Electronics & Gadgets

7 Best Laptop for Live Streaming 2024 – [Top 7 Editor’s Picks]

best laptop for live streaming
Written by Kane Dane
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It’s 2024 and we’re closer to CyberPunk than ever. With gaming, Netflix, and social media live stream interaction at an all-time high, we’re all forced to have our gear at standby 24/7, and honestly, it’s not possible without a laptop.

Sure, you might try to go with your phone, but really, can it match the laptop experience? Not even close. And when I realized that you guys could use some advice on the best laptop for live streaming, I thought I should reach out to you.

So, here it is. A full-fledged guide to the top laptops in the industry that you can nail live streaming experience with – be it gaming stream, video-streaming, or live streams and chats. These are the seven best all-rounding laptops that specialize in value-against-money belief.

The List of Best Laptops for Live Streaming

Image Product Features Price
Editor’s Choice

MSI GL65 Leopard

MSI GL65 Leopard

Features: High-End specifications, Highly affordable for the value, Best display with 144Hz Refresh Rate

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Out Top Pick

ASUS ZenBook 15

ASUS ZenBook 15

Features: Stylish and minimal body design, Amazing internal specs, 4K UHD display

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Best Value

HP Pavilion 15

HP Pavilion 15

Features: Impressive Graphics, High-end Specs with 11th Gen Core i7, Decent speakers for streaming

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Lenovo Legion 5 Lenovo Legion 5

Features: High-end specifications, Top-notch display with accurate colors, Robust and durable

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Latest Apple MacBook Air Latest Apple MacBook Air

Features: Has the M1 revolutionary chip, Highly improved performance, Lightest and most portable

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ASUS ROG Strix G15 ASUS ROG Strix G15

Features: Best laptop for Twitch streaming, Beautiful gaming outlook, Powerful Internals

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Acer Nitro 5 Acer Nitro 5

Features: Colorful screen with a glowing experience, Has a dedicated GPU for hardcore gaming, Highly affordable for streamers on budget

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Be sure to make it till the end; my buyers’ guide full of value for you!

#1. MSI GL65 Leopard Gaming Laptop with RTX 2070 – Best Laptop for Live Streaming

 

What’s the most crucial detail to a gamer? The CPU and performance ratings. MSI GL65 boasts a beautiful set of internal specs: 10th Gen Core i7 processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD, and OH MY GOD: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8GB GDDR6.

These specs supplement the craziest thing in this package: the display quality. 

The screen is a 15.6-inch FHD panel based on IPS technology. It has a refresh rate of 144Hz that makes it extraordinarily vivid and sharp, with real-life like experience.

If you’re not bothered by the laptop’s ‘gamer’ design, Netflixing on this beast will multiply your experience by a thousand. The design isn’t that bothering at all, though – the bezels are nice and thin, so the modern looks are intact.

MSI is known for its endurance and performance. The body is all plastic with impressive strength in the assembling, making it feel like one unit. The keyboard is an RGB backlit keyboard by SteelSeries, so that’s another point to the unique design.

The essentials to streaming – the webcam, microphone, and speakers – do the expected impressive job too. The webcam is an HD 30 FPS @ 720p unit, which is quite the pretty woman every lad needs.

Although the microphone is average and nothing unusual, the audio set up is a 192KHz / 24bit HI-RES Audio that destroys the need to buy an additional headset – affordability goals.

Verdict

It seems like MSI picked all the high-end internal hardware, fixed it all in one body, and named it GL65 Leopard. I mean, in this price tag, tech giants are making massive profits by selling their brand-name.

MSI is going too overboard with the value-against-money mantra. It is the best laptop for live streaming that there is – I’d rather doubt my name than this fact.

Pros
  • High-End specifications
  • Highly affordable for the value
  • Best display with 144Hz Refresh Rate
Cons
  • It looks like a gamers’ laptop, so it might not suit Netflix/Hulu stream

#2. ASUS Zenbook 15 – Best Laptop for Streaming Twitch

 

The ZenBook 15’s hardware contains a 10th Gen Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and 512 GB NVMe SSD – these are top-tier numbers for a laptop aiming at ultimate UX. Add the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q to this deck, and you have a computer to show off.

The display is a specialty in the ZenBook 15, too, just like MSI GL65. This specialty is to facilitate your streaming experience, as you’ll find out why it is vital in the buyers’ guide.

ZenBook 15’s display is an extravagantly color-accurate 4K Ultra High-Definition NanoEdge bezel panel with a real estate of 15.6 inches and a 92% screen-to-body ratio. That is to say that if you prefer a modern design, this screen is to go for.

If we talk about the design, this variant’s Icicle Silver color reminds us of Snow White’s beauty – minimal, unique, and unworldly. The keyboard sits comfortably on the ErgoLift hinge deck with calculated key-travel and key-spacing.

The build overall promises a long-term partnership. Its durability is MIL-STD 810G – that is, Military Grade – which ASUS Internal Lab testing teams achieved. So, it is an investment to stay.

By the way, portability is another critical component of its build. Weighing only 3.6lbs., it’s easily the lightest laptop on the list – second to, of course, the Macbook Air only.

The streamers’ utensils are satisfactory – the webcam is equipped with 3D IR technology, and Windows Hello, so facial recognition security is there. Other than that, it’s a respectful setup (along with the mic) for live streaming.

The speakers by Harman Kardon deserve applause. If you’re looking for a full-on music experience, they’re loud and clear, but obviously, without woofers/subwoofers, there’s no bass.

Verdict

It’s just as ASUS itself has described the ZenBook 15: a powerful desktop in the shape of a laptop – that too, a beautiful one. It’s cheaper than MSI Leopard GL65 and offers about the same amount of value. I would definitely ship it.

Pros
  • Stylish and minimal body design
  • Amazing internal specs
  • 4K UHD display, vibrant and eclectic
Cons
  • Storage might not be sufficient

#3. HP Pavilion 11th Gen 15-inch Laptop – Best Laptop for Non-Stop Netflix Streaming

 

If you see someone saying that HP Pavilion 15 with 512 GB SSD, 16 GB RAM, and the all-new 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor isn’t much of a deal-breaker, then they seriously need to see a therapist.

The display is an exciting option for streamers. With Intel Iris XE Graphics and a narrow-bezel 144 Hz (Refresh Rate)15.6-inch FHD IPS screen, the display overall is a satisfactory experience.

Although I won’t call it the best, the 178° wide-viewing angle does come in handy when watching Netflix with family, to be honest. It eliminates the frustrating glare and viewing problems.

Although the style and build are classic and stable, I disagree with HP’s claim of micro-bezels. The chin still is sufficient enough to be noticed. But other than that, the build is sturdy and trustworthy – till death do us part.

A very distinct feature of HP Pavilion 15 is the speaker set up. Special audio by B&O gives streamers like you a proper reason not to spend extra money on external speakers. 

The camera and microphone aren’t anything new but are respectful enough to keep up the good job for as long as you can make use of them.

Verdict

Though the display is fine, I wouldn’t call it the best one in this price tag. The laptop’s design sure takes the lead among most in this category (with thinner deck and bezels) and the latest generation processor, making it highly suitable to office workers.

All in all, HP Pavilion 15 is an insanely valuable machine that costs LESS THAN $1000 is an absolute win – Pavilion 15 is a dream come true.

Pros
  • High-end Specs with 11th Gen Core i7 
  • Decent speakers for streaming
  • Sturdy and durable build
Cons
  • No dedicated GPU

#4. Lenovo Legion 5 15.6-Inch Laptop – Your Gaming Streaming Partner

 

If there’s one laptop manufacturer I love reviewing, then it’s Lenovo. It’s that brilliant salesman who knows his customer personally and knows all the pleasure points. 

By equipping Legion 5 with the AMD Ryzen 7 4800H processor, a 512 GB SSD, and 16 GB DDR4 RAM, Lenovo has done an excellent job providing top-tier specs in this price tag.

With the addition of NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti, this Lenovo laptop registers itself as one of the best options for streamers in the gaming category. 

Legion 5 is the machine you always wanted to flex, trust me. A thing my friend Ezekial from Toronto told me about his unit was the beautiful display that he still can’t get enough of. 

With a 144 Hz Refresh Rate, the FHD IPS panel has a 15.6-inch diagonal measurement, with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. He says the colors are accurate (100% sRGB), and streaming content has been too enjoyable for him lately. 

The build is rigid and robust – the perfect Lenovo mission embodiment. The smooth plastic surface is dyed charcoal black, and the backlit Legion TrueStrike keyboard sits on the crust of the large deck. Impressively, the key-travel is an ample 1.5mm along with ergonomic spacing.

What specifically overwhelmed me when I was reviewing this unit online was the Rapid Charge Pro feature. Under half an hour, the power adapter charges more than 50% – this is great for people who move around much in their day.

Although everything is in a heavenly shape, I would be priestly about the webcam: it’s average. It’s what you would expect from any laptop, but speakers deserve some praise. They’re loud and clear, freeing you of the compulsion to buy an external set.

Verdict

It’s too much value for money that I actually want to pay Lenovo more. It’s great for Netflix, even better for Twitch/OBS, and indeed the best for gaming in general.

Pros
  • High-end specifications
  • Top-notch display with accurate colors
  • Robust and durable
  • Fast-charging
Cons
  • Average webcam
  • Not as portable as other laptops on the list

#5. Latest Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch Variant – Best for Facebook, YT & Netflix

 

 

Often dubbed as a streamers’ paradise, the MacBook Air 13 is my ultimate favorite for streaming and socializing in all possible ways – even gaming; you heard me right.

With the revolutionary M1 processor MacBook Air offers more than it ever has. This processor eliminates the need for a dedicated GPU with superfast computing, lightning-fast processing, and timeless video manipulation (rendering and streaming).

Apart from 8 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD, a dedicated GPU is all you need for gaming, right? But with an M1 chip, even the lightest, slimmest, sleekest, most luxurious laptop, the MacBook Air is nailing your favorite hobbies – definitely worth it.

I don’t need to talk about build – but if you’ve never experienced a MacBook before: it’s straight-up minimal, professional, and luxurious. The body finish is the sturdiest and the cleanest you’ll come across, and the typing experience is unique to itself with scissor-switch keys.

The display is Apple’s Retina, which, again, doesn’t need any introduction. The colors are hard to distinguish from reality, the clarity blinding, and the bezels are thin enough to give the modern appearance every end consumer would want.

Overall functionality is perfect. Video streaming is unlike ever before, be it Hulu/Amazon Prime streaming or Twitch gaming streams. Since the processing has naturally improved the 720p webcam results, you’re sitting miles ahead of other laptop owners with the Mac Air. 

Verdict

To be honest, I’m not surprised. This is Apple that we’re talking about. We can expect nothing but quality and the feeling – that’s what you’re paying for.

Apple MacBook Air 2024 is the best laptop for live streaming, and I have said it.

Pros
  • Has the M1 revolutionary chip 
  • Highly improved performance
  • Lightest and most portable
  • Comforting Retina display
  • Has a highly comfortable typing experience
  • Apple’s luxury branding
Cons
  • Relatively expensive
  • No dedicated GPU

#6. Latest ASUS ROG Strix G15 Streaming Laptop with GeForce RTX 2070 

 

Specifically for gaming streamers, ASUS ROG Strix G15 is the all-in-one, go-to machine that show-offs an impressive 10th Gen Core i7 processor, a 1 TB SSD, and 16 GB RAM, with, of course, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070. 

Along with immense power, ROG Strix has a 240 Hz Refresh Rate 15.6-inch FHD IPS panel, which is among the best displays on this list. The colors are well-tuned and rich; the clarity is out of this world. A hands-on reviewing colleague was particularly in awe of the excellent display.

The ROG Intelligent Cooling thermal system is another feature that makes Strix G15 highly likable for heavy-duty tasks such as hardcore gaming streams. Though it weighs 5.3 lbs. and has a gamer outlook, you would be impressed by daily life usage with this beast.

The build is downright robust. It’s all-plastic with a variety of different surface finishes. The keyboard is soft and not the most tactile that I’ve seen around, but it does the job well. The RGB backlighting is pretty attractive and adds to the gaming aura. 

The keyboard RGB is equipped with ROG Aura Sync System, so if you’ve got an external RGB mouse too, then you’ll be able to sync the backlighting using third-party software.

Due to thin bezels, ASUS hasn’t put a webcam in this laptop, which is quite strange, to be honest, but the speakers genuinely make up for the lost utility. They’re surprisingly loud and clear, delivering a fantastic overall experience.

This infinite utility seems unbelievably costly, but it’s an affordable overall pick for hardcore gamers who effortlessly spend more than $1500 over their professional gear.

Verdict

ASUS ROG Strix dominates every category that comes in its way: power, display, utility, connectivity, functionality, portability, or affordability. Though the price tag exceeds one Grand, the return on investment is mouthwatering. Would recommend it ten/ten.

Pros
  • RTX 2070, 1 TB SSD, 16 GB RAM
  • 240 Hz 15.6-inch display
  • Best laptop for Twitch streaming
  • Beautiful gaming outlook
Cons
  • Has no webcam, you need to install separately
  • Not so portable

#7. Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop for Live Streaming

 

Acer Nitro 5 is the unsung hero that has made happy most of its buyers. Packing an impressive Core i5 processor, 8 GB RAM, 256 SSD, and NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti GPU, Acer Nitro 5 is a whole world within itself that sits at the heart of affordability.

Nitro 5 by Acer is the coolest looking gaming laptop for me. It looks like a cut-down version of Acer’s high-end Predator 21X, with a red and charcoal black finish. The build is entirely plastic, with a smooth surface that even makes it suitable for professional use.

Although the display is the usual 15.6-inch FHD 1920 x 1080 resolution backlit IPS display, it does deliver nicely when it comes to performance. The bezels are thick, making it look like very 2013, but it’s not a problem as it nails its job.

The webcam and speaker set make it OKAY for live streaming, but the diverse connectivity allows you to use external streaming gear easily, without any problems.

Price and affordability is the most significant USP (unique selling point) for Acer Nitro 5. It comes in the upper category of budget gaming laptops and promises lifetime support. 

Verdict

It’s the casual streamers’ turn now – out of the box impressive, Acer Nitro 5 is the best laptop an on-budget streamer can lay hands on. It promises an innately gorgeous chassis, a high-end utility, and a praise-worthy usage experience.

Pros
  • Beautiful laptop design resembling Acer Predator 21X
  • Highly affordable for streamers on budget
  • Colorful screen with a glowing experience
  • Has a dedicated GPU for hardcore gaming
Cons
  • Storage might be insufficient for you

Buyers’ Guide – Buying the Best Laptop for Live Streaming

This buyers’ guide focuses on providing you with the best valuable information you need to buy your own best live streaming laptop – if you plan to go on your own, I’ve got you covered here too. Have a happy read, and if there’s anything, let me know in the comments!

CPU & Performance

Ideally, you’re looking at least a Core i7 8th Gen, an 8 GB DDR4 RAM, and a 1 GB NVIDIA graphic card. Though you can smoothly run software like OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) on pretty basic computers, it’s not about the software only.

You’re also looking at the laptop for a gaming POV too – that goes without saying.

So, we need to ensure it’s best for games that you’re likely to play and stream. Though some of you might disagree, mostly we’re looking at DOTA, GTA Online, Fortnite, COD, VALORANT, etc., so this configuration above is optimal for middle-tier performance.

And, of course, as much sugar, as much sweet. The better CPU performance you buy, the better experience and results you’ll have.

Webcam & Microphone

Before you go and spend a few extra hundred bucks on a decent headset and camera, it’s better to look for ones that come with your machine. I mean, who says, “I want to spend more money on useless items, scram”? Exactly. No one.

Some laptops like the MacBook Air 13 and MSI GL65 Leopard are killing the webcam-mic game. These webcams will save you the need to buy an extra high-resolution camera, and these microphones will save you the trouble of finding the most comfortable ear-wear.

Ideally, look for cameras better than 720p and microphones with noise-cancellation. You can also go with software to enhance noise-cancellation – but it’s still worthwhile to have the hardware do it all.

Display Quality

If I said display quality is the key here, then I wouldn’t be wrong. Regardless of your type of streaming (game, movies, or chat), you need a display to accommodate your eyes with utmost comfort for extensive hours.

You’ll be able to find FHD displays in most of the laptops on this list but look for a better refresh rate. With better rates, you’ll be better off at the overall viewing experience.

Build & Durability

This is just a reminder to go for laptops with durability indications such as the Military Standard (MIL-STD 810G) testing. For these big price tags, it’s essential to stay on the safe side and choose the laptops that protect your investment physically too.

A few days ago, a friend’s brand new $900 laptop died right out of the box. His mistake? He casually dropped it on his bed – his BED guys, we do that all the time. I inspected the problem, and it turned out to be the laptop’s loose assembly. 

Of course, I can’t name the laptop brand here, but I haven’t included it in any of my lists. So, watch out for durability and build quality.

Price

Again: VALUE AGAINST MONEY. See, if a laptop’s components cost $700 if bought separately and you get it for $800 – $1200 (basically below 80% margin), that too with a good trusted brand’s assembling (i.e., Dell, HP), you’re looking at a precious laptop.

If a $1200 laptop has everything you require, and if you use it, you’ll save time and enjoy the experience, then it’s definitely worth it and valuable. Look at the overall packages rather than scrutinizing a laptop for smaller details such as keyboard key-spacing.

Conclusion

Et voila – this was my list of seven spectacular products that will boost your streaming performance and experience by tons. These laptops specialize in displaying the most vibrant colors, running the heaviest games, and giving you back more than what you’ve paid.

If you didn’t find your ideal laptop on this list, make sure to thoroughly study the buyers’ guide and if still, you have any queries, let me know in the comments below. Thanks for making it to this point; happy streaming.

What Are The Best Laptops for Live Streaming?

What computer is best for streaming?

Live game streaming is all the buzz these days. And it’s not limited to YouTube anymore. Heck, even Facebook lets you do that. So, if you want to enjoy flawless live streaming, I’d suggest you list down the kind of games you plan to stream. Depending on that list you’ll be able to narrow down your hardware requirements.

Nonetheless, if you’re not on a tight budget go for a laptop that offers performance, mobility, and great battery life, something with hardware configurations similar to the MSI P65 or, better yet, go with it. For something mediocre you can check out the ASUS TUF. It has a large display, well-performing hardware, and is reasonably priced. You can find the details to both of the mentions in the list shared above.

Can you use a laptop for streaming?

The short and precise answer to it is, yes you can. The longer version; you need to have a laptop that can actually play the games you plan to live stream. You can’t expect a, say 3rd or 4th gen Core i3 or i5 to play modern, graphic intensive games. So, unless you have a powerful and recent machine or you only plan to play PvP online games like the infamous 8 Ball Pool, you shouldn’t even think about live streaming with an old laptop with outdated hardware.

Is MacBook pro good for live streaming?

I would advise against that. Honestly speaking, I am not a fan of Apple products. I find too many shortcomings when I am locked into an eco-system. I have always been a Windows guy. But, as a reviewer, and a vivid gamer, I have found MacBooks to always lack in one way or the other especially when it comes to gaming.

You can use it to stream yes, but they only complicated the streaming sessions for me sometimes. And I am not the only one either. Checkout online forums and you’ll see a majority of pro-gamers suggest that you don’t use a MacBook Pro for live streaming. It’s not a definite no, but you should be prepared for lags if you do want to use it, especially if it’s more than two years old.

What should I look for in a streaming laptop?

One of the first things that you should look for are processors with higher clock speeds. Nothing less than a Core i5 or older than the 7th generation is out of the question. And secondly, it’s the RAM.

Avoid any laptop with less than 8GB of RAM. Apart from these two components, you need to take into consideration the graphic card requirements for the games you plan to stream, the battery life of the laptop, and the display size you prefer.

How do I optimize my laptop for streaming?

Start by disabling the default video acceleration settings on your laptop. Then, search for a video acceleration software for your OS. You can get many of them for free. The software will make streaming smoother. Next, ensure your router is placed in good range to avoid connection issues during the session.

Disable all other internet connections on your laptop. This will ensure that your computer won’t automatically start switching between connections. Turn off automatic updates if you’re using Windows 10. And lastly, check your internet speed. A bonus tip, schedule your streaming sessions during low internet activity hours so your connection is not shared.

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About the author

Kane Dane