HP EliteBook 860 G11 Review: Why This AI Business Laptop is a Game-Changer in 2025

Hey there, tech fans! If you’re wondering what an AI-powered laptop can do for your work—especially in a business setting—you’re in the right place. Today, we’re unpacking the HP EliteBook 860 G11, a sleek 16-inch powerhouse designed for hybrid pros. With its Intel® Core™ Ultra processor, Neural Processing Unit (NPU), and a suite of AI-driven features, this laptop promises to boost productivity, security, and collaboration. But what’s the real deal with AI in a business notebook? Let’s dive into the features, benefits, and why this might just be your next work-from-anywhere companion as of March 2025!

What Makes an AI Laptop Special?

First off, why should you care about AI in a laptop? The EliteBook 860 G11 isn’t just another pretty device—it’s built with an Intel® Core™ Ultra processor packing a dedicated NPU (aka AI Boost). Unlike traditional CPUs and GPUs, the NPU handles AI tasks efficiently, freeing up system resources for smoother multitasking. Think faster video calls, smarter security, and on-device AI tools like Microsoft Copilot—all without draining your battery or bogging down performance.

HP’s gone all-in on AI branding here. There’s even a Copilot key on the keyboard—tap it, and boom, you’ve got an AI assistant ready to summarize docs, brainstorm ideas, or answer questions. For me, as someone who juggles content creation and research, this is a game-changer. Need a 30-day short-form content plan with catchy hooks? Copilot spits it out in seconds. Studying dense research papers? It summarizes and answers questions, saving hours. If you’re a marketer, student, or exec, this alone could justify the upgrade.

Design and Build: Sleek Meets Sturdy

Let’s talk looks. The EliteBook 860 G11 rocks a clean silver finish with a refreshed HP logo—modern and professional. At 1.7kg (3.75 lbs), it’s not the lightest 16-incher out there, but it’s portable enough for hybrid work. The 16:10 display (2880×1880 resolution) gives you extra vertical space—perfect for spreadsheets, docs, or coding. With DCI-P3 100% color gamut and a 120Hz refresh rate, it’s crisp and fluid (just tweak it in Windows settings). Don’t love OLED? You can opt for an IPS panel instead.

This thing’s built to last, too. It’s passed MIL-STD 810H tests for shock and drops—ideal if you’re always on the move. Ports? Plenty: 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C (with PD charging and DP 1.4), 2x USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, an audio combo jack, and a Kensington lock. Want LTE/5G? Custom orders (CTO) can add a WWAN module with nano-SIM or eSIM support—no Wi-Fi hunting required. My only gripe? No SD card slot, but adapters can fix that.

AI-Powered Business Features: What’s Different?

Here’s where the EliteBook shines for business users—AI isn’t just a buzzword; it’s baked into the experience:

Video Calls Like a Pro: Thanks to HP’s acquisition of Poly, this laptop’s a conferencing beast. The 5MP webcam delivers sharp video, and you can physically cover it for privacy (a must for security buffs). Windows Studio Effects, powered by the NPU, bring auto-framing, eye-contact correction, and background blur to Zoom, Webex, or Google Meet. The AI noise reduction and Dynamic Voice Leveling optimize your voice within 3 meters—my test call from across the room sounded crystal clear, no external mic needed.
HP Wolf Security: HP’s big on enterprise-grade protection, and the EliteBook 860 G11 delivers. HP Sure Sense uses AI to monitor and block viruses proactively, while HP Sure Run keeps critical apps running even under attack. It’s even prepped for future quantum computer hacking threats—a rare flex for 2025. Free security features come standard, with optional extras for IT teams.
Smart Sense: This AI gem adjusts performance based on context. Lap mode drops temps by 5°C, bag mode triggers sleep to save battery, and desk mode maxes out power. It’s like having a laptop that thinks for itself—perfect for hybrid warriors.

Performance and Battery: Ready for the Long Haul

Under the hood, the Intel® Core™ Ultra (options like Ultra 5 125H or Ultra 7 155H) with NPU handles AI workloads effortlessly. Pair it with up to 32GB RAM (dual slots, user-upgradeable) and a replaceable NVMe SSD—no soldered nonsense here. The keyboard’s full-sized with a numpad, quiet keys, and decent travel for an ultra-slim design. The oversized trackpad and fingerprint sensor (plus Windows Hello face login) make it a breeze to use.

Battery life? HP claims 19 hours, and real-world use backs it up. I’ve gone a full day of meetings, writing, and streaming without plugging in—huge for travel. The included 65W USB-C adapter is fine, but you can upgrade to 100W for peak performance on AC. It’s not the 26-hour champ like HP’s EliteBook Ultra, but it’s darn close for a 16-inch beast.

Who’s This For?

Business Pros: AI-enhanced calls, top-tier security, and long battery life make it a hybrid work MVP.
Content Creators: Copilot’s brainstorming and the vibrant display are clutch for planning and editing.
IT Managers: Customizable specs and robust security tick all the enterprise boxes.

Not for you if you need a dedicated GPU (it’s Intel Arc integrated only) or an SD slot out of the box.

Final Thoughts: Is the HP EliteBook 860 G11 Worth It in 2025?

The HP EliteBook 860 G11 isn’t just a laptop—it’s an AI-powered business tool that adapts to your workflow. From Copilot’s productivity hacks to Poly’s meeting magic and Wolf Security’s ironclad protection, it’s built for the modern professional. At around $1,599 (based on HP’s G11 series pricing trends), it’s not cheap, but the value shines for those leveraging its AI smarts. Need a reliable, secure, and future-ready notebook? This could be it.

What do you think—would AI features like these change your workday? Drop a comment below! Want more laptop reviews? Stay tuned—we’ll catch you in the next one!

HP EliteBook 860 G11 Review: Why This AI Business Laptop is a Game-Changer in 2025