12 Best Laptops Under $1500: (Reviewed, Rated, and Compared)
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Looking for a great laptop but don’t want to spend a fortune? Finding the best laptop for your needs can be a daunting task. You don’t want to sacrifice quality because you’re on a budget.
There are so many different brands and models to choose from, all with their own set of features and benefits. It’s hard to know which one will work best for you.
This article will review 12 of the best laptops under $1500. We’ll tell you about their features and benefits, as well as what to look for when purchasing one. Plus, we’ll give you our thoughts on each model to decide which is the best for you.
So whether you’re a student, business professional, or need a new laptop for everyday use, read on for some great recommendations!
What to expect from the best laptop under 1500 dollars?
First, let’s look at what you can expect from the best laptop under $1500.
Generally speaking, these laptops offer great value for your money. They have powerful processors and plenty of RAM, making them perfect for heavy-duty use. They also come with high-resolution displays and fast storage options, so you can work on your projects or watch your favorite movies with ease.
Most of these laptops also come with a wide variety of ports, so you can easily connect to all of your devices. Plus, they typically have decent(ish) battery life, so you can work or play for hours without having to recharge.
When you’re looking for the best laptop under $1500, you should expect quality. You’ll find laptops with faster processors, more RAM, and better graphics. They’ll also be thinner and lighter than lower-priced models.
But don’t worry – you won’t have to sacrifice features or performance just because you’re on a budget. The best laptops in the sub $1500 bracket come packed with various features, from large screens to backlit keyboards, meaning you can play games. Plus, they’re powerful enough to handle most tasks you’ll throw at them.
So if you’re looking for a great laptop that doesn’t break the bank, take a look at our minimum and recommended system requirements below!
Minimum System Requirements | Recommended System Requirements | |
---|---|---|
CPU | Intel Core i5 | Intel Core i7 |
RAM | 8GB | 32GB |
Storage Space | 256GB SSD | 1TB SSD |
Display | 14 inch (1920 x 1080) FHD IPS | 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) |
Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 2050 2GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB |
Battery | 5-6 hours | 8-10 hours |
12 Best Laptops Under $1500: Compared
CLICK any image to see Reviews and Ratings on Amazon
Image | Title | Buy | Empire Rating |
---|---|---|---|
Top | ASUS ROG Strix G17 | Buy Now | Best Overall Pick |
MSI Stealth 15M | Buy Now | Best Runner Up | |
ASUS TUF Dash | Buy Now | Best Value for Money | |
Apple MacBook Pro | Buy Now | Best with MacOS | |
Razer Blade 15 | Buy Now | Best Laptop for Content Creation | |
Acer Nitro 5 | Buy Now | Best Acer Laptop under $1500 | |
Samsung Electronics Galaxy Book Pro | Buy Now | Best Portable Laptop | |
Dell Latitude 5520 | Buy Now | Best for Professionals | |
HP Envy | Buy Now | Best HP Laptop | |
Lenovo Legion 5 | Buy Now | Best Lenovo Laptop under $1500 | |
Apple MacBook Air | Buy Now | Best Value Apple Laptop | |
HP ENVY x360 | Buy Now | Best 2-in-1 Laptop |
12 Best Laptops Under $1500: Reviews
1. ASUS ROG Strix G17 (Best Overall Pick)
- Are you looking for a powerful laptop that can handle all your gaming needs? Look no further than the ASUS ROG Strix G17. This machine is packed with the latest and greatest hardware, allowing you to enjoy the blistering-fast performance and stunning visuals.
- It comes preloaded with Windows 10, and its powerful hardware ensures smooth gameplay and vibrant visuals. It also features an impressive 17.3 FHD 144Hz Display for pinpoint accuracy and blur-free motion.
- The ASUS ROG Strix G17 is perfect for gamers who need the best performance and mobility. Its AMD Ryzen 7-4800H Processor and Ultra-low-voltage platform offer octa-core, sixteen-way processing for smooth gameplay and fast rendering.
- The ASUS ROG Strix G17 is one of the best gaming laptops under $1500 when equipped with a high-end GPU and fast RAM. You'll be able to take advantage of 16GB of high-bandwidth RAM in the system, which provides great stability and speeds for intensive applications.
- When it comes to storage, Asus includes a high-speed SSD module with a rather large storage capacity of 1TB, ensuring that you'll never have to experience lag or dropped frames due to a lack of storage space again.
- The ASUS ROG Strix G17 is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable option without compromising quality. You'll enjoy vivid graphics and immersive gameplay thanks to the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Graphics with shared video memory. GeForce RTX 30 Series GPUs and reflex-driven displays are the ultimate competitive advantage. The lowest latency, best responsiveness - powered by NVIDIA G-SYNC technology for fast games required to pinpoint accuracy.
- And its not just about gaming. The GeForce RTX 30 Series GPUs allow you to create your best in top creative apps. Experience AI acceleration and enhance workflows with an exclusive platform of drivers tools from NVIDIA Studios designed for professionals on demand! Whether rendering 3D scenes or 8K video - these cards will help accelerate every detail, so nothing falls short when it counts most: creativity at its finest.
- The ASUS ROG Strix G17 provides you with an illuminated keyboard so that typing is comfortable and accurate, even in low light conditions. In addition, the Dolby Atmos audio system immerses you in three-dimensional sound that seems to come from all around you for a truly unmatched gaming experience.
- The Asus Aura Sync RGB Keyboard and ROG Intelligent Heating are designed to keep your system cool, even under heavy workloads. With the thermal hardware ensuring there's no volume of heat which could cause throttling effects or machine slowdowns from occurring with this high-end setup!
- With three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C port, and one headphone jack, you can easily connect all your gaming peripherals. The HDMI port allows you to connect to an external display easily.
- The Asus ROG G17 is larger and heavier than other laptops in this price range, but its overall performance and specification mean that you're getting your moneys worth as the chassis is packed full of top-spec features for the money.
2. MSI Stealth 15M (Best Runner Up)
- If you're looking for a cheap gaming laptop, the MSI Stealth 15M is a smart option. Its 15.6 144hz FHD display renders every frame of your favorite game with stunning clarity and detail, while the high refresh rate ensures that you won't miss a thing.
- The MSI Stealth 15M is packed with high-performance features, like the latest 11th generation of Intel Core i7-11375 H series processor, with up to 5GHz single-core turbo speed and 12MB smart cache. This Intel chipset is a powerful quad-core chip perfect for gaming laptops and creative devices. It was built around the Tiger Lake H35 generation and was released in early 2021.
- It has four Willow Cove processor cores (8 threads thanks to HyperThreading). The base clock speed depends on the TDP setting and can vary from 3 (28 W TDP) to 3.3 GHz (35 W). Compared to the i7-11370H chip, the only difference is the additional Turbo Boost 3.0 for a single core.
- The MSI Stealth 15M is the perfect laptop for gamers. Powered by an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, it can easily handle even the most popular AAA-rated titles. Plus, its sleek and stylish design will make you stand out from the crowd.
- Stealth 15M is a cool and powerful device that ensures optimal thermal dissipation. It features state-of-the-art fans and heat pipes to get the airflow you need for gaming. Plus, with MSIs exclusive Cooler Boost Technology, you can enjoy gaming in style without worrying about your device overheating.
- With a 16GB dual-socketed chunk of system memory, you can upgrade to 64 GB when and if necessary. However, the MSI cuts some corners with storage support by only offering access to 512GB NVMe SSD, which is capable of booting up Windows 10 Home instantly!
- When it comes to versatile, powerful laptops with plenty of connection options, the MSI Stealth 15M is hard to beat. With Thunderbolt 4 support for power delivery and data transfer speeds up to 40Gbps, as well as USB 4.0, this laptop can handle whatever you need it to. Plus, its sleek, lightweight design, RGB backlit keyboard, and 3D surround sound make it perfect for on-the-go use.
3. ASUS TUF Dash (Best Value for Money)
- Experience the power of GeForce RTX graphics with the ASUS TUF Dash. This powerful gaming laptop features a 4GB GDDR6 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti card, so you can enjoy smooth, fast gameplay even when you're on the go. The Intel Core i7-11370H processor ensures your games run smoothly and at their best, while the 12M Cache keeps things running quickly and efficiently. Its sleek design and 60W (75W with Dynamic Boost 2.0) power draw run cooler and quieter than other laptops in its class.
- It has five heat pipes that dissipate the heat from the CPU, GPU, VRM, and VRAM quickly and effectively. This intelligent thermal technology ensures that your component temperatures are always under control with four heatsinks and fan outlets.
- The TUF Dash offers the perfect blend of performance, features, and affordability. Boasting a 15.6 IPS-Type FHD display with adaptive sync, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, and 512GB SSD, it's got everything you need for a great gaming experience. Plus, the backlit precision gaming keyboard ensures every keystroke is detected, while the military-grade chassis provides reliability and durability you can count on.
- When you want to play the pros, you need a display that can keep up. Thats where the ASUS TUF Dash comes in - it features a lightning-fast IPS-level panel that can reach up to 144Hz, ensuring that even the most intense action sequences will be smooth and fluid. Plus, any lag, stuttering, or visual tearing is eliminated with Adaptive-Sync for an immersive experience.
- Weighing in at only 4.4 lbs, its easy to take with you wherever you go. And with Windows 10 Home pre-installed, you'll be up and running right out of the box. Plus, a free upgrade to Windows 11 (when available) means you'll always have the latest software version at your fingertips.
- Don't let your creative juices stop flowing when you're on the go. The ASUS TUF Dash is ultrafast and has Thunderbolt 4 and Type-C charging, so you can stay connected, powered up, and productive no matter where you are.
4. Apple MacBook Pro (Best with MacOS)
- The new Apple-designed M1 chip makes the MacBook Pro faster and more powerful than ever. Designed to operate effectively, this revolutionary chip provides a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance. So you can do everything you love faster and better than ever before.
- An 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU delivers up to 2.8x faster performance than the previous model. The Apple M1 8-Core chipset is perfect for your moderate demanding processing tasks. It has a base clock speed of 3.2GHz, enabling it to handle browsing the internet and music editing easily. And with up to 5x faster graphics, you can enjoy graphics-intensive apps and games at their best.
- Powered by a 16-core Neural Engine, the MacBook Pro is designed for advanced machine learning. With 8GB of unified memory, everything you do is fast and fluid. The difference in performance between 8GB and 16GB of RAM is significant, with the MacBook usually performing better than a Windows-powered notebook.
- This phenomenon occurs because there are no throttling effects on Apple computers caused by extra load from multiple programs open at once. And with 256GB SSD storage, your apps launch in an instant.
- The 13.3-inch Retina display with 500 nits of brightness is perfect for viewing crisp, vibrant colors and incredible image detail in every corner. The high pixel density and IPS panel on the MacBook Pro 13 makes for a great experience.
- With an all-inclusive laptop, the Magic keyboard with a 1mm key travel and force trackpad is followed by functionalities that make it easy for users to be productive. The Touch ID feature allows you to access your computer without having a password while also protecting against theft or hacking attempts through facial recognition software just in case someone has gotten past security measures like passwords.
- Next, stereo speakers provide excellent sound quality regardless of where they are used. Finally, professionals will appreciate studio-grade microphones and true tone display features, allowing them to edit videos without spending additional time adjusting lighting conditions.
- The case of the MacBook Pro is made from aluminum, which gives it an attractive and lightweight feel. With two Thunderbolt 4 slots followed by a USB 3 Gen 1 connection at its base, there's no shortage for connecting devices in need!
- The MacBook Pro is perfect for those who want to do more, enjoy immersive graphics-intensive games, or create content. It's up to the task of handling any workload from browsing websites and editing photos, video, and audio, all while multitasking with ease.
5. Razer Blade 15 (Best Laptop for Content Creation)
- The blade 15 has an elegant design and high-quality build worth the money. You can customize it with different options to make it your own, which helps balance out its power consumption levels when you need some gaming on tap but don't want or need a beefy computer tower at home!
- The Razer Blade 15 is faster and more powerful than ever before. The latest 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H processor delivers up to 5.0GHz Max Turbo and 6 cores for ultimate power and performance. This processor is perfect for professionals who need the power of a Core i7 with ease of use. It can turbo boost up to 5GHz and includes HyperThreading, so you don't worry about performing multiple tasks at once.
- If you're looking for a gaming laptop that will let you play the latest games at their highest settings, look no further than the Razer Blade 15. This powerful machine is equipped with a GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card, which delivers significantly better performance than its predecessor. So whether you're playing the latest blockbuster title or raiding in World of Warcraft, the Razer Blade 15 will provide more than enough power to keep you entertained.
- With its fast 15.6 inch 120Hz display, you'll be able to edge out the competition and see every frame. Plus, with its thin-bezel design, you'll get more screens in a smaller package.
- This machine is packing some serious power, with an expandable 16GB of memory and a 256GB PCIe solid-state drive for performance that will leave other laptops in the dust. Plus, its open M.2 PCIe slot provides easy access to speedy SSD upgrades.
- The Razer Blade 15 is the worlds smallest gaming laptop, but don't let its size deceive you - this machine is packing some serious power. With its aluminum frame and black finish, it not only looks great but is also incredibly durable. Plus, with its compact footprint, it's easy to take with you wherever you go.
- The Blade 15 is the perfect computer for people who want to be productive. It has a chroma-compatible, backlit keyboard and a precision trackpad. It also has powerful speakers and a light-weighted chassis. Plus, it has an extended battery backup.
6. Acer Nitro 5 (Best Acer Laptop under $1500)
- If you're looking for a laptop that will let you dominate your favorite games, the Acer Nitro 5 is perfect. It features an Intel Core i7-11800H Processor - up to 4.6GHz, 8 cores, 16 threads, and 24MB Intel Smart Cache. This is a major advancement for Intels Core i7 processors, as they now offer just an eight-core model.
- The prior chipset generation had both six and eight-core versions under this brand name, but Intel has lowered the maximum clock speeds of its processors from 5.1 GHz down to 4.6GHz- a deficit that they hope can be made up with higher IPC (Increasing Instruction Per Clock).
- Acer Nitro 5 is all about delivering superior gaming experiences. Powered by the new NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti with 4GB GDDR6 VRAM, it provides the performance you need to take on the latest games head-on. Plus, its cutting-edge graphics technologies like Ray Tracing and Tensor Cores deliver realistic images and ultra-smooth gameplay.
- With its 17.3 widescreen LED-backlit IPS display and 1920 x 1080 resolution, you'll be able to see every last detail in stunning clarity. Plus, with a 144Hz refresh rate and 80% screen-to-body/16:9 aspect ratio, the action will feel smoother and more immersive than ever before.
- The Acer Nitro 5 has some of the most powerful internal specs on the market, combined with a sleek and stylish design. You'll be able to experience games in ways you never thought possible before. It features an ultra-fast 16GB DDR4 memory, making it possible to run multiple programs simultaneously, and a 1TB NVMe SSD for faster loading times. The two PCIe M.2 slots make upgrading storage or adding other components easy.
- Acer Nitro 5 lets you prioritize your gameplay with Killer DoubleShot Pro. With Ethernet E2600 and wifi 6 AX1650, you can use wifi and Ethernet simultaneously for the ultimate control over priority traffic. Speed, throughput, and control -Nitro 5 has it all.
- With Acer CoolBoost technology, your machine stays cool under pressure by increasing fan speed by 10% and CPU/GPU cooling by 9%, and your device stays 25% cooler overall for a greater gaming experience. The NitroSense UI can tell you all the details about component temperature, fan speed, and power plan during intense sessions. All with the click of a keyboard key!
- Whether you're a gamer or a creator, the Acer Nitro 5 has the ports you need. The USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port supports DisplayPort to connect an external display easily. There are also two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port with power-off charging support.
- HDMI 2.1 lets you enjoy Ultra HD content with HDR10 support, while the headphone/speaker/line-out jack and Ethernet (RJ-45) port keep you connected. And don't forget the DC-in for AC adapter!
7. Samsung Electronics Galaxy Book Pro (Best Portable Laptop)
- If the Acer Nitro 5 is too big and bulky for you, the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro should be a serious contender. Weighing in at only 2.31 pounds, it's one of the lightest laptops on the market. It measures just 0.46 inches thick, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
- The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro is powered by an Intel Core i7 11th Gen Processor - up to four cores and eight threads running at a base frequency of two GHz and Turbo Boost speeds of up to five GHz. It's built on the latest 14nm process technology, providing high performance with lower power consumption than previous generations of Intel processors.
- This laptop comes with a generous amount of RAM and storage - 16GB DDR and 512 GB SSD, respectively. There is also an optional upgrade to 32 GB RAM if you need more for your gaming needs. It also features a 15.6 FHD (1920 x 1080) AMOLED display with a WLED backlight and 400-nit peak brightness, which is impressive considering its size - it's one of the few laptops in this price range to offer this feature!
- The sleek and trim Samsung laptop is the perfect device for keeping up with your fast-paced life. This ultraportable has an HDMI video output, two USB Type C ports (one of which supports Thunderbolt 4), one microSD card slot as well a headphones jack on either side--all in addition to its AC adaptor connector!
- Bottom-mounted speakers are great for playing music, but the sound quality could be better since it is hard to hear bass and drums due in part to its location on one side of your room and muffled vocals when compared with more forward speaker placement options that offer louder output without distortion at higher volumes. With the help of Dolby Access software, you can adjust your audio to suit any need. You have a variety in style and function available for customization!
- A louder sound will be heard when turning on this option with options like music mode or movie game setting plus an equalizer that allows users greater control over their listening experience.
- This machine does offer some benefits, though - while its performance isnt nearly comparable compared against higher-end laptops out there today due largely because they all pack more processing power. This Windows laptop is more like a Chromebook or mobile workstation that you can use for basic document editing, spreadsheets, and presentations. Still, it lacks the processing power needed to do more demanding jobs like video production or graphic design.
8. Dell Latitude 5520 (Best for Professionals)
- Looking for a powerful and reliable laptop that can handle all of your business needs? Look no further than the Dell Latitude 5520. Featuring a 4.20 GHz mid-range Intel Core i5-1135G7 Quad-core processor and 8MB Smart Cache is an excellent budget choice.
- The processor chips Intel i5 and i7 variants have extra weight for heavier duties like video editing, but they're not as fast when gaming. However, the integrated Iris Xe graphics are better than Intel UHD G4 at handling 3D tasks in this category, too!
- With 16GB DDR4 RAM and a 256GB SSD, this Dell Latitude 5520 is primed to help you power through your workday. Whether you're crunching numbers or editing videos, this machine has the speed and storage you need to get the job done. Plus, with its sleek design and long-lasting battery, this laptop is perfect for on-the-go professionals.
- The keyboard is one of the best parts of this laptop. It has a spacious layout and feels comfortable to type on, especially with other laptops in its class. The power button has been made stiffer, so you shouldnt accidentally turn your laptop off if you press it. However, because the keys are all shunted to the left, the trackpad feels awkward to use, so youd need to consider plugging in a mouse.
- If you're looking for a reliable and affordable laptop, the Dell Latitude 5520 is a great option. It features a 15.6 Full HD display, so you can enjoy clear, vibrant visuals no matter what you're working on. And with its durable design, the Latitude 5520 is perfect for taking with you.
9. HP Envy (Best HP Laptop)
- The HP Envy 17T touchscreen laptop is perfect for anyone looking for a powerful computer, with a touch screen, for under $1500. With its gaming hardware and professional resources, this laptop is great for anyone who wants to do more with their computer. This powerful machine has been upgraded with 64GB of DDR4 memory, meaning you can easily switch between applications without any lag time. Plus, the 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD ensures that your boot-up and data transfer speeds are lightning fast.
- It features an 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor that can reach speeds up to 4.7GHz. Plus, it has 12MB of Smart Cache and 8 Threads for optimal performance. Whether you're working on a project or trying to beat your high score, the HP Envy is more than capable of handling whatever you throw at it. It's paired with the NVIDIA GeForce MX450 GPU, which is a good but not great choice for this price point.
- This workstation has the best of both worlds. It comes equipped with a powerful graphics card and 2GB VRAM so you can do all your tasks, from games to CAD processes, without worrying about running out of steam or having difficulty performing them in an adequate time frame! With 64GB of RAM available on this machine, though, it will be hard not to reach those heights. Thanks also to its dual socketed design, which allows users access ample amounts of information at once while staying productive.
- This laptop not only has a strong processor but also comes with a 1TB SSD that can boot up Windows 10 in seconds, making the Apple Macbook Air look slow!
- HP Envys 17.3 diagonal FHD, IPS, WLED-backlit touchscreen display is perfect for entertainment and productivity. The edge-to-edge glass provides a more immersive experience, while the multitouch-enabled screen makes interaction easy and fun. Plus, with Intel Iris Xe Graphics, you can enjoy sharper images and smoother gameplay.
- This powerful laptop is equipped with all the ports you need to stay connected on the go, including three USB 3.1 Gen1 ports, an HDMI port, and a USB 3.2 Type-C Gen1 port. Plus, it comes with a built-in HD webcam and microphone so you can keep in touch with friends and family while you're on the road.
- And thanks to its Intel wifi 6 AX 201 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5 connections, you'll be able to stay connected even when there's no wifi signal available. Don't leave home without the HP Envy.
10. Lenovo Legion 5 (Best Lenovo Laptop under $1500)
- Lenovo Legion 5 is one of the best gaming laptops you can find in the market today. It offers great value for money and packs some of the most powerful hardware you can find in a laptop. Whether you are a professional gamer or just like to play games in your spare time, this laptop is sure to fulfill all your needs. Heres why.
- The AMD Ryzen 5800H is one of the more dependable chipsets to be found on this list, known for its processing speed and overclocking ability. The advertised turbo clock speed can easily get up above 4GHz, making it an excellent addition even if you're looking primarily at performance rather than price per unit amount invested!
- This machine is primed for gaming greatness with its 8 high-performance cores and 16GB of DDR4 RAM. Plus, with 512GB of NVMe SSD storage, you'll never have to worry about running out of space for your games.
- Lenovo Legions TrueStrike keyboard offers gamers the most responsive and customizable gaming experience yet. You can personalize your gaming style to suit your taste by featuring a 4-zone RGB backlight and 2 x 2W speakers with Nahimic Audio for Gamers.
- With a built-in webcam, wifi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, you can easily stay in touch with friends and family or get work done without being tethered to a desk. The USB-C port lets you quickly charge your device or transfer data, while the 4 USB ports offer plenty of room to connect your favorite peripherals.
- Plus, the HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 ports make it easy to connect to an external monitor or entertainment system. And with RJ45 Ethernet support, you can easily connect to a wired network for faster speeds and enhanced reliability.
11. Apple MacBook Air (Best Value Apple Laptop)
- The Apple MacBook Air is the perfect computer for anyone who wants powerful performance without dealing with a heavy machine. It's perfect for all-day use with up to 18 hours of battery life. Plus, an M1 chip and 8 cores deliver a 3.5x faster performance than the previous generation. So you can take on everything from professional-quality editing to action-packed gaming with ease.
- With 8GB of unified memory, a 13.3-inch LED-backlit Retina display with IPS technology, and a 2560-by-1600 native resolution at 227 pixels per inch with support for millions of colors, the images seem alive with extra realism. Also, the text is sharp and clear, and the colors are more vibrant than ever before. And thats just the beginning - the MacBook Air also includes a superfast processor and updated software that makes multitasking a breeze.
- The Apple MacBook Air is perfect for anyone who wants a fanless computer that runs quietly. It's perfect for students, busy professionals, and anyone who wants a device to handle intense workloads without making any noise.
- With two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, it's perfect for charging and connecting devices. Plus, with Thunderbolt 3 support, you can transfer data at speeds up to 40 Gbps!
- Apples MacBook Air is perfect for anyone looking for a fast, reliable laptop with up-to-date features. The 802.11ax wifi 6 wireless networking and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology ensures you'll be able to stay connected while on the go, and the sleek design makes this laptop not only easy to use but also stylish.
12. HP ENVY x360 (Best 2-in-1 Laptop)
- The HP ENVY x360 is the perfect computer for anyone who wants power and speed. This model has a base clock of 2.9GHz and can go up to 5.0GHz, making it one of the most powerful laptops on the market. It also comes with 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, ensuring that you'll never have to worry about running out of storage space or processing power again.
- With its 15.6 inch screen, you can enjoy your favorite movies and shows in stunning high definition. Plus, with its Corning Gorilla Glass NBT touchscreen, you'll be able to navigate your device with ease. And don't forget about the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics - this will ensure that you're able to experience all of your games and applications in beautiful detail.
- Its 1 x Thunderbolt 4 port provides ultra-fast data transfer speeds, while its USB4 Type-C connector ensures that you can still charge your devices even when the laptop is turned off. With its 2 x SuperSpeed USB-A ports and HDMI 2.0b output, you can easily connect to all your favorite peripherals.
- And thanks to its built-in microphone and headphone jack, you can enjoy an immersive audio experience whether you're working or relaxing. Finally, the multi-format SD media card reader makes it easy to access your photos and videos no matter where you are.
- With its Microsoft Windows 11 operating system, backlit keyboard, and fingerprint reader, it's easy to stay productive even when you're on the go. And with up to 12 hours of battery life, you can work or play all day long with this convertible laptop.
Video: Ultimate BUDGET Laptop Buying Guide
Buying guide: How to choose the best laptop under 1500 in 2022?
You can get a good laptop for under $1500. But if you are looking for a top-spec computer with the latest tech, then you might better spend your budget on something else entirely!
You can expect the 10th gen H-series processor to be followed by a top of line RTX 20 series or GTX 16 GB graphics card. We’re looking for at least 16 gigabytes for this price point for RAM. Many machines offer more, though.
$1500 is a good price point for most professional and academic processes. If you need your device to edit 4K videos, perform machine learning, or run AI models, increase the budget to 2000 dollars!
Here’s the guide to what features to look for when buying a laptop for less than $1500.
Screen Size & Resolution
Screen size is important, but it’s not the only thing you should consider. Your screen’s resolution also matters, especially if you plan on doing any graphic design or photo editing work on your laptop. You’ll want to find a model that offers a high pixel density so that you can see every detail. The ideal screen size for gaming is 15.6 inches or larger, while smaller models are better suited for productivity-oriented tasks like writing or spreadsheet work.
If you’re looking to watch movies or TV shows on your laptop, then consider a machine with an IPS display that offers the best possible viewing angles and color accuracy. You may also want to purchase an Ultra HD (UHD) screen – these offer four times as many pixels per inch as standard HD screens.
If you’re planning on gaming, it’s important to get a model with at least a 120Hz refresh rate. That way, your games will look smooth and fluid when playing them at high frame rates (ideally 60 fps).
If you want to use your laptop outside, having a screen with an anti-glare feature will mean you can still see what’s on it even when the sun is shining bright.
RAM
RAM is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a laptop. The more RAM your device has, the more tasks it can handle at once. So if you plan on doing any multitasking or AAA gaming, then you’ll want to make sure that your chosen model comes with plenty of RAM. 16 gigabytes is the minimum we would recommend for this price range.
Storage Capacity
Another important factor to consider is your laptop’s amount of storage. If you plan on storing a lot of files or media on your device, then you’ll want to get one with a large hard drive or SSD. You can also combine a small internal drive with an external one for added storage space.
If you don’t need much internal storage, the best option for your budget might be a laptop with just 128 gigabytes of SSD. This drive is fast and efficient but doesn’t offer much room for storing music or movies (large files). You can also consider models that come with a built-in cloud storage solution like Dropbox or iCloud, as this can help free up some internal storage space.
SSDs have dropped in price a lot in recent years, and many of the laptops we reviewed come with at least 512GB SSD storage included, with many tipping the 1TB point.
Graphics Card
The graphics card is another important factor to consider when choosing a laptop for less than $1500. This component is responsible for rendering the images and animations you see on your screen, so you’ll want to make sure that it’s powerful enough to handle the games and applications you plan on using. Generally speaking, the better the graphics card, the quicker the response time will be, and this is vital in most games where you are playing online against another human opponent.
We recommend choosing a laptop with a dedicated graphics card from the RTX 20 or GTX 30 series for gaming. These offer some of the best performance currently available, so you can be assured of smooth gameplay even when playing the most demanding titles.
CPU
Another feature to consider when choosing a laptop for less than $1500 is the CPU. This component is responsible for handling all of the tasks that your device performs, so you’ll want to make sure that it’s powerful enough to handle everything you plan on using your laptop for.
By far, an Intel Core processor is the most popular, with the Intel Core i7-series 11th Gen CPUs being the best options currently available for this price range. They offer good performance and are affordable without sacrificing too many features or capabilities. They also tend to last longer than their AMD equivalents, which can be beneficial if you plan on keeping your laptop for several years. This is especially important as you’ll need to buy with future-proofing in mind.
Ports & Connectivity Options
It is important to consider the ports and connectivity options when buying a laptop for less than $1500. Most laptops come with a USB Type-C port, which allows you to connect external devices like smartphones or cameras directly through this interface (without needing an adapter). The latest models also feature Thunderbolt four ports, connecting multiple devices simultaneously and at high speeds.
If you need to attach an external monitor or TV, you’ll want to ensure that your chosen laptop has an HDMI port. This will allow you to do so without needing any extra adapters. Other ports like Ethernet and SD card readers are also useful, so make sure to check for these before making your final decision.
Battery Life
You’ll want to consider the battery life of your chosen laptop. This will give you an idea of how long the device can last without plugging in. Laptops with long battery life are ideal for people who need to work on the go, as they don’t have to worry about their device running out of power in the middle of a meeting.
All laptops we reviewed offer battery lives over six hours, with some going as high as twelve hours. This should be more than enough for most people’s needs, but it is something to keep in mind if you know that you’ll be away from an outlet for extended periods.
Keyboard & Trackpad
The keyboard and trackpad are the two most important aspects of any laptop, so ensuring that your chosen device has a good one is important. All laptops have keyboards, but not all keyboards are created equal! Some are better suited towards gaming. Others have keys that are spaced too closely together, which can be uncomfortable to use for extended periods.
The trackpad is also important, as it is the primary way that you’ll interact with your device. Some trackpads are made from cheap materials that feel unpleasant to touch and offer poor tracking performance. Others come with a variety of features that can make navigation easier.
Weight & Size
The size and weight of a laptop are important factors to consider. If you’ll be carrying it around with you every day, then something light would be preferable so that it doesn’t weigh too heavily on your shoulders or back. However, if portability isn’t an issue for you, a heavier and larger laptop might be a better option.
Keep in mind that the bigger the laptop, the more expensive it will be. All of the laptops we reviewed weigh between four and six pounds, so you won’t have to worry about any of them being too heavy to carry around.
Durability
To keep weight down, most laptops are made from plastic. While this makes them lightweight, it also means that they’re not as durable as other materials like aluminum. If you’re someone who tends to be rough on their devices, you’ll want to make sure that the laptop you choose is made from a durable material.
All laptops we reviewed are built from high-quality materials that should withstand some wear and tear. However, if you know that you’re going to be using your device in an environment where it might get damaged, then you may want to consider buying a case or cover for added protection.
Warranty & Support
Your laptop will come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers any problems that may occur during the first year of ownership. This is usually limited to issues related to manufacturing defects and does not include normal wear and tear.
Some laptops also come with a warranty that covers accidental damage, which can be helpful if you’re prone to dropping your device or spilling liquids on it. This coverage usually lasts for two or three years and can save you from having to pay for costly repairs.
Most laptops come with online help articles for troubleshooting common issues and phone and live chat options for speaking with a support agent when it comes to technical support. Some manufacturers even offer in-person repairs at authorized repair centers, although this is less common than it used to be due to the increase in mail-in service options.
If you have any questions about your device that are not answered by its manual or online support, you can always contact the manufacturer’s customer service department for assistance.
Operating System
11 of the 12 laptops we reviewed come with Windows as their operating system. While other options are available, such as macOS and Chrome OS, Windows is still the most popular option and compatible with most software and applications.
If you’re not familiar with Windows or don’t want to deal with any potential problems that may arise, then you may want to consider a laptop that comes with macOS. Apple’s operating system is user-friendly and has fewer learning curves than Windows.
The newer versions of Windows have mixed reviews, with some people loving the new features and others finding them confusing and difficult to use. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to upgrade to Windows 11, it might be a good idea to wait until Windows has had a few more updates and becomes more stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a good gaming laptop for under 1500?
Yes, most laptops in this price range (especially closer to $1500) can play the latest AAA-rated games. They have FHD screens, high refresh rates, decent RAM, fast SSDs, dedicated graphics cards, and good processors.
How much is ram good for a laptop under 1500?
Most of the laptops in this price range have at least 16GB of RAM, which is plenty for most people. If you’re a gamer or need to run more intensive software, you might want to consider getting a laptop with 32GB instead (which costs more).
Can I get a laptop under 1500 that has an SSD?
Yes, most laptops in this range have high-speed SSDs instead of traditional hard disk drives. An SSD is much faster than an HDD and will drastically improve your computer’s performance.
Should a laptop with 8GB ram be good enough for the given price point?
Yes, but if you want more power and future proof of your purchase, there are laptops within this range with 16GB of RAM. If you’re doing video editing or other intensive tasks on your laptop, though, then it might be worth getting one with 32GB instead.
144hz or 240hz gaming laptop display?
A higher refresh rate is better for gaming, as it will make the images on your screen look smoother and more lifelike. Most laptops in this price range have a refresh rate of 144hz, which is good but not the best. If you’re looking for the best gaming experience possible, then you should consider getting a laptop with a refresh rate of 240hz, but you won’t find any of those in the below 1500 dollars price bracket.
Which is the best sub-$1500 laptop for students?
If you’re a student looking for a laptop under 1500, the best option will probably be one with an Intel Core i5 series processor and at least 16GB of RAM. You’ll also want it to have a good battery life so that you can use it on long days without having to recharge too often, but don’t worry too much about the graphics card as you can run most current games on low or medium settings.
Best $1500 laptops for photo editing?
If you’re a photographer looking for a laptop under 1500, then you’ll want one that has a high-resolution display and a good amount of storage space. A solid-state drive (SSD) is also a good idea, as it will make loading and saving photos much faster than with a traditional hard drive. You should also look for a laptop with at least 16GB of RAM to avoid slowdown when editing large files or running intense software.
Which should be the important feature to invest in for sub-$1500 gaming notebooks?
The most important feature of any gaming laptop is its graphics card. You’ll want something with either an Nvidia GeForce RTX 20 or 30 series or Intel Xe to get the best performance possible from today’s games. Of course, RAM and a good spec CPU are also vital when playing games.
Is it advisable to invest in a convertible for the given price tag?
A few laptops in this price range come with convertible designs, which allow you to use them as both laptops and tablets. If you’re someone who likes the idea of being able to use their laptop as a tablet occasionally, then a convertible might be a good option for you.
They typically aren’t as good in tablet mode because of their size and can be bulky to handle and operate. Where they come into their own is their processing power and ability to run demanding software and are therefore ideal for graphic designers and video editors.
Is a MacBook Pro a good buy when selecting a laptop in the sub-$1500 price segment?
As we mentioned in our reviews, the latest MacBook Pro 13 with an M1 chipset is worth investing in for less than 1500 dollars. This model will give you something out of the ordinary, and it can be yours for such an affordable price!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best laptop that won’t cost more than $1500, then this article is perfect for you! We’ve reviewed 12 of the best laptops on sale today and highlighted their benefits. From cheap but capable models to high-end gaming rigs with all sorts of cool features, we have something for everyone’s needs.
Whether you want a compact machine or one with an expansive display, our buyer’s guide will help point out what specs are important when it comes time to purchase your next laptop under 1500 dollars. Just be sure to keep the most important features in mind when making your decision, and don’t forget to read our reviews!
What do you think? Which model appeals most to you? Let us know in the comments below to better tailor our advice to suit your needs!
Image | Title | Buy | Empire Rating |
---|---|---|---|
Top | ASUS ROG Strix G17 | Buy Now | Best Overall Pick |
MSI Stealth 15M | Buy Now | Best Runner Up | |
ASUS TUF Dash | Buy Now | Best Value for Money | |
Apple MacBook Pro | Buy Now | Best with MacOS | |
Razer Blade 15 | Buy Now | Best Laptop for Content Creation | |
Acer Nitro 5 | Buy Now | Best Acer Laptop under $1500 | |
Samsung Electronics Galaxy Book Pro | Buy Now | Best Portable Laptop | |
Dell Latitude 5520 | Buy Now | Best for Professionals | |
HP Envy | Buy Now | Best HP Laptop | |
Lenovo Legion 5 | Buy Now | Best Lenovo Laptop under $1500 | |
Apple MacBook Air | Buy Now | Best Value Apple Laptop | |
HP ENVY x360 | Buy Now | Best 2-in-1 Laptop |
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