5 Best Laptops for Freelancers and Entrepreneurs in 2025

Freelancers and entrepreneurs have diverse needs when it comes to laptops. These users require machines that combine performance, portability, and versatility to handle a variety of tasks like video editing, document creation, graphic design, and even light programming. To simplify your decision-making, here’s a comprehensive comparison of the best laptops for freelancers and entrepreneurs in 2025, with detailed insights into their specifications, performance, strengths, and weaknesses.

1. Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2023)

Best for: Lightweight productivity and seamless ecosystem integration

Specifications:

• Processor: Apple M2 chip (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine)
• Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina (2560 x 1664), True Tone
• RAM: 8GB (configurable up to 24GB)
• Storage: 256GB SSD (configurable up to 2TB)
• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
• Weight: 2.7 lbs (1.24 kg)
• Ports: 2 Thunderbolt/USB 4, MagSafe 3, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Price: Starting at $1,099

Pros:

• Sleek, ultraportable design with premium build quality.
• Impressive battery life, lasting up to 18 hours on mixed usage.
• Powerful Apple M2 chip handles multitasking and medium workloads efficiently.
• Excellent Liquid Retina display with vibrant colors and sharp text.
• Runs macOS Ventura, optimized for freelancers who are part of the Apple ecosystem (seamless integration with iPhones and iPads).

Cons:

• Limited port selection can be frustrating for users who rely on external peripherals.
• Base model offers only 256GB of storage, which might require upgrading.
• Not ideal for heavy gaming or high-end video rendering.

Best Use Cases:

• Writers, Content Creators and Bloggers:
  The MacBook Air’s lightweight design and long battery life make it perfect for freelancers who need to work on the go. Its exceptional keyboard ensures comfortable typing for long writing sessions, while apps like Pages, Scrivener and Final Draft work flawlessly on macOS.
• Basic Graphic Design and Photo Editing:
  With its vibrant Liquid Retina display, the MacBook Air M2 is well-suited for tasks like photo editing in Adobe Lightroom or basic graphic work in Canva or Photoshop. However, for heavy Photoshop or Illustrator projects, you may want to upgrade to a MacBook Pro.
• General Productivity:
  Entrepreneurs who need a machine for emails, spreadsheets, presentations and Zoom calls will find the MacBook Air’s performance and macOS ecosystem integration (e.g., iCloud sync, Handoff) invaluable.

User Sentiment: Most freelancers appreciate its portability and long battery life. Creative entrepreneurs using Apple’s software like Final Cut Pro find the MacBook Air to be a lightweight but capable companion. However, some complain about the additional cost of accessories like dongles.

Disclaimer: Prices are at time of the review and subject to change.

2. Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023)

Best for: Stylish design with high performance for professionals

Specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i7-1360P (12-core, 4.7GHz boost)
• Display: 13.4-inch OLED InfinityEdge (3840 x 2400)
• RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
• Storage: 512GB SSD (upgradable to 2TB)
• Battery Life: Up to 13 hours
• Weight: 2.77 lbs (1.26 kg)
• Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), USB-C to USB-A adapter included
• Price: Starting at $1,299

Pros:

• Stunning edge-to-edge OLED display with excellent color accuracy.
• Solid build quality with an elegant aluminum finish.
• Great performance with 12th-gen Intel chips, ideal for multitasking and professional software.
• Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry.
• Advanced haptic touchpad and a near-seamless keyboard.

Cons:

• Port selection is minimal (no standard USB-A, HDMI, or SD card slot).
• Expensive upgrades for RAM and storage.
• Slightly shorter battery life compared to competitors in this price range.

Best Use Cases:

• Business Professionals and Consultants:
  The Dell XPS 13 Plus is perfect for presentations, financial modelling, and other business tasks. The sharp OLED display ensures crisp visuals for pitching proposals or showcasing slide decks. Its compact design is great for frequent business travellers.
• Light Video Editing and Content Creation:
  The Intel Core i7-1360P processor paired with Intel Iris Xe graphics can handle light video editing in Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro alternatives like DaVinci Resolve. It’s suitable for YouTube content creators or entrepreneurs managing marketing videos, but not for heavy-duty 4K rendering.
• Developers and Programmers:
  With its sleek design, excellent performance and compatibility with Windows development tools, the XPS 13 Plus works well for coders, especially those who work with cloud-based environments or run lightweight virtual machines. However, its limited port selection may require docking stations for additional hardware.

User Sentiment: Entrepreneurs praise the sleek design and sharp OLED display, which is perfect for presentations or working on creative projects. However, some users report overheating during intensive tasks and miss the presence of legacy ports.

Disclaimer: Prices are at time of the review and subject to change.

3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (2025)

Best for: Productivity-focused professionals and business use

Specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i7-1355U (10-core, 5.0GHz boost)
• Display: 14-inch WUXGA IPS (1920 x 1200), touch optional
• RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
• Storage: 512GB SSD (expandable to 2TB)
• Battery Life: Up to 15 hours
• Weight: 2.48 lbs (1.12 kg)
• Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 4, 2 USB-A, HDMI 2.0b, 3.5mm audio, Nano SIM (optional)
• Price: Starting at $1,399

Pros:

• Durable, lightweight design made of carbon fibre.
• Keyboard is industry-leading for comfort and precision.
• Exceptional security features (integrated fingerprint reader, facial recognition).
• Wide range of ports, including USB-A and HDMI.
• Above-average battery life with quick charging support.

Cons:

• Display resolution isn’t as sharp as competitors with OLED screens.
• Higher price compared to other productivity laptops.
• Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics may struggle with intensive creative tasks.

Best Use Cases:

• Business Professionals in Consulting or Finance:
  The ThinkPad series is a staple in business circles, and the X1 Carbon is no exception. It’s perfect for creating financial reports, managing Excel spreadsheets, or running proprietary business software. The added security features (fingerprint reader, facial recognition) make it a favourite among freelancers handling sensitive client data.
• Frequent Travelers and Remote Workers:
  At just 2.48 lbs, it’s one of the lightest laptops for productivity users. The long battery life (up to 15 hours) is ideal for remote work, and its robust design ensures durability during travel. Entrepreneurs working from coffee shops, airports, or co-working spaces will find it reliable.
• Writers and Legal Professionals:
  The ThinkPad’s best-in-class keyboard offers unparalleled typing comfort, making it the go-to choice for writers, legal professionals, and anyone dealing with long-form text.

User Sentiment: ThinkPad fans love the reliable keyboard, robust design, and business-friendly features like security and port availability. It’s a favourite for freelancers in finance, consulting, or other text-heavy roles. Some users feel the display could be brighter and sharper.

Disclaimer: Prices are at time of the review and subject to change.

4. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio (2024)

Best for: Creative freelancers and entrepreneurs needing versatility

Specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i7-13700H (14-core, 4.9GHz boost)
• Display: 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow (2400 x 1600, 120Hz), touch and pen support
• RAM: 16GB (upgradable to 32GB)
• Storage: 512GB SSD (expandable to 2TB)
• Battery Life: Up to 16 hours
• Weight: 3.83 lbs (1.74 kg)
• Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 4, Surface Connect, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Price: Starting at $1,599

Pros:

• Unique adjustable screen for laptop, studio, or tablet mode.
• 120Hz PixelSense display with stylus support, ideal for illustrators and designers.
• Powerful CPU and optional NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 for graphics-intensive work.
• Solid build quality and premium magnesium chassis.

Cons:

• Heavier and bulkier compared to traditional laptops.
• Pricey, especially for configurations with discrete GPU.
• Limited ports, requiring adapters for external devices.

Best Use Cases:

• Digital Artists, Illustrators, and Graphic Designers:
  The Surface Laptop Studio is tailor-made for creatives. Its 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow display supports both touch and stylus input with high accuracy, making it ideal for digital art in Adobe Photoshop or illustration work in Procreate-like apps. The stylus and 120Hz refresh rate offer smooth pen-to-screen interaction, similar to drawing on paper.
• Video Editors and Motion Graphics Designers:
  For video editors, the Surface Laptop Studio provides optional discrete NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU (in higher-end configurations) to handle tasks in Premiere Pro, After Effects, or DaVinci Resolve. It’s capable of 4K video editing and rendering, though it’s not as powerful as dedicated workstations.
• Entrepreneurs in Marketing or Advertising:
  Its adjustable screen mode allows for hands-on collaboration and presentations. For example, you can set it to studio mode for brainstorming sessions or tablet mode to pitch interactive visuals to clients.

User Sentiment: Many freelancers in design and media love the Surface Laptop Studio’s flexible form factor and smooth performance with creative software. The high price tag is a common complaint, but most agree it’s worth the investment for creative freedom.

Disclaimer: Prices are at time of the review and subject to change.

5. ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED (2024)

Best for: Budget-conscious freelancers seeking premium features

Specifications:

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7735U (8-core, 4.75GHz boost)
• Display: 14-inch 2.8K OLED (2880 x 1800), 90Hz
• RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Battery Life: Up to 14 hours
• Weight: 3.06 lbs (1.39 kg)
• Ports: 2 USB-C, USB-A, HDMI 2.1, microSD card slot, 3.5mm audio jack
• Price: Starting at $899

Pros:

• High-resolution OLED display with 90Hz refresh rate.
• Excellent performance with Ryzen 7 CPU for the price point.
• Long battery life for a budget-friendly laptop.
• Comprehensive port selection, including HDMI and microSD.

Cons:

• Build quality is solid but not as premium as high-end competitors.
• Lacks advanced security features like facial recognition.
• Integrated GPU limits performance for 3D rendering or video editing.

Best Use Cases:

• Freelancers on a Budget (Writers, Admins, Virtual Assistants):
  For freelancers who mainly use tools like Google Docs, Microsoft Office, or Trello, the ZenBook 14 OLED is a cost-effective option. Its bright and colour-accurate OLED display is perfect for long hours of work without eye strain.
• Entry-Level Photo and Graphic Editing:
  The AMD Ryzen 7 7735U processor and OLED screen make it capable of handling tools like Canva, Lightroom, or basic Photoshop tasks. It’s suitable for those getting started in freelance graphic design without needing a premium machine.
• Web Designers and Coders:
  The ZenBook’s performance is sufficient for running code editors like Visual Studio Code or Atom and testing websites. Its inclusion of HDMI and USB-A ports is particularly useful for connecting peripherals without additional adapters.

User Sentiment: Many freelancers love the affordability and premium features, particularly the OLED display. While it’s not as powerful as some premium laptops, it offers excellent value for general productivity and light creative work.

Disclaimer: Prices are at time of the review and subject to change.

Detailed Scenarios and Laptop Recommendations:

Scenario 1: A Travel Blogger

• Needs: Portability, long battery life, excellent display for photo editing, and basic video editing for vlogs.
• Recommendation: Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2023) for lightweight portability and excellent ecosystem integration with iPhones and iPads for quick content transfers.

Scenario 2: A Graphic Designer or Illustrator

• Needs: High-resolution touchscreen, stylus support, and powerful performance for Adobe Creative Suite.
• Recommendation: Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio (2024) for its versatility, touch input, and stylus compatibility.

Scenario 3: A Digital Marketing Consultant

• Needs: Multitasking capabilities, excellent display for presentations, and lightweight design for travel.
• Recommendation: Dell XPS 13 Plus (2023) for its sharp OLED display, modern design, and robust performance for marketing apps like HubSpot or Canva.

Scenario 4: A Programmer or Developer

• Needs: Great keyboard, powerful CPU, and lightweight design for mobility.
• Recommendation: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (2025) for its excellent keyboard, durable build, and security features.

Scenario 5: A Freelancer on a Budget

• Needs: A reliable machine for general productivity and occasional creative work without breaking the bank.
• Recommendation: ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED (2024) for its affordable price, OLED display, and solid performance for everyday tasks.

Final Thoughts:

Each laptop offers unique features tailored to specific professions or use cases. Consider factors like your workload, required software, and budget when making a choice. If you’re still unsure or want to explore specific apps or workflows (e.g., video editing or coding tools), feel free to ask for further clarification!