[Full Expert Review] Top Picks: The Best Gaming Laptops to Buy Right Now

While some laptops have a bit of everything, no gaming rig can meet every gamer’s needs. You might want a gaming laptop that does well versus gaming desktops, while someone else may just look for the smallest form factor.

This article will cover the best gaming laptops in different categories and provide alternatives to help you make the right choice.

How to Choose the Best Gaming Laptop

These are the factors you should consider when picking a gaming laptop:

A. Your use case: Reflect on your reasons for buying a gaming laptop. What kind of games do you intend to play, and with which graphics settings? Do you need your computer for anything else, such as content creation? These questions will help you determine the specs to focus on.

B. Price: Your budget is the primary factor to establish before you start your search. It helps you narrow your search to PCs at specific price points and configurations. That way, you can focus on finding the best value for your money. 

C. CPU: You should ideally prioritize a better CPU if the games you play more frequently rely on processor capabilities rather than fast GPUs. Such games include Cities: Skylines, the Total War series, Star Citizen, and Kerbal Space Program.

D. GPU: Your GPU is the most important component for graphics-intensive gameplay, especially if you want to play at higher resolutions. If that’s your focus, you should prioritize the best GPU configuration that your money can buy.

E. Memory (RAM): Knowing how much RAM you need involves factoring your budget and CPU/GPU needs. If you have a high budget, 32GB of system memory is the sweet spot. But if you have to cut costs to accommodate better specs elsewhere, don’t go below 16GB of RAM.

You should also consider your system memory speed if working with a sizable budget. This helps with future-proofing, as some future games will favor DDR5 configurations. That said, DDR4 RAM sticks will still remain relevant for a while.

Here’s a guide that dives deeper into the matter: DDR4 vs. DDR5: Is DDR5 Worth It? Here’s What You Need to Know

F. Storage: Modern games now demand more storage space than ever. For example, Quantum Break requires 178GB of storage. It’s the same story with most new titles. While most gamers compromise with 512GB to accommodate better GPUs and CPUs, you might find that to be inadequate. Still, ensure you can upgrade in the future, preferably using an additional slot, if you must settle for 512GB.

You should also ensure you only go for SSDs, as HDDs are slower and do not meet most gaming requirements.

Storage speed is also important. If your budget allows, stick to the PCIe Gen 5 offerings.

G. Display and refresh rate: Choosing a display largely depends on your preference and budget. 4K screens are the most expensive, while 1080p (FHD) screens are mostly entry-level these days. However, 1440p is the sweet spot for most gamers, but you need the best gaming laptops to enjoy gameplay at that resolution. 

Consider getting at least an RTX 4070-powered laptop if you intend to game at that level.

H. Design and build: You may have to downgrade your GPU and CPU if form factor and other physical design aspects are top of your priorities. For example, a 4060 laptop with a high-end keyboard, screen, and finish will cost more or the same as a 4070 computer with lower-grade build quality.

Also, bigger laptops cost more than smaller form factors in most cases.

I. Ports and inputs: The bigger the laptop, the more ports you get. However, you must still consider the accessories you use and how you place your laptop to determine which port selection is right for you. For instance, if you frequently use external displays, you might want some ports, especially display and power, located behind your laptop for better cable management.

J. Check the PC’s cooling system: Cooling down your laptop is one of the most important aspects when it comes to gaming. You may experience overheating and performance issues if your laptop’s cooling unit cannot keep your GPU and CPU temperatures down during intense gameplay. 

Also, you should decide whether you want a quiet computer or the best laptop for gaming at high resolutions. The latter will be noisier, as quieter laptops tend to be underclocked.

K. Battery life: You won’t find long battery hours in even the best gaming laptops. However, some gaming rigs have better battery life than others when running lighter tasks. Consider looking for a bigger battery configuration (watt-hours or Wh) if you want a longer-lasting system.

The Best Gaming Laptops to Consider Right Now

The laptops on this list represent the best for various categories. I selected each computer based on a combination of the following factors:

• Value.
• Performance.
• Build quality.
• Brand track record.
• Release year and future relevance. 

I’ll also add alternatives that are worth considering under each category to give you more options.

Here’s a snapshot of the best laptops you should buy:

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024): Best Overall

However, the AMD version of the G16 is the best computer overall for the following reasons:

• Microsoft’s suite of AI features that come with Copilot+ PCs.
• Better power efficiency ratings than its Intel counterpart and other gaming laptops.
• Pretty much the same sleek design and beautiful as the Intel version.
• Beats the Intel laptop on CPU-focused tasks.

Benchmark credit: Jarrod’s Tech

The Intel version should be ahead in intense 1440p gaming, since that’s the 4080’s strongest suite. But some benchmarks I’ve reviewed say otherwise.

Benchmark credit: Jarrod’s Tech

Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9: Best for raw power

The Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 9 should top your list if you intend to sink your teeth into hardcore gaming. Its RGB lighting, design language, powerful speakers, and water cooling unit are intentionally gamer-centric. And did I mention that it is packed to the gills with the best specifications in the market?

Benchmark credit: Chris Hoffman (PCWorld)

NVIDIA’s RTX 4080 is as good as it gets for top-rated gaming laptops. The 4090 generates too much heat that most cooling units can’t handle, which could cause throttling. If you still want to go for the high-end card, you have to shell out an extra $530.

The laptop’s price is one of its major discouragements for intending users, and so is its 3.5kg weight (charger inclusive) to an extent. But Lenovo added a smaller USB-C charger to lessen your burden on the go by 500 grams.

That said, you still have to deal with the fact that you lack Wi-Fi 7 and facial recognition and the computer’s poor battery life.

Dell G16: Best mid-range option

Image credit: Dell

Benchmark credit: Jarrod’s Tech

It boasts the capable Intel Core i9-13900HX, which can go toe-to-toe with its 14th generation variant, and the RTX 4070 GPU. These specifications make it the best value for money at this price point. You also get a decent SSD (one 2230 and one 2280 M.2 slot) and RAM upgrade options.

However, the speakers are poor, the build quality is less than average, and the battery life is not impressive. The system also lacks Windows Hello capabilities.

Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9: Best budget option

Image credit: Lenovo

The good bits about the Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 become great features when you factor in its low price. It is by far the best gaming laptop for people with tight budgets. 

The RTX 4050 and Core i5-13450HX option starts at $712 as of the time of writing. But add a little over $100 and you’ll get a decent Core i7-13650HX plus RTX 4060 configuration, which can comfortably handle 1080p gaming at high settings.

Benchmark credit: Notebook Check

The FHD screen is great, and the laptop sports the same keyboard layout as the higher-end Legion 5. However, you may not enjoy the below-average speakers and slightly wobbly screen panel.

Razer Blade 14: Best quiet gaming laptop

Image credit: Razer

Fan noise is an unfortunate reality that laptop gamers must live with. But the Razer Blade 14 is worth considering if you want the lowest noise-producing 2024 laptop on the market. 

It sounds an incredible 44 decibels, given its level of performance, per Matthew Moniz.

Image credit: Matthew Moniz

While the computer boasts enough firepower to handle 1080p gaming, it can struggle during intensive gameplay and graphically demanding scenes. That’s because Razer had to reduce the GPU’s power draw to achieve the low noise.

Apart from that downside, the Razer is a pretty expensive computer and might not be the best choice for most gamers. At its price, you should get better speakers, an OLED screen option, and a haptic touchpad.

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Further reading: Start Gaming Right: Expert Picks for the Best Affordable Gaming PCs for Beginners

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Why you should buy it:	Why you should avoid it:
You can pay a premium for silence You like premium materials and finishing You need a color-accurate screen	You want a larger screen You want a faster computer

Alternative: You can purchase the cheaper HP Omen Transcend 14, which has a 46 dba noise level, per Jarrod’s Tech. However, don’t expect it to perform better than the Razer. Still, you’ll have a relatively impressive laptop with great build quality, a good screen, and okay speakers.

Most laptops have bigger fans and run louder to keep their processors cool due to the amount of heat they produce when running heavy games and drawing high wattage.

MSI Titan 18 HX: Best upgradeable laptop

Image credit: MSI

• The best upgrade options
• Customizable haptic touchpad
• Beautiful 18

• Too heavy
• Restrictively expensive
• Poor battery life and energy efficiency

Specifications:
CPU:	Intel Core i9 14900HX
GPU:	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU (175W)
RAM:	64GB (2 x 32) DDR5
Storage:	2 x 2TB SSD
Screen:	18″ UHD+ (3840 x 2400); 120Hz
Battery:	99.9Wh
Price:	Starts at $4,099

The MSI Titan 18 HX might be the most expensive laptop on this list, but it is no doubt the best upgrade-friendly option.

Not many computers offer the following like the MSI in 2024:

• Three M.2 SSD slots.
• Four DDR5 memory slots.
• One SSD slot with PCIe Gen 5 support.

Image credit: Notebookcheck

On top of that, it is easily one of the most powerful gaming laptops around. It packs the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, Intel Core i9 14900HX, 64GB of RAM, and an advanced cooling system to keep games running at maxed-out settings. One could even argue that it is the best laptop for gaming at 1440p and higher.

Its major downsides are cost and weight. Even if you can shell out more than $4,000 for this beast, the 3.6-kilogram commitment may be just too much. It’s also bulky and may not fit comfortably into most backpacks.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14: Best portable option

Image credit: ASUS

ASUS made notable changes to the 2024 version of the Zephyrus G14 to maintain the product’s reputation as one of the top-rated gaming laptops money can buy. It features a new metal chassis, a stunning 2880 x 1800 OLED screen, and above-average speakers. 

When it comes to performance, the RTX 4070 paired with the Ryzen 9 8945HS can see you through any modern game.

Benchmark credit: PCMag

But no computer is perfect. Producing this kind of form factor and all its offerings means sacrifices had to be made. You only have one SSD slot, which means upgrades require replacement, and there are no removable RAM slots. However, going for the 32GB RAM option and using a 1TB SSD could serve you for a long period.

Razer Blade 16 (2024): Best 16-inch

Image credit: Razer

The 4070 Razer Blade 16 (2024) version starts at about $2,699. That makes it out of reach for most gamers. However, you may still own a Razer if you can fork out $2,300 to $2,500. The company has refurbished offerings in that range for 4080 and 4070 Razer Blade 16s. 

When you look past the budget, you’ll understand why Razer Blade’s 16-inch rig remains one of the top gaming laptops in the market. It shines in almost every department, from screen quality and speakers to build and performance.

Benchmark credit: Matthew Smith (PC World)

ASUS TUF Gaming A15: Best gaming laptop for students

Image credit: ASUS

The ASUS TUF Gaming A15’s price-to-performance ratio makes it one of the best laptops for students who intend to run games during their downtime. While its battery performance won’t match the latest Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen AI-powered computers, it can keep you working on productivity apps for hours. Its MUX switch support means you can turn off the dedicated graphics in favor of the integrated video card.

The Ryzen 7 7735HS processor variant is used here with the same RTX 4060 GPU. Benchmark credit: Tech Advisor

Still, PCs without dedicated graphics offer better battery life, and the A15 may not produce great audio quality and high-end gaming performance.

Honorable Mentions: Other Good Gaming Laptops to Check Out

As you’ve noticed, most of the laptops on our main list are recent computers. Those options ensure you can use your system comfortably for a few years until you’re financially ready for an upgrade. However, you can still get powerful gaming performance from laptops powered by older (high-end and mid-tier) CPUs and GPUs for a long time.

They include the following:

ASUS ROG Strix G17 (2022): Costs between $1,200 and $1,350. Powered by the Ryzen 9 6900HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (150W)

Acer Nitro 5: The Nitro 5 features the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti (150W), which is a powerful combination for 1080p gaming. It costs $1,081 to $1,200.

MSI Katana 15 B13VGK: Another capable gaming rig equipped with the older Intel Core i7-13620H. However, its graphics are handled by the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, which makes it suitable for 1080p gaming at ultra-high settings and some 1440p. You can pick it up for $1,250 to $1,350.

Verdict: Which Gaming Laptop Should You Buy?

I consider the AMD-powered ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 the best gaming laptop due to its all-round offering. As established earlier, you can choose the Intel version if you want higher NVIDIA graphics cards.

That said, go through the list again to pick the best computer for the category that matters most to you. Also, check out the alternative laptops for each segment if you’re on a budget or want to weigh your options.

Also read: Easy Tips: How to Optimize Your PC for Gaming on Windows 10/11

Conclusion

Remember that the best laptop for gaming is subjective. What works for someone else might not be a good idea for you. So, stick to your preferences (and budget) to ensure you pick the best fit.

Which gaming laptop did you choose? Let us know in the comments section and the reasons why it’s your pick!

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