Game on the Go
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To help you select the perfect gaming laptop, we've organized our recommendations into specific categories tailored to your needs, budget, and preferences. From budget-friendly options capable of gaming to powerhouse desktop replacements, we've got you covered.
Discover a plethora of updated models equipped with powerful GeForce RTX 4000-series cards and the latest Intel and AMD CPUs – even within more affordable ranges.
Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 | ||
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 | Lenovo Legion Pro 7i | ||
Acer Nitro 5 | MSI Thin GF63 | ||
Razer Blade 14 | Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 | ||
Alienware M18 | Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 |
Best Value for Gaming
Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8
At a Glance:
Price: $1,199 on Amazon
ProductPulse Score: 85
User Reviews: 9.0
Amazon Link Here: https://amzn.to/3I3tVCZ
For many, shelling out over $2,000 for a laptop isn't a priority, but fear not, there are alternatives. Enter the Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8—a stellar option for those seeking a well-rounded laptop at a reasonable price.
Usually priced at $1,299 for our top pick, the Legion Slim 5 often dips as low as $1,150 during promotions. That's quite the steal for a sleek laptop boasting an RTX 4060, Ryzen 7 7840HS, 8GB of DDR5 memory, and a 512GB Gen 4 M.2 SSD.
Lenovo doesn't skimp on display quality either: a 16-inch 2560x1600 IPS screen with a 165Hz refresh rate provides a substantial upgrade for those accustomed to 1080p. Plus, the RTX 4060 breezes through most games, especially with DLSS. True to other Lenovo Legion models, the keyboard is exceptional. The Slim 5 Gen 8 features four-zone RGB lighting controlled via Vantage software, a 1080p webcam, dual speakers, and surprisingly long battery life.
In terms of connectivity, the laptop offers two USB-C ports—one with 140W power delivery—two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, HDMI 2.1, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.1.
While the speakers may be average, the Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 stands out as an exceptional all-rounder, boasting a winning combination of performance, aesthetics, size, and affordability.
Best Premium Gaming Laptop
Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 | Lenovo Legion Pro 7i
Strix Scar 16
Price: $1,979 on Amazon
ProductPulse Score: 84
User Reviews: 8.8
Amazon Link Here: https://amzn.to/3SYTWcI
Selecting winners in the premium gaming laptop category was no easy task due to the abundance of top-tier options. However, after much deliberation, we've crowned two champions, one from Asus and one from Lenovo.
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 (2023) marks a remarkable advancement in high-performance gaming laptops. Particularly noteworthy is its Core i9 and RTX 4080 variant, boasting unparalleled performance, a competitive price, and a captivating mini LED display.
Featuring a 16-inch, 16:10 miniLED panel dubbed the "ROG Nebula HDR" display, it boasts a 240Hz refresh rate, rapid response times, and impressive color coverage, making it ideal for gaming and media consumption alike.
The Scar 16's revamped semi-transparent design exudes sturdiness, albeit slightly heavier than its predecessors. Enhanced with user-friendly features like blunted edges and RGB lighting, it offers both style and substance.
Available in two versions with the Nebula display—one with the RTX 4090 ($3,899.99) and the other with an RTX 4080 ($3,299.99)—both models pack a punch with a 13th-Gen Core i9-13980HX and up to 64GB of RAM. A more affordable option without the miniLED display is also available, boasting an RTX 4070 for significantly less ($1799), while maintaining the same Core i9 chip.
Equipped with Thunderbolt 4 support and a Dolby Atmos quad-speaker system, the Scar 16 offers ample connectivity options and impressive audio quality. Despite some drawbacks like heat build-up and the absence of biometric features, its breathtaking screen, top-tier performance, and solid build quality make it a top contender for gaming enthusiasts.
A Solid Joint Winner
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i
Price: $2,999 on Amazon
ProductPulse Score: 86
User Reviews: 8.2
Amazon Link Here: https://amzn.to/49h0lFX
If you're in the market for a 16-inch laptop with a configuration similar to the Strix but with a more understated design and without the miniLED screen, consider the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen 8). Like the Asus model, the Legion can be customized with up to an RTX 4090, and all models come equipped with an Intel Core i9-13900HX processor.
The primary difference between the two lies in the display. While the Legion boasts the same 2560x1600 (WQXGA, 16:10) resolution and 240Hz refresh rate, its 500 nits brightness and HDR 400 certification pale in comparison to the Strix's stunning miniLED display.
Currently priced at $2,999, the Legion Pro 7i offers excellent value for money. It features a more mature design with sufficient RGB lighting to satisfy fans.
Other notable features include Coldfront 5.0 thermal technology, Lenovo's renowned keyboard, and the ability to deliver impressive performance with the RTX 4080, matching some RTX 4090-powered laptops in terms of frame rates.
While its battery life may not be the strongest, the Legion Pro 7i's power and competitive pricing make it a deserving joint winner in the premium gaming laptop category.
Best Budget Buys
Acer Nitro 5 | MSI Thin GF63
Acer Nitro 5
Price: $989 on Amazon
ProductPulse Score: 84
User Reviews: 8.8
Amazon Link Here: https://amzn.to/42ILcdW
The landscape of $999 gaming laptops has evolved significantly in recent years. Previously, finding a laptop in this price range capable of more than basic tasks was a challenge.
However, the Acer Nitro 5, equipped with an RTX 4060 and a 144Hz display, can now be snagged for as little as $999 during sales. Regular readers may recognize the Nitro 5, a frequent champion in this category. With various models offering a range of hardware and displays, including options like a 165Hz QHD screen, a Ryzen 7 5800H, and an RTX 3070, the Nitro 5 consistently delivers value for its price.
Our preference lies with the RTX 4060 model, boasting a Core i7-12650H, 16GB of RAM, and a 15.6-inch 1080p display. Thanks to the Ada Lovelace GPU, most games can fully utilize the 144Hz refresh rate.
While the design may be average for its price range, it remains sturdy with minimal flexing and includes four-zone RGB backlighting for added flair.
Like many gaming laptops, battery life isn't the Nitro 5's strong suit, but it surprises with better-than-expected thermal performance and quiet operation. While its display and SSD may not be top-tier, the Nitro 5 offers incredible value, leaving you satisfied with your solid gaming investment at a three-figure price point.
Even Cheaper
MSI Thin GF63
MSI Thin GF63
Price: $899 on Amazon
ProductPulse Score: 69
User Reviews: 7.8
Amazon Link Here: https://amzn.to/3SCbeex
Looking for an even more budget-friendly gaming laptop? The MSI Thin GF63 may catch your eye, often available on sale for just $799. It boasts similar specifications to the Acer Nitro 5, featuring a Core i7-12650H, 16GB RAM, a 144Hz 15.6-inch screen, and a 512GB SSD. However, it does step down in the GPU department, offering an RTX 4050 instead of the 4060.
Despite its lower price, the MSI Thin GF63 does come with some compromises, such as a red backlighting scheme. Nonetheless, its black aluminum chassis exudes a stylish appeal. Despite its moniker, this laptop leans more towards "thin-ish" than truly thin, measuring 0.8 inches in thickness.
An unexpected surprise for a laptop in this price range is its extensive array of ports, including two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, USB-A, HDMI 1.4, a Type-C port with DP Alt Mode support, a gigabit RJ-45 LAN port, and two 3.5mm audio jacks. Additionally, it features a 720p webcam that surpasses typical quality standards.
While the keyboard, speakers, and screen may not be top-notch, and the RTX 4050's max TGP is limited to just 45W, obtaining a serviceable gaming GPU in a $899 laptop is still remarkable. With its favorable port selection and decent gaming performance, the MSI Thin GF63 offers an enticing gaming experience at an affordable price.
Best Gaming Ultraportable
Razer Blade 14 | Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
Razer Blade 14
Price: ~$2,199 on Amazon
ProductPulse Score: 84
User Reviews: 8.6
Amazon Link Here: https://amzn.to/3SZZtA0
Razer's Blade laptops are often likened to the MacBooks of the PC world: stunning, sleek, potent, and pricey. The latest addition, the Blade 14, is no exception. Boasting unparalleled style, this machine's primary downsides are its cost and, to a lesser extent, its battery life.
With options ranging from a Ryzen 9 6900HX to the latest Ryzen 9 7940HS CPU, coupled with choices like an RTX 3060, 3070, 4060, or 4070, the Blade 14 offers impressive customization. Its display options include a 2560 x 1600 panel with a 240Hz refresh rate.
Maintaining its sleek profile at under one inch thick and a mere four pounds, even with the RTX 4070, the Blade flaunts a CNC-milled aluminum chassis, ensuring durability alongside its stylish appeal. Available in a chic Mercury finish reminiscent of a MacBook, its keyboard and trackpad provide satisfying feedback, while the dual speakers deliver crisp audio.
In terms of ports, it offers two USB Type-A 3.2 ports, two USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports, an HDMI port, and an audio jack. Although lacking Ethernet, it features Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3. The display boasts 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, an anti-glare finish, 16:10 aspect ratio, and AMD FreeSync Premium to optimize the 240Hz refresh rate and 140W-max RTX 4070.
While the Razer Blade 14 offers exceptional portability and gaming prowess, its slender profile comes at the expense of battery life, limiting gaming sessions on the go. Moreover, starting at $2,199 for the most basic RTX 4070 configuration, it's pricier than the RTX 4080-equipped ROG Zephyrus 14 (mentioned below).
Just as Good
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
Zephyrus G14
Price: $1,529 on Amazon
ProductPulse Score: 89
User Reviews: 90
Amazon Link Here: https://amzn.to/3UAbGwq
Asus makes another strong appearance with the impressive ROG Zephyrus G14 joining the ranks. This latest version can be configured with up to an RTX 4090 (125W) and an 8-core/16-thread Ryzen 9 7940HS, powering its stunning 2560x1600 screen (mini-LED, if opting for the RTX 4090 variant).
Despite its powerful specs, this machine remains remarkably slim at just 0.77 inches thick and lightweight at 3.79 pounds. Continuing its tradition, it offers the unique option of adorning the milled magnesium-aluminum lid with 1,215 mini-LEDs through the AniMe Matrix display, allowing users to showcase custom images and animations.
Renowned for its exceptional build quality, the keyboard on the Zephyrus G14 has been lauded as one of the best among portable gaming laptops. The ROG Nebula HDR display is truly impressive, even without the mini-LED feature. Additionally, it comes equipped with a 1080p webcam, a diverse port selection including USB Type-C and HDMI 2.1, and a convenient microSD card reader. Moreover, it boasts Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) (Triple band) 2*2 and a quad-speaker system.
Best Desktop Replacement
Alienware M18 | Asus ROG Strix Scar 18
Alienware M18
Price: ~$1,699 on Amazon
ProductPulse Score: 86
User Reviews: 8.3
Amazon Link Here: https://amzn.to/49cBQdd
When it comes to a laptop that serves as a desktop replacement, considerations shift from portability and battery life to screen size and sheer power. The Dell Alienware m18 epitomizes this ethos, boasting a Core i9-13900HX processor, up to an RTX 4090 GPU, and an expansive 18-inch display. With options for 8.5TB of NVMe storage and 64GB of RAM, it's a powerhouse in every sense.
Measuring 1.05 x 16.15 x 12.59 inches and weighing a substantial 8.9 pounds, the Alienware is undeniably hefty but exudes sturdiness, thanks to its metal lid. Notably, it offers the option of a full-size RGB keyboard with low-profile Cherry MX mechanical keys, akin to a standard desktop keyboard.
Available in various configurations, ranging from the RTX 4060/Core i7-13700HX to the top-tier RTX 4090 with a Core i9-13900HX, it also supports three different AMD CPUs, including the latest Ryzen 9 7945HX.
The display options are equally impressive, with a standard 2560x1600 panel featuring a 165Hz refresh rate, or for an additional $100, a 1080p panel boasting an impressive 480Hz refresh rate. Both screens offer a swift 3ms response time, 100% DCI-P3 coverage, and an FHD IR camera.
In terms of connectivity, the Alienware doesn't disappoint, offering a plethora of ports, including three USB 3.2 inputs, Type-C, Thunderbolt 4, Ethernet, headphone jack, HDMI 2.1, and mini-Display. Additionally, its speakers deliver powerful sound output.
While battery life and weight are inevitable trade-offs, particularly given its desktop replacement status, and pricing can soar, especially at the high end, the Alienware m18 unequivocally outperforms most 18-inch laptops in the gaming arena.
Another RTX 4090 Beast
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18
Strix Scar 18
Price: $4,499 on Amazon
ProductPulse Score: 84
User Reviews: 8.0
Amazon Link Here: https://amzn.to/42HhAhh
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 emerges as a formidable contender in the realm of gaming performance, approaching the prowess of the Alienware m18. Boasting a formidable lineup of specs, including the 24-core/32-thread Core i9-13980HX processor and a potent GeForce RTX 4090 (175W), it's engineered for gaming supremacy.
While lacking the Cherry mechanical keyboard option found in its rival, the Scar 18 features a full-size keyboard complemented by four Dolby Atmos speakers. Despite its impressive capabilities, it manages to maintain a relatively lightweight profile, tipping the scales at 6.83 pounds and measuring just 0.91 inches thick, making it sleeker and lighter than the Alienware.
The Pantone Validated ROG Nebula Display IPS panel delivers stunning visuals with its 2560x1600 resolution and swift 240Hz refresh rate, offering vivid colors and brightness, albeit without the mini-LED technology.
In terms of connectivity, the Scar 18 offers a robust selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4 support and a 2.5GB LAN port, alongside both models boasting 2TB of PCIe 4.0 storage in RAID 0 configuration.
Despite its premium positioning, Asus opts for a plastic body for the Scar 18, albeit a sturdy one, likely contributing to its lighter weight. However, the laptop incorporates a sophisticated cooling system to ensure optimal performance and temperature management.
With only two models available, both featuring the RTX 4090, the Scar 18 may not offer the same level of customization as its competitors. Potential buyers should be prepared to shell out $3,899 for the entry-level configuration.
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