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Senior Lifestyle

5 Best Laptops for Seniors (Detailed Review Guide)

Written by Haley Burress
Last Updated :

Are you having trouble finding the best laptop for seniors and need help?

No matter if you’re a senior citizen or care for aging parents, we’ve got your back with our buying guide.  

Just keep on reading. 

Top 5 Laptops for Seniors

This post contains affiliate links. We earn a commission if you make a purchase.

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Most people believe this ridiculous myth that laptops are meant for the young generation or business people. But having a couple of grey hairs doesn’t make you unfit to use laptops or computers.

Laptops are great for many basic tasks. You can stay connected with beloved ones living far away, surf the Internet, watch movies, and play games, among a few.

Moreover, thanks to technology, it’s never been easier to snatch a senior-friendly laptop with cool features such as backlit keyboards, speakers, and high-resolution displays. 

Unfortunately, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all those models on the market when all you want is a simple laptop without your price range.

But fear not because our list of the best laptops for seniors will help you find the right affordable laptop to suit your need.

CHECK: 5 Best Keyboards for Seniors

Best Laptops for Seniors : Deep Review for Each Product

To compile this list, we’ve searched for easy-to-use laptops, have great parameters, and are suitable for a wide range of activities.

All of the reviewed laptops are senior-friendly and have excellent reviews from customers and specialists alike.  

1. Lenovo Chromebook C330

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Lenovo’s Chromebook C330 is one of the best laptops on the market and makes an excellent laptop for seniors due to its sleek design and seniors-friendly features.

Since the Chromebook C330 rotates up to 360 degrees, you can use it as a laptop or a tablet. You can watch movies, play games, or work in a tent or stand mode. 

Moreover, this Chromebook is thin and doesn’t weigh much more than a hardcover book. Its portability makes it convenient for older people who travel often and want to capture every moment of the way.

Lenovo’s 330 also boasts a powerful MediaTek MY8173 processor, LPDDR3 memory, and eMMC storage, so it’s great for multitasking and day-to-day computing.

While the screen is small in size (only 11-inches), the Chromebook C330 displays crystal-clear, vibrant HD resolution images.

Thanks to the touch screen, you don’t need a mouse to use it and can play many touch-sensitive games. 

Seniors worried about security issues, viruses, and malware can be completely carefree with this 2-in-1 laptop.

It has built-in virus protection, so you don’t have to pay for an antivirus or wonder how to install it and maintain it. You can surf the Internet without nasty interruptions and surprises. 

One of the best things about the Chromebook C330 is that it doesn’t need a setup and has an easy-to-use Chrome operating system.

However, you must have a Google account to log into the laptop, which not all seniors have or know how to create such an account.

On the plus side, you can save images, emails, and documents on your Google Drive and access them wherever you go. 

Lenovo’s Chromebook is also easy to operate once you’re past the log-in stage, boots fast and has long battery life.

You also got several USB ports (USB, type C, HDMI, USB 3.0) to connect other devices and an SD card slot. 

Benefits:

  • HD resolution
  • Touchscreen laptop
  • Easy to use
  • Portable
  • Lightweight design
  • 360-degree convertible
  • In-built virus protection

Cons:

  • Requires Google account and email
  • Small screen 

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Related: 5 Best Tablets for Video Calling for Seniors

2. Dell Inspiron 17.3-inch FHD Laptop

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If you’re thinking about getting into gaming or need a high-performance laptop for work, Dell’s Inspiration won’t disappoint with its functionality and performance. 

Its large screen is a treat for the eyes because you can see everything crystal clear with the anti-glare LED-backlight display and vivid colors. 

With over 2 million pixels and True Color, Inspiron delivers the utmost visual quality for maximum immersion. It also allows seniors to tailor color temperature, tone, and vibrancy to suit their needs.

Moreover, Waves MaxxAudio ensures superior audio performance so that you can easily hear the softest sounds when chatting or streaming movies. 

One of the best features of this laptop for seniors is the powerful processor.

You’ve got Intel Core i7-75000U (up to 3.5 GHz), which never disappoints in terms of speed and functionality and loads any program quickly. 

Furthermore, the hard disk has a 2T of storage space. You can download tons of movies and music and still have plenty of space left. The built-in DVD Drive load tray also allows you to run and burn DVDs. 

The AMD Radion graphics card is also good for gaming, while the 16 GB of RAM ensures you can run the most demanding programs with no problems.

Dell’s Inspiration comes with Windows 10 and has a weight of 7 pounds, so it’s not too heavy to carry around when you travel. It also has USB ports, a backlit keyboard, and long battery life. 

While Dell’s Inspiron 17 is among the expensive laptops, it’s a powerful machine with excellent specs for various everyday tasks and working at home. 

Benefits

  • Large 17.3-inch screen
  • Powerful Speakers
  • AMD Radion graphics card
  • Large touchpad
  • Intel Core i7 processor
  • Anti-glare feature
  • Studio-quality sound
  • Solid battery life

Cons:

  • A bit heavy, but still portable
  • Not the cheapest laptop

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3. Apple MacBook Air 13.3-Inch

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When you see its specs and features, you’ll understand why Apple MacBook Air is one of the best high-end laptops for seniors on the market.

It boasts incredible graphic, rapid data transport, and a 1.4 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 processor with 128 GB of SSD, making it perfect for professionals, enthusiasts, and senior users alike. 

We love its 13.3-inch LED-backlit display with 1440 x 900 screen resolution that ensures crystal-clear images and vivid colors, no matter if you’re watching a movie or working. 

Moreover, the powerful Intel core processor ensures that you can enjoy games, programs, chats, and video calls for hours without a single interruption. 

While you have only 128 GB storage space, you’ve got an SSD disk, which is faster, lighter, and performs better than HDD.  And you can always get an external drive if you need more storage.

But what makes the MacBook Air laptop such an excellent option for seniors is its weight of 4 pounds, so that you can carry this laptop in your bag or backpack. 

Moreover, it comes with the Mac operating system and has up to 12 hours of battery life, making it one of the best portable laptops. 

While most Apple Mac products are expensive, their MacBook Air is one of the more affordable laptops and might be within your price range.

It’s not the newest model, but its cool features make it still usable and functional for the average users. You also get to appreciate the LED-backlit display, backlighted keyboard, and Apple customer support. 

Benefits

  • Intel Core i5
  • An SSD disk
  • Excellent processing capability
  • Stylish design
  • 4GB of memory
  • Lightweight
  • Long-lasting battery

Cons:

  • Not the cheapest option when new

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4. ASUS Zenbook UX331

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SECOND BEST PICK

ASUS has another quality laptop for seniors, perfect for performing basic tasks while delivering fast processing speed.

It features a 13.3-inch full-HD NanoEdge readable display so that you can enjoy any video and completely immerse in the experience. The anti-glare technology also makes the screen easy on the eyes. 

Unlike regular laptops, ASUS also features a backlit keyboard for the ultimate performance even at nighttime and a fingerprint scanner for extra security. 

But more importantly, ASUS ZenBook is ultrathin and light, with a weight of 2.5 pounds. In terms of battery life, you can use it for up to 15 hours before recharge, so it’s one of the best portable laptops. 

Furthermore, you’ve got 8 GB of RAM, a 512 GB SSD, and an Intel Core i5 processor for high-speed processing, data transfer, and fast storage. 

As such, the UXX331 is perfect for any casual user, who surfs the Internet, chats, uses photo editing, or plays games.

Thanks to the built-in Harman Kardon audio system, ASUS also delivers powerful and crystal-clear sound, which may be the breaking point for elderly buyers.

Furthermore, it also comes with Windows 10 pre-installed so that you can start using the laptop the moment you get it. It also has a fast boot time, HDMI, USB, micro SD card reader, and Wi-FI 5. 

As a whole, ASUS UX331 is sophisticated, lightweight, senior-friendly with an affordable price tag. However, some users note that the touchpad doesn’t work as well as expected and that the screen flickers. 

Benefits

  • Intel Core i5
  • Anti-glare
  • Travel-friendly
  • Impressive battery life of 15 hours
  • Backlit keyboard
  • Clear sound

Cons:

  • Problems with the touchpad
  • Screen might flicker

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5. Acer Aspire E15

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Do you want a portable laptop with a big screen to avoid straining your eyes? Then you can’t go wrong with Acer and their Aspire 15.

Acer Aspire not only has a stylish design, but it provides a wide range of choices for senior users in terms of incredible performance, great battery life, colors, and sounds.

It boasts a 15-inch Full HD display with vibrant and clear images and Acer BlueLightShield, making it a great fit for all seniors with vision problems. 

For fast performance, you’ve got an AMD Ryzen Dual Core processor with a processor speed up to 3.5 GHz,  Radion Vega 3 graphics, and 128 SSD storage space.  

No matter if you are going to use it to stock family photos, edit pictures, play games, chat on Skype/Facebook, or watch Netflix movies, this 8th generation Acer won’t disappoint. 

The Acer E15 also has an amazing speaker system, which reduces audio distortion to a minimum and increases the volume without compromising the sound quality.

You can work in any part of the day thanks to the backlit keyboard and connect your laptop to almost any external device you want, thanks to its HDMI, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0 ports. 

While the battery life is 7.5 (lower than the average battery life of other models), it recharges fast and is easy to use thanks to the pre-installed Windows 10 S mode. 

However, some user reviews show that the keyboard and webcam aren’t up to all users’ satisfaction.  

Benefits

  • Large 15.6″ screen
  • AMD Razen processor
  • BlueLightShield
  • 4 GB DDR4 memory
  • 128 SSD
  • 802.11ac Wi-Fi
  • Great sound quality
  • Backlit keyboard

Cons:

  • It’s heavy
  • Webcam might be better

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What to Look For When Choosing the Best Laptops for Seniors ?

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Now that we’ve seen our top picks let’s talk about what to consider when getting a laptop and how to choose the best laptop. 

#1 Performance

Think about what you’re going to use it for. Are you going to play games, write articles, surf the net, or watch movies?

All cheap laptops do basic stuff, which is enough for someone who needs a laptop to check their social media account, sends emails, store photos, and so on. 

But if you’re running intensive programs, you need a computer with a fast processor, enough storage space, and good RAM. Otherwise, your program either won’t run or will crash often. 

In general, 4 GB RAM is enough for most basic stuff and will ensure no lagging or crashing when you Skype, watch movies, or surf the net. Consider 8GB or 16 GB RAM for multitasking.  

As for processors, Intel Pentium, Celeron, and Intel ATOM have slower processing speed and fewer capabilities than Intel Core and other faster processors.

But they’re an excellent choice if you’re looking for something affordable that will get you through most daily tasks. 

However, gaming also requires a computer with a powerful laptop with a superior processor, such as Intel Core, and a high-quality graphics card, for example, NVIDIA.

#2 Storage

At a minimum, you want a laptop with 128 GB of storage to make sure that you’ve got enough space to save photos, download videos, and install programs.

Go for higher storage space if you’re playing games, downloading movies/TV shows, and recording videos. Keep in mind that you might also get external hard disk if you run out of space.

#3 Weight

Do you plan on traveling with it or use walking aids? Then you might need something light that won’t weigh a ton when you carry it around.

Look for models that weigh around four pounds, but keep in mind that ultrathin laptops have a little more functionality than a tablet. 

If weight is not an issue, large-sized laptops might be a better option for seniors because they’ve got bigger keyboards and displays. 

#4 Display

Display size matters when it comes to seniors. You don’t want to strain your eyes any more than necessary or damage your eyesight.

In general, the bigger the display and the resolutions, the better because you don’t have to squint as much or struggle to read. 15 to 17-inch displays are the best, but 13-inch can also work.

Some models might allow you to connect external monitors and external keyboards, which is an excellent feature for seniors with visual impairment. 

#5 Keyboard

Most popular brands don’t have machines with extra-large keyboards. That’s a pity and a problem for senior citizens with joint problems.

Touchscreens aren’t also the best option because they’re very sensitive and you can press multiple buttons without meaning to.  

If you have hand movement issues, it might be better to go for custom-sized keyboards from a specialized company. Consider also a spilled-resistant keyboard if your hands shake a lot. 

#6 Ease of Use

As a whole, laptops are pretty straightforward to use, but learning how to operate a new OS can be daunting. 

Choose a one with an OS you’re familiar with and one that comes with pre-installed programs.

MacBook, Windows, or Chromebook?

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Since we’re talking about ease of use and features of the best laptops for seniors, we should discuss the difference between Windows, Mac OC, and Chrome OC.

Windows

Models that come with Windows 10 pre-installed have almost all programs you’re going to need for basic daily tasks. 

Windows also has a magnifier and narrative screen feature, which makes it senior-friendly and easy to use. You also have access to tons of useful software for Windows. 

The downside of Windows is that it updates frequently and crashes sometimes. Users also often encounter malware attacks and viruses while surfing or downloading apps, games, or software.

Mac OC

All MacBooks come with Mac OC already installed so that you don’t have to worry about getting a copy of the operating system. It’s also well-supported and upgrades easier than Windows.

Moreover, Mac OC allows you to create shortcuts to avoid pressing multiple buttons. It also has Voice Over narrator to guide you through the tutorial.

Unfortunately, you don’t have such a rich choice of software for Mac, but you don’t have to worry about viruses. 

But it’s hard to adapt to Mac OC if you’re used to working on Windows. It’s also expensive.

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Chrome OS

Chrome OS is available for all Chromebooks, so no worries about installation. Its main advantage is that everything you do is synced with the cloud. So, no worries that you’re going to lose important data.

Chrome OS is also virus-free, has a fast boot time, updates without restarting, and has an excellent recovery system. You also have plenty of apps, and the OS is easy to use and hard to mess up. 

However, Chromebooks often have small screens, which might be difficult to read for seniors. They also don’t have much software available for them. 

Our Choice

Due to all the amazing features of the above-listed laptops, each one will be excellent for seniors. However, there’s one that caught our attention –  the Apple MacBook Air 13.3-Inch.

It’s one of the best laptops for seniors because it’s lightweight, travel-friendly, pleasant-on-the-eyes, and easy to use. 

It has an Intel Core i5 processer and 4 GB onboard memory that guarantees you no lagging or crashing when you’re multitasking. 

You might want more storage than 128 GB. But you’ve got an SSD disk, up to 12 hours of battery life, and a 13-inch screen with vivid colors. 

As a cherry to the top, the MacBook Air comes at a slightly reduced price than most Apple gadgets. 

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Best Laptops for Seniors : Summary

Don’t let age prevent you from keeping up with all the new technology. There’s always time to learn something new, find a new hobby, and expand your circle of friends.

Laptops can make it easy to organize your day, chat with relatives on the other end of the world, and enjoy your favorite shoes in vibrant colors. So, please don’t be shy to check our suggestions!

What do you think about these 5 best senior laptops? Which one is your favorite? Please share your opinion with us in the comment section.

About Author

Haley Burress
Haley has been working with seniors and their caregivers for more than 17 years. She has held local and national leadership roles in a variety of senior services and senior care agencies. Today, she is a sought after writer specializing in topics for older adults, their family members, and professional caregivers. When she isn't at her computer sipping coffee, you can find her hiking with her husband, son, and dog or trying a new cookie recipe in the kitchen. Follow her on LINKEDIN. Read her LATEST POSTS. Learn more about her HERE.

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