15 inch laptop

Although demand for Ultrabooks has risen dramatically in recent years, most buyers still prefer standard-sized laptops to handle their daily tasks smoothly, as their screens are much larger and they are more powerful. However, it's clear that no one would mind getting a thinner and lighter machine if it meets all their needs and is within their budget.

And that's where this article comes in. In it, we recommend our favorite 15-inch laptops.

Best 15-inch laptops

To make choosing a 15-inch laptop easier , we've created a comparison chart with some of the best-selling models currently available, all of which have a solid base of satisfied customers. Just pick the one you like best:

The list of standard-sized Ultrabooks has grown considerably in recent years, so there are now a large number of 14-inch and 15-inch laptops on the market worthy of your attention and your money. This makes finding the perfect 15-inch laptop for you not exactly easy, and that's why we've written this post—to help you find it. To make things easier, we've divided the available options into several sections featuring the best deals online.

Types of 15-inch laptops

Cheap

As with any other product, there are 15-inch laptops at both more and less expensive prices. Among the cheaper options, we can find some priced at just over €300, but these are usually machines whose most important feature is the screen size. To be able to offer a laptop with a standard (large) screen at a reduced price, the internal components have to be modest , which usually translates to a slow processor, less RAM than recommended, only an HDD, and probably some other limitations, like one I own that didn't include 5GHz WiFi support.

It's also likely that the screen will have a lower resolution , making everything appear larger and preventing us from taking full advantage of a larger screen that could display more content. Ultimately, what we'll be getting if we buy a cheap 15-inch laptop is a modest computer with a slightly larger screen.

Light

Among 15-inch laptops, we can find lightweight options, but few, if any, are considered ultrabooks. A lightweight laptop is one that weighs less than it could have, thanks in part to a refined design that makes them thinner. A lightweight 15-inch laptop should weigh around 2 kg . And if it drops below 1.5 kg, we have a 15-inch laptop that can be considered an ultrabook. It's not common, but it's not impossible either.

Gaming

Laptops designed specifically for gaming are becoming increasingly common. Most of them have 15-inch screens, as this is the standard size and allows for the inclusion of advanced components that enable smooth gameplay without the need to disable textures and effects. These laptops are characterized by being more powerful than a standard computer, boasting more RAM, better processors, high-capacity hard drives, and higher-resolution displays. They also typically feature a more aggressive, eye-catching, and "fun" design, which is understandable given that they are designed for entertainment.

Touch

Some 15-inch laptops have touchscreens. The vast majority of them use the Windows operating system, but there are also some on the market that run Linux. Laptops with touchscreens, especially those using Windows, allow us to take advantage of extra features , such as stylus support, which lets us draw or perform certain design tasks, or use mobile applications, like games. Generally, the extra hardware of the screen will increase the price of the device, even more so if it's a convertible laptop (PC + Tablet).

The 15-inch laptop that you should buy ...

Today, there are some very portable laptops on the market for under €600 . Below we show you the best options, although the list is not in any particular order, as each model has its strengths and weaknesses.

HP Pavilion 15

The HP 15 is the most affordable, thin, and light 15-inch laptop with Intel hardware you can get today . At the time of writing, a configuration with an Intel Core CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD is available online for under €1000 (even less in the offer below).

For that price, you should be aware that you'll get a black plastic casing, a quality keyboard and trackpad, a 1920 x 1080 pixel IPS display, and a battery that will last over 7 hours per charge. All of this in a body weighing 1,8 kg and measuring 23 mm thick.

In short, both models offer Intel hardware and excellent portability at an unbeatable price . Similar configurations from Asus , Lenovo , and other brands are selling for between €1000 and €1200, although at that price you'll get touchscreens, metal casings, larger batteries, improved displays, and convertible designs. But if all you want is a simple, powerful, and affordable laptop, you won't find a better deal.

Lenovo Yoga 7

The Lenovo Yoga 7, as it's known in some regions, is a 14-inch convertible laptop , and in fact, it's one of the most affordable models in its category. This laptop can be used as a regular computer, but since the screen can rotate 360 ​​degrees, it can also be used as a tablet with a stand.

We tested the basic version, but in most countries, Lenovo only sells the Full HD IPS touchscreen configuration, a feature not offered by many similar 15-inch laptops. In addition, this model has an i7 CPU, has 16 GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD hard disk.

The truth is that for that price you get a great convertible laptop with an aluminum casing, a decent keyboard and trackpad, a good selection of ports, and a 48 Wh battery.

Lenovo also offers an i7 version with an Nvidia RTX 3060 graphics card for around €500 more. Click the link for more details and potential discounts.

The Yoga 7 does not have an optical drive, and as expected, the entry-level model will be more affordable than the new Yoga 7, with prices starting at 780 euros for the Intel Core i5 configuration or those with fewer SSDs.

If you want to save some money and you're already satisfied with processors from previous generations, you can consider older models , provided they are still available in stores or you are willing to buy them second-hand.

Acer Spin 5

The Spin 5 line takes the affordable Ultrabook concept even further, offering not only a touchscreen but one that can rotate back up to 270 degrees , allowing you to use it in presentation mode, as you can see in the videos below. However, it cannot be used as a tablet, unlike the Yoga or the Asus Zenbook Flip we featured earlier.

That said, Acer laptops are very basic. They come with Intel platforms, Core i3, i5, and i7 processors, 4 to 16 GB of RAM, various storage options, 48Wh batteries , and so on. What you shouldn't look for in these devices are powerful graphics cards or optical drives. Furthermore, the screens, with IPS panels and a 1920x1080 pixel resolution, are quite decent.

The 13,5-inch model weighs around 1,7 kg and is 21 mm thick . The Core i5 version starts at €1000, and if you want a more powerful configuration with a Core i7, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, the price goes up to €800. The 14-inch model weighs only 1,99 kg and costs around €560, although you can often find deals online.

HP Pavilion 14

These are HP's most popular Ultrabooks. They're quite thin, at 18 mm thick, with casings made from a mix of metal and plastic. However, they are somewhat heavy for everyday carrying: the 14-inch models weigh approximately 2,58 kg, and the 14-inch models weigh 1,6 kg, making them very lightweight. If this appeals to you, these laptops offer excellent value for money.

The two series are similar in many ways. Both have 1920x1080 pixel displays, or FHD IPS panels if you're willing to pay a bit more. They both have the same keyboard and trackpad, and both offer various configurations of next-generation AMD Ryzen 7, i7, or i5 processors with up to 16GB of RAM.

There are some aesthetic differences between the two ; the Pavilion 14's interior is made of clear plastic, while the 15's is aluminum. There are also functional differences: the Pavilion 15 models have an additional USB port, a different port layout, and a larger battery (58 Wh vs. 43 Wh in the 5000). However, as expected, these models are €50 to €100 more expensive than the HP 15 with a similar configuration.

In both cases, prices start at €600-€700 for the Core i5 configuration with 8GB of RAM and a 1920x1080 px screen , while versions with Core i7 processors, 16GB of RAM, and FHD IPS touchscreens reach or exceed €1000. Oh! And don't forget that the HP Pavilion 15 series has a better graphics card than the 14.

Acer Aspire 5

If you're looking for an affordable ultrabook that's powerful enough to handle your everyday tasks, or even play video and some modern games, the Acer ASPIRE 5 is one of your best options.

For under €600, you get a 15,6-inch laptop that weighs 2,5 kg and is about 20,32 mm thick (it's also available in a slightly larger and heavier 17-inch version). On the downside, this laptop doesn't look or feel as solid as some of the other Ultrabooks we've mentioned in this article, although the metallic finish is better than that of other standard laptops. Opening the lid reveals a decent keyboard and trackpad, though nothing fancy. The non-touchscreen display is bright and has a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels.

However, the real gems are on the inside. The Acer Aspire 5 boasts an AMD Ryzen processor, 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and an integrated AMD Radeon graphics card, meaning it can handle most games perfectly well, though not at the most demanding graphics settings (which is why we recommend it as an entry-level gaming laptop, of course). Add to that a 5-hour battery life. You can see why this model is so popular, right?

In late 2020, a version of this 15-inch Acer laptop was released with 11th-generation processors . In this version, Acer replaced the graphics card with the more advanced processors, added a larger battery, and made some minor design tweaks. The changes weren't groundbreaking, but they allowed the company to offer a choice of Ryzen or Core processors, with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive, for under €800. A great price for the features it offers.

Acer Aspire 3

If you're looking for the best 15-inch laptop, you'll find some options below. We've only included 15-inch laptops and laptops built with AMD Ryzen platforms . If you're interested in more powerful laptops with quad-core processors and fast graphics cards, you can check out the section dedicated to high-end laptops below.

Acer has a top line of Ultrabooks, laptops with hardware featuring the latest generations of Intel processors, beautiful designs, and good graphics cards.

The Acer Aspire A515 is a 15,6-inch laptop with a good Full HD IPS display, an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, integrated graphics, 8GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD , all housed in a metal and plastic chassis weighing 2,6 kg and measuring 1,86 cm at its thickest point. Its only drawback is the mediocre hard drive, but it can be easily upgraded if desired.

Lenovo Ideapad 3

This is another affordable ultrabook that can handle games quite well . It runs on an 11th-generation Intel Core processor , can be configured with up to 16GB of RAM, and features integrated Radeon RX Vega 8 graphics , which is equivalent in performance to Intel UHD Graphics.

Actually, the Lenovo Ideapad 3 is cheaper than most laptops with similar specifications . For €580, you get 8GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. It also features a 48Wh battery, a red backlit keyboard, and a black finish that gives it a different, more aggressive look than other laptops in this price range.

On the other hand, Lenovo has opted for a 1920x1080 px matte IPS display, which means viewing angles and colors are very good . If you need a sharper screen, you'll have to look elsewhere, but if a standard screen is sufficient, the Lenovo Ideapad is one of the most powerful and best-priced 15-inch laptops currently available. Follow the link above for more details and to see the best price we've found online.

15-inch LG Gram

LG has some very prominent 15-inch laptop models.

The 15-inch LG Gram and the 15-inch model are nearly identical, differing only in their screen sizes. Both are quite lightweight and stylish (around 1 kg) and come with the latest Intel processors, up to 16 GB of RAM, Iris Xe graphics, and various storage options.

Last but not least, both sell for around 1200 or 1300 euros in the case of the configuration with Core i7, 16 GB of RAM and 512GB SSD

All other features remain the same, including available hardware configurations.

If you're looking for 15-inch laptops with the most outstanding features on the market (and the highest price, of course), we recommend checking out this comparison of the best ones.

Advantages of a 15-inch vs 13-inch computer

The fact that 15 inches has been the standard screen size for years is no coincidence. A 15-inch laptop has a screen large enough to allow us to work while viewing more content. Compared to 13-inch laptops , 15-inch laptops have 2 to 2.6 inches more screen space, depending on whether we're buying a true 15-inch laptop or a standard-sized one with a 15.6-inch diagonal screen.

The advantages of a 15-inch computer over a 13-inch computer are as follows:

• Larger screen = greater production. The extra 2-2.6 inches will allow us to see more content, which means that we will work better or, at least, we will not have to strain our eyes so much. Here too, it's important to consider resolution, but all things being equal, a 15 ″ laptop can display more content than a 13 ″ laptop.
• Better components. The theory tells us that larger components fit in a larger space and that a larger component has to be more powerful. This can be fulfilled, and in fact it is usually fulfilled, but you have to look closely at the specifications because we can find 15 ″ computers with more modest components or some really powerful 13 ″ computers.
• Greater autonomy. Among the largest components that can be mounted on a 15 ″ computer we have a larger battery. Although the battery is not the only important thing in this regard, in equal conditions, the one with the largest battery will offer greater autonomy.
• Numeric keyboard. 13-inch laptops are more compressed, and the size reduction often sacrifices part of the keyboard. The rest of the keyboard maintains the size and to achieve this they have had to eliminate keys that are present in a 15-inch laptop.
• Better sound- While, like everything else, this may not be true, all other things being equal, a larger notebook will include larger speakers, which will result in higher quality sound.

As a disadvantage, we must bear in mind that a larger and heavier computer will cost more to transport, so it should not be our choice if we are going to be moving it constantly.

15-inch vs 17-inch laptop

Although 15 inches is the standard size, larger laptops are also available. Currently, the largest laptops have 17-inch screens , which is up to 2 inches larger than the standard size. Naturally, there are advantages and disadvantages, such as the following:

• Larger screen is synonymous with greater weight. The bigger a computer is, the heavier it is. All things being equal, a 17-inch laptop will weigh more than a 15-inch.
• Larger screen is usually synonymous with higher quality. Although this may not be true, computers with 17-inch displays are designed for demanding users. Those looking for a computer with a 17-inch screen are looking for design work, to play games or consume content on a larger screen with higher quality, so it is easy to find many 2K or 4K.
• Better components, which includes greater autonomy. All other things being equal, 17-inch computers should offer greater autonomy because they have room to accommodate larger batteries. On the other hand, there are few 17-inch computers with modest components; they usually include above-average components.

What should a good 15-inch laptop have?

I5 or i7 processor

While everyone has their own preferences, a good 15-inch laptop should have at least an Intel i5 processor . If you asked me, "Why?" I'd tell you straight up that I bought one with an i3 thinking it would be enough for writing documents, and I was wrong. Opening any file or program takes forever, and I think I simply made a mistake. An i5 greatly improves the user experience, but if you want to work even more efficiently, it's best to opt for one with an i7 or something equivalent, like the AMD Ryzen 7. The differences compared to an i3 are enormous.

While the i7 is more than enough for most tasks, you can also get something with a more powerful processor, like a laptop with an i9 or equivalent. It's not necessary for most tasks, but many famous gamers are opting for this processor, among other components that allow them to play and stream without experiencing the slightest problem.

Full HD display

Once you try a Full HD screen, you won't want anything else and you won't understand how you ever worked with less. It has a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels , and the difference compared to HD is enormous. The first thing you notice when you turn on the screen is that everything looks better, sharper; it feels like a whole different world. But the best part is that, if you have good eyesight, you can set it to maximum resolution and see more content. Seriously, it's worth it. My laptop with an i3 processor also had a lower resolution, and... well, it wasn't nearly as good.

SSD

A good 15-inch laptop, or any size for that matter, should have an SSD . The read/write speeds are much faster, so everything will be quicker, from opening programs and documents to booting up the operating system.

Another option is to buy a computer with a hybrid disk, with a lower capacity part in SSD and another with a higher capacity in HDD. These disks exist so that the operating system and the data that we use the most are put into the SSD part (it usually does it automatically), which will make the most daily use always fast, and the rest of the information we put in the HDD disk , which are slower, but also cheaper and in them we can put everything we need.

Autonomy

A good 15-inch laptop needs to have good battery life. A "laptop" is useless if you can't be away from a power outlet for several hours. Good battery life allows a computer to last at least 5 hours without needing to be recharged, but there are also laptops with even better battery life that approach or even exceed 10 hours. Admittedly, this isn't the norm, and it depends on the operating system and whether you use power-saving features, such as lower screen brightness, but it is possible.

Connectivity

A good laptop, whether 15-inch or any other size, needs to be able to communicate or connect with other peripherals or devices. Therefore, it must be Bluetooth compatible, ideally at least version 4.x. Furthermore, the Wi-Fi card must support the latest protocols, such as Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) and simultaneous dual-band (2,4 and 5 GHz). Regarding Wi-Fi, 2.4 GHz has a greater range and penetrates walls, but the speed is much lower (rarely reaching 100 Mbps), while 5 GHz is for open and small spaces, and you will be able to take full advantage of the speed.

On the other hand, it is also important to pay attention to the ports and, at a minimum, they must have a couple of USB Type-A ports , it is recommended that they also have at least one Type-C port, HDMI to be able to connect it to an external monitor and a card reader, which will allow us to read MicroSD cards from devices such as mobile cameras.

Measurements of a 15-inch laptop

When discussing computer dimensions, we must focus solely on one aspect: the screen. Thickness and bezels depend on the manufacturer's craftsmanship, but the screen size is fixed. The standard 15-inch screen is actually 15.6 inches, which is 39.62 cm diagonally . Vertically, it measures 19.5 cm, and horizontally, 34.5 cm.

It's also important to consider the type of screen you're dealing with, that is, its aspect ratio. The vast majority of screens on the market, both laptops and televisions, have a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio . This is worth mentioning in case you encounter the unusual case of a laptop with a 4:3 screen: the diagonal measurement should remain the same, but the height and width will vary.

Best 15-inch laptop brands

HP

HP is a very famous brand in the world of computing, although part of its fame is due to its printers. They started as Hewlett-Packard more than 80 years ago, but later gained popularity for manufacturing and selling computers of all kinds.

Naturally, HP's laptop catalog wouldn't be complete without standard-sized laptops, meaning 15-inch laptops, or more specifically, 15.6-inch laptops. Although they've made mistakes in the past, HP is once again a brand to consider if you're looking to buy a 15-inch laptop or any other type of laptop.

Acer

Acer is a brand that appeals to many users, myself included, especially for its laptops. In general, their computers are well-designed and well-built, something you'll notice as soon as you take them out of the box and start using them. Their catalog includes all types of computers, the vast majority offering excellent value for money. Their Aspire series offers an enviable variety, with models ranging from 10.1" to some as large as 17". Acer is one of the best options when you're looking for a good computer without breaking the bank, which is also true if you're looking for a 15-inch laptop.

Asus

Asus is a multinational company that manufactures and sells electronic, robotics and hardware devices, among which we have all kinds of internal components and computers. Among their laptops, how could it be otherwise, they offer many 15-inch ones, which is not surprising when we consider that it is the standard size.

Their catalog includes laptops of all types , from 15-inch models with advanced components to more modest options. Given their competitive pricing, they should definitely be considered when looking to buy a 15-inch laptop or any other size.

Lenovo

Lenovo is a Chinese company specializing primarily in smart electronic devices (mobile phones, watches, tablets, etc.) and computers. As a Chinese company, almost everything it offers is competitively priced , which isn't always synonymous with discretion or poor quality.

In their catalog we will also find Lenovo laptops of all kinds, the vast majority with good prices, including some more modest and more powerful machines, including some for gaming.

Their cheapest equipment is really cheap, but we must bear in mind that if we opt for one of these devices, what we will be buying is a device with just the right power. Considering the variety they offer, it is worth taking them into account when we are looking for a 15-inch computer.

LG

LG Corporation is a South Korean-based company that manufactures electronic products, mobile phones, and petrochemicals. Among electronic products we also find laptops and, how could it be otherwise, many of them are 15 inches, the standard size for this type of equipment.

LG laptops usually have a good design and good value for money, but they don't usually manufacture such discreet equipment that we will regret or be dissatisfied after buying it.

Among its range of laptops we have all kinds, among which its Gram range stands out, which are laptops that usually have a 15.6-inch screen and some of them are tactile. In this same series we will also find ultra-thin 15-inch computers, so they are an option to take into account when we want to buy a good computer, whatever the size and weight that interests us.

MSI

Msi is a company that designs, develops, and sells computer hardware, including notebooks, desktops, motherboards, graphics cards, all-in-one computers (AIOs), servers, and peripherals.

Their catalog also includes laptops of all types, but it's common to find many designed for gaming . This means that many MSI laptops have more advanced components that allow us to enjoy one of the best gaming experiences, without lag, at top speeds, and without having to disable textures or effects. We can also find more modest laptops, making it a brand to consider when buying a 15-inch laptop.

Conclusion about 15-inch laptops

These have been the most outstanding 15-inch laptops that we have been able to analyze. Each one has its own peculiar characteristics so your choice will depend on what you are looking for. We attach some other links that will undoubtedly be useful if you want a more specific laptop.

Cheap laptops : They sell for less than 500 euros , but keep in mind that you will have to make some compromises if you decide on one of them; you can see them on our main page.

Mid-range laptops : These are sold for less than 1000 euros and offer better value for money.

High-end laptops for business, multimedia, and gaming : These are the best laptops on the market. If you need high-quality design, top performance, and the latest features, these should be your choice. For business while traveling, we recommend the smaller Chromebooks, while for gaming, we recommend this one.