Gaming is EXTREMELY FUN, but, for me, it lacks something – the social aspect.
This is where STREAMING comes into the equation!
Can any laptop be used to stream games? Or is a streaming laptop as particular as a gaming laptop?
Online gaming requires a powerful gaming laptop or PC for a smooth run, so do streaming games. Read on to know which laptop to pick up for an upgrade on your streaming platform.
Best Laptops for Streaming: The Best 10 Video Streaming Laptops
Twitch? YouTube? Netflix? Gaming?
Whether you’re gaming or watching movies, a great laptop is essential in MAXIMIZING your enjoyment.
Some people think that streaming requires a less powerful laptop than demanding games usually require. In reality, a laptop for streaming is far from just any standard laptop.
Laptops for streaming give you faster performance and power delivery to get you the most out of your streams.
But, I’m sure your needs are different from mine.
I researched the best laptops for streaming for every need possible. I’m glad to spare you the trouble of scouring the internet for the best laptop for streaming.
Check the list below. One of these might make every single day more fun and productive.
1) Asus ROG Strix Scar 15: Best Overall
- Screen: 15.6-inch
- Resolution and refresh rate: Full HD IPS, 300 Hz
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
- GPU: RTX 3080 16GB GDDR6 VRAM
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4 (3200 MHz)
- SSD: 1 TB
The word that best describes the Asus Strix Scar 15? TOP-END.
For an endless budget, you have to pick the Strix Scar 15.
The specifications will tell you just how powerful a device this is. The AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX octa-core processor will give you a clock speed beyond your dreams.
Let’s say you’re juggling work with multiple browser tabs and applications open, or maybe you’re streaming and gaming simultaneously.
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 will DEFINITELY DELIVER the performance you need for your live stream.
Even amid numerous high-end tasks, the battery life will get you longer hours because of the optimum power delivery.
A 1 TB SSD combined with 16GB RAM is perfect for powering the Nvidia RTX 3080 graphics card.
You won’t get behind on the VISUALS as well!
The 15.6-inch full HD display is terrific for getting your games AT THE HIGHEST SETTINGS. Pair this with its clicky RGB keyboard, and you’re all set for your Twitch stream.
Who Is It For?
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 is for you if you have a lot of money to spend on a powerful device. It may be costly, but it sure is WORTH THE SPEND.
If monstrous specs are important to you, go pick this one up. It has everything you need, without compromises on quality or speed.
Just make sure to manage your expectations on the battery life.
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 8GB GDDR6 with ROG Boost up to 1645MHz at 115W (130W...
- Latest AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX Processor (16M Cache, up to 4.6 GHz)
Pros
- High refresh rates
- Fast and improved clock speed
- Convenient dual fan cooling system
Cons
- On the expensive end
2) Acer Predator Helios 300: Best Budget Pick
- Screen: 15.6-inch
- Resolution and refresh rate: Full HD, 144 Hz
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- GPU: RTX 3060 6GB VRAM
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4 (3200 MHz)
- SSD: 512 GB
It’s understandable if you find the Strix Scar intimidating because of the cost. Thankfully, the Acer Predator Helios 300 is a great value choice!
The Helios 300 is running on an Intel Core i7 turbo boost technology.
If that sounded slightly foreign to you, it means you’ll have a FAST-PERFORMING LAPTOP that can still operate even the most demanding tasks.
Gigabit Ethernet port + Wi-Fi 6 Support = Ultra-fast internet!
The Acer Predator Helios 300 is perfect for your live streaming. It also gives you a lot of room for customizability as it has numerous ports.
- (1) Thunderbolt 3 USB-C
- (2) USB-A
- HDMI port
- Audio Jack
- Display port
With the outstanding graphics card, SSD, and RAM, what’s holding me back from getting the Helios 300?
Acer’s top entry on this list has a decent battery life for a gaming laptop, but it can be better. On average, you’ll probably have around 4-5 hours unchained to a socket.
It’s certainly not the best, but I don’t think it’s a significant con. A battery life of 4 hours is still a decent battery backup for such a powerful machine.
Who Is It For?
The Acer Predator Helios 300 is best for those looking for a powerful machine but can’t shell out too much money.
It is not THE BEST. But, it might just have everything you need.
After all, good specs that aren’t used as much are as good as trash. The Predator Helios 300 is also good if you’re just starting out exploring esports.
- Aspect Ratio:16:9.Voltage:230.0 volts.Control method:touch
- Extreme Performance: Crush the competition with the impressive power and speed...
- RTX, It's On: The latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (6GB dedicated GDDR6 VRAM) is...
Pros
- Durable and sturdy material
- Color-accurate Display
- Latest GPU
Cons
- No microSD reader
3) Acer Nitro 5: Best Value
- Screen: 17.3-inch
- Resolution and refresh rate: 1920 x 1080p, 360 Hz
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800HX
- GPU: RTX 3060 8GB GDDR6 VRAM
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4 (3200 MHz)
- SSD: 1 TB
What do I love about the Nitro 5? The 17.3-inch display!
It is absolutely perfect for gaming and streaming. The resolution and refresh rates will make your game both COLOR-ACCURATE and RESPONSIVE for all the tiny movements.
Need more convincing? The large trackpad will get all your subtle movements as well.
The Acer Nitro 5 also boasts a pack of ports that should come in handy. I personally love the USB Type-C port along with three other USB Type-A ports.
- HDMI port
- Ethernet port
- Audio jack
The hardware isn’t the only good thing about it.
The Acer Nitro 5 also has a great set of specs. With the AMD Ryzen 7 and the RTX 3060, you’ll easily touch a minimum 3.2 GHz clock speed while going ALL-IN on your gameplay.
Who Is It For?
The Acer Nitro 5 is for you if a 15-inch screen CANNOT satisfy your thirst for a good display.
The additional 2 inches to get to the 17-inch screen is significant. The Nitro 5 has good colors and a reasonable number of ports.
If you’re a MULTITASKER, the Nitro 5 is a perfect device for all-around needs.
If you’re all about upgrading in the future, the Nitro 5 can accommodate it just fine.
The 17-inch screen is a delight, but it may not be good enough if you’re a creative person who needs a micro SD port. It’s also PRETTY HEAVY if you consider traveling with it.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800H Mobile Processor (8-core/16-thread, 20MB cache, up to 4.4 GHz...
- 17.3" Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen LED-backlit IPS Display with 144Hz...
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU with 6 GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM with NVIDIA...
Pros
- Thin and lightweight bezels
- Intel turbo boost technology
- Large screen improves user experience
Cons
- Average battery life (So-so battery backup)
4) Apple MacBook Pro M1
- Screen: 13.3-inch
- Resolution and refresh rate: 2560 x 1600p QHD+
- Processor: Apple M1
- GPU: Integrated Graphics
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4 (3200 MHz)
- SSD: 256 GB
The Apple MacBook Pro is ALL THE BUZZ recently because of the new M1 processor.
The M1 processor gets you at a maximum of 3.2 GHz clock speed. It’s perfect for powering your live streaming together with MacBook’s Bluetooth 5 and WiFi 6 support.
Unlike the previous entries in the list, the Apple MacBook Pro M1 has a GREAT BATTERY LIFE. You definitely will get the most out of 10 hours of chainless (charger-less) power.
You’ll surely enjoy the 10 hours of use since the M1 MacBook Pro has a 2560 x 1600 resolution on a decent 13.3-inch screen.
It is a better choice than the cheaper Apple MacBook Air, but the latter is truly a good buy.
I love MacBooks for the true-to-life color display that Apple somehow just does better than any other laptop manufacturer.
Combine Apple True Tone technology with the ability to game and stream, and you’re in for a great afternoon.
Who Is It For?
This Apple MacBook model is perfect for you if you already have other Apple devices.
It works well in an ecosystem. If you have an iPad with you, you can even use that as an extended screen. Transferring files, photos, music, and videos will also be more manageable.
The M1 chip is truly powerful. Gone are the days when a MacBook couldn’t handle gaming.
Remember that even though the processor and GPU can handle the games doesn’t always mean the laptop will. There are still COMPATIBILITY ISSUES to fix. Still, it has a lot of potential.
- Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning...
- Get more done with up to 20 hours of battery life, the longest ever in a Mac
- 8-core CPU delivers up to 2.8x faster performance to fly through workflows...
Pros
- 25% more vibrant color display
- Signature sleek look
- Powerful chipset
Cons
- Lack of USB ports
- Doesn’t work in an ecosystem with other laptops
5) Asus ZenBook 14
- Screen: 14-inch
- Resolution and refresh rate: 1920 x 1080p, Full HD
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- RAM: 16 GB LPDDR4
- SSD: 512 GB
Next up is the Asus ZenBook 14.
I won’t think of it first when gaming is mentioned, but honestly, I should have.
Professionals mostly use it for multimedia arts, and heavy office work. But, it’s got more power to it with an i7 processor, 16 GB RAM, and a 512 GB SSD.
It houses crisp and fast Intel WiFi. Its specs get your data transfer in no time.
The Asus ZenBook 14 DOES NOT have the latest GPU, so a dedicated graphics card definitely isn’t what you’d buy it for.
But, with a trackpad that acts as a full HD touchscreen secondary display, you might not mind at all.
Aside from the huge 5.65-inch trackpad, it also has a battery life that will get you to 16 hours of both work and play.
To make full use of the 62Whr battery, the Asus ZenBook 14 has several ports for your live streaming needs.
- (2) Thunderbolt 4 USB C ports
- (1) USB-A
- HDMI port (2.0)
- Audio Jack
Who Is It For?
The Asus ZenBook 14 is perfect for professionals who work a lot and seek gaming as a hobby.
The ZenBook 14 can handle video calls and streams smoothly. If you’re into e-sports, it can even run your favorite games while you stream.
If you’re like me and the whole gaming laptop look isn’t for you, you will like the overall look in the ZenBook 14. It’s simple, clean, and uncomplicated.
- With ASUS ZenBook 14 and Windows Hello, your face is your password! The front...
- ASUS ZenBook 14 is protected by ASUS BacGuard10, a new antibacterial treatment...
- ASUS ZenBook 14 features a frameless four-sided NanoEdge wide-view display, with...
Pros
- USB-C Charging
- Lightweight
- Micro SD Card reader
Cons
- Not a lot of ports
6) Lenovo Legion 5
- Screen: 15.6-inch
- Resolution and refresh rate: 1920 x 1080p, 165 Hz
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800HX
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 3050Ti 4GB GDDR6 VRAM
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4 (3200 MHz)
- SSD: 512 GB
The AMD Series is undoubtedly a better processor than the more common i7. It’s usually used to power gaming laptops like the Lenovo Legion 5.
With a beautiful 15.6-inch screen, you’ll enjoy a lot of tasks on the Legion 5.
- Photo editing
- Video editing
- Streaming videos
- Gaming
The battery life is only in the 5-6 hour range. But, that is what is EXPECTED when you clock in powerful specs on a gaming laptop.
One of the things only a few laptops tend to ace is the GENEROSITY IN PORTS. The Lenovo Legion 5 has all the port support (Gigabit Ethernet Port, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5) you need for live streaming.
The extra features I love about the Legion 5 are the full RGB keyboard and the sleek ‘gaming look.’
Who Is It For?
The Legion 5 is a well-priced device.
It houses a powerful AMD processor and an RTX 3050Ti to get your games to where you want them to be. For a smooth and powerful gaming experience, there really will be costs.
The Lenovo Legion 5 has reasonable costs for its build. If you’re a game developer, this one will work well for your interface.
- Escalate your game with up to 8 high-performance cores in the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H...
- Includes free 3-month trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate - Play over 100...
- With NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics, enjoy the depth and visual fidelity of...
Pros
- Enough USB Ports
- AMD Processor
- Fast data transfer
Cons
- Heavy
- Average battery life
7) Acer Chromebook Spin 713
- Screen: 13.5-inch
- Resolution and refresh rate: 2256 x 1504p QHD+ Touch
- Processor: Intel i5
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 620
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4
- SSD: 128 GB
The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is perfect for you if you’re looking for the best budget laptop for streaming videos.
For such a budget price, you get a 2256 x 1504p resolution and a CONVERTIBLE model. The screen is FULLY touch screen and can ACT AS A TABLET (a huge one, but still) if you wish.
It’s not the fastest laptop, given only about 1.60GHz single-core clock speed. It does not have a dedicated graphics card either.
The RAM and the SSD aren’t upgradeable should you decide you need more power in your laptop.
But if you’re only streaming videos, this Chromebook is more than enough. The multiple functionalities can make up for its losses.
The Chromebook Spin 713 can give you 10 hours on the power brick so that you can take it anywhere you wish. It supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5, giving you the seamless connectivity you need.
It also offers generous ports and will cater to any data transfer needs.
- (2) USB-C ports
- (1) HDMI
- (1) 3.5 mm Combo Jack
Who Is It For?
The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is NOT for hardcore gamers. Period.
But you don’t have to be a professional gamer to want to stream. The Spin 713 does a marvelous job in video streaming.
The screen is big enough, and the resolution will make you enjoy whatever it is you’re streaming.
Plus, if you don’t own a tablet, you’ll own one once you buy this.
The convertible feature is a joy to have as it lets you work the way you need to.
- 13.5" Acer VertiView 2K 2256 x 1504 Widescreen IPS LED-backlit Touch Display...
- 128GB PCIe NVMe SSD, 8GB LPDDR4X Memory
- Backlit Keyboard | Fingerprint Reader, Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX201 802.11ax
Pros
- Perfect for streaming videos
- Convertible
- Competitive battery life
Cons
- No Ethernet port
- Non-upgradeable
8) HP Spectre x360
- Screen: 15.6-inch
- Resolution and refresh rate: 4K OLED, 300 Hz
- Processor: Intel Core i7-10750H
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti with Max-Q
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4
- SSD: 1 TB + 32GB Intel Optane
Beautiful 4K OLED screen. The HP Spectre x360 is beautiful with its gem-cut edges.
The strongest quality of HP Spectre x360 for me is the DISPLAY. It has a 3840 x 2160 resolution, perfect for gaming and live streaming. You’ll love looking at the crisp screen all day!
The HP Spectre x360 runs on Intel Core i7 and works as fast and smooth as you need it to be., However, the battery is pretty subpar because of all the powerful specs, and the laptop easily heats up.
It may not be the best gaming device, but it has a lot of other perks.
It’s a convertible laptop which gives you a (slightly too big) tablet. You can even set it to a THEATER CONFIGURATION to better appreciate the stunning OLED screen.
It’s the mode I love to use most for streaming Netflix or Youtube.
Spectre x360’s keyboard is also one of the best you’ll ever get on a laptop.
Snappy keys with a full feel and form give you a lovely typing experience. But the trackpad is pretty meh, so consider getting yourself a great mouse.
I love the extra features like the fingerprint reader, the face recognition, and the privacy shutter of the webcam. But the bezels aren’t particularly thin enough.
Who Is It For?
The HP Spectre x360 is a beautiful device. It’s still not for hardcore gamers, but gaming and streaming are no problem.
Pick this one up if you’re a fan of the convertible nature.
Plus! If the DISPLAY IS IMPORTANT to you, the Spectre x360 is just about THE BEST.
Just a reminder that the battery life on this is pretty mediocre. You’ll likely be chained to your desk while you’re gaming and streaming.
- Intel 11th Generation Core i7-1165G7. Intel Evo Platform Certified
- 13.5 inches 3K2K OLED Touch Panel (3000x2000)
- 1TB Solid State Drive 32GB Intel Optane, 16GB LPDDR4 3200Mhz RAM
Pros
- Stunning display
- Sleek look
- Can handle gaming well
Cons
- Very expensive
- Ghost touch
9) Asus TUF Gaming F17
- Screen: 17.3-inch
- Resolution and refresh rate: Full HD IPS, 144 Hz
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- GPU: RTX 3050Ti
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4
- SSD: 512 GB
I’m personally not in love with 17-inch screens. They’re not big enough for gaming. At the same time, they are too big to bring around everywhere I go.
For most people, the 17.3-inch screen of the Asus TUF Gaming F17 is just about perfect for gaming and streaming videos. You can even USE IT OUTSIDE with its 300 nits of brightness.
It’s not THE best gaming laptop in terms of specs, but it is still a great choice. The TUF Gaming F17 runs on an i7 processor, an NVIDIA RTX 3050Ti, and 16GB DDR4 RAM.
Those specs give you an outstandingly fast-performing laptop with smooth and powerful graphics.
All those you can get for a relatively affordable price range.
Just make sure you keep your charger with you as it only lasts for about 6 hours unplugged.
My favorite thing about the Asus TUF Gaming F17 is the thin bezels. Thin bezels on a gaming laptop aren’t that common. They’re a very welcome addition to maximize the screen size and resolution.
Who Is It For?
The Asus TUF Gaming F17 is for you if the main purpose for buying is really for gaming.
It’s a reliable gaming device with decent specifications for the demanding nature of games. The upgradeability will also make it work for you even in the long term.
I know the 17-inch screen can be very tempting.
But, seriously ask yourself if you like to bring your things everywhere. If yes, you might want to consider settling for a smaller screen.
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6 Graphics up to 1585MHz at 60W (75W with...
- 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11800H Processor (24M Cache, up to 4.6 GHz, 8 Cores)
Pros
- Large screen
- Powerful Intel i7 processor
- Thin bezels
- Overclocked graphics
- Upgradeable
Cons
- Heavy hardware
- Average battery life
10) LG Gram 16
- Screen: 16-inch
- Resolution and refresh rate: 2560 x 1600p QHD+
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- GPU: Intel XE Graphics G7
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4 (3200 MHz)
- SSD: 1 TB
The LG Gram 16 is lightweight despite it having a 16-inch screen. How impressive!
The LG Gram 16 may be new, but you shouldn’t discount it. It runs on the latest Intel Core i7 processor, giving you a high-performing laptop.
It also has a generous RAM and SSD. You won’t run out of space for all your files.
The only downside is it only has integrated graphics. But, it’s more than enough for streaming videos.
LG’s 2560 x 1600 resolution and 99% DCI-P3 color coverage give you a beautiful display and vibrant color scale. The best laptop has a myriad of ports to use, and the Gram 16 is just that.
- (2) Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C ports
- (2) USB Type-A ports
- Full-sized HDMI port
- Micro SD card reader
- Audio jack
The availability of ports isn’t the only feature that makes it excellent for live streaming. The LG Gram 16 also has one of the LONGEST BATTERY LIFE in the market. 22 hours!
A backup battery of 22 hours lets you stream wherever you want whenever you want.
Who Is It For?
The LG Gram 16 is for you if you want an exquisite 16-inch display without all the weight that comes with it.
It is also a solid choice if you prefer to bring your device around. You can work, stream, and play for 22 hours wire-free!
- 16" WGXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS LCD, with DCI-P3 99% color expression
- Intel Evo Platform Powered by 11th generation Intel core i7-1165G7 Processor...
- 16GB LPDDR4X 4266mhz RAM delivers a high level of performance for...
Pros
- Lightweight
- Latest processors
- Long battery life
Cons
- Hefty price tag
- Integrated GPU
11) No products found.
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- Screen: 15.6-inch
- Resolution and refresh rate: 1920 x 1080p, 144 Hz
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050Ti 4GB VRAM
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4
- SSD: 512 GB
Are you looking for a military-grade laptop? You got it.
The Asus TUF Dash 15 boasts the Intel Turbo Boost technology. It runs swiftly and smoothly to get your work done.
You won’t have a problem with heat either. It has an excellent cooling system to let the speed run without compromise.
If you don’t want to spend a lot on a new device, the TUF Dash 15 is an excellent option.
It has 5.5 hours of power, enough time for you to enjoy streaming on a 1920 x 1080p screen.
Here are some other features I love about it:
- Ultra-thin bezels
- Fast refresh rate
- Generous ports
- Budget-friendly
- Latest GPU
Who Is It For?
The Asus TUF DASH 15 is for you if you want a military-grade laptop. It is also a good choice if you like working on your lap as it doesn’t get hot as much.
If you’re like me and you’re all about the ultra-thin bezels and the modern design, The TUF DASH 15 is one to get.
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Pros
- Modern design
- Latest graphics
- Fast Thunderbolt 4 support
Cons
- Average battery life
12) Dell XPS 15 9510
- Screen: 15.6-inch
- Resolution and refresh rate: 4K+ 3840 x 2400p
- Processor: Intel Core i9
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 3050Ti 4 GB
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4 (3200 MHz)
- SSD: 1 TB
For me, the look on the Dell XPS 15 9510 is just so clean and satisfying. It’s compact yet very functional.
The XPS 15 is already a known line for the high-quality build and reasonably weighted device.
The big 16:10 screen and the spacious keyboard make it practical. The speakers are punchy and can deliver justice to the videos you watch.
Similar to the Asus ZenBook 14 and the HP Spectre X360, the Dell XPS 15 isn’t a gaming laptop per se. It’s more of an all-around multitasking device.
But it can handle gaming really well.
It may not be a dedicated gaming laptop, but it sure can handle most modern games. The XPS 15 works flawlessly, even with a bunch of apps and tabs open.
You can surely live stream without any problems whatsoever.
Who Is It For?
The Dell XPS 15 is a great device for students, working professionals, and the like.
It can support all sorts of multitasking needs and even a few games once in a while. Streaming Netflix or Youtube will be extremely enjoyable with the bezels tapered even at the bottom.
Unlike the Spectre x360 or the Chromebook Spin 713, the Dell XPS 15 is upgradeable should you need more power in your machine.
- Dell XPS 15 9510 (2021 Model) 15.6" - Certified Refurbished
- 11th Generation Intel Core i9-11900H (24MB Cache, up to 4.90 GHz, 8 cores) | 1TB...
- 15.6" FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge Non-Touch Anti-Glare 500-Nit Display |...
Pros
- Upgradeable
- Powerful computing device
- Ultra-thin bezels (even at the bottom)
Cons
- Pricey
- The keyboard is just okay
Laptop Features to Watch
If you’re short on time, just make sure the streaming laptop you pick up has a fast processor and GPU and a good RAM and battery life.
That’s it.
If you have a bit more time, go into the details to know more about what laptop you should pick up for a better video and gaming performance.
GPU & Processor
A powerful GPU is NON-NEGOTIABLE if you want a smooth live stream. More so if you want to stream your game smoothly.
If there’s anything you should take from this article, it’s definitely that.
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU is the dedicated graphics card you want.
But, it may be TOO EXPENSIVE.
Some mid-range Nvidia GeForce alternatives can still give you a decent graphics card. The Nvidia GeForce GTX and RTX series are usually seen in gaming laptops.
Here are some choices you can look at:
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050/3050Ti
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
- Nvidia GeForce GTX Series
While a great GPU is non-negotiable, the PROCESSOR is really the most critical factor to consider.
They usually come hand-in-hand. But, if you have to choose, a powerful processor is of HIGHER PRIORITY.
For hassle-free streaming, it’s always best to get the latest processors.
The 11th Generation Intel Core or the Ryzen 5 and 7 will give you an immersive live stream experience.
But as always, every feature comes with a price. The more affordable option can be the previous generation of AMDs, or the 10th Generation Intel Core.
An Intel Core i5 can still work for light streaming. But, an i3 is undoubtedly not enough processing power for most of your streaming needs.
Storage & Memory
A 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD storage drive are ideal to complement your powerful processor and graphics card.
Most laptops come with an entry-level 8GB RAM. That’s enough RAM for daily browsing and word processing, watching Netflix or Youtube, or maybe even light gaming.
An 8GB DDR4 RAM will work, but the price difference between a 16GB RAM is usually not as steep.
For more serious gamers, 16GB should be the minimum for proper gaming performance. If you want to stream and play at the same time, anything below 16GB simply can’t give you a good experience.
STORAGE IS CRUCIAL if you want a higher clock speed.
A 256GB SSD is usually enough to stream videos. You can add an HDD down the line if it doesn’t turn out to be enough. But, a 512 GB storage will hold for a more extended period of time.
A quick guide: Higher SSD = Faster laptop
Display & Keyboard
To make the most out of a good graphics card, you should at least get streaming laptops with a full HD resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate.
I personally love an ultra-HD display to go with the latest graphics card.
BUT! It can be VERY COSTLY.
It’s a great choice if you have a little more money to spend. Make sure to also balance the display resolution with a fast refresh rate. You won’t appreciate it with subpar refresh rates.
The keyboard for streaming is not particular. But if you stream and play at the same time, a backlit keyboard can be right up your alley.
Have your backlit keyboard with an underneath dual-fan cooling system, and you’ve got yourself a gaming and streaming laptop.
WiFi Connectivity
A lot of people forget this. Without a reliable internet connection, live streaming WILL BE A NIGHTMARE.
A high-performance integrated graphics card and the latest Nvidia GeForce will not matter if your WiFi is spotty. Multi-display setups on high graphics settings will not be possible either.
A fast internet connection and a fast intel WiFi HDMI port are NECESSARY.
Ports and Other Accessories
Streaming videos usually needs a few paraphernalia, like a good headset or dual stereo speakers.
A few more attachments to your streaming laptop will improve the whole experience. Just make sure you have the ports to accommodate it.
Here are some ports you might want to have.
- USB ports
- Ethernet port
- Audio jack
- HDMI
Best Laptops for Streaming: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you’re like me, who’s still pretty new to streaming, you may still have a few questions.
That’s alright! There are a lot of factors to look at, and it gets confusing real fast. Here are some FAQs that may help with your confusion.
Is a Streaming Laptop as Expensive as a Gaming Laptop?
Laptops for streaming have a wide price range. Nevertheless, the answer is straightforward.
If your main niche is video streaming, a streaming laptop will unlikely be as expensive as a powerful gaming machine. HD display is possible for a laptop at the mid-range price point.
However, streaming games is a whole different thing. For the laptop features you need to play games, a streaming laptop can be as expensive as a gaming laptop.
Is a Streaming Laptop Standalone?
In summary, the best laptop for streaming has the following features.
- Sufficient RAM
- Long battery life
- High processing speed
But is a laptop with all those features all that you need?
For starters, the answer is YES. But, if you truly want the best experience, there are a few add-ons you should pick up.
If you’re really into live streaming, invest in a good headset, a dedicated microphone, and a quality web camera.
Cheap headphones won’t make your live streams good, period.
The best streaming laptop won’t satisfy you without a good pair of ears. Good headphones also can’t be properly appreciated if you have a crappy mic.
Aside from a few hardware additions, make sure you also have reliable internet connectivity: the higher speed, the better.
Can a Gaming Laptop Be Used for Streaming?
Gaming laptops are expensive hardware. You might have already invested in a gaming laptop but have recently been into live streaming.
Should you buy a separate laptop for streaming?
DEFINITELY NOT. Most of us don’t have the cash to burn.
A gaming laptop is ALREADY a powerful laptop. The high processing speeds, long battery life, and good RAM is already in most gaming laptops. It makes it excellent for streaming videos and playing games.
Do I Need a New Laptop for Streaming?
The answer isn’t just a simple yes or no.
Here are some cases where I might recommend separate laptops for streaming.
- You’re a gamer who wants to go pro.
- You want to play games and stream at the same time.
- You want to stream, but your current laptop is only on an i3 processor.
- Your current laptop has a mediocre display.
If none of these applies to you, the answer isn’t simply no.
At the end of the day, it depends on your needs. Non Gamers doing a lot of video streaming may need a dedicated laptop for streaming.
Best Laptops for Streaming: Sum It Up!
Reading too long a list can make it more challenging to choose which one’s best. Fret not!
I’ve included a summary of the best of the bests to help you with your decision. Here are the best laptops you can get for both gaming and streaming.
Best Overall: Asus ROG Strix Scar 15
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 8GB GDDR6 with ROG Boost up to 1645MHz at 115W (130W...
- Latest AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX Processor (16M Cache, up to 4.6 GHz)
The Asus ROG Strix Scar is a real gamer’s charm. With the looks, performance, and feelings, you will rock that Twitch stream.
The Strix Scar not only has monstrous specifications.
It also has beautiful backlighting that will catch anyone’s breath. Small details make the best laptop shine with thin bezels, a sturdy build, and generous ports.
The excellent speakers make this laptop option a no-brainer for live streaming. It even has a two-way intelligent noise reduction system.
Just remember that every perk comes with a price. The Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 is quite pricey.
Best Value: Acer Nitro 5
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800H Mobile Processor (8-core/16-thread, 20MB cache, up to 4.4 GHz...
- 17.3" Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen LED-backlit IPS Display with 144Hz...
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU with 6 GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM with NVIDIA...
I get you.
You love the monstrous specs on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 15, but it’s just almost impossible to afford. The Acer Nitro 5 is the ideal balance between specs and affordability.
It’s not the cheapest. But, it also rocks the specs you need for your streams. This Acer laptop can also handle even the most demanding game.
The whole gamer look on the device is a little subdued and toned down. Still, it looks amazing with the RGB backlit keyboard.
Plus, if a large screen is what you want, the Nitro 5 is a wise pick.
Best Budget Pick: Acer Predator Helios 300
- Aspect Ratio:16:9.Voltage:230.0 volts.Control method:touch
- Extreme Performance: Crush the competition with the impressive power and speed...
- RTX, It's On: The latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (6GB dedicated GDDR6 VRAM) is...
For the best laptops for gaming, the Acer Predator Helios 300 is relatively affordable.
Clocking out powerful specs, this is one powerful gaming laptop. You’ll know once you see it. Its all-black chassis, angled corners, and turquoise-backlit logo appeal to every streamer.
The Helios 300’s RGB keyboard is very satisfying to use. Along with it is a stiff buttonless touchpad that prevents accidental strokes.
Even at a lower price point, it has a high refresh rate that lets you run your games smoothly. Plus, it’s upgradeable should you have a bit more cash in the future.
It does not have every perk you wish you’d have, but it’s the best laptop for that range.
Bottomline
There are about a hundred different factors in deciding which laptop is THE best laptop for streaming.
But, the most important factor is your NEED.
Ask yourself your non-negotiables and those you might do without. Once you know that, choosing is easy.
I hope the article helped enlighten you on what laptop features you should check in picking up a good streaming laptop. I understand it’s a tough choice.
My top tip? Assess your needs and find the one that best fills them.
Enjoy your stream!