Introduction of the Best Laptop for Streaming
Are you someone who loves watching TV shows and sluggish streaming is the last thing you want on a lazy weekend? If yes, then we are here to help you pick an ideal laptop for a smooth streaming experience that will let you binge-watch shows endlessly. Coming up with the Best Laptop for Streaming.
As a part of our reviewing process, we dedicated ample amount of time in testing various laptops in terms of their portability, display and processing speed, among other factors. That’s how we came up with a list of ten laptops that will let you effortlessly stream videos on Netflix, Youtube, Amazon Prime and other similar platforms. As a bonus, these laptops are also ideal for live streaming video games. So, dive into the details and choose a laptop that suits your streaming needs as well as your budget.
List- Laptops for Streaming Comparison Chart
| Model | Highlight | Weight | Price |
| Acer Aspire E15 | Battery life of 15 hours | 5.27 pounds | |
| 16GB DDR4 DRAM memory | 5.95 pounds | ||
| Swift touch response of touchscreen | 2.83 pounds | ||
| Ergo Lift feature for better typing position | 3.7 pounds | ||
| GeForce MX250 graphics | 4.36 pounds | ||
| Anti-glare panels, versatile ports | 6.28 pounds | ||
| 360 degree hinge | 2 pounds | ||
| Customizable Razer Chroma keyboard | 3.09 pounds | ||
| Retina display | 2.75 pounds | ||
| Battery life of 21.5 hours | 2.4 pounds |
Laptops for Streaming
1. Acer Aspire E15
What’s to like?
One of the best models making it to our list is the Acer Aspire E15. Featuring a 15.5-inch full HD, LED-lit IPS display and a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9 with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, Aspire E15 has a brilliant display for complete clarity while streaming. Further enhancing the display is Acer’s Color Blast technology which ensures high color accuracy.
An advanced 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U processor gives up to 3.4GHz of processing speed making sure that you get lag free entertainment. And if you want to upgrade to i7, you’ll have to shell out an extra $150. You get sufficient storage space with 8GB dual channel memory and 256GB SSD (solid-state drive) to store all the movies that you want to watch later. Along with this, the model also boasts of a superior battery life of 15 hours and comes with a 65W adapter. So, feel free to stream videos on the go without worrying about your laptop being discharged.
In addition to being highly portable and affordable, Aspire E15 has a Windows 10 OS which has a reputation of being extremely reliable. By incorporating NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics, Acer has ensured the delivery of an unmatched video streaming experience.In terms of connectivity, you get a USB 3.1 Type C Gen 1 port (up to 5 Gbps), 2 USB 3.0 ports (one with power-off charging), 1 USB 2.0 port, 1 – HDMI Port with HDCP support, Bluetooth, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi to help you transfer files to and from the laptop. Finally, the model has True Harmony speakers with a paper cone design which gives a memorable audio experience.
What’s not to like?
We understand that Acer has tried to keep Aspire E15 simple in terms of looks but it appears too dull when compared to other laptops on this list. Also, with a weight of 5.27 pounds, E15 becomes quite bulky if you want to carry it around with you.
Our Verdict
Aspire E15 is a good buy if you’re looking for laptops within a budget that will also provide a satisfying streaming experience. You’ll have to compromise on the looks though.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full HD, LED-lit IPS display. Battery life of 15 hours. NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics for life-like videos. | Dull look. Bulky. |
2. Acer Predator Helios 300
What’s to like?
For those of you who like sturdy laptops that have a rugged vibe, Acer Predator Helios 300 is the perfect choice. With a 7th Generation advanced i7 processor, you can speed up your laptop further up to 3.8GHz using Turbo Boost technology. In terms of display, you get a 15.6-inch full HD widescreen IPS display with a red back lit key board which we really liked. Precision is the key in terms of Acer’s display as the image quality remains equally great even when viewed from corners.
Helios 300 goes one step ahead in terms of storage when compared to Aspire E15. It has a 16GB DDR4 DRAM memory, 256GB SSD and a whopping 1TB hard drive. This means you can store a large amount of files including your movies, presentations and other important documents. If this isn’t enough, then the model also offers an extra expandable hard drive slot for a 2.5-inch hard drive.
You can go without plugging in a charger for around 7 hours on this model. This is quite average when compared to Aspire’s 15-hour battery life. Furthermore, Helios 300 has a classic Windows 10 OS which is definitely an improvement over Windows 7. We liked its Sound Pound technology that creates a deep, impactful sound to give a theatre like feel when you stream movies or shows or even play games.
You must have noticed that using your laptop for prolonged hours can cause it to heat up which is not good for your system in the long run. Thanks to Helios 300’s Dust Defender technology with Aero Blade fan, your system stays cool with air flow being directed in different directions. What’s more is a 6GB graphics card which will run high-end games smoothly and give you the ultimate gaming experience. Lastly, Helios 300 also comes with a Skype-certified HD webcam.
What’s not to like?
Being the second heaviest model on our list, we think Helios 300 is not very convenient to carry around. So, it scores less on the portability factor.
Our verdict
If you’re looking for a laptop that looks like a powerful beast and even performs like one, then you should definitely opt for Acer’s Predator Helios 300. However, if you’re someone who travels quite a lot, then this may not be the right choice for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Advanced i7 processor. Expandable storage memory. Dust Defender technology to keep system cool. | Bulky. Not portable. |
3. Microsoft Surface Laptop 2
What’s to like?
If you prefer sleek and light laptops for streaming, then we have Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 for you which weighs only 2.83 pounds. You also get the option to choose from a wide variety of colors like platinum burgundy, cobalt blue, and the newly introduced classic black with matte finish.Featuring an 8th generation i7 processor, this laptop will run all your programs efficiently and so much faster as compared to a 7th generation processor. Further accentuating the performance is 16GB DDR, flash memory SSD (solid state drive), and 1 GHZ memory speed. With all these features, Microsoft has ensured that this model is an upgrade in terms of improved speed when compared to its previous models.
A 13.5-inch touchscreen enabled display with a swift touch response ensures a convenient, user-friendly interface. We are particularly fond of its keyboard which allows for typing that can’t even be heard. Its touchpad is pretty spacious and is a delight to use. All the inputs are surrounded by alcantara fabric which is much better than aluminium in terms of smoothness.
With a powerful upgrade to Windows 10, Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 is way better than its predecessor but is equally thin and light. What also makes it take the lead is its extra-long battery life of 14 hours which will ensure you get uninterrupted live streaming experience even when you’re travelling.
What’s not to like?
Firstly, Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 is expensive. So, strike it off your list if you’re within a tight budget. Secondly, we noticed that even though the chassis has empty space to accommodate ports, there are no Thunderbolt or USB-C ports. Along with this, the aspect ratio of 16:9 crops up black bars while watching videos which might be inconvenient to some users. We also felt that the spacing of keys could be narrower for more comfort of the user.
Our verdict
Sleek, stylish and elegant, Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 does not disappoint in terms of look and feel. However, considering its drawbacks, we feel that there are much better models available with i7 processor and in a similar price range.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight. Touchscreen enabled display. | Expensive. No Thunderbolt or USB-C ports. |
4. Asus Zenbook 15
What’s to like?
Asus has a great reputation when it comes to manufacturing laptops. We have chosen its Zenbook 15 as worthy of being in our list. With a 15.6-inch screen, IPS-level full HD 2-sided, frameless Nano Edge bezel display, this model guarantees crystal clear images and a sleek look. We really like its screen-to-body ratio which provides great visuals. Incorporating 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8565u processor, Zenbook 15 can perform operations at a speed of 4.6 GHz.You also get huge storage capacity with 512GB NVMe PCle M.2 SSD and 16GB DDR4 RAM which makes sure you get super-fast transfer rates and high efficiency. What further enhances the performance is GeForce GTX 1050 Max-Q which is absolutely great for streaming games. Asus has designed Zenbook 15 with an Ergo Lift feature that makes sure you have a better typing position, optimized cooling and great audio performance.
The facial recognition sign-in from Windows using the built-in IR camera lets you access your laptop easily. In terms of connectivity, you get USB type-C ports, HDMI and gigabit-class Wi-Fi 5 (802.11AC), Bluetooth 5.0 and SD Card reader which make transferring files extremely easy. In addition to this, you also get a carry sleeve which enables you to carry around your 3.7-pound laptop with ease. We’re really in favor of the ultra-slim look of the model which is preferred over other bulky laptops.Zenbook 15 is another laptop that gives an extensive battery life of 15 hours which means you can watch movies non-stop without having the need to plug in your charger every few hours.
What’s not to like?
If we really had to mention a flaw of Zenbook 15, then it would be an awkward jump cursor issue that was experienced by some users.
Our verdict
If you’re looking for sleek laptops above $1000 that deliver what they promise, then go for Asus Zenbook 15. Not only do you get the reliability of a trusted brand but also good battery life and great streaming experience.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Nano Edge bezel display gives sleek look. Ergo Lift feature for enhanced user experience. | Jump cursor issue. |
5. HP 2019 Premium Flagship Pavilion
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What’s to like?
If we’re crafting a list about laptops, how can we possibly miss out on a brand like HP? So we welcome HP’s 2019 Premium Flagship Pavilion on our list. What’s great about this model is that the keyboard can be folded back and the laptop can be converted into a tablet. So, when you’re streaming videos, you can easily use the tablet form while comfortably lying back on your couch. A 15.6-inch diagonal touchscreen display with IPS Bright View technology gives a stunning display and breathes life into images. Similar to the 14-inch model, this laptop too has an hourglass design and thin bezels that give it a sleek look.
With an 8th Generation, Intel Quad Core i-5 8250U processor gives a speed of 1.60 GHz, which can be increased up to 3.40 GHz. The system uses an advanced Windows 10 operating system. The 8GB RAM enables you to run multiple applications without any lags. In addition, it also has GeForce MX250 graphics which helps create brilliant, colorful images that makes video streaming a fun experience. If you want to take your streaming level a notch higher, then opt for optional Radeon 535 graphics.
Store as many movies and documents as you like with its 512GB SSD and 1TB HDD which is quite a lot in terms of storage space. To connect your laptop to other devices, you get 2 USB 3.1 ports, 1 USB 3.1 type-C port, a headphone/microphone combo jack, 1 HDMI cable connector, Bluetooth and a Webcam for video calls.HP has also incorporated a fingerprint reader into this model which means that you can access your laptop with just a touch of your finger. Other than being efficient in terms of performance and user interface, this laptop weighs 4.3 pounds which makes it quite portable.
What’s not to like?
Although HP claims to have a battery life of around 10 hours for this model, some feedbacks have stated that the battery life is quite average.
Our verdict
If a reliable brand and a versatile, foldable laptop is what you’re looking for, then you should opt for HP 2019 Premium Flagship Pavilion. But if you’re someone who needs a good battery life for endless streaming, then you might want to reconsider your choice.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 360 degree foldable-convertible laptop. Fingerprint reader for easy access. | Average battery life. |
6. Dell G5587
What’s to like?
Dell G5587 provides an immersive, movie hall-like experience for anyone who loves to stream games, Netflix, or even YouTube videos. Featuring an 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8750H processor, you can increase the processing speed by up to 3.9 GHz with Turbo Boost technology. In terms of storage, the model has a 16GB 2666 MHz DDR4 which can be expanded up to 32GB. In addition, you get 1TB 5400 RPM (SATA) HDD storage for all your files and documents. Dell G5 also has a 128GB SSD Boot which can store most used programs so they load quickly and the system boots up instantly. So, you can be sure that you will never run out of space if you choose to buy this model.
To enhance your streaming, NVIDIA Pascal GeForce GTX 1050 Ti with 4GB GDDR5 graphics memory makes the laptop super-efficient and the visuals highly appealing. NVIDIA GeForce also supports Ansel screenshot technology and G-sync displays. A classic Windows 10 makes operations faster and increases your processing speed up to 4.10GHz.Its 15.6-inch screen equipped with special anti-glare panels, has an ability to display of 1920×1080 pixels. We really liked this unique feature as it makes using the laptop easier in a wide range of environments. This also means the clarity of videos remains unaffected by the varying intensities of light. Dell G5 ensures a beautiful, encompassing sound with its 2 front-firing, tuned speakers powered by Waves MaxxAudio – a suite of intelligent audio enhancement tools. You get a consistent tone without any quality drop and this makes your streaming experience even better. Furthermore, the keyboard has multiple layers of enforcement, 1.4mm keystroke travel, and even backlighting, that makes using the laptop easier in the dark.
Dell G5’s body is made of magnesium alloy, which has made it quite rigid, and a luxe palm rest with brushed metal finish responsible for its sleek look. To prevent your system from overheating, the model has cooling vents and dual fan cooling technology so that you can stream endlessly.
Being highly versatile in terms of connectivity, Dell provides a super speed USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C port that supports display port, power delivery, and thunderbolt 3, a cable which delivers transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps, and can also support single 5K display or dual 4K display output.
What’s not to like?
If you notice the comparative table, you’ll see that the Dell G5587, weighing 6.28 pounds, is one of the heaviest models on our list. This means that it’s not highly portable.
Our verdict
If great audio quality and versatile connection ports are the two most important things for you while looking for laptops for streaming, then Dell G5 will be an ideal choice for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Its 2 front-firing, tuned speakers powered by Waves. Maxx Audio give deliver consistent tone. MaxxVersatile connection ports. | Bulky. |
7. Asus Chromebook Flip
What’s to like?
We’ve chosen another model from Asus since it has a great reputation when it comes to manufacturing laptops that suits the different needs of users. The Asus Chromebook Flip is one of the best budget laptops for live streaming. Being the lightest model on our list with a weight of just 2 pounds, this laptop can also be converted into a laptop by merely folding the keyboard with the help of its unique 360-degree hinge. Along with being lightweight, it’s also super sleek with a thickness of merely 0.6 inches and an aluminum metal body.
The laptop’s 10.1-inch WXGA touchscreen with a resolution of 1280 x 800 guarantees comfortable and smooth streaming. Your streaming experience is further accentuated by Rockchip RK3399 and Quad-Core 2.0 GHz processor which ensures superfast performance of the laptop. In terms of storage, you get 32GB of space and 4GB of RAM which ensures that your system doesn’t slow down with time.
Chromebook functions on Google’s Chrome OS which has built-in virus protection, updates automatically, boots up in seconds and continues to stay fast over time. This is different from the previously mentioned Asus Zenbook 15, which uses Windows 10. Apart from this, the Chromebook has a 38-Whr polymer battery with a 9–hour life which is quite average when compared to 15-hour discharge duration of the Zenbook 15.
As a bonus, you get access to a wide range of Google applications, docs, sheets and slides, along with Google play store’s apps, music and games. There’s also a built-in storage for offline access to files and a 100GB Google Drive space to ensure that all files are backed up automatically. For connectivity, Asus Chromebook has 1 USB 2.0 port and 2 USB 3.0 ports.
What’s not to like?
The only limitation that we think Asus Chromebook Flip has is that is lacks a Windows OS and the efficiency that comes with it.
Our verdict
If you’re looking for laptops for streaming within a tight budget then you should definitely opt for the Dell G5. Being priced under $500, it is the cheapest model on our list.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheap. 360 degree hinge for convertibility. | No Windows OS. |
8. Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook
What’s to like?
Another ultra-thin and light model on our list weighing only 3.09 pounds is the Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook. With a 13.3 inch display size, durable CNC frame and 4K thin bezel touch display, you get amazing quality images which makes video streaming convenient. NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics with 4GB VRAM elevates your video game streaming to the next level. Featuring an 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8565U processor which offers 4.6 GHz processing speed, this ultrabook makes use of the most advanced processor to stream videos at lightning speed. Along with this, you also get 16GB of dual channel memory and 8 hours of battery life.
We really liked its Razer Chroma keyboard which has customizable RGB (Red, Green, Blue) lighting with 16.8 million color options and a highly precise glass touchpad. So if you’re a streamer who loves to carry around your laptop to important events, this model is a perfect one to grab everyone’s attention. In terms of connectivity, Razer Blade provides Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, USB-A, Windows Hello infrared camera and dual array mics.A combination of 4 stereo speakers and smart amplifier gives a great boost and clarity to the sound quality. You also get Dolby Atmos which delivers a 3-dimensional space, surround sound feel, as a result of reverberation.
What’s not to like?
The only drawback of the Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook is that it’s expensive.
Our verdict
If you’re willing to shell out a good amount of money and invest in a laptop with great looks and even greater performance, then this model is ideal for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight. Customizable keyboard. Great audio quality. | Expensive. |
9. Apple 13 inch Macbook Air
What’s to like?
As a brand, Apple has been an innovator in the field of technology. We’ve included Apple’s 13-inch Macbook Air on our list as it is one of the brand’s most preferred laptops by video streamers. With an Intel Core i5 processor, this model has a processing speed of 1.8 GHz, which can be increased up to 2.9 GHz with Turbo Boost technology. Macbook Air features a 256GB SSD storage which is around 17 times faster than a 5400 RPM laptop’s hard drive. You also get an additional 8GB of memory.
Enhancing your video streaming is Intel HD Graphics 6000 on a 13.3 inch retina display with a resolution of 1440 x 900. By retina display, we mean that the pixel density is so high that you cannot differentiate the individual pixels at a normal viewing angle. Stunning display and exceptional clarity are the hallmark features of Macbook Air. Weighing merely 2.7 pounds, it is also pretty lightweight.
In addition, you gain access to Apple applications like Siri, iMovie, iTunes, among others. And you can also pair your Mac with other Apple devices like your iPhone. In terms of battery life, you can go 12 hours without plugging in your charger which is quite impressive.
For connectivity, you get a Thunderbolt 2 port and 2 USB 3.0 ports. If you’re all about that bass, then the Mac won’t disappoint you. Along with an increased bass, it also has a loud volume so you can watch movies even without headphones and still get crystal clear and crisp audio. The video aspect ratio is set to 16:10 and cannot be changed.
What’s not to like?
Considering the laptop has an aspect ratio of 16:10, movie lovers know that most flicks have an aspect ratio of 16:9. This means that two black bars come up on the top and bottom of the screen every time you play a movie. We know that to most users, this kind of a view may be inconvenient. Also, it is difficult to upgrade Macbook Air. The RAM in the system is soldered in place and cannot be upgraded at all. You can upgrade your RAM at the time of purchase by spending extra bucks, but you cannot upgrade it afterwards. In addition, the system is limited to operate with Mac supported programs only.
Our verdict
When compared to Pro, Macbook Air is not only lighter but also has a brighter display. This is why it is loved by video streamers. So, if you’re willing to invest in an Apple laptop with stunning display, opt for this model. This being said, if you can’t overlook the stated flaws, then we have better options for you on our list.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Retina display gives exceptional clarity. Loud volume with increased bass. | Limited aspect ratio. RAM can’t be upgraded later on. |
10. LG Gram
What’s to like?
Being the sleekest laptop on our list, LG Gram is ultra-light weighing just 2.4 pounds. The laptop stands true to its name as it weighs even less than a kilogram. What really stood out for us was its exceptional battery life of 21.5 hours which means that it is absolutely perfect for video streamers who love to travel. Being powered by 4 cells, the model works on 72Wh of electricity supply.
With a 15.6 inch spacious screen, full HD IPS display and ultra-slim bezel, this laptop delivers visuals that leave an impact. What further enhances the display is a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels and a LCD screen which gives a rich burst of colors.
Featuring an 8th Generation, Intel Core i5-8265U processor and Windows 10 OS, LG Gram is crafted for efficient performance. It also has a backlit keyboard which will let you easily stream videos even in the dark. You also get a good storage capacity of 256GB SSD and 8GB DDR4 RAM with hard drive RPM 7200 which is sufficient to store ample number of movies and shows. Intel HD Graphics 620 accounts for fast streaming of videos and lag-free streaming of video games.
Despite being sleek, LG Gram is highly durable. With a premium nano carbon magnesium full metal body, this model is tougher than most laptops. This feature packed laptop also has Windows Hello which is a password free sign-in along with a fingerprint reader that lets you login with just a touch of your finger. In terms of audio, DTS Headphone:X gives the thrilling feel of 11:1 channel surround sound.
What’s not to like?
LG has crafted this model to be a favorite among streamers. The only drawback is the price as it is quite expensive.
Our verdict
The LG Gram, included in the list, is one of our personal favorites. It includes several features such as a brilliant display, great audio, portable and durable body that suits the need of video streamers. You’ll have to spend a little extra but the value this model offers is worth the money.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sleek. Lightweight. Durable. | Expensive. |
FAQ’s
1.Why resolutions matter for streaming laptops?
More than screen size, the resolution at which you run your laptop makes a difference. A 600×480 video will consume less bandwidth than a 1920×1080 video viewed on the same screen. Bandwidth is measured as the amount of data that can be transferred from one point to another within a network in a specific amount of time. A video with resolution 600×480 will have more number of pixels as compared to a resolution of 1920×1080. Less number of pixels means more clarity in videos while streaming.
2. What are the best laptops for streaming Netflix and YouTube?
The 2 best laptops for streaming Netflix and YouTube are the Asus Chromebook Flip and LG Gram. We recommend Chromebook Flip because it is extremely lightweight and can be converted into a tablet. This means that with this laptop, you can easily lie back on your recliner and enjoy movies endlessly. LG Gram is really sleek and has a spacious screen coupled with brilliant display. This ensures you get bigger and better picture quality.
3. What is best internet speed for streaming movies in laptops?
To have smooth standard definition video, a connection that is more than 2 Mb/s is recommended. For HD, 3D, or 4K, that speed is much higher. It’s also different depending on the service that streams the videos.
4. How to choose a good streaming laptop?
When you choose a streaming laptop, always keep in mind the display, processor, audio quality and RAM. A 15.6-inch, 4K display is optimum to deliver good quality videos. An 8th Generation Intel Core i7 is the most advanced processor till date. 8GB RAM is sufficient if you want to stream movies. You can also switch to 16GB RAM to stream video games at a faster speed. Another factor that you should keep in mind while choosing a laptop is your budget. Find the best combination of all these factors and you’re good to go.
5. What is the best laptop for live streaming?
For live streaming, portability and battery life are really important factors that you should consider while buying a laptop. We recommend Asus Zenbook 15 because of its 15 hour battery life, 16GB RAM and 3.7 pound body which is not very heavy to carry around. It also has great connectivity and the Ergo Lift feature for the user’s comfort.
6. Are gaming laptops good for streaming?
Yes, gaming laptops like the Acer Predator Helios 300, Dell G5 and Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook are good for streaming. Both gaming and streaming videos requires a good graphics card and RAM. In fact, gaming requires a lot more than what streaming demands. So a laptop that is good for gaming is also suited for streaming.
Conclusion
We hope our detailed list helped you gain insight on the different types of laptops for streaming. For gamers who are also streamers, we suggest you to consider options like the Acer Predator Helios 300, and a Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook, because of their stylish, sturdy looks, and efficient processor. Overall, we think LG Gram is a really good laptop for streaming videos on platforms like Netflix and YouTube.So, choose a laptop that matches all the factors on your list and also caters to your budget. We wish you good luck and good health.
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Last update on 2023-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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