It’s a fact that the best multimedia laptops offer more and more each year. Just a few years ago it was tough to find a quality laptop at a reasonable price that would be great for watching movies, listening to music and play the occasional game. Thankfully things have changed! But even now, not all multimedia laptops are equals!
All of them are great laptops to watch movies and great laptops for listening to music. Of course, the more you pay the better, thinner and lighter the notebook will be. But you can be sure that any laptop on this page will make a great entertainment system and some of them will allow you to play games.
Our Top 3
#1 – Dell XPS 15 |
#2 – HP Envy 15t x360 |
#3 – Acer Aspire E5-576G-5762 |
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High End Powerful Multimedia & Gaming Station |
Best mid-range laptop for movies &music |
Best Budget Laptop for Multimedia & Gaming |
| 15.6″ QHD | 15.6″ HD | 15.6″ HD |
| Intel i7 with 16 GB of RAM | Intel i7 with 8 GB of RAM | Intel i5 with 8 GB of RAM |
| 512 GB SSD | 256 GB SSD | 256 GB SSD |
| Up to 11 hours | Up to 7.5 hours | Up to 15 hours |
| Jump to our Review | Jump to our Review | Jump to our Review |
Skip the explanation, jump directly the Top 15!
What to look for in the best multimedia laptop?
To get a great multimedia notebook, you need a bright & vivid screen, powerful sound system and enough power to manage everything you ask of it.
Choose the right Screen
Screen size matters!
Which screen size do I need is the first question you need to ask yourself. When looking for the best laptop to watch movies, I usually suggest going with a 15-inch laptop. If portability is a factor, then go for a 14-inch, maybe a 13-inch laptop. You’ll have less screen real estate, but the laptop will be easier to carry around. If you need to go smaller than 13 inches, it might be a good idea to consider having an external monitor.
Screen resolution
Screen resolution is very important here. Of course if you want to invest in a 4K screen, you won’t regret it! These are amazing. But not everyone needs a QHD screen. I suggest nothing less than an HD screen (1920 x 1080) though. For a laptop to watch movies, that should enough be since most movies – especially online movies like Netflix or Amazon – are HD (1080). But, do not go lower than that though because you’ll see the difference (laptops at the low-end often come with a resolution of 1366 x 768, which is not enough to have a good image quality).
Brightness and color accuracy
Brightness and color accuracy are also important factors for a good multimedia laptop. Have low brightness and your eyes will suffer whenever you are in a bright room and having poor color vividness may make the cape of Superman look pink…
Screen Glossiness
The screen glossiness is another factor. Glossy screens reflect light much – much – more than matte screens. If you choose a touchscreen, you won’t really have a choice since they’re all pretty glossy, but otherwise going for a matte screen might be the choice if you want to watch movies in very bright environments. It’s also good to know that glossy screens usually produce more vivid colors though… not everything is perfect in this world!
Sound must be clear and loud
If you’re looking the best laptop for listening to music or for watching movies, good audio is your best friend! For a guy that had once a laptop with a weak sound system, let me tell it’s really unpleasant to miss the funny lyric during the action scene because the sounds are all muffled together! And for listening to good music, it’s of course even more important.
You need audio and speakers that can render low and high note accurately and that have some bass. Laptop speakers are not the best at bass, but you still should be able to feel some (it won’t make your floor shake though… forget that!).
Oh, and once you have your laptop, don’t forget to play with the software equalizer, it will improve sound quality drastically!
Get enough power
Ok, nowadays the great majority of laptops will have enough power, but you still need to consider it. A lower-end laptop might not be the best laptop to watch movies. It might lag while playing an online HD movie. A laptop that skips frames during the final scene of an action movie may ruin your pleasure! Choose a decently powerful laptop and that won’t be a problem (all the laptops on this list are great for that).
Do you need a discrete video card?
A separate video card – think NVIDIA or Intel Iris – is not necessary for watching movie and will absolutely not increase your music listening pleasure. But if you’re into movie editing or gaming, then you need a discrete video card. Most of the laptops are not equipped with that kind of card, so make sure you choose one that is if you need it.
Top 18 Best Multimedia Laptop for Entertainment
Many laptops nowadays are great for multimedia. Since it might be a daunting task to select the right one, I separated this list in 3 categories: the high-end, mid-range and budget laptops.
The more expensive ones will have better build, screen and sound quality but you can be confident that each one will be great multimedia laptops for watching movies and listening to music (and most of them will allow you to play games).
Jump to section:
- Best High-End Multimedia Laptops – The best of the best
- Best Mid-Range Multimedia Laptops – When money and quality count
- Best Budget Multimedia Laptops – Quality at low price
Recommended for you:
Top 6 Best Multimedia Laptop – High-End
1 – Dell XPS 15 – 15″ QHD
“High End Powerful Multimedia & Gaming Station”
The Dell XPS 15 is a great laptop with a truly amazing screen – especially the 4k one – and a solid sound system. That makes it one of the best multimedia laptop to watch movies or listen to music. Its overall quality is undeniable and performance great. This version comes with an i7 processor and a dedicated graphic card which also make it a powerful gaming laptop.
Pros
|
Cons
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| Graphics | 15.6″ QHD touchscreen (3200 x 1800) with NVIDIA GTX 960M |
| Performance | Intel i7 with 16 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Up to 11 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.66″ / 4 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$$$ |
Other similar versions (prices may vary)
the more reasonably priced 15-inch QHD + NVIDIA GTX 960M, 
13-inch QHD + Integrated
2 – HP Spectre X360 15t – 15″ QHD Convertible
“Convertible High End Multimedia Laptop”
What a great multimedia laptop the HP Spectre x360. With its top-of-the-line 4k screen and Bang & Olufsen speakers, it’s great for both movie watching and listening to music. And, as an 2-in-1 laptop, you can also hold it as a tablet or, even better, put it in tent or stand mode (my favorite for watching a movie). Note that this one doesn’t come with a discrete video card, so look elsewhere if you are into gaming.
Pros
|
Cons
|
| Graphics | 15.6″ QHD touchscreen (3200 x 1800) with NVIDIA MX150 |
| Performance | Intel i7 with 16 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Up to 11 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.7″ / 4.42 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
Other similar versions (prices may vary)
13-inch QHD + Integrated3 – Lenovo Yoga 900 – 15″ HD Convertible
“High-end engineering at good price”
The Yoga line is a market favorite for anyone that needs a convertible laptop and this 15-inch version is a great choice for a high-end multimedia laptop. It’s great engineering makes it a solid, well-built laptop and allow for a versatile use. With powerful specs and overall quality, there are very few flaws in the Yoga 900.
| Graphics | 15.6″ HD touchscreen (1920 x 1080) with NVIDIA GT 940MX |
| Performance | Intel i5 with 8 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Expect 6 to 8 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.82″ / 5.02 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
Other similar versions (prices may vary)
13-inch HD + Integrated, 
14-inch HD + Integrated
4 – Samsung Notebook Spin 9 – 13″ QHD Convertible
“Quality 13-inch 2-in-1”
Samsung launches few laptops for the Western market but this one is something. This 2-in-1 13-inch actually deliver a lot of value for the built-quality and deserves to be part of this list of the best multimedia notebooks. The display is vivid and the 2-in-1 design is well-done. Really a good product from Samsung.
| Graphics | 13.3″ QHD touchscreen (3200×1800) |
| Performance | Intel i5 with 8 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Up to 7.5 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.59″ / 2.87 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
Other similar versions (prices may vary)
13-inch QHD + Integrated5 – Asus Zenbook Pro UX501VW – 15″ QHD
“Value, quality and performance”
Power, style, wonderful screen and audio, the Asus UX510UW is truly a great multimedia machine. Its powerful specs will take anything you ask of it, including gaming and movie editing. It’s truly one of the best laptop for entertainment purposes. If you want to get the very best, upgrade to the 4K screen and 512G SSD version (but it’s quite expensive, so keep to this one if you simply want a laptop for movies and music).
| Graphics | 15.6″ QHD screen (3840 x 2160) with NVIDIA GTX 960M |
| Performance | Intel i7 with 16 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Expect 5 to 7 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.8″ / 5.1 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
Other similar versions (prices may vary)
15-inch HD + NVIDIA GTX 960M, 
the newer 15-inch HD + NVIDIA GTX 1050
6 – Apple MacBook Pro 15 – 15″ QHD
“Best Laptop for Music Creation”
The Apple MacBook Pro is definitively one of the best multimedia laptop, especially if you need a powerful one to edit movies, create music or if you are into graphic design. The only reason it’s not higher on this list is because of its higher price tag and that it’s much more limited in the gaming area (most games don’t work on Mac OS). Otherwise, its entertainment value is tough to beat: the screen is amazing, sound is clear and loud and the overall usability almost perfect.
Pros
|
Cons
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| Graphics | 15.4″ QHD screen (2880 x 1800) |
| Performance | Intel i7 with 16 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours |
| OS | MacOS |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.61″ / 4 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
Other similar versions (prices may vary)
13-inch HD + IntegratedRecommended for you:
Top 6 Best Multimedia Laptop – Mid-Range
1 – HP Envy 15t x360 – 15″ HD Convertible
“Best mid-range laptop for movies &music”
We already made the review of the HP Envy 13 and I am equally in love the HP Envy 15 x360. It’s definitively one of the best multimedia laptops you can find. Not only its silver design turns head, but its overall great performance and build quality makes it one of the best value laptop for entertainment.
Pros
| Cons
|
| Graphics | 15.6″ HD touchscreen (1920 x 1080) |
| Performance | Intel i7 with 8 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Up to 7.5 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.74″ / 4.79 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$ |
Other similar versions (prices may vary)
13-inch HD + Integrated, 
17-inch HD + NVIDIA GT 940MX
2 – Asus Zenbook Flip UX360CA – 13″ HD Convertible
“Quality & Lightweight”
The Zenbook series is a reference in quality and value. Each time Asus manages to give a lot, without asking for too much. Here you get a quality notebook with great screen and good audio for the price of a higher-end laptop. This convertible 13-inch delivers good performance and is actually one of the thinnest laptop you’ll find.
| Graphics | 13.3″ HD touchscreen (1920 x 1080) |
| Performance | Intel i5 with 8 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Expect 8 to 10 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.54″ / 2.86 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$ |
Other similar versions (prices may vary)
Hybrid version3 – Lenovo Yoga 710 – 14″ HD Convertible
“Great mid-range hybrid”
While not as high quality as its big brother – the Yoga 900 – the Lenovo Yoga 710 is a 14-inch lightweight convertible multimedia laptop that delivers a lot of value. It’s very well priced and has a good quality display and speakers. Its versatile format allows for easy movie watching in tent or stand mode and its 14-inch display – with almost no borders – makes it quite compact.
| Graphics | 14″ HD screen (1920 x 1080) |
| Performance | Intel i5 with 8 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Up to 8 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.7″ / 3.53 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$ |
Other similar versions (prices may vary)
15-inch HD + Integrated4 – Lenovo Ideapad 510s – 14″ HD
“Value 14-inch”
This 14-inch is a great mid-range laptop from Lenovo. From the screen to the audio system and the built-quality, it tough to find better value. It’s not a 2-in-1, but if you’re looking for a portable multimedia laptop, this is a great value choice! Read our full review.
| Graphics | 14″ HD screen (1920 x 1080) |
| Performance | Intel i5 with 8 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 1000 GB HDD (5400 rpm) |
| Battery life | Expect 6 to 7 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.76″ / 3.7 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$ |
5 – Acer Spin 5 – 13″ HD Convertible
“Good value multimedia laptop”
Acer has the reputation of producing good value quality notebook and the Spin 5 is no exception at a very reasonable price. In a sleek & solid body, it has a bright colorful HD screen, good audio and a long battery life that’ll last all day. Definitively a great choice for a value multimedia laptop.
Pros
|
Cons
|
| Graphics | 13.3″ HD touchscreen (1920 x 1080) |
| Performance | Intel i5 with 8 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.78″ / 3.53 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$ |
Other similar versions (prices may vary)
14-inch HD + Integrated, 
Acer Swift 3
6 – Dell Inspiron i7559 – 15″ HD
“Gaming mid-range multimedia laptop”
While it doesn’t have the best look – ok, it really doesn’t have the best look! – and its speakers are less powerful than the competition, the Dell Inspiron i7559 still delivers a lot of value. With its powerful GeForce video card, it’s a multimedia laptop that’ll allow gaming for quite a low price.
Pros
|
Cons
|
| Graphics | 15.6″ HD screen (1920 x 1080) with NVIDIA GTX 960M |
| Performance | Intel i5 with 8 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 1″ / 5.69 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$ |
Recommended for you:
Top 6 Best Multimedia Laptop – Budget
1 – Acer Aspire E5-576G-5762 – 15″ HD
“Best Budget Laptop for Multimedia & Gaming”
With a full HD screen, fast SSD hard drive, long battery life and a good built quality, the Acer E5-576G makes for one of the best multimedia laptop for someone on a budget. And it comes with a GeForce 150MX which will allow you to play games. All that for a budget price. Thought to beat!
Pros
|
Cons
|
| Graphics | 15.6″ HD screen (1920 x 1080) with NVIDIA MX150 |
| Performance | Intel i5 with 8 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Battery life | Up to 15 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 1.19″ / 5.27 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$ |
2 – Asus Q304UA – 13″ HD Convertible
“Budget Hybrid”
This is my latest crush! It’s a quality and sleek budget 2-in-1 notebook that deliver so much value. It doesn’t have the best speakers, but the touchscreen is great for a budget multimedia laptop and it’s quite powerful. A really good purchase! Read our full review.
Pros
|
Cons
|
| Graphics | 13.3″ HD touchscreen (1920 x 1080) |
| Performance | Intel i5 with 6 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 1000 GB HDD (5400 rpm) |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.78″ / 3.31 lbs |
| Price Range | $$ |
3 – Acer Chromebook 14 – 14″ HD
“Low-cost Chromebook with HD screen”
This one runs on ChromeOS, so forget about using Windows programs. But if your goal is to watch movies, listen to music and surf the web, it’s a great value purchase. It’s equipped with a good 14-inch HD screen and surprisingly good audio for the price. As a movie watching machine, it delivers a lot of value in a sleek and quality aluminium body. Read our full review.
Pros
|
Cons
|
| Graphics | 14″ HD screen (1920 x 1080) |
| Performance | Pentium N3160 with 4 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 32 GB eMMC |
| Battery life | Up to 12 hours |
| OS | ChromeOS |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.67″ / 3.42 lbs |
| Price Range | $ |
4 – Lenovo Ideapad 500 – 15″ HD
“Well-built 15-inch”
With its HD Screen and quite powerful audio, the Lenovo IdeaPad 500 deserves to be part of the best budget multimedia laptops list. Its battery life is on the short side and it’s not the lightest one, but its look and decent performance makes it a quality low-cost alternative.
| Graphics | 15.6″ HD screen (1920 x 1080) with Radeon R6 |
| Performance | AMD A10 with 8 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 1000 GB HDD (5400 rpm) |
| Battery life | Expect 3 to 4 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.97″ / 5.1 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$ |
5 – HP Pavilion x360 – 15″ HD Convertible
This is another decent product that’ll be good to watch movies. It’s a value product by HP that’s great for watching movies thanks to the 2-in-1 design. The 15-inch HD screen and the speakers are quite good for the price.
| Graphics | 15.6″ HD touchscreen (1920 x 1080) |
| Performance | Intel i3 with 6 or 8 GB of RAM |
| Storage | 500 GB HDD (5400 rpm) |
| Battery life | Up to 8 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Thickness / Weight | 0.8″ / 4.9 lbs |
| Price Range | $$$ |
Recommended for you:
Curious about the past? Consult our archives!
If you’re curious to know the best multimedia laptops in 2015 and 2014, consult our archives.
- Best Multimedia Laptops in 2015
- Best Multimedia Laptops in 2014
Erik is the owner and main editor of lptps.com. He has been working in computers and information technology for more than 20 years. He’s a business analyst, developer, and avid traveler.
4 Comments
Usman Rana
I had visited lot of websites for the selection of laptop which best for streaming movies.Now i visit this website i have received lot information.
Erik
We’re glad you liked it!
Loganathan
Suggest me some good laptop model to buy in india . Only for watching movies with best display quality . Like 4k . With budget price .
Erik
It’s not possible to find a 4k laptop with a budget price. Since your main goal is to watch movies, I suggest you look into the Acer Chromebook 14. For a budget price, you get an HD screen and enough power to watch any movies you’d like. Plus it’s a nice looking all metal laptop. Hope that helps!