Finding the best gaming laptop is a daunting task. You want a device that’s as portable as it is powerful, striking a perfect balance between battery life, heat management, and fan noise. Many gaming laptops struggle to achieve this balance, but a select few stand out as top contenders. While 2024 models are starting to emerge, the absence of new mobile GPUs means they’re competing with last year’s best, which are now available at discounted prices.
Whether you’re on a tight budget or ready to splurge on the ultimate gaming machine, there’s a laptop on this list for you. These recommendations are based on our extensive testing and reviews, which include rigorous performance, screen, and battery life evaluations.
Lenovo Legion Pro 5
Why you should buy it:
This is a reasonably priced gaming laptop that doesn’t compromise on performance.Who it’s for:
Gamers seeking peak performance without breaking the bank.The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 strikes the perfect balance. It’s not a flimsy budget laptop that feels like it’s about to break, nor is it an overpriced behemoth that drains your wallet before you can even enjoy it. It’s reasonably priced, well-built, and powerful – a rare combination in the gaming laptop market. It boasts an AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX and an RTX 4070 laptop GPU, easily delivering over 60 frames per second (fps) in even the most demanding games at its native resolution of 2560 x 1600. With a robust keyboard and exceptional battery life considering its power, the Legion Pro 5 is undeniably the best value gaming laptop available today.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
Why you should buy it:
It’s the best portable gaming laptop you can buy.Who it’s for:
Gamers, students, and content creators.The ROG Zephyrus G14 has always been a favorite, and the 2024 update takes it to a whole new level. The system has been redesigned with a sleek MacBook-like chassis, making it a versatile device that excels at both gaming and general computing. It’s thinner than ever, approaching the thinness of the MacBook Pro, while sporting a larger touchpad, the latest Ryzen processors, and a stunning new OLED 120Hz screen. Configurable with up to an RTX 4070, it’s one of the most powerful 14-inch laptops on the market, perhaps second only to the M3 Max MacBook Pro. There’s nothing quite like it, and considering its price advantage over the Razer Blade 14, it’s the clear choice. Whether you’re looking for an alternative to the MacBook Pro or simply a premium, compact gaming laptop, the ROG Zephyrus G14 is the best you can get.
Dell G15
Why you should buy it:
It packs a lot of gaming power for an incredible price.Who it’s for:
Anyone seeking a true gaming laptop under $1,000.For a while, finding a decent gaming laptop under $1,000 was nearly impossible. But now, the Dell G15 reigns supreme. Dell offers a configuration with an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS, RTX 4050, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for just $850. The even better value is to upgrade to the RTX 4060 model for only $50 more. $900 for an RTX 4060 is an incredible deal. Beyond performance, the G15 boasts a stylish, retro design with angular vents and vibrant color options. The tradeoff, however, is in portability. The G15 is over an inch thick and weighs 6.2 pounds. While it has a 1080p screen, it features a 165Hz refresh rate – a feature absent in options like the HP Victus 16. It’s also impressive to see a USB-C port for the latest charging and accessory support, along with Mini DisplayPort capabilities, plus HDMI and USB-A. If you’re okay with a thicker laptop, the Dell G15 offers excellent gaming performance without breaking the bank.
Lenovo Legion 9i
We don’t award 10/10 scores lightly. But sometimes, a product comes along that balances its elements in a way no other can. The Lenovo Legion 9i is one such product. Its desktop-level performance, excellent keyboard, and incredible mini-LED display are all essential, but what truly sets the Legion 9i apart is the remarkably small form factor it squeezes all these elements into. It’s just 0.75 inches thick and weighs 5.5 pounds. While it’s not exactly “portable,” for a gaming laptop of this caliber, that’s impressive. Add support for both USB-C and GaN charging, and you have a masterpiece on your hands. The only drawback is the price. It’s a very expensive gaming laptop, but it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s for those who want the absolute best and are willing to pay for it.
Asus ROG Flow Z13
Why you should buy it:
It’s a gaming machine in tablet form.Who it’s for:
Gamers seeking the most portable option possible.Gaming laptops often have a reputation for being bulky, but some gamers prioritize portability. The Z13 2-in-1 model is a perfect example. You can easily switch to tablet mode for casual gaming anywhere, anytime. This 13-inch tablet packs some serious specs: a 120Hz refresh rate, a GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. It’s powered by a highly capable 12th-gen Intel i7 processor. The 2024 model, which we haven’t reviewed yet, boasts an impressive RTX 4060 and Core i9, promising even better performance. That might seem like a lot for a tablet, but the model features intelligent cooling with a custom vapor chamber module. The design also eliminates keyboard heat, a common issue with gaming laptops. The Z13 keeps your hands comfortable, even during intense gaming sessions.
Razer Blade 15
Why you should buy it:
It has the best build quality of any 15-inch gaming laptop, and the screen is incredible.Who it’s for:
Gamers willing to pay a premium for a superior build.The Razer Blade 15 has consistently ranked as one of the best gaming laptops available, a testament to Razer’s exceptional design. While Razer has recently focused on the Blade 14 and 16, the Blade 15 is currently available at a significantly lower price. You can snag the RTX 4070 model for $2,200, an affordable price for a Razer laptop, $800 less than an RTX 4070 Razer Blade 16. If you opt for the 12th-gen Intel model, you can choose a 240Hz OLED display, which is exceptional. The newer 13th-gen models offer better graphics, with the RTX 4060 or 4070. The Razer Blade 16 boasts newer Intel processors and a 240Hz OLED Display. It also features a 16:10 aspect ratio display with thinner bezels. While we haven’t reviewed the newest model, if you’re a Razer fan, the Blade 15 is currently our recommendation.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18
This list includes compact gaming laptops and budget-friendly options, but there’s always room for something truly over the top – a gaming laptop with no limits. That’s the ROG Strix Scar 18. This massive laptop delivers exceptional gaming performance, a gorgeous mini-LED display, and a flashy RGB light bar running across the bottom. If your laptop is primarily stationary and your budget is substantial, you won’t find a better gaming experience than the ROG Strix Scar 18. The RTX 4090 has ample room to breathe, ensuring the absolute best performance, and it’s paired with an equally impressive screen. With a 2560 x 1600 resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, and over 2,000 local dimming zones, it’s one of the best screens you’ll ever play games on. The brightness is phenomenal, providing an exceptional HDR experience that truly brings games to life. On top of that, the Strix Scar 18 boasts surprisingly good battery life when needed. It’s the complete package – just be prepared to pay a premium for it.
