Most Recommended Portable Laptops

Guillaume's top Picks US$480 - US$1920

The following stood up to me repeatedly as gadgets I'd buy myself.

• #1, Laptops ($350 - $600)

  

  HP 15" Laptop from US$41010%, Best price yet!
  ~$560 with accessories

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer
  • the Audio Editor

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	1/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i3-8145U

  Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 256.00 GB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 35.85 x 24.20 x 1.99 cm

  Weight: 1.740 kg

  detailed info

  US$408.24 from Staples (New) as of 2019-11-20 08:11:43, EST

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Staples site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Asus VivoBook 15.6" Laptop from US$35015%, Best price yet!
  ~$480 with accessories

  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	2.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	2/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  Specs

  Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 2500U

  Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 8 Mobile

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 256.00 GB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

  Dimensions: 36.07 x 24.38 x 1.78 cm

  Weight: 1.590 kg

  detailed info

  US$347.76 from Best Buy (Refurbished) as of 2019-11-19 08:31:12, EST

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• #1, Laptops ($1100 - $1400)

  

  Dell G3 15" Gaming Laptop from US$1050;
  ~$1409 with accessories

  • the Hardcore Gamer
  • the Serious Video Editor
  • the Serious Photo Editor
  • the Hardcore Graphic Designer
  • the Tinkerer
  • the Serious Multitasker
  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	5/5
  Storage	3.5/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	4.5/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	1/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	5/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	2/5

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i7-9750H

  Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti

  Memory: 16.00 GB

  Storage: 512.00 GB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

  Dimensions: 36.55 x 25.40 x 2.16 cm

  Weight: 2.350 kg

  detailed info

  from US$1049.99

  • US$1049.99 from Dell (New)
    as of 2019-11-19 12:14:04, EST
  • US$1134.06 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-11-19 08:20:51, EST
  • US$1285.27 from Best Buy (Open Box)
    as of 2019-11-19 08:21:58, EST

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• #1, Laptops ($1400 - $1650)

  

  MSI GP63 Leopard 15" Gaming Laptop from US$11003% cheaper than usual
  ~$1469 with accessories

  • the Serious Video Editor
  • the Serious Gamer
  • the Serious Photo Editor
  • the Hardcore Graphic Designer
  • the Tinkerer
  • the Serious Multitasker
  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	0/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	4/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	1.5/5
  Autonomy	0/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	4.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	0/5

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i7-8750H

  Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060

  Memory: 16.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB + 128 GB (~1.13 TB)

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

  Dimensions: 38.28 x 25.98 x 2.89 cm

  Weight: 2.200 kg

  detailed info

  from US$1095.51

  • US$1095.51 from Canada Computers (New)
    as of 2019-11-20 03:47:08, EST
  • US$1330.63 from Best Buy (Open Box)
    as of 2019-11-19 08:06:37, EST
  • US$1538.55 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2019-11-20 07:35:22, EST

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Asus ROG Strix Hero II, 15" Gaming Laptop from US$1060;
  ~$1420 with accessories

  • the Serious Video Editor
  • the Serious Gamer
  • the Serious Photo Editor
  • the Hardcore Graphic Designer
  • the Serious Multitasker
  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	5/5
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	1.5/5
  Autonomy	1/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	4/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	0.5/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	4.5/5
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	1/5

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i7-8750H

  Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060

  Memory: 16.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB + 256 GB (~1.25 TB)

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

  Dimensions: 39.12 x 26.67 x 2.29 cm

  Weight: 2.220 kg

  detailed info

  from US$1058.46

  • US$1058.46 from Canada Computers (Open Box)
    as of 2019-11-18 13:05:56, EST
  • US$1323.07 from Best Buy (Open Box)
    as of 2019-11-18 12:57:48, EST

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Asus Zenbook 14" Laptop from US$570;
  ~$770 with accessories

  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	3.5/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	2.5/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-8250U

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 256.00 GB

  Screen Size: 14"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

  Dimensions: 32.50 x 22.60 x 1.50 cm

  Weight: 1.300 kg

  detailed info

  US$567.03 from Best Buy (Open Box) as of 2019-11-18 17:58:48, EST

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• #3, Laptops ($800 - $1100)

  

  Asus FX504GD 15" Gaming Laptop from US$650;
  ~$870 with accessories

  • the Video Editor
  • the Graphic Designer
  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	3.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	1/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	0.5/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	1/5

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-8300H

  Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

  Dimensions: 38.40 x 26.20 x 2.50 cm

  Weight: 2.200 kg

  detailed info

  from US$642.63

  • US$642.63 from Canada Computers (New)
    as of 2019-11-20 05:46:32, EST
  • US$680.43 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-11-20 04:30:27, EST
  • US$680.43 from The Source (New)
    as of 2019-11-20 04:01:53, EST
  • US$701.61 from Visions Electronics (New)
    as of 2019-11-20 05:48:47, EST
  • US$716.72 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2019-11-20 06:56:01, EST
  • US$722.77 from Mike's Computer Shop (New)
    as of 2019-11-20 06:22:43, EST
  • US$755.28 from Tiger Direct (New)
    as of 2019-11-20 06:43:30, EST
  • US$1134.81 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-11-19 08:41:16, EST

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• #2, Laptops ($1400 - $1650)

  

  Asus ROG STRIX Hero Edition 15" Gaming Laptop from US$1060;
  ~$1419 with accessories

  • the Serious Video Editor
  • the Serious Photo Editor
  • the Hardcore Graphic Designer
  • the Tinkerer
  • the Serious Multitasker
  • the Gamer
  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	4/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	1.5/5
  Autonomy	0.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	4/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	0.5/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	4/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	1.5/5
  Autonomy	0.5/5

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i7-8750H

  Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti

  Memory: 16.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB + 128 GB (~1.13 TB)

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

  Dimensions: 38.40 x 26.20 x 2.30 cm

  Weight: 2.600 kg

  detailed info

  from US$1057.71

  • US$1057.71 from Canada Computers (Open Box)
    as of 2019-11-19 06:54:05, EST
  • US$1155.99 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-11-20 04:30:55, EST
  • US$1266.34 from Walmart (New)
    as of 2019-11-18 12:52:22, EST
  • US$1473.53 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2019-11-17 13:42:31, EST

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Dell XPS 13" Ultrabook from US$910;
  ~$1220 with accessories

  • the Road Warrior
  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	3.5/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	3.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	2/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	3/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	3/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-8250U

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 128.00 GB

  Screen Size: 13.3"

  Screen Resolution: 3840×2160

  Dimensions: 30.23 x 19.81 x 1.17 cm

  Weight: 1.210 kg

  detailed info

  US$907.49 from eBay (Refurbished) as of 2019-11-19 12:13:45, EST

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the eBay site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• #1, Laptops ($2125 - ∞)

  

  MSI GE63 Raider RGB 15" Gaming Laptop from US$14404% cheaper than usual
  ~$1920 with accessories

  • the Hardcore Gamer
  • the Serious Video Editor
  • the Serious Photo Editor
  • the Hardcore Graphic Designer
  • the Tinkerer
  • the Serious Multitasker
  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	5/5
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	0/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	4.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	1.5/5
  Autonomy	0/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	3/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	5/5
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	0/5

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i7-8750H

  Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070

  Memory: 16.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB + 256 GB (~1.25 TB)

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

  Dimensions: 38.30 x 26.01 x 2.74 cm

  Weight: 2.200 kg

  detailed info

  from US$1436.4

  • US$1436.4 from Canada Computers (Open Box)
    as of 2019-11-20 04:56:08, EST
  • US$1889.36 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-11-20 04:21:33, EST

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• #8, Laptops ($1100 - $1400)

  

  Apple MacBook Pro 13" (2.3GHz, 128GB, w. Function Keys) from US$1060;
  ~$1479 with accessories

  • the Mac User
  • the Road Warrior
  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	2/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  Autonomy	4/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	4.5/5

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-7360U

  Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 128.00 GB

  Screen Size: 13.3"

  Screen Resolution: 2560×1600

  Dimensions: 30.41 x 21.24 x 1.49 cm

  Weight: 1.370 kg

  detailed info

  from US$1058.46

  • US$1058.46 from London Drugs (New)
    as of 2019-11-20 07:48:40, EST
  • US$1208.92 from WestWorld Computers (New)
    as of 2019-11-19 12:29:21, EST
  • US$1232.35 from Best Buy (Open Box)
    as of 2019-11-19 08:17:55, EST

  pricing accuracy

  Pricing Accuracy

  Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×