The best gaming laptop can give desktops a run for their money, with the added conveniences of better portability and a built-in display. However, for all the similarities these clamshell computers share with tower PCs, they have a number of unique quirks you need to be aware of before buying on. So, whether you’re in the market for a desktop replacement or a mighty micro machine, we’re here to help.
The latest laptops pack Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 or AMD Radeon RX 7000 series graphics, alongside AMD Ryzen 7000 and 13th Gen Intel Core processors, all of which will handily run the latest games. Just note that higher-spec models will typically run hot and loud under full load, as the components inside them pull the most power and so require more active cooling.
While battery life is understandably an important consideration when buying a gaming laptop, you’ll get the most performance out of one by having it plugged in. This is true at every price point, from the best budget laptops to the most expensive. Generally, the most critical specs will be your GPU and CPU, as the majority of models feature upgradeable RAM and SSD storage.
There are other factors like a laptop’s screen that also greatly impact the experience of using it, with resolution, refresh rate, and panel type all affecting usability in their own ways. Some even feature dual-mode displays, as seen in our Razer Blade 16 (2023) review. We’re constantly testing the latest models and adjusting our list here accordingly, so be sure to read our reviews for each entry.
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Razer Blade 16 (2023)
Best gaming laptop overall
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| GPU | Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 (175W) |
| CPU | Intel Core i9 13950HX |
| RAM | Up to 32GB |
| Storage | Up to 2TB |
| Display | 16-inch UHD+ (3840 x 2400) 120Hz / FHD+ (1920 x 1200) 240Hz 16-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) 240Hz |
| Battery | 95.2Whr |
- Dual-mode Mini LED display
- Top-of-the-line specs and performance
- Good battery life
- Some specs don’t meld well
- Gets toasty under load
- Can be very pricey
There is no other gaming laptop out there like the Razer Blade 16 (2023), and we can’t help but wish there were more like this portable PC, given how excellent it is. Naturally, it can pack all the performance you can get in a 16-inch chassis, but it’s the device’s dual-mode Mini LED display that helps it shine brighter than the competition.
The Blade 16 (2023) can be configured with every GeForce RTX 40 series graphics card, from the RTX 4090 down. Combine this with an Intel Core i9 13950HX and your frame rate’s assured to be sky-high, especially with Nvidia DLSS 3.0 added into the mix in supported games.
You can put this performance to work in one of two ways with Dual-Mode Mini LED display, either opting for a UHD+ resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate or FHD+ and 240Hz instead. This makes the Blade 16 perfect for gamers who enjoy both cinematic and competitive games.
Read our Razer Blade 16 (2023) review.
HP Omen 16 (2023)
Best value gaming laptop
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| GPU | Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 (145W) |
| CPU | Up to Intel Core i9 13900HX |
| RAM | Up to 32GB |
| Storage | Up to 2TB |
| Display | Up to 16.1-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) 240Hz |
| Battery | 70Whr |
- Great connectivity for a slim laptop
- 7 hours of general use battery
- Limited GPU options
- Basic aesthetic
You don’t need to bend over backward to meet the prices of powerful gaming laptops to have a solid gaming experience, and the HP Omen 16 (2023) is proof of that. Costing just over $1,000 / £1,000 for its base spec, the amount of value it offers budget-conscious gamers is stark.
In order to hit this price point, HP has smartly focussed on what matters most about a laptop (its performance) but this does mean that the device isn’t the flashiest around. While its cooling solution is admirably sufficient, it can get a touch loud and hot if you push it hard enough.
All that said, it doesn’t skimp on connectivity or battery life, making it an ideal machine for both gaming and lightweight tasks such as office work or study.
Read our HP Omen 16 (2023) review.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (2023)
Most powerful gaming laptop
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| CPU | AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX |
| GPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 |
| RAM | 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5, 5,400MHz |
| Display | 17-inch, 2560×1440, 240Hz, IPS |
| Storage | 2TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe |
| Battery | 90WHr |
- Impressive performance
- Beautiful screen
- Solid build quality
- Expensive
- Lackluster keyboard
- Underwhelming battery life
The ROG Strix Scar 17 is an absolute monster of a gaming laptop, particularly where performance is concerned. It packs top-tier specs, like the GeForce RTX 4090 and Ryzen 9 7945HX, that return sky-high frame rates.
All this power is contained in a surprisingly tasteful and thin chassis, with build quality that will leave few if any wanting. Not that you’ll be paying that too much mind, as you’ll have trouble taking your eyes off its gorgeous 17-inch, QHD, 240Hz display.
Its weaknesses are few but notable, with battery life being its primary shortfall. That said, if you can keep a power socket handy and don’t mind paying a premium price, you’re in for a performant treat.
Read our Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (2023) review.
FAQ
Are gaming laptops worth the cost?
A common misconception is that all gaming laptops are too expensive and not worth the cost. Unlike desktops, where you can pick and choose your components and then build them yourself, gaming laptops charge a premium for being a pre-built package designed to achieve the best gaming performance possible (within the limits of its specs).
As long as you’ve done your research on the specifications you want, you’ll see that gaming laptops follow a standard pricing structure with only certain brands charging well above these costs based on their proprietary features. All in all, the convenience of a gaming laptop is worth the cost.
How long should a gaming laptop last?
Gaming laptops tend to have a shorter lifespan than a typical daily-use machine. This is due to the strain they perform under while gaming. We would say that a gaming laptop should last anywhere between three and five years if well-maintained. This means regular cleaning and ensuring your game settings are always optimized so your hardware isn’t working overtime every time you boot up a game.
What size screen is best for a gaming laptop?
This is a decision that could come down to personal preference, but we believe that 17.3 inches is the ideal screen size for gaming. You will find that 15-inch screens are the most common, but our reasoning behind 17.3 inches comes down to more than just screen real estate.
With a larger screen comes a larger frame, and this can often allow manufacturers to implement a better cooling system to keep your laptop at a more manageable temperature for longer gaming sessions. It will also come down to the technology included with the screen, as we’d take a 15-inch 4K 144Hz OLED display over a 17.3-inch 1080p 60Hz option any day.