When 15” laptops first launched, they quickly became massively successful. It was no wonder, as they balanced portability with functionality so well. But times have changed, as they always do, and the 16-inch size is grabbing eyeballs as we speak.
Many top brands have learned the knack of providing gorgeous 16” displays in a 15” chassis, which makes this model portable and adaptable to various lifestyles. It makes a fabulous upgrade if you want to widen your horizons for daily computing without feeling buckled into a workstation.
12 Best 16-inch Laptops 2023
Here are our top picks on 16” laptops for all users, budgets, and usage patterns. If you want it, chances are there’s a 16” machine that can do it for you. This screen size has taken on like a fish to water, and we aren’t complaining.
Best 16-inch Laptop: Apple MacBook Pro
We must give it to the Apple MacBook Pro for its stunning devotion to performance, multimedia, battery backup, and connectivity. This powerful machine gets its fuel from an M2 Pro/Max chip, 16GB memory, and a 1TB SSD. It delivers smooth and productive performance for intensive apps like Affinity Designer and supports unification across other Apple devices you might own.
The Retina display is super bright (over 1000 nits) and supports HDR content. Even more astonishing is the 22-hour battery backup. Add multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6E, and a keyboard with Touch ID, and you can travel like a pro. Another standout feature is the disturbance-free spatial audio delivered by a three-mic array.
This MacBook has a daunting price tag of around $2,600, but there’s much to love.
Best 16-inch Budget Laptop: Dell Inspiron 16
The Dell Inspiron 16 costs just $1,099.99. But get this: it has an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, 1TB of storage, and a 16” FHD+ monitor. This lightweight device (4.01lbs) uses Waves MaxxAudio Pro and Dolby Atmos to output brilliant sound for calls and multimedia content. (On the downside, it has only integrated graphics.) Dell also employs AI to lower background noise.
It can be the perfect work laptop for budget-conscious users. Most impressive is the presence detection technology for privacy. A manual camera shutter keeps off unwanted attention after your daily work calls.
HP 16-inch Laptop: HP ENVY Laptop 16t
- Reliable and fast performance for everyday work and play
- Good sound quality
- Intelligent camera with auto-framing
- Portable and lightweight (~5lbs)
- It does not have an integrated GPU
- It will not be adequate for intense gaming
- The battery life is about average
For just about $1,000, you can bring home the dependable and efficient HP ENVY laptop 16t. It has powerful specs with plenty of customization options: up to an Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. The WQXGA screen is bright and takes up over 88% of the overall form factor. Higher resolutions are available on a need and budget basis, but all lower blue light emissions to limit eye strain.
HP also focuses earnestly on audio-visual excellence for the price. So, you get smooth Bang & Olufsen sound enhanced by HP Audio Boost and quad speakers. The 5MP camera uses AI-based noise reduction to keep your focus on the conversation. Plus, it has a privacy shutter to ensure your work meetings don’t poke their noses into your home life!
Another incentive for going with an HP computer is its security commitment. For instance, this range integrates Trusted Platform Module support for a stress-free work experience.
Best 16-inch Gaming Laptop: ASUS ROG Strix G16
- Excellent gaming performance with a MUX Switch
- Color-accurate screen with a high refresh rate
- Brilliant display features
- Sustainable heat management
- Low battery backup
- Weight is on the higher side, limiting portability
It is barely a surprise that the ASUS ROG Strix G16 emerges as one of the finest 16” gaming laptops money can buy. You don’t need that much – it costs $1,999.99, a few notches less than many other gaming machines with similar specs. This laptop offers a splendid Intel Core i9 CPU (and a MUX Switch), RTX 4070 graphics, 16GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD. It exhibits sustainable performance with liquid metal cooling, aided by a third intake fan.
The FHD monitor has a 165Hz refresh rate, which bodes well for titles involving dynamic special effects. The multimedia experiences are glorious, thanks to a top-notch combination of Dolby Vision, Pantone validation, and 100% sRGB color. ASUS also maximizes real estate with a 90% screen-to-body ratio.
Cheap 16-inch Gaming Laptop: ASUS ROG Strix G16 G614JV-AS73
- High performance
- Clear display with accurate color rendition
- Low portability
- The FHD screen may not stand up against competitors' higher resolutions
Over the years, ASUS has created offerings that cater to variegated users, even those who believe premium gaming laptops must be too expensive. The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is pocket-friendly at approximately $1,200. But it includes a powerful processor (Intel Core i7) and a GPU with ray tracing (RTX 4060). The RAM and storage – 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD – are adequate for most popular AAA titles.
Although it is a cheap PC, the company does not compromise the display quality. Gamers will appreciate the 100% sRGB color, Dolby Vision, and adaptive sync for gameplay sans delay or stutter. The screen also has a fair refresh rate of 165Hz, usually considered enough for all but ultra-discerning users.
ASUS has employed liquid metal cooling to keep the performance optimal for extended periods. And let’s not forget the MUX Switch – always a pleasure to find productivity-boosting provisions in low-budget gaming PCs!
16-inch Extreme Gaming: ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16
- Brilliant gaming performance
- Bright, vivid, and detailed display
- Gaming-friendly keyboard
- Expensive
- Too heavy to be portable for daily use
- The trackpad could be better designed
ASUS knows how to take things far where gaming is concerned. The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16, at $3,699, is a magnificent machine for dedicated gamers who wish to stop at nothing. Check out the specs: an Intel Core i9, RTX 4090, 32GB RAM, and a 2TB SSD. The latest GPU offers intense ray tracing and AI-enhanced imagery – magical improvements on the standard A/V experience.
The QHD screen boasts a 240Hz refresh rate and 1100 nits of brightness. Whatever you witness in the arena is all too real because of 100% DCI-P3 color, Pantone Validation, and numerous dimming zones.
The design and build of this laptop are also extreme – extremely eye-catching, we mean. The dot matrix elements and RGB accents glamourize this sturdy, 5.89lbs computer.
Best 2-in-1 16-inch Laptop: HP Spectre x360
- A flexible form factor for travel
- Comfortable and color-accurate display
- Long battery life
- Limited upgradability
- It is rather expensive
A hybrid form factor helps bring flexibility and mobility into computing needs. The HP Spectre x360 costs $1,799.99 and proves a worthwhile choice for a large-screen 2-in-1 experience. It performs adequately for everyday work and casual entertainment, thanks to an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, a 2TB SSD, and Intel Arc graphics. The screen has a UHD+ resolution and Delta E <2 color accuracy. HP has also made it taller to reduce the need for scrolling.
This laptop performs well on the battery front – a good 10.5 hours – but that’s no surprise from the HP family. An innovative addition is the reminders of screen time and distance. Wellness is pivotal in our stressful lives, and here’s one brand that values it.
Best 2-in-1 Budget 16-inch Laptop: Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5
- Comfortable 360-degree hinge design
- An affordable price tag under $1,000
- Secure work experience with a fingerprint reader and a privacy shutter for the webcam
- Good battery backup and rapid charging
- Struggles with upgradability
- It is not adequate for engaging gameplay as it lacks a dedicated GPU
- The design and build are average
Lenovo neatly combines the convenience of a convertible design with a large 16″ screen in the IdeaPad Flex 5. An AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor powers it up, supported by 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD. It sports a crystal-clear WUXGA touch display and Dolby Audio sound for entertainment – plenty of us cannot imagine a day without our dose of multimedia content!
Lenovo has included security and flexibility features like a fingerprint reader, a privacy shutter, and a quick-charging battery. This 2-in-1 laptop also has a Type-C port for rapid data transfer.
Lenovo has established a reputation as a trustworthy brand in performance and durability, which makes IdeaPads a dependable purchase. This PC costs around $770, so it should match the budgets of students or professionals looking for a bargain.
Best 16-inch OLED Laptop: ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16
- Performance-oriented features like MUX Switch & ASUS Dial
- Excellent color accuracy
- Swift response time for gaming
- Long-lasting build
- Average battery backup
This one’s a fantastic pick for people in creative businesses or studies. The ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16 is uber-powerful with the efficiency and multitasking skills of an Intel Core i9 CPU, RTX 4070 graphics, 32GB RAM, and a MUX Switch for optimized performance.
This Windows laptop purchase includes a stylus and can run popular resource-intensive applications like Adobe Premiere Pro. The 3.2K OLED screen is satisfactory in detail and color rendition, thanks to a 0.2ms response time, 100% DCI-P3 color, Pantone validation, and Delta E <2 accuracy.
Despite the contemporary features like a haptic touchpad and a 180-degree hinge design, this PC maintains durability with military standard construction (US MIL-STD 810H). There’s also an ASUS Dial to help you control multiple applications at a time and gain a productivity edge.
Since ASUS offers 1TB of storage space – and you can always use external or cloud space – you shouldn’t struggle while stocking your artwork. This PC will cost you around $2,499.
Best 16-inch Workstation: Dell Precision 7680
The Dell Precision 7680 is a dependable choice for professionals. It bundles multiple productivity-boosting features like a camera shutter for privacy and smooth upgradability. This $2,669.00 laptop runs on an Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD. But you can opt for up to an Intel Core i9, 12TB storage, and 128GB of memory. If budget isn’t a limitation for you, performance sure isn’t.
The 4K display is bright (500 nits) and supports HDR. Waves MaxxAudio Pro sound delivers pleasing and meticulous audio for daily calls and meetings.
Best 16-inch Cheap Laptop: ASUS VivoBook 16
You should consider an ASUS VivoBook 16 if you want an affordable 16” laptop that perseveres on many fronts. This $599.99 device runs on an AMD Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, and Radeon Graphics. While the available specs are lower than others on this list, we like the WUXGA display with an engaging screen-to-body ratio (86%). It also has low-blue light emissions per Rheinland certification.
This VivoBook weighs just 4.14lbs and has a sleek profile. ASUS uses a fingerprint sensor, a backlit keyboard, and a military-standard build to boost the overall portability.
Acer 16-inch Gaming Laptop: Predator Helios 16
- High refresh rate
- Gaming-friendly keyboard
- Effective cooling
- Average battery life
- Heavier than some other options
Close along the footsteps of its rival is Acer, with its promising Predator range. The Predator Helios 16 is not exorbitantly priced (~$1,500) but offers ample for its worth. For instance, you get an Intel Core i7 processor, RTX 4060 graphics, and 1TB of storage. The specs suit most modern games at low to medium settings, if not more, and that’s saying a lot for its under $2,000 pricing.
The display uses G-SYNC and boasts a 165Hz refresh rate to complement fast-paced games. Since this laptop is compatible with NVIDIA Advanced Optimus, the switch between integrated and discrete graphics is uncomplicated.
This PC is well-connected with Killer Wi-Fi 6E, two Thunderbolt ports, and a Micro SD slot. It makes additional storage straightforward and allows you to connect to gaming accessories like controllers.
A charming feature of Acer gaming PCs is their focus on customization. You can adapt everything to the situation – from performance modes and fan speeds to pulsar lighting.
FAQs
Who should buy a 16” laptop? Does it suit different budgets?
The best part about the evolution of 16” machines is their sheer versatility. Top tech giants like Dell, HP, and ASUS have produced laptops that cater to different budgets and usage needs. The pricing starts at as little as $599 and goes upwards of $4000.
These computers can work well for gaming, business, multimedia content generation/editing, and everyday entertainment. Users can choose from multiple specifications: Intel Core i5 to i9, 8GB-32GB of RAM, and integrated graphics to RTX 4090. Many also offer good battery backup, portability, and multiple ports to match travel requirements.
Is a 16” laptop a better choice than a 17” one?
The 16” screen size has become popular recently, and many devices have similar processing capacities as larger 17” versions. However, they have two distinct advantages over the bigger models: portability and affordability. They are much easier to travel with while offering many of the same benefits. Their battery life is also better in many cases. You should be able to comfortably use a 16” laptop for content creation/editing, gaming, or business.
Which aspect ratio is better in 16” laptops?
The standard aspect ratio since the 2000s has been 16:9. However, that is now changing, and many manufacturers now use a 16:10 format. This taller size offers productivity improvements. It translates into more vertical space for reading or content editing. It is also preferable for multimedia applications.
We love the trend of acquiring 16” laptops to make the most of immersive displays without compromising on flexibility. They display the potential to become the new 15” form factor, and new models will likely get announced in the coming months.
