When looking for the best laptop for writers, you will find plenty of models equipped with the essential tools you will need.

It is also much easier than looking for a laptop for gaming, as you don’t need top-shelf tech to have a highly functional device to jot your thoughts down.

To help you out, we’ll explore five top-rated laptops that offer plenty of compatibility for professional and leisurely writers.

From Acer to Apple, there are many different laptops for writers on the market. Let’s find the best one that meets all of your writing needs.

Best Laptop for Writers Reviews

1. Apple MacBook Air (2020)

If budget isn’t a concern as a writer, the Apple MacBook Air (2020) has often been touted as a fabulous writing laptop.

Not only does it help with mastering the art of crafting a book, but it is also highly powered for many activities.

With an assortment of high-end features, don’t be surprised that it comes with a higher price tag and much more versatility than a Chromebook.

Product Highlights

Whether you’re a new or experienced writer, here are the best things you will surely love about the Apple MacBook Air (2020): 

• Better Battery and Performance

The battery life of the Apple MacBook Air (2020) is one of its most impressive features, lasting over 18 hours on a single charge.

With an eight-core CPU and the built-in Apple M1 chip, there’s no denying that this laptop is a cut above the rest.

You will have 3.5x faster processing speeds than previous Apple MacBook models.

• Improved Memory

With the built-in 8GB of unified memory, writers will have a laptop that is as responsive as it is fast.

You will be able to do a ton of hefty processes simultaneously, from running massive media files to downloading multiple items.

• Retina Display

One of the more well-known benefits of Apple laptops is their display, which features Retina technology.

This particular model has a 13.3″ Retina display, making images seem more realistic than ever.

For writers, the text will jump off the page with its sharpness, helping reduce eye strain.

• Highly Compatible

The Apple MacBook Air (2020) is one of the most compatible laptops on the market.

Regardless of the software you prefer to use for writing, you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues.

For example, MacBooks work with Microsoft 365, Google Drive, and Adobe Creative Cloud.

• Thermal Efficiency

One of the most considerable problems with previous-generation Apple MacBooks was their thermal efficiency.

The Apple MacBook Air (2020) has been upgraded to use only air to improve heat dissipation.

Thanks to this, you will never have to worry about noisy fans and a hot laptop while writing.

• True Tone Technology

Another feature writers will love with this laptop is its True Tone Technology, which helps protect the eyes.

With this feature turned on, the laptop will automatically adjust its display to your environment.

It helps ensure the color temperature and brightness is at the perfect level for your viewing comfort.

• Excellent Keyboard

You will fall in love with the general comfort of this laptop’s keyboard, a genuine Apple benefit.

Writers will have preprogrammed shortcuts, backlit keys with ambient light sensors, and a general softer typing experience.

You might even find your words per minute soaring as your fingers move effortlessly across this backlit keyboard.

What to Like About It

The Apple MacBook Air (2020) is an excellent option for writers because its keyboard improves typing speed.

Also, the enhanced battery life and larger trackpad make the device easier and more comfortable to use, even for extended periods.

What Not to Like About It

Some applications are likely incompatible with the Apple MacBook Air (2020), so it’s essential to do some research beforehand.

Also, the camera hardware in this laptop model hasn’t been updated in years, making it lower in quality than expected.

Pros:

• Features a larger trackpad
• It helps boost typing speed
• Incredible screen resolution
• Impressively long battery life

Cons:

• Some incompatible applications
• Lower-quality camera than expected

2. Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4

If you’ve decided on a Chromebook for writing, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4 is another excellent option.

With 4GB of RAM, integrated gigabit WiFi, and the functionality of an Intel Celeron N4000 processor, it has more than enough features to offer.

You will also love its overall design, which resembles newer-generation Apple MacBooks.

Product Highlights

Let’s talk about the best features that make the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4 one of the top choices for writers.

• Compact Lightweight Design

Instead of investing your money in a massive, heavy laptop, this model is a great alternative.

The screen is only 11.6″, perfect for travel and students.

That said, even though the screen size is smaller than other laptops, you will still benefit from a full-size trackpad and keyboard.

• Fast Connectivity

As you probably already know, there is nothing more annoying than having a laptop that cannot connect to the internet quickly.

Fortunately, you won’t experience that with the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4.

This Chromebook is built with Gigabit WiFi connectivity, helping you download massive files considerably faster.

• Built-in Security

Gone are the days when you have to pick and choose between different anti-virus programs.

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4 features multiple layers of integrated virus protection to keep all of your valuable files secure.

• Quick Charging

One of the more advanced features of this Chromebook is that it features 12.5 hours of battery life.

More importantly, it charges very quickly via the USB-C charger, making it perfect for commuting and travel.

• Military-Grade Design

This model is for you if you are someone who’s gone through a few laptops due to clumsiness.

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4 features a military-grade design and has protection against high temperatures, freezing, dust, humidity, vibration, drops, and low pressure.

What to Like About It

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4 is an excellent option if you need a laptop with long battery life and a lightweight design for writing in a coffee shop.

You will find that its straightforward tools are essential for beginner and experienced writers.

What Not to Like About It

One concern with the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4 is the quality of its screen.

The screen seems unidirectional and could go black when viewing it at an angle. Also, the webcam struggles in low light.

Pros:

• High-quality speakers at a reasonable price
• Battery lasts at least 10 hours
• Fantastic for beginner writers
• Lightweight for travel

Cons:

• The screen appears unidirectional
• Low-quality camera in low light

3. Acer Aspire 5 15.6″ Full HD Display Laptop

The Acer Aspire 5 15.6″ Full HD Display Laptop is a relatively powerful laptop with an 11th generation Intel Core i3 processor and a 128GB SSD.

Paired with Windows 11 Home for everyday computing, it offers plenty of features that writers will love.

Not to mention, its sleek and stylish design is an excellent choice for writers.

Product Highlights

Here’s what makes the Acer Aspire 5 15.6″ Full HD Display Laptop stand out from the rest:

• Turbo Boost Technology

One of the biggest selling points of this laptop is that it is designed with Turbo Boost Technology, which allows you to get the most from every application.

With the integrated i3 processor, you will have enhanced speed and intelligence for multitasking.

Even more impressive, you can get up to 4.1GHz of power for high-demand apps.

• Sharper Display

Compared to lower-powered laptops, this model has an impressive display that is sure to impress.

The screen size is 15.6″ and features full HD resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio.

The narrow bezel is also ideal for optimizing screen size, making it easier to work at fullscreen without missing essential details.

• Ergonomic Keyboard

Ergonomics are equally as crucial for laptops as they are for desktops, and the Acer Aspire 5 15.6″ Full HD Display Laptop doesn’t disappoint.

It features an ergonomically-designed keyboard with a built-in hinge that lifts the keyboard for comfortable typing.

You will also find that the built-in hinge helps improve airflow underneath the laptop, preventing the device from overheating.

• Memory

Worried about having enough space to store all your work? Fortunately, you are unlikely to run out of memory with this laptop.

It features 128GB NVMe SSD storage for media and files. Also, there is 4GB DDR4 integrated memory.

• Improved Voice Technology

If you have to get on a conference call, you will love the enhanced voice technology natively built into Acer laptops.

The voice tech helps cancel out background noise and boost speech accuracy, resulting in clearer calls and better voice-to-text. 

• Built-in Alexa

Having innovative technology in laptops is pretty standard with modern models.

The Acer Aspire 5 features Alexa, allowing you to complete many tasks by voice, such as playing music, reading the news, creating lists, and more.

• Windows 11 OS

As mentioned, the operating system built into the Acer Aspire 5 15.6″ Full HD Display Laptop is Windows 11 Home.

With this, you will have native advanced security to protect your documents against phishing and malicious attacks.

What to Like About It

There is plenty to like with the Acer Aspire 5 15.6″ Full HD Display Laptop, especially if you are a writer looking for a comfortable keyboard.

What’s more, its high-quality aluminum case and enlarged screen size help make it one of the lightest laptops.

What Not to Like About It

The largest concern with this portable laptop is that the speakers are underneath the unit.

As you can imagine, you might find it challenging to get high-quality audio when typing on your lap.

Also, the battery drains relatively quickly, which is important for writers who love to travel or work outdoors.

Pros:

• Comfortable keyboard for typing
• High-quality aluminum case
• Impressive screen size for typing
• Powerful laptop for versatile activities

Cons:

• Poorly placed speakers
• The battery drains quickly

4. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Chromebook

Chromebooks can often be preferred if you want a basic laptop without a ton of bells and whistles.

In fact, they are incredibly user-friendly and are perfect for first-time laptop users.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Chromebook is a handy model to consider, one you will love for writing professionally and creatively.

Product Highlights

Here’s why we think the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Chromebook is a good investment:

• Zero Setup

A massive feature that makes this laptop an incredibly user-friendly option is that it doesn’t require any setup.

All you have to do is log into your Google account when you turn the device on, and it’s ready to be used.

The entire G Suite is pre-loaded, giving you full access to many Google Play apps for added functionality. 

• Lightweight

This laptop model is ideal if you are looking for a writing laptop to bring with you on trips.

It is designed to be lightweight and slim, making it perfect for carrying in backpacks and even duffle bags.

• Fast Bootup

Since you won’t need to load any program onto the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Chromebook, it boots up incredibly quickly.

All the laptop needs to do is start Chrome OS, making it a fantastic on-the-go computer.

Also, it comes with built-in security, protecting your device against viruses.

• HD Display

The crispness of this Chromebook is another massive benefit you will fall in love with as a writer.

It features a three-sided narrow bezel HD display with enhanced pixels for clearer viewing.

Paired with the 2W stereo speakers, you can easily enjoy multiple types of media.

• Additional Features

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Chromebook features an integrated 720p webcam, built-in WiFi, two USB 3.1 (Type-C), and two USB 3.1 (Type-A) ports.

It even has a microSD card reader for even more functionality.

What to Like About It

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Chromebook has plenty of great features, including its impressive battery life that can last up to 10 hours.

Moreover, you will love the feeling of the keyboard, as it is stable and comfortable for long typing sessions.

Lastly, the matte screen is easier on the eyes and perfect for everyday writers.

What Not to Like About It

The most significant issue with this laptop is its limited app functionality, considering it’s a Chromebook.

Also, since the screen is matte, you might not find it sharp enough to enjoy media in full HD quality.

Pros:

• The matte screen is easy on the eyes
• The keyboard feels stable and comfortable
• Impressive battery life for typing
• Comfortable performance

Cons:

• Limited app functionality
• Lacks sharpness with its screen space

5. HP 15.6-Inch Laptop

The HP 15.6-Inch Laptop is everything you’d expect from an affordable laptop with plenty of computing power.

Its built-in Intel Core i5 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics are sure to impress.

Moreover, you’ll approve of its 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD for speedy performance and boosted memory.

Product Highlights

Let’s jump into the most interesting features of the HP 15.6-Inch Laptop.

• Thin and Lightweight

Like most modern and cheap laptops, this model is thin and lightweight, with its 6.5mm micro-edge screen bezel.

It has an 82% screen-to-body ratio, ensuring your screen shows every possible detail when writing.

• Improved Display

Undoubtedly, the HP 15.6-Inch Laptop’s display is one of the best on the market. You will have 15.6″ of viewing paired with full HD graphics.

It also features a micro-edge bezel and anti-glare technology, making the screen viewable from any angle.

• Boosted Performance

When investing hundreds of dollars into a laptop, performance is one of the most important things to consider.

This model features an Intel Core i5 processor, which is known for its enhanced connectivity and top-tier performance.

Also, the Intel Iris Xe Graphics helps offer improved visual performance.

• Increased Memory

When working with word processors, you want your laptop’s memory to keep up with your typing.

With the 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage, this laptop boasts 15x faster performance than standard hard drives.

Not will multitasking become smoother, but the 8GB RAM also ensures enhanced bandwidth.

• Fast Charging

On average, a full battery charge of this inexpensive laptop can last up to seven hours.

What’s more, it charges to 50% within 45 minutes, making it a phenomenal option for travel.

What to Like About It

The HP 15.6-Inch Laptop is a lightweight and sleek option with excellent battery life for typing on the go.

You will also appreciate the independent number pad that is similar to a standard keyboard.

What Not to Like About It

One issue with the HP 15.6-Inch Laptop is that the screen may seem too dim, even on the brightest setting.

It would also be helpful if there were one or two additional USB ports for added functionality.

Pros:

• Independent numberpad
• Fantastic battery life
• Lightweight and sleek
• Crisp and clear audio and visuals

Cons:

• More USB ports could be helpful
• The screen may seem dim

Buyer’s Guide

Choosing a laptop for writing might be more straightforward than finding one for gaming, but there are still many things to keep in mind.

From keyboard quality to screen resolution, writers need a laptop with peak performance and enhanced versatility.

Let’s explore the most crucial features to look for when you start shopping for your new laptop.

Screen Quality

The quality of your laptop screen is an often overlooked feature for writers, but it is imperative.

You won’t want to strain your eyes when working on your favorite word processor, especially after hours of typing.

The screen quality should be crisp and clear, especially regarding text.

Another critical feature to consider is the brightness function, allowing you to change the screen’s lighting to prevent eyestrain.

Without it, you might start dealing with headaches from trying to read your written text clearly.

Battery Life

Battery life is another important feature when shopping for a writing laptop.

The last thing you want is your computer dying when you’re in the middle of an important chapter.

Ideally, your laptop should last at least 10 hours before needing a recharge. 

It is also important to find a model that recharges quickly. Otherwise, you might spend more time losing your train of thought.

Keyboard Design

As expected, the keyboard design of your laptop is inherently essential, much like screen quality.

Even if you have a laptop, ergonomic keyboards can be a fantastic way to reduce wrist fatigue.

Additionally, you will want to ensure the keyboard is designed comfortably for your hand size so that you’re not overextending yourself.

Software Compatibility

Every writer has a word processor they prefer to use, and your laptop must work with your specific software of choice.

Fortunately, most modern laptops work with popular programs like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, OpenOffice, and more.

Weight

Lightweight laptops are undoubtedly the most comfortable option for everyday writers.

What’s more, the model you choose should be sleek and easily fit into a briefcase, backpack, or purse.

The lighter your laptop, the easier it will be to carry for extended periods.

Laptop for Writers FAQs

1. Which laptop is best for content writers?

As a content writer, your work will likely be uploaded directly to the internet.

That said, you don’t need a highly powerful laptop because you will be working primarily online.

As long as you have a model with internet connectivity, like a Chromebook, you will have plenty of access to content-friendly tools.

2. Are laptops allowed on planes?

Yes, laptops are certainly allowed on planes. In fact, it is highly recommended you pack your laptop in your carry-on luggage when flying.

3. What laptop do most writers use?

There isn’t a single laptop that most writers flock towards, whether professionally or for casual writing.

As long as you find a model that’s comfortable for you to use, that’s all that matters.

That said, most writers are likely to choose lightweight and easy-to-use models over others.

4. Are laptop chargers universal?

Not all laptop chargers are universal, as some are higher-powered or completely different from others.

For example, some laptops use USB-C charging while others use AC charging.

It’s always best to use the specific charger that comes with your laptop to prevent overcharging.

5. Do laptop cooling pads work?

Laptop cooling pads can be an excellent option for writers who don’t typically work at a desk.

With these pads, you can optimize airflow between your lap and the bottom of your laptop.

The less your computer overheats, the longer its lifespan will be.

Which Laptop Is Best for Writers?

Our choice for the best laptop for writers is the Apple MacBook Air (2020), as long as the budget isn’t a concern.

With tons of functionality, an impressive top-quality display, and one of the most comfortable keyboards, it is the best option.

However, if you are working with a tight budget, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4 is a quality choice because of its military-grade enhancements.