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HP ENVY vs HP Spectre Laptops: Which is Best for Me?
Daniel Horowitz
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April 23, 2020
If you are purchasing a new laptop and are torn between the HP ENVY and the HP Spectre lines, it can be difficult to narrow down which one will suit your needs best. Both offer plenty of power and a quality guarantee from HP®. Each also has certain unique features that determine whether or not it is the right device for you.
We know that purchasing a new laptop can be a big decision. That’s why it’s worth it to look at both types to see which can run the specific programs you need or offer software to help you complete your tasks. This guide will help you choose between two of the best HP series to find out which can work for your lifestyle and budget.
Getting started with your decision
There are a number of reasons to invest in an HP laptop, especially an HP Spectre or HP ENVY. They both offer Intel® Core™ processors and come with Windows Home 10 installed. Plus, you can customize them to suit your exact needs while knowing you can rely on HP’s quality customer service.
Think about price
Price can be a serious factor in whether or not you will choose the HP ENVY or the HP Spectre. While both are competitively priced and can be customized to work within a certain budget, they’re also available at many separate price points. Your budget will factor into additional features, such as more memory, added ports, or extra software.
One way to decide on which model is right for you is to look up the minimum price for each device. Once you have identified which features are must haves and how much you can afford, you can eliminate some models for either type of laptop.
Do you need a laptop or a 2-in-1?
When comparing HP ENVY vs HP Spectre lines, you’ll note that both have options for the standard laptop model and a 2-in-1 device. A standard laptop can be a good choice if you plan to use your computer solely for work purposes or gaming. These clamshell laptops tend to have more memory and better graphics cards.
A 2-in-1 laptop allows for more flexibility, can be more portable, and can offer more entertainment options. Because you can use it as a tablet with the touch screen, you have more options for creativity and connectivity. Several HP 2-in-1 models offer 4G LTE, too, so you can stay in touch with friends or stream your favorite movies from anywhere you get a signal.
HP ENVY vs HP Spectre: the right choice for you
Now that we know a little more about how you can get started, let’s get into what makes these laptop lines different as we help you decide which is the best option for your needs. It’s worth noting that there are more models available in the HP ENVY line, which is why we’re covering the series as a whole first before moving through the more specific builds.
1. HP ENVY laptop
With so many options to customize the specs and display, you have plenty of choices when it comes to choosing the right HP ENVY for you. All of the models include an Intel Core processor and a 1-year warranty from HP®, which provides customer support for all of your technical needs.
How much storage you would like is up to you, but you can customize your device up to 2TB. Opt for the fingerprint reader for an easy, secure login, and take advantage of HP BIOS to keep your computer safe from hackers. Best of all, most models include an NVIDIA® GeForce® graphics card, which makes sure you can play your favorite games.
Additional features:
- Comes in 13-inch, 15-inch, and 17-inch models
- Option touch screen available on some models
- Optional HP Control Zone™ trackpad
2. HP ENVY x2 laptop
The HP ENVY x2 is meant for those on-the-go. With 22 hours of battery life, you can take on a variety of tasks without being tied down to an outlet. You also have the option of 4G LTE, allowing you to take this 2-in-1 laptop on the road while staying connected to high-speed internet.
A magnetic hinge and the reassurance of Corning® Gorilla® Glass makes it easy to transport your device from one place to another without worrying about damage. And the 12.3-inch touch screen, which is compatible with the HP Pen, means you can get hands-on with your latest project.
When you put this laptop in tablet mode, you can take pictures with either the 13MP rear camera or the 5MP front camera. This allows for better quality during your next video chat, whether you’re catching up with friends or meeting with a potential new client.
The HP ENVY x2 includes 1 USB Type-C™ port, a micro SD slot, and the option to add a SIM card. Plus, with up to 256GB of storage, you’ll have plenty of room to store photos from your adventures. The Intel Core i5 processor gives you the power you need in order to edit pictures and load videos quickly.
Additional features:
- Lightweight at 3.47 lbs
- Windows 10 Home
- Bang & Olufsen dual speakers
3. HP ENVY x360 laptop
Take your device with you anywhere you want to go with the convertible HP ENVY x360 laptop. Available in either 13 inches or 15 inches, its unique design gives you a chance to stand out from the crowd without compromising on power. You also have the choice between an Intel processor or the AMD Ryzen, which is designed to let you switch between multiple multimedia tasks with ease.
This convertible laptop comes with four distinct modes: laptop, tablet, stand, or tent. All have a number of benefits that can make it simple to go from work to play in a few seconds. And to keep everything you do secure, it includes a fingerprint reader, a privacy screen, and an IR camera. These features protect you against phishing, hackers trying to steal your information, and untrustworthy over-the-shoulder onlookers.
The HP ENVY x360 includes a USB-Type C port and a USB 3.1 Type-A port so you can connect all of your favorite peripherals. Add in Windows Home 10 and you’ve got a laptop that is as versatile as you are.
Additional features:
- Dual storage support for both SSD and HDD
- Ultra-fast WiFi speeds
- HP Fast Charge for quicker battery charging
4. HP Spectre Folio laptop
You can’t beat the HP Spectre Folio laptop for quality performance. With an 8th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, your device can take on any application that you throw at it. And with a genuine leather case, you can get your work done in the laptop position and look great doing it.
This laptop is also lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about it weighing you down. You don’t have to be concerned about losing a connection, either, thanks to built-in 4G LTE. This lets you avoid public WiFi and enjoy the assurance of being on a secure network wherever you’re working. And just in case, you’ll get additional security from McAfee LifeSafe™ to ward off viruses and malware.
With Bang & Olufsen speakers, you can make the most of your favorite TV shows and music, while the HP Imagepad makes it easy to navigate through your applications. It also has a full-sized keyboard to make typing as comfortable as possible.
Additional features:
- Multiple usage modes
- Corning Gorilla Glass 4 display
- 2 Thunderbolt™ 3 ports
5. HP Spectre x360 laptop
The HP Spectre x360 offers all the flexibility of a convertible laptop with the power of a standard laptop thanks to the Intel Core i7 processor. To keep that power in check, it comes with thermal settings to make sure your laptop runs quietly and smoothly. You can also choose from three modes; cool, quiet, or performance for when you need a boost.
The gem-cut, aluminum design will turn heads, though you don’t have to worry about prying eyes with the included privacy screen. The same goes for video chats, which you can switch on and off with the IR camera.
You’ll be ready to go all day with a battery life of up to 11 hours, which means you can kick back with your favorite Netflix show after finishing up your to-do list. Plus, the included stylus gives you complete control over how you want to navigate your device in either tablet or laptop mode.
Additional features:
- Windows 10 Home 64
- MicroSD media card reader
- Up to 512GB SSD or HDD storage
HP ENVY vs HP Spectre: which is best?
Both series offer you high-performance computing power. If you’re looking for a standard laptop model, you may want to consider the HP ENVY over the competition. However, if you plan to use your computer in a variety of ways, you may want to invest in the stellar and versatile options from HP Spectre.
The HP ENVY line can be a little more affordable depending on whether you wish to customize your device. This makes it a great option for students or those who need a laptop for leisure rather than as a gaming or work device. On the other hand, an HP Spectre typically has more ports available and you simply can’t beat the look of an HP Spectre Folio.
Whichever type of device you choose, you’ll have comprehensive support from HP®, incredible performance, and a battery that lasts. With this selection of HP laptops, you can find one for tackling big projects and watching the latest binge-worthy streaming series.
Related articles:
- How to Choose the Best HP Laptop
- Best 2-in-1 Laptops for Drawing from HP
- Best HP Laptops for Home Use
- 5 Best Laptops for Home Schooling from HP
About the Author: Daniel Horowitz is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Daniel is a New York-based author and has written for publications such as USA Today, Digital Trends, Unwinnable Magazine, and many other media outlets.
