For many users, a 15-inch screen is the ideal size for a laptop. This is a size where you can still strike a great balance of portability and real estate. Most 17-inch laptops tend to be heavy, and 13-inch laptops just don't give you as much screen size to comfortably multitask.
In 2023, it seems like many of the best laptops on the market have started shifting to taller, slightly larger screens, so 15-inch laptops are actually a lot less common than they used to be. However, there are still some fantastic choices out there for all kinds of people. Take a look below to check out some of the best 15-inch laptops you can buy right now.
Our top 15-inch laptops in 2023
Dell XPS 15 (2023)
Powerful performance in a compact chassis
The Dell XPS 15 (2023) model brings some modest improvements over the previous generation. It has options for Intel's newest 13th-generation CPUs and the latest Nvidia RTX 40-series graphics cards. All of that is packed into the same sleek and light package with the option for an OLED display.
- Fast 13th-generation Intel Core processors and discrete graphics
- Up to a beautiful 3.5K OLED display
- Compact chassis considering the specs
- Design is a little long in the tooth
- 720p webcam
The Dell XPS 15 has long been one of the best 15-inch laptops on the market, and that holds true to this day with the 2023 model.
It starts with powerful performance, handled by 13th-generation Intel Core processors up to a Core i9-13900H with 14 cores and 20 threads. That's paired with discrete graphics, starting with an Intel Arc A370M and up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, a big performance bump over the previous model, making it even better for content creators. You can also configure the laptop with a whopping 64GB of RAM and a 4TB SSD.
Similarly, the display is phenomenal, being a 15.6-inch panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio. The base model is an IPS panel with Full HD+ resolution, and it's already fantastic, but you can also upgrade to a 3.5K OLED panel. This one is even more vibrant and sharper, with deep blacks thanks to the OLED technology. This configuration also supports touch. Unfortunately, the laptop also sticks with a lower-quality 720p webcam, which supports Windows Hello. Dell is one of the few companies still using 720p cameras in its premium laptops.
Despite the powerful specs, the Dell XPS 15 is surprisingly thin, at 18mm, and it weighs 4.21 pounds, which is very reasonable for a laptop of this size with this kind of performance. It looks just the same as last year, with a silver exterior and a black carbon fiber palm rest. For ports, you get three USB-C connections (two supporting Thunderbolt 4), along with a headphone jack and an SD card reader. It also comes with a USB-C adapter that gives you a USB Type-A port and HDMI, if you need it.
While it's not a perfect laptop, the Dell XPS 15 continues to be an extremely impressive machine, even with little changes being made each year.
Razer Blade 15 (2023)
A surprisingly thin gaming laptop with a lot of power
The 2023 Razer Blade 15 comes with 13th-generation Intel Core H-series processors and up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics, making for a powerful gaming laptop in a relatively sleek chassis. It also has a Quad HD display with a 240Hz refresh rate, which is ideal for gaming.
- Up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 with 110W of power
- Quad HD display with 240Hz refresh rate and 100% DCI-P3
- 1080p webcam with Windows Hello
- Not as powerful as larger gaming laptops
- Somewhat expensive
Gaming laptops have largely switched to the larger 16-inch form factor for 2023, but the iconic Razer Blade 15 stands strong, and it's more powerful than ever before.
This iteration of the Blade 15 comes with 13th-generation Intel Core processors, up to a Core i9-13900H, with 14 cores and 20 threads, giving you powerful performance for gaming and content creation. It also comes with up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU with 110W of power, so any modern game should run smoothly on this machine. Specs are rounded out with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, both of which can be upgraded.
There's also a great display on the Razer Blade 15. It's a 15.6-inch panel with a 16:9 aspect ratio, and it comes in Quad HD resolution, so it's plenty sharp. That's combined with a 240Hz refresh rate to make for a fantastic gaming experience. The screen even covers 100% of DCI-P3, so it's great for content creators, too. And the Razer Blade 15 was one of the first gaming laptops to have a 1080p webcam with Windows Hello support, which is still available today. Razer didn't skimp out on anything.
Even the design is impressive. Despite the powerful specs, the Razer Blade 15 comes in at just under 17mm thick, and it weighs 4.4 pounds, which really isn't that heavy for this kind of laptop. It looks sleek and clean with the all-black design, too, and only the keyboard has some subtle RGB lighting. And for connectivity, you get two Thunderbolt 4 ports, three USB Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, a headphone jack, and a full-size SD card reader.
Starting at $2,500, the Razer Blade 15 may seem expensive, but frankly, not a lot of laptops offer everything Razer packed in here, so the price is somewhat justified. The combination of performance, sleekness, and other high-end features make this an easy recommendation if you can afford it.
HP EliteBook 650 G10
A subdued, customizable laptop for business
The HP EliteBook 650 G10 is a capable business laptop with a ton of configuration options available, including 13th-generation Intel Core U- and P-series processors, a Full HD display, and up to a 5MP webcam. It also has optional LTE connectivity.
- 13th-gen Intel Core U- or P-series processors
- Optional 5MP webcam with Windows Hello
- Wide range of configuration options
- A little expensive, especially with build-to-order configurations
- No option for 5G support
- Base model includes a 720p camera
As with most categories, business laptops have also been moving to taller aspect ratios like 16:10 and larger sizes. If you want a 15-inch panel, though, the HP EliterBook 650 is still a fantastic choice.
This is an Intel-powered model, featuring 13th-generation processors up to a Core i7-1370P or a Core i7-1365U, depending on what you prefer. The P-series models give you higher performance, with up to 14 cores and 20 threads, but they have worse battery life. The U-series only goes up to 10 cores and 12 threads, but battery life is bound to be better, and performance is still good enough for most use cases. Some U-series models include Nvidia GeForce RTX 2050 graphics to provide a bit more power in GPU-intensive tasks. Aside from that, you can configure the laptop with up to 64GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD.
The display is a 15.6-inch panel, and it comes in a typical 16:9 aspect ratio and Full HD resolution. You can't go higher than that, but there are options like touch support or a brighter panel, which is useful for outdoor use. The base model also includes a 720p webcam, and you can add Windows Hello support or spring for the much better 5MP camera if video meetings are common for you.
Like all HP business laptops, the HP EliteBook 650 G10 comes in silver, and it looks as subdued and boring as you'd expect. At 3.94 pounds, it's not exceptionally light, either. One thing it does get right is connectivity, with a lot of ports including two USB-C connections (one with Thunderbolt 4), two USB Type-A ports, HDMI, RJ45 Ethernet, and a headphone jack. The laptop can also be configured with LTE support, which adds a nano-SIM slot.
It's not a particularly fancy laptop, but the HP EliteBook 650 G10 nails all the basics for a business user, and it's not overly expensive like many higher-end business laptops are. Build-to-order configurations are still a bit pricey, but discounts should start showing up soon.
LG Gram SuperSlim
Extremely thin and light, but still capable
The LG Gram SuperSlim lives up to the name, at around 11mm of thickness and just 2.18 pounds of weight. It still packs a powerful Intel processor and a beautiful OLED display, though, and it's a delight to use.
- Just 11mm thin and under 1kg in weight
- Beautiful OLED display with 100% DCI-P3
- 1080p webcam with Windows Hello
- Not a lot of ports due to the thinness
- Magnesium build may not feel as premium
LG has been making ultralight laptops for years, but the Gram SuperSlim goes further and gives us a laptop that's not only extremely thin but is still powerful enough for most people.
On the performance front, we're looking at an Intel Core i7-1360P with 12 cores and 16 threads, which is plenty fast for all kinds of day-to-day tasks. It can also be configured with up to 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD, which is more than anyone should need.
One of the highlights of the LG Gram SuperSlim is its display. Not so much for the resolution; this is a 15.6-inch Full HD panel with a 16:9 aspect ratio, which isn't all that special these days. However, it is an OLED panel, which means colors look vibrant and blacks look deep, making for a fantastic viewing experience. The webcam is also great: a 1080p camera with Windows Hello facial recognition, which has thankfully become the standard for LG.
The other highlight is the design, of course. Coming in at just 11mm of thickness and a feather-light 2.18 pounds, the LG Gram SuperSlim is extremely portable thanks to its magnesium chassis. This does come with a downside, as magnesium can sometimes feel cheap compared to aluminum, but it's just as durable. It comes in a subdued Neptune Blue colorway, which is more like a dark gray. Because of how thin it is, though, it doesn't have a ton of ports. You get two Thunderbolt 4 ports, plus a standard USB-C port and a headphone jack, though this at least gives you the option to use a Thunderbolt dock.
Between its fantastic portability, beautiful display, and top-tier performance, the LG Gram SuperSlim gets a lot right, and it's very easy to recommend.
HP Envy x360 15 (2023, Intel)
A versatile form factor and a premium build
The HP Envy x360 is a versatile laptop that can be used as a tablet. It comes with a 15.6-inch display, including the option for an OLED panel, and it has 13th-generation Intel Core processors.
- Switch between tablet and laptop modes easily
- 13th-generation Intel Core processors
- 5MP webcam
- Maximum resolution is Full HD
- A little heavy
For some users (myself included), nothing can match the versatility of a convertible, and if you're looking for a 15-inch one, then the HP Envy x360 is the option for you.
Inside the HP Envy x360 15 are 13th-generation Intel Core processors, up to a Core i7-1355U, a 10-core, 12-thread CPU that delivers pretty good performance across the board for day-to-day tasks. If you enjoy gaming (or content creation) and want a little more power, you can also add an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU. On top of that, the laptop can be configured with up to 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.
There are a few configurations for the display, which is a 15.6-inch panel with a 16:9 aspect ratio and Full HD resolution. The configurations boil down to a 250-nit or 400-nit IPS panel, plus the more premium OLED display option, which is expectedly more vibrant. All models have the same resolution, and they also all support touch. Interestingly, last year's Envy x360 had the option for a Quad HD 120Hz panel, but that's not available with this one. What is still here is the fantastic 5MP webcam with Windows Hello support, a staple in HP laptops.
Most HP laptops look very similar, and this one is no exception, featuring a clean, sleek aluminum chassis that comes in either black or silver. Being a 15-inch aluminum convertible does make this a heavy laptop, though, weighing in at 4.22 pounds. For connectivity, you get two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB Type-A ports, HDMI, a headphone jack, and a full-size SD card reader, a very solid setup all around.
All things considered, the HP Envy x360 15 continues to be one of the best convertibles around, and as more laptops switch to a 16-inch display, it's that much easier for it to stand out as a fantastic choice.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5
A sleek, portable laptop with a great display
The Surface Laptop 5 is a premium and relatively lightweight laptop with 12th-generation Intel Core processors along with an aluminum design and a great display.
- Sleek aluminum design that's still decently light
- Tall 3:2 display with a high resolution
- Great keyboard
- 720p webcam
- Only two color options for the 15-inch model
- Older processors
If you're looking for a premium-feeling laptop that's still easy to carry, Microsoft's Surface Laptop 5 may be the one for you.
The Surface Laptop 5 is powered by Intel's 12th-generation Core processors, up to a Core i7-1255U with 10 cores and 12 threads. It still delivers good performance for day-to-day tasks and it does so while being very power-efficient. You can also configure the Surface Laptop 5 with up to 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, more than enough for heavy multitasking and storing lots of documents.
The Surface Laptop 5 also has a great display — a 15-inch panel with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2496x1664. That gives you a pixel density of 201 PPI, which is great for a default configuration, and the tall aspect ratio makes this a fantastic screen for getting work done. Sadly, there's only a 720p webcam above that display, which is disappointing, but at Windows Hello facial recognition is supported.
Design-wise, the Surface Laptop 5 is also very premium. It comes in an aluminum chassis that looks and feels great, with the sleek look we've come to expect from Surface. The 15-inch model is available in either Platinum or Matte Black colorways, and it weighs 3.44 pounds, which is fairly light for a 15-inch aluminum laptop. There are lighter laptops, but they're made of magnesium, which often feels cheap. Ending with ports, the Surface Laptop 5 has a decently varied setup, with one Thunderbolt 4 port (USB-C), one USB Type-A port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Surface Connect port, which is used for charging. It's the first numbered Surface Laptop to support Thunderbolt, too, so you can use a wide array of docking stations.
All things considered, the Surface Laptop 5 is one of the best laptops out there, potentially the best one if you want to strike a great balance of portability and performance while still having a premium experience.
ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED
A powerful laptop with a second screen
The Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED is a powerful laptop with high-end specs and more importantly, two screens. The main display is a stunning OLED panel, and there's a second screen for additional information and controls in creative apps.
- Powerful processors and discrete Nvidia graphics
- Two displays can show more content at once
- Good port selection
- Touchpad position is a bit awkward
- Expensive
- No longer the newest specs around
As far as creator laptops go, it doesn't get a lot crazier than the Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED, but we'd say crazy is a good thing here.
Starting with performance, the Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED has 12th-generation Intel Core processors up to a Core i9-12900H, with 14 cores and 20 threads. That's paired with up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti, giving you plenty of power for all kinds of content creation. It also comes with up to 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.
The displays are the real story here. First off, the Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED has a 15.6-inch main screen, which comes in a 16:9 aspect ratio. It's an OLED panel, and it comes in up to 4K resolution, so it looks fantastic. Below that screen, and just above the keyboard, the Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED has a second IPS screen, which is just as wide as the main display, but roughly half the height. The pixel density is also the same, so it's still super sharp, and it supports touch. This second screen can act as its own monitor, but also be an extension of the app on the main screen. For example, you may be able to change audio levels in video editing software using this second screen, so you have that much more screen space to work with.
Unfortunately, the webcam is a simple 720p sensor, but it does have Windows Hello support.
Because of this dual-screen setup, the Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 15 OLED doesn't have a touchpad in the middle. Instead, it's on the right side of the keyboard. It can also double as a number pad. The laptop is designed to raise the bottom screen when you open the lid so it's at a more comfortable angle, so there are a lot of moving parts. It makes sense why this laptop is 21.5mm thick and weighs 5.16 pounds, and while that's not super portable, it could be a lot worse with such a complex machine.
You still get solid connectivity, with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one USB Type-A port, HDMI 2.1, and a headphone jack. Considering all the components already packed into this chassis, this is already great for a chassis of this size.
It's not a laptop for everyone, and the specs aren't the newest around anymore. But if you need this kind of power and features, there's nothing like it.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i (2023)
An affordable, but still capable laptop
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i is a budget-oriented laptop with 13th-generation Intel Core processors and a relatively unique colorway. It also has a good supply of ports.
- 13th-generation Intel Core processors for a low price
- Solid supply of ports
- Full HD display with decent brightness and touch support
- Plastic build is somewhat heavy
- No Thunderbolt
- 720p webcam
Not everyone has thousands of dollars to spend on a laptop, and if you want something more affordable, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i is a great option.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i is already available with 13th-generation Intel Core processors, though only a Core i3 model is available at writing time. That gives you six cores and eight threads, but models up to a Core i7 should be available in the future. We also get 8GB of RAM and up to a 512GB SSD, but again, higher-end models are planned, up to 16GB and 1TB, respectively.
The display isn't exactly impressive, but it is a Full HD panel, and it reaches up to 300 nits of brightness (depending on the model), which isn't bad at all. There's even an option for touch support. Current models have a 720p webcam, but a 1080p version is also planned to launch at some point. Neither version includes Windows Hello facial recognition, but there is a fingerprint reader available if you want that convenience.
Of course, design isn't a major focus for an affordable laptop like this. It's made of plastic, and it weighs 3.57 pounds, so it's not exactly light, but not overly heavy, either. It comes in a unique blue colorway that helps it stand out somewhat from the sea of silver and black laptops on the market. As for ports, we're looking at one USB Type-C port, two Type-A ports, HDMI, a headphone jack, and a full-size SD card reader.
Even at its regular price, this is a very cheap laptop. As higher-end models become available, you may be able to get a more powerful configuration for a pretty low price, seeing as Lenovo often runs sales on many laptops on its website.
Best 15-inch laptops in 2023: Bottom line
As you can see, there are still a lot of great 15-inch laptops you can buy today. The Dell XPS 15 is definitely worthy of being considered the best one, seeing as it blends together powerful specs, a compact and premium design, and absolutely fantastic display options. It manages to pack a ton of performance into a chassis that's still relatively portable, and that means a lot.
Dell XPS 15 (2023)
The Dell XPS 15 (2023) model brings some modest improvements over the previous generation. It has options for Intel's newest 13th-generation CPUs and the latest Nvidia RTX 40-series graphics cards. All of that is packed into the same sleek and light package with the option for an OLED display.
Of course, it is pretty pricey, so if you can't see yourself spending that much, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i is a much more affordable option that still nails the basics for a good day-to-day experience. It has a decently sharp display and solid performance, so it's great for a younger student to use in school, or just to have around the house for occasional use.
While there are still great laptops on this list, it's clear that many of the best laptops on the market are ditching this screen size. We couldn't even find a proper laptop for creators with 13th-generation processors. 16-inch laptops are taking over, and it's worth checking them out if you want some of the best experiences on the market. If you're someone who can't let go of old music CDs and DVDs, you may want to check out our list of laptops with optical drives in them.