS or a 2.8k OLED display; both look sharp and get bright enough for use in most indoor settings. If you're sensitive to screen flickering, getting the FHD+ panel is best, as the OLED panel's flicker may cause eye strain. This laptop features Intel's Meteor Lake CPUs, which are plenty fast for general productivity tasks. You get Wi-Fi 6E wireless connectivity, a 1080p webcam, and a wide port selection that includes two Thunderbolt 4s and an HDMI. The battery lasts around 11 hours of light use and charges over USB-C.

If you want something a bit cheaper, get the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (2024) , a 2-in-1 Chromebook. Chrome OS is more limited when it comes to software compatibility, so be sure to check if you use any specialized programs. OS limitations aside, this laptop feels great to work on. Its IPS display looks vibrant and features both touch input and stylus support (although a stylus isn't included). The display has poor reflection handling, though, so this isn't the best choice for working in well-lit coffee shops or outside in broad daylight. On the bright side (no pun intended), the performance is great. Its Intel Core Ultra CPUs can easily handle word processing and multitasking, so it won't be an issue if you like to keep many Chrome tabs open. Its keyboard and touchpad are comfortable to use, and its battery life is great at over 10 hours of light use.

Best Budget Laptop For Writers

The best budget laptop we've tested for writers is the ASUS Vivobook 16 M1605 (2023), a 16-inch Windows ultraportable. This model feels well-built and is easy to carry around despite its size. You can configure it with an AMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 CPU, which are more than adequate to handle writing tasks like text processing, web browsing, and video playback. Most models come with 8GB of RAM, which can be a bit limiting, depending on your workload; however, you can find models with 16GB through some retailers or upgrade it yourself. You may need to charge throughout the day as the battery lasts only a little over eight hours of light use.

The overall user experience is good. It has a comfortable keyboard, a large, responsive touchpad, and a decent 720p webcam. Its 1080p display looks reasonably sharp but isn't the brightest, so visibility may be an issue in well-lit rooms. You get Wi-Fi 6E wireless connectivity, a fingerprint sensor for quick logins, and a decent port selection with three USB-As, a USB-C, and an HDMI. Unfortunately, the USB-C doesn't support video output, so you'll have to use the HDMI port to connect an external display.

Best Cheap Laptop For Writers

The best cheap laptop we've tested is the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook 14 (2023). You can find this laptop for as little as $300 to $500 USD. Writing isn't particularly CPU-intensive, so any CPU and RAM configuration will do. However, we highly recommend getting the Core i3-N305 CPU with 8GB of RAM if you're a relatively heavy multitasker. If you have trouble finding it elsewhere, you can get this configuration (paired with a touch-sensitive FHD display) from  Lenovo . The 1080p display looks sharp and gets bright for use in most indoor settings. Battery life is outstanding at around 13 hours of light use.

Naturally, there are some downsides to a budget-friendly laptop like this one. The keyboard feels spacious but mushy, and the touchpad is small and not always responsive. The webcam is surprisingly good, though, especially for a cheap Chromebook. Port selection is decent; you get two USB-As, a USB-C, and an HDMI port. The USB-C supports charging and video output. There's no fingerprint sensor or facial recognition camera, which is unfortunate but expected for such an inexpensive device.

Best 2-In-1 Tablet For Writers

The best 2-in-1 tablet for writers we've tested is the Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition (2024), a premium Windows tablet PC with a kickstand and detachable keyboard. This form factor makes the Surface Pro incredibly versatile. You can use it as a traditional laptop or as a tablet, and thanks to its pen input support, you can easily take handwritten notes or mark up passages in your text. It works with Microsoft's Surface Slim Pen 2, a stylus specifically designed for the new Surface Pro, and there's a slot on the type cover keyboard to store and charge the pen. The stylus and type cover keyboard are separate purchases, so you'll have to factor them into the overall cost of the device. It has an excellent 1440p webcam for video calls and a facial recognition IR camera to log in quickly.

As for the user experience, it's available with very sharp 3:2 OLED or IPS displays. They get bright enough to combat glare and have a 120Hz refresh rate to make pen input feel more responsive. Unfortunately, the OLED display exhibits a 'screen door effect' caused by its digitizer, which might bother some people. The keyboard feels spacious and tactile; however, typing with the device on your lap can be challenging because all the weight is in the display, and the type cover keyboard isn't super stable. Also, the kickstand can dig into your legs if you wear shorts. The battery lasts over 11 hours of light use, which is fantastic, especially for a tablet PC. Finally, like the Surface Laptop mentioned above, this device uses an ARM-based SoC, so everything said about software compatibility applies here, too.

The HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) is a great alternative to the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition 15 (2024) if you prefer a 2-in-1 convertible or can't work on an ARM-based device. However, its OLED panel's flicker may bother some people. Its battery is shorter but still respectable at around 11 hours of light use.

The LG gram 16 (2024) is a larger alternative to the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition 15 (2024) for those who want as much screen space as possible. It's incredibly lightweight, weighing only 2.6 lbs; however, this comes at the cost of build quality, as it doesn't feel nearly as sturdy as the Surface Laptop. It also has a dimmer display, a non-haptic touchpad, and a lower-quality webcam.

• Acer Swift 3 14 (2020): If you want a smaller screen, the Acer Swift 3 14 (2020) is a good alternative to the ASUS Vivobook 16 M1605 (2023). Its USB-C port supports Thunderbolt 4, allowing you to connect up to two 4k displays with a single cable, and it has much better battery life than the ASUS. However, it can be hard to find now as it's an older model. See our review

Replaced the HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) with the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition 15 (2024) because the Surface provides a better user experience and has significantly longer battery life. Replaced the HP Pavilion Aero 13 (2024) with the Acer Swift Go 14 (2024) because the Acer has a sturdier build and is cheaper. Added the HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) and the LG gram 16 (2024) as Notable Mentions. Removed the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2024) from the Notable Mentions because there are better options. Removed the Lenovo Yoga 6 13 (2023) from the Notable Mentions because it's hard to find.

Aug 22, 2024: Due to availability, we've replaced the Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 (2023) with the HP Pavilion Aero 13 (2024) and replaced the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 (2021) with the Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition (2024). We've also included the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (2024) as a Chromebook alternative to the HP and made changes to the article for clarity.

May 30, 2024: We've overhauled this article to include newer and better picks. We've replaced the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022) with the Apple MacBook Air 15 (2024), the LG gram 14 (2023) with the HP Spectre x360 14 (2024), and the Acer Swift 3 14 (2020) with the ASUS Vivobook 16 M1605 (2023). Finally, we've added the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2024) to the Notable Mentions.

Apr 04, 2024: Small text edits to provide information about the new M3 MacBook Airs. Added the LG gram 14 (2023) as the 'Best Windows' pick, with the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2024) as an alternative.

Feb 01, 2024: Verified that all picks are valid and available. No change in recommendations.

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the top laptops for writers to buy. In addition to the test results, we factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability.

If you prefer to make your own decision, here's the list of all of our laptop reviews. Keep in mind that most laptops are available in various configurations, and the table only shows the results of the model we tested, so it's best to see the full review for information about other variants.

COACHING + PUBLISHING

FORMATTING + DESIGN

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Best Laptops for Writers in 2024: The Write Life’s Top Picks

by Farrah Daniel | Jan 9, 2024

It may be fun to wax lyrical about the nostalgic days of click-clacking away at a typewriter or scrawling your novel into a leather-bound journal, but those romantic ideals are impractical for the modern-day writer.

Nowadays, a writer’s laptop is their best friend.

Like any best friend, a good laptop should be there for you through thick and thin, from bustling airports to cozy coffee shops, from the triumph of a strong WiFi signal to the heartbreak of no available outlets.

A reliable laptop lets you take your writing anywhere, whether you’re researching a freelance article or drafting your latest novel idea.

What’s the best laptop for writers?

If you’re wondering, which laptop should I buy? We’re here to help.

We rounded up the best laptops for writers based on categories that matter most to wordsmiths: affordability, reliability, portability, keyboards and more.

Most links to the laptops recommended below will take you directly to Amazon for easy shopping; that’s also a good place to read more reviews. But don’t underestimate the manufacturers’ websites if you want more information. You might also check the price there before you buy, since each laptop model comes with a wide range of options and Amazon’s prices vary from day to day.

Here are our picks for the best laptops for writers.

Most affordable laptop

Most of us are on a budget, especially if we’re just starting our freelance writing career or working on creative writing on the side of a day job. Laptops aren’t exactly known for being cheap, but you can find budget-friendly options if you’re willing to compromise on storage space and fancy add-ons.

Starting at around $300, the HP Chromebook can’t be beat for affordability.

Writers will appreciate a processor that supports more speed for streaming and editing, plus the near 13-hour battery life. Although Chromebooks have small storage capacity and limited functionality without an internet connection, many users find the two years of access to 100 GB of Google Drive storage is good enough to make this laptop a stellar deal. (Oh, and offline functionality of Google Docs isn’t too shabby either.)

Up until recently, Chromebook couldn’t run Microsoft Word — while you still can’t download the traditional software, Microsoft’s Office apps for Android devices can now run on the newer Chromebook models that have the ability to download, install and run apps from the Google Play store.

Laptop with the best battery life

You’re at your favorite coffee shop making huge progress on your latest writing project. Of course, that’s the exact moment when your laptop’s battery indicator turns red, warning that you only have a few precious minutes before your computer shuts down.

Avoid the scramble for an open outlet at coffee shops, libraries and airports.

Instead, go with the full HD version of the Dell XPS 13 (starting at $949). With up to 19 hours and 24 minutes of continuous run-time, this versatile touch laptop will never leave you stranded with a dying battery.

Most portable laptop

Whether you’re a digital nomad who’s constantly on the move to the next freelancer-friendly city or a hometown writer who enjoys working from coffee shops, laptop portability is an important factor for many writers.

There’s no need to schlep a heavy laptop around when you have options like the  Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 13   (starting at $740). Weighing under three pounds and nine millimeters thick, the ultraportable Swift 7 is ready to take your writing wherever the wind blows you.

Laptop with the best keyboard

Most people probably don’t think twice about their keyboard. Writers, on the other hand, can be obsessed with them.

A responsive, ergonomic keyboard is essential for writers, and not all laptops deliver.

For those who are picky and truly want the best laptop keyboard, it’s probably best to test-drive a few models in-store to get a feel for what you do and don’t like.

If you need a place to start, look no further than the HP Spectre x360 (starting at $1399). The smooth, softly backlit keyboard gets rave reviews from users, who appreciate its deep and spacious keys amid the compact design. The trackpad also beats out many of its competitors with a wide touch area and satisfyingly firm click. And with two useful levels of backlighting, writers can create their next masterpiece from anywhere.

Most reliable laptop

A laptop isn’t something you want to upgrade every other year.

In most cases, the brand of laptop you choose has more impact on reliability than which specific model you go with. Overall durability, customer support and warranty options all come into play in this category.

Apple is well known for its excellent support staff, especially since the bountiful presence of brick-and-mortar Apple stores often means you won’t need to ship your computer to the manufacturer for servicing.

Try the classic MacBook Air (starting at $650) for a laptop that’s stood the test of time.

A strong PC brand is Asus, with helpful customer service reps and plenty of warranty options, including hardware repair and accidental damage protection, where users can make up to one claim per year for accidents caused by a drop, spill or liquid damage.

Their ASUS ZenBook 13 (starting at $1040) meets the rigid MIL-STD-810G military standards for durability and reliability, so you know it’s tough. On top of that, the laptop was tested in harsh environments, extreme altitudes, extreme temperatures and humidity, and it passed all with flying colors.

Laptop with the best screen display

No one likes squinting at tiny text on a screen they can barely see. A larger screen is particularly important for writers who need multiple documents open side-by-side or who are working through tedious revisions.

The best in show for top-of-the-line screen displays goes to the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 7 (starting at $1040). Whether you’re watching webinars, Zooming across the world, or writing the next Great American Novel, the Thinkpad X1 Carbon Gen 7 lets you choose from several displays, including a full HD touchscreen or one with PrivacyGuard for screen security. The cinematic 4K Dolby Vision™ panel has high dynamic range technology that makes shadows and textures become richer on the 14-inch screen, which is a pro for any writer who’s tired of endlessly fiddling with brightness settings.

If you need a laptop with a stellar display that travels well, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 (starting at $657) is your best bet. This laptop boasts a 15.6-inch display with vibrant and crisp optional 4K resolution that makes the anti-glare wide viewing angle a pleasure to use.

Best 2-in-1 laptop

Versatile 2-in-1 laptops give you the flexibility to interview a source with a lightweight tablet in the morning, then type up your notes on a full-sized keyboard in the afternoon.

Frequent travelers and journalists will especially appreciate how quickly a 2-in-1 laptop can transform to meet their needs at any moment.

The HP Elite Dragonfly (starting at $1,399.99) is an easy option for writers whose busy schedules require versatility. It’s not the cheapest 2-in-1 laptop out there, but the HP Elite Dragonfly doesn’t skimp on high-quality features that make it just as powerful as a traditional laptop. The powerful, yet thin and light design is complete with incredible speakers, a smooth keyboard and an optional 4K display

If you’re looking for a two-in-one that can pull its weight without breaking the bank, check out the Lenovo Yoga Slim (starting at $99) with a 360-degree hinge that allows for both conventional laptop and tablet-style operation.

Best laptop for entrepreneurs

Many writers consider themselves small business owners. We tap into our inner entrepreneur to find freelance clients, market our books and keep our business finances in order.

Entrepreneurial writers need a laptop that can keep up with whatever task they’re tackling, whether it’s creating a promotional video, researching a story or recording a podcast episode .

Apple lovers can’t go wrong with the MacBook Pro (starting at $1,299.99). This cult-favorite has been the top pick for entrepreneurs for years, and for good reason. The high-quality performance, Retina display in a variety of screen sizes (13 or 16 inches!) and excellent customer support make the MacBook Pro a classic choice for business-minded writers — especially with the radically improved backlit Magic Keyboard.

If you’re in the market for a PC, consider the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (starting at $699). This well-rounded laptop boasts the versatility of a studio and tablet, so you can type, touch, draw, write and work more naturally. Plus, the high-speed memory and performance can help entrepreneurial writers manage all their job duties.

Now you’ve got all the info you need to choose the perfect laptop for your writing life, no matter which features are most important to you.

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase through our links, you’re supporting The Write Life — and we thank you for that!

The original version of this story was written by Ashley Brooks. We updated the post so it’s more useful for our readers.

Photo via Jacob Lund / Shutterstock  

The best laptop for writers in 2024: the top picks for authors, bloggers, and journalists

We're on the hunt for the best laptop for writers available today

• How to choose
• How we test
• ▶ Best overall
• ▶ Best budget
• ▶ Best 15-inch
• ▶ Best Ultrabook
• ▶ Best 5G
• ▶ Best academic

1. Quick list 2. How to choose 3. How we test 4. Top picks ▶ Best overall ▶ Best budget ▶ Best 15-inch ▶ Best Ultrabook ▶ Best 5G ▶ Best academic

The best laptop for writers requires a unique blend of features, prioritizing portability, long battery life, and a comfortable keyboard over high-end performance specs. 

Unlike typical requirements, writers benefit from laptops designed for ease of use and durability for on-the-go creativity. Our expertly curated list, tested by writers for writers, includes top picks across categories to suit various preferences like our top pick, the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M3 chip. 

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option (we are writers, after all), the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook might be exactly what you need, while the premium Lenovo Yoga Book 9i offers an innovative dual OLED design that is perfect for writers in academia or anyone researching their next book.

We've tested all of the selections on this list extensively, and we're here to ensure you find the perfect match for drafting your next masterpiece, combining comfort, functionality, and reliability.

The best laptop for writers overall Apple's latest version of the MacBook Air proves that you can improve on perfection. It retains the stunning design of the last model but with a cheaper price and more powerful hardware.

Read more below

The best budget laptop for writers This 2-in-1 Chromebook offers incredible value for money, with a stunning OLED display and a decent keyboard for a detachable laptop, especially for the price.

The best 15-inch laptop for writers The MacBook Air 15-inch (M3) excels for writers, featuring a larger screen for better visuals and workspace, comfortable typing, quality audio, and powerful performance.

The best ultrabook for writers The Dell XPS 13 (2022) continues its legacy with impressive performance, ultra-portability, and a competitive price, despite a controversial redesign and fewer ports.

The best 5G laptop for writers The Surface Pro 9 5G enhances portability and power, featuring 5G connectivity, Windows 11, an excellent webcam, and long battery life, despite some ARM chip growing pains.

The best laptop for academic writers Due to its unique dual-screen design, the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is an innovative laptop that's a godsend for writers in academia who move back and forth between writing and research 

How to choose the best laptop for writers for you

When choosing the best laptop for writers, there are several key factors you'll want to consider when weighing up your options. First and foremost, have a budget in mind. Given the wide range in costs, this could immediately whittle down the options, allowing you to focus only on those you're able and willing to afford. 

Next, consider any platform preferences you have. Used to working with Windows? Will you only consider Apple? Happy to go for Google ? This factor will ensure you're only looking in the right place.

After that, consider what you'll be using it for. Generally, writers may not necessarily need the fastest processing speeds or largest storage options. Still, journalists who are also expected to store and edit imagery may need more powerful machines. 

If so, consider features like CPU , graphics, RAM, and storage capacity. Finally, think about other features you might find useful. Those regularly on the move may want something robust but light, while others may find use in the versatility provided by laptops that can convert to tablet form, too.

The best laptop for writers: How we test

With a wealth of options for the best laptop for writers, we've aimed to provide a thorough rundown of the top options on the market. We've done this by pitting each laptop's key features against each other, analyzing speed, power, storage, graphics, and screen size.

Given the particular requirements of writers and journalists, however, we've also made a point to note other factors that could prove key in your decision-making. As many writers spend a lot of time in front of their screens, we've looked at what each laptop's display offers, including whether additional considerations like blue light filers are included. 

For the same reason, we've also considered ease of use and comfort, trackpad performance, port and storage options, and - for those regularly on the move - we've also tested each laptop's battery life and portability. 

The best laptop for writers: our top picks

The best laptop for writers in 2024.

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best laptops for writers in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

The best laptop for writers overall

1. apple macbook air 13-inch (2024).

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Apple MacBook Air (M3, 2024) emerges as an unparalleled choice for writers, blending state-of-the-art design with functionality. This latest iteration presents a slim, lightweight form factor, enabling writers to easily carry it wherever their stories take them. Its modern aesthetics are complemented by a larger, vibrant display, achieved by reducing bezel size, which not only enhances the visual appeal but provides a delightful writing and reading experience.

Performance is where the MacBook Air truly shines for writers. With rapid boot times, seamless app performance, and the ability to handle multiple tasks effortlessly, this laptop ensures a smooth writing flow. The redesigned keyboard, in particular, offers a comfortable typing experience, making it perfect for long writing sessions without fatigue.

Battery life is impressive, with the MacBook Air lasting 16 hours on a single charge, outlasting many of its predecessors and ensuring that writers can work through the day without interruption. While the price is slightly higher than the M1 model, the advancements in design, display quality, and the more powerful M3 chip make the MacBook Air (M3, 2024) a more valuable choice for writers. It strikes an ideal balance between price, performance, and portability, standing out as a superior tool for writers seeking a reliable, high-performing laptop designed to cater to their specific needs.

Read the full review: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3)

The best budget laptop for writers

2. lenovo ideapad duet 5 oled chromebook.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 OLED Chromebook is a top choice for writers seeking affordability without sacrificing quality. 

Its standout feature for flexibility—morphing from laptop to tablet with a detachable keyboard—paired with an impressive battery life exceeding 16 hours, ensures uninterrupted writing sessions. 

Writers will appreciate the high-quality, Ultrabook -standard keyboard for comfortable, long-term typing, and the option to add a Lenovo Active Pen stylus for note-taking or editing. The Duet 5's performance is reliable for all writing needs, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen2 processor and 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth operation across web browsing and content creation tasks. 

Its 1080p OLED display delivers stunning visual clarity, making it easier on the eyes during extended writing periods. Despite a price initially higher than its predecessor, the Duet 5's value has increased over time, offering unparalleled value in the 2-in-1 Chromebook market. This makes it an ideal, cost-effective solution for writers looking for a dependable, versatile, and portable writing companion.

Read the full review: Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook

The best 15-inch laptop for writers

3. macbook air 15-inch (m3, 2024).

The MacBook Air 15-inch (M3) is a dream for writers who prioritize screen space, offering an expansive display without significantly increasing weight or compromising on design. 

Its larger screen provides more pixels for an immersive writing and editing experience, making it ideal for those who work with extensive documents or require multiple windows open side-by-side. 

Despite sharing the same performance specs and design aesthetics as its 13-inch counterpart, the 15-inch model boasts enhanced typing comfort with larger palm rests and additional speakers for improved audio quality, adding value to the writing process. 

While it matches the smaller model in battery life, the inclusion of a potent M3 chip ensures that this laptop remains a powerful tool for writers. Priced competitively, especially when considering the savings compared to higher-end models, the MacBook Air 15-inch (M3) stands out in the market for offering a perfect balance of functionality and portability for writers seeking a larger visual workspace.

Read the full review: Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M3, 2024)

The best Ultrabook for writers

4. dell xps 13 (2022).

The Dell XPS line has been putting out bangers for years, and the 2022 version of the compact XPS 13 ultrabook is no exception - even if the aesthetic redesign from the 2020 model proved somewhat controversial within the TechRadar team.

In any case, this is still a fierce productivity laptop for students or fast-moving professionals, ultra-portable thanks to its lightweight chassis and 13.4-inch display, now loaded with even better performance thanks to Intel 's 12th-gen laptop CPUs.

The webcam is only 720p (unlike the superior 1080p ones found in many modern ultrabooks) and its compact design means it sacrifices physical ports for a thinner frame, but with an entry price of just $899, it's very hard to argue against the Dell XPS 13's price-to-performance offering. This is without a doubt one of our favorite compact laptops right now.

Read our full Dell XPS 13 (2022) review  

The best 5G-connected laptop for writers

5. surface pro 9 5g.

Microsoft 's Surface Pro 9 5G builds on the design changes that the Surface Pro 8 introduced for an even more powerful and portable experience. . 

As a 5G system, the Surface Pro 9 5G stands ready to keep you connected at home and on the go without the need for a Wi-Fi connection, making this an ideal solution for writers on the go. It also comes with the new Windows 11 operating system pre-installed and one of the best webcams we’ve used on a laptop. 

With its bigger screen, nested and slim pencil, and day-beating battery life, the Surface Pro 9 5G moves Microsoft's Surface line in the right direction, but the custom ARM chip brings with it a host of hiccups.

Read the full review:   Surface Pro 9 5G  

Check out our Microsoft promo codes to get the best deal on your next purchase.

The best laptop for academic writers

6. lenovo yoga book 9i.

The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i stands out as an exceptional tool for academic writers, offering a unique dual-screen functionality that enhances productivity and multitasking without adding bulk. 

Its innovative design allows for a versatile work environment, mimicking a multi-monitor setup for expansive research, writing, and editing tasks. This design versatility ensures that academic professionals can find the most comfortable and efficient setup for their work, whether drafting articles, compiling research, or juggling multiple tasks simultaneously. 

Powered by the Intel Core i7-1355U processor, the Yoga Book 9i balances robust performance with efficiency, avoiding overheating common in slim laptops, making it ideal for long writing sessions. 

Despite its dual OLED screens, the laptop offers up to 9.5 hours of battery life, extendable to over 12 hours with one screen turned off, ensuring it can last through extensive work sessions. 

While the Yoga Book 9i is priced at a premium, its cutting-edge features, from the dual-screen setup to its portable design and efficient performance, justify the investment for those in academia looking for a laptop that can keep up with their demanding, multi-faceted workflows.

Read the full review:   Lenovo Yoga Book 9i

Find the best deals on Lenovo products with our Lenovo coupon codes .

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John (He/Him) is the Components Editor here at TechRadar and he is also a programmer, gamer, activist, and Brooklyn College alum currently living in Brooklyn, NY.

Named by the CTA as a CES 2020 Media Trailblazer for his science and technology reporting, John specializes in all areas of computer science, including industry news, hardware reviews, PC gaming, as well as general science writing and the social impact of the tech industry.

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The best laptops for writers: the perfect platform to pen your masterpiece

These are the best laptops for writers: perfect for everything from blogging and essays to working on that novel.

• 1. Best overall
• 2. Best runner up
• 3. Best Windows
• 4. Best mid-range Windows
• 5. Best 3:2
• 6. Best Android hybrid
• How to choose
• How we test

The best laptops for writers don't need to be expensive or packed with features for gaming or media. They just need to have a great keyboard, be quick to start up, and offer long battery life. For value, a Chromebook is hard to beat, and our top pick is the $200 Acer Chromebook 314 .

If you want to do more than writing, of course, there are more powerful and feature-rich models to choose from. So we've also added some pricier options to the list, and you can rest assured, we've tested all these machines out, so we know they work well in practice and offer great value for money.

If you need further inspiration, meanwhile, you can also check out our roundups of the best laptops for graphic design and the best laptops for students .

This Chromebook is a great choice for writing and happens to be one of the cheapest options here, at roughly $200. Slimming everything down, Chrome OS is perfect for those that want to avoid any extra fuss in their laptop. It's got amazing battery life and supports the major word-processing apps. Read more below

Want more? This ticks all the boxes if you're looking for a laptop for both writing and more processor-intensive tasks. It has a fine keyboard, a great design, an excellent screen and includes a super-fast M2 chip (cheaper than the M3), great webcam and excellent battery life. Costs around $999. Read more below

If you're looking for a premium Windows machine that's nicely future-proof, here's our top pick. It features a comfortable keyboard with good key travel, making it comfortable for extended writing sessions. It's also sleek and portable, and offers long battery life. Read more below

If you're in between budget and premium and want to maximise value, the Acer Aspire 5 is a great pick. It's solid and dependable, won't cost you a fortune and performs well in terms of performance and for every day writing. Read more below

A 3:2 aspect ratio can be great in a laptop for writing since it offers more vertical space, so more space for writing. The Huawei Matebook X Pro complements that with a great keyboard, nice touchscreen and capabilities for creative work. Read more below

Offering excellent bang-for-buck value, the Lenovo Pad P12 is a good pick at the budget end of the hybrid machine spectrum. It has superb battery life and an optional detachable keyboard. Portability and durability are strong points here. Read more below

• Back to the top ⤴

The best laptops for writers in full

Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

The best laptop for writers

01. Acer Chromebook 314

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

If you're looking for a cheap laptop for writing, a Chromebook is the way to go. At around $200, it costs less than Windows laptops, and much less than the MacBook Air below, but offers great battery life since it require little power. Just bear in mind that Chromebooks take their name from the fact that they run Chrome OS, not Windows, so you can't use every Windows app you might be used to. 

That isn't a problem for writing since there are word processors available for Chrome OS, including both Microsoft Word and Google Docs. This Chromebook also has very little internal storage, so you'll be saving work to the cloud. Unlike in the past, you no longer need to be connected to the internet to use a Chromebook though, so you can work pretty much wherever you want.

Some Chromebooks feel a little too small to be comfortable as laptops for writers but when we reviewed it, we found the 14-inch Chromebook 314 to be a nice size, and the keyboard is well laid out and comfortable to use. We found the screen to be good for writing too, with an anti-glare, matte finish. All in all, this is a solid top choice as the best laptop for writers on a budget. st be sure to option the 1080p screen; the standard lower resolution display isn't great. See our hands-on Acer Chromebook 314 review for more details.

The best laptop for writers runner up

02. MacBook Air M2 (15-inch, 2023)

If all you want to do is write on your laptop, it doesn't need to be a particularly powerful one. However, you may want to do other things that are more processor-intensive, whether that's watching films, editing photos, or playing games. That's why I've chosen the MacBook Air (not Pro) with M2 chip as the overall top laptops for writers. Yes, the M3 version of the Air is out, but that's waaaay too much if what you want is mainly to write. I think the M2 hits the sweet spot. 

With the ultra-fast M2 chip and a bigger, beautiful display, it could be the perfect option for running creative software. When we reviewed it, it coped brilliantly on everything from day-to-day tasks like browsing the web and writing up documents to editing 4K video and using Photoshop ’s AI tools. Battery life was great too, lasting an entire day, even when performing creative tasks. Apple claims up to 18 hours' Apple TV app movie playback, which is just one hour more than our testers squeezed out of the device in our looping movie test.

The 1080p FaceTime HD webcam is also great for writers who need to make a lot of video calls (these days that’s most of us), and you also get a fantastic Retina display which, in combination with MacOS, makes for just about the crispest, cleanest font rendering that we have witnessed on a laptop. If you're writing for long periods of time, that's going to make it more comfortable on the eyes than a lesser display.

Overall, then, this is overkill if all you're going to do is writing. But if your writing workflow also requires a lot of web research and watching videos, or if you also want a laptop for other things like creative work or gaming, then you'll certainly see the difference for the extra spend. See our full MacBook Air (M2, 2022) review for more details.

The best premium Windows laptop for writers

03. Microsoft Surface Laptop 7

If you want to treat yourself to a truly premium Windows laptop for writing, then the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 fits the bill. 

It features a comfortable keyboard with good key travel, making it comfortable for extended writing sessions. It boasts long battery life (our reviewer measured 9 hours 21 minutes in his tests), so you can write for hours without worrying about running out of power. And its sleek design and lightweight construction make it easy to take with you wherever you go, whether you're writing at home, in a coffee shop, or on the go. 

The Surface Laptop 7's display is sharp and vibrant, making it easy to read and write for long periods. And the laptop's fan is quiet except when doing resource-intensive tasks such as video encoding, so it won't distract you if you just want to write.

Powered by the Snapdragon X Elite processor and AI-driven tools like Copilot+, it offers a lot more power than you need for word processing – and costs a lot more than you really need to pay for a laptop for writing.  But if you want to do other things with your laptop besides, then you'll be pleased to know it scored well in our benchmark tests, so it should cope with the most demanding software, although we wouldn't recommend it for gaming.

For more details, read our Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 review .

The best mid-range Windows laptop for writing

04. Acer Aspire 5

If you're waiting for that first novel advance before splashing too much cash, there are plenty of mid-range Windows laptops for writers. Our reviewer found this to be  a solid and dependable device for those who don't want to spend a fortune. With a plastic body, it doesn't exactly have a premium feel but it's solid enough to carry around.

It also performs well considering the price, especially if you're going to be sticking to word processing tools. We found that the keys don't have the most travel, but the keyboard is well laid out for writing on. Overall, the Aspire 5 is a great affordable laptop for writers on a budget but feel that a Chromebook would be too restrictive. See our full Acer Aspire 5 review for more details.

The best 3:2 laptop for writers

05. Huawei MateBook X Pro

Most laptops have a traditional widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9. That's great for watching movies, but not necessarily the most convenient format for writing, which often requires scrolling up and down on vertically oriented documents. An aspect ratio of 3:2 gives you more vertical space, allowing you to see more text on the screen at once. And it also works better for graphic-design work, so is the perfect ratio if you're a writer who also likes to or needs to work on more demanding visual software.

Huawei delivers all of that with the MateBook X Pro, and a very nice touchscreen it has too. It's more than powerful enough for writers who also need to use design software regularly – and the keyboard is comfortable to work on. It's nice and fast too, and our reviewer found opening apps and documents to be a nippy process.

The downside is that if you're in a country like the US, which has blocked access to many Huawei devices and services, you don't get the benefits of the wider Huawei ecosystem. However, if you don't care for ecosystems and just want a premium laptop for writing and doing visual work on, we found the Huawei MateBook X Pro to be a decent option. See our in-depth Huawei MateBook X Pro review for all the details.

The best Android hybrid laptop for writers

06. Lenovo Tab P12

The Lenovo Tab P12 is another great choice for those looking for the best laptop for writing on a budget. An optional detachable keyboard turns this tablet into a compact little laptop that we found very convenient to carry around. And as it's an Android rather than Microsoft Windows device, it's much cheaper than most laptops.

It also boasts a huge 10,200mAh battery that easily lasted all day with heavy use and multiple days with lighter use when we tried it. So you could comfortably take this away with you and write somewhere remote for a couple of days, and still have battery life left.

There are some downsides though. The keyboard is small and not as comfortable as other laptops in this list. We'd suggest using the Lenovo Tab P12 as option for quickly jotting down notes, rather than typing up pages and pages of text in one go. But, with the portability and long battery life, the Lenovo Tab P12 lets you note down your thoughts whenever inspiration strikes.

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus This solid, business-oriented laptop offers long battery life, cool and quiet operation, and a lightweight design. It's let down by the keyboard, which is adequate but could be improved. Otherwise, though, it's a good choice for writing, office tasks, presentations, and general admin. Read our 3.5-star review .

How to choose the best laptop for writing

We've whittled the options above down to the six best laptops for writing available right now, but the right one for you will depend on your budget and needs. Setting a budget is important in light of the increased cost of living, so we’ve included laptops at a variety of price points to cover all bases to help you choose the right model for you.

Sure the Apple MacBook Air (M2) is a wonderful laptop that is more than capable than offering the best writing experience around. But the far more reasonably-priced Acer Aspire 5 or Chromebook 315 might give you everything you need. Thinking about which value-adding features you’ll actually use is key, too. For example, a touch screen is nice to have, but if you’re unlikely to make use of it, it’s not worth the extra investment.

How we tested the best laptops for writers

We tested our picks of the best laptops for writing during our full reviews of each product. When we reviewed each laptop, we performed a series of benchmark tests in order to evaluate their performance, display brightness, speed and colour accuracy and battery life. However, writing doesn't make particularly heavy demands on a laptop so performance benchmarking isn't hugely revealing in this context, but we still consider those test results to ensure that every laptop delivers the performance you would expect given its specifications.

The one benchmarking area that we paid specific attention to when compiling this guide is battery life, since this does make a diffeence if you're writing in different locations. We test battery life under both light loads, which is what writing text amounts to, as well as watching video and more intensive tasks to build a picture of how long a laptop lasts in various usage scenarios.

Screen quality is another area worthy of attention in a laptop for writing, including brightness, contrast, resolution and refresh rate. Ergonomics, and in particular keyboard quality, are also important considerations. We also consider build quality and connectivity in coming to an overall evaluation of each laptop.

Most importantly, our reviewers use each laptop over a period of at least two weeks to get a real feel for what it's like to live and work with the machine. We also take into consideration customer reviews and feedback from our contributing writers, many of whom write on the machines that we recommend above every day as part of their work.

For options for other uses, see our picks of the best laptops for video editing and the best laptops for game development.

What makes a good laptop for writing?

As we mentioned in our introduction, some of the key factors in choosing the best laptop for writers include comfortable screens and keyboards, battery life and portability. If you can find a laptop that delivers in these areas, you’re on to a winner. There are some other nice to have features to look out for, too. For example, anti-glare screens if you work outside often. You might also value having a touch screen or writing pad if you’re an avid note-taker.

Historically, storage has also been a consideration, but with the rise of cloud storage, many writers only worry about this if they don’t have regular WiFi access. Plus, USB storage is a perfectly viable option.

Is it better to buy a laptop with a touchscreen or a traditional keyboard and trackpad?

Whether you prefer a touchscreen or a traditional keyboard and trackpad depends on your personal writing style. Touchscreens can be convenient for taking notes or annotating documents, but they may not be as comfortable for long typing sessions. Traditional keyboards and trackpads are generally more ergonomic for writers, but they may not offer the same level of versatility as touchscreens. If you're not happy with your keyboard setup, consider buying one of the best external keyboards : they won't cost much and can really help you work more comfortably and productively.

What is the best laptop screen size for writing?

The ideal screen size for a writing laptop again depends on your personal preferences and how you plan to use it. A larger screen can be helpful for reading and writing long documents, while a smaller screen may be more portable, so a better bet if you write on the go a lot. Most writers find that a screen size between 13 and 15 inches is a good compromise.

Should I get a MacBook or a Windows laptop?

Ultimately, this is a question of preference, but there are a few differences between MacBooks and Windows laptops for writers. While many writers have more experience with Microsoft Word, the software will set you back financially whereas the slightly less sophisticated Pages on Mac comes free. Of course, you could also just use Google Docs if you're regularly connected to WiFi and confident in its Offline Mode.

MacBooks are generally more pricey, as are Mac-compatible peripherals, but can last longer than more budget-friendly Windows laptops.

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Beren has worked on creative titles at Future Publishing for over 13 years. Cutting his teeth as Staff Writer on the digital art magazine ImagineFX, he moved on to edit several creative titles, and is currently the Ecommerce Editor on the most effective creative website in the world. When he's not testing and reviewing the best ergonomic office chairs, phones, laptops, TVs, monitors and various types of storage, he can be found finding and comparing the best deals on the tech that creatives value the most.

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