The Best Computers for Seniors in 2023

1. Apple MacBook Air - Intuitive Design

4.7 / 5

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What We Like Most:

• High-definition screen
• Easy to pick up and use
• Comfortable keyboard
• Long-lasting battery life

Overview

Price: $999.99

Screen size: 13.3 inches

When people think of Apple computers, they often assume that this brand is ideal for the younger set; however, due to their easy-to-use interface, we think that Apple’s line of MacBooks is ideal for older adults. In particular, its latest iteration of the MacBook Air wowed us with its fast loading times, long-lasting battery, and comfortable keyboard.

As the name implies, the MacBook Air is exceptionally compact. At only 2.8 pounds and 12 inches in length, this computer is easy to pick up and take with you, wherever you may go. Additionally, its 13.3-inch screen displayed colors both vividly and accurately, making this a great computer to use for watching movies or playing games.

As with most Apple devices, the one caveat here would have to be the price point. At about $1,000, it’s the most expensive choice on our list. However, MacBooks tend to have a long life span, making this computer a worthwhile investment. Additionally, Apple sells refurbished versions for a discounted rate.

2. Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook - Beautiful Screen

4.6 / 5

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What We Like Most:

• Affordable price
• Touchscreen controls
• Vibrant display
• Loud and clear speakers

Overview

Price: $419

Screen size: 13.3 inches

The Lenovo Flex 5 Chromeback is a great bargain at $419. It’s especially great for users who are willing to sacrifice a little performance for increased functionality. As with many 2-in-1 laptops, which can be used as a laptop or tablet, the Flex 5 is less powerful than average but far more versatile.

The vibrant screen on this 2.97-pound device is a standout feature; it looks great when using the touchscreen controls in tablet mode. It has a high-definition webcam, which makes Skype calls with friends and family vibrant and clear. It also has above-average speakers that are crisp and easy to hear as well as a great keyboard.

However, at nearly 3 pounds, it might be an awkward choice for people looking for a tablet, and it can be difficult to hold during extended use. The Flex 5 also has only a two-core processor, so it’s best used for recreation and light work. However, this 2-in-1 laptop is sturdy, especially within its price bracket, and the high-def screen makes watching shows, playing games, and making video calls especially enjoyable.

3. Acer Aspire 5 - High Processing Power

4.5 / 5

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What We Like Most:

• Optimal processing and storage
• Great keyboard
• Low price compared to the specs
• Sturdy build

Overview

Price: $479

Screen size: 14 inches

At $479, the Acer Aspire 5 is reasonably priced, but its advanced hardware punches far above its price bracket. This laptop is sturdy and has a great keyboard. It also has plenty of ports for users who need to plug in a lot of peripherals and a solid-state drive (SSD) for storage, which is quieter and more efficient than hard-disk drives. For the price, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD make this a bargain.

Unfortunately, the laptop is heavy, at 3.75 pounds, and even though the keyboard is easy to use, we found the touchpad a little awkward. The webcam is also not the greatest quality, so video calls may not be as crisp as on a tablet. The keyboard isn’t backlit, which could be an issue if you like to see the keys in the dark.

Despite these flaws, we recommend this laptop for affordable high performance, especially if you plan on using it sitting at a desk with a mouse hooked up. This gives you the best of all worlds: good performance, great keyboard, and sturdy build, without the awkward weight and imprecise built-in touchpad.

Keep in mind that the specs on a laptop like this are not standardized. Different prices could indicate different storage and processing power, so make sure to compare the specs of the actual units you look at before making a decision.

4. Dell Inspiron 15 - Best Budget Pick

4.3 / 5

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What We Like Most:

• Full HD display
• Large, 15-inch screen
• SSD
• Windows 11 pre-installed

Overview

Price: $342.99

Screen size: 15 inches

The Dell Inspiron 15 sports a 15-inch full-HD display, an almost unheard-of spec for a computer at this price. It also comes with Windows 11 already installed, so you can immediately start using the latest features on your new laptop.

The Dell Inspiron 15 comes with 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD for storage, which is pretty much the minimum you would want in a new laptop. Its integrated graphics card is also basic. These are the areas where corners were cut to achieve a lower price. This may or may not matter, depending on what you plan on using the computer for.

What’s less acceptable is that the laptop’s screen seemed a little dim and the speakers were markedly muffled. If you have any hearing or vision problems, you may want to check out other options. If not, this is our budget pick because it has a big screen and all the basic features you need for just about the best price out there.

5. HP All-in-One - Best Desktop Computer

4.2 / 5

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What We Like Most:

• Aesthetically appealing design
• Large screen
• No computer tower required

Overview

Price: $459.99

Screen size: 21.5 inches

Our favorite desktop computer, the HP All-in-One, is ideal for the at-home user. At $459.99, it costs about the same as laptops while providing a much larger 21.5-inch screen. This device also includes a wired keyboard and mouse.

The desktop comes with a stand for the monitor screen that requires a lot of desk space but gets the job done. The computer is underpowered, with only 4GB of RAM and an AMD Athlon processor, but it’s perfectly fine if you just want to look up recipes, check email, read the news, listen to music, write for work, and perform other light office tasks.

For many users, that’s exactly what a desktop like this is great for; it has just enough power to do basic tasks, and it will look great while doing them. If you don’t need it for heavy-duty use, this desktop is a bargain due to its big display, stylish design, and great speakers.