Released in 2014, the Sims 4 is the latest version of the most popular life simulation game ever released. To play the Sims 4, you will need a computer with minimum system requirements, or a laptop that meets the minimum specs.
This article shows you the best laptops for Sims 4 enjoyment, each reviewed, rated and compared. Playing Sims 4 on your laptop is one of the best methods for full enjoyment of the once PC-only game. Find out everything you need to know below.
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Why Sims 4 Players Need the Right Laptop
The Sims 4 is a large game with multiple, optional DLC (Download Content), add-ons, extras, and specials. In total, the game requires a lot of hard drive space, space for game saves and extras, as well as the right amount of memory, graphics card capabilities, and sound cards.
Having a sub-par laptop will result in reduced game performance (if the game will even load at all). To get the most enjoyment from your game purchase, you will need the right set up, more than the minimum system requirements, and a great battery.
The right, high-quality laptop will give you a lot of benefits, including:
Laptops For Sims 4 Compared
Image | Product Name | Processor | Ram | Storage | Weight | Battery Life | Check Price |
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Intel i7-9750H | 16GB | 256GB SSD | 5.07Lbs. | 6 Hours | |||
Intel Core i5-9300H | 8GB | 512GB SSD | 4.1Lbs. | 7 Hours | |||
Intel Core i5-8265U | 8GB | 512GB SSD | 3.97Lbs. | 9.5 Hours | |||
Intel Core i7-9750H | 16GB | 1TB SSD | 5.67Lbs. | 6 Hours | |||
Intel Core i7-9750H | 16GB | 256GB SSD + 1TB SATA | 5.63Lbs. | 5 Hours | |||
Intel Core i7-9750H | 8GB | 128GB SSD + 2TB SATA | 4.21Lbs. | 5 Hours |
Sims 4 Laptop Settings & System Requirements
To see and experience the game the way Maxis and Electronic Arts designed you to view the game, your laptop will need to meet certain specifications and system requirements. There are two types of specs. First are the minimum specs. These are what you must have to play the game.
There are also recommended specs. These are what your laptop should have to get the full gaming experience and not experience any lag or downtime. The recommended specs are what was used by the programmers to build the game.
Sims 4 System Minimum Requirements
As of March 2021, the minimum requirements have changed slightly. This is mainly due to older operating systems (OS) no longer supported by their creators, specifically macOS Lion (10.7) and Windows 7. It is also worth noting that 32-bit systems (OS and chipsets) are no longer supported; you must have a 64-bit system.
Recommended Laptop Specs
As stated before, the recommended specs are what you should have to get the most enjoyment and playing experience from the Sims 4 game and DLC. Below is a list and explanation of those recommended specifications.
Processor
It is highly recommended that you have a quad-core processor running a 64-bit chipset. While the minimum requirements are for a dual-core 1.8gHz CPU, the game is best played with a quad-core 3.0gHz processor.
The Intel i5, i7, or i9 (2.8gHz) or better is recommended. For AMD fans, the AMD Athlon X4 or better is recommended.
Memory/RAM
The Sims 4 is a memory-intensive game, requiring constant calls for memory demands over the average computer usage rates. For this reason, having at least 8gig of RAM is recommended. More will be better, but with 8gig, you won't notice any lag in the game.
If you have 16gig or more installed, there won’t be a noticeable improvement in the game, but the rest of your running processes and applications will run smoother as a result.
Storage Drives
Because there are a lot of DLC and saves the game can use and acquire, it is recommended to have at least 18gig free space on your hard drive. The more space you can devote to the game, the easier it will be to play without worrying about removing items or deleting older saves.
The game will run fine on a standard SATA HDD. However, a solid state drive (SSD) will perform a little smoother, and arguably faster, during cut scenes and more intense operations.
Graphics Card
Any graphics card over the minimum recommended types will be sufficient. The Sims 4 isn’t a graphically intense game. However, your graphics card will need to support pixel shading to render the depth of the game graphics.
It is recommended you use an NVIDIA GTX 650 or better graphics card. For full HD support and graphics, you should choose the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super or better.
Most integrated graphics cards will be ATI Radeon cards. However, if you prefer ATI over NVIDIA, the ATI Radeon HD 5850 or better will be sufficient for this game.
Operating System
The game will run on almost any modern operating system. While you must have at least Windows 8, it is recommended that you run your PC with Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Enterprise.
For MacOS, you must have Metal and the current MacOS X version. At least version 10.11 is needed.
To play the Sims 4 on Linux, you will need to do some additional work. The Game was initially released for Windows only and ported to Mac in 2017. For a Linux install, you will need two programs. Origin is the EA game player service (much like Steam). However, to get Origin to install and run in a Linux environment, you will also need to install and run Lutris.
Origin will run inside of Lutris, which will launch the game for you. For a complete install tutorial, you can see the Sims 4 on Linux tutorial from FossLinux.
Monitor/Display Panel
The size of your monitor or display is entirely up to you. However, for the best experience with Sims 4, you should have a high-definition (1080p) resolution on at least a 15-inch widescreen (16:9). Some Simmers use a 13-inch screen and enjoy it very much. However, if you use a 13-inch screen, your resolution and graphics card need to be on the higher end.
Battery Life
Obviously, the better your battery, the longer you can play. Sims 4 is a battery-intensive application and will require a lot of power. The minimum battery life for your laptop should be at least 4 hours. Whatever your battery life expectancy is, you can cut it by about one third when playing Sims 4.
Price & Warranty
Purchasing a new laptop to only play a single game is almost a waste. New model laptops can get expensive, and with all of the requirements for the Sims 4 game, your laptop should be able to do a lot more than simply play the game.
The price you pay should include everything else you need from a computer, including networking, Office software capabilities, and more. You also need to ensure that your new laptop comes with a good warranty. A period of at least 12 months is decent, but anything over 2-years is optimal.
6 Best Laptops for Sims 4 Reviewed
When searching for the best gaming laptop for the Sims 4, there are a lot of choices. We have narrowed those choices down for you based on several criteria.
We look at the overall performance value and cost-savings over the top-of-the-line models and make sure that each one meets or exceeds the Sims 4 minimum system requirements.
The result is the 6 best laptops for Sims 4, reviewed, rated, and evaluated, just for you. Have a look.
1. Acer Predator Helios 300
- 9th Generation Intel Core i7 9750H 6 Core...
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Graphics with 6GB...
- 15.6 inches Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen...
- 16GB DDR4 2666MHz Memory, 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD...
Our Top Pick
Processor | Intel i7-9750H |
Ram | 16GB |
Storage | 256GB SSD |
Weight | 5.07Lbs. |
Battery Life | 6 Hours |
Warranty | 1-year warranty on all parts. |
The Predator line from Acer is one of the most sought after gaming laptop lines of all time. Not only is the Predator series ideal for all gaming, but it is also set up for gaming and priced for all budgets. The Acer Predator Helios 300 is the best laptop for Sims 4, and our top pick.
The Laptop boasts the 9th generation Intel i7 which can be clocked up to 4.25gHz, along with the GeForce Nividia gaming graphic card. Add in that you get 16GB of Ram to power the machine, and you have a laptop that can take on any modern game.
The Sims 4 runs smooth and simple on this laptop with little to no effort to set up and install Origin or the game. Once the initial laptop and Windows 10 setup is completed and you are connected to the internet, you can install Origin, Sims 4 and log in to start playing in less than 5 minutes.
The powerhouse laptop offers one of the best cost to value ratios on the market, providing you a seamless transition from gaming to office work and back. But that's not why you are here. The laptop has a 256GB SSD that will speed up your load times, cache your repetitive screens, and keep you in the game longer.
All told, there isn’t a better laptop for playing Sims 4 available right now that can outclass the Acer Predator for the price.
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2. MSI GF63 Thin
- Display: 15; 6 inches FHD (1920 x 1080), IPS...
- Processor: Intel Core i5 9300H 2; 4: 4; 1GHz
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4G GDDR5
- Memory: 8GB (8G x 1) DDR4 2666MHz, 2 Sockets;...
Best Value Gaming Laptop For The Sims 4
Processor | Intel Core i5-9300H |
Ram | 8GB |
Storage | 512GB SSD |
Weight | 4.1Lbs. |
Battery Life | 7 Hours |
Warranty | 1-year all-inclusive warranty |
The MSI GF63 is designed to run quieter and stay cooler than other gaming laptops. Because of these features, it is our runner up for the best gaming laptop for the Sims 4. It isn't as top-end as our top pick when it comes to the specs, but it is more affordable for a wider range of budgets.
You will get 8GB of RAM powering a 512Gb SSD for smooth and quick operations. There won't be any lag or delay in loading, playing, or screen adjustments here. The motherboard holds the Intel Core i5 (9th generation) chipset as well as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics card for unparalleled display clarity and high-definition shading.
You will have plenty of room on the hard drive for your game and saves along with all the space required by the Windows 10 OS. While this rig was designed for modern, rapid movement games (First person shooters and MMORPGs), The Sims 4 comes to life like never before in the graphics environment the team at Maxis only dreamed of.
You can take advantage of the long-press mechanical keyboard, and the audio set up that lets you fine-tune the built-in surround sound to suit your needs. Everything you could want out of your Sims game will be available with the MSI laptop.
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3. Acer Aspire 5
- 8th Generation Intel Core i5 8265U Processor...
- 15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED...
- 1 USB 3.1 Type C Gen 1 port, 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1...
- 802.11ac WiFi | Backlit Keyboard | Up to 9.5...
Best Cheap Laptop For Sims 4
Processor | Intel Core i5-8265U |
Ram | 8GB |
Storage | 512GB SSD |
Weight | 3.97Lbs. |
Battery Life | 9.5 Hours |
Warranty | 1-year limited warranty on all parts |
If you are looking to buy a laptop for playing Sims 4 that ticks all the boxes and doesn’t break the bank, the Acer Aspire 5 is the best cheap laptop for Sims 4. There isn't anything fancy about this laptop. It doesn't have exciting lights coming from every possible place, nor will it get you first place in a gaming convention contest.
What it will do is play the Sims 4 without any trouble. The Intel i-5 chipset (8th generation) meets the recommended 2.4gHz specs for the game, and the high-definition graphics will be more than enough to render your Sims on the screen in great detail.
You will also enjoy the lightweight and extreme portability of this laptop. Acer makes a lot of durable models, and the Aspire 5 is one such model. You won't get a lot of flimsy parts here, and they have done away with the additional bottom-access compartments. This model is sturdy, reliable, and light enough to take with you anywhere.
With over 9 hours of battery life, you don't even need to make sure that you are near an outlet for playing time. You should note, though, that with the computer in the standard set up, playing the game will kill the battery in about 5 hours, so you won't get to experience the full capacity.
However, that should be plenty of time to play during your breaks, on lunch, and the ride home before you have to plug it in again.
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4. Asus ROG Strix Scar III
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 8GB GDDR6 (Base:...
- Latest 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750H Processor
- 240Hz 15.6” Full HD 1920x1080 IPS Type...
- 16GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM | 1TB PCIe SSD |...
Best High End Laptop For The Sims 4
Processor | Intel Core i7-9750H |
Ram | 16GB |
Storage | 1TB SSD |
Weight | 5.67Lbs. |
Battery Life | 6 Hours |
Warranty | 2-year limited warranty on all parts |
The Republic of Gaming (ROG) is the Asus moniker for the most intense and full-featured gaming aspects of any computer. The Strix Scar III is the ROG development rolled into one. If you want the best high-end laptop for the Sims 4 or any other game, this is the model for you.
Boasting 16GB of Ram pushing a 1TB SSD and the Intel quad-core i7 (9th generation) chipset, you will have more power, control, and detail for your Sims 4 game than ever before. Watch your Sims move in ultra high definition using the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card with 6GB of graphics memory.
There will be zero lag, no delay, and super-fast booting to get you in the game faster. You will have plenty of space for your game install, saves, and extras with the 1TB SSD storage. The Strix Scar III also makes use of the Asus Keystone, an NFC-style modded USB that takes settings, saves, and profiles of games from one device to another.
If you ever wanted to turn pro playing Sims 4, the Scar III will be your ticket to the top. While the cost is higher than most other laptops on this list, it is also one of the highest values you can get. From graphics to speed and storage, there is little to upgrade, and the investment will keep you playing for years before you even consider another computer.
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5. Dell G5 15
- Lead the pack with an elegant sleek design...
- An innovative dual-fan cooling system with an...
- 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) anti-Glare LED...
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 with 4GB GDDR5...
Best Dell Laptop For Sims 4
Processor | Intel Core i7-9750H |
Ram | 16GB |
Storage | 256GB SSD + 1TB SATA |
Weight | 5.63Lbs. |
Battery Life | 5 Hours |
Warranty | 1-year full warranty |
In 2008 when all other technology companies were backing down, Dell took a chance and started pushing harder. Through the recession, Dell came out as the number one computer company for both business and pleasure. They still hold that spot and use even better technology to stay there.
The best Dell laptop for the Sims 4 is the Dell G5 15. using a 6-core Intel i7 (9th gen) clocked at 4.5gHz, you won’t miss a thing in your game. Blazing fast storage loads and saves your game with the press of a button, and the dual fans keep the entire rig cool and comfortable.
While this laptop is a little on the heavier side, you won’t mind when you see the thin bezel display and ultra high definition graphics. For the price, the G5 15 is one of the best overall laptops on the market, let alone in the gaming world.
The 15.6-inch screen and FHD graphics come to life at blazing speeds thanks to the CPU and 16GB of RAM. If you ever feel you need more, the system can hold up to 32GB of RAM and is easily upgraded.
All in all, this may be one of the best investments you can make with the benefit of Sims 4 being among the games you can play for hours without interruption.
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6. HP
- Windows 10 Home 0 78" Thin 4 21lbs Weight...
- 15 6 in diagonal HD touchscreen (1366x768)...
- Intel Core i5-7200U dual-core processor 2 5...
- 2 x 3 1 Gen 1 (data transfer only) 1 x Type-C...
Best HP Laptop For Sims 4
Processor | Intel Core i7-9750H |
Ram | 8GB |
Storage | 128GB SSD + 2TB SATA |
Weight | 4.21Lbs. |
Battery Life | 5 Hours |
Warranty | - |
In an industry that was taken over by Dell, HP has stood firm as the number 2 in the industry. While HP may take over Dell in the business world, they have a little catching up to do in the gaming front. However, the HP 15.6 is another step closer.
It isn’t a 360x or an Omen, but for a budget laptop with all the right pieces, it is the best HP laptop for Sims 4. Not only will you get double the required RAM for the game, but you also get an unprecedented 2TB of storage drive and a 128GB SSD for ultra-fast boot and loading.
The HP laptop isn't going to be a flagship model, and it won't turn heads while you game in the park, but with a solid 6 hours of battery and the graphics display on a touchscreen, you can play Sims 4 from anywhere, at any time.
This model brings you the best cost to value ratio of any laptop on this list and will be your go-to computer for years to come. When it comes time for newer parts, the HP is fully upgradable with everything from the wireless module to the RAM. Reliable, durable, and built to last, you won’t find much better at this price.
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How to Install Sims 4 on a Laptop
When you purchase the Sims 4 from a retailer, you will no longer receive an install disc of the game. Instead, you will get an install disc for the Origin server, which is what is now required to play EA games through your PC.
Laptop Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Modern laptops need very little maintenance to keep running. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t need any. You should have a few supplies on stand by to keep your laptop looking and running like new.
A can of air is essential to keep the keyboard free of dust and debris. You should also have electronics screen wipes handy to get smudges, dirt, and dust off of the screen without scratching it.
About once a month (or more if you use the laptop daily), you should also use the can of air to clean out the ports and connections as well as the exhaust vent and fan cover.
It is recommended that you also buy a laptop case to help protect the laptop during transport. There are anti-virus and firewall software programs that you should install and use as well to help protect the computer from viruses, malware, and other nefarious acts.
For the most part, the Sims 4 game and the Origin interface won't cause you any problems. In rare instances, the game or Origin can freeze, or begin to skip. If this happens, you will need to shut down the program and relaunch the game.
Save your game often and make sure you shut it down completely when you aren’t playing. Following these few tips will have you Simming for long, enjoyable hours to come.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Can the Sims 4 be played on MacBook’s?
The Sims 4 is available for play on MacBooks. AS long as they meet the minimum requirements listed in the article above, you won’t have any problems playing Sims 4. If you are looking for a MacBook to play the Sims 4, we recommend the Apple MacBook Pro (2019).
It uses an SDD and has 16gig of RAM along with one of the few MacBooks with a 15-inch screen. It meets all the recommended requirements for Sims 4 with a Mac and will stay current for many years to come.
Can the Sims 4 be played on Windows 10?
Yes. Sims 4 fully supports Windows 10. It is also recommended to use Win 10 as your OS for the game. Windows 7 is supported, but since it has reached End of Life, it isn't the best option. Windows 8 and 8.1 will reach End of Life in 2023, so Windows 10 is the current supported OS for PCs.
Can I play Sims 4 online?
The Sims 4 has a community layer through the Origin server. Here you can get news, updates, and share or view game screenshots. There is a Sims 4 multi-player mode available; however, it is not supported or endorsed by EA, so technically, it isn't a viable option for the game.
Can the above laptops work for other versions of the Sims game?
All of the listed laptops for the Sims 4 will play the other 3 versions of the Sims games. Legacy mode may need to be enabled for Sims and Sims 2, though this will depend on your version of the game and how you install it.
Will installing Sims 4 slow down my laptop?
No. As long as you install the Origin server-client and play the game as intended, there won't be a noticeable degradation of your laptop. However, if you attempt to multi-task and play Sims 4 while doing other computer functions, you may notice that the additional resources can cause some aspects to slow down.
What are all the Sims 4 expansion packs currently released?
There are currently 8 expansions for Sims 4, and each will cost you between $10 and $40 to purchase (average price $19.99), which you can do right through the Origin interface. The current expansion packs are: Discover University, Island Living, Get Famous, Seasons, Cats & Dogs, City Living, Get Together, and Get to Work.
How many GB does Sims 4 take up?
The install of the Sims takes up at least 15gig. You are also required to have at least an additional 1gig of free space for game saves.
Is it possible to get Sims 4 for free on my laptop?
EA gave the Sims 4 basic version away for free for two weeks in min 2019. At the time, the Deluxe version was also discounted. However, that promotion is over. Any other attempts on how to get Sims 4 for free on laptop are not legal and won't be supported.
Conclusion
If you want a new laptop that will play the Sims 4 without any problems, you have a lot to choose from. Almost any modern version of the top-end models will meet all the requirements for the game.
For the price, the Acer Predator Helios 300 is the best laptop for playing Sims 4. It comes with the 9th generation Intel i9 chipset and enough RAM and storage for all the save files you can muster.

Holly Curell is a US-based freelance writer & editor extraordinaire. With over a decade of writing technical manuals, blog articles, & even company communications, Holly has a passion for providing value to readers on everything she knows about tech-related topics. When she’s not writing, Holly enjoys reading, hiking, wine, & wandering the aisles of Trader Joe’s. Holly is currently based out of North Carolina, where she lives with her husband Ken & their three children.