I'm sure many of us have faced this dreaded, yet truly innocent scenario where you have to try and teach your parents or grandparents how to do something with some sort of tech device. To our beloved elderly parents, grandparents and seniors, this is an issue many face across the world simply because they're not as used to tech devices as we are. Since most of us grew up with technology so accessibly, older generations tend to avoid the latest and greatest tech innovations in favor of something they're comfortable with and know. But that causes challenges especially with older devices like smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other tech gadgets get outdated and unsupported. I'm sure you have (or knows someone who does) parents, senior citizens and other elderly loved ones still stuck in a pre-smartphone era, or still carrying around that antiquated laptop they bought 10 years ago.
It's a much more prevalent issue than you realize. That's why today, we're going to be listing out some of the best laptops for seniors to help get our senior citizens well equipped with simple to use, no frill laptops. While they might still feel reprehensive about learning something new, these days most laptops and modern operating systems are fairly simple and easy to learn. Of course, I'm not generalizing the entire senior population, since most these days are rocking iPhones gifted by their kids, so we'll keep a balance of truly easy to use laptops and capable, feature packed laptops on our list.
But before we get to that, let's take a moment to talk about what exactly seniors should have on a laptop. Since there are a lot of specs, numbers and names you might not be familiar with, we'll take a moment to explain some of the minimum and recommended specs when looking for the best laptop for seniors. We're also going to take a look at the right operating system the best laptop for seniors should have, so let's get right into it:
Battle of the OS
So, battle of the operating systems, basically, uh, how do I explain this? Well mainly, the right operating system for seniors is truly subject to their own experience with previous laptops and computers. Some seniors may be more accustomed to Windows, some may be accustomed to Apple's macOS, and some may have no experience with computers at all. There are clear differences, advantages, and disadvantages among all of them, so we'll try our best to highlight them. For the most part, most seniors and consumers will encounter three main operating systems built-in a laptop; Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS.
Windows
For most seniors and people, I'll always advise them to get a Windows enabled laptop, specifically a laptop with Windows 10. Nowadays, most, if not all laptop manufacturers have adopted a Windows 10 norm, so that's the operating system we'll be seeing most frequently. Windows will also be the most recognizable, and familiar for most seniors due to the prominence of Windows in the global laptop market. It's a very familiar, well supported, up-to-date operating system that I think will do most users well.
Not to mention that Windows 10 is more widely available on a variety of different laptops ranging in various budgets, uses, and sizes. Unlike the other two OS's on the list, Windows 10 isn't limited to scarcity of choice, which is a good thing for consumers. And since these days, Windows 10 is very well protected in terms of security and finding viruses, so you don't really need to purchase third-party antivirus software. There are also various versions of Windows 10 such as Windows 10 S, Windows 10 Pro, and Windows 10 Home. I'd recommend getting a laptop which has Windows 10 Home since it has everything you need without missing out on any features.
Bottom line, the best laptop for seniors will probably be a Windows 10 laptop.
macOS
Apple's macOS is another viable choice for senior citizens who have either previously used a macOS laptop OR has never used any other laptop. Mainly because it's much easier to teach, and familiarize elderly parents and senior citizens who are either familiar with Apple's ecosystem or have never used any other OS to confuse them. If this will be a seniors first laptop, a MacBook Air or older Apple MacBook Pro will be a great choice to teach them Apple's UI and nuances.
The only caveat I'd really say about macOS on a laptop for seniors is that it's really not worth the money. These laptops are mostly used by creatives that need this power like graphic designers, video editors, artists and more. I just don't think seniors would be able to get the most out of the laptop to justify the high price tag.
Nothing against Apple's hardware and OS, but the main draw of those laptops is how powerful they are. And considering these are Apple's flagship laptops, you're going to have to pay a high-premium for it. Apple's laptop lineup has always been highly priced compared to plenty other Windows capable laptops. However, if you were still keen on getting a MacBook Air or Apple MacBook Pro, the design, OS, UI and build is very well done.
Chrome OS
One of the most frequently asked questions I've heard when creating best laptop lists is "What is ChromeOS?". Well, ChromeOS is sort of the outlier when it comes to operating systems. Mainly because it's much much much more limited in terms of capability compared to Windows and macOS. But with this limited capability, what you get is a senior friendly, simple, with a smooth learning curve compared to the other two OSs'. This is thanks to the simple user interface, and the whole host of Google Suite programs built-in to the ChromeBook. It's not to say being 'simple' is a bad thing, because for seniors, all they really need might just be a web browser to check out social media, read the news, and save a picture of two of loved ones.
Since there isn't really a need for any CPU or graphic intensive programs, ChromeBooks are definitely one of the best user friendly laptop lineups available. Another great thing about ChromeBooks are that they are priced very, very cheap compared to traditional laptops. This is thanks to the focus on online platforms and cloud storage, which lets manufacturers equip Chromebooks with a lower-powered processor, minimal RAM and storage. Meaning, for ChromeOS, it's recommended to be used with Wi-Fi nearby as many apps and programs rely on network connectivity. There will be some versions of apps without needing Wi-Fi, but still, better safe than sorry.
You're probably going to see various chipsets not seen on modern Windows laptops such as Intel Celeron, Intel Core M3 or other similar low-powered processors. This is one main reason I wouldn't whole heartedly recommend a ChromeBook, simply as this hardware may not be able to keep up with demanding tasks. Depending on the user, this might not be such a big deal, but just because something is easy to use, doesn't mean it doesn't have it's fair share of problems.
Now that we've taken the time to understand what the OS situation is like, let's take the time to understand some minimum specs the best laptop for seniors would have.
Minimum Laptop Specs
Now, some other frequently asked questions I've received is how do I know what the minimum laptop specs for seniors should be? Simple enough, just follow these specs I'm outlining and you'll be able to better compare laptop brands when you're buying a laptop. These specs I've outlined are what's required for consistent performance to handle the most basic tasks. These basic tasks include things like web browsing, checking social media, writing a document or two, streaming Netflix/YouTube etc. The above specs should be enough to handle most, if not all of these tasks well.
For the tech savvy however, you'll notice these specs are specially very low, and almost every laptop will double, if not triple these specs. To accommodate for lower-powered ChromeBooks, I've mentioned it this way for ease of comparison between macOS, ChromeOS, and Windows laptop brands. But pretty much, if you have Wi-Fi available, you're good to go with pretty much any laptop available.
Recommended Laptop Specs
As you can see here, if you were looking to buy a laptop, these are the specs that I would recommend as a base for most use cases. Since ChromeBooks don't usually match up to these specs, you're looking at mainly Windows and macOS devices. Keep in mind, if you know for a fact the senior you're buying a laptop can get away with the bare minimums of a ChromeBook, that's what you should go for. But for those looking for something more capable, and less prone to slowdown and crashes, you're better off looking for a fully fledged laptop.
The few main things we have to go through are the essentials to any laptop. Firstly, the display. You're going to want to get at least a Full HD display resolution since this is now the industry norm. Most users will gladly attest to a capable Full HD display for its clarity, color accuracy, and vibrancy. Next, for the processor, I would whole heartedly recommend a base of an Intel Core i3 processor.
However, just to make sure to have a dependable laptop over the coming years, I'd recommend any number of Quad-Core processors like the Intel Core i5 processor or Intel Core i7 processor. The most ideal scenario would be an 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor or above, as this will be the most available and cost effective processor you can get. There's a wide price range when it comes buying a laptop, but having at the least a quad-core processor is a good way to ensure its performance. One last thing I will add is since you don't need to pay attention to the GPU, you can get away with an Intel UHD or Intel HD Integrated graphics cards.
Next up, we've got the RAM/Storage and battery life recommendations. I mentioned an 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD because this will be the most efficient, with a good balance of speed and high-capacity. But if you were hoarding a bunch of data from past laptops, you may want to think about investing into an external hard drive like a 512GB SSD or 1TB SSD. Lastly, in regards to battery life, anything over 8 hours is considered very good.
Now that we've gone through the most important things you need to know when you look for a laptop, let's expand on some other factors that need a little extra explanation.
Other Important Features
1. Display Tech
When it comes to the display, there's a few specs that come into play. Mainly the display resolution and screen size. But there's another consideration that could potentially be a gamer change in our search for the best laptops for seniors: a touch screen. Nowadays, many laptops are opting to either use a touch screen panel or a 2-in-1 laptop . A touch screen can be valuable for senior citizens as it's an easier way to navigate the laptop interface. Being able to tap on something directly, without the need to use a touchpad or external mouse might just change the way your grandparents use a laptop.
Regarding the display resolution and screen size, it's pretty straight forward. I've already mentioned what you need to know about the resolution above, so no need to go over it again. All you need to know is that a Full HD screen is our recommendation for the best laptop for seniors search. You could opt for a 14-inch HD or 15.6-inch HD display, but it just makes things harder to see on a laptop. If possible, always look for a FHD resolution display.
The other pressing spec here is the screen size. The display size will range all the way from 11-inch, to 13.3-inch, to 14-inch, and 15.6-inch panels and above. Since your elders and seniors may face difficulty looking at small elements on screen, I'd recommend getting something 14-inch and above. This extra screen real estate makes things much easier on the eyes, without needing to squint to actually read what's on screen.
2. Battery Life
Battery life is a very important factor to consider mainly as it affects how long you can use your laptop on a single charge. A high-quality laptop will have a long battery life, ranging from upwards of 8-9 hours battery life. This extra peace of mind, the ability to use your laptop longer without having to charge back up could be very influential for senior citizens. One of the best parts about having a longer battery life is the ability to bring it around the house, on the couch or desk without having to worry about it.
If this special elderly senior in your life enjoys travelling, or going to the park and cafes, a long lasting battery will do well for their use. Not to mention, the battery life paired with the form factor dictates how 'portable' the laptop is. Having a sleek, thin and light, long lasting laptop makes things that much easier, so that's why I'd recommend checking out this spec seriously.
3. Form Factor
Lastly, probably one of the most important aspects to look for; a sleek form factor. This will relate to two major factors: how light and how thin the laptop is. I'd say these days, more and more laptop manufacturers are trying to fit in the most capable hardware within smaller frames and bodies. This will result in a sleek, slim and lightweight laptop that will be undoubtedly beneficial for seniors facing difficulty lifting things. Not to mention, much easier on the lower back and shoulders if you were planning on bringing the laptop around town.
Another thing that relates to the form factor is 2-in-1 functionality. A 2-in-1 laptop usually refers to a laptop that is capable of transforming to a different mode i.e. tablet mode, laptop mode, stand mode etc. A 2-in-1 laptop gives you greater flexibility in how you use your laptop, as well as the inclusion for a touch screen display. Nowadays, laptop brands are also looking to implement larger screens into smaller bodies i.e. 15.6-inch display in a 14-inch chassis. Finding the right combination of performance, battery life, and form factor will make a complete, whole laptop perfect for anyone, including senior members in our community.
Now that we've gone through basically everything we have to know, let's get straight into the list!
5 Best Laptops For Seniors
1. Acer Aspire 5 Slim
For those looking for a laptop capable of handling everyday tasks reliably, without breaking the bank, then the Acer Aspire 5 Slim could be the right laptop for you. The Acer Aspire 5 Slim is the picture perfect definition of what a 'laptop' is. The laptop comes with a simple, minimalist design which most probably envision when they think of the word 'laptop'. On the front, we've got a 15.6-inch display with a Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) making for a rather standard display. Though, considering that in this price range, other laptops may not even come with a FHD resolution, opting for a cheaper HD panel. A definite plus for the Acer Aspire 5 Slim.
The fact that it is so simple, without any distractions or fancy bells and whistles in terms of design, I think fits very well as a laptop for the senior population. Besides the simple design however, we've got some pretty great flagship level specs under the hood. Starting things off is the AMD Ryzen 7 3700U mobile processor, 8GB RAM and a sizable 512GB SSD. This is a great lineup, with solid specs that will be manage most tasks, even some light gaming for the grandkids maybe? This just highlights the great value you get with the Acer Aspire 5 Slim, even for a lower price tag, you're not losing out on any important specs.
The laptop also features some additional extra features such as Acer Color Intelligence for color accuracy, Acer BlueLightShield to help protect your eyes from straining over extended periods of use, a backlit keyboard, and up to 7.5 hours of battery life on a single charge. To top it all off, the laptop measures in just 0.7" thin and weighing in at 3.9 lbs. Honestly, the laptop is a great deal and offers you just the right specs to keep it running smoothly for more than a few years.
2. ASUS ZenBook 13
If you were looking for a laptop that has a more compact design without sacrificing performance, and still have a reasonable price tag, the ASUS ZenBook 13 is that and more. First off, you'll notice a minimalist design with no wasted space all around the laptop's design. The best example of this would be the 13.3-inch Full HD NanoEdge design, translating to a full screen, with super thin bezels all around the 4-edges of the display frame. This results in a larger screen in a smaller laptop chassis, netting the display a superb 88% screen-to-body ratio.
On the inside, we're met with some impressive mid-range specs that includes a 10th Generation Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor, 8GB of RAM and a decently sized 256 GB SSD. The main draw here would be one of the latest Intel Core i5 processors with a great RAM capacity. This laptop should be able to handle pretty much any task a senior citizen would need to do and not face super slow load times, unexpected crashes and other problems. The ASUS ZenBook 13 also has some great features that makes things easy to use, like the ASUS NumberPad 2.0 built into the trackpad, and an ErgoLife hinge that raises the rear of the laptop slightly, making for a more ergonomic, comfortable typing experience.
The laptop though is not as fragile as it seems as the ASUS ZenBook 13 actually manufactured in accordance to rigorous MIL-STD-810G military standard for reliability and durability. Other standout features include a whopping 22 hours battery life on a single charge, fast charging that gets 0-60% in just 40 minutes, and measures in at a thin and light 0.5" thick and 2.6lbs. All together, the ASUS ZenBook 13 is a great value for money laptop, packed to the brim in features that makes it easy to use, powerful, and affordable.
3. Apple MacBook Pro
For those looking to get into Apple's ecosystem and macOS, the latest MacBook Pro is a great choice for any user. This might be a bit overkill in terms of a one of the best laptops for seniors, but Apple's laptops have always been remarked as long lasting, durable, speedy performers. I will say that Apple's hardware has a great reputation in terms of longevity and support, so if you wanted something to last for a good amount of time, this could be the best choice. Starting things off is the gorgeous 13.3-inch Retina display which has a lot of built-in tech to supplement the viewing experience. Things like up to 500 nits of brightness, a P3 wide color gamut for even more vibrant picture on screen, and True Tone technology to automatically adjust the display to your surroundings.
Impressive as that is, the Apple MacBook Pro takes things a step further with the accompanying internal specs. The star of the show is Apple's latest venture, the Apple M1 chip processor, 8 gigs of RAM and a 256GB Solid State Drive. The Apple M1 Chip is a first for Apple venturing into the processor game, but so far, there's been nothing but rave reviews on its performance. However, I will add that some programs may not support this MacBook Pro since they aren't using the previously support Intel Core processor lineup. Not a big deal, but something to be aware of in case your elderly parents or grandparents needed to run some niche, secluded program. In that case, your best bet would be with a Windows 10 laptop.
The MacBook Pro does a few other Apple-exclusive features like the backlit keyboard, 'Magic Keyboard' which uses a scissor mechanism for a quiet, responsive typing experience. Another Apple-exclusive feature includes the Touch Bar. The Apple Touch Bar has been a staple for the latest Mac laptops for a while now, and constantly updates to your current app with a variety of shortcuts, tools and other commands for productivity. You also get up to 20 hours of battery power, Touch ID, and Thunderbolt USB-C charging. A premium, fully equipped laptop for the power user, but translates well to a high-end, long lasting laptop for seniors.
4. Samsung ChromeBook 4+
For those keen on getting the cheapest, most capable laptop you can get your hands on, the Samsung ChromeBook 4+ is a great option. This laptop is running ChromeOS, and as I mentioned earlier, does limit its functionality a bit. However, for the most basic of tasks mostly pertaining to a web browser, you're quite well equipped here. Starting things off is an impressive 15.6-inch FHD LED display, which actually looks super attractive. I'm surprised as you don't see a FHD panel on a ChromeBook too often, mostly as a HD screen is much cheaper for manufacturers. That's also one of the reasons I chose this particular unit, as that one spec of a high-resolution display is more than worth the price tag.
Under the hood, we get a better look at what the Samsung ChromeBook 4+ is capable of. For the affordable price, you're getting an Intel Celeron N4000 processor, 4GB RAM and a 64GB eMMC storage on board. eMMC storage is basically as fast as an SSD, but in a far lower capacity as it's built-in directly on the motherboard. Even though these specs may seem a bit too low powered, the processor is still quite capable with a respectable RAM configuration. You shouldn't run into too many problems running the web browser and the ChromeOS apps available.
The Samsung ChromeBook 4+ has impressed in almost every category, especially so for a ChromeBook. It also has some extra features that make it a better deal like built-in virus protection, Google Assistant access, USB-C charging and up to 10.5 hours battery power. It handles the basics well and does so in an attractive, simple package. Quite possibly the best ChromeBook for seniors, that's for sure.
5. LG Gram Laptop
While many may not even be aware LG makes laptops, they do equip their devices with some fairly competent specs and a great value. The LG Gram has this great white color adorned throughout the device, contrasted by the black display frame. On the display, we're met with a respectable 13.3-inch FHD touchscreen display with a great screen-to-body ratio. Other than that, the laptop's whole frame is pretty standard, and simple, with minimal design patterns. The body is made up of a metal alloy which makes it lightweight while retaining durability.
On the inside, the LG Gram packs in some respectable specs starting off with the 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8265U processor, 8 gigs of RAM and a 256 GB SSD. The 8th Generation Intel Core i5 is a little lacking, but will still perform admirably for most day-to-day tasks with the exception of more intensive software like design or gaming. For the rest though, this will be a great companion for any senior citizen who needs a laptop to stay in touch with family and watch a movie or two. Its 2021, even grandpa knows how to use Netflix at this point.
There are a few great extras built-in the laptop like MIL-STD-810 military standard durability, a white backlit keyboard, and a jaw dropping 22.5 hours battery power for all day usage. All in all, the LG Gram isn't flashy, or impressive in just one spec, but it's an excellent all-round performer, with an attractive design, and high-durability.
Conclusion
We've gone through a whole host of different laptop brands ranging in various prices and functionality. But now comes the time when we crown the best of the best laptops for seniors.
The undisputed, best laptop for seniors this time will be the ASUS ZenBook 13!
This laptop is truly a value champion with a superbly stacked spec sheet for a super affordable price tag. The gorgeous looking screen, one of the latest Intel Core i5 processors, and an arsenal of built-in features that makes things just so much easier to use. It encapsulates the best laptop for seniors persona more than any other laptop we've seen, solely because of the quality-of-life upgrades and attention to detail that ASUS has put into this great device.
