Best Laptop for Writers

Best Laptop for Writing – Something for Everyone

For a writer, the tools you choose can have significant impact on your process. There’s not one right answer, everyone has their own style. Some writers might find things like the internet too distracting, and some might be looking for a device that will serve them in other aspects of their life as well. For any writer, it’s important you have the tools that best compliment you.

So, to help you out, we’ve searched for a variety of different laptops to suit all sorts of writers. Even if you prefer to hand write everything, believe it or not, we have a few laptops that can work with you. To make it easy, we’ve broken down all the key points and features (such as size, weight, speed, if the laptop has an SSD, and so on) of these machines so you can make the best possible decision. The perfect tool to power your writing career is here, waiting for you.

Best Laptop for Writers in 2021 – Top 12

The Asus ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim is the best overall laptop for writers, and for so many reasons. Not too small, and yet not too big. Very thin and super light. Weighing in at 2.62 pounds, and an ultra-thin thickness of 13.9mm. Perfect for popping the laptop in your bag for on-the-go writing.

One of my favorite things about this laptop is the incredible 22 hours of battery life, from a single charge. So when forget to pack the charger in your bag, you won’t need to worry about running out of power. And when you do need to top up the juice, you can use the fast-charge feature. It’ll get your battery back to a 60% charge level in just 49 minutes!

Power is not a problem either. Capable of speeds up-to 3.6 GHz using the 10th generation Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor. 8GB’s of RAM and 256GB of fast SSD storage will mean you’re totally covered for multitasking too.

This ZenBook has a 13.3″ screen, boasts a 88% screen-to-body ratio and a 450-nits brightness level. Basically, it’s bright and beautiful, creating an immersive viewing experience. And you won’t need to worry about draining the battery, as it uses a low-power 1-watt display. Power efficiency without compromising on quality.

It’s got all the needed ports. HDMI, USB-C (x2), USB 3.1 and even a microSD card reader. Backlit keyboard, Wifi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. And the build quality is second-to-none. So don’t worry about dropping it as it meets US Military-Grade standards (STD-810G).

For writers, it simply ticks to many boxes. I really appreciate the edge-to-edge ergonomic keyboard, meaning it utilizes all the space within a compact design. The number pad is also built into the trackpad, and can be activated upon need. All these little touches combined with the major stats of this laptop, make it a clear choice for me. And for everything you’re getting, the price isn’t super scary either. It’s the best laptop for writers, hands down.

Calling all Apple users, this one’s for you. Here is the most advanced MacBook Air to date. For those seeking a laptop that can do it all, look no further. The 8 CPU cores deliver up to 3.5 times faster performance, and the 8 GPU cores mean 5 times faster graphics than previous models. Enjoy up to 18 hours of battery life from a single charge, so you can write anytime, anywhere, with power to spare.

The new M1 chip fitted inside has 16 million transistors that integrate the CPU, GPU, Neural engine, and more! All of that connectivity is packed in something the size of an SD card. Run multiple functions at high speeds without the fear of a crash or slow down.

Do you enjoy gaming or streaming videos when you’re not tickling the keyboard? Not only does the MacBook Air have the power to run the applications you want, it has the capabilities to render graphics beautifully. The 13.3” screen has retina display with P3 wide color enhanced detail at 227 pixels per inch. Even the built-in Facetime camera has HD resolution, pulling out more highlights and shadows than ever before. When it’s time to take a break from writing, you won’t want to leave the computer.

The Force Touch trackpad keeps your movements and clicks precise, while the backlit keyboard boasts a scissor mechanism to muffle the sounds of the keys as you type. If you couple that with the thermal efficiency standards that make cooling fans obsolete, you get an incredibly quiet experience at the computer to help you complete your best work- distraction free.

For those that still aren’t sold on this being the laptop for you, allow me to mention the customization options. Choose from a 256GB or 512GB model in your favorite of 3 colors: silver, gray, and gold.

The Asus Zenbook Duo is the perfect one shop stop for all of your creative needs. The slim, backlit keyboard and staggered touchpad make typing a breeze, and you can sign in everyday for your writing fix with the built-in IR camera complete with facial recognition software powered by Windows Hello and the Windows 10 Pro Operating System.

This laptop is of the highest tier, sporting new features and the well-rounded technical specifications that you can expect from Asus. It’s compact, weighing only 3.5 pounds, with up to 12 hours of battery life for writers who work on the go. But make sure you pack that Ergo Lift tilting keyboard stand for enhanced comfort, wherever you sit down to write! The Ergo Lift technology not only keeps the laptop cool, but keeps your hands comfortable and moving for long typing sessions.

Rest easy knowing there’s room for whatever needs to be saved. The memory of this device is insane! 16GB of RAM allows for instant access to your important content, while the 1TB PCIE of SSD has everything else waiting for you within seconds.

Now let’s talk about processing power, because this baby is basically the muscle car of laptops. With the latest 10th generation Intel Core i7-10510U processor, you’re in for a treat with startlingly fast load times. Have more open applications than ever before, and transition with speeds up to 4.9 GHz per second!

However, what really makes this laptop so innovative is the Screen Pad Plus. This 12.6” touchscreen sits right above the backlit keyboard and boasts 4k HD resolution. Increase your productivity by having windows open on both the main 14” full HD touchscreen and the Screen Pad Plus. Extend your main screen length, or split the two to host different applications and software! An active stylus is included that allows you to point and create with precision, on either display.

This Chromebook is budget friendly, and designed with a 360 degree convertible 13” screen for complete customization in viewing and usability. Not only is the screen in full HD with narrow bezels, it is backlit with LED and fit with anti-glare glass to make viewing easy, bright, and perfect- no matter the angle.

The Intel Integrated Graphics processor grants consistent speed for the Chrome OS while you connect to your Google account and surf the web. For the writers that prefer Google Docs, this computer still gives you 4GB of RAM and 64GB of SSD for your files that aren’t automatically backed up into the extra 100GB of Google Drive storage.

There are 2 USB-C ports to choose from when it comes to charging. With one on each side you can plug in conveniently to whatever outlet is closest to you! We’ve all experienced the worry of freeze or lag during video meetings or casual hellos to friends. Say good-bye to worrying about dropped calls! Use your choice of WiFi 6 or Bluetooth 5.0 for reliable wireless internet connection. Now you can join with confidence using the built-in webcam.

Lastly, one of the best features of this laptop would have to be the front facing speakers. If you love to listen to a favorite playlist while writing, or need to binge a few episodes of a tv show while tackling writer’s block, you’re in luck! These speakers give superior sound quality for any application. This laptop is only 3 pounds, so if you want to pick it up and dance a little we won’t tell.

If you’re into the idea of a moveable high definition screen, are an avid Google user, and appreciate great sound quality this might be your top pick. It’s the best for all of your basic features, without the confusing hassle of the things you don’t want.

The main selling point of the Google Pixelbook Go is how extremely travel friendly it is. This ultra lightweight laptop weighs 2 pounds and has a thickness of only 13 millimeters. It slides perfectly into any bag, and the shell is designed with a no-slip grip so it can be carried anywhere with confidence. Battery life lasts for up to 12 hours per charge, and if you need to top off the juice, 20 minutes of charge time gets you an extra 2 hours of usage!

It also comes with built in anti-virus software and is fitted with the Titan C security chip to protect all of your passwords and sensitive information. The Chrome OS updates automatically, so the latest features are always available.

Boot up in seconds and trust all of your programs to run smoothly with the Intel Core m3 processor. 16GB of RAM is available for instant access to the files you use the most, with 128GB of SSD as additional storage for everything else.

Experience lush colors and crisp lines on the 13.3” full HD touchscreen display with a maximum screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, and share your best self in any video call with the built in 1080p webcam.

The most important part of a laptop for any writer is, of course, typing functionality. The backlit keyboard is built for comfort so you can do more, no matter how dark the room is. A combination of the light touch trackpad and ultra quiet Hush Keys ensure that none of your important thoughts are interrupted with clicking noises. Experience smooth, seamless writing every time.

The Google Pixelbook Go does not have full Microsoft Office support, so it is best suited for Chrome and Google Workspace users.

Get right to work on the Microsoft Surface Go using the fingerprint activated power button and the Windows Hello sign-in feature. The 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor boots you up immediately, and flawlessly runs the Windows 10 OS. Start with the Windows 10 Home S mode right out of the box, or switch it off conveniently in one step. With the power of 4 processors and 3.6 GHz of high speed, load times and program consistency will exceed the expectations of what you thought a computer could do. Port options include a USB-C, a USB-A, and an audio/headphone jack.

Not only is it reliable, it’s lightweight (only 2.4 pounds!), portable, and easy to keep with you all day. The 12.4” PixelSense touchscreen display is rendered by an Intel UHD Graphics processor. The glossy screen helps colors stay vibrant with minimal glare, and the 3:2 aspect ratio is perfect for keeping you engaged during work, and during play. Use your favorite programs all day with the 13 hour battery life.

This laptop does not sacrifice energy efficiency for a backlit keyboard and the keys themselves have a firm, typewriter quality for those that enjoy the satisfying click of each letter pressed as they work. Just the right balance of noise and feel. The compact design of the keyboard also allows you to reach each key with ease, as opposed to stretching your fingers for that pesky backspace. Just the right balance of noise, feel, and comfort.

Find the color that matches your spirit! The Microsoft Surface Go is available in 3 colors: Sandstone, Ice Blue, and Platinum. Memory and storage is available in a variety of sizes starting at 4GB of RAM and 64GB of SSD.

This little tank weighs 2.7 pounds and is ideal for a stay at home workspace or office. It is constructed with machined aluminum and the screen is made of Corning Gorilla Glass 6 to achieve maximum durability and safety standards, not to mention the master crafted quality in design. Dual fans run inside separately to distribute heat and cool a larger surface area at once. Start up instantly using Dell’s built-in lift sensor. Simply opening your computer turns it on!

The Windows 10 Pro OS runs seamlessly thanks to the 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor (8MG cache and 3.9 GHz). Load pages instantly, and keep more applications running with no sacrifice to functionality. Choose your wireless connection between the WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5 options. Connect faster, and stay online longer than ever before.

Enjoy a 13.4” full HD screen with Infinity Edge and anti-glare 500-Nit touchscreen display. Integrated Eye Safe display technology helps reduce harmful blue light so you can stay at work longer without needing to rest your eyes. The screen isn’t the only thing in HD however, there is even a 2.55 millimeters HD webcam!

The Dell XPS 13 comes with 2 charge ports, one on either side, and a headphone/audio jack. For those that need USB connections don’t worry, Dell has you covered with a USB adaptor that plugs right into one of your charge ports. Flash drives and SD cards for storage are a thing of the past with this computer; say hello to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage.

No matter the quality of light, you can type anywhere with the backlit keyboard and stay at work longer with battery life lasting up to 10 hours.

This laptop has it all: fast WiFi, fast processor, stunning screen resolution, and large internal memory. What more could you ask for?

The Asus Chromebook is perfect for Chrome and Google Workspace users who want a computer that’s easy to work with and affordable. Like all Chromebooks, it uses the Chrome OS, so it is not compatible with Windows. However, it might be worth adding to the home of even the most die hard Microsoft user.

It has 4GB of RAM with 32GB of eMMC storage, making it ideal for applications, streamlined data management, and high definition video playback support. For those that want a little extra storage, it also comes with a 64GB SD card that can be immediately plugged into the SD port. Other ports include 2 USB Type-C, 1 USB 3.1, and even a headphone/audio jack input.

See more of your screen with a 14” HD anti-glare Nano Edge LED display, framed by an ultra narrow bezel. The max screen resolution is 1366 x 768, and it is fit with the Intel HD Graphics 500 processor to render images and video beautifully, wherever you are. The 180 degree hinge also allows you to customize the view of your screen for efficiency in any work position. Tilt however you want, or lay the screen completely flat! You can do it all with complete confidence in screen visibility thanks to the anti-glare glass.

Get smooth, fast internet browsing and a responsive all around performance thanks to the Intel Dual-Core Celeron N3550 processor (2M cache, 2.4GHz). The low power consumption of this processor guarantees you up to 10 hours of usage from a single charge, so you can use whatever applications you need to on the go- without fearing that it will drain your battery life.

The Asus Chromebook weighs less than 4 pounds, so taking it with you anywhere is easy. Rest assured you can always find a wireless connection with both WiFi and Bluetooth options.

The HP Spectre 13 is a true multi-use computer. It has the best of storage, display, and processing power all within a trim little package weighing less than 3 pounds! You’ll get more writing done than ever before, simply because you won’t want to leave your computer!

The Windows 10 Home OS comes with Alexa already built in, and a fingerprint reader for fast sign-in and security. Expect the most crisp visuals at any online meeting or casual chat, thanks to the True Vision HD IR camera, and make your voice heard better than ever before with the help of an integrated dual array digital microphone.

Not only will you look great, but so will everything else. The 13.3” multi-touch touchscreen runs in 4K Ultra HD with a BrightView glossy screen to keep images bright, crisp, and consistent. It maintains vivid colors and sharp lines easily with a maximum screen resolution of 3840 x 2160. Even the keyboard is backlit, so you’ll always be able to see what you’re typing.

Research online and run your favorite writing and editing software faster than ever before thanks to the 10th Gen Intel Quad-Core i5-103564 processor. Intel Turbo Boost technology gives extra power when you need it, and increases energy efficiency when you don’t. There’s no longer a need to switch between energy saving mode by hand, this laptop does it for you intuitively based on the programs and applications you’re using.

Now, let’s talk about storage. With 8GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD you can download and save documents, pdfs, and programs knowing that you have plenty of space. The days of having to pick and choose what to keep stored are over.

This is a perfect computer to work from, and it has all the bells and whistles that a writer could want. Run your business with confidence, and let your creativity flourish with every stroke of the keyboard.

This is a laptop that was designed with travel efficiency in mind. It’s ultra lightweight at 2.45 pounds, and has a thinness of 10.3 millimeters. Get online anywhere with either WiFi or Bluetooth, and the backlit keyboard allows you to type with precision in any lighting. These features alone make it a tempting buy for writers that like working away from their desk, but that’s just the beginning!

Receive automatic updates with the Chrome OS and enjoy the built-in Google assistant that’s so easy to access: press the special Google assistant key on the keyboard or simply say “Ok Google” to get started. Search the web and run programs at high speeds with the 7th Gen Intel Core i7 processor. The storage on this laptop means business too, with 16GB of Ram and 512GB of SSD you can save whatever you need and have it available instantly wherever your work takes you.

Getting 10 hours of use from one charge is already pretty awesome, but the Google Pixelbook comes prepared for those that work long hours, or simply don’t plug in every night. If you find yourself running low on juice, this laptop gives you 2 hours of charge in just 15 minutes! Plug in at any nearby outlet and get back out there!

The 12.3” LCD display is not only touchscreen, it is also adjustable 360 degrees! This 4-in-1 design allows you to transform your computer seamlessly between laptop, tent, tablet, and entertainment modes. The screen is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, so you can adjust as much as you want with the added bonus of a tough, shatter resistant display. The versatility of this laptop makes it a great buy without having to sacrifice quality or power.

The Acer Chromebook 514 has all the features we love about the Chrome OS: the automatic updates, the extra 100GB of Google Drive storage space, and intuitive functionality for all fans of Google Workspace. Write more, save more, and work more from this laptop that won’t kill your wallet.

The metal chassis provides strength and durability, making this 3 pound machine great for travel. The keyboard is backlit and fit with quiet keys to keep the tap-tap-tap of your typing to a minimum. The trackpad is large, responsive, and easy to use.

Use Wifi or your Hotspot to get online and access Google Workspace, surf the web, or stream your favorite movies and tv shows reliably with speeds up to 2.4 GHz, thanks to the Intel Celeron N3350 Dual-Core processor. You can do it all unplugged for up to 12 hours from one charge. In addition to the 100GB of added Google Drive storage, this laptop comes with 4GB of LPDPR4 RAM and 32GB of eMMC SSD for the downloads and files you want saved directly to the computer.

The 14” screen is in full HD with an LED backlit display to keep the brightness and detail rendered beautifully in any space you work from. Even the built-in webcam is HDR! You can also have the atmospheric experience of watching a favorite film on your television thanks to the narrow bezel optimized for widescreen viewing.

A USB Type-C and USB 3.0 port is on either side for convenient charging wherever the socket is. No more cord tangles or cable wrestling to get a charge or plug in what you need!

Now, this device does not have a touchscreen. If you are a touchscreen enthusiast however, there is another model made just for you that not only allows for that satisfying screen tap, but larger internal storage options as well.

The Acer Chromebook 514 has all the features we love about the Chrome OS: the automatic updates, the extra 100GB of Google Drive storage space, and intuitive functionality for all fans of Google Workspace. Write more, save more, and work more from this laptop that won’t kill your wallet.

The metal chassis provides strength and durability, making this 3 pound machine great for travel. The keyboard is backlit and fit with quiet keys to keep the tap-tap-tap of your typing to a minimum. The trackpad is large, responsive, and easy to use.

Use Wifi or your Hotspot to get online and access Google Workspace, surf the web, or stream your favorite movies and tv shows reliably with speeds up to 2.4 GHz, thanks to the Intel Celeron N3350 Dual-Core processor. You can do it all unplugged for up to 12 hours from one charge. In addition to the 100GB of added Google Drive storage, this laptop comes with 4GB of LPDPR4 RAM and 32GB of eMMC SSD for the downloads and files you want saved directly to the computer.

The 14” screen is in full HD with an LED backlit display to keep the brightness and detail rendered beautifully in any space you work from. Even the built-in webcam is HDR! You can also have the atmospheric experience of watching a favorite film on your television thanks to the narrow bezel optimized for widescreen viewing.

A USB Type-C and USB 3.0 port is on either side for convenient charging wherever the socket is. No more cord tangles or cable wrestling to get a charge or plug in what you need!

Now, this device does not have a touchscreen. If you are a touchscreen enthusiast however, there is another model made just for you that not only allows for that satisfying screen tap, but larger internal storage options as well.

Conclusion – So what is the best laptop for a writer like you?

There you have it! Whether your top priority is portability, speed, or you need to be able to do things like handwrite, there’s something for everyone here. Even for the writers who also game, we have some great options. We’ve done the legwork, but only you know what you need most to support your writing.

When it comes to any big device purchase you have to decide for yourself how best to balance things. You can’t have both a giant screen, and a small compact laptop. You have to choose whether the higher price is worth the faster processing power. Our diverse list of options has something for everyone, though. So no matter what your ideal balance is, we’ve got it covered.