A laptop that’s less than 2 years old with an i7 processor (or better) and 16GB will make trading faster and enjoyable. I bought a MacBook Pro M2 with 16GB of RAM, and I’m much happier trading. My Dell and 2015 Air were too slow with Robinhood, TradingView, and Empower.
But don’t feel like you need a starship. Get what you can afford right now that meets the minimum spec requirements. At the same time, don’t fall for the “minimalist trader” act. A better laptop means faster trades and more bearable hours looking at the screen.
This guide covers 11 laptops I spent hours testing and reviewing. I took price, specs, and performance into account so there’s a good choice for any buyer. Here are our top 5 picks:
Is a laptop enough for trading?
Yes, most laptops with an i7 Intel processor (or equivalent) or better combined with 16GB RAM are enough to handle day trading (full specs here). There are two caveats: (1) it’s best to get laptop less than 2 years old with a strong user experience, and (2) high-frequency trading will require a lot more computing power than normal trading (discussed below).
How to Choose a Trading Laptop: 3 Big Questions
At the end of the day, the best trading laptop depends on your needs. The best way to narrow down the options is to decide on 3 key factors: operating system, trading tech stack, and which securities you’ll trade.
#1 Do you prefer Mac or Windows?
Trading software will run on macOS or Windows, so there’s no restrictions. The question is whether you have data wrapped up in either environment.
For example, I’m stuck to Apple products like honey. My data is in iCloud, I have all Apple devices, and it’s not very reasonable to venture into the Windows space unless I’m starting a business from scratch.
If you’re tied in to Android phones or heavily depend on Microsoft cloud, then don’t go with Mac. It just doesn’t make sense.
#2 Are you planning to run HFT algos?
HFT stands for high-frequency trading. It’s a technique reserved for people with serious computational knowledge, so if you don’t consider yourself a program, don’t worry about it.
But if you want to develop algorithms, you’re going to need a powerful laptop. The bare minimum requirements for this kind of trading are as follows:
| Screen Refresh Speed (Hz) | 360 |
| Screen Resolution | 1920×1080 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| SSD Storage | 1 TB |
| RAM (GB) | 32 |
| CPU | i7 12 Gen |
| CPU Speed (GHz) | 4.6 |
| CPU Cores | 8 |
| CPU Threads | 16 |
| CPU Cache (MB) | 24 |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 3070 |
| GPU Cores | 5888 |
| GPU Memory (GB) | 8 |
You can definitely try HTF on a simpler machine and upgrade later as needed too.
#3 What securities do you trade?
If you want to trade stock, bonds, and ETFs, most basic laptops will do the trick. Once you start with options, forex, indexes, mutual funds, commodities, futures, asset-backed funds, art, real estate securities, and crypto, things get slightly more complicated. We’ll look at laptops that are best for some of these categories.
What specs do you need for trading?
Here’s a list of the minimum and maximum specifications your laptop should have for trading.
- Screen Size (inch): 13-inch minimum. 11-inch laptops are simply too small to get a good view of charts and trade executions.
- Screen Refresh Speed (Hz): 60 Hz minimum, but 120 Hz is better target.
- Screen Resolution: 1920×1080 minimum.
- Operating System: Windows 11 of macOS 12 (Monterey)
- SSD Storage (GB): 256 GB. SSD is not so important to performance since most of us store data in the cloud.
- RAM (GB): 16 GB minimum. This one is important because it’s what allows you to quickly receive and send information.
- CPU: Intel i7 11xxx or equivalent (Ryzen 7 or M1) minimum. An exceptions can be made for the Ryzen 5 5600H, which is exceptionally powerful.
- CPU Speed (GHz): 4.2 (or 3.6 for Mac).
- CPU Cores: 8.
- CPU Threads: 12.
- CPU Cache (MB): 12. This is really the bare minimum and you should shoot for 16 min.
- GPU: NVIDIA 30 series, Intel Iris, or M2 minimum. An exception can be made for the Nvidia MX570 and NVIDIA Vega 8 because these were designed for the most powerful versions of their series and remain strong today.
- GPU Cores: 2000 for NVIDIA, otherwise 8 minimum.
- GPU Memory (GB): 4 min.
- Weight (pounds): 8 pounds max. Anything else will be far too heavy.
- Battery Life (avg hours): 2 hours minimum, but you should aim for 5.
- 50% Charging Speed (min): 120 min or 2 hours.
- Keyboard: Full. Partial keyboards are a pain unless you plan to have an external keyboard.
- Ethernet port: Not necessary, but a plus.
- USB-A Ports: 1 minimum.
- USB-C Ports: 1 minimum.
- Headphone port: Not necessary, but a plus.
- HDMI port: Not necessary, but a plus.
- Webcam: Must have.
- Wi-Fi: Gen 5 minimum, but 6 or 6e should be the target.
What software does it need to run?
Most traders run a stock tracker/chart software on desktop or in a browser, then they have a broker (connected to the tracker or not), and of course spreadsheet software. Here’s a sample list of the tools your laptop needs to work with.
- TradingView – tracker/chart tool
- MetaTrader – tracker/chart tool
- cTrader – tracker/chart tool
- Stock Rover – tracker/chart tool
- MorningStar Investor – deep market analytics
- Robinhood – broker
- Fidelity – broker
- TD Ameritrade – broker
- Interactive Brokers – broker
Which laptop is best for trading?
For a side-by-side comparison, jump to the comparative table →
Here are our top picks
| Laptop | Best for… | Rating (of 10) |
|---|---|---|
| Asus 2022 TUF F17 Read review → | Large Screen (17-inch) | 9.60 |
| HP 2022 Victus 15 Read review → | Best Budget Laptop | 9.50 |
| Alienware M15 Read review → | Best Gaming Laptop | 9.49 |
| ASUS TUF Gaming A15 (2022) Read review → | Best for Forex | 9.49 |
| Acer Nitro 5 15.6“ Read review → | Best for Crypto | 9.40 |
| Lenovo Legion 5 15.6″ Read review → | Best for Beginners | 9.23 |
| LG Gram 16 Read review → | Best Battery Life | 9.22 |
| Dell Inspiron 16 5620 Read review → | Best Dell | 9.16 |
| MacBook Pro M2 16GB RAM Read review → | Best Mac | 9.14 |
| HP Pavilion Aero Read review → | Most Affordable | 9.04 |
| Lenovo Latest ThinkPad Read review → | Best 14-Inch | 8.97 |
#1 ASUS 2022 TUF F17
Best Large Screen (17-inch)
My Take
It’s not surprising that the best 17-inch laptop is also the best overall. ASUS’ TUF packs an i7 processor with 14 cores and 20 threads, making it the only Windows laptop on our list with that much power. It also has 144 refresh rate on a 1920×1080 resolution screen powered by NVIDIA’s 2560-core 3050 Ti graphics processor, so the visual experience is all around awesome.
Our rating: 9.61/10
Features/Price Ratio: 6.20
Price: $1,549.00
Full Specs
- Screen Size (inch): 17.3
- Screen Refresh Speed (Hz): 144
- Screen Resolution: 1920×1080
- Operating System: Windows 11
- SSD Storage (GB): 1000
- RAM (GB): 16
- CPU: i7-12700H
- CPU Speed (GHz): 4.7
- CPU Cores: 14
- CPU Threads: 20
- CPU Cache (MB): 24
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti
- GPU Cores: 2560
- GPU Memory (GB): 4
- Weight (pounds): 5.71
- Battery Life (avg. hours): 5
- 50% Charging Speed (min): 30
- Keyboard: Full
- Ethernet port: RJ45
- USB-A Ports: 2
- USB-C Ports: 2
- Headphone port: Yes
- HDMI port: Yes
- Webcam: Yes
- Wi-Fi: 6
What I Like & Dislike
Like
- Processing power is best in class, which means you’ll have a speed advantage over other
- Really good cooling system that stays quite even after a full day of activity
- Full keyboard and pretty much every port you could want, from USB-A to Ethernet
Dislike
- Low feature to price ration of 6.20, which means you’re getting the best overall machine but at a steeper price
- 5 hour battery is well below the average 9 hours on our list
- 1 TB of storage is overkill for trading since the important memory unit is RAM
Bottom Line
This is a good choice for experienced traders who spend long hours trading all kinds of asset classes and want a strong interface with full compatibility and don’t expect to be unplugged for more than a few hours at a time.
#2 HP 2022 Victus 15
Best Budget Laptop
My Take
At only $979, I didn’t expect the HP 2022 Victus to have enough power to compete with ASUS, Alienware, and Acer. But it has 16GBs RAM and an 80core Ryzen 7 processor with 144 Hz refresh speed and the NVIDO 3050 Ti GPU, which is way more than enough to handle trading.
Our rating: 9.50/10
Features/Price Ratio: 9.70
Price: $978.99
Full Specs
- Screen Size (inch): 15.6
- Screen Refresh Speed (Hz): 144
- Screen Resolution: 1920×1080
- Operating System: Windows 11
- SSD Storage (GB): 512
- RAM (GB): 16
- CPU: Ryzen 7 5800H
- CPU Speed (GHz): 4.4
- CPU Cores: 8
- CPU Threads: 16
- CPU Cache (MB): 16
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050Ti
- GPU Cores: 2560
- GPU Memory (GB): 4
- Weight (pounds): 7.48
- Battery Life (avg hours): 2
- 50% Charging Speed (min): 30
- Keyboard: Full
- Ethernet port: RJ45
- USB-A Ports: 2
- USB-C Ports: 1
- Headphone port: Yes
- HDMI port: Yes
- Webcam: Yes
- Wi-Fi: 6
What I Like & Dislike
Like
- Full keyboard and combo of USB-A and USB-C ports make it easy to use and flexible
- Meets all minimum requirements and exceeds many
- Very affordable option given the power
- Thin and sleak
Dislike
- It’s heavy at about 7.5 pounds, which is more than 90% of options on our list
- 512 GB SSD is probably overkill, but for such a low price it’s acceptable
- 4.4 GHz of CPU boost speed is a little weaker than others and could be improved
Bottom Line
If you’re a bargain hunter, HP’s 22 Victus is definitely the right choice for you.
#3 Alienware M15
Best Gaming Laptop
My Take
True to its brand, the Alienware M15 is the best gaming laptop for trading. With 360 Hz refresh speed and 32GB of RAM, you won’t find a faster high-definition user interface on the market at a reasonable price.
Our rating: 9.49/10
Features/Price Ratio: 5.05
Price: $1,879.97
Full Specs
- Screen Size (inch): 15.6
- Screen Refresh Speed (Hz): 360
- Screen Resolution: 1920×1080
- Operating System: Windows 11
- SSD Storage (GB): 1000
- RAM (GB): 32
- CPU: i7-11800H
- CPU Speed (GHz): 4.6
- CPU Cores: 8
- CPU Threads: 16
- CPU Cache (MB): 24
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070
- GPU Cores: 5888
- GPU Memory (GB): 8
- Weight (pounds): 5.93
- Battery Life (avg hours): 3
- 50% Charging Speed (min): 120
- Keyboard: Partial
- Ethernet port: RJ45
- USB-A Ports: 3
- USB-C Ports: 1
- Headphone port: Yes
- HDMI port: Yes
- Webcam: Yes
- Wi-Fi: 6
What I Like & Dislike
Like
- Dell Migrate functionality makes moving to Alienware fast and comprehensive
- Sleek design with back loaded ports for ease of access
- 1 TB of SSD for a huge amount of memory power
- 8-core, 16-thread CPU
Dislike
- Despite the powerful hardware, 11th GEN i7 processor runs just under the expected GHz of 4.7 at 4.6 max boost
- 1TB of SSD is slightly overkill for trading
- Partial keyboard is not ideal for trading and wrestling with spreadsheets
Bottom Line
Dell’s Alienware 15 inch laptop is our top pick for anyone who wants a gaming-style laptop with top tier graphics and processing power.
#4 ASUS TUF Gaming A15 (2022)
Best for Forex
My Take
Any one of the laptops on this list can do FX trading, but we pick the TUF 15 inch because it provides an overall experience geared towards currencies. It doesn’t have the fastest CPU or the most RAM, but it’s compact, has a good look and feel, and it won’t break the bank. It’s light and efficient, just like FX trading needs to be.
Our rating: 9.49/10
Features/Price Ratio: 6.78
Price: $1,399.99
Full Specs
- Screen Size (inch): 15.6
- Screen Refresh Speed (Hz): 300
- Screen Resolution: 1920×1080
- Operating System: Windows 11
- SSD Storage (GB): 512
- RAM (GB): 16
- CPU: Ryzen 7 6800H
- CPU Speed (GHz): 4.7
- CPU Cores: 8
- CPU Threads: 16
- CPU Cache (MB): 20
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060
- GPU Cores: 3584
- GPU Memory (GB): 6
- Weight (pounds): 4.85
- Battery Life (avg hours): 12
- 50% Charging Speed (min): 30
- Keyboard: Full
- Ethernet port: RJ45
- USB-A Ports: 2
- USB-C Ports: 2
- Headphone port: Yes
- HDMI port: Yes
- Webcam: Yes
- Wi-Fi: 5
What I Like & Dislike
Like
- Exceeds the minimum spec requirements
- 300 Hz refresh speed is more than enough to handle quick chart screening and trade execution
- Light enough to be portable without sacrificing connectivity with USB-A and C, HMDI, or Ethernet ports
Dislike
- Doesn’t have Wi-FI 6/e
- 512 GB SSD may be slight overkill for FX, but it’s not harmful
- Built in speakers are slightly softer than most computers in the mid-tier
Bottom Line
Traders who need portability, connectivity, speed, and power for FX are in good hands with ASUS’ 15 inch TUF.
#5 Acer Nitro 5 15.6“
Best for Crypto
My Take
It always shocks me to see how affordable Acer’s Nitro 5 is. Year over year it remains one of the most powerful yet accessible options on the market. The Nitro has a strong control-oriented identity with red backlit keys, Nitro Sense software to monitor hardware temperature in real-time, and E2600 ethernet for those who want guaranteed connectivity. The Niro packs an 8-core, 16-thread Intel CPU and NVIDIA’s 3050 Ti graphics card.
Like with FX most computers can handle crypto trading, but we like the Nitro for its independent look and feel, high customizability, ports versatility, and features/price ration (8.70, a ratio of the number of core features divided by price).
The flip side is we wouldn’t recommend the Nitro to someone who wants “plug and play” style laptop like the MacBook Pro.
Our rating: 9.40/10
Features/Price Ratio: 8.70
Price: $1,079.99
Full Specs
- Screen Size (inch): 15.6
- Screen Refresh Speed (Hz): 144
- Screen Resolution: 1920×1080
- Operating System: Windows 11
- SSD Storage (GB): 512
- RAM (GB): 16
- CPU: i7-11800H
- CPU Speed (GHz): 4.6
- CPU Cores: 8
- CPU Threads: 16
- CPU Cache (MB): 24
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti
- GPU Cores: 2560
- GPU Memory (GB): 4
- Weight (pounds): 11
- Battery Life (avg hours): 6
- 50% Charging Speed (min): 60
- Keyboard: Full
- Ethernet port: RJ45
- USB-A Ports: 3
- USB-C Ports: 1
- Headphone port: Yes
- HDMI port: Yes
- Webcam: Yes
- Wi-Fi: 6
What I Like & Dislike
Like
- Rare combo of 16GB RAM, 144 refresh, 2560-core GPU, and full suite of ports for just over $1,000
- Full keyboard with number pad that’s not narrowed to fit
- Arrow corners are impact resistant and make transporting very easy
Dislike
- Lack of touch screen is in contrast with the user control identity most associate with Acer’s Nitros
- Nitros are widely whole sold, so be weary of resellers opening the manufacturer’s seal
- Screen is not the strongest so rough users should consider an alternative model
Bottom Line
Crypto traders will enjoy the Nitro’s “decentralized” attitude, with highly customizable components and focus on individual user control.
#6 Lenovo Legion 5 15.6″
Best for Beginners
Lenovo’s Legion 5 has the highest features/price ratio on our list, which basically means you get the most bang for your buck from a purely technical standpoint. I recommend the Legion for virtually and laptop use case, but it does have shortcomings. Because it’s “good” everywhere, it’s not exceptional anywhere. That’s why we recommend it for beginners.
Our rating: 9.23/10
Features/Price Ratio: 10.59
Price: $871.22
Full Specs
- Screen Size (inch): 15.6
- Screen Refresh Speed (Hz): 120
- Screen Resolution: 1920×1080
- Operating System: Windows 11
- SSD Storage (GB): 512
- RAM (GB): 16
- CPU: Ryzen 5 5600H
- CPU Speed (GHz): 4.2
- CPU Cores: 6
- CPU Threads: 12
- CPU Cache (MB): 16
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti
- GPU Cores: 2560
- GPU Memory (GB): 4
- Weight (pounds): 7
- Battery Life (avg hours): 9
- 50% Charging Speed (min): 30
- Keyboard: Full
- Ethernet port: RJ45
- USB-A Ports: 4
- USB-C Ports: 2
- Headphone port: Yes
- HDMI port: Yes
- Webcam: Yes
- Wi-Fi: 6
What I Like & Dislike
Like
- In combination with a cooling pad, the Legion 5 can handle even the highest intensity trading for hours on end
- 4 USB-A ports and 2 USB-C ports with Ethernet and HDMI for full suite of ports
- Though not our minimum requirements, the Ryzen 5 handles all processing power requirements
Dislike
- Charging cable is unique so the Legion can’t be charged with your standard cable
- 16GB RAM are necessary for virtually any use case, so you don’t have reasonable flexibility to buy down in the 8GB RAM category as you might for others on the list
- Fan cooling can get loud at times
Bottom Line
For beginners, it’s hard to beat the Legion’s blend of power, ease of use, and affordability.
#7 LG Gram 16
Best Battery Life
LG isn’t your typical player in performance computing, but the 16 inch Gram outperforms virtually every other laptop in one category: battery life. If you are often on the move, this may be the right pick for you.
Our rating: 9.22/10
Features/Price Ratio: 7.88
Price: $1,169.99
Full Specs
- Screen Size (inch): 16
- Screen Refresh Speed (Hz): 60
- Screen Resolution: 2560×1600
- Operating System: Windows 11
- SSD Storage (GB): 512
- RAM (GB): 16
- CPU: i7-1260P Evo
- CPU Speed (GHz): 4.7
- CPU Cores: 12
- CPU Threads: 16
- CPU Cache (MB): 18
- GPU: Iris Xe
- GPU Cores: 80
- GPU Memory (GB): 96
- Weight (pounds): 3
- Battery Life (avg hours): 22
- 50% Charging Speed (min): 45
- Keyboard: Full
- Ethernet port: No
- USB-A Ports: 2
- USB-C Ports: 2
- Headphone port: Yes
- HDMI port: Yes
- Webcam: Yes
- Wi-Fi: 6
What I Like & Dislike
Like
- 22 hours of battery life is unparralled on our list
- 2 USB-A and C ports
- Super lightweight at only 3 pounds
- 12-core, 16-thread CPU is more powerful than many top tier gaming machines
Dislike
- Iris XE GPU is Intel’s competition to NVIDIA but doesn’t quite have the same performance
- 512 GB SSD may be overkill
- 60 Hz refresh speed makes this one of the 3 weakest on our list
Bottom Line
When it comes to battery life, there’s no better than the 16 inch LG Gram.
#8 Dell Inspiron 16 5620
Best Dell PC
For Dell lovers who don’t want a gaming style Alienware machine, Dell’s Inspiron provides a competitive option in the trading space.
Our rating: 9.16/10
Features/Price Ratio: 8.87
Price: $1,031.75
Full Specs
- Screen Size (inch): 16
- Screen Refresh Speed (Hz): 60
- Screen Resolution: 1920×1200
- Operating System: Windows 11
- SSD Storage (GB): 512
- RAM (GB): 16
- CPU: i7-1255U
- CPU Speed (GHz): 4.7
- CPU Cores: 10
- CPU Threads: 12
- CPU Cache (MB): 12
- GPU: NVIDIA MX570
- GPU Cores: 2048
- GPU Memory (GB): 2
- Weight (pounds): 4.12
- Battery Life (avg hours): 3
- 50% Charging Speed (min): 37.50
- Keyboard: Partial
- Ethernet port: No
- USB-A Ports: 2
- USB-C Ports: 1
- Headphone port: Yes
- HDMI port: Yes
- Webcam: Yes
- Wi-Fi: 6
What I Like & Dislike
Like
- 10-core, 12-thread i7 CPU provides a lot of power from a Dell PC
- Lightweight, thin design
- Large trackpad makes for smooth controls
Dislike
- Lightweight design can flex slightly and mess with the track pad
- Partial keyboard is not ideal for traders who favor the number pad
- No ethernet port
- 512GB SSD can be slightly overkill
Bottom Line
Any office-style Dell fan who wants a model fit for trading all kinds of assets will find a strong candidate for their money in the Inspiron 16 inch.
#9 MacBook Pro M2 16GB RAM
Best Mac
I have a strong bias when it comes to the MacBook Pro. I’m a long time Apple consumer and a huge fan of the interface. But there’s a reason the M2 Pro is ranked 9th of 11. In true Apple style, the Pro is closed-system, lacks integration, and doesn’t have strong ports connectivity, but it’s super easy to use and has by far the best UX on our list.
Our rating: 9.14/10
Features/Price Ratio: 5.38
Price: $1,699.00
Full Specs
- Screen Size (inch): 13.3
- Screen Refresh Speed (Hz): 240
- Screen Resolution: 2560×1600
- Operating System: macOS 12
- SSD Storage (GB): 256
- RAM (GB): 16
- CPU: M2
- CPU Speed (GHz): 3.6
- CPU Cores: 14
- CPU Threads: 20
- CPU Cache (MB): 16
- GPU: M2
- GPU Cores: 16
- GPU Memory (GB): 16
- Weight (pounds): 3
- Battery Life (avg hours): 20
- 50% Charging Speed (min): 30
- Keyboard: Partial
- Ethernet port: No
- USB-A Ports: 0
- USB-C Ports: 2
- Headphone port: Yes
- HDMI port: No
- Webcam: Yes
- Wi-Fi: 6
What I Like & Dislike
Like
- M2 chip is THE most powerful CPU on the market
- 240 Hz refresh speed on high res 2560×1600 pixel screen for truly outstanding user experience
- One of two 13 inch options on our list
Dislike
- Low compatibility with non-Apple products
- Limited ports
- No HDMI option (replaced by Apple AirPlay)
- Partial keyboard
Bottom Line
If you’re an Apple fan, we recommend the MacBook Pro M2 13 inch from 2022 (or any newer 14 inch or 16 inch model).
#10 HP Pavilion Aero
Most Affordable
If you want a bare-minimum entry level machine to just get started, the HP Pavilion Aero meets all the minimum spec requirements at the cheapest price point of only $860. Affordability also means a high features/price ratio because you get everything you need at a fraction of the cost. That said, I say “need” loosely because it’s truly a bare bones option.
Our rating: 9.04/10
Features/Price Ratio: 10.51
Price: $859.99
Full Specs
- Screen Size (inch): 13.3
- Screen Refresh Speed (Hz): 144
- Screen Resolution: 1920×1200
- Operating System: Windows 11
- SSD Storage (GB): 512
- RAM (GB): 16
- CPU: Ryzen 7 5800U
- CPU Speed (GHz): 4.4
- CPU Cores: 8
- CPU Threads: 16
- CPU Cache (MB): 16
- GPU: Vega 8
- GPU Cores: 8
- GPU Memory (GB): 16 RAM
- Weight (pounds): 2.2
- Battery Life (avg hours): 11
- 50% Charging Speed (min): 30
- Keyboard: Partial
- Ethernet port: No
- USB-A Ports: 2
- USB-C Ports: 1
- Headphone port: Yes
- HDMI port: Yes
- Webcam: Yes
- Wi-Fi: 6
What I Like & Dislike
Like
- Only 13 inch Windows machine on the list
- At least 1 of each USB type and other ports
- RAM / SSD memory borrowing for improved performance
- Super lightweight at only 2.2 pounds
Dislike
- 512GB SSD may be overkill given most people use the cloud for storage
- Ryzen 7 58XXX series has a max boost of 4.4, rather than the standard 4.7 GHz
- Partial keyboard is not ideal for trading
Bottom Line
Anyone looking for the cheapest option that checks all the boxes and prefers the slimmer 13 inch option will find a good match in HP’s Pavilion Aero.
#11 Lenovo Latest ThinkPad
Best 14-Inch
Of all the options we found, Lenovo’s ThinkPad was the only machine meeting the minimum requirements on a 14 inch screen. The reason it comes last is the strangely high price point for such limited features. It only has 60 Hz refresh speed, lacks a full keyboard, and doesn’t allow Ethernet, which begs the question of why it costs $1,500+. The real reason to go with the ThinkPad is because you require a 14 inch Windows laptop that meets the minimum specs for trading.
Our rating: 8.97/10
Features/Price Ratio: 5.89
Price: $1,523.77
Full Specs
- Screen Size (inch): 14
- Screen Refresh Speed (Hz): 60
- Screen Resolution: 1920×1200
- Operating System: Windows 11
- SSD Storage (GB): 512
- RAM (GB): 16
- CPU: i7-1260P
- CPU Speed (GHz): 4.7
- CPU Cores: 12
- CPU Threads: 16
- CPU Cache (MB): 18
- GPU: Iris Xe
- GPU Cores: 80
- GPU Memory (GB): 96
- Weight (pounds): 2.48
- Battery Life (avg hours): 9
- 50% Charging Speed (min): 180
- Keyboard: Partial
- Ethernet port: No
- USB-A Ports: 2
- USB-C Ports: 2
- Headphone port: Yes
- HDMI port: Yes
- Webcam: Yes
- Wi-Fi: 6
What I Like & Dislike
Like
- Good multi-use tool for business, personal, compact, and mobility
- 4.7 GHz speed on 12-core, 16-thread i7 processor
- Gets the job done
Dislike
- High price for average power
- Intel Iris XE GPU is not ideal for speed trading and chart analysis
- Partial keyboard
- No ethernet port
Bottom Line
For the hellbent 14 inch shopper, Lenovo’s 16GB RAM is the best choice for your trading needs.
Comparative Table
It’s hard to keep all the details in your head. Here’s a complete comparative table of all the specifications to compare options side-by-side.
| Laptop | Best for… | Rating | Feature/Price Ratio | Price (USD, $) | Screen Size (inch) | Screen Refresh Speed (Hz) | Screen Resolution | Operating System | SSD Storage (GB) | RAM (GB) | CPU | CPU Speed (GHz) | CPU Cores | CPU Threads | CPU Cache (MB) | GPU | GPU Cores | GPU Memory (GB) | Weight (pounds) | Battery Life (avg hours) | 50% Charging Speed (min) | Keyboard | Ethernet port | USB-A Ports | USB-C Ports | Headphone port | HDMI port | Webcam | Wi-Fi |
| Asus 2022 TUF F17 | Large Screen (17-inch) | 9.605 | 6.20 | $1,549.00 | 17.3 | 144 | 1920×1080 | Windows 11 | 1000 | 16 | i7-12700H | 4.7 | 14 | 20 | 24 | NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti | 2560 | 4 | 5.71 | 5 | 30 | Full | RJ45 | 2 | 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6 |
| HP 2022 Victus 15 | Best Budget Laptop | 9.495 | 9.70 | $978.99 | 15.6 | 144 | 1920×1080 | Windows 11 | 512 | 16 | Ryzen 7 5800H | 4.4 | 8 | 16 | 16 | NVIDIA RTX 3050Ti | 2560 | 4 | 7.48 | 2 | 30 | Full | RJ45 | 2 | 1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6 |
| Alienware M15 | Best Gaming Laptop | 9.49 | 5.05 | $1,879.97 | 15.6 | 360 | 1920×1080 | Windows 11 | 1000 | 32 | i7-11800H | 4.6 | 8 | 16 | 24 | NVIDIA RTX 3070 | 5888 | 8 | 5.93 | 3 | 120 | Partial | RJ45 | 3 | 1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6 |
| ASUS TUF Gaming A15 (2022) | Best for Forex | 9.485 | 6.78 | $1,399.99 | 15.6 | 300 | 1920×1080 | Windows 11 | 512 | 16 | Ryzen 7 6800H | 4.7 | 8 | 16 | 20 | NVIDIA RTX 3060 | 3584 | 6 | 4.85 | 12 | 30 | Full | RJ45 | 2 | 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 5 |
| Acer Nitro 5 15.6“ | Best for Crypto | 9.395 | 8.70 | $1,079.99 | 15.6 | 144 | 1920×1080 | Windows 11 | 512 | 16 | i7-11800H | 4.6 | 8 | 16 | 24 | NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti | 2560 | 4 | 11 | 6 | 60 | Full | RJ45 | 3 | 1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6 |
| Lenovo Legion 5 15.6″ | Best for Beginners | 9.23 | 10.59 | $871.22 | 15.6 | 120 | 1920×1080 | Windows 11 | 512 | 16 | Ryzen 5 5600H | 4.2 | 6 | 12 | 16 | NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti | 2560 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 30 | Full | RJ45 | 4 | 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6 |
| LG Gram 16 | Best Battery Life | 9.22 | 7.88 | $1,169.99 | 16 | 60 | 2560×1600 | Windows 11 | 512 | 16 | i7-1260P Evo | 4.7 | 12 | 16 | 18 | Iris Xe | 80 | 96 | 3 | 22 | 45 | Full | No | 2 | 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6 |
| Dell Inspiron 16 5620 | Best Dell | 9.155 | 8.87 | $1,031.75 | 16 | 60 | 1920×1200 | Windows 11 | 512 | 16 | i7-1255U | 4.7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | NVIDIA MX570 | 2048 | 2 | 4.12 | 3 | 37.50 | Partial | No | 2 | 1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6 |
| MacBook Pro M2 16GB RAM | Best Mac | 9.14 | 5.38 | $1,699.00 | 13.3 | 240 | 2560×1600 | macOS 12 | 256 | 16 | M2 | 3.6 | 14 | 20 | 16 | M2 | 16 | 16 | 3 | 20 | 30 | Partial | No | 0 | 2 | Yes | No | Yes | 6 |
| HP Pavilion Aero | Most Affordable | 9.04 | 10.51 | $859.99 | 13.3 | 144 | 1920×1200 | Windows 11 | 512 | 16 | Ryzen 7 5800U | 4.4 | 8 | 16 | 16 | Vega 8 | 8 | 16 RAM | 2.2 | 11 | 30 | Partial | No | 2 | 1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6 |
| Lenovo Latest ThinkPad | Best 14-Inch | 8.97 | 5.89 | $1,523.77 | 14 | 60 | 1920×1200 | Windows 11 | 512 | 16 | i7-1260P | 4.7 | 12 | 16 | 18 | Iris Xe | 80 | 96 | 2.48 | 9 | 180 | Partial | No | 2 | 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6 |
Conclusion
Choosing a laptop for trading shouldn’t be too difficult. Don’t let the details overwhelm you because almost any laptop with i7 processor and 16GB ram will do the trick. But if you’re in the market for something a little more sophisticated and specific, we’ve done the market analysis for you in the article.
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