Best Laptops for Streaming – 2025 Full Review & Buying Guide

If you’re searching for the best laptop for streaming, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re streaming high-definition content to a global audience or watching your favorite shows, you need a laptop that delivers strong GPU and CPU performance. To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of top-performing laptops for every budget.

Our recommendations include powerful options for professional streamers and budget-friendly choices for casual users. Each laptop has been tested for display quality, performance, and battery life, ensuring you get the best experience possible.

In a hurry? If you’re short on time, our top pick for the best overall streaming laptop is the Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022).

How We Tested

To find the best laptops for streaming, our team conducted multiple performance and endurance tests. Below are the benchmarks we used:

PC Mark 10: Evaluates how well the laptop performs during everyday tasks like web browsing, word processing, and spreadsheets.
Cinebench: Measures raw CPU performance by rendering complex 2D scenes.
3DMark: Tests 3D graphics performance for visually demanding content.
Video Rundown Test: Measures battery life by looping a 4K video until the laptop’s battery dies.

What to Consider Before Buying the Best Laptop for Streaming

When selecting a laptop for streaming, focus on your specific needs — whether it’s gaming, live streaming, or movie watching. Here’s what to look for:

GPU: A GTX 1650 is suitable for 1080p gaming. For higher performance, opt for RTX 30-series GPUs.
CPU: For Intel, choose at least an 11th Gen Core i5 or i7. For AMD, go with Ryzen 4000 or 5000 series.
RAM: 8GB minimum; 16GB or more preferred for smoother multitasking.
Storage: Aim for 512GB SSD or higher for faster load times and better performance.
Display: At least 1080p resolution and 60Hz refresh rate. A 17-inch screen is great for multitasking.
Battery Life: Expect 4–6 hours for most gaming laptops; longer for ultrabooks.

How to Select the Best Laptop for Movies

When choosing a laptop for streaming movies or TV shows, display quality and sound are key. Look for at least a Full HD screen, and if possible, a 4K display for top-tier visuals. High brightness levels help when watching in well-lit areas.

Audio quality matters too — some laptops have great visuals but weak speakers. Choose one with balanced stereo sound or Dolby support. Finally, ensure your laptop has a strong processor and reliable internet for smooth playback.

Our Top Picks – Best Laptops for Streaming

We’ve reviewed over 60 laptops to bring you the best of 2025. Below are our top recommendations for different needs and budgets.

1. Apple 2022 MacBook Air with M2 Chip

RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Screen Size: 13.6 inches
Processor: M2 Chip
Graphics: Integrated

Why It’s the Best Laptop for Streaming: The M2 MacBook Air offers incredible performance and portability. Its 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display produces sharp and vibrant visuals, and with up to 18 hours of battery life, you can stream for hours without plugging in.

Pros:
– Brilliant Liquid Retina display
– Long 18-hour battery life
– Lightweight and portable
– Excellent performance

Cons:
– Limited storage options

Check on Amazon

2. Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB SSD
Screen Size: 13.3 inches
Processor: Apple M1 Chip
Graphics: Integrated (7-core)

Why It’s Great for Live Streaming: The M1 chip provides strong performance and impressive efficiency. With a crisp Retina display and long battery life, this laptop remains a solid option for streaming, especially for budget-conscious users.

Pros:
– Excellent performance
– Great battery life
– High-resolution Retina display

Cons:
– Older model
– Limited storage

Check on Amazon

3. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5

RAM: 32GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
Screen Size: 13.5 inches
Processor: Intel Core i7-1265U
Graphics: Iris Xe Graphics

Why It’s Great for Streaming: With its sleek design and sharp touchscreen display, the Surface Laptop 5 is perfect for streamers who want both performance and style. It delivers up to 18 hours of battery life and excellent multitasking capabilities.

Check on Amazon

4. HP Pavilion Laptop

RAM: 32GB
Storage: 1TB SSD
Screen Size: 15.6 inches
Processor: Intel Core i7-1360P
Graphics: Integrated

Why It’s the Best Laptop for Streaming Movies: The HP Pavilion provides exceptional performance and a large, immersive touchscreen. Its 15.6-inch FHD display and 32GB RAM make it ideal for watching high-quality streams.

Check on Amazon

5. HP Essential 17t Laptop

RAM: 32GB
Storage: 2TB SSD
Screen Size: 17.3 inches
Processor: Intel Core i7-1355U
Graphics: Integrated

Why It’s Great for Live Streaming: Designed for multitasking, the HP 17t offers a huge screen, fast performance, and vast storage — ideal for handling multiple streaming tools at once.

Check on Amazon

6. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 (2023)

RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Screen Size: 12.4 inches
Processor: Intel Core i5-1235U
Graphics: Integrated

Why It’s the Best Compact Laptop for Streaming: Lightweight, stylish, and perfect for streaming on the go. The Go 3 features a bright PixelSense display, long battery life, and fast charging.

Check on Amazon

7. Lenovo IdeaPad 15.6” FHD Laptop

RAM: 40GB
Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD
Screen Size: 15.6 inches
Processor: Intel Core i7-1255U
Graphics: Integrated

Why It’s Great for Video Streaming: With huge memory and a sharp display, the Lenovo IdeaPad is ideal for multitaskers who want smooth streaming, quick loading, and vibrant visuals.

Check on Amazon

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best laptop for streaming depends on your budget and purpose — whether you’re watching Netflix, streaming live on Twitch, or gaming online. For premium users, the MacBook Air M2 stands out for its balance of power and portability. For budget users, the Surface Laptop Go 3 and HP Pavilion offer great performance at lower prices.

No matter your choice, each of these laptops guarantees a smooth, enjoyable, and high-quality streaming experience in 2025.