Best 5G Laptops to Buy in 2025
Staying connected off‑Wi‑Fi isn’t just a convenience anymore—it’s a workflow edge. The latest wave of 5G‑ready laptops pair modern CPUs/NPUs with integrated WWAN modems (usually Sub‑6 5G via eSIM and/or nano‑SIM), so you can upload large files, join low‑latency video calls, or tunnel into cloud workstations from anywhere you have signal. This guide focuses on current, widely available models with factory 5G options (availability varies by region/carrier). We also call out who each pick suits, real‑world trade‑offs (antennas, battery, thermals), and simple buying tips so you don’t end up with the Wi‑Fi‑only variant by mistake.
Quick tips before you buy: confirm the WWAN module at checkout (model number often mentions Intel 5G/Quectel RM520N/Qualcomm X62), check Sub‑6 vs mmWave support per carrier, and prefer eSIMplus physical SIM where offered. 5G radios draw power; expect ~5–10% less battery when WWAN is active.
List of the Best 5G Laptops (2025)
Microsoft Surface Pro 11 (Copilot+) — Best 5G 2‑in‑1 for Creators on the Go
Specs (common 5G configs): Snapdragon X Elite, 13″ OLED (optional), Wi‑Fi 7 + optional 5G (eSIM), 2x USB‑C/USB4, ~12–15 hr mixed use.
Why it’s on the list: The Pro 11 pairs class‑leading battery life with a fast NPU for AI workflows and a gorgeous OLED option. The optional 5G keeps Teams/Zoom calls smooth on the road. Note: accessories (keyboard/pen) are separate.
Dell Latitude 7455 (Snapdragon X Elite) — Long Battery + Enterprise 5G
Specs: Snapdragon X Elite, 14″ QHD+ (touch/anti‑glare), Wi‑Fi 7, optional 5G WWAN, aluminum build, ~14–20 hr use depending on workload.
Why it’s on the list: A strong all‑day business laptop with quiet thermals, excellent battery and proven enterprise manageability. Opt for the 5G WWAN SKU for true anywhere‑work.
Dell Latitude 7350 Detachable — Best 5G Detachable for Field Work
Specs: Intel Core Ultra (U‑series), 13″ detachable 3:2 display, optional Qualcomm X62 5G WWAN (eSIM), Wi‑Fi 7, dual cameras, 46.5 Wh battery.
Why it’s on the list: A Surface‑style detachable suited to executives and frontline teams who need camera quality, pen support and hot‑spot‑free connectivity.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 — Flagship Ultralight with 5G Option
Specs: Intel Core Ultra (U/H), 14″ IPS or OLED, optional Quectel RM520N‑GL 5G Sub‑6 WWAN (eSIM), Wi‑Fi 6E/7, ~9–12 hr mixed use, MIL‑STD build.
Why it’s on the list: The X1 Carbon remains the gold standard for mobile pros—great keyboard, ports, and serviceability—with clean factory 5G configurations for true remote work.
HP Elite Dragonfly G4 — Executive 2‑in‑1 with Optional 5G
Specs: Intel Core, 13.5″ 3:2 display (OLED options), optional Intel 5G WWAN, Wi‑Fi 6E/7, 1 kg‑class weight.
Why it’s on the list: Superb webcam/mics, light chassis and excellent teleconferencing features. Configure with the factory 5G module for a polished, travel‑friendly UC machine.
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 5 — Battery Champ with 5G for Road Warriors
Specs: Intel Core Ultra (U), 14″ 16:10 (OLED available), optional 5G WWAN (region dependent), Wi‑Fi 6E/7, ~15–21 hr video rundown.
Why it’s on the list: A lighter T‑Series with marathon battery life. If you live in email/Docs/Slack and travel constantly, the 5G SKU is a fantastic balance of stamina and speed.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano — Ultra‑Light 5G Flyer
Specs: 13″ 2K 16:10 IPS, up to Intel Core Ultra (varies by region), optional 4G/5G WWAN, sub‑1 kg weight, Wi‑Fi 6E/7.
Why it’s on the list: When every gram counts, the X1 Nano’s featherweight build, great keyboard and optional 5G make it the ultimate frequent‑flyer companion.
ASUS ExpertBook B7 Flip (B7402) — 5G‑First Convertible for IT‑Managed Fleets
Specs: 14″ 16:10 touch, 360° hinge, up to Intel Core i7 (P‑series), 5G‑enabled WWAN, Wi‑Fi 6E, smart card, enterprise I/O.
Why it’s on the list: Not the newest CPU, but one of the few convertibles with integrated 5G that’s easy to deploy at scale—great for education, government, and field teams needing pen input.
HP EliteBook 1040 G11 — Premium Clamshell with Optional 5G
Specs: Intel Core Ultra (H/U), 14″ IPS or 2.8K OLED, optional HP 5000 5G WWAN, Wi‑Fi 6E/7, robust privacy features.
Why it’s on the list: A refined traveler’s workhorse: quiet, secure, and configurable. Choose the factory 5G module if you need reliable LTE/5G failover at all times.
Microsoft Surface Pro 10 for Business — Best Intel 2‑in‑1 with Optional 5G
Specs: Intel Core Ultra, 13″ PixelSense Flow, optional 5G (business SKUs), Wi‑Fi 6E/7, excellent cameras.
Why it’s on the list: For orgs standardized on Intel, this is the most straightforward way to get a premium Surface with managed 5G and long support windows.
Comparison Table
| Model | Form Factor | 5G Modem / Notes | Weight | Battery (claimed/typical) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Pro 11 (Copilot+) | 2‑in‑1 | Optional 5G (eSIM) | ~< 900 g (tablet) | ~12–15 hr mixed | Creators, travel pros needing pen + OLED |
| Dell Latitude 7455 | Clamshell | Optional 5G WWAN | ~1.3–1.4 kg | Long (workday+) | Road‑warrior business users |
| Dell Latitude 7350 Detachable | Detachable | Qualcomm X62 5G | ~1.2 kg (tablet+kb) | Workday | Field workers, execs |
| ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 | Clamshell | Quectel RM520N‑GL 5G Sub‑6 | ~1.1–1.2 kg | ~9–12 hr | Premium mobile pros |
| HP Elite Dragonfly G4 | 2‑in‑1 | Optional Intel 5G | ~1.0–1.2 kg | All‑day | Execs, frequent video calls |
| ThinkPad T14s Gen 5 | Clamshell | Optional 5G (region) | ~1.2 kg | Long (15–21 hr video) | Battery‑first travelers |
| ThinkPad X1 Nano (latest) | Clamshell | Optional 4G/5G | ~0.97 kg | ~10–12 hr | Ultra‑light frequent flyers |
| ASUS ExpertBook B7 Flip | 2‑in‑1 | 5G‑enabled | ~1.4 kg | Workday | IT‑managed fleets, stylus notes |
| HP EliteBook 1040 G11 | Clamshell | Optional HP 5G | ~1.2–1.4 kg | Workday | Secure corporate environments |
| Surface Pro 10 for Business | 2‑in‑1 | Optional 5G | ~< 900 g (tablet) | Workday | Intel‑based orgs |
Final Thoughts
If you want the most consumer‑friendly 5G experience with standout battery and display, Surface Pro 11 (Copilot+) is the one to beat. For classic keyboard‑first productivity with WWAN baked in, choose ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 or HP Elite Dragonfly G4. In enterprise fleets, Latitude 7455 and ExpertBook B7 Flip are easy recommends. Whatever you pick, double‑check the exact WWAN module in the configurator and verify carrier compatibility (Sub‑6 bands, eSIM support) before checkout.
FAQs
Is 5G worth it on a laptop?
If you travel or work in client sites/cafés, yes. It cuts the time you spend hunting Wi‑Fi and keeps video calls stable. For desk‑bound users with reliable Wi‑Fi, it’s a nice‑to‑have.
Do I need mmWave or is Sub‑6 enough?
Most business WWAN cards are Sub‑6 (wider coverage, good speeds). mmWave is rare on laptops and very location‑dependent.
eSIM vs. physical SIM?
eSIM makes carrier switching and international travel simpler. Many business laptops still include a nano‑SIM tray alongside eSIM.
Will 5G drain my battery?
A bit. Expect ~5–10% lower battery life when WWAN is on and actively used, less if it’s idle.
Can I add 5G later?
Some models are “WWAN‑ready” (antennas pre‑installed) and can accept a 5G M.2 card later; others require ordering 5G at the factory. Always check the spec sheet for “WWAN upgradable/antenna ready.”
Any carrier gotchas?
Yes—band support and certifications vary by region. Confirm your laptop’s modem (e.g., Quectel RM520N‑GL, Intel 5G 5000, Qualcomm X62) supports the bands your carrier uses.
