Our comparison table only shows our top 5 picks. You can find the other recommendations within this article.
Streaming video has become the craze with the increasing power of graphics processors and improvements in computer displays. The number of streaming services seems to increase by the day.
Searching for the perfect laptop for video streaming can be a tedious task given the extensive amount of research work involved. No matter how much time you dedicate to the search, the term “perfect video streaming laptop” remains a utopian reality.
The final decision depends on your budget and your expectations. The good news is that streaming basic video content doesn't require a high-end laptop. If you only want to stream movies or TV shows, a relatively low-cost laptop can work well. However, if you have additional computing requirements beyond entertainment, you may want to consider more expensive or more flexible options.
Closely related to video streaming, many people are becoming involved in live streaming or vlogs. Others are using laptops to edit video content from their smartphones for use on the internet. If you are involved in these activities, you'll want a somewhat more capable laptop than someone who will just be streaming video from the web.
See Also: 5 Best Laptops With DVD Drive
We have done the hard work of browsing through millions of customer reviews, comparing system features and interviewing people who have been using these laptops to build our list of the ten best alternatives for video streaming laptops.
We understand how frustrating technical glitches and system lag can be. So don’t make the mistake of traveling down the wrong path when we've done of the work already.
Our Top Picks for Best Laptops to Stream Videos
1. Acer Predator G9-792-70DR
Specs:
Welcome to the vibrant world of no holds barred entertainment riding on the Acer Predator which promises true blue cinematic experience with its 17.3 inches FHD IPS display.
Whether you are watching a movie or playing a game, expect all the on-screen images to spring to life with its wide viewing angle which does not dampen the image quality even when viewed from extreme corners.
Designed for those having an unquenchable appetite for speed, the G9-792-70DR brings together the killer combination of NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M, Intel Core i7-6700HQ Processor, 32GB DDR4 Memory, 8GB GDDR5 VRAM, 1TB Hard Drive and 512GB PCIe SSD.
With a dynamic geometry featuring colorful red accents, the Acer beauty will surely make heads turn as you walk down the college corridor tucking it inside your arm. Its red backlit keyboard features a dedicated number pad and programmable keys to depart the ultimate controlling mechanism to hardcore gamers.
The SoundPound technology creates an immersive sound experience which deepens the impact of games, movies and music.
Predator’s Dust Defender technology works in unison with an AeroBlade fan to alternate airflow directions for keeping the system cool even when it runs for long stretches of time. Its Skype certified HD webcam helps capturing brilliant images and conducting video calling in a hassle free manner.
See Related Article: 5 Best Laptops For Skype
2. MSI GP73 Leopard
Specs:
The Taiwanese computer maker cuts out a neat yet portable powerhouse having a very capable GTX 1060 graphics card, generous amounts of memory and a 120Hz display with an ultrathin bezel that allows this powerful laptop size to remain relatively small.
The keyboard, powered by Steel Series Engine 3, is designed for unbridled game play with program personalized macros and multiple backlit colors which can be synced using the cloud feature.
Constructed using embossed metal, the VR-ready Leopard sports a sturdy and aggressive look. Once you are done crushing over its beauty, it’s time to move into the brains segment.
The Leopard unleashes the monster inside propelled by Intel Core i7-8750H. The 17.6" FHD screen provides unprecedented visuals and it powers by a powerful GTX 1060 GPU.
A laptop this powerful can have trouble with overheating. However, the Leopard's cooling technology advanced venting and separate cooling devices for the GPU and CPU. We didn't haver any issues with excessive heat with this system.
Crisp and clear sound comes as a direct result of its 4.1 speaker system which is enhanced with 2 woofers for incredible bass response. This laptop is sure to please whether you are playing demanding games or streaming the latest high-resolution videos.
3. Razer Blade Pro Gaming Laptop
Specs:
There lies something exhilarating about the Razor laptop lineup which can set heartbeats racing as we contemplate over the next big performance enhancer that the manufacturers shall cram inside its razor-thin frame.
The machine’s exterior is constructed using CNC aluminum in dark black hue, whereas the interior showcases ebony aluminum shades. The Blade Pro misses out on the connectivity portal compared to its contemporaries but the ample options it houses are enough to get your work going.
Its right hemisphere houses Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.0 port, HDMI 2.0 port, a card reader and a Kensington security lock slot whereas the left side delights with a Gigabit Ethernet port, proprietary power jack and a headset jack.
Armed with NVIDIA Pascal architecture GPU, this game-changer hikes up power efficiency and performance by three times compared to its predecessor models. The super powerful 6th Gen Intel Core i7-6700HQ quad-core processor lets you stream rich content, dominate the gaming spectrum and multitask like a pro without encountering any system down time.
Its 17 inch IGZO display brings together 8.3 million pixels to set the stage for a visual extravaganza. The mechanical keyboard brings along an uncompromised desktop grade experience which feels accurate, tactile and responsive.
Feature loaded with optimized reset points, anti-ghosting capabilities and actuation force of 65g, the Razer Blade keyboard ensures that your fingers stay happy at day’s end.
4. Alienware AW15R3-10881SLV
Specs:
The Alienware range with its outlandish design has kept hardcore gamers hooked on for ages. Its AW15R3-10881SLV is no way different with its 15 inch FHD 120Hz display which makes sure than nothing can come between your quest for getting submerged in the ultimate gaming bliss.
Featuring NVIDIA G-sync technology, 400 nits of brightness, wide viewing angles and 4ms response time, this GeForce GTX-powered PC minimizes display and input lag while doing away with screen tearing in its entirety.
Its Always Ready Mode comes as a juncture between sleep and awakened mode and paves the way for utmost power efficiency with core programs running in the background. The Active Thermals module lets users swing between fan speed and internal temperature of the monitor.
Its anti-glare display is perfect for external usage as it minimizes reflections. The dual forces of Audio Recon software and Alienware Sound Center installed in the 2.0 speaker setup of the Alienware 15 R3-10881SLV mesmerizes with a crisp and clear audio experience.
The Alienware TactX keyboard supports n-key rollover thus enabling more than 108-key commands for maximum actions per minute. And with key travel time of 2.2 mm, the Alienware model registers rapid response to individual keystrokes.
5. ASUS ROG STRIX III
Specs:
This VR-Ready gaming laptop strikes the perfect chord between price and features and has that all it takes to be the most sought after goodie for all the tech nerds out there. You'll be amazed at the rainbow colors produced by this laptop with its RGB Keyboard, RGB logo, and RGB Light bar. And the Asus Aura Sync system coordinates the colors with your favorite games, movies or music.
The six-core Intel Core i7 processor is the computing engine of the high-powered laptop. With this much power, you will have no problems with either gaming or other demanding applications like video editing.
The 15.6 inch display with 240Hz refresh rate paves in the way for brilliant graphics and excellent color accuracy. The narrow bezel display has one of the fastest refresh times in the industry at 3 ms GTG (gray-to-gray).
The NVIDIA RTX 2070 GPU further enhances the graphics. When you're not streaming movies, you'll love this as a high-end gaming rig with real-time ray tracing and AI-based rendering.
Its sleek angular design along with the brushed textured surface gives this machine the feel of military hardware. In spite of being relatively lightweight at 5 lbs, for a laptop this powerful, the Strix III stuns with a sturdy hinge that remains in place even after prolonged usage.
Dual speakers located on each side of the chassis appear as two orange slits but can really turn the table with sound accuracy and optimum bass once the volume knobs are turned on.
Typically you need to worry about heating with a laptop like this. However, The Strix III has a high-tech cooling system with dual fans and triple radiators. This laptop will run cool as well as look cool. If you are looking for a powerful for more than just streaming video, this is a great choice.
6. LG gram
Specs:
LG is usually a market leader when it comes to producing big-screen TV’s and other household appliances. But it is also into laptop manufacture and this South Korean giant never fails to delight customers with their amazing creations.
At 2.4 pounds this ultra-light beauty curved from magnesium alloy, showcasing a minimalistic yet premium design shouts out portability from every corner without being flimsy.
The laptop base provides reasonable flex resistance without feeling bouncy and the display lid also needs to be accredited for its out-and-out flexibility since it does not produce on-screen ripples even after being prodded and poked.
LG designers have been working over the tagline that ‘slim is in’ which propelled them to come up with a slim and sexy bezel surrounding the 15.6 inch screen so that your eyes stay glued to the FHD IPS display.
In spite of being feather light, the LG gram packs in a heavy duty battery which keeps the system running up to an amazing 19 hours. For robust processing prowess and nimble performance the LG model brings along 8th gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB RAM, Windows 10 Home and 256GB SSD.
Its backlit keyboard featuring an ergonomic design can be adjusted until you get the optimum level of brightness for helping you work in diverse lighting conditions.
7. Lenovo Flex 4 2-in-1 80VE000HUS
Specs:
This no-frills convertible doesn’t try to captivate audience with gimmicks like removable keyboard. It rather tries to barge on the 2-in-1 market with a straightforward design and gigantic screen size which is bound to ensure that you have a great time while live streaming of videos.
Powered up in its core by 6th Generation Intel Core I chipsets, the Lenovo Flex takes 3D gaming to an entirely different level with its blazing fast speed. You can unleash you imagination by taking advantage of the rich features of Windows 10 to explore new possibilities.
Housed on both the sides of this Lenovo baby are two USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0 port. Although it decides to give the latest Type-C port a miss, the existing options are sure to get you going throughout the day.
For those who wish to connect the laptop with a secondary monitor there lays the HDMI-output slot. Wireless connectivity is secured by Bluetooth 4.0 and 2×2 ac WiFi card whereas Gigabit LAN (RJ-45) ensures the wired connections.
Weighing at 4.58 pounds, the Lenovo Flex is much sleeker than its predecessors and offers an instant solution to all your storage worries with its 256GB SSD.
Audiophiles will be in for a treat once they let the dual stereo speakers powered by Harman technology deliver super-crisp vocals which retains its soothing quality even with the sound knob turned to its highest.
8. Acer Aspire E 15
Specs:
If you are on a lookout for a Windows laptop below $400 then you would usually be wary of the mediocre performance and lackluster screen which is awaiting you in your shopping cart.
However Acer has added a new dimension to budget segment laptops with its Aspire E range which doesn’t fail to pack in a punch without letting your wallet bleed. Crafted using sturdy dark gray plastic, the E 15 does not show any signs of buckle or creak during usage.
Unlike its budget segment sisters, the E 15 offers a highly comfortable typing experience devoid of any shallowness or flex. Its dedicated numeric keypad is perfect for those who tend to use spreadsheets and calculator much more frequently.
The button less touchpad measuring 4.2x3 inch offers accurate navigation and helps with Windows 10 options such as pinch-to-zoom and three-finger swiping. Once you switch on the E5-575-33BM, you are bound to get enthralled seeing its magnificent 1920x1080 display which brings a new level to color accuracy powered up by Acer ColorBlast technology.
The 15.6 inch FHD screen offers optimal viewing experience with a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9. Featuring a paper cone design, the TrueHarmony speakers of Acer delivers fuller-bodied audio which can easily fill up a medium sized room with its delightful sound waves.
9. Dell Inspiron 5000
Specs:
This veteran laptop manufacturer has nailed the sub $500 market segment with well-rounded machines which feature touchscreen, faster processors and faster disk drives. The Inspiron 5000 model built with a brilliant black diamondback lid replicates the premium aura which often radiates from its higher end peers.
The machine derives its horsepower from Intel Core i5-6200U Skylake processor having Turbo Boost Technology clocking speeds of up to 2.80 GHz, Intel HD Graphics 520 with shared graphics memory, 8GB of DDR3L RAM, and a 1TB 5,400 RPM hard drive.
The robust offering from the house of Dell weighs 5.36 pounds which might not come off as highly portable but given the raw power it packs in we surely don’t mind bearing the extra weight. Its chiclet styled keyboard comes with a backlit feature so that you can keep on watching the trending videos even in low-light conditions.
One of the biggest USP’s of the Inspiron 5000 model is definitely its 15.6 inch FHD LED screen featuring TruLife technology which makes even the dullest of images spring to life with utmost vibrancy and color accuracy.
Powered with MaxxAudio technology, the 2016 Inspiron can be your perfect companion to spend a lazy afternoon wrapped up in a warm blanket while watching HD movies live using Netflix.
Using its Intel 3D Realsense webcam, the laptop can be unlocked instantly by virtue of its facial recognition feature which comes as a welcoming move for those who are not really good at remembering passwords.
10. IdeaPad 330S
Specs:
The Lenovo comes as the secret weapon for multimedia warriors with 512GB SSD storage, 16GB RAM and Intel Core i7 processor. With its larger than life display, sprawled across its 15.6 inch HD LED backlit screen, this desktop replacement is set to transform live streaming of videos into your ultimate pastime.
The Intel UHD Graphics 620 graphics brings stunning visuals to life thus making it easy to engage in casual gaming or to work with productivity applications.
Its AccuType keyboard featuring a trendy look with slightly curved keys delight with increased accuracy and typing comfort whereas the Windows optimized touchpad pleases with easy zoom, scroll, and rotate functions.
The speakers powered by Dolby Audio technology weaves an intricate sound castle which is bound to stun you with its crisp brilliance. However, if you like watching movies at blazing volumes then don’t hesitate to add an external woofer for the complete cinematic experience.
The IdeaPad 330s is 15% thinner than the Lenovo 330 since it doesn't include a DVD drive. The polished aluminum cover gives the laptop a very classy look.
Whether you are downloading applications or live streaming videos, its in-built 802.11ac Wi-Fi working at blazing-fast speed is sure to get the ball rolling in your court.
Conclusion
While embarking on the quest for finding out the best laptop for streaming videos, you need to take care of five factors: processor speed, microphone strength, battery life, RAM and cooling system design.
Remember that all these aspects are equally important for streaming high quality feeds successfully. Keeping all such factors in mind we have carefully assembled the list of top 10 video streaming laptops so that you don’t need to do the painfully time taking research before zeroing on your purchase.
We wish you happy shopping and video binge watching!