Wondering what’s the right laptop screen size for you? When it comes to choosing a laptop, screen size is one of the most critical factors to consider. It influences everything from how portable your device is to how comfortable and productive you feel during use. Whether you’re working on spreadsheets, enjoying your favourite shows, or carrying your laptop to classes, the screen size can define your overall experience.
This guide will walk you through the nuances of laptop computer screen sizes. It explains how they’re measured, the pros and cons of different options, and how to select the perfect fit for your needs. By the end, you’ll have all the insights needed to make an informed decision for your next laptop purchase.
How are laptop screen sizes measured?
Laptop sizes are measured diagonally across the screen, from one corner of the display area to the opposite corner. The display area refers to the part of the screen showing the actual content and excludes the bezel—the border or frame around the screen. For example, a laptop marketed as having a 15-inch screen will have a display area that spans 15 inches diagonally. This standardized measurement ensures consistency across brands and models, making it easier for you to compare.
What size screens do laptops come in?
Here are some of the most common laptop screen sizes and what they offer:
- 13-inch laptops: Compact and lightweight, these laptops are easy to carry around. They’re ideal for users, like commuters, students, and casual users, who are frequently on the go.
- 14-inch laptops: These laptops strike a balance between portability and screen real estate. They’re suitable for professionals who need enough display area while keeping the device easy to carry around.
- 15-inch laptops: A popular choice for general use, they offer a good screen-to-size ratio. And they’re suitable for a range of tasks, from work to entertainment.
- 17-inch laptops: They’re perfect for users requiring larger screens for watching videos, gaming, or detailed work like graphic design. These laptops sacrifice portability for a more immersive viewing experience.
- Additional sizes: Less common options like 18-inch or 12-inch laptops cater to niche requirements. A 12-inch laptop may appeal to ultra-portable device seekers, while an 18-inch laptop might suit hardcore gamers or creatives.
Choosing the right laptop screen size for your needs
Selecting the ideal laptop screen size requires evaluating your unique requirements and how you intend to use your laptop.
Factors to consider when choosing screen size
- Work needs: Do you need more screen space for multitasking? A larger screen, like a 15- or 17-inch laptop, is preferable when you’re juggling different tasks. They provide more room for side-by-side app windows, improving productivity for demanding workloads. Similarly, larger screens work best when viewing detailed content. Use them when you’re working on spreadsheets, graphic design, or video editing.
- Portability: Smaller screens are ideal for users who travel frequently. Lightweight laptops with 13- or 14-inch screens are easier to carry in backpacks or briefcases. They are a convenient choice for students or professionals on the go.
- Screen resolution: A higher resolution is crucial for tasks requiring detailed visuals, like graphic design, photography, or video editing. Smaller screens often pair well with 1080p resolutions for sharp images. On the other hand, larger screens benefit from 4K resolutions for enhanced clarity.
Recommendations for different user types
- Students: Students often prioritize portability and affordability. Laptops with 13-inch screens are light and compact, making them easy to carry between classes. These smaller screens are sufficient for tasks like note-taking, research, and viewing educational content online.
- Professionals: Professionals working in office settings can benefit from medium-sized laptops. Laptops with 14- or 15-inch screens provide a good balance of screen space for multitasking and portability. They’re just the right size to pack inside a backpack when commuting or carry around to attend in-person meetings.
- Content creators: Graphic designers, video editors, and other creative professionals should opt for larger screens. Laptops 17 inches or more with higher resolutions like 4K ensure clarity and accuracy, essential for graphically detailed tasks.
- Gamers: Gamers should look for laptops with larger screens. Laptops 17 inches or more, with high resolutions, offer an immersive gameplay. Larger screens provide a better field of view and enhance the gaming experience.
- TV show and movie streamers: Those who frequently stream movies and shows might prefer larger screens for an immersive viewing experience. Medium-sized laptops can suffice, offering a balance of portability and enough viewing space.
Want to learn other considerations when choosing a laptop? Check out our Laptop Buying Guide.
Pros and cons of different laptop screen sizes
Understanding the pros and cons of various laptop screen sizes is crucial for making an informed decision. Each size impacts portability, battery life, and screen space differently, which can affect your overall experience. The table below breaks down these considerations to help you choose the best screen size for your specific needs.
| Screen size | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 13-inch | • Weight: Lightweight and easy to carry, making it ideal for frequent travellers and students who need maximum portability • Battery life: Often longer due to smaller display size, allowing extended use without frequent charging • Screen space: Sufficient for basic tasks like browsing, note-taking, and streaming | • Screen space: Insufficient for multi-tasking or detailed work like spreadsheet analysis or graphic design, potentially limiting productivity |
| 14-inch | • Weight: Strikes a balance between portability and usability, suitable for professionals needing mobility • Battery life: Moderate to long-lasting, capable of handling a full workday • Screen space: Adequate for moderate multi-tasking, such as using side-by-side windows for editing and research | • Weight: Slightly heavier than smaller screens, which could be less convenient for frequent commuters • Battery life: Less efficient than smaller screens, especially during intensive tasks • Screen space: Lacks immersion for gaming or streaming content compared to larger options |
| 15-inch | • Weight: Balanced; portable but not ultra-light, offering versatility for general use • Battery life: Comparable to mid-range laptops, sufficient for typical office or school use • Screen space: Versatile, handles multi-tasking well, ideal for professionals juggling multiple apps | • Weight: Heavier than smaller options, which might be inconvenient for daily travel • Battery life: May drain faster during intensive use like gaming or video editing • Screen space: Not as immersive as larger screens for entertainment or detailed creative work |
| 17-inch | • Weight: Sturdy and large, difficult to carry, making it suitable primarily for stationary setups • Screen space: Excellent for multitasking and immersive tasks like video editing, gaming, or CAD work | • Weight: Heavy and not portable, limiting use for mobile professionals or students • Battery life: Often short, reducing convenience during extended sessions |
Screen resolution and laptop screen size
Screen resolution plays a significant role in the clarity and detail of your laptop’s visuals, particularly as screen sizes increase. Higher resolutions ensure that images and text remain sharp, reducing strain during extended use and enhancing the overall viewing experience.
- Larger screens: Higher resolutions like 1080p or 4K are often preferred. Larger screens display content over a wider surface area. Higher resolutions ensure sharper images and better detail, making them ideal for graphically demanding tasks. Without a higher resolution, individual pixels become more noticeable, leading to a grainy or pixelated appearance. The expansive screen space combined with high resolution creates an immersive and productive environment.
- Smaller screens: These laptops feature lower resolutions like 720p or 1080p. Smaller screens don’t require higher resolutions because their compact size concentrates the pixels in a smaller area. They maintain acceptable sharpness without the need for ultra-high resolution. While they might lack the crispness of 4K displays, they still offer satisfactory visuals for everyday tasks.
When choosing a laptop, consider both screen size and resolution to ensure a clear and comfortable viewing experience. A higher resolution can make a significant difference, especially for tasks that require attention to fine details such as video editing and gaming. However, basic tasks like browsing the web or writing documents may not require high resolutions. So standard displays may be sufficient for many users.
Which screen size is best for me?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Your ideal laptop screen size depends on several factors, including your work requirements, how often you travel with your laptop, and the type of tasks you perform most frequently. By carefully evaluating these considerations, you can select a screen size that aligns with your priorities.
- Portability vs. productivity: If you’re frequently travelling or commuting, a smaller laptop (13-inch) ensures portability and ease of use. For tasks requiring extensive multi-tasking, a medium (14-15 inch) or large (17-inch) screen may be more productive, providing ample room for multiple windows and detailed work.
- Use case: Determine your primary laptop usage. Students and casual users may find smaller screens sufficient for their needs, while gamers, designers, or professionals benefit from larger displays. Casual users might prioritize portability, whereas professional users need screens that support productivity and clarity for complex tasks.
- Budget: Larger screens and higher resolutions generally come at a higher price point. Consider whether investing in a premium display aligns with your needs and usage, ensuring the features justify the cost.
Find your perfect fit at Best Buy
Selecting the right laptop computer screen size is essential to enhancing your overall laptop experience. By considering your personal preferences, intended use, and the balance between portability and screen real estate, you can confidently choose a laptop that suits your needs. Whether you’re a student seeking a lightweight device, a professional needing a versatile machine, or a gamer craving immersive visuals, this guide equips you to make the best choice for your lifestyle.
From Windows laptops to Macbook, Chromebooks and two-in-one laptops, explore Best Buy Canada’s wide assortment of laptops to find the one that’s right for you.
This article was drafted using AI technology and then reviewed, fact-checked, and revised by a member of our editorial team.
