When researchers surveyed 287 non-working seniors over the age of 65 in a midwestern independent living facility, they found that more than half owned a desktop computer but only 20 percent owned a laptop. More than half of the seniors reported moderate to no experience using computers in general. The study found that there is a generational gap when it comes to technology, but that gap is gradually closing as more electronics for seniors are developed.1
Seniors are starting to choose laptops over desktops because they’re more affordable and easier to set up. As laptops become smaller and lighter in weight, more seniors are able to use them comfortably and safely. We did the research to select the best laptops for seniors with a variety of needs. Use this information to make informed buying decisions.
1. Lenovo Yoga C930
Best Laptop for Usability
Price: $1,000 to $1,200
We recommend the Lenovo Yoga C930 for seniors because it has some unique features that make it easier to use for a variety of applications. It’s lightweight and compact with a 13.9-inch touchscreen. The screen flips down behind the keyboard, allowing it to function like a tablet. It flips back easily when the full keyboard is needed.
This laptop is a great transition model for seniors accustomed to using a tablet. It offers a long battery life and excellent processing speed, allowing users to play games, watch videos, and browse social media easily. The speakers are well-placed and loud enough for many seniors with hearing difficulties.2
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Flip design
- Touchscreen
- Long battery life
- Webcam cover
- Excellent speakers
Cons
- Price is prohibitory for some seniors
- Some users find the screen too dim
2. Huawei Volta-W50D MateBook D
Best Laptop for Key Size
Price: $800 to $1,000
Seniors who need larger keys that are easy to see even in dim lighting should appreciate the full-sized, backlit keyboard on this Huawei laptop. It features the largest keypad that is possible on a 14-inch computer. Backlighting on the keyboard provides soft illumination that allows users to see clearly even when room lighting isn’t bright.
We also recommend this laptop for seniors who enjoy looking at pictures and videos. It has an excellent graphics card and a long-lasting battery. It weighs less than four pounds but still offers a 14-inch screen, which is a bit larger than you will find on many competing laptops for seniors.3
Pros
- Full-sized, backlit keyboard
- Excellent graphics
- Only 3.5 pounds
- 0.62-inches thin
- Long battery life
Cons
- Low-quality webcam
- Price is prohibitory for some seniors
3. HP ProBook x360
Best Laptop for Durability
Price: $330 or below
This tough laptop will stand up to drops, spills, and other accidents without demanding the price of a rugged outdoor laptop. It offers an 11.6-inch screen with touch operations. The display is sharp enough to enjoy videos and movies in addition to text documents, social media and Internet browsing. It weighs less than three pounds and is thin enough to carry around easily.
The HP ProBook also functions as a tablet without the keyboard. That improves functionality and makes it suitable for seniors transitioning from a tablet to a keyboard with greater functionality.4
Pros
- Affordable
- Strong and durable
- Lightweight and thin
- Tablet operation
Cons
- Sometimes slow loading online games
- A lot of stored data may slow the computer
4. Microsoft Surface Pro 6
Best Easy-to-Read Screen
Price: $750 to $900
We recommend the Surface Pro laptop for its bright, clear screen that makes it easy to see the text as well as images and videos. The eighth-generation quad-core processor allows it to perform much faster than many competing laptops and the battery can last more than 13 hours per charge.
Seniors may enjoy using a pen to draw and write directly on the 12.3-inch screen. It functions as a laptop with keyboard, tablet, or tablet with a small kickstand. Weighing in at about 4.5 pounds, it is a bit heavier than other recommended laptops for seniors.5
Pros
- Crisp, bright display
- Fast processing
- Tablet functionality
- Long battery life
Cons
- No USB ports
5. Acer Swift 7
Best Laptop for Portability
Price: $1,000
The Swift 7 from Acer is one of the thinnest laptops available today. It weighs less than 2.5 pounds and is one of the easiest for seniors to carry. The screen is still 13.3 inches, which is large enough for most seniors to see text, images, and videos clearly. A crisp display and clear graphics make it even easier to see.
This laptop features a seventh-generation Intel core processor and is suitable for a variety of online content in addition to creating documents and playing games. It also features a fingerprint reader for added security.6
Pros
- Ultrathin design
- Less than 2.5 pounds
- Fast processing
- Fingerprint reader
Cons
- Cost is prohibitory for some seniors
Selecting a Laptop for Seniors
While all these laptops will meet the unique needs of seniors, selecting the best one for you or a loved one is a personal decision. Think about the features that matter most right now as well as what features may become important in the future. A solid laptop should last a senior many years without repair or replacement, especially if a durable design is chosen.
We understand that budget is important, but it’s always better to pay a little more than to regret a cheap purchase. The goal is to buy a laptop that will keep a senior satisfied in the long term. If you’re looking for a money-saving option, you can consider a laptop payment plan. These payment plan websites allow you to purchase a new laptop for as little as $0 down and affordable monthly payments.7 It could be a handy solution for budget-conscious seniors.