The Best HP Laptops for Seniors

Whether you’re seeking a sleek machine for retirement or laptop gift shopping for grandma, it’s crucial to consider what seniors want from a computer.

The old trope is that all elderly people struggle with technology, but it’s not necessarily true.

While computer literacy may not be a strong point for all seniors, you can’t assume every older person will flounder around an operating system. For example, the retired IT professional will be more technologically adept than their fresh-faced offspring.

The best approach is to think about what you (or the senior you’re shopping for) want to do. Most seniors use a computer to scroll through social media, video call family, find things online, and respond to emails. Some will stream videos, read articles, peruse online dating sites, or even play games.With that in mind, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

But there is one thing almost all seniors agree on: as you become older, it gets tiresome trying to use a tiny little screen.That’s why we’ve curated this list of the best laptops for the elderly with a 15-inch (or larger) screen.

The top features to consider for a laptop for seniors

Before we dive into the top five, let’s examine the key features to consider when purchasing computers for seniors. By weighing  each factor, you’ll find it easier to identify a suitable laptop.

Screen size

As our eyes deteriorate with the onset of old age, reading small text becomes a chore. And while you can always increase the font size, a small screen quickly gets cramped and bothersome.

Overall, the best screen size for seniors is the ubiquitous 15.6-inch, which provides the right balance of readability and portability. If the user doesn’t need to move the laptop around often, a more cumbersome 17-inch screen may suit.

Keyboard

Ageing fingers aren’t as nimble as they once were, so insist on a user-friendly keyboard with large keys. Remember: the bigger the screen, the bigger the keyboard—yet another reason we recommend 15 inches or more.

Aside from size, consider tactile sensitivity. Overall, high-end machines have better quality keyboards to facilitate hassle-free typing (consider doing a test run). Also, aim for something with familiar key placement—no senior wants to re-learn where the buttons are.

Processing power, graphics cards, and RAM

Most seniors have low processing requirements, though some need a top-end machine to run data-crunching programs or even games.

At the very least, aim for an Intel® i5 (or equivalent) with 8GB of RAM. The elderly, like all age groups, will become frustrated with an underperforming device.

An integrated graphics card is generally fine if the user doesn’t expect to edit videos or play games. Also, note that Chromebooks don’t require as much processing power.

Battery life

Will the user be using the laptop on the go, or are they more likely to leave it plugged in?

A big battery is crucial for highly mobile users who frequently lack access to an outlet. Furthermore, seniors find it hard to bend down and plug things in. A beefy battery can reduce the frequency of charging. As a benchmark, aim for 6 hours of battery life or more.  

Familiarity

It’s prudent to grab a laptop the user is already somewhat familiar with. While it doesn’t have to be identical, ensure it runs the same operating system at least. A senior who’s used Windows all their life will hate switching to iOS.

An interesting exception is the Chromebook, which uses Google’s simplified Chrome OS. The operating system is famously user-friendly and doesn’t take long to learn. Just ensure the user has reliable internet access.

2-in-1s and touch screens

As many seniors are already familiar with tablets, consider investing in a 2-in-1. These versatile devices boast laptop and tablet functionality, giving users the best of both worlds.

Touch screen laptops (which don’t double back on themselves like tablets) offer a happy medium. While both types tend to cost a tad more, they negate the need to purchase a separate tablet.

Budget

The final—and perhaps most crucial—consideration is price. Like everything in life, the more you pay, the more bells and whistles you’ll receive. Have a ballpark figure in mind for how much you’re prepared to spend and whittle down a shortlist of the most suitable machines.

The best laptops for seniors

As every senior has unique needs, we’ve separated our favourite HP laptops into five categories.

Best overall: HP Pavilion 15-eg1045TX

• Screen size: 15.6” FHD display

• Processor: 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 processor

• Storage: 512GB SSD

• RAM: 8GB

• Battery life: 6 hours

Looking for a senior-friendly 15-inch laptop that ticks all the boxes?

Then look no further than the HP Pavilion 15-eg1045TX. Boasting a powerful 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 processor, 8GB of DDR RAM, and a zippy 512GB SSD hard drive, this well-rounded workhorse covers all but the most intensive computational tasks with ease.

While the NVIDIA® GeForce® MX450 isn’t quite top of the line, it’s a big step up from an integrated GPU. Expect solid performance with video and photo editing software or even mid-level gaming.

Weighing 1.7kg, it’s light enough to whip around town, and the generous 6-hour battery life ensures you won’t run out of juice anytime soon—HP Fast Charge is ready when you do.

Other nifty features include a backlit keyboard for low-light conditions and crisp Bang and Olufsen sound. Windows 11 comes as part of the package, and you have plenty of ports (1x USB C, 2x USB A, 1x HDMI) to plug everything in.

Best touch screen: HP EliteBook 850

• Screen size: 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080)
• Processor: 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 processor
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• RAM: 8GB
• Battery life: 14 hours

One for the touch screen lovers, the sleek EliteBook 850 packs a punch with a powerful 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 processor. Multi-tasking and multiple windows are a breeze thanks to the 8GB of built-in DDR RAM. As any good modern laptop should, the unit comes with a quick SSD drive (256GB) to open files at breakneck speed. 

Combine these factors, and you’ve got a powerful, multi-use machine that exceeds almost all tasks a senior might throw at it.

It’s a bit more expensive than some others on this list, but the big plus with this one is the optional touch screen, which lets you scroll through websites and apps like a tablet or phone. With an 85% screen-to-body ratio and a crystal clear FHD (1920 x 1080) display, it’s perfect for seniors who struggle to read the screen.

While the integrated Intel® Iris® Xᵉ Graphics card won’t run the latest AAA games, it does the trick for streaming videos and everyday use.

Best 2-in-1: HP Spectre x360 16-f0003TX

• Screen: 16" 3K+ touch display
• Processor: 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• RAM: 16GB
• Battery life: 11 hours

For older folks who adore the idea of having a laptop and tablet in one, the HP Spectre x360 16-f0003TX is the cream of the crop. While it’s on the pricer side of the scale, this versatile, highly functional 2-in-1 device comes with a durable 360-degree swivel screen. That means you can flip it around and fold it back on itself to use just like a tablet.

At 16 inches, the screen is way larger than the average tablet and a smidgen bigger than most other laptops. Extra inches and a crisp 3K display mean the screen is super easy to read for people with below-average eyesight—it’s a trade-off that’s well worth the extra weight.

A top-of-the-line 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor and 512GB hard drive minimise loading times, while a chunky 16GB of RAM makes multi-tasking a cinch. Eleven hours of battery life will keep you powered all day.

The NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3050 dedicated GPU has an impressive 4GB of RAM, enough to play the latest blockbuster games.

Best Chromebook: HP Chromebook 15

• Screen size: 15.6"
• Processor: Intel Pentium gold 4417U, dual-core, 2.3 GHz
• Storage: 64GB
• RAM: 4GB
• Battery life: 13 hours

For affordable, lightweight, and easy-to-use laptops capable of handling everyday tasks, it’s hard to go past the HP Chromebook 15.

Since hitting the market in 2011, Google’s Chrome OS has been lapped up by budget-conscious consumers who just want something that works. Chromebooks don’t compete with high-end Windows-based laptops, but they’re not designed to.

A bloat-free operating system and cloud storage allow these minimalist machines to perform surprisingly well with Office and web-browsing apps. Indeed, this model’s Intel Pentium gold 2.3 GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage feel much smoother than they should.

Aside from the rock-bottom price, the HP Chromebook 15 is a hit for its massive 13-hour battery life. Seniors don’t need to stress about the learning curve either—Chrome OS is simple to master.

Best 17-inch: HP ENVY 17

• Screen size: 17.3”
• Processor: 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• RAM: 16GB
• Battery life: 6 hours

Older users who don’t need to lug their laptop around town should consider a larger screen size like the HP ENVY Laptop 17. While the extra couple of inches doesn’t sound like much, they make a massive difference when it comes to reading the screen—say goodbye to squinting.

A more spacious keyboard with soft tactile keys further enhances the user experience, making the machine a joy for anyone with inhibited mobility. The large size and user-friendly nature also make it one of the best laptops for parents.

While the big beautiful FHD 1920 x 1080 screen is the star of the show, you’ll find plenty of high-end hardware under the hood. The HP ENVY Laptop 17 has a beefy 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor, a 512GB SSD hard drive, and 16GB of RAM, enough to power through complex computational tasks.

Although this isn’t gaming laptop, the integrated Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics is more than capable of displaying high-resolution videos.

Which is the best laptop for older adults?

We’ve covered the best laptops for elderly people on this list. Nonetheless, your best option depends on your specific wants and needs.

If you love the sound of a 2-in-1, the HP Spectre x360 is your best bet. Or, if you’d rather have a bigger screen and don’t mind the extra bulk, give the HP ENVY 17 a go.

Make a shortlist of your top priorities and browse our suggestions to find the right fit.