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24 Best Computer for Online Teaching Options in 2024
Are you looking for the best computer for online teaching? You’ve come to the right place!
There are many different options on the market, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.
At the Tutor Resource, we’ve been teaching online since well before 2020 made remote work fashionable. So we know what specs are most important for online teachers and tutors who use their computers regularly for working with students.
Apart from teaching, teachers also require computers for things like:
- Web browsing to prepare lessons and stay updated
- Software like Microsoft Office and Zoom
- Grading assignments and examination
- File uploading and presentations
- Making video lessons
- Multitasking
With the numerous ways that teachers depend on the best computer for online teaching, it’s essential to spend some time finding the right one.
Whether you tutor freelance for profit or volunteer with an online tutoring service, you’ll still want a machine that suits your needs.
In this post, we’ll discuss the best computers for online teaching, both desktop and laptops. Plus, we even have a detailed buyer’s guide that will help you understand which features can best suit your teaching needs.
We hope that this will help make your decision easier! Let’s go!
Best Computer for Online Teaching: Options at a Glance
Best Laptops for Online Teaching
Best Desktops for Online Teaching
✔️ Dell XPS Tower
✔️ HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop
✔️ Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO
✔️ Acer Aspire TC Desktop
✔️ ASUS ROG Strix G15CX
✔️ Dell Inspiron AIO Touchscreen
Best Computer for Online Teaching: Laptop Details
1. Acer Aspire E 15
The Acer Aspire E 15 is a great computer for online teaching because it has a large screen (15.6 inches), making it easy to see what your students are doing.
The laptop also comes with an Intel Core i-7 Processor, which is perfect for running multiple programs at once.
And, at under $1000, the Acer Aspire E 15 is a great value for online teachers.
Product Pros
Product Cons
2. Apple Macbook Air
The Apple Macbook Air is a popular choice for online teachers because it’s lightweight and portable, making it easy to take to and from classes.
The Macbook Air also has a long battery life, so you can teach for hours without having to worry about recharging.
However, the Macbook Air is more expensive than some other laptops on the market.
Product Pros
Product Cons
3. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is a powerful laptop that’s perfect for online teachers who need a computer that can handle multiple programs at once.
The laptop has an AMD Ryzen Processor and comes with 16 GB of RAM, making it a great choice for online teaching.
However, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is more expensive than some other laptops on the market.
Product Pros
Product Cons
4. ASUS Vivobook
The ASUS Vivobook is a great choice for online teachers who need a laptop that’s affordable and has all the basic features they need.
The Vivobook comes with an Intel Core i-5 Processor and has a 15.6-inch screen, making it easy to see what your students are doing.
However, the battery life isn’t as long as some other laptops on the market and the laptop isn’t as powerful as some other laptops.
Product Pros
Product Cons
5. ASUS Zenbook
The ASUS Zenbook is a popular choice for online teachers because it’s lightweight and portable, making it easy to take to and from classes.
The Zenbook also has a long battery life, so you can teach for hours without having to worry about recharging.
However, the Zenbook is more expensive than some other laptops on the market.
Product Pros
Product Cons
6. Dell Inspiron 15
The Dell Inspiron 15 is a great choice for online teachers who need an affordable laptop with all the basic features they need.
The Inspiron comes with an AMD Ryzen Core Processor and has a 15.6-inch screen, making it easy to see what your students are doing.
In addition, the anti-glare screen makes it easier to work in a variety of lighting conditions.
Product Pros
Product Cons
7. Del XPS Laptop
The Dell XPS laptop is a great choice for online teachers who need a powerful and reliable computer.
The XPS comes with an Intel Core i-7 Processor and has a 13.4-inch screen, making it easier to see your screen. Plus, it is thinner than a dime when closed!
However, the battery life isn’t as long as some other laptops on the market. Keep your charger handy.
Product Pros
Product Cons
8. HP Premium HD
The HP Premium HD laptop is a great choice for online teachers who need an affordable and reliable computer.
The laptop comes with an Intel Core i-3 Processor and has a 15.6-inch HD screen, making it easy to see what your students are doing.
However, the battery life isn’t as long as some other laptops on the market and the laptop isn’t as powerful as some other laptops.
Product Pros
Product Cons
9. HP Laptop 15
The HP Laptop 15 is a great choice for online teachers who need a powerful and reliable computer. Plus it’s very affordable!
The laptop comes with an Intel Core i-5 Processor and has a 15.6-inch screen, making it easy to see what your students are doing.
However, the battery life isn’t as long as some other laptops on the market and it can have issues connecting to other Bluetooth devices.
Product Cons
10. HP Pavillion x360
The HP Pavillion x360 convertible laptop is a great choice for online teachers who need an affordable and reliable computer.
The laptop comes with an Intel Core i-5 Processor and has a 14-inch HD screen, making it easy to see what your students are doing.
However, the battery life isn’t as long as some other laptops on the market and the laptop isn’t as powerful as some other laptops.
Product Cons
11. HP Spectre 360x
The HP Spectre 360x convertible laptop is a great choice for online teachers who need an affordable and reliable computer.
The laptop comes with an Intel Core i-7 Processor and has a 13.5-inch HD screen, making it easy to see what your students are doing.
However, the battery life isn’t as long as some other laptops on the market and the laptop isn’t as powerful as some other laptops.
Product Pros
Product Cons
12. HP Stream 11.6-inch HD
The HP Stream 11.6-inch HD laptop is a great choice for online teachers who need an affordable and reliable computer.
The laptop comes with an Intel Celeron N4000 Processor and has an 11.6-inch HD screen, which can make it more difficult to see what your students are doing or to use multiple tabs at once.
The battery life is average compared to other laptops on the market and the HP Stream 11.6-inch isn’t as powerful as some other laptops. However, it’s very easy to travel with due to its very small size!
Product Pros
Product Cons
13. Huawei MateBook X Pro Signature Edition
The Huawei MateBook X Pro Signature Edition laptop is a great choice for online teachers who need an affordable and reliable computer.
The laptop comes with an Intel Core i-7 Processor and has a 13.9-inch HD screen, which is the lowest most teachers prefer if they’re using multiple tabs at a time.
However, the built-in webcam is lower quality than other laptops on the market and the laptop has an awkward placement for its USB-C ports.
Product Pros
Product Cons
14. Lenovo Flex 14
The Lenovo Flex 14 convertible laptop is a great choice for online teachers who need an affordable and reliable computer.
The laptop comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 Processor and has a 14-inch HD screen. Plus it includes a writing pen for the touch screen!
However, the battery life isn’t as long as some other laptops on the market, and some users complain the pen holder is in an awkward position.
Product Cons
15. Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga
i7-1365u) 64GB RAM 2TB SSD WiFi 6 Fingerprint Windows 11 PRO 1-Week Sup.”>The Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga is a great choice for online teachers who need an affordable and reliable computer.
The laptop comes with an Intel Core i-7 Processor and has a 13.5-inch HD screen.
However, the laptop isn’t a touchscreen and it is a bit pricier than other laptops on the market.
Product Cons
16. LG Gram
The LG Gram laptop is a great choice for online teachers who need an affordable and reliable computer. The laptop comes with an Intel Core i-5 Processor and has a 15.6-inch HD screen.
In addition, it has a backlit keyboard to make working in lower light settings easier. Plus, it comes with Windows 11!
The battery life is good compared to other laptops on the market but the LG Gram isn’t as powerful as some other laptops.
Product Pros
Product Cons
17. Microsoft Surface Go Laptop
The Microsoft Surface Go laptop is a great choice for online teachers who need an affordable and reliable computer.
The laptop comes with an Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y Processor and has a 12.4-inch HD screen, which can make it difficult to see what your students are doing or to use multiple tabs at once.
The battery life is okay compared to other laptops on the market and the Microsoft Surface Go isn’t as powerful as some other laptops.
However, it’s very easy to travel with due to being so lightweight.
Product Pros
18. Samsung Galaxy Book Flex
The Samsung Galaxy Book Flex is a great choice for online teachers who need an affordable and reliable computer.
The laptop comes with an Intel Core i-7 Processor, a QLED display, and has a 13.3-inch full HD screen.
Despite the smaller screen size, the visual quality is excellent. The battery life is good compared to other laptops on the market.
In addition, the laptop has a built-in fingerprint sensor that allows you to easily log in to your computer without having to remember a password.
Product Cons
Best Computer for Online Teaching: Desktop Computers
Looking for a more traditional desktop computer? Here are our top picks for that category that online teachers should consider.
19. Dell XPS Tower
If you’re looking for a desktop computer that’s great for online teaching, the best option is the Dell XPS Tower.
The Dell XPS Tower comes with an Intel Core i-7 Processor and includes a 1TB HDD hard drive.
In addition, the Dell XPS Tower has a variety of ports that allow you to connect external devices, like a printer or scanner.
It includes a wired keyboard and mouse but it does not include a monitor or webcam. Those must be purchased separately.
Product Cons
20. HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop
If you’re looking for a desktop computer that’s great for online teaching, the best option is the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop computer.
The HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop Computer comes with an Intel Core i-5 Processor and includes Windows 11.
In addition, the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop Computer has a variety of ports that allow you to connect external devices, like a printer or scanner.
It does not include speakers, a webcam, a monitor, a keyboard, or a mouse. All of those must be purchased separately.
Product Pros
Product Cons
21. Lenovo IdeaCentre All-in-One
If you’re looking for a desktop computer that’s great for online teaching, the best option is the Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO.
The Lenovo IdeaCentre comes with a Ryzen 5 Processor and has a 24-inch HD screen, making it very easy to see what your students are doing or to use multiple tabs at once.
The computer also comes with a built-in webcam, microphone, and speakers, so you can easily connect with your students online.
In addition, the Lenovo IdeaCentre Desktop has a variety of ports that allow you to connect external devices, like a printer or scanner.
Product Pros
Product Cons
22. Acer Aspire TC Desktop
If you’re looking for a desktop computer that’s great for online teaching, the best option is the Acer Aspire TC Desktop.
The Acer Aspire TC Desktop comes with an Intel Core i-3 Processor and has a variety of ports that allow you to connect external devices, like a printer or scanner.
It’s also available as an AIO computer that includes a monitor and other accessories
Product Pros
Product Cons
23. ASUS ROG Strix G15CX Desktop
If you’re looking for a desktop computer that’s great for online teaching, the one of the top options is the ASUS ROG Strix G15CX desktop computer.
The ASUS ROG Strix G15CX desktop computer comes with an Intel Core i-7 Processor and has a variety of ports that allow you to connect external devices, like a printer or scanner.
It also includes a 1 TB hard drive and Windows 11. Plus it looks really cool, too!
Unfortunately, it doesn’t include a monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, or webcam.
Product Pros
Product Cons
24. Dell Inspiron All-in-One Touchscreen Desktop
If you’re looking for a desktop computer that’s great for online teaching, the best option is the Dell Inspiron AIO Touchscreen Desktop computer.
The Dell Inspiron AIO Touchscreen comes with an Intel Core i-5 Processor and has a 23.8-inch HD screen, making it easy to keep an eye on multiple students at a time.
It includes a 1TB hard drive, 12 GB of RAM, and a variety of ports that allow you to connect external devices, like a printer or scanner.
The computer also comes with a built-in webcam, microphone, and speakers, so you can easily connect with your students online.
Product Pros
Product Cons
Best Computer for Online Teaching: Specs Considerations
Screen Size
When choosing a computer for online teaching, it’s important to consider the screen size. A larger screen will make it easier to see your students and manage your virtual classroom. It will also be easier to view and present multimedia content.
A smaller screen may be more portable, but it could make it more difficult to see and engage with your students.
Keep in mind that the size of the screen also determines the size of the laptop’s keyboard and trackpad. You might feel cramped typing on a ten-inch device.
Screen Resolution
Another consideration is the resolution of the screen. A higher resolution will make text and images appear sharper, which can be important when you’re presenting material to your students. It can also make the screen easier to see and read.
However, a higher resolution can also require more processing power from your computer, which could slow it down. You’ll need to balance the screen size and resolution to find the right computer for your needs.
Touch Screen
A touch screen can be a great asset for an online teacher. With a touch screen, you can easily annotate documents or slideshows, and draw diagrams to explain concepts.
You can also use a virtual whiteboard to brainstorm ideas with your students or collaborate on projects.
Pro Tip: Touch screens can be used to increase the interactivity of your lessons!
If you’re considering a touch screen laptop, keep in mind that they usually have a shorter battery life than traditional computers. They can also be more expensive.
But if you think a touch screen will help you in your online teaching, it could be worth it. It is for us!
Battery Life
A laptop’s battery life is an important consideration for online teachers. Longer battery life means that you can teach for longer periods of time without having to recharge your computer.
This is especially important if you’re teaching classes that run for several hours.
Shorter battery life can be a major inconvenience, and it could even cause you to lose students if your computer dies in the middle of a class. Make sure to check the battery life of any laptop you’re considering before making a purchase.
Processor
It’s also important to consider the processor when choosing a computer for online teaching. A faster processor can make it easier to run multimedia content and open multiple programs at once.
This can be important when you’re managing a virtual classroom with several students.
A slower processor can cause your computer to lag, which can be frustrating for both you and your students. It’s important to find a balance between speed and power when choosing a processor for your online teaching needs.
Computer Weight
The weight of a computer can be important for online teachers. A lighter laptop will be easier to carry with you to and from classes. It will also be less likely to cause fatigue during long class sessions.
A heavier laptop may offer more features and power, but it can be difficult to lug around and use for extended periods of time. If you’re considering a heavier laptop, make sure it has features that are worth the extra weight.
Graphics Card
The graphics card is an important consideration for online teachers. A powerful graphics card can make it easier to run multimedia content and open multiple programs at once.
Pro Tip: This can have an impact when you’re using interactive lessons, like from EdPuzzle or Genially, with your students.
A weaker graphics card can cause your computer to lag, which can be frustrating for both you and your students. It’s important to find a balance between speed and power when choosing a graphics card for your online teaching needs.
Computer RAM
An important consideration for online teachers is a computer’s RAM, which stands for Random Access Memory.
Pro Tip: RAM is what you use to do basically anything on your computer.
A higher amount of RAM can make it easier to run multimedia content and open multiple programs at once. This can be important when you’re managing a virtual classroom with several students.
Like with a graphics card, a lower amount of RAM can cause your computer to lag, which can be frustrating for both you and your students. It’s important to find a balance between speed and power when choosing how much RAM to get for your online teaching needs.
Operating System
There are a few key differences between the iOS and Windows operating systems that are important to consider for online teachers.
The first is that iOS is a closed system, while Windows is an open system. This means that iOS only runs on Apple products, while Windows can run on a variety of devices.
The second difference is that iOS is a simpler operating system than Windows. This can be an advantage for online teachers because it means there is less to learn in order to use the system effectively.
The third difference is that iOS is a more secure operating system than Windows. This is important for online teachers because it means that student data will be more secure when using an Apple product.
Overall, both iOS and Windows have their advantages and disadvantages for online teachers. It’s important to consider your needs in order to decide which operating system is right for you.
Price
The price of a computer can vary depending on the brand, model, and specs. A typical laptop can cost anywhere from $500 to $2000. A more powerful laptop with a faster processor, better graphics card, and more RAM can cost upwards of $3000.
As an online teacher, you’ll need a computer that is powerful enough to handle multimedia content and run multiple programs at once. You should also consider the weight of the computer, as you’ll be carrying it with you to and from classes.
Overall, we recommend that online teachers budget at least $700 for their new computers. This will ensure that you’re getting a powerful machine that can handle all of your online teaching needs.
Software
When choosing a computer for online teaching, don’t forget to consider the software you’ll need. Make sure the computer you choose is compatible with the programs you’ll be using for your classes.
Some software programs that online teachers may use include:
✔ Zoom
✔ Google Classroom or Google Meet
✔ Voov/Tencent
✔ EdPuzzle
✔ Classin
✔ Adobe Creative Suite
✔ Canva
As an online teacher, you’ll need a computer that is powerful enough to handle the software you use for your classes. Make sure to check the system requirements of your software before making a purchase.
Laptops vs Desktops: Which is the Best Computer for Online Teaching?
There are a few key differences between laptops and desktop computers that are important to consider for online teachers. The first is that laptops are more portable than desktop computers.
This means that they are easier to carry with you to and from classes. You can also take them with you when you travel, so you can teach from anywhere with an internet connection.
The second difference is that laptops typically have weaker specs than desktop computers, although they have developed a much better reputation in recent years.
This can be an issue for online teachers because they may need a more powerful machine to run multimedia content and open multiple programs at once.
The third difference is that laptops are more expensive than desktop computers. A really cheap laptop often has such poor specs that it’s likely not worth buying, but a really affordable desktop may have better specs. This is important to consider when budgeting for your new computer.
Overall, both laptops and desktop computers have their advantages and disadvantages for online teachers. It’s important to consider your needs in order to decide which type of computer is right for you.
Best Computer for Online Teaching: Minimum Technical Requirements
The speed and performance of your laptop can significantly affect the quality of your online lesson delivery. At the very least, the best computer specs for online teaching should meet the following minimum system requirements:
- Operating system: Windows 10 (Windows 11 will roll out soon) / IOS Big Sur
- Processor: AMD Ryzen is currently the best, anything past Intel 7th gen is acceptable.
- Graphics: You really don’t need a fancy graphics card unless you’re gaming or doing intensive graphics applications. This is more important for coding or design teachers.
- Ram: You’ll want 8 GB minimum, but 16 GB will future-proof any device you purchase.
- Storage: Get a device with an SSD, they are much faster and more reliable than a mechanical HDD.
Chromebooks are Not the Best Computer for Online Teaching
Chromebooks are not the best computer for online teaching because they do not have a variety of ports that allow you to connect external devices, like a printer or scanner.
Pro Tip: Chromebooks do not always come with a built-in webcam, microphone, and speakers, so you would need to purchase these devices separately.
Finally, Chromebooks don’t use iOS or Windows on which a lot of external software runs. This means you won’t be able to download software that may be required for your online teaching.
If you’re looking for the best computer for online teaching, we recommend that you choose a desktop computer, or even better a laptop, instead of a Chromebook.
How To Choose Your Best Computer For Online Teaching
When choosing your best computer for online teaching, the first thing you need to consider is what type of online teaching you will be doing.
If you’ll be teaching one-on-one sessions via Skype or another video conferencing software, you’ll need a computer with a good webcam and microphone.
The best laptops for online teaching in this case are usually laptops that come with a built-in webcam and microphone.
If you’ll be teaching group classes or webinars, you’ll need a laptop with powerful audio and video capabilities. In this case, we recommend that you choose a laptop with an Intel Core i-3 (or higher) Processor and at least 16 GB of RAM.
Finally, if you’ll be teaching live classes or courses, you’ll need a laptop with good battery life so that your class isn’t interrupted by a dead battery. We recommend that you choose a laptop with at least 12 hours of battery life.
No matter what type of online teaching you’ll be doing, we recommend that you choose a laptop with a variety of ports that allow you to connect external devices, like a printer or scanner.
Overall, the best computer for online teaching is the one that best meets your needs as an online teacher.
Related Reading:
10 Best Online Tutoring Whiteboard Options
9 Best Lighting Options for Online Teaching
What is the Best Microphone for Online Teaching + How to Choose One
10 Best Headsets for Online Teaching
The Ultimate Work From Home Office Checklist
Final Thoughts: Best Computer For Teaching Online
There is no single best computer for online teaching, as the best machine for the job will vary depending on the specific needs of the instructor. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a computer for online teaching.
First, the machine should be powerful enough to handle video conferencing and other demanding tasks. Second, it should be portable enough to allow for easy transport between different teaching locations.
Third, it should have a high-quality webcam and microphone for clear communication with students. Fourth, it should be affordable so that it does not break the budget.
👉 Taking all of these factors into consideration, we believe that the best computer for online teaching is the HP Pavillion x360.
It is powerful enough to handle all necessary tasks, yet portable enough to be easily carried from one location to another. In addition, it has a high-quality webcam and microphone, making it ideal for online instruction. Finally, it is reasonably priced, making it a great option for budget-conscious instructors.
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