Laptops are incredibly common, but we often ignore their benefits. However, laptops can make life easier and more enjoyable for a senior citizen.
They can be a cheap and easy way to keep in touch with friends and family, they can provide comfort when facing the loneliness of old age, they can give seniors access to helpful information or services.
If you’re considering buying one for an elderly loved one, or if you just want some information about the best laptops for seniors, then you’re at the right place!
Seniors face some special challenges when using laptops and computers. In order to take care of their eyes, hearing, and comfort, we have compiled a list of some of the best laptops for seniors. Anyone under the age of 60s, 70s, or 80s can use these laptops.
Since they were not raised with screens around them and headsets, they cannot benefit from what users are getting in the modern era.
Along with the comfort and the strain on the eyes, there are a lot of other things you need to consider when purchasing a laptop for seniors or your parents.
Windows machines suffer from security issues since viruses like Ransomware can wipe out all of their important data, and many users do not know how to deal with it.
That’s why you can also find a buying guide on this page that will tell you about a few things to keep in mind while shopping for a gaming or productivity laptop.
Best Laptops for Seniors
Here is the list.
1. Acer Aspire 5 Slim
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Aspire 5 | Make: Acer | Processor: Intel Core i5 8th-Gen (Upgradeable) | Memory: 8GB DDR4 | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics | Battery Life: Upto 8 hours
The Acer line of laptops has something for everyone. You are okay with the Swift 7 if you travel frequently and want a portable laptop, but if you like playing games while sitting at your desk, you should go with the Predator Triton 900.
In our case, we don’t need both, since we want something that can be used around the house for seniors.
On this list we are choosing the Aspire 5 over the Aspire E15. With this laptop, you can buy it real quick and it’s reliable as the Aspire E15 is hard to find these days. It’s a better, thinner, and lighter alternative.
A Core i5-8265U with Intel UHD Graphics 620 is enough for this laptop, although if you want more performance you can get the 2021 model, which has a 10th gen Intel Core i5 processor and MX250 graphics.
The machine comes with 8 GB of DDR4 2667 MHz memory modules and 256 GB of SSD, both of which are easily upgradeable.
It can handle a lot of day-to-day tasks, low end gaming, and things like photo or video editing, but for high end gaming and such things, you need to go with a higher end laptop.
As for the sides of this laptop, there is a single USB-C port which isn’t Thunderbolt, but USB 3.1 Gen1 and two USB 2.0 ports. Additionally, this laptop has HDMI output, Gigabit Ethernet, and a combo headphone jack.
It has a thin body and weighs less than 4 pounds, but it still comes with high-quality components and offers great battery life. The only port this laptop lacks is the SD card slot, and the main downside is the build quality, which users find disappointing.
2. Lenovo Flex 5 14″ 2-in-1
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Lenovo Flex 5 | Make: Lenovo | Display: 14.0″ FHD (1920 x 1080) Touch Display | Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 4500U | Memory: 16GB DDR4 | Storage: 256GB SSD | Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics | Other Features: Digital Pen Included | Also the Cheapest Laptop for Seniors!
Currently, two-in-one laptops are getting more popular as they can be used as tablets. Tablet users prefer them because of their touchscreens, and they make the workday go more smoothly.
In our previous list, we mentioned a 2-in-1 laptop, but to make this list complete, we’re back with another great option that you can use instead. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 is also a great option for those who have to work for their office and do a little bit of gaming.
As with other laptops of this type, this one offers excellent performance and an impressive battery life.
This laptop comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 4500U processor, which is one of the most impressive features. We are seeing manufacturers preferring AMD CPUs over traditional Intel CPUs. Their Vega series GPUs perform much better in games.
It is also equipped with AMD Radeon7 integrated graphics, which might not be able to run AAA titles at high resolutions, but still gives some room for a little gaming. There is 8GB of RAM, which you can easily upgrade, and 256 GB of NVMe storage, which is enough for seniors.
The most highlighted feature of this laptop is that it comes with a touchscreen display which can be quite handy for most older people because they prefer inputting through the screen rather than typing the whole time.
In addition to what we love about this laptop, there are quite a few things we don’t like, and we feel it’s important to share them with you. This laptop has a dim screen, which might pose a problem for seniors as they have to focus much on it to see small text etc.
When running this laptop in tablet mode there will be many issues due to glitches and bugs, but that might be happening for Windows issues that we have here.
I Hope Microsoft will fix it. On the other hand, when you use the keyboard you will find it to be the best laptop for typing and such.
3. Lenovo Chromebook S330
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Lenovo Chromebook S330 | Display: 14-Inch FHD (1920 x 1080) | Processor: MediaTek MT8173C | Memory: 4GB LPDDR3 | Storage: 64GB eMMC | Battery Life: upto 10 hours | Operating System: Chrome OS
Lenovo is one of the biggest computer manufacturers, especially when it comes to pre-built branded machines, so I believe you don’t need an introduction if you have been using computers or laptops for at least five years.
There are two popular laptop series from this company, one is the Yoga, and the other is the Thinkpad, which is my favorite due to the keyboard and battery life.
There’s a Chromebook with Android installed, and if you’re concerned about security issues on Windows, this is the right machine for you, even though it doesn’t run Windows applications.
Instead of the typical CPUs found in notebooks or PCs, this laptop has a MediaTek 8173C processor coupled with an Imagination PowerVR GX6250 graphics card.
These processors are well-optimized for Chrome OS and can run any Android application or game available on the operating system, so you don’t have to get into the technical details.
The laptop comes with 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for this operating system, as well as a 14-inch anti-glare screen, which most users prefer since it can also be used outdoors.
As Android apps don’t require much space to install, this Chromebook comes with 32GB of eMMC storage. This Chromebook’s thin bezels and classy design make it a popular choice among users and a good option for seniors.
The battery life of this machine is excellent, but you must charge it once a day. Our only concern with this machine is its limited CPU performance, but for seniors this is not a problem since their usage requirements are not that high and it’s still suitable for them.
Chromebooks are usually much smaller and lighter than modern laptops and notebooks, so you can easily carry them in a small bag or even in your hand.
4. HP Pavilion 14″
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: HP Pavilion x360 | Make: HP | Display: 14” Touchscreen Full HD IPS Display | Processor: 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 | Memory: 8 GB RAM | Storage: 256 GB SSD | Battery Life: upto 8 hours | Comes with Pre-Installed Windows 10 Home OS
It is often said that less is more, and the HP Pavilion 14 is a great example. Aside from a clean and sleek design, a bright and colorful display, excellent quality audio ports, and a reasonable price, this laptop has much to offer.
In spite of the fact that this laptop is cheap, it comes with an Intel Core i5 11th generation processor paired with Intel Iris Xe graphics and 8GB of memory. In this price range, this laptop is more than exceptional, so you may want to consider it as a gift for your parents.
It comes with a 14-inch x360 display and supports native resolution of 1080p. It is also anti-glare so you can use it in direct sunlight.
Aside from the sleek body, this laptop only weighs around 3.4 pounds, making it easy to carry in a bag. With its low profile silver and white aluminium chassis, this laptop appears to be more expensive than it is.
The top of the screen has a 720p webcam, which is a great feature in this laptop, but for me, it didn’t work well.
On this laptop, there is a fingerprint sensor that operates through Windows Hello, and using that, you can access your files and data without having to enter a password.
On the right side of the laptop there is a MicroSD card slot, a USB Type-C port, and a HDMI port, while on the left side there is an audio headphone and mic jack and a USB Type-A port.
Seniors might get attracted to this laptop due to the warm saturated colors and solid brightness, as these things allow them to use it straight for hours without experiencing any eye discomfort.
5. Apple Macbook Air
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Apple Macbook Air | Make: Apple | Processor: Apple’s M1 Chip w. 8-core CPU & 8-core GPU | Memory: 8GB | Battery Life: Upto 20 hours
Apple Macbooks can’t run most of the Windows applications, but they might be the best option when it comes to productivity work. A retina display on the Macbook appeals to seniors because of its vibrant colors which are comfortable for the eyes.
With other 13-inch screen laptops, they lack a lot of features and if they had high-end components, you would probably suffer from heating issues.
Even though this laptop is the slimmest in its class, it includes high-end components that can handle any productivity task without a hitch, and you don’t need to carry the power brick everywhere you go.
I would recommend the Apple latest Macbook Air if you are low on budget and have to do day-to-day work, but for video editors and 3D modelers, I recommend the Macbook Pro.
Macbooks with older Intel chips were not very efficient at multitasking and productivity work, but the M1 chip on the newest Macbooks has six cores and 8GB of memory.
It is clear from comparing this machine to the 2019 model that there are many differences to appreciate. Apple’s latest Macbook computer includes a number of features that you usually see on iPhones, such as Touch ID. One thing Apple needs to improve is the 720p camera, which can be greatly improved.
Apple’s Macbook Air is known for its excellent battery life, because most users have to carry a power brick with them, but not anymore. When using the browser or performing non-intensive tasks, Apple claims a battery life of 10 hours.
The battery life is a bit longer than the previous models, as the older models only offered eight hours. There are two Thunderbolt-3 ports and one USB Type-C port on the Apple Macbook.
In general, it is a great consideration for seniors, as there will be no security risks with this machine, but you may not be able to use Windows applications on it.
6. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 | Make: Microsoft | Display: 13.5″ Touch-Screen | Processor: Intel Core i5 10th Generation | Memory: 8GB Memory | Storage: 128GB SSD
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 is something that has never been seen before in the market, as a 13-inch laptop with such a great battery life is rare.
Although it comes with an Intel Core i5 Quad-Core processor, it still has performance issues. There is a collaboration between AMD and Microsoft which could be a good sign, and the manufacturer released a 15 inches screen model with an AMD flagship processor, but that’s expensive.
Both Apple’s latest 13.3 inches Macbook and this laptop have the same screen size while the price of this laptop is around $100 cheaper than that machine which appeals to the users towards it.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 comes with both Intel Core i5 and i7 configurations, where both are quad-core processors with a boost clock of 3.5+ GHz.
The AMD configuration of this laptop can be used for gaming too because of Vega series graphics cards, but this one lacks these things because of Intel UHD graphics that can only be used for productivity tasks.
This laptop has 16 GB of DDR4 memory and 256 GB of SSD storage, which is plenty, but you may want to upgrade the fast-speed storage drive if you have a large amount of information to store.
This laptop has a single USB3 Type-A and Type-C port along with a combo headphone/mic jack.
A 13.3-inch touch screen makes it easy for seniors to use the laptop because they don’t like going to the keyboard repeatedly to type and open and close programs. There is also a significant downside to the laptop since it has a minimal selection of ports.
Moreover, the price of this laptop isn’t that great, and it also needs to be revised, but with these features and the amazing battery life, this laptop is worth considering for seniors. Don’t worry; if you are looking for something different, we have some other options on this list.
7. Asus VivoBook 15
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: ASUS VivoBook 15 | Make: Asus | Display: 15.6” FHD Touchscreen Display | Processor: Intel i3-1005G1 CPU | Memory: 8GB DDR4 RAM | Storage: 256GB SSD | Other Features: Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint
Asus VivoBook 15 is a budget-friendly option paired with entry-level hardware and is ideal for your parents to do everyday tasks on the laptop.
This laptop starts at around 400 bucks. It comes with an Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor paired with Intel UHD graphics and 8GB of DDR4 memory.
Those things should allow any application to run or for daily routine tasks, but if you’re looking for something for gaming or high-end work, you’ll have to go with some expensive options since it doesn’t have much processing power.
For around 250 bucks more, you can get a Ryzen 7 model with a 512GB SSD and an integrated graphics card that can be used to play games on the machine.
There is something impressive about the design and dress of this laptop that makes it appealing to users. With this laptop, Asus managed to fit the whole number pad without stretching it and that’s great for seniors who found it hard to use the number pad with the FN key.
This laptop’s ErgoLift hinges can be raised straight for comfortable typing, along with a backlit keyboard, so you can work while seated at a desk.
There are also a number of ports on this laptop, with the left side having two USB 3.1 ports, and the right side having a MicroSD card slot, combo headphone jack, USB Type-C port, HDMI and Ethernet port that can be used with an adapter.
It supports a maximum resolution of 1920×1080 along with a touchscreen display and has very few or no edges. When viewed from 100 degrees you can see the display without the sheen on this laptop, but the viewing angles are poor.
This is a great consideration for budget users and seniors so enjoy a touchscreen with a thin and light laptop!
8. ASUS ZenBook 14
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Zenbook 14 | Make: Asus | Display: 14” Full HD NanoEdge Display | Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7 | Memory: 8GB RAM | Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD | Battery Life: upto 20 hours
A price of seven hundred dollars makes the Zenbook 14 a mid-range option, but what makes it stand out is its sleek and ultraportable design, which you can carry wherever you go.
It has an aluminum chassis and ultra-thin bezels on the edges, a 14-inch display, and is attractive. The laptop has a 10th-generation Intel Ice Lake processor that is capable of handling most daily tasks. The laptop also has 8 GB of DDR4 memory and 512 GB of SSD storage.
Of course, you can upgrade it according to your needs. If you’re a senior, you don’t need to do that as there is already enough space and memory available.
The 14-inch IPS panel offers 1080p resolution at 60 Hz and is very pleasing to the eye, and you can play games and watch movies on it with a great experience.
Its battery life is one of the things I appreciate most about this laptop, since it can run for 20 hours straight while browsing the web or listening to music.
This laptop has a near borderless screen that looks great and a touchpad that doubles as a number pad. Two thunderbolt ports and a few USB3 and display output ports are located on the sides of this laptop.
On this laptop, the Ethernet port and the headphone jack is just a disappointment, as they have been shifted to dongles, which most users dislike in a laptop.
Besides, this laptop does not feature a fingerprint sensor, which most seniors prefer as they do not like to type passwords repeatedly. This laptop has a webcam, which is great, but the picture quality is not very good.
Overall, this laptop performs well and can be considered for everyday use for any seniors under their age of 60s.
9. LG Gram 14Z90P
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: LG Gram 14 | Make: LG | Display: 14″ WUXGA (1920×1200) | Processor: Intel evo with 11th gen Core i5 1135G7 | Memory: 8GB RAM | Storage: 256GB SSD | Battery Life: up to 20 hours | Other Features: Alexa Built-in
LG offers a great option for low end gaming and a powerful lightweight laptop that is suitable for most of the daily routine tasks. There are a few thin distributors of monitors and laptops available from Korean brands, but these brands are mainly focused on smartphones (LG as an example).
As it’s a well reputed brand and doesn’t compromise on user experience you will be able to work for the entire day without having to go near a power outlet because it weighs no more than 2.5 pounds and has great battery life.
The battery life of this laptop is one of the things that most reviewers praise and it is more than exceptional.
With an Intel Core i7-10510U processor clocked at 1.8 GHz and 128MB of Intel HD graphics, this laptop is the most powerful machine we’ve ever seen packed in such a lightweight chassis.
The storage and power side of this laptop are powered by 16 GB of DDR4 memory clocked at 267 GHz and 512 GB of PCIe NVMe SSD which is enough for any senior to full. With a 14-inch 1080p display, you can edit data and perform other productivity tasks with ease.
This laptop has an excellent selection of ports on the left side as it includes a USB3 Type-A port, an HDMI port, and a Thunderbolt Type-C port. The other side has a lock, USB Type-A 3.1, a combo audio and mic jack, and an SD card slot.
Glossy display might not be to everyone’s taste, but for seniors, it’s a slight plus.
One of the biggest disappointments of this laptop is the soldered memory, which cannot be changed or upgraded. NVMe writing speed is a bit disappointing and the laptop is a bit noisy when loaded.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Let’s explore.
Which laptop is best for elderly people in 2022?
The best style of laptop for elderly people in 2022 is difficult to answer. This really depends on the person, their medical condition, and their needs. There are many different models and types of laptops.
A good place to start is an HP laptop if you are looking for a budget-friendly option. These laptops are generally good for running some basic apps like Microsoft Office.
They’re not designed to do heavy-duty tasks, but they offer a much cheaper price point than other more expensive options.
What are the most popular laptops for seniors?
For many seniors, a tablet or a touchscreen laptop may be more suitable for their lifestyle. Seniors usually want to type very little, and they don’t need a laptop that has a lot of processing power.
They also want something easy to carry around, so a lightweight tablet or a touchscreen laptop might be good!
How can you improve the battery life of your laptop for seniors?
If you are using a laptop for seniors with limited mobility, then the battery life is important. You can improve the battery life by turning off your wireless device if there’s no need to use it.
You can also close down any programs that you’re not using in order to conserve power, and if you’re not going to be using the laptop for a while then go ahead and plug it in to avoid having to search for an outlet when you need to use it again.