The Best Laptop For Streaming

Apple’s Macbook Air was an effortless top pick for us. This laptop is considered one of Apple’s classics for a reason. Whether you’re new to Mac or a long time user, we think you’ll love the simplicity of this laptop for all your streaming needs. Powered by an 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 Processor, you'll have plenty of juice to not just stream your favorite content, but create some of your own! The Intel HD Graphics 6000 with the LED-backlit widescreen display creates an impressive display, perfect displaying all our favorite movies and TV shows. Probably our favorite features are the size and incredible battery life, which makes streaming on the go so convenient. Weighing under 3 pounds and with a 13 inch screen, its small enough to fit in almost any bag, and up to 12 hours wireless use is a game changer when traveling all day. Although this is an older model, it still has impressive features to make it a great option, especially for streaming.

Key Features

• Up to 12 hour battery life for long, uninterrupted binge-watching sessions
• Lightweight feel makes streaming on the go less of a hassle
• 1.8 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 Processor means your streaming experience will feel quick and effortless

Acer’s Aspire 5 Slim Laptop doesn’t disappoint. We love the LED-backlit HD IPS display paired with Radeon Vega Mobile Graphics that work in tandem to create clear, colorful, and crisp images. We also were a fan of the 15.6 inch screen with a BlueLightShield, a much needed relief when binging your favorite YouTube serious for more hours than you care to admit to anyone. The Acer TrueHarmony speakers provides a balanced audio experience, but we would suggest a pair of headphones or speakers to really take your content viewing experience to the next level.

Weighing just under 4 pounds and a potential 7.5 hour battery life, this model from Acer is still a good option for traveling or just streaming wire free from anywhere in your home.

Key Features

• Blue Light Shield Screen that will protect your eyes from strain while you watch
• Acer’s True Harmony speakers bring a deeper bass and more volume
• Window S mode makes for a safer streaming experience

The obvious standout feature of the Lenovo Chromebook C330 is the flexibility of the screen, allowing for normal, tablet, or tented mode that opens up a range of viewing possibilities. Plus the touchscreen makes accessing and controlling your streaming content a cinch. We found the construction to be lightweight but durable, and we really dig the sleek white design.

Two things we love about Chromebooks are the speed and easy setup. It's as easy as turning on, logging on to your Google account, and connecting to Wi-Fi; no need to install and update applications or dealing with annoying bloatware. Plus all the commands are fast and fluid, no lagging here.

Streaming your favorite TV shows and movies can go beyond your laptop with the Lenovo Chromebook. With Bluetooth 4.1 you can connect up to 2 different devices at the same time. Have a quiet evening in with Netflix, or connect your Bluetooth to a projectors and speakers to have a fun movie night with friends!

Key Features

• Touchscreen display
• Bluetooth 4.1
• Easy to use Chrome OS

For a basic, affordable streaming laptop that can withstand a little rough wear, Samsung's Chromebook 3 is a solid choice. Measuring around the size of a standard sheet of paper and weighing a touch over 2.5 pounds, this little guy can go anywhere with you, while the spill-resistant keyboard is a lovely added feature. While Samsung doesn't list the actual IPX rating, it won't fritz on the first contact with liquids, but do bear in mind that water-resistant and waterproof are two very different things.

True to Chromebook nature, Samsung's version is easy to setup and use. Also true to Chromebook nature is that this is intended for light-duty activities, such as streaming, so if you're looking for a laptop to handle intense game play or video editing as well, you should consider other options.

Key Features

• Access to Android Apps on Google Play Store
• Liquid-crystal display
• Lightweight design

If you're on the hunt for a basic laptop that is great for streaming at home or on the go, Dell's Chromebook 11 fits the bill. An 11 inch HD SVA BrightView display provides clear images, while MaxxAudio provides decent sound quality, but again we would suggest pairing with a pair of headphones or speakers to provide a richer audio experience. This no frills Chromebook supports multiple media readers, such as SD, SDHC, and SDXC, so it's easy to view your stored content. Plus the price can't be beat. This makes a perfect option for kids, seniors, or for a basic laptop to deliver on your entertainment needs.

Key Features

• Anti reflective display
• Can sync with other android phones or tablets
• Automatic updates

For a top of the line streaming laptop, LG's Gram 15z990 laptop has it all. Where to start? We could mention the impressive Intel 8th Gen Core i7 processor that powers through a number of apps and softwares, the beautiful HD IPS display, or the incredible 16GB of RAM and 1TB SSD for all your storage needs. We could also mention the multitude of ports, including USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3, the latter of which enables a 4K signal to 2 screens or 5K to a single screen. Then of course we could mention the fingerprint reader that makes accessing all your accounts a breeze without memorizing a dozen passwords. Oh, and how could we not mention the premium nano carbon magnesium metal body that provides military-grade durability in a lightweight package? And we didn't even mention yet the responsive touchscreen or battery that can last up to 18.5 hours. Whew. That was a lot to unpack. No matter how you cut it, if you're looking for a laptop to stream, game, content create, or whatever suits your fancy, look no further.

Key Features

• 18.5 hour battery life
• Thunderbolt 3 connection
• Military grade durability