These are our top picks for gaming laptops that will suit every budget and type of gamer.
Gaming laptops are available in many sizes and shapes to suit different budgets and needs. While a $5,000 model with the most advanced graphics and display may give you the best gaming experience, many of us cannot afford one. We tend to pick high-end models because we are an enthusiast site. However, most of the configurations available come in a range of price points and configurations.
There are many gaming laptop options available, from budget-friendly models to high-end desktop replacements. Some laptops come with full-size Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics card, while others have the more powerful MaxQ designs which allow for thinner chassis and (sometimes), quieter fans.
Many gaming laptops have a 1080p display with high refresh rates and a large screen. Some also have 4K screens so that you can choose between resolution and fidelity. Several gaming laptop go as fast as 360 Hz.
You have more options than ever for components. Although Intel remains a popular choice, AMD’s Ryzen processors have become more common. However, the majority of notebooks still use Intel. Nvidia’s RTX GPUs have been installed in far more laptops than Nvidia’s. However, AMD is gradually combining its graphics cards with Hit CPUs to create what it calls the ” AMD advantage.”
Intel’s 12th Gen Alder Lake processors are the most recent in processor technology. They use a hybrid design that combines Performance and Efficient cores and AMD’s Ryzen 6600 CPUs. Due to the global shortage of components, it can still be difficult to find any graphics card with the most recent technology.
We’ve compiled this list to help you choose the best gaming laptop. Our best gaming notebook buyer’s guide will help you narrow down your choices. Here are some quick tips to help you get started on the path to finding the perfect portable gaming rig.
Many gamers will go to desktops for the best performance, but you can also carry a tower, keyboard, and monitor around in your backpack. A gaming laptop is the best option if you are looking for a powerful system that you can carry around with you.
If Windows 11 wasn’t installed, the picks in this list should be able to run it.
Quick Gaming Laptop Shopping Tips
- The GPU is the focus of Most games rely on the GPU. These are not upgradeable. You’ll enjoy gaming for years if you invest in a powerful GPU right away.
- You can always upgrade parts later: Although the most powerful CPUs and GPUs are soldered down, the majority of gaming laptops allow you to replace RAM and storage. This allows you to buy more RAM or SSD now, and then add more memory down the line.
- The battery life of your gaming notebooks will be poor. Few gaming notebooks can last more than 8 hours on a single charge. You also need a power supply in order to achieve the best gaming performance. We’ve seen AMD’s Ryzen processors perform well, and Nvidia’s improved Optimus technology might help to turn the tide.
The best gaming laptops at a glance
- Best Overall MSI Ge76 Raider (Core Core i9-12900HK).
- Best Thinner and Lightest: Razer Blade 15, (2022)
- Best 17″:Alienware R2
- Best Budget: Acer Nitro 5
- All AMD: Asus ROG Strix – G15 Advantage Edition
- Best Esports: Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 G733
- 16-inch Esports Option : Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
- Best Dual-Screen: Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE GX551
Best Gaming Laptops You Can Buy Today
The Best Gaming Laptop: MSI Ge76 Raider (Image credit to Tom’s Hardware).
1. MSI GE76 Raider
The Best Gaming Laptops
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Intel Core i9-12900HK
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 3080 Ti
Display: 17.3 inches 1920 x 1080 360 Hz
Weight: 6.39 pounds (2.9 kg)
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REASONS to BUY
+Strong CPU/GPU performance+Plenty ports+Striking RGB light bars
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Fans are loud-Display is dimmer than the previous model-Expensive in top-tier configurations
The MSI GE76 Raider laptop is a great choice if you are looking for a laptop that has desktop-level performance. However, you might have to spend a lot to get it. Despite this, the MSI GE76 Raider still offers high-end components such as the Intel Core i9-12900HK or Nvidia GeForce RTX3080 Ti.
It would be remiss not to mention that the Raider features a large RGB lightbar on the front. This, combined with per-key lighting creates quite the effect in the dark. (Or you can turn it all off if you prefer something less dramatic).
The 10.80p, 17.3-inch display can go up to 360 Hz. This is great for esports gamers. However, everyone else may want to consider a 1440p and 4K display depending on the configurations available.
This laptop was tested at $3,999. That’s enough to make your bank account scream. It’s a lot of money to spend on a laptop, but it’s the best we’ve seen.
Read: MSI GE76 Raider Review
Razer Blade 15 (2022), the Best Thin Gaming Laptop. Image credit: Tom’s Hardware.
2. Razer Blade 15 (2022)
Best Thin and Light Gaming Laptop
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Intel Core i7-12800H
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 3070 Ti
Display: 15.6 inches (2560 x 1440), 240 Hz
Weight: 4.4 pounds / 2.01 kg
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REASONS to BUY
+Strong gaming performance+Excellent build quality+Great webcam and ports
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Mixed productivity performance-Competitors have better screens-Pricey
Razer has simplified the Blade 15 lineup by removing the Base and Advanced models. However, what is left is a stylish, slim gaming notebook that’s very good. The Blade 15 is still a popular choice because of its strong performance (with a Core i7-1277800H and Nvidia GeForce RTX3070 Ti in our review), but it weighs only 4.4 pounds and is 0.57 inches thick.
There are still a number of ports available, including Thunderbolt 4 both USB Type C and Type A, as well as an SD reader. This allows for expansion of peripherals and additional storage for gaming. Even though it would be great for productivity, we found that some gaming laptops performed better in non-gaming benchmarks.
Razer’s premium look requires that you pay a premium. The notebook is priced at $2499, and we reviewed it at $2999. Although it is expensive, this notebook has been a favorite among gamers for many years.
Read: Razer Blade 15 (2022) review
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
3. Alienware x17 R2
Best Gaming Laptops 17″
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Intel Core i9-12900HK
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 3080 Ti
Display: 17.3 inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels, 360 Hz
Weight: 6.82 pounds / 3.09 kg
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REASONS to BUY
+Excellent productivity, gaming performance, and stunning design
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Expensive – A bit heavier and larger than the competition. Battery life could be longer.
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The Alienware x17 R2 is equipped with an Intel Core i9-12900HK, and Nvidia GeForce RTX3080 Ti. These are some of the most powerful parts available on the market. The laptop performed well in both productivity and gaming during our review.
The Alienware design, which was unveiled last year, is beautiful. Although it is clearly a gaming notebook the design is futuristic and minimalist. It’s larger than most competitors and weighs 6.82 pounds. You won’t be carrying it around much.
We recommend the $50 Cherry MX optional mechanical keyboard if you have some extra cash. It is extremely comfortable and has been enjoyed by everyone who has tried it.
Read Alienware review
4. Acer Nitro 5
The Best Gaming Laptops for Under $100
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Intel Core i5-12500H
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 3050 Ti
Display: 15.6 inches, 1920 x 1080. 144 Hz
Weight: 5.51 pounds / 2.5 kg
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REASONS to BUY
+Affordable+Clean design+Decent performance at the price
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
Bloatware is way too common -Display is a little washed-out
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Acer Nitro 5 is our favourite gaming laptop for people on a budget. We tested the latest model with an Intel Core i5-12500H processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX3050 Ti graphics card. It offers good performance for the price.
Acer has updated the Nitro 5 with a more mature design. The Nitro 5’s new design is less angular and has fewer red accents. It doesn’t shout that it’s a gaming laptop. It’s not unusual to see this design on high-end notebooks. However, it’s refreshing to see a more refined design on a gaming notebook that costs $899.99. For those who are interested in RGB backlit keyboards, don’t worry.
You have plenty of space to upgrade the inside. Acer provides a SATA cable that can be used to open the laptop and insert a 2.5-inch SSD or hard drive. Access to the RAM, NVMe SSD and Wi-Fi card is also easy.
Acer comes preinstalled bloatware on your computer, which can be a major problem when you are on a tight budget. It is possible to spend some time getting rid of unnecessary items.
Read: Acer Nitro 5 review
5. Asus ROG Zephyrus – G14
A thin, All-AMD Gaming Laptop
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS
GPU: AMD Radeon RX6800S
Display: 14-inch 2560x 1600, 16/10, 120 Hz
Weight: 3.79 pounds / 1.72 kg
TODAY’S TOP DEALS
Low Stock
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REASONS to BUY
+Long battery life+Sleek and portable design+Asus finally added a Webcam +Surprisingly, good speakers
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Some keyboard touchpoints are uncomfortably hot-Pricey
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A thin PC such as the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 might be the right choice for you if you are a PC gamer who is always on the move. The Zephyrus features an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS processor and an AMD Radeon RX6800S graphics card. SmartShift and SmartAccess Memory are also included.
Asus has added a webcam to the latest update. This was a major omission in previous models. The all-AMD model is now a taller 16:10 aspect ratio.
The Zephyrus ran more than 10 and a quarter hours on our battery test. This suggests that you can use the notebook all day if you’re not gaming.
However, it is a bit expensive. The Zephyrus is priced at $1,599.99. We reviewed it with the highest-tier specs at $2.499.99.
Read: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 review
The Best Esports Gaming Laptop: Asus RoG Strix Scar 17 G733 (Image credit to Tom’s Hardware).
6. Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 G733
The Best Esports Gaming Laptop
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX3080
Display: 17.3 inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels, 360 Hz
Weight: 5.95 pounds / 2.7 kg
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REASONS to BUY
+360 Hz Refresh rate+Comfortable keyboard+High productivity performance+Bassy audio
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Divisive Design -Short Charging Cable
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A laptop with the fastest screen is essential if you are going to be able to play esports like professionals. The Asus ROG Strix Scar G733 has a 360 Hz refreshrate on its FHD screen. It also features top-end components that power esports titles, allowing for frame rates that are actually usable.
It feels premium, but it has a mix of clear and dark plastics. The design is reminiscent of a hot rod car as well as a 90’s MP3 player. This might make some people a little uncomfortable.
Even if you don’t like looking inside your laptop, the keyboard is comfortable and the overall performance is strong.
Read AS ROG Strix Scar17 G733 review
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5, a 16-inch Esports option: Image credit: Tom’s Hardware
7. Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
Option for Esports on 16 inches
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 3070
Display: 16 inch, 2560x 1600, 165Hz
Weight: 5.4 pounds / 2.45 kg
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REASONS to BUY
+Beautiful, high-res display+Strong performance+Comfortable keyboard
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Bulky design-Middling Audio
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The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is a great option if you are willing to sacrifice your refresh speed for higher resolution. The Legion 5 Pro’s 165Hz, 2560x 1600 screen, which is 300 Hz in some gaming notebooks, is quite impressive. We also like the 16:10 aspect ratio which is great for productivity.
The review unit included a Ryzen 7 5800H processor and Nvidia GeForce GTX 3070 graphics card. These combined provided competitive performance across all benchmarks. The system came with 512GB of storage space and 16GB RAM.
The keyboard of this laptop was also impressive, and it seems to have been influenced by the business-oriented ThinkPads from Lenovo.
However, the system can be a little complicated. You might want to look at other options on the list if you don’t like bulk.
Read: Lenovo Legion 5 Pro review
The Best Dual-Screen Gaming Laptop: Asus ROG Zephyrus 15 GX550 (Image credit to Tom’s Hardware).
8. Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE GX551
The Best Dual-Screen Gaming Laptop
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX3080
Display: 5.6 inches, 3840×2160 primary display, 3740×1100 ScreenPad Plus
Weight: 5.29 pounds / 2.4 kg
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REASONS to BUY
+Exceptional productivity performance+Bright, colourful displays+Good battery life (for gaming laptops)
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-No awkward webcam-Input devices
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Asus’ ROG Zephyrus duo latest ROG Zephyrus uses AMD’s top-end RYzen9 5900HX paired to an Nvidia GeForce RTX3080 for powerful results. A second screen is used to increase ventilation and improve cooling.
Both displays are bright and colorful. It took just over 4 hours 52 minutes to complete our battery test. This is a good endurance for a gaming notebook.
As with most dual-screen notebooks, the keyboard and mouse are placed in an awkward place. Most people will use an external mouse to play games. You’ll need to decide whether the second screen, which is ideal for chat programs or gaming guides, is worth the more difficult typing experience.
