Even if you’re a tech wizard, shopping for a new laptop requires more thought than the average purchase. Your gadget’s number of ports and keyboard design are essential, as well as the unit’s overall processing power. Factors such as the laptop’s intended use should be considered as well. That said, we’re meeting you in the middle with the best 15-inch laptops and highlighting their qualities.
HP Pavilion Micro-EDGE Laptop
Best Overall
If you’re looking for a 15-inch laptop that can do just about anything, then turn to the HP Pavilion Micro-EDGE Laptop. An easy solution to your gaming and multitasking needs, it has a robust 9th generation Intel Core i5-9300h processor (quad-core, up to 4.1 gigahertz with Turbo Boost). Videos, gameplay, and other graphics will be taken to a whole new level, thanks to the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, real-time ray-tracing technology, and a 60-hertz refresh rate.
Further, this 15-inch laptop features an advanced thermal design and IR sensor that allows the unit to stay cool even after long hours of use. Speaking of the length of use, you can make the most out of it for about eight hours and 15 minutes.
Why we love it:
- It has wide air vents which boost airflow
- It has an eight-gigabyte RAM and 256-gigabyte SSD memory
- With two memory slots, should you want to expand its memory capacity
Something to consider:
The two fans on each end make noise when in use.
ASUS L510 Ultra Thin Laptop
Best Value
You’ll love the ASUS L510 Ultra Thin Laptop as it’s not only an economical option, but it’s also portable and compactly designed. Weighing less than four pounds (battery weight included), this 15-inch laptop can be brought anywhere you need it without a hitch. The full, high-definition display comes in a thin-bezel screen that offers a considerable amount of productive space.
It comes with a powerful Intel Celeron N4020 processor (up to 2.8 gigahertz) and a four-gigabyte RAM. The available storage is pretty roomy at 128 gigabytes. Further, it can last for up to eight hours before needing to be recharged.
Why we love it:
- It has a fancy backlit keyboard and a touchpad equipped with palm rejection features
- It can be laid out flat at a 180-degree angle
- Devoid of noisy fans, so you can work without any distractions
Something to consider:
This value 15-inch laptop isn’t cut out for heavy gaming, but it’s terrific at accomplishing basic work- and academic-related tasks. If you’re searching for a unit on which to play the newest games, then you should consider the other options on this list instead.
Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
Best Alexa-Enabled Laptop
With its eye-catching thin bezels and crisp visuals, the Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K Slim Laptop is a real catch, but it also offers value on top of its stellar features. This model provides brains and beauty, backed with a powerful AMD Ryzen 3 Processor, Radeon RX Vega 10 Graphics, and extensive connectivity. It’s also Alexa-enabled, ensuring mundane tasks such as setting up reminders, alarms, and to-do lists are taken care of with little supervision from your end.
Even programs with high demand can be used on this unit, thanks to its Precision Boost. Also, it features a backlit keyboard for easy viewing in dimly lit areas. And, with up to 7.5 hours of battery time, you’ll be happy to tote this laptop around when traveling or just from room to room in your home.
Why we love it:
- It has an 82.58% screen-to-body ratio, meaning that there’s so much screen you can use
- It comes with a biometric fingerprint reader for an added layer of security and privacy
- With built-in software features to avoid phishing and more
Something to consider:
If you’re planning to use this 15-inch laptop for a movie night, then you better connect it to trusty earbuds or speakers. Its built-in speakers aren’t very loud, even when turned all the way up.
Dell Inspiron 3000 Laptop
Best Memory Capacity
Do more tasks at the same time with the remarkable Dell Inspiron 3000 Laptop. Aside from being powered by the Intel Celeron N4020 processor (dual-core, up to 2.8 gigahertz), it also has a 16-gigabyte, high-bandwidth RAM. As for its storage capacity, this 15-inch laptop comes with a whopping 512-gigabyte flash memory drive, as well as a hard disk drive for up to 1 terabyte.
It’s also outfitted with an HDMI port, an SD card reader slot, and multiple USB ports that allow convenient connectivity to all kinds of devices. Further, the screen is anti-glare LED, so it’s not harsh on the user’s eyes. This 15-inch laptop also weighs less than four pounds — you can lug it anywhere as necessary.
Why we love it:
- It also has a Bluetooth connectivity feature
- It has a built-in webcam and microphone, allowing you to take conference calls on the go
- It’s highly versatile and can be used by anyone at any age
Something to consider:
This laptop doesn’t have a backlit feature for its keyboard, so typing in the dark may be challenging. Having a lamp or any other source of dim light nearby may help, or you may opt to pick out another, backlit-outfitted option from this list.
Do laptops with bigger screens harm the user’s eyes?
Not really. You can usually alter the display settings of any laptop, making it so that you’re comfortable in using it. At the same time, most laptops are outfitted with anti-glare technology or other eye care features, so long-term use would be fine.
Are 15-inch laptops better than their smaller counterparts?
In terms of power and processing capabilities, most 15-inch laptops are better than, say, 13-inch ones. While some may argue that 15-inch laptops are on the losing end in terms of portability, there are new, more lightweight models out there which you can bring anywhere.
About the author:
Rusty Davis has been a tech lover for as long as he can remember. From the early days of gaming consoles to the introduction of the smartphone, portable computers, and more, he’s always wanted to get his hands on the latest and greatest. He has years upon years of experience reviewing and testing everything from phone cases to smartwatches, the latest phones and tablets to gaming computers, and even desks. If it’s a piece of tech or tech-adjacent, he’s interested in how it works and who it works best for. He’s now here sharing all of his knowledge with you to help you make the best decision for yourself.
Why should you trust us:
The Digital Trends team prides itself in offering expert product recommendations in ways that everyone can understand. Our team of experts is constantly using and reviewing the latest and greatest consumer tech, smart home gadgets, televisions, and so much more to offer insights to help guide your purchasing decision. We have vigorously tested thousands of different products across these categories, and we’ve distilled our lists to bring you the best of the best. If we feel a product does not live up to our expectations, it doesn’t make the list. We are humans though, and realize that not every recommended product will be perfect for everyone, so we do our best to call out important features that may impact your choices. Below our top picks we’ve included additional product information to ensure that you are making the right choice for your unique needs. The products in this guide have been carefully curated by our team of experts and enthusiasts who understand the value and quality needed for the best options.
