9 Best Laptops for Online Teachers (Pros and Cons)

Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that when you make a purchase, I earn a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use and help keep my content free. For more info, see the Disclosure Policy.

Teachers need a fast and efficient laptop if they want to teach online.

Finding the correct laptop can make all the difference in your online teaching experience. 

The last thing you want is your laptop freezing or going blank in the middle of an important lesson. My old laptop used to overheat and take excessively long to load programs. I was at my wits’ end trying to do basic teaching tasks on it every day and it wasted so much time.

Getting a new laptop was a game-changer. It made a HUGE difference to my teaching and motivation when I got a new laptop.

While you should not overlook your internet connection, you will also require a powerful laptop to execute your responsibilities.

How do you go about finding a laptop that meets all of the specifications and standards for teaching on an online platform? Here are some of the best laptops for teaching online in 2022.

Best Laptop for Teachers (Overall Winner)

Apple Macbook Pro is the greatest choice for teaching if you have a good budget. The laptop is powerful and efficient, and it has all of the latest features. 

The Apple MacBook Pro is, without a doubt, the greatest teacher laptop on the market. This is especially true when it comes to delivering powerful performance while maintaining a slim physique and shape. 

Apple is a forerunner in terms of developing high-quality laptops, smartphones, and tablets. With the launch of the brand-new MacBook Pro, it has impressed college teachers, professors, and scholars in this regard.

Our Pick

Apple Macbook Air Laptop

Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop

  • 18 hours of battery life and lightening fast performance
  • The Apple M1 chip with an 8-core CPU delivers up to 3.5x faster performance
  • All your existing apps work, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft 365, and Google Drive

Best Laptops for Teachers List

Here are the nine best laptops for teachers right now.

  1. Apple MacBook Air
  2. Asus Vivobook
  3. Acer Swift 3
  4. HP Pavilion x360
  5. HP Envy X360
  6. Dell Inspiron i3583
  7. ASUS ZenBook 13
  8. Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-36UT
  9. Lenovo Flex

Minimum and Recommended Technical Laptop Requirements for Teachers

Whatever your teaching needs are, the following list of the Best Teacher Laptops is ideal for all types of teachers and even education majors.

If money is tight, opt for something with higher specifications than the minimum, but if money isn’t an issue, go for something with higher specifications than advised.

 Minimum System RequirementsBest System Requirements
Processor8th Gen Intel Core i510th Gen Intel Core i7
RAM8GB16 GB
Storage256 GB SSD512 GB SSD
Display13.3-inch FHD (1920 × 1080)15.6-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)
GraphicsIntegrated Intel HD 615Integrated Intel UHD 620
Battery LifeUp to 5 HoursUp to 8 Hours

Fast and Dependable

If you’re teaching on Skype, you’ll need a 1 GHz processor and at least 256 MB of RAM for Windows or 1 GB of RAM for Mac.

However, if you are an online ESL teacher who works for an online ESL organization, you should think about the processors listed above.

Some online education firms, such as iTutorgroup, advocate having at least 2GB RAM. However, I would recommend at least 8GB of RAM.

Why? Your computer will work quicker and more smoothly, with fewer interruptions in your connection. There will be far fewer heartbreaks and missed classes as a result of technical difficulties.

Built-in Webcam

You might be able to get an HD webcam if you buy a recent laptop model. HD cameras are ideal since they provide the student with a more professional appearance.

If you don’t have HD, expect 720p at the very least. To improve the quality of your video, you might want to consider purchasing an external webcam to connect to your laptop.

Built-in Microphone

For routine operations, the microphone built into your computer should be enough. Make sure you purchase a headset with a microphone so that your students can hear you properly.

Best Laptops for Online Teachers

Now it’s time to talk about each of the nine laptops listed previously and why they work well for online teachers.

1. Apple MacBook Air

The new M1 chip gave the MacBook Air M1 a major upgrade, but it didn’t come at a cost rise. 

This superb computer is still the most affordable of Apple’s laptop lineup, making it an excellent choice for any teachers who want to keep up-to-date with the Apple ecosystem.

Pricing

Check the most recent price here:

Our Pick

Apple Macbook Air Laptop

Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop

  • 18 hours of battery life and lightening fast performance
  • The Apple M1 chip with an 8-core CPU delivers up to 3.5x faster performance
  • All your existing apps work, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft 365, and Google Drive

Features

Apple is a forerunner in terms of developing high-quality laptops, smartphones, and tablets. With the launch of the brand-new MacBook Pro, it has impressed college teachers, professors, and scholars in this regard. 

This laptop is quite light, so transporting it from one location to another will be a breeze. Furthermore, it provides both security and protection against malicious software.

  • With its power-efficient design, this device also offers quiet operation, as well as the Touch Bar for dynamic touch input and gesture interaction, as well as a new Touch ID sensor for using Windows Hello to log in safely and effectively.
  • The MacBook Air is bright and vivid, with a resolution of brilliant 2560 x 1600 pixels and Apple’s newest M1 8-Core CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.
  • The MacBook Air offers excellent speakers that make video calls, listening to music, and watching movies significantly more enjoyable than most laptops and notebooks, especially for regular use.
  • Its T2 chip protects the MacBook by encrypting all data stored on the SSD and ensuring a safe startup process.
ProsCons
Elegant DesignLimited Options
macOS 
Portable and Stylish 

2. Asus Vivobook

The Asus Vivobook is a good choice for teachers seeking a great value, lightweight laptop. It comes with Windows 10 and has a great CPU and GPU performance for the price.

Pricing

Check the most recent price here:

In Stock

Asus Vivobook 15

ASUS VivoBook 15

  • Excellent budget laptop for work and school
  • Tilted keyboard for comfortable typing
  • Speedy processor to get things done
  • Not recommended for high-end gaming
  • Comes in four unique finishes 

Features

  • With a 4GHz processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of SSD storage, the Asus is designed for performance.
  • The R5-3500U processor ensures that you can get to work quickly, and the lighted keyboard is a lifesaver for late-night use.
  • This laptop comes with a one-year accidental damage warranty, so you’re covered if you spill liquids on it or drop it. This is your best bet if you’re looking for a low-cost laptop!
ProsCons
A good array of ports, including USB-C and microSD.Not suitable for heavy photo and video editing due to color inaccuracy
Fingerprint sensor for faster accessAverage battery life of around 3-4 hours
Nice design with keyboard backlight 

3. Acer Swift 3

Acer Swift 3 is known for its best-in-class design and affordability, and the business has improved its market share in the laptop industry with the launch of the Acer Swift 3. 

The laptop has a 14-inch display with a screen-to-body ratio of 85.7 %. This display has 100 percent sRGB color coverage and a peak brightness of 300 nits. There are also minimum bezels to create a more immersive experience.

Pricing

 This laptop is one of the most popular among teachers who do light multitasking and work from home to attend online classes. It is available for under $700, which is much more inexpensive.

Check the most recent price here:

In Stock

Acer Swift 3

Acer Swift 3

  • Beautiful graphics with non-glare display
  • Long-lasting battery life
  • Dual microphones carry your voice with clarity
  • Run demanding apps all at once
  • Built-in Alexa

Features

  • In terms of processing capability, this laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor. It’s an AMD processor from the Lucienne generation that was just released.
  • The AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 integrated GPU is included in this laptop. Apart from a powerful CPU and GPU, adequate storage and memory are also essential.
  • As a result, the laptop comes equipped with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. You can increase it later by adding another stick because it has a dedicated slot for memory expansion.
  • The latest components, such as Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, handle the connectivity section.
  • All necessary connectivity ports are equipped with a long-lasting battery that may easily last 6-8 hours in normal use.
ProsCons
Sufficient RAM & StorageNon-Upgradable Memory
Backlit KeyboardPort Selection Could Be Better
Fingerprint Reader 
Teacher Email Signup

For English Language Teachers or Those Looking to Get Started…

Teacher tips, new teacher checklist, teacher planner, and notes. Subscribe for ESL News, jobs, and more!

4. HP Pavilion x360

The HP Pavilion x360 is a 2-in-1 convertible notebook featuring a 360-degree rotating screen. This method is useful for a variety of tasks, including content consumption, drawing, painting, and online company management. 

If you teach in this field, you can use it to sketch portraits, paint, and conduct other comparable tasks as a teacher.

Pricing

This laptop includes 16GB DDR4 memory and 512GB SSD storage. With a price tag of $800, this laptop is an amazing deal.

Check the most recent price here:

In Stock

HP Pavilion x360

HP Pavilion x360

  •  Fast processing and advanced multitasking
  • Energy-efficient Intel Turbo Boost Technology
  • Flip-and-fold design with a 360-degree hinge

Features

  • This laptop has a 15.6-inch display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, and IPS LED technology.
  • There is no serious issue with durability, and the hinges are robust enough to last a long time.
  • The laptop is powered by an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor from the “Tiger Lake” series, which is the 11th generation.
  • With the help of Turbo Boost technology, it can reach a frequency of 4.2GHz with its four cores.
  • The HP Pavilion x360 also offers a variety of interfaces, including a USB Type-C port, two USB Type-A ports, and an HDMI port.
  • It also includes a headphone jack and a full-sized SD card reader. It has Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 on the inside for a stronger and faster wireless connection.
ProsCons
Full HD Touchscreen PanelLacks thunderbolt port
360-Degree ConvertablePen Not Included
Acceptable Audio Output 

5. HP Envy X360

The HP Envy X360 2-in-1 redefines what mobile computing is capable of. This tiny and light laptop runs Windows 10 and features an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of memory, and a 512GB SSD for a quick start-up.

What distinguishes the HP Envy X360 from other laptops? It’s your brand-new creative space. When the optional docking keyboard is installed, it can be used as a touchpad or a traditional notebook.

Pricing

This laptop features a sleek, forward-thinking design that gives you all the power and professional appearance at. Check the most recent price here:

In Stock

HP Envy x360

HP Envy x360

  • Smoothly run multiple applications and tabs all at once
  • Long-lasting battery life
  • Touchscreen with stylus pen Included

Features

  • The HP Envy X360 is a tough, elegant, and adaptable laptop. This beauty is ideal for both work and play, as it runs on Intel’s newest platform, which provides more power for speedier processing.
  • The 360-degree hinge allows you to seamlessly convert from laptop to tablet mode, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
  • Get it all while looking nice with our new diamond dark ash finish, which is backed by our industry-leading McAfee LiveSafe multi-device security solution that protects what matters most (including your hard drive).
  • This is the newest and fastest laptop, ideal for getting work done on the go. It folds back into a tablet with a 360° hinge, allowing you to see the screen from any angle and fluidly switch between keyboard shortcuts and on-screen touch gestures.
ProsCons
Full HD Touchscreen PanelLacks Thunderbolt Port
360-Degree Rotate Display
Acceptable Audio Output 

6. Dell XPS 13

The Dell XPS 13 is a 13-inch laptop with a stunning appearance. If you want a high-end laptop, the Dell XPS 13 is the best choice. The laptop features a 13.4-inch infinity-edge FHD display on the outside.

It has a touchscreen with digital pen capabilities and a 1920 x 1200 screen resolution. On its official store, the company also sells 4K IPS and 4K OLED panels, although Amazon only sells the FHD version. 

Furthermore, this is an extremely bright panel with a maximum brightness of 500 and 100% DCI-P3 color coverage. It also boasts an anti-reflective coating on top to decrease reflections, as well as Dolby Vision compatibility, which improves colors by over 20%.

Teach English Online

You may also be interested in: The Best English Teaching Companies in 2022.

Pricing

Dell is selling a quality product at a premium price. You can take advantage of its mobility, comfy backlit keyboard with a wide trackpad, and long-lasting battery if you’re a teacher. You don’t have to be concerned about the battery while catering to children in the classroom.

Check the most recent price here:

In Stock

Dell XPS 13

Dell XPS 13

  • Lightweight with touchscreen
  • Easily move your files and settings from your old PC
  • Two-year support warranty

Features

  • The laptop is powered by an Intel Core i7-1195G7 CPU from the 11th generation. It has eight threads and is one of Intel’s newest quad-core chipsets.
  • This chipset also incorporates Intel Turbo Boost technology, with a maximum clock speed of 5.0GHz and a base clock speed of 1.3GHz to 2.90GHz, making it a powerful CPU.
  • In addition, the laptop has an integrated Intel Xe Plus graphics card, which can handle the programs that a teacher needs. For everyday and professional apps like Photoshop, Autocad, and others, the GPU delivers amazing performance.
  • The display is surrounded by minimum bezels, with a Windows Hello facial recognition IR sensor and an HD camera on top.
ProsCons
11th Gen Intel ProcessorLack of External Ports
Two Thunderbolt 3 PortsComparatively Expensive Price
Fast Charging Support 

7. ASUS ZenBook 13

If you want a little laptop with good performance, the Asus Zenbook 13 is a wonderful alternative. This is a freshly released laptop that comes with well-balanced hardware and provides excellent value for the money.

Starting with performance, this computer is powered by an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor with integrated Intel Iris XE graphics.

A quad-core CPU with a base clock speed of 2.4GHz and a maximum clock speed of 4.2GHz is included in the chipset. These system options are more than adequate for a teacher with a light workload, such as online browsing, Microsoft programs, and other CPU-intensive applications.

Pricing

This is one of the more attractive options in this price range. The connectivity connectors are adequate for locating fundamental functions. Overall, if you’re looking for a low-cost multitasking laptop, this is a decent option.

Check the most recent price here:

Amazon’s Choice

Asus Zenbook 13

ASUS ZenBook 13

  • A fast device that loads in seconds
  • Compact, thin and ultralight
  • High-capacity battery with fast-charging feature

Features

  • Graphics-intensive tasks can also be run on the GPU. A 13.3-inch Full HD stunning OLED display with 1920 x 1080p resolution surrounds the front portion.
  • Around the corner, there are skinny bezels and a super-lightweight body.
  • The internal memory is 8GB DDR4, and the computer comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home.
  • It comes with a 256GB SSD drive for storing crucial papers and files. In this price range, this is the best storage option. The fact that it is a speedier SSD disc is a plus.
  • The memory combination is capable of handling a strong workload.
  • The entire appearance appears to be magnificent, and it makes no compromises in terms of design.
  • The display produces good viewing angles and sharp pictures thanks to the IPS panel.
  • It also comes with an HD webcam and a high-quality microphone, which can aid you with online classes, video conferencing, video streaming, and working from home.
ProsCons
Seamless PerformanceRelatively low maximum volume
Compact & Lightweight BodyBrightness could be better
Decent Set of USB Ports 

8. Acer Aspire 5

The Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-36UT is an exceptionally affordable laptop, making it the most affordable Windows option on our list. 

Despite being a less expensive Windows laptop, it boasts superb hardware. The latest Intel Core i3-1115G4 chipset boasts a lot of processing power and an integrated Iris Xe Graphics G4 graphics card. If my memory serves me well, this is the best processor available in the pricing range. 

With clock speeds ranging from 3.0GHz to 4.10GHz, the offered dual-core CPU performs admirably. Finally, it will not lag in any way when managing a light job, and it can unquestionably be your everyday car.

Pricing

As a result, it could be a disadvantage for those searching for self-contained use. The best is yet to come, as it adopts a sleek and small design, making it one of the best-looking laptops with a price tag under $400.

Check the most recent price here:

In Stock

Acer Aspire 5

Acer Aspire 5

  • Light and durable laptop for school
  • Can be installed along with extra RAM
  • Suitable for light gaming, productivity, and work tasks

Features

  • 4GB DDR4 RAM and 128GB SSD storage are used in the memory.
  • Given the price range, this is a good memory combination for running casual programs and storing crucial data.
  • The laptop is pre-installed with Windows 10 in S mode.
  • It’s worth mentioning that S-mode is a limited version of Windows that only allows you to run Microsoft-developed software.
ProsCons
Smooth PerformanceWindows 10 in S Mode
WiFi 6 SupportLimited Resources
Full HD Display 

9. Lenovo Flex

The Lenovo Flex is a well-rounded laptop that comes at a fair price. It’s incredibly adaptable, with the ability to transform into a full HD touchscreen.

Pricing

Check the most recent price here:

In Stock

Lenovo Flex

Lenovo Flex

  • 2-in-1 convertible laptop
  • Full HD LED touchscreen with a keypad
  • All-day battery life

Features

  • With a 14-inch display panel, the Lenovo is neither too big nor too little. For multitasking and completing your day of online teaching, the i5-8265U CPU is speedy and efficient. You may charge it in 1-2 hours as well.
  • It also physically closes your webcam when you are not using it, ensuring your online safety.
  • This laptop also has a 512GB SSD and 16GB of RAM for increased performance and efficiency.
ProsCons
All-day 8-hour batteryWebcam is not HD
Tablet mode works smoothlyLenovo Active Pen isn’t included
Extended Lenovo Warranty

FAQs

As a teacher, why do I require a powerful laptop?

For the most part, a teacher can get by with a normal laptop. However, more demanding jobs, such as 3D work, necessitate more GPU power. As a result, a teacher who is participating in those activities needs a strong laptop.

Is it necessary for me to own a laptop or computer in order to teach online?

To efficiently prepare, deliver, and evaluate lessons. You’ll need a computer that’s easy to use. Laptops are fantastic teaching tools, whether you’re in the classroom or online. They are small and light, but they have the same capabilities as a regular desktop computer.

What are the requirements for online education?

In a laptop, good RAM, vast storage, a long-lasting battery, and efficient portability are required for online teaching. For effective online instruction, several prerequisites must be met.

Conclusion

You must have wondered, as a teacher, which laptop is the “best laptop for my profession?” before choosing a laptop. The answer is a little complicated.

The term “best” is very subjective, and it might mean different things to different people. Because each class has a variety of subjects, different tasks necessitate different setups. If you’re a teacher who does light work like web browsing, taking online classes, reading word documents, and other tasks, the Apple Macbook Air M1 is a great option.

You must be able to work on the go as an instructor. Because a laptop is such an important instrument for teaching and learning, it must be dependable and long-lasting.

Whether you teach elementary school arithmetic or college chemistry, there is bound to be something here that meets your needs and budget.

Online Teacher Laptops

Useful Links

Online Teacher Toolkit

Be IN The Know

Get the latest jobs, news, and opportunities delivered directly to your inbox by joining my exclusive community. Grab my teacher planner, teacher checklist and tips now. Sign up here.

GEt Certified

Start your teaching journey and get certified now. Watch my YouTube video about how I got started, or read about my experience here: The TEFL Academy review.

START Your First Teaching JOb

New to the world of online teaching or just want to fill some hours in? Curious if this is a career you want to pursue? Check out Cambly to get started. Read the Cambly review.

Highest-Paying Online Teaching Jobs

In my post, I cover a list of some of the highest-paying online teaching jobs. Alternatively, use the curriculum online and find your own students. It’s easier than you think!

ACCEPT PAYMENTS ONLINE and Save money

Use Wise to accept payments from overseas. Wise has the lowest exchange rates that I am currently using right now. Get Wise.

Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Teacher Guidebook Banner