7 Best Laptops for Video Conferencing in 2023 (Tested and Reviewed)

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Nusrat Zahan is a multifaceted expert in computers, laptops, and accessories, complemented by proficiency in online business strategies and engaging content creation. Her interests extend to outdoor adventures, particularly hiking, where she finds solace. With a passion for technology and nature, she seamlessly blends the digital and natural worlds. Additionally, Nusrat excels as a gamer, showcasing her diverse skill set.

1. Google Pixelbook Go

Primary Features:

Sleek and high-quality Chromebook choice
Excellent video conferencing experience
Lightweight design
1080p webcam for sharp images in varying lighting
13-inch FHD touch display with vibrant colors
Powered by 11th Gen i5 CPU and Intel Xe graphics
8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage for smooth performance
Support for Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless connectivity
Dual USB-C ports for charging and external devices
Backlit keyboard for comfortable typing
Battery life of around 7 hours (respectable, but not remarkable for a Chromebook)

Google Pixelbook Go is one of the Best Laptops for Video Conferencing

The Google Pixelbook Go stands out as a sleek and high-quality Chromebook choice that delivers an excellent video conferencing experience. With its lightweight design, this laptop boasts a 1080p webcam that excels at capturing sharp and detailed images, even when lighting conditions are less than ideal.

The 13-inch FHD touch display offers a feast of vibrant and true-to-life colors. Under the hood, the Pixelbook Go is powered by an 11th Gen i5 CPU and Intel Xe graphics, ensuring snappy and seamless performance. Accompanied by 8GB of RAM and a roomy 256GB SSD storage, this setup proves ample for most tasks and applications. Furthermore, the support for Wi-Fi 6 enhances the wireless connection for swifter and more dependable performance.

In terms of connectivity, the Pixelbook Go boasts dual USB-C ports that serve for both charging and linking up external devices. The laptop’s backlit keyboard adds comfort to its functionality, offering a quiet and pleasant typing experience. As for battery life, the Pixelbook Go manages a respectable 7 hours, though it falls slightly short of being remarkable for a Chromebook.

Pros:

Excellent webcam quality
Bright and colorful display
Fast and smooth performance
Wi-Fi 6 support
Comfortable and quiet keyboard

Cons:

Average battery life
Limited port selection
Expensive for a Chromebook

2. Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Primary Features:

Highly adaptable 2-in-1 detachable tablet
Transforms into laptop or tablet effortlessly
Dual 1080p webcams on front and rear for versatile usage
12.3-inch QHD touch display with Surface Pen compatibility
Powered by 10th Gen i5 CPU and Intel Iris Plus graphics
8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage for ample capacity
Wi-Fi 6 support for enhanced wireless connectivity
Multiple ports: USB-A, USB-C, and Surface Connect
Inclusion of Type Cover keyboard with backlighting
Keyboard magnetically attaches for protection and typing platform
Price around $1,099.99.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is one of the Best Laptops for Video Conferencing

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 emerges as a highly adaptable 2-in-1 detachable tablet that effortlessly transforms into either a laptop or a tablet. Noteworthy is its dual usage with a 1080p webcam located on both front and rear ends, offering convenient switching between the two perspectives.

Its 12.3-inch QHD touch display, accompanied by Surface Pen compatibility, introduces a diverse range of interactions with the screen. Powered by a 10th Gen i5 CPU and Intel Iris Plus graphics, the Surface Pro 7 consistently delivers a commendable performance. With 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, it ensures ample capacity for most user needs.

Wi-Fi 6 support enhances the wireless connection’s speed and reliability, raising the bar for connectivity. The Surface Pro 7 expands its connectivity options with a USB-A port, USB-C port, and Surface Connect port. This assortment of ports provides flexible opportunities for connecting various peripherals and accessories.

The inclusion of the Type Cover keyboard, featuring backlighting, adds to the overall experience. This keyboard magnetically attaches to the tablet, providing both protection and a comfortable typing platform.

Pros:

Dual webcam with high-resolution
Sharp and responsive display with pen support
Solid performance
Wi-Fi 6 support
Versatile design with detachable keyboard

Cons:

Battery life could be better
No Thunderbolt support
Keyboard and pen sold separately

3. MSI GE76 Raider

Primary Features:

Robust gaming laptop with video conferencing capabilities
Equipped with 1080p webcam for commendable image quality
17.3-inch FHD display with 300Hz refresh rate for fluid visuals
Powered by 11th Gen i9 CPU and Nvidia RTX 3080 GPU
32GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage for powerful performance
Wi-Fi 6E support for enhanced wireless speed and latency
Rich connectivity options: dual USB-A, dual USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, SD card reader
RGB lighting adds personalized style
Battery life of around 4 hours, typical for high-performance gaming laptops

Meet the MSI GE76 Raider, a robust gaming laptop that effortlessly tackles video conferencing demands. Equipped with a 1080p webcam, it delivers commendable image quality. The laptop boasts a grand 17.3-inch FHD display, boasting a 300Hz refresh rate that translates to seamlessly fluid visuals.

Running on an 11th Gen i9 CPU and an Nvidia RTX 3080 GPU, the GE76 Raider is a powerhouse, ensuring blazing-fast performance across the board. Accompanied by 32GB of RAM and a spacious 1TB SSD storage, this laptop easily handles any task or game thrown its way.

The support for Wi-Fi 6E, the latest in wireless connectivity standards, takes the laptop’s speed and latency to new levels. This ensures a smoother online experience. On the connectivity front, the GE76 Raider offers a rich array of options: dual USB-A ports, dual USB-C ports, an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and an SD card reader, providing versatility in connecting various devices and peripherals.

Adding a touch of style, the laptop features RGB lighting that adds a personalized touch. In terms of battery life, the GE76 Raider achieves around 4 hours – a standard expectation for a high-performance gaming laptop.

Pros:

Decent webcam quality
Smooth and fluid display with a high refresh rate
Blazing-fast performance
Wi-Fi 6E support
Plenty of ports

Cons:

Heavy and bulky
Loud fan noise
Short battery life

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4. Dell Inspiron 3000

Primary Features:

Wallet-friendly Windows laptop with notable value
Serviceable webcam for decent image quality
15.6-inch FHD display with solid brightness and contrast
Powered by AMD Ryzen 3 CPU and AMD Radeon Vega graphics
8GB RAM and 256GB SSD for satisfactory performance
Wi-Fi support for seamless wireless connectivity
Connectivity: dual USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, SD card reader
Battery life of around 6 hours, commendable for a budget laptop

Introducing the Dell Inspiron 3000, a wallet-friendly Windows laptop that delivers noteworthy value for your investment. Sporting a serviceable webcam, it captures decent images, though it doesn’t reach remarkable heights. The laptop boasts a 15.6-inch FHD display, ensuring solid brightness and contrast levels, though color accuracy might not be its strongest suit.

Powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 CPU and AMD Radeon Vega graphics, the Inspiron 3000 provides satisfactory performance for fundamental tasks and applications. With 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, it offers ample room for most user needs. Wi-Fi support grants seamless wireless internet connectivity.

For connectivity, the Inspiron 3000 is well-equipped, featuring dual USB-A ports, a USB-C port, an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and an SD card reader. This array of ports comprehensively caters to your varied connection requirements. As for battery life, the laptop delivers around 6 hours – a commendable feat for a budget-conscious option.

Pros:

Decent webcam quality
Good brightness and contrast on display
Decent performance for basic tasks and apps
Good port selection
Respectable battery life

Cons:

Not very accurate colors on display
No Wi-Fi 6 support
No backlit keyboard

5. Apple MacBook Pro with M1 Chip

Primary Features:

Elegant and potent macOS laptop with M1 Chip
M1 chip enhances webcam quality and reduces background noise
13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone technology
Apple M1 chip with octa-core CPU and GPU for unparalleled performance
8GB unified memory and 256GB SSD optimized for M1 chip and macOS
Seamless Wi-Fi support for wireless connectivity
Dual Thunderbolt/USB-C ports for charging, displays, and data transfers
Touch Bar and Touch ID for convenience and security
Backlit Magic Keyboard with reliable scissor mechanism
Remarkable 20-hour battery life, setting a new standard

Presenting the Apple MacBook Pro with M1 Chip, an elegant and potent macOS laptop that takes video conferencing to a new level. Its excellence stems from the M1 chip’s image signal processing, which greatly enhances webcam quality and minimizes background noise.

A 13.3-inch Retina display graces the laptop, enriched by True Tone technology that adapts the color temperature to surrounding light conditions. Powering this device is the Apple M1 chip, boasting an octa-core CPU and GPU. This remarkable architecture ensures unparalleled performance and efficiency. The laptop is outfitted with 8GB of unified memory and a 256GB SSD, expertly optimized for the M1 chip and the macOS ecosystem.

Wireless connectivity is seamlessly managed by Wi-Fi support, making internet access a breeze. The MacBook Pro impresses with dual Thunderbolt/USB-C ports, offering not just charging capabilities but also enabling external displays and rapid data transfers. Convenience and security are elevated through the inclusion of the Touch Bar and Touch ID features.

Enhancing your experience is the backlit Magic Keyboard, equipped with a reliable scissor mechanism for comfortable and accurate typing. A true standout feature is the MacBook Pro’s incredible 20-hour battery life – a remarkable achievement that outshines all other laptops on this list.

Pros:

Improved webcam quality with M1 chip
Sharp and adaptive display with True Tone technology
Outstanding performance and efficiency with M1 chip
Fast data transfer and versatile connectivity with Thunderbolt/USB-C ports
Touch Bar and Touch ID features
Comfortable and reliable keyboard
Whopping 20-hour battery life

Cons:

Expensive
Limited port selection
No Face ID feature

6. Acer Aspire 5

Primary Features:

Mid-range Windows laptop with satisfying video conferencing
Solid webcam captures clear and detailed images
Accurate microphone for clear voice pick-up
15.6-inch FHD display with vibrant colors and reliable brightness
Powered by 11th Gen i5 CPU and Intel Iris Xe graphics
8GB memory and 256GB SSD for ample storage
Wi-Fi 6 support for faster and dependable wireless connections
Bluetooth 5.1 compatibility for seamless device connections
Connectivity: dual USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet ports
Backlit keyboard enhances functionality in dim lighting
Remarkable battery life of around 10 hours for a mid-range laptop

Introducing the Acer Aspire 5, a Windows laptop that sits comfortably in the mid-range category and offers a satisfying video conferencing experience. Equipped with a solid webcam, it captures images with clarity and detail. Its microphone excels at picking up your voice accurately. Adding to the mix, a 15.6-inch FHD display delivers vibrant colors and reliable brightness levels.

Powering the Aspire 5 is an 11th Gen i5 CPU paired with Intel Iris Xe graphics, a combo that ensures commendable performance across a wide spectrum of tasks and applications. The laptop houses 8GB of memory and a 256GB SSD, offering ample storage for most users. Wi-Fi 6 support enhances your wireless experience with faster and more dependable connections.

Bluetooth 5.1 compatibility furthers convenience, enabling seamless connections to your wireless devices and accessories. When it comes to connectivity, the Aspire 5 doesn’t disappoint, offering dual USB-A ports, a USB-C port, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port – a comprehensive range to link up your devices and peripherals.

The inclusion of a backlit keyboard elevates functionality, making typing a breeze even in dimly lit surroundings. Remarkably, the Aspire 5 stretches its battery life to around 10 hours, a truly impressive feat for a laptop within its mid-range niche.

Pros:

Good webcam quality
Good brightness and colors on display
Good performance for most tasks and apps
Wi-Fi 6 support
Bluetooth 5.1 support
Plenty of ports
Backlit keyboard
Impressive battery life

Cons:

No touchscreen feature
No fingerprint reader feature
No Thunderbolt support

7. Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 2

Primary Features:

Robust and easily portable Windows laptop
Designed for resilience and optimal video conferencing
Equipped with 1080p webcam and privacy shutter
13.3-inch FHD display with Dolby Vision technology
Powered by 11th Gen i7 CPU with vPro technology
16GB memory and 512GB SSD for ample storage
Wi-Fi 6 support for improved wireless speed and stability
Bluetooth 5.1 for easy wireless device connections
Connectivity: dual USB-A, dual Thunderbolt/USB-C, HDMI, microSD
Fingerprint reader enhances security
Backlit keyboard with TrackPoint and TrackPad functionalities
Remarkable 12-hour battery life with rapid charge technology
Durable, versatile, and well-equipped for professionals on the go

Meet the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 2, a robust and easily portable Windows laptop designed for resilience and optimal video conferencing. Equipped with a 1080p webcam featuring a privacy shutter, it puts control of your visibility in your hands.

The 13.3-inch FHD display, enhanced with Dolby Vision technology, adds vibrancy to colors and contrast. Under the hood, the ThinkPad X13 runs on an 11th Gen i7 CPU with vPro technology, ensuring top-notch performance and security. Accompanied by 16GB of memory and a 512GB SSD, it provides ample room for most user needs.

Wi-Fi 6 support takes the wireless connection’s speed and stability up a notch, while Bluetooth 5.1 lets you effortlessly connect your wireless devices and accessories. Connectivity options abound dual USB-A ports, dual Thunderbolt/USB-C ports (with charging and external display support), an HDMI port, and a microSD card reader. A fingerprint reader further enhances security.

The laptop’s input features are noteworthy – a backlit keyboard with both TrackPoint and TrackPad functionalities. Remarkably, the ThinkPad X13 delivers a 12-hour battery life with rapid charge technology, ensuring you stay productive throughout the day. In summary, it’s a durable, versatile, and well-equipped choice for on-the-go professionals.

Pros:

Webcam with privacy shutter
Sharp and vibrant display with Dolby Vision support
High performance and security with vPro technology
Wi-Fi 6 support
Bluetooth 5.1 support
Fast data transfer and versatile connectivity with Thunderbolt/USB-C ports
Fingerprint reader feature
Comfortable and durable keyboard with TrackPoint and TrackPad features
Long battery life with rapid charge technology

Cons:

Expensive
No touchscreen feature
No face recognition feature

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best processor for Zoom?

Determining the ideal processor for Zoom hinges on several variables, encompassing factors like operating systems, participant count, video quality, and concurrent applications. However, here are some general insights:

Basic Video Calling: Zoom recommends a minimum of a 1GHz single-core processor for rudimentary video calls.
High-Quality Video and Sharing: For superior video and screen sharing, a dual-core 2GHz (Intel i3/i5/i7 or AMD equivalent) or higher processor is advised.
Optimal Screen Sharing on Laptops: Zoom suggests a quad-core processor or better to ensure top-notch screen-sharing performance, particularly on laptops.
Linux Considerations: Linux users should aim for a processor or graphics card supporting OpenGL 2.0 or higher.
Intel i3 Processors: While certain Intel i3 processors can handle Zoom adequately, they might struggle with multitasking or running concurrent applications.
Intel i7 and i9 Processors: Certain Intel i7 and i9 processors, especially those from the 11th and 12th generations, could provide superior performance, supporting features like multi-camera and intelligent director capabilities.

In essence, selecting the best processor for Zoom should align with your precise requirements and preferences. However, as a general guideline, a processor with a minimum of four cores, clocking at 2GHz or beyond, and boasting support for modern graphics technologies should stand you in good stead.

How much RAM do I need for Zoom?

The appropriate amount of RAM for Zoom hinges on factors such as your operating system, video quality, and concurrent applications. Here’s a general overview:

Minimum Recommendations: Zoom suggests a baseline of 4GB of RAM for Windows and Mac users and 2GB for those on Linux.
Enhanced Video and Sharing: To ensure seamless performance and prevent lag or stuttering during high-definition video and screen sharing, you might require more RAM.
Multitasking and Background Apps: If you’re engaging in multitasking or running background applications, additional RAM could be necessary to avert slowdowns or crashes.

While the ideal RAM for Zoom is context-specific, a few principles hold:

Baseline Recommendation: Aim for a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM. This should cover most Zoom scenarios without a hitch.
Frequent or Extensive Usage: If you intend to use Zoom frequently or extensively, opting for even more RAM might be beneficial.

In summary, striking a balance between your usage patterns and RAM capacity is key to ensuring a smooth Zoom experience.

Why is Zoom so slow on my computer?

Experiencing sluggishness with Zoom on your computer can be attributed to a variety of factors, each with its potential solution. Here are some common culprits along with corresponding remedies:

Weak or Unstable Internet Connection:

Verify your internet speed with tools like Speedtest, aiming for at least 20 to 30 Mbps.
Consider using a 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency if available or opt for an Ethernet connection to enhance stability.
Close bandwidth-intensive apps that might disrupt your connection.

Outdated Software or Hardware:

Update your Zoom app to the latest version by clicking on your profile icon and selecting “Check for Updates.”
Keep your operating system and drivers up to date to ensure compatibility and security.
Check your laptop’s specifications against Zoom’s minimum system requirements. Upgrade hardware if necessary.

Overheating or Low Battery:

Monitor your laptop’s temperature using tools like HWMonitor and implement cooling solutions if it’s running too hot.
Plug in your laptop if the battery is running low to prevent performance drops.
Adjust power settings to optimize both performance and battery life.

Malware or Viruses:

Scan your laptop for malware using trusted antivirus software like Windows Defender or Malwarebytes.
Exercise caution with links and attachments to prevent security breaches.

Cluttered System:

Employ tools such as CCleaner or Disk Cleanup to eliminate unnecessary files and applications.
Enhance performance by defragmenting your hard drive with tools like Defraggler or Optimize Drives.

Remember, these steps serve as general guidelines and the right approach depends on your specific circumstances. Tailoring these solutions to your situation can help alleviate Zoom’s sluggishness and enhance your overall experience.

What is the best internet speed for video conferencing?

Determining the ideal internet speed for video conferencing hinges on several factors, including the platform, participants, video quality, and concurrent applications. Here’s a general overview:

For Zoom:

1:1 Video Calling: 600kbps (down) for high-quality video; 1.2Mbps (down) for HD video.
Group Video Calling: 800kbps/1Mbps (down) for high-quality video; 1.5Mbps/1.5Mbps (down) for gallery view and/or 1080p HD video.
Screen Sharing (No Video Thumbnail): 50-75kbps (down).
Screen Sharing with Video Thumbnail: 50-150kbps (down).
Audio VoIP: 60-80kbps (down).

For Other Platforms (Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype, etc.): Bandwidth requirements are similar to Zoom’s and may vary slightly. Check respective platform websites for specifics.

For Telecommuting: For tasks beyond video conferencing, such as multiple online tools, a recommended internet speed of 5 to 25 Mbps (down) per person is advised.

While specific needs dictate the best speed, consider these guidelines:

Baseline Recommendation: Aim for an internet plan providing at least 20 to 30 Mbps (down) per person for satisfactory video conferencing.
Higher Video Quality or More Participants: If you require superior video quality or involve numerous participants, consider a faster plan.

Customizing your internet plan according to your requirements ensures smooth video conferencing experiences.

Which laptop is best for Zoom meetings?

Selecting the best laptop for Zoom meetings is a personalized decision influenced by budget, preferences, and individual needs. That said, certain features can significantly enhance your Zoom experience:

Webcam and Microphone Quality:

Opt for a laptop with a high-quality webcam capable of 1080p resolution.
A built-in privacy shutter or cover can provide added security.
Look for a microphone with noise cancellation and echo reduction for clear audio.

Display Quality:

Choose a laptop with a crisp, glare-free display.
A high resolution (FHD or higher), high brightness (300 nits or more), and wide viewing angle (IPS or similar) contribute to an immersive experience.

Performance:

Prioritize laptops with capable processors (at least four cores, 2GHz or higher) and sufficient RAM (8GB or more).
Look for compatibility with advanced graphics technologies for seamless Zoom meetings.

Battery Life:

A laptop with a lengthy battery life (7 hours or more) ensures uninterrupted Zoom meetings.
Fast charging features provide added convenience.

Design and Portability:

Portability is key; opt for a thin and lightweight design (under 4 lbs).
Durability matters, so choose laptops with robust chassis and hinges.
Comfortable input features, like a good keyboard and touchpad, enhance usability.
Sufficient ports accommodate peripheral connections.

Considering these criteria, here are a few laptops that could excel in Zoom meetings:

HP Pavilion 15
Acer Aspire 5
Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 2
Apple MacBook Pro with M1 Chip

Ultimately, the laptop that’s best for you will align with your unique requirements, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable Zoom experience.

Which laptop is good for video calls?

The answer to this question may be similar to the previous one, as video calling is one of the main functions of video conferencing. However, video calling may not require as much bandwidth or performance as video conferencing, especially if you are only calling one or a few people at a time. Therefore, you may not need a very high-end or expensive laptop for video calling.

Conclusion

Video conferencing has become an integral tool for modern communication and collaboration, offering convenience and connectivity. However, a laptop that aligns with the demands of video conferencing is essential, covering aspects like image and sound quality, performance, battery life, and connectivity.

This blog post aims to guide you in discovering the optimal laptops for video conferencing in 2023. Remember, your ultimate choice should be tailored to your preferences, budget, and specific requirements. That said, based on our thorough review and comparison, the Apple MacBook Pro with M1 Chip emerges as our top recommendation for an all-encompassing video-conferencing laptop.

With its impressive features and specifications, the MacBook Pro with M1 Chip is poised to elevate your video conferencing experience significantly. However, if you seek a more budget-friendly alternative or have preferences for a distinct operating system or design, the other laptops on our list remain worthy contenders. Each laptop boasts its strengths and areas of expertise, catering to diverse users and scenarios.

Your feedback, questions, or suggestions about this blog post or the reviewed laptops are greatly valued. Feel free to drop a comment below or connect with us through our social media platforms. Thank you for delving into our insights, and stay tuned for more content and product offerings on our website. Wishing you productive and satisfying video conferencing experiences ahead!