Best HP Laptops for Streaming

The best laptops for streaming have enough grunt to handle high-resolution images with smooth frame rates. However, the ideal specifications depend on your streaming needs. Gamers and professional broadcasters, for example, require more advanced technology than everyday multimedia consumers.

Need a new streaming laptop? We’re covering the key considerations. To cap off this post, we’ll offer five suitable recommendations for streamers of varying types.

What is streaming?

Streaming has been a mainstay of everyday life since high-speed broadband began infiltrating British homes in the mid-2000s. Nowadays, with our 5G-enabled mobile devices and rampant social media consumption, streaming has become even more prevalent.

But what exactly does the term mean?

Streaming refers to continuous online media consumption without any internal storage requirements. This means watching videos directly from an online source without downloading them first. Streaming can also refer to the live broadcasting of online content, such as gamers sharing their gameplay or professionals conducting live presentations.

The pros and cons of streaming

Pros:

· Instant access: No need to download a movie; just click play.

· Variety: More choice than traditional TV.

· Content on demand: Watch what you want, when you want

· Cost-effective: Affordable subscriptions with extensive content.

· Fewer ads: Less advertising than cable TV.

· Multi-device compatibility: Stream on laptops, mobiles, tablets, and Smart TVs.

· Global Reach: Broadcasters can reach an international audience.

· Analytics: Valuable data on audience demographics and viewing habits.

Cons:

· Latency issues: Requires a fast, reliable internet connection.

What to look for in a streaming laptop

Hardware:

For streaming movies and TV shows:

· Operating System: Windows 8, 10, or 11

· Processor: Intel Celeron® N4120 or Intel Core™ i3 / AMD Ryzen 3 with at least 4 cores

· RAM: 4GB

· Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics

For broadcasting professional presentations:

· Operating System: Windows 10 or 11

· Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen™ 5 with at least 8 cores

· RAM: 8GB

· Graphics: Intel Iris® Xe or a low-end dedicated GPU or gaming streamers

· Operating System: Windows 10 or 11

· Processor: Late-gen Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 with at least 6 cores

Display:

Screen size: Balance between immersion and portability.
Resolution: Higher is better, but consider your internet bandwidth.
Panel Type: VA panels for wide viewing angles and rich colours. IPS and TN panels are also suitable.
Refresh rates and response times:Online gamers can gain a competitive edge

Audio:

Built-In Speakers: Essential for quality audio.

HP collaborates with Bang & Olufsen to ensure every laptop offers crisp, high-quality sound straight out of the box. B&O custom-tune our speakers to create a rich, immersive soundscape when streaming movies and TV shows.

Microphone: Built-in mics are fine for casual use, but professionals may need a USB mic. Here’s a studio-quality USB mic from HP to consider.

Convertible screens

2-in-1 Screens: Ideal for streaming movies with tent or tablet modes, though more expensive.

The Top HP laptop series for streaming

HP Stream: Best low-cost streaming solution

Retailing at a rock-bottom price, the

HP Stream

series is perfect for users who primarily stream movies and TV shows. Packing an Intel Celeron® N4120 processor and 4GB RAM, these mini 11-inch laptops will run all the usual streaming apps. However, consider upgrading if you plan to browse the web with multiple tabs or run other applications.

HP Pavilion: Best for multi-media streaming and more

Custom-designed for home users, the

HP Pavilion

is an affordable laptop capable of handling essential everyday tasks, such as multimedia streaming. This popular, entry-level laptop series comes in numerous hardware configurations and screen sizes, including a versatile convertible variation called the HP Pavilion x360. All HP Pavilion laptops can run standard streaming apps and more intensive programs, even while multitasking.

HP Spectre: Best for professional broadcasting

The

HP Spectre

is a premium, business-orientated laptop with a sleek, 2-in-1 form factor for easy streaming on the go. Tent mode is fantastic for trains and planes. Crisp, high-definition screens (many have OLED displays) enhance the viewing experience. The HP Spectre is also exceptionally portable, making it a top option for professional workers on the move. A faster processor, extra RAM, and a beefier Intel Iris Xe (some models have dedicated GPUs) make this series suitable for professional-level broadcasting. Pro streamers will appreciate its quality built-in webcam and microphone.

HP Victus: Best for casual gamer streaming

You don’t need the best gaming machine money can buy if you aim to stream indie or older titles. Cost-conscious gamers will do their hip pocket a favour by investing in an affordable alternative like the

HP Victus

. As our entry-level gaming laptop, this potent device delivers enviable performance for a reasonable price. You won’t have to worry about FOMO. The HP Victus can still play every title on the market; just don’t expect to crank up the resolution to the max or multi-task.

HP OMEN: Best for hard-core gamer streaming

Serious gaming streamers seeking to foster new subscribers need top-of-the-line hardware. As our pro-level gaming laptop, the

HP OMEN

delivers best-in-class performance. An industry-leading processor with abundant RAM and a killer GPU lets you stream and play demanding AAA titles in high resolution. The top models will even do all this while multi-tasking apps like Discord and Steam.

Summary

Shop HP Laptops Now

Streaming needs vary from casual viewers to professional broadcasters and avid gamers. Understanding your requirements will help you find the right laptop. Check out our top recommendations or explore what

other laptops

are available in the HP UK Store.

About the Author

Harry Stewart is a Tech Takes contributor covering everything from laptop reviews to how-to guides.

Best HP Laptops for Streaming | HP® UK (2024)