Best Laptops for Zwift: Top Laptops for Zwift in 2021!

Zwift is a massively multiplayer online cycling and running video game and physical training program as well, which allows users to train, interact and compete in a virtual world. Zwift was released in beta version in September 2014, and it was officially launched in October 2015. It is one of the most popular indoor cycling programs out there!

What do you need to use Zwift?

Apart from the computer, you’ll a few other equipment to use Zwift, and most importantly, a Turbo Trainer. A Turbo Trainer is a sort of an electric home bike that can be connected to the computer. It is simply a device that enables you to ride your bike, stationary, while staying at home. And that’s exactly why they have become the go to training equipment for the winter season.

Turbo trainers have a power meter and resistance system, which makes your bike harder to cycle, similar to real bicycle gears. It will measure output power, and send this data to your online Zwift avatar. This makes for real-life experience. For example, if you are riding downhill, the resistance will decrease, and when you go uphill, it will increase, etc.

Zwift can work with any turbo trainer as long as you have a power meter on your bike. If you don’t have a power meter, you’ll need a speed sensor on your bike, and you can use zPower.

You can also get smart Turbo Trainers, which are designed specifically for Zwift, but those can be quite costly.

What to look for in a laptop for Zwift?

Let’s start with the official system requirements for running Zwift:

• OS: Windows 7 x64 bit, OSX 10.8
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo
• Memory: 4GB
• Graphics: 1GB dedicated GPU, or embedded Intel HD 4000/AMD R5
• Hard Drive: 4GB of free space

As you can see, these are the minimum system requirements, but they don’t provide much info what to consider if you want to be able to play in 4K for example. You should also note that Zwift can run on Windows, iOS, iPhone, iPad or AppleTV. And there is also a Beta version of the app  released for Google Play users.

But since you’re here, I guess that you’re primarily interested in running Zwift on a laptop; and so here are our recommendations:

• Processor:  Although Zwift is not a CPU intensive game, we recommend at least an 8th Gen intel i5 processor or more.
• RAM: A laptop with at least 8GB of RAM is recommended for optimal performance.
• GPU: Zwift can be quite demanding when it comes to the GPU. This means that if you want to unlock the Ultra settings, you’ll need a laptop with a relatively powerful GPU. This is also true of you enjoy large group rides or races, and you don’t want to have any lags. In our searches, we have found that a GTX 1050 should be the minimum when buying a laptop for Zwift. If you want to play at ultra settings, we recommend that you spend a little more extra on the GPU. And this way, you will also future proof your purchase!
• Other features: There are also a few other thing to consider when getting a laptop to play Zwift. Especially when it comes to the display. If you’re going to use your laptop’s display, then consider something with at least a 15,6 inch Display. If you’re going to use an external monitor, then check the connectivity options the laptop offers.

Best laptops for Zwift:

So, now that you have an idea what to consider when looking for a laptop for Zwift, let’s check out some of the best laptops for Zwift we compiled for you:

• MSI GF63 Thin 9SCX-615

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First on our list, the MSI GF63 Thin 9SCX-615 is a budget-friendly gaming laptop, and one of the best laptops for Zwift at this price range.

This laptop features a 9th generation Intel Core i5 9300H processor, 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti with 4GB DDR5 video RAM.

It also contains a GF63 cooling system that provides better cooling with a more quiet fan.

Definitely, a bang for the buck, as this laptop is priced just over 700 dollars, depending on where you get it from.

• Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-52-78VL

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The Acer Predator Helios 300 is well known beast when it comes to gaming laptops, and that also means that it can handle Zwift more than fine. Featuring a 9th generation Intel Core i7, with 6 cores , 16GB of RAM, and an Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti , the Helios 300 is definitely for those who need a laptop that can play Zwift at the highest settings, and also play the latest AAA games.

The Helios also packs plenty of great features, such as the 15,6 Full HD display, at 144Hz refresh rate. And improved Wifi connectivity, and an improved cooling system.

• Asus ROG Zephyrus GU502GW-AH76

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Asus ROG series are known as a high-quality gaming laptops, and the Zephyrus is no difference! It is powered by the latest 9th generation Intel Core i7-9750h processor that goes up to 4.5 GHz. Add to that  16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics with 8 GB video memory. This laptop is only one of the best laptops for Zwift, but you can also use it for any other GPU intensive task!

It has an enhanced cooling system with 3 different modes that adapt in regards to the application demands. And it is worth mentioning that it was built from the best materials with anti-dust tunnels to ensure efficiency, performance and longer life of components.

• Lenovo Legion Y545

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For Lenovo, we have the Legion Y545, which is one of their latest gaming machines and which certainly offers plenty for you money!

Loaded with the latest 9th generation Intel Hexa-Core i7 that goes up to 4.5 GHz, and ultra-low voltage platform, it also provides maximum power efficiency! The laptop has 32GB DDR4 SODIMM RAM, and it comes with both 1 TB HDD and 1 TB PCIe SSD. It has plenty of storage for all your music, movies and games.

The graphics card is NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti with 6 GB of video RAM, and it all goes to 15.6″ 1920x1080p FHD IPS antiglare LED-backlit display.

It also has many different ports such as USB 3.0, HDMI and standard 3.5mm audio jack for all your secondary devices.

• Omen by HP 17-cb0050nr

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Last but not the least, we have the Omen by HP 17-cb0050nr. This 17 inch gaming laptop does not only offer great value for the money, but it’s also a great option if you’re looking for a gaming laptop with a big display.

Powered by the latest cutting-edge 9th generation Intel i7-9750h processor, with 6 cores that go up to 4.5 GHz to ensure superior performance, the Omen 17 also features 16 GB DDR4 RAM, and a dual storage capacity, as it comes with a 1 TB hard drive and 256 GB SSD.

The Omen By HP 17 also comes with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 graphics with 8 GB of video ram. It is pretty much one of the latest NVIDIA graphics and one of the most powerful graphics card you’ll find on laptops. This means that you’ll enjoy Zwift on the highest settings with this laptop, and maintain high frame rates.

The Omen 17 also offers plenty of other great features and connectivity options,; including a Thunderbolt 3 port, and a minidisplay port. The Omen 17 also features a 144hz refresh rate display.