14 Ultimate laptops for XR Development with Unreal Engine - LaptopChief (2024)

As a developer working with Unreal Engine XR, finding the best laptop for your needs can be a daunting task. With the rapid advancement of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technology, you need a device that can handle the demands of these immersive experiences. In this guide, we will help you identify the essential features and requirements for a laptop that can support your work in this evolving field.

Our process for selecting the best laptop for Unreal Engine XR development involves reviewing an extensive spreadsheet of recent laptop releases, comparing specs, and analyzing both professional and user-generated reviews. We narrow down the top laptops based on topic-specific requirements and various price ranges, ensuring that you can find a device that meets your needs and budget. As someone who has dabbled in Unreal Engine XR development and observed the growing community of developers, I understand the importance of having a reliable and powerful laptop to bring your projects to life.

When working with Unreal Engine XR, you need a device with a powerful CPU, ample RAM, and a dedicated GPU to ensure smooth performance while running demanding applications like VR and AR simulations. Additionally, a high-quality display and comfortable keyboard are crucial for long hours of work. We will help you find the best laptop for Unreal Engine XR development, keeping in mind these requirements and other factors like portability and battery life, so you can focus on creating immersive experiences that push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.

Table of Contents

Processor Power

14 Ultimate laptops for XR Development with Unreal Engine - LaptopChief (1)

laptops

The CPU market has been changing rapidly with Apple's own ARM-based M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M2 system-on-chip modules offering exceptional single-core performance and battery life, while AMD has managed to take 20% of the CPU market with its 6th generation Ryzen processors, and we're still waiting for Intel's 13th-gen processors to reach laptops, where 12th generation is Intel's latest. Both Intel's and Apple's silicon chips adopted hybrid performance/efficiency core design (based on big.LITTLE). Ryzen models are best if you need a good battery life in a PC laptop.

Unreal Engine is available on Windows and macOS, so I'll include MacBooks in my recommendations; a PC laptop will do just fine if you're looking for a more affordable option. If you're looking for a gaming laptop – it's best to prioritize single-core performance since most games rely on it; however, you'll need at least 4 cores to avoid performance bottlenecks.

Clock speed is no longer the best indicator of how well an application will perform; instead, we should look at the CPU benchmarks such as PassMark or Cinebench R23 (or later). If you're looking for a budget option – don't expect high performance; instead, focus on getting the best price-to-performance ratio.

Here is a table of recommended processors and their average price tags:

ProcessorAverage Price
i3-1115G4~$400
i5-10310U~$500
i7-1180G7~$1000

Powerful Graphics

With the latest iteration of Unreal Engine XR, game developers have more options than ever for creating immersive virtual worlds. From the Oculus Quest and Rift S to the HTC Vive and Windows Mixed Reality headsets, there are now countless possibilities when it comes to developing VR apps. But choosing the right graphics card for VR development isn't always easy.

Nvidia continues to dominate the laptop GPU market, with its RTX 30 series being the latest offerings. However, it's worth noting that Nvidia's new RTX 40 series cards are not yet available on laptops. They are expected to arrive in 2023, so keep an eye out. Additionally, due to desktop GPUs becoming more power-hungry in the past few years, the gap between power-limited notebook graphics and desktop graphics cards has widened. Lastly, Nvidia has also discontinued the Max-Q label for its RTX graphics cards, leaving it up to laptop manufacturers (OEMs) to determine the exact GPU wattage in their laptops. This means that there is a wide variance in graphics performance even in laptops with the same GPU chipset.

If you're looking for a MacBook, you can ignore this section since Apple has not yet released a laptop with an AMD graphics card that supports the latest APIs, thus you have to rely on integrated graphics. When it comes to VR development, the GPU is critical since it's used for both rendering and general-purpose computing (e.g. ray tracing). So, if you're looking for a high-end GPU, you'll need to buy a higher-end laptop such as a Razer Blade Pro; these laptops have better cooling systems and are more power efficient as they can deliver more power without overheating as quickly as lower-end laptops.

To compare GPUs across different vendors and generations, many rely on 3DMark, though this isn't ideal as it doesn't take into account the effect of CPU frequency scaling on performance. Instead, it's best to use real-world benchmarks such as those found in video review sites such as Unbox Therapy or Linus Tech Tips.

Now, if you're looking for a gaming laptop – don't expect it to be cheap; if your budget is limited – look for a mid-range gaming laptop with a Nvidia GTX 1650/AMD RX 560X. These will provide good performance at a reasonable price point while still being upgradeable to a faster graphics card down the line if your needs change.

Below is a list of recommended GPUs for VR development with Unreal Engine XR based on performance and battery life:

  • Minimum: GeForce GTX 1650
  • Recommended: GeForce RTX 3050
  • High-end: GeForce RTX 2060

Optimal RAM.

Laptop RAM can make or break your development workflow with Unreal Engine XR, so it’s important to get the right configuration. Fortunately, in the past few years, the RAM market has seen a tremendous amount of development and improvements that have brought more options to the table at different price points.

Most mid-range laptops come with 16 GB of RAM and high-end models often have 32 GB or more. Both Intel and AMD CPUs support DDR4 and DDR5 RAM, with DDR5 still being quite expensive and not yet mature as a technology.

For game development with Unreal Engine XR, it’s not particularly demanding, but it’s still a good idea to get as much RAM as you can afford. The minimum you should go for is 16 GB, and 32 GB would be ideal for most projects. When shopping for RAM, pay attention to its frequency and latency. While DDR5 is faster than DDR4, the difference in performance will be negligible when choosing between two laptops with the same amount of RAM – for example, 4 GB of DDR4 vs. DDR5.

Also consider the upgradability of the laptop you’re looking at; some laptops have easy access to RAM slots while others require disassembly of nearly the entire machine to upgrade the memory module.

Here are our recommended RAM configurations for various budgets:

BudgetRecommended RAM
Low8 GB
Mid-range16 GB
High-end32 GB

If your budget allows, go for ECC memory, as this type of memory is less prone to errors and will improve stability and performance.

XR Laptop FAQs

Q: What laptop is best for Unreal Engine XR development?

The best laptop for Unreal Engine XR development will depend on your specific needs and budget. However, some popular options in 2023 include the Acer Predator Helios 16 Ph16-71 Ph16-71-71av, HP Victus, Dell G15, ASUS TUF F15 FX507ZM-ES74, ASUS ROG Strix G15 G513RM, Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16, and Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16. These laptops offer a balance of power, graphics capabilities, and price that make them suitable for Unreal Engine XR development.

What are the recommended laptop specs for Unreal Engine XR development?

The recommended laptop specs for Unreal Engine XR development include a processor with at least an i5-10310U, 16 GB of memory, and a graphics card such as the GeForce RTX 3050 or higher. These specifications will ensure smooth performance and the ability to handle the demands of developing XR experiences in Unreal Engine.

Can I develop with Unreal Engine XR on a laptop?

Absolutely! Unreal Engine XR development is possible on a laptop, especially with the advancements in hardware technology. Laptops now offer powerful processors, ample memory, and dedicated graphics cards that can handle the demands of developing XR experiences. However, it's essential to choose a laptop with the recommended specs to ensure optimal performance.

Which graphics card is best for Unreal Engine XR development?

For Unreal Engine XR development, it is recommended to have a graphics card with at least a GeForce RTX 3050 or higher. These graphics cards offer the necessary power and capabilities to handle the demanding graphical requirements of XR development. The GeForce RTX 3050 provides a balance between price and performance, making it an excellent choice for developers on a budget.

How much RAM is needed for Unreal Engine XR development on a laptop?

The recommended amount of RAM for Unreal Engine XR development on a laptop is 16 GB. This amount of memory will provide enough room for the operating system, the Unreal Engine editor, and your project files. With 16 GB of RAM, you will be able to work on your XR development tasks smoothly without experiencing significant performance bottlenecks.

Is a gaming laptop suitable for Unreal Engine XR development?

Yes, a gaming laptop can be suitable for Unreal Engine XR development. Gaming laptops are designed to handle demanding graphics and processing tasks, which aligns well with the requirements of XR development. Many gaming laptops also come with dedicated graphics cards, ample memory, and high-performance processors, making them well-suited for developing XR experiences in Unreal Engine.

Are there specific laptop requirements for Unreal Engine XR development?

Yes, there are specific laptop requirements for Unreal Engine XR development. The recommended specifications include a processor with at least an i5-10310U, 16 GB of RAM, and a graphics card such as the GeForce RTX 3050 or higher. These requirements ensure that your laptop can handle the demands of developing XR experiences in Unreal Engine efficiently.

Can I use a MacBook for Unreal Engine XR development?

While MacBook laptops are known for their sleek design and user-friendly interface, they may not be the best choice for Unreal Engine XR development. Unreal Engine is primarily optimized for Windows systems, and some features and functionality may be limited on macOS. Additionally, the hardware specifications of MacBooks may not meet the recommended requirements for efficient XR development. It is recommended to use a Windows-based laptop with the specified requirements for optimal performance.

What CPU is recommended for Unreal Engine XR development on a laptop?

The recommended CPU for Unreal Engine XR development on a laptop is at least an i5-10310U. However, if you have a higher budget and require more processing power, an i7-1180G7 or higher would be even better. The CPU plays a crucial role in handling the calculations and processing required for XR development, so having a capable processor will contribute to a smoother development experience.

What storage capacity is recommended for Unreal Engine XR development on a laptop?

The recommended storage capacity for Unreal Engine XR development on a laptop depends on the size of your project and the amount of additional data you plan to store. However, it is generally recommended to have at least 500 GB of storage. This will provide enough space for the Unreal Engine editor, your project files, and other necessary software. If you anticipate working on larger projects or storing a significant amount of media, opting for a 1 TB or higher storage capacity would be beneficial.

7 Best Laptops for Development with Unreal Engine XR

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14 Ultimate laptops for XR Development with Unreal Engine - LaptopChief (2)$680

Ryzen 7 6800H | RTX 3070 Ti | 32 GB RAM | 1000 GB SSD | 15.6″; 2560x1440 |

1.acer Nitro 5

Development with Unreal Engine XR laptop

Pros

  • Superb processor (Ryzen 7 6800H)
  • Excellent graphics card (RTX 3070 Ti)
  • Great display (15.6)
  • One of most affordable laptops with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor

Cons

  • Run-of-the-mill memory amount (32GB)
  • No IPS Panel (worse viewing angles)
Alternatives
14 Ultimate laptops for XR Development with Unreal Engine - LaptopChief (3)

$730

HP Victus 15t

Pros

  • Low price
  • Variety of CPU options

Cons

  • Weak GPU yields unsatisfactory frame rates
  • Screen only so-so despite 144Hz refresh rate
14 Ultimate laptops for XR Development with Unreal Engine - LaptopChief (4)

$939

i5-12450H | GTX 1650 | 64 GB RAM | 2000 GB SSD | 15.6″ G-Sync; 1920x1080 |

2.HP Victus

HP Victus: A Powerful Gaming Laptop for Unreal Engine XR Development

Pros

  • Delivers smooth gameplay at 1080p.
  • Fast SSD.
  • User-replaceable memory and storage.
  • Good port selection.

Cons

  • No variable refresh rate to reduce screen tearing.
  • Some performance loss on CPU under load.
Summary

The HP Victus 15 is a powerful gaming laptop that offers smooth gameplay at 1080p and a fast SSD. It's equipped with Intel 12th Gen. CPUs and NVIDIA discrete graphics, making it a great choice for development with Unreal Engine XR. However, it lacks variable refresh rate and may experience some performance loss on the CPU under heavy load.

Alternatives
14 Ultimate laptops for XR Development with Unreal Engine - LaptopChief (5)

$970

Acer Nitro 5

Pros

  • Low price
  • Steady mainstream gaming performance with 12th Gen CPU and GeForce RTX 3050 Ti

Cons

  • Core i5 CPU and 512GB of storage are somewhat limited for gaming
  • Middling build quality
14 Ultimate laptops for XR Development with Unreal Engine - LaptopChief (6)

$1,100

i5-13500H | RTX 4050 | 512 GB RAM | 500 GB SSD | 15.6″; 1920x1080 |

3.ASUS TUF F15 FX507VU-ES53

ASUS TUF F15 FX507VU-ES53: Powerful budget laptop for gaming, but lacks in webcam and speakers.

Pros

  • Superb 1080p gaming performance
  • Strong productivity capabilities
  • Great price

Cons

  • Poor webcam, touchpad, and speakers
  • Some games appear washed out on display
Summary

The ASUS TUF F15 FX507VU-ES53 is a budget-friendly gaming laptop that delivers excellent performance for gaming and productivity tasks. However, its webcam and speakers leave much to be desired.

Alternatives
14 Ultimate laptops for XR Development with Unreal Engine - LaptopChief (7)

$1,160

ASUS TUF Dash F15

Pros

  • Lightweight and well-built
  • Good variety of screen options

Cons

  • Quirks affecting everyday ergonomics
  • Most ports squeezed together on the left edge
14 Ultimate laptops for XR Development with Unreal Engine - LaptopChief (8)

$1,300

i7-12700H | RTX 3050 Ti | 32 GB RAM | 1000 GB SSD | 16″ IPS Touch G-Sync; 3840x2160 |

4.Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 16

Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 16: A Powerful and Stylish Laptop for Unreal Engine XR Development.

Pros

  • Stylish and sleek form factor
  • Gorgeous display
  • Strong performance
  • Quiet fans

Cons

  • Webcam quality is poor
  • No biometrics for added security
  • SSD is slightly slower than competition
Summary

The Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 16 is a stylish and powerful laptop that offers great performance and plenty of ports for Unreal Engine XR development. With its sleek form factor, gorgeous display, and quiet fans, it provides a refined aesthetic and a comfortable user experience. However, the webcam quality is disappointing, and there are no biometrics for added security. Additionally, the SSD is slightly slower compared to its competition.

Alternatives

14 Ultimate laptops for XR Development with Unreal Engine - LaptopChief (9)$1,430

MSI Cyborg 15

Pros

  • Able to play at the highest 1080p settings
  • Peppy processor for the money

Cons

  • Display is dim and disappointing
  • Sharp chassis edge can dig into wrists during typing
14 Ultimate laptops for XR Development with Unreal Engine - LaptopChief (10)

$1,750

Ryzen 9 5900HX | Radeon RX 6800M | 64 GB RAM | 4000 GB SSD | 15.6″ IPS G-Sync; 1920x1080 |

5.ASUS ROG Strix G15

Unleash your development potential with the high-performance ASUS ROG Strix G15.

Pros

  • High-performance CPU and GPU
  • Good workmanship and design
  • Good display
  • Stable construction

Cons

  • Skimpy connectivity
  • Coil whine in certain situations
Summary

The ASUS ROG Strix G15 is a powerful gaming laptop equipped with an RTX 3000 GPU and a Ryzen 5000 CPU, making it an excellent choice for development with Unreal Engine XR. With its high-performance components, good workmanship, and user-friendly maintenance, it offers a great development experience. However, it has skimpy connectivity and may experience coil whine in certain situations.

Alternatives

14 Ultimate laptops for XR Development with Unreal Engine - LaptopChief (11)$1,800

HP Envy 16

Pros

  • Plenty of CPU and GPU power
  • New 120Hz screen refresh rate

Cons

  • Merely adequate base screen
  • Optional OLED has fewer pixels than before
14 Ultimate laptops for XR Development with Unreal Engine - LaptopChief (12)

$3,390

i9-13900HX | RTX 4090 | 32 GB RAM | 1000 GB SSD | 16″ HDR; 2560x1600 |

6.Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16

Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16: A powerful and affordable gaming laptop with a sleek design, impressive performance, and a few minor drawbacks.

Pros

  • Strong overall performance
  • Display is big, bright and fast
  • Per-key RGB lighting

Cons

  • Some flex to keyboard deck
  • Poor battery life
Summary

The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 is a gaming laptop that offers strong overall performance and a big, bright, and fast display. It features a sleek design with per-key RGB lighting, but has some flex to the keyboard deck and poor battery life.

Alternatives
14 Ultimate laptops for XR Development with Unreal Engine - LaptopChief (13)

$3,970

HP Omen

Pros

  • Slim and portable build for a 16-inch laptop
  • Midrange gaming performance at a reasonable price

Cons

  • All-AMD configuration outpaced by Intel- and Nvidia-based competitors
  • Unimpressive 144Hz refresh rate and full HD resolution
14 Ultimate laptops for XR Development with Unreal Engine - LaptopChief (14)

$4,290

i9-13900HX | RTX 4090 | 64 GB RAM | 8000 GB SSD | 17.3″ IPS; 2560x1440 |

7.HP Omen 17

Powerful gaming laptop with great display and expandable memory, but falls short in performance and battery life.

Pros

  • QHD display with 165 Hz
  • Expandable working memory
  • Individual key illumination
  • Thunderbolt 4 with Power Delivery

Cons

  • Slightly below-average performance for a RTX 4080
  • High noise level
  • Clattery case
  • Meager battery life
Summary

The HP Omen 17 is a high-end gaming laptop with a QHD display and powerful hardware, making it suitable for video processing, rendering, and gaming. It offers expandable memory, individual key illumination, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, but it falls short in terms of performance for its RTX 4080 and has a high noise level and meager battery life.

Reviews
Alternatives
14 Ultimate laptops for XR Development with Unreal Engine - LaptopChief (15)

$4,290

HP Omen

Pros

  • QHD display with 165 Hz
  • Expandable working memory

Cons

  • Slightly below-average performance for a RTX 4080
  • High noise level

Table of the Best Laptops for Development with Unreal Engine XR

LaptopPrice (approx)
acer Nitro 5$680
HP Victus$939
ASUS TUF F15 FX507VU-ES53$1,100
Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 16$1,300
ASUS ROG Strix G15$1,750
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16$3,390
HP Omen 17$4,290
14 Ultimate laptops for XR Development with Unreal Engine - LaptopChief (2024)

FAQs

What is the best laptop for Unreal Engine game development? ›

These are the Top 10 Unreal Engine 4 Laptops of 2024 That You Can Buy Right Now.
  • Best High-End: MSI Creator 15M.
  • Best Budget: Lenovo IdeaPad L340.
  • Best All-Rounder: Lenovo Legion 5.
  • Best Powerful: Acer Predator Helios 300.
  • Best High-Refresh: Asus ROG Strix G.
  • Best Overall: Gigabyte AERO Classic (SA-L)
Nov 29, 2023

What is the best computer for Unreal Engine 5 development? ›

Unreal Engine 5 requires a minimum of an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor. For optimum performance, we recommend an 8th gen Intel Core i9-9900K or above. However, if you're looking for the best performance, we suggest an Intel Core i9-13900KF or above.

What does a laptop need to run Unreal Engine 5? ›

Recommended Hardware
Operating SystemWindows 10 64-bit version 1909 revision .1350 or higher, or versions 2004 and 20H2 revision .789 or higher
ProcessorQuad-core Intel or AMD, 2.5 GHz or faster
Memory8 GB RAM
Graphics CardDirectX 11 or 12 compatible graphics card with the latest drivers
1 more row

What laptop specs do I need for Unreal Engine? ›

Unreal Engine 5 recommended requirements according to Epic Games
  • Operating system: Windows 10 64-bit (Version 20H2)
  • Processor: Six-Core Xeon E5-2643 @ 3.4GHz.
  • Memory: 64 GB RAM.
  • Internal storage: 256 GB SSD.
  • External Storage: 2TB SSD.
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER.

How much RAM is recommended for Unreal Engine? ›

How much memory (RAM) does Unreal Engine need? The amount of RAM you need is going to depend on your specific project and whether you do RAM-intensive tasks like building lighting. However, as a general rule of thumb, we recommend: 32GB of RAM for most users.

How good of a computer do you need for Unreal Engine? ›

In Unreal Engine, graphics are primarily displayed using the video card, or GPU. Any top-tier GeForce or RTX A-series GPU would be the ideal choice for Unreal Engine. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 16GB, RTX 4090 24GB, and RTX A6000 48GB are three of the best models that are currently on the market.

What is the best laptop for Unreal Engine 5 and Blender? ›

Here are some highly capable laptops that would be well-suited for indie animated movie making using Blender and Unreal Engine 5: - Apple MacBook Pro 16" - Powerful Intel Core i9 CPUs and powerful AMD Radeon Pro GPUs make this laptop a great option. macOS is also very compatible with Blender and UE5.

What PC can run Unreal Engine 5 games? ›

This list represents a typical system used at Epic, providing a reasonable guideline for developing games with Unreal Engine 5:
  • Windows 10 64-bit (Version 20H2)
  • 64 GB RAM.
  • 256 GB SSD (OS Drive)
  • 2 TB SSD (Data Drive)
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER.
  • Xoreax Incredibuild (Dev Tools Package)
  • Six-Core Xeon E5-2643 @ 3.4GHz.

Is RTX 3060 laptop good for Unreal Engine 5? ›

3050 is barely usable for Unreal engine 5, if you are aiming quality visuals. You need a minimum 6GB of dedicated VRAM, while 8GB is recommended. Besides, you need a minimum of RTX 3060 to be able to have enough power for cinematic development.

Is the RTX 3060 good for Unreal Engine? ›

For Unreal Editor use, specifically, I'd go with the 3060, because the VRAM difference will matter for levels that grow to at least moderate size. Not to beat my dead-horse above, but recall that chip-sets, feature-sets and hardware profiles are for the life of the card.

How much RAM does Unreal Engine 5 need? ›

The reason the Unreal editor requires a minimum of 32 GB of RAM, is the same reason that any other large content creation tool requires a lot of RAM: Content is big!

Which laptop is better for programming? ›

The Macbook Pro is our pick for best programming laptop - and the Dell XPS 15, Microsoft Surface 9 Pro, and Macbook Air are all worthy contenders, as are the others in our round-up. We've tested, reviewed, and rated all of these machines to ensure they perform well and deliver what you need.

Is Mac or Windows better for coding? ›

MacOS is a Unix-based system, similar to Linux, and this imparts certain advantages for programming over Windows. The Unix-style terminal and shell, which are more advanced and have better scripting capabilities, give a smoother experience doing version control, running scripts, and performing other programming tasks.

Is the RTX 3060 laptop good for game development? ›

The RTX 3060 delivers smooth gameplay and high frame rates even in demanding games. It is designed to handle ray tracing and other advanced graphical effects with ease. With its powerful CUDA cores and efficient architecture, it ensures a seamless gaming experience.

Can Unreal Engine run on gaming laptop? ›

Yes, You can. Minimum System requirements for Unreal Engine 4 are: 1.7Ghz Dual Core Intel or AMD processor. 4 GB RAM.

Do you need a strong computer for Unreal Engine? ›

In conclusion, for Unreal Engine to perform at its best and provide a satisfying user experience, a system must have a powerful CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage.

Is Ryzen or Intel better for Unreal Engine? ›

TL;DR: 13th Gen Intel performance in Unreal Engine

At the top end, the Ryzen 9 7950X holds onto its lead and outperforms the Intel 13900KS by 8% on average, while being $100 more. This means Ryzen is still the top performer in consumer grade CPUs.

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