Laptops vs desktops, which is best for you?

18.01.22

When updating your devices, you may start reflecting on which device is right for you. While both laptops and desktops have their own pros and cons, it’s important to consider your options based on your own needs and preferences. So, we’ve compared laptops and desktops in a few key areas to help guide you to your decision…

Performance

The quality of laptops has improved hugely in the last few years, laptops are now able to be fitted with more powerful components than in the past, which means that there is now parity between the performance of desktops and laptops; in most cases, the speed and performance of a laptop can match that of a desktop.

However, desktops can still typically be built with larger CPUs and dedicated graphics cards. Generally, the CPUs in desktops are a bit larger, so they are slightly more powerful than the equivalent processor in a laptop.

Price

Desktops can often offer improved performance over laptops at the same price point and if you’re looking at similar specifications, desktops will typically come in slightly cheaper.

However, with desktops, you do have to consider the price of peripherals such as monitors, keyboards and mice.

Portability

Laptops are easy to take from place to place, meaning that the user has increased mobility and can work from anywhere. Laptops are a great option for people who are spending time in and out of the office and need to work from a company issued device.

And, for the option of portability, many companies are going laptop-first, kitting out their offices with laptops rather than desktops, so that there is always the option to go on the move.

Desk setup

When coupled with a USB-C dock, modern laptops can provide a seamless “1-cable” experience alongside multiple monitors, a keyboard and a mouse, just like a desktop. This also enables easy hot-desking in offices for laptop users.

To setup a desktop, a dedicated desk area and space is required as desktops are largely stationary, and a separate screen, keyboard and mouse is required. However, if you would prefer a device which is more compact and easier to store away when not in use, a laptop may be more suitable.

Power usage

Laptops generally use less power due to their smaller components. A laptop also runs on battery so it can be used on the go without needing to be always plugged in. Moreover, if there is a power outage, the laptop will still be able to be used.

So, which is better?

Overall, there has been a large shift in the past couple of years towards laptops, due to their portability and the improvements in performance in recent times. However, it is down to your personal preference and needs when deciding which is right for you.

If you need maximum performance, desktops are usually the cheaper and more powerful option, particularly for CAD work and video editing, however, desktops can’t rival the portability of laptops, laptops are great for portability and in most cases, the speed and performance of a laptop can match that of a desktop.

Get in touch with our team and we can help advise you on which device is right for you.

We also have our recommended laptops and desktops sheets, find these below:

Recommended laptops sheet

Recommended desktops sheet