10 Best Gaming Laptops

Wally Nowinski
editor

Our experts used the PerfectRec decision engine to comb through our laptop database and find the best gaming laptops available in 2024. Here are our top picks.

Our criteria for the best gaming laptops:

  • Operating System: We limited the search to Windows laptops since there are more games available than on Mac.
  • Usage: Our experts looked for the best gaming laptops available, without giving any special weight to budget, screen size, weight, or battery life.
To consider others factors, try the PerfectRec decision engine to get your personalized laptop recommendation
Get your personalized recommendations

10 Best Gaming Laptops

1
Lenovo 16”

Legion 9i

BEST RATING
General Use Screen Quality:
5.0
Gaming/AI: A
Size: 16"
Overall Performance: Best in Class
Portability: Very thick, heavy
Battery: Poor




Expert Summary
The Lenovo Legion 9i is a high-end laptop with a durable build and high-quality keyboard. It's equipped with a large amount of storage, plenty of RAM, a powerful Intel i9 processor, and an Nvidia RTX graphics card, making it suitable for intensive gaming, 3D rendering, machine learning, and engineering tasks. However, it is less portable due to its weight and has a battery life appropriate for only a few hours of typical use, so it may not be the best choice for those who need to work on the go. The device has a Mini LED screen with a high refresh rate, excellent color coverage, and a high resolution, which contributes to a great visual experience, whether for work or entertainment. Additionally, it includes multiple USB-C and Thunderbolt ports, but the high performance and features come at a higher price.
Pros
  • High-resolution 16 inch display
  • Powerful i9 CPU and RTX 4090 GPU
  • Excellent screen color accuracy
  • Robust build quality and heat management
  • Top-notch general and engineering performance
Cons
  • Heavy at 5.64 pounds
  • Fair portability due to size
  • Only 3 hours battery life
  • No touchscreen capability
2
MSI 17.3”

Raider GE78

BEST RATING
Gaming & AI:
4.9
Gaming/AI: A+
Size: 17.3"
Overall Performance: Best in Class
Portability: Very thick, very heavy
Battery: Good




Expert Summary
The MSI Raider GE78 is a high-end laptop with substantial storage and a powerful combination of an Intel i9 processor and Nvidia RTX graphics, well-suited for gaming and intensive engineering or 3D/machine learning tasks. It features a large and high-refresh-rate display but is heavy, which affects its portability. The battery life is on the lower side. It is priced at the higher end of the spectrum, reflecting its premium components and performance capabilities.
Pros
  • Powerful Main Processor
  • High-end GPU
  • Large, High-refresh-rate Screen
  • Ample Storage and RAM
  • Numerous Ports, USB-C Charging
Cons
  • Short Battery Life
  • Heavy and Thick
  • Poor Portability
3
Lenovo 16”

Legion 9i

BEST RATING
General Use Screen Quality:
5.0
Gaming/AI: A
Size: 16"
Overall Performance: Best in Class
Portability: Very thick, heavy
Battery: Poor




Pros
  • High-resolution screen
  • Great heat management
  • Powerful main processor
  • Superior GPU performance
  • Full sRGB color coverage
Cons
  • Heavier than average
  • Average battery life
  • Loud fan noise under load
  • Not the most portable
4
Dell 17.3”

Alienware m18 R1

BEST RATING
Gaming & AI:
4.8
Gaming/AI: A
Size: 17.3"
Overall Performance: Best in Class
Portability: Very thick, very heavy
Battery: Fair




Expert Summary
The Dell Alienware m18 R1 is a high-performance laptop with a premium price. It includes a large amount of storage, substantial memory, and a top-tier Intel i9 processor alongside an Nvidia RTX 4080 GPU, making it extremely capable for gaming, 3D rendering, machine learning, and engineering tasks. The large 17.3-inch IPS display offers a high resolution but is not a touchscreen. The weight is substantial, suggesting limited portability, and the battery life is shorter compared to less powerful machines. It excels in performance and screen quality, but the size and battery trade-off may limit its use for on-the-go tasks. It also features a full suite of ports including USB-C and Thunderbolt, a backlit keyboard with a number pad, hardware ray tracing, and DLSS for gaming.
Pros
  • High RAM and storage
  • Powerful Intel i9 processor
  • Advanced Nvidia RTX 4080 GPU
  • Large, high-refresh rate screen
  • Multiple high-speed USB ports
Cons
  • Below average battery life
  • Low portability
  • Relatively heavy at nearly 9 pounds
  • Not touchscreen
5
Lenovo 16”

Legion Pro 7i

BEST RATING
Gaming & AI:
4.8
Gaming/AI: A
Size: 16"
Overall Performance: Best in Class
Portability: Thick, very heavy
Battery: Fair




Expert Summary
The Lenovo Legion 7i Pro is a premium laptop with a strong focus on gaming and high-performance tasks. It comes with a powerful Intel i9 processor and a top-tier Nvidia RTX 4080 graphics card, making it suitable for intensive 3D rendering, machine learning, and gaming. It has a large amount of storage and memory, enhancing its multitasking capabilities. The battery capacity is ample, but battery life is average, which is common in high-performance gaming laptops. The screen is sizeable and has a high refresh rate, ideal for fast-paced games, and the laptop is also equipped with a variety of ports, including USB-C and Thunderbolt, for easy connectivity. While the keyboard and speakers are of high quality, the laptop is relatively heavy, impacting its portability. If you require a machine for engineering, gaming, or other demanding tasks and can manage a less portable device with average battery life, the Legion 7i Pro would be an excellent choice.
Pros
  • High RAM and storage capacity
  • Powerful Intel i9 CPU and Nvidia GPU
  • High refresh rate and brightness display
  • Good color accuracy and coverage
  • Qualifies as a premium business laptop
Cons
  • Short battery life
  • Moderate portability due to weight
  • Lacks touchscreen capability
  • Less suited for on-the-go use
6
Lenovo 16”

Legion Pro 7i

BEST RATING
Gaming & AI:
4.8
Gaming/AI: A
Size: 16"
Overall Performance: Best in Class
Portability: Thick, very heavy
Battery: Fair




Expert Summary
The Lenovo Legion 7i Pro is a high-end laptop with a substantial price due to its Intel i9 processor and Nvidia RTX 4090 graphics card. It has 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, ensuring high performance for even the most demanding tasks, such as 3D rendering, machine learning, and engineering software. Its 16-inch IPS display with a high refresh rate makes it suitable for intensive gaming and smooth visuals, while the high resolution and color accuracy offer a vivid picture quality. However, with a weight of over 6 pounds and a battery life that only supports typical usage for up to 5 hours, it is not the most portable option. Furthermore, its gaming appearance might not appeal to those seeking a more business-oriented design. It features a backlit keyboard with a number pad, multiple USB-C and Thunderbolt ports, and supports USB-C charging, making connectivity and charging convenient. It was released in March 2023 and runs on Windows 11 Home.
Pros
  • High-performance Intel i9 processor
  • Top-tier Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU
  • Excellent keyboard quality
  • High screen refresh rate
  • Substantial RAM and storage
Cons
  • Heavier than average, affecting portability
  • Short battery life for typical usage
  • Thicker than many laptops
  • Higher end of price spectrum
7
HP 17.3”

Omen 17

BEST RATING
Gaming & AI:
4.7
Gaming/AI: A
Size: 17.3"
Overall Performance: Excellent
Portability: Very thick, very heavy
Battery: Poor




Expert Summary
The HP Omen 17 is a premium gaming laptop that boasts a large 17.3-inch display with a high refresh rate, ideal for gamers and professionals who work with fast-moving visuals. It's equipped with a high-end Nvidia RTX 4080 graphics card and an Intel i7 processor, which make it powerful enough for 3D rendering, machine learning tasks, and engineering software. It offers excellent heat management but is weightier than average, making it less portable. The keyboard is backlit with a number pad, contributing to a very good overall build quality. Its screen offers vibrant colors and brightness, though it lacks a touchscreen. You'll find a variety of ports, including Thunderbolt, Ethernet, and USB-C charging, which enhances its connectivity. Expect a solid battery life for typical usage, but keep in mind that intensive tasks will likely drain the battery faster. The Omen 17 is particularly suited for intensive gaming and demanding computational tasks, but it's less ideal for those who require a lightweight and highly portable laptop.
Pros
  • Powerful Intel i7 processor
  • High-end Nvidia RTX 4080 GPU
  • Large 17.3-inch display
  • Good keyboard quality
  • Effective heat management
Cons
  • Relatively short battery life
  • Heavier, less portable design
  • No touchscreen available
  • Limited portability score
8
ASUS 18”

ROG Strix G18

BEST RATING
Engineering & Design:
4.9
Gaming/AI: A
Size: 18"
Overall Performance: Best in Class
Portability: Very thick, very heavy
Battery: Good




Expert Summary
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 is a powerful laptop designed for intensive tasks such as gaming, 3D rendering, and machine learning with its top-tier Intel i9 processor and Nvidia RTX 4090 graphics. It offers a very large amount of storage and a considerable amount of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and performance. With an 18-inch screen, high resolution, and extremely fast refresh rate, the display is well-suited for immersive visual experiences, but its larger size and heavier weight reduce portability. The battery life is moderate, making it less ideal for long durations away from power sources. This laptop has a high-quality build, efficient heat management, and a comfortable backlit keyboard with a number pad. It's a premium device with a corresponding high price, fitting for users who prioritize performance and display quality over portability and battery life.
Pros
  • High-performance CPU and GPU
  • Large, high-refresh-rate screen
  • Very high screen brightness
  • Excellent color space coverage
  • Good port selection with Thunderbolt
Cons
  • Short battery life
  • Poor portability, quite heavy
  • No touchscreen capability
  • Not designed as business laptop
9
BEST RATING
Gaming & AI:
4.6
Gaming/AI: A-
Size: 14"
Overall Performance: Very Good
Portability: Med. thick, light
Battery: Good




Expert Summary
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is a high-performance laptop with a relatively premium price tag, suitable for intensive gaming, engineering, and 3D/machine learning tasks. It has an AMD Ryzen 9 processor and an Nvidia RTX 4080 GPU, delivering top-notch performance. It includes 16 GB of RAM and a 1024 GB storage drive, which is ample for most professional and gaming needs. The 14-inch IPS display offers a resolution of 2560 x 1600 and a max refresh rate suitable for fast-paced content. The battery life is decent, balancing performance with some degree of portability, weighing under 4 pounds. The laptop has a variety of ports including USB-C and HDMI, though it lacks Ethernet and Thunderbolt ports. The backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, and Windows 11 Home enhance the user experience. However, its main drawbacks are its size, making it less portable than smaller, lighter laptops, and potential fan noise during heavy usage.
Pros
  • High-end CPU and GPU for gaming
  • Relatively light and thin for portability
  • Good screen resolution and refresh rate
  • Robust build quality
  • Supports USB-C charging
Cons
  • Moderate battery life
  • No touchscreen available
  • Not the lightest, given its size
  • Lacks Thunderbolt ports
10
MSI 17.3”

Stealth 17

BEST RATING
Engineering & Design:
4.9
Gaming/AI: A
Size: 17.3"
Overall Performance: Excellent
Portability: Med. thick, very heavy
Battery: Fair




Expert Summary
The MSI Stealth 17 is a high-end laptop with ample storage and top-of-the-line RAM. It's powered by an Intel i9 processor and an Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU, ideal for intensive tasks like gaming, 3D rendering, machine learning, or engineering applications. With a 17.3-inch IPS display featuring a high refresh rate, it's excellent for motion clarity but it's not a touchscreen. The battery life is on the lower side, making it less portable. The laptop has a solid build, backlit keyboard with a number pad, and supports hardware ray tracing and DLSS. It has various ports, including USB-C with Thunderbolt, and despite its power, it manages heat and fan noise well. However, it's heavy and perhaps better suited as a desktop replacement than for travel.
Pros
  • High-performance main processor
  • Powerful GPU for gaming, 3D work
  • Large RAM for multitasking
  • Spacious storage capacity
  • High screen refresh rate
Cons
  • Heavy, less portable
  • Shorter battery life
  • Larger physical size
  • High-end price point