Laptop vs Desktop – Which is better?

Laptop vs. Desktop is a battle that excites a lot of people. Many are skeptical about spending loads of money on a Desktop, and many are confused about how a Laptop can make ends meet. So, in this article, we will see which one is better, a Laptop or a Desktop, for you.

Laptop vs Desktop – What is the difference

The major difference between a Laptop and a Desktop is sustained performance. It is self-explanatory to look at the size of the devices: a Laptop is small, and packing a Desktop-level cooling system is impossible.

That being said, with modern software optimization and a modern chip fabrication method, Laptops can compete with their much heftier counterparts.

But the problem is that the more you use the device, the more heat will be produced, and because fans have low RPMs, heat dissipation isn’t as effective as it should be. Therefore, your system will be subjected to thermal throttling, and your computer’s performance will take a dip to counter the excessive heat production.

Let us compare them to the following parameters to sort out your buying decision.

Let’s get started.

1] Portability

A laptop is more portable than a Desktop right off the bat.

With a Desktop, you need a Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, CPU (if it’s not integrated with the Monitor), and many other things. Hence, carrying it from your home to your workplace and vice-versa is not a very prudent job.

In the case of a laptop, all you need is a laptop and a power cable to charge it. So, the laptop is portable, without any doubt.

2] Performance

Desktops usually perform better than laptops. However, with the help of more advanced fabrication techniques, the gap between their performance is decreasing. Still, the sheer difference in horsepower between these devices can not be overlooked.

Desktops have bigger and more powerful CPUs and GPUs, and the gap between their GPUs is even wider. They also have more powerful fans. All this combines to make a better machine for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.

Most of us don’t need our computer to be a Hercules, so know your requirements first. There are some powerful laptops as well, especially gaming laptops. These laptops can run demanding titles and do professional-level video and photo editing.

3] Screen Size

Since laptops are smaller than desktops, they will have small monitors, which is the point of having a laptop compact. With desktops, you can go all out. So, the Desktop is a winner here, hands down.

4] Cost

Now, let us address the elephant in the room, which will cost you a fortune. Long story short, Desktops can get you similar, if not better, performance at a lower price than a laptop.

However, with a desktop, you can go out and configure them how you want. In the case of laptops, there is variety, but not to the extent of a desktop. They are generally more expensive, but you can find some inexpensive ones if you plunge into the electronics market.

These parameters can give you an outline of the differences between laptops and desktops. However, the requirements vary from person to person. So, let us see which is better for you depending on your work.

Read: Should I buy iPad or a laptop? Benefits of both discussed

Desktop vs Laptop – For Gaming

If gaming is what you plan to do on your device, then I do not say Desktop; straightaway, like most other blogs on the Internet, do. That’s because some laptops are capable of being used by gamers as well.

Gaming Laptops are a thing now. Companies like Alienware, Dell, Lenovo, and  Asus have really taken the gaming market by storm by not just acing gaming Desktops but also compressing them and making a powerful machine in the form factor of a laptop.

Yes, desktops are more powerful, but there are some capable gaming laptops for you to try.

Desktop vs Laptop – Which is better for students

A Laptop is a better option for students as it is portable and you can carry it around the campus with ease. There are different kinds of laptops in the market, but in my opinion, you should go for a notebook instead of a gaming laptop. That’s because notebooks are lightweight and won’t hurt your back.

However, if you already have a laptop and want something for your home, a Desktop can be a good purchase.

Read: Chromebook vs Laptop – What are the differences?

Final Verdict

Both Desktops and Laptops can be extremely powerful, given you go for higher-end ones. However, with a desktop, you can get sustained power and more power than a laptop at a similar price. But laptops are portable and are better for most people.