When deciding on the best laptop for purchase, Asus and Acer are two companies that tend to come to mind first due to their well-established status in the tech world. Although Asus is better known for manufacturing motherboards and PC hardware, it has been hard at work producing laptops since the late 1990s. They offer some of the most innovative laptops on the market today.
Acer, on the other hand, had prior experience in manufacturing microprocessors, leading to the eventual release of its first clamshell laptop. Since then, Acer has dominated the market with an ample array of product lines ranging from price-conscious to high-end portable powerhouses. However, the scales have more or less become balanced.
With a variety of lines and products to choose from between the two brands, it can be difficult to determine which company is giving the better bang for your buck, especially at different ends of the market.
Updated by Vineet Washington on October 15th, 2024: Some more information has been added to the descriptions. A new comparison factor, 'Performance', has been added to the list. Additionally, the ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16 has been replaced with the ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) for consistency, while the Asus Vivobook 16 has also been replaced with a newer model.
The Best Gaming Laptops under $1500
A list of some of the best laptops gamers can buy under $1500 to max out their gaming experience and productivity needs
How To Compare Asus and Acer Laptops
Before delving into an in-depth comparison of products between Asus and Acer, there are some key items users should consider:
- Style and Selection: Naturally, one of the first things consumers will notice is the overall appearance of a product. Is the laptop unusually large and clunky, or thin and sleek? Is there RGB, or a wide array of colors to choose from? Being able to customize and select a product to best suit one's personal preferences and style is an important and often overlooked element of shopping for laptops.
- Performance: Both Acer and Asus have high-performing and entry-level options. Some shoppers prioritize specs over brand name and, for them, there are plenty of options from both companies. The performance is directly based on the CPU and GPU combo, as well as the cooling capabilities of the laptop.
- Durability and Warranty: Similarly, a laptop is designed to be portable and used for frequent travel. Although some users prefer to use their systems within the comfort of their own homes, laptops should still be able to stand up to the tests of time and accidents. Life happens, and if a laptop breaks before a warranty ends, it's good to know which company will ensure a better-protected purchase.
- Value: The importance of getting the most performance out of a product at a reasonable price cannot be understated. Consumers do not want to overpay for a flashy system when the hardware inside suffers and does not live up to the price tag, bogging down the user experience with lag and constant buffering. Likewise, a budget product shouldn't be made with flimsy material that is bound to break within months. Balancing power and the accessibility of cost is crucial.
- Utility: A majority of laptop users do not need systems with a single functionality (like only browsing the web). Likewise, these systems should be multipurpose and well-rounded. Each brand should include systems that can work hard and game harder, as well as systems that are designed with travel, work, or multimedia creation in mind.
- Innovation: Tech is constantly evolving and reaching new heights in both performance and productivity. A tech manufacturer should be ahead of the curve, constantly looking to the future to bring new and exciting innovations into the tech used by its consumers daily.
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Display card main info widgetASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 Gaming Laptop (RTX 4090)
$3500 $4000 Save $500Display card main info widget end- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX 16-Core CPU
- GPU
- RTX 4090 16GB GDDR6 175W
- Storage
- 2TB PCI-E 4.0
- Battery
- 90WHr 4 Cell Battery
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 Gaming Laptop is a gaming laptop that can double as a very capable productivity-centric PC in the blink of an eye. Sporting dual screens including a 2K Mini-LED primary and a 4K-esque secondary screen, the Zephyrus Duo is an eye-catching Laptop, now with hardware to match, thanks to a capable AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX processor and an Nvidia RTX 4090 to power what is a behemoth by modern laptop standards.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra infoPros & Cons- Great for productivity
- Additional display works well
- Nice performance
- A bit heavy
- Concerns about value
- Keyboard feels awkward
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Display card main info widgetAcer Swift Edge 16 (2023)
$903 $914 Save $11Display card main info widget end- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 7 7735U
- GPU
- AMD Radeon graphics
- RAM
- 16GB
- Storage
- 1TB
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 16-inch, 3840 x 2400
The Acer Swift Edge 16 is a budget offering from the company and it comes with the AMD Ryzen 7 7735U CPU and 16GB LPDDR5 RAM. It also has 1TB of storage and a 16-inch (3840 x 2400) OLED panel. The laptop weighs just 1.13 kg, making it extremely portable. There is no dedicated GPU, but it does have integrated graphics.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra infoPros & Cons- Large screen
- Lightweight and sturdy
- Fans are loud at full speed
- Speakers are not loud
- Battery life is nonoptimal
Style and Selection
Asus and Acer both offer a wide selection of laptops. This selection ranges from notebooks to two-in-one laptops to large 18-inch media players. While Acer is a powerhouse in the sheer number of models it offers, it doesn't really translate into benefits for hardcore gamers. Unlike the gamer-centric Asus, Acer's branches are spread into different sectors of the laptop market.
Compare the two side by side, and it's easy to tell that although Acer has a larger selection of product lines and individual models to choose from, Asus offers the most meaningful variety. With a focus on innovation and diversity, laptops manufactured by Asus often set new precedents in functionality and aesthetics.
Asus is always looking for that next big thing; breaking the norms, and presenting sleek and stylish designs that might be overwhelming for some consumers, but when it comes to gaming enthusiasts, it's all you could ever ask for. The company does not hesitate to step outside the boundaries of what makes a product, well... A laptop. Albeit limited, there are dedicated gamer-centric systems from the ROG (Republic of Gamers) Strix lineup, to the complete versatility and elegance of the Zenbook and Zephyrus Duo.
Acer, on the other hand, has visible comfort around manufacturing classic clamshells, a design that's acceptable by many but does not necessarily lead to a lot of jaws dropping. Although Acer doesn't shy away from variety, it's clear that a strict formula is in place.
Asus takes the crown for style and selection of laptops that people can choose from. There are some unique-looking laptops in the lineup, and they offer the kind of versatility that no other laptops on the market have.
Performance
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Display card main info widgetASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024)
$1100 $1400 Save $300Display card main info widget end- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- CPU
- Intel Core i9-14900HX
- GPU
- Nvidia RTX 4070
- RAM
- 16GB
- Storage
- 1TB
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is a beast of a gaming laptop that has been updated with the latest Intel Core 14900HX processor and still carries the powerful RTX 40 series GPUs. This model comes with an RTX 4070 GPU with a maximum TDP of 140W. The 16-inch (2560x1600) display is capable of a 240Hz refresh rate and has a 3ms response time.
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Display card main info widgetAcer Nitro V Gaming Laptop
Display card main info widget end- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home
- CPU
- Intel Core i5 13420H
- GPU
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 3050
- RAM
- 8GB DDR5
- Storage
- 512GB NVMe SSD
- Battery
- 57Wh
Acer Nitro V brings a balanced configuration to make sure it fulfills any kind of day-to-day requirements related to work and gaming. The laptop is powered by the 13th gen Core i5 CPU, 8GB DDR5 RAM, and a fast 512GB SSD. The 15.6" 144Hz IPS display is powered by the Geforce RTX 3050 laptop GPU that is sufficient to play most games at 1080p with satisfactory frame rates.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra infoPros & Cons- Fantastic value for performance
- Great for gaming
- Speakers are quiet and tinny
- Battery life is suboptimal
Thanks to a limited-time promotion, the 2024 version of the Asus ROG Strix G16 gaming laptop is available for $1,099.99.
Both companies make high-performance laptops for those looking to get the latest hardware. There are many different configurations ranging from entry-level hardware all the way to the latest and greatest CPUs and GPUs from Intel/AMD and AMD/Nvidia. That means there is something for every shopper when it comes to pure performance.
Being more focused on gaming, Asus invests more in cooling technology and best-in-class displays, be it for one of their bulky gaming machines or for one of their slim, yet high-performance laptops. That being said, Acer has its Predator and Nitro series of laptops that can deliver excellent performance with the latest and greatest hardware.
Acer tends to make a more modest laptop, and oftentimes does not opt for the most cutting-edge technology in favor of a reasonable price. Regardless of budget, the Nitro V has excellent performance, making it a great laptop for gaming or everyday usage. However, when shopping on a lower budget, it can be easy to lose elements that make a high-end laptop desirable, especially when you're aiming to crank up those frame rates.
Durability and Warranty
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Display card main info widgetASUS ExpertBook P2
Display card main info widget endThe ASUS ExpertBook P2 is a versatile everyday laptop built with military-grade robustness in mind. This sturdy laptop has undergone rigorous testing, guaranteeing a long lifespan. In addition to physical security, this distinguished laptop comes with ample security features, such as a fingerprint scanner, webcam cover, and a Kensington lock to keep your device, information, and data safe.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra infoPros & Cons- Fingerprint reader and privacy shutter included
- Great battery life
- Reinforced chassis
- Old hardware, slow performance
- Narrow viewing angles
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Display card main info widgetAcer Aspire 5 A515-56-32DK Slim Laptop
$356 $380 Save $24Display card main info widget end- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home in S mode.
- CPU
- 1th Gen Intel i3-1115G4 Dual Core Processor
- GPU
- Intel UHD Graphics
- RAM
- 4GB DDR4
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 5.6" Full HD IPS Display
DivThe first noticeable thing about the Acer Aspire A515-56-32DK Slim and lightweight Laptop is its 15.6-inch IPS FHD display with crisp colors and sharp details. It has an Intel Core i3-1115G4 Dual-Core processor and a 4GB DDR4 RAM at 4.1GHz for improved responsiveness and reliable performance when multitasking. The 128GB SSD storage is large enough for basic files.
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Pros & Cons- Great price and value
- Good picture quality
- Poor sound quality
Asus and Acer both offer durable laptops, classified as semi-rugged. These laptops are made with military-grade standards in mind and are put through rigorous testing to receive this title. But rigidity is like second nature to Asus; even their Zenbook series is made to some crazy standards. Furthermore, Asus's TUF Gaming series of products are put through MIL-STD-810H tests that ensure safety against vibrations, shock, and extreme temperatures.
Additionally, Asus offers a paid Premium Care protection service, which grants the user a warranty extension and protection against accidental damage such as spills, drops, or accidental breakages. This warranty service even offers a battery replacement in case the first one fails.
But, while Asus offers all the bells and whistles, their warranty process leaves a lot to be desired. If you purchase an Asus laptop out of the box, you better hope it works as intended. Otherwise, good luck claiming a warranty on it. It's a long and unnecessarily painful process, and while Asus has recently made commitments to improve it, the current landscape says otherwise.
Acer, on the other hand, offers a limited warranty service that varies from laptop to laptop. Generally, the warranty covers hardware failures up to a year after purchase and offers software support for up to 90 days. It should be noted that Acer's warranty does not cover consumer accidents or misuse and simply focuses on dealing with any defects that occur due to their manufacturing or shipping process.
Value
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Display card main info widgetASUS Vivobook 17 (F1704)
Display card main info widget end- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- Intel Core i5-1235U
- GPU
- Intel Iris Xe
- RAM
- 16GB
- Storage
- 1TB
- Battery
- 50Wh
The ASUS Vivobook 17 (F1704) features a 17.3-inch FHD (1920x1080) 60Hz refresh rate display with 250 nits brightness. It is powered by the Intel Core i5-1235U processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics. It is backed by 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD for storage. It comes with Windows 11 and a fingerprint reader for quick and easy login.
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Display card main info widgetAcer Aspire 5 A515-58M-77RN
$533 $550 Save $17Display card main info widget endPros & Cons- Affordable price
- Decent performance
- Robust quality build
- Bloatware comes preinstalled
- Low quality webcam
Although Asus has some affordable options available for laptops, it lacks the variety that Acer offers when it comes to shopping on a budget. While browsing for laptops made by Asus, it can be somewhat difficult to find laptops under $400 as it's not exactly what Asus is known for. This essentially means that entry-level laptops are more prevalent in Acer's arsenal compared to Asus. Although the latter still has budget-friendly offerings, they are not as cheap as Acer.
Generally, Acer manufactures machines at an accessible price, offering a wider array of budget laptops, with dozens of products to choose from depending on one's needs. Although many sacrifices are commonly made in favor of price, Acer is still a great option for casual users.
Utility
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Display card main info widgetAsus ROG Strix Scar 16 Gaming Laptop
$3500 $3700 Save $200Display card main info widget end- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- CPU
- Intel Core i9-13980HX
- GPU
- RTX 4090 Laptop GPU
- Storage
- 2TB (1+1TB in RAID 0 config)
- Battery
- 4 cell 90WHr Battery
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 Gaming Laptop comes packed with features including a Mini-LED 2K display, the best Intel laptop CPU money can buy, and plenty of storage and RAM in a neat 16-inch package that still allows you to get the performance you need versus competing 17-inch laptops.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra infoPros & Cons- Screen is beautiful and smooth
- Gameplay feels fluid
- Battery life is short
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Display card main info widgetAcer Predator Helios 18
Display card main info widget endThe Acer Predator Helios 18 is Acer's flagship high-end gaming laptop. This beast is packed with an Intel i7 CPU and a 4070 GPU, making for an effective combo capable of running most modern games. Most notably, the Predator Helios 18 comes with a large 18-inch 165Hz IPS display. Also included is an RGB keyboard and a lightbar located on the back of the screen.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra infoPros & Cons- Large display looks great
- Runs games smoothly
- Concerns about value
When considering laptops from either brand, Asus and Acer both offer a wide selection of products that cover many different circumstances and appeal to several different customer bases.
Asus dominates the gaming scene with ROG and TUF lines boasting high-end GPUs and smooth displays. They cater to creatives too, with ProArt Studiobook and Zenbook featuring superb color accuracy and often stylus support. While Vivobook offers budget options, Asus lacks a single everyday go-to solution. Uniquely, Asus pushes design with the dual-screen Zenbook Fold and customizable backlit keyboards.
Acer's diverse range caters to various users. Gamers are covered by Predator and Nitro lines with powerful specs. Business users have the lightweight TravelMate and Swift series, while the iconic Aspire remains a minimalist everyday favorite with various configurations. It's exactly what you need and not what you "might" need.
Innovation
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Display card main info widgetASUS Zenbook Duo Laptop
$1598 $1700 Save $102Display card main info widget end- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home
- CPU
- Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
- GPU
- Intel Arc graphics
- RAM
- 32GB
- Storage
- 1TB
The ASUS Zenbook Duo UX8406 is a versatile laptop that can be used in many different configurations, thanks to its dual displays and detachable keyboard. It is powered by the Core Ultra 9 185H processor, 32GB LPDDR5X RAM, and a 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD. It features two 14-inch OLED panels with touchscreen support, 2880x1800 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 0.2ms response time, and 500nits HDR peak brightness.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra infoPros & Cons- Stunning dual-screen design
- Amazing for productivity
- Concerns about price
- Concerns about durability
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Display card main info widgetAcer Aspire Vero
$500 $800 Save $300Display card main info widget endPros & Cons- Very long battery life
- Made out of recycled materials
- Easily upgradeable
- Performance suboptimal
- Build quality is poor
When it comes to groundbreaking design, Asus reigns supreme. They constantly push the boundaries of laptop design, aiming to maximize hardware and potentially even outpace desktop PCs in power. They're not afraid to challenge the traditional clamshell design, evident in the dual-screen Zenbook Duo and ROG Zephyrus Duo. This relentless innovation sets them apart from Acer, whose approach tends towards a more classic, minimalist aesthetic.
While Acer might lack a flashy, tech-enthusiast-oriented laptop, it excels in sustainable technology. Their Vero line showcases their commitment to eco-friendly innovation. These meticulously crafted laptops utilize recycled materials and energy-efficient batteries, minimizing your environmental impact. Acer demonstrates that innovation extends beyond just raw hardware; it can also be about creating a greener future.
Those looking for more versatile machines will find that Asus has more options. Along with the Zenbook Duo and ROG Zephyrus Duo, there is also the ROG Flow series with powerful, convertible laptops.
Asus Vs Acer - The Final Verdict
So far, you've probably noticed one main point: Asus as a brand likes to make its products flashier and more innovative, while Acer is trying to promise quality at affordable prices.
Is one brand better than the other? It depends on your long-term goals. From a purely gaming standpoint, you can't go wrong with an Asus. Their gaming laptops are powerful and have everything you will need. But at the same time, it's painfully luxurious; even budget gaming comes at a steeper cost compared to Acer.
However, it's not like Acer makes bad laptops; quite the contrary. If you want budget performance, decent quality, and nothing experimental, then Acer is a no-brainer. Sure, it's not as durable or as advanced as Asus, but it's not aiming to appeal to a niche sector of a broad market. Sure, it caters to gamers, but its core driving focus is functionality, not flashiness.