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• Best Mid-Range
• Best Budget
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Recent updates, all reviews, the 6 best travel laptops - spring 2024 reviews.

When shopping for a travel laptop, a couple of requirements immediately come to mind: size, weight, and battery life. Finding a thin and light laptop isn't so much a problem when it comes to general productivity and media consumption devices, but finding a relatively portable mobile workstation or gaming laptop can still be challenging. You must also ensure that portability doesn't come at the cost of a flimsier, cheaper-feeling build, or that it hampers performance. Screen brightness is another thing to consider, as you want a display that can overcome glare in bright settings, and you'll want a good keyboard and touchpad, as they're your primary input methods. A good port selection is a must if you don't want to carry around a hub or dock, and webcam quality is important if you're often on video calls. Biometrics isn't necessary but nice to have, especially if you don't like typing out your password or PIN in a public area.

We've bought and tested over 115 laptops. Below are our recommendations for the best laptops for travel you can buy. You can also see our recommendations for the  best laptops , the  best business laptops , and the best laptops for college .

Best Laptop For Travel

The best travel laptop we've tested is the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023). This 14-inch workstation has nearly everything you could ask for in a premium model: a sturdy all-metal chassis, a compact design, tons of processing power, and a long battery life. It sports a bright 120Hz Mini LED display, a spacious keyboard, and a gigantic, easy-to-use haptic touchpad. The display is suitable for color work, as it has full DCI P3 coverage and superb factory calibration. Its 1080p webcam is excellent, so your colleagues can see and hear you clearly on video calls.

New in this generation of MacBook Pro is the addition of a base M3 model, similar to the discontinued 13-inch model with Touch Bar. This can be a great option if you don't need all the processing power but still want the 'Pro' features, like the display and up-firing speakers. The main downside is that the RAM and storage aren't user-replaceable, and upgrading them increases the total cost considerably.

The  Dell XPS 15 (2023) is our recommendation for Windows users. It's a larger 15.6-inch device but weighs the same as the MacBook Pro 14. It provides a great user experience and can easily handle demanding tasks like programming and video editing. Unlike the MacBook Pro, the RAM and storage drive are user-replaceable, so you can upgrade or add more space later. Unfortunately, there are a couple of tradeoffs, like its display's basic 60Hz refresh rate and its terrible 720p webcam. Port selection is also a slight downgrade compared to the MacBook Pro, as there's no HDMI port. Lastly, Dell has released new XPS models in 14- and 16-inch sizes, so if you're a fan of the 15-inch size, this is a good time to get one because it's often on sale on  Dell's website . However, at this point, you may only be able to find select configurations.

See our review

Best Upper Mid-Range Laptop For Travel

If your workload includes lighter tasks like text processing, web browsing, spreadsheets, and video playback, get the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2024) instead. It's also a high-end model that provides a premium user experience; however, its base M3 SoC doesn't have as much processing power as the M3 Pro or Max variants, so you aren't overpaying for performance you don't need. While its IPS panel isn't as impressive as the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023) 's 120Hz Mini LED display, it's still pretty and bright enough for outdoor use. The main drawback is the port selection, which comprises two USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports; these support two external displays, but only if you close the laptop's lid. If you want to save some money, the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022) is still available at a lower starting price of $999 USD, although it can currently be found even cheaper on Amazon. This model uses the older M2 SoC, features Wi-Fi 6 (rather than the 2024's Wi-Fi 6e), and only has support for one external display.

A Windows alternative would be the HP Spectre x360 14 (2024). While this 14-inch laptop isn't quite as portable as the MacBook Air 13, it features an OLED touchscreen display with a higher 120 Hz refresh rate. However, the OLED screen isn't as bright and can't cut it for outdoor use in broad daylight. Battery life is very similar to the 2024 MacBook Air. Finally, build quality is similar between the two laptops, but the Spectre x360 offers a greater port selection. It features 1 USB-A port and 2 USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports, which can support two 4k displays at 60 Hz. 

Best Mid-Range Laptop For Travel

Our best mid-range pick is the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2022), a 14-inch 2-in-1 convertible Chromebook. It's a very compact device that's easy to carry around, and its battery lasts over 13 hours of light use. The display gets bright enough for use in most indoor settings, and since it's a 2-in-1 convertible, you can set it up in tent mode for media consumption or flip the screen all the way around and use it as a tablet. If you want to take handwritten notes, it supports pen input and comes with a stylus that you can dock into its charging slot at the front of the device. Ports include one USB-A, two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4, and an HDMI port.

Spec-wise, this laptop has various Intel 12th Gen CPUs, from a Core i3 to a P-series Core i7. However, only the Core i5 model with 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage is widely available, and even that model is getting hard to find. There's a newer 2023 model, which we haven't tested but expect to be very similar. The upgrades include a faster Intel 13th Gen CPU and a 1440p webcam. You can get the 2023 model on Amazon or at  Best Buy . Lastly, if you're new to Chrome OS, know that the type of applications you can install is limited, so you need to ensure you can do everything through a Chrome browser or Android apps.

Best Budget Laptop For Travel

For those on a tighter budget, get the Acer Swift 3 14 (2020), a 14-inch Windows ultraportable. Acer's Swift models are typically more expensive, but since this is a 2020 version, you can get it much cheaper. It has a nice FHD display, a decent keyboard, and a wide port selection, including two USB-As, one USB-C/Thunderbolt 4, a full-size HDMI, and a headphone jack. It's available with an Intel 11th Gen Core i5 or i7 CPU, up to 16GB of memory, and 512GB of storage.

The Intel 11th Gen CPUs are two generations behind Intel's latest offerings but can still easily handle general productivity tasks like web browsing, text processing, spreadsheets, and video playback. Plus, the battery life is amazing at over 13 hours of light use. Its 720p webcam is its main weakness; the image is underexposed, and the microphone sounds staticky.

Best Compact Laptop For Travel

If you need something compact to browse the web or answer emails on the go, get the Microsoft Surface Go 3 (2021), a 10.5-inch tablet PC with a built-in kickstand and a detachable keyboard. It's super compact, and its battery lasts a little over seven hours of light use. Its FHD+ display looks very sharp, gets bright enough to combat glare, and supports pen input. You get an excellent 1080p webcam, a second back-facing camera, and a facial recognition IR camera for quick logins. Like all Microsoft 2-in-1 tablets, you must buy the keyboard and stylus separately. The keyboard is worth getting, as it's much more comfortable to type on than an on-screen keyboard, and it protects the screen from scratches.

The Surface Go 3 is available with an Intel Pentium Gold or Core i3 CPU. They perform well enough for this tablet PC's intended use, which is to say simple tasks like web browsing, emails, and video playback, but don't expect to do anything remotely intensive. If your budget allows, it's worth upgrading the memory to 8GB, as you'll get a much smoother experience with fewer slowdowns when multitasking. Port selection is limited; you only get a USB-C, a headphone jack, and a proprietary Surface Connect charging port.

Best Gaming Laptop For Travel

We recommend the Razer Blade 14 (2022) for gaming on the go. This 14-inch model is surprisingly thin and light for a gaming laptop, and aside from its green logo on the lid, it has a fairly understated design, so it doesn't stick out in a professional environment if you use it for work. It's available in three preset configurations: a 1080p 144Hz display with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, a 1440p 165Hz display with an RTX 3070 Ti, or a 1440p 165Hz display with an RTX 3080 Ti. All three configurations deliver a smooth gaming experience in demanding AAA titles.

We don't have many complaints about the keyboard; the keys have a good amount of travel and tactility, but they could be more stable. And, of course, it has per-key RGB backlighting. As for upgradeability, the storage drive is replaceable, but not the memory, as all three configurations come with 16GB of soldered RAM.

A newer model of the Blade 14 is available. Its design remains largely unchanged, as the upgrades are internal. The CPU is now an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS, and GPU options include an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 and 4070. These new GPUs bring a new feature called Frame Generation, which boosts performance by inserting AI-generated frames. Few games currently support this feature, but as we've seen with DLSS, the adoption rate will likely grow quickly. There's also a new display option: a 240Hz QHD+ panel with a matte finish and VRR support. See  here  for more details about the new Razer Blade 14.

• ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (2023): The ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (2023) is a great 2-in-1 Windows convertible and a good alternative to the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2024). It feels as well built as the MacBook Air and has a gorgeous, albeit slightly dimmer, OLED display. It also has a wider port selection, including two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4s with support for multiple external displays. It's heavier, though, and its battery life is shorter at around eight hours of light use. See our review
• Framework Laptop 13 (2023): The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is a good alternative to the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2024) if you want a laptop that's easy to repair or upgrade. You can replace any component in the laptop, even the CPU and motherboard. All the parts are available via Framework, and the company provides manuals to guide you through the replacement process. However, its keyboard, touchpad, speakers, and webcam aren't as good. Also, depending on where you live, it might be harder to get one because you can only get it via Framework's website. See our review
• Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (2023): The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (2023) is a great ultraportable alternative to the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2024). It has a wider port selection and Thunderbolt 4 support, and its SSD is user-replaceable. However, it's slightly bulkier, and its battery doesn't last as long. It's also more expensive. See our review
• Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 (2023): If you prefer Windows, the Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 (2023) is a good alternative to the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (2022). It provides a great user experience, and its battery lasts around 12 hours of light use. It's a pretty thin laptop, but ultimately, it's still a 16-inch device, so it might not fit into some bags. It also weighs considerably more at 4.4 lbs. See our review
• Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 (2021): The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 (2021) is a good alternative to the Microsoft Surface Go 3 (2021) if you only need a device for media consumption. It has a much nicer OLED display, and its battery lasts longer. It's a 13-inch device, though, so it isn't as portable as the Surface Go 3. See our review
• HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2024): The HP OMEN Transcend 14 (2024) is a cheaper alternative to the Razer Blade 14 (2022), especially if you need your gaming laptop to pull double duty as a portable workstation. While the HP's OLED screen is brighter, it has a lower refresh rate and response rate, and this laptop doesn't offer VRR support; depending on your use case, this may be a deal breaker as you'll likely notice screen tearing and ghosting while gaming. See our review

May 13, 2024: Replaced the Apple Macbook Air 13 (2022) with the Apple Macbook Air 13 (2024). Replaced the LG gram 14 (2023) with the HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) as an alternative to the Apple Macbook Air 13 (2024). Added the HP Omen Transcend 14 (2024) as a Notable Mention. Minor text changes to reflect the changing availability of Dell XPS 15 (2023).

Mar 15, 2024: Removed the Lenovo Slim Pro 7 14 (2023) from the Notable Mentions because it's discontinued. Added the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) as a Notable Mention. Minor text changes to provide information about new models of the Dell XPS 15, Apple MacBook Air 13, and Razer Blade 14.

Jan 23, 2024: Replaced the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M2, 2023) with the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3, 2023) because Apple no longer sells the M2 model.

Nov 16, 2023: Minor text changes to provide information about the new M3 MacBook Pro and to add the Dell XPS 15 (2023) as a Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. Added the Lenovo Slim Pro 7 14 (2023) and Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 (2023) as Notable Mentions.

Sep 18, 2023: Replaced the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2021) with the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) because the M1 model is no longer available. Small text changes to include the Lenovo Slim Pro 7 14 (2023) as an alternative to the MacBook Pro 14. Replaced the Lenovo Chromebook C340 15 (2020) with the Acer Swift 3 14 (2020) because the Acer is a better value.

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best travel laptops you can get. In addition to the test results, we factor in the price (a cheaper laptop wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), 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.

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Home » Gear » best travel laptop

10 BEST Travel Laptops (MUST READ! • 2024)

From the sleek and mighty powerhouses to the budget-friendly gems, our list is tailored for diverse itineraries and preferences. Imagine unwinding in a quaint café with a laptop that boasts a battery life longer than your layover, or editing your travel vlog on a device that handles heavy graphics like a breeze.

I put this guide together with one goal in mind – to help you find the best travel laptop for YOUR travel style. With the help of this epic guide, you’ll easily to be able to know which laptop is best for your needs, style, and budget.

Alllrighty then, do you wanna find out what the best computer for travel is? Well, let’s get to it!

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Quick answer: The Best Portable Travel Laptops

What type of traveller are you, best overall laptop for travel – macbook air, best laptop for professionals – macbook pro, best midrange travel laptop – dell xps 13″, best value for money laptop – microsoft surface book, best budget travel laptop – lenovo ideapad, best budget 2-1 laptop – microsoft surface pro 7, other great budget laptops for travel, the best overall travel laptop, what specs to consider before buying the best travel laptop, choosing the best travel laptop faqs, how we tested the best travel laptop, faq about the best travel laptop, final thoughts on the best laptops for travel.

• Macbook Air – Best Lightweight Laptop
• 16.2 Inch MacBook Pro – Best Laptop for Professionals
• Dell XPS 13″ – Best Midrange Laptop
• Microsoft Surface Book – Best Value Laptop
• Lenovo Idea Pad – Best Budget Laptop
• Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – Best Travel Tablet
• Jump to –> Travel Laptop Reviews

Macbook Air

• Price > $936.85
• Portability > 2.5 lbs
• Battery Life > 18 hour battery
• Storage Space > 256 – 512GB SSD
• Processing Power > M2 chip
• Operating System > Mac OS Ventura

16.2 Inch Macbook Pro

• Price > $1749
• Portability > 6.4 lbs
• Battery Life > 22 hour battery
• Storage Space > 512 GB – 1 TB SSD

Dell XPS 13

• Price > $599
• Portability > 2.7 lbs
• Battery Life > 7 hour battery
• Storage Space > 128 GB SSD
• Processing Power > Intel Core i5-7200U 3MB cache, up to 3.10 GHz 8G memory 128G SSD
• Operating System > Windows 10

Microsoft Surface Book

• Portability > 3.34 lbs
• Battery Life > 10.5 hour battery
• Processing Power > 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5
• Operating System > Windows 10 Pro

Lenovo Ideapad

• Price > $569
• Portability > 5 lbs
• Storage Space > 500 GB Hard Drive
• Processing Power > Intel Pentium 4405U (2M Cache, 2.10 GHz), 2 cores, 4 threads

Microsoft Surface Pro 7

• Price > $489.99
• Portability > 1.7 lbs
• Processing Power > 3 GHz Intel Core i5
• Operating System > Windows 10 Home

My laptop has literally changed my life – not only can I earn money online but I can also stream Game of Thrones wherever I go… and I think we can all agree that that’s pretty damn important.

But what about your needs?

You see, “the best travel laptop” is a pretty broad statement since there are many different types of travelers. The question is – which kind of traveler are YOU?

Here are some extremely important things to consider…

1. Do you need to get work done on your laptop?

If you aren’t planning on using your travel laptop for online work, you don’t necessarily need to splash out on a top of the range laptop.

While it might be tempting to spend $2,000 on the new best laptop, the truth is that only digital nomads and other professionals really need that sort of tech. If you don’t have any work deadlines to meet, it might be better to keep it simple.

2. What will you use your laptop for?

Will you be working on the road (writing, editing, etc.), or mainly surfing the web? Do you need the processing power to run multiple editing programs, or is your prime concern staying connected to social media?

Identifying exactly what you need a laptop for will help you decide on which one is best for your travels.

3. Do you have any size requirements?

Are you traveling with minimal room in your backpack? Are you bringing a bag with certain size requirements?

For instance, some expensive daypacks can’t fit 15-inch laptops, or some laptop sleeves can’t fit larger than a 13 inch. If you buy a special backpack for your laptop , then most of your needs should be met. Either way, make sure to keep these in mind.

4. Are you traveling heavy or light?

The more powerful the laptop, the more it weighs. The difference between a 1.5 lb tablet and a 7 lb professional laptop is HUGE.

Remember that a light traveler is a happy traveler, so if you don’t need a heavier laptop, there’s no reason to cause extra strain on your body.

There are different specs you need to considers when choosing the best laptop for you…

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Two quick things….

• If you are a digital nomad, working professional, or aspiring to work online. Do not pick this travel laptop.
• If you hate Macs or iOS. Do not pick this computer.

Everyone else. This is the best travel laptop. 

If you’re an Apple user, this is Apple’s best Mac laptop for the money and this was the first laptop I took traveling which was adequate for working online. The pros (as with any MacBook) are its integration with apple products, ease-of-use, trackpad and keyboard, design, and reliable performance. It’s also the lightest laptop for travel, so that’s a major win.

I’ve used MacBooks for 7 years now (my first one from 2010 is still alive and kicking!), and I’ve never needed repairs (except to replace an old battery). I can’t say the same for any of the PCs I’ve owned, which is why I think Macs are the best user-friendly laptops if you don’t have a computer background.

If you want a MacBook for browsing, streaming, social, and office, the MacBook Air is fast enough, especially with 2024’s updated processor speed and default memory. But if you want a Retina resolution screen, “Kaby Lake” processors, and more power for editing programs, you’ll have to fork out the money for a MacBook Pro instead.

I recommend you go for as much storage as you can afford if you plan on storing music, images or video because you can’t add storage to Apple computers after purchase. If your laptop is used for browsing and light document work (Excel, Word, etc.) the 256GB SSD should be fine.

• Fast and durable!
• Lightweight (super important)
• Can handle your internet needs and then some
• Not as powerful as other options
• Not good for working professionals

Is the MacBook Air for you?

If you are looking for a light laptop that can handle all of your basic internet needs and then a little bit more – the MacBook Air is my highest recommendation. It’s light and sleek design makes it ideal for travelers, and it comes at a reasonable price.

If you are interested in making money online, you need to invest in a great laptop. The MacBook Pro is my highest recommendation. Its starting price plus lack of ports can be a deal breaker for many, but I still think it is the most versatile, user-friendly laptop out there and mine has allowed me to start and run several businesses from all over the world. I love my MacBook Pro and investing in it was the smartest move I made.

Whether you are freelancing, doing graphic design, blogging or editing photo or video – if you are a traveling professional, it’s hard to beat the MacBook Pro. If you’re in the market for the best lightweight laptop that still has a ton of storage space, the 16.2-inch MacBook is the best choice for you. Weighing less than a 2 kg, this is the best lightweight laptop for travel. Overall, the MacBook Pro is one of the fastest computers on the market. It’s the best traveling laptop for digital nomads, but you have to pay for it.

This is a great choice for bloggers, freelance photographers , etc too. It outperforms the other laptops on this list, but if you’re not set on the Mac OS system, the Dell XPS and Microsoft Surface Book have competing specs for a much more affordable cost.

• Powerful – can handle anything
• Great battery life
• Great for Digital Nomads or professionals
• Unnecessary for normal web users

Is the MacBook Pro for you?

If you can afford a notebook above $1800, or have to bite the bullet because of work, these laptops are going to be fantastic options because they have powerful processors, larger storage space, and better quality build.

High-end laptops are the best laptops for travelling photographers, videographers, laptop bloggers, etc., but not necessary for the average traveller.

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The Dell XPS is best mid-range laptop for travel because of its superb battery life, 7th-generation Core performance and excellent Wi-Fi range. I love that it has more ports than on competing laptops, as well as an SD port. It also has a touch-screen higher-resolution option (for a bit more weight and quite a bit more money).

As for its design, the Dell XPS has a comfortable soft-touch, carbon-fibre deck, infinity display, and rose-colour option. Often the trade off for a thin, best ultralight laptop is shorter battery life and too few ports. The XPS 13, however, gives you nearly 14 hours of battery power, and all the connection options you need while also remaining pretty light and compact for travel.

If you are a PC user, the Dell XPS 13″ is the best travel computer within the $1000 range. Though if you want more memory than 256MB, or an i7 processor, you will have to pay more money. This is a high quality laptop at a great price…

• Incredible value
• Powerful – good for those who  work and travel
• Great alternative if you don’t like Apple products
• Pricey for a PC
• Touch screen option is very expensive

Is the Dell XPS right for you?

For under $1000, you should be able to find a high quality travel laptop for many of the specs that matter most to the average traveler: weight, portability, and reliability. If you are willing to spend a couple hundred more, I would recommend picking up the Dell…

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This is definitely one of the best-value laptops/tablets for travel! You essentially get the portability and ease of use of a tablet with a detachable keyboard. The Microsoft Surface book is lightweight and portable, but you can still run programs like Lightroom and upload your travel photos and videos. The Stylus Pen is a truly innovative and amazing addition as well.

While this isn’t the cheapest laptop in this guide, the Microsoft Surface book is definitely one of the best value laptops on the markets since you are getting a great tablet and computer all-in-one. When it comes to weight, size, features, battery, I think this is the best travel laptop for your money but if you are going pro and embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, I would recommend getting a Macbook instead.

The Microsoft Surface book is a great laptop for photographers and allows you to run Lightroom, Adobe Premier, and other intensive programs.This is the best Windows 10 option for creatives and travellers needing versatility, speed, and power. While technically a powerful laptop, this is also one of the best tablets for travel. It has a battery on the detachable screen and actual computer. When both are charged you can get up to 12 hours battery life.

The 6th generation processor is not as speedy as the 7th generation in the MacBook Pro, but it’s a bit more affordable. The Surface Book also has a leg up on graphics performance in comparison to the MacBook Pro.

• Great value
• Laptop AND a tablet
• Overall pick for best value
• Not powerful enough for professionals/Digital Nomads
• Not as durable

Is the Surface right for you?

People who need discrete graphics, want a powerful computer that is also a 2-1, and Microsoft program integration will find this laptop to be one of the best options out there.

To take full advantage of the separate graphics chip and power, you have to invest more than the starting price and pay for an upgrade, but it’s totally worth it.

The Lenovo is one of the best ultra-lightweight laptops in the budget price range. This Windows OS laptop has 9 hours of battery life, a nice design, and is one of the cheapest light laptops for travel. The performance is good enough for web surfing, editing documents, and viewing movies. The keyboard and touchpad’s quality, however, is less than subpar.

Overall, this is a cheap laptop and a solid choice for the minimal traveller, who wants to stream online and run basic programs. This is definitely not adequate for anybody who needs to work online and certainly the Lenovo cannot handle Lightroom or other photo editing programs.

The team felt this was a great option for those with pretty basic needs looking for something lightweight, affordable and that performs well enough given the tasks expected of it. For those working mostly on word processors and looking to store their travel photos, this is a great option. The standard edition comes with a massive hard drive too making it great for storing and doing some basic processing to travel photos on the road.

• Good for basic surfing and Netflix-ing
• Not durable

Is the Lenovo right for you?

If you are trying to get any work done or be productive, the Lenovo is NOT for you. This is a budget computer that can handle some basic browsing and streaming for the few years it lasts. If that is what you need it for, then this is one of the best budget options!

This is one of the top travel laptops out there because of its versatility and price range compared to the competition. However, the biggest drawback is that the Surface Pro Keyboard  must be bought separately (and costs an extra $120)! The Surface Pro can easily function as an ebook reader, travelling tablet, sketchpad, and video player all-in-one, making it the best tablet for travel, hands down. Plus, I can say from experience that it has awesome resolution and a sharp screen, making it great for watching movies on a plane/bus/train.

Its most stand out features are its touch screen and surface pen stylus. The pen has been tested by comic artists and graphic designers for its accuracy and real-feel! (The pen even learns your handwriting!)

The device doesn’t have as much storage space or processing power as its sister product, the Surface Book, so an external drive is crucial! Though you can upgrade to 256MB or 512MB, it will make the surface pro significantly more expensive.

• Best tablet for travel
• Super light
• Spectacular resolution
• Lacks power/storage
• Not ideal to get serious work done

Is the Surface Pro 7 for you?

The Surface Pro 7 is the best tablet for travel, and with the keyboard one of the most versatile laptops on the market and is definitely worth considering.

What are 2-1 Laptops?  They are travel tablets that can be converted into full laptops. Unlike conventional tablets, they’re made to be used offline and can run computer programs. Moreover, unlike with normal tablets, 2-1 laptops allow you to upload data (music, videos, photos, documents).

Just keep in mind, 2-1 laptops rarely have enough storage space for a lot of videos and photos. A 2-1 tablet/laptop isn’t the best laptop for GoPro users or videographers either since they cannot run intensive video editing programs without sacrificing performance and speed.

1. Samsung Chromebook

The Samsung Chromebook Plus offers a decent design, long battery life, touchscreen, and a hybrid hinge that turns it into a tablet, and is the lightest Chromebook on this list.

Unlike other ChromeBooks, this one is using the sister system, that allows you to download Android apps and use them offline, making it a great Chromebook for travel.

As an alternative to expensive and heavy Macbooks, the team felt the Samsung Chromebook Plus was a really viable option for those not wanting to travel with that kind of laptop but wanting similar performance levels.

2. Acer Chromebook

The Acer Chromebook is one of the better budget lightweight laptops on the market. The laptop has ultra portability, a comfortably sized keyboard, and a touchscreen. The downside is it does feel very “cheap” with a plastic like frame. At 1.1 Kg and 11.6 inches, this is one of the best budget laptops for surfing the internet, and a great option if you’re looking for a small, portable laptop to stream movies on or run other basic tasks with.

Note:  I have listed the starting price for the storage space available. Often you can add more storage space for a higher price.

3. Lenovo Yoga 910

An alternative to the Surface Pro and another one of the best tablets for traveling is another hybrid with cool features like a fingerprint sensor. At 1.4kg (3.09lbs), the Yoga 910 is a heavier than most 2-1s, but also has more storage space to start, an all-metal finish, the latest Kaby Lake processors (i7), and 14in HD display.

It’s reasonably well-priced for a hybrid of this quality, but there is a cheaper, more basic version called the Lenovo Yoga 710 if you’re trying to save some cash. The 910, however, is the best no-compromise option for work and pleasure making it one of the best laptops for travel and digital nomad life.

Tie Between MacBook Pro and Dell XPS 13 for the best travel laptop

MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro is the best laptop for travel for Mac users, who want the fastest, most reliable computer on the market. The MacBook Pro uses Kaby Lake processors (Intel’s seventh generation chips), has a sleek design, retina (2560 x 1600-pixel) display, touch ID, and the best rated audio sound.

The Dell XPS is the best Windows 10-based laptop. It comes with 13.3 HD display, nearly 14 hours of battery power, and all the connection options you while remaining plenty light and compact for travel. This is a great choice if you want to save a bit of cash and avoid Macs…

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Price is probably the most important factor when choosing the best laptop for traveling.

Unless you are working online, you really don’t need to spend $1000+ to get the best travel laptop. There are several cheap travel laptops and mid-range options that make great laptops for travel.

Remember that high-value items, such as a top of the range laptop, are often harder to claim for on insurance. There are some cheap lightweight laptop options on the market too and overall the price of laptops continues to come down… You get what you pay for though so if you need a laptop for work, I recommend not going for the cheapest laptop option.

2. Portability

Portability is especially essential for the on-the-go, minimal traveler, and an important factor to consider when choosing the best laptop for travel.

You want something lightweight so that your backpack doesn’t end up weighing too much (As we say in the hiking world, ounces add pounds and pounds add pain!). If you haven’t yet picked up a backpack for your trip, check out this post for plenty of backpack inspiration. 

Your laptop’s size is also important (usually correlating with weight) to easily pull your computer in/out of your bag at the TSA security line, etc. The smallest travel laptops and tablets have less storage space and processing power, but they are also cheap and highly portable. If you are going to be on the road a lot, I recommend trying to find a lightweight laptop.

If you have a smaller unit, you can also invest in a smaller laptop bag . So portability not only applies to the laptop itself, but what you’re going to use to carry it.

3. Battery Life

It’s always nice to have a reliable battery life, especially if you are taking your laptop up into the mountains. The best laptops on the market have at least 8 hours of battery life, and some can last for an entire day. If you are spending a lot of time off the grid and still need access to your laptop then consider picking up a portable battery capable of charging a laptop.

Quick travel tip: make sure your wi-fi and blue tooth are turned off (when you’re not using them) to save battery!

4. Storage Space

Most of the top travel laptops (with ample battery life and affordability) lack a large amount of storage space, and if you’re going to store a lot of photos and videos from your travels, it’s important to have ample hard drive space!

I’ve found it’s well worth investing in a cloud drive and/or an external hard drive, especially since photos and videos take up a lot of room. This way you don’t have to sacrifice laptop portability for storage space on the actual laptop.

My first backpacking laptop, a MacBook Air, didn’t have too much storage space so I kept a lot of my photos and videos on Dropbox and stored my movies on a nearly bulletproof portable hard drive .

Typical external drives with 1 terabyte cost around $80 USD, and cloud storage (through Google, Dropbox Microsoft, etc.) average around $10 a month. It’s also important to back up your files in case your travel laptop gets stolen (like my friend Ana’s did in Costa Rica)!

5. Processing Power

If you are running editing programs and high-resolution videos, you should also prioritize the processing power.

The CPU is like the “brain” of your computer. At the moment, Intel Core i7 is the highest performer, but also the most expensive. Intel Core i5 should work for most of the best travel computers, and anything older is fine if you’re just surfing the web.

A separate graphics chip allows gamers, 3D designers, and high-res video editors to run their programs without taking up a ton of RAM and slowing the overall performance of the computer.

An integrated graphics chips (one that shares system memory) is just fine if you don’t have these needs.

If you want a separate graphics chip, keep in mind Apple only puts separate graphics chips in their MacBook Pro 15in computers. The 15 inch MacBooks are more expensive, and in my opinion, anything over 13 inches is too large to be considered one of the best laptops to travel with.

6. Do you prefer Mac, Windows, or Chrome OS?

Most laptops run one of these three operating systems: Windows, Chrome OS, or Mac OS X (for MacBooks only).

Windows notebooks offer the largest range of options for the best travel laptop. The newest window computers offer cool features like touch screens, 2-1 convertible tablets, fingerprint readers, and dual graphics chips.

Mac’s newest operating system, MacOS Sierra, comes with all Apple computers. Once you get the hang of Apple’s programs and trackpad/keyboard short cuts, Mac is the best user-friendly laptop (in my opinion) for the average person who knows nothing about computer engineering or coding.

Macs are expensive, but also reliable, which is important when you are travelling around the world and don’t have time/money to take a computer in for repairs.

Chrome-OS is Google OS’ – simple and secure operating system, usually available on small portable laptops. The drawback? It’s mainly limited to surfing the web, checking email, and navigating social networks, not doing stuff offline. Still, ChromeBooks are the best cheap and light laptops for the minimal traveller.

Conclusion? Most travellers are going to need to prioritise versatility , weight , battery life , and price when picking the best travel laptop. Digital nomads and travellers working remotely are going to need powerful laptops for travel to handle multi-tasking and intensive programs.

Q. What is the best laptop for the money?

In my humble opinion, the best value laptop is definitely the Microsoft Surface Book  – from a specs / weight / price ratio, this laptop outperforms all the others.

Q. What is the best cheap laptop?

The Lenovo Idea Pad  is the best cheap laptop on the market at the moment. It is adequate for streaming movies and casual web browsing but that’s about it… Still, for less than $300, it’s a steal.

Q. What is the lightest travel laptop?

The MacBook Air  is the most compact, thinnest and lightest laptop for traveling on the market… If space and weight is your primary concern, this is the laptop to choose.

Q. What is the best laptop for blogging?

The Macbook Pro  is the best laptop for bloggers and photographers – it can handle whatever you throw at it and edit photos without any problems, even on very advanced, space hungry, software.

Q. What is the smallest travel laptop?

The Macbook Air  takes the gold again for the smallest laptop for traveling…

Q. What is the most durable laptop?

The Macbook Pro  is the toughest laptop in this list and if you put it in a case it can take some knocks… Still, be careful with it.

Q. Should I travel with a laptop or a tablet?

A 2-1 will give you a lot more versatility than just traveling with a laptop or a tablet. If you ARE a fan of tablets, I recommend that you consider getting a 2-1 laptop / tablet combo rather than just a tablet. The Microsoft Surface 7 Pro  is definitely the best 2-1 laptop / tablet on the market.

There is no perfect or exact science when it comes to testing out what the best work travel laptop is. Having been digital nomads for a number of years, we think we’re in a decent position to give our 2 cents on the matter!

So when it came to assessing the best travel computers, we looked at a few different factors like specific performance for certain jobs and tasks, memory, storage, speed, weight and durability too. Of course, when it comes to the best laptop for travel and work, much of what is needed is individual depending on your needs. But we tried to cover most of the common uses as well as generalised purposes for travelling with a laptop.

Finally, we also take into account how an item is priced. Travel computers vary wildly in price and the most expensive isn’t always the best for your needs and your trip. However, we did scrutinise the more expensive laptops and gave the cheaper ones a bit more leeway.

Still have some questions about the best laptops for travel? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What is the overall best travel laptop?

The perfect all-rounder for digital nomads is the Macbook Air . It packs style, efficiency, plenty of battery life and storage space and a solid operating systen in one little rectangle. For even more storage space, we’d suggest upgrading to a Macbook Pro .

What is the most affordable travel laptop?

The Lenovo Ideapad is one of the best budget options for digital nomads. While the value might not be as high as a Macbook, you’ll definitely get some real bang for your buck.

Which is the lightest travel laptop?

The Macbook Air is one of the best lightweight travel laptops on the market, with only 2.5lbs!

Should I get an insurance for my laptop during my travels?

Hell yes! If you’re relying on your laptop, having your electronics insured is one of first steps to travelling without any worries.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

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There you have it!

Our epic reviews of the most versatile laptops, the most cost-efficient laptops, the best laptop for blogging and digital nomads and, of course, the best budget laptop on the market.

Overall, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the listed choices. I personally tend to lean towards MacBooks because of their reliability and my own personal experiences.

However, some of the newest Microsoft, Lenovo, and Dell laptops have unique, useful features like touch screen, and 2-1 convertibility that give them a leg up as the best traveling laptops.

If you just want the best cheap travel laptop to surf the web and stream online, one of the budget laptops or Chromebooks would be perfect for you.

You will need to upgrade from the ChromeBooks and budget options to one of the travelling tablet 2-1’s or more expensive laptop options if you want to store data but you can get around this by buying a portable hard drive. Personally, I’m a big fan of Macbook Pros but what does the data say? When we compare all the factors, what is the best laptop for traveling?

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30 Comments

Great article and certainly needed. However, I wouldn’t use a Lenovo product, even if you gave it to me for free. They have lots of problems!

Nicely comprised info for travelers. Like you, I once brought a laptop while traveling, only for it to not turn on due to the none air conditioned climate. It worked fine once I got back to the air conditioned USA. Do you have a laptop suggestion for those traveling to poor areas where cool flowing air is not an option? I’ve heard someone say there are ASUS laptops that can take the heat, but I have yet to find an article that states this.

This is a tough question because I feel like most laptops would be susceptible to this problem. You should buy a laptop with a high-quality frame or invest in an industrial-grade laptop.

Hey, thanks for your effort. I love working outside and i am trying to become more independent. After going through your choices real quick, the microsoft surface pro seems to be the most fit for me. Although i would love to be able to use a powerbank or something to charge it. Any suggestions in that regard?

The most important information thats missing for me is, the ability to work outside. Are all of them equal in that regard? Will i be able to work in the sun? Because my current notebook will not let me do that.

Hey Flo! I’m working off a Surface Pro 4 and I love mostly love it…. Mine has a factory error that dates back to 2016, but new ones should be fine. I’m able to work in the sun… if I need to. But working in the sun is both miserable and can cause eye damage. You’re not meant to be focusing on tiny text on a screen while inundated with blazing sunlight!

The best Windows 10 option for creatives and travelers needing versatility, speed, and power. While technically a powerful laptop, this is also one of the best tablets for travel. I will go for it.

I think this is great and you have totally nailed it by making that statement. Right on.

Thanks for the review. I am going to making some tour videos and for that, I will buy a laptop for video editing. I hope MacBook Pro will do that job greatly.

very informative blog, to bring a laptop while traveling actually I am making a plan to go an India for some time before that I definitely will check your mention points like battery life, processing power etc.

I’ve had my MacBook Air for a couple years now and it’s starting to show signs of needing replacement. Kinda nervous about this and what Apple is currently offering. Hopefully, it will hold out for a bit longer to see what else Apple might have in store.

You should really add the “Surface Laptop” to the list, it’s a great little laptop that allows you to choose how much storage you want along with three different processor options

I am looking for a new laptop and your list is helpful. Thank you.

Thank you for sharing this. A lot of people recommended me to buy the MacBook pro definitely expensive but worth every penny especially for us freelancer who like to travel and do work not just outside our home. Anyways, thank you for sharing this list. I love that you also share how informative and being detailed about the pros and cons.

Glad you found our laptop reviews helpful Esther! I’m a Macbook Pro man myself! 🙂

Please stop using the term “Digital Nomad.” It’s cringeworthy… Also, being a “DM” isn’t the only reason to have a high-powered laptop.

If you have heaps of money to spend on a high end laptop purely for leisure then good for you dude but for most people that kind of investment is only worth making if you’re going to be working online, with your laptop, as you travel.

that was wonderful details on the travel laptpops for all the techno freaks. Good post with all the essential details.

The performance of the SurfaceBook 2 is everything you could want form a laptop and thanks to the dual battery the battery life on offer here is impressive from a performance-focused device.

While choosing the laptop for traveling it is most important to consider which specs will optimize the digital experience. Which type of laptop is best for traveling and also how you plan to use your laptop while traveling

I’m definitely a windows user! The surface book 2 is just awesome, I’m gonna buy it soon.

Chromebooks are pretty much the perfect laptop for travelling. I mean not only are they cheap and super light and portable, but you can’t do much on them – which hopefully means you’ll STAY THE HECK OFF OF THEM and actually enjoy your vacation 😉

Comprehensive and detailed. I love that you have included comparison and required specs of the different travel laptops. I’d go for portability, memory, and battery life. Thanks for providing the best choices!

Hii Will Hatton,

I would like to say big thank you for your post. I really love to read it , this is such a very appreciable & informative post for each travelers. Keep posting

Yeah portability is what makes laptops great 🙂

I’ve been looking for a laptop to use for my business when I am away from home. So glad I found your blog. It has great info and I think I’ve narrowed it down to 2 different ones. Price is going to effect my choice, but that’s how it goes.

Hi, I’m going to India this winter but I’m also a student so I do have to be checking my laptop to see if my assignments and homework. I’m a little worried about wifi coverage. When you go to 3rd world countries how do you get reliable wifi? What provider/coverage plan do you use?

You’ll be fine – WiFi can be found in most places these days, which is kind of a shame. I don’t have reliable WiFi when I travel, I just get on with it.

Yes, but what no travel writer thinks to mention is which of these computers, all or none or in between, can connect to Channels 12 (in Canada and the rest of the world) 13 (in Europe and the rest of the World) and 14 in Japan. I’ve bought devices in the past, for world traveling, only to discover that the devices had been needlessly throttled for US customers at the firmware level. In other words, they could only connect on Channels 1-11.

Hi Will, Great detailed post. For me, a travel laptop has to be extra portable and have long-lasting battery. Chromebooks tend to meet those requirements and I always keep one for when I am on the road.

I’m truly impressed with your business finesse while traveling in some really interesting places. Nicely done!

I used to be a MacBook fan, but this last one as well as my latest iPhone has made me look elsewhere. The Dell XPS and the Lenovo Yoga products definitely seems to get great reviews and rock solid performance. I think I’ll be checking them out next. And, of course, your travel on $10 a day…didn’t think that was possible anymore! Thanks for some great reads

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9 Best Travel Laptops for Digital Nomads

What to look for in a travel laptop

Portability, battery life.

Connectivity

Best travel laptops from hp, 1. hp elitebook notebook.

What makes it great for travel

• Weight : Starting at 2.74 lbs (non-touch); starting at 2.96 lbs (touch)
• Dimensions : 12.11 x 8.05 x 0.7 inches
• Battery life : Up to 14 hours and 15 minutes
• Durability : Distinctive, ultra-slim aluminum design
• Connectivity : Intel AX201 Wi-Fi 6 (2 x 2) and Bluetooth 5 combo, non-vPro; Intel XMM 7360 LTE-Advanced Cat 9; Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 5G LTE Cat 20
• Instantly block prying eyes from the ability to view your screen with HP Sure View Reflect
• Find your PC with Tile using the mobile application even when it’s turned off
• Know if someone has tried to open your laptop’s cover thanks to HP Tamper Lock intrusion detection technology
• Windows 10 Pro 64
• 11th Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor
• Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• 13.3-inch diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080), IPS, anti-glare, 250 nits, 45% NTSC display
• 8GB memory (RAM) up to 64GB
• 256GB SSD storage up to 2TB
• 720p HD camera

2. HP Elite Dragonfly notebook

• Weight : Starting at 2.18 lbs
• Dimensions : 11.98 x 7.78 x 0.63 inches
• Battery life : Up to 24.5 hours
• Durability : Built with lightweight magnesium; durable, iridescent dragonfly blue finish, diamond cut accents
• Connectivity : Intel Dual Band Wireless-AX201 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2 x 2) WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5 Combo vPro
• HP Sure View Reflect for defense against prying eyes
• Guard against malicious surveillance with HP Sure Shutter, an integrated physical shutter activated by a dedicated key on the keyboard
• Lock your laptop if it’s been physically opened or compromised with HP Tamper Lock
• 11th Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor with 4 cores
• Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• 13.3-inch diagonal BrightView LED FHD touchscreen with Corning Gorilla Glass display
• 16GB RAM up to 32G
• 256GB NVMe SSD up to 2TB
• 720p HD+IR camera with integrated electronic privacy shutter

3. HP Elite x2 convertible notebook

• Weight : Starting at 1.83 lbs (tablet); starting at 2.58 lbs (tablet with keyboard)
• Dimensions : 11.39 x 8.5 x 0.35 inches (tablet); 11.39 x 8.74 x 0.56 inches (tablet with keyboard)
• Battery life : HP Long Life 2-cell, 47 Wh Li-ion polymer; Fast-charging to 50% in 30 minutes
• Durability : Crafted from durable premium CNC aluminum with diamond cut accents; kickstand helps stabilize the PC
• Connectivity : Intel WiFi 6 AX201 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5 combo, vPro
• Protect from prying eyes with the physical shutter of HP Privacy Camera
• Rear and front (IR camera enabled for facial recognition)
• Block others from viewing your screen with HP Sure View Gen 3
• Secure your system when you browse the internet or view untrusted documents with HP Sure Click
• Detect attacks or removal attempts and restore applications to their original state with the continuously operating HP Sure Run
• 11th Generation Intel Core i5 processor
• 13.0-inch WUXGA+ (1920 x 1280) touchscreen display
• 8GB RAM up to 16GB
• 720p HD IR camera (user-facing), 8MP rear camera (world-facing)

4. HP Spectre x360 convertible laptop

• Weight : Starting at 2.88 lbs
• Dimensions : 12.08 x 7.66 x 0.67 inches
• Battery life : Up to 22 hours
• Durability : Crafted from a single piece of aluminum; 360-degree-rotating hinges that are innovatively engineered, strong, easily adjustable, and protect the display
• Connectivity : Intel WiFi 6 AX 201 (2 x 2) and Bluetooth 5 Combo
• Fingerprint reader
• Integrated FHD IR webcam with unhackable privacy camera kill switch
• Dedicated microphone mute button; optional integrated privacy screen
• Windows 10 Home 64
• 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor up to an Intel Core i7 (both 4 cores)
• Intel Iris Plus Graphics
• 13.3-inch diagonal FHD or optional 4K UWVA BrightView micro-edge AMOLED multitouc h display
• 8GB to 16GB RAM

5. HP Chromebook x360 convertible laptop

• Weight : Starting at 2.98 lbs
• Dimensions : 10.71 x 8.5 x 0.68 inches
• Battery life : Up to 13 hours and 15 minutes
• Durability : Optimized, streamlined, and premium metal design
• Connectivity : Intel Wireless-AC 9560 802.11 b/g/n/ac (2x2) WiFi and Bluetooth 5 Combo (MU-MIMO supported)
• Security : Kensington Nano Security Slot

Additional features

• Intel Celeron dual-core processor
• Intel UHD Graphics 600
• 12-inch diagonal HD+ touch display IPS micro-edge WLED-backlit multitouch-enabled edge-to-edge glass (1366 x 912)
• 32GB eMMC storage

6. HP ENVY notebook

• Weight : 2.88 lbs
• Dimensions : 12.07 x 7.66 x 0.67 inches
• Battery life : Up to 18 hours
• Durability : Elevated keyboard hinge for easy, ergonomic typing
• Connectivity : Intel WiFi 6 AX 201 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5 combo (supporting Gigabit file transfer speeds)
• Security : HP Sure View Privacy Screen; camera privacy shutter
• 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor up to Intel Core i7 (4 cores)
• Intel Iris Xe Graphics up to NVIDIA GeForce MX450 (2GB)
• 13.3-inch diagonal FHD, IPS, BrightView, micro-edge, WLED-backlit display
• 256GB SSD storage up to 1TB

7. HP ENVY x360 convertible notebook

• Weight : 2.92 lbs
• Dimensions :12.07 x 7.66 x 0.65 inches
• Durability : Tested, highly durable metal hinges with a long lifespan
• Connectivity : Realtek Wi-Fi 5 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5 combo and Intel WiFi 6 AX 200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5 combo
• HP Sure View Privacy Screen
• Camera privacy shutter
• Microphone mute button
• AMD Ryzen 3 processor with 4 cores up to AMD Ryzen 7 4700U (8 cores)
• AMD Radeon Graphics
• 13.3-inch diagonal FHD multitouch-enabled display IPS, BrightView, WLED-backlit, 1000 nits
• 8GB up to 16GB RAM
• 128GB up to 1TB SSD storage

8. HP ProBook laptop

• Weight : 2.2 lbs
• Dimensions : 12.11 x 8.05 x 0.71 inches
• Battery life : Up to 20 hours
• Durability : Robust all-metal chassis and aerodynamic edges; spill resistant, backlit HP Premium Keyboard with drain and DuraKeys
• facial recognition camera; manage authentication policies with HP Client Security Manager Gen6
• Connectivity : Realtek RTL8822CE 802.11ac (2x2) and Bluetooth 5 and Intel AX200 Wi-Fi 6 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5
• HP Sure View Reflect
• Stay protected with HP Sure Start Gen6, the self-healing BIOS that automatically recovers itself from attacks or corruption
• Fortify data security with multiple authentication factors such as optional fingerprint sensor and IR
• AMD Ryzen 3 APU Processor with 4 cores up to AMD Ryzen 7 5800U with 8 cores
• 13.3-inch FHD display
• 8GB up to 32GB RAM
• 128GB up to 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD

9. HP ZBook mobile workstation

• Dimensions : 12.73 x 8.45 x 0.71 inches
• Battery life : Up to 14 hours
• Durability : Designed for ultimate durability having undergone 19 intense MIL-STD 810H tests
• Connectivity : Intel WiFi 6 AX201 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5 combo, non-vPro
• HP Sure Start
• HP Tamper Lock
• Defend against firmware and malware attacks with HP Sure Sense
• 11th Generation Intel Core i5 processor up to i7 with 4 cores
• Intel Iris Xe Graphics or NVIDIA T500 graphics
• 14-inch diagonal FHD IPS, anti-glare, HP DreamColor display
• 8GB up to 64GB RAM
• 256 GB up to 2TB SSD storage

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What are you looking for?

12 best travel laptops you can buy in 2024 [for all budgets].

Bradley and I have been digital nomads for around 5 years now.

And one of the most important things we’ve invested in is our laptops. 

They are what we use to run our business and if they didn’t work well, then we’d be in trouble!

Over the years, we’ve used a number of brilliant laptops for travel, and we thought it would be a good idea to give you some guidance on the best travel laptops on the market this year. 

We’ve done a lot of research, and we’ve included all the best ones we’ve found, including the laptops we currently use, and laptops we have previously used. 

So, if you’re in search of a laptop to suit your travel needs, then look no further. We’ve got you covered!

Want a quick answer? Our top pick is the Asus Zenbook 13 .

Travellerspoint

Quick roundup of our top picks

What to look at when choosing a travel laptop

The best laptops for travelers excel in many or all of the following categories ...

Before actually thinking about the features and specs of the laptop, make sure you know your budget. It’s also worthwhile to compare laptops on a similar price point so you can choose the best one, without spending more than you should.

2. Weight and Size

The portability of a laptop matters too, especially for travel. Is it lightweight and small enough to make it convenient to travel with? Would it need a suitcase to fit? How heavy is it to lug around on a two-week backpacking trip ? Can it breeze through airport security?

These are just some questions to consider in terms of your laptop’s weight and size. It helps to know what you need!

3. Battery Life 

Longer battery life typically correlates with a higher price tag, but if you’re working on the road, having a long battery life can make your life so much easier!

Even if you’re stuck on a long flight or train journey where you can’t plug your laptop into a power source, a powerful laptop means you can still work.

4. Storage Space 

Again, you’ll pay more for more storage, but think of this as a long-term investment. Storage is especially crucial if you create content such as videos and photos, as they take up more space than mere word documents.

An option is to buy an external hard drive to expand your storage capacity. It can be a great alternative if you don’t have the budget to buy a higher storage capacity to begin with.

5. What RAM do you need?

RAM (Random Access Memory) is where your laptop stores data before processing them, and its size affects how well your laptop can handle “multi-tasking”.

Imagine editing photos on Lightroom, then writing a blog article on Google Docs, and then watching a YouTube video ( p.s. Check out our channel ). Having a large RAM lets you switch between tasks smoothly.

Here’s a quick summary of the most common RAM sizes:

• 4GB: Great for general browsing, word editing software, and writing emails.
• 8GB: Everything above, plus video calls and light photo editing. If you’re running a simple blog without doing anything too heavy, 8GB of RAM should be enough.
• 16GB : You’ll need at least this amount for editing up to 4K videos and photos while multitasking. It’s the minimum RAM size for digital nomads. Trust us, it will make your life (and travel) much easier!
• 32GB: Usually used in gaming laptops or heavy video editing, and by that we don’t mean travel or Youtube videos, we’re talking movie quality stuff!

Of course, the more RAM, the more expensive the laptop, so it’s important to strike a balance between what you need your laptop to do, and your budget. 

6. Processing Power 

If you are running editing programs and high-resolution videos, you should also prioritize the processing power. Trust us, this will make working on your laptop so much more enjoyable.

The CPU is like the heart and brain of your laptop. For high-power activities like video editing, you need to go for at least an i7, although the i9 is now on the market and the most powerful.

We opted for high processing power as Adobe Premier Pro can be very demanding for video editing, especially during the rendering process. Cloud/browser based video editors like Clipchamp may be less demanding for laptops with lower processing power.

i5 will work for a travel laptop if you’re not doing anything too heavy, or don’t mind editing at a buffering pace and have a lot of patience. However, anything less than an i5 processor (i3) will not be suitable as a travel laptop unless you just plan on answering emails and surfing the internet.

A separate graphics chip allows gamers, 3D designers, and high-res video editors to run their programs without taking up a ton of RAM and slowing the overall performance of the computer.

I use an i7 CPU and this allows me to edit video footage, including 4k very easily, and I can edit on Lightroom, Photoshop, and After Effects without any issues. It can also perform multiple of these tasks at one without crashing, which is a real testament to the quality! 

7. Do you have a software preference: Windows vs Apple vs Chrome OS?

Apple may seem like the quintessence of all technology brands, but if you don’t already use their products or like the Apple software system, there is no point in getting an Apple laptop. 

But if you already use Apple and want easy integration with their other products, then it would make sense to choose one of their laptops. 

For us, we don’t like Apple products and opt for Windows instead. It has never let us down so far, and there are so many more options to choose from!

Pros of Windows Operating System

• Excellent compatibility with Microsoft software
• Easier to upgrade
• Familiar interface, even for non-techy users
• More budget and model options

Cons of Windows Operating System

• More vulnerable to virus and hackers
• Windows updates may feel disruptive
• The huge range of options can be overwhelming

Pros of Apple Operating System

• Seamless integration with other Apple devices
• Feels premium and very durable
• Excellent for video, photo, and audio editing

Cons of Apple Operating System

• Extremely pricey and limited choice
• Few options for hardware
• May need to buy tons of adaptors

Pros of Chrome Operating System

• Feels fast compared to Windows laptop of the same price
• Easy set-up and usage 
• Chromebooks have great battery life

Cons of Chrome Operating System

• Cannot run Windows software
• Most web-based apps won't’ work without connection
• Weaker build, screen and audio quality

The 12 Best Travel Laptops

1. asus zenbook 13 - best overall travel laptop.

Weight: 1.11 kg

Battery Life: Up to 13 hours

Specs: Intel® Core™ i7-1165G7 Processor, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD

Display: 13.3", Full HD 1920 x 1080p

Operating system: Windows

In terms of weight, size, power and price, we decided that the ASUS Zenbook 13 comes out top as the best travel laptop you can currently buy.

It's not the most powerful on this list, but it is still an absolutely amazing piece of kit and is the exact laptop I have been suing since late 2018 on our trip to Sri Lanka .It is still working 100% the same as it did when we first bought it and I have used it to run our website for more than 3 years now.

It does everything most travelers could possibly need, and more; and costs roughly 40% less than it's slightly more powerful counterparts (the DELL XPS 13 and Apple MacBook Air 13 - both discussed below).

Battery life is also a key component of any great travel laptop and the ASUS Zenbook 13 boasts up to 18 hours of battery life, which in addition to its compact and ultralight design, makes it perfect for travelling.

Plus, the Zenbook 13 is the world’s thinnest 13” laptop that still has complete I/O ports, including USB-A and HDMI. It's small enough to even fit in my Loctote Flak Sack , which is testament to it's power-to-size ratio.

If you like having a number pad but don’t want to carry large laptops around, the innovative ASUS ScreenPad 2.0 will excite you! You can activate this feature and watch the touchpad light up.

Pros of the ASUS Zenbook 13

• Excellent battery life of 18 hours
• Ultra-thin design but still complete I/O ports
• Unique NumberPad 2.0 technology

Cons of the ASUS Zenbook 13

• Fan is easily triggered, which can be a bit loud
• You can’t upgrade RAM after purchasing
• Extra function keys may make keyboard feel cramped

2. Dell XPS 13 - Most powerful 13 inch travel laptop

Weight: 1.27 kg

Battery Life: Up to 4 hours

Specs: 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1195G7 Processor, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD

Display: 13.4", Full HD 1920 x 1080p

I would say that the DELL XPS 13 is definitely my second top pick for travel laptops.

Perfect for those of you that need a slightly more powerful laptop that the ASUS Zenbook 13 and are happy to pay the higher price tag.

But why is it better than the XPS 15? (discussed below).

Well, it’s not quite as powerful, but has a lower price tag, smaller screen size, weighs less, and is absolutely perfect for 90% of travellers. It’s what we would travel with if we didn’t need the video editing capabilities of the XPS 15.

At only 1.27 kg, it can easily fit into your backpack and you won’t even remember it’s there! Perfect if you’re moving around a lot and don’t want a heavy laptop. (On that note, be sure to check out the range of digital-nomad-friendly backpacks from Solgaard ).

The Dell XPS 13 has an Infinity Edge screen that is nearly borderless, so you can still enjoy beautiful colors on this display. Whether it’s for watching films or editing videos, a large screen can be very useful!

Moreover, it features the Killer 1535 Wireless-AC card , which means you will get impeccable Wi-Fi performance. It can be a lifesaver if you are travelling and working somewhere with limited connection.

Pros of the Dell XPS 13

• Extremely sleek and portable
• Infinity Edge Display with anti-glare finish
• Killer Wi-Fi performance, literally (Killer AX 1650 WiFi 6)

Cons of the DELL XPS 13

• Only one USB-C port
• No USB-A port
• Awkward camera angle

3. Dell XPS 15 - Best travel laptop for video editing

Weight: 2.05 kg

Battery Life: Up to 13.5 hours

Specs: Intel Core i7-10750H Processor, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD

Display: 15.6", Full HD 1920 x 1200p

If you’re a video editor, then you can’t go wrong with the Dell XPS 15 . It’s the one we currently use and has proven to be absolutely amazing.

You can edit 4K videos without lagging and multitask with no problem. In fact, it’s probably one of the best laptops on the market today.

It is pretty thin and easy to store in a van (as we are currently travelling in), but it’d be excellent to travel with even if we were still using a backpack.

With incredible performance and storage space, the Dell XPS 15 is a great choice if you need a high-performance laptop and aren’t too bothered by its relatively heavier weight.

One minor issue is that this laptop overheats easily. While this doesn’t actually shut down the system or affect its running, you can feel it get super hot, which is quite uncomfortable.

Top tip: If you are editing a lot, and want the extra screen space, I have been using the Duex Max Portable Screen Monitor . You plug it in via the USB port and it's a convenient way to have some extra woring space.

Pros of the DELL XPS 15 

• Super fast performance, excellent for travel vloggers and bloggers
• High-resolution screen for editing photos and watching films
• Excellent battery life, even when doing heavy work

Cons of the DELL XPS 15

• It may feel a little too heavy for backpackers
• The price can be an investment 
• It can overheat easily

4. MacBook Air M1 - 13 inch - Best Apple travel laptop

Weight: 1.29 kg

Battery Life: Up to 18 hours

Specs: Apple M1 chip and Octa-core Processor, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD

Display: 13.3", Quad HD 2560 x 1600p

Operating system: MacOS Big Sur (11.0)

Maybe Windows isn’t your thing, and you prefer using Apple OS for your travel laptop. In that case, our top recommendation would be the MacBook Air M1 . It’s thin, premium-looking, and incredibly fast.

And because it's so slim and lightweight, it can even fit in most decent camera backpacks ; great if you already carry lots of tech with you when travelling.

Obviously, the new Apple M1 chip offers astounding performance. It’s 3.5x faster and has excellent thermal efficiency. There is no fan inside the machine so it operates silently.

Better yet, it can perform heavy tasks without using up too much battery, which means you can use this laptop for up to 18 hours! We cannot stress how life-changing this can be, especially for a digital nomad who moves around a lot.

There are also additional features such as the Retina Display screen, True Tone technology , and massive 512 GB solid state drive for instantaneous loading. Plus, the updated Touch ID sensor ensures all your data is secure while you’re on the road.

Pros of the MacBook Air 

• Excellent battery life lasting whole day (18 hours)
• M1 chip is incredibly fast and powerful
• Inclusive built-in software like iMovie and GarageBand can be useful

Cons of the MacBook Air

• Limited connectivity with only two ports 
• Doesn’t support multiple screen displays
• No embedded 4G/5G option

"The MacBook Air M1 is the latest MacBook series with a custom Apple designed processor in it, tuned for the efficient execution of MacOS applications compared to the old ones. The design is thin and lightweight, similar to a ChromeBook but has the processing power of a high end laptop making it a perfect choice for travelling.

I used to travel with my ChromeBook, but it was not sufficient for travel content creation applications, whereas the MacBook solves this problem. All the Adobe applications (Lightroom, Photoshop and Illustrator) as well as Davinci, designed for video creation, work smoothly on this laptop with efficient battery usage.

This laptop is a perfect combination to go with the latest Iphone 12 Pro as your blogging camera and have all your travel content easily accessible to share on social media on the same day. MacBook Air M1 is certainly an optimized laptop from Apple with user experience in mind, perfect for travellers, due to its weight and content creation capabilities."

5. MacBook Pro 13 Inch - Most powerful Apple travel laptop

Weight: 1.4 kg

Battery Life: Up to 20 hours

Specs: Apple M1 chip and Octa-core Processor, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD

Again, if you're an Apple-fan and want the most powerful travel laptop you can get, look no further than the MacBook Pro 13” . It’s a true workhorse that can handle any intensive tasks while on the go.

Its M1 chip is obviously an advantage, but we also love that it features the Magic Keyboard. With a redesigned scissor mechanism and 1 mm of key travel, as well as an integrated Touch Bar, you can now streamline your workflow and make it super effective.

And if you thought the MacBook Air has a great battery life, then the MacBook Pro 13” is exceptional. Imagine having up to 20 hours of playback when using Apple TV, or 17 hours of wireless browsing !

It’s slightly heavier, but at 1.4 kg this is still a lightweight travel laptop that can easily fit in your backpack.

Our only complaint would be the low standard of 256 GB SSD, which despite being quite large, is still only half of most laptops nowadays. Considering the steep price tag, it’s also disappointing that the MacBook Pro 13” doesn’t come with a 1080p webcam.

Pros of the MacBook Pro

• Has one of the longest battery life for a laptop
• Fast and powerful performance from M1 chip
• Touch Bar and Touch ID fingerprint sensor
• Features Magic Keyboard for the best typing experience

Cons of the MacBook Pro

• Lower storage standard at 256 GB SSD
• Webcam is only 720p, which is mediocre for its price
• Only two Thunderbolt or USB-C ports

"I took my 13 inch Macbook Pro around the world for 14 months and couldn’t have been any happier with it. Its fast graphics performance, large storage, long lasting battery and retina display made video and picture editing a breeze. I also love the thin sleek look of it.

The 13” Macbook Pro is on the high end of laptops for price, however it’s worth the splurge if you plan to use large programs for video or picture editing on your travels. The 13” size and 3 lbs weight also make it easy to store and carry around in your backpack."

6. HP ENVY 13.3" Laptop - Intel® Core™ i5 - Best HP travel laptop

Weight: 1.3 kg

Battery Life: Up to 9.5 hours

Specs: Intel® Core™ i5-10210U Processor, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD

The HP Envy 13.3” laptop offers a stylish design and powerful performance, while its relatively affordable price tag makes it the perfect go-to laptop for those on a tighter budget.

It’s the first travel laptop we ever bought and is what we used for our first ever 4 month backpacking trip around South America.

We personally feel that this laptop could be the best laptop for travel photography, mainly because of its incredible performance. The NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics also lets you edit videos with relative ease, though you can still expect a certain degree of buffering.

The HP Envy has a screen with 400 nits, which is pretty bright and useful for working in bright spaces. Some might find the reflective screen a little distracting, but we don’t think it should be a problem for most.

Even better, you can get the model which supports a 4K display for stunning graphics and accurate colors. You can use this to view mesmerizing images at 8.2 million pixels!

Pros of the HP Envy

• Fast performance that is useful for editing high-quality images
• Bright display of 400 nits
• Powerful and excellent speakers

Cons of the HP Envy 

• Shorter battery life compared to other travel laptops
• No HDMI and Thunderbolt 3
• Reflective screen makes it harder to see in outdoor work spaces

7. ASUS C223 11.6" Chromebook - Best budget travel laptop

Weight: 1 kg

Battery Life: Up to 10 hours

Specs: Intel® Core™ Celeron N3350 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 32 GB eMMC

Display: 11.6", HD Ready 1366 x 768p

Operating system: Chrome OS

Those on a budget would love the ASUS C223 11.6" Chromebook , which in our opinion is probably the best budget travel laptop on the market today.

It’s extremely lightweight and has a thin profile (this is one of the thinnest Chromebooks). In addition to the 10 hour battery life , it really is an excellent travel companion.

However, this laptop is only suitable for basic functions like writing blog posts and basic internet browsing. It’s not capable of heavy tasks such as video or intensive photo editing. 

If all you need is a laptop to stream Netflix, Facetime your friends, reply to emails, and other less demanding tasks, this Asus Chromebook is perfect.

And coming in at under $200, it's even a viable gift for backpackers .

Pros of the Asus Chromebook

• Very affordable, especially considering its fast performance
• Lightweight and thin, so it’s easy to carry around
• High-definition images for watching films and videos

Cons of the Asus Chromebook

• Not suitable for heavy and intensive tasks
• Limited RAM of only 4 GB
• You can only use Microsoft products through subscription

8. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 - Best laptop for business travellers

Weight: 0.77 kg

Battery Life: Up to 10.5 hours

Specs: Intel® Core™ i5-1035G4 Processor, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD

Display: 12.3", Quad HD 2736 x 1824p

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 may not be the best choice for creative workers, including graphic designers and video editors, but it excels for business functions.

This 2-in-1 model which combines a laptop and tablet into one device is perfect for the travelling businessman or entrepreneur. 

In terms of versatility, it’s an absolute dream! You can use it in Tablet, Laptop, or even Studio Mode, depending on what you need at the moment. Unfortunately, you have to purchase the keyboard and pen separately, and the extra costs can add up.

However, this makes room for plenty of personalization as you can choose any color or design you want for each of the accessories.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is also very lightweight, at just 0.77 kg. Meanwhile, the high-resolution PixelSense Display and Dolby Audio Premium ensure you can enjoy a good movie comfortably.

Pros of the Microsoft Surface Pro 7

• Extremely lightweight and portable
• Switch between Laptop, Tablet and Studio Mode
• Sharp display and crisp images

Cons of the Microsoft Surface Pro 7

• Keyboard and pen are sold separately
• No Thunderbolt port
• No fan means performance can drop when used for long

9.  LENOVO IdeaPad Flex 5 - Best notebook for travel

Weight: 1.5 kg

Battery Life: Up to 10 hours battery life

Specs: Intel® Core™ i5-1035G1 Processor, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD

Display: 14", Full HD 1920 x 1080p

Compared to a laptop, a notebook is essentially its smaller, cheaper, and less powerful counterpart. But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean it’s bad!

In fact, if you’re looking for a more portable and versatile option for non-intensive tasks, then you might be better off buying the LENOVO IdeaPad Flex 5 . It’s not the lightest 2-in-1 laptop, but the design is still slim enough to fit in your laptop backpack .

This model is also something of an in-between. It’s both a laptop and tablet, while the touch screen and 360-degree hinge let you switch between modes easily.

You can be writing articles one second, scrolling through images the next, and catching up on your favorite show after that.

Also, the 10-hour battery life is pretty impressive. You can easily take only the IdeaPad to a nearby cafe or local library, and you won’t need to charge it the whole day!

Pros of the LENOVO IdeaPad

• 2-in-1 design with touch screen
• Durable, soft, and stylish chassis
• Privacy shutter for webcam

Cons of the LENOVO IdeaPad

• Relatively heavy for a 2-in-1 model; not the most portable
• 250-nit display is quite dim
• 4GB RAM is unsuitable for heavy multitasking

10. HP Spectre x360 i7

Battery Life: Up to 19.5 hours

Specs: Intel® Core™ i7-1065G7 Processor, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD

The HP Spectre x360 i7 has a 16:9 aspect ratio, which makes it excellent for streaming your favorite films and shows. Not to mention that the near borderless display is stunning too.

Aside from that, you can use this laptop to work on almost anything. It has a pretty powerful processor and 8GB RAM so you can multitask and handle heavy tasks comfortably.

However, the true charm of the HP Spectre x360 is in its exterior. It has an exquisite gem-cut design that feels premium, while the all-aluminum body is both durable and beautiful.

This HP laptop has some excellent security features too, including a fingerprint reader and privacy switch for the camera.

Lastly, true to its name, you can easily flip the screen 360-degree to get the desired viewing angle. It also works well on Tent mode for viewing texts or watching.

Pros of the HP Spectre x360

• Excellent and fast performance
• Great security features (fingerprint and face recognition
• Beautiful gem-cut design with all-aluminum body

Cons of the HP Spectre x360

• Overheats quite easily
• Fan noise can be loud and distracting
• Maximum volume may produce harsh audio

"I love my HP Spectre 360 i7 because of its top-of-the-line quality, while still being light and small enough to bring along without it being a hassle. It fits easily in my carry-on or day pack without taking up needed space.

I find that flipping between laptop and tablet modes is helpful when trying to get some work done or entertain myself, in smaller spaces such as during a train ride, on an airplane, or in the back seat of the car.

When you are a travel writer, you need to be able to easily get work done on the go. The touch screen is helpful as well when you cannot have a full desk setup. It is one of the best ultra-portable travel laptops I have had, without having to sacrifice power or usability."

11. DELL Inspiron 13

Battery Life: Up to 17 hours

Another excellent travel laptop to consider is the DELL Inspiron 13 . This is another versatile model that you can use in Laptop, Tablet or Tent Mode.

Like the IdeaPad Flex, you can use the DELL Inspiron 13 in different viewing modes and fold the screen into Tablet Mode. However unlike the Microsoft Surface laptop, you cannot actually detach the monitor from the keyboard.

Moreover, it has spectacular battery life of up to 17 hours. This is truly incredible, considering the powerful performance it also offers. With 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD, you can use this laptop for editing or even gaming.

You’ll also love the Windows Hello feature , which uses the webcam to automatically unlock the computer. Additionally, you can use the privacy shutter to feel more secure when browsing.

Pros of the Dell Inspiron 13

• Excellent battery life
• Incredible performance for a 2-in-1 model
• Full HD screen with touchscreen or Active Pen support

Cons of the Dell Inspiron 13

• Onboard memory cannot be upgraded
• Few ports and limited connectivity options
• On the heavy side for a 2-in-1 model

12. HP 14a 14" Chromebook

Weight: 1.46 kg

Specs: Intel® Celeron® N4020 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC

If you’re looking for a budget Chromebook to bring with you on your travels, the HP 14a 14" Chromebook is a brilliant choice.

We recommend this for simple tasks that can be done easier on a laptop than a smartphone. From researching or planning your journey, to streaming blockbuster films, and catching up on social media.

Plus, the virtually borderless Full HD screen is great if you’re planning to watch lots of movies or shows on the road!

Not to mention that it offers high-quality audio , thanks to the custom tuning by experts over at Bang & Olufsen.

One of the biggest drawbacks of using the HP 14a, much like other Chromebooks, is that you cannot run desktop-based software. This includes Microsoft Office, Photoshop and any graphics-intensive game. Instead, you can run them on a browser, but this will limit the functionality.

With that said, you can access Google Play, which means you will have a pretty much endless choice of apps for your every need. It’s great if you prioritize user-friendly interface and convenience over powerful performance.

• Affordable Chromebook for travel
• Large 14-inch screen for comfortable viewing
• Limitless app choices for everything
• May not be the best for demanding tasks
• You can’t run desktop-based software
• Not suitable for offline work

Other things to consider when buying a travel laptop

1. Do you need your laptop for work-related purposes?

If your job requires the use of a laptop and you’re planning to work while travelling, it’s a good idea to invest more and buy a higher-grade laptop. This is especially important if your work is related to your travels, for example if you’re a travel blogger or vlogger .

It’s better to spend more in the beginning than getting a bargain and discovering later that you can’t work because your laptop is unreliable!

2. What else will you use your laptop for?

Are you going to use your laptop just for entertainment on long journeys? Watching Netflix and browsing the internet in the evenings? For planning your travels? Editing photos and videos?

It’s great to know what you’ll be using your laptop for so you can buy accordingly, as some laptops are better suited for certain tasks.

For example, if you’re going to be editing, you might want a laptop with excellent colors and fast performance. Alternatively, for watching films, it’s nice if your laptop has high-quality audio and resolution.

If you solely want it to help plan upcoming trips , booking accommodation and finding what to do, then something more basic will be fine.

3. How light and portable do you need your laptop to be?

Travelling with a backpack immediately reduces the size and weight of the laptop you should buy. After all, you wouldn’t want your laptop to take up half the capacity of your bag.

If you plan on traveling with a larger suitcase, you might have more room for a larger laptop when packing for your trip . This also means you can enjoy more flexibility in terms of price. If you want a recommendation for a great laptop backpack, check out our Matein review .

4. What are your budget constraints?

Just like buying any gadget or electronic device, you should only buy a laptop within the price range you’re comfortable with. Our top tip is to set a budget before even starting your research. 

It will help you stick to it and not be enticed by the latest technologies and cool features which you might not necessarily need. Plus, it helps to be realistic of what a certain price point can get you.

After so long spent saving money for your travels , you don’t want to blow too much on an unnecessarily high performance laptop.

Reasons why you should travel with a laptop

If you’ve been pondering over the idea of whether getting a laptop for travel is the right choice for you. Let’s delve into some of the top benefits and reasons why getting a laptop for your travels is an awesome decision. 

1. You’re more productive 

Yes, phones have become extremely powerful and practical that you can probably perform most simple computing tasks on it. But working on a laptop is much easier and more motivating.

Even with things such as replying to emails, writing blog posts, or editing travel photos , you’ll find that a laptop allows you to do them faster. If you’re a creative individual, you may find it impossible to function on the road without a laptop.

2.  Better access to entertainment

Imagine being stuck in a hotel room with poor WiFi, or on extremely long train journeys with nothing else to do. A good laptop equals an excellent source of entertainment, whether that’s video games or watching downloaded movies.

Sure, you can do all these on a phone, but any film or TV show will surely seem more exciting on a laptop screen! Additionally, it is easier to play games together on a laptop than on a phone.

3. Easier to backup photos and videos 

If you take a lot of photos and videos throughout your travels, investing in a laptop can be worth it. It’s especially true for individuals who create for a living and might be worried about losing your content.

There are more ways to backup files on your laptop than on a phone. This includes an external hard drive, on the laptop itself, or cloud services - more options, more security!

4. Travel planning is much easier

Finally, a laptop can make planning your travels infinitely easier! It’s much simpler to book hotels, train tickets and flights, as well as map your journey on a laptop interface.

There is quite literally more space to search, open multiple tabs and plan your route, which can be frustratingly difficult on a small screen. You’ll be more efficient, which can probably save money. 

Travel laptop FAQs

What is the best travel laptop for blogging .

The Dell XPS 13 would be a good option for blogging because it’s lightweight and perfect for running all aspects of a blog.

We personally use the XPS 15, but that’s because we like the bigger screen for video editing. If you’re like us and “vlogging” as well as blogging, then the XPS 15 would be a better investment. Otherwise, the XPS 13 should be enough!

What is the best cheap laptop for travel? 

Chromebooks offer the best value for money. Out of the two listed above, we recommend going for the HP Chromebook , simply because the software in HP laptops works well. We have also used HP in the past and have never had any issues with it.

What is the lightest travel laptop? 

Strictly speaking, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 , weighing just 0.77 kg, would be the lightest travel laptop around. But it’s a 2-in-1 tablet and laptop that is more suitable for business purposes and lightweight functions. But if you’re planning on doing more intensive tasks, the ASUS Zenbook would a better bet.

Is a tablet a better option than a laptop?

Not if you’re planning on working remotely. This includes running a business, blogging, vlogging, or anything that requires heavy work, even editing pictures. A smaller laptop would still be a better investment than a tablet.

But if you simply want to stay connected on a bigger screen, watch Netflix, or reply to emails and do meetings, then a tablet would work perfectly. It’s much lighter, smaller, and more portable than even the most lightweight laptop.

Which travel laptop is right for you?

As you can see, there are a LOT of fantastic options out there.

Ultimately, which travel laptop you go for depends on …

• What you plan on using it for
• How often you travel
• How much space you have
• Your budget

Regardless of which sort of traveller you are, you should be able to find the perfect laptop from the list above.

Now, over to you …

Which laptop do you think you will go for?

Do you have any other ideas that aren’t on this list?

Just drop a comment below and let me know!

Other gear guides you might like:

• Best portable power stations
• Best GoPro alternatives
• Best travel drones

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The Best Travel Laptop for Remote Workers and Business Travelers

By Emily Price

When it come to travel these days (and especially business travel ), a laptop is an essential addition to your carry-on . But the best travel laptop isn’t always the same device you'd use while at the office. And sure, many laptops might tout that they’re great for taking on the go, but we've learned that not every option is created equal.

To identify the best travel laptop on the market, we spent the past few months working, watching movies, editing photos , and gaming on several different models before narrowing down to our six favorites. In choosing our favorites, we took a few key factors into account:

Weight: When you’re carrying a laptop around with you all day, be it to a coffee shop or in transit to your destination, an extra pound can make a dramatic difference. Almost all of the options on our list weigh in at less than two and a half pounds; some are even lighter.

Battery life: You want a laptop that’s going to be able to make it from point A to point B on a single charge, not one that’s going to run out of battery power halfway through your cross-country flight.

Performance: A light laptop won’t do you any good if you can’t get all your work done on it. We looked for laptops that packed a punch in a tiny package.

Below, the six best travel laptops to buy now, whether you're looking for something that can double as a tablet for easy vacation reading , the lightest option out there, or a laptop that functions just as well as a WFH back-up for when you're stuck at home.

All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best overall: MacBook Air 2020

The MacBook Air has been the gold standard for travelers for a while now, due to its ability to handle complex tasks without added bulk. This year’s Air replaces Apple’s problematic butterfly keyboard with a new Magic Keyboard, and offers faster graphics and double the storage capacity of previous versions. You can purchase models with up to 2TB of internal SD storage, enough to hold over 70 hours of 1080p video. You can also watch up to 12 hours of video on the device on a single charge.

Touch ID makes unlocking the laptop a snap, and the edge-to-edge Retina display offers a resolution of 2560 x 1600, making everything from web pages to videos crisp and easy to read or see. The computer weighs in at 2.8 pounds, which, while once considered light for Macs, is a bit heavier than some of the other options out there. That said, if you use a Mac already, transitioning to the Air will be a relatively seamless experience and that extra pound will likely only come into play if you have to carry the laptop around for long periods of time.

Pros: This full-powered computer with a great keyboard is easy for Mac users to transition to.

Cons: While great for web-based work, the computer gets overloaded if you need to have multiple software programs or a large volume of browser tabs open at once.

Buy now: $1,000, amazon.com

Best for work and entertainment: Lenovo Yoga C940

Lenovo’s Yoga C940 is our favorite for both work and play, thanks to its 4K display and powerful Intel Core i9 that can handle heavy photo and video editing software, on top of basics like word processing.

The keyboard side easily folds back to put the device in tablet mode, perfect for watching a movie on your tray table, and the C940 is available with storage up to 2TB, so you can queue up viewing materials for your entire trip without running out of space. The Yoga’s Dolby Atmos speaker system also makes it a solid choice for watching movies; however, the laptop weighs in at 4.41 pounds, which is almost double the weight of other options on our list.

Pros: The device's pen fits into its side, making it easy to carry around without losing it.

Cons: Travelers having to carry their gear for extended periods of time will notice the laptop’s 4.41-pound weight.

By Emily Pennington

By Charlie Hobbs

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Buy now: From $1,050, lenovo.com

Best combination laptop and tablet: LG Gram 2-in-1

LG’s 2-in-1 does double duty as both a laptop and a tablet. The 2.3-pound device folds easily in half, turning the keyboard into a stand for when you want to binge watch or video chat. It's battery life was also among the best we’ve seen, with the computer able to last up to 21 hours on a single charge.

Like some of the other Windows options we tested, the Gram 2-in-1 offers smart pen support. The laptop ships with a AAA-powered LG Stylus Pen that you can use to take handwritten notes on the screen, or mark up drawings and documents. Fingerprint recognition makes signing in as easy as touching the computer’s power button, and the laptop comes with two USB slots, in addition to the USB-C port used for power, so you can connect a few devices to it without using dongles.

Pros: The ability to fold it in half, and multiple USB ports, make this ultraportable device especially convenient.

Cons: The included pen doesn’t have a way to attach to the laptop, so you have to carry it separately. (We recommend a tech organizer like Bellroy's so you don't lose it.)

Buy now: $1,599, amazon.com

Best thin laptop: Samsung Galaxy Book S

Samsung’s Galaxy Book S is both thin and lightweight, at just .46 inches thick and 2.12 heavy, making it a great choice for travelers whose carry-on space is at a premium.

The laptop has a built-in SIM card slot, so you can also use it to connect to mobile networks through your phone plan. With the fingerprint sensor built into the power button, signing in is a breeze (and you can feel good about the added security). Since the device is so thin, it doesn’t offer any full-sized USB ports, just two USB-C ports, which means you’ll need to pack a dongle to attach any additional devices like keyboards or cameras.

The laptop isn’t as high-powered as some of the other options, so it's not the best choice for running a lot of programs at once—but those who mainly work with documents and spreadsheets on the go will have all the power they need.

Pros: The built-in SIM slot allowing access mobile networks on-the-go, and the laptop’s thin design, make it easy to use on the move.

Cons: No built-in traditional USB ports means that using the laptop with other devices is challenging, and while great for things like web browsing and word processing, the laptop lags when trying to handle more complex tasks.

Buy now: From $1,000, samsung.com

Best lightweight laptop: Microsoft Surface Pro X

Technically, this is actually a tablet that works like a laptop—but if you’re looking for something ultra-light, you’re not going to find anything as compact as Microsoft’s 1.7-pound Surface Pro X.

The tablet is 7.33mm thick (just over a quarter of an inch), making it thinner than many cell phones, even with the removable keyboard attached. (Bonus: There's a stylus tucked inside the keyboard.)

The device’s battery lasts up to 13 hours, ensuring you’ll have enough juice to make it through the day. If that battery does wane on long journeys, you can get it back to 80 percent in just an hour thanks to a quick charging feature. LTE support also allows you to stay connected even when WiFi isn’t available, helpful for road trips where you need to stay connected from the passenger seat. One downside: While it’s able to handle things like word processing, email, and spreadsheets with ease, it is a tablet after all. If you need to run more complex software, like for video editing, you might need to opt for a more high-powered machine.

Pros: Fast charging means you’ll always have power when you need it, and the ultra thin profile makes it easy to carry around. (Plus, we love a stylus that stores inside the keyboard like this one.)

Cons: The Surface Pro X tablet can’t run many applications you might use on your regular computer.

Buy now: From $1,000, microsoft.com

Best for those who need big displays: Microsoft Surface Laptop 3

While most people think of the tablet version when they hear “Surface,” Microsoft also makes a pretty solid laptop by the same name. The touchscreen laptop comes in both 13.5” and 15” varieties, the larger being the best for those who need a little extra screen to work with. The laptop’s battery can last up to 11.5 hours on a single charge, and, like the Surface Pro X, it can charge to roughly 80 percent after just an hour of being plugged in, so you could potentially get enough juice to make it through your long-haul flight just by charging up at the gate.

The Smart Pen support allows you to precisely draw on the screen or mark up documents. However, that extra screen space is reflected in the device’s weight: The 13.5” version of the laptop weighs in at 2.84 pounds, while the larger 15” is 3.40 pounds. (Both, it's worth noting, weigh less than the Lenovo Yoga, the heaviest on our list.)

Pros: The 15” version is a powerful machine with a ton of screen in a small package; and while that brilliant screen drains the battery, fast charging ensures you’ll have power when you need it.

Cons: The larger version can be heavy to carry around for longer periods of time, and the laptop is overall bulkier than other options on our list.

Packing List

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10 best travel laptops – ultimate buyer’s guide

Whether it’s for the daily commute, business trips, holidays or blogging, I know that having the best laptop for travelling can make so much difference. Finding the best travel laptops isn’t like choosing a laptop solely for use at home, however.

As someone who works from all over the world and is constantly on the move, I understand the importance of having a travel laptop that ticks all the boxes.

My guide will help you choose a laptop for travelling, whether for short-haul trips, use on a daily basis or heading off around the world.

For business travel and commuting to holidaymakers and digital nomads, discover 10 of the best travel laptops – based on my own personal experience, plus recommendations from fellow travellers.

In this guide, you’ll also find all the technical details you need (and none that you don’t).  The options to consider come from some serious brands.

Apple, of course, is represented twice in the following list (and is a personal favourite. Other options well worth considering include lightweight yet portable powerhouses from HP, Lenovo, Microsoft and more. 

From a small, light laptop for travelling that won’t break the budget to powerhouses capable of video editing, gaming and much more, here’s the full lowdown on buying the right one from yours truly.

But before listing 10 of the best travel laptops, let’s take a look at what I think you should consider when choosing. 

Author Bio: Jessie Moore

Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

What to look for in a travel laptop

If you want to find the best lightweight laptop for travel, then this has to be number one.

A travel laptop is by definition something you’re going to carry around. So you need to find one that’s as portable as possible. 

The lightest laptop listed in my guide is a little over 500 grams, while the heaviest is around three times that. So it’s something to look at closely when choosing the best laptop for travelling. 

Screen size

There’s little point in buying the best budget laptop for travel if you cannot see the screen properly when working or playing.

So do bear in mind that the best cheap travel laptop, for example, is more likely to have a smaller screen. 

A hack I’d recommend to get around this – when working at home or in the office – is plugging a compatible laptop into a larger monitor. This is what I do when I’m at home.

Battery life

How you travel may affect the relationship between the best laptop for travel and business and its battery life.

If you always have access to a power socket on the train, for example, then it may not matter so much. But what if you have an aisle seat without this connection? 

The best laptop for travel and work is therefore always going to be one with a good battery life. In fact, this is one of the key reasons why I’m recommending the laptops on this list. 

When choosing the best laptop to take travelling, it’s worth asking yourself this question.

What do I want to use the laptop for? Is it for work or leisure, for starters? But beyond that, what do you do most when sitting in front of your computer? 

The best gaming laptop for travel, for instance, may be completely different to the best laptop for travel vlogging. Or the best lightweight laptop for business travel.

Try to choose a computer with the technical features to fit your intended purpose(s) – that may be watching the latest box set or making your latest YouTube video.  

Whether you want the best laptop for travel blogging, your corporate role or a trip around the world, I’d recommend thinking long term.

Buying a cheap laptop can be a false economy, as it may not last for as long as a more expensive product.

A really good laptop may last you for many years, meaning it actually pays in the long run. 

If you want the best Windows laptop for travel, then good brands include Lenovo, Asus, Microsoft, Acer, Zenbook and HP.

Otherwise, Apple Macbooks come highly recommended. The Pro in particular, if your budget can stretch to it. 

Best travel laptops – quick comparison

Note that prices are based on the best price available at the time of writing. These may fluctuate depending on special offers.

10 best laptops for travellers

1. macbook pro 13 inch.

Best video editing laptop

• Price: £1,349.00
• Battery life: Up to 20 hours
• Weight: 1.4kg
• Screen size: 13-inch
• Features: Up to 24GB memory, play and edit up to 11 streams of 4K and up to 2 streams of 8K ProRes video, touch ID and touch bar
• Good for: Video editing, battery

If you’ve got a bigger budget, then I really think that the 13 inch MacBook Pro is worth splashing out on – this is the laptop that I am currently using.

It’s arguably the best travel laptop for photographers, writers, viewers and workers alike. And it truly leads the field when it comes to making videos.

If you have a YouTube channel or are planning to give it a go, I’d really recommend picking this one. It’s also the leader in terms of battery life, as it can last for up to 20 hours on a single charge.

All without heating up, thanks to the effective cooling system that’s built in. 

This is the most portable model of the Apple Pro range, weighing in at 1.4 kilos. It also has a FaceTime HD camera – ideal for making you feel connected to the loved ones you may have left at home.

M2 chip technology makes it super fast, and you can also stream 4K and 8K ProRes video with ease. 

In fact this laptop is up to six times faster than an Intel laptop, and up to 1.4 times faster than the previous M1 models.

The display is incredibly clear, with realistic colours and crisp images. Plus there are studio-quality microphones perfect for video and podcast producers. 

If you want to find the best laptop of the bunch, this is my favourite and the one I use personally. 

2. Zenbook S UX393

Best touchscreen travel laptop

• Price: From £1,099.00
• Battery life: Up to 14 hours
• Weight: 1.35kg
• Screen size: 13.9-inch
• Features: NanoEdge touchscreen, facial recognition, 10th Generation Intel® Core™ processor
• Good for: Lightweight, battery life, touchscreen

The Zenbook S UX393 can go for up to 14 hours on a single charge, and is an ultra lightweight choice too.

For portability, I think this one scores serious points as it’s super thin. It also weighs in at a little over a kilo, yet is packed with power and useful features.

These include facial recognition protection and an intuitive NanoEdge touchscreen. The Generation Intel® Core™ processor makes this Zenbook a great all-rounder, perfect for multitasking.

For an even longer battery life from the same brand, check out the Zenbook S 13 OLED.

3. Microsoft Surface Pro 9

Best travel tablet hybrid

• Price: From £1,075.00
• Battery life: Up to 15.5 hours or 19 hours with 5G
• Weight: 879g
• Features: Front and rear 1080p camera, rear 4k video, 2 in 1 can add keyboard
• Good for: Lightweight, 2 in 1 

If you want to find the best small laptop for travel that involves business trips, I’d recommend considering the Surface Pro 9 from Microsoft.

At under 880 grams, it’s also one of the lightest models on the market. I love that it can also be used as a tablet, so may save you from carrying two devices around.

High-speed 5G connectivity is an optional extra here too, which is ideal if you want to work without delay while on the go. Do check regarding 5G availability in the area, though, if you’re relying on this.

Unlike laptops from other makes, this Microsoft one comes preloaded with Windows 11. So you can set to work – or play – straight away.  

4. ROG Zephyrus G14 Gaming Laptop

Best gaming travel laptop

• Price: £1,799.00
• Battery life: Up to 8 hours
• Weight: 1.65kg
• Screen size: 14-inch
• Features: AMD Ryzen™ 9 processors, Nebula Display, fast charging, intelligent cooling, Dolby Atmos® audio
• Good for: Gaming

In my opinion, the ROG Zephyrus G14 is the best on-the-go laptop for any keen gamer. Its powerful AMD Ryzen™ 9 processor ensures reliable speed and a true powerhouse laptop. 

This ROG gaming laptop also features intelligent cooling to avoid overheating, as well as the ROG Nebula Display for excellent graphics.

Care has also been taken when it comes to sound, as this laptop has Dolby Atmos® for crystal clear audio. 

At a weight of 1.65 kilos, it’s not the lightest in this list – but it’s surprisingly compact considering its powerful function. The battery life is up to 8 hours.

Finally, I think it’s wonderfully sleek for a gaming laptop so it hits the aesthetics points too.

5. Microsoft Surface Go 3 

Best lightweight travel laptop

• Price: £369.00
• Battery life: Up to 12 hours
• Weight: 544g
• Screen size: 10.5-inch
• Features: Touchscreen, pen compatibility, lightweight, 1080p HD cameras
• Good for: Ultra-lightweight, on the go, budget

I’d recommend the Microsoft Surface Go3 as an ideal option for those seeking a lightweight laptop for travel. It’s also a very pocket-friendly pick. 

A 10.5 inch touchscreen and a kickstand combine to give you great flexibility here.

Whether you want to watch a film, study, work, play or surf the internet, this incredibly lightweight little machine can help you out. At 544 grams, it’s the lightest one featured in this article. 

Despite the modest weight and price tag, this Microsoft Surface device offers a battery life of up to 12 hours, plus 1080P HD cameras and a high resolution touchscreen.

I love that it’s also pen compatible for those who like to take notes or get creative. 

6. MacBook Air M2 

Best for portability and video quality

• Price: From £1,249
• Battery life: Up to 18 hours
• Weight: 1.24kg
• Screen size: 13.6-inch
• Features: Ultra-thin (1.13cm), play and edit 4K and 8K ProRes videos, made with recycled materials, touch ID, 1080p camera and three-mic array
• Good for: Video-editing, lightweight, video calls

In my opinion, the best travel laptop for video editing is the MacBook Air M2 . For many people (myself included), there’s no going back to other operating systems once they’ve tried a Mac.

Apple products work a little differently to the likes of Windows laptops, yet are very easy to get used to. 

The benefits of the MacBook Air M2 include a battery life of up to 18 hours, advanced audio and visual tech and an ultra-thin build.

This latter feature places this among the most portable laptops on the market. Being made from recycled materials, this is also an eco-conscious choice. 

Video-friendly features of the MacBook Air M2 include a 1080p camera and the ability to edit and play 4K and 8K ProRes videos.

There’s also three microphones for sound recording plus a touch ID for security purposes. 

7. Acer Aspire 5 A515-57 15.6 inch Laptop

Best travel laptop for work

• Price: £699.99
• Battery life: 11 hours
• Weight: 1.8kg
• Screen size: 15.6 inch
• Features: HD camera with dual microphones and AI noise reduction, 4k streaming
• Good for: Working remotely

It’s not always about the best laptop screen size for travel. Sometimes it’s even more important to choose a laptop with a screen of a decent size, so you can see what you’re doing very clearly at all times.

Especially when your eyes are tired at the end of a long day!

The Acer Aspire 5 A515-57 15.6 inch laptop scores highly on visuals, with wide viewing angles, Quad HD resolution and true-to-life colours. It also has a backlit keyboard so you can see better, even in dim lighting. 

A 12th Gen Intel core, 16GB of RAM and pre-installed Windows 11 means you have power at your fingertips when using this laptop.

Features making it particularly work-friendly include the HD webcam and AI noise reduction for those online meetings, plus a raised hinge for more ergonomic posture.

I don’t know about you, but I could definitely do with a better posture when hunched over my laptop!

8. ASUS Chromebook Flip CM3 (CM3200) 

Best for work, rest and play  

• Price: From £219.99
• Battery life: Up to 16 hours
• Weight: 1.1kg
• Screen size: 12-inch
• Features: 360° hinge to turn into a tablet
• Good for: Budget, lightweight, 2 in 1

I love that the ASUS Chromebook Flip CM3 stands out from the crowd because of its innovative design.

It’s called the Flip because you can turn it up the other way, which means that the keyboard is no longer in your way. This is known in the trade as “tent mode”.

If you can’t decide between a laptop and a tablet, this device offers you the best of both. All you need to do is fold back the screen however you like. A 360 degree hinge gives you full flexibility here.

The ASUS Chromebook Flip CM3 is a great all-rounder. You can use it to watch TV or a movie in bed or take it to the boardroom fully powered up, ready to go for up to 16 hours.

It’s fast, lightweight and versatile, and you can also connect it to a monitor if you like using a large screen. 

9. LENOVO IdeaPad Duet 10.1″ 2 in 1 Chromebook

Best budget travel laptop

• Price: From £260.00
• Battery life: Up to 10 hours
• Weight: 920g
• Screen size: 10.1-inch
• Features: 2 in 1 keyboard included, HD touchscreen, 1 year guarantee
• Good for: Lightweight, budget, 2 in 1 

I’d recommend this IdeaPad Duet 10.1 inch 2 in 1 Chromebook as a great bet if you’re on a budget. Because of the modest price tag, I think it also makes the perfect starter laptop for teens.

The battery life on this one is limited to 10 hours, however. Weighing only 920 grams, it’s not asking too much even if you want to carry this one around all day long.

A one year guarantee is provided for peace of mind, and a clever detachable keyboard means you can use it as a tablet. 

As well as being the best laptop size for travel, this IdeaPad Duet 2 in 1 Chromebook weighs just 450 grams when used solely as a tablet. You can also use it for watching full HD videos. 

10. HP ENVY x360 13.3″ 2 in 1 Laptop – Intel® Core™ i5

Best for blogging

• Price: £999.00
• Battery life: Up to 17.5 hours
• Weight: 1.3kg
• Screen size: 13.3-inch
• Features: Full HD touchscreen, includes stylus for note taking
• Good for: Blogging, battery life

If you want to source the best laptop for travel photography, writing and taking notes, the HP ENVY x360 1.3 inch 2 in 1 laptop is a very good bet indeed.

Like the ASUS Chromebook Flip CM3, you can flip this one up the other way for viewing the screen via the 360 degree hinge.

This is ideal for online meetings – or winding down with a film at the end of a long, demanding day. 

This laptop comes with a full HD touchscreen. Unlike others, I love that a stylus is also part of the package, so you won’t need to buy one of these separately.

If you appreciate good sound, you’ll also love the fact that this laptop comes with Bang & Olufsen speakers, no less. 

A powerful 12th gen Intel® Core™ i5 processor, an edge-to-edge HD touchscreen and Intel® Iris® Xe integrated graphics are all features to wrte home about.

You can also transfer files without wires via HP QuickDrop, or load up a video by using Intel® WiFi 6E.

There’s even a webcam privacy shutter for when you’d rather not be seen on screen.

Of course this isn’t a comprehensive list of the best travel laptops, but these are my personal pick of the best. To keep your laptop safe while on the move, discover my guide to the best travel laptop bags .

Plus, read my tips on how to become a digital nomad or how to protect yourself online when travelling .

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Jessie is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

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Best 11-inch mini laptops: tiny portable computers for travel and remote working

Even the best 11-inch mini laptops might seem too underpowered to be useful to creatives, but these might surprise you

The best 11-inch mini laptops are great if you want to travel light - and are perfect to give you computing power without adding bulk to your backpack or camera bag. But due to their small form factor, there’s not much room to accommodate and support powerful components. It also doesn't help that manufacturers seem to generally make them to just serve as budget alternatives to the more popular 13-inch and 14-inch laptops, which lessens their chances of getting more robust specs even more.

Don't forget we have separate guides to the best laptops for photo editing and the best laptops for video editing if you need something beefier. And if the screen size is an issue, we also have guides to the best monitors for photo editing and the best monitors for video editing .

There are a few exceptions to this small is weak rule. Some mini notebooks are beating the odds, proving that just because a device is small, it doesn’t mean that it cannot handle the more intricate tasks.

Of course, that also doesn’t mean that the best 11-inch and mini laptops won’t come with disadvantages. That small form factor, after all, means small everything else, including the display, keyboard, and trackpad, which could feel a bit cramped for some workflows like video editing. They also tend to be very limited in terms of ports – you’d be lucky to get an SD card reader, for example – and we all know how important ports are to creative professionals.

On the plus side, these devices make for excellent travel companions due to their size and weight. Even with the best Ultrabooks gunning for the thinnest and lightest record, these mini laptops remain unbeatable. Some of them, you can even conveniently slip in a purse or small camera bag, which makes travelling with gear even easier. They’re also a little less obnoxious to use in public spaces like a train or an aeroplane when there’s not a lot of space.

But, again, not all 11-inch and mini laptops can be an ideal addition to a photographer, filmmaker, or graphic designer’s arsenal. If you want to pick one up for yours, you have to be just a bit more discerning, keeping in mind that the screen resolution, availability of ports, and components inside should match what you’ll be using it for. Also pay close attention to the amount of storage it comes with, even if there are plenty of excellent portable SSDs out there that will make it a non-issue.

Assuming that you expect to be able to do some level of creative tasks on whichever you pick, whether it’s just the occasional quick, on-the-fly editing of a couple of photos you’ve taken a few minutes earlier or it’s full-on trimming, re-sequencing, and colour grading entire videos, we found the best 11-inch and mini laptops for every creative need.

The best 11-inch mini laptops in 2024

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

1. Apple iPad Pro 11-inch

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Although not technically classified as a laptop, the iPad Pro 11 is so powerful that it might as well be. This excellent laptop replacement is designed specifically with creative pros in mind. It’s powered by Apple ’s superb M1 chip that’s capable of tackling complex video editing workflows, a 600-nit Liquid Retina display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate and P3 colour gamut, and all the tools you need for actually shooting the footage you need, from its Pro system camera and studio-quality microphones to its impeccable image stabilization technology. 

When it serves as both your camera and your laptop, you’re not only able to travel extremely light, but you’re sure to save money as well. Though do bear in mind that to turn it into a traditional laptop of sorts, you’ll have to buy the Magic Keyboard separately. 

2. Acer Chromebook Spin 311

Maybe you don’t need a device to do all your heavy editing on, but something that can handle all your productivity needs in the field? The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is that device. Not only is it rugged enough to go with you on shoots, but it’s more than capable of handling the business side of things, whether that’s keeping up with emails, taking notes, or even backing up files to the cloud via its included microSD reader. It can even tackle the occasional photo editing task if you need to do it on the fly.

You won’t want to do any serious editing as the screen is too dim for accurate colours. However, if you need something to take care of your productivity needs while on a shoot, the Acer is a surprisingly comfortable device to use.

3. Lenovo ThinkPad 11e Yoga Gen 6

If you’re looking for a tough mini laptop to take in the field, then the Lenovo ThinkPad 11e Yoga Gen 6 is for you. From the scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla glass to the rubber bumpers and mechanically anchored keys, this is one tough device. In fact, it’s rated to MIL-STD 810G military standards. If that’s not enough, it comes with a smorgasbord of ports including a USB-C, HDMI, and microSD reader. 

There’s even a pen loop for securing a stylus, though that has to be purchased separately. Don’t worry, though, if you didn’t budget for a stylus pen. You can use a number 2 pencil on the screen without scratching it.

4. Apple iPad Air (2022)

The iPad Air might not be the flagship model in Apple’s tablet lineup, but it is plenty powerful in its own right, not to mention cheaper than the iPad Pro. Packing an A14 bionic chip and Apple 4-Core GPU, it is more than capable of handling just about any photo editing or graphic design work you can throw at it. And, the end result will look stunning and, more importantly, accurate thanks to the bright liquid retina display sporting 500 nits of brightness and 264 pixels per inch density. 

The storage capacity could be better, and it only has a single port. But, its shortcomings end there. This powerful, sleek machine is a surprisingly capable asset to any photographer or graphic designer, especially when paired with a Magic Keyboard (sold separately). And, it’s the only model in Apple’s lineup of iPads to come in 5 different colorways.

5. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7

Samsung set out to create an iPad Pro killer with the Galaxy Tab S7. Whether or not the company succeeded, it at the very least created a viable alternative for users who would rather stick with the Android ecosystem. And, though there are fewer worthy apps for your creative work, the S7 is more than able when it comes to editing photos and videos thanks to the powerful 8-Core Qualcomm processor. 

Of course, that performance doesn’t matter if the screen isn’t up to the task. But, thankfully it is. Not only does the touch display have a high enough resolution to go head-to-head with the iPad Pro, but it also has a 120Hz refresh rate for a smooth viewing experience. For the traditional laptop experience, the Samsung Keyboard cover is worth the additional purchase.

6. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook

No other notebook can last as long in the field as the impressive, energy-efficient Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook. In fact, there’s enough battery life to last a full day and then some. If you do happen to use up all the battery, 15 minutes of charging will provide another 2 hours of use. And, though its design is a bit dated aesthetically, including some unfortunately large bezels, it’s a well-built machine that can take a tumble or two and keep on ticking. 

It might not be ideal for editing purposes – its screen offers only 250 nits of brightness – but it’s a valuable tool for getting through your daily emails, writing up proposals, and putting together contracts, thanks to its touchscreen and its 2-in-1 form factor.

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Michelle is a writer and photographer based in Los Angeles, California. She regularly writes for Fodor's Travel, Steve's Digicams, Thrillist and Techlicious, and is currently a freelance SEO and Production Editor for TechRadar.

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Get Ready for Gaming

12 Best Portable Gaming PC’s for on the Road

If you’re in search of the best portable gaming PC then you’ve come to the right place.

Not everybody wants to travel with a laptop, particularly if it involves bouncing back and forth between one or two places that are already kitted out with a full-size monitor.

You might also be after something that retains the compact footprint of a laptop but packs a bit more power so you can continue to use it as your primary rig.

In this post, we will take a look at some of the latest NUC’s, Mini’s, and small-form-factor PC’s on the market right now.

What is the best portable gaming PC?

12. beelink ryzen mini pc ser3.

The SER3 is a versatile, high-performance mini-PC. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 3750H CPU and onboard Radeon RX Vega 10 graphics, it can reach an impressive turbo clock speed of 4.0 GHz. It also comes with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 500GB of NVME SSD storage.

With all that hardware under the hood, the SER3 certainly has the potential to make a great portable gaming PC. It doesn’t freeze or get hot when operating under intensive CPU resources, and the triple display output can drive three independent monitors at 4K 60Hz clarity.

Besides this, what’s great about this product is that it’s very easy to upgrade. The user-friendly design allows you to pop open the lid with just your fingertips. Once done, you then have the option to convert the two SO-DIMM slots to 32GB of DDR4, as well as add up to 2TB of SSD storage.

With the SER3, you can expect to play medium resolution “esports games” at 1080p, 60fps.

• ✔️Powerful Performance: SER3 mini PC Powered with Ryzen 7 3750H Processor (4C/8T up to 4.0Ghz). Pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro 64-Bit OS(no bundled software), support to upgrade win11. Support Moderate Gaming: Dota 2 , CS: GO, League of Legends, PUBG, GTA5, etc.
• ✔️Triple Monitor Support: Three display output via dual HDMI, and type-C, which enable you to multi-task, The beelink mini pc uses Radeon RX Vega 10 Graphics to support 4K@ 60Hz HD video playback, 3D rendering, and modeling, presenting ultra-sharp visuals.
• ✔️Compact & Rich Interfaces: The windows mini pc has a unique interface designed with 2 x HDMI ports, 4 x USB3.0 ports, 1 x Type-C Data port, 1 x DC Jack port, 1 x RJ45 1000M port, 1 x Audio Jack (HP&MIC) port.
• ✔️High-capacity Storage: Built-in 8GB DDR4, 256GB Nvme SSD. 2 accessible memory slots upgradable to 64 GB( 2 x 32 GB). You can expand the storage via 500GB~2TB 2.5-inch SATA HDD or SSD, more storage space will make Mini PC run more smooth

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

11. Beelink GTR7 Mini PC

The Beelink GTR7 is a highly portable mini PC that’s ideal for VR/ light gaming. It has an AMD Ryzen 7 3750H processor with integrated Radeon Vega 10 graphics and comes equipped with 32GB of DDR4 RAM. Other features include a 500 GB SSD, Bluetooth 5.0, and the latest WiFi 6.0.

In terms of performance, the Ryzen 5 CPU can meet a fast and powerful clock speed of 4.0 GHz. Furthermore, the Vega 10 graphics can support quadruple 4K@60Hz ultra-clear output. As a result, you can simultaneously browse programs or synchronize your games displays over multiple screens.

To provide speedy heat-dissipation, the unit’s dual fans and 3 copper tubes prevent any internal components from overheating. We also like the fingerprint encryption login system that secures your data without the need to remember a complex password.

Overall, it’s an excellent little PC that packs a big punch.

• ?【Powerful Processor & Operating System】 Powered with Ryzen 7 3750H CPU (4C/8T up to 4.0Ghz) , which can turns your desk into a powerful workstation just by adding a keyboard, mouse.
• ?【Compact & Rich Interface】Easy to setup and small in size. Beelink GTR mini computer is equipped with 1x type-C, 2 x HDMI, DPx 1, 6x USB 3.0, 2x Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm Audio Jack. Supports wifi6, Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 network connectivity, Bluetooth 5.0,
• ?【Quadruple Display Output & Radeon Vega 10 Graphics】Four 4K@60Hz display output via dual HDMI, DP and type-C, which enable you to multi-task easily, stream 4K video playback, web surfing, business office, and light games.
• ?【Large Storage & Expandable Capacity】Installed with dual channel DDR4 16GB RAM, 2 accessible memory slots upgradable to 64 GB( 2 x 32 GB). 500GB M.2 PCIe SSD. You can expand the storage via a 2.5 inch HDD/SSD, M.2 2280 NVMe for your nee

10. HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Mini

The HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Mini features a six-core Intel Core i5-9500T processor that allows you to run multiple applications simultaneously. Using the Intel turbo-boost 2.0 technology, this can reach a max boost speed of 3.7 GHz. Furthermore, it comes with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and Windows 10 Pro.

For graphics, the integrated Intel UHD 630 chipset delivers a sharp, clear picture that allows up to seven displays. It does support 4k playback and can stream at the same time, however, for gaming the GPU will struggle with high resolutions due to not being a standalone card.

In terms of the design, it has a sleek, silver and black appearance with soft rounded edges. On the front of the case are the vents, and the top is completely flat, making it very easy to stack. Found on the ends are 6 x USB Type-A ports, 3 x 1.2 video DisplayPorts, plus other inputs/ outputs.

Besides just using it for some light portable gaming, the 6-core processor would make for a great dedicated streaming PC.

• 9th Generation Intel Core i5-9500T 6-Core 2.20 GHz Processor (9MB SmartCache, up to 3.70 GHz)
• 16GB DDR4 2666MHz Memory, 256GB NVMe Solid State Drive, Windows 10 Professional (64-bit)
• Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Dual-Band (2.4 & 5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.0
• 6 x USB Type-A, 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, 2 x DisplayPort 1.2 Output, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 Out

9. MSI Cubi 5

The MSI Cubi 5 is a small but capable mini-PC for home entertainment and commercial environments. Powered by Intel’s tenth generation Core i7, it delivers excellent processing power and a smooth desktop experience while remaining exceptionally silent.

The first thing you’ll notice is that the portable 4.57 x 4.41-inch size barely takes up any room on the desk to minimalize your setup. Alternatively, you can choose to mount it on the back of the monitor for a completely invisible look. To help you achieve this, it supports all standard VESA-mounts.

If you do decide to mount it behind your monitor, one particular design feature that stands out is the external power support switch. Instead of having to bend around your monitor every time to access the power button, this simply extends onto the desk in front of you for convenient access.

With its HDMI/ displayport connections and dual-monitor support, the Cubi 5 will keep you in the flow, wherever you go.

• Intel Core i5-10210U Processor - 6 Core - 4/8 C/T 1.6-4.2 GHz 6M Cache
• 16GB DDR4 2666MHz (2 x 8GB) | 2 x DDR4 2666MHz SO-DIMM, up to 64GB
• 512GB M.2 NVMe/PCIe
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C (front) 3 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A (1 x front, 2 x re

8. ZOTAC ZBOX MI662

The Zotac Zbox Nano series aims to raise your productivity to a whole new level. It comes with a 10th Gen Intel Core processor, integrated Intel UHD Graphics, and HDMI 2.0 (up to 4k, 60Hz). Keep in mind; this is a barebones system so you will have to add your own Memory/ Storage/ OS.

In terms of the design, it has a smart appearance with curved edges and a breathable frame. The palm-size form factor makes it easy to hide or hang anywhere in your room, which is great for portability. Moreover, wherever you decide to put it, the intuitive I/O placement is very accessible.

For performance, the Intel graphics is fast enough for most casual games and can power a 4K monitor without a problem. To get a usable framerate for higher demanding games you will need to scale back the graphics to 1080p. However, this won’t apply to LOL, Dota 2, and Fortnite, etc.

Overall, if you’re searching for a low-power consumption mini PC, you will be very satisfied with this product.

• 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10510U
• Quad-core 1.8 GHz, up to 4.9 GHz processor
• Dual Display, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, 4K Ready @ 60 Hz; VESA Mountable
• 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, Dual Gigabit LAN
• 6 x USB 3.1 Gen2 (2 Type-C), 1 x USB

7. AsRock DeskMini 310W

The AsRock DeskMini A310W is a fast and solid mini-PC. It takes advantage of an Intel Core i9-9900 APU with integrated UHD 630 graphics to reach a clock speed of 3.1GHz-5.0GHz. This particular model includes 64GB of DDR4 2666MHz, a 1TB SSD, and a 2TB HDD.

If you’re searching for a small-form-factor PC that’s a step up from the capabilities of a mid-range laptop, the ASRock is a practical alternative. In addition to retaining a portable size, the eight-core CPU offers bags of power for a more immersive PC gaming experience.

Although it measures just 155 x 155 x 80 mm, the ASRock still manages to squeeze in an aluminum Mosfet heatsink to ensure stable system loading. In addition to this, there’s even room for up to 4x storage expansion, as well as an addressable LED Strip to personalize your lighting.

All in all, it’s a great value mini-build that makes the most of a tiny space.

• Intel Core i9-9900 Eight Core Processor (16MB Cache, 3.1GHz-5.0GHz) 65W
• RAM: 64GB DDR4 2666MHz | Hard Drive: 1TB NVMe Solid State Drive + 2TB 5400rpm Hard Disk Drive
• Graphics: Intel UHD 630 Processor Graphics | Wireless: 802.11 AC Wireless
• Operating System: Windows 10 Professional | Please Note: No Optical Drive, Keyboard or Mouse Included.
• i9-9900 + 64GB RAM + 1TB NVMe SSD + 2TB HDD + W10P Upgrades | 3-Year CUK Limited Warranty (View warranty section below for more details)

6. Asus ProArt PA90

The Asus ProArt PA90 is a stylish workstation that targets professional content creators. It features a 9th Gen Intel Core™ processor, 16GB of DDR4 memory (with a 64GB expansion), and comes with a full-size Quadro RTX4000 graphics card specific for running creative software.

In terms of the design, it has an attractive, modern appearance that can easily blend into any workspace. The verticle tower shape intelligently circulates air through the side vents, and up through an adaptive air vent on top that automatically opens under a full CPU load.

To power multiple 4K displays and handle 3D rendering tasks smoothly, the Quadro graphics accelerate on the whim for a more responsive multitasking performance. For inputs and outputs, it includes 4 x HDMI display ports, dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, and 2 x USB 3.1’s.

If you’re a designer who likes to do some gaming on the side, you will particularly like this portable PC.

• ASUS ProArt PA90 (PA90-M9175ZN) features an Intel Core i9-9900K processor with 32GB DDR4 memory, 512GB M.2 + 1TB HHD, BlueTooth 5.0, Gigabit LAN, Intel 802.11ac WIFI.
• NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 Graphics supports up to 4 Monitors using DisplayPort
• Connectivity for creative projects with dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, Bluetooth 5. 0, and USB 3. 1 Gen2 Type A ports
• Advanced cooling features CPU liquid-cooling system and adaptive air vent des

5. ZOTAC Magnus ONE

The Zotac Magnus ONE is a strong and mighty desktop with cutting-edge performance. It features an 6-Core Intel i5-10400 processor, 16GB of DDR4 (max 128GB), and a 1TB HDD. For the graphics card, you’re getting a full-size GeForce RTX 3060 in one of the world’s smallest systems.

If you’re wondering just how powerful this thing can run, the CPU has a max turbo frequency of 4.30 GHz and a GPU boost clock speed of 1777 MHz. As a result, you can pretty much crush any modern “Triple-A” title (in 1440p) at max game settings. Expect an average EFPS of around 100 FPS.

Besides the obvious power, what’s great about this desktop gaming PC is just how small and portable it really is. The compact 8.3 L size measures just 10.45in x 4.96in x 9.8 inches, which makes it incredibly easy to pick up and carry, or travel to your next destination in a carton or backpack.

The design is not letting it down either, in both form and function. The multi-layer front has rounded corners with an illuminated power button and a brushed aluminum outer shell. Furthermore, for excellent 360-degree ventilation; vents strategically surround the top, bottom, and rear.

• ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 3060 12GB GDDR6 192-bit
• Intel Core i5-10400 (6-core 2.9 GHz, up to 4.3 GHz) processor
• Quad-display ready, up to 4K Ready @ 120 Hz, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a
• WiFi 6 Killer AX1650, Bluetooth 5, Gigabit LAN, 2.5Gbps Killer Ethernet; 4 x USB 3.1, 4 x USB 3.0 (1 Type

4. Intel NUC 11 Extreme Mini

The Intel NUC 11 Extreme is the highest-performing Intel NUC available on the market today. This is a barebones kit with an 11 th -gen Intel Core i9 processor and a 650W of internal power. It also features two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a PCIe* x 16 slot capable of supporting a twelve-inch GPU.

Remarkably, the NUC 9 extreme is only the second Intel NUC to harness a full-size graphics card. The slot is perfect for fitting in one of the latest RTX 30 Series Mini GPUs. That gives gaming enthusiasts the flexibility they need to build a monster rig for playing and streaming simultaneously.

Besides being able to switch out your graphics card, we also like that the NUC 11 extreme compute element (the motherboard and CPU) is easily upgradeable. This is an important factor for the price point, as it allows the unit to stay strong, relevant, and powerful both now and in the future.

To get an idea of the size, the 8L chassis weighs just 9.80 pounds and measures 4.75 x 14 x 7.68 inches. The integrated cooling, allows the compact system to run cool and quiet even when playing on the highest settings. Overall, this is a dream portable gaming PC for anyone that can afford it.

• DDR4 SDRAM compatible slot - Installs memory that reduces processors idle time and enhances computers performance
• With 12 USB ports, connect/disconnect devices while not having to shut down the system
• With Serial ATA/600 interface get superb reliability and high-speed data trans

Click here for the smaller Intel NUC 9 Extreme!

3. NZXT H1 Mini PC

The NZXT H1 Mini Pro is a clean and minimalistic pre-built PC that targets both gamers and content creators. By packing all the necessary hardware (at very competitive prices) into one of their elegant H1 vertical chassis, NZXT does all the hard work for you with this build.

To power the uniquely small footprint, the Mini Pro has an 8-Core Intel Core i7-10700KF CPU, a GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, and 32GB of 3000 MHz RAM. Moreover, for internal storage, you get a 1TB Western Digital SDD, and there’s even the option to add an extra external HDD with the deal.

All that power makes this is an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts after a portable PC, without any compromise. Combine that with the streamlined internals (such as pre-routed cable channels, and integrated PSU) that allow for easy modifications and there’s a lot to like about this setup.

It’s well known that NZXT manufacture some of the coolest cases on the block, and the H1 is no exception. The sandwich layout design allows the GPU and PSU to pull in fresh air from the sides and then exhaust hot air out the back. Additionally, the CPU has its own 140mm AIO Liquid Cooler.

Finally, another interesting feature is that all I/O’s are located at the bottom of the case. As a result, you won’t have to deal with any messy cables poking out the top.

2. MSI MEG Trident X 10

The MSI MEG Trident X is a console-size powerhouse that’s perfect for gamers who are on the go. It has a sleek, thin, vertical construction to prevent any damage to the PCI-e slot during transportation, and features all of the components that are typically found in full tower chassis.

What you’re getting with this bit of kit is nothing but sheer performance. Packed inside the 10-liter volume case is an 8 core i7-11700K Processor (with a max turbo frequency of 5.0 GHz) and a full-size NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU that’s capable of an 1710 MHz boost.

To ensure that the portable size doesn’t overheat during your gaming, the design of the PC is especially clever. The CPU, VGA, and PSU each have their own individual chambers (with optimized “Silent Storm Cooling 3” airflow) so that the system can stay cool for many hours.

Accessing the chambers is trouble-free, thanks to the tempered glass panels on the side that you can take off or pull open just like a door. If you did ever want to do an upgrade in the future, the stand on the bottom also comes off so you can get to the rest of the components with ease. 

Just as you would expect with a newer model like this, it comes with WIFI 6, Thunderbolt 3 ports, and everything you would need for the future. Overall, it’s a top of the line purchase that anyone would be lucky to get their hands on.

• 【Upgraded No Display ; Wi-Fi 6E AX210 Wifi, Bluetooth 5.2, Ethernet LAN (RJ-45), No Webcam, Per Key RGB Backlit Full Size (10 Key) Keyboard, .
• 【Powerful Performance with Intel Core i7-11700K Octa Core】 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11700K 3.6GHz Processor (upto 5 GHz, 16MB Cache, 8-Cores, 16-Threads,) ; NVIDIA RTX 3080 10GB GDDR6X Dedicated Graphics, .
• 【High Speed and Multitasking】 16GB DDR4 DIMM; 750W Power Supply, RGB Lighting Air Cooling CPU Cooler; Black Color, .
• 【Enormous Storage】 256GB SATA SSD + 2TB HDD; 3 USB 3.2 Gen1, 3 USB 2.0, 1 HDMI, 3 Display Port (DP), 2 Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C), USB 3.2 Type-C Gen1,

Click here for the CUK MPG Trident 3!

1. CORSAIR ONE i200

The Corsair One a200 packs all the performance of a full-size AMD-powered gaming desktop into a sleek and compact 12-liter enclosure. It boasts a 12-core AMD Ryzen 9 5900X processor, 32GB of Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card.

In terms of the build, the a200 follows a similar construction to some of the previous Corsair small-form-factor models. A pair of 2mm-thick bead-blasted aluminum panels with triangular ventilation holes form the sides, and a series of diagonal fins cover a 120mm cooling fan on top to form the lid.

Underneath the aluminum panels are two AiO water coolers that sit directly in front of the GPU and CPU. To regulate the temperatures and ensure max speeds, they draw in the fresh air and circulate it up through the tower design. This results in a very efficient convection system with minimal noise.

On the front panel, we have two tasteful RGB strips that let you personalize your system’s look via the Corsair CUE software. A Handful of easy to reach inputs locate towards the bottom including a 3.5mm jack, two USB 3.0’s, and a VR ready HDMI port.

The rest of your I/O’s are on the back where you can find eight more USB ports and three more display port connectors that support up to four 4K HDR monitors in total. Just like the other top of the line models on this list, you also get an internal 80 Plus Gold PSU and storage to seal the deal.

Overall, if you’re searching for a portable gaming PC that’s, fast, quiet, and very powerful, the Corsair One a200 is the one to go for.

• The CORSAIR ONE packs all the performance of a full cutting-edge AMD-powered gaming desktop into a gorgeous and quiet small-form-factor.
• Enjoy years of operation thanks to reliable, award-winning CORSAIR components.
• An AMD Ryzen 5000 Series processor powers the most demanding games and obliterates multithreaded tasks like 3D or video rendering and software compiling.
• An NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series GPU with real-time ray tracing technology enables unbelievably lifelike graphics.

Is it Worth Buying a Portable Gaming PC?

PCs are the pinnacle of gaming prowess, with superior graphics, speeds, and resolutions than other devices. However, they can get quite expensive, and when you throw portability into the fray, you’ll have to make some sacrifices when in terms of reaching the highest performance.  

If you are a gamer who’s always on the move then a portable PC is always going to be worth it. Unfortunately, there are some caveats, though. Mainly, the more power you have in a compact chassis (with restricted airflow), the higher thermals will get without the proper cooling.  

Additionally, due to specialist engineering and less of a demand in the marketplace, portable PCs tend to be more expensive. Therefore, to make things worthwhile, you’ll want a system that’s going to give you plenty of longevity right from the start.

Portability is great, but be sure to choose a high-performing system or your gaming days on the go will won’t last long. If you’re not going to be playing graphics-intense games that require the highest frame rates, then there’s no sense in ponying up $2,000 for the latest and greatest gear, either. 

Are Portable Computers Good for Gaming?

They certainly are but they’re a little more troublesome than standard gaming PCs. The primary reason behind this is that it’s more difficult to keep your PC cool. Portability doesn’t mean that you have to make a serious trade-off in the graphics and capabilities department, though. 

In fact, most medium to higher-end portable gaming PCs and beyond are more capable than the latest in consoles, such as the PS5 and the Xbox Series X. However, there is one big downside. Portability comes with a price that can often exceeds building a full-size gaming PC.

If you want the best of what the gaming market has to offer, prepare to dish out anywhere between $1,500 and $2,000. With that said, you can still have a great, portable gaming experience with less. This is providing you’re willing to sacrifice some features and playing at the highest graphics settings.

For a cheaper but still excellent gaming experience, you could go with a gaming laptop, which you can find on our list here .

How to Choose the Best Portable Gaming PC in 2024

Finding the best portable gaming PC goes beyond choosing a small form factor build. These builds focus on ease of transport as well as using space-efficient components. The small details can lead to major performance benefits over time.

Choosing the Best CPU/ GPU

For a portable gaming PC, look for a processor with at least four cores. It should have a clock speed of at least 3.5 GHz, but a higher clock rate is usually preferred. Most AMD Ryzen 5000 or 11th generation Intel Core models should meet your needs.

A portable gaming PC should have a dedicated graphics card to process image information. Nvidia and AMD are the most popular brands. Look for mini-ITX versions of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 30 series or AMD equivalencies.

Gaming Performance

Beyond the basics of choosing a processor and graphics card, pay attention to specifications like VRAM and FPS. 

The VRAM is not upgradeable without upgrading your GPU, and you want at least 8 GB for gaming.

Check the average refresh rate at the resolution you’ll play at, and make sure it matches your monitor. The ideal number for gaming is around 144 Hz, but 60 Hz works well enough.

Size/ Weight of the PC

Size and weight is a concern intrinsic to portable gaming PC builds. You need to find dimensions that you are comfortable with moving. Ideally, a portable gaming PC should be as small (slim) and lightweight as possible.

Small-form-factor towers are all quite different, so choose one you know you can move safely and securely. Consider how you will protect the PC while transporting it.

Cooling System

Liquid cooling systems work better for compact systems. Depending on the case you have, there may not be adequate airflow for fans to cool the components and maintain proper ambient temperature.

A liquid cooling system takes advantage of the available space and manages the heat from the CPU and GPU.

This is especially important if you’re set on overclocking your system.

Storage/ Memory

For the most efficient use of space, look for a portable gaming PC that uses a M.2 NVMe SSD of at least 256 GB. This takes up less space than SATA-connected SSDs or HDDs, and the NVMe connection moves data more quickly.

Your portable gaming PC needs at least 8 GB of RAM for gaming, but aim for 12 GB to 16 GB if you can.

Inputs and Outputs

Most portable gaming PCs rely on wireless connectivity features to handle input and output processes. Look for a PC that offers Bluetooth and has a few USB 3.0 ports to accommodate lower-latency USB-RF devices.

You should still have a few ports available. Look for PCs with USB C as well as any I/O ports you anticipate you will need.

We hope you found this post useful on the best portable gaming PC.

Click here for the 12 Best Cheap Streaming PCs! Click here for the Most Expensive Gaming PCs You Can Buy!

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Best small gaming PCs 2024: Mini, compact, and SFF

Optimize your gaming and maximize your space.

Best overall

Best alternative, best tiny pc, best productivity, best portable.

• The list in brief 1.   Best overall 2. Best alternative 3. Best tiny PC 4. Best productivity 5. Best portable

Having a Windows PC doesn't have to mean giving up a ton of space on your desk.

There are some options out there where you can get a quality computer for playing games or getting work done without sacrificing huge amounts of room. Mini PCs aren't all winners, but some are pretty great, and our team has done a great job examining what you need to know if you're going to go for a more bite-sized computing approach while still playing some of the best PC games available.

Obviously, some cuts are going to be required, and you shouldn't expect to play the newest games at the highest settings. Here's some great options to consider, depending on your exact budget:

The quick list

In a rush? No worries, just check out our quick list below that gives you everything you need to know about buying a mini-PC at a glance. There's a few different options available, so take a moment to consider which one will best suit your needs.

With RTX 30-series technology, the MSI MPG Trident 3 provides great performance without breaking your bank, all in a tiny, compact shell that doesn't take up too much room. If you want the best overall gaming experience on a mini-PC, this is a pint-sized winner. 

The Zotac Magnus One isn't as new as some of the other options, meaning it's best for someone who is looking to save some money while still getting decent performance with its Intel chipset. 

Best Tiny PC

This option is best for someone whose main goal is to have the tiniest computer setup available, sacrificing some performance in older games, while running newer games quite well thanks to its ARC A770 graphics card. 

Best Productivity

Maybe you don't want to play games, but instead you want a mini-PC that's great with productivity software? If so, the Geekom MiniAir 11 is just the right option, giving you a small way of easily getting your office work done. 

Best Portable

Okay, so in the strictest sense the Steam Deck isn't a desktop. It can be docked however, and you can also choose to load Windows on it, so if you're willing to squint it fits the definition of a mini-PC. It's also perfect for taking your games on the go. 

The best small gaming PCs

Why you can trust Windows Central 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 .

Below, you'll find a complete breakdown with the exact positives and negatives of each option. This will provide context for the decisions made in this buying guide, and give you full context for what you'll be getting with any purchase you make. 

1. MSI MPG Trident 3

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

For the serious player that wants a smaller PC capable of tackling more recent games at higher settings, the MSI Trident 3 is by far the best option to choose from. You're getting great Intel and NVIDIA technology that can tackle graphically-intensive games like Starfield or Alan Wake 2 , and you've got some options for how you'd like to handle the storage situation.

Getting that kind of performance comes at a cost though, it's just that simple. If you want a top-end NVME SSD for ultra-fast load times, then you can expect this mini-PC to run you around $1600, with some fluctuation depending on available sales. If you've got that kind of money and want the best gaming performance? It's worth it. If not, you should look at another model. 

• ^ Back to the top

2. Zotac Magnus One

Maybe you still want to play some of the newest PC games, but you don't feel like spending a huge amount of money, and you're alright with turning a couple of settings down here or there? In that case, the Zotac Magnus One is going to be the smaller PC for you to grab. 

An Intel 5-10400 CPU and RTX 3060 ensure it can play new games, but maybe not with all the settings at max. If you're okay with that kind of performance, then it's hard to beat this option, especially since it's often available around $1000, or about $600 lower than the MSI Trident 3.

3. Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast

The Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast is one of the more curious small gaming PCs on our list. This thing is tiny at a super-compact 13 pounds, and it's also far less expensive than the prior two options. Even the higher-end option with 32GB RAM and a 512GB SSD will only cost you $800, meaning this is perfect for someone who wants to save a fair bit of cash. 

Equipped with an ARC A770 graphics card, this PC is pretty good with more recent games, but may run into issues with older games running in DirectX 11 formats, which weren't designed with supporting this third entrant to the market in mind. As a result, it's really important to consider what's more important, old games or new games, if you're thinking of buying this. 

4. Geekom MiniAir 11

Our expert review:

The Geekom MiniAir 11 is a fair bit different from the other computers on this list. It's only really suitable for playing much older games, since it uses Intel integrated graphics instead of a dedicated graphics card. As a result, you'll be limited in your options, though you'll still be okay for playing games like League of Legends. 

The benefit is that you won't be spending as much money. The Geekom MiniAir 11 is usually available for under $300, making it the most affordable mini-PC on this list by a mile and a half. 

Read our in-depth Geekom MiniAir 11 review . 

5. Steam Deck

The Steam Deck isn't technically a PC...immediately out of the box, anyway. But load Windows on it, and you've got yourself a portable computer. Even if you don't want to do that, the Steam Deck has found its role as a successful way to play games on the go, provided you're willing to turn some settings down. 

The screen quality of the original model isn't the best, but you're looking at spending only around $500 or less (depending on the exact model and the amount of storage you want) in order to play games like Marvel's Spider-Man and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim on the go. There's also a new OLED model with an improved screen and battery life, so keep your options open!

Choosing the best small gaming PC

Getting into PC gaming doesn't mean you need a monstrous tower on your desk, flooding the room with RGB neon lights. You can pack a lot of power into some seriously compact pre-built computers, with the Trident 3 from MSI being a shining example. It's packed to the gills with gaming-centric hardware, and that's reflected in its price. If you'd prefer to cut some costs, you can step down to the Zotac Magnus One without sacrificing much gaming power.

The NUC series from Intel are some of the best mini PCs available for the seriously small. Whether you choose the NUC 11 Enthusiast for an out-of-the-box PC ready for action or the barebones NUC 9 kit to complete yourself, they're impressive little space savers. If you want it tiny and portable, the Steam Deck can act as a mini gaming PC when using the official dock and connected to a screen of your choice, and a fully-fledged Linux OS lurks underneath.

Grabbing a small PC means making some choices. Interested in seeing what Alan Wake 2 looks like with path tracing? Then you should be looking elsewhere. If you're looking to play some games without spending more money than required, however, then you've got some great options that'll make you extremely happy. 

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Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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Elektrostal

Elektrostal Localisation : Country Russia , Oblast Moscow Oblast . Available Information : Geographical coordinates , Population, Altitude, Area, Weather and Hotel . Nearby cities and villages : Noginsk , Pavlovsky Posad and Staraya Kupavna .

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40 Facts About Elektrostal

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 01 Jun 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy , materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes , offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development .

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy , with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Elektrostal's fascinating history, vibrant culture, and promising future make it a city worth exploring. For more captivating facts about cities around the world, discover the unique characteristics that define each city . Uncover the hidden gems of Moscow Oblast through our in-depth look at Kolomna. Lastly, dive into the rich industrial heritage of Teesside, a thriving industrial center with its own story to tell.

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