Today, video conferencing has become essential for businesses, thanks to an increased global workforce and the fact companies now offer more “remote work” options. Video conferencing helps cut the costs, and avoid unnecessary travel or meetings. Or, think about how important it is in the educational environment, helping teachers reach hundreds of students at the same time, and also in connecting remote students to teachers.
Some of the most popular Video conferencing programs include Zoom, Apple’s FaceTime, Google’s Hangouts and Microsoft’s Skype. For most of us, video conferencing comes into our daily lives, as we talk with our friends, colleagues, or distant relatives. Chances are, if you’ve come all the way to read through this article, video conferencing is central to your daily routine. However, if you’re a professional and if your work relies heavily on communicating with remote colleagues or clients; you’re probably wondering what type of laptop you need in order to get the best performance when it comes to video conferencing. Well, we’re here to help. Here are a few tips:
How to choose a laptop for video conferencing:
Before we start, if you look at the system requirements for the most used video conferencing programs out there, you’ll notice that you don’t necessarily need a powerful laptop to run the program properly; in fact, unless you’re doing advanced things like dual displays; even a basic laptop or chromebook can be used for video conferencing. However, when it comes to video conferencing, you want a laptop that’ll ensure a high quality video call; and to get that, there are a few things to look out for:
- Display: The first thing you’ll need to look out for is, ironically speaking, a good display. That is, one that features at least a Full HD resolution. When it comes to video conferencing, there are no strict hardware specifications – besides what is best for your eyes. You might want to check a few laptops at a physical store, to get to know which types of displays you’re more comfortable with. Maybe, it’ll turn out that you’re one for the matte finish. Apart from the resolution and the build quality of the display, you’ll have to make a compromise on the screen size. You don’t want to squint your way through a Skype call, definitely, but maybe you don’t want a gigantic machine either. If you’re looking for a laptop to easily carry around, you could renounce some of the wide view and have a machine with a 12 to 14” screen size. That’s easily the best compromise between comfortable vision and portability.
- Camera and Mic: Next, you’ll going to need a laptop with an HD camera and a good enough microphone. That’s where the tricky part comes in. You rather have to trust the reviews you read online or, in the worst case scenario, try a few laptops until you’re satisfied by the results. However, you can start by reading the features of the webcam, and also check carefully where the webcam is placed; because on some thin ultrabooks, the webcam is placed under the display, which is not ideal for video conferencing.
- Processor, RAM, and Storage: When looking for a laptop for video conferencing, you shouldn’t forget that you’ll be using the laptop for other things as well. So set your priorities right! And while you can always purchase an external webcam in case the one that’s included in your laptop sucks; you cannot upgrade essential components like the processor. We always recommend a laptop that has at least an 8th generation i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, as well a solid state drive (SSD).
Best Laptops for Video Conferencing:
So, now that you have an idea what to look out for before making your next purchase, let’s check some of the best laptops for video conferencing out there. This list will be updated regularly, and if you have a suggestion or a question about a laptop that’s not on the list, we’d love to hear from you in the comments!
LG Gram 13Z980-A.AAS7U1
First on our list, The LG Gram 13Z980-A.AAS7U1 is not only one of the best laptops for video conferencing, but it’s also a champion when it comes to battery life. This laptop features an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor, coupled with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of SSD. It features the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620, which is more than enough if you’re not gaming or doing any graphic intensive tasks.
Thanks to its processing power and decent amount of RAM, the Gram makes for a rather powerful, professional machine. The webcam is placed at the top of the display, and has an HD resolution, which makes it ideal for video calls.
Weighting less than 2.4 pounds, the Gram also features one of the latest USB Type-C ports and a fingerprint reader. The most surprising spec, though, is the battery life. The manufacturer claims it lasts up to 18.5 hours on average usage! That’s remarkable. You’ll be able to run a few conferences with that.
Processor | Intel Core i7-8550U Processor |
RAM | 8GB |
Storage | 256GB, SSD |
Graphics | Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
Screen | 13,3 inch, 1920 x 1080 IPS |
Connectivity and Ports | 1- USB 3.1 port Type C
3- USB 3.0 port 1 – HDMI Port , Card reader, Bluetooth 5 |
Battery | Up to 18 hours battery life |
Dell Inspiron i7370-5593SLV-PUS
At a slightly lower price range, we have the Dell Inspiron i7370-5593SLV-PUS, a 13.3” Full HD and touchscreen laptop. It features an 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD.
The Inspiron 13 is packed with a good looking IPS display, for brighter and more colorful images. It’ll be perfect for handling your video conferences. Besides, it comes with a sleek, thin and light design. It’s made from a manufacturer that is known for delivering durable and performing machines.
The Inspiron 13 includes a USB TypeC port. Thanks to the 180 degree hinge, you’ll be able to bend your laptop as it pleases you during a conference, or even flattening it on the table to take notes and sketch with an active pen.
Processor | Intel Core i5-8250U Processor |
RAM | 8GB |
Storage | 256GB, SSD |
Graphics | Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
Screen | 13,3 inch, 1920 x 1080 IPS |
Connectivity and Ports | 1- USB 3.1 port Type C
2- USB 3.0 port 1 – HDMI Port , Card reader, Bluetooth 4.1 |
Battery | Up to 8 hours battery life |
Acer Swift 3 SF314-54-56L8
An Amazon favorite, the Acer Swift 3 SF314-54-56L8 is a 14” Full HD laptop. It features an Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD.
The Acer Swift 3 is a rather good-looking machine, that is also designed with video conferencing in mind. And what makes the Swift 3 one of the best laptops for video conferencing is the fact that it comes with an HD camera with Super HDR technology; which ensures high quality video calls. Also, the Swift 3 features the Acer PuridfiedVoice for voice clarity.
The Swift 3 offers a spectacular IPS display and up to 12 hours of battery life. On top of that, it includes one of the latest USB Type-C ports and a fingerprint reader, for a quick and safe login into your system. What could you wish for more?
Processor | Intel Core i5-8250U Processor |
RAM | 8GB |
Storage | 256GB, SSD |
Graphics | Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
Screen | 14 inch, 1920 x 1080 IPS |
Connectivity and Ports | 1- USB 3.1 port Type C
2- USB 3.0 port 1- USB 2.0 1 – HDMI Port , Card reader, Bluetooth 4.1 |
Battery | Up to 12 hours battery life |
DELL XPS 13 9380
Now, let’s have a look at the high-end solutions. The Dell XPS 13 930 is a stunningly beautiful and sleek machine, coming with a 13.3” 4K (3840×2160) touchscreen display. The narrow bezel design on this is simply amazing! It features an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD.
The XPS 13 is a high performing machine, all condensed in a body that weights less than 1lb. Isn’t that incredible? You can carry it along just anywhere, to handle your video conferences in the most professional way there is. Another great thing about the new XPS 9380 is that the camera is “normally located”, at the top bezel of the screen; which was not the case for the previous generation.
Processor | Intel Core i7-8565U Processor |
RAM | 16GB |
Storage | 512GB, PCIe SSD |
Graphics | Integrated, Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
Screen | 13,3 inch, 3840×2160 IPS |
Connectivity and Ports | 3- USB 3.1 port Type C
Card reader, Bluetooth 5 |
Battery | Up to 12 hours battery life |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is another high-end solution when it comes to video conferencing. It comes with a 14” Full HD and touchscreen display. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon features an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16 Gb of RAM and a 512 GB SSD. It also comes with the Windows 10 Professional operating system.
Lenovo is renowned for delivering laptops with remarkable, quality keyboards, coming with the house’s famous trackpoint. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon isn’t an exception, featuring an ergonomic backlit keyboard and a fingerprint reader as an additional feature.
In terms of performance, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon will offer you more than what you expect, it’s one of the best laptops for video conferencing, and for businesses overall. The battery life is amazing, and you can easily get a full day of work without the need to search for a power outlet.
Processor | Intel Core i7-8550U Processor |
RAM | 16GB |
Storage | 512GB, SSD |
Graphics | Integrated, Intel 620 graphics |
Screen | 14 inch, 1920X1080, IPS |
Connectivity and Ports | 2 – USB Type C port // thunderbolt
2- USB 3.0 port 1 – HDMI port, Card reader, Bluetooth 4.1 |
Battery | up to 15 hours battery life |