The internet has gone through many stages in its lifetime thus far. One of the biggest shifts on the internet was when content started being more readily available to stream, and one of the pioneers has evolved to be almost unrecognizable from its early days; Netflix.
Founded in 1997 as a business which rented DVDs by mail (no, seriously, it's true) has now evolved to be one of the most recognizable brands and streaming platforms around. Netflix streams blockbuster movies, TV shows, documentaries, comedy specials and even self-funded productions like 13 Reasons Why, Stranger Things and The Queen's Gambit to name a few. In short, one of the best things to happen since sliced bread.
Watching movies has never been as easy as it is in 2021, that's for sure. But to fully enjoy your experience streaming and binge-watching your favorite shows over and over and over again, you're going to need the best laptop for streaming Netflix.
The best laptop for Netflix would house some distinct features that would help to elevate the entertainment experience on the laptop. But the laptop itself isn't going to be the only factor in the best experience watching movies. One major factor in this is your internet connection. What type of account you have, how much broadband speed you have and what router you've got hooked up for your internet all play a role in your streaming experience. Essentially, you've got to have a good internet connection to fully immerse yourself in one of Netflix's universes.
Internet Connection
One of the buffers between you and the very best resolution and quality while you stream video content is your internet connection. More often than not, you're going to lower the resolution on a YouTube video just so you don't face buffer and load times. Even I, who recently upgraded my broadband plan from 30Mbp/s to 1Gbp/s still face buffering sometimes. Rarely, but it does happen. Faster download and upload speeds on your home/office WiFi will change the way you consume content. With a higher broadband speed, streaming Netflix or YouTube videos at higher resolutions is much more seamless.
Resolution
Netflix does automatically adjust resolution and shows content in the best quality when it can. This also relates to your subscription as they have tiered options which provide up to 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) resolution content. Keep in mind, not all shows take advantage of their highest resolutions, so depending on your plan you might not have access to the best quality. If you were serious about your Netflix's extensive collection of shows and films, you're probably on this plan already but if not, you'll be relegated to HD and FHD resolutions. Still great looking content, but just not as crisp and clear as it could be.
Speaking about the 4K UHD resolution streaming, another important factor is actually having a 4K UHD capable display. Seems pretty obvious, but there are still people today out there that don't realize; just because your streaming platform has up to 4K resolution (or above), does not mean you're fully taking advantage of the resolution. If you're watching 4K content on a 1920 x 1080 (FHD) display, you're seeing greater detail and clarity than you would on a normal 1080p video on the same screen.
But it is not the same as watching 4K content on a 4K display. 1920 x 1080 is considered Full-High Definition (FHD), and what happens when you watch 4K content on a FHD display on a laptop, it's actually down-converting the content to fit on the limited 1080p resolution. Not many will notice the difference, but there is a big one when you truly see and appreciate the detail.
Router
Another important part of your internet connection is what router is powering all your internet connected devices. Setting up a new router other than the rented unit from your internet service provider (ISP) is relatively simple and can greatly enhance connectivity and streaming Netflix. If you've noticed slower internet speeds due to how far the router is from your room, your router might not be well optimized for Netflix streaming.
There are a number of options for various uses such as gaming, productivity, larger range, and much more. Your best bet is to get a router with the highest AC rating (e.g AC1750, AC3200) and more than four antennas to boost your internet range. You can also consider dual-band capable routers with a 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels. 5GHz will give you the best speed with your ISP connection, while 2.4GHz provides lower speeds at much better range.
Taking all these internet aspects into consideration, now we can move on to what the best laptop for watching Netflix really is. While there are no inherent requirements to stream, we'll have to consider other features to discern what the best laptops for Netflix should be equipped with. Your WiFi connection provides a solid base for Netflix, but to get the most out of streaming Netflix, here's some features you've got to look out for on your streaming laptop.
The Important Stuff
Netflix being a streaming platform means almost any internet connected device you can get your hands on will be able to use it. From laptops, to Smart TVs, smartphones, gaming consoles, tablets, and one day probably your fridge and even car. That being said, your laptop is arguably one of the most important devices in your arsenal right now. It's the most flexible and versatile, being capable of writing reports, browsing the internet, streaming content, to even playing games.
Having a good laptop will always be a good investment.
It's that integral in day-to-day life in an always connected, modern world. In essence, if your laptop is going to be used predominantly as your media hub, you're going to need it to be powerful enough and pretty enough to be fully satisfied with your streaming experience.
Now, we'll take a look at some of these features you're going to need to get the best out of Netflix.
Screen Size & Display
Obviously enough, to be the best laptop for streaming Netflix, it's going to have a gorgeous display. As a base, we should consider a Full HD display as that is the base of a lot of video content online nowadays. But as Netflix provides up to 4K UHD resolution content, a better display with a 4K resolution will make content pop even more so. There are factors to deciding this such as, is a 4K display laptop in your budget? Do you plan on getting the UHD subscription plan from Netflix?
Depending on your answer, your requirements for the best laptop for streaming Netflix might change. While 4K displays are great for streaming on a laptop, it's not the industry norm as of now. 4K UHD panels aren't as widely available and comes at a much higher price point. Some brands also include upgrades from HD or FHD displays to 4K UHD so you do have options but in my opinion, the price-to-value ratio on solely a screen upgrade isn't great.
As mentioned earlier, watching movies in a 4K resolution still looks great on a FHD screen. But it truly depends on what's in your budget and if you're willing to spend the cash for it.
The screen size though, is a lesser factor to consider but for the best laptops for Netflix we should aim to keep it at 14- 15.6 inches. A bigger screen isn't necessary to watch some videos, but it does make the experience much more immersive. Though a bigger display might mean sacrificing a sleek form factor, and might make it a heavier, less portable laptop. Something to consider based on your preferences.
Battery Life
Battery life is a very important factor when you're looking for the best laptops for Netflix. Mainly because how much battery life you have, equals to how much video content you can consume on a single charge. Laptops with longer battery life will add value not only to when you're streaming Netflix shows, but it will also add value to the laptop as a whole. More battery life also equals to not having to lug a heavy charger around, which is very welcome.
A good battery is often overlooked, but once you use a laptop with a solid battery life, you won't go back. Most laptops will advertise their battery life by how many hours it can last, so we'll be using that to compare the best Netflix laptop for you.
Speakers & Audio
Your audio experience greatly adds to how immersive a movie or TV show is on your laptop. You can use all laptops to watch movies, but the best laptops will have solid speakers to greatly enhance the experience. Many laptop brands in the industry now collaborate with audio experts to implement their speakers in the laptop. Some of the brands, like JBL, Harman/Kardon, Beats, B&O utilize their speakers and audio technology into laptops which makes for better sounding speakers.
This could mean deeper bass, clearer sound, and you're less likely to hear shrill sounds and audio distorting at higher volumes. Great speakers truly adds so much when you're watching movies or listening to music. It's another overlooked feature which I think is integral to the media experience on a laptop. That being said, we're going to try to include as many media powerhouses as we can on the list, so be sure to consider what you're looking for in a laptop as the list goes on.
Processor & Memory
While these are not defining features to your streaming experience, they are an important part to consider for laptops. Having a powerful enough processor and enough RAM will ensure your apps running as smooth as possible. Not having enough RAM or a lower powered processor might impede on the streaming platform by causing lag, slow loading times, and other issues.
All laptops on the list will cover these basic requirements, so no need to fret. But as a general rule for laptops, consider at least the latest processor Intel has to offer such as; Intel Core i5, Intel Core i3, Intel Celeron, or AMD equivalent processor. Intel's latest 11th or 10th gen processor will do the trick, so we'll keep our eye out on that.
Another consideration is the RAM (Random Access Memory). How much memory you have on your laptop will dictate how fast programs and apps start up, multitasking, opening apps, and more. Having at the very least a base of 4GB RAM should be more than sufficient for streaming Netflix.
Now that we've taken a look at what the best laptops for Netflix should have, let's get straight into the list!
Top 5 Best Laptops for Netflix Streaming
1. HP Pavilion x360 2 in 1 Laptop
The latest HP Pavilion x360 is a solid choice for your dedicated Netflix streaming laptop. It comes with a capable 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display with a touch screen and 2 in 1 laptop functionality. This means that the HP Pavilion x360 is capable of converting into four various modes. You can use it in the normal laptop mode, stand mode, tent mode, and tablet mode which makes for a more versatile laptop.
A 2 in 1 laptop also gives you the option to use a stylus for drawing and taking notes on the touch screen, so if that's something that appeals to you this laptop is for you.
It also comes with the 10th Generation Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor, 8GB SDRAM and 512GB SSD which is sufficient for most tasks. This makes the HP Pavilion x360 more than powerful enough to handle your Netflix streaming needs. For the battery, the HP Pavilion can last you up to 9 hours, but it comes with HP's fast charge, which gets the laptop 0 to 50% charge in a quick 45 minutes. For their audio, HP has partnered with Bang & Olufson (B&O) to implement their speakers which adds to the entertainment value the laptop adds. The laptop also comes with HP audio boost, which when paired with the B&O speakers make for solid richer sound through the dual speaker setup.
All in all, a great contender in the running for the best laptops for streaming Netflix.
2. Acer Aspire 1
If you were looking for a more budget conscious Netflix capable laptop, the Acer Aspire 1 could be the one for you. Even with the lower price point, the Acer Aspire 1 comes with a 15.6-inch Full HD display which is a pretty hefty screen for Netflix streaming. Powering the laptop is a Intel Celeron N4020 Dual-Core Processor and 4GB DDR4 RAM making for passable performance. The processor 'Intel Celeron' isn't their flagship processor, but still makes for swift performance light users. For general browsing and watching Netflix, the Acer Aspire 1 is well equipped for the task.
I just wouldn't play any graphically intensive games.
Speaking of games, the Acer Aspire 1 comes with a Intel UHD Graphics 600 graphics card, and 64GB of HDD storage. So yeah, like I said, the laptop truly isn't built for gaming with a relatively weak Intel UHD graphics card, and so little storage. But for the money, the package as a whole is very enticing and is more than capable of handling all your Netflix streaming needs.
Another notable feature of the laptop is the battery life. Acer claims the laptop can get up to 10 hours of battery life which for the money, is a steal. Paired with a relatively compact form factor of 14.31 x 9.86 x 0.78 inches, you've got a slim and portable laptop. Not much more you can ask for to get some binge-watching done.
3. Lenovo Yoga C740
The Lenovo Yoga C740 is a great option for those looking for an affordable 2 in 1 laptop. The laptop has a 360° flip-and-fold design to change up how you use the 14-inch Full HD LED widescreen. I'm not entirely sure what I'd fold the laptop for, but I could see it being useful for kids to watch some cartoons or as a tablet on a flat table. But just having a 2 in 1 laptop makes you feel like you're getting more for your money, so I'm into it for now.
Powering the laptop is a 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10210U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a speedy 256GB SSD. One of the latest generations of Intel Core i5 processors, memory, storage, FHD screen, and 2 in 1 functionality comes together for a very attractive package and with a lot of flexibility. See what I did there?
Other standout features of the Yoga C740 include the backlit keyboard, built-in fingerprint reader and up to a staggering 13 hours of battery life. The laptop also comes in at 12.7 x 8.4 x 0.7 inches dimensions, and weighs in at only 3.09 pounds making it the lightest laptop on the list. For the price, the Lenovo Yoga C740 is truly a remarkable deal with enough power to get you through the day, and some.
4. ASUS VivoBook S15
If you wanted a little more power for your buck, the ASUS VivoBook S15 comes with that and all in a thin, lightweight laptop. It houses a 15.6" Full HD NanoEdge display that measures in with a 87% screen-to-body ratio which gets the most screen size without a old fashioned intrusive frame around it. Powering the laptop is a Intel Core i7-10510U processor, 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a generous 256GB SSD + 1TB of storage.
That Intel Core i7 combo with that much RAM and 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD storage is more than you could ever need. Especially for streaming movies and browsing through your socials.
Other notable feature of ASUS's lineup of lightweight laptops is the uncompromising connectivity. The laptop comes with a number of ports including a USB-Type C, USB 3.1 Type-A, USB 2.0 and HDMI. This is great as the laptop gives you more options, especially with the USB-Type C port. Mainly because Type-C ports are highly versatile and can be used for transferring data or charging other USB Type-C devices.
The laptop clocks in with up to 8 hours of battery life and has a reasonably fast charge which can get you up to 60% in just 49 minutes. Even with all this power under the hood, the ASUS VivoBook S15 measures in at just 14.1 x 9.1 x 0.7 inches making it a relatively compact, lightweight package compared with some of the other laptops on the list. It does come with a higher price tag, but is still quite affordable so it's a top contender for the best laptop for streaming Netflix.
5. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is another great budget laptop for those looking for a sufficiently powered laptop for Netflix. It comes with a 15.6-inch screen size in HD resolution which leaves a lot to be desired, but considering the price point it's still a good screen. Keep in mind that a HD screen will actually mean better battery life as the screen isn't as demanding as compared to a 4K or FHD screen.
It also comes with the 10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. Some respectable power here as the 10th Gen Intel Core i3 is one of the latest processors from Intel, making it a little more future proof and less prone to slowing down. This laptop looks to be truly built for the bare minimums, but the minimum here will serve light users well. If you needed something to get some work done, watch some videos and do some online shopping, then the IdeaPad 3 is right down your alley.
The laptop also houses an Intel UHD Graphics card which should get you through most day-to-day tasks. Again, this isn't the most powerful laptop around but for those on a budget it could be worthwhile to check out. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 measures in at 14.26 x 9.98 x 0.78 inches and weighs 3.9 pounds making it a relatively lightweight laptop. All in all, for the money, the IdeaPad 3 is well worth the money for a good processor, some fast storage, and a big memory capacity.
Conclusion
Now that we've seen some of the best laptops around, it's time to declare the winner as the best laptop for streaming Netflix. All the laptops on the list will run Netflix and provide a great viewing and entertainment experience. But that doesn't change the fact we need a champion from among all these great laptops.
After a hard fought battle, the Lenovo Yoga C740 emerges as the best laptop for all your Netflix needs.
When you look at the whole package, and what you're getting with it for the price, the Lenovo Yoga C740's appeal is undeniable. The stellar look, power, 2 in 1 functionality, and features all packed into a compact design.
In all aspects the Yoga C74o comes out with a win as the entirety of the laptop is well rounded and gives the consumer a lot of options for everyday use. More is always better, and the Lenovo Yoga C740 knows it.
