By Robin Owens 14 days ago, Hardware
The best laptops for writers that have low prices and great performance.
If you are a writer, you need to buy a comfortable-to-use laptop to work without any distractions. Similarly to video editors, photographers and 3D designers, writers need to use reliable devices.
Some people might think that any laptop with a reliable keyboard will suffice, however, your device needs to be powerful enough to solve all the tasks. Make sure to select the best laptop for writers that is well put together, made of durable materials and comes with a keyboard that reacts to your keystrokes with high precision.
Writers who are trying to find a perfect laptop will need to learn more about the pros and cons of the models available on the market. Some laptops come with good for nothing keyboards, while others are too slow or have poor battery capacity. You need to be aware of the shortcoming of a device before making your choice.
To make your task easier, I have tested the most popular laptops for writers on a budget and compiled a list of the best options available. With them, you can write your witty columns and intricate novels without any interruptions. Make sure to read this article till the end to find the model that suits your needs most.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 | GPU: Radeon Vega 10 | RAM: 8 GB | Storage: 512 GB | Display: 14-inch | Weight: 3.36 pound
⊕ Compact
⊕ Perfect for multitasking
⊕ A budget Ultrabook
⊖ Low-quality speakers
⊖ Isn’t suitable for gaming
While this model is quite powerful, it still boasts impressive battery capacity. The Swift 3 comes with other upgraded features as well, such as an NVMe SSD, a matte IPS display, dual-channel RAM and a keyboard with amazing backlighting.
The Swift 3 SF314-42 is a modern and portable laptop for freelance writers that comes with a 14-inch display. Acer opted for a simple design and created a stylish laptop that is somewhat similar to the Apple MacBook Air. Just like the earlier models, it has a slim body and isn’t too heavy thanks to its aluminum chassis.
CPU: Dual-Core Intel 4417u | GPU: Intel HD Graphics | RAM: 4 GB | Storage: 64 GB | Display: 15.6-inch | Weight: 3.99 pound
⊕ Durable metal chassis
⊕ Amazing display
⊕ Good sound quality
⊕ Convenient keyboard
⊖ Subpar battery life
⊖ Expensive
Chromebooks are becoming increasingly more popular. Nowadays, they come in various sizes and are sold at different prices. If previously they were considered as budget devices suitable for students, now they can be used as decent alternatives for more expensive Macbooks and Windows laptops. Moreover, for writers who value portability and convenience, the HP Chromebook 15 can be paired with the best pocket pen mouse, providing seamless navigation and precision while on the go.
Unlike earlier models that often feature 10 and 11-inch screens, modern Chromebooks became larger and come with more convenient keyboards. HP’s Chromebook 15 is sold at $469. This laptop for writers comes with a 15.6-inch display, which makes it one of the largest options available along with the Acer Chromebook 31 and Lenovo Yoga Chromebook C630. The laptop has a great keyboard with a number pad. The only downside is its poor battery life.
CPU: Intel Core i3 | GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics | RAM: 8 GB | Storage: 256 GB | Display: 13.3-inch | Weight: 2.8 pound
⊕ Nice typing feel
⊕ Thin profile, doesn’t weigh much
⊕ Comes in different colors
⊕ Great battery capacity
⊖ No touch screen
⊖ Limited connectivity options
Many users were disappointed in 2018 when Apple released its upgraded MacBook Air that featured a butterfly keyboard. While a new version of the outdated 12-inch MacBook was significantly upgraded, it failed to gain popularity among users. Apple has finally admitted the mistake and presented a new laptop with a great keyboard. While its basic version costs only $999, I have tested an upgraded $1299 version.
Besides more impressive storage capacity, this best laptop for writers features the 10th Generation Core processors from Intel. Being less powerful than some similarly priced models, it is still a great option for macOS enthusiasts who need to buy a laptop for writing or browsing the Internet. The MacBook Air released in 2024 is a smart choice for office use as well.
CPU: Gen Intel Core i7-9750H | GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | RAM: 4 GB | Storage: 256 GB | Display: 15.6-inch | Weight: 4 pound
⊕ Stellar 4K OLED display
⊕ Well put together
⊕ Remarkable battery life
⊕ Customization options
⊕ Perfect webcam placement
⊖ An outdated look
⊖ Poor-quality touchpad and keyboard
The Dell XPS 15 is one of the best options that I have tested. This all-in-one device is capable to solve any task and delivers a desktop-like experience. The basic model costs $1149 but I have tested a $2649 laptop for authors with a stunning 4K OLED display which makes it well worth its hefty price.
For writers who often find themselves typing for extended periods, the Dell XPS 15 offers an exceptional typing experience with its comfortable and responsive keyboard. The backlit keys allow for seamless writing sessions, even in low-light environments, making it suitable for late-night creative bursts or writing on-the-go during long trips.
Moreover, the Dell XPS 15's solid build quality and premium materials lend a sense of reliability, ensuring that writers can depend on the laptop for years to come. Its lightweight design and long-lasting battery life make it a perfect companion for writers who need to work on their projects while traveling or on-location.
This version also features an Intel Core i9 processor, an Nvidia GTX 1650 graphics card, 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. Thanks to these specifications, the laptop can be used not only for writing but for gaming as well. If you don’t have loads of cash laying around, you can opt for a more affordable configuration.
CPU: Intel Core i5 | GPU: Intel HD Graphics | RAM: 8 GB | Storage: 256 GB | Display: 15.6-inch | Weight: 3.75 pound
⊕ High-end design
⊕ Remarkable performance
⊕ Responsive keyboard
⊕ A wide choice of ports
⊖ No Ethernet port
⊖ Can’t be upgraded
⊖ Inconsistent display brightness
This HP laptop with a 15-inch display and a 10th Gen core CPU will be a perfect option even for the most demanding users. As it features Windows 10, you can install any software that you might need.
Your security settings will be regularly updated to keep your data safe. Besides, all your documents will be safeguarded against malware. With this model, your files will be protected from third-parties and your content won’t be compromised.
CPU: Core i7-8565U | GPU: Intel HD Graphics | RAM: 16 GB | Storage: 512 GB | Display: 13.3-inch | Weight: 2.7 pound
⊕ Cheap
⊕ Great battery life
⊕ Virtually borderless display
⊕ USB-C, USB-A and HDMI ports
⊖ Inconvenient keyboard
⊖ No Thunderbolt 3 support
The Asus ZenBook 13 is a powerful laptop with an elegant design and a Core i5 CPU that comes at an affordable price. While some users might consider its keyboard to be too compact, it makes this model even more portable. Asus claims that this ZenBook 13 delivers an impressive performance which makes it similar to such devices as Lenovo ThinkPads and HP EliteBooks.
It boasts a great brightness across the screen. This best laptop for writers comes in blue color with a gold perforated strip making its design look more stylish. You will find its in-built Harman/Kardon speakers on the bottom.
CPU: Ryzen 3 | GPU: Radeon Vega 3 | RAM: 4 GB | Storage: 128 GB | Display: 15.6-inch | Weight: 4.41 pound
⊕ Great battery capacity
⊕ Edgy features
⊕ Decent build quality
⊕ Reliable performance
⊕ Affordable
⊖ Poor display brightness
The Acer Aspire 5 is a decent option for those who are looking for a reliable model for casual use. It can cope with all typing tasks easily and has amazing battery life. This mid-range laptop from Asus is quite affordable as well.
Equipped with a Ryzen CPU, it’s a perfect choice for those who need to find a reliable laptop for writing. While it’s hardly suitable for running resource-consuming software, it has a nice keyboard and stunning battery capacity.
CPU: Intel i3 | GPU: Intel HD Graphics | RAM: 8 GB | Storage: 128 GB | Display: 15.6-inch | Weight: 3.5 pound
⊕ High-speed performance
⊕ Thin profile
⊕ Weighs 1.7 kg
⊖ Touchpad is inconvenient to use
⊖ Poor brightness
Asus released this recent addition to the VivoBook line with a list of remarkable specs. This best laptop for writers has all the advantages of earlier versions, such as the ScreenPad, and comes at a budget price. One of its main selling points is the NanoEdge display that accounts for the screen-to-body ratio of 88%.
The manufacturers have managed to achieve this by adding the ErgoLift hinge that allows elevating the backside of the base to make the bottom bezel less noticeable. While some users think that other design solutions could have solved this task better, you will appreciate this invention when you start using this laptop.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Acer Swift
Our Choice |
CHECK PRICE→ | |
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HP Chromebook
Budget |
CHECK PRICE → | |
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MacBook Air
Professional |
CHECK PRICE → |
Most writers prefer using Microsoft Word for writing novels, articles, blogs and columns. However, if you have a MacBook, you will need to use Apple’s native software Pages. Its key advantage is that it is compatible with Microsoft Office. However, Microsoft products are paid ones, so if you are not ready to pay a hefty sum on a subscription, you can consider using such free services as Office Online and Google Docs. It’s up to you to decide which of these options suits your needs most. You can also take a look at other similar programs, for instance, DropBox Paper or LibreOffice. Each of them will facilitate your workflow, regardless of the device that you are using. However, keep in mind that it might be impossible to install programs designed for Windows laptops on your Macbook.
Writers spend more time typing than casual users, so it’s vital to pick a laptop with a decent keyboard that will serve you for years to come. It’s better to test the available models at your local store to decide which type suits your better and has a great typing feel. You can also purchase a suitable laptop for writing online after reading reviews. Regardless of the option you choose, there are several important features that you need to consider.
Key placement. To prevent muscle strain, try using a model with a Ctrl/Command key placed to the left of your pinky. It will help you to use various commands more efficiently.
Arrow pad. If you need to scroll down more quickly, you will benefit from using a keyboard with Page Up and Page Down keys.
Caps Lock. There are many laptops for writing a book, but keep in mind that the best models come with a sunken or otherwise distinctive Caps Lock key. It will help you avoid typing mistakes.
Backspace. Just like other keys, it should have a large keycap and be placed in a convenient way to let you make edits more quickly.
Backlighting. Some users prefer using a backlit keyboard, but this feature is not very important unless you prefer typing in poorly lit rooms.
No bottoming out. For a more enjoyable typing experience, your clicks should be registered halfway. Thanks to it, you won’t need to strain your hands too much and will be able to solve any task much faster. There should be some space between the buttons and the base to prevent the keys from hitting it.
Good tactile feel. If the keys have decent switches, it will be easier for you to press them. The best options come with springy keys.
If you don’t like working at your desk and prefer taking your laptop to your favorite cafe or on a trip, make sure to choose a small-sized lightweight device that can be carried around easily. Portable laptops usually weigh no more than 4 pounds. To avoid straining your eyes too much, opt for 13-15-inch displays as they are quite comfortable to use. Large keyboards provide better eye comfort, but they are also less convenient to carry around. If you need a portable laptop for word processing, take a look at small-sized models.
Those who enjoy traveling need to find a laptop made of durable materials. If your device is solidly built, you can use it wherever you go. The best options for travelers are made either of metal or aluminum. Lightweight laptops not always can withstand rough handling and are less reliable than heavier models. If you want to write without any interruptions, opt for a laptop for typing equipped with an SSD as it is more reliable than an HDD or hybrid one. They are less likely to start malfunctioning if you incidentally drop your device. Besides, it’s always worth paying extra for a high-quality bag to protect your laptop when you are traveling.
Writers who prefer working outside need to choose a laptop with good battery capacity to ensure that it won’t turn off unexpectedly. Such devices also might come up handy if you don’t like sitting at your desk all the time or don’t want to clutter your workspace with cables. A decent laptop should last at least 8 hours without being plugged in. It’s always better to read a couple of reviews before buying a laptop to ensure that the model of your choice has good battery capacity.
Those who are used to working outside know that a matte display minimizes glare and allows one to type without being distracted by reflections. Glossy displays deliver high-accuracy colors and better contrast, however, they are less comfortable to use in sunny weather if you prefer sitting near a window. A laptop with a matte display is perfect for well-lit rooms, so if you want to buy a device with a good screen, it might be a worthy option to consider.
Yes, for instance, I have a small-sized model that lasts around 8 hours without being charged. It’s pretty portable, so I can take it with me anywhere. Mind that if you plan to edit many texts, you might be better off if you buy a laptop with a large display and a normal-sized keyboard.
If you have a Chromebook, you won’t face any difficulties when watching Netflix through their official website or using the Netflix app that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
To buy a decent laptop for typing, you will need to pay at least $800. There are plenty of great options that cost less than $1000. However, unless you pay at least $1500, you are unlikely to purchase a high-end gaming laptop.
While most users believe that Chromebooks are useless without an Internet connection, you can use a Chromebook offline as well.
