Best gaming laptops currently available in the market
Are you looking for a high-quality gaming laptop that can replace your desktop computer? Currently available for between $1,000 and $2,000, the following are the top gaming laptops for playing in optimal conditions, anywhere, at any time.
Written By
Innocent BenjaminWriter | Editor | SEO expert
Reviewed By
Joy EmehWriter| Editor| Content Strategist
No longer is it necessary to have a dedicated room in your house and assemble a one-metre-tall structure and a desk to accommodate the screen, gaming mouse and controller, audio headphone, and gaming keyboard in order to play on a personal computer. A single gaming laptop can now replace this assortment of equipment.
As a result of the remarkable advancements in graphics card technology over the past few years, portable PCs (or gaming laptops) designed specifically for gaming have become significantly more powerful, dependable, and lightweight.
Despite the ongoing struggle with heat dissipation, manufacturers have significantly improved this aspect.
Building a PC from scratch might seem the most daunting task outside brain surgery, but the process of selecting a gaming laptop is also invariably nuanced. HP, Lenovo, Asus, Acer, and MSI... Which brand is ideal for creating optimal playing conditions? Is the Nvidia Geforce GTX 1060 an adequate graphics card? Should AMD technology be favoured? Should I only consider the SSD? How much RAM is available? In what version of Windows was this? Should I opt for 14, 15, or 16 inches? These and more may be questions on your mind.
For this comparison, we selected the top video game PCs from those evaluated by tech experts. Factors other than graphics capability have been considered in this case.
In addition to a storage capacity that is adequate in inches, a gaming PC must also feature an effective heat management system and a screen of sufficient size to endure intense gaming sessions.
Catering to a wide range of budgets, these are the top gaming laptops currently available on the market:
1. Asus ROG Strix SCAR 18
With no significant flaw except for its low contrast panel, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 is comparable to Republic of Gamers gaming laptops.
Despite the potential drawback of lacking flair, this machine maintains an exceptionally high level of efficiency with regard to both operation and cooling.
Asus has resolved to emphasise 18-inch displays for its lineup of gaming laptops starting in 2023. The Asus ROG Strix SCAR 18 exhibits remarkable performance, notwithstanding its substantial size, which hinders its portability for daily use.
It is simple, has a monstrous technical document, and guarantees that you can execute exactly what you want. Presently, it boasts the most cutting-edge components: 16 GB of DDR5 RAM, an Intel Core i9-13980HX processor, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card.
Proportionate in size to its strength, this gaming laptop, along with the Razer Blade 16, is among the most powerful laptops in 2024.
It will remain unaffected by 3D, video processing, or gaming. Equally well-considered is the heat dissipation system, so there is no cause for concern in that regard.
Despite its designation as a laptop, the ROG Strix Scar 18 measures approximately 40 x 30 centimetres and weighs 3.1 kg. As a result, the ROG Strix Scar 18 is practically unpackable.
Its high-quality chassis is very susceptible to residue accumulation, but the glass touchpad makes up for this with an exquisite appearance.
Additionally, the four speakers produce a commendable audio soundtrack for a laptop computer.
In contrast, the 16:10 aspect ratio of the 18-inch IPS display significantly contributes to enhanced productivity. With a response time of 3 milliseconds, a very high refresh rate of 240 Hz, and G-Sync compatibility, this display is optimal for gaming. It is a novel and effective design.
Pros
- Superior performance
- Optimal ventilation
- The screen is excellent and large
- Cooling mechanism
- Capable RTX 4080
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Low contrast ratio panel
- No mechanical keyboard
- Inadequate webcam functionality
- Noisy turbo mode
2. ASUS TUF GAMING A16 Advantage Edition
With the TUF A16, Asus introduces a new diagonal for its lineup of budget-friendly gaming laptops. A triumph: this model is well-balanced and provides an excellent price-to-performance ratio.
Additionally, Asus has significantly improved the machine's cosmetics, particularly the touchpad. The well-constructed FHD+ display with a 165 Hz refresh rate provides excellent contrast.
The PC's functionality is flawless, as it is capable of operating the latest video games. Improved ray tracing management may necessitate a shift in attention to alternative configurations, specifically those supported by Nvidia GPUs.
Before making a purchase decision regarding the ASUS TUF Gaming A16, you must consider that the blowers do not precisely regulate either the heating or the decibel level.
However, Asus stands out for its exceptional autonomy, boasting a battery life of nearly eight hours, an impressive feat for a gaming laptop.
Pros
- Strong autonomy
- An excellent screen
Cons
Mildly high temperatures
3. Razer Blade 16 (2024)
Currently regarded as one of the most exceptional gaming PCs available, the Blade 16 showcases its capability for both creative tasks and gaming. In addition to the quality of its mini-LED dual-screen display, the efficacy of its Core i9 processor and RTX 4090 graphics card is noteworthy.
The Razer Blade 16 (2024) is a gaming laptop that stands out with its 16-inch OLED display, which boasts a 16:10 aspect ratio and a maximum resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels.
Moreover, with Nvidia G-Sync, this display now offers a maximum refresh rate of 240 Hz. This screen is exquisite, and the colour calibration is impeccable.
The Blade 16 maintains Razer's defining characteristics with its exquisite black aluminium chassis. Given its potent gaming configuration, the Blade 16's weight of 2.45 kg and slight thickness of 2.22 cm make it heavier and thicker than an ultrabook.
The keyboard features Chroma backlighting and in-house switches manufactured by Razer, which contribute to its comfortable gaming environment. The keypad is enormous in size. The connectivity is extremely comprehensive, featuring a Thunderbolt 4 interface that is compatible with USB PD and a full-format HDMI 2.1 port.
In terms of performance, our test configuration equips the Razer Blade 16 with 32 GB of RAM, an Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 GPU.
Unsurprisingly, the performances are there, especially in-game. The cooling system deserves praise for maintaining a temperature below 50°C even during heavy operation. The noise level of the fans remains moderate.
The Blade 16 provides between six and seven hours of office use on a single charge, which is exceptionally good for a portable gaming PC.
Although it is an exceptional gaming laptop that captivates those in search of an aesthetically pleasing device, the price of the laptop may deter certain individuals, particularly when opting for a configuration featuring an RTX 4070.
Pros
- Superior craftsmanship and embellishments
- Exuberant and innovative
- Outstanding keyboard and touchpad
- Extremely fast CPU performance
- Outstanding mini-LED display
- Choose between 4K 120 Hz and Full HD 240 Hz on the same laptop
- Key-by-key keyboard customisation
- Quality headphone output
Cons
- Roughly priced
- Hood lacks sufficient rigidity
- Regular activation of ventilation is necessary
- Bad battery
- There is no Ethernet connector
- Unsatisfactory webcam
4. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)
The efficacy of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) gaming laptop is consistent, regardless of the chassis trim, audio, or performance.
Beyond being flawless, the spectacular OLED panel deserves no further elaboration. A quick inspection might uncover a few minor flaws, but nothing that would be considered prohibitive.
Pros
- A calibrated display
- Excellent audio segment
- On-par autonomy
- Superior workmanship
Cons
- No wifi 7
- Unwieldy charging
5. Razer Blade 14 (2024)
It is difficult to find flaws in Razer's new "compact" gaming PC. The chassis is outstanding, as is the performance. However, we would have preferred Razer to offer an OLED display on its 14-inch model.
That being said, the screen fails to impress, specifically with regard to refresh rate and luminance.
Still, this exquisite computer has sufficient processing capacity to run any game without sacrificing visual quality. Additionally, it can function as a high-performance workstation: it maintains composure during meetings, simplifies office automation and creation, and has enough independence to work for an extended period of time.
Despite its high quality, this very excellent PC has one flaw that many Razer products share: the price.
Pros
- Outstanding performances
- Portable and compact in nature
- Touchpad and keyboard of the highest quality
- In-game performance
- Easily accessible RAM and storage
Cons
- Speakers could have been better
- No SD reader
- No OLED panel
6. Asus TUF Gaming A15
For enthusiasts disinterested in the extravagances of the ROG lineup, Asus designed the TUF Gaming A15 as a well-balanced product. Although responsive and well calibrated, its display lacks brightness.
The processor and graphics card collaborate flawlessly to deliver adequate performance and proper autonomy to fully utilise the Full HD display at 144 Hz.
Ultimately, the A15 only compromises on peripherals such as the webcam, speakers, and, to a lesser extent, keyboard readability.
Pros
- Conformable autonomy
- Consistent CPU/GPU pair
- Controlled cooling
- Well-calibrated screen
Cons
- Poorly lit panel
- Disappointing speakers
- An almost unreadable keyboard
7. Lenovo Legion 5i
This entry-level model of the Legion 5i is a respectable computer that, in light of its performance, is surprisingly affordable. Its processor performs exceptionally well, and its graphics card is capable of accurately running all current AAA titles.
In addition, its connectivity is satisfactory—with the exception of the lack of Thunderbolt—and boosting is straightforward by adding a second solid-state drive or more RAM.
Its shortcomings are its screen, which is correct but lacks sufficient maximal luminance, and its restricted autonomy. But does this really matter for a gaming system that depends on connectivity for its entire power output? You hold the adjudicator's position.
Pros
- Effortless and comprehensive connectivity
- Efficient CPU
- In-game performance
- Outstanding colorimetry
Cons
- Diminutive display brightness
- There is no biometric sensor
- Standard keyboard
- Restrictive autonomy
8. Lenovo Legion Slim 5
The Lenovo Legion Slim 5 is an aesthetically pleasing personal computer that redefines the term "portable gaming machine." We hold its adaptable design and superior embellishments in high regard.
Additionally, we appreciate having an OLED display, which is visually striking while playing despite its less-than-ideal brightness.
Although lacking in sheer capacity compared to other gaming computers in the same range, it still provides adequate performance to run all available games at 1080p (occasionally with graphics compromises).
Users will be left dissatisfied with the substandard autonomy that prevents using this computer as a daily companion.
Pros
- Portable and compact in nature
- Outstanding performances
- Exceptional OLED display
Cons
- Only 512 GB of storage
- Disappointing autonomy
9. Acer Nitro 16
The Acer Nitro 16 boasts intriguing features such as a vibrant, well-calibrated 2560 x 1600-pixel display, updated at 165 Hz, and an exceptionally long battery life for a gaming PC.
Its processor performance is also satisfactory; however, the lack of dual channel restricts the efficiency of Nvidia's GeForce RTX 4070 compared to specific GeForce RTX 3070 Ti models from earlier generations.
Pros
- Superior 165 Hz display
- outstanding battery life for gaming laptops
- Integrated connectivity
- Free slots for the M.2 SSD
Cons
- Noisy in turbo mode
- A single memory stick
- No Windows Hello
- Webcam 720p
10. Lenovo LOQ 15
Reasonably priced devices are extremely rare in the market for gaming laptops. The Lenovo LOQ 15 laptop is one of the only ones in this category. This is evident in the design component, whose construction is primarily utilitarian.
Even without the addition of RGB lighting, this is a solid gaming laptop that efficiently manages connectivity and provides a functional keyboard for gaming and computing.
For gaming, you can expect a 16:9 ratio, a 15.6-inch Full HD LCD display, and a refresh rate of 144 Hz. Measurements revealed a peak luminance of 338 cd/m2, a contrast ratio of 1956:1, and an average colour temperature of 6217 K. Given its price, the performance was mediocre.
With regard to performance, a variety of configurations exist. At its best, the computer comprised the following components: an Intel Core i7-13620H processor, 16 GB of DDR5 RAM, 512 GB of storage space, and most significantly, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060.
Despite its imperfect heat management, this particular configuration proves to be satisfactory for gaming purposes. However, the blowers operating at maximum speed produce an excessive amount of noise.
The 60 Wh battery's autonomy and a 170 W proprietary power supply provide four to five hours of capacity.
Which laptop should I select for gaming?
We must examine numerous exterior and interior components when evaluating a gaming laptop PC. In order to assess its performance, we use an extensive sequence of benchmarks that meticulously segregate the components of the processor and graphics card.
This allows us to derive two unique power indices, which we then compare to other products in the same category.
Furthermore, we assessed the screen's maximum brightness, contrast ratio, and colorimetry.
Prior to making a purchase of a gaming laptop, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind.
Datasheet
After decades of uncontested supremacy, Intel ultimately suffered a loss to the performance throne to AMD, which currently offers the most powerful and reasonably priced CPUs.
Furthermore, the Crimson category offers the most optimal computers, even though the majority of available models still feature Intel Core configurations.
However, in the realm of graphics cards, Nvidia continues to hold the lead with its exceptionally convincing RTX 3000s. Despite this, exercise caution; the manufacturer offers GPUs with vastly different performance levels under the same name for mobile versions.
Feel free to refer to specialised benchmarks pertaining to the GPU that pique your interest.
Memory and storage
With the latest massive games requiring at least 100 GB of disc space, the minimum requirements for these components are 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD space. Fortunately, most chosen machines allow for easy and affordable upgrades of these two components.
Display
If you wish to play video games, a 4K display operating at 60 Hz is not what you require. This is especially true if your computer comes with a basic graphics device.
If you must make a decision, choose a Full HD or QHD display with a refresh rate of at least 120 Hz. The 4K display is extremely plush for those in search of a versatile computer, but it demands substantial system resources to operate. 1440p is now an acceptable compromise.
Connectivity
If gaming laptops are "all-in-one" devices that enable rapid-fire video game launches, then the ability to connect an external monitor in addition to a personal keyboard and mouse set is very important.
In order to achieve this, meticulous monitoring of the connections is required. Verify that there are at least a sufficient number of HDMI terminals and USB type-A or type-C ports in your gaming laptop.
Brand
In general, when making purchases, favour gaming laptops manufactured by well-known brands. Lenovo, Asus ROG, MSI, and Razer are all manufacturers that we enthusiastically endorse.
Unknown brands are frequently considerably less expensive than the major competitors, but they are also considerably less dependable and offer less effective after-sales service.
How much should a gaming laptop cost?
In recent years, the price of laptops dedicated to video games has decreased. Sales periods typically offer the best values between 900 and 1,000 dollars. Limits do not apply to the most costly options. Having said that, the current price ranges are as follows:
Initial pricing ranges between 1200 and 1300 euros. Technical specifications for these prices frequently include powerful processors and graphics devices. However, be cautious about the finishes, especially the displays, as these are often the first areas where manufacturers compromise. Additionally, the keyboard may exhibit a slight deficiency in quality.
In general, the mid-range costs between 1,500 and 1900 dollars. For this price point, there are PCs that feature higher-quality displays while maintaining reliable configurations. In most cases, however, it is an entry-level GPU of the most recent generation.
The upper limit is between 2,000 and 2500 dollars, if not higher. Very thin machines are the norm, whereas significantly bulkier models provide the highest level of performance in the portable industry. Be aware that the chassis's design can have a significant impact on performance, depending on the effectiveness of heat dissipation.
What are the benefits of Windows 11 for a gaming laptop?
Microsoft has implemented very few modifications in Windows 11. The subscription service Xbox Game Pass serves as the focal point of the American behemoth's strategic approach.
The newest iteration of Windows incorporates a specialised application that grants users access to the cloud gaming service in addition to the ability to download gaming titles.
There is nothing else novel to say. Already available on Windows 10, the Xbox Game Bar is once again being implemented to regulate in-game performance.
What are the most significant drawbacks to gaming laptops?
Despite the fact that gaming computers and laptops have become more accessible and dependable over time, there are recurring issues with them that you should be aware of prior to purchasing.
Heat and noise are the most common issues with portable gaming computers. Because of the power of the integrated graphics processors and the narrowness of their chassis, fans must operate frequently and noisily to dissipate heat. This produces considerable noise.
As a result, it is necessary to use headphones to block out noise pollution. Furthermore, heat can damage not only the components but also your fingertips, as the keyboard heats up very quickly.
The keyboard on entry-level models is particularly disappointing, given that their manufacturers do not intend them for office use.
Autonomy is not exactly their forte, so do not expect to move with a durable machine for outdoor work without a hefty charger. Ideally, you should not anticipate more than two hours of play time away from an electrical receptacle.
In conclusion, despite significant advancements in this regard, these laptops are frequently heavier and bulkier than conventional laptops. Thus, such items lack ultra-portability.