For every game developer, a laptop is necessary for creating any game project. It is an essential condition for turning your design ideas into reality.
To provide stable work productivity, you need to find a laptop with the perfect CPU, RAM, and screen quality to meet your fast processing needs.
I will introduce you to the best laptops for game development & game design, so you have more options when looking for your next new laptop!
Our Top Picks
- HP Chromebook 11-inch Laptop – Best for Overall
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 9th – Best for Versatility
- ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED – Best for Images
- Acer Swift 3 Thin & Light Laptop – Best for Performance
- Alienware m15 R4 RTX Gaming Laptop – Best for Storage
- 2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop – Best for Battery Life
- MSI Pulse GL66 Gaming Laptop – Best for Design
- Apple MacBook Air MJVM2LL/A – Best for Budget
- Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14 Laptop – Best for Ease of Use
- Full HD Windows Laptop PC – Best for Keyboard
The 10 candidates below are great laptops with the right specs for your needs. They have high storage capacity and incredible data processing speed.
Scroll gently so as not to miss important information!
1. HP Chromebook 11-inch Laptop – Best for Overall
Important Specifications
- RAM: 4GB
- Hard Drive: 32GB
Product highlights
The HP Chromebook is the perfect model you should consider for an investment. The device’s design and features are great for game development and serve your work optimally.
The device has a solid, modern, and stylish construction and is lightweight, allowing you to move it quickly to different workspaces. The device frame is carefully contoured, ensuring long-term sustainability for the product.
With this device, performance is a specific strength. The device is equipped with 4GB RAM and 32GB hard drive, combined with a new generation processor, allowing it to provide the ability to store and download data quickly.
Support for the operation of the device must include the ability to connect to sensitive wifi. It helps to process work more efficiently.
This device line must mention the battery life. The device can work up to about 16 hours after each charge. Thus, it will not interrupt your work progress.
With the visual performance, I am pretty pleased with the device. It integrates perfect anti-glare to protect the user’s eyes well.
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What we like
- Perfect overall
- Anti-glare screen
- Quick connection
- Ability to process data
- Modern design, personality
Things to consider
- No touch screen
2. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 9th Gen 9 – Best for Versatility
Important Specifications
- RAM: 16GB
- Hard Drive: 512GB
Product highlights
A lightweight laptop will be better for your frequent travel requirements.
For this category, I recommend the Lenovo ThinkPad X1. This device has a neat design, with a weight of only about 2.3 pounds, which is convenient for you to carry everywhere.
This version of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 is much improved compared to previous models. The most typical is in the ability to access and process data.
The laptop is equipped with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB hard drive, allowing to increase the efficiency of accessing, downloading, and storing data for better work. The laptop’s Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor is essential for upgrading the speed of processing multiple data simultaneously.
The keyboard system of the device is to float above the ordinary plane to create a comfortable feeling for the user.
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What we like
- Live sound
- Lasting
- Flexibility
- Large storage space
- Integrated graphics
Things to consider
- Poor camera quality
3. ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED – Best for Smooth Images
Important Specifications
- RAM: 16GB
- Hard Drive: 1TB
Product highlights
Image with a game developer is the most essential. Laptops can create detailed, clear pictures that will help serve design ideas well.
The most typical for this category, it is impossible not to mention the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15. This version is with an ultra-wide 4K screen for a more immersive monitoring experience.
Anti-glare technology is also applied in this product to ensure absolute safety for the user’s vision.
The performance of this product is also excellent. It owns 16GB RAM and ample storage space of up to 1TB, helping increase processing, download, and data storage capacity. At the same time, the arrival of the intel core i7-10870H processor increases the device’s overall power.
Unfortunately, this device is not gentle for your travel requirements. It is relatively heavy and can make it difficult for you during the operation.
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What we like
- Lasting
- Modern design
- Large storage space
- Impressive performance
- Super picture quality
Things to consider
- Great weight
4. Acer Swift 3 Thin & Light Laptop – Best for Performance
Important Specifications
- RAM: 8GB
- Hard Drive: 64GB
Product highlights
If you have to work on poor-performance equipment, your work performance will decrease. Therefore, you must find a laptop powerful enough for basic and advanced work requirements, and the Acer Swift 3 is a prime example.
This device comes to deliver the best performance for game development. The device has 8GB RAM, 64GB hard drive, and AMD Ryzen 7 processor; they are stable for all your desires for speed and efficiency.
The device’s excellent performance is evident through its modern and impressive configuration. The all-metal chassis is sleek, lightweight, and durable to be your all-day companion.
The battery life of the device is also quite good. On average, it can maintain operation for about 7-8 hours after each charge. This duration is enough to satisfy your work. But unfortunately, its sound quality is relatively tiny.
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What we like
- Lasting
- Flexibility
- Long battery life
- Attractive designs
- Perfect working performance
Things to consider
- Small sound
5. Alienware m15 R4 RTX 3070 – Best for Storage Space
Important Specifications
- RAM: 16GB
- Hard Drive: 1TB
Product highlights
Ample storage space allows for storing many different documents and documents at the same time.
Given the demanding nature of game development, it requires a device with stable memory for downloading and saving important documents.
And the Alienware m15 is such a product. This model has up to 1TB of memory, so you can save as much as you like.
16GB RAM and Intel Core i7-10870H processor also help to increase processing speed and access many different websites. M15 is a particular version, much improved in appearance and features compared to previous products.
It has a robust design and personality, but the weight is significant for moving needs. With this device, it stands out by its ability to display colors. The colors in the device are vivid and attractive and can protect the eyes of the user.
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What we like
- 16GB RAM
- Good-looking
- Color visibility
- Large storage space
- Suitable for heavy gaming
Things to consider
- High price
6. Apple MacBook Air Laptop – Best for Battery Life
Important Specifications
- RAM: 8GB
- Hard Drive: 512GB
Product highlights
The Macbook Air is also an excellent idea for game development and design.
In terms of performance, the device proved to be more memorable than other devices in the same collection.
It has 8GB of unified memory, making your entire system faster and more responsive. So, it will better support the performance of your work tasks.
This Macbook version 2020 has a size of 13.3 inches combined with a variety of advanced screen technologies, bringing vivid images with surprising realism.
However, with this Macbook Air 2020, it will be limited to accessing some other applications about coding related to your game development.
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What we like
- Easy to use
- Gorgeous screen
- Large working hours
- Vivid, realistic images
- Fast data processing speed
Things to consider
- Restrict the use of certain apps
7. MSI Pulse GL66 Gaming – Best for Design
Important Specifications
- RAM: 16GB
- Hard Drive: 512GB
Product highlights
Robust design can help inspire the development of your game idea. Featured in this category, I present to you the MSI Pulse GL66 laptop.
This version has a personality with a strong style of a professional gamer. It is suitable for a broad audience, including new and experienced game developers.
The graphics feature in this machine is said to be perfect. It is powered by NVIDIA Geforce, allowing the most popular games to be played today.
This device also epitomizes admirable data processing power. The machine owns the latest generation intel core i7 processor, which helps provide high performance to handle the desired task quickly.
But its camera quality disappointed me quite a bit. It’s dimmer than I imagined.
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What we like
- Strong Design
- Cool and strong
- Visual performance
- Impressive custom keys
- Special graphic features
Things to consider
- Poor camera quality
8. Apple MacBook Air MJVM2LL/A – Best for Budget
Important Specifications
- RAM: 4GB
- Hard Drive: 128GB
Product highlights
If you are looking for a laptop for game development with an impressive budget, then the Apple MacBook is a perfect offer for you. Compared to previous devices, this version has a stable price and is suitable for many users.
In this device, the configuration is the highlight to help attract users’ attention.
The machine has a slim, sophisticated design with elegant colors, helping to increase the inspiration for your work. This device is also highly light for you to conveniently move to many different workspaces.
Regarding workability, the machine is perfect and can provide fast data processing speed. This feature is thanks to the intel core i5 processor and 128GB hard drive integrated into the device.
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What we like
- Image quality
- Gentle, delicate
- Reasonable price
- Fast data processing
- Impressive configuration
Things to consider
- Poor battery life
9. Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14″ Laptop – Best for Ease of Use
Important Specifications
- RAM: 4GB
- Hard Drive: 64GB
Product highlights
For starters, operating a laptop for game development can be challenging.
To solve that worry, you can choose Lenovo Ideapad 14, and this version is designed specifically for beginners to help them adapt faster to work.
Besides, the device has also successfully acquired most global customers because of its versatile and flexible structure. This device has a compact design and is lightweight, allowing you to take it anywhere you like.
With typical data processing speed and storage space features, the machine is ideal for your game development. And it is the perfect investment you need to consider.
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What we like
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Attractive sound
- Reasonable price
- Super quality pictures
Things to consider
- Not sustainable
10. Full HD Windows Laptop PC – Best for keyboard
Important Specifications
- RAM: 4GB
- Hard Drive: 32GB
Product highlights
You need to find a laptop with a high-quality keyboard to make it more convenient for game development.
It will help a lot with your design activities and ideas. In this respect, the Full HD Windows version is the best offer. The keyboard is flexible, slightly higher than the surface, making it easier and more comfortable to press.
This laptop is also the perfect proposition for immersive sound quality. State-of-the-art built-in speakers enable great sound to make your work experience more immersive.
Not only that, but it is also highly light for you to carry around in all different work situations.
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What we like
- Flexibility
- Screen size
- Long battery life
- High-quality sound
- Comfortable keyboard
Things to consider
- Not suitable for solid games
Buying Guides
For game application development, laptops will have higher configuration and memory requirements than regular laptops.
Here is a detailed buying guide that you should refer to.
CPU
CPU is an essential and decisive factor in the ability to process data and operate game development software.
Choosing devices with Intel core processors is necessary because they can provide the best performance and experience for your work.
Besides Intel core, the AMD processor is also ideal for game development. If using other processors, it may be weak and not able to meet your requirements.
RAM
The more RAM a laptop has, the faster it runs and the more efficiently it handles tasks. With requirements for game development, you need a device with enough RAM, at least 8GB. If you have enough budget, a laptop with 16GB RAM is an excellent proposition for your work.
Memory type
The type of memory you get in your laptop will accurately reflect the operating speed for developing each game project. There are two types of memory, HDD and SSD. So should you choose HDD or SSD?
It is advisable to look for a laptop equipped with an SSD, as it is guaranteed to provide stable data processing performance for game development. With HDD, it is weaker and can interrupt your work.
Screen
Monitors for a game developer are also vital. The laptop screen you choose must have a high resolution to track details in the game accurately. 1920×1080 full HD resolution can be the ideal and perfect suggestion for your work.
Screen size is also essential to facilitate game development ideas. And you need a big screen to make it easier to view images.
FAQs
Is a gaming laptop good for game development?
Gaming PCs are usually with powerful processors and RAM with ideal performance. Of course, it is also suitable for perfect game development.
How much RAM do I need for game development?
You need a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM for game application development. Using 4GB RAM might also work, but it’s not smooth and fast.
If you want to process your work tasks quickly, a device with 16GB RAM is more than ideal.
Do you need a powerful PC for game development?
The short answer is yes. A new powerful enough laptop can help you operate smoothly for your work requirements.
Do I need a high-end PC for coding?
Writing code is a complex task with high laptop performance requirements. Specifically, your laptop needs at least 8GB RAM and 128GB CPU to be favorable for writing code.
Which is better for coding, PC or laptop?
Notebooks are better for your coding work. It ensures the faster running of specialized software for coding than desktop laptops.
Conclusion
The 10 laptops above are the perfect products for your usage requirements. Each product will bring a typical feature to your work. From my experience, the HP Chromebook 11-inch Laptop, Acer Swift 3 Thin, and MSI Pulse GL66 Gaming Laptop are the ideal suggestions for creating attractive game versions.