Best Gaming Laptops
Acer Predator Helios 16
PROS:
- The port selection is extremely good - it includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports
pcworld.com - Reasonable price
pcgamer.com - CPU and GPU performance is quite decent for the laptop's low price
pcworld.com
CONS:
- Turbo mode is monstrously loud
pcgamer.com - The off-center positioning of the trackpad isn't ideal
pcworld.com - My display's 165Hz refresh rate didn't do a lot to prevent stuttering
pcworld.com
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (2023)
PROS:
- That new AMD CPU is a star
pcgamer.com - Three figure framerates at Ultra settings
gamesradar.com - Relatively slim chassis for a 17-incher
pcgamer.com
CONS:
- Ports moved back to sides
gamesradar.com - Trackpad feels a little mushy and clunky
gamesradar.com - Translucent design won't be for everyone
gamesradar.com
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
PROS:
- Highly portable
pcgamer.com - + Asus finally added a webcam
tomshardware.com - + Surprisingly good speakers
tomshardware.com
CONS:
- Some keyboard touchpoints run uncomfortably warm
tomshardware.com - High-end configuration is pricey
tomshardware.com - Memory is soldered
pcgamer.com
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 8
PROS:
CONS:
- Weak battery life
pcgamer.com - Lacking in battery life
pcmag.com - Noisy fans under heavy load
pcmag.com
MSI Katana 15 (2023)
PROS:
- Good entry level price
techradar.com - Ideal for a first gaming laptop
techradar.com - Solid 1080p gaming performance
techradar.com
CONS:
- Washed-out display
tomshardware.com - Trackpad not great
techradar.com - Styling is a bit old
techradar.com
Razer Blade 18
PROS:
- Gorgeous, understated design
pcworld.com - Ridiculous 3D performance
pcworld.com - Luxury design with solid build quality
gamesradar.com
CONS:
- Softer keyboard feel
gamesradar.com - Can't upgrade memory
cnet.com - Switching display modes requires rebooting
pcworld.com
- theverge.com: Razer Blade 18 review: the price is going up - The Verge (80%)
- gamesradar.com: Razer Blade 15 review (2022): "A bleeding-edge set of components with a 4K flourish" (90%)
- theverge.com: Razer Blade 16 review: the RTX 4090 is a powerful, very expensive chip - The Verge (80%)
- pcworld.com: Razer Blade 16 review: A major powerhouse with a dual-mode display (90%)
- cnet.com: Razer Blade 14 (2021) review: A mighty mite of a gaming laptop - CNET (85%)
- theverge.com: The best gaming laptops - The Verge
- gamesradar.com: The best gaming laptop 2024 - all the latest models compared
- theverge.com: The best gaming laptops - The Verge
- pcworld.com: Best gaming laptops 2024: No-nonsense reviews & expert buying advice
- cnet.com: Best Gaming Laptop for 2024 - CNET
Alienware M18
PROS:
- Less expensive than the other 18-inch gaming laptop we've reviewed
cnet.com - Massive screen for gaming
cnet.com - Full sized keyboard and number pad
gamesradar.com
CONS:
- Display quality doesn't live up to competition
gamesradar.com - The heaviest gaming laptop we've tested so far
gamesradar.com - Fans can get loud while gaming
cnet.com
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18
PROS:
- Solid speakers
tomshardware.com - Full sized keyboard
gamesradar.com - Bright, colorful display
tomshardware.com
CONS:
- Port placement is messy
gamesradar.com - 720p webcam
tomshardware.com - Not easily portable
gamesradar.com
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)
Acer Chromebook 516 GE
PROS:
- Gorgeous 120Hz display
pcmag.com - Attractive and rigid design
pcworld.com - Rich port selection
pcmag.com
CONS:
- USB-C ports aren't Thunderbolt 4
pcmag.com - Disappointing speakers, microphone
pcworld.com - Mediocre keyboard and touchpad
pcworld.com
MSI Titan 18 HX
PROS:
- Extraordinary CPU and GPU performance
pcworld.com - Excellent mechanical keyboard
pcworld.com - Superb 4K 120Hz Mini-LED display
pcworld.com
CONS:
- Prohibitively expensive
pcmag.com - Attractive but mediocre touchpad
pcworld.com - Audio is disappointing for music
tomshardware.com
Razer Blade 14 (2023)
PROS:
- Long battery life
pcmag.com - Quiet fans
pcmag.com - Excellent gaming performance
techradar.com
CONS:
- Much higher starting price than the original
pcmag.com - Poor battery life
techradar.com - Shallow keyboard
pcmag.com
Alienware m18 R2
PROS:
Meh // not enough data:
- HP Omen Transcend 14 (2024) (80)
- Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model (2020) (92)
- Gigabyte G5 (2023) (83)
- HP Victus 16 (75)
- Asus ROG Flow X16 (81)
- MSI GT77 Titan (2023) (80)
- Asus ROG Flow Z13 (80)
- Lenovo Legion 5 Pro (2022) (70)
- Victus 15 (70)
- Acer Nitro 5 (79)
- Asus TUF A15 FA507 (70)
- HP Omen Transcend 14 (90)
- Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 (80)
- Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (Gen 8) (80)
- Acer Nitro 16 (90)
- MSI Raider GE78 HX (90)
- Asus ROG Strix G16 (80)
- Gigabyte Aero 16 OLED (2023) (80)
- Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 (14.5-Inch) (90)
- Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition (90)
- Asus ROG Strix Scar X3D (90)
- Dell G15 (80)
- MSI Cyborg 15 (2023) (80)
- Acer Nitro V 15 (ANV15-51-59MT) (80)
- Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 (80)
- Dell Alienware m16 R2 (90)