The 5 Best Desktop Replacement Laptops Reviewed
High-performance laptops are a very popular purchase for many users, but when it comes to the PC, it can be hard to match the same performance and customization that a desktop can offer. With that being said, there are still plenty of laptops out there that are certainly doing their best to match the levels of performance that a desktop PC can provide.
So if you’re looking for desktop-grade performance when it comes to your laptop, then here are some of the best desktop replacement laptops available to buy.
Best Desktop Replacement Laptops
1. Dell XPS 15
Searching for a laptop that offers desktop-capabilities can be difficult to find, but the Dell XPS 15 might be just what you’re looking for. This device helps to provide those desktop qualities you’re looking for, whether it’s the 9th Generation Intel Core i7-9750h processor to the 1TB PCle SSD. These high-specs make it very fast as well as providing the large storage capacity for those who need it. The 15.6” 4K UHD screen comes with anti-reflective touch and packs a powerful visual punch that can help with viewing 3D designs you’ve created or simply for watching movies on.
At this price point, it’s one that really provides a lot of those desktop qualities but as a portable laptop. It is slightly heavier and larger in dimensions than most laptops, which is something to factor if you’re one to take your laptop everywhere with you. A backlit keyboard is great for use in the evening, and the fingerprint reader offers that extra degree of security. The battery life is pretty substantial, and thunderbolt connectivity is helpful for connecting your external devices.
This laptop is a popular one for software developers thanks to the good battery life, visuals, and the overall performance. You’re getting a good quality laptop for the price and a sleek design to top it off.
- 15.6" 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) InfinityEdge anti-reflective touch IPS 100% a do be RGB 500-nits display
- 9th Generation Intel Core i7-9750h (12MB Cache, up to 4. 5 GHz, 6 Cores)
- 16GB DDR4-2666MHz, 2x8G
- 1TB PCIe SSD
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR5
2. Apple MacBook Pro
One of the most powerful notebooks every made, the Apple Macbook Pro, is certainly one that offers a lot when it comes to a desktop replacement laptop. With up to eleven hours of battery life, this is quite a substantial amount that is quite rare when it comes to laptops. Nothing is going to be quite like having your computer plugged into the mains, but the Apple Macbook Pro will surely give you a great period of time to use it before it needs charging again. It makes for a great desktop replacement laptop to take to those all-day conferences or for working on the go during those long commutes. With 16-inch Retina Display, you’re getting a lot to look at. The ultrafast SSD and Intel UHD Graphics 630 make for a combination that will certainly provide a compact experience of your desktop computer.
One of the loved features with this model is the Touch Bar and Touch ID, allowing you to adjust the settings of your computer easily with your fingers. The Touch ID can help you log in to your computer, adding that extra level of security when leaving it out in view.
The six-speaker system with force-canceling woofers is a powerful feature that is likely going to sound very impressive, especially as it’s coming from a laptop. With a staggering four Thunderbolt 3 ports, this offers a lot in comparison to others. As far as Apple products go, the Macbook Pro line tends to have a good shelf-life too, so the investment is a financial one that’s worth making. The Apple Macbook Pro is a must for most who love the brand itself but can also be a great desktop replacement for those who’re looking for one.
- Ninth-generation 8-Core Intel Core i9 Processor
- Stunning 16-inch Retina Display with True Tone technology
- Touch Bar and Touch ID
- AMD Radeon Pro 5500M Graphics with GDDR6 memory
- Ultrafast SSD
3. ASUS ZenBook Pro 15
The ASUS brand is a popular one when it comes to their ZenBooks. The sleek design and slim dimensions make them one of the best portable laptops on the market. The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 has an 83% screen to body ratio, taking full advantage of the screen size and offering only a small amount of bezel. The adaptive screen pad design means you can extend your screen to show more than just the one viewing option. Like a desktop computer, this ZenBook Pro 15 certainly offers more visual elements that make it ideal as a desktop replacement. The intelligent touchpad is unlike any other touchpad and is one that you can use as a secondary screen if needed.
The 4K UHD makes it great for watching videos or editing photos, whatever you intend to use it for. ASUS is known for being pretty quick when it comes to charging and can charge to 60% in just 49 minutes. It, therefore, makes it a great option for those who are busy and on the go, needing a battery that charges quickly. A built-in fingerprint sensor helps provide that extra layer of security as well as the one-touch login for ease of access.
You’re getting some great specifications in return for the price, and again, like many of the ASUS laptops, the design is futuristic and attractive. This is a great laptop for those who like to do a bit of everything, whether that’s gaming, coding, playing music, or simply browsing the internet. It’s a unique laptop that offers a lot more than most and provides the flexibility that a desktop computer cannot.
- Adaptive ScreenPad design: Create shortcuts to launch your favorite apps with a single tap
- Adaptive ScreenPad design: Extend your screen on ScreenPad for more viewing options
- Latest Intel 8th Gen Core i9-8950HK Processor (12M Cache, Turbo up to 4.8 GHz)
- 15.6” UHD 4K touch display with factory-calibrated color accuracy validated by PANTONE, 83% Screen to body ratio NanoEdge bezel for more display and less bezel
- Seamless 4K video playback, photo editing and more with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4GB
4. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme
For a smaller laptop, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme lives up to its name, From it’s ease of portability to the power behind it, it’s a great laptop for those who want to a VR/MR experience to intensive gaming. A lot of laptops may struggle to meet the demands of modern-day gaming and for many, the desktop option is the likelier choice. However, when you’re a gamer who wants a portable option for on the go gaming, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme should be a contender on your list. The ThinkpadX1 has a powerful Intel Core i7 (8th Gen) 8750H processor and offers amazing graphics to boot. Along with 512 GB – M.2 SSD, it also has a great amount of memory space, which is ideal for those who enjoy gaming across many platforms.
It has Windows 10 Pro, so can also provide a suitable experience for those wanting a high-performance computer for business requirements or working as a student. The 15.6” LED and full HD screen, it’s a sizeable display that will provide great visuals similar to what you’d get on a desktop screen. As well as being high-spec, it’s also lightweight and has a great battery life too. The battery life is certainly a must-have for those wanting to use it as a gaming laptop.
The one drawback is that it can overheat, and when you’re running programs or games for a while, this is likely to happen regularly. It’s something to consider when it comes to purchasing, and perhaps a cooling pad might be necessary to ensure it’s shelf life lasts as long as possible.
- Intel Core i7 (8th Gen) 8750H / 2.2 GHz (4.1 GHz) / 9 MB Cache
- Win 10 Pro 64-bit
- 512 GB - M.2 SSD TCG Opal Encryption 2, NVMe
- 15.6" LED backlight 1920 x 1080 / Full HD
- AC Adapter: 135 W, Supported Docking: ThinkPad Thunderbolt Workstation Dock (sold separately)
5. Razer Blade 15
If you’re looking for a desktop replacement laptop that has been built for gaming, then this is it. It’s the perfect display for playing is provided thanks to its 144 Hz refresh rate and edge-to-edge 100% sRGB, factory-calibrated matte screen. As well as it’s visuals, the laptop also comes with Thunderbolt 3 capability and allows for dual-channel memory and SSD upgradability. These are essential features when it comes to those who are looking for a gaming laptop alternative.
With biometric security, keep your laptop safe, thanks to the Windows Hello Instant Facial Unlock feature. Picking out the right gaming laptop can be important, and this one certainly has the high specs needed for all types of gaming. It has a similar design and feel to Apple’s Macbook Pro but in a matte black. The screen offers a lot of vibrancy, and the colors themselves are vivid, which is essential for gaming experience. The computer’s lighting is also highly customizable, which can help give your laptop that added element of flare.
This is a great option for those who simply don’t want a desktop computer and instead need something portable in the form of a laptop. Whether it’s due to minimizing the amount of space in your home or preferring to game on the go, this laptop allows you to game anywhere and everywhere you want. Appearance can matter too, which is why this laptop is sure to turn a few heads when out in public.
The experience of gaming isn’t just about the game itself but also the device on which you’re playing it. The Razor Blade 15 certainly offers the whole experience in all of its features. From the ease of using Windows Hello instant facial unlocker to the design of the laptop itself, it’s certainly been built to provide the ultimate in gaming experience.
- Zero-compromise powerhouse: Built for gaming and creative work in a 0.7" thin CNC aluminum unibody with high-performance, vapor chamber cooling
- Futureproof design: Thunderbolt 3 capable, compatible with Razer Core external GPU enclosures for additional power; supports dual-channel memory and SSD upgradability
- Perfect display for work or play: An edge-to-edge, 100% sRGB, factory-calibrated matte screen with a 144 Hz refresh rate offers the best experience for intense gaming sessions or content creation
- Biometric security: Supports Windows Hello instant facial unlock with integrated webcam and IR sensor
- Customizable RGB individual key lighting: Includes 16.8 million colors available with multiple preset profiles
Laptop vs. Desktop
While laptops are typically not as powerful as desktops, they do have advantages. For a discussion about the pros and cons of each platform, watch this video:
Conclusion
Nothing could ever replace a desktop computer, but some of these come pretty close to the mark. Whether you’re needing it for work or play, one of these is sure to provide you the desktop experience that you’re looking for.