7 Best Laptops for Writers in 2024

There are tons of laptops out there that can handle everything a writer needs and more. For any writer who has a classic case of writer’s block when it comes to making a pick, this article can hopefully act as the inspiration you were looking for.

Whether only looking for a laptop that will be used for work, or whether you’re looking for a multi-purpose option that can support leisure too, this list will provide a comprehensive look into some of the best options on the market in 2024.

List of the 7 best laptops for writers in 2024

1. Apple Macbook Air (M2, 2022) — The best all-round laptop for writers
2. Dell XPS 13 — A great all-purpose pick
3. Microsoft Surface 4 — The top pick for touch screen laptops
4. HP Spectre x360 — Another great choice for writers seeking a touchscreen
5. Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon — A lightweight 14-inch laptop
6. Asus Zenbook 13 — A low-range laptop that’s great for writing on-the-go
7. Acer Swift 13 — A reliable laptop and the cheapest option on the list

What to look for when choosing the right laptop for writers

It’s important to consider your own personal needs when choosing the right laptop, but there are definitely some features that can make-or-break the quality and usability of a writer’s laptop in particular.

Here are 5 key factors for writers to consider when choosing the right laptop:

1. Keyboard comfort
2. Screen size and portability (for writing on-the-go)
3. Price range
4. Battery life
5. Operating system

The 7 best laptops for writers, ranked

Taking into account some of the most important features for writers, here is our list of the 7 best laptops around right now.

1. Apple Macbook Air (M2, 2022)

Apple products are world famous for their durability and simplicity. The iOS operating system is completely unique to Apple, and many users prefer it by default. Ultimately, the Apple Macbook Air ticks every box when it comes to battery life, keyboard responsiveness, and portability, giving it the top spot on our list of the best laptops for writers in 2024.

In addition to being able to type away for 18 hours straight without needing to plug in the power bank, the Macbook Air M2 2022 weighs only 2.7lbs. Both of these features make it perfect for writing on-the-go during long travel trips or quick stops at the local cafe. The Macbook Air allows a writer to work uninterrupted without being a hindrance in any capacity.

The only real downside to the Macbook Air is the cost. The laptop is worth around $1,099 off the shelf, and since there are many great options that undercut Apple when it comes to the price range, then you may want to seek out an alternative.

Buy the Apple Macbook Air M2

2. Dell XPS 13

The Dell XPS 13 is another great pick for writers. It’s a mid-range laptop that supports Windows 11, and while it does lack in terms of its power capabilities when compared against the newer 15 model, the XPS 13 offers everything someone might need for both work and leisure.

The laptop has a 12-hour battery life which is good — you’ll rarely find yourself in a situation where this isn’t plenty. The 13.3 inch display gives writers a sizable screen to work from without adding too much extra weight, but the laptop itself is slightly heftier than its competitors at 2.91 lbs.

The cost of acquiring a Dell XPS 13 is currently $1,100, which makes it a more affordable option when compared with its newer versions. There are minimal differences in terms of the features available and the performance of the laptop itself, so the 13th iteration of the laptop is definitely still a great choice for writers all things considered. 

Buy the Dell XPS 13

3. Microsoft Surface 4

Microsoft Surface 4 comes with a high resolution touchscreen display, which makes it stand out from many of the alternatives on this list. Being a Microsoft product, the Surface 4 supports the latest version of Windows and is renowned for its quality build.

17 hours of battery life trumps most other laptops on the list, which means that writers should be able to complete plenty of work before they even need to think about charging up. Portability is another key factor where the Surface 4 beats the competition, weighing in at only 2.79 lbs.

The Surface 4 can get quite expensive if you choose a higher-end configuration — the price can go all the way to $1,700. While it definitely offers high performance and plenty of functions that are great for work, it can be hard to justify the cost when comparing its features with alternatives.

Buy the Microsoft Surface 4

4. HP Spectre x360

HP’s Spectre x360 comes in at number 4 on our list. Another mid-range laptop that supports Windows 11, the Spectre x360 offers a touch screen and stylus that could potentially come in handy when brainstorming for work. While the Spectre x360 is slightly less powerful than the Surface 4, the performance differences should be negligible when it comes to writing.

16 hours of battery life means the HP Spectre x360 can go for ages without forcing you into a coffee break, but its relatively-heavy 2.95 lbs of weight mean that it scores slightly below other options in terms of its portability.

At $1,000 off-the-shelf, HP Spectre x360 has the USP of a foldable display that supports touch. Compared against other mid-range options, this could be the best pick for any writer that is specifically looking for a touch screen display within this price range.

Buy the HP Spectre x360

5. Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon (Gen 9)

Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon is a favored choice among large corporations seeking to provide an effective laptop for employees to use while away from the office and working from home. What makes the Carbon option stand out is that it’s one of the lightest 14-inch laptops on the market at just 2.49 lbs, providing a big screen to work from in addition to great portability.

10 hours of battery life means that the Thinkpad X1 Carbon could be a nuisance during long travel trips, but besides that it’s definitely capable of supporting some solid working hours. The laptop is Windows 11 by default and offers all the same base applications as its competitors, including an in-built video editor and photo editing tool for extra curricular activities.

In terms of the price, the Thinkpad X1 Carbon is usually available for around $1,100. While there are definitely some more well-rounded picks at the same price range, a writer will find everything they need and more with the Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon.

Buy the Thinkpad X1 Carbon

6. Asus Zenbook 13

The Asus Zenbook 13 is another touch screen option that can be great for making notes. It’s a lightweight and highly portable laptop that is significantly less bulky than its 13.3 inch alternatives, so it’s undoubtedly one of the best picks for writers seeking a laptop to work from on-the-go.

With 15 hours of battery life, the Zenbook 13 is also one of the more durable options on the list. It’s a great pick for any writer seeking a smaller, more compact, and more portable laptop to work from, yet it still offers many of the same capabilities as other Windows 11 laptops.

As the first low-range laptop on the list, the Asus Zenbook 13 will cost around $800 to buy. As a lightweight laptop that offers a touch screen and comfortable keyboard, it’s definitely a top choice for writers in 2024.

Buy the Asus Zenbook 13

7. Acer Swift 13

The Acer Swift 13 is the seventh and final entrant on the list of great laptops for writers. It’s the most lightweight option and the cheapest pick. While there are some drawbacks in terms of its performance when it comes to gaming and other high-expenditure pastimes, anyone seeking a laptop purely for writing purposes should have no problems with it whatsoever.

What makes the Acer Swift 13 a great option is that it weighs only 2.65 lbs. Any digital nomads or frequent travellers may want to pick one up as a portable work station, as it’s less bulky and much lighter when compared against the alternatives.

Unfortunately the Swift 13 only has 8 hours of battery life, which can quickly become 2-6 hours after many months of frequent use. If that’s not a deal breaker for you, then the Acer Swift 13 is a top pick for low-range laptops with a price tag of just $569.

Buy the Acer Swift 13

The bottom line: What is the best laptop for writers?

When choosing the right laptop for you, it’s important to consider your own personal writing needs. Some writers may want a lightweight option that’s great for travel, others may want a touchscreen to brainstorm and take notes, and others may want an all-purpose option that can support both work and leisure needs at the same time.

With that in mind, here’s a review of our top 3 laptops for writers in 2024:

1. Apple Macbook Air (M2 2022)
2. Dell XPS 13
3. Microsoft Surface 4

The Apple Macbook Air takes the top spot as it satisfies every requirement for portability, battery life, and all-round utility. On top of that, it’s very reasonably priced in the mid range at $1,099. Any writer seeking a new laptop won’t be disappointed with this one.