Are you in the market for a new laptop? If so, you may be wondering if there’s a best laptop for virtual machines. The answer is yes – and we’re here to help you find it.
In this blog post, we will discuss the eight best laptops for virtual machines as of 2024. We will also provide a buyer’s guide to help you choose the best laptop for your needs. So whether you are a business owner looking to run multiple operating systems or a computer science student who wants to have access to all of your software programs, we have the perfect laptop for you!
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Why Trust Our Review?
We have personally reviewed and tested the most popular and high-rated laptops available on the market at the present moment. This review is being continuously updated as the new models come out and become available to users.
Our reviews are based on thorough research of specs, common problems, user ratings, and personal experience. As you read through the article, be confident that you are receiving the most thorough and accurate advice on the new tech available today.
What Are Virtual Machines Used for?
A virtual machine (VM) is an operating system that runs on a host computer. It provides users with the ability to run multiple operating systems and applications on one machine. With a virtual machine, you can manage all of your programs, files, and settings from one location without the need for multiple computers. This makes it easier to do your work, such as developing software, managing IT applications, or running a business.
Virtual machines are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness. They also provide users with more flexibility and control, as well as increased security and privacy.
The main uses for virtual machines include the following:
1. Running Multiple Operating Systems
One of the most common uses for virtual machines is running multiple operating systems on a single computer. This can be useful for software developers who need to test their programs on different operating systems, or for users who want to use both Windows and macOS on the same machine.
2. Isolation and Security
Another common use for virtual machines is isolation and security. By running a virtual machine on a separate computer or server, you can isolate it from the rest of your network. This can be useful for sensitive data or applications that need to be kept secure from outside threats.
3. Legacy Applications
Virtual machines can also be used to run legacy applications that are no longer compatible with modern operating systems. This can be useful for businesses that need to keep using older software for compatibility reasons, or for individuals who want to play classic video games that are no longer supported on newer computers.
4. Testing and Development
Virtual machines are also commonly used for testing and development purposes. By creating a virtual machine, developers can test new software or changes to existing software without affecting the rest of their system. This can be especially helpful when developing new features for an operating system or testing out beta versions of software before they are released to the public.
5. Gaming
Virtual machines can also be used for gaming purposes. By installing a gaming platform such as SteamOS on a virtual machine, you can take advantage of the increased performance and graphics capabilities of your computer while still being able to play all of your favorite games.
What Are the Optimal Specs for Virtualization?
For those looking to set up a virtual machine environment, the best laptops for virtual machines depend on what tasks you intend to complete with the device.
In general, however, you need a powerful computer that will be able to support multiple operating systems simultaneously.
The two most important components that will make or break your virtual machine-running computer are the processor and RAM. The processor provides power to run multiple operating systems at once, while the RAM allows them to run smoothly without lags by providing quick access to your programs and data.
Hard drive is also important for virtual machines, since it stores all of the data and software programs that make up your operating system. A larger hard drive will allow you to store more applications and data on your virtual machine. In general, SSD is faster and more reliable than traditional HDD drives.
Finally, a good graphics card is necessary for those who plan to use their virtual machine for gaming purposes. Graphics cards provide better performance when it comes to graphics-intensive applications, so you can get the best gaming experience on your virtual machine.
Below, we provide a table with minimum and recommended specs for a laptop that can reliably run virtual machines.
| Minimum Requirements | Recommended Specs | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 6-core (Intel i7 10th Gen or equivalent) | 8-core (Intel i7 11th Gen or equivalent) |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB |
| Memory | 256GB SSD or HDD | 512GB SSD |
| GPU | Integrated AMD or Intel GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 16xx or equivalent |
| Battery Life | – | 3+ hours |
| Operating System | Windows 10 or MacOS | Windows 11 or MacOS |
8 Best Laptops for Virtual Machines in 2024
Now that we have a better understanding of the requirements for running virtual machines, let’s dive into these top 8 hand-picked choices of best laptops that are suitable for running virtual machines. Choose the one that resonates most with you and order your new laptop while it’s hot!
1. MacBook Pro
Best overall laptop for virtual machines
| Display | 14 inches |
| CPU | M1 Pro Chip 8-core |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| GPU | Up to 32-core |
If you are looking for the number one among the best laptops for virtual machines, as well as one that will suit most of your other daily needs, look no further than the Apple MacBook Pro.
This powerful device is equipped with an M1 Pro chip and up to 10-core CPU, making it perfect for running not just one, but several virtual machines on your computer. Plus, 16GB of highly-optimized RAM will be more than enough to power through your virtualization tasks seamlessly.
With a battery life of up to 17 hours, you can work on your VM projects all day long without having to worry about charging your laptop. The MacBook Pro also comes equipped with up to 1TB of superfast SSD storage, which provides you ample space with storing your VM-related files.
Plus, the stunning 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display will make working on virtual machines a visual treat. If your budget allows you and you are on a lookout for a VM-running laptop, you may as well not read the rest of this article, and just go ahead and order this stellar device. If Apple is not quite your cup of tea, then keep reading.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful hardware | Expensive |
| Amazing display | |
| Long battery life |
2. Dell XPS 15 9520
Best laptop for running multiple virtual machines
| Display | 15.6 inches |
| CPU | 12th Gen Core i7-12700H (14-core) |
| RAM | 16GB DDR5 |
| Storage | 512GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 |
The Dell XPS 15 9520 is one of the best laptops to run virtual machines. With its 12th Generation Intel Core i7-12700H, it can handle up to 4.7 GHz and 14 cores for smooth VM operation.
The 512GB PCIe SSD ensures quick loading of your virtual machines, while the 16GB DDR5 4800Mhz guarantees that they will run with optimum speed.
The anti-glare FHD+ 1920×1200 display on the 15.6″ screen provides for a beautiful visual experience, while the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 with 4 GB GDDR6 provides smooth graphics performance, in case you need to use your computer for demanding rendering or gaming tasks.
Whether you are a business professional or a student, the Dell XPS 15 9520 is an excellent option for anyone who needs a powerful and reliable laptop that can also handle running virtual machines.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very powerful | Awkward webcam placement |
| Great design | |
| Beautiful screen |
3. Acer Predator Helios 300
Best gaming laptop for virtual machines
| Display | 15.6 inches |
| CPU | Intel i7-11800H |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 |
Based on the features above, write a detailed compelling product description for Acer Predator Helios 300 as the best gaming laptop to run virtual machines on.
The Acer Predator Helios 300 is the best gaming laptop for virtual machines. It features a powerful 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11800H processor, with 8 cores and 16 threads to divide and conquer any task. Plus, it comes with the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (6GB dedicated GDDR6 VRAM) for the best gaming performance.
Its 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS LED-backlit display with 16:9 aspect ratio has a fast 144Hz refresh rate and 3ms Overdrive response time, so you can enjoy the best visual experiences without any lag or delay. The laptop also comes with 16GB of DDR4 memory and a 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, so you can store all your VM projects and files on it.
The Acer Predator Helios 300 also uses a 5th Generation AeroBlade Fan with 89 blades designed to increase air intake and keep your system at a nice, cool temp – allowing you to maximize your performance by reducing throttling for better sustained performance.
If you want the best gaming laptop for virtual machines, the Acer Predator Helios 300 is the perfect choice. With its unbeatable combination of power, speed, and storage, you’ll be able to run your virtual machines with ease.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Nice design | Weak battery life |
| Good pricing | |
| Great GPU performance |
4. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
Best stylish laptop to run virtual machines
| Display | 14 inches |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS (8-core) |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 1TB SSD |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX2060 |
Based on features above, write a detailed product description for the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 as the best stylish laptop to run virtual machines
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is a powerful and stylish laptop that is one of the best laptops for virtual machines.
It features a 14″ Full HD Display with 1920 x 1080 Resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, as well as the high-performing AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS Processor. This powerful 8-core processor can reach speeds up to 4.30GHz, making it perfect for running any virtual machines you might need.
The 1TB SSD provides plenty of storage for your VM projects, while the 16GB DDR4 RAM ensures smooth performance. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q graphics Backed by 6GB GDDR6 dedicated video memory allows you to enjoy immersive visuals, making it great for running graphically-intensive tasks. Plus, the Smart AMP Technology and Dolby Atmos speakers produce incredible sound.
The Chiclet keyboard with white backlight allows you to enjoy comfortable and accurate typing, even in dim lighting conditions, while the Windows 11 Home operating system provides a user-friendly experience. Weighing just 3.64 lbs and measuring 0.7″ thin, this laptop is perfect for on-the-go use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sleek design | Can get warm and loud |
| Excellent performance | |
| Comfortable typing experience |
5. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
Best lightweight laptop for virtual machines
| Display | 14 inches |
| CPU | Intel i7-1260P (12-core) |
| RAM | 16GB DDR5 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| GPU | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a lightweight and powerful laptop that is perfect for running virtual machines.
It features a 14″ WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS Display with 100%sRGB color gamut, 400 nits brightness and anti-glare coating, making for an impressive viewing experience.
The 12th Generation Intel Core i7-1260P Processor allows you to run multiple virtual machines simultaneously, while the 16GB LPDDR5 5200MHz RAM ensures smooth performance. The 512GB SSD provides plenty of storage space for your VM projects.
The USB 4 Type-C port with Thunderbolt 4 allows you to connect to other devices quickly and easily, while the Rapid Charge feature allows you to charge your laptop up to 80% in just an hour. Weighing only 2.48 lbs and measuring 0.7″ thin, this laptop is perfect lightweight computer for virtual machines.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very light | Expensive |
| Excellent battery life | |
| Top-level screen |
6. Acer Nitro 5
Best large-screen laptop for virtual machines
| Display | 17.3 inches |
| CPU | Intel Core i7-11800H |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 1TB SSD |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050Ti |
The Acer Nitro 5 is our choice for the best large-screen laptop for virtual machines.
The laptop’s 17.3″ widescreen LED-backlit IPS display with 1920 x 1080 resolution offers great image quality, while the 16GB DDR4 Memory ensures smooth performance.
The laptop is equipped with a powerful Intel Core i7-11800H Processor that allows you to run multiple virtual machines on your PC. It also comes with the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Graphics Card, which provides stunning visuals and immersive gameplay.
The Acer Nitro 5 also comes with a 1TB NVMe SSD, which provides plenty of storage space for your VM projects. Additionally, the laptop features Killer DoubleShot Pro networking technology that lets you use both Wi-Fi and Ethernet simultaneously without any lag or slowdown.
And when heavy use requires an added boost, the Acer CoolBoost technology increases fan speed by 10% and CPU/GPU cooling by 9%. So whether you’re playing games, working on project or just browsing the web, the Acer Nitro 5 is perfect for all your needs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Average build quality |
| Great for gaming | |
| Responsive display |
7. HP Pavilion 15
Best cheap laptop for virtual machines
| Display | 15.6 inches |
| CPU | Intel Core i7-1255U |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| GPU | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
This budget-friendly laptop is powered by an Intel Core i7-12th Generation Processor and comes with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, a very solid combination for a VM-running machine.
The HP Pavilion also features a stunning 15.6″ FHD display with 178-degree viewing angles. Plus, the BrightView glossy finish means on-screen colors pop while blacks appear deep and distinct.
The laptop also comes with a 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, providing plenty of storage space for your VM projects. The HP Pavilion also has Intel Iris Xe graphics, to deliver amazing performance and crisp visuals for all your entertainment needs.
For added convenience, the HP Pavilion 15 also features a fingerprint reader for easy and secure access. Plus, with its built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth 5.0, you can stay connected with your work even when you’re on the go.
So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle virtual machines, the HP Pavilion 15 is your best bet. With its powerful processor and graphics card, generous storage space, and convenient features, it’s sure to make your VM projects a breeze.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Limited battery life |
| Decent performance | |
| Sharp display |
8. MSI GF76
Best power laptop for multiple virtual machines
| Display | 17.3 inches |
| CPU | Intel Core i7-11800H (8-core) |
| RAM | 32GB |
| Storage | 1TB SSD |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 Ti |
Are you in the market for a powerful and fast laptop that can handle running multiple virtual machines? If so, then the MSI GF76 may be just what you are looking for.
This amazing gaming laptop is equipped with the most powerful and fast 11th Gen Intel 8-Core i7-11800H. This means that it can handle up to 4.6 GHz and 16 threads, making it perfect for running any virtual machines you might need.
The 17.3″ FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS 144Hz Thin Bezel Display provides a smooth visual experience while working on your VM projects, while the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB allows you to smoothly run demanding rendering or gaming tasks if needed.
With 32GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD storage, this laptop has everything you need to get your VM projects up and running quickly and easily. So if you are in the market for a new gaming laptop that can also double as a powerful machine for running virtual machines, look no further than the MSI GF76 Gaming Laptop.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Interesting design | Display lacks brightness |
| Good performance | Can get hot and loud |
| Reasonable price |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What exactly is a virtual machine anyway?
A virtual machine (or VM) is a computer simulation powered by software. It can be used to run multiple operating systems and applications on one physical computer, allowing you to run applications and perform tasks as if they were running on a separate computer.
How do I set up a virtual machine on my laptop?
Setting up a virtual machine on your laptop is relatively easy. First, you need to install a hypervisor such as VMware or VirtualBox on the laptop. Once that’s done, you can create a virtual machine and install an operating system (such as Windows or Linux). After that, you can install the applications and programs that you need. Finally, you can configure the virtual machine as needed.
How many virtual machines can I run on my laptop at the same time?
It mostly depends on the specs of your laptop. Generally speaking, a laptop with more RAM, storage space and a faster processor can handle more virtual machines at the same time. However, running too many virtual machines can strain your laptop’s resources and potentially lead to performance issues. It is best to make sure your laptop has enough resources to handle the number of virtual machines you want to run.
What software do I need to run virtual machines on my laptop?
You will need a hypervisor such as VMware or VirtualBox to install and manage your virtual machines. Additionally, you may need other software such as an operating system, databases and other programs or applications that you need to run.
Will virtual machines slow down my computer?
Running virtual machines on your laptop can potentially slow down the performance of your computer if you don’t have enough resources. It’s best to make sure your laptop has enough RAM, storage space, and a fast processor in order to run virtual machines without issue.
Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.
Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.