5 best laptops for gaming (2024)
Today, the best laptops for gaming are more portable and powerful than ever before. These machines have come far since their origin and have become true desktop replacements. With top-of-the-line displays and over-the-top graphics processors, people now have a chance to go fully desktop-free, practically eliminating the need to have a full-on PC setup.
We understand if you’re confused about choosing the right model as there are just way too many laptops, each with a ton of configurations. You might wonder whether you really need that RTX 40 series GPU, whether you need that beautiful OLED display, and in some cases, whether you really need that extra RAM. We get it, it’s exhausting.
We’ve got you covered though, as in this listicle, we’ll disclose what we feel are the best laptops you should buy this year.
Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's views.
The best laptops for gaming in 2024
1) Asus ROG Zephyrus M16
Price: $3,499.99
The Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 might be one of the best laptops in the market right now, and probably my personal favorite as well. It features just about anything you’d need in a portable gaming setup. You get a 13th-gen Intel Core i9 processor along with the holy grail of GPUs, the RTX 4090. Honestly, these two features are all you need to know to get an idea of how insanely powerful this laptop is.
However, with great power, comes a very high power consumption and the fans aren’t exactly the quietest either. Nevertheless, it still makes for a solid buy if you have the budget.
You also get a large 16" QHD+ display with a 240Hz refresh rate. Being a 16" display, it provides an advantage over the smaller variants but also isn't so large that you'd have to compromise on portability. It has an incredible battery life, featuring a beefy 90Wh battery, which could stand hours of gaming easily.
Pros:
- Provides top-tier performance with its powerful i9-13900H processor RTX 4090 GPU.
- Has an excellent build quality with a focus on good cooling.
- Has a large 16" QHD+ display with very smooth visuals.
Cons:
- It is the most expensive option on the list.
- Has a slightly bulky design due to its powerful components and larger chassis.
2) HP Omen 17
Price: $1,349.99
The HP Omen series truly baffles me with its value for money. Most premium gaming laptops cost a fortune, but the HP Omen 17 offers top-of-the-line features at super affordable rates. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS and the Nvidia RTX 4070, the Omen 17 might be one of the best laptops you can go for if you have around $1300 to spare.
Also, there’s an offer going on right now. So, you’re getting it at a much cheaper price than the original cost, which goes upwards of $1700.
The large 17.3" display looks remarkable with QHD resolution and has a very wide viewing angle. You also get HyperX speakers, which are quite good based on reviews and create an immersive gaming experience overall. With specifications like these, you can play just about every game there is at some of the best settings.
Pros:
- Offers excellent value for money with its powerful performance and competitive price.
- The Ryzen 7 CPU is known for reliable performance and battery efficiency.
- The expansive 17-inch display provides a more immersive gaming experience.
Cons:
- The Ryzen 7 may not be as good as the i9 CPU seen in other options.
- Has a bulky design due to its 17-inch display size making it less portable.
3) Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 9
Price: $1,592.99
Getting into the mid-range category, the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 9 might be one of the best laptops you can buy. For the price you’re paying, there are very few models that offer features that this one possesses. You get a 14th-gen Intel i7 processor along with the modest RTX 4060 GPU, making it a super-worthy option for those on a tighter budget.
Of course, the HP Omen we mentioned earlier comes at a cheaper price, but it would undoubtedly go up once the offer ends.
The display on the Legion Pro 5i Gen 9 is a large 16" WQXGA, which is a slightly wider QHD screen and offers a better field of view. You get a refresh rate of 165Hz that promises smoother visuals without stutters or tears. Moreover, the 80Wh battery on this laptop is quite impressive and would be perfect for long gaming sessions.
Pros:
- It offers strong performance with the powerful i7 CPU and RTX 4060 GPU.
- Legion laptops are generally known for being well-built and reliable.
- It offers a good balance between performance and portability.
Cons:
- The battery life may not be the best.
- It is one of the pricier options for an RTX 4060 GPU.
4) MSI Katana GF76
Price: $1,349.99
The MSI Katana GF76 is a pretty big laptop at 17.3” and would be one of the best if you’re a fan of larger screens. While it features a processor from an older generation, it still makes for a solid model as it is powered by the RTX 3070 GPU that puts up really good performance.
Like most mid-range MSI laptops though, the Katana GF78, too, only features an FHD screen with a lower battery life of 53Wh. For the price you’re paying, this is quite a bummer. Nevertheless, the large screen still looks good and the battery can last upwards of five to six hours of moderate gaming.
Pros:
- It offers great value with the powerful RTX 3070 GPU at a more competitive price point.
- Has a focus on performance with its i7 processor.
- The large 17.3" display offers an immersive gaming experience.
Cons:
- Features a slightly older CPU generation which may be inferior in performance.
- Has a less premium build quality compared to pricier options.
5) Acer Predator Triton 300 SE
Price: $899.99
The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE is one of the best laptops for students because of the features it offers. It is powered by a 12th-gen Intel i7 processor and the modest RTX 3060 graphics card. This makes for a good combo for AAA gaming with some compromises in quality.
It features a 14" WUXGA display, which may be a drawback for some, but I think it makes for a super portable option to game on the go. Despite having a lower battery life of 56Wh, Acer claims the laptop can run up to 11 hours on a full charge.
Pros:
- It is the most affordable on the list.
- Offers decent performance with its RTX 3060 GPU and i7 processor.
- It is super portable due to its 14" build making it lighter to carry around.
Cons:
- Offers lower performance compared to other options.
- It may not be as future-proof as other options.
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