The 10 Best Laptops With LTE
This wiki has been updated 23 times since it was first published in August of 2019. Sometimes it's hard to find a reliable Wi-Fi connection, especially if you're frequently on the move. While it's still a relatively niche market, there is a decent selection of 4G LTE-enabled laptops and, thanks to advanced manufacturing techniques, they're getting more efficient all the time. There are plenty of worthwhile choices, but remember that they're generally meant for portability. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Acer Swift 7
2. Lenovo ThinkPad T480s
3. Microsoft Surface Go 2
Editor's Notes
August 20, 2020:
It can be tough to find the perfect notebook computer that fills all your needs and also has a 4G modem inside. With that in mind, you'll notice that some of these suggestions aren't the absolute newest releases, but we made sure to stick to laptops that are powerful enough to accomplish most everyday tasks.
Another thing you'll notice is Microsoft's heavy presence here, with the relatively familiar Microsoft Surface Pro 5 offering good performance and even better fit and finish. The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is the latest version of their highly portable Windows tablet, and is in fact just about the smallest device out there that can run Windows 10. The Microsoft Surface Pro X is somewhat of a different beast, running an ARM processor that's basically a beefed-up version of what's found in modern smartphones. It's not nearly as powerful as a traditional PC CPU, and it's limited to 32-bit applications, but it's definitely a worthy consideration for those who don't require the use of third-party apps.
Both the Acer Swift 7 and Acer Swift 3 are good mid-range choices, with the 7 checking in as one of the slimmest and lightest of all laptops, LTE connected or not. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet is a detachable 2-in-1 that offers premium-level performance, as does the Lenovo ThinkPad T480s. There are also a couple Chromebooks thrown in for good measure, because while they aren't quite as versatile as Windows machines, they're considerably easier to use in many respects.
If none of these are quite right for you, we recommend considering a standalone 4G hotspot, though you will need to do some research to ensure that the one you pick will work where you're traveling. You could pair that with an ultraportable laptop or something with a little more real estate and remain connected pretty much anywhere in the world aside from rural areas.
August 05, 2019:
For a few years now it's seemed like always-on, LTE-enabled laptops have been just around the corner, but it looks like we're finally getting some ultra-versatile options that are both reasonably priced and powerful enough for everyday use for a variety of tasks. Both Lenovo Thinkpads, as well as the Microsoft Surface Pro, are extremely strong choices, capable of doing pretty much anything a standard laptop can do. They do, however, cost quite a bit. On the opposite end are the ultraportable 2-in-1s such as the Surface 3, Surface Go, and first-generation Samsung Galaxy Book. While they don't have nearly the same processing power, as long as you aren't heavily multitasking, they're perfectly fine machines.
In the middle are the HP Envy X2 and the Acer Swift 3. The former has great battery life thanks to its ARM processor, but such efficiency comes at the cost of somewhat sluggish performance at some tasks. The Acer, on the other hand, is one of the most well-rounded LTE-enabled laptops, offering fast load times and overall good performance at a price that won't break the bank. If you need something highly portable and don't mind tracking down your own wireless keyboard, check out our list of 4G LTE-enabled tablets as well as our roundup of tablet keyboards.
Special Honors
HP Elite Dragonfly This high-end option comes in a variety of configurations and is a great choice for busy professionals on the move. It's offered with thoughtful options such as an integrated privacy filter and its convertible design makes it one of the few such models with LTE connectivity. hp.com
Lenovo ThinkPad Carbon X1 The 8th generation of the Carbon X1 is packed with powerful hardware as well as outfitted with a premium alloy case and high-quality keyboard. It is somewhat expensive, but if you're looking for the best, this one's worth a look. lenovo.com
4. Acer Swift 3
5. Microsoft Surface Pro 5
6. Samsung Chromebook Plus
7. Microsoft Surface Pro X
8. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet
9. Panasonic Toughbook CF-31
10. Samsung Galaxy Book S
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.