The best gaming laptops of 2025 are starting to take shape, and with the release of RTX 5070 and RTX 5060 machine༒s the value of the new generation is starting to present itself. Among the top-shelf machines, there are plenty of cheaper options hitting the shelves this spring, and we've had some position changes on this guide as a result.
The best gaming laptop I've tested so far is, overall, the HP Omen Max 16. This is a new pick, but the 16-inch RTX 5080 device wowed in testing and has seen far more discounts on its launch MSRP than its competitors so far. You'll find all my favorites below, with each rig having passed a series of in-game and dedicated stress-test benchmark p💦rocesses.
I've also lived, worked, and played with all of these machines for a minimum of two weeks each (and more when I can swing it that way). That means you know each one has been not only play-tested but life-tested along the way. You can check out exactly 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:how we test gaming laptops in our dedicated guide.
Reviewed by
Reviewed by
Tabitha Baker
I've been obsessed with laptops since I got my first machine that could just about, barely, run The Siಞms 2. Since then I've been through more gaming laptops than I can count, and - thankfully for my bank balance - have been reviewi♛ng these magic machines for over five years at GamesRadar+. While I can certainly appreciate a top of the range set of components, my background as a Deals Editor at our sister site TechRadar has also taught me the importance of value, so I consistently hold a particularly keen eye for user experience, long-term reliability, and the price/performance balancing act.
You don't need to spend big on a gaming laptop - especially if you play lighter games. The Asus TUF A15 offers the 𝓰best price/performance value I've tested so far, and doesn't 💞come in a cheap-feeling chassis either. This is your go-to starter rig.
The latest Zephyrus G14 feels more like an ultrabook with its🦹 slick design and OLED panel. It's still got gaming chops, th༒ough - making it our go-to 14-incher.
The latest Razer Blade 16 is going to cost you, but if you're looking to splash out on the highest quality 16-inch machine in the business this is where you need💦 to be looking.
With an AMD Ryzen 9 CPU and RTX 5090 GPU, this thing is absolutely stacked - and it's come out on top across every gaming lapto🌳p I've ever benchmarked.
June 18 - The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 has finally been dethroned. I've just finished testing the HP Omen Max 16 and, having spent the last few months testing a wide range of 16-inch RTX 50-Series in this price category I can confidently say it's the best of the bunch for m✨ost players. That's down to its excellent performance and gorgeous design, but the fact that it's more likely to see discounts compared to its competition helps massively as well.
HP Omen Max 16 | RTX 5080 | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX | I like my HP Omen Max 16 exactly as I tested it, with an RTX 5080🍎 GPU that feels like an RTX 5090 at times and Intel's top shelf Ultra processor. This machine is regularly on sale as well, so vജalue really is working in your favor.
The 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:HP Omen Max 16 is the first of its line to truly impress me in recent years, landing with a splash in 2025 and washing the competition away. It takes over from the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 in this top overall s💦pot, packing better performance and a boosted cha🐬ssis design into a price tag that sees its own discounts far more regularly than others.
Buy it if:
✅ You want top shelf performance: The numbers I got out of the HP Omen Max 16 surprised me - at full pelt these🧔 components can absolutely sing💖.
✅ You want greater control over presets: There's a solid piece of software tying everything together here, making for excellent control over how your ⭕machine runs.
✅ You like an RGB show: The backlighting on this keyboard is go🌟rgeous, as is the underglow effect o𒀰n the main chassis.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You need to work and play on the go: The only thing the Omen sacrifices to achieve its incredible performance and keen looks is its battery life - this oneꦍ wants to stay plugged in.
❌ You hate keyboard flex: It's minor, but it is noticeable - if you🎀 can't stand a slightly bendy keyboard you'll want to look elsewhere.
Design: From the moment I opened the🦂 HP Omen Max 16's box I knew I was going to like this design. The all-white model I tested packs a slick chassis aesthetic while still feeling luxuriously soft to the touch. That's a potent combination, and without any fingerprints to worry about either.
This is far from the chunkiest machine I've had on my testing bench, but it's not exactly skinny either. Instead, the Omen walks a perfect line between portability and power, giving its components enough room to breathe but staying light on your desk top. That's thanks to a flat top and heavily tapered lip around the main deck. In combination with the vibrant RGB lighting around the edge, 🙈the Max achieves a slick floating effect.
Features: The HP Omen Max 16 is configurable with a wide range of components that span Intel, AMD, and Nvidia's mid and upper ranges, making for a comfortable set of choices. You will also have to decide your display. I tested an IPS panel that still delighted in its color reproduction and speed, but didn't quite pack♑ the punch of the alternative OLED option. Elsewhere, you'll find a strong selection of ports (including two Thunderbolt 4 options) split mainly across the left flank and rear panel. That's a rarity among 16-inchers, I often only see larger 18-inch models keeping permanent connections tucked away like this. It makes for a far tidier setup overall, though.
The keyboard and trackpad have pl🅘enty of bounce, though I did notice a considerable amount of flex to the main keys. It's enough to see w♉hen typing, even casually, but it doesn't add a mushy feel overall. That's a relief, because these switches are energetic and satisfying by themselves.
Performance: I was blown away by the in-game and synthetic benchmarks the HP Omen Max 16 is capable of. Standing next to a far more expensive RTX 5090 Razer Blade 16, my RTX 5080 Omen was able to take the lead in several games, even if more challenging runs like𒉰 Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth Wukong still went to the Sneki brand.
Overall, though, this is wild RTX 5080 performance, with the extra chassis space and smart cooling features to see the Omen Max 16 performing well above its station. It outpaces the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen🤪 9 in all but one test, but considering the extent of its lead everywhere else I'm willing to forgive one benchmark run.
Battery: The HP Omen Max 16's battery lets it down. I only managed about an hour of gameplay at 50% screen brightness, and that gameplay was not enjoyable. The system seems to force itself into a power-saving mode where others are happy to let you tinker with higher performance settings without a cable connected. It won't last long and the experience is pretty rough.
Verdict: With its incredible performance and elegant design, the HP Omen Max 16's poor battery life isn't enough to keep it from this top spot. If you're looking to play plugged in, and maybe take your laptop out for some light work every now and then, it's a must-see. That's doubly true because of all the🦩 discounts I've been seeing on this model. While competitors like the Razer Blade 16 and Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 have been clinging to their price tags, I've seen as much as $700 off this rig in the last few months.
If you're spending as little as possible, this RTX 4050 configuration will se🌱e you through. You'll still be able to post some more than playable framerates with this model, while benefitting from a 144Hz display✅ and Ryzen 7 processor.
The 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus TUF A15 has long been held as a staple among budget gaming laptops, but the latest model has cemented its position as one of the greats. This is a cheaper rig, so you're making some sacrifices to꧂ get those latest components in the price tag. However, the performance on offer is fantastic value for money as a result.
Buy it if:
✅ You prioritize speed over finesse: The 1080p display in here is built to handle speed over the extra details you might find ♍in a 1440p or 1600p screen🔴.
✅ You're happy to crank up the fans: We got our best results from the Turbo Mode power preset which can kick 💜those fans up to give you a tangible boost in performance.
✅ You don't want it to look cheap: The metal lid and simple color scheme makes the A15 look faꩲr more premium than its price tag suggests. If you're looking to spend less without that typical budget aesthetic, this is your ൩best bet.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You need a machine for daily work: If you're after a portable machine for daily work out and about, this isn't it. Not only is it chunkier than other ultrabooks at similar prices, but the keyboard and trac🅘kpad aren't up to a full day's clacking.
❌ You want to push demanding games to their limits: There's only so mu🎶ch an RTX 4060 or RTX 4070 can do - if you're looking to play next year's biඣggest Triple-As on max settings we'd recommend something with a little more power.
Design: From the cool gray 🍷tones to the metal lid, the Asus TUF A15 looks and feels more premium than it actually is. Yes, the majority of this chassis is plastic, and there are some questionably cringey text stamps on the main body, but it's a slick form factor overall and one that neatly sidesteps the common angular pitfalls of cheaper rigs.
The build quality is secure, with a nicely tightened hinge to the main display and only the expected amount of flex in the keyboard area for a gaming laptop of this price. No, it's not quite as slim as the previous 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus TUF Dash F15 before it (my personal machine for a long time), but it🦩's still a comfortable size - easily backpackable and well below the heavyweights on this list.
Features: Like all good budget gaming laptops, the A15 has everything you need, but doesn't pump too much of your cash into any of its main feature areas. Instead, it saves its value for performance. That means you're getting a pretty standard 1080🔴p 144Hz IPS display (in an older 16:9 form factor that did feel a little restrictive in my testing).
This screen could have benefitted from a few more nits of brightness, but displays its colors with enough contrast and vividity to get by in a more casual context. That still makes it a more immersive panel than you'll find on the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:HP Victus 16, a similarly priced budget entry. However, it's not quite up to the same heights as the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Acer Nitro V 14, whౠ🍬ich makes particularly good use of its display.
There's also a full-sized keyboard in here - a rarity even in 16-inchers these days - and while it's a little softer tha💞n I'd like it still gets the job done. That trackpad isn't going to see you through a work day on the go, though. It's a clunky implementation with unreliable zoning for each click side and a heavy middle section.
Performance: I was impressed with the numbers filing out of the A15's benchmarks. It actually scored higher in Time Spy and Fire Strike than a similarly specced 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:HP Omen Transcend 16 (worth about $600 more) and managed to carry me through demanding titles like Returnal and Hitman 3 without once dropping even close to 60fps. Considering you're spending far less than usual and st꧒ill scoring three-figure framerates in Shadow of the Tomb Raider this is an absolute win.
Verdict: If you're going all in on performance and your budget doesn't stretch to the big dogs in this race, the Asus TUF A15 is a must-see. It's one of the cheapest machines I've tested so far and I've come away surprised by the performance on offer as well as the form factor and design. You are making some sacrifices ꦯto get there, but at this price point they're all worthwhile.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 | RTX 5080 | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | This configuration pairs that super efficient Ryzen AI 9 processor with the top-end of the G14's GPU offerings, the RTX 5080. That, with the 32GB RAM, is as much power as you can cram into this still-portable device, and it's well worth shooting for the top with this model.
The 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:2025 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is a little different to last year's, though you wouldn't necessarily know just by looking at it. With its increase in performance thanks to a boost up to an RTX 5080 (the previous generation tapped out at an RTX 4070) and one of my favorite gaming laptop CPUs at the helm, though, this one's all about performance. That does mean the line drops some of its affordability-factor, and 2025's iteration does jump up the price scale a little. If you're after value above-all, then, the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:2024 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is still a fantastic bet.
Buy It If
✅You travel regularly with your laptop: Its 14-inch form factor is the giveaway here, but the G14 is particularly easy to transport thanks to its light weight and꧅ sturdy design.
✅Screen quality is a priority: That OLED panel is unmatched at the m♐oment, offering an iಌncredible viewing experience across both games and movies.
✅ You want a subtle aesthetic: The more refined aesthetic means you've got a gaming laptop that won't stand out from high-end ultrabook options. Think MacBook but 🍨with an RTX 5080.
Don't Buy It If
❌ You want a desktop replacement: The G14 is designed to go out and about with you - if you don't mind a l🐼arger machine you c♎an spend less and keep it docked at home.
Design: Last year's Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 introduced a more ultrabook-esque aesthetic for the line, and I'm glad this subtle approach has stuck through to 2025. The new release looks and feels fantastic, pairing a slimline waist with a clutter-free design to continue the tradition of the best-looking gaming laptops I've used. The rounded corners keep things softer than the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Razer Blade 14, while the CNC-milled aluminum alloy build means everything is rock solid. There's still an 🐬unnecessary piece of "Slash Lighting" across the back, which can get annoying, but it's easy to turn off.
Features: This year's G14 sticks with OLED, packing a 2880 x 1800 resolution with 120Hz refresh rates. That's the same spec as last year's, and it shines just as bright. This is a sturdy panel overall, even if warmer tones sometimes leap a little larger than cooler ones. It's no🍌 Blade 16, but it's certainly an upgrade from IPS solutions like the Asusও TUF A14 further down the page.
As an AMD machine, there's no Thunderbolt in the side ports here - though a USB-4 connection will keep you looped up with a dock. If you're after Thunderbolt instead, check out the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:2025 Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 with its Intel specs.
Performance: I missed the true pairing of portability and performance in last year's ite💮♔ration, but 2025's G14 puts that right. This rig kept up with larger RTX 4090 machines in my testing, blitzing through 1600p benchmarks at three-figure framerates in lighter titles, and staying well over 60fps in Horizon Zero Dawn: Remastered. Some graphical tweaks will need to be made to achieve those numbers in Cyperpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong, though the Multi-frame Generation of the RTX 50-Series can step in when you need a hand.
Battery: The Asus ROG Zephyr🤪us G14 ran for around two hours in gameplay in my tests, using the device's Balanced Mode. That did drop to around one hour at full Turbo Mode, but it's still an impressive result considering the size. Not only that, but gameplay runs smoothly to boot.
Verdict: The Zephyrus G14 is the best 14-inch gaming laptop I've had my hands on so far, and 2025's iteration continues this tradition of pairing performance with outstanding portability. It's not going to reach the framerate highs of a chunkie🧔r device but with a gorgeous OLED panel and a fantastic form factor it's going to see much more use in everyday life.
Razer Blade 16 | AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 | RTX 5070 Ti | With Nvidia's DLSS at the helm, it's the cheaper configurations🌳 of the Razer Blade 16 that make the most sense. Yo✃u're not getting as much raw horsepower out of this rig, but considering an RTX 4090 configuration comes in at over $4,000 this is where most players will be happiest.
The latest 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:2025 Razer Blade 16 is certainly making a statement. It's slimmer and lighter, but als🐽o slightly more expensive than the previous generation - and that🌱 was already an eye-watering price tag. This is one for those investing in the quality of life of their gaming laptop - if you want the best screen, keyboard, and form factor (with some DLSS help to reach high framerates) I've tested in a gaming laptop so far, it's a must-see.
Buy it if:
✅ You prioritize style: Razer has bags of style about it, from that slick aesthetic to the slimline form factor. If you're looking for a high-end gaming laptop that really looks the part, you've found it here.
✅ You don't want to compromise on your display: That 240Hz OLED panel running at a full 1600p is somet🦄hing to b🍌ehold. There's no sacrifices in this screen - it's got it all.
✅ This is a long-term investment: Theꦐ Blade ༺16 is a lot up front, but these rigs can see you through years of the most demanding games.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You only play lighter titles: I𝄹f you don't play e🅺very day, or you only play low-demand games then the high cost of the Razer Blade 16 just doesn't make sense.
❌ You don't want to use DLSS: Chunkier gaming laptops are going to get better framerates, so while the slimline Blade 16 makes some headway with native performance you're alwꦚays going to have a better time with higher🦂 TGPs and bigger chassis'.
Design: It's slimmer, lighter, and even manages to look better despite carrying the same CNC mi✨lled black form factor as countless Blades before it. The 2025 Razer Blade 16 is a masterclass in gaming laptop design. This is a surprisingly skinny machine, 🌱thinner than my everyday Razer Blade 14, which makes throwing it into a backpack incredibly easy. Even the USB-A ports barely fit on the side of this chassis, and we're still playing with flagship power under the hood.
Of course, that classic Razer durability continues throughout this build. The aluminum body and sand-blasted matte finish feel great in the hand, and offer a reassuring solidity to the frame as a whole. Of course, there's no flex t༺o the main deck here, and the screen hinge is well-tensioned with very little wobble.
Features: The first thing you'll probably notice on the Razer Blade 16 is the OLED display. It was certainly my biggest takeaway from the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:2024 model, and its implementation in this year's device is nothing short of breathtaking🎐. Its color accuracy, cont𒐪rast, and eye-watering vibrancy make it the best gaming laptop display I've tested so far.
This year we've also got a new keyboard to contend with, and Razer's claimed another top spot here as well. The scissor-switch deck has upped the key travel to 1.5mm for a particularly satisfying feel. These clickers are energetic, precise, and smooth, making for a comfꦛortable and precise typing and gaming experience. They're also accompanied by a boosted audio system, featuring four upward and two downward firing speakers.
It's AMD's time to shine under the hood this year, and while the AI-focused CPUs do hold the Blade 16 back a little, especially when compared with💜 the powerhouse of an Intel processor featured in the last generation, they tick along nicely. I'd prefer an Intel i9-14900HX, but Razer is going for lean efficiency with its latest model, which makes sense given the boosted battery life, Nvidia RTX 50-Series DLSS features, and slimmer form factor.
Performance: This is where things get interesting. Most of my benchmarks put the RTX 5090 inside my test device ꦏonly slightly ahead of the RTX 4090 in last year's Blade 16. Some even placed it behind the previous generation. There isn't a generational jump in performance on offer 💟here - like it or not, to be gaming at higher framerates on a slimline device like this, you'll need DLSS.
That's not to say you'll be stuttering through your gameplay. My RTX 5090 test device still managed to push more than playable framerates in everything from Black Myth: Wukong to Cyberpunk 2077, but those benchmarks were often more than doubled with the r🅰ight AI tweaks in place.
Battery: The Razer Blade 16 improves its battery efficiency over the previous generation, offering just over two hours of gameplay time in lighter titles. H♏owever, I did notice stuttering and serious visual downgrades when playing more demanding titles without a cable.
Verdict: The 2025 Razer Blade 16 wants to be as helpful as possible; squeezing into a more portable form factor with a longer battery life and still offering excellent framerates. While the native performance of the RTX 5090 might put som🐼e off, this is an incredibly efficient device that wouldn't have been possible without new🌌er generation tech under the hood. Its display and keyboard are the best in the business to boot.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2025) | RTX 5080 | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX | Yes, the RTX 5090 is going to give you slightly higher performance - which should mean everything given this is the most powerful gaming laptop I've had on the bench yet. However, there's a $1,100 difference betwe♔en the 5080 and 5090 configurations, and the improvements in nꦆative rendering between the two likely don't justify the jump.
The 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:2025 Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 was the most powerful machine I'd tested until the MSI Raider below came along, but it's still a fantastic rig. The guts inside here and the strength of 𒁃that display make thi༒s the best 18-inch gaming laptop on the market right now.
Buy it if:
✅ You want immersion and speed: This is a high-end Mini LED panel, but it keeps things zippy at QHD+ with a 240Hꦛꦅz refresh rate. That's an excellent compromise you won't find everywhere.
✅ You have a multi-monitor setup: Not all 2025 gaming laptops are upgrading to Thunderbolt 5, but the ROG Strix Scar 18 certainly is. Yo🍰u're getting two here - ideal for a multi-display setup.
✅ You like a light show: The new Scar 18 extends and emboldens the RGB light strip around the edge🗹, making for a fantastic floating effect.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want to spring for 4K: MSI is the better choice for a 4K panel that can absolutel♏y sing, though you'll certainly be paying for the privilege.
❌ You want a beefier processor: The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX inside every Scar 18 isn't the most powerfꦏul CPU on the market, whereas the MSI 🍨below packs an insane AMD brain.
Design: Straight out the gate, the 2025 version made one simply change that already had me preferring it over 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:last year's 2024 iteration. That translucent plastic plaguing the chassis has gone, and is replaced wit♊h a solid matte finish that's far more befitting of a gaming laptop at this price point. It means your several-thousands-of🍒-dollars investment doesn't look like a cheap toy on the desk.
Still, this is a chunky machine and while its dimensions and weight aren't going to make it the perfect travel companion it was never designed for that. The extra chassis size allow🥃s for better cooling, keeping all those internal components running as best they can.
That's topped with new RGB lighting gracing not just the front lip (though that has also been slimmed down for a more sophisticated look) but also the sides as well. With everything switched on, this giant looks like it's hovering gracefully over🅷 whichever tabletop has been cursed to carry it.
I can't layer the same praise on the LED matrix display that's somehow crawled out of the Zephyrus's cage, but it can be switched o🎃ff easily enough. It's just a shame that's fact🌌ored into the final price tag.
Features: Up top, we've got the same ROG Nebula HDR display we've come to know and love in all its Mini LED glory. It's been upgraded slightly for 2025's iteration, with some extra layers for glare reduction and better viewing angles, but all in all this is still a fantastic OLED alternative. Connections are plentiful as well, with two Thunderbolt 5 options for additional speed over the Thunderbolt 4s in last year's MSI rigs, though you are dropping a U𒀰SB-A port compared to the Ali🦂enware M18 R2.
The keyboard and trackpad haven't received the same kinds of upgrades as you'll find in the Razer Blade 16 2025, but do feel energetic and responsive. That deck also benefits from full-sized arrow keys, whereas you'llಌ often find half-sized clackers on smaller models.
Performance: This is where it gets interesting. The RTX 5090 Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 I tested blew the competition away when it came to easier 3D Mark tests like Fire Strike and Time Spy, and maintained its lead over the RTX 4090 MSI Titan and Raider in Steel Nomad as well. In-game, MSI was top dog across FHD and QHD+ benchmarks in all but Shadow of the Tomb Raider wher🔥e the Raider just nudged it out the way.
It's not a leap🐲 in performance compared to the same rig with an RTX 4090 under the hood, but this generation is paying more attention to efficiency elements like DLSS. I managed to get Cyberpunk 2077 running at 212fps with Frame Generation on, while also bumping Super Resolution up to Quality. That's a rare feat in the world of laptops.
Verdict: The 2025 Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 isn't just the most powerful rig I've had on the test bench so far, it's also worthy of the title as one of the best gaming laptops in its own right. Smart design upgrades and th𒆙at fantastic Mini LED screen put those high-end components to good use.
MSI Raider A18 HX A9W | RTX 5090 | AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D | If you're🍌 investing in the🌠 heaviest configuration on the market right now, you might as well go all the way to the top. This decks out the Raider A18 HX with a full RTX 5090 GPU, AMD's incredibly Ryzen 9 9955HX3D processor, and a massive 64GB RAM.
I wasn't remotely surprised when♍ the MSI Raider A18 A9W broke records as the most powerful gaming laptop I've tested yet. After all, it's the only prꩲe-market gaming laptop to pair the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D processor with an RTX 5090, and it does so while also upgrading your SSD to a Gen 5 as well. That's all pretty rare, and it makes for a super-fast, if super-expensive, machine. There are some caveats to that hype, though.
Buy it if:
✅ You're future-proofing: This is a lot to drop on a new gaming laptop, but i🌞f you're investing in a machine that will go the distance there's n𒆙othing else like it on the market.
✅ You want a desktop experience: With that 4K panel beaming up top, and plenty of ports available, you don't need to connect an extra display o𒐪r potent✅ially even a hub to this device.
✅ You transfer between storage devices regularly: If you need some extra speed, this is definitely the way to go. A Gen5 SSD is tough to find in a gaming laptop, and it💝 makes a world of difference here.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You play competitively: The Raider uses a 4K 120Hz panel, which i🐈s ideal for those after🏅 immersive single-player campaigns, but might not be fast enough for ranked leaderboards.
❌ You've got your eyes on last year's Titan: The Titan has a better build quality than the new Raider, but it also comes in a lot cheaper - even with an RTX 4ไ0🧔90 up top.
Design: The MSI Raider still packs a plastic chassis, despite charging more than last year's aluminum Titan model. That's a little disappointing, especially considering I experienced notable flexing in the main deck. Considering my test device would have cost well over $5,000, that's an oversight. Still, this is a classic Raider design with its slightly indented keyboard area, clean back lid, and subtle nod towards RGB lighting. The light strip you'll find on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 above is far more impressive, but there's something here for those LED lovers. Underneath, extra rᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚubber feet also provide a little extra elevation to improve airflow as well.
Features: The MSI Raider introduces Thunderbolt 5 to its feature list, but aside from the new-generation components under the hood that's about it. Up top, we've still got a gorgeous 4K Mini LED panel that made everything from Doom: The Dark Ages to Indiana Jones and the Great Circle shine its brightest during my tes𒆙ting. MSI didn't opt for the dual-mode display you'll find on a Razer Blade 18, though, which means everyone is stuck on 🧜that 120Hz refresh rate - not great news for more competitive players.
If you're going solo, though, the size, depth, and detail in this screen are still a sight to be🍌hold - and the refresh rate isn't going to hold you back much at 4K anyway. The keyboard and trackpad also suffer from the same low build quality that initially had me concerned. The former i💜s a little too soft for a gaming laptop of this price, and the latter feels too small in everyday use.
Performance: The MSI Raider A18 HX more than makes up for its shortfalls once it gets going, though. With those red-hot components whirring away under the surface, I was able to benchmark at much higher rates than ever before. Even taking some odd Shadow o𓂃f the Tomb Raider results out of ꦦthe equation, the Raider's use of the RTX 5090 put it at the top of my testing pool across FHD and QHD benchmarks, and it blitzed the competition in 3D Mark's synthetic runs. Needless to say, that AMD processor sits proudly at the top of my PC Mark 10 data set as well.
Battery: I don't usually hold too much hope for battery lives in larger macꩲhine𝄹s like this, but the MSI Raider A18 HX surprised me. Sure, while others can stretch to two hours of gameplay we tapped out at one hour here, and productivity tests had me at 0% after just over three hours. However, that's still solid for a beast like this.
Verdict: The MSI Raider A18 HX is the best gaming laptop for those hunting down desktop-based power without the need for a monitor, especially if you're going after single-player immersion over competitive speed. It's the fastest machine I've tested so far, but you'll need to think about overall value to determine whether it's right for you - last year's 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:MSI Titan 18 HX is still a formidable opponent.
Portable form factor doesn’t sacrifice too much power
Reasons to avoid
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One zone white keyboard backlighting
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Taps out at RTX 4060
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No Thunderbolt
My favorite configuration
Asus TUF A14 | RTX 4060 | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | The AI processor I tested is seriously impressive, and in this thin and light form factor it 🍌has to be kept for the full package. Not only are you getting that CPU, but this model also packs an incredible 32GB RAM and 2TB of SSD storage space - unheard of at this $1,499.99 MSRP.
The Asus TUF A14 is now the best slimline gaming laptop I've tested, after beating the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:HP Omen Transcend 14 in everything apart from screen. Yes, you're dropping the OLED display of my former top pick, but considering you're gaining so much in raw power and dropping a little weight (while keeping the cost lower), thꦗis is the new model to beat.
Buy it if:
✅ You travel regularly with your laptop: The A14 feels made for backpacks, with a super sturdy build and a🥂 low weight, it's the most 👍portable machine I've tested yet.
✅ You prefer a subtle design: Gone are the loud icons and gaudy st꧃amps of previous TUF gaming 🐠laptops - this slate gray and black aesthetic slots into both work and play scenarios.
✅ You want to use AI features: Whether it's normal Copilot tꦰasks or you're looking to use more game-boosting features over the next couple of years, this is the processor to do i𒈔t with.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You prioritize screen vibrancy: Both the HP Omen Transcend 14 and Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 match this slimline form factor, but wit🐭h high-end OLED displays up top. If you want that crisp contrast and boosted HDR functionality you'd be better off moving further up the price scale.
❌ You want to keep your laptop on your desk: If you don't need to travel with you♈r machine there's better value in chunkier models. You'll notice a performance bump even with similar components under the hood just from that extra chassis space alone.
Design: The TUF A14 reminded me of one of the first gaming laptops I bought for myself; the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Asus TUF Dash F15. The cool slate aluminum lid and cheaper plastic internal deck, wrapped up 🦩in a super sl𒐪ick slimline form factor is a true sight to behold. Things are a little more refined these days, with no cringey text stamped onto the main palm rest, or heavy angular lines running across the main lid. That means this is a true hybrid machine in its aesthetic - it won't stand out in either a work or play environment. That might not be to everyone's taste but it's certainly versatile.
This is one of the lightest machines on the market, and it manages to keep its waistline thin as well. While not as tiny as the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Alienware x14, it carries the same 0.7-inch thickness as the more expensive Zephyrus G14 and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:HP Omen Transcend 14 while weighing in less than both. You are getting ꦛsome slightly cheaper materials in the mostly plastic chassis (save for the aluminum lid), but with MIL-STD 810H certification it remains plenty durable. That lid also makes it a better build than the much cheaper-feeling Acer Nitro V 14.
Features: Configuration options are limited to an RTX 4060 GPU, which taps out a littl꧟e earlier than the RTX 4070 options available in the Zephyrus G14. However, putting all your eggs in that graphics basket will have you missing out on a stunner of a processor.𒁃 The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is based on AMD's latest Zen 5 system, offering up to 50 TOPS across a super sophisticated NPU. In everyday terms, it's super fast and super efficient. The exact kind of processor you want in a slimline gaming laptop. That's not all, though, Asus is packing this $1,499.99 configuration with 32GB RAM and a 2TB SSD - specs I often see in machines pitched at around $1,800 - $2,000. There are cheaper configurations available as well, with the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS getting involved.
Above all that you've got a 165Hz QHD+ display with a nicely bright response that dwarfs that of the Asus TUF A15 in speed and resolution. ⛄A well-spaced and tactile 1.7mm-travel keyboard lines the bottom section, with a generously sized glass trackpad underneath as well. Ports offer everything you could ask for - in brief, two USB-A options, two USB-C options (one with power delivery), a micro SD, and 3.5mm audio.
Performance: The efficiency of the Asus TUF A14 meant it was able to threaten even RTX 4070-toting machines like the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Razer Blade 14 and Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 in my testing. Lighter 1080p benchmarks saw th♔e A14 either beating or narrowly falling short of these far more expensive machines, and that little RTX 4060 could certainly keep up in QHD+ as well. It pitted miles ahead of the HP Omen Transcend 14, a machine I praised earlier in the year for its impressive benchmark𝄹s in this slim and light competition pool. Not only that, but that AMD CPU put the Ryzen 9 8945HS and Intel Core Ultra 7 155H to bed as well, topping the charts with an 8,259 score in PC Mark 10 and an astonishing 1,207 multi-core benchmark in Cinebench R24.
Verdict: The Asus TUF A14 i⛦s one of the most impressive gaming laptops I've tested this year, and while it's 🗹not quite the best 14-inch model due to its lack of OLED display and higher configuration options, it definitely wins in the flyweight bout. A super slimline profile paired with efficient and powerful internal components makes for an excellent machine.
I live, work, play, stream, and browse on every gaming laptop that passes my desk for a minimum of two weeks. That allows me to assess its build quality, portability, display features, keyboard and trackpad, port selection, and form factor in a real-world setting as if it was being popped straight into your setup. For this reason, I use every laptop both by itself and as part of a larger monitor system (usually via USB-C using a Ugreen Revo𒈔dok Pro 312 docking station).
I rate gamin🔯g laptops based on their design, features, and performance - and each section requires its own tests and real-world experiences.
The design of a laptop incorporates everything from its aesthetic (and how well it will blend into non-gaming scenarios) to build qualit♏y (its materials, any wobbles around th♍e hinges, flexibility in the screen or base plate, and any creaking or rattling internally). In the world of gaming laptops, portability also plays a large role so I make sure to take each machine out with me for a series of coffee shop crawls, or a longer travel distance during my testing period.
The specific features I test are the display (brightness, clarity, color range𒉰, sharpness, speed), keyboard (size, balance, typing feelꦇ, placement), webcam, port selection (and placement), configuration options, trackpad, and onboard software options. All of these elements aren't just reviewed as a whole package, but directly compared against similarly priced competitors to understand each machine's value proposition as well.
Then we get to the all-important performance category. Every gaming laptop that I review is stress-tested against a series of benchmarking processes and everyday use. I run a standaဣrdised series of performance tests on each rig, benchmarking on both High and Ultra / Highest across:
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Total War: Three Kingdoms (Battle)
Black Myth: Wukong
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
Cyberpunk 2077
I carry out these benchmarks꧋ at both 1080p and other native resolutions offered by each individual system.
I then test the GPUs inside these gaming laptops against 3DMark Fir𓂃🌳e Strike, Steel Nomad, and Time Spy. I also use PC Mark 10, Maxon Cinebench R24, and Geekbench tests for general productivity benchmarking.
I'm a🐽lways reviewing new gaming laptops, but only the very best make it to the top list above. You'll find all the most recent gaming laptop benchmark scores just below, and more information on each model further down.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) | The G16 always has a hard time, but faced against the Razer Blade 16 and coming in only slightly cheaper in like-for-like comparisons me🐽ans it doesn't quite top the list in the 16-inch category.
MSI Raider 18 HX (2024) | Last year's MSI Raider 18 HX was once the most powerful gami🌟ng laptop I'd tested, but it's been beaten by the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2025). Still, if ꦑyou're after a 4K machine capable of impressive framerates in a slab of a chassis, this is well worth a look.
Razer Blade 16 (2024) | The previous generation Razer Blade 16 may well still be the best 16-inch gaming laptop for most players (it's certainly cheaper these days) - but it's no longer the best on the market. It's been replaced by its 2025 counterpa𝐆rt due to the newer model's improved keyboard, slimmer form f꧂actor, and more efficient insides.
Acer Nitro V 14 | The Acer Nitro V 14 is an entry level rig, but it's one I'd wait for discounts on. We're still looking at $1,099.99 for🍨 an RTX 4050 PC, and I regularly see savings on similar models taking us well below that four-figure range. It's a solid machine that puts a lot of its emphasis on display quality, though c🤪onfigurations are limited to that basic GPU and it can be difficult to find on the shelves. The lower quality build also keeps it out of the Asus TUF A15 and Asus TUF A14's way as well.
Alienware x16 R2 | The Alienware x16 R2 is a sleek, slimline, and p꧃owerful piece of kit, but its shortcomings in its display, older ports, and comparative RTX 4080 performance 🔯mean it's not knocking any of our top contenders from their perches. If you're after an investment and you prioritize style, this is a fantastic choice though.
MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio | Yes, i🌺t's nice to have another slimline 18-inch gaming laptop on ꦕthe market, but the build quality and overall performance potential of the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio takes too much of a hit to be viable at this price point. You're still getting that fantastic 4K Mini LED display (also featured on the Titan and Raider), but this machine doesn't feel competitive in the current landscape.
HP Omen Transcend 14 | The tiny HP Omen Transcend 14 impressed in its🐎 performance earlier in the year, but the Asus TUF A14 knocked it off the top spot with more powerful specs and a lower weight. If you're going all in on screen quality, though, it's worth checking out this OLED panel still.
MSI Titan 18 HX | The MSI Titan 18 HX was the most powerful machine I'd ever tested before the Raider pa✨ssed my desk. It's still a beast of a maꦦchine, but with a lofty price tag and lower performance it's missed the cut.
RedMagic Titan 16 Pro | The Titan 16 Pro has price on its side, but a strange CPU and GPU pairing means the performance you're acꩵtually getting from this machine doesn't represent strong value. While its display is certainly impressive, and its keyboard and trackpad feel slick, this thing is a little messed up inside, whic✅h results in high temperatures and loud fans.
HP Victus 16 | If the HP Victus 16 had the display and keyboard to go up against the Asus TUF A15 it would be the best pick for budget-minded gamers. The RTX 4050 configuration I tested performed excellently in itself, but the main chassis cu🌊ts more corners to reach this lower price than Asus.
HP Omen 17 | A slightly boring chassis and cheaper build means the HP Omen 17 doesn't exactly stand out on the shelves but it does offer strong mid-r🐲ange performance with a good selection of configuration options. The display is nicely colorful but lacks brightness and the ports are a little outdated.
Alienware M16 R2 (2024) | The Alienware M16 R2 has taken a performance sacrifice in order to squeeze into a more functional form factor. While we were impressed with the slimmer design, it did struggle during more demanding t൲ests and considering the competition in this category is so fierce it just misses out on a spot here. Still, it's a fantastic machine in its own right, especially if you're firmly in the mid-range of price.
Acer Nitro 16 | The Acer Nitro 16 has some stiff competition in the Asus TUF A15, but while it does have a larger screen size and a nice selection of rear ports, its RTX 4070 performance was only just beatin🐻g the A15's RTX 4060 configuration in our testing. We would have expected a bigger jump here, which suggests you'll get better value from Asus's model overall.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) | The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 went up against the ROG Strix Scar 16 in our matchup, but the additional price-performance value in the Scar model won out. 🅘This is still a fantastic rig, though, especially if you're happy to prioritize portability over raw power.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2024) | 2024's Scar 18 fell short of the previous model's performance, and exists more as an iterative update both under the hood and up top. Considering 2023's lapt💦op is available for fa❀r less than the new one these days, it's not quite packing the same punch.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2023) | The original Scar 18 was the most powerful gaming l🐈aptop I had tested 🌼before the MSI Titan 18 HX came along - but it's still a solid option for anyone after the big-screen experience without spending on MSI's super-luxury price tag.
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i | The Legion Pro 7i is an impressive piece of kit, but its 16-inch form factor doesn't give its 🥃high end components enough space to breathe compared to the Scar 16 sitting at the top of our list.ℱ In a mid-range configuration this is a beast, but its RTX 4090 benchmarks underwhelmed in testing.
Razer Blade 14 | What's ꦗkeeping the Razer Blade 14 in second position behind the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14? Its price. This is a fantastic machine, even if you are tapping out at an RTX 4070 configuration. However, the price tag is pr♋ohibitive considering the smaller specs on offer.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 | The Asus ROG Strix Scar 1༺6 used to be sitting pretty in the top spot, but♔ it's been ambushed by the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i now. It's still a fantastic rig, especially if you don't mind a chunkier form factor, but its 2023 performance didn't hold up to 2024's standards.
HP Omen Transcend 16 | The Omen Transcend 16 was actually our favorite sliml🅷ine gaming laptop before its 14-inch sibling arrived on the shelves this year. As it stands, the larger 16-inch form factor is less conducive to that slimline portable feel than the new release's 14-inch design. However, this is still an impressive device for those chasing a bigger screen.
MSI Raider GE78 | The MSI Raider GE78 was one of the first RTX 40-Series gaming laptops I tested, and it still felt a little too 🦂old school to make it onto this list in its day. There's aꦚn outdated cooling system, cumbersome form factor, and old-timey aesthetic holding this powerhouse back.
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 8 | The previous generation Lenovo Legion Pro 7i fit the same design characteristics as the newer model currently occupying 𓆉my top spot, but its performance wasn't quite on par with the machines of its day. Considering you can still spend thousands on this rig, it's just not worth it against the competition.
Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 | I loved the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16, but it was also the first RTX 40-Series machine I got my hands on. Considering th✤e jump betw💦een generations, it was easy to get excited about the numbers popping up on my screen. Since its release, the M16 has been overtaken by skinnier models and more powerful cards.
Gaming laptops come in all shapes and sizes these days, with a massive range of configuration options, display technologies, andꦅ price tags to contend with. I've bought my fair share of machines over th꧋e years, and there are always three factors that make up the majority of my decision-making; size, specs, and display.
Gaming laptops come in three sizes nowadays; 14-inch for those after a lightweight, portable design, 18-inch for a full desktop replacement, and 16-inch for a well-rounded performer that can still travel when📖 needed. It's easy to see why 16-inch laptops reign supreme, taking over from the 15.6-inch models of yore to become the most popular gaming laptop form factor on the market.
In general, I'd recommend most players aim for this happy medium. An 18-inch device is a real strain on the 🍰back if you need to take it on the go (if it will even fit into a conventional backpack) and a 14-inch model can sacrifice power in the name of a slimmer form factor whi𒁃le carrying a similar price. However, if you know you're looking for a chunkier device that won't need to be moved or a work laptop that needs to keep up with you day to day, each extreme certainly has its place.
Under the hood
Your decision will mostly come down to your graphics ✤card and prꦅocessor - though, helpfully, finding the right GPU will often land you with the right CPU in the first place.
An RTX 4050 rig is designed for lighter ꩲplayers who might want to tinker through some less demanding games while primarily using their laptop for work or streaming. These rigs are likely to come with cheaper i5 or Ryzen 5 processors, but can also pack an i7 or Ryzen 7 punch as well. You'll usually find 16G꧅B RAM and 512GB - 1TB of storage space included.
I would move up to an RTX 4060 if you're looking to play more demanding games, but don't necessarily need three-figure framerates - especially in QHD+ resolutions. This is the start of the mass market, most players will either find themselves with an RTX 4060 or 4070 rig - but sticking to the lower version might keep you from smooth rates on more demanding games in the years tဣo come. You'll usually be opting for an i7 or Ryzen 7 processor here, with 16GB RAM and 1TB of storage space.
The RTX 4070 is the most popular graphics card in a gaming laptop - and it's generally where I start my search when pricing up new machines. You're getting enough juice 🔯to bump things up to 1600p comfortably, though you might need to make some textural tweaks to run heavier games at Ultra settings. The price jump from an RTX 4060 to RTX 4070 isn't quite as high anymore either, especially when rigs go on sale. I'd still recommend most players stick to an Intel i7 or Ryzen 7 processor to keep the value right here (though i9 and Ryzen 9 options start becoming more available this high up the food chain), with 16GB - 32GB RAM and 1TB - 2TB of storage space.
An RTX 4080 gaming laptop is going to ꦕsee you through QHD+ gaming at ultra settings pretty comfortably - even in more demanding games. This is the start of high-end, and as high as I would recommend most casual players go. These machines are starting to drop their price tags a little now, but can still feel like a larger investment - especially if you take up the i9 / Ryzen 9 processors, 32 - 64GB RAM, and 2TB+ SSD opportunities that start opening up here.
I wouldn't recommend the majority of players concern themselves with RTX 4090 gaming laptops just yet. There's a performance jump, for sure, you'll be outputting in 4K with much more ease, and QHD+ gameplay will feel like a breeze. However, these are premium machines, reserved for those with over $3,00🦄0 to spend. They're worth saving for if you want to future-proof yourself, but unless you're streaming or playing hardcore titles regularly you'll find better value further down the ✨price range.
All about that display
The majority of mid-range gaming laptops ship with QLED+ resolutions in a 16:10 aspect ratio, with a 240Hz refresh rate. That's the gold standard for right now, but there are reasons to deviate from the norm. For example many rigs, particularly those from Alienware, can drop you resolution back down to FHD+ in♌ exchange for faster panels (up to 480Hz in some cases).
That's a screen designed for competitive eSports-style g🐭amers, rather than everyday adventurers, though. On the flip side, you'll find more OLED and 4K panels on the shelves these day🌄s - these give you a better viewing experience overall but at the cost of speed. While some brands like Razer have managed to bump their OLED screens up to 240Hz, you'll more likely find these screens at 120Hz max.
It's important to consider how you playꦕ when choosing your screen - whether you want to prioritize fidelity or speed. The QHD+ 240Hz option is so popular because it strikes the perfect balance between the two.
AMD: AMD is a brand that develops a wide range of processors and graphics cards for business and gaming laptops. The latest GPU series is the AMD Radeon RX 7900, while it releases processors under the Ryzen name, offering Ryzen 3, 5, 7, and 9 in ascending power levels.
AMD Freesync: AMD Freesync is a software found in many gaming laptop displays that reduces screen tearing and stuttering. The majority of laptops ship with the base FreeSync features, but there are also FreeSync Premium and FreeSync Premium Pro tiers which offer support for higher refresh rates and resolutions, as well as HDR.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth is the wireless connection gaming laptops can use to take input from a range of devices such as keyboards, headsets, and mice. However, these devices tend to use 2.4GHz adapter dongles these days (a small USB receiver with a lower latency connection), which means you'll be using Bluetooth for controllers more than anything else. The latest Bluetooth version is 5.3.
Chassis: The term chassis relates to the main body of the laptop, housing the components under the keyboard and the back of the lid.
Cinebench: Cinebench is a benchmarking software developed by Maxon, designed to test the rendering power of a gaming laptop's processor. We use Cinebench to test the power of CPUs across both single-core and multi-core stress tests - the higher the number, the better the performance.
CPU / Processor: The CPU (Central Processing Unit) or Processor is the central component of a gaming laptop, completing instructions and operations across the machine. Intel and AMD are the leading manufacturers of processors, with Core and Ryzen product lines respectively.
Crystal Disk Mark: Crystal Disk Mark is a benchmarking software to test the storage performance of the SSD or hard drive used in a gaming laptop. We use Crystal Disk Mark to report on read and write speeds, which can translate to launch, loading, and rendering times.
DisplayPort: DisplayPort is a port found on many gaming laptops, offering the ability to connect your machine to an external monitor. Unlike HDMI, DisplayPort allows for multiple displays to be connected through a single port, however is not compatible with anything other than monitors and computers. The latest version of DisplayPort is 2.1.
Ethernet: Ethernet is the term given to both the port and cable used to connect your gaming laptop to the internet via a wire. Rather than using a less reliable WiFi connection, hardwiring your machine into your router can be faster and offer lower latencies.
Fire Strike: Fire Strike is a graphics and physics test within the 3D Mark suite of benchmarks. We use Fire Strike to stress test the processor and graphics card, returning a figure as the result. The higher the number, the better the score.
FPS (Frames Per Second): Frames per second refers to the number of frames that are displayed on a screen every second. This is a handy way to measure the speed and fluidity of the graphics on your gaming laptop. Most titles run smoothly at 30fps, however faster action titles are better enjoyed at 60fps and up. Competitive esports-level framerates are often over 100fps.
GPU / Graphics Card: The GPU is responsible for the graphics your gaming laptop is capable of reproducing. AMD and Nvidia produce the majority of graphics cards found in today's gaming laptops, offering a range of different performance levels and prices. The latest AMD GPU is the Radeon RX 7900 XT, and the latest Nvidia range is the GeForce RTX 40-Series.
HDD: HDD is the acronym for a Hard Disk Drive, otherwise known as a hard drive. This is a form of storage often found in older, cheaper gaming laptops, or in addition to an SSD (Solid State Drive) in newer machines. An HDD is typically slower but cheaper (and therefore more readily available in higher capacities) than an SSD.
HDMI: HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface, and is the primary connection method used to link a computer to an external monitor, TV, or projector. The latest HDMI version is 2.1.
Intel: Intel is one of the leading producers of processors in both business and gaming laptops. Intel's CPUs are released in four tiers; i3, i5, i7, and i9 with various different models between them. The latest generation of Intel processors is the 14th.
Kensington Lock Slot: A Kensington Lock Slot is an additional accessory sometimes found on gaming laptops. It is a port to enable the user to keep their machine secure by tethering a lock and wrapping it around the leg of a table or chair, ensuring nobody else can remove the laptop from its position.
Nvidia: Nvidia is a brand best known in the gaming laptop space for producing graphics cards. The company's GeForce RTX GPUs are the most popular on the market right now.
Nvidia G-Sync: Nvidia G-Sync is similar to AMD FreeSync (see above), and used to reduce screen tearing and stuttering during fast moving games. G-Sync is designed for use with Nvidia graphics cards, however.
OLED: OLED displays are gathering momentum in the world of gaming laptops, offering an alternative to traditional LED screens. An OLED panel is able to produce better color contrasts and higher brightness.
OS: A computer's OS is its Operating System, most likely Windows. You'll very rarely find a gaming laptop shipping with a different operating system. The latest release is Windows 11.
PC Mark 10: PC Mark 10 is a benchmarking software designed to test the power of a PC in a productivity setting. The program runs a series of mock work scenarios to test efficiency and processing performance, resulting in a single number response. The higher the number, the better the result.
RAM: RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and allows your computer to streamline its efficiency in running tasks. The more RAM you have, the more space your gaming laptop has to keep required data easily accessible (and therefore recalled faster).
Refresh Rate: Refresh rate in the context of gaming laptops generally refers to the speed at which the display refreshes the picture. A higher refresh rate provides smoother motion, which is required for faster paced titles. Gaming laptops today generally offer at least 120Hz refresh rates, but can move up to 360Hz.
Resolution: The resolution of your screen is the number of pixels on the display. This is usually split into HD (1920 x 1080 or 1080p), QHD (2560 x 1440 or 1440p), or UHD (3840 x 2160 or 4K), however different screen proportions can bend these definitions a little - you may see QHD+ resolutions listed on a screen that isn't exactly 16:9 in dimensions (the standard for displays that these resolution numbers were based off).
RGB: RGB refers to the lighting often found on gaming laptops, particularly in the keyboard. The term RGB denotes a range of colors rather than limiting backlighting to a single color.
SSD: An SSD (or Solid State Drive) is the primary format of storage used in today's gaming laptops. It's faster than an HDD but is more expensive, which means you'll generally find SSD space tapping out at 1TB if you're browsing under $2,000.
Thunderbolt: A Thunderbolt port uses the same design as USB-C but a vastly different experience overall. Machines incorporate Thunderbolt to allow faster data transfer and charging speeds as well as connecting multiple devices via a single cable. The latest version is Thunderbolt 4.
Time Spy: Time Spy is another DirectX test for the performance of a graphics card inside your gaming laptop, similar to Fire Strike.
USB Type-A: USB Type-A ports are standard USB connections used by the majority of external devices and are characterized by their larger square shape compared to the smaller USB-C. However, USB Type-C (below) is set to take over from the older A model over the next few years. Type-A supports the speed of data consistent with USB 3.0 (the latest version).
USB Type-C: USB Type-C is a newer connection type for adding external devices, shaped in a smaller, more rounded port style. USB-C can be used for power delivery if the port on your laptop accepts this feature, but is generally used for the same inputs as USB-A.
Vapor Chamber Cooling: Vapor Chamber Cooling is a relatively new method of keeping a gaming laptop's temperature down so that it can perform at its best. Rather than solely using air vents and fans, vapor chamber cooling relies on a liquid cooling system to distribute heat more effectively.
Best gaming laptops: FAQs
Which brand is best for gaming laptops?
Overall, the best gaming laptop brands include Lenovo, Razer, Alienware, MSI, Asus and Acer. Howevඣer, there are a number of companies all competing for the title right now, from budget-oriented developers to high-end industry staples. Finding the best gaming laptop b🧸rand may come down to how much you're willing to pay and how much you value extra features like mechanical keyboards and RGB lighting in your chassis. Alienware, for example, produces some incredible machines with these features built in, but at a significant premium - whereas Acer's machines tend to be more conservative in their builds but offer reduced prices.
What specs do you need in a gaming laptop?
This is a big question, and the answer changes every year. However, at the moment I recommend picking up a high-end or upper mid-range processor from the last two years (Intel i7 or i9 from its 13th or 14th generation / AMD Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 9 from its 7000 Series) and at least 16GB RAM. 8GB used to get you by back 🃏in the day, but it's just not doable any more. In terms of your graphics card, the model you choose will depend on the kinds of games you play. An RTX 4050 is going to be good for lighter indie titles and undemanding games, but an RTX 4060 can push you further up the settings scale for only a little more cash. RTX 4070 cards are for moderately demanding games, played at high settings while an RTX 4080 or RTX 4090 card will be needed for the biggest releases running in QHD+ at ultra settings.
Can you spend under $1000 on a gaming laptop?
It's absolutely possible to spend less than $1,000 and 𝔍still pick up one of the best gaming laptops on the market. My favorite models under this price range are the Dell G15 and the Asus TUF A15, though the Acer Nitro 5 also offers plenty of value in its cheaper configurations as well. You might be dropping down to lower refresh rate screens or a cheaper version of an Intel processor, but if you're playing lighter titles or you're not fussed about the latest and greatest in performance there are plen🐭ty of options out there.
Managing Editor of Hardware at GamesRadar+, I originally landed in hardware at our sister site TechRadar before moving over to GamesRadar. In between, I've written for Tom’s Guide, Wireframe, The Indie Game Website and That Video Game Blog, covering everything from the PS5 launch to the Apple Pencil. Now, i'm focused on Nintendo Switch, gaming lapt💜ops (and the keyboards, headsets and mice that come with the♔m), PS5, and trying to find the perfect projector.
