Arthur C. Clarke once said, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is equivalent to magic.” The 15-inch laptop is the magic between the bulky 17-inch laptop and the smaller, less powerful 13-inch laptop. As far as portability and performance are concerned, 15-inch laptops are the best because they are neither too bulky nor too small.

As computer technology progresses, the gadgets are getting smaller, lighter, and slimmer. The 15 inch, in particular, is a thin laptop with powerful processors and graphics. If your interest is in a gaming laptop, a business notebook, a college laptop, or a more versatile one, there is a 15-inch laptop in the market for you.

A 15-inch laptop has won the heart of many users. More people are switching to these laptops, mainly for their portability. If you have been on the search for a great laptop, here is a review of the best 15-inch laptops currently on the market. You can review the key features we listed for each product on this list and weigh them against your preferences. When you reach the end of this guide, you'll be knowledgeable enough to choose the best 15-inch laptop that is perfect for you!

Editors choice

1. Dell XPS 15 9500

9.05 / 10
Read Reviews

The Dell XPS 15 9500 is a high-performing laptop with an incredible display. It is a sturdy 15.6-inch laptop with a 4K UHD touch screen. The screen, of resolution 3840 x 2400 Pixels, is fitted inside narrow bezels that enable a generous view of the Infinity Edge display. As such, the minimal edge gives plenty of room to split two working windows horizontally. Besides, the minimal edge gives you the pleasure of watching that favorite sitcom on a wonderfully sharp, bright, and clear screen.

The picture quality is equally stunning. The laptop has 100 percent Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 color gamut that delivers saturated colors. The 16:10 contrast ratio, on the other hand, ensures that you see bright and dark colors as they are. The laptop also has an Eyesafe display for reduced stress on the eyes.

The keyboard in the XPS 15 9500 has large keys that feel better with touch. Additionally, the touchpad is about 62 percent large, smooth and reliable, with minimal sticking. As such, moving the cursor from one place to another is a breeze.

The XPS 9500 performance is outstanding. The Intel Core i7, a 10th Generation processor, doubled with a 16GB RAM to assure faster execution of tasks. The advanced dual fans are fitted separately to spread heat over a large area. This reduces overheating, leading to excellent performance.

The immersive audio is another striking feature of the laptop. With more than 7000 speaker holes and a quad-speaker design, you can enjoy music and movies with a 3D surround experience with Waves Nx audio. Generally, the XPS 15 9500 is a sleek laptop carefully crafted with inlaid stainless logos and high polished diamond-cut sidewalls.

Key Features
  • Weighs 8.83 pounds
  • 5GHz CPU speed
  • 3840 x 2400 pixels resolution
  • 10th Gen Intel Core i7
Pros
  • Speedy performance
  • Robust speakers
  • Beautiful display
  • Large and comfortable touchpad
Cons
  • GPU not good for gamers
Buy This Product
Dell XPS 15 9500
Premium pick

2. Asus ZenBook Pro

9.65 / 10
Read Reviews

The ASUS ZENBOOK Pro Duo UX581 is one of the most stylish and innovative laptops that have come out over the past two years. The laptop comes with the latest features and manages to make good use of the extra design elements in a way that you will not find in most laptops.

The most impressive feature of the ASUS ZENBOOK Pro Duo is its screen pad display, which is located right above the keyboard. The display gives you lots of extra screen real estate to work with regardless of the program you are using.

Visually, the laptop is built with longevity and future-proofing in mind. The double screen makes it one of the top contenders for mobile professionals. Many tech reviewers have described the ASUS ZENBOOK Pro Duo as "the laptop of tomorrow' thanks to its mechanical and futuristic design.

The double screen is meant to boost your productivity, especially if you are a creative professional or a gamer. You can use the secondary screen to hide some program elements that you'd rather have in the background, such as controls and settings. If you are a painter or an illustrator, the secondary screen is perfect for storing your brushes while the primary one holds your canvas. The possibilities are endless, regardless of your profession or interests.

The ASUS ZENBOOK Pro Duo is one of the most powerful gaming laptops that you're going to find on the market. The machine comes with a Ge-Force RTX 2016 graphics card as well as an Intel Core i9 processor. You can expect to play the latest AAA games on the laptop at the highest frame rates and graphics settings.

Key Features
  • UHD NanoEdge Bezel Touch
  • 1TB PCIe SSD
  • 4K display
Pros
  • Excellent design
  • Fast performance in games
  • Low fan noise
Cons
  • Speakers are weak
Buy This Product
Asus ZenBook Pro
Best value

3. Acer Chromebook 15

9.35 / 10
Read Reviews

The Acer Chromebook 15 is a light and versatile laptop built for business and educational purposes. The laptop features a 15.6-inch screen, which is perfect for media consumption and visually demanding productivity tasks such as processing spreadsheets.

The computer comes with Chrome OS, which ensures that the processing demands are minimal hence directing all the power to your activities. The operating system will let you install Android applications, which will ensure continuity with your Android smartphone, especially in apps that do not have suitable alternatives on desktop.

If you're in the market for a powerful and capable Chromebook that will last you all day on a single charge, you may consider the Acer Chromebook 15. The machine comes with 4GB of high-speed RAM and 16GB of EMCC permanent storage. The configuration will be more than enough for most business and academic needs since the operating system automatically backs up all your files and documents to the Google Cloud Suite.

The Acer Chromebook 15 comes with a powerful processor to ensure that you do not have to deal with stutters or slow program loading times. The quad-core Atom X5-e8000 processor is one of the most powerful CPUs of its class. With a clock speed of up to 2.0 gigahertz, 2MB cache, and four processing cores, multitasking on the Chromebook will be a breeze.

The laptop comes with a special bundle of NexiGo 32GB micro SD card, which is a bonus for expanding its base storage. The external storage card will also be useful for transferring files and media from other devices to the laptop.

Key Features
  • HDMI output
  • LED display technology
  • Voice command
Pros
  • Fast word processing
  • Smooth multimedia consumption
  • Vibrant display
Cons
  • Doesn't run Windows apps
Buy This Product
Acer Chromebook 15

Acer Aspire 5 has one of the best performance and processing optimization in the 15-inch screen bracket. The laptop has all the latest features that you may be looking for in a big and portable machine.

The computer comes with top-of-the-line specs to ensure that you remain productive all day. Its chassis houses an AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Mobile processor, making the laptop perfect for on-the-go productivity. You will not struggle to handle all kinds of processing, no matter the complexity of the tasks.

If you're in the market for a laptop that you can take along the road for media consumption, consider the Acer Aspire 5. Despite their big screen, the computer is light and comfortable to carry around. You will be able to catch up with your favorite Netflix and HBO series in coffee shops and parks.

Being a media consumption device, the Acer Aspire 5 has one of the best displays in the market segment. The 15.6 inch full HD IPS screen with a small bezel leaves you with lots of space to work. You will also be less distracted since your eyes are focused more on the content and less on the surroundings, thanks to the immersive display technology.

Battery life is a crucial consideration when buying a laptop to be used out and about. The Acer Aspire 5 will perfectly handle all your processing needs, given that it has a 7.5-hour battery life. You will not have to carry your charger to work or school every day.

Key Features
  • 2 USB 2.0 ports
  • HDMI outlet
  • AMD Radeon Vega 3
Pros
  • Fast processing
  • Quick boot time
  • Crisp display
Cons
  • The OS is limited
Buy This Product
Acer Aspire 5

The Microsoft Surface Book 3 is one of the most versatile 2-in-1 laptops released in 2020. The computer excels in every aspect since it is perfect for mobility and heavy processing.

The Microsoft Surface Book 3 is built for heavy performance and is faster than the previous generation Microsoft Surface Book 3 by about 30 percent. The laptop will handle intensive tasks, manipulate, and edit large video files effortlessly. You will also be able to play some of the best games that Windows has to offer.

The Microsoft Surface Book 3 is a dynamic laptop that you can use as a robust gaming machine, a portable studio, or a powerful tablet since the touch screen is detachable. You will enjoy switching between the different modes and utilizing the machine in accordance with the computing situation in front of you.

If you're in the market for a laptop that stands out of the crowd, the Microsoft Surface Book 3 is right for you. The machine shines in every aspect due to the level of innovation that went into its design. Flipping it around and attaching it back to its keyboard will let you use it as a notebook where you can jot ideas or take notes using the Surface Pen.

Aside from the laptop's design aspects, the Microsoft Surface Book 3 is powered by the latest processor mobile graphics card. The machine has an Nvidia GTX GeForce GPU coupled with a 10th Gen Intel Core i7, which will breeze through all kinds of AAA games. The speakers on the laptop are powerful since they are powered by Dolby Audio sound and Studio Mics.

Key Features
  • Full-size SD card slot
  • USB-C
  • Latest WiFi and Bluetooth
Pros
  • Great performance in games
  • Responsive touchscreen
  • Perfect for drawing
Cons
  • Some units are buggy
Buy This Product
Microsoft Surface Book 3

If a grab-and-go laptop is your must-have, the LG Gram is the answer. The laptop weighs only 4.34 pounds, which is attributable to the magnesium alloy body. The LG Gram boasts of a high-capacity 80Wh lithium battery that can last up to 18.5 hours. Such a battery life is impressive to video editors, designers, and gamers.

The LG Gram 15.6 has passed various military-grade durability tests. The full metal body made of nanocarbon durable magnesium is shock resistant. Also, the laptop has passed other tests for low pressure, high and low temperatures, dust, and vibration.

The performance speed of this laptop is top-notch. Its 10th Generation Intel Core 8GB of DDR4 Ram ensures speedy execution of tasks. The multiple ports, including a USB Type, assure a high-speed data transfer and video output. USB 3.0 supports higher power charging. The HDMI port, on the other hand, connects the laptop to outside displays.

The keyboard is backlit, and the brightness can be adjusted to suit different environments, especially dark rooms. Standing is an LCD screen of 1920x1080 screen resolution that is 15.6 inches. The screen has a 16:9 aspect ratio for a full HD content display. The screen is surrounded by an ultra-slim bezel, which accentuates the picture quality by allowing for a more viewable area.

Sometimes less engaging tasks can be executed along with the music. A DTS headphone X is fitted into the laptop for expansive audio channels.

Key Features
  • 1920x 1080 IPS LCD Screen
  • Back-lit keyboard
  • Weighs 4.34 pounds
  • Intel 10th Gen Core i5
Pros
  • Thin and light
  • Good battery life
  • Extensive ports
  • Compatible with Wi-Fi 6
Cons
  • Keyboard not comfortable
Buy This Product
LG Gram Laptop

If you are looking for a portable and fast laptop, you will love Lenovo Legion. This laptop is lightweight and has incredible performance.

Lenovo Legion comes with a gorgeous, near-edge less screen that uses IPS to display images. This screen delivers visuals in full HD and has a reduced screen to body ratio to increase its immersion effect. You are guaranteed to revel in highly detailed, bright, and attractive images.

The keyboard is highly responsive, has a number pad and white backlight. The instant acknowledgment of key presses, the presence of a backlight, and a number pad serve to optimize your computing experience. You will not be a victim of slow speed or be restricted to certain light conditions.

Sluggish speed will truly become a thing of the past. In addition to having a sensitive keyboard, the laptop uses a powerful 9th generation Intel Core i7 processor that ensures applications operate at optimal speeds. You can, thereby, kiss goodbye to hanging programs and long waiting times with this processor.

You will have access to loads of memory to multitask or run large applications. This laptop has 16GB RAM that allows you to work with multiple applications simultaneously. Using multiple applications will, therefore, be a breeze.

You can store your documents and programs in the 256GB solid-state drive (SSD). The beauty of using SSD is that the laptop will produce less heat and noise, boot fast, and retrieve data quickly. The SSD, essentially, helps create an optimal computing environment.

Key Features
  • 256GB solid state drive
  • Intel Core i7 processor
  • White backlit keyboard
  • IPS screen
Pros
  • Stunning visuals
  • Fast data retrieval rate
  • Fast processing speeds
  • Multitasking
Cons
  • Memory could be bigger
Buy This Product
2020 Lenovo Legion

If you are looking for a reliable and fast laptop, you will love Lenovo ThinkPad E15. Lenovo ThinkPad E15 features a 10th generation processor that ensures applications operate in an optimal environment. This processor prevents long waiting times from ruining your computing experience and supports smooth, fluid interactions with applications.

The Intel processor normally functions at a speed of 1.6GHz. However, using Turbo boost technology, the processor can fork out speeds of up to 4.2GHz. This technology ensures that the performance of the laptop does not falter when handling large applications. This adaptability of the processor guarantees that you have a reliable computing experience.

You can work and play at the same time. The laptop has 16GB DDR4 RAM that allows it to run multiple applications concurrently. This RAM ensures that every application’s data and processes are independent. You can, therefore, effortlessly switch between applications without any problem.

This laptop is stylish and eye-catchy. Encased in a sleek aluminum body, the laptop has a modern, minimalistic look. This laptop’s eye-catchiness promises to make any work look more inviting.

Do not let the laptop’s stylish appearance fool you into thinking it is weak. This laptop has undergone rigorous testing and is made of a sturdy body that can withstand frequent knocks. Whether it is a spill or a hard knock, this laptop is guaranteed to live to see another day.

Key Features
  • 10th generation processor
  • Turbo Boost technology
  • Stylish appearance
  • Sturdy body
Pros
  • Fast speed
  • Reliable performance
  • Resilient against accidents
  • Multi-task
Cons
  • Lacks backlit keyboard
Buy This Product
Lenovo ThinkPad E15

Stunning and powerful, the Samsung Galaxy Book ion is a laptop to behold. This laptop is drop-dead gorgeous and delivers exemplary performance.

Samsung Galaxy Book ion has a jaw-dropping screen that displays images in their full splendor. This screen uses an OLED panel to deliver visuals that are vibrant and colorful without consuming much energy. Prepare to marvel at the pictures and videos that are displayed on this screen.

The laptop makes it no secret that frugal energy consumption is a top priority. Despite having mammoth features, the laptop utilizes little energy and can be used for up to 22 hours. The battery, a Lithium-ion core, is fast-charging, can charge wirelessly, and saves you from the headaches of requiring constant recharging.

The laptop boasts a processing powerhouse. Using a 10th generation Intel processor, the laptop provides a conducive environment for applications. This processor operates at a speed of 1.8GHz and optimizes computing. You can, therefore, bid goodbye to suboptimal processing speeds.

To ensure that your graphics do not lag behind the processor, the laptop comes with an Intel UHD graphics card that processes images at a lightning-fast speed. This card ensures that your screen responds to any change in visuals instantly. You are, consequently, guaranteed a continuous, intuitive computing experience.

The laptop boasts a stylish and agile body. Its slim body gives the Samsung a minimalistic, modern appearance. The adjustable keyboard provides a comfortable typing angle. The body is, thereby, not only easy on your eyes but also your fingers.

Key Features
  • OLED panel
  • Lithium-ion battery
  • 10th generation Intel processor
  • Intel UHD graphics card
Pros
  • Stunning visuals
  • Long battery life
  • Stylish and agile body
  • Fast processing speeds
Cons
  • Lacks rigorous resilience testing
Buy This Product
Samsung Galaxy Book Ion

If you want a laptop that has enviable features, you will love HP Envy X360. This laptop offers the best performance with its state-of-the-art features.

HP Envy X360 comes with a powerful AMD Ryzen 5 processor that operates at a base speed of 2.3GHz. This fast processing rate creates an optimal working environment for your applications. You can, therefore, bid goodbye to slow loading speeds and long waiting times.

The processor ensures that the laptop is reliably fast. Using Intel Turbo Boost technology, the processor guarantees a smooth working experience with processor-intensive programs as wells as less-intensive ones. This technology can increase the processing speed up to 4.0GHz, therefore, it is a lifesaver when working with large programs.

Prepare to be bombarded with gorgeous visuals. The laptop has a 15.6-inch IPS screen that has thin bezels and displays in full HD. The reduced screen-to-body ratio ensures that the laptop is incredibly immersive and that the visuals are bright and vibrant.

The laptop uses an AMD Radeon Graphics card that delivers images lightning-fast. This graphics card ensures that your screen instantly reflects the anticipated images, and is quite helpful in the rendering of movies and games.

You run multiple applications concurrently thanks to the 8GB RAM. Say goodbye to applications whose performance is pegged on the emptiness of the RAM, and hello to applications that perform exemplarily, despite the presence of other applications in memory.

Key Features
  • Touchscreen
  • AMD Ryzen 5 processor
  • Intel Turbo boost
  • AMD Radeon graphics card
Pros
  • Stunning visuals
  • Reliable fast processing speeds
  • Multitasking support
  • Fast image delivery
Cons
  • RAM could be bigger
Buy This Product
2020 HP Envy x360

There are many powerful 15-inch laptops out there. It can be a tricky affair figuring out the best. Admittedly, it is no longer enough to pick a 15-inch laptop that is within you budget. There are other considerable factors.

Important Factors To Consider

The first thing to consider is screen quality. Since you will spend many hours on the laptop screen, you will want a display that is comfortable to look at. A screen resolution of about 1920x1080 pixels will deliver bright and clear content. For content creators and designers, there are 4K resolutions that offer high-end displays.

For gamers, take time to check the refresh rate on the laptop display. If you are a competitive online gamer, a faster refresh rate will give you a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.

Viewing angles equally matter. A laptop screen that enables in-plane switching supports wide viewing angles for user comfort. Sometimes you might not be using the laptop from your usual place. Thus if you might want to use it during a day out in the fields, ensure that the screen can support an IPS display.

Secondly, check for the CPU. The Intel Core Processors determine the type of performance to expect in a laptop. Though Core i5 is rather good, the Corei7 promises the best performance. There is a category of 15-inch laptops that run on AMD’s Ryzen Mobile CPUs. Ideally, Ryzen Mobile can be paired with Vega graphics, which are far better for gaming.

Thirdly, before you buy that 15-inch laptop, look at the RAM. For optimum performance, 8GB RAM is good. However, if you are a power user, consider a computer with 16GB RAM. The advantage of more RAM is that you can run multiple applications at the same time. For designers and video content creators, more RAM promises quick accessibility to large amounts of data.

A laptop battery life is a factor you cannot afford to overlook. It is, however, crucial to note that many other variables affect battery life. These include the screen brightness, the resolution, the wireless connections, and the number of applications running.  As such, the preferred practice is to look at the battery rating, which is often indicated in Wh or mAh. The larger the score, the longer the battery life. A 15-inch laptop with a minimum of 10 hours of battery life is a good choice.

Additionally, the laptop build quality matters. Most modern laptops are made to withstand dust, rain, and liquid spills. The best laptops boast military-grade protection certifications.

The market is currently flooded with a broad range of 15-inch laptops. Bagging the best laptop for your needs is not a simple task. However, this guide will help you make a well-informed decision. Now that you've finished it, you can revisit our list of the best 15-inch laptops and make your final choice!

FAQ

Q: Is a 15-inch laptop too big?

Though it depends on your needs, a 15-inch laptop gives users a larger display for an immersive viewing experience. Your work doesn’t feel too cramped when working on several divisions or when opening various tabs. Photographers have an easy time displaying pictures to their customers.

The best 15-inch laptops aren’t made for better visuals only, but a bigger footprint gives manufacturers more wiggle room. As such, they can enhance better cooling or add more powerful components. More space for hardware installation provides room for adding more drivers, RAM slots, and other handy additions that improve the overall performance of a laptop.

You can pick one with the highest configuration to eliminate the need to switch to a desktop. Still, you can get a more portable version that won’t weigh you down when working outdoors or on the road.

Q: Does a 15-inch laptop have good battery life?

Many people believe that bigger laptops drain the battery faster, which isn’t true. Some 15-inch laptops have impressive battery life enough to last longer than 13-inch screens. There are various factors that determine how long your battery will last. A 15-inch laptop with sufficient RAM allows the system to retrieve data faster, so the hard drive doesn’t consume much power when operating.

For instance, the Dell Latitude 9510 2-in-1 laptop offers up to 18 hours 17 minutes of battery life. Along with its impeccable battery, it includes several security features, and the slim yet durable chassis makes it portable. The laptop beats the Acer Swift 5 (Intel 11th Gen, 2020), which offers only 13 hours and 37 minutes. So, a 13-inch laptop with less RAM may drain the battery quicker than a 15-inch with sufficient RAM.

Q: Can I game with a 15-inch laptop?

Besides being suitable for working and studying, the best 15-inch laptops have fast refreshing screens to make gaming a breeze. Many manufacturers build 15-inch laptops with 1440p displays under the $200 category, offering a premium experience over the 1080p.

Additionally, not all chips deliver the same gaming power. For instance, the RTX 3070 in a particular 15-inch laptop may perform differently in another. Factors like wattage, processor, and cooling determine the frame rate performance. For NVIDIA, check on higher graphics power and clock speed to perform in favor of modern games.

Apart from the screen, GPU, and CPU performance, a laptop with greater storage and memory will impact your performance significantly.

Q: How can I choose the best 15-inch laptop for my needs?

The 15-inch laptop market has something for everyone, whether you are a photo editor, gaming enthusiast, or you want a basic system for web surfing. Before picking one, it’s critical to know what you need or want to do. Always consider the operating system, CPU speed, and amount of RAM since they dictate how powerful a laptop is when handling multiple tasks.

If you are a frequent traveler, remember to check the battery performance and portability. A premium offering among the best 15-inch laptops is the Dell XPS 15 9500, which handles various jobs with ease. You can handle photo editing and enjoy responsiveness from the latest processor.

Q: Is a 17-inch laptop better than a 15-inch?

Although bigger laptops create more room for extra hardware, a 17-inch laptop is a bit of a bummer. The construction may be slim, but the screen size makes portability a hassle. Unlike a 15-inch that can fit on a typical bag, a 17-inch needs extra storage, and this will weigh you down. Also, it adds excess weight when placing it on the lap or carrying it from place to place.

A 15-inch laptop gives you more convenience and eliminates the need to carry hefty luggage only to enjoy a larger display. Seventeen-inch laptops are primarily popular among programmers who yearn for more substantial screens to develop websites, code, or create killer graphics.