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Best rugged laptops of 2022: the top drop-proof laptops for outdoors or WFH
By
last updated 30 July 21Get some extra protection for your laptop
Included in this guide:
Dell
Latitude 14 Rugged ExtremeDell
Latitude 14 RuggedPanasonic
Toughbook CF-33HP
ProBook x360 11 G1 EE Notebook PCLenovo
ThinkPad 11eLook no further than the best rugged laptops of 2021 if youre looking for durability and power in one device. While most laptops are not made to withstand extreme temperatures, dust, water, drops, and bangs, these laptops were designed for this one purpose. There may be plenty of laptops out there that are lighter or thinner, none will endure the way these will.
No matter if youre just a bit clumsy, a writer on the road looking for the best laptops for writers, or work on a hectic worksite, one of the best rugged laptops here will work for you. They have been put through all sorts of testing so you can be sure they will stand up to any abuse.
With Dell laptops leading the charge, here are our top picks of the best rugged laptops that tout power and durability. Looking for a rugged portable for your kids, be sure to check out our best laptops for kids list. Meanwhile, those looking for a featherweight option, some of the best Chromebooks are rugged as well.
- Check out our best 2-in-1 laptops picks if you want a laptop and a tablet in one device.
- Want your company or services to be considered for this buyers guide? Please email your request to with the URL of the buying guide in the subject line.
We've also featured:
- The best rugged smartphones
- The best rugged tablets
- The best rugged harddrives
Best rugged laptops of 2021
- Check out our overall list of the best laptops.
1. Dell Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme
The very best rugged laptop
If youre looking for a laptop that can handle anything the planet can throw at it, youll want to get your hands on the Dell Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme its all in the name. It is a bit old at this point, but that almost doesnt matter. Its still a well-designed rugged laptop that meets military standard requirements. It features a rigid magnesium alloy build, shock absorbent case, is IP65 certified against dust, sand and water it can even handle extreme temperatures. Like the rest of Dells catalog, you can configure the Dell Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme however you feel like or however you can afford.
- This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Panasonic Toughbook CF-33
2. Dell Latitude 14 Rugged
A fantastic rugged laptop from Dell
Dell is a household name when it comes to the best laptops, but it still makes the best rugged laptops right now. For example,the Dell Latitude 14 Rugged is a tough laptop that combines a rigid outer shell with quick components that are powerful enough for the category including a 6th-generation Intel Core processor and dedicated AMD Radeon graphics. Even the display is decent, rocking a matte finish that makes it comfortable to use outside probably where itll be most used. Its the less extreme version of our number one pick, but its still one of the best rugged laptops on the market right now.
- This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Panasonic Toughbook CF-33
3. Panasonic Toughbook CF-33
Rugged 2-in-1 laptop
If you want one of the best 2-in-1 laptops, but you dont want something that feels like its going to snap in half the first chance it gets the Panasonic Toughbook CF-33 is for you. This 2-in-1 has a flexibility that most rugged laptops just dont. If you need something thats easy to carry while you do stock takes and jot down notes, then tablet mode will work wonders. Then, if you need to type up some documents, you can attach the keyboard and comfortably type away. It may be expensive, but its one of the only 2-in-1 laptops that can actually take a beating.
4. HP ProBook x360 11 G1 EE Notebook PC
A sturdy laptop
You might think the HP ProBook x360 11 G1 EE is a normal laptop at first glance. However, once you dive deeper, youll see theres more than meets the eye. While it isnt designed for big drops and dangerous environments, it's still one of the best rugged laptops for most everyday users its built to withstand more knocks, drops and liquids than the everyday laptop. This is due to an industrial rubberised body, spill resistant keyboard and Corning Gorilla Glass 4 display. Its not going to be as robust as some of the other rugged laptops on this list, but its easily portable and the screen can be flipped making it a rugged 2-in-1 laptop.
5. Lenovo ThinkPad 11e
Rugged performance
Similar to the HP ProBook x360 we mentioned earlier, the Lenovo ThinkPad 11e is more like a standard laptop that just so happens to be a bit rugged. Still, you can just tell that Lenovo has put effort into the construction of this device, as it includes more robust inputs, and can survive drops of up to 90cm. It also features military specifications, that make this a laptop that can survive the harshest conditions. Whats more, its affordable, while still offering enough processing power for everyday tasks.
- Don't need a rugged laptop? Check out our list of the best business laptops
Senior Computing editor
Matt [Twitter] is TechRadar's Senior Computing editor. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there's no aspect of technology that Matt isn't passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. If you're encountering a problem or need some advice with your PC or Mac, drop him a line on Twitter.
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