The Best Laptop for Streaming: Top 5 Picks (No Surprises Here)
Hey, looking for a new laptop to start streaming? Check out our top 5 list. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, we've got you covered.
Have you ever wanted to start streaming but didn't know where to start?
We've got you covered! In this article, we will discuss five laptops that are perfect for streaming. Whether you're a professional streamer or just starting out, there's sure to be a laptop here that's perfect for you.
So without further ado, let's get started! We know how important it is to have a laptop that can handle all your streaming needs, and we want to make sure you find the best one for you.
How We Choose the Best Laptop for Streaming
You want to buy a laptop for streaming, but you don't know which one to choose.
It can be hard to decide which laptop is the best for your needs. There are so many different models and brands on the market, and it's hard to know which one will work best for you.
We've done the research for you. We've read all the reviews about the best laptops for streaming, and we've compiled our findings in this article. Whether you're looking for a budget laptop or a top-of-the-line model, we have something for everyone.
HP Pavilion Gaming 15-Inch Laptop
Why We Love the HP Pavilion Gaming 15-Inch Laptop
The HP Pavilion gaming 15-inch laptop offers seamless gaming and streaming experience thanks to its fast processor and advanced thermal management. The 9th Generation Intel Core i5-9300h processor, along with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, allows for smooth multitasking and realistic graphics.
This gaming laptop is also VR/MR ready, making it the perfect choice for those looking to incorporate virtual reality into their gameplay or streaming setup. In addition, the IR sensor keeps the laptop cool to the touch, ensuring that it can handle extended periods of usage without any issues.
Overall, the HP Pavilion gaming 15-inch laptop is an excellent option for anyone in search of the best laptop for streaming and gaming.
What You Should Know About the HP Pavilion Gaming 15-Inch Laptop
The HP Pavilion gaming 15-inch laptop offers a wealth of features that make it the ultimate choice for streaming enthusiasts. With 12 GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM and a 512 GB internal solid-state drive, this laptop offers fast boot-up and file transfer capabilities for seamless streaming experiences.
And with upgradable memory slots, you can easily customize your storage to best suit your streaming needs. Bios recovery and protection ensure the health and security of your PC, so you can stream without worry. The laptop also boasts a range of ports, including USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C and HDMI, allowing for easy connections to external devices.
Plus, with a battery life of up to 8 hours and 30 minutes, this laptop keeps up with even the longest binge-watching sessions. Choose the HP Pavilion gaming 15-inch laptop for the best streaming experience possible.
HP Pavilion x360 14” Touchscreen Laptop
Why We Love the HP Pavilion x360 14” Touchscreen Laptop
The HP Pavilion x360 14” touchscreen laptop is the best choice for running online video streaming. Because of its Intel Iris Xe Graphics processor, you'll get stunning images that are incredibly clear.
The vibrant, edge-to-edge glass display allows for a truly immersive viewing experience, and the 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor ensures smooth, efficient performance.
With its 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage, you can store all of your favorite shows and movies without running out of space. Moreover, with a battery life of up to 10 hours and 45 minutes, you can keep streaming for hours on end.
The free upgrade to Windows 11 adds even more convenience to this already impressive laptop. Overall, the HP Pavilion x360 is the perfect companion for binge-watching your favorite content.
What You Should Know About the HP Pavilion x360 14” Touchscreen Laptop
The HP Pavilion x360 14” touchscreen laptop is the best option for those who want to stream wirelessly for extended periods of time. With up to 8 hours and 15 minutes of streaming capabilities, it's perfect for enjoying your favorite shows or video chatting with friends without any interruptions.
But rest assured that when you do need to charge, HP fast charge will have your laptop at 50% within 45 minutes. And thanks to dual speakers and audio provided by B&O, your music, movies, and games will sound even better.
Plus, remote work and learning are a breeze with reliable Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth support. And on top of all that, this laptop is also environmentally-friendly with Energy Star certification and EPEAT Silver registration.
Buy with confidence knowing your purchase is protected by a one-year limited warranty from HP. Whether for work or play, the HP Pavilion x360 14” touchscreen laptop has it all.
Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
Why We Love the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
The Acer Aspire 5 slim laptop offers a variety of features that make it the perfect choice for those who frequently use their device for streaming. With two USB 2.0 ports and one USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, you can easily connect to external devices such as a mouse, multiple monitors, or external hard drives.
The HDMI port with HDCP support also allows for easy connection to TV screens, making it convenient to watch your favorite shows and movies on a larger screen. The 802.11ac Wi-Fi ensures a fast and reliable internet connection, so you never have to worry about buffering or lag while streaming online content. With these different ports and fast wifi connection, Acer Aspire 5 can easily claim the top spot for superb multi-display connectivity.
Additionally, the backlit keyboard makes it easy to use your laptop in any lighting conditions and the extended battery life allows for hours of uninterrupted streaming. Overall, the Acer Aspire 5 slim is the best laptop option for those who frequently stream media.
What You Should Know About the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
The Acer Aspire 5 slim laptop is the perfect option for those who love to stream movies and shows. Its 16:9 aspect ratio provides a widescreen viewing experience, while the full HD resolution brings vibrant color and sharp imagery.
The powerful AMD Ryzen 3 processor and Radeon Vega graphics allow for smooth streaming, even with multiple tabs open. Its slim design makes it portable and easy to use on the go, making it an excellent choice for any streaming enthusiast.
Plus, with a generous amount of memory and storage space, there's room to save all of your favorites with ease. Overall, the Acer Aspire 5 slim offers top-notch performance for those looking for the best laptop for streaming purposes.
Newest HP 15 Notebook Laptop
Why We Love the Newest HP 15 Notebook Laptop
The HP 15 notebook laptop is the perfect choice for those who need a reliable and efficient device for streaming content. Its 64GB of high-bandwidth RAM allows for smooth multitasking, allowing you to seamlessly watch your favorite shows while also browsing the web or working on other tasks.
The 2TB PCIe NVMe M.2 solid state drive ensures fast boot-up and data transfer, while the 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor offers powerful quad-core processing capabilities. With its impressive memory and storage capabilities, as well as a superior processor, this laptop is a top choice for streaming content without any lag or interruption.
Overall, the HP 15 notebook laptop delivers exceptional performance and efficiency, making it an excellent option for anyone in search of the best laptop for streaming.
What You Should Know About the Newest HP 15 Notebook Laptop
The newest HP 15 notebook laptop is the best choice for streaming on the go. Its 15.6" full HD IPS touchscreen LED display allows for crystal clear streaming, while the Realtek Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities ensure that you can connect to fast and reliable internet anywhere you go.
Additionally, its various ports, including 2 USB 3.0 Type A, 1 USB 3.0 Type C, and 1 HDMI, provide flexibility for connecting external devices such as a microphone or camera. And with Windows 11 Home as the operating system, this laptop offers the latest technology for smooth and efficient streaming experiences.
Overall, the HP 15 notebook laptop is the perfect option for those looking to enhance their streaming abilities.
2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop
Why We Love the 2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop
The 2020 Apple MacBook Air is the best laptop for streaming and all your everyday tasks. With support for all your existing apps, including Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365, this laptop can handle any task you throw at it.
Plus, its compatibility with iPhone and iPad apps offers even more options for productivity and creativity. And with an aluminum enclosure made from 100% recycled materials, this laptop is not only efficient but also environmentally friendly. This MacBook Air runs quietly and stays cool even when multitasking or streaming, making it perfect for entertainment purposes.
With a one-year limited warranty and extended coverage options through AppleCare+, this laptop offers peace of mind in addition to stellar performance. In short, the 2020 MacBook Air is the perfect choice for all your streaming and daily computing needs.
What You Should Know About the 2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop
The 2020 Apple MacBook Air is the best laptop on the market for streaming services. With an all-day battery life of up to 18 hours, you can watch your favorite shows and movies without worrying about running out of power.
The M1 chip ensures powerful performance while using less energy, and the 8GB of memory keeps your system responsive and speedy. The 13.3" Retina display showcases streaming content in stunning clarity, with vibrant colors and sharp text.
And best of all, the MacBook Air is easy to set up and use right out of the box, making it a perfect choice for streaming on the go or at home. In short, the 2020 MacBook Air offers everything you could want in a streaming laptop and more.
Best Laptop for Streaming FAQs
If you're looking for the best laptops for video streaming, you have a lot of questions and concerns that need to be answered.
It can be tough to figure out which laptop is right for your specific needs when it comes to streaming. You want to make sure that your new laptop can handle all of the different tasks that come with streaming, like HD video playback, gaming, and more.
We've compiled the most frequently asked questions about the best laptops for streaming so that you can make an informed decision before making your purchase. From what kind of hardware you need to how much storage you should look for, we've got you covered.
What type of processor do I need for streaming?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as different people will require different processors depending on their internet connection speed and other factors. However, a good rule of thumb is that if you're streaming high-definition video content, you'll need a processor with a minimum speed of at least 2GHz.
If you're not sure what type of processor you need, I would recommend checking with the manufacturer of your computer or motherboard. They should be able to advise you on the best type of processor for your needs.
How much storage do I need for streaming?
It depends on how much you're going to be streaming. If you're just going to be streaming movies and television shows, then a terabyte should be more than enough. However, if you're also going to be streaming games or music, then you'll need at least two terabytes.
Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines. If you know that you're going to be streaming a lot of high-definition content, then you might want to go for something even bigger, like four or five terabytes. And if you're not sure yet how much storage you'll need, it's always better to err on the side of caution and get more storage than you think you'll need. After all, it's easier to add more storage later on than it is to try and free up space.
What resolution should I use for streaming?
The resolution you should use for streaming depends on the device you're using to stream and the quality of the connection you have.
For example, if you're using a mobile device, we recommend streaming in standard definition (SD) or high definition (HD) if your connection is strong enough. If you're using a desktop or laptop computer, we recommend streaming in HD whenever possible.
Keep in mind that some videos may be available in higher resolutions than others, so you may be able to watch certain videos in HD even if your device isn't compatible with HD streaming.
What framerate should I use for streaming?
When streaming, you want to use a framerate that is high enough to capture all the action without dropping any frames, but low enough so that your viewers don't experience any stuttering or buffering.
A good rule of thumb is to use a framerate of at least 30 fps for streaming, although higher framerates may be desirable if your content includes a lot of fast-moving action. Remember that if you choose a higher framerate, you may need to increase your upload bandwidth accordingly.
How do I set up my laptop for streaming?
There are a few things you'll need to do in order to set up your laptop for streaming. First, you'll need to make sure that your computer has an appropriate graphics card and processor. You'll also need to make sure that your internet connection is fast enough to support streaming.
In addition, you'll need to install some streaming software on your computer. The most popular streaming software is called Twitch or Streamlabs OBS. There are also a number of other options available, such as YouTube Gaming, Mixer, and DLive.
Once you've installed the streaming software, you'll need to configure it according to your specific needs. Each software program has its own set of settings, so you'll need to consult the documentation for your particular program in order to learn how to best configure it for streaming.
What are the best settings for streaming?
There are a few things to consider when streaming content, such as the speed of your internet connection and the quality of the content you're streaming.
For faster streaming speeds, it's best to close any other programs running on your computer and make sure that you're using an ethernet cable instead of a wireless connection. You may also want to try adjusting the settings in your video player software.
Most video players offer a range of quality settings, from low to high. For the best quality, it's usually recommended to select the highest setting that is still compatible with your internet speed. However, if you're experiencing buffering or lagging issues, you may need to lower the quality setting until the problems go away.
What are the best tips for streaming?
There are a few things to keep in mind when streaming:
1. Make sure your internet connection is fast and stable. The slower your connection, the more likely it is that you'll experience buffering or latency issues.
2. Avoid using a public Wi-Fi network when streaming. Public Wi-Fi networks are often not secure and can lead to data theft or other security threats.
3. Close any unnecessary programs or windows that might be using up bandwidth and slowing down your connection.
4. Try using a wired ethernet connection instead of wireless if possible. Wired connections tend to be faster and more reliable than wireless connections.
5. If you're experiencing buffering or latency issues, try increasing the quality setting in your video player. You may need to experiment with different quality settings to find the best balance between quality and speed.
6. Make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the streaming software you're using. If your computer is too slow or doesn't have enough memory, you may experience problems when streaming.
7. Keep an eye on your battery life. Streaming can be taxing on your computer's battery, so you may need to plug in if you're going to be streaming for a long period of time.
8. Take breaks as needed. Streaming can be stressful, so make sure to take breaks every few hours to avoid burnout.
9. Have fun! Streaming should be enjoyable, so make sure to choose content that you enjoy and interact with your viewers in a positive way.
What software do I need for streaming?
There are a few different types of software that you can use for streaming.
For live streaming, you can use software like Ustream or Livestream. These programs allow you to broadcast live video from your computer to the internet.
If you want to record and upload videos later, you can use software like Camtasia or Jing. These programs allow you to record your screen and audio and then upload the video to YouTube or other websites.
Finally, if you are streaming videos online, you can use software like Adobe Flash Player or Microsoft Silverlight. These programs allow you to watch videos on websites that use Flash or Silverlight technology.
Do I need a capture card for streaming?
There are a few things to consider when deciding whether you need a capture card for streaming.
The first is what kind of content you plan to stream. If you're streaming video games, you'll need a capture card in order to record the video output from your console or PC. If you're streaming other types of content, like live footage or PowerPoint presentations, you may not need a capture card depending on your setup.
The second thing to consider is your internet connection. Most capture cards require a good internet connection in order to stream and broadcast smoothly. If your internet connection isn't up to par, you may experience buffering or lag during your broadcasts.
In the end, it depends on your specific needs and streaming setup. If you're not sure whether you need a capture card, it's best to consult with a professional or someone who has experience streaming before making your decision.
What kind of internet connection do I need for streaming?
You need a high-speed internet connection for streaming.
Streaming video content requires a fast and reliable internet connection to ensure smooth playback. If your internet connection is slow or unreliable, you may experience buffering or video stalling while watching videos.
To get the best streaming experience, we recommend broadband or high-speed internet connections with download speeds of at least 5 Mbps. For HD-quality streaming, we recommend connections with speeds of 10 Mbps or higher.
Do I need a gaming laptop for streaming?
No, you don't need a gaming laptop for streaming. While most gaming laptops do have some features and gaming performance that can be beneficial for streaming, like fast processors and graphics cards, they're not necessary for the task. Any laptop with a good internet connection and enough storage space will be able to stream video content.
What video streaming platforms should I use for streaming?
There are a number of different video streaming platforms available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Platforms like YouTube and Twitch are popular for gaming streams, while platforms like Facebook Live and Periscope are more general-purpose.
The best video platform for you depends on what type of content you want to stream, who your audience is, and what features you need. If you're not sure which platform to use, we recommend trying out a few different ones to see which one best fits your needs.
How do I troubleshoot streaming issues on my laptop?
There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot streaming issues on your laptop:
- Check to make sure that your laptop is fully up-to-date with all of the latest software updates.
- Make sure that you have a strong, stable internet connection. If possible, try streaming from another device or computer to see if the issue persists.
- Try disabling any security software or firewalls that you may have running on your laptop.
- Close any other programs or windows that may be running in the background and using up your computer's resources.
- Finally, restart your laptop and try streaming again.
The Best Laptop for Streaming For You
So, what are the best laptops for streaming? Ultimately, it depends on your needs and budget. But we’ve compiled a few great options to help get you started.
Click the buttons to check the prices and see more details about each device. We hope this guide has helped you find the best streaming laptop —and that you enjoy watching your favorite shows and movies in high definition!