Video conferencing has become indispensable for small businesses, enabling collaboration, reducing travel costs, and boosting productivity. Remote team members can seamlessly participate in meetings, share screens, and engage in real-time discussions, fostering a connected and efficient workforce. These platforms facilitate virtual client meetings, letting businesses expand their reach and maintain strong customer relationships across geographical boundaries. Many integrate with essential business applications and offer advanced features akin to business VoIP systems.
The ideal video conferencing system depends on your needs. Some companies require only general-purpose video meetings, while others need advanced capabilities like webinars, online training, and mass presentations. To help you decide, we test and rate leading services based on performance, features, and usability. Our top picks cater to various requirements, coupled with detailed reviews and buying tips to guide your selection.
Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2024): Portable Powerhouse for Students and Professionals
Apple MacBook Air M2 13.6" - 8GB Ram 256GB SSD - Starlight -- 999(Apple)
2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M3 chip: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Di... -- 1449.99(Amazon)
Apple MacBook Air M2 13.6" - 8GB Ram, 256GB SSD - Space Gray -- 899(Best Buy)
Apple MacBook Air 13.3" with Retina Display, M1 Chip with 8-Core CPU and... -- 1199(Adorama)
2024 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M3 chip: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Di... -- 1249.99(Amazon)
Open Box MacBook Air 13.6-inch Laptop - Apple M2 Chip - 8GB Memory - 256... -- 899(B&H Photo-Video-Audio)
Why We Picked It
The Apple MacBook Air with the new M2 chip for 2024 stands out for its exceptional performance, making it a powerhouse for both work and play. Its lightweight design and impressive battery life of up to 18 hours cater to the needs of students and professionals who are always on the move. The inclusion of a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display that supports 1 billion colors, along with a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, ensures that every visual is stunningly clear, making it perfect for both video calls and multimedia consumption.
Who It's For
This MacBook Air is ideal for students and professionals looking for a portable yet powerful computing solution. It's especially suited for those already invested in the Apple ecosystem, as it offers seamless integration with other Apple devices. However, its higher price point and limited port selection might not appeal to everyone, particularly those on a tighter budget or those requiring more connectivity options without relying on additional adapters.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Exceptional performance with the M2 chip | ❌ Higher price point |
| ✅ Lightweight design with up to 18 hours of battery life | ❌ Limited port selection |
| ✅ Stunning 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display | ❌ May require additional investment in adapters for connectivity |
Dell XPS 13 (2024): Premium Ultrabook for Work and Play
Dell XPS 13 Laptop - w/ Windows 11 Os & 12th Gen Intel Core - 13.4" FHD ... -- 699(Dell)
XPS 13 Plus 9000 9320 13.4" Touchscreen Notebook - 3.5K - 3456 x 2160 - ... -- 1679(Amazon)
Dell – XPS 13 – 13.4” Fhd+ Laptop – Intel Core Ultra 7 – Evo Edition - 1... -- 1399.99(Best Buy)
XPS 13 9315 Thin and Light Business Laptop 13.4" FHD+ 500nits 12th Gen I... -- 1399.98(Amazon)
Dell XPS 13 Laptop - w/ Windows 11 OS & 12th gen Intel Core - 13.4" FHD ... -- 799(Dell)
Dell XPS 13 13.4" Fhd+ Laptop - 12th Gen Intel Evo i7 - 32GB Memory - In... -- 1289(Walmart - Delight Tech Electronics)
Why We Picked It
The Dell XPS 13 (2024) stands out for its blend of ultra-portable design, robust performance, and stunning display quality, making it a top choice for users seeking a high-end laptop experience. With options ranging from the more affordable FHD models to the premium 3.5K touchscreen versions, it caters to a wide range of needs, whether for professional workloads or entertainment purposes. Its compact form factor does not compromise on power, thanks to the latest 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient performance across all tasks.
Who It's For
Ideal for professionals, creatives, and students who prioritize mobility without sacrificing performance. The Dell XPS 13 is perfect for those who need a reliable, high-performing laptop for work, graphic design, video editing, or simply enjoying high-resolution media. However, it might not be the best fit for budget-conscious buyers or gamers looking for dedicated graphics capabilities.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Compact and lightweight design for ultimate portability | ❌ Higher configurations can be quite expensive |
| ✅ Powerful performance with up to 13th Gen Intel Core processors | ❌ Limited to integrated graphics, not ideal for heavy gaming |
| ✅ High-quality display options, including a 3.5K touchscreen | ❌ Battery life varies significantly between models and usage |
HP Spectre x360 (2024): Premium 2-in-1 Laptop with Advanced Security
HP Spectre X360 2-in-1 Touchscreen Laptop, 16" 3K+ Touchscreen, Intel i7... -- 849.99(Amazon)
Spectre x360 13.5" Wide Ultra XGA+ (1920x1280) IPS Touchscreen 2-in-1 La... -- 1099(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The HP Spectre x360 (2024) is a high-performance, versatile 2-in-1 laptop that combines a premium build with advanced security features, making it an excellent choice for professionals and users who need a reliable and flexible computing solution. Its 2-in-1 design allows for use as both a traditional laptop and a tablet, while the inclusion of a Tilt Pen enhances its functionality for creative tasks and note-taking.
Who It's For
This laptop is best suited for business professionals, creatives, and students who require a powerful machine for multitasking, presentations, and creative work. It's also ideal for those who prioritize security in their devices, as well as for users who appreciate a premium build and a high-quality display. However, it may not be the best fit for users who need all-day battery life without access to a power source.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Versatile 2-in-1 design with included Tilt Pen for creative tasks | ❌ Battery life may be shorter compared to some competitors |
| ✅ High-speed 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD for efficient multitasking and storage | ❌ Higher price point may not be suitable for budget-conscious buyers |
| ✅ Stunning 16-inch 3K+ touchscreen display with Corning Gorilla Glass protection | ❌ Certified refurbished product may have cosmetic damage and limited warranty |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (2024): Best Durable High-Performance Laptop
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 Business Laptop, 14 Inch WUXGA IPS, Intel Core... -- 1399(Amazon)
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 Intel Core i7-1260P, 14" WUXGA (1920x1200) Low... -- 1348.53(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (2024) is a top-tier business laptop that offers a blend of performance, durability, and security. It's designed to meet the demands of rigorous programs and professional environments, ensuring that students and professionals alike can rely on it for their computing needs. The combination of a high-quality display, powerful internals, and robust build makes it a compelling choice for those who require a reliable workhorse.
Who It's For
This laptop is best suited for students in demanding academic programs and professionals who need a durable machine with a premium keyboard and advanced security features. It's ideal for those who prioritize performance and reliability over cutting-edge design and are willing to invest in a high-quality computing experience.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Exceptional build quality and durability | ❌ Premium price point may be prohibitive for some |
| ✅ Outstanding keyboard and input experience | ❌ Design may be seen as conservative compared to competitors |
| ✅ Advanced security features with fingerprint reader | ❌ No major design innovations |
Asus ZenBook 14 (2024): Best Value Ultrabook for Everyday Use
Asus - ZenBook 14 OLED 14” WUXGA Touch Laptop, Intel Core Ultra 7 - Inte... -- 1049.99(Best Buy)
Asus - ZenBook 14x 14.5" 2.8K OLED Touch Laptop - Intel Evo Platform i5-... -- 569.99(BJ's Wholesale Club)
Asus - ZenBook 14.5" 2.8K OLED Touch Laptop - Intel Evo Platform - 13th ... -- 779(Walmart - DemProductSales)
Why We Picked It
The Asus ZenBook 14 (2024) is a compelling choice for those seeking a balance between cost and performance. It offers a sleek design and a comfortable keyboard, making it a great option for both work and casual use. The inclusion of the latest Intel Evo platform processors ensures that users will experience responsive and efficient performance suitable for a variety of tasks.
Who It's For
This laptop is ideal for students, professionals, and anyone in need of a reliable machine for everyday computing tasks. It's also a good fit for those who appreciate a premium design without breaking the bank. However, it might not be the best choice for individuals who frequently work outdoors or in brightly lit environments due to its display brightness limitations.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Attractive price-to-performance ratio | ❌ Display brightness may be insufficient for outdoor use |
| ✅ Premium and lightweight design | ❌ Higher-end models can be relatively expensive |
| ✅ Comfortable and responsive keyboard | ❌ Limited upgradeability due to ultrabook design |
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (2024): Premium Productivity Powerhouse
Surface Laptop 5 13.5" Touchscreen Notebook - 2256 x 1504 - Intel Core i... -- 1442.14(Amazon)
Microsoft Surface 5 2024 Laptop 14" Touch 512gb, I7, -- 995(eBay)
Why We Picked It
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (2024) stands out for its exceptional build quality and productivity-enhancing features, including a high-resolution touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio, making it ideal for both professional and personal use. Its combination of a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of LPDDR5X memory, and a 256 GB SSD ensures smooth multitasking and quick resume times, all within a sleek, matte black design. The long battery life of up to 18 hours further enhances its appeal for users on the go.
Who It's For
This laptop is best suited for professionals and students who prioritize productivity and quality in their computing experience. Its high-resolution screen and powerful internals make it perfect for multitasking, running demanding applications, and enjoying multimedia content. However, users who frequently rely on a wide range of connectivity options without wanting to carry additional adapters might want to consider this limitation.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ High-resolution 13.5" touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio enhances productivity | ❌ Limited connectivity options without additional adapters |
| ✅ Solid build quality with a sleek, matte black design | ❌ Higher price point may not suit all budgets |
| ✅ Long battery life of up to 18 hours for extended use | ❌ 256 GB SSD may be insufficient for users with extensive storage needs |
Acer Swift 3 (2024): Best Budget-Friendly Performer
Acer Swift 3 SF314-44 -- 849.99(Best Buy)
Acer - Swift 3 SF314-59-75QC - 14" Notebook - Intel Core i7 1165G7 - Int... -- 535(Amazon)
Acer Swift 3 Laptop: Ryzen 7 5700u, 512GB Ssd, 8GB Ram, 14" Full HD IPS ... -- 579.99(Walmart - SNF INC)
2024 Swift 3 13.5” 2256x1504 IPS Laptop 4-Core Intel Core i7-1165G7 8GB ... -- 699.99(Amazon)
Acer Swift 3 SF314-55-58P9 14" Notebook - 1920 x 1080 - Core -- 419.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Acer Swift 3 (2024) is a well-rounded laptop that offers a balance between cost and performance, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who still require a capable machine. With a variety of configurations, including the latest Intel processors, ample SSD storage, and a high-resolution IPS display, it delivers solid performance for everyday tasks and some light multimedia work. The inclusion of modern ports like Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C ensures future-proof connectivity options.
Who It's For
The Acer Swift 3 (2024) is best suited for students, professionals, and anyone in need of a reliable laptop for everyday computing tasks without breaking the bank. It's also a good fit for those who value portability and battery life for on-the-go productivity. However, it may not be the best choice for users who require a premium build quality or those who need a machine for intensive tasks like professional video editing or high-end gaming.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Affordable price with solid performance | ❌ Build quality may not match premium competitors |
| ✅ Good selection of modern ports including Thunderbolt 4 | ❌ Limited RAM in base configuration |
| ✅ Long battery life with fast charging capabilities | ❌ May not be suitable for high-performance gaming or professional-grade applications |
Google Pixelbook Go (2024): Ultimate Companion for On-the-Go Productivity
Google Pixelbook Go - Intel Core i5 - Chrome Os - HD Graphics - 8 GB Ram... -- 824.99(Walmart - Just Right!)
Google Pixelbook Go i5 Chromebook 16GB/128GB Just Black (Renewed) -- 329(Amazon)
Google Pixelbook Go | 16GB RAM | 128GB SSD Hard Drive 13.3" UK Keyboard ... -- 1300(Newegg.com - EvoMicro)
Why We Picked It
The Google Pixelbook Go (2024) stands out for its exceptional battery life, lightweight design, and quick performance, making it an ideal choice for students and on-the-go professionals. Its up to 12 hours of unplugged power ensures productivity is never halted by a dead battery, and the fast charging capability is a significant convenience. The device's lightweight and thin profile, combined with a grippable design, ensures it can be easily carried around, while the 8th Gen Intel Core Processor and Chrome OS offer a smooth and efficient user experience.
Who It's For
This laptop is perfect for students and professionals who prioritize portability, long battery life, and quick access to web-based applications and services. It's also well-suited for those who value security and timely software updates. However, it might not be the best fit for users who rely on specific Windows or macOS applications due to its Chrome OS limitation.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Up to 12 hours of battery life with fast charging | ❌ Limited to Chrome OS, restricting some software options |
| ✅ Lightweight and easy to carry design | ❌ HD screen resolution might not satisfy all users |
| ✅ Quick and responsive performance with Chrome OS | ❌ Higher price point for premium models |
LG Gram 17 (2024): Best Large-Screen Lightweight Laptop
LG Gram 17" Lightweight Laptop, Intel Evo Edition - Intel Core Ultra 7 P... -- 1499.99(LG Electronics)
Gram 17ZB90R 17" Lightweight Laptop, Intel Core i7-1360P, 16GB RAM/512GB... -- 845.94(Amazon)
LG Gram 17zb90r 17" Lightweight Laptop, Intel i5-1340P, 16GB RAM/512GB S... -- 839(Amazon)
2023 Gram 17 Ultra Lightweight Business Laptop,13th Intel Evo Platform 1... -- 1043(Amazon)
LG Gram 17" Lightweight Laptop, Intel Evo Edition - Intel Core Ultra 7 P... -- 1799.99(B&H Photo-Video-Audio)
LG Gram 17Z90P - 17 inch WQXGA (2560x1600) Ultra-Lightweight Laptop, Int... -- 1295.99(Newegg.com - DemProductSales)
Why We Picked It
The LG Gram 17 (2024) stands out for its exceptional combination of a large, expansive display and an incredibly lightweight design, making it a top choice for users who need the screen real estate without the bulk typically associated with larger laptops. Its powerful Intel Evo 13th Gen processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics ensure smooth multitasking and productivity, while the immersive Dolby Atmos audio enhances the entertainment experience.
Who It's For
This laptop is ideal for professionals and students who prioritize a large screen for multitasking, productivity tasks, and media consumption but still require the portability to carry their device around campus or to different work locations. It may not be the best fit for those who need an ultra-compact laptop for constant travel.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Ultra-lightweight design for a 17-inch laptop | ❌ Less portable than smaller laptops due to larger size |
| ✅ Powerful performance with Intel Evo 13th Gen processor | ❌ Higher price point compared to some competitors |
| ✅ Immersive Dolby Atmos audio experience | ❌ Limited to integrated graphics |
Razer Blade Stealth 13 (2024): Best Compact Powerhouse
Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook Touch ‎1920x1080 Pixels 60Hz 13.3" Ga... -- 839.99(My Child Parc)
Why We Picked It
The Razer Blade Stealth 13 (2024) is a top-tier ultrabook that excels in delivering a high-performance experience suitable for both work and gaming. Its compact size does not compromise on power, thanks to its robust specs and discrete graphics card, making it an ideal choice for users who need a portable machine that can handle demanding applications and games.
Who It's For
This laptop is perfect for students or professionals who require a powerful computer for their work but also enjoy gaming during their downtime. Its sleek design and high-end performance make it a versatile option. However, its gaming-oriented aesthetic might not be to everyone's taste, and the price point could be a barrier for those on a tighter budget.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Compact and portable design | ❌ Gaming look may not suit all preferences |
| ✅ Powerful specs for work and gaming | ❌ Premium price point |
| ✅ High-quality 13.3" display with touch capabilities | ❌ Limited screen refresh rate at 60Hz for gaming |
Thanks for checking out the best laptops for students in 2024! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy shopping!