With the rapid technological developments that have swept the world in the last few decades, conventional ways of entertainment have significantly changed.
Once you have acquired a stable internet connection, the next thing you need is one of the good laptops for streaming live videos.
For a layperson, when it comes to tech issues, getting the right laptop may seem to be an uphill task. Actually, things get worse when you get to the market without any knowledge of what features to look for.
| Laptop | Screen | RAM | Storage | OS | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple 13″ MacBook Air | 13.3″ | 8GB | 128GB | Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah | View |
| LG gram Thin and Light Laptop | 17″ | 16GB | 512GB | Windows 10 Home | View |
| HP ENVY | 13.3″ | 16GB | 512GB | Windows 10 Home | View |
| Razer Blade Stealth | 13.3″ | 16GB | 256GB | Windows 10 Home | View |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 | 14″ | 16GB | 512GB | Windows 10 | View |
To water down the conflicting information from different computer users, let’s look at the qualities of the best laptops for live streaming.
Contents
What is Streaming?
Streaming is a convenient way of consuming audio or video content over a network connection without the need to download it to a local disc.
Conventionally, people had to download videos and audio files before they could listen to them.
With time, things have changed. You can now listen to audio or watch videos in real-time.
Notably, there are two main ways of streaming content. The first one is live streaming, and the other is streaming directly from a host site.
Originally, websites mainly contained text and static pictures. Nowadays, things have changed with the emergence of sites like YouTube and iTunes that stock audio and video content.
Unlike downloading files from the whole folder and storing them in a local disk before watching, streaming allows you to watch or listen to audio in bits.
The host sends content in small data pockets that your device picks and delivers in real-time. You don’t need to wait for the whole file to be received to start watching or listening.
Who Needs a Laptop for Streaming?
An office user whose main job is to type and print documents will make do with a baseline laptop. All the same, other engagements need one to stream video content.
For example, with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019, most intuitions resulted in holding virtual meetings. Also, most learning institutions took their lessons online.
Through live streaming, tutors, learners, and organizations have real meetings and lessons over the internet.
In addition, any other person can stream content for entertainment or information.
Research by Pew Research Center showed that 61% of all American young adults preferred streaming to watching TV.
Therefore, streaming isn’t restricted to any group of people.
Streaming Laptop Buying Guide
When it comes to streaming, the type of content you consume greatly determines what laptop you need. In reality, you don’t need a monster laptop for you to enjoy online content. Here are some of the most basic features to look for in budget laptops for streaming.
- Screen Size and Resolution
Computers come in different screen sizes, and most times, there are conflicting ideas as to which screen size is the best. When considering laptops for live webcam streaming, you may not need a screen that is as big as the one for a gaming computer.
All the same, the best laptop for streaming should have screens that are at least 14”. Anything below that would end up being too small and strenuous.
As for resolution, the least acceptable is 720p for HD ready and 1080p for Full HD. These resolutions will give a clear view of live streaming content.
Also, make sure the laptop isn’t too heavy or too bulky so that it will be easy to carry it along.
- Processor Rating
As earlier mentioned, you don’t need large laptops for streaming videos. Actually, basic processors like Intel Pentium can work well with video streaming. The problem is that they easily get overwhelmed when you multitask.
In that case, an i3 processor would be the most ideal for anyone who wishes to get a fine laptop for streaming.
On the other hand, processors that are above i5 will be quite strong, and they will cost you more cash for no apparent reason. But if you are into gaming and programming activities, an i7 or the new i9 might work well for you.
- Random Access Memory
The random access memory (RAM) allows your computer to open several programs at the same time. Therefore, the more RAM your laptop has, the better your streaming will be.
For basic streaming, 8GB of RAM is enough. All the same, this depends on how many other applications will be running in the background.
Again, when you are streaming more demanding videos, then you will experience some hitches with an 8GB RAM. In that case, getting a laptop with a memory of 16GB will give you some flexibility in using your laptop as you stream.
- Battery Life
When you are the kind that is almost always on the move, then go for laptops you can use for live webcam streaming from any part of the world. In that case, you need a device that is power efficient and one that comes with a strong battery.
You don’t want a battery that will drain in the middle of a meeting or an interview.
Best Streaming Laptops Reviews
Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop
Are you intending to get one of the best laptops for streaming movies and games as well? Well, this one will get you sorted out. Let’s see what it has.
Features
Notably, this Acer gaming laptop features a 7th generation core i7. That means that whether you want to stream movies or games, this device can comfortably handle all that with a lot of ease.
In addition to that, the 64-bit, 6-core processor reaches a processing speed of up to 4.5GHz.
In essence, this gaming laptop comes fitted with 16 GB of Ram. Therefore, your streaming will run smoothly even when you will be multitasking with several programs. In case you need to upgrade the memory; there is an open slot for an easy upgrade.
The full HD display will definitely give you the best pictures available for any movie of live streaming. Notably, the screen has a refresh rate of 144Hz and an overdrive response time of 3ms.
For webcam streaming, this device has an HD camera that makes sure that all your meetings and video calls are crystal clear.
On power efficiency, the Acer Predator Helios 300 gaming laptop has a Lithium-Ion battery that lasts for up to 6 hours.
Pros
- The processor has a high speed
- Comes with 16GB of RA
- The screen has a Full HD resolution
- Its battery can run for up to 6 hours
Cons
- Weighs a total of 5.07 lbs.
Acer Aspire E 15, 15.6” Full HD
For a basic laptop for streaming videos or audio, you can consider Acer Aspire E 15. If you don’t have too many heavy tasks to work on, you can save a few bucks by going for this device.
Features
First, the device comes with a wide display of 15.6” and full HD resolution. Most importantly, it is worth noting that this laptop comes with a Core i3 8th generation processor.
In addition, this device has a 64-bit processor that has a speed of 2.2GHz that can go up to 3.2GHz.
Besides, if you have large files to store, you have no reason to worry. The laptop actually comes with an HDD storage capacity of 1000GB.
The device has built-in stereo speakers and an HD camera to ensure that you have the best experience in streaming videos or conducting virtual meetings.
In case you are not the kind that doesn’t multitask or run heavy programs, the 6GB RAM will be just fine. All the same, you can upgrade that later if the need to do so arises.
Pros
- Features a 1000GB HDD
- Has a wide FHD display
- The processor has a reasonable speed
- Comes with an HD camera
Cons
- Comes with a 6GB RAM
Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop PC
This laptop is an improvement on the first device we looked at in this review. Actually, you will realize that they share a lot. All the same, there are some differences.
Features
The main feature that separates the two devices is that the former features a 7th generation processor while this one features a 9th generation i7 processor. So, if you need one of the best streaming laptops for movies and videos, this laptop will solve your problem.
The other notable disparity is in the digital storage capacity. The 7th generation machine comes with 256GB SSD and an empty slot for hard drive expansion with a 2.5” hard drive. The 9th generation’s device comes with 2 Slots, 1 Slot Open for Easy Upgrades, and 1 Available Hard Drive Bay.
Pros
- It features the latest Intel i7 processor
- Has 2 slots for storage expansion
- It has a wide FHD screen
- Comes with windows 10 home
Cons
- The storage is a bit too small
- The battery only lasts for 6 hours
Final Take
So depending on how much load you expect your laptop to be handling as you stream, getting one of the best laptops for streaming shouldn’t be a big hassle.
All the same, there are some basic requirements that your laptop has to meet to avoid frustrations.
Since you won’t be storing the content in your local drive, then you don’t have to worry much about it.
When shopping for budget laptops for streaming, you only need to be keen on processing speed, ample RAM, a good screen, and a long-lasting battery. Also, a stable network connection is crucial.
So, you don’t need a supercomputer to stream content. An average-performance laptop can do the job. Therefore, make a move today and purchase the one that fits your budget.