Best Laptop For Mom
What is the best laptop for Mom? Whose mom? Your mom, my mom? It is a difficult question to answer, especially these days. Moms of all generations have different needs for all kinds of technology. Laptops are no different. From simple, compact laptops that can Google and Netflix to high powered gaming laptops and productivity machines, the available options are endless. While this list is not intended to be exhaustive, my hope is to provide enough concise information about enough models for you to make the right decision when purchasing your next laptop.
Laptops generally come in 13″, 15″, and 17″ form factors, so I have separated my list as such. Each size comes in a variety of prices, so separating them in to budget categories makes sense as well. As you can see in my Best Gaming Laptops Under $2000, even sticking within a specific budget and goal doesn’t always completely limit the options.
In This Article
17" Class
Budget Breakers
I felt it necessary to add these because they are available, but with both options being over $4,500, its really hard to justify their purchase. If you absolutely need this much power or plan on keeping this laptop for 10 years, when it will finally probably be obsolete, maybe look a little further down the list
MSI Titan GT77HX
This is one powerful laptop. It’s likely more powerful than 99% of the population will ever need or be able to use, but if you’re in this part of the market, its a great option.
Features
- 13th Gen i9-13980HX 2.20 GHz Processor
- 17.3″ 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160) 144Hz Display
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.3
- GeForce RTX 4090 Graphics Card
- 128GB DDR5 RAM
- 2x 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Includes Clutch GM08 Wired Gaming Gear (6 button mouse and DG21 Gaming Gear Pad)
HP Omen 17t-cm200
We’ll call this the “budget-friendly” of the two high-end laptops on this list. Under $5,000, its still a big chunk of change. It can be had for a much more palatable $3,900 with less bloated hardware specifications.
Features
- 13th Gen i9-13900HX 2.20 GHz Processor
- 17.3″ 2K Quad HD (2560×1440) 240Hz Display
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.3
- GeForce RTX 4090 Graphix Card
- 64GB DDR5 RAM
- 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Includes HP USC-C/A Universal Dock G2 Docking Station
Under $4,000
Let’s kick it down a notch here. Each option in this set of laptops is a powerful laptop in its own right. They are still on the expensive side, but for the hobbyist with a solid budget, there are some really good choices here.
ASUS ROG G703GX
A good compromise between outright power, price, and storage, the ASUS ROG G703GX is a great option for anyone that needs lots of space for videos, pics, or other media while providing a powerful platform for both gaming and video editing.
Features
- 8th Gen i9-8950HK 2.90GHz Processor
- 17.3″ Full HD (1920×1080) 144Hz Display
- 802.11ac Wifi
- Bluetooth 5.1
- GeForce RTX 2080 Graphics Card
- 64GB DDR4 RAM
- 7.6TB SATA SSD
Acer Predator Triton 17 X
The Acer Predator Triton 17X is one of my top picks in this category. It has all the latest gear with a mind for keeping the price (mostly) reasonable in an attractive package.
Features
- 13th Gen i9-13900HX Processor
- 17″ (2560×1600) 250Hz Display
- 802.11ax Wifi
- Bluetooth
- GeForce RTX4090 Graphics Card
- 64GB DDR5 RAM
- 2TB SSD
MSI Raider GE78 HX
Another contender in the high-end market, the MSI Raider GE78 HX is powerful, colorful, stylish and an all around great laptop.
Features
- 13th Gen i9-13980HX Processor
- 17.3″ QHD (2560×1440) 240Hz Display
- WiFi 6E
- Bluetooth
- GeForce RTX4090 Graphics Card
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
- 2TB NVMe SSD
Dell Alienware X17 R2
As a likely more familiar brand to a lot of moms, the Dell Alienware X17 R2 comes with its own impressive list of features and is another great option for those needing a high power rig.
Features
- 12th Gen i9-12900H Processor
- 17.3″ FHD (1920×1080) 165Hz Display
- WiFi
- Bluetooh
- GeForce RTX 3080 Graphics Card
- 64GB DDR5 RAM
- 2x2TB PCIe NVMe SSD
Under $3000
Now we’re getting into one of the best segments of the market in my opinion. Still not cheap, but these are very capable machines in a much more digestable price range. All of them will handle today’s most challenging tasks, including the latest games and productivity software.
ROG Strix G18
A unique option in the market in that it has a full 18″ display as opposed to the usual 17.3″, the ROG Strix G18 sets itself apart from the masses. The full set of features make it a great choice in a competitive market.
Features
- 13th Gen i9-13980HX Processor
- 18″ WQXGA (2560×1600) 240Hz Display
- WiFi 6E
- Bluetooth
- GeForce RTX 4080 Graphics Card
- 64GB DDR5 RAM
- 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD
HP 2023 Omen
You may notice that some of the laptop names are repeated in this article. This HP 2023 Omen is one of them. This happens when we start to look at the same model of laptop with different specs. If we’re shopping by features and specs within a price range, I’d rather you be able to just see what each one is with the specs you want rather than having to select them yourself.
Features
- 12th Gen i7-12700H Processor
- 17.3″ QHD (2560×1440) 165Hz Display
- WiFi 6
- Bluetooth 5
- GeForce RTX 3070Ti Graphics Card
- 64GB DDr5 RAM
- 4TB PCIe NVMe SSD
MSI Vector GP76
As we move from the all powerful i9 processor, the MSI Vector GP76 features the fully adequate i7 with plenty of power for most anyone’s needs at a lower price point than the i9.
Features
- 12th Gen i7-12700H Processor
- 17.3″ FHD (1920×1080) 360Hz Display
- WiFi
- Bluetooth
- Geforce RTX 3080 Graphics Card
- 32GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
Dell XPS 9710
Rounding out the under $3,000 category is the Dell XPS 9710. The XPS line has been around a long time and has always met the needs of its target market. While still a solid platform, this is the first of the machines on this list that might struggle to play the newest games on higher settings, but it is still a fully capable laptop.
Features
- 11th Gen i7-11800H Processor
- 17.3″ UDH+Touch (3840×2400) Display
- WiFI 6
- Bluetooth 5.1
- Geforce RTX 3050 Graphics Card
- 32GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
Under $2,000
Here’s where we can start to talk about the best laptop for the mom that doesn’t need the most powerful, flashiest, or newest thing out there, but still has work to do and fun to have. The laptops in this section are affordable and capable, but may not run absolutely everything on the highest settings.
Lenovo ThinkPad P17
Making its first appearance on the list, Lenovo foregoes the gaming power of many of the other laptops on this list for productivity with the ThinkPad P17. Featuring a clean design and plenty of power, this is a no nonsense productivity machine.
Features
- 10th Gen i7-19750H Processor
- 17.3″ FHD (1920×1080) IPS Display
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.1
- NVIDIA Quadro T2000 Graphics Card
- 32GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB PCIe SSD
Sager 2023 NP7881E
Also featured in my Best Gaming Laptops Under $2000, the Sager 2023 NP7881E is an excellent choice for all sorts of laptop demands. Plenty of power and storage from a trustworthy brand make it a winner in this crowded category.
Features
- 13th Gen i9-13900HX Processor
- 17.3″ FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz Display
- WiFi 6E
- Bluetooth
- GeForce RTX 4070 Graphics Card
- 64GB DDR5 RAM
- 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
Acer Predator Helios 300
With the displays themselves taking up so much of the cost of a 17″ laptop, its difficult to maintain performance and keep the price down without going to past year’s models. The Acer Predator Helios 300 falls in that category. It is still a capable machine, but isn’t quite up to all of today’s standards.
Features
- 9th Gen i7-9750H Processor
- 17.3″ Full HD (1920×1080) 144Hz Display
- Wifi 802.11ac
- Geforce RTX 2070 Graphics Card
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
Under $1,000
For my budget-conscious readers, rest assured, you have options in the 17″ class! The laptops in this category may not be the best options for the latest games, but if a 17″ screen is a priority, these are excellent for surfing, streaming, school work, podcasting, etc., and won’t break the bank. They feature entry to mid level processors, and either entry level graphics cards or integrated graphics.
Acer Nitro
Coming in just under the $1,000 mark, the Acer Nitro features a high refresh rate display and dedicated graphics card, making it capable of all but the most demanding tasks.
Features
- 12th Gen i5-12500 Processor
- 17.3″ FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz Display
- Wifi 802.11ax
- Bluetooth 5.2
- GeForce RTX 3050 Graphics Card
- 32GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
HP 2023
Probably the biggest bang for your buck in the Under $1,000 category, the HP 2023 is the first on this list to feature AMD Processing and graphics and is a great option in this category.
Features
- AMD Ryzen 5 7530U Processor
- 17.3″ HD+ (1600×900) Display
- WiFi 6
- Bluetooth 5
- Integrated AMD Graphics
- 32GB DDR4 RAM
- 2TB PCIe NMVe SSD
ASUS VivoBook
The last of the 17″ laptops on this list, the ASUS VivoBook packs a lot of great features in to a thin frame case for easy portability.
Features
- 10th Gen i7-1065G7 Processor
- 17.3″ HD (1600×900) Display
- Wifi
- Bluetooth
- Integrated Intel Graphics
- 24GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
15" Class
Budget Breakers
Just like the 17″ class laptops, there are some really expensive options in the 15″ class. They feature the latest and greatest processors, RAM, and graphics card, and will likely remain “current” for several years to come. While I still typically wouldn’t recommend going to these extremes, I think it is important for you to know what is available.
MSI GP66 Leopard Gaming & Entertainment Laptop
Fully upgraded, this laptop still comes in at over $5,000, and its not the newest model, but if you need all this power, its a good option. The same basic laptop with adequate hardware can be had for far less.
Features
- 11th Gen i7-11800H Processor
- 15.6″ Full DH (1920×1080) 144Hz Display
- Wifi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.2
- GeForce RTX 3080 Graphics
- 64GB DDR4 RAM
- 8TB PCIe NVMe SSD
MSI Raider GE66-15
While I tend to shy away from laptops THIS expensive, the MSI Raider GE66-15 actually strikes a good balance between price and features.
Features
- 12th Gen i9-12900HK Processor
- 15.6″ 4k UHD (3840×2160) 120Hz Display
- Wifi 6
- Bluetooth 5.2
- GeForce RTX 3080 Graphics Card
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
- 8TB PCIe SSC
Under $3,000
These are the power players in the 15″ class. They are expensive, but the features and specs match the price. If you need a high power laptop and prefer the mid-size case, this category is for you.
ASUS ZenBook Pro
Packed with all the expected hardware, the ASUS ZenBook Pro sets itself apart from the rest with its secondary touchscreen that works seamlessly with the main 15.6″ display.
Features
- 12th Gen i9-12900H Processor
- 15.6″ 4K (3840×2160) + 14″ (3840×1100) ScreenPad Plus Displays
- WiFi 802.11ax
- Bluetooth 5.0
- GeForce 3070 Ti Graphics Card
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
- 4TB PCIe NVMe SSD
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i
Coming in with a larger screen in the 15″ class, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i looks to capture an audience that wants just a little bit more without going to the bulkier 17″ options.
Features
- 13th Gen i9-13900HX PRocessor
- 16″ WQXGA (2560×1600) IPS 240Hz Display
- Wifi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Bluetooth
- GeForce RTX 4080 Graphics Card
- 16GB DDR5 RAM
- 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD
Dell XPS 15 9500
The machined aluminum slim case design of the Dell XPS 15 9500 makes it a stylish and attractive option that doesn’t compromise on performance.
Features
- 10th Gen i9-10885H Processor
- 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) Display
- Wifi
- Bluetooth
- GeForce GTX 1650 Graphics Card
- 32GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
Under $2,000
Plenty of power can still be found at this price point with all models included in this section including standalone graphics cards, mid-to-high end processors and amazing quality displays.
Dell Alienware m15 R5
One of the few laptops on this list featuring an AMD processor, the Dell Alienware m15 R5 is a great option for anyone that wants to game, work, and relax.
Features
- Ryzen 9-5900 Processor
- 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) Display
- Wifi
- Bluetooth
- GeForce RTX 3070 Graphics Card
- 32GB DDR RAM
- 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
Lenovo ThinkPad T15p
A mainstay in the laptop market for years, Lenovo has provided a solid and powerful package in the ThinkPad T15p.
Features
- 12th Gen i7-12800H Processor
- 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) IPS Display
- Wifi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.2
- GeForce RTX 3050 Graphics Card
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
- 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15
One of the best equipped options in the under $2,000 category, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 is a powerful option, sure to please most anyone.
Features
- Ryzen 9 6900HS Processor
- 15.6″ QHD (2560×1440) 240Hz Display
- Wireless-AX
- Bluetooth
- GeForce RTX 3080 Graphics Card
- 40GB DDR5 RAM
- 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD
Under $1,000
Of all the laptops on the market, from the basic 13″ netbook to the over the top 17″ giant, the under $1,000 15″ class market is probably the craziest. It is the ultimate compromise between price, screen size, and features, so many of the options here are going to be suitable, even preferable to the largest audience.
Dell G15
Featuring a standalone graphics card from nVidia and just sliding in under $1,000 the Dell G15 is a great value and all around capable machine.
Features
- Ryzen 7 5800H Processor
- 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) 120Hz Display
- Wifi
- Bluetooth
- GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
- 32GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
HP Pavilion
What the HP Pavilion lacks in ultimate performance, it makes up for with its convenient touchscreen. That’s not to say that it isn’t a capable machine in its own right. It just doesn’t pack quite the punch of the other options.
Features
- 13th Gen i7-1355U Processor
- 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) Touchscreen Display
- Wifi
- Bluetooth
- GeForce MX550 Graphics Card
- 32GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
Dell Inspiron
Rounding out the 15″ class with the lowest price, the Dell Inspiron combines a touchscreen and features adequate for most day-to-day needs to provide an economical and stylish option.
Features
- 13th Gen i7-1355U Processor
- 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) Touchscreen Display
- Wifi
- Bluetooth
- Integrated Inte Iris Xe Graphics
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
13" Class
The 13″ class of laptops, better known as notebooks, is a unique one. There are some powerful machines available, but the dedicated graphics card is rare in this class, so don’t expect any hardcore gaming. Aside from that, they provide compact portability, and the ability to connect to larger displays when necessary or convenient.
Budget Breakers
I’m only adding one option to the budget breaker list here because it costs less than half of the larger budget breakers and is the only option I’ve reviewed to top $2,000.
MSI Summit E13
Featuring a reversible touchscreen, the MSI Summit E13 allows for no hassle work on the go. Walking through a store or warehouse, taking notes for later, drawing sketches, or grabbing signatures on forms is a breeze.
Features
- 11th Gen i7-1185G7 Processor
- 13″ IPS-level Display
- Wifi 6E
- Bluetooth
- Integrated Iris XE Graphics
- 32GB LPDDR4X RAM
- 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
Under $2,000
With the prices compressed a bit in this market, we’re going to go with smaller price divisions as there are multiple options in each, and the difference of a couple hundred dollars can make a big difference to the budget-minded buyer.
Microsoft Surface 3
Microsoft hasn’t been featured on this list yet, but that’s not because they don’t make a capable laptop. The Microsoft Surface 3 is a testament to that.
Features
- Core i7 Processor
- 13.5″ Touchscreen
- Wifi
- Bluetooth
- Integrated Iris Plus Graphics
- 16GB LPDDR4 RAM
- 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
Apple MacBook Pro
Much like Microsoft, Apple was late to join my list, but again, only because they focus on getting great performance out of a smaller package.
Features
- Apple M2 Processor
- 13.3″ Retina Display
- Wifi 6
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Apple 10-core GPU
- 16GB RAM
- 1TB SSD
Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
Lenovo makes the list again with the ThinkBook 13x. It is hard to ignore them when they make so many capable products. This one is no different.
Features
- 12th Gen i7-1255U Processor
- 13.3″ WQXGA (2560×1600) Display
- Wifi 6
- Bluetooth 5.1
- Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
- 4TB PCIe NMVe SSD
Under $1,500
Still probably a little pricey for some looking in the 13″ range, this group includes machines that pull their weight when it comes to productivity in a compact and portable design.
Dell XPS 13 Plus Business
Not for lack of anything else to say, this article is being written on a very similar laptop to this.
Features
- 12th Gen i7-1260P Processor
- 13.4″ 4K UHD OLED Touchscreen Display
- WiFi 6E
- Bluetooth
- Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 16GB DDR5 RAM
- 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
ASUS ZenBook S 13
Coming in at just .46″ thin and 2.2lbs, the ASUS Zenbook S 13 is a model of portability and still manages to deliver where it counts.
Features
- 13th Gen i7-1355U Processor
- 13.3″ OLED 2.8K Display
- WiFi 6E
- Bluetooth
- Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
- 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
ASUS ROG Flow Z13
If you are in the 13″ laptop market and still need the power to play newer games, the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 is the obvious choice.
Features
- 12th Gen i7-12700H Processor
- 13.4″ FHD (1920×1080) 120Hz Display
- Wifi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.2
- GeForce RTX 3050 Graphics Cards
- 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
- 512GB PCIe SSD
Under $1000
Finally, for the budget-conscious, or for the mom that just needs a basic laptop to do the basic tasks, like email, Netflix, Google, Amazon buying, etc., this is the group for you.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1
Leave it to Lenovo to find a way to fit in basically every category of laptop on the market. The ThinkPad X1 is a great option in the low price segment.
Features
- 11th Gen i7-1160G7 Processor
- 13.0″ 2K (2160×1350) Display
- Wifi
- Bluetooth
- Integrated Intel Graphics
- 16GB LPDDR4X RAM
- 512GB PCIe SSD
Dell Latitude 7320
Another great option as a business or pleasure laptop, the Dell Latitude 7320 comes with enough power and features to cover all but the most demanding jobs.
Features
- 11th Gen i5-1145G7 Processor
- 13.3″ FHD (1920×1080) Display
- WiFi 6
- Bluetooth
- Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 16GB LPDDR4 RAM
- 2TB PCIe SSD
Lenovo ThinkPad X390
Last, but not least, is the Lenovo ThinkPad X390. While there are less expensive options out there, I wouldn’t recommend them as they will likely become obsolete very quickly.
Features
- i7-8665U Processor
- 13.3″ FHD (1920×1080) Display
- Wifi
- Intel Integrated Graphics
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB PCIe SSD
Final Thoughts
Wow! That turned in to quite the list! I have no regrets, though, because I think it is important to get as much good information as possible in one place, but not so much that you can’t make a good decision. There are hundreds more options out there, but sifting through the features of each can be a real pain, especially if you have a budget and size in mind to start with. Hopefully I’ve helped educate you, and hopefully, if I’ve done well enough, helped you find the best laptop for Mom!
I’ll be updating this article regularly with full reviews of each laptop, so be sure to check back often, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter!
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