Best 15-inch Laptops: Superior Performance, Optimal Portability, Exceptional Value

We advocate for the 15-inch laptop as the optimal and cost-effective form factor for the majority of users. Here, we present some top recommendations.

For most individuals, a 15-inch display strikes the perfect balance between portability and screen real estate. While 17-inch laptops often sacrifice portability for size, and 13-inch laptops can feel cramped for multitasking, the 15-inch option offers a sweet spot.

In the current year, the market trend seems to be leaning towards taller and slightly larger screens, making 15-inch laptops less prevalent. Nonetheless, there are still excellent options available to cater to diverse user needs. Explore the list below to discover some of the finest 15-inch laptops available today.

1. Dell XPS 15

The 2023 iteration of the Dell XPS 15 presents modest enhancements over its predecessor. It boasts options for Intel’s latest 13th-generation CPUs and Nvidia’s newest RTX 40-series graphics cards, all encapsulated within its sleek and lightweight design, with the added possibility of an OLED display.

Remaining true to its reputation as one of the premier 15-inch laptops available, the Dell XPS 15 (2023) maintains its stronghold in the market.

Key highlights include formidable performance capabilities, courtesy of 13th-generation Intel Core processors, with configurations reaching up to a Core i9-13900H featuring 14 cores and 20 threads. Accompanying this is discrete graphics, starting from an Intel Arc A370M and extending to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, offering a significant performance leap over its predecessor, particularly advantageous for content creators. Moreover, customization options allow for configurations of up to 64GB of RAM and a capacious 4TB SSD.

The display aspect is equally impressive, showcasing a 15.6-inch panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio. The base model flaunts an IPS panel with Full HD+ resolution, while an optional upgrade to a 3.5K OLED panel is available. This OLED variant delivers enhanced vibrancy and sharpness, accentuated by deep blacks characteristic of OLED technology, with the added benefit of touch support. Regrettably, the laptop retains a lower-quality 720p webcam, albeit equipped with Windows Hello support—a feature somewhat outdated for a premium laptop in today’s market.

Despite its robust specifications, the Dell XPS 15 maintains a remarkably slender profile, measuring 18mm in thickness and tipping the scales at a manageable 4.21 pounds, a commendable feat for a laptop of this caliber. Aesthetically, it retains its familiar silver exterior complemented by a black carbon fiber palm rest. As for connectivity, it offers three USB-C ports (two with Thunderbolt 4 support), along with a headphone jack and an SD card reader. Additionally, it includes a USB-C adapter for added versatility, providing a USB Type-A port and HDMI functionality.

While not devoid of imperfections, such as its somewhat dated design and the presence of a 720p webcam, the Dell XPS 15 remains an exceptional device, consistently delivering impressive performance year after year.

Pros:

• Swift 13th-generation Intel Core processors and discrete graphics
• Option for a stunning 3.5K OLED display
• Compact chassis considering the powerful specifications

Cons:

• Design showing signs of aging
• Utilization of a 720p webcam

2. Apple 2023 MacBook Air

If you’re in the market for a 15-inch laptop but prefer to steer clear of Windows, the MacBook Air M5 with its 15-inch variant might be the perfect fit. Serving as an excellent everyday companion, it boasts a vibrant screen, a superb keyboard and trackpad, and ample power for tasks extending beyond productivity, such as light video editing.

While the majority of laptops on our list operate on Windows, for those aligned with the Apple ecosystem or simply enthusiasts of Apple products, the 15-inch MacBook Air M2 warrants consideration. As highlighted in our review of the MacBook Air (M2, 15-inch), Apple’s sole 15-inch MacBook caters to a broad audience, offering an impressive amalgamation of design, display, performance, connectivity, and more.

This MacBook stands out as one of the slimmest 15-inch laptops available, measuring a mere 0.45 inches in thickness. Sporting a sleek design, though prone to fingerprint smudges due to its aluminum finish, it does carry a weight of 3.3 pounds, contributing to its larger screen size. The display boasts a crisp 2880×1864 resolution and a pixel density of 224 pixels per inch, achieving 500 nits of brightness, ideal for outdoor usage. While the presence of a notch on the screen may irk some users, it accommodates a 1080p webcam, akin in quality to those found in most Windows laptops.

Powering this MacBook is the Apple M2 silicon, a custom chip exhibiting unparalleled single-core performance compared to any other CPU tested. It adequately handles casual photo and video editing tasks, albeit without active cooling, leading to occasional throttling and diminished multicore performance compared to select Windows laptops.

Battery life proves commendable, with tests revealing consistent usage ranging from six to eight hours, with additional standby time extending up to 10 hours. The laptop even supports charging via a portable charger, offering enhanced flexibility.

In terms of connectivity, the MacBook features a MagSafe 3 port for charging, two Thunderbolt USB-4 ports, and a headphone jack. However, the absence of USB-A and HDMI ports necessitates the use of dongles, a longstanding issue with Macs. Moreover, the laptop supports output to only a single display, necessitating a Thunderbolt dock for multiple display setups, should that be a requirement.

Pros:

• Slim and sleek design
• High-resolution, vibrant display with excellent brightness
• Impressive single-core performance with the Apple M2 silicon
• Good battery life with support for charging via portable charger

Cons:

• Lack of USB-A and HDMI ports, requiring dongles for connectivity

3. Razer Blade 15

The Razer Blade 15 debuts with 13th-generation Intel Core H-series processors coupled with Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics, embodying a formidable gaming laptop within a relatively compact frame. Its Quad HD display boasting a 240Hz refresh rate adds to the allure, particularly for gaming enthusiasts.

In a landscape where gaming laptops are gravitating towards the larger 16-inch form factor in 2023, the Razer Blade 15 retains its prominence, now fortified with enhanced power.

Equipped with 13th-generation Intel Core processors, including configurations up to a Core i9-13900H with 14 cores and 20 threads, the Blade 15 ensures robust performance for both gaming and content creation endeavors. Complementing this is the option for an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU delivering 110W of power, ensuring seamless gameplay across modern titles. Specifications are rounded off with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, both offering room for potential upgrades.

The display is a standout feature, comprising a 15.6-inch panel with a 16:9 aspect ratio and Quad HD resolution, delivering sharp visuals. Enhanced by a 240Hz refresh rate and coverage of 100% DCI-P3, it caters not only to gamers but also to content creators. Notably, the inclusion of a 1080p webcam with Windows Hello support further elevates its appeal.

Despite its potent specifications, the Razer Blade 15 maintains a slim profile, measuring just under 17mm thick and weighing 4.4 pounds—remarkably light for a laptop of its caliber. Its sleek all-black design exudes sophistication, accented by subtle RGB lighting on the keyboard. Connectivity options are plentiful, featuring two Thunderbolt 4 ports, three USB Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, a headphone jack, and a full-size SD card reader.

Starting at $2,500, the Razer Blade 15 may appear steeply priced. However, the wealth of features packed into this device justifies its cost. The amalgamation of performance, sleek design, and premium features renders it a compelling choice for those with the means to afford it.

Pros:

• Up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 with 110W of power
• Quad HD display with 240Hz refresh rate and 100% DCI-P3 coverage
• Inclusion of a 1080p webcam with Windows Hello support

Cons:

• Not as powerful as larger gaming laptops
• Relatively high price point

4. Dell G15

If you’re in the market for an affordable 15-inch gaming laptop, the Dell G15 might be the perfect fit. Boasting options for RTX 40-series graphics and featuring 13th-generation Intel HX series CPUs, all within a sleek design, this laptop offers impressive value.

While 15-inch gaming laptops tend to lean towards the pricier end of the spectrum, the Dell G15 stands out as a budget-friendly alternative. Starting at under $1,000, it delivers commendable performance without breaking the bank. With configurations offering up to RTX 40-series GPUs (albeit at an additional cost) and Intel’s 13th-gen HX series CPUs, the G15 caters to gamers seeking affordability without compromising on capability.

Even opting for the base model with RTX 3050 graphics ensures a satisfying gaming experience, particularly when paired with the starting Intel Core i5-13450HX CPU, boasting 10 cores and 16 threads. While the newer RTX 40-series GPUs offer slightly enhanced performance, the base model still delivers solid gaming, coding, and multitasking performance. Additionally, users can expand the laptop’s capabilities with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage.

Regarding the display, the G15 offers three options for the 15.6-inch screen, ranging from basic FHD with a 120Hz refresh rate to a faster 360Hz refresh rate, with the option for a QHD resolution boasting a 240Hz refresh rate. The variety of display options caters to diverse user preferences. Design-wise, the laptop sports an appealing aesthetic with an orange backlit keyboard and a number pad, signaling its gaming-oriented nature. Enhanced cooling features, including four heat pipes and improved fans, further solidify its suitability for gaming sessions. Furthermore, Dell ensures ample connectivity options, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and a headphone jack, eliminating the need for additional dongles.

Pros:

• Features 13th-generation Intel HX CPUs
• Boasts a great keyboard for comfortable gaming
• Offers a good selection of ports for versatile connectivity

Cons:

• Inclusion of RTX 40-series GPUs increases the price
• Relatively thick and heavy compared to some competitors

5. HP Envy x360

The HP Envy x360 stands out as a versatile convertible laptop, offering the flexibility of tablet functionality alongside its 15.6-inch display, which includes the option for an OLED panel and is powered by 13th-generation Intel Core processors.

For users seeking the adaptability of a convertible device, particularly in the 15-inch category, the HP Envy x360 emerges as a top contender.

Underneath its hood resides 13th-generation Intel Core processors, with configurations extending up to a Core i7-1355U, a 10-core, 12-thread CPU delivering commendable performance for everyday tasks. Additionally, for those requiring additional power for gaming or content creation, the option to incorporate an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU is available. Furthermore, the laptop can be tailored with up to 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, ensuring ample storage and multitasking capabilities.

Display configurations offer a choice between a 15.6-inch panel with a 16:9 aspect ratio and Full HD resolution, available in either 250-nit or 400-nit IPS variants, or the more premium OLED display option, known for its vibrant colors. All display models feature touch support, with the previous Quad HD 120Hz panel option no longer available. However, the standout feature remains the exceptional 5MP webcam with Windows Hello support, a hallmark of HP laptops.

Adhering to HP’s signature aesthetic, the Envy x360 boasts a sleek aluminum chassis available in black or silver finishes. However, its 15-inch form factor contributes to its relatively heavy weight of 4.22 pounds. In terms of connectivity, the laptop offers a comprehensive selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB Type-A ports, HDMI, a headphone jack, and a full-size SD card reader.

In summary, the HP Envy x360 15 continues to excel as a premier convertible device, particularly as the market shifts towards larger displays. Its versatility and feature-rich design make it a standout choice in its category.

Pros:

• Seamless transition between tablet and laptop modes
• Features 13th-generation Intel Core processors for reliable performance
• Boasts a high-quality 5MP webcam with Windows Hello support

Cons:

• Maximum resolution capped at Full HD
• Relatively heavy compared to some competitors

Conclusion

As evident, the market offers an array of exceptional 15-inch laptops to suit various needs. The Dell XPS 15 undoubtedly stands out as a top contender, seamlessly integrating robust specifications, a sleek premium design, and outstanding display options. Its ability to deliver high performance within a compact and portable chassis makes it a compelling choice.

However, given its premium pricing, the HP Envy x360 emerges as a more budget-friendly alternative without compromising on essential features. With a decently sharp display and reliable performance, it caters well to day-to-day computing needs, making it an ideal companion for students or general household use.

While the list still showcases noteworthy laptops, there’s a noticeable shift in the market towards larger screen sizes, particularly with the dominance of 16-inch laptops. Exploring these options can lead to some of the finest computing experiences available. Additionally, for those still reliant on optical media like CDs and DVDs, there are laptops equipped with optical drives worth considering.

Whether you prioritize portability, performance, or affordability, there’s a 15-inch laptop to match your preferences, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your computing needs.