After a side-by-side comparison, we chose Acer’s Aspire slim laptop as our pick for the best computer for seniors. A wide screen and backlit keyboard makes visibility easy for anyone, while a 3.5 GHz processor is perfect for everything from web browsing to video chatting. There’s much more to learn about this and other top computers. Read on to find the best option for your needs.
Our Winner - Aspire Slim Laptop by Acer
Acer’s Aspire slim laptop features a 7.5 hour battery life, letting you take it on the go without worry. Plus, a total of 3 USB ports and one HDMI connection means you can connect your phone, camera, or any other gadget easily.
Buy on AmazonThe 8 Best Computers for Seniors
| Product | Brand | Desktop or Laptop | Screen Size | Speed | Best For | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aspire Slim Laptop | Acer | Laptop | 15.6" | 3.5 GHz | Video Chatting |  |
| Vivobook Laptop | ASUS | Laptop | 11.6" | 2.6 GHz | Travel | |
| Elite Desktop | HP | Desktop | 19" | 3.1 GHz | Video Chatting, Photo Editing | |
| Optiplex 990 SFF PC | Dell | Desktop | 20" | 3.1 GHz | Video Chatting | |
| Stream A49120 Laptop | HP | Laptop | 14" | 2.2 GHz | Web Browsing, Travel | |
| Chromebook Spin | Acer | Laptop | 11.6" | 2.8 GHz | Travel | |
| HD Chromebook | Acer | Laptop | 15.6" | 2.4 GHz | Web browsing | |
| All-in-One Computer | HP | desktop | 21.5" | 2.3 GHz | Photo Editing | |
Our Winner: Aspire Slim Laptop by Acer
Buy on AmazonWhat makes the Acer Aspire Slim Laptop our top pick is the way it combines some of the best features of other laptops into a single package. It’s portable enough to take on the go, but still offers a wide 15.6 inch screen that is perfect for video chatting, editing photos, or anything else senior citizens need. A backlit IPS display will make it easy to read small text or see the faces of your friends and loved ones. It has a 3.5 GHz processor, letting it run windows 10 smoothly.
Main Features
- Runs at 3.5 gHz
- 15.6 inch screen
- Backlit keyboard
- High definition Screen
- Uses windows 10 operating system
Pros:
- The widest screen available for a laptop
- The fastest processor on our list
- Sensitive volume control that can be turned up for the hard of hearing
- 128 GB hard drive storage space
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than other models
- Wider screen means a bulkier design
Professional's Pick: Vivobook Laptop by ASUS
What makes this Vivobook Laptop unique is the relatively high power it offers in a small package. At just 2.2 lbs, it’s one of the lightest computers available and is slim enough to be stored in many bags and purses. It still offers all the same features as many larger models, with an HD webcam, 2.6 GHz of processing speed, and 64 GB of storage. This one is definitely recommended for those who like to travel but don’t want to sacrifice features.
Main Features
- HD webcam
- Lightweight at 2.2 lbs
- Runs at 2.6 GHz
- 64 GB SSD hard drive storage space
- Sensitive and easy to use touchpad
Pros:
- Easy to travel with
- Less than an inch thick
- Power with portability
- 10 hour battery life
Cons:
- Smaller screen
- No optical drive means it cant run disks
Top Choice: Optiplex 990 SFF PC by Dell
If you’re not planning on traveling with your computer then this is the desktop for you. It comes with upgraded power, screen size, speed, and everything seniors are looking for. You won’t have to worry about losing connection or slow run times while video chatting with friends and loved ones, and if you plan on editing photos or watching Netflix the ample screen size will let you see every detail.
Main Features
- 19 in screen size
- 3.1 GHz speed
- 16 GB SSD RAM
- DVD-RW Drive
- Runs Windows 10 operating system
Pros:
- Offers all the features you expect from a computer
- Plenty of USB ports to connect your devices
- Wide screen and fast runtimes lets you multitask
- User-friendly mouse and keyboard setup
Cons:
- Not portable
The Other Computers We Reviewed
Optiplex 990 SFF PC by Dell
The Dell Optiplex 990 SFF is another great desktop that delivers plenty of power, paired with a gorgeous wide-screen display. You won’t have any trouble video chatting, editing photos, word processing, or browsing social media with this machine–it can do it all. It’s a slight downgrade in processing speed from some of the other options on this list, though it makes up for it with boosted memory capacity.
Buy on Amazon
Stream A4 9120 Laptop by HP
The Stream A4 is a good compromise between a compact size, and a screen that doesn’t feel too small. It is compact and lightweight for travel, and an HD display will still pick up small details in photos or web pages. However, keep in mind that it is one of the slower computers on our list, so use it only if you plan on web browsing or sorting photos.
Buy on Amazon
Chromebook Spin by Acer
This unique laptop by Acer offers a unique, user-friendly design that folds back on itself, letting you watch movies, or surf the web the way you like. A sensitive touchscreen means you can browse with the tip of your finger, which is a much-appreciated feature for those with reduced dexterity. It is one of the smaller computers available, which can be both a blessing and a curse.
Buy on Amazon
HD Chromebook by Acer
Triple-speed wifi means smoother video conferencing and faster web browsing, earning this Chromebook a spot on our list. Even though it’s lightweight, it still offers a 15.6 inch screen and a 2.4 GHz processor, which allows it enough versatility to be used for most senior citizen’s needs. It’s main downside is the lack of an optical drive, which means you can’t play DVDs
Buy on Amazon
All-in-One Computer by HP
True to its name, this All-in-One computer by HP offers everything you need. A full terabyte of memory will let you store thousands of photos without worry while the 21.6 inch HD touchscreen will let you see all of them crystal-clear. Don’t plan on multi-tasking on this machine though, as it’s reduced processing speed may cause your computer to run slowly. Its best used for social media, word processing, or general web browsing
Buy on AmazonLaptops vs Desktops - Which is Better?
Ultimately, the choice between laptops and desktops computers comes down to the user. Each option offers its own unique advantages. If you’re not sure which will suit you best, take a look at our breakdown.
Laptop Computers
The major advantage of laptops is the ability to take your photos, video chats, games, or work anywhere you need. While this can sometimes mean a loss of power or screen size, many of the laptops available today offer everything their bigger counterparts do. However those with arthritis or lowered dexterity may have a harder time using the smaller keyboard or touchpad, so keep this in mind.
Desktop Computers
If you’re only a part-time computer user or don’t need to take your computer on the go, then a desktop may be the answer. They come with wide screens that can be swapped or upgraded as needed. Plus, the higher processing speed means it’s easy to multitask between different programs at once. Just make you have a nice place to install the computer, where you won’t mind sitting for an hour or two each day.
What Features Should I Consider?
With so many new computers on the market today, knowing what features to look for can be overwhelming. See what standout features we look for when making our choice.
Screen Size
A large screen is always appreciated. They can get as small as 10 inches, or as big as 20 (or more!) and finding the right size for you is crucial. One of the benefits of a larger screen size is the ability to have multiple windows open at once. If you’re planning on buying a laptop, be sure to measure the size of the bag you’re planning on carrying it in first!
Processing Power
While you may think you don’t need a powerful computer to get by, consider the fact that the most hardware-taxing programs are also the most common for senior citizens today: video conferencing and photo editing. If you plan on doing much of either of these activities, shoot for a computer with at least 3 GHz of processing speed. Otherwise, a more modest machine with 2.5 GHz or less will still be just fine.
Webcam
While most computers today have a built-in webcam, not all of them are equal! Look for an HD webcam with as high a resolution you can find, so your friends, family members, or coworkers will be able to see you clearly.
Security
Cybersecurity is one of the most important features of buying a computer that too many people forget. Does your computer come with antivirus software or do you need to buy it separately? Some newer models offer facial recognition or fingerprint reading software, making it easy to sign in securely.
Weighing All the Factors
All things considered, the best computer for seniors should be easy to use and powerful enough to handle all your day-to-day needs. Acer’s Aspire Slim laptop gets a high score in both of these categories, while also offering a compact design and beautiful high definition display. The Vivobook laptop by ASUS and Elite Desktop by HP are other top contenders worth a look, so be sure not to miss out!
Our Winner - Aspire Slim Laptop by Acer
Acer’s Aspire slim laptop features a 7.5 hour battery life, letting you take it on the go without worry. Plus, a total of 3 USB ports and one HDMI connection means you can connect your phone, camera, or any other gadget easily.
Buy on Amazon