Top 7 Picks for Best Laptop for Virtual Machines in 2023 | Expert Reviews

Are you a software developer, data scientist, or IT professional looking for a laptop that can easily handle virtual machines? Look no further! In this article, we pick the best laptop for virtual machines, so you can find the perfect machine to suit your needs.

Virtual machines are a great way to test software, experiment with different operating systems, and run multiple applications simultaneously. However, they require significant resources, including RAM, storage, and processing power. Therefore, choosing a laptop that can handle these demands is crucial.

Our top picks include laptops from leading brands such as Dell, Acer, Apple, and Lenovo, with features like high-end processors, ample RAM, and fast SSD storage. We’ll also consider portability, display quality, and battery life, so you can choose a laptop that meets your specific requirements.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting with virtual machines, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and find you the best laptop for virtual machine needs!

1. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop – best laptop for virtual machines

Brand	Acer
Series	Aspire 5
Screen Size	15.6 Inches
Color	Silver
Hard Disk Size	128 GB
CPU Model	Ryzen 3 3200U
Ram Memory Installed Size	4 GB
Operation System (OS)	Windows 10 Home
Graphics Card Description	Integrated

• Aspect Ratio:16:9
• AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Dual Core Processor (Up to 3.5GHz); 4GB DDR4 Memory; 128GB PCIe NVMe SSD
• 15.6 inches full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED-backlit IPS display; AMD Radeon Vega 3 Mobile Graphics
• 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, 2 USB 2.0 ports & 1 HDMI port with HDCP support
• 802.11ac Wi-Fi; Backlit Keyboard; Up to 7.5 hours of battery life
• Windows 10 in S mode. Maximum power supply wattage: 65 Watts

The Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is an impressive machine that delivers performance and style in equal measure. With a 15.6-inch full HD IPS display, the laptop produces clear, vivid visuals perfect for work, entertainment, or both. The display also boasts a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080, making it ideal for streaming movies, gaming, or creative work.

Under the hood, the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is powered by a 3.52 GHz AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor, making it one of the fastest laptops in its class. The laptop also features 4GB of DDR4 memory, ensuring you can quickly run multiple programs and apps without lag or delay. The laptop also comes with a 128GB solid-state drive, providing plenty of storage for your files, documents, and multimedia.

One of the standout features of the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is its backlit keyboard, which makes it easy to work or play in low-light conditions. The laptop also features two USB 2.0 ports and one USB 3.0 port, and built-in WiFi connectivity (802.11ac) for seamless internet browsing and file sharing.

The Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is also designed with portability in mind. Weighing just under 4 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to carry wherever you go. The laptop also has an average battery life of 7.5 hours, making it the best laptop for virtual machines.

Overall, the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and robust machine that can easily handle virtual machines. Its high-quality display, fast processor, and ample storage make it an ideal option for professionals, students, and gamers. So, if you’re looking for a laptop that can keep up with your busy lifestyle and demanding workloads, the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is worth considering.

2. Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop M1 Chip – best laptop for virtual machines

Brand	Apple
Series	Macbook Air
Screen Size	13.3 Inches
Color	Space Gray
Hard Disk Size	256 GB
Ram Memory Installed Size	8 GB
Operation System (OS)	Mac OS
Graphics Card Description	Integrated

• All-Day Battery Life – Go longer than ever with up to 18 hours of battery life.
• Powerful Performance – Take on everything from professional-quality editing to action-packed gaming easily. The Apple M1 chip with an 8-core CPU delivers up to 3.5x faster performance than the previous generation while using less power.
• Superfast Memory – 8GB of unified memory makes your system speedy and responsive. That way, it can support tasks like memory-hogging multitab browsing and quickly opening a huge graphic file quickly and easily.
• Stunning Display – With a 13.3-inch Retina display, images come alive with new levels of realism. The text is sharp and clear, and the colours are more vibrant.
• Why Mac – Easy to learn. Easy to set up. Astoundingly powerful. Intuitive. Packed with apps to use right out of the box. Mac is designed to let you work, play, and create like never before.
• Simply Compatible – All your existing apps work, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft 365, and Google Drive. You can also use your favourite iPhone and iPad apps directly on macOS. Altogether you’ll have access to the most extensive collection of apps ever for Mac. All are available on the App Store.

As someone who has tried and tested many laptops, I can confidently say that the Apple 2020 MacBook Air with the M1 chip is the best laptop for virtual machines that I have come across. This sleek and stylish laptop boasts impressive features that make it stand out.

Firstly, let’s talk about the battery life. With up to 18 hours of battery life, you can work all day without worrying about running out of juice. This is especially important when running virtual machines, which can be power-hungry and drain the battery quickly on other laptops.

Speaking of power, the M1 chip with an 8-core CPU delivers up to 3.5x faster performance than the previous generation while using less power. This means you can easily take on everything from professional-quality editing to action-packed gaming and run multiple virtual machines without lag.

The 8GB of unified memory makes your entire system speedy and responsive. This is essential when running multiple virtual machines simultaneously, as it ensures that your laptop can handle the workload without any hiccups.

The stunning 13.3-inch Retina display is another highlight of this laptop. Images come alive with new levels of realism, and the text is sharp and transparent, making it easy on the eyes even during long work sessions.

The fanless design of the MacBook Air means that it stays cool and runs quietly even while tackling intense workloads, making it the perfect laptop for virtual machines.

I can’t recommend the Apple 2020 MacBook Air with the M1 chip enough. It’s easy to learn, set up, and astoundingly powerful, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for a laptop that can handle virtual machines without breaking a sweat. And with its environmentally friendly design, you can also feel good about your purchase. So if you’re in the market for the best laptop for virtual machines, the MacBook Air should be at the top of your list.

3. Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 Gaming Laptop

Brand	Acer
Series	Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5
Screen Size	15.6 Inches
Color	Black
Hard Disk Size	256 GB
CPU Model	Core i5
Ram Memory Installed Size	8 GB
Operation System (OS)	Windows 11 Home
Graphics Card Description	Dedicated

• Aspect Ratio:16:9.Connectivity Technology: HDMI, USB, Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth
• Dominate the Game: With the 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10300H processor, your Nitro 5 has incredible power for all your games.
• RTX, It’s On The latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (4GB dedicated GDDR6 VRAM) is powered by award-winning architecture with new Ray Tracing Cores, Tensor Cores, and streaming multiprocessors that support DirectX 12 Ultimate for the ultimate gaming performance
• Visual Intensity: Explore game worlds in Full HD detail on the 15.6″ widescreen LED-backlit IPS display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and 80% screen-to-body, 16:9 aspect ratio
• Internal Specifications: 8GB DDR4 2933MHz Memory (2 DDR4 Slots Total, Maximum 32GB); 256GB NVMe SSD (2 x PCIe M.2 Slots, 1 x 2.5″ Hard Drive Bay Available)
• Prioritize Your Gameplay: Killer Ethernet E2600 and Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 give you an edge online by taking control of your network and prioritizing your gameplay.
• Stay Cool Under Pressure: When heavy use requires an added boost, Acer CoolBoost technology increases fan speed by 10% and CPU and GPU cooling by 9% compared to auto mode, overall increasing thermal performance by 25% for better gaming comfort.

I have to say, the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 Gaming Laptop is an impressive machine! With its sleek black design and impressive specifications, this laptop is perfect for gamers and power users. As a product reviewer, I can tell you that this laptop is even one of the best laptops for virtual machines!

First, the 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10300H processor packed into this machine delivers incredible power, making it a true gaming powerhouse. This laptop can handle even the most demanding games and software, paired with the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU (4GB dedicated GDDR6 VRAM). The award-winning architecture of the RTX series delivers new Ray Tracing Cores, Tensor Cores, and streaming multiprocessors that support DirectX 12 Ultimate for the ultimate gaming performance.

The 15.6″ FHD IPS display, with a refresh rate of 144Hz, ensures you can enjoy smooth, lag-free visuals. The 80% screen-to-body ratio and 16:9 aspect ratio mean the visuals are immersive, with a rich color gamut and deep blacks. The 8GB DDR4 2933MHz Memory (2 DDR4 Slots Total, Maximum 32GB) and 256GB NVMe SSD (2 x PCIe M.2 Slots, 1 x 2.5″ Hard Drive Bay Available) also provide ample storage and memory for all your gaming needs.

One of the standout features of this laptop is its prioritization of gameplay, thanks to the Killer Ethernet E2600 and Intel WiFi 6 AX201. You’ll be able to take control of your network and prioritize your gameplay, giving you an edge online. Additionally, the Acer CoolBoost technology increases fan speed by 10% and CPU and GPU cooling by 9% compared to auto mode, increasing thermal performance by 25% for better gaming comfort.

The NitroSense UI can be called up with the dedicated keyboard button, giving you instant access to your PC’s component temperature, fan speed, loading performance, power plan, and more. Plus, with Alexa Show Mode, you can use your PC as a full-screen interactive experience with rich visuals, and it lets you talk to Alexa from across the room.

Overall, the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 Gaming Laptop is an impressive machine that delivers on all fronts. With its powerful processor, impressive GPU, and ample memory and storage, this laptop is perfect for gaming, power users, and virtual machines. The backlit keyboard also adds an extra level of sophistication to the design. It is a highly recommended option for those seeking the best laptop for virtual machines.

4. Lenovo 2022 Newest Ideapad 3 Laptop – best laptop for virtual machines

Brand	Lenovo
Series	IdeaPad 3 81X800ENUS
Screen Size	15.6 Inches
Color	Almond
Hard Disk Size	256 GB
CPU Model	Core i3
Ram Memory Installed Size	20 GB
Operation System (OS)	Windows 11
Graphics Card Description	Integrated

• 【Memory & Storage】Memory is 8GB of high-bandwidth RAM to run multiple applications and browser tabs simultaneously. The Hard Drive is a 256GB PCIe Solid State Drive that allows fasting bootup and data transfer.
• 【Processor】11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 Dual-Core 3.0GHz Processor (6MB Intel Smart Cache, up to 4.10GHz) Intel UHD Graphics
• 【Screen】15.6″ HD Touchscreen (1366 x 768) Display
• 【Ports】2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Combination Audio Jack, 1 x Multi-format SD Media Card Reader, Wireless-AC Wi-Fi 5 + Bluetooth Combo
• 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home

I recently enjoyed trying out the Lenovo 2022 Newest Ideapad 3 Laptop. It is a fantastic device for those who need a reliable and efficient laptop for virtual machines. With its 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD, this laptop is a powerhouse that can handle multiple virtual machines with ease.

The laptop’s 15.6″ HD Touchscreen is a joy to use, offering crisp and clear visuals, while the Intel UHD Graphics ensures that the laptop can handle even the most demanding tasks. The laptop’s Almond color adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, making it perfect for both work and leisure.

The laptop comes with HDMI, Webcam, WiFi 5, and Bluetooth, ensuring you can easily connect to all your devices. Additionally, the laptop runs on Windows 11 Home, which is a great operating system that is intuitive and easy to use.

The laptop’s battery life is also impressive, with an average battery life of up to 7 hours, making it ideal for those who are always on the go. The laptop is lightweight, weighing only 4.07 pounds, and has a slim design, making it easy to carry around.

The Lenovo 2022 Newest Ideapad 3 Laptop is the best laptop for virtual machines, thanks to its powerful specs, elegant design, and impressive battery life. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone who needs a reliable laptop, this device is an excellent choice that won’t disappoint.

5. Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-36UT – best laptop for virtual machines

Brand	Acer
Series	Aspire 5
Screen Size	15.6 Inches
Color	Silver
Hard Disk Size	128 GB
CPU Model	Core i3
Ram Memory Installed Size	4 GB
Operation System (OS)	Windows 11 Home
Graphics Card Description	Integrated

• Powerful Productivity: 11th Generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor delivers unmatched speed and intelligence, enabling impressive creating, productivity, and gaming experiences. With Turbo Boost Technology, get up to 4.1GHz for your high-demand applications.
• Visibly Stunning: Experience sharp details and crisp colors on the 15.6″ Full HD display with 82.58% screen-to-body, 16:9 aspect ratio, and narrow bezels
• Ergonomic Typing: Ergonomically-designed hinge lifts the keyboard for comfortable typing, improved cooling, and a better sound experience
• Internal Specifications: 4GB DDR4 on-board memory (1 slot available); 128GB NVMe solid-state drive storage (1 hard drive bay available) to store your files and media
• Acer’s Purified. Voice technology features enhanced digital signal processing to cancel background noise and improve speech accuracy and far-field pickup, making calls more straightforward talking to Alexa.
• Using Alexa on your PC is as easy as asking a question. Just ask, and Alexa can check your calendar, create lists, play music, answer questions, read the news, and more.
• Secure Operating System: Windows 11 Home (S Mode) has advanced security features, like protections against phishing and malicious software, so you don’t have to think twice when navigating to a new webpage or downloading an app.

The Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-36UT is the best laptop for virtual machines I’ve seen recently. This laptop powerhouse is perfect for productivity, creating, and gaming experiences. The 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor provides unmatched speed and intelligence, and with Turbo Boost Technology, you can get up to 4.1GHz for high-demand applications.

The 15.6″ Full HD display is stunning, with sharp details and crisp colors. The narrow bezels and 82.58% screen-to-body ratio provide an immersive viewing experience. The ergonomically-designed hinge lifts the keyboard for comfortable typing, improved cooling, and a better sound experience.

Internal specifications include 4GB DDR4 onboard memory (1 slot available) and a 128GB NVMe solid-state drive storage (1 hard drive bay) to store all your files and media. And with Acer’s Purified. Voice technology, you can experience enhanced digital signal processing that cancels out background noise, improves speech accuracy, and provides far-field pickup, making calls more explicit and talking to Alexa easier than before.

One of the best features of this laptop is the Windows 11 Home (S Mode) operating system that comes with advanced security features built right in, like protections against phishing and malicious software, so you can navigate new webpages or download apps without worrying.

Overall, the Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-36UT is the best laptop for virtual machines with impressive specifications and features. It is perfect for anyone who needs a reliable and powerful laptop for work, gaming, or entertainment. The box includes the Acer Aspire Laptop, AC Adapter, and Power Cord, making it ready to use right out of the box.

6. Dell 2023 Inspiron 3000 Business Laptop – best laptop for virtual machines

Brand	Dell
Screen Size	15.6 Inches
Color	Black
Hard Disk Size	512 GB
CPU Model	Intel Core i7
Ram Memory Installed Size	16 GB
Operation System (OS)	Windows 11 Pro
Graphics Card Description	Integrated

• 【Processor】12th Gen Intel Core i7-1255U (12 MB cache, 10 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.70 GHz Turbo)
• 【1080p Display】15.6″ Touchscreen, FHD 1920 x 1080, 120Hz, WVA, Anti-Glare, 250 nit, Narrow Border
• 【Memory & Storage】16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive
• 【Windows 11 Pro】Enterprise OS, perfect for business and education. 【Long Life Battery】3-Cell, 41 Wh
• 【Ports and Connectivity】Two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, One USB 2.0 port, 1 x Headphone / Mic Combo Jack, 1x HDMI, 720p at 30 fps HD camera, Single integrated microphone. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth combo, Non-Backlit Keyboard, Carbon Black

The Dell 2023 Inspiron 3000 Business Laptop is an outstanding machine that deserves all the praise. This laptop is a powerhouse with impressive features, making it an ideal choice for users who need to run virtual machines.

The 15.6″ FHD Touchscreen is a joy to use, and the 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution ensures crystal-clear visuals that are perfect for both work and play. The 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1255U Processor is lightning fast and ensures you can efficiently run multiple applications without experiencing any lag or delays.

The 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB PCIe SSD provide ample storage space and ensure you can store all your essential files and documents without worrying about running out of space. The Intel Iris Xe Graphics is also perfect for anyone who needs to work with graphics-intensive applications like Adobe Photoshop or AutoCAD.

What sets this laptop apart is its ability to handle virtual machines. With its powerful processor and generous RAM, it is hands down the best laptop for virtual machines. You can run multiple virtual machines without any issues, and it will all run smoothly and seamlessly.

The laptop also comes with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth, making it easy to stay connected to the internet and other devices. The HDMI and SD Card Reader are a nice touch, making connecting to external displays and transferring files quickly.

Overall, the Dell 2023 Inspiron 3000 Business Laptop is an exceptional machine that delivers everything you need for work and plays. Whether you’re a professional who needs to run virtual machines or wants a powerful laptop for everyday use, this laptop is worth considering, if you are looking for the best laptop for virtual machines.

7. Lenovo – 2022 – IdeaPad 3i – Essential Laptop Computer

Brand	Lenovo
Series	Ideapad 3i
Screen Size	15.6 Inches
Color	Arctic Grey
Hard Disk Size	512B
CPU Model	Core i5
Ram Memory Installed Size	8 GB
Operation System (OS)	Window 11 Pro
Graphics Card Description	Integrated

• The slim and light Lenovo IdeaPad 3i laptop packs powerful 12th generation Intel Core i5 U series processors and an Intel Iris Xe graphics card.Voltage:3.7 volts
• At an exceptionally slim 19.9 mm (just 0.78 inches), the IdeaPad 3i is lightweight and easy to carry everywhere you travel.
• The 15.6″ FHD IPS display gives you wider viewing angles for a better experience with higher color accuracy and contrast so you can see more and do more daily; the screen’s 4-sided narrow bezels give you a more available viewing screen.
• Enjoy crystal-clear collaboration with an HD webcam with a privacy shutter, dual microphones for clear voice quality, Dolby Audio sound, and Smart Noise Cancelling for a more tailored sound with less background noise.
• Keep your desk from cluttering with a full-function Type-C port for faster data transfer, power delivery, and 4K display connectivity; USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, USB 2.0 Type-A, and HDMI ports are also included, including a Free 3-month Xbox Game Pass.

I am thoroughly impressed with the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i laptop computer. This sleek and stylish laptop packs a powerful punch with its 12th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, making it the best laptop for virtual machines.

The 15.6-inch FHD display boasts a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080, delivering crystal-clear visuals with vibrant colors. The integrated Intel Iris graphics coprocessor ensures smooth and seamless graphics performance, making it perfect for multimedia use.

With 8GB DDR4 memory and a 512GB SSD hard drive, this laptop offers impressive storage capacity and lightning-fast data transfer speeds. And with a memory speed of 2400 MHz, you can expect to run multiple applications and programs efficiently, which makes it the best laptop for virtual machines.

The laptop also features several ports, including one USB 2.0 port and one USB 3.0 port, making it easy to connect to various devices. And with 802.11ax wireless connectivity, you can stay connected to the internet no matter where you are.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i runs on Windows 11 Pro, the latest operating system from Microsoft. This means you get all the latest features, improvements, and enhanced security and reliability.

And remember the design – the stunning Arctic Grey color gives this laptop a premium look and feel. It’s also incredibly portable, with a weight of just 5.59 pounds and slim dimensions of 14.14 x 9.31 x 0.78 inches, making it easy to take on the go.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i is an outstanding laptop computer with impressive performance, storage, and design. If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle virtual machines, this is the one to get.

Conclusion!

In conclusion, virtual machines are an excellent way to test and deploy applications locally. The benefit of using VMs is that they allow you to use software development tools and operating systems that aren’t supported by your production server. This testing makes ensuring your web applications perform correctly in various environments easier.

Virtual machines can also help test desktop applications because they allow you to load a complete Windows environment and run your desktop application within that environment. This makes it possible to simulate various hardware configurations and OS setups.

FAQs!