The 7 Best Laptops for Microsoft Office Reviewed
Microsoft Office is by far the most popular software suite available for personal and professional uses. Inside the suite, you will find Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Access, and more. Everything you need to run your life can be found in this set of software, but now you need the right laptop to run the software.
The first thing you need to check is the system requirements for the software suite. Almost any computer can support the software, but it definitely runs better with a processor of 1.6GHz, 4GB of RAM, HD display, and Windows 10 operating system. We found the seven best options with better than the minimum specifications so you can have the best experience with your Microsoft Office Suite.
Best Laptops for Microsoft Office
1. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 is made to work for Microsoft Suite software. With this option, you get not just a computer that utilizes Windows or the Suite, but a set designed by the creator of the Office for Office. You will find everything on this computer works seamlessly to provide optimal performance. Also, the Surface Laptop comes with a range of options to customize it to your exact need; either way, you get a low weight of under three pounds.
Despite the brand name, this laptop is very affordable, depending on the specifications you choose. We suggest the 128GB solid-state drive and 8GB of RAM. Not only will this provide enough power for Office, but for almost any other needs except hardcore gaming. Add in the 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with quad-cores for fast processing and access to all features on the computer.
With the Surface Laptop 3, you get a very portable design ready to fit seamlessly into your life. Choose the 13.5-inch size for the most portability with enough display to see all of your work. The screen also has a PixelSense display with an incredible resolution of 2256 x 1504p, and it’s multi-touch. The touchscreen computer offers multiple ways to connect with your virtual world with multiple ports and options.
Next, the laptop has a battery life of up to 11.5 hours or can go on a docking station for longer work or play hours. Although the battery doesn’t offer the longest life, it does charge fast with up to 80 percent charge in one hour. It even has an enhanced Studio Mic and wakes on voice. Keep all your virtual meetings with the built-in camera too. It also has the ability to work with a Surface pen you can purchase separately. Finally, the laptop even comes with a 30-day trial of Microsoft 365 and Windows 10 Home already installed.
- Clean, elegant design — Thin and light, starting at just 2.79 pounds, Surface Laptop 3 is easy to carry
- Choose from rich tone-on-tone color combinations: New Sandstone, plus Matte Black, Cobalt Blue, and Platinum
- Improved speed and performance to do what you want, with the latest processors – Surface Laptop 3 is up to two times faster than surface Laptop 2
- More ways to connect, with USB-C and USB-A ports for connecting to displays, docking stations and more, as well as accessory charging
- All-day power on the go, with up to 11.5 hours of battery life, plus standby time when you’re away. Go from empty to a full battery with fast charging - up to 80% in about 1 hour
2. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go
If you want a dedicated Microsoft machine with a slightly smaller size and longer battery, pick the Surface Laptop Go. Depending on the options you choose, this laptop can save you some money too. The battery life is better, too, with up to 15.5 hours before you need to charge depending on usage. Moreover, the Go includes more connection ports for people who need to attach more accessories to their laptops.
For the best functionality, pick the 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB solid-state drive. All three of these features combined provide impressive speed for both local and stored items, along with plenty of storage. You can always expand storage with cloud options like OneDrive or external options too.
Like with the Surface 3, this option includes a month-long trial of Microsoft 365 Family. However, the Windows 10 comes in S mode, and you may want or need to upgrade to Home or Pro in the future. One feature you will love is the Windows Hello sign-in and fingerprint power button. All this, and you still get the PixelSense and a touchscreen too.
It’s the lightest option, though at just 2.45 pounds and an ergonomic full sized keyboard and trackpad. Also, while Microsoft doesn’t advertise it, all of their laptops include backlighting. It would be nice if they would make at least one option with a numeric keyboard as well, but otherwise, this laptop is a dream machine ready to impress.
- Sleek design and standout value. At just 2.44 pounds, it’s light, portable, and easy to keep by your side throughout the day.
- Be productive, browse, and binge watch on the 12.4” PixelSense touchscreen display.
- Convenient security with Windows Hello sign-in, plus Fingerprint Power Button with Windows Hello and One Touch sign-in on select models.
- Run your favorite apps and keep up on social media with a 10th Gen Intel Core Processor.
- Show your best side on video calls, meetings, and virtual get-togethers with the built-in 720p HD camera.
3. Lenovo ThinkPad E15
Windows fans need to check out the affordable 2020 Lenovo ThinkPad E15 because it comes with impressive options ready to give you more space and processing power. Get plenty of visual space, too, with a 15.6 inch full HD screened laptop. The computer keeps you safe, too, as it includes fingerprint sign-in. All the features you need to run Microsoft Office well are on this laptop.
With the Lenovo ThinkPad, you can pick your hardware, but we suggest the 10th Gen Intel quad-core i5 processor with a max turbo boost of 4.2GHz. It comes with the standard 8GB of RAM that provides tons of speed for multitasking. A 256 GB solid-state drive keeps the price down while providing plenty of storage for Office. The laptop includes Windows 10 Pro pre-installed, but you will need to add on Office Suite.
If the affordable price isn’t enough reason to buy the laptop, then consider the privacy and security options. The computer includes protection for privacy and security. With a Trusted Platform Module, making this a great option for business professionals or students. The laptop is a little heavy at just 4.30 pounds.
Lastly, the ThinkPad has all the ports you need and WiFi 5. The computer also includes an HD camera, Bluetooth, and impressive speakers for superior connectivity and sound. Charge quickly with rapid-charge technology, and the battery lasts up to 12.2 hours.
- The Latest ThinkPad E-series E15, A Successor to E590, Features 15.6" Full HD (1920x1080) TN Anti-glare 220nits Display,Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 - Supports external digital monitor via HDMI or USB Type-C, Max external digital monitor resolution: 4K(3840x2160)
- Intel 10th Gen Core i5-10210U with UHD 620 (4 cores 8 threads, base clock speed 1.6GHz, max turbo to 4.2GHz, 6MB L3 Cache)
- 8GB DDR4-2666MHz RAM, 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD (Reseal to Upgrade ONLY), with bonus IST HDMI Cable
- No Optical Drive, 1 x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C (Power Delivery and DisplayPort), 2 x USB 3.1 Gen1 (1 always on), 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI 1.4b, 1 x RJ-45, 1 x Audio Combo Jack
- Windows 10 Professional 64-bit, Ideal for Student, Home, Professionals, Small Business, and School Education
4. HP Envy 17T
The HP Envy 17T 2020 i7-1065G7 Laptop has a higher price but also comes with significant upgrades in terms of storage for both short and long term. Honestly, the upgrades may be overkill for Office but will work well for others who need other heavy-duty software like AutoCAD or other processor hungry options. Also, the size is dramatically bigger, and the computer includes a numeric keypad too.
While the laptop has some impressive features, it does have two issues. The battery is subpar at best, and it’s heavy because of the larger size. If these two issues aren’t a problem for you, then you will love the other features, such as built-in security with a fingerprint reader and a privacy camera kill switch.
Now let’s talk about the hardware, which includes an astounding 32GB of RAM and 1TB on a solid-state drive. That’s an impressive amount of storage perfect for multitasking and tons of files or data. All of these run even better thanks to a 10th Gen Intel i7 processor with four cores and the Nvidia GeForce MX330 for incredible processing and graphics. Use this game for work and then for your favorite game.
Finally, the laptop includes Bang and Olufsen speakers, WiFi 6, Windows 10 Pro, Bluetooth, webcam, and a microphone. Everything about this computer provides everything you need for any app in Office or even all at one time! Choose this computer if you don’t want to compromise, want to save money, and want to avoid buying a new computer for a very long time.
5. Acer Predator Helios 300
Gamers who want to run Office on the same computer will love the Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop. It’s a beast of a machine with impressive features ready to make both work and fun more interesting. Our favorite feature is the sRGB keyboard with four zones you can customize and the refresh rate of 144hz that gamers need. Don’t worry, the Helios works very well for non-gaming needs, too, thanks to the hardware.
Run any software you need with 16GB of RAM laptop with 1TB of storage on a solid-state drive provided with the laptop. Also, the computer includes a 10th Gen Intel 6-Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost Technology for impressive speed. With an Nvidia Geforce RTX graphics card, the computer keeps getting better. You can even upgrade to 240hz (for a dramatic price increase).
All the hardware fits inside of a 15.6-inch laptop for plenty of visibility. Moreover, the computer includes Bluetooth, an HD webcam, and built-in DTS:X Ultrasound. The keys are special, too, featuring see-through concave-shaped keycaps for WASD along with two integral keys for overclocking and to open the utility app. All the settings are controlled through easy to access software.
Keep in mind, the laptop has a short battery life of up to 6 hours, depending on what you are running. The laptop is heavy at 5.5 pounds, which is too heavy for money and bulky too. It does include a unique fan designed for quiet operation, though, which does improve the value. It will more than adequately run Windows Office along with any other software.
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H 6-Core Processor (Up to 5.0 GHz) with Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
- Overclockable NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 with 6 GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM
- 15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen LED-backlit IPS display (144Hz Refresh Rate, 3ms Overdrive Response Time, 300nit Brightness & 72% NTSC)
- 16 GB DDR4 2933MHz Dual-Channel Memory, 512GB NVMe SSD (2 x M.2 slots; 1 slot open for easy upgrades) & 1 - Available Hard Drive Bay
6. ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop
For a unique computer with a special design, try the Asus ZenBook 14 Ultra-Slim Laptop. Not only is it affordable for impressive features included, but the Zenbook offers an innovative design with a unique touchpad that turns into a numeric keypad. Get a full-size standard keyboard with an edge-to-edge design but still have easy access to a numeric keypad when you need a faster number option. The keyboard makes working on spreadsheets much faster with a closer, more ergonomic design.
Next, the Zenbook includes a 4th gen AMD Ryzen 7 processor with 2.0GHz up to 4.1GHz and 8 cores, which translates to a speedy computer. Multitask easily with 16GB of Memory and store everything on your computer with a 1TB solid-state drive. The screen is small, though at just 13 inches, but it comes with full HD and anti-glare, so you can work in any light.
Another key advantage of this laptop is it includes WiFi 6 (802.11 ax) for optimal internet access. The battery will be your favorite feature, though, as it lasts up to 18 hours and it charges fast in about an hour to an hour and a half. What’s more, the computer is very thin and lightweight at under 2.5 pounds. Last of all, the computer comes with all the standard things you need, including Bluetooth, speakers, webcam, and multiple ports. It’s ready to run Office as it comes with Windows 10 Pro 64-bit installed.
- 13.3 inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) Wide View 4-way NanoEdge bezel display
- Latest 11th generation Latest 11th generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 Quad Core Processor (12M Cache, up to 4.70 GHz, with IPU)
- Windows 10 Home
- Fast storage and memory featuring 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD with 16GB LPDDR4X RAM
- Built-in IR camera for facial recognition sign in with Windows Hello
7. Apple MacBook Pro
Many people do not know they can run Windows and Office on an Apple computer. However, you cannot currently use the newest M1 Chip computers for Windows. Instead, take a look at the newest Apple MacBook Pro Intel Chip Laptop, which is ready to run anything you need. With time, the newer M1 Chip machines will work out the kinks to allow for other operating systems and software.
One of the reasons many people choose Macs is for the high-end software and sleek design. What we love about Apple products is their longevity, as the items can last for over a decade! However, the cost of the latest MacBook Pro is quite pricy but worth it thanks to a massive 6-core 2.6GHz i7 processor with a turbo boost of up to 4.5GHz. The laptop also provides 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage.
The display is another unique feature to Apple computers as it has a Retina display with up to 500 nits of brightness and an AMD Radeon Pro 5000M series graphics card for ultra HD video. One minor flaw is the refresh rate is only about 60Hz, which is rather low, and why hard core gamers don’t choose Apple. It does include the proprietary Touchbar for access to settings with Touch ID for security.
Lastly, the MacBook Pro includes high-end accessories built-in such as a mic, camera, and six-speaker stereo with dual force-canceling woofers. If you want to use macOS but run Office on the laptop, you can for about the same price as the cost on a Windows-based machine. Then you get all the benefits of both Windows and Apple. Also, the laptop is light at 4.3 pounds and includes an 11-hour battery.
- Ninth-generation 6-Core Intel Core i7 Processor
- Stunning 16-inch Retina Display with True Tone technology
- Touch Bar and Touch ID
- AMD Radeon Pro 5300M Graphics with GDDR6 memory
- Ultrafast SSD
Buying Guide for Laptops for Microsoft Office
Before picking a laptop to run Microsoft Office, you need to consider several different factors to make the best decision.
Computer Usage
The first thing you need to consider is how you will use the computer. Do you need a computer for work, school, home use, surfing the web? If you only plan to run Word or the occasional spreadsheet and do some web-surfing, there is no need to buy a computer with a massive processor. However, if the computer is going to go to work with you and take care of home needs too, consider a larger processor and more storage space.
Other Software
Another reason to consider a computer with more impressive hardware is if you need it for more than just Windows Office. Many people need specific software for work, school, or even personal use for hobbies. Either way, check the specifications of whatever software you plan to use to make sure whichever computer you choose can stand up to its needs.
Accessories
Most computers come with webcams, speakers, and a microphone now. However, not all computers include every other feature or even high-end features. Music lovers may want to consider splurging for a computer with better quality speakers, while gamers should consider a better graphics card. Consider your wants after you have looked out for your needs.
Questions About Laptops for Microsoft Office
Do I need a numeric keyboard for Microsoft Office?
No, a numeric keyboard is not a necessity unless you are an accountant or work with numbers a lot. Nonetheless, a numeric keypad is very helpful and improves the typing experience for many people. It will increase the size of your laptop or drop the size of the keys, though, so keep that in mind.
Do any of these laptops include Microsoft Office?
Most laptops come with at least a trial of Microsoft Office but do not include the software suite. Although, some mid to higher-end models may include a higher version of Office for the first year. You will need to budget in the software as, at some point, it will become a necessary cost. The Microsoft Surface Laptop may come with a full year of Office.
Do computers come with any software installed?
Absolutely! Some computers come with a free word processor and spreadsheet software. With Windows, you will get Word and Excel usually. On an Apple computer, you get GarageBand and more, while their other software is available for a very low cost.
How do I download Microsoft Office on my laptop?
For easy and simple instructions for how to get Microsoft Office on your computer, watch this video:
Conclusion
If you want to run Microsoft software, consider a Microsoft computer such as the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3. The laptop comes with all the features you need to run Office and then some with customizations. Also, it includes a touch screen for an exciting computer experience no matter what you need Office for in your life.