During tax season, CPAs and accountants face numerous responsibilities; as they deal with clients directly, they must ensure a proper workflow. A laptop should have all the features that enhance work flexibility and efficiency.
CPAs depend heavily on technology which makes reliable laptop crucial for their daily operations. Laptops must have a good processor, RAM, and storage. The laptop is not just a device but a fundamental asset that plays a vital role in their professional work.
A laptop with a powerful processor, enough RAM to handle your needs, and sufficient storage space enables remote work, efficient time management, streamlined tax filing processes, and the capability for seamless multitasking. The must-have features are:
- RAM Type – 8GB or above, DDR4/DDR5
- Screen Size – 13 – 16 inches
- CPU Model – Intel Core i5, i7 10th generation and above (for windows); M-series processor (for MacOS)
CPAs can ensure a productive and efficient tax season, where their laptop is a dependable companion throughout the demanding tasks and responsibilities they encounter. The ability to work efficiently and securely and adapt to changing work environments makes laptops an essential part of a CPA’s toolkit.
Ace Cloud is here to help you choose the best laptop for accounting as per your needs and requirements.
What Are The Best Laptops for Accounting Professionals in 2024?
Here is a list of some best laptops for accountants in every price range that is the best in the market right now:
Laptop | CPU | Screen Size | Screen Size | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
MacBook Pro 14 | Apple M1 | 14 Inches | $1,689 | 4.8/5 |
Dell XPS 15 | Intel 12th Gen Core i7-12700H | 15.6 Inches | $1,418 | 5/5 |
Apple MacBook Air M2 | Apple M2 chip, 8-core CPU | 15.3 Inches | $1,268 | 4.8/5 |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) | Gen 9 Intel Core i7-1165G7 | 14 Inches | $1,238 | 4.7/5 |
Lenovo Yoga 7i | AMD Ryzen 7 7735U | 16 Inches | $899 | 4.5/5 |
Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Pro | 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1360P | 16 Inches | $1,414 | 4.4/5 |
Lenovo ThinkPad E16 (AMD) | AMD Ryzen 5 7530U | 15.6 Inches | $799 | 4.5/5 |
Acer Swift 3 | Intel Core i7-1260P | 14 Inches | $789 | 4.4/5 |
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 | Intel Core i5-1235U or Core i7-1255U | 13.5 Inches | $1,199 | 4.5/5 |
HP Pavilion 15 | 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 | 15.6 Inches | $817 | 4.3/5 |
Acer Aspire 5 | AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core | 15.6 Inches | $498 | 4.2/5 |
Asus Zenbook 14 | AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX | 14 Inches | $721 | 4.2/5 |
HP Envy x360 | AMD Ryzen 5 5625U | 15.6 Inches | $769 | 4.1/5 |
The Apple MacBook Pro 14
This is probably the best laptop for chartered accountants. The MacBook Pro is equipped with an ultra-efficient M2 pro chip, that has up to 18 hours of battery life. This is the best-selling laptop that delivers exceptional performance whether it’s plugged in or running on battery.
- Brand – Apple
- Series – MacBook Pro
- Year – 2021
- Model Number – MKGT3LL/A
- RAM Type – DDR3 SDRAM
- Hard Disk Size – 1 TB
- Display Type – Amoled
- Screen Size – 14 Inches
- Graphics RAM Type – 72-Pin EDO SIMM Memory
- CPU Model – Apple M1
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Easy to use keyboard | Has some heating issues when charged |
Ideal for everyday Office use |
What users’ are saying:
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 is the best laptop for bookkeeping, offering unparalleled performance and security features.
The Dell XPS 15
The Dell XPS 15 is a high-performance laptop with a sleek design. It has a vibrant Infinity Edge display with slim bezels, offering a stunning 15.6-inch 4K UHD or FHD+ option. With powerful processors and dedicated graphics, it’s not only ideal for general use but also stands out as the best laptop for accountants looking for a premium build and top-tier performance.
- Brand – Dell
- Series – M XPS 15 9530
- Year – 2023
- Model Number – XPS 15 9530
- RAM Type – DDR5 RAM
- Hard Disk Size – 1 TB
- Display Type – LED
- Screen Size – 15.6 Inches
- Graphics RAM Type – GDDR6
- CPU Model – Intel Core i7
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Rock-solid construction and attractive aesthetic | Expensive |
Strong productivity and creativity performance | |
Good battery life |
Apple MacBook Air M2
The Apple MacBook Air M2 is a top choice among laptops for finance professionals. It has a fanless design, delivering silent and efficient performance. With its lightweight build, Retina display, and improved battery life, it offers a compelling blend of portability and power for everyday usage, making it ideal for handling financial tasks with ease.
- Brand – Apple
- Year – 2023
- Model Name – MacBook Air
- RAM Type – DDR5 RAM
- Hard Disk Size – 1 TB
- Display Type – LED
- Screen Size – 15.3 inch
- Battery – 18 hours
- CPU – 8-core
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
M2 chip delivers excellent performance | Only supports one external screen |
Thinner and lighter, well-built | Shorter battery life than M1 MacBook Air |
1080p webcam |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9)
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9) is a standout option for professionals seeking the best laptop for QuickBooks. It offers integrated Intel UHD Graphics, a webcam with a microphone, Wi-Fi 6 (Intel AX201 11ax), Bluetooth 5.1, and a backlit keyboard.
Additionally, it includes a fingerprint reader, USB-C, HDMI, USB 3.1, and USB 4 Type-C with Thunderbolt 4. These features make it exceptionally versatile and powerful, ensuring smooth and efficient performance for all your QuickBooks accounting tasks.
- Brand – Lenovo
- Series – Lenovo ThinkPad
- Year – 2021
- Model Number – Lenovo ThinkPad
- RAM Type – DDR4 SDRAM
- Hard Disk Size – 1 TB
- Display Type – LED
- Screen Size – 14 Inches
- Graphics RAM Type – DDR4 SDRAM
- CPU Model – Core i7
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Incredible performance | Integrated graphics struggle with creative workloads |
Phenomenal battery life | A little flexible |
Long list of business-friendly features | Very high price |
Lenovo Yoga 7i
The Lenovo Yoga 7i is the perfect choice for accounting students looking for the best budget laptop for their studies. Its newest slim design offers versatility with a 360-degree hinge, allowing you to switch between ‘Laptop’ mode for everyday computing, ‘Yoga’ mode for sharing content, ‘Flip’ mode for binge-watching, or ‘Tablet’ mode for more intuitive interaction. With its long battery life of up to 19.5 hours, it ensures uninterrupted productivity throughout your busy academic days.
- Brand – Lenovo
- Year – 2023
- Model Number – Yoga 7i
- RAM Type – DDR5 RAM
- Hard Disk Size – 1 TB
- Display Type – LCD
- Screen Size – 16 Inches
- Graphics RAM Type – VRAM
- CPU Model – Ryzen 7
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Wide port variety | Dim display |
Decent 1080p webcam | RAM soldered to the motherboard |
Under $1,000 |
Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Pro
The Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Pro is the ultimate choice for professionals seeking the best laptop for accounting work. With career-accelerating speed, this laptop is tailor-made for strivers and thrivers. Its powerful processor, the latest design by Intel, is ideal for fast-paced lifestyles, ensuring seamless multitasking and efficiency in handling accounting tasks with precision and speed.
- Brand – Samsung
- Series – Galaxy Book3 Pro
- Year – 2023
- Model Number – NP960XFG-KA1US
- Hard Disk Size – 1 TB
- Display Type – Amoled
- Screen Size – 16 Inches
- Graphics RAM Type – Shared
- CPU Model – Intel Core i7
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Minimalistic design and solid feel | Fans get noisy |
Stunning display | Speakers could have been louder |
Productivity oriented | No touchscreen display |
Lenovo ThinkPad E16 (AMD)
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 (AMD) is the best laptop for CA students who want reliability without breaking the bank. As a 16-inch commercial laptop in the ThinkPad E Series, the ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 offers a solid option for those on a budget. It’s a fine deal for students on a modest budget, providing the durability and performance required for intensive CA coursework.
- Brand – Lenovo
- Series – Lenovo ThinkPad
- Model Number – ThinkPad E15
- RAM Type – DDR4 SDRAM
- Hard Disk Size – 512 GB
- Display Type – LCD
- Screen Size – 16 Inches
- Graphics RAM Type – Shared
- CPU Model – Ryzen 5 4500U
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Aggressive starting price for ThinkPad line | Not the brightest, nor the most colorful, display |
Delivers to traditional ThinkPad build quality and keyboard | No SD card slot |
Acer Swift 3
The Acer Swift 3 offers the ultimate premium laptop experience, making it the best laptop for finance professionals who refuse to compromise on performance, graphics, or battery life. Powered by the Intel Evo platform, it delivers superior performance with lightning-fast charging, long-lasting battery life, instant wake capabilities, and a sleek, lightweight design. Whether you’re crunching numbers, analyzing data, or managing portfolios, the Acer Swift 3 is your go-to choice for maximizing productivity and efficiency in the world of finance.
- Brand – acer
- Series – SF314-512-73YZ
- Year – 2022
- Model Number – NX.K0FAA.00D
- RAM Memory Maximum Size – 16 GB
- Hard Disk Size – 1 TB
- Display Type – LCD
- Screen Size – 14 Inches
- Graphics RAM Type – Shared
- CPU Model – Core i7
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Ultra-lightweight | No SD card reader |
3:2 display is very useful | RAM not upgradeable |
Backlit keyboard |
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is more than just a laptop; it’s your trusted Copilot on Windows 11, designed to be the best accounting laptop for professionals. With its AI companion, Copilot, tasks become effortless, reducing cognitive load and simplifying even the most complex accounting processes. Whether you’re managing spreadsheets, analyzing financial data, or balancing budgets, the Surface Laptop 5 empowers you to work with ease and efficiency, making it the perfect companion for accounting professionals.
- Brand – Microsoft
- Series – Surface Laptop
- Year – 2022
- Model Number – RBG-00026
- RAM Type – DDR5 RAM
- Hard Disk Size – 0 TB
- Display Type – LCD
- Screen Size – 13.5 Inches
- Graphics RAM Type – DDR5 RAM
- CPU Model – Intel
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Thin and light design. | Battery lasts only eight hours of light use. |
Comfortable keyboard; responsive touchpad. | Poor reflection handling. |
Excellent webcam. |
HP Pavilion 15
The HP Pavilion 15 is not just any laptop; it’s a powerhouse designed specifically for accounting purposes. With its premium performance, you can accomplish more in less time, making it the perfect laptop for accounting professionals. Compact yet powerful, it accompanies you wherever you go, supported by a long-lasting battery that ensures you’re powered through your busiest days. Say goodbye to productivity hurdles and hello to seamless accounting workflows with the HP Pavilion 15.
- Brand – HP
- Series – Pavilion
- Year – 2021
- Model Number –15-eg0025nr
- RAM Type – 16 GB 16GB DDR4
- Hard Disk Size – 512 GB SSD
- Display Type – FHD
- Screen Size –15.6 Inches
- Graphics RAM Type – DDR4 SDRAM
- CPU Model – Intel
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Attractive design and robust case | High power consumption |
Good system performance | Unpleasant fan noise under load |
Envy-like design, full-size Num Pad, narrow bezels, USB Type-C, quiet fan. |
Acer Aspire 5
The Acer Aspire 5, with its 20GB memory for multitasking and adequate high-bandwidth RAM, is the best laptop for tax preparers. It allows you to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs simultaneously. The upgraded 1 TB Solid State Drive ensures fast bootup and data transfer, making the Acer Aspire 5 your go-to choice for efficient and reliable tax preparation work.
- Brand – Acer
- Series – Aspire 5
- Year – 2023
- Model Number – A515
- RAM Type – 20 GB DDR4
- Hard Disk Size – 1 TB SSD
- Processor – 3.5 GHz ryzen_3
- Screen Size – 15.6 Inches
- CPU Model – AMD
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Solid single- and multi-core performance | The body is almost entirely made of plastic |
Handy fingerprint scanner | No dedicated graphics card |
Efficient 10th-gen Intel processor |
Asus ZenBook 14
The Asus ZenBook 14, featuring the latest AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX Processor (16M Cache, up to 4.6GHz, 8 cores) and AMD Radeon Vega 7 Graphics, is the perfect laptop for accounting work. With its Ergo Lift hinge, backlit keyboard, Number Pad, and IR webcam with Windows Hello support, this laptop has everything you need to handle your accounting tasks efficiently and comfortably.
- Brand – ASUS
- Series – ASUS ZenBook 14
- Year – 2021
- Model Number – UM425QA-XH99
- RAM Type – 16 GB DDR4
- Hard Disk Size – 1 TB SSD
- Display Type – FHD
- Screen Size – 14 Inches
- Graphics RAM Type – DDR4 SDRAM
- CPU Model – AMD
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Strong integrated graphics performance | No audio jack |
Light and portable | No fingerprint sensor |
Long battery life, and quick USB-C charging | RAM and WLAN not user-upgradeable |
HP Envy x360
The HP Envy x360 is innovatively engineered to rotate 360 degrees, making it the perfect laptop for finance professionals. You can use your device in four positions: work in laptop position, watch in reverse position, play in tent position, and go in tablet position. This versatile laptop adapts to your needs, allowing you to use it the way you want, enhancing your productivity and efficiency in the world of finance.
- Brand – HP
- Series – HP
- Year – 2021
- Model Number – HP
- RAM Type – DDR4
- Hard Disk Size – 256 GB SSD
- Display Type – FHD
- Screen Size – 15.6-inch
- Graphics RAM Type – DDR4 RAM
- CPU Model – Core i7
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Excellent productivity performance | Poor performance in Adobe applications |
Good keyboard | Bloatware is annoying |
Quiet under most low to medium loads |
Ready To Get the Best Laptop for Your Accounting Operations?
Here, we have given you 13 best laptops for accounting professionals who can ease their workloads with good performance and technical features.
If you want a laptop with good battery life, go for – The Dell XPS 15, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9), or Asus ZenBook 14. If you are going for a good display, choose – the Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Pro or Acer Swift 3, and if you want a top-performing one, then you can choose any, as these are the best laptops available on the market.
The role of a well-performing laptop in the life of a CPA during tax season cannot be overstated. Make this tax season successful by selecting the best option according to your preference. Ensure a successful and efficient tax season with a great laptop.