Best Laptop for Video Conferencing 2023: Top Picks for Remote Workers
Last Updated on June 25, 2023
Video conferencing has become an essential part of remote work and online education. Whether you need to attend a meeting, give a presentation, or join a class, you want to have a smooth and clear video call experience. But how do you choose the best laptop for video conferencing? What features should you look for? And what are the best options available on the market?
In this article, we will answer these questions and help you find the best laptop for video conferencing you can buy today. We will review some of the top-rated laptops that offer excellent performance, quality, and value for your money. We will also give you some tips on how to optimize your video call settings and avoid common problems.
By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of what laptop to buy for video conferencing and how to make the most out of it. So let’s get started!
Our Top Picks
Best Best Laptop for Video Conferencing
1. Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 3
Best Laptop for Video Conferencing Overall
If you’re a remote worker or student seeking a powerful, versatile laptop that can help you achieve more, the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s is an excellent choice. This laptop comes with a powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB SSD, providing lightning-fast performance for all your tasks.
Features:
- Webcam Quality: The webcam on the ThinkPad T14s is of high quality, offering clear and sharp video for video conferencing.
- Microphone Quality: The laptop features a built-in microphone with good sound quality, ensuring clear audio during video calls and recordings.
- Speakers Quality: The laptop has powerful speakers that provide a rich and immersive audio experience.
- Screen Size and Resolution: The 14″ Full HD IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 offers crisp and vibrant visuals.
- Battery Life: With all-day battery life, you can work on the go without having to worry about finding an outlet.
- Processor and RAM: The 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and 16GB of DDR4 RAM provide blazing-fast performance and efficient multitasking.
- Portability: The ThinkPad T14s is slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go.
Pros:
- Fast and powerful performance
- High-quality webcam and microphone
- Excellent speakers for immersive audio
- Long-lasting battery life
- Slim and lightweight design for easy portability
- Digital wellness features to promote healthy habits
Cons:
- The laptop may be pricey for some users
- The 14″ display may be smaller than what some users prefer
Key Specifications for Lenovo ThinkPad T14s:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | 12th Gen Intel Core i7 |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4-3200 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Display | 14″ 1920 x 1200 IPS |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel Iris Xe |
| Ports | Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HDMI |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Webcam | Yes with Privacy Shutter |
| Audio | Dolby Audio, Dolby Voice AI noise-canceling |
| Battery Life | All-day |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
Bottom Line:
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s is an excellent laptop that offers fast and powerful performance, a high-quality webcam and microphone, and long-lasting battery life. The laptop’s slim and lightweight design makes it ideal for on-the-go use, and its digital wellness features can help you stay healthy while you work. Although the laptop may be pricey for some users, it’s a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a versatile and reliable laptop for video conferencing and other tasks.
2. Apple MacBook Pro Laptop M2 Pro
Best Mac Laptop for Video Conferencing
The Apple MacBook Pro Laptop M2 Pro is an impressive device built for creative professionals who require power, speed, and efficiency. This sleek silver laptop is equipped with a 10-core Apple M2 Pro chip, which can handle complex workflows with ease. The 14.2″ Liquid Retina XDR display is stunning, featuring mini-LED technology, 1000 cd/m² of sustained brightness, 1600 cd/m² of peak brightness, and P3 color gamut support, all in a display that’s less than 4mm thin.
With up to 16GB of unified RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, this laptop can handle massive files and launch apps quickly. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and MagSafe 3, so you can easily connect all your devices. The MacBook Pro also boasts a high-fidelity six-speaker sound system with four force-cancelling woofers and spatial audio support. The FaceTime HD 1080p camera and improved microphones ensure clear video calls and voice recordings.
This laptop delivers impressive battery life, lasting up to 18 hours of video playback on a single charge, and charges quickly with a 67W USB-C power adapter. Overall, the Apple MacBook Pro Laptop M2 Pro is an excellent choice for professionals looking for a powerful and efficient device that can handle complex workflows with ease.
Features:
- Webcam Quality: The MacBook Pro features a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, which uses the ISP and Neural Engine in M2 Pro and M2 Max for computational video that enhances video quality.
- Microphone Quality: The MacBook Pro has high-quality microphones with a lower noise floor, resulting in clear calls and voice recordings.
- Speakers Quality: The MacBook Pro has a high-fidelity, six-speaker sound system, which has two tweeters for a clearer soundstage as well as four force-cancelling woofers, resulting in 80% more bass. The sound system also supports spatial audio, providing a three-dimensional audio experience.
- Screen Size and Resolution: The MacBook Pro features a 14.2″ Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED technology. It delivers up to 1000 cd/m² of sustained, full-screen brightness, a high 1600 cd/m² of peak brightness, a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and a billion colors. The display can handle the extreme dynamic range of HDR content, providing detailed shadows, brilliant specular highlights, deeper blacks, and vivid colors.
- Battery Life: The MacBook Pro delivers up to 18 hours of video playback on a single charge.
- Processor and RAM: The MacBook Pro is equipped with an Apple M2 Pro 10-Core Chip, 16GB unified RAM, and a 512GB SSD.
- Portability: The MacBook Pro is portable, with a weight of 3.5 pounds.
Pros:
- High-performance Apple M2 Pro 10-Core Chip
- 14.2″ Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED technology
- High-quality microphones and six-speaker sound system
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
- Portable design
Cons:
- Expensive
- Limited number of ports
Key Specifications for Apple 14″ MacBook Pro:
| Key Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Processor | Apple M2 Pro 10-Core Chip |
| RAM | 16GB Unified RAM |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Display | 14.2″ 3024×1964 Liquid Retina XDR Screen |
| GPU | 16-Core GPU |
| Neural Engine | 16-Core Neural Engine |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Thunderbolt | Thunderbolt 4 |
| HDMI | Yes |
| MagSafe | MagSafe 3 |
| SDXC Slot | Yes |
| Webcam | FaceTime HD 1080p Camera |
| Keyboard | Backlit Magic Keyboard |
| Touchpad | Force Touch Trackpad |
| Operating System | macOS |
3. Dell XPS 13
Best Portable Laptop for Video Conferencing
The Dell XPS 13 laptop is an excellent choice for remote workers, students, and anyone who needs a reliable and high-quality laptop for video conferencing and other demanding tasks. It is meticulously crafted with machined aluminum and a carbon fiber palm rest, giving it a sleek and stylish appearance. The 16:10 4-sided InfinityEdge display is stunning and makes it easy to see every detail.
Features:
Webcam Quality: The Dell XPS 13 features a rear webcam with a resolution of 0.92 MP, which is good enough for most video conferencing needs.
Microphone Quality: The microphone quality on this laptop is decent, but it’s not the best. You may need to use an external microphone for clearer audio.
Speakers Quality: The speakers on the Dell XPS 13 are excellent, producing clear and crisp sound.
Screen Size and Resolution: The 13.4″ UHD+ 3.5K (3840×2400) InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflective 500-Nit Display is stunning and makes it easy to see every detail.
Battery Life: The battery life on this laptop is excellent, providing up to 14 hours of use on a single charge.
Processor and RAM: The 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1195G7 (12 MB cache, up to 5.0 GHz Turbo) Processor and 16GB 4267MHz LPDDR4x Memory make the Dell XPS 13 a powerful machine that can handle demanding tasks with ease.
Portability: The Dell XPS 13 is lightweight and easy to carry, making it an excellent choice for anyone who needs to work on the go.
Pros:
- Stunning 16:10 4-sided InfinityEdge display.
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- Excellent battery life.
- Powerful processor and plenty of RAM.
- Sleek and stylish design.
Cons:
- The microphone quality is not the best.
- The webcam resolution is not very high.
Key Specifications for Dell XPS 13:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 13.4″ UHD+ 3.5K (3840×2400) InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflective 500-Nit Display |
| Processor | 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1195G7 (12 MB cache, up to 5.0 GHz Turbo) |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive |
| Memory | 16GB 4267MHz LPDDR4x Memory |
| Platform | Intel Evo |
| Palm Rest | Carbon Fiber |
| Durability | Aerospace-inspired carbon fiber palm rest |
| Screen Technology | Dolby Vision and Eyesafe display technology |
| Lid Sensor | Built-in sensor with press fit hinge |
| Webcam | Rear webcam resolution of 0.92 MP |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 hours |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack |
| Weight | 2.64 pounds (1.2 kg) |
| Dimensions | 11.64 x 7.82 x 0.58 inches (295.65 x 198.71 x 14.8 mm) |
4. Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro
Best Ultralight Laptop for Video Conferencing
The Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro is a powerful and lightweight laptop that is perfect for remote workers, students, or anyone who frequently participates in virtual meetings, video conferencing, and Zoom calls. With its latest 12th Gen Evo-certified Intel processor, 16GB of RAM, and Windows 11 Home operating system, this laptop offers premium performance and fast speeds to handle all your work needs.
Features:
- Webcam Quality: The upgraded full HD camera with a 1080p wide-angle view offers 2x clearer video quality for high-definition video chats and meetings.
- Microphone Quality: The upgraded Dolby Atmos sound and intelligent noise-canceling ensures clear and crisp audio quality for virtual meetings and conferences.
- Speakers Quality: The laptop features high-quality speakers that deliver rich and powerful sound for all your entertainment needs.
- Screen Size and Resolution: The laptop features a stunning AMOLED screen that is up to 33% brighter, providing amazing picture quality and clarity. It comes in two sizes (13.3″ and 15.6″) to suit your preference.
- Battery Life: The laptop features Samsung’s longest-lasting battery, providing hours of use on a single charge. With the universal fast charger, you can get 40% of battery power back in just 30 minutes.
- Processor and RAM: The laptop is powered by the latest 12th Gen Evo-certified Intel processor and has 16GB of RAM, offering fast and efficient performance.
- Portability: The laptop weighs less than 2 pounds, making it Samsung’s thinnest and lightest laptop yet, perfect for on-the-go use.
Pros:
- Upgraded webcam and microphone for high-quality video and audio.
- Stunning AMOLED screen for amazing picture quality.
- Powerful processor and ample RAM for fast and efficient performance.
- Long-lasting battery and fast charging for all-day use.
- Extremely portable and lightweight, perfect for on-the-go use.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other laptops on the market.
- Limited storage space at 512GB.
Key Specifications for Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro Table:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 15.6 inches |
| Color | Graphite |
| Hard Disk Size | 512 GB |
| CPU Model | Core i7 |
| Ram Memory Installed | 16 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Hard Disk Description | SSD |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Processor | 12th Gen Evo-certified Intel processor |
| Battery Life | Samsung’s longest-lasting battery |
| Webcam Quality | Upgraded full HD camera with a 1080p wide-angle view |
| Microphone Quality | Upgraded Dolby Atmos sound and intelligent noise-cancel |
| Speakers Quality | High-quality speakers |
| Screen Size and | Stunning AMOLED screen that’s up to 33% brighter |
| Portability | Weighs less than 2 pounds |
5. HP Spectre X360
Best High-Performance Laptop for Video Conferencing
The HP Spectre X360 is a top-of-the-line laptop designed for people who demand high performance and quality. It is an excellent choice for remote workers, students, and anyone who frequently participates in virtual meetings, video conferencing, and Zoom calls.
Features:
Webcam Quality: The HP True Vision 5MP IR camera with camera shutter and integrated dual array digital microphones provide high-quality video and audio for virtual meetings and video conferencing.
Microphone Quality: The integrated dual array digital microphones provide clear audio for virtual meetings and video conferencing.
Speakers Quality: Audio by Bang & Olufsen with quad speakers and HP Audio Boost deliver a premium audio experience.
Screen Size and Resolution: The 16-inch diagonal, 3K+ (3072 x 1920), multitouch-enabled, IPS, edge-to-edge glass, micro-edge, antireflection Corning Gorilla Glass NBT, Low Blue Light display provides a stunning visual experience.
Battery Life: The 6-cell, Li-ion polymer battery provides up to 17 hours of battery life, ensuring you stay connected all day.
Processor and RAM: The Intel Evo platform 12th Generation Core i7-12700H processor with 16GB DDR4 SDRAM delivers lightning-fast performance and multitasking capabilities.
Portability: With a weight of 4.45 pounds and dimensions of 14.09″ x 9.66″ x 0.78″, the HP Spectre X360 is a highly portable device that you can take anywhere.
Pros:
- High-performance processor and RAM for smooth multitasking.
- Stunning display with excellent resolution and Low Blue Light technology.
- Long battery life for extended use.
- Highly portable and easy to carry.
- High-quality webcam and microphone for virtual meetings and video conferencing.
- Premium audio experience with Bang & Olufsen speakers and HP Audio Boost.
Cons:
- Price may be a barrier for some consumers.
- Limited hard disk space compared to some other high-end laptops.
- No optical drive.
Key Specifications for HP Spectre X360:
| Product Name | HP Spectre X360 |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 16 inches |
| Color | Blue |
| Hard Disk Size | 512 GB |
| CPU Model | Core i7 Family |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Display | 16-inch diagonal, 3K+ (3072 x 1920), multitouch-enabled, IPS, edge-to-edge glass, micro-edge, antireflection Corning Gorilla Glass NBT, Low Blue Light |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Digital Pen | HP Rechargeable MPP 2.0 Tilt Pen |
| Ports | 2 x Thunderbolt 4 with USB4 Type-C, 1 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x Headphone/Microphone combo, 1 x AC Smart Pin, 1 x MicroSD Media Card Reader |
| Video | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Audio | Audio by Bang & Olufsen with quad speakers; HP Audio Boost |
| Webcam | HP True Vision 5MP IR camera with camera shutter and integrated dual array digital microphones |
| Backlight Keyboard | Yes(Enable: F4) |
| Fingerprint Reader | Yes |
| Optical drive | None |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E (2×2) and Bluetooth combo (Supporting Gigabit data rate) |
| Battery | 6-cell, Li-ion polymer; up to 17-hour battery life |
| Dimensions | 14.09″ x 9.66″ x 0.78″ |
| Weight | 4.45 Pounds |
What to Look for in a Laptop for Zoom Virtual Meetings
Webcam
The first criteria in selecting a best laptop for video conferencing such as Zoom, is a high quality, High Definition webcam.
A webcam shutter is also helpful to give you quick manual access to turn off your camera without navigating with the mouse, and trying to find where you should click to turn it off. With one quick manual step, you can turn your camera on and off as needed.
Audio
The second criteria in selecting a great laptop for your Zoom meetings is the audio. What type of speakers does the laptop have? What type of microphones are built in. Having good quality speakers allow you to hear everything going on in your Zoom meeting clearly and at the right volume.
Good quality microphones allow other participants in the Zoom meeting, to hear you as naturally as possible, and understand clearly what you are saying.
Display
The display is another important factor in choosing a good laptop for video conferencing. A display with at least Full HD is recommended. An anti glare screen is a plus if you intend to use the laptop outdoors.
Screen size of 14 inch and larger is better for video chat, as you can fit more people on the screen, and it will be easier on the eyes, you will not be squinting.
Connectivity
The third thing to consider when choosing a great laptop for Zoom meetings is connectivity. A good laptop for Zoom needs to have external ports to connect to external monitors if you choose to do that. Especially in large Zoom meetings of 500 or more, a laptop’s screen no matter how large is not enough to view a larger number of participants and interact comfortably with them.
The more ports you have the better options you have to connect to external peripherals such as monitors, TVs, microphones, or speakers.
Processor & Memory
When you are video conferencing, you might be sharing different screens, or you may have several applications open at the same time. In this case your laptop will be using more memory resources, so we recommend at least 8GB of RAM memory (16GB is better) to support multi-tasking.
WE recommend a processor of Intel Core i5 or better.
Battery Life
Good battery life is another plus if you would like to be truly mobile and able to use your laptop anywhere around a house or building, or during travel. A laptop with quick charging is preferred.
Portability
If you will be using your laptop on the go, we recommend getting a laptop that is light weight so it will not bog you down.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Laptop for Video Conferencing
Webcam Quality
The quality of your laptop’s webcam is crucial for effective video communication. Look for laptops with at least a 720p resolution, which is standard for most video conferencing platforms. However, if you frequently participate in virtual events or require higher-quality video, consider a laptop with a 1080p or higher resolution. Additionally, laptops with built-in webcams tend to provide better video quality than external webcams, so keep that in mind when choosing a laptop.
Microphone Quality
Clear audio is just as important as clear video when it comes to video conferencing. Look for laptops with built-in microphones that have noise-cancellation features to reduce background noise and ensure clear audio.
Some laptops also have multiple microphones that can help improve sound quality by capturing audio from different directions. If you need even better audio quality, you may want to consider using an external microphone or headset for video conferencing and zoom meetings.
Screen Size and Resolution
The size and resolution of your laptop’s screen can impact your video conferencing experience. A larger screen can make it easier to see other participants and any shared content, but it can also make the laptop less portable. Look for laptops with at least a 13-inch screen, but preferably a 15-inch or larger screen for video conferencing. Additionally, a higher resolution screen can provide clearer video and make it easier to see details, such as facial expressions and body language.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration for any laptop, but it’s especially important for video conferencing. Look for laptops with a battery life of at least 6-8 hours to ensure you can participate in virtual meetings without worrying about your laptop dying in the middle of a call. If you frequently participate in longer meetings or conferences, consider a laptop with a longer battery life or the option to swap out batteries.
Processor and RAM
A laptop’s processor and RAM can impact its performance during video conferencing. Look for laptops with at least an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, which should provide enough power to run video conferencing software smoothly. If you frequently use other resource-intensive software or need to run multiple applications at once, consider a laptop with a more powerful processor and more RAM.
Portability
Portability is another important consideration, especially if you frequently work from different locations or need to bring your laptop to meetings. Look for laptops that are lightweight and easy to carry, such as ultrabooks or 2-in-1 laptops. Additionally, laptops with longer battery life can be more convenient for working on the go.
Budget
Finally, budget is a significant factor for many people when choosing a laptop for video conferencing. Consider how much you’re willing to spend and look for laptops within your budget that meet your needs. Remember that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a reliable and high-quality laptop for video conferencing.
A laptop with excellent webcam, microphone, and audio quality, as well as a suitable screen size, battery life, processor, and RAM, can greatly improve your video communication experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best laptop for working remotely?
The best laptop for working remotely depends on your specific needs. Look for a laptop with a high-quality webcam, microphone, and speakers for virtual meetings. Consider features such as portability, battery life, and processing power to enhance your productivity.
What computer is best for Zoom calls?
A computer with a high-quality webcam, microphone, and speakers is best for Zoom calls. Look for features such as high-resolution screens, long battery life, and fast processors to improve your overall experience.
What is the best inexpensive laptop for video conferencing?
The Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro is an excellent budget-friendly option for video conferencing. It offers exceptional performance, battery life, and audio quality at an affordable price.
Which HP laptop is best for presentations and video conferencing?
The HP Spectre X360 is an excellent option for presentations and video conferencing. It has a high-quality webcam, microphone, and speakers, and a long battery life. It also has a 2-in-1 design, making it versatile for different work styles.
What kind of computer do I need to work remotely from home?
You will need a computer with a reliable internet connection, a high-quality webcam, microphone, and speakers for virtual meetings, and enough processing power to handle your work tasks efficiently. Consider features such as battery life and portability for added convenience.
What laptop should I buy for Zoom meeting?
Consider laptops with high-quality webcams, microphones, and speakers for Zoom meetings. Look for features such as long battery life and fast processing power to enhance your experience.
What spec laptop do I need for Zoom?
A laptop with a minimum of 8 GB of RAM, a fast processor, and a high-quality webcam, microphone, and speakers is suitable for Zoom. However, consider getting a laptop with more RAM and processing power for smoother performance.
What is a good laptop for Zoom meetings?
Laptops such as the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 3, Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop M2 Pro, and Dell XPS 13 are excellent options for Zoom meetings. They offer exceptional webcam, microphone, and speaker quality, along with other features such as long battery life and fast processing power.
Does Zoom need lots of RAM?
Zoom does not require a lot of RAM, but it is recommended to have a minimum of 8 GB of RAM for smoother performance during virtual meetings.
Is i5 or i7 better for video conferencing?
Both i5 and i7 processors are suitable for video conferencing, but i7 processors offer better performance for more intensive tasks. Consider your specific needs and budget when choosing between the two.
Why doesn’t Zoom work on my laptop?
There could be several reasons why Zoom is not working on your laptop, such as outdated software or hardware, incompatible settings, or internet connection issues. Try troubleshooting the problem by updating your software and drivers, checking your settings, and testing your internet connection.
The Bottom Line
It’s crucial for remote workers to pick the right laptop for video conferencing, as it’s their mainstay for virtual meetings that keeps them connected and productive. Opting for a laptop with a high-quality webcam, microphone, and speakers can bring a notable difference in the entire video conferencing experience.
After thorough research, we have shortlisted the top contenders for the best laptops for video conferencing. These laptops boast superior audio and speaker quality and other features, such as long-lasting battery life, high-resolution screens, and robust processors.
The Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop M2 Pro comes with unparalleled audio and speaker quality, while the Dell XPS 13 offers exceptional portability. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 3 is a smart choice for business professionals seeking enterprise-grade security and manageability features. The Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro is a budget-friendly option that offers incredible performance and battery life.
However, after considering the features and the price tag, we recommend the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 3 as the best laptop for video conferencing. This laptop is well-rounded and has top-notch audio and speaker quality, long-lasting battery life, and outstanding performance. But it’s essential to consider your budget and specific requirements when selecting a laptop for video conferencing to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Last update on 2024-05-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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