Virtualization is a resource-intensive task because you will have to use multiple operating systems on a single piece of hardware.
However, does your laptop have limited capacity and can’t meet the above requirements? It’s time to consider the best laptop for virtual machines.
The laptop models on this list can well support running multiple operating systems, serving your virtualization needs.
In this article, I also cover information about RAM, CPU, capacity, and more. Now, find out the article!
1. Apple MacBook Air
Important Specification
- Screen Size: 13 Inches.
- CPU: Apple M1 Chip.
- Ram Memory: 8GB.
- Hard Disk Size: 256 GB.
Today’s Best Deal: View at Amazon
What We Like
- Powerful integrated M1 chip.
- Impressive battery life.
- Vibrant color retina display.
- Social operating system.
- Super fast memory.
Things To Consider
- No cooling fan.
Product’s highlights
Apple MacBook Air has all the advantages of a virtualized device: mighty processing power and impressive storage memory.
In terms of performance, the Apple M1 chip with 8 cores has brought a real revolution. The MacBook Air M1’s processing speed is 3.5 times higher while still being more energy-efficient.
In terms of storage memory, the product owns 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of hard drive, ensuring to meet the storage needs of even large graphics files. Good storage capacity also helps you to multitask smoothly.
2. ASUS ROG Strix G15
Important Specification
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inches.
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 6800H.
- Ram Memory: 16GB.
- Hard Disk Size: 1 TB.
Today’s Best Deal: View at Amazon
What We Like
- Memory 4800Mhz.
- High refresh rate.
- High-quality keyboard.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card.
- Cool with ROG Intelligent Cooling technology.
Things To Consider
- Battery needs improvement.
Product’s highlights
Virtualization tasks like testing, debugging, and development require your laptop to have a sufficiently large, high-quality display. And ASUS ROG Strix G15 is the product that can meet these needs well.
This laptop model has a screen size of 15”, which is ideal for virtualization work. The manufacturer also equips the screen with advanced Optimus technology, a refresh rate of up to 400 Hz.
Not only impressed with the display, but this laptop model is also a worthy choice for virtualization because of its impressive memory, powerful graphics card, and cooling ability with ROG Intelligent Cooling.
3. MSI Stealth 17 Studio
Important Specification
- Screen Size: 17.3 Inches.
- CPU: Intel Core i9-13900H.
- Ram Memory: 32GB.
- Hard Disk Size: 1 TB.
Today’s Best Deal: View at Amazon
What We Like
- Compact design.
- Versatile connection.
- Battery life is decent.
- 16:9 240Hz QHD display.
- High image performance.
- Exclusive cooling technology Cooler Boost 5.
- High-performance Core i9 processor.
Things To Consider
- Pricey.
- Loud fan noise.
- The speaker volume is not significant.
Product’s highlights
The MSI Stealth 17 Studio is one of the best-performing virtualization laptops available today.
Making the product’s power is the 13th generation Intel Core i9 processor. Combined with that is the exclusive Cooler Boost cooling technology to optimize the device’s performance.
As a result, you have a powerful laptop that easily handles all virtualization tasks.
Powerful laptop models, especially gaming laptops, will have a rather bulky design. However, the Stealth 17 Studio proved otherwise.
This gaming laptop is thin and light enough for you to carry and work anywhere.
4. Lenovo IdeaPad 1
Important Specification
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inches.
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U.
- Ram Memory: 8 GB.
- Hard Disk Size: 512 GB.
Today’s Best Deal: View at Amazon
What We Like
- Slim and lightweight design.
- Battery up to 12 hours.
- Thin screen border, wide viewing angle.
- AMD 5000 series CPU, AMD Radeon 7 GPU.
- Offer 3 performance tuning options.
- Improved mechanical airflow for good heat dissipation.
Things To Consider
- The camera quality is not so good.
Product’s highlights
The best laptops for virtual machines are always high-performance. And the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is no exception.
Lenovo equips this laptop with a responsive AMD 5000 series processor. But high performance is not enough, and this laptop model also has Q-Control, a smart feature that allows users to adjust performance.
In addition, the manufacturer also does not forget to equip an advanced heat dissipation system to ensure that the device always operates at total capacity but is always excellent and quiet.
5. Acer Aspire 5
Important Specification
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inches.
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 3350U.
- Ram Memory: 20 GB.
- Hard Disk Size: 1 TB.
Today’s Best Deal: View at Amazon
What We Like
- Slim design.
- 20 GB of high-bandwidth RAM.
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 3 processor.
- Radeon Vega 6 graphics deliver lifelike visuals.
- Impressive memory capacity for quick file opening.
Things To Consider
- Mediocre battery life.
Product’s highlights
RAM and memory are the most commendable advantages of the Acer Aspire 5. This device owns up to 20GB of RAM with high bandwidth. As a result, you can run multiple programs or even multiple operating systems simultaneously.
Meanwhile, this laptop’s 1TB SSD will give you more storage space and faster file access. You’ll also benefit from this device’s seconds-booting advantage as a virtualization worker.
6. Acer Swift Go
Important Specification
- Screen Size: 14 Inches.
- CPU: Intel Core i7-1355U.
- Ram Memory: 16 GB.
- Hard Disk Size: 512 GB.
Today’s Best Deal: View at Amazon
What We Like
- Enduring.
- Good battery life.
- Various connection ports.
- Convenient multi-touch screen.
- Compact design, high portability.
Things To Consider
- Sound is not so good.
Product’s highlights
The Swift Go is the go-to device and helps you get work done wherever you go. Unlike the previous names, this representative from Acer does not have a potent processor.
Yet, the product is highly portable. With a screen size of 14 inches, good battery life, and lightweight, you can take this laptop with you on your journey.
In addition to impressing with its practical design, this laptop model also possesses a series of commendable features such as a multi-touch screen, diverse connectivity ports, and a keyboard for good typing.
7. CHUWI HeroBook Pro
Important Specification
- Screen Size: 14.1 Inches.
- CPU: Intel Gemini-Lake N4020 Quad Core.
- Ram Memory: 8 GB.
- Hard Disk Size: 256 GB.
Today’s Best Deal: View at Amazon
What We Like
- Lightweight.
- 7 connection ports.
- Large size touchpad.
- 38Wh battery for up to 9 hours of use.
- The Intel Gmini Lake N4020 quad-core processor.
Things To Consider
- The build quality is not so good.
Product’s highlights
In the process of working, you will need to connect to many peripheral devices. And to avoid being limited in the number of supported devices, you should look to laptop models like CHUWI HeroBook Pro.
CHUWI HeroBook Pro has a slim and light design, but not so that the manufacturer removes the number of ports on the product. This model owns up to 7 ports, including essential ports such as USB, HD Mini, and HDMI.
But the impressive advantage of this model does not stop at the number of ports.
The CHUWI HeroBook Pro is also the ideal choice for anyone with virtualization needs because of its powerful processor, impressive memory, and many helpful support features.
8. HP Ultral Light
Important Specification
- Screen Size: 14 Inches.
- CPU: Intel Celeron N4120.
- Ram Memory: 8 GB.
- Hard Disk Size: 192 GB.
Today’s Best Deal: View at Amazon
What We Like
- Lightweight.
- Powerful processor.
- Fast charging technology.
- 64GB eMMC+128GB Micro SD.
- Battery life can be up to 12 hours.
Things To Consider
- Celeron processor is slow.
Product’s highlights
The names on the list of best laptops for virtual machines all have relatively stable battery life. However, the product with the most impressive usage time when not plugged in is the HP Ultral Light.
This laptop model owns a large capacity battery, making it capable of continuous operation for 12 hours.
Besides, the manufacturer is also equipped with fast charging technology, allowing you to use the laptop for 5 hours with only 45 minutes of charging.
The above equipment has made a laptop model that can accompany you throughout the long working day, even with energy-intensive tasks.
9. Acer Aspire 3
Important Specification
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inches.
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 7320U.
- Ram Memory: 8 GB.
- Hard Disk Size: 128 GB.
Today’s Best Deal: View at Amazon
What We Like
- Enduring.
- Affordable price.
- Windows 11 in S Mode.
- Slim and portable design.
- Efficient processor for the price.
Things To Consider
- Limited memory.
Product’s highlights
A laptop model that meets virtualization needs well often has a relatively high price. However, Acer Aspire 3 proved otherwise because only at a reasonably affordable price, this laptop model still meets virtualization tasks.
In terms of processing capabilities, the product owns an AMD Ryzen 3 processor that works quite effectively. In terms of storage capacity, the Aspire 3 uses 128GB NVMe solid-state drive and 8GB LPDDR5 RAM.
The above equipment is not the best, but it is enough to make a laptop model that can meet your work.
10. ASUS Vivobook Pro 15
Important Specification
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inches.
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS.
- Ram Memory: 32GB.
- Hard Disk Size: 1TB.
Today’s Best Deal: View at Amazon
What We Like
- High bandwidth RAM.
- High definition screen.
- AMD Ryzen AI technology
- NVIDIA Geforce RTX 4060 graphics card.
- Large capacity solid-state drive.
- AMD Ryzen 9 Processor 4.0GHz.
Things To Consider
- Full HD (1920 x 1080) display, 144Hz refresh rate.
Product’s highlights
ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 is one laptop model that supports running multiple operating systems to serve the best virtualization.
It can be confirmed above because the product owns 32GB of high-bandwidth RAM and 1TB SSD solid-state drive.
In addition, this ASUS representative also owns an AMD mobile processor, 8 cores & 16 threads, which can meet all your needs from work to play.
The above combination has helped this laptop model have outstanding performance, multitasking ability, and reliable processing. In particular, you can use this laptop model to create many independent virtual machines.
Buying Guide
CPU
The CPU is responsible for processing software operations directly affecting the computer’s working speed.
With resource-intensive work like virtualization, you must ensure your device’s CPU is powerful enough to handle it as quickly as possible.
Your best choice should be an Intel chip from i5 or higher. With processors from AMD, you should consider AMD Ryzen 5 or 7.
GPU
A virtual machine has to handle any graphics needs. To take this heavy work well, the laptop should have a discrete graphics card, such as an Nvidia GPU.
RAM
Whether you run many programs or many different machines at the same time, you need a laptop model with enough RAM.
The more RAM a laptop has, the more impressive the processing speed will be. Yet, considering the budget, you can start with models with at least 4GB of RAM.
FAQs
Can I run a virtual machine on a laptop?
You can virtualize your computer if it meets CPU, RAM, and storage specifications.
Do I need more RAM for virtual machines?
Upgrading RAM will bring a user experience. The more significant the amount of RAM, the smoother all operations with the virtualized workstation will be.
Does a virtual machine slow down your computer?
Virtual machines will consume storage space, which can affect the computer’s processing speed.
Is i3 suitable for a virtual machine?
Devices running i3 are only suitable for light hardware virtualization tools. If you want more complex work, look at laptop models with at least i5 processors.
How many VMs can run on a CPU?
Sixty-four virtual machines are the maximum if you want to take advantage of all the processors.
Conclusion
If I have to pick one product out of these 10 laptops, the Apple MacBook Air will be my perfect choice.
Yet, you also have many other options worth considering. The ASUS ROG Strix G15 has an impressive display, while the MSI Stealth 17 Studio has a strong performance.
What is your option? Hopefully, after reading the list above, you have your answer. Thank you for reading!