- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Review Updates
- Best Laptop
- Best Mid-Range
- Best Budget
- Best Gaming
- Comparison
- Lineup
- Page Updates
- Conclusion
- Comments
Founded in 1976 as Multitech, Acer Inc. is a Taiwanese company that started as a distributor of electronic parts. Since then, the company—renamed Acer in 1987—has expanded its product portfolio to include a multitude of products, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, servers, monitors, smartphones, and more. Acer produces a wide range of laptops, from cheap Chromebooks to high-end productivity and creator models, as well as gaming laptops at different price points. It's most well-known for its budget and mid-range offerings, which are often among the best value models you can find on the market, competing against the likes of Lenovo and HP.
We've tested over 15 Acer laptops, and below are our recommendations for the best Acer laptops you can get. If you want to learn more about how we test laptops or our review process, check out this article, where we give you a quick rundown of each step from the moment we purchase the laptop to the final published review.
Updates
- 03/07/2025 Acer Aspire 15 (2024) reviewed
- 11/01/2024 Acer Swift Go 14 (2024) reviewed
- 11/01/2024 Acer Nitro V 16 (2024) reviewed
- 09/18/2024 Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2024) reviewed
- 08/20/2024 Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (2024) reviewed
Best Acer Laptops
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Best Acer Laptop
School8.2Gaming6.6Multimedia7.8Workstation8.4Business8.2The Acer Swift Go 14 (2024) is our best Acer laptop pick. This productivity laptop has a compact design, a sturdy build, and an all-day battery life, making it well-suited for on-the-go use. It packs a surprising amount of processing power for the price, allowing you to power through tasks like web browsing, video playback, and spreadsheets, as well as more intensive stuff like programming and light video editing. Of course, there are limitations, as you can only get up to 32GB of soldered RAM, which might not be enough for the most demanding workloads. You can upgrade the storage yourself later since this laptop uses standard, off-the-shelf M.2 2280 SSDs.
This laptop is available with a 60Hz FHD+ IPS or a 90Hz 2.8k OLED display. The former looks pretty sharp on a 14-inch screen, but if you want the best visual experience, the OLED panel is the way to go. Just keep in mind that OLED flickers—which can cause eye strain—and is susceptible to permanent burn-in. Port selection is outstanding—our only gripe is that both USB-Cs are on the left side of the device, which can be annoying if your power outlet is on the right. One thing worth mentioning is that the bottom of the laptop gets very hot, reaching up to 52 °C (125.6 °F), but keep in mind that this only happens when you perform extremely intensive tasks.
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Best Mid-Range Acer Laptop
School7.9Gaming4.6Multimedia8.1Workstation6.9Business7.8If you want something more affordable, check out the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (2024). This 2-in-1 convertible is best suited for those with a light workload, as it sports a slower processor. Also, fewer programs run on Chrome OS, so you must ensure that you can access everything through the Chrome browser or an Android app. As for the laptop itself, it feels surprisingly well-built compared to most Chromebooks, and its compact design makes it easy to carry around. You get a bright FHD+ display, an amazingly comfortable keyboard, and an excellent 1440p webcam. The display supports pen input if you want to take handwritten notes or draw, but you have to buy the stylus separately.
You can get this laptop with an Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7 CPU paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The base model with a Core Ultra 5 115U model, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage is likely adequate for most people's workloads and the easiest to find. Upgrading to the Core Ultra 7 model with more RAM will let you do heavier multitasking, but know that you may have trouble finding these configurations due to low availability. You can expect to get around 10 hours of battery life in light uses, and you can charge the laptop via USB-C, so you don't have to carry around a proprietary charger. Unfortunately, there are no biometrics like a fingerprint sensor or facial recognition camera, though that's fairly typical for a Chromebook.
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Best Budget Acer Laptop
School6.7Gaming5.3Multimedia6.5Workstation6.7Business6.7Searching for a budget-friendly model or shopping for a younger student? The Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 (2023) might fit the bill. We have yet another 14-inch model, but as you can probably guess from its price, this is a fairly low-end device, so expect some compromises. It's available with an Intel N100, N200, or Core i3-N305 CPU; they're all low-power processors that can handle general productivity tasks like text processing, web browsing, and video playback, but since you can only get 4GB or 8GB of RAM, heavy multitasking is a no-go. Expect around seven hours of battery life with light use; a quick charge may be necessary to get through a typical work or school day.
The overall user experience is just okay. Its FHD+ display looks sharp but dim, so visibility might be an issue in well-lit settings, and the panel's narrow color gamut makes content look a tad washed out. The keyboard, touchpad, and webcam are usable, albeit unremarkable. The port selection is pretty good, though; you get two USB-As, a USB-C (supports charging and video output), an HDMI, and a headphone jack. The laptop remains cool and quiet even under heavy use, perfect for noise-sensitive environments like offices, classrooms, and libraries. There are no biometrics, though that's to be expected on a device in this price range.
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Best Acer Gaming Laptop
School6.8Gaming8.8Multimedia7.0Workstation9.2Business7.4The best Acer gaming laptop we've tested is the Acer Nitro V 16 (2024). This 16-inch budget model is a good option if you're just getting into gaming or don't want to spend too much. Configurable with an AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 8040-series CPU paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, 4050, or 4060, it can deliver a pretty good gaming experience at 1080p or 1440p. If you want to play at 1440p, we highly recommend getting an RTX 4060 model, as the 3050 and 4050 are primarily designed for 1080p gaming. You can get up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage; both are user-replaceable, so you can upgrade or add more later.
There are multiple display options, including two FHD+ (with 45% NTSC or 100% sRGB coverage) and a QHD+ panel. All three panels have a 165Hz refresh rate and G-SYNC support. There's Wi-Fi 6E wireless connectivity and an Ethernet port to ensure a fast, reliable internet connection when gaming online. Speaking of ports, you also get two USB-As, a USB-C, an HDMI 2.1, and a headphone jack. Thermal throttling is very minimal, though the fans get pretty loud under load. The battery life is so-so; you can get around six hours in light uses, but gaming cuts that down to an hour or two, so you'll need to keep the charger close by.
Compared To Other Brands
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Lots of budget-friendly options.
Acer typically produces a lot of budget-friendly models, making it a good brand to go to if you don't want to spend too much.
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Good performance overall.
Acer laptops generally perform well, with many budget and mid-range models outperforming the competition.
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Produces more high-end Chromebooks models.
Acer produces more high-end Chromebooks than other manufacturers, like the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (2024) and the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2024).
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High-end models don't feel as premium as other brands.
Although Acer produces some high-end models, its designs tend to be more bland than other premium models on the market. Build quality can also be a hit or miss, depending on the model.
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Some configurations are hard to find.
While Acer announces multiple configuration options, many models are hard to find, even months after the release.
Acer vs Apple
Acer and Apple are very different in their approach to laptop manufacturing. Acer makes a wide range of Windows and Chrome OS models at various price points, including productivity and gaming models, while Apple exclusively makes premium productivity laptops. Though more expensive, Apple laptops are generally superior in build quality and user experience. See our recommendations for the best Apple laptops.
Acer vs HP
Acer and HP are major laptop manufacturers producing a wide range of Windows and Chrome OS laptops. HP generally has more premium models, and it also has more workstation and business offerings. However, Acer's mid-range and budget models are usually of better value, providing a superior user experience and better performance at a lower price. See our recommendations for the best HP laptops.
Acer vs ASUS
Although there's a lot of overlap, ASUS generally has a wider range of offerings than Acer, as it produces more premium models like its Zenbook and ROG (Republic of Gamers) lines, and it also experiments more with newer form factors and features, like dual-screen laptops and gaming tablets. However, Acer's mid-range and budget models are usually of better value. See our recommendations for the best ASUS laptops.
Acer vs Lenovo
Lenovo typically has a wider selection of laptops than Acer, as it produces many more models in the high-end premium range and make more workstation and business laptops. Lenovo also makes more laptops with Linux compatibility and regularly experiments with newer form factors. While both companies offer a lot of mid-range and budget models, Lenovo's laptops typically feel sturdier and provide a better user experience overall. However, shopping for a Lenovo laptop can sometimes be frustrating, as its laptops often have multiple names and far more configuration options. See our recommendations for the best Lenovo laptops.
Acer vs Dell
While both companies produce a large number of laptops, Dell is usually more successful with its high-end and business-oriented models, while Acer typically sells more budget and mid-range models. Dell's laptops typically offer more configurations, making it easier to configure them to suit your needs and budget. Acer offers many configuration options, too, but many models are hard to find, depending on the region. See our recommendations for the best Dell laptops.
Like most laptop manufacturers, Acer makes a wide range of laptops at various price points and for various uses. It tends to compete more in the budget and mid-range tiers, where it has had a lot of success, producing models that are of better value than most of their competitors. However, Acer doesn't make nearly as many workstation and business laptops, and its creator laptops aren't particularly popular. Its high-end offerings are also less appealing than other brands due to their bland, often uninspiring design.
Lineup
Acer currently has eight series of laptops that cover a wide range of uses, including:
- Aspire: Budget productivity laptops.
- ConceptD: Creator laptops.
- Chromebooks: Chrome OS devices. This series includes Chromebooks for enterprise and regular consumers.
- Enduro: Rugged laptops built to withstand drops, falls, and water exposure.
- Nitro: Budget gaming laptops.
- Predator: Mid-range and high-end gaming laptops. This series includes the Triton and Helios models; the former are typically thinner and lighter models designed for on-the-go use, while the latter are usually bulkier, more powerful models that can deliver a better gaming experience.
- Swift: Mid-range and high-end productivity laptops.
- TravelMate: Laptops for business.
Recent Updates
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Verified that all picks are valid and available. The picks remain unchanged. Minor text changes for clarity.
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No change in recommendations, as all picks are valid and available.
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Small text changes for conciseness and clarity. No change in recommendations.
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Verified that all picks are valid and available. No change in recommendations.
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Small text changes for clarity. No change in recommendations.
Conclusion
While Acer doesn't get as much attention as other laptop manufacturers in the high-end, premium space, it's a good brand to look for if you're shopping on a limited budget. The company produces a large number of wallet-friendly models, with many outperforming the competition. Availability can sometimes be frustrating, depending on where you live, but if you're willing to look, you'll likely find something that fits your needs.
Test Results
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Comments
Best Acer Laptops: Main Discussion
What do you think of our picks? Let us know below.
Looking for a personalized buying recommendation from the RTINGS.com experts? Insiders have direct access to buying advice on our insider forum.
- 21010
Is B46LA as same as B4PUA ?
- 21010
Thanks as always for your fantastic and in-depth reviews, RTINGS! Thanks to your detailed review, I picked up the 48-inch version of this TV for $599 new and added a 5-year warranty that covers everything including burn-in. I previously have only sworn by Sony TVs for their durability and reliability, however as my first OLED TV this set has been jaw-dropping and a great pairing with my sound system for gaming in all consoles and movies. Here’s to hoping LG is a reliable/durable brand as well (but if not, that’s what the extended warranty is for 😜).
- 21010
That’s odd, the review for the B4 says that the results for the 65 inch model are also valid for the 48, 55 and 77 inch models, implying that the 48 inch B4 is in fact as bright as the larger models. It is only in the C4 review where it says that the results for the larger models are not valid for the 42 & 48 inch models as they lack the brightness booster technology. Looking on LGs website this is also the case where the B4, unlike the C4, has the same specs across all sizes including the 48 inch model
That’s a mistake on the B4 review, we’ll update it shortly. Absolutely all 42" and 48" OLED panels are dimmer than their larger counterparts. As I mentioned above, this is confirmed by LG, and it’s a limitation of the panels themselves. They were able to squeeze a bit more out of the 2024 models than older panels, but they’re still dimmer. LG doesn’t think they’ll ever be able to get much more brightness out of these panels, so for brighter small TVs we’ll need to wait for a new technology like a tandem OLED stack.
- 21010
All 42 and 48" OLEDs, regardless of brand, are dimmer than the larger versions. 2024 models in those two sizes are a bit brighter than 2023 and older, but they’re limited in peak brightness by the size of the panels. LG Display, the panel manufacturer, hasn’t been able to implement some technology improvements due to how close the pixels are. You also can’t compare the scores between the 42" C4 and the larger B4, as our TV and Monitor testing and scoring methodology are different, and the scores aren’t comparable. The 48" B4 is not brighter than the 48" C4.
That’s odd, the review for the B4 says that the results for the 65 inch model are also valid for the 48, 55 and 77 inch models, implying that the 48 inch B4 is in fact as bright as the larger models. It is only in the C4 review where it says that the results for the larger models are not valid for the 42 & 48 inch models as they lack the brightness booster technology.
Looking on LGs website this is also the case where the B4, unlike the C4, has the same specs across all sizes including the 48 inch model
- 21010
Hello, 2 questions if anyone can answer. Is the B4 48" as bright as the larger models? Asking as the C4 48" and C4 42" have lower brightness than their larger counterparts so wondering if this is the case with the B series as well. Also if the B4 48" is indeed as bright as the larger models, does this mean it is brighter than the C4 48"? The 42" C4 has a score of 6.4 for SDR brightness and 7.2 for HDR brightness whereas the B series has 7.7 score for SDR brightness & 7.7 for HDR brightness. I’m assuming the score for the C4 42" also applies to the C4 48" so this would mean the B4 48 is indeed brighter than the C4 48. Thanks
All 42 and 48" OLEDs, regardless of brand, are dimmer than the larger versions. 2024 models in those two sizes are a bit brighter than 2023 and older, but they’re limited in peak brightness by the size of the panels. LG Display, the panel manufacturer, hasn’t been able to implement some technology improvements due to how close the pixels are. You also can’t compare the scores between the 42" C4 and the larger B4, as our TV and Monitor testing and scoring methodology are different, and the scores aren’t comparable. The 48" B4 is not brighter than the 48" C4.
- 21010
Hello, 2 questions if anyone can answer.
Is the B4 48" as bright as the larger models? Asking as the C4 48" and C4 42" have lower brightness than their larger counterparts so wondering if this is the case with the B series as well.
Also if the B4 48" is indeed as bright as the larger models, does this mean it is brighter than the C4 48"? The 42" C4 has a score of 6.4 for SDR brightness and 7.2 for HDR brightness whereas the B series has 7.7 score for SDR brightness & 7.7 for HDR brightness. I’m assuming the score for the C4 42" also applies to the C4 48" so this would mean the B4 48 is indeed brighter than the C4 48. Thanks
My C1 OLED has some burn in & I need to decide on which TV to buy next.
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Hello!
Help with personalized buying advice is something our experts offer only via our insider forums. We do have lots of self-service tools and recommendation articles that should be helpful as well though!