There are so many wondrous gaming laptops right now , as manufacturer have hone the craft of balance of performance and portability . But which are the very best play laptop option ?
We ’re best target to answer that motion , as we test and look back dozens of gaming laptops each year . We employ each laptop for at least a calendar week , making sure to examine the performance and shelling life via benchmark , as well as evaluating the likes of the aim , screen , package and more .
Those that receive a high military rank qualify for this very best gaming laptop computer guide , so you’re able to see all our favourite pick in one berth . This way , you’re able to be certain you ’re get the best value for your money .
We ’ve also made certain to include as much variety as potential , whether you ’re after a gaming laptop computer under the £ 1000/$1000 mark , or need a beast with as much power as potential . Whatever you fancy , we have the right gaming laptop computer for you .
And if you ’re looking for a different kind of laptop computer instead , ensure to check out our pathfinder forBest Laptop , Best Budget Laptop , Best Student LaptopandBest Ultrabook . Otherwise , incur our Best Gaming Laptop ranking below .
Best gaming laptops at a glance
SQUIRREL_ANCHOR_LIST
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 X3D
Pros
Cons
MSI Vector 17 HX (2024)
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024)
Acer Nitro 5 (2022)
Framework Laptop 16
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2024)
Razer Blade 16 (2024)
Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8
Acer Predator Triton 17 X (2023)
Trusted Score
If you ’re looking for the ointment of the crop for power , then theAsus ROG Strix Scar 17 X3Dgaming laptop computer is a fantastic choice , although you will be paying quite a hefty sum for such a bounty experience . bet past the eye - lachrymation £ 3799/$3999 cost tag , the ROG Strix Scar 17 X3D comes with a new three-D V cacheCPUthat can enable triple - A games to run even quicker .
The upgraded AMD Ryzen 9 processor , coupled with theNvidia RTX 4090graphics cardallowed this laptop computer to top executive through our gaming benchmarks , towering above its rivalry in ourRainbow Six ExtractionandCyberpunk 2077QHDtests . Our reviewer noted that it was one of the fastest laptops they had ever essay and perfect for gamers who prioritise naked as a jaybird might .
The large 17.3 - inch display packs a 240Hzrefresh ratealongside a 2560×1440 IPS showing , withgamut coveragesof 99.9%sRGB , 98.2%DCI - P3and 84%Adobe RGB . In purely gaming - interrelate term , the screen ticked all the boxes for our reviewer , with ghosting kept to a lower limit and bear out forNvidia ’s G - Syncensuring that everything looked smooth and unstable .
While the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 X3D wo n’t be making it onto ourbest budget laptopround - up , there is a reason it sit atop this leaning . If you ’re looking for a premium laptop with supremely fast gaming carrying into action and all the bells and whistles of the Armoury Crate then this is one of the best choice out there .
Reviewer : Alun TaylorFull Review : Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 X3D reexamination
If you ’re front for a in high spirits performing gaming laptop that will offer smooth gameplay even at high detail circumstance , a pin - precipitous video and heaps of connectivity options then the MSI Vector 17 HX ( 2024 ) is a fantastic selection .
Its 3 kg human body alongside a 592 g power supplying means the Vector 17 HX is not a particularly portable laptop . In addition its stamp battery life is woefully little as it survive just under two and a half minute of playtime in our examination .
Running on the Intel Core i9 - 14900HX alongside 32 GB of DDR5 RAM , the Vector 17 HX score extremely across universal public presentation and productivity benchmark , with results equal even the truehearted alternatives such as theRazer Blade 16,Asus ROG Strix Scar 18and theAcer Predator Helios 18 .
Having said that , there ’s not quite enough big businessman to carry treble - A title at QHD or the aboriginal closure with ray trace event maxed out .
It ’s also worth noting that when run anything beyond basic productivity apps , the Vector 17 HX becomes a very noisy laptop , which is worsened once you pop out play . At peaks we measured sounds of over 58dBA which is what we ’d ask from a desktop PC or even a desk fan go at top swiftness .
Although its 17 - inch exhibit does have a lower contrast proportion than on an OLED or Mini LED alternative , we still found that blacks front dark and direct contrast level are decent . However we did incur colour truth was n’t the best but it was still good enough for everyday economic consumption .
Otherwise the presentation works well across videos and gaming , plus it sports a 240Hz refresh rate so game appear and feel especially placid .
The keyboard also feels large and stretched out , which make for a well-fixed typing experience . We also especially appreciated the transparent panache of the WASD keycaps which allow more of the RGB backlighting to shine through .
The MSI Vector 17 HX ( 2024 ) sports heaps of connectivity ports too , include Type - C and Type - A slots , one Thunderbolt 4 , Ethernet and HDMI . You ’ll also find a full - sized SD placard slot too .
Full review : MSI Vector 17 HX ( 2024 )
reader : Stuart Andrews
TheAsus ROG Zephyrus G16 ( 2024)is the ripe luxury gaming laptop you’re able to purchase . The 2024 model has set out a facelift that puts its style on par with other luxe options like the MacBook Pro and Razer Blade .
The new G16 comes with an all - atomic number 13 organic structure that oozes luxury , with its surprisingly slick flesh adding to this as well . It front a bit less gamer - y now too , ditching the AniMe Matrix kindling on the lid for a more reserved Slash Lighting alternative .
For power , you get the latest and expectant Intel Core Ultra chips as well as a slew of Nvidia GeForce RTX art chip pick . We test an RTX 4090 reading and it managed over 90fps at Ultra setting at FHD across our testing and could even manage 40fps with ray of light follow on too .
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 now comes with a luxurious display to match its stylish design as well . The control panel is a lush 16 - inch 240Hz QHD+ OLED . The results are awe - inspiring , provide terrific immersion and colour for gambling , mental object creation , productiveness employment and take in movies .
referee : Stuart AndrewsFull Review : Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 ( 2024 ) reassessment
TheAcer Nitro 5is a gambling laptop computer that excels at 1080p play . It has everything you ’d want from a mainstream play portable , including a high 165Hz refresh rate and enough ability to play any microcomputer plot with a fluid performance .
We were really impressed with the laptop computer ’s performance , packing a 12th Gen Intel Core chip , as well as a generous option of Nvidia GPUs . Our review exemplar featured Nvidia ’s RTX 3070 Ti nontextual matter , and was capable of run game such as Rainbow Six Siege at up to 314fps , making it a good selection for online multiplayer .
When activating the functioning manner , the Nitro negociate to play both Horizon Zero Dawn and Borderlands 3 at over 90fps . However , supercharge the performance in this way will see the laptop fan become distractingly noisy . We were also impressed by the SSD speeds , insure this laptop can blaze through burden time .
But with great office comes great heft , as the laptop consider 2.4 kilogram which is n’t ideal if you wanted this simple machine to replicate up as a productivity portable . Still , if you ’re crave a great value laptop for 1080p gaming , you ’ll struggle to bump a well option than the latest Acer Nitro 5 . And if you require an even cheaper play laptop , we suggest control out theLenovo Legion 5 ( Advantage Edition)instead .
Reviewer : Stuart AndrewsFull Review : Acer Nitro 5 ( 2022 ) revue
TheFramework Laptop 16is a gaming laptop with some remarkably admirable goal , target to supply a more sustainable solution to help the environment and consumer wallets . Its unequalled proposition is our top pickaxe for the practiced modular gambling laptop computer .
The simoleons and butter of the Modern 16 - inch offer from Framework is that it now offer a replaceable ( and upgradeable ) GPU . Along with being able to swap the ports and easily supercede the RAM , SSD , keyboard , trackpad , screenandCPU in rather unsubdivided mode , you’re able to now do the same with the GPU . These features allow for for enhanced longevity as well as far less costly repairs liken with some manufacturers who , either , do n’t let you to compensate your purchases or make it right hard .
As well as the stunning modularity , the Framework comes with strong eyeglasses , like a 1440p 165Hz IPS display that ’s ideal for gaming . within , it ’s an all - AMD thing , with a choice between a Ryzen 7 or 9 cow chip alongside an RX 7700S graphics chip . you may also configure it without a graphics splintering if you fancy as well .
reader : Alun TaylorFull Review : Framework Laptop 16 review
Gaming laptops come in many configuration and sizes but 18 - inch models have been abigtrend this past year . TheAsus ROG Strix Scar 18 ( 2024)is the ointment of the crop and our option for the top 18 - column inch gaming laptop computer .
The star of the show is the 18 - column inch Mini - LED QHD+ 240Hz panel crammed inside this massive machine . The size of it may defeat much of this laptop ’s portability but what it gives you is an unrivalled level of immersion of a grapple equipment . It see absolutely breathless whether you are back , watching motion-picture show or getting creative workplace done .
Of course , a huge equipment like this can cram in some serious internals . You ’ll get Intel ’s gaming - focused 14th Gen Intel Core i9 chip along with the top - tier RTX 4090 graphics option . We managed to get beyond 120fps in AAA game and 170fps in competitory titles at FHD Ultra configurations , picture the Brobdingnagian prowess of this enormous powerhouse .
reader : Stuart AndrewsFull Review : Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 ( 2024 ) review
TheRazer Blade 16 ( 2024)has seen a big upgrade in the form of a 240Hz OLED screen compared to its herald , becoming the first portable from Razer to combine such a speedy performance with the vivacious filmdom engineering .
Otherwise , Razer has keep the same super - stylish design as before , with the lusterlessness black anodised aluminium shell catching the optic more so than even its best gaming laptop competitor . It ’s not overindulgent with the RGB lighting either , permit you to use it both at home and at your work .
functioning is fantastic , with the laptop computer available with the breakneck Intel Core i9 - 14900HX and Nvidia RTX 4090 spectacles . We were able-bodied to run Cyberpunk 2077 in Quad HD with an impressive 87fps execution , despite it being one of the most taxing games you’re able to act .
The Razer is n’t quite the most powerful gaming laptop , nor is it the most portable , as there ’s some fierce competitor . But we do fuck the looks of the Razer Blade 16 , and it still performs well across the board . So if you care just as much about smell as you do about speed , then this is the best play laptop for you .
Reviewer : Stuart AndrewsFull Review : Razer Blade 16 ( 2024 ) review
reach a perfect five - hotshot rating , the Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 is a seriously telling gambling laptop that gasconade high operation , efficiency and portability , all for an affordable price .
Its 14.5 - inch OLED screenland is bright , vivacious and able to reach up to 615 nits in HDR mode , while sporting a 120Hz refresh rate and a lowly G2 GB response pace too , gain it perfect for gambling and CAD animations .
Not only that but the Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 come pre - installed with cristal - Rise Color Assistant which allows you to swop the presentation colour profile between AdobeRGB , DisplayP3 , sRBG and Rec.709 .
Its TrueStrike keyboard , although is a pleasure to type on thanks to its precise and tactile keycaps , does lack any classifiable gambling features which may be an issue for some .
power the Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 is the AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS CPU and Nvidia RTX 4080 GPU . While the former is n’t thebest processoron the market , it ’s still a powerful and more - than - capable offering . You do have the option to upgrade to the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS CPU for an extra £ 150 , however we do n’t guess this is worth the supererogatory splurge .
The Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 also run around telling thermal management with the maximal temperature achieve 39 ° 100 yet the fan randomness never exceeded 58.5dBA which is among the lowest figures we ’ve recorded from a gaming laptop .
Lenovo has also cleverly split the ironware and plot library management between two separate apps : Lenovo Vantage and Lenovo Arena respectively . This means that both apps are subsequently easier to navigate without need to scroll between multiple tabs .
Its battery life is solid too , lasting just over six hour and 45 minutes so this should just about see you comfortably through the working 24-hour interval .
Full reexamination : Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8
Reviewer : Alun Taylor
With a stunning 17 - column inch mini - conduct screen that delivers sensational uncloudedness , vivacious colour and up to a 250Hz refresh pace , the Acer Predator Triton 17 X boasts one of the best show we ’ve seen on a gaming laptop .
Although 17 - in laptops are becoming more usual , the Predator Triton 17 X opts for a taller 16:10 aspect proportion and a 2560 x 1600 resolution which helps make the already tremendous sieve seem even large .
Thanks to its 1000 nits of brightness and DCI - P3 support , the gaming experience is as good as a large screenOLED TV , thanks to its vivid colours and HDR highlights that pop .
Otherwise the laptop is made from black CNC - mill atomic number 13 which weigh an undeniably hefty 3 kg . If you ’re look for a laptop computer that can be well transport around then this is for sure not the one .
In fact , its barrage fire biography only lasts around four 60 minutes which means you should annul using this too far away from a power exit anyway .
Powering this brute of a motorcar is the Core i9 - 13900HX CPU , the RTX 4090 GPU and 32 GB of DDR5 RAM , which we found delivers unbelievable stop number and carrying into action even in the most demanding of titles . Even when theRay TracingUltra preset is toggled , the Predator Triton 17 X can still hit 65fps withDLSSenabled .
The laptop also tout destiny of connectivity porthole , include for Ethernet , Thunderbolt4 and a full - sized Mount Rushmore State card slot too .
Full review : Acer Predator Triton 17 X ( 2023 )
Test Data
Full Specs
A gaming laptop is a portable computer that has been purposefully design for gaming work load . This intend it should sport a discrete artwork card from either AMD or Nvidia , enabling it to endure AAA biz with a placid performance . Gaming laptop are also likely to have RGB inflammation on the keyboard , and more overt design alternative than conventional notebooks .
A high refresh rate will ensure your showing can keep up with the figure of frames generate per second by the GPU . It ’s generally recommended to prefer for at least a 144Hz refresh rate on a gambling laptop . You ’ll likely only need a faster display if you ’re sticking to a Full HD resolution and need to bring competitive online game such as Apex Legends and Fortnite , which are n’t very tax on your laptop computer ’s graphics card .
Ray tracingis an advanced nontextual matter technology that can fork over realistic kindling and shadow effects .
DLSSis a smart feature from Nvidia that can boost the physique rate functioning of a game . This is done by rendering a biz at a lower resolution , but using upscaling applied science so there is n’t a detectable negative encroachment to the image quality .
