One form factor that has become increasingly popular among contemporary audiences is the best 15-inch laptop.
One glance at the modern laptop marketplace is enough to overwhelm anyone who isn’t quite, let’s just say, tech-savvy.
The markets are flooded with laptops in various form factors, claiming to suit needs as diverse as attending corporate huddles to cheering you on during gaming marathons.
If you migrated to a full-purpose laptop from a desktop, you might have got home a 17-inch laptop.
These devices have large, satisfying screens; what they frequently lack is the ability to travel with you to school or work.
To cater to this gaping hole, manufacturers invested in 13-inch and 14-inch laptops. But while these smart little devices definitely love to see the world, they lack the real estate to offer much by way of multimedia or effortless typing.
Seated comfortably—almost smugly—between these two form factors is the 15-inch laptop that seems to strike just the right balance.
It seems logical that 15-inch laptops have taken off as expected; they can cater to different audiences across student groups, professionals, travelers, and gamers.
Not only that, but they are also available in a variety of prices, starting at around $349 (yes, indeed!) and going up to $2000 and more for premium 15-inch devices. This makes them suitable for a wide spectrum of budgets.
Table of Contents
- Our Picks: 10 Best 15 Inch Laptops 2023
- 1. HP Envy x360 Convertible 15-inch Laptop
- 2. ASUS VivoBook 15 Slim Budget Laptop
- 3. ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 (2022) 15-inch Gaming Laptop
- 4. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Cheap 15-inch Laptop
- 5. ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2022) Gaming Laptop
- 6. Dell XPS 15 9520 OLED UHD 15-inch Laptop
- 7. Lenovo Legion 5 15-inch Laptop
- 8. Acer Predator Helios 300 15-inch Gaming laptop
- 9. Razer Blade 15 15-inch Laptop for Creator
- 10. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 (15-inch Premium)
- For Whom are 15-inch Laptops Made?
- How to Choose 13, 15 and 17-inch Laptops
- 15-Inch Laptop with or Without Numeric Keypad – How To Choose?
- Why 15-inch Laptops Have Become a Rage
- Final Words
Our Picks: 10 Best 15 Inch Laptops 2023
In this article, we have prepared an extensive list of the very best 15 Inch laptops in the marketplace in 2023.
We have also reviewed the offerings of these competent laptops and their fitment to your needs vis-à-vis their price point, to make your shopping experience well-informed and hassle-free.
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Best 15-inch Laptop Recommended Specs |
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| Processor | 12th Generation Intel Core i7-12700H 14-Core Processor (Up to 4.7 GHz) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX/RTX GPU |
| Memory | 16GB DDR4 2933MHz Memory |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD |
| Display | 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen LED-backlit IPS display |
| Weight | Under 5 lbs. |
| Battery | Up to 10 Hours |
| Keyboard | Backlit Keyboard |
| OS | Windows 11 Home 64-bit |
1. HP Envy x360 Convertible 15-inch Laptop
Convertible laptops are accessible and just what you need to get you through work on the go. Catering to these needs is the HP Envy x360 Convertible, with a stunning 15.6” display panel and a lightweight chassis for the ultimate all-day productivity.
The model is powered by the latest AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor with the Radeon graphics that contributes to unhinged performance and productivity without any caution. The latest processor also brings user’s experiences to life, delivering the desired intensity of productivity.
As for the display, the Envy x360 is equipped with a 15” edge-to-edge FHD touchscreen display panel with 1080p screen resolution. The color reproductive and accuracy of the display is beyond anyone’s expectations. The model is further backed with HP Fast Charge that charges the device up to 50% in 30 minutes.
Furthermore, the model is integrated with 512GB SSD and 8GB RAM, which further translates to high-end multitasking experience without potential lags in the process. It is available in the Nightfall Black shade and comes pre-installed with Windows 11 OS.
Reasons to buy
- Latest AMD processor
- Edge-to-edge touchscreen display
- Fast charging feature
Reasons to avoid
- Lacks certain important ports
- Quite bulky
2. ASUS VivoBook 15 Slim Budget Laptop
Powered by the latest Intel Core i5-1240P Processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics that render the fastest performance without any compromise.
If you are worried about the durability and construction, the VivoBook 15 is backed with US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standard. It is also equipped with a stunning ErgoSense chiclet backlit keyboard with the fingerprint scanner for optimal security of the users.
Users further get to maximize their productivity experience with the 15.6” FHD display with 1080p screen resolution and narrow bezels for better screen to body ratio. Not just that, the laptop is integrated with 512GB SSD for faster storage and boot-up. The 8GB RAM configuration supports superior multitasking experience.
The sleek and lightweight model weighs 3.31 lbs and is backed with the ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Technology for clear voice conferencing and communication. It runs on Windows 11 OS.
Reasons to buy
- Sleek and lightweight construction
- Supports superior multitasking
- Responsive display
Reasons to avoid
- Audio output is average
- RAM configuration could be better
3. ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 (2022) 15-inch Gaming Laptop
If budget isn’t a constraint while looking for a premium quality gaming laptop, we’d highly recommend opting for the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 (2022). This is nothing short of a beast, hence the amazing specifications and increasing performance configurations.
The ROG Strix Scar 15 is powered by the latest 12th Gen. Intel Core i9 processor with NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti GPU configuration for superior multitasking and gameplay. It is further backed with the MUX Switch feature that optimizes direct communication between the GPU and display for reduced latency.
As for the display, the laptop is equipped with a 15.6” FHD IPS-type display with 1440p screen resolution and 300Hz refresh rate for the ultimate gaming experience. It is also backed with ROG Intelligent Cooling for optimal thermal solutions that reflects on the overall performance.
It is further integrated with 1TB SSD for storage with 16GB DDR5 RAM configuration to tackle the most intensive games and renders content creation and edition like a pro. It runs on the Windows 11 OS.
Reasons to buy
- Premium construction
- Backed with MUX switch
- Optimal thermal solutions
Reasons to avoid
- Display quality is average
- Battery life is subpar
4. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Cheap 15-inch Laptop
The laptop is designed to deliver performance with purpose, especially with the latest AMD Ryzen 5 5500U mobile processor with Radeon graphics.
Innovations don’t stop there since Lenovo has equipped this model with a compact and edge to edge 15” FHD display panel with 1080p screen resolution to render some of the best visual experience. There are extensive specifications to protect the user’s privacy with the physical webcam shutter.
As far as storage and memory, the IdeaPad 3 is integrated with 512GB SSD fast storage with 8GB RAM configuration for the ultimate performance and productivity from the start till the end. The model is also equipped with Dolby Audio that delivers crystal clear audio output.
The port selection in the model is quite satisfactory but it does lack the Thunderbolt port, which is a little disappointing. It also supports voice commands with the built-in Alexa functionality.
Reasons to buy
- Faster storage configuration
- Supports Dolby Audio
- Sleek design
Reasons to avoid
- Lacks Thunderbolt connectivity
- Battery life is average
5. ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2022) Gaming Laptop
A reasonably priced gaming laptop with all the latest specifications, that’s what the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 laptop is all about. From its grunge design to the beastly performance support, the model brings about the best of both worlds.
Not just for gaming, the latest 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H Processor also renders easy content creation and editing experience without any complications in the process. It is further integrated with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 with 6GB VRAM support that runs some of the most intensive games and applications without any buffer.
The TUF Gaming F15 is equipped with a 15.6” FHD IPS-type display with 300 Hz refresh rate and 3ms overdrive response. Additionally, users also get to maximize their performance with the combined 1TB SSD storage and 16GB RAM configuration for the ultimate gameplay and smoother user experience like no other.
The thermal solution in the model is pretty defined and prevents overheating that could potentially hamper the performance of the device. It runs on the Windows 11 OS to provide users access to the latest Microsoft applications.
Reasons to buy
- Durable construction
- Responsive processing power
- High-end display panel
Reasons to avoid
- Battery life is not that impressive
- Audio output is average
6. Dell XPS 15 9520 OLED UHD 15-inch Laptop
This innovative offering from Dell’s stables combines competent processing with a fabulous display and flexible build.
It is safe to say that the 15.6” Dell XPS 15 9520 laptop is your best pick for an all-rounder option.
It is fueled by an Intel Core i9-12900HK processor, RTX 3050Ti, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD and battery life over 12 hours. All this fits in snugly inside a chassis that weighs only 4.62lbs and is about 0.73” thick.
Although this Dell laptop is compact and highly portable, it also offers a stellar display. The FHD screen is fitted with an anti-glare panel and supports In-Plane Switching. (You can opt for the Ultra HD display with a resolution of 3840 x 2400.) Its 4-sided InfinityEdge display ensures minimal external interference.
Plus, it has a color gamut of 100% sRGB and brightness of 500 nits. This ensures that your content renders accurately with all its details intact.
Dell deserves accolades for its focus on build and user-friendliness. The palm rest, for instance, is built of composite carbon fiber for extra durability as well as comfort.
You can avail of the security offered by the integrated fingerprint reader and the new-and-improved webcam with a four-element lens and noise reduction. Both of these are very handy in collaborative working environments.
Not only is this Dell laptop excellent at delivering professional tasks, but it also loves a spot of fun. With Dell Cinema, you get the remarkable combination of CinemaStream and CinemaSound.
While the former, with the help of Killer Wireless, guarantees that your A/V content gets the optimum bandwidth to be stutter-free, the latter uses Waves MaxxAudio to boost volume and sound quality. The result is gorgeous; the sound is studio-grade.
7. Lenovo Legion 5 15-inch Laptop
It features a sleek and stunning all-black design with the next generation performance, all thanks to the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H mobile processor.
The device features a 15.6” FHD IPS display with 1080p screen resolution for crisp visual experience and unmatched gaming experience.
The display is also backed with 165Hz refresh rate for smoother frame rate experience too.
For uninterrupted gaming, this gaming laptop is backed with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050Ti GPU that helps supercharge your gameplay and increased framerates. It is also backed with the Legion Coldfront 2.0 that ensure optimal thermal management.
8. Acer Predator Helios 300 15-inch Gaming laptop
Finding good gaming laptops packed with the latest features in a reasonable price is a tough call.
But, Acer makes it possible with the Predator Helios 300. With a sturdy and durable build with an all-black design, this device is everything that you need to get your gaming fix.
It runs on the 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11800H hexa-core processor along with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU with 6GB GGDR6 VRAM for crisp and clear graphics.
The 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard stands out in terms of design and the overall functionality too.
The device is also integrated with 512GB NVMe SSD for faster storage and booting. It is backed by 16GB RAM that ensures no compromises for your gaming efficiency. It runs on the Windows 10 Home operating system.
9. Razer Blade 15 15-inch Laptop for Creator
Configured with the latest 12th Gen. Intel i7 processor and the NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti GPU, the laptop can deliver up to 100 frames per second at 1440p screen resolution.
Not just for gamers, the laptop supports all your content creation journey, especially when it comes to handling tedious tasks like 3D rendering and video editing.
Backed with up to 4.8GHz Turbo Boost technology, the laptop offers revolutionary performance like never before.
When it comes to the display, the Blade 15 is equipped with a 15.6” QHD display panel with 240Hz refresh rate that supports responsive gaming experience with no-screen tearing, especially when it comes to handling graphics-intensive games or applications.
Besides these, the overall performance is also thanks to the 16GB DDR5 RAM configuration that contributes to 50% improved productivity from the previous generation.
Backed with the upgraded Vapor Chamber cooling, the device doesn’t overheat and ensures uninterrupted performance from the start till the end.
Pros
- Features advanced connectivity
- Sleek and lightweight design
- Supports graphics-intensive multitasking
- Improved battery life
- Responsive gaming experience
Cons
- Quite expensive
10. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 (15-inch Premium)
The device comes with a sleek and outstanding design, not to mention, a premium metal construction for long-lasting usage.
The device is powered by the latest 11th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor with an elegant 15” size that is light, portable and supports split-screen multitasking experience.
The touchscreen display is one of a kind and helps you work even when you are flying. Designed for comfort and convenience, the laptop is integrated with fast charging and industry-leading typing comfort, thanks to the optimized key travel in the keypad.
The Surface Laptop 4 is available in four different colors and is integrated with 512GB SSD for faster and efficient storage and 16GB RAM for unmatched memory options. Also, thanks to the front-facing 720p HD camera, your video conferencing calls are clear and without any distortions.
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- Top 10 Best Windows Laptops 2023
- The 10 Best Laptops for College Students
For Whom are 15-inch Laptops Made?
Ever since their launch, 15-inch laptops have occupied considerable mind-space as well as market share.
These computers hit the perfect balance of form and function. Their USP is delivering high performance while also offering a certain degree of portability—something that is missing in a 17-inch laptop.
Most products in this line-up are sturdily built with dazzling displays and powerful specifications designed to do justice to CPU-draining tasks.
If you have been toying with the idea of purchasing a 15-inch laptop, this checklist will get things going:
- Gamers: Gamers will find a 15-inch laptop useful for its large screen, competent processor, and dedicated GPU. It is possible to carry this computer to gaming marathons and competitive events as well as use it as a stationary entertainment platform.
- Creative professionals and students: People engaged in creative pursuits such as film-making, graphics designing, architectural design, animation, and 3D modeling will also find a 15-inch laptop suited to their needs. You can comfortably run heavy-duty applications and software without compromising on performance. Since the display is also immersive and vast, there is more space to delve into detail as you work.
- Seekers of portability: While the power delivered by a 17-inch laptop is phenomenal, it is bulky and difficult to lug along with you. If your standard day is fairly power-hungry, but you also need to move around for school or work, a 15-inch laptop can be the golden mean. Many models in this range weigh about 5–6lbs which, while not feather-light, is a manageable load.
- Anyone who needs a separate numeric keypad: Do you need a dedicated numeric keypad on the keyboard? This is a feature that many people in professions such as data entry, programming, and operations research require. You can find a separate num-pad in 15-inch laptops; it is a rarity in smaller form factors.
- Those who want a large screen size: Among many laptop users, a large display is a necessity. For instance, do you have eyesight problems or experience excessive eye strain? Using the larger screen of a 15-inch machine can ease these troubles for you. A 14-inch or 13-inch laptop can be too cramped for comfort.
- Higher screen resolution: Typically, 15-inch computers tend to offer an optimal screen resolution of 1920 x 1080. This is suitable for varied forms of content and manages to render your imagery with minimal loss of detail. A smaller resolution such as 1366 x 768 that you find in many 14-inch laptops can feel rather low and unsatisfactory. This is especially true if a vivid display is high up on your priority list. The difference will be palpable if you engage in streaming multimedia content, browsing through photos and videos, etc.
Note: Few 15-inch laptops offer a long battery life. The most you will see is in the range of 5–6 hours. So, if greater unplugged usage is on your shopping list, you might want to reconsider getting a 15-inch computer. It is a trade-off that requires careful thought.
How to Choose 13, 15 and 17-inch Laptops
With so many form factors in laptops now abounding in the marketplace, it can be quite a task choosing the right one for you. Offhand, a 13-inch laptop sounds perfect if your priority is mobility. However, plenty of students and working professionals get by just fine with a 15-inch or 17-inch laptop. Consider these pointers for assistance with making this choice:
- How is your usage going to be? Choose a 17-inch laptop if your work requires extensive use of processing power and screen real estate. For instance, if you are an animator, graphics designer, filmmaker, etc.
- Do you want a laptop to replace your desktop? A 17-inch laptop is your best bet as a desktop replacement machine. Many models support several external displays, offer ample memory and storage space, and have a wide array of ports for your devices.
- Do you want a gaming laptop? For gamers, a 15-inch or 17-inch computer is recommended. A 13-inch laptop is likely to be too small to host a powerful enough GPU or the associated cooling mechanism that it requires. Also, it will offer limited space in which to render your content, thereby making the gaming experience sub-optimal.
- How serious are your display needs? If you require a UHD display, you should look for a 15-inch or a 17-inch laptop. Although some 13-inch systems also offer vivid displays, a greater number of pixels will typically mean a larger panel size. This also makes more sense overall as you’re likely to want an immersive display when you pay the premium for anything higher than FHD. Tip: While selecting display specs, also consider the thickness of the bezel around the screen. Some bigger laptops can feel more compact when they use a narrow bezel design.
- What degree of mobility do you need? If portability is paramount to you, a 13-inch laptop can do the job well. These machines are usually lightweight enough to be carried around easily. They can also fit easily into backpacks and can travel well as you go on work trips, fly long distance, etc. Remember though, if you also need an assortment of ports to plug into peripherals such as mice and external displays, you should consider a 15-inch laptop. Many 13-inch computers are super sleek, but it comes at the cost of disappearing dockets on the sides.
Ultimately, your choice will depend upon your priorities and usage patterns. If you desire a well-rounded laptop for everyday use, we recommend a 15-inch laptop. It hits the sweet spot between mobility and performance. This makes it a good choice for standard to intensive computing needs while also offering some degree of flexibility of use.
Your decision will also, obviously, depend on your budget. A heavy-duty 17-inch machine, for instance, can cost a premium and make you question whether you wouldn’t have been better off with a desktop instead.
15-Inch Laptop with or Without Numeric Keypad – How To Choose?
The numeric keypad is a feature that many laptop designers have done away with, in favor of sleeker and more compact keyboards. However, it is making a comeback, especially in computers with a larger form factor. You can now find several 15-inch laptops that offer a numeric keypad. Top manufacturers like Dell, ASUS and HP have multiple models in their product line-ups that come fitted with a separate number pad. While you may not require it on a day-to-day basis, there are several situations when it might be a savior.
Let us review some of the prime advantages of getting a laptop that has a distinct numeric keypad:
- It comes in handy if you work in data entry, mathematics, accounting or related professions. It is a good deal easier to perform number crunching operations using a separate num-pad as opposed to an integrated one.
- If you frequently undertake spreadsheet-based work for business or school, you will find this feature useful. Excel works excellently with a keyboard specially designed for numbers.
- A separate numeric keypad provides a greater degree of ease of use since you don’t need to engage both your hands while entering any numeric data. (Many regular keyboards require you to press down the function key to input digits.)
- Gamers frequently need to access numbers and can derive good use from a separate number pad. You will be getting for yourself edge in speed on the gaming arena as quick-pressing numbers will not be cumbersome. Most such keyboards on gaming laptops allow you to map the number keys according to your requirement.
When you consider the merits of a dedicated num-pad, it becomes easy to see if you need to get one for your usage. Fortunately, a numeric keypad has now become a part of the package in several 15” laptops, which means you won’t necessarily have to pay a premium to avail of this feature. Indeed, if your standard day rarely involves numbers and you would rather have a compact keyboard, you don’t need to opt for a model with a separate numeric keypad.
While choosing a computer with a num-pad, look out for the following:
- Ensure that the keyboard has been designed well. You should be able to type comfortably, despite the additional keys fitted into the package. Usually, the keys on a numeric keypad are smaller than standard keyboard keys (sometimes, three-quarters the size). This requires the makers to adjust the design accordingly so that your fingers don’t feel cramped while typing.
- Double check the layout of the numeric keypad. Typically, it will have four columns when viewed next to a traditional desktop keyboard.
- The num-pad should have a comfortable key-travel distance that facilitates speedy work and minimizes the scope of error.
- Don’t let the promise of a separate number keypad equate a bulky, hard-to-carry laptop. The right ergonomic design can produce a computer that offers a separate number keypad but is also portable.
Why 15-inch Laptops Have Become a Rage
While there is no denying that 15-inch machines manage to hit the sweet spot between screen space and portability, it is hardly the only merit fuelling their time under the sun. When you get home a 15-inch device, you also:
- Get access to longer battery life: Many 15-inch laptops have longer battery backup than their 13-inch siblings. That extra space in the chassis allows them to hold larger batteries with more juice.
- Unleash greater computing power: We are talking about the processing strength not only to tackle humdrum tasks like document processing but also support (a certain extent of) gaming endeavors. This is why many gamers are opting for 15-inch machines, aspiring to fulfill their gaming ambitions without paying the bomb that 17-inch laptops cost.
- Experience typing comfort: While there will perpetually be arguments to the contrary, many users agree that 13-inch or 14-inch laptops do not offer satisfying typing experiences. The space either feels too cramped, or you end up craving a tiny bit of extra real estate to rest your fingers painlessly. Here, 15-inch machines win the day.
- Get a reassuring cooling system: We have to face it: small machines will find it increasingly difficult to keep their innards cool in light of all the performance they are keen to pack in the little space. As many 14-inch laptops drop their bezels to offer immersive displays, heat dissipation becomes an even greater problem. A 15-inch notebook, on the other hand, manages to distance itself from this quandary
Final Words
There isn’t a doubt about it—15-inch laptops have a lot going for them. They have adapted themselves to the priorities of modern audiences, especially those who need computing devices that look good, travel well, offer captivating displays and yet, do not skimp on performance. If that reads like a tall order, it sure is!
Manufacturers like Acer, ASUS and MSI, have, unsurprisingly, jumped on the bandwagon and come up with fantastic choices that serve multiple purposes.
You can also opt for a MacBook or a Surface laptop in this form factor if you are alright with going the extra mile for panache. That said, the offerings by Lenovo, Dell and Razer are also top-notch, managing to achieve quite a commendable balance between price and performance.
One tip: If you have been considering getting a 15-inch laptop, you should understand everything it entails. Do not get a machine that doesn’t fit on your lap, is too heavy to lug along, or requires you to remain tethered to a power supply for that will defeat the very essence of this line-up of products.
Remember that while a 15-inch laptop will not offer you the expansiveness of a 17-inch laptop or the boundless degree of compactness in a 13-inch device, it will be an excellent investment that sort of gets you the best of both worlds.
