The mere fact that we’re constantly on the go means that having a laptop that can keep up with our busy lifestyles is now a necessity. As technology continues to advance, manufacturers have stepped up their game when it comes to battery life, offering impressive runtimes that can power through even the longest workdays. After all, no one loves having to worry about finding a power outlet when you’re out of the house.
Whether you’re a remote worker, a student, or simply someone who values the freedom of unplugged mobility, we have you covered with this detailed list of the best laptops for battery life in 2024.
1. Dell XPS 13 (2024)
The Dell XPS 13 (2024) stands out as a leader in battery life, lasting an incredible 19 hours of runtime. This is thanks to its Snapdragon X Elite chip, which balances performance and efficiency remarkably well. With a 13.4-inch display, this ultraportable offers excellent picture quality and a unique design that ditches the traditional touchpad for a sleek, capacitive function row. Starting at Ksh. 170,000, it’s a fantastic value for those seeking a high-performance laptop that won’t die halfway through your workday.
2. MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max, 2023)
Apple’s MacBook Pro 16-inch with the M3 Max chip combines power and longevity, clocking in at 17 hours of runtime. It’s perfect for creative professionals, especially with its unmatched 16.2-inch liquid-retina display and 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate. The new Space Black finish also helps prevent fingerprints, keeping your device looking pristine. With a range of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and an SD card slot, this laptop is built for productivity.
3. MacBook Air with M1
Despite being a few years old, the MacBook Air with M1 remains a go-to for most users. Its 14+-hour battery life, powerful M1 chip, and impressive webcam make it a solid choice for daily tasks. The Magic Keyboard ensures a comfortable typing experience, and the lightweight design makes it easy to carry wherever you go. There are very few laptops on the market that can match this one.
4. Asus Zenbook 14 OLED
For those looking for a budget-friendly option, the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED is a gem. It lasts 15+ hours on a single charge and is powered by Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H, making it more than capable of handling a variety of tasks. The 14-inch OLED display is vibrant and perfect for streaming your favorite Netflix shows. Plus, it has an excellent keyboard and immersive Harman Kardon speakers. You can get it for as low as Ksh. 95,000.
5. MacBook Pro 14-inch M3
The 14-inch MacBook Pro M3 offers impressive performance with a battery life of 17 hours. Its mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display is brighter than its predecessor, and it comes with a range of ports, including an HDMI and SD card slot. It’s slightly smaller than the 16-inch version but still packs a punch for power users.
6. Lenovo ThinkPad Z16
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 is a no-nonsense laptop, boasting nearly 15 hours of battery life. Its AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 6650H processor delivers excellent performance, whether you’re editing videos or playing games. The 16-inch display offers ample screen space, and the laptop’s MIL-STD-810H certification ensures it can withstand harsh conditions (if you’ve owned a Lenovo, you know what we mean). Security features like a fingerprint reader and an IR webcam make it a secure choice for professionals too.
7. Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 (2023)
For a versatile 2-in-1 option, the Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 is a strong contender. It offers over 12 hours of battery life and comes with a choice between FHD+ or QHD+ displays. The 16-inch screen is perfect for multitasking, and the keyboard includes a Numpad for those who work with numbers. While the webcam and microphone could be better, the overall package is excellent for a mid-range laptop.
8. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook 14 (2023)
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook is the best budget laptop for battery life, lasting around 13 hours. It’s ideal for students or anyone needing a simple device for web browsing and video playback. With a sharp FHD display and excellent 1080p webcam, it offers great value for a price below the Ksh. 50,000 mark. However, the keyboard can feel mushy, and the touchpad isn’t always responsive.
9. Razer Blade 14
Gamers, this one’s for you! The Razer Blade 14 offers a surprising 8 hours and 35 minutes of battery life, which is a rarity in gaming laptops. It’s powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, ensuring you can play the latest games at high frame rates. The 14-inch, 2560 x 1600, 240Hz display is stunning, and the speakers deliver quality sound. Just keep an eye on the heat, as it can get quite warm during long gaming sessions.
