7 Best Laptops for Minecraft in 2023

Looking for the best laptop to run Minecraft? Our expert recommendations have got you covered with top gaming laptops that offer a great balance of power and productivity.

Whether you wanna play with Shader mods or the latest version of Minecraft with Ray-Tracing, these machines are Redstone-ready.

In this article, we’ll go through what you need to keep in mind when choosing your next machine (a.k.a. the buying guide). Then we will list the 7 best laptops for Minecraft and break down their components and features — and what they mean for Minecraft.

So, gear up for new Minecraft adventures and let the fun begin!

Minimum & Recommended System Requirements

Top 7 Laptops for Minecraft in 2023

We narrowed our list of machines down to 7 laptops that can run Minecraft smoothly while having a lot of room for other demanding games. Minecraft is primarily a CPU-intensive game, but some elements require enough GPU power and system memory. Plus, we selected laptops with a vibrant display and a rich battery life.

Each of the 7 options takes these and secondary factors into account, making way for Minecraft and other Sandbox, Creative, and Survival games.

1. Best Overall: Acer Predator Helios 300

Acer Predator Helios 300

• CPU: 2.8GHz Intel Core i7-1165G7
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Display: 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
• GPU: 2GB NVIDIA GeForce MX450
• Battery: Up to 16 hours

$1,049.99

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The Acer Predator Helios 300 is a powerful gaming laptop that is perfect for Minecraft enthusiasts. Besides a snappy performance, the laptop also comes with a fantastic keyboard and a great cooling system.

The 11th Gen. Intel Core i7 and a dedicated GPU can handle even the most demanding Minecraft mods and texture packs. The graphics card is good even with high-end AAA titles, hitting 60 FPS pretty consistently.

Oh, and one more thing: remember those annoying lags in Minecraft? You can forget about them with this combo and 16GB RAM.

Add to that a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display and the 144Hz refresh rate, and you’re all set for Nether dimension.

Besides, Acer Predator Helios 300 boasts an exceptional keyboard. Just by the looks of it, you can see it is comfortable to use. The keys have a good amount of travel, a sweet tactile feel, AND customizable RGB backlighting.

I know from experience that heating can be an issue. Helios 300 kicks the dual fans and thermal vents work to keep the temperature cool, so you can play Minecraft for hours without scorching yourself.

The only downside to Predator Helios 300 is that it’s a bit heavy and bulky. I can’t say that 5.51 lbs is unheard of among gaming laptops, but it will affect portability. Still, that’s a small price to pay for the performance you get.

To wrap up, the Acer Predator Helios 300 is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful, reliable, and stylish gaming laptop for Minecraft. At its current price, it’s easily one of the top picks for Minecraft.

2. Best Value for Money: Lenovo Legion 5

Lenovo Legion 5

• CPU: 3.3GHz AMD Ryzen 5 5600H
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
• GPU: 6GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
• Battery: Up to 6.5 hours

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Lenovo Legion 5 is one of the best laptops for Minecraft, because you get great specs for an affordable price, and it can do much more than gaming. While there are cheaper laptops — like Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 — they are nowhere near Legion 5 in terms of what they can do.

Not only is it affordable, but it also packs a powerful punch with its Ryzen CPU and dedicated GPU.

When it comes to gaming, the Legion 5 is a force to be reckoned with. It can easily run Minecraft at the highest settings, and it’s also great for other tasks like schoolwork, photo editing, and even light video editing.

But what really sets this laptop apart is its 15.6” IPS display with an amazing 120Hz refresh rate. It’s fast, sharp, and surprisingly color-accurate – something that’s rare to find in a gaming laptop.

The built-in Ethernet port is super useful for a stable connection when playing Minecraft online. Also, there is WiFi 6, which is great for connectivity if you want to get together with friends and join them in adventure mode. 

Another thing I appreciate about the Legion 5 is its amazing cooling system. The twin-blade mechanism at the bottom keeps the machine cool, even with heavy-duty tasks.

But, just a heads up, this laptop does weigh 5.39 lbs, so it may be a bit of a challenge to carry around if you’re always on the go. However, if you’re mostly using it at home, then the weight shouldn’t be an issue.

The Lenovo Legion 5 is an incredible laptop that offers great value for its price. It’s a great balance between performance and affordability, and it’s definitely one of the best laptops Lenovo has to offer.

Gaming with style > Watch our Lenovo Legion 5 Review

This YouTube review was created by the Not Just Laptops team. The specs may slightly differ from the laptop in the article.

3. Best Gaming Laptop for Minecraft: ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15

• CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i9-12900H
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)
• GPU: 6GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
• Battery: Up to 4 hours

$1,709.00

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So you want a diamond-tier Minecraft laptop? In that case, check out ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15. This bad boy is all about performance and value, and a great option for those who want a powerful machine under $2000.

One of the Scar’s key features is its 12th Gen Intel processor paired with the NVIDIA RTX 3060. Sounds like a definite overkill for Minecraft, but — if you’re also into content creation, high-end gaming and 3D modeling, this is a great choice.

Let’s talk about the laptop design. You get a cool RGB strip that surrounds the bottom of the laptop for that sophisticated gamer look. Plus, the back cap is customizable, which I thought was a nice touch.

This machine weighs in at 5.07 lbs, so make sure to take that into account if you travel a lot.

ROG Strix Scar has to be one of the very few laptops that boast a 300Hz display with great color accuracy. You’ll enjoy a hi-res, well-calibrated picture — which is also super useful for photo and video editing.

One thing that irks me, though is that this laptop has no webcam. I mean, sure, most of the people who stream get an external cam anyway, but we do appreciate the choice. I hope ASUS will fix this soon.

On the other hand, battery life is great for a gaming laptop, at around 7.5 hours.

To conclude the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 15 is a great laptop for Minecraft and content creators. It has its downsides, but it’s a smart, versatile option for anyone who wants an amazing machine without breaking the bank.

4. Best from Dell Under $500: Dell Inspiron 3511

Dell Inspiron 3511

• CPU: 1GHz Intel Core i5-1035G1
• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)
• GPU: Integrated Intel UHD
• Battery: Up to 8 hours

$414.96

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Dell Inspiron 3511 is a solid choice if you want an inexpensive laptop for Minecraft. It’s super affordable and comes with strong internal components.

When it comes to performance, the Inspiron 3511 packs an Intel Core i3 CPU and an integrated GPU. In other words, you’ll be able to run the game at high settings, but also do schoolwork. 

Plus, the machine sports 12GB RAM, which is more than HP 15 for example (next on the list), and will reduce stutters and lags.

I happen to like Inspiron’s keyboard quite a lot. Dell included a full-size keyboard with a numpad and a spacious touchpad. If you’re crunching numbers or working in an office, it’s a great choice. 

Inspiron also comes with a 15.6” FHD display and 220 nits of brightness. It’s not the brightest panel and I wouldn’t recommend it for outdoor use, but, compared to Inspiron 3501, 3511 does have thinner bezels. 

One downside to this laptop is the lack of Ethernet and USB-C ports — and I would genuinely like Dell to fix this soon. However, you still get USB 2, SD card reader, and a headphone jack. 

The battery life is actually not bad at all, with 6-8 hours of juice in real-life usage.

In terms of upgradability, the Dell Inspiron 3511 delivers. You get to upgrade the RAM, SSD, and wireless card, which is a good way to further boost performance.

All in all, the Dell Inspiron 3511 is a solid option for those of you looking for a budget Minecraft laptop. There are some downsides, but this is to be expected at this price range.

5. Cheapest Minecraft Laptop: HP 15

HP 15

• CPU: 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-1135G7
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
• GPU: Integrated Intel Iris Xe
• Battery: Up to 7 hours

$413.99

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So maybe you just want to play Minecraft casually and don’t care about mods and super-crazy levels. If that’s the case, HP 15 fits the bill — and it’s one of the cheapest options on the market.

Just because it’s cheap, doesn’t mean HP 15 is weak. Granted, it does come with an Intel Iris GPU and 8GB RAM, but HP opted for a stunning 11th Gen. Intel Core i5. This CPU can do a lot — and we mean a lot.

For starters, it’s more than enough to run Minecraft, but it will also fly through everyday tasks, office work, and even tackle mid-level photo editing.

RAM might limit your Minecraft experience though — I wouldn’t expect the laptop to run mods without a stutter. Luckily, it’s upgradable should you ever wish to broaden your gaming horizons.

The display is pretty good, too — you get to rock a 15” IPS, hi-res display that’s anti-glare and vivid. It’s not too bright though at 250 nits — but it will work great indoors.

Plus, the laptop just looks sleek and professional. If you also plan on taking this laptop to the classroom or office, it’s a great choice.

And you won’t break your back carrying it around, seeing that it weighs around 3.75 lbs. That’s only a bit heavier than Inspiron, but HP does offer a longer battery life.

The HP 15 is a great choice for an ultra-budget laptop. It will allow you to play Minecraft with no major issues — and if you ever wish to play more advanced versions, you can simply upgrade the RAM.

6. Best Budget Laptop for Minecraft: Lenovo IdeaPad 3

Lenovo IdeaPad 3

• CPU: 3GHz Intel Core i3-1115G4
• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Display: 15.6-inch HD (1366 x 768)
• GPU: Integrated Intel UHD
• Battery: Up to 6 hours

$414.00

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The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 brings a lot for an affordable price. It’s one of our top picks for Minecraft since it comes with great performance, a touchscreen display, and a beautiful, sturdy design.

Similarly to Dell Inspiron, Lenovo IdeaPad packs an 11th Gen. Intel Core i3 and an integrated GPU, along with 12GB of RAM. That’s a pretty sweet deal for light-to-mid gaming, including Minecraft mods, and school tasks.

The laptop looks super elegant and modern. Although it’s plastic, the chassis is sturdy and can withstand occasional tumbles. A one-piece hinge is pretty strong, too.

Lenovo did surprise me by incorporating a touchscreen, 15.6” HD display in this combo. The bezels could have been a little slimmer, but at this price point, with a touchscreen and vivid colors, I really don’t mind.

Another selling point for this laptop is the keyboard. The keys are slightly shallower than I prefer, but that’s irrelevant because of how comfortable they feel. Plus, there’s a numpad included — which is pretty rare for a budget laptop.

Portability is one of the weak points. At 6 lbs of weight, the laptop is definitely on the heavier side. There’s roughly 5-6 hours of juice — which might work for school, but if you plan on using it in the office, I’d bring a charger.

In conclusion, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is one of the best laptops for Minecraft if you’re on a budget. If you don’t mind the weight, it can do a lot and last for quite a while.

7. Best for Gaming and School: Acer Nitro 5

Acer Nitro 5

• CPU: 2.3GHz Intel Core i7-11800H
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)
• GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
• Battery: Up to 8 Hours

$831.00

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Acer Nitro 5 is a great laptop for playing Minecraft and many other games. Although it’s relatively affordable, Nitro 5 is no pushover — in fact, its specs and display outweigh some of the more expensive machines.

First, let’s talk performance. The Nitro 5 has more than enough power to handle Minecraft without lag or stutter, with all the advanced modes and complex levels.

Not only that, but this combo lets you enjoy much more demanding AAA titles (Witcher, anyone?). Plus, if you’re into photo and video editing, the machine will do just fine.

What about the display? Compared to some earlier models, Acer increased the refresh rate, so get ready for 144Hz of fast maneuvering. And it’s an IPS panel, with nice and vivid colors.

One thing though — the base model comes with 8GB RAM. You won’t be able to draw out the full power of this machine with such an amount, but it is upgradable up to 32GB RAM — which I sincerely recommend.

In terms of media, the Nitro 5 has some decent speakers. They won’t blow your socks off, but they’ll definitely get the job done.

Nitro 5 is better than most gaming laptops in the portability department and outperforms the likes of Legion 5. 4.80 lbs of weight and 6-8 hours of juice are better than in most gaming laptops. It should work well for school, but if you plan on using it in the office, you may want to bring a charger.

All in all, the Acer Nitro 5 is a great option for playing Minecraft and for schoolwork as well. It has the power to handle the demands of the game, and it’s portable. So if you’re in the market for a new Minecraft + school laptop that can do a lot of other things, I’d definitely check it out.

Buying Guide for Minecraft Laptops

Not all laptops can run Minecraft equally well. When shopping for a computer to run Minecraft, there are a few key factors to consider.

Get a Solid Processor

The first and most important is the processor. Minecraft is not particularly demanding graphics-wise, but it does require a relatively strong processor for better performance and a smoother gaming experience.

To avoid those annoying stutters, look for a laptop with at least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3. These CPUs will provide enough power to run Minecraft and other games at medium settings. If you want to play this game at high settings, look for a laptop with an Intel Core i5 or better.

No Need for Crazy Memory

The next is RAM. The game doesn’t require much memory, but we recommend that your laptop has at least 8GB of RAM. This way, you can use mods or run the latest version with Ray-Tracing. Allocating more RAM can also be an option.

If you can afford it, 16GB of RAM is even better.

A Dedicated GPU Is Better, but Not a Must

What about the graphics card? Minecraft doesn’t require a powerful GPU. Even an older dedicated graphics card with 2GB+ of VRAM will improve the game’s visuals. Minecraft will run with an integrated GPU as well without mods.

Screen Size and Resolution You Need

Minecraft can run at a variety of resolutions, but higher resolutions can make the game look more detailed and crisp. A 1080p resolution is a good starting point.

Plus, I’d always go for at least an IPS panel and skip the TN options (if there are still any left). IPS gives great colors and nice contrast, so you can properly enjoy your Minecraft creations.

If you also play more demanding games, you may want to go for a higher refresh rate — let’s say at least 120Hz or 144Hz. This will improve the maneuvering and reaction times.

However, bear in mind that a more powerful screen also affects the price and power consumption.

Keep Portability in Mind if You’re Out and About

Finally, consider the battery life and portability, aka the weight of the laptop. 

If you also move a lot, look for a lightweight and easy-to-carry machine. Anything around 6–8 hours of battery life is standard. 

As for the weight, this really depends on the type of laptop and what you use it for. For example, gaming laptops are usually bulkier and heavier, but they also pack high-end components and much more power than their lighter ultrabooks counterparts.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to these key factors, some other considerations are the hard drive and storage capacity, the keyboard and touchpad, and the overall design and build quality of the laptop.

When it comes to price, the laptops for Minecraft range from budget-friendly options starting around $500 to high-end models ($1,500+). While it’s nice to have the most powerful laptop on the market, it’s not really necessary for a good Minecraft gaming experience.

To sum up, focus on laptops with mid-range processors, 8GB+ RAM, basic dedicated GPU, crisp display, good battery life, and portability.

But most importantly, consider your budget and needs. With all these factors in mind, you’ll be able to find the perfect laptop for your Minecraft adventures. Don’t buy a new laptop just yet: Explore the upgrade potential of your gaming laptop.

NOTE

The official Minecraft system requirements are a bit lower than what we have in the table below. In our experience, you’d want to get a machine that has the minimums in our table.

Below, we have compiled the minimum and recommended specifications for your Minecraft gameplay into a table for easer overview.

Recommended reading: How to Choose the Right Specs for Your Gaming Laptop

FAQs about Laptops for Minecraft

The Verdict

Each of the listed laptops can handle Minecraft or any other sandbox game like a pro.

When choosing your new laptop for Minecraft, consider the specs we mentioned in the buying guide. Also, take into account other things you might use the laptop for — it’s highly unlikely you’ll have a laptop only for playing Minecraft.

If you still haven’t found the laptop for your needs, drop us a comment and let us know how we can help further, or check the best laptop from each brand.