When choosing between the ASUS ROG Strix G18 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2, consider that the ASUS is likely to offer stronger gaming and performance capabilities, which suits intensive tasks like gaming and engineering software, but it's bulkier, making it less easy to carry around. On the other hand, the Surface Laptop Studio 2, while typically pricier, emphasizes versatility with a touchscreen and pen support, is likely more portable, and could be more suited for creative professionals who prioritize design and flexibility over raw power. Battery life may also be better on the Surface, supporting longer use without charging. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024)
Excellent for engineering and design
Very good for gaming and AI
Very good overall display quality
Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
Very good overall build quality
Good portability
Key differences
Gaming and AI
8.7/10
7.7/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.5/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.2/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.7/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) is very good for gaming and AI, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is good.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 boasts a high-end GPU and a screen with a very high refresh rate, which are crucial for smooth and immersive gaming and 3D modeling performance, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2, with its capable GPU and good screen quality, is designed to balance between power and versatility but may not match the sheer gaming performance of the ASUS. However, the Surface's moderate refresh rate and highly regarded screen quality make it a strong contender for users who prioritize a combination of performance and a high-resolution display for general productivity alongside gaming and 3D tasks.
Engineering and Design
9.2/10
8.7/10
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.5/10
32.0 GB
RAM
64.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) is excellent for engineering and design, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is very good.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 offers a robust CPU, high amount of RAM, and a superior GPU, which are essential for demanding engineering software and graphically intensive tasks, along with a high-quality screen for detailed visuals. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2, while also having a capable CPU and ample RAM, prioritizes a balance of performance and portability with a versatile design and a quality keyboard, making it suitable for on-the-go professionals who need a reliable machine for design work without the added bulk.
Screen Quality
8.7/10
7.9/10
18.0in
SIZE
14.4in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
422.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
503.0 nits
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 boast high-resolution displays and bright panels, providing crisp and clear visuals for everyday tasks and detailed design work. For engineering and design, both laptops present wide color gamuts, enabling accurate color representation crucial for professional editing and modeling. However, their screens have lower refresh rates, which can make fast-paced gaming and 3D rendering less smooth, hindering the visual performance for these specific activities.
Portability
Poor
Good
18.0in
SIZE
14.4in
6.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.4 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 has good portability, while the ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8/10
8.5/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 has very good build quality, while the ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$2,203
$3,300
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) has a price of $2,203 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 costs $3,300.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 are both very good for general use.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 offers robust performance with its high-quality CPU and ample RAM, making it suitable for demanding tasks, gaming, or engineering software, but it's less portable and has shorter battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2, while offering good screen quality and CPU performance for general use, emphasizes portability and battery life, making it a more versatile choice for on-the-go users.
Content Creation
8.8/10
8.4/10
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
32.0 GB
RAM
64.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 are both very good for content creation.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
8.5/10
8.2/10
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
32.0 GB
RAM
64.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 are both very good for software development.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Battery
8.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 has 8 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 has 8 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 compare to other laptops
"With the ROG Strix G18, Asus has made an almost consistently good debut in the still quite new 18-inch laptop segment. The base unit case shows a few signs of weakness in the area of stability and is something which has an effect on the perceived quality of the input devices (the chassis tends to rattle a bit). Nevertheless, thanks to generous port features (incl. Thunderbolt 4), a striking design, and extensive lighting (keyboard, LED strip on the front), gamers get a fitting gaming platform."
"The new Surface Laptop Studio with its foldable display is supposed to replace the old Surface Book and the overall impression is good after our review. The build quality and the materials are top-notch, the performance utilization of the two components is solid and the device does not show any major flaws in terms of display or speakers, either. The folding mechanism leaves a sold impression as well, but it remains to be seen how it will hold up over the years. The so-called presentation mode is also not ideal since it covers the whole keyboard."
Get a great deal on the ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
About ASUS
ASUS, a Taiwanese electronics brand, is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. The majority of their laptops are targeted towards personal use or gaming. Their most popular product lines include the budget-friendly VivoBook, more premium ZenBook, and their TUF and ROG gaming laptops, the latter of which has a reputation for excellent gaming performance.
About Microsoft
Microsoft is an American technology corporation. Microsoft is best known for their Windows operating system and Surface laptop series. The Surface Laptop is their standard notebook offering, while their Surface Go, Surface Pro, and Surface Studio are their 2-in-1/tablet offerings in order of increasing capability. Although Microsoft charges a premium price tag for their laptops, buyers can expect a well integrated and packaged device since Microsoft develops the Windows operating system.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
101,595
Recommendations made
22,013
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.