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Laptop vs Desktop: For Gaming, Work, School, & Leisure

Should you get a laptop or desktop computer? In this post, we highlight the main differences between both options and go over the pros and cons of each.

Laptop vs Desktop
If you’re in the market for a new computer, the first thing you’ll want to decide is whether you want a new laptop or desktop. Both laptops and desktops have their own pros and cons and in this Laptop vs Desktop guide, we’ll go over each on more in depth, so that you have a better idea of which one would be best for your needs.

Laptops vs Desktops: The Pros & Cons

Laptops vs Desktops Pros and Cons

Both laptops and desktops serve the same purpose. They both give you a personal computer.

However, certain people, depending on their own circumstances, will be better off with a laptop instead of a desktop.

And, others will be better off with a desktop over a laptop.

The right choice for you will really depend on how you intend to use your new computer.

So, below, we’ll go over the pros and cons of both laptops and desktops, as well as cover the types of use cases that each computer type is best for.

Laptop Pros

  1. They’re extremely mobile
  2. They come with a screen, keyboard, and mouse built-in

Laptop Cons

  1. They’re more expensive than desktops
  2. They have to be charged
  3. They can have issues with excessive heat
  4. Laptops typically have a shorter lifespan

Desktop Pros

  1. They’re more powerful than laptops
  2. They cost less on a dollar-for-dollar basis
  3. They can be upgraded more easily
  4. They typically run a lot cooler than laptops

Desktop Cons

  1. They’re typically not very mobile
  2. They don’t come with a monitor, keyboard, or mouse

Desktops and Laptops By Application

Ultimately, the sole benefit of a laptop is mobility. If it wasn’t for the mobility of a laptop, there really wouldn’t be any reason to choose a laptop over a desktop. But, the reality is that mobility is a huge benefit for certain types of users. And, as such, laptops are a necessity for those individuals.

In this section, we’ll take a look at the types of applications that laptops and desktops make the most sense in.

In my opinion, there are four main categories of application that one will be looking to use their computer for. They are:

  1. Gaming
  2. Work
  3. School
  4. Leisure

Most computer owners will do some sort of mix of the above. But let’s take a look at each of those categories to give you an idea of how laptops and desktops stack up against each other for each use application

Gaming Laptop vs Gaming Desktop

Gaming Laptop vs Gaming Desktop

In gaming, the more power your system has, the better off you’ll be. And, if sheer gaming performance is your main concern when purchasing a new computer, then a gaming desktop will always beat out a gaming laptop.

But, that doesn’t mean that gaming laptop’s don’t have their place.

Some gamers need a computer that they can both game on and take to class to take notes and do school work.

Other gamers also need a laptop to take to work with them.

And, still, other gamers want to go to LAN parties or go over to a friend’s house and game.

In those scenarios, a gaming laptop offers the gamer the mobility necessary to take their system with them to class/work/LAN parties, as well as to provide them enough performance to play their favorite games.

So, while gaming desktops are the ideal option for gamers, if you need the mobility that a laptop offers (for whatever reason) a gaming laptop, despite not offering as much performance, will provide you with the both of best worlds.

Desktop vs Laptop for Work

Desktop vs Laptop for Work

If your primary purpose for buying a new computer is for work, then whether you should get a laptop or desktop all depends on what kind of work you are doing.

If you are a graphic designer, or you create/edit videos, or you undertake any other kind of demanding tasks, a desktop might be your best option as it will provide you with more power for your budget.

Or, if you are working from an office or from your home, and you don’t need to leave your place of work often, a desktop will be a solid option.

On the flip side, though, if you need the mobility of a laptop, whether that’s because you travel frequently for work, or you like to go to coffee shops to work, or even if you work from home and you like to be able to work from anywhere in your house, a laptop will be the better option for you.

Even if your line of work requires a lot of power from your system, there are high-end laptops out there that will work for you (check out the best RTX 3080 gaming laptops here.) Just note, though, that you’re going to pay exponentially more for a high-end laptop than you would for a high-end desktop.

But, overall, either a laptop or desktop could be the better option for work-related purposes. It just depends on whether you’re a stationary worker (home or office) or a mobile worker (travel, coffee shops, around the house, etc.)

Desktop vs Laptop for College/School

Desktop vs Laptop for College

If you’re a student, you will benefit from being able to take your laptop to and from school. With a laptop in the classroom (when permitted), you can use it to take notes, bring up your course syllabus, follow along with your teacher’s/professor’s slides, etc.

A laptop will also allow you to write papers, study, or do research anywhere on your campus.

And, of course, having a laptop means you can bring all of your notes, papers, work, and research back to your dorm or house with you. And, it will all be in one convenient location.

On the flip side, though, with cloud sharing technology, plenty of available computer labs on campus, professors putting their lectures online, and the increased power of smartphones/tablets, a laptop isn’t absolutely necessary.

You can take notes in class on your phone (through Google docs, or Microsoft’s Word, or some other cloud sharing program) and access them later on a desktop at home, or on a computer in a computer lab on campus.

You can also go back through your professor’s slides (which are probably online) or work on a paper you are writing/researching when you get back to your dorm, or in a computer lab on campus as well.

So, if you’re a student and you’d rather choose the power of a desktop over a laptop, you can definitely get by. But a laptop for school is more convenient when all things are considered. (Plus, you can sit in the back row and play games while your teacher is lecturing…)

Laptop vs Desktop for Casual Use

Laptop for Casual Use

Finally, for casual use, either a desktop or laptop will work. Both will allow you to browse the internet, send emails, stream videos, and watch YouTube.

However, due to the mobility that a laptop comes with, it’s easier to kick-back and relax with a laptop than it is with a desktop.

You can get comfortable at a desktop if you have the right chair (like a gaming chair that reclines) and desk. But with a laptop, you can easily move it to locations where you can get more comfortable (like your couch or bed).

The one thing that I do like about using my computer casually on my desktop, though, is that I have a multiple monitor setup—something that is a lot more difficult (although, possible) to achieve on a laptop.

With multiple monitors, I can play games and watch videos at the same time. Or, I can browse the internet and watch videos.

Ultimately, though, I’d have to give the edge to laptops in terms of casual users, simply because they are easier out of the box to get comfortable with than desktops are.

Desktops vs Laptops? Which Option is Right for You?

While desktops offer more performance for the price you pay and laptops offer a lot more mobility, the right choice for you will come down to your own personal needs.

Whether you’re looking for a computer for gaming, work, school, or just for casual use, both a laptop or a desktop can be a viable option.

But, it’s the specifics of what you will be doing with your system and the experience you want out of it, that will ultimately determine whether you should get a laptop or a desktop.

If you’re still undecided on which route you should go, let us know how you plan to use your new computer in the comments below and we’ll help you make the right decision for your needs!

Brent Hale TechGuided.com

Hey, I’m Brent. I’ve been building PCs and writing about building PCs for a long time. Through TechGuided.com, I've helped thousands of people learn how to build their own computers. I’m an avid gamer and tech enthusiast, too. On YouTube, I build PCs, review laptops, components, and peripherals, and hold giveaways.

22 thoughts on “Laptop vs Desktop: For Gaming, Work, School, & Leisure”

  1. I am going to enter a degree college here in mumbai. i’m still confused whether to choose a laptop or a desktop. i will be doing coding , editing , gaming , freelancing and i think sometimes youtube livestream too. basically its balanced between work and gaming. So, please suggest, whether a gaming laptop or desktop ?

    Reply
  2. Hi! Great info! Im 68 and fairly tech savy. Im thinking of getting a work from home computer. I like the idea of the desk top because to me the mouse keyboard set up is what Im used to in a professional setting. But as a senior citizen the lure is sitting in my recliner is also appealing. Desk top can hold more information?

    Thanks Kandace

    Reply
  3. Addendum to my initial comment: After reading through some of these posts, I am leaning more toward a desktop for power and reliability. I am interested in clear audio, visual, and video to interact with my students. I need the computer to access my printer (this Chromebook will not connect to my printer because it is school-issued and will not connect to devices outside of district buildings). Access to Windows, touch screen (this Chromebook has a touch screen, which has been useful). Connect to a monitor, as I would like to see my students at all times; that would be awesome! Thinking about the price range: I have the $1,200 stimulus check issued by the government, and I have been saving as much as I can on my own, so if I could get the more important items in the range ($1,200 – $1,600), I would be OVER THE MOON!

    Reply
  4. Hi I’m hoping you can please advise the best configuration in a laptop and desktop as after months of researching I’m still sure what to buy?

    My son wants to record his gameplay on his Xbox One (possible upgrade to Xbox One X in the future) using an Elgato HD60S+ then upload it to YouTube.

    Reply
    • Hello,
      I am looking for a computer or laptop for teaching from home. I am presently using a Chromebook supplied by my school district. This Chromebook offers little to no communication with my 33 fourth-grade students due to Glitching, booting us out of the meetings completely, shutting down cameras, etc…it is a nightmare.

      It has taken me a while to realize most teachers have their own equipment! I am 65 years old and have never had the internet or my own PC at home. I now have my own internet service and require a computer or laptop and anything else that will help me teach effectively! My students deserve better they try so hard to understand what I am teaching and to do their work.

      Reply
  5. I use it for school and i am going to choose laptop becuase i can’t carry my desktops from home to school to work with everyday, so can someone recommend me which laptop to take? I also will be playing games on it and using it for school, work and gaming

    Thanks!

    Reply
  6. For me both are needed. Desktop for gaming, video editing, and major research (bigger screen and more powerful), and, a 14″ light weight laptop for casual browsing around house and taking camping and on trips.

    Article spot on regarding pros and cons though should add con on laptop is more prone to damage (fall, liquid spill) and theft. Also laptops much more expensive to repair due to integrating CPU on system board, and, parts are all proprietary making parts availability hit or miss as manufacturers don’t sell laptop parts so limited to used or after market parts from Ebay.

    Reply
  7. I’m still undecided on which route I should go BUT Can you decide for me. I want to study and gaming But I scare while I playing or studying Someone will steal my laptop. Please replied to me.

    Reply
  8. Looking for a computer for my teenager. He’s currently in 8th grade and will be starting high school this next year. I really want it for school work and SOME fun… but trying to figure out whether to get a desktop (to prevent any possible damage by mobility) or laptop for him.

    Reply
    • Hi Angelina, that’s a tough decision. I always recommend a desktop because you get a more powerful system for the amount you spend… but there is obviously value in having the mobility of a laptop.

      I guess it would come down to a few different things…

      1. What your budget is.
      2. What games your son plays.
      3. Whether or not he plays games at his friends house or does school work while away from home.

      If you have a tighter budget (say $400-$800), you can build a gaming computer that can still run most of today’s top games well. A laptop in that price range won’t do as well unless your son only plays non-demanding types of games.

      If you’re looking to spend $800 or more you can find a decent laptop that will play most games fairly well and will allow your son to use it outside of your home. Although, again, for the same price, he’ll be able to get a better-performing desktop.

      If it were me, I’d get him a desktop. But, I’m a bit biased—So, I would either ask him what he prefers, or, if it’s a surprise, ask one of his friends to find out which one he’d prefer.

      Hope this helps a bit! Let me know if you have any other questions.

      Reply
  9. Hi, I am Nihal.
    I have a Lenovo laptop which has i3 380@2.53 GHz, 512 GB HDD, 6 GB of RAM and 15 inches of TN panel. I am a programmer & will need a lot of horsepower in the near future and a movie nerd. My current laptop is fulfilling all of my needs. I am planning to get a PC. But, I stuck on the question, Laptop vs Desktop.
    I want you to figure out that, should I replace my laptop with any other laptop or go for a powerful desktop and keep my current laptop for portability. I don’t travel a lot.

    Reply
  10. I’m just starting high school and my school has supplied us with iPads to use and I want to get a computer for work at home and to play games on what do you think is best.

    Reply
    • Hey Evan, thanks for reading and commenting! I would lean towards recommending a desktop if you’re playing more demanding games and you won’t utilize the mobility of a laptop. The mobility of a laptop might help, though, if you want to go play games at your friends’ house. It ultimately depends on your budget, though. For $500 or so you can build a desktop that will handle any game on a 1080P monitor, while a $500 laptop will struggle to run more demanding games.

      Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

      All the Best,
      Brent

      Reply
  11. Great article! I am looking to purchase a computer the next couple months. I was just wondering what your thoughts are on laptops that are able to convert to a tablet. Are they any good?

    Reply
  12. You have written the article in a very well way and define all things in a good meaner. The comparison of laptop vs desktop is best My vote is for laptop. Because its handy you can go with this any where.

    Reply
  13. I personally just use my Laptop as a Desktop as well. You can do that by using a monitor plus a mouse and keyboard. Add a USB hub for your peripherals and now you’ve got yourself a plug and play Laptop plus Desktop which is pretty cool. And you can also use your Laptop screen as a secondary monitor.

    The Laptop does indeed get quite hot under heavy use but not to the point of overheating. It would normally be much better to have a separate Desktop instead of using your Laptop as one but that’s quite expensive.

    Reply

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