Our Favorite 15-Inch Laptops for Getting Most Things Done

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

How small is too small for a laptop computer? How big is too big? A laptop with a 15- to 16-inch display, measured diagonally, is the just-right size for many—the most convenient convergence of productivity versus portability.

The expansive display on a 15- to 16-inch laptop lets you view and work in multiple side-by-side windows or become fully engrossed in high-resolution movies or TV shows. Since a laptop in this size range weighs between 3 to 4 pounds and measures less than a half-inch thin, it won’t feel too heavy or bulky to comfortably carry during your work commute, across campus, or to the neighborhood coffee shop.

To choose the right model, you must first navigate an often mystifying morass of 15- to 16-inch laptop designs available in a dizzying array of configurations with confusing model names and numbers. Picking the best, most up-to-date model with the right processing chip, a suitable amount of memory, and a decent price that fits your needs and budget can be daunting.

We’ve done the legwork for you so you can purchase one of these with peace of mind. Here are the most important factors to help you choose the best 15-to-16-inch laptop for you.

More Laptop Options: Best Overall Laptops • Laptops Under $1,000 • Laptops Under $500 • Dell Laptops You’ll Love

Best 15-inch Laptops

• Best Overall: Microsoft Surface Laptop 5

• Best Screen: Asus Zenbook Pro 16X OLED

• Best 2-in-1 Laptop: HP Envy x360

• Best for Business: Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1

• Best for Multimedia: Apple MacBook Pro

What to Consider When Choosing a 15-Inch Laptop

How Will You Use Your Laptop?

First things first: What is the intended purpose for your new 15- to 16-inch laptop? Will you use it strictly for gaming? If so, look for one that is marketed explicitly for that, such as models from Alienware, Acer Predator, Asus ROG, Razer, or Lenovo’s Legion.

Do you plan to use it for work? Look for one with a comfortable keyboard, high resolution display for clear presentations, and security features, or one that’s lightweight—less than 4 pounds, if you plan to commute with it. If most of your laptop time will be spent streaming videos or browsing the web, any laptop in our roundup will suffice. Our recommendations below of 15- to 16-inch laptops include a variety of the above.

What Screen Size and Resolution Do You Need?

Many PC makers including Acer, Asus, and Lenovo are moving from 15.6-inch displays to 16-inch, hence our inclusion of some 16-inch models on this otherwise “Best 15-inch” list.

Most 15- to 16-inch laptops are equipped with squarish screens shaped like old fashioned tube TV screens, but an increasing number models include wider screen displays like modern 4K TVs that let you line up multiple windows side-by-side for work. For movie or TV watching or game play, a widescreen display described as having a 16:10 or 16:9 aspect ratio allows the entire display to be filled, rather than suffering thick black bars placed above and below the image on a squarer screen.

A screen’s resolution is indicated by the number of distinct pixels it can display horizontally and vertically. The higher the number of pixels, the sharper and more detailed the images and text displayed. All the laptops we recommend here have a resolution of at least 1920 x 1080 pixels (also known as 1080p or “full HD”), enough pixels to provide a sharp picture for text, images/graphics, and streaming movies. Higher-end models also offer even higher resolutions up to 4K (up to 3840 × 2160 pixels), just like your home TV.

When it comes to screen technologies, you’ll see backlit LED or LCD technologies such as IPS (in-plane switching), as well as newer self-illuminating OLED (organic light emitting diode) displays. IPS shifts how liquid crystals align to deliver beautiful colors and amazing viewing angles.

OLED is a more advanced laptop display technology that produces crisper, more colorful images, offers wider viewing angles than LED LCD screens, and draws less power, all of which makes OLED a superior choice for viewing videos, playing games, and extending battery life.

How Much Memory Is Enough?

There are two types of memory to ensure your laptop runs speedily and smoothly. RAM (random access memory) is the memory the computer uses to open and run software programs, including your web browser. Most 15-inch laptops offer a basic 8GB of RAM. But if you plan on opening and running a lot of software programs simultaneously with multiple tabs or windows open in each, especially memory-intensive software such as a video editing or spreadsheet software, consider a minimum of 16GB or even 32GB RAM to be sure your laptop won't stall in the middle of important operations.

Then there’s the storage memory for your files—software programs, documents, photos, videos, and music—called ROM (read-only memory). Most laptops offer a minimum of 128GB or 256GB of storage memory. When you think of how many photos and video we capture and store, opting for at least 1TB of storage means you won’t need to delete files because you’re running out of digital space in a few months.

Most modern laptops now offer faster and more efficient all-digital solid-state drives (SSD) storage memory rather than old-fashioned mechanical hard drives that are slower at saving and accessing your files and more prone to malfunction.

How Fast Is the Processor?

A faster, more powerful processor—the CPU (central processing unit)—means applications will open quicker, operations will be faster, and, in general, your laptop will perform more smoothly. CPU speeds are measured in gigahertz (GHz). The higher the GHz, the faster the processor. For example, a laptop with a 4.7 GHz processor will perform twice as fast as one with a 1.6 GHz processor. But chip manufacturers have unleashed a bewildering array of processor names with varying specifications, so it’s often hard to make an apples-to-apples comparison between processors.

To make your shopping experience less complicated, every 15-inch laptop we recommend here will work well for most ordinary tasks, such as browsing the web, working on large spreadsheets, and watching movies. If you need to use a particular type of software, such as a video-editing program or gaming, it’s best to research first which types of processors—both the CPU and the GPU (graphics processing unit)—the manufacturer of that program recommends before you make your purchase.

Generally speaking, Intel Core processors—i3, i5, i7, and i9, currently in their 12th and most recent 13th Raptor Lake generations—are better for all-purpose operations, while AMD’s X3D Ryzen chips, currently the 7000 series, are deemed superior for laptop gaming.

How Much Battery Life Do I Need?

A portable PC isn’t much of a portable if you’re always needing to plug it in. All the laptops we’ve chosen (save the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 gaming laptop) should provide at least 10 hours of usage, with many lasting up to around 18 without needing a recharge.

However, the way laptop makers rate their battery life varies, depending on usage. Some makers provide two battery usage figures: one for just viewing video, which isn’t as taxing on the power supply and therefore produces longer usage times, and a shorter battery life for a mix of other work/play operations. In almost all cases, your battery life will almost certainly be less than the manufacturer’s estimation.

Overall, the display, your wireless connection, and heavy-duty processing for things like video or photo editing and large spreadsheets, draw more power and reduce battery life. Dimming your display and turning off your Wi-Fi when running on battery will elongate your overall on-the-road usage time.

How We Selected These 15- to16-Inch Laptops

Having used and owned a number laptops in various sizes and from different manufacturers, I know not only what to look for spec-wise, but also how to spot a laptop’s strengths and weaknesses for specific usages. Additionally, I relied on the previous research and user experiences of Sascha Brodsky which contributed to the final selections made here.

To make my recommendations, I considered processing power, weight, screen type, quality, and dimensions (i.e. size, widescreen or not), in addition to maximum memory available (both RAM and ROM), rated battery life, connectivity (both wired and wireless), added usage-specific features, and, of course, price. These are the best 15- to 16-inch laptops to buy now.

Surface Laptop 5

With its sleek, sophisticated design, a new Sage color option, and top-notch specs including the latest Windows 11 operating system pre-installed, a new Thunderbolt USB-C connector for faster data transfer, and one of the latest and most powerful Intel processors, the Surface Laptop 5 might be the most well-rounded Windows laptop around.

Its keyboard is the best we’ve tried, with well-spaced keys that offer a firm resistance. The high-resolution screen, with non-glare coating, is bright and clear. Sound comes courtesy of Omnisonic speakers backed by Dolby Atmos4.

Zenbook Pro 16X OLED Laptop

Thanks to an array of color-boosting technologies, you’ll think the 4K widescreen OLED display on this latest Zenbook Pro 16x is a smaller but better-looking version of your home TV.

Not only does this Asus give you something stunning to look at, but its powerful processors make it a great all-around performer for game play and work. It has a touchpad that can transform into a numerical keypad for quicker figure inputs, and the unique Asus Dial allows for precise image editing.

To withstand the abuse it’s bound to get on the road, the unusually hefty Zenbook 16X is protected by top MIL-STD 810H U.S. military-grade environmental, vibration, and shock resistance.

Envy x360 Laptop

With its flip-to-tab two-in-one convertible touch-screen design, this HP Envy x360 already increases your functionality beyond a mere laptop or tablet.

HP has built in a bunch of other practical technologies, such as a quick charge that gives you 50-percent battery life with only a half-hour recharge, a privacy shutter on the webcam, and a dedicated microphone mute button to make it easy to keep prying eyes and ears away.

To increase convenience, HP’s QuickDrop app lets you wirelessly send and receive documents or pictures from either Android or Apple smartphones.

Yoga 7i 2-in-1 Laptop

Lenovo is a laptop brand that caters to business users, and this 8th generation two-in-one Yoga 7i feels, looks, and performs as if it means business, too, even considering its relatively inexpensive $1,000 price tag.

Powered by one of the latest Intel processors, the Yoga 7i needs only a quick 15-minute charge to provide three hours of battery life. Its full HD webcam includes a privacy shutter, and for great-sounding presentations, you get twin Dolby Atmos speakers.

Most convenient are two USB-C and two legacy USB-A jacks to make connecting accessories easy. There’s even a microSD card slot so you can add extra storage memory.

MacBook Pro Laptop

An argument could be made for or against any of the “best” choices of laptops included here. But one thing creative audio-video professionals almost universally agree on: the MacBook Pro is the premier multimedia laptop.

Inside is perhaps the most powerful laptop processor ever produced, Apple’s home-grown M2, and facing you is a gorgeous, bright, and detailed 4K display.

To ensure quick and smooth intensive video editing, the MacBook Pro can be configured with up to a massive 96 GB of RAM, and to make enough room to store enormous 4K or even 8K video files, the Pro can be equipped with up to a hefty 8TB of memory.

In short: the MacBook Pro is the monster of a machine carried by most multimedia professionals everywhere.

MacBook Air 15 Laptop

At just 11mm, the new Apple MacBook is the thinnest 15-inch laptop extant, so it’ll take up less space in your bag than any of your books.

With one of the brightest and highest-resolution screens in the category, and one of the most powerful laptop processors available, the Air is also one of the highest performing laptops for both class work and dorm play available.

The Air is also the best choice for iPhone owners since Apple makes it easy to share content between its devices. Best of all, students get at least a $100 off along with other Apple educational discounts.

ROG Zephyrus M16 Laptop

Not only does this latest Asus "Republic of Gamers" (ROG) laptop live up to its nickname by delivering peak play speed and graphics, the Zephyrus M16 is slightly smaller and lighter, and less expensive than many competitive gaming models.

When you’re not playing, the Zephyrus M16’s powerful processor lets you easily and speedily handle more pedantic work tasks. To make this serious gaming laptop more fun, the company’s AniMe Matrix lets you create dot matrix graphics or messages that scroll across the laptop’s lid.

Swift Edge 16 Laptop

The first thing you’ll notice when you pick up the Acer Swift Edge is how easy it is to pick up. Even though the Edge is equipped with an expansive 16-inch display, it weighs in at only a hair over 2.5-pounds thanks to its magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis.

The second thing you’ll notice once you lift the Edge’s lid is the bright and colorful 4K OLED display, perfect for viewing your favorite streaming shows and movies.

The third thing you’ll notice is that you’ll have to doublecheck your backpack just to be sure the Edge is actually in there since it barely weighs anything.

15 Laptop

If your portable computing needs consist merely of checking email, browsing the web, reading an occasional document, or viewing a movie, this option is for you.

This expansive widescreen packs a recent, if slightly less powerful, Intel processor than more expensive models, allowing you to easily breeze through your basic computing tasks for less than $400.

For crisp and clear video calls, the HP 15 also is equipped with a full HD webcam. Additionally, with HP QuickDrop you’ll be able to quickly and wirelessly send and share documents with an Android or Apple phone or tablet.

Expert Stewart Wolpin With a Lowdown on Laptops: Mistakes to Avoid When Buying, How Long a Laptop May Last, and What to Do With Your Old One!

What is the biggest mistake people make when buying a laptop?

Not equipping your laptop with a powerful enough processor and enough memory is the worst laptop-buying mistake you can make. Your computing needs always expand faster than you expect, and you always end up wanting to do more and storing more as time goes on.

Rationalizing a minimal configuration “this is all the computer I need” to keep your current outlay down often leads to the “why didn’t I buy a more powerful laptop?” regret in a year or two.

A faster processor and more RAM (random access memory) will keep multiple open software programs—your operating system, web browser, word processor, spreadsheet, graphics program, etc.—all running speedily and efficiently.

More ROM (read only memory) means you’ll be able to store more files, especially bulky photos and videos, on your laptop without having to resort to eventually having to buy a supplemental external storage drive.

If your current laptop seems to run sluggishly and you’ve run out of storage space, consider a more powerful processor and doubling both your current RAM and ROM for your next laptop.

Yes, equipping your new laptop with a more powerful chip and more memory means spending a bit more money now than you planned. But spending more now means you’ll be able to delay spending more sooner rather than later to add memory or upgrade to a whole new laptop, which means you’ll actually save money in the long run.

PM: How long can I expect my laptop to last—basically will it be outdated in a few years?

S.W.: If you buy more than enough processing power and memory than you think you need right now, if you keeping your operating system and anti-virus software up to date to prevent security breaches that could compromise your ID or sensitive data or brick your device, and if you jack it into AC power only when its battery needs recharging, your laptop could last you 7-8 years.

Of course, schlepping your laptop all over creation means it will suffer from bumps and bruises that could shorten its lifespan. There are preventative and care methods that will keep your laptop operating with peak performance for years. For instance, don’t put ANYTHING but your fingers on the keyboard, a laptop’s most vulnerable area. Keep your keyboard away from food— don’t drink coffee or eat cookies over it, for instance. Close the lid when you’re not using it. Invest in either or both a shock-absorbing case and a well-padded backpack or messenger bag. If you take care of your laptop, it’ll take care of you.

PM: What do I do with my old laptop?

S.W.: Like cars, laptops severely depreciate once they’re even slightly used. Most major laptop vendors offer a trade-in program. If your new laptop is simply a replacement for your current model from the same company, check to see if your current PC can be traded in and for how much.

One caveat: you may find that your final cost for a new machine minus the value of your trade direct from the vendor is still higher than buying a new laptop from a major retailer, so make sure you doublecheck. If your old portable won’t fetch much via trade in, all major laptop makers offer recycling programs, usually in conjunction with a brick-and-mortar retailer where you can drop off your old machine.

You Might Also Like

• The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Painter’s Tape

• The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere

• Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?