TABLE OF CONTENTS
ASUS and Acer laptops have been around for what feels like an eternity — we’re all well acquainted with both manufacturers and all which they have to offer.
Still, with their product stacks being as diverse and eclectic as they are, one cannot help but wonder: which is the better option?
It’s a complicated question because there’s such a large overlap — a Venn diagram if you will — between their laptops and laptop categories. Still, there is a difference, and we’ll make sure to cover it in great detail down below.
ASUS vs. Acer — Laptops For Every Kind of Budget
Much like all other OEMs, ASUS and Acer try to target as many different segments of the market so as to cover as many proverbial bases as possible.
They have laptops for the budget-minded but also for those who would spare no expense to get the latest and greatest hardware money can buy.
ASUS, however, is a fair bit more revered. Its laptops are of better build quality, they often sell in higher volumes, and are in much higher demand by both casual users and industry professionals alike.
ASUS makes some of the best and most sought-after gaming laptops on the market but also spec’d out beasts for the most demanding creative professionals out there.
And, of course, it sells a bevy of thin-and-light ultrabooks — laptops so aesthetically pleasing and beautiful one cannot help but water at the mouth just by looking at them.
Acer, on the other hand, doesn’t have anything in its portfolio that’ll instantly blow you away. It has a varied product stack as well, there’s no doubt about it, but few are the models that are so tremendous as to make you want to run out and spend your hard-earned money.
It’s all subjective, of course, but there’s still a fair bit of truth to such a statement.
Its laptops are more for the budget-conscious, for those who want to work and create and earn for a living without spending thousands of dollars.
They’re not made from the finest materials (most of them aren’t, at least), and they’re not the most powerful or beautiful, but are the perfect option for those who just want a regular-looking laptop that’ll deliver the kind of performance one needs.
Its premium ultrabooks are also quite attractive, but they’re still not as impressive when compared to what ASUS has to offer.
ASUS Laptops — Pros and Cons
ASUS, to its credit, has a vast range of laptops and ultrabooks to offer.
Perhaps a bit too vast, one could argue, as it’s easy to get lost in all the many families of products and what is it exactly that makes them different (and, by proxy, worth your hard-earned money).
On the other hand, one could argue that that’s the whole point: there’s a sizable overlap between its products which is only natural.
A gaming laptop, for instance, can be used for all kinds of content creation because it always comes packed with the latest and greatest internals.
By the same token, a laptop that is geared towards students and productivity workers doesn’t necessarily have to be weak (i.e. insufficiently powerful) and badly built. It, too, can be spec’d out to the gills.
Think of these “categories” as a rough guide — not as gospel.
For Creators
ZenBook & ZenBook Pro & ZenBook Duo
These are some of the most premium laptops around.
![ASUS Zenbook Laptops](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2023/02/ASUS-Zenbook-Laptops.jpg)
Image Credit: ASUS
Exceptionally well-built, with beautiful displays and some mighty impressive internals. They’re ultrabooks, more often than not, but also tend to come in various different form factors. If you’re after a portable computer that’ll deliver both exceptional performance and look good whilst chewing through your work, these are the ones to go for.
VivoBook & VivoBook Pro
This is ASUS’ more affordable (but still top-of-the-line) family of products.
![ASUS Vivobook](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2023/02/ASUS-Vivobook.jpg)
Image Credit: ASUS
They range from budget-friendly all the way to sleek and jaw-droppingly beautiful (and mighty expensive). They’re every bit as powerful as those from the ZenBook line-up (depending on the model), but don’t come with as many bells and whistles. Be that as it may, they’re still an exceptional option for creatives, students, productivity workers, and everyone in between. To be fair, the line between ZenBooks and VivoBooks has gotten a bit blurry, but the latter are still considered ever-so-slightly inferior to the former. That, however, varies from one instance/model to the next.
ProArt StudioBook
These, in short, are the best laptops ASUS has to offer for content creators and consummate professionals working in the creative industry.
![ASUS ProArt StudioBook](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2023/02/ASUS-ProArt-StudioBook.jpg)
Image Credit: ASUS
These laptops, to put it bluntly, are absolutely insane. They’re equipped with the latest and greatest internals, have spectacular build quality, all the I/O you’ll ever need, and, perhaps most importantly, bright, color-accurate displays that’ll deliver no matter your workflow.
They’re stunning, is what they are (which, naturally, comes at a very high cost).
For Work
ExpertBook
ASUS labels these laptops as “durable, trusted business partners” and, well, we tend to agree.
![ASUS ExpertBook](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2023/02/ASUS-ExpertBook.jpg)
Image Credit: ASUS
They’re compliant with the MIL-STD military standard and can be configured with the absolute best and most powerful internals money can buy.
They might not be worth the asking price — some other models from ASUS can compete on even footing for a more palatable MSRP — but are nonetheless mind-blowingly powerful and, well, they exist for a reason.
For Gaming
ROG (Zephyrus, Flow, Strix)
ASUS is, generally speaking, synonymous with gaming laptops and those that are geared toward creatives. The ROG line-up is, in short, what most gamers dream of.
![ASUS ROG Laptops](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2023/02/ASUS-ROG-Laptops.jpg)
Image Credit: ROG Global
They don’t have the best build quality (Razer still wins out in that regard) but are nonetheless exceptional in a myriad of different ways (and are wholly powerful, too).
Better yet, ASUS has sort of diversified this family of products — the ROG line now comes in two distinct form factors: regular clamshell (the most powerful of the bunch) and 2-in-1 convertibles like the Flow X13/X16 and Flow Z13. The latter is the de facto most powerful gaming tablet on the market and can run circles around all of its competition (at the cost of battery life).
While these might not attract the broadest crowd, it is nonetheless hard not to applaud ASUS for giving its customers such a broad range of options and form factors to choose from.
TUF Gaming
These are the more affordable gaming laptops. They don’t, however, lack in the power department.
![ASUS TUF Laptops](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2023/02/ASUS-TUF-Laptops.jpg)
Image Credit: Gizmochina
They’re not as well-built and their displays definitely leave a bit to be desired (at least more often than not), but they can nonetheless chew through any video game you might throw their way.
So, if you don’t have a stupendously large budget (or just don’t want to sell your kidney so as to game comfortably), these are definitely the way to go. Just make sure to read the fine print as these TUF laptops vary in quality.
All in all, ASUS’ laptops are absolutely stunning, both in terms of their looks but also performance.
Its latest models come with incredibly bright, 16:10 high refresh rate displays (OLED, no less), the very best internals that Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA have to offer, and, in most instances, a stellar port selection that can easily put most of their competition to shame.
They’re also well-built and should, by all means, deliver exceptional performance for the years to come.
We also have to commend ASUS for its willingness to think outside the proverbial box and come up with unique form factors and laptops that, while not hugely popular, still have a place in today’s hyper-competitive market.
Acer Laptops — Pros and Cons
Acer, much like ASUS, has segregated all of its laptops into different lines (all of which are geared towards different users) but, seeing how it doesn’t have nearly as many laptops to offer, the list of options is much less substantial.
Swift
Think of these laptops as the very best and most alluring that Acer has to offer.
![Acer Swift Go](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2023/02/Acer-Swift-Go.jpg)
Image Credit: Acer
They’re premium ultrabooks, in short, some of which are more capable than others. These range from 13” all the way to 16” and are, in a way, the ones that are most worth purchasing (budget permitting).
Aspire
The “everyday” kind of laptop. Nothing too extraordinary or bleeding edge — well-rounded, without any (often sought-after) bells and whistles.
![Acer Aspire Laptops](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2023/02/Acer-Aspire-Laptops.jpg)
Image Credit: Acer
They’re a solid option that’ll perform about as well as one expects. Fortunately, they’re not weak or underpowered so they, too, will suffice for a bit of demanding work whilst on the go.
Spin
These are better built than the Aspire ones (not to mention more versatile) and, as a result, often a bit more expensive.
![Acer Spin Laptops](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2023/02/Acer-Spin-Laptops.jpg)
Image Credit: Acer
While they might not be as shiny or alluring as some of their competition, they are nonetheless exquisite laptops that are more than worth the asking price. That being said, this family of products can’t really compete once you factor in what other manufacturers are offering, so do scour the market before making any kind of purchasing decision.
Nitro
The famed line of laptops aimed at gamers on a budget. Nitro laptops aren’t particularly amazing in any which way other than the fact that they offer tremendous bang for the buck.
![Acer Nitro Laptops](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2023/02/Acer-Nitro-Laptops.jpg)
Image Credit: Acer
They’re not the prettiest nor the most powerful, but if you want to spend less than a thousand dollars/euros and still reach respectable frame rates, it’s definitely an option worth considering.
Predator
This is where things get a lot more interesting. If you yearn for a more immersive gaming experience (and have the right kind of budget), the Predator line of gaming laptops should definitely be on your radar.
![Acer Predator Helios](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2023/02/Acer-Predator-Helios.jpg)
Image Credit: Acer
They are divided into two groups of products: Helios and Triton, and both will set you back anywhere from a grand and a half all the way up to three/four thousand. They’re pricey machines, but their internals warrant the MSRP.
ConceptD
These wholly unique laptops are designed for creatives.
![Acer Conceptd 5 laptop](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2023/02/Acer-Conceptd-5-laptop.jpg)
Image Credit: Acer
They’re absolutely gorgeous, well-built, come in multiple different form factors, and have just enough horsepower to aid you in your creative endeavors. Their displays are PANTONE validated with a Delta E average of less than two, which means they’ll deliver no matter your (color-critical) workflow.
Enduro Urban
The Enduro Urban series is a wholly fascinating one.
![Acer Enduro Urban Laptops](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2023/02/Acer-Enduro-Urban-Laptops.jpg)
Image Credit: Acer
It has just enough power for regular-type work (up to an Intel Core i7-1165G7 at the time of this writing), but its unique selling point lies elsewhere: its build quality and sheer endurance. The Enduro Urban series is meant for people on the go, with reinforced 4-corner protection and military standard certifications. It also has a waterproof design and a unique drainage system that’ll allow your laptop to survive should it ever come in contact with any kind of fluid. It’s not particularly beautiful (an understatement), but whatever it might lack in the looks department it more than makes up for in stellar build quality and ruggedness that’ll make it survive the wear and tear that comes with exploring the wilderness, camping, and whatever else.
TravelMate
A series of business-oriented laptops.
![ASUS TravelMate](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2023/02/ASUS-TravelMate.jpg)
Image Credit: Acer
Lightweight, durable, with ample amounts of RAM, internal storage, connectivity options, and the kind of processor that’ll easily chew through regular tasks like browsing the web, filling out spreadsheets, typing out emails, and the like. Not great in any particular way but far from shabby.
Conclusion: ASUS vs. Acer — Which Is Better?
No laptop manufacturer is perfect. That much is a fact. All it takes is one bad batch to spoil and negate years of success and market dominance.
All OEMs have issues with quality control from time to time but you don’t always hear about it online.
Apple has had its bad keyboards and anti-reflective coating issues, Microsoft has had its Surface Laptop screens break for no reason, Dell has had a knack for shipping laptops with rattly trackpads, and so on and so forth — the list is endless.
No company is exempt from quality control issues, and that includes both ASUS and Acer.
That, also, is why you should always try to get as long a warranty as possible, and, if you can, buy your laptop of choice from a reputable source — being able to return it immediately upon finding any issue is of the utmost importance.
FAQ
Let’s go over a few potential questions you might have regarding this particular topic:
ASUS vs. Acer — How do Their Laptops Compare?
ASUS definitely stands out as the better, more premium option.
It also has a much more diverse product stack with options for basically every kind of user (and budget, too). Its laptops are of better build quality and they’re often a lot more powerful, too.
Acer isn’t necessarily an option for the “budget-minded,” but it does prioritize that segment of the market. It, too, has a few exceptional, premium models, but they’re nowhere near as popular (or sought-after) as what ASUS has to offer.
Nevertheless, Acer laptops are definitely a solid pick, especially those models that are well-reviewed and don’t come with any glaring omissions or drawbacks like a dim display or a subpar build that’ll dissolve into dust a few years down the road.
Are ASUS Laptops Worth It?
Without a shadow of a doubt. They’re expensive machines, more often than not, but are nonetheless worth the asking price.
They’re well-built, have bright, color-accurate displays, a very respectable selection of ports, and ample amounts of power. What more could you ask for?
Perhaps best of all, ASUS is one of the few companies out there that’s willing to experiment and think outside the proverbial box. 2-in-1s, gaming convertibles, “pro-grade” workstation laptops, ultrabooks, budget-friendly models, and everything in between — if you can imagine it, odds are, ASUS already has such a thing in its portfolio.
And, most importantly, none of its “takes” are gimmicky but are, instead, well thought-out and built and designed with precision.
Are Acer Laptops Worth It?
Absolutely! Acer makes some of the most affordable laptops on the market and, frankly speaking, it cuts the right corners in order to get said laptops to their respective price tags.
Not all of its products are praiseworthy, though, so definitely make sure to read (and watch) as many reviews as possible before making any kind of purchasing decision.
Acer laptops are a rare exception where affordable isn’t equal to bad or subpar. Far from it, in fact.
Does ASUS Make Good Gaming Laptops?
Not only are they good — they’re phenomenal. They’re also the very definition of “mainstream:” the ROG line-up (Republic of Gamers) might not be to everyone’s taste, but its pedigree and performance chops cannot be brought into question.
![Asus ROG G15 Gaming](https://www.cgdirector.com/wp-content/uploads/media/2023/02/Asus-ROG-G15-Gaming.jpg)
Image Credit: ASUS
Incredible displays, adequate cooling solutions, respectable keyboards, stellar I/O, and performance for days — they’re about as well-rounded as it gets.
Over to You
ASUS and Acer are both great companies — and much of the same can be said for their vast and varied laptop offerings. The former, however, is a fair bit more revered and is generally considered as the better option regardless of one’s profession.
Do you favor one over the other? Let us know in the comment section down below and, in case you need any help, head over to our forum and ask away!
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