The freelance field is booming. More and more people are pursuing types of work that can be done anytime and from anywhere in the world. That’s a gig economy for you, freedom to choose where and when or how long to work without being bound to an office cubicle.
Typically working on the go and often remotely, freelancers depend on staying up to date with the latest technology. In fact many freelancers today can do their job with just the use of a phone and a laptop. Here we take a look at the best laptops on the market for freelancers today, taking into account everything a freelancer would need including performance, weight, size, memory and overall aesthetics.
The best laptops for freelancers are usually made by popular manufacturers like Dell, HP, and many others. Microsoft makes minimal products because they target the niche crowd, and they are quite expensive for the average person. But, if you are an experienced freelancer who has the cash to spend and looking for an exquisite laptop experience, this is the one to go for.
I have put together a list of five of the best laptops a freelancer should consider.
A Quick Overview to the Best Laptops for Freelancers & Online Jobs
- Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – 12.3″ Touch-Screen – Intel Core i7 – 16GB Memory – 256GB SSD (Latest Model) – Matte Black (VNX-00016)
- HP Pavilion x360 14 Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop, 14” Full HD Touchscreen Display, Intel Core i5, 8 GB DDR4 RAM, 512 GB SSD Storage, Windows 10 Home, Backlit Keyboard (14-dh2011nr, 2020 Model)
- Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 13″ Laptop, FHD (1920 x 1080) Touch Display, Intel Core i3-10110U Processor, 4GB DDR4 Onboard RAM, 64GB eMMC, Intel Integrated Graphics, Chrome OS, 82B80006UX, Graphite Grey
- Microsoft Surface Go (Intel Pentium Gold, 4GB RAM, 64GB)
- HP Spectre X360 15.6 Inch 4K UHD Touch-Screen 512GB SSD + 32GB Optane 1.8GHz i7 2-in-1 Laptop (16GB RAM, Quad-Core i7-10510U, GeForce MX330, Windows 10 Home) Nightfall Black 15-EB0043DX
5 Best Laptops for Freelancers & Online Jobs
1. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Launched as an ultralight and versatile machine, the new Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a winner when it comes to the super lightweight 2-in-1 models. The leap in performance on this Surface Pro model comes due to the 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor paired with an integrated Iris Plus graphics support. Multitasking becomes smooth with the addition of 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD internal storage. You can switch between multiple apps on the browser without facing any lag.
The 12.3-inch PixelSense screen on this laptop is competitive amidst the convertibles. The resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels is vivid and bright. The sRGB color gamut is excellent and accurate, something you usually expect from an iPad Pro. Coders and video editors will find it good to use this screen as it will be easy on the eyes and ensure accuracy.
Key Features
- Free Upgrade to Windows 11 when available.
- Standout design that won’t weigh you down ultra-slim and light Surface Pro 7 starts at just 1.70 pounds
- Faster than Surface Pro 6, with a 10th Gen Intel Core Processor redefining what’s possible in a thin and light computer.
- Next-gen, best-in-class laptop with the versatility of a studio and tablet, so you can type, touch, draw, write, work, and play more naturally
- More ways to connect, with both USB-C and USB-A ports for connecting to displays, docking stations and more, as well as accessory charging
- All-day battery life up to 10.5 hours, plus the ability to go from empty to full faster about 80% in just over an hour
Technical Specifications
Standing screen display size | 12.3 Inches |
Screen Resolution | 2736 x 1824 |
Max Screen Resolution | 12.3 Pixels |
Processor | 1 GHz core_i7 |
RAM | 16 GB DDR |
Hard Drive | 256 GB flash_memory_solid_state |
Graphics Coprocessor | Mac |
Chipset Brand | Intel |
Card Description | Integrated |
Average Battery Life (in hours) | 7.5 Hours |
Pros
- Keyboard functions very well
- PixelSense display with vivid colors
- Extremely lightweight and convertible
- Battery life is improved up to 10.5 hours
- Multitasking is easy with high performance
Cons
- Expensive
- Smaller display
Recommendations
With the presence of a tablet, laptop, and studio modes, the Surface Pro 7 comes with a matte-black finish and appears to be a thin machine. Fingerprints are resisted, thanks to the black exterior and the texture that make the user grip the 2-in-1 laptop well.
2. HP Pavilion x360
Under the hood, HP houses the G-series, Intel Core i5 processor, which is good enough for most graphics-intensive and mid-level academic tasks. While the base clock speed of 1GHz might not look like much, you can always overclock the same at 3.6GHz, for managing some of the more demanding applications.
As far as storage is concerned, you get a 512GB solid-state drive, which ensures faster boot-ups and file retrievals. The 14-inch display is an asset in itself, courtesy of the 1080p resolution, WLED-backlit support, and bright IPS paneling.
Key Features
- Display: 14.0” diagonal full HD, IPS, micro-edge, WLED-backlit, multi touch-enabled, edge-to-edge glass touch screen display (1920 x 1080); 80% screen to body ratio
- Four versatile modes: Easily convert from laptop mode to tablet, stand or tent mode for note taking, drawing and other daily activities that feel as natural as pen on paper
- BIOS recovery & protection: Automatically checks the health of your PC, protects against unauthorized access, secures local storage and recovers itself from boot-up issues
- Connect in more ways: Whether it’s online chatting or professional video meetings, the solid Wi-Fi 6 connection is up to the task, and the HP wide vision HD webcam with dual array microphone lets you see in wide-angle clarity so you can feel closer
- Fast processor: 10th Generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-1035G1, Quad-Core, 1.0 GHz base frequency, up to 3.6 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology
- Battery life: Up to 9 hours and 15 minutes (mixed usage), up to 6 hours and 45 minutes (video playback), up to 9 hours and 45 minutes (wireless streaming); 0 to 50% charge in 45 minutes with HP fast charge
- Fast bootup with solid-state drive & higher bandwidth memory: Boot up in seconds, transfer files without waiting hours, and enjoy a speedier experience with the internal 512 GB PCIe(R) NVMe(TM) M.2 SSD, and higher bandwidth, speed and efficiency with 8 GB DDR4-3200 SDRAM (1 x 8 GB, not upgradable)
Technical Specifications
Display Size | 14 Inches |
Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
Processor | 3.6 GHz core_i5 |
RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
Memory Speed | 3200 MHz |
Hard Drive | flash memory solid state |
Chipset Brand | Integrated |
Card Description | Integrated |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
Wireless Type | Bluetooth |
Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
Average Battery Life (in hours) | 9.25 Hours |
Pros
- Alexa-compatible
- Affordable Price
- Excellent Battery Life
- Excellent Touch response
- It has Wi-fi 6 and Bluetooth 5
- Great Cooling Management
- Latest and Powerful Processor
- Top-class unibody aluminum design
Cons
- Slow data transfer speeds
- Non-upgradeable system memory
Recommendations
After continuous use, it can provide you with up to 9 hours of battery life, which is very good for students, and it has HP fast charging function and has The HP fast charge function that can be charged to 50% in just 45 minutes. This is why our bets are on the HP Pavilion x360, courtesy of the multi-mode operability and a pretty reliable specs sheet.
3. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is powered by a 10th generation Intel Core i3 processor and Intel integrated graphics; you can use it to complete all essential tasks, such as freelance, online courses, and video editing. In addition, it also provides breakthrough smart performance features that can adapt to you and what you do, providing a more personalized, intuitive, and responsive Chromebook experience.
It has 4 GB DDR4 RAM, which is not suitable for heavy work. But it is beneficial for low-end work, and it also provides 64GB of eMMC SSD storage, which is a small storage space for students, and you will not be able to store all the necessary data.
Key Features
- Use your Google account to easily access files, videos, music, and documents stored on the cloud from anywhere. With up to 10 hours of battery life, you’ll stay productive
- The 13-inch FHD display in this slim, light 360° convertible Chromebook offers beautiful visuals, while narrow bezels minimize distractions. Two user-facing stereo speakers keep you immersed in the experience
- This 2-in-1 laptop combines a keyboard and touchscreen to make it easy to interact with everything on your display. You can also use the Lenovo digital pen (sold separately) to quickly write, click or drag files right on the screen
- Connect with the built-in webcam, 2 USB Type-C ports, a USB Type-A port, and an audio jack. It also has the latest Intel Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 a fast, reliable connection
- Work from home, school, or anywhere with the outstanding combination of performance, connectivity, and entertainment enabled by 10th generation InteI Core processors. The Lenovo Flex 5 offers intelligent performance features that adapt to you for a personalized, intuitive, and responsive experience
Technical Specifications
Display Size | 13.3 Inches |
Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
Processor | 2.1 GHz core_i3 |
RAM | 4 GB DDR4 |
Hard Drive | 64 GB flash memory solid state |
Graphics Coprocessor | Intel Integrated Graphics |
Chipset Brand | Intel |
Card Description | Integrated |
Wireless Type | 802.11ax |
Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 1 |
Average Battery Life (in hours) | 10 Hours |
Pros
- Good webcam
- Full HD Screen
- 2-in-1 features
- Affordable Price
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Two strong speakers
Cons
- Average Graphics Quality
- Poor screen at some angles
Recommendations
It provides a one lithium polymer battery, can provide you with excellent performance, and can provide you with up to 10 hours of battery life, which is very useful for business people or students.
4. Microsoft Surface Go
The Microsoft Surface Goo is a go-to laptop that runs on Windows 10 OS for those who need a machine for web browsing and watching movies. It is an affordable laptop that will be a great companion for art students. Unlike most of the budget options, the New Microsoft Surface Go offers a high-resolution touch screen with a native resolution of 1800 x 1200p with tempered glass protection.The laptop offers 4GB RAM, which is a bit less considering the modern workflow. However, for an art student who just wants to browse the web, that should not be an issue. Besides, it does offer 64GB flash storage, which is again a bit less.
Key Features
- Lightest Surface yet, starting at just 1.15 pounds. Aspect ratio: 3:2
- Includes multi tasking USB C, fast charging Surface Connect, and headphone jack
- High res 10 inch PixelSense Display designed to be viewed, touched, and written on
- All day battery life, with up to 9 hours of unplugged power. LTE Advanced Up to 8.5 hours of battery life for local video playback
- Comes with Windows 10 in S mode, to do the things you want with performance that lasts, including Microsoft verified security, Windows Defender, parental controls, and world class support
Technical Specifications
Display Size | 10 Inches |
Screen Resolution | 1800 x 1200 |
Max Screen Resolution | 1800×1200 Pixels |
Processor | 1.6 GHz 8032 |
RAM | 64 GB |
Hard Drive | 64 GB Flash Memory Solid State |
Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 615 |
Chipset Brand | Intel |
Card Description | Integrated |
Graphics Card Ram Size | 64 GB |
Wireless Type | 802.11abg |
Average Battery Life (in hours) | 3 Hours |
Pros
- Lightweight
- Premium finish
- Good battery life
- Good touch display
- Extensive accessories support
Cons
- Limited RAM
- Limited storage
Recommendations
The New Microsoft Surface Go offers 9 hours of battery life and it also has an LTE slot, which can be used to get a wireless internet connection on the goIf you want a lightweight and budget-friendly touch screen laptop from a well-known brand, then the New Microsoft Surface Go is the laptop that an art student should consider.
5. HP Spectre X360
HP’s new and improved Spectre x360 15T is probably the best 2-in-1 laptop you can invest in, considering the crafty aesthetics and a reliable processing setup. You might have a diverse set of preferences that can be best represented by this class-leading convertible.
HP offers the elusive and interactive Windows 10 Pro OS and sweetens the pot further with a bundled flash drive, HP pen, and MS Office trial version. For creatives, media fanatics, and students who are more into reading, the 15.6-inch 4K panel is a necessitated inclusion. With an overall resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, the featured IPS screen is one of the brightest in the retail sector. Besides, the touchscreen is bezel-less and completely stylus compatible.
Key Features
- 512GB SSD + 32GB Intel Optane, 16GB DDR4 SDRAM, SD Card Reader, Bang & Olufsen Quad speakers
- 15.6″ Diagonal 4K UHD WLED Touch Display (3840 x 2160) 340 nits, intel GPU (2GB)
- Windows 10 Home, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX 201(2×2) + Bluetooth 5.0, Backlit Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, Fingerprint Reader
- 360° Flip-and-Fold Design, 1.8GHz 10th Gen Intel i7-10510U Quad-Core (up to 4.9GHz)
- 13.5 Hours Battery Life; Ports and Slots: 1 x Thunderbolt 3 Type-C; 1 x USB Type-C; 1 x HDMI 2.0; 1 x USB Type-A; 1 x AC smart pin; 1 x Headphone/Microphone combo; 1 x Media Card Reader
Technical Specifications
Display Size | 15.6 Inches |
Screen Resolution | 3840×2160 |
Max Screen Resolution | 3840 x 2160 Pixels |
Processor | 1.8 GHz core_i7 |
RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
Memory Speed | 1.8 GHz |
Hard Drive | 512 GB ssd |
Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce MX330 |
Chipset Brand | Intel |
Card Description | Integrated |
Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
Pros
- Brilliant aesthetics
- Class-leading display
- All-inclusive connectivity
- Innovative security suite
- Future-proof processor
Cons
- Questionable keyboard actuation
- Not meant for insanely demanding games
Recommendations
In terms of battery life, the metal-clad convertible lives up to expectations. It churns out 13 hours’ worth of steady backup, allowing students to keep working even if there is an electrical outage. Overall, the holistic specs sheet justifies the price tag and student compatibility associated with the new HP Spectre x360.
Bottomline
The best laptop for freelancers is the one that allows you to do your job well. Hard stop. Your computer doesn’t have to be a status symbol, but it shouldn’t be something you overly compromise on, either. For most freelancers, a computer is an integral part of the business.
Once you’ve determined exactly what features you need, programs you have to run, and lifestyle you need to fit your work into, go ahead and include a wish list on the side. Some of those nice-to-have add ons really will make a difference in how you think about your job.
Finally, I want to say that if you ultimately want to buy a laptop, then first you should decide your budget because laptops are bought with money. I hope that through this article, we have eliminated all your doubts about “the best laptop for freelancers.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a freelancer job?
Freelancers are self-employed people who don’t work at a particular company but a lot of them. A freelancer is hired for a specific project, service, or task by the client (or conventionally the employer). A freelancer works on a variety of projects at the same time but for different clients.
2. Can I do freelancing on mobile?
For employers or project managers who need a freelancer fast for a project that is on a tight deadline, a mobile app that can match the perfect contractor for your specific job is essential. The Freelancer mobile app lets you do all that, too. Available for Android and iOS users.
3. Is freelancing easy?
Freelancing is not a ticket to an easy life. It comes with perks, but it also has pitfalls. Some people can handle these well while some can not. How hard freelancing is for you may depend on your personality, working style, and how well you tolerate uncertainty.
4. How much does a beginner freelancer earn?
According to our interviews with dozens of freelancers while handpicking the best for the Kool Kanya Freelance Marketplace we found out that beginner freelancers earn between ₹ 10,000 to ₹ 30,000 per month in India while experience can even make up to ₹80,000 per month.
5. Is Upwork good for beginners?
Yes, Upwork can be a great way to kickstart your freelancing career as you’re able to browse millions of jobs and find the ones that are perfect for you. However, in order to succeed, beginners with new profiles have to overcome a few hurdles such as their apparent lack of experience and massive competition.