Long-distance learning is now feasible due to rapid advancements in the information technology field. People acquire education from thousands of miles away due to online education.
Distance education, on the other hand, is not a novel concept. Distance education started using letters in the 1700s since it was the only advanced technology at that time.
Today anyone can obtain a college/university education online. A laptop having internet access is the basic requirement for teaching, learning, or taking an online class.
Although smartphones can also be used as an option for distance education. But they cannot provide the same level of convenience and benefits as a laptop provides.
Fortunately, we have a range of suggested models for you which fits best in our topic i.e. best laptop for online teaching. As the majority of them are under $1,500 (excluding MacBooks), they won’t deplete your credit cards or bankrupt you.
Although several kinds of laptops in the markets are advertised around every 6 -12 months, but
- Are they value for your money?
- Will they perform well in different online sessions continuously?
Although it’s difficult to provide comprehensive suggestions for each individual as his institution or department has a unique level of priorities.
So, we have prepared general recommendations with a guide on how to select the “best laptop for online teaching”, when searching for the best laptop for online teaching of different classes and projects.
Top 10 Best Laptops for Online Teaching and Learning
In this article, we have discussed computer requirements for online teaching and shortlisted the best laptops for online or Zoom teaching at the university, college, school level for teachers, instructors, educators, or coaches including affordable, cheapest choices.
If you prefer to use a digital writing pad while teaching online, then you may check for that in this article.
| IMAGE | PRODUCTS | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Apple MacBook Pro | Display: 16 Inches RAM: 16GB Storage: 512GB SSD Battery: Up to 11 hours | |
 | Samsung Chromebook 4 | Display: 11.6 Inches RAM: 6GB Storage: 64GB SSD Battery: Up to 12.5 hours | |
 | Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 | Display: 13.3 Inches RAM: 4GB Storage: 64GB SSD Battery: Up to 10 hours | |
 | Apple MacBook Air | Display: 13.3 Inches RAM: 8GB Storage: 256GB SSD Battery: Up to 12 hours | |
 | Acer Swift 3 | Display: 14 Inches RAM: 8GB Storage: 512GB SSD Battery: Up to 5 hours | |
 | Acer Aspire 1 A115 | Display: 15.6 Inches RAM: 4GB Storage: 64GB SSD Battery: Up to 10 hours | |
 | Acer Chromebook 314 | Display: 14 Inches RAM: 4GB Storage: 64GB SSD Battery: Up to 5 hours | |
 | ASUS TUF TUF506IU-ES74 | Display: 15.6 Inches RAM: 16GB Storage: 512GB SSD | |
 | Microsoft Surface Laptop Go | Display: 12.4 Inches RAM: 8GB Storage: 128GB SSD | |
 | Samsung Galaxy Book Ion | Display: 13.3 Inches RAM: 8GB Storage: 512GB SSD Battery: Up to 22 hours |
How to Select the Best Laptop for Online Teaching? – Buyer Guide
Display Screen
Always choose a laptop with the finest screen for the amount you are ready to pay. When we say it’s better, we’re relating to three aspects: panel type, resolution, and screen size.
If you are paying more than or around $1000 for a laptop, it must have an IPS panel.
The Apple MacBook Air is an exemption to this rule due to its superiority in other specs. Then you should check the resolution. Choose a laptop with a relatively higher screen resolution than its alternatives.
Laptops having Full HD display as an example, can now be purchased for about $1000. When it about the screen size chooses a laptop having a smaller screen.
If you need to do different projects on a regular basis and need to research for your degree requirement, invest in a laptop having a larger screen size.
Webcam and Mic
A productive online class is that in which the teacher does more than just sit and speak. It involves a little expression and illustration to make the class.
In order to do that invest in a teaching laptop that has an excellent webcam and mic for wonderful online audion/video quality is essential for online teaching.
In this article, Apple MacBook Pro and Lenovo IdeaPad 5 are the best online teaching laptops having the best quality webcam and mic.
Remember, the image quality of a built-in webcam and an external webcam is much different.
Try to invest in a dedicated webcam & mic for an exceptional experience of online teaching/learning. Those mics and webcams have usually high-quality.
Weight
If you’re searching for such a laptop that will mainly be operated at home and not to carry anywhere or in college, then you may go for a low-budget bulky laptop.
Meanwhile, if you need traveling and want portability for documenting and research at different places and will be carrying the laptop inside a backpack frequently, choose something lightweight and slim.
Keep a laptop with a screen size of 14 inches or less than 14 inches for work.
RAM Size
4GB RAM is the minimum for a satisfactory experience, however, 8GB is good to go. Consider purchasing a laptop including 16GB of RAM if you intend to do projects that involve a lot of image processing or images and video editing.
Even if you are searching for a laptop in a lower price range, always choose the laptop having the maximum RAM for a smooth experience in online work and education.
Storage
Storage is important when your priority is to learn online courses. When a task is assigned, a student has to save the data and relevant information of the course on the laptop, so there must be sufficient and extendable storage according to the need of that course.
Besides the desired storage, laptops with SSDs work faster and are more responsive than HDDs. SSD gives a superfast command response and uninterruptible smooth working on a software or program for an online task.
Prioritize these laptops if your budget allows even though it includes a smaller hard drive, such as 500GB rather than 750GB.
Battery
More cells mean longer battery life but it also depends on the other specifications of a laptop such as the workload of programs, etc.
6 to 7 hours of battery backup is sufficient for online classes and projects even if you are out of home and need to use the laptop away from the socket. 8-10 hours of battery backup is ideal.
While considering the laptop’s estimated battery life, don’t just believe the company’s word for it. Rather look for third-party feedback from independent sources just like the ratings of related products on the Amazon site.
Graphics/GPU
Although few laptops have a good GPU for teachers to teach online, usually teachers don’t need a dedicated graphics card. They can work with built-in graphics well.
In case you teach graphics designing or video editing courses then you may need a good GPU with proper memory. Like Nvidia GeForce RTX or AMD Radeon RX series.
Minimum and Recommended Specifications are Required?
According to Zoom, recommended system requirements include 4 GB RAM, Dual-core 2Ghz or higher like Intel i3, i5,i7, or AMD equivalent processor. Some others are below
| Features | Minimum | Recommended |
| RAM | 4 – 8 GB GB | 16 GB |
| Processor | Intel or AMD Multicore processor | AMD Ryzen or Intel Latest Gen processor like 10th gen i5, i7, or 11th Gen i3, etc. |
| Screen Size | 13 Inches | 15 – 17 inches |
| Storage | 256 GB | 512 – 1 TB |
| LCD/LED Monitor | 1080 x720 | 1920×1080 or higher |
| Bandwidth | – | HQ Video Call 600kbps 720p HD 1.2Mbps 1080p HD video: 3.8Mbps (up/down) |
1. Google Pixelbook Go – Best Laptop For Remote Learning
The Pixelbook by Google is the super lightest laptop with 2.3 pounds of weight allows the user to carry anywhere and easily without having a specific backpack. It can be handled just like a full-size book. It is the primary requirement for a remote learning laptop.
The battery gives an incredible backup of around 12 hours which leads you to attend classes and work online all the time. It is a superb choice for undergraduate students as it gives smooth and fast processing with its 8th Gen core-M3 processor.
Full HD display with 13.3 inches size allows a student to work accurately with better visuals plus 8GB of RAM provides a better ground for the student’s online work. The Chrome OS has a built-in antivirus program that secures your data from theft.
The 64 GB of storage is sufficient to install important software like Zoom, Skype, and other audio/video calling platforms and can store necessary class notes.
Pixelbook-Go has a super slim body of 13 mm with adorable looks and the best laptop for remote learning for both teachers and students.
2. Apple MacBook Pro – Best Laptop For Online Classes and Gaming
In the history of the MacBook 18-20 hours of battery backup is the longest battery life. The MacBook Pro 13-inch (1 chip represents a significant advancement in the MacBook series.
Apple engineers have shaped the smaller MacBook Pro in a form that almost none of its more recent versions have.
With the latest octa-core processor just like the same that operates the MacBook Air and the Mac mini (M1, 2020), the revolutionary MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020) outperforms in comparison to the previous generations having Intel CPUs.
The M1 chip in MacBook Pro has high-efficiency Up to 8 cores CPU and a high-performance GPU with 4 cores, as well as 8 core integrated GPU for long-lasting high-quality graphics. The latest M1 MacBook Pro’s CPU is 2.8 times and GPU is up to 5x faster than the previous MacBook Pro versions.
The Neural Engine is 11x faster in Object recognition and face recognition tasks, making the device’s machine intelligence quite efficient. Up to 8 TB upgradeable SSD combination of performance with M1 chip makes the laptop 2 times faster (as told by computer engineers).
The RAM is not limited to 16GB, it can also be upgraded up to 32GB. An adaptive cooling system has been integrated to maintain silent activity and maximize processor output.
In order to provide you maximum workability in online teaching, a 13.3-inch Backlit Retina display along with a touch bar & ID has been provided.
After discussing the other excellent features along with the 8 core GPU, without any doubt it’s the best laptop for online teaching(classes) and gaming as well.
3. Dell Inspiron 5000 Convertible 2-in-1 – Best Laptop for Distance E-Learning Courses
Dell has launched many laptops under the Inspiron series. The Inspiron 5000 one of them and a 2 in 1 notebook which supports a touch and type system. Full HD Display of 15.6-inches provides outstanding picture & video colors and helps to work on visual programs with precise outputs.
A 720p HD camera with 2 mics will help you with your online teaching and video calling facility, and also for better live recordings and audio–video streaming results.
For storing your audio and video files up to 1 TB of hard-disk storage is available that can also be upgraded. To provide you a no-lag experience and superfast data transfer in MB/s rate 8 GB DDR4 RAM has been installed which can be upgraded too.
And to connect external devices at a time while teaching and explaining educational projects with presentations USB & HDMI ports are available.
The processor of 3.1 GHz along with turbo Boosting performs remarkably and consumes low voltages which give a reliable battery backup of 5-6 hours and gives a chance to do multi-tasking during online works.
With a quite reasonable price tag, this is the best laptop for distance e-learning courses. The students can perform different academic tasks and research work within the budget.
4. Asus ZenBook Pro 15 – Best Laptop For Zoom Teaching
ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 is a unique device from its alternatives. Its weight is around 4.2 lbs, it provides the finest display quality with an 83% screen to body ratio and graceful slim bezel with a diamond-cut edge. It can be carried anywhere with ease due to its slim solid aluminum unibody.
For online teaching and learning, the 15.6-inch wide LCD provides a great visual experience for every program you use for teaching, just like it is the best laptop for Zoom teaching.
Talking about the battery life, it is super amazing, not like other laptops which stay awake till a maximum of 7 hours, Zenbook Pro lasts up to 9.5 hours, while fast charging can charge up to 60% in 49 mins.
Besides educational purposes like online teaching and classes, the 4k UHD touch display gives a quick and smooth experience of working from home as well.
The latest 8th generation Intel Core-i7 processor provides efficiency along with multitasking,, even for heavy gaming.
Because of the excellent speaker’s audio quality and microphone, the Asus Zenbook laptop is perfect for teaching through podcasting events, virtual meetings, Zoom, Google Meet and Skype.
For storing your valuable data this laptop comes with a 512GB flash memory (SSD). 16GB DDR4 RAM has been provided to get the highest efficiency. Further, It comes with two USB 3.1 Gen-2 ports and 2 USB type-c ports for connecting phones and gadgets in one place.
5. ASUS ZenBook – DH51 – Best Notebook for Online Tutoring
Asus Zenbook offers 1920×1080 pixels screen resolution with a display size of 13.3 inches. It works smoothly and gives a better experience of online teaching with 8 GB RAM along with 256GB SSD storage. It allows fast file transfers and programs to run.
On the left-hand side of the device, in addition to a USB 3.1 Type-C port, there are complete-size USB 3.1 Type-A & HDMI ports, and a jack for the portable power adapter. A USB 2.0 port along with a micro SD-card slot and a headphone connector are located on the right side.
The HDMI connector is especially useful for linking a monitor without carrying a USB-HDMI cable. The 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor has a 1.6 GHz base speed for super performance, plus it has 8-10 hours of battery life.
In this best laptop for online tutoring, the portability is achieved by 2.6 lbs lightweight with a slim body, which is ideal for online teaching or educational work.
6. Lenovo IdeaPad 5 – Cheapest Laptop For Online College/University Teaching
If you are a teacher in the media department, teach mass communication, or work for media-heavy projects, Lenovo Ideapad is made for you.
The 15.6 inches FHD (1920×1080) display with 10th Gen Intel Core i7 bears a heavy workload along with long battery life.
The 512GB SSD storage and the latest 12GB DDR4 RAM module with Superfast Intel Iris plus graphics and chipsets made the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 a worthy device for teachers to teach online.
Three USB ports including 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 and 1 x USB-C 3.2 of Gen 2, and an HDMI port provide fast delivery of files and connectivity of monitors or projectors for presentation. The backlit keyboard provides great facility at night.
The 4 in 1 Card Reader makes it reliable and perfect for the different camera users of the media department. The weight is just 3.6 pounds, enabling the user to handle it easily at home or away from home.
Keeping the view of discussed specs the IdeaPad 5 is the cheapest laptop either for college or university online teaching.
7. Dell Inspiron 15 5502 – Best Laptop For Online Coaches
When portability is preferred, a thin and lightweight laptop that can be carried out for the whole day without any difficulty is considered.
Dell Inspiron 15 provides Iris Xe Graphics while considering the value of accurate graphic results for your educational presentations and projects along with watching movies & series as well, and that is all in one device.
An FHD widescreen display having 15.6 inches in size and 1920×1080 resolution LED provides a great display for online coaches.
The latest Intel Core i5 processor of 11th Generation offers exceptional fastest response time for multitasking. A 512 GB SSD M.2 storage with 8GB DDR4 RAM makes the laptop more responsive as M.2 is the fastest storage technology and provides extra speed to run programs.
Dell Inspiron 15 comes with a backlit keyboard and 3 USB ports to connect other devices like projectors and phones.
The battery time is sufficient and gives better overall battery life, which is enough for your online teaching sessions and meetings.
8. Dell XPS 15 – Best Laptop For Mentors and Teachers to Teach Online
Dell XPS 15 comes with a 4K HD Display and 15.6 inches screen provides a wide-angle view for browsing on the internet and for watching movies in free time. Touch display provides an option of multitasking by a finger and a 7th Gen Core i7 processor makes it superfast for online teaching and teachers to perform project activities.
It comes with 16GB DDR4 RAM which provides a quick response and 1TB SSD storage allows the user to store huge files at an excellent transfer rate as well as start and reboots within seconds.
If you find these specs affordable then it could be the best laptop for mentors and teachers for online teaching.
Microphone and stereo speakers are provided to record and listen to the lecture’s sound effectively. HDMI cable allows the student to connect with the projector and keeps away from handling USB-HDMI cable with you.
Card Reader port allows photography content saving and editing on the computer directly. Overall solid performance is assured in this model to keep the students and online workers up to date.
9. HP-15 Touchscreen Laptop – Best Digital Writing Drawing Pad For Online Teaching
This HP machine is a master pack for audio-video content makers, students, teachers, and other professionals of all kinds.
As it has high-class DDR4 RAM of 16 GB and 2TB SSD provides plenty of storage capacity for almost all of your valuable class notes, documents, and assignments data.
The HP 15 has 15.6 inches backlit LED touch-screen display along with a 1920×1080 True-life HD resolution. A user can work on this device for hours without troubling his eyes.
The device is assisted by an Intel Quad-Core i7 processor with a remarkable processing speed of the 10th generation legacy.
Whereas the optimized Intel HD Graphics ensures excellent image, audio, and video consistency. The stylus has a durable aluminum body and touch-sensitive rubber tip, making this notebook the best digital writing drawing pad for online teaching.
It also includes a 720HD camera and digital microphones and plenty of ports are available like USB A & C type, including HDMI support and a Smart-pin port for 45W AC Smart Adaptor.
This VivoBook from Asus comes with special AMD graphics having 1920×1080 pixels resolution and a display size of 17.3 inches. ASUS is well-known for its high-quality design and efficient devices.
ASUS has designed this VivoBook laptop for teachers, students, and online workers allowing them to study, continue their projects, and publish their projects for their education and business.
It comes with a 3 Core AMD Ryzen 3 3250U processor with 12 GB of RAM, and a unique combination of 1 TB SSD that is upgradeable to 2 TB gives maximum storage for students and researchers. That’s the reason it is the best affordable laptop for online college teaching.
Windows 10 home gives effective output in combination with HDD. It provides several ports for connectivity to connect different devices like USB-A & C type, HDMI, MicroSD Card Reader, and a small charging port.
FAQs
1. Which laptop do you suggest to attend online classes?
If you prefer Apple then Apple MacBook Pro is suggested and for others, ASUS Zenbook Pro UX550 is best.
2. Which laptop has the best Camera for online streaming or lectures?
Most laptops do not include a professional camera instead go for the external cameras.
3. Which laptop microphone is best for recording online lectures?
All mentioned laptops above are best, prefer mentioned in question 1 if still need a professional mic for lectures, go for Boya M-10 or M-2
4. Are battery timings the same as mentioned in the review?
Battery life depends on the processing and usage of your programs. Multi factors effects and drains the battery, variability can occur.
5. Which laptop has the longest battery backup?
Apple MacBook Pro in the list has the longest battery life for best online teaching laptops list.
6. Which are the best interactive video calling platform to teach online?
There are certain platforms, and in the Covid-19 pandemic, few platforms got huge popularity. Although free video calling and chatting apps have certain restrictions, but you can always choose another free platform or pay a small fee.
Few best interactive video calling platforms involve Zoom, Google Meet, Skype. In order to use digital writing boards Google Jamboard, Microsoft Whiteboard, OpenBoard, etc are most common.
Conclusion
While talking about the specs, everyone wants the best laptop in every aspect and should be suggested by someone else.
But remember that not a few laptops are excellent from every counted and uncounted aspect. You have to prefer your required features and should tick the list after search for the best laptop.
For some specs, you have some trade-off or you have to do a compromise. Like, if you do require a long battery with better processor performance, forget about screen size and resolution.
Overall, the winner of our “best laptop for online teaching” is Apple MacBook Pro and the runner-up is ASUS ZenBook Pro 15.