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MagyarThe Best Budget Multimedia Notebooks
Multimedia laptops are all-rounders and very popular among customers. Whether it is web browsing, office work, or modern games, modern multimedia laptops can handle everything. For this ranking, however, we limit the theoretical budget to 1000 Euros (lowest current price at the time of writing). The minimum requirement for the performance level is a GeForce MX150, which can at least handle modern games in 1366x768 pixels. The other multimedia ranking and more interesting lists are obviously still available:
- The Best Multimedia Notebooks (powerful all-round notebooks)
- The Best Budget Gaming Notebooks (<1500 USD/Euros) (affordable gaming laptops)
- The Best Notebooks for less than 1000 USD/Euros (affordable notebooks)
The Best Budget Multimedia Laptops (new v8 Rating)
Rank | Version | Rating | Date | Image | Model / Review | Weight | Height | Size | Resolution | Screen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | v8 | 74.7 % | 07/2024 New! |  | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 16IRU9 Intel Core 7 150U Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs 16 GB Memory | 1.8 kg | 16.9 mm | 16.00" | 1920x1200 | matte |
| 2 | v8 | 66.7 % | 08/2024 New! |  | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 15IRU9 Intel Core 5 120U Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs 16 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | 1.6 kg | 17.9 mm | 15.60" | 1920x1080 | matte |
Note: The switch to a new rating system took place in June 2024. In the new v8 rating, the criteria were adapted to current hardware developments, new points were added and individual measurement methods were changed. As a result, the v8 ratings are slightly lower than under v7. The new v8 rating is not directly comparable with previous versions. For this reason, we are listing two tables with the best devices according to v7 and v8 rating here for the time being. Further information on the new v8 rating can be found here.
The Best Budget Multimedia Laptops (old v7 Rating)
Position | Total Rating | Date | Image | Model / Review | Weight | Height | Size | Resolution | Screen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 89.7 % | 04/2024 |  | Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 16 2024 Intel Core Ultra 7 155H Intel Arc 8-Core iGPU 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | 1.9 kg | 15.9 mm | 16.00" | 3072x1920 | matte |
| 2 | 87.8 % | 11/2023 |  | HP Pavilion Plus 14-ey0095cl AMD Ryzen 7 7840U AMD Radeon 780M 16 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | 1.4 kg | 18.8 mm | 14.00" | 2880x1800 | glossy |
| 3 | 86.2 % | 07/2022 |  | Acer Swift X SFX16-51G-5388 Intel Core i5-11320H NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB Laptop GPU 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.8 kg | 18.9 mm | 16.10" | 1920x1080 | matte |
| 4 | 85.7 % | 09/2022 |  | Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro 16ARH7 AMD Ryzen 5 6600HS AMD Radeon 660M 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.9 kg | 18.4 mm | 16.00" | 2560x1600 | matte |
| 5 | 85.6 % | 08/2022 |  | HP Envy 14-eb0252ng Intel Core i5-1135G7 Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EUs 8 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | 1.5 kg | 17.9 mm | 14.00" | 1920x1200 | matte |
| 6 | 85.3 % | 06/2023 |  | Asus ZenBook 14 UM3402Y AMD Ryzen 7 7730U AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 4000/5000) 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.4 kg | 16.9 mm | 14.00" | 2880x1800 | glossy |
| 7 | 83.5 % | 07/2022 |  | Dell Inspiron 15 Plus Intel Core i5-11400H NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB Laptop GPU 8 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.9 kg | 19 mm | 15.60" | 1920x1080 | matte |
| 8 | 83.2 % | 02/2023 |  | Asus VivoBook S15 M3502RA-L1029W AMD Ryzen 7 6800H AMD Radeon 680M 16 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.9 kg | 18.8 mm | 15.60" | 1920x1080 | glossy |
| 9 | 82.6 % | 08/2022 |  | Asus ZenBook 14 UM425U AMD Ryzen 7 5700U AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 4000/5000) 8 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.2 kg | 15.3 mm | 14.00" | 1920x1080 | matte |
| 10 | 82.6 % | 05/2022 |  | Huawei MateBook D 15 Ryzen 5 5500U AMD Ryzen 5 5500U AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 8 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | 1.6 kg | 16.9 mm | 15.60" | 1920x1080 | matte |
The table above contains an overview over the best budget multimedia notebooks reviewed by Notebookcheck over the course of the past 12 months as well as still relevant and available older products. In cases of identical score the more recent device is listed first. All prices in above table and price comparisons are updated daily and can thus differ.
Link: all devices in this class reviewed
Editors' Comments
There are plenty of multimedia laptops for under 1,000 Euros. This category features a good price-performance ratio, because all multimedia-class device are equipped with a discrete graphics card and provide decent gaming performance. Inexpensive entry-level models are often shipped with a powerful processor, but the common GeForce MX150 is not a perfect solution for modern 3D games. Manufacturers also try to save money in terms of storage, which can quickly become the bottleneck due to high storage requirements of multimedia contents like games, picture, or videos. You should favor an SSD/HDD combination.
1st – Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 16 2024
The Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 16 is a great and affordable multimedia notebook based on Intel's Meteor Lake-H processors. We tested the stylish device with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor. It also comes with 32 GB DDR5 RAM and a 1 TB SSD as well as modern connectivity, including Thunderbolt 4. The manufacturer packs the hardware into a simple, yet sturdy metal casing. Xiaomi offers all of this for less than 1,000 euros, which even puts the RedmiBook Pro 16 at the top of our top 10 list.
The Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 16 2024 offers plenty of performance, a high-quality casing and future-proof connectivity. In relation to the purchase price, the Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 16 is one of the best multimedia laptops.
The RedmiBook Pro 16 can be ordered from TradingShenzen for 957 euros (around $1,030) including the Windows 11 Pro.
Price comparison
2nd – HP Pavilion Plus 14
The new edition of the HP Pavilion Plus 14 gets a new APU and other small improvements. The AMD Ryzen 7 7840U is a fast and very efficient SoC under the hood. You can also look forward to the integration of the powerful AMD Radeon 780M. Overall, the HP Pavilion Plus 14 is a perfect all-rounder and with the great 120 Hz OLED display, working with the device is really fun.
The HP Pavilion Plus 14 presents itself as a good multimedia notebook and impresses with its great 1,800p OLED display.
The Pavilion Plus 14 is available at HP's official online store. Alternatively a $1,099 SKU, that comes with an Ryzen 7 7840U, is available among others on Amazon.
Price comparison
3rd – Acer Swift X SFX16
The Acer Swift X SFX16 belongs to the somewhat more expensive mid-range laptops. However, at just over 1,000 Euros, our tested sample is only very slightly over the limit, which is why we still decided to include it in our top 10 list. The Acer Swift X SFX16 offers a fast Intel Core i5-11320H and with the dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 laptop, gaming suitability is also given.
The Acer Swift X SFX16 collects points with the good display, the stable and high-quality metal case and the modern ports.
The Acer Swift X is a great 16-inch multimedia device with a good display and Thunderolt 4.
The Swift X SFX16-51G is available on Acer's official store for around $1,199.
Price comparison
4th - Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro 16
With the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro 16, the manufacturer offers a modern multimedia device with a 16-inch display. The display in 16:10 format is good to work with and the brightness is also on a good level. The SoC is an AMD Ryzen 5 6600HS with 6 cores and 12 threads. The SoC also includes a solid iGPU in the form of the AMD Radeon RX 660M.
Lenovo's IdeaPad 5 Pro 16 proves to be a good all-rounder in the test that cuts a good figure outside of 3D applications.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro 16ARH7 is available for example from Amazon for $799.
Price comparison
5th – HP Envy 14
The HP Envy 14 is a more powerful multimedia notebook and is powered by an Intel Core i5-1135G7. The iGPU will have to suffice for 3D performance. Nevertheless, the Envy 14 scores with low emissions and a bright display in 16:10 format. The great design as well as the long battery runtimes and Thunderbolt 4 round off the pact and thus provide important score points, which enables the entry into the top 10.
The HP Envy 14 is a great all-rounder with a consistently good performance in the review.
Currently, HP Envy 14 doesn't seem to be available in the United States.
Price comparison
6th – Asus ZenBook 14
The Asus ZenBook 14 is an inexpensive multimedia notebook based on an AMD Ryzen 7 7730U. The AMD Ryzen APU offers a good graphics unit with the AMD Radeon RX Vega 8, with which one or two games can also be mastered. Unfortunately, the RAM is limited to 16 GB as it cannot be expanded. The Asus ZenBook 14 also scores points with its flawless battery life, stylish design and good 2.8K OLED display with 90 Hz.
With the new Asus ZenBook 14, you get a lot of performance paired with long battery life and a great OLED touch screen.
The ZenBook 14 UM3402Y (Ryzen 5 7530U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is available on Walmart for $577, our review configuration slightly costs more at $870.
Price comparison
7th - Dell Inspiron 15 Plus
The Dell Inspiron 15 Plus makes it into our top 10 list with a solid performance and its all-round capabilities. The modern design also matches the modern connectivity including Thunderbolt 4. However, the poor battery runtimes spoil an even better ranking for the Dell Inspiron 15 Plus. However, the good input devices and the relatively low weight make the device a good companion.
The current price clearly makes the device an insider tip at the moment.
The Dell Inspiron 15 Plus is currently not yet available in the US.
Price comparison
8th – Asus VivoBook S15
The Asus VivoBook S15 is a top modern 15-inch notebook for multimedia use. The manufacturer relies completely on AMD, because the CPU and GPU come from the same manufacturer. Thus, we see an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H alongside an AMD Radeon 680M, which masters the image output as a dedicated graphics card. Basically, the device offers a high system performance and very long battery runtimes at the same time. The good maintenance option as well as the high-contrast and true-color OLED display round off the package. Nevertheless, you unfortunately have to do without USB4 and Thunderbolt.
The Asus VivoBook S15 laptop offers more graphics performance with AMD's latest Radeon RX 680M.
In the US, it is currently hard to order VivoBook S15 with the review configuration.
Price comparison
9th – Asus ZenBook 14
The Asus ZenBook 14 is a powerful all-rounder. It is based on an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U from the Zen 2 series. The 8 GB RAM clocks at 3,600 MHz and is sufficient for most applications. The AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 serves as the graphics unit. The positive aspects outweigh the negative ones, which is enough to place it in our top 10. The slim casing looks modern and compact. Nevertheless, we documented excellent battery runtimes and good system performance in our review.
The Asus ZenBook 14 offers sufficient performance and is also suitable for longer periods of work on battery power.
Currently, the configuration of the Asus ZenBook 14 that we reviewed doesn't seem to be available in stores in the United States.
Price comparison
10th – Huawei MateBook D 15
The Huawei MateBook D15 is now also available with the latest AMD Ryzen APUs. In the test, the AMD Ryzen 5 5500U in the MateBook D 15 could deliver a good system performance. Together with the high-quality case and the good display, it is enough to enter our top 10. At only 500 Euros, the device offers a lot in this price range. However, you also have to accept some compromises. The working memory cannot be expanded and the USB ports only offer 2.0 speed.
The Huawei MateBook D15 offers a solid SoC for home users with the fast 6-core aka AMD Ryzen 5 5500U.
At the time of writing, the MateBook D 15 doesn't seem to be available in stores in the United States.
