Best gaming laptops 2024: portables for Windows PC games

Finding the best gaming laptop to buy can be tricky. Do you want something not too expensive? Something on the slimmer side? Or do you want out-and-out gaming performance under the hood? From budget power performers to hardcore hardware, there’s a bewildering choice of laptops out there for serious gamers who need plenty of GPU horsepower.

Whatever you need, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite gaming laptops of the moment. There’s plenty of power for hardcore gamers out there and they’re all (reasonably) portable.

If you’re looking for a laptop to work on and watch the occasional film, check our our guide to the best laptops instead. But, without further ado, here are the best gaming laptops you can buy.

Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.

Quick list: what is the best gaming laptop?

The best gaming laptops you can buy today:

1. MSI Titan GT77 HX 13V

Designed as the ultimate powerhouse for gaming enthusiasts, the MSI Titan GT77 is a laptop that could easily anchor your gaming setup for years to come. It’s one of the first we’ve had the pleasure of testing that features the mighty Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card – an absolute beast of a dedicated GPU that has your games looking stunning while running at ultra-high frame rates. Whether you’re enabling HDR for those extra-vivid visuals or harnessing the magic of DLSS 3.0 to create AI-generated frames between each GPU-rendered one, this laptop delivers a phenomenal gaming experience.

Beyond the raw graphical power, the Titan GT77 is equipped with an incredible mini LED display, which enhances colour accuracy and brightness for a deeply immersive visual experience. It’s an all-out performance machine designed to push boundaries, and if you’re after maximum speed and exceptional image quality, this rig will more than meet your demands. However, all this comes with a hefty price tag – so steep that, for the same money, you could probably build a high-end gaming PC with an RTX 4090 and still afford a top-tier gaming monitor.

There are, unfortunately, a few trade-offs. While the performance is top-notch, the loud cooling fans can be a bit disruptive during intense gaming sessions. Plus, the keyboard, despite having some mechanical switches, only uses them for part of the layout, which feels a little underwhelming considering the premium price. But if you’re seeking the fastest gaming laptop on the market right now – and arguably the best screen available – the MSI Titan GT77 remains a compelling, if expensive, choice. It’s a laptop built to dominate the gaming world, but at a price that demands serious commitment.

2. Lenovo Legion Slim 7i

With its sleek design, high-quality screen, and enough desktop-level performance to handle both work and play, the Legion Slim 7i is a portable powerhouse that ticks all the right boxes. What we love about this machine is its subtlety – it boasts gaming pedigree, but without the flashy, in-your-face aesthetics of other gaming laptops. This makes it versatile enough to bring into the office without raising any eyebrows, while still offering impressive performance when it’s time to unwind with a game.

One standout feature for us is the impressive battery life. Lenovo has equipped the Slim 7i with clever GPU-swapping tech, which allows it to switch between the integrated and dedicated graphics cards depending on the task at hand, preserving battery life without sacrificing power. It’s this kind of smart design that makes the Slim 7i capable of handling just about anything you throw at it, from intense work sessions to demanding games.

Now, with Intel and Nvidia having launched their latest 13th-gen CPUs and 4000-series GPUs, prices for “older” models like this one have started to drop – making it an even more enticing option. You can now pick up a version of the Legion Slim 7i with an RTX 3070 Ti for around the same price as a rival like the Acer Predator Helios P300. And while those competitors are closely matched in terms of raw power, the Slim 7i pulls ahead with its superior portability.

Yes, the latest-gen processors and GPUs may be the talk of the town, but they come with a hefty price tag. The hardware inside the Legion Slim 7i isn’t far behind, and for the price, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. Grab one with the right spec, and we think you’ll find plenty to love about this versatile and powerful laptop.

3. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

Asus may not be the first to create an all-metal gaming ultraportable—Razer blazed that trail years ago—but the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is the first one we’d genuinely consider swapping our current machines for. This laptop nails the balance between portability, power, and premium design. It’s compact, sleek, and has one of the most impressive screens we’ve ever seen on a gaming laptop, making it a real standout.

Of course, quality like this comes with a price tag, and the Zephyrus G14 isn’t exactly budget-friendly. But when you compare it to something like a 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M3 Pro chip, it’s clear where the G14 shines. While Apple continues to push the boundaries in some areas, gaming just isn’t its strong suit. The G14, on the other hand, offers a potent mix of portability and gaming performance. You can take it anywhere, and it’s capable of running pretty much any modern game – with just a few tweaks to the resolution and detail settings to keep things smooth. That kind of versatility is rare, especially in something this lightweight.

And then there’s the screen. The OLED display is an absolute game-changer, bringing out rich colours and deep contrasts that make gaming and work tasks equally stunning. It’s the sort of display that spoils you for anything else, honestly.

In terms of battery life, Asus has also nailed it. The G14’s battery holds up well enough to get through a typical workday, which isn’t something you can say for a lot of gaming laptops. All things considered, we’d be surprised if any other compact gaming laptop tops this one in the near future. The G14 is a winner in our books.

4. Razer Blade 16 Automobili Lamborghini Edition

No one needs a Lamborghini sitting in their garage. A trusty hatchback will get you from A to B just fine. But, if you can afford one, a Lamborghini is undeniably a cooler, flashier, and more thrilling way to travel. The limited-run Razer Blade 16 is essentially the gaming laptop equivalent of that—an elite piece of kit with a staggering price tag of just under $5000. Is it necessary? Not in the slightest. Is it monstrously powerful, with performance that’ll make your friends’ jaws drop? Absolutely.

The display alone is worth shouting about. It’s so good, it can even put some top-tier gaming monitors to shame. The colours, the brightness, and the sheer smoothness make every game look phenomenal. It’s one of those experiences where you don’t realise what you’ve been missing until you see it for yourself.

Of course, the catch is exclusivity. Only 150 of these beauties are being made, and they’re all US-bound. If you’re not lucky enough to snag one, you’ll just have to admire it from afar, like a Lamborghini zooming past you on the highway.

But there’s a silver lining— the regular Razer Blade 16 is almost as powerful, and a bit more accessible, with a still eye-watering price of $4300/£4400 direct from Razer. If you’re savvy, you might even find it cheaper from third-party retailers. And while that’s still a major financial commitment, you’re getting a lot for your money. This machine combines insane power with sleek portability, making it the fastest laptop of its size. For those who crave top-tier gaming performance without sacrificing portability, it’s hard to argue against the price. After all, when you want the best, you pay for the best.

5. Asus ROG Zephyrus G16

If OLED screens are the new battleground for gaming laptops, Asus has definitely come out swinging with the ROG Zephyrus G16. Its panel resolution strikes a perfect balance – not quite 4K, so it doesn’t make the GPU break a sweat, but still sharp enough to look stunning in motion. Pair that with a buttery smooth 240Hz refresh rate, and games look so good it’s hard to tear your eyes away. This screen is a showstopper without being overly demanding on the hardware, which feels like a smart move for an ultra-portable gaming rig.

The new chassis is another highlight. It’s impressively thin and light, almost MacBook-like in its use of premium materials – not something you’d expect from a gaming laptop. Carrying it around doesn’t feel like lugging a brick, which is a win for anyone who’s constantly on the go. The silver model is especially stylish, though we have to admit, the keyboard and backlight combo could be a touch more legible. That said, the slash LED design on the lid? Absolutely sleek. It’s little touches like these that elevate the overall aesthetic.

We’re keen to see how it compares to Razer’s 2024 Blade 16, which also boasts a 240Hz OLED screen, but for now, the Zephyrus G16 holds its own. It’s especially impressive given its slim profile – though we can’t help but wonder if an RTX 4070 might be a better fit for such a compact machine, pushing performance without overheating.

For anyone who balances gaming at home with frequent work travel, this could very well be the perfect laptop. It’s powerful enough to handle the latest titles, portable enough to take on the road, and stylish enough that you’ll actually want to show it off. All the power, none of the bulk – sounds like a winner to us.

6. Asus TUF Gaming A15

The TUF Gaming A15 isn’t the absolute fastest 15-inch gaming laptop out there, and its Ryzen CPU won’t be breaking any performance records anytime soon – but for the price, it’s hard to argue with the value you’re getting. This machine offers a serious amount of bang for your buck, managing to run even the latest games comfortably at 1080p. Thanks to Nvidia’s clever DLSS technology, it’s future-proofed to handle upcoming releases too, which is impressive given its budget-friendly status.

While the display might not knock your socks off, it’s decent enough for casual gaming and streaming sessions, and the battery life is surprisingly solid – at least as long as you’re sticking to more lightweight tasks like web browsing or document editing. Try gaming without being plugged in, and you’ll drain the battery faster, but that’s pretty standard for most gaming laptops. Another bonus is the healthy number of ports, which means you won’t be juggling dongles just to connect your gear.

One of the standout features, though, is its durability. The A15 boasts ‘military standard’ toughness ratings, which, even if it’s more marketing hype than reality, still suggests this laptop is better equipped to handle the rigours of life on the road than some of its more fragile competitors. Whether you’re lugging it around campus, taking it to work, or just gaming on the go, it feels like it’s built to last.

Sure, if your budget stretches into the stratosphere, you can find something faster or flashier. But for the average gamer, it’s tough to find a better deal. This machine proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy solid performance, good features, and reliable durability. All in all, the TUF Gaming A15 is a lot of laptop for not a lot of money.

7. Medion Erazer X40 Beast

Medion has pulled off something quite remarkable with the Erazer X40 Beast. For such a high-end gaming laptop, it manages to make its hefty price tag seem almost reasonable. In fact, for the performance it offers, it might even be a bargain. At the time of review, this was one of the least expensive laptops featuring an Nvidia RTX 4090 graphics card, paired with a 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and a beefy 32GB of RAM. These are premium specs, yet you’d typically have to shell out hundreds more for the same hardware in a competing model.

What makes this even more impressive is that Medion hasn’t skimped on the design front. You’re getting premium touches like a Cherry MX mechanical keyboard, which is a dream for both gaming and typing, and a spacious glass touchpad that feels smooth and responsive. These are the kinds of features that give this laptop a serious edge, especially for the price.

Of course, not everything is perfect. The integrated speakers are a bit of a letdown, lacking the punch you’d expect in a gaming laptop. And while the 1080p webcam is serviceable, we’ve definitely seen sharper ones elsewhere this year. Another minor gripe is the fan noise. It’s not just the usual whooshing sound you’d expect – there’s a bit of a high-pitched whine in there too, which can get slightly annoying during extended gaming sessions. But these aren’t dealbreakers by any means, and they don’t detract much from the overall experience.

If you’re still on the fence, it’s worth checking out competitors like the HP Omen 17, which comes close in terms of pricing and performance. But for our money, the Erazer X40 Beast is hard to beat when it comes to delivering high-end specs without breaking the bank.

8. Asus ROG Zephyrus M16

The ROG Zephyrus M16 ticks a lot of boxes, impressing us in several key areas. Powered by the mighty RTX 4090, it delivers fantastic gaming performance, and the Core i9 processor breezes through even the most demanding desktop tasks. Add to that the stunning Mini LED screen, which is easily one of the best displays you’ll find on any gaming laptop right now, and you’ve got a seriously compelling machine. If you’re in the market for something slim, portable, and undeniably sharp-looking, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option than the M16.

However, the compact size and lightweight design come with a few compromises. To keep everything sleek and portable, Asus has had to dial back a bit on performance. Don’t get us wrong – this laptop is no slouch, but some competitors (including Asus’ own no-holds-barred Strix models) will soon feature even more powerful GPUs and CPUs, along with superior connectivity options. Of course, those machines will also come with a bulkier build and a heftier price tag. Still, when you’re already investing this kind of money, it’s worth considering whether you’re after the absolute most power available, or if portability and style are more important to you.

For those seeking a portable powerhouse with enough muscle to handle any modern game, the Zephyrus M16 is an excellent choice. The AniMe Matrix LEDs on the lid might seem like a bit of a gimmick, but they’re fun, and they certainly add to the laptop’s unique aesthetic. If you don’t mind a few small compromises for the sake of portability, this is a seriously impressive gaming machine that won’t leave you disappointed.

9. MSI Raider GE77

This laptop is an absolute beast. It’s faster than nearly every other 17.3-inch notebook we’ve put through its paces, making it a serious contender in the high-performance gaming space. The screen delivers top-tier gaming visuals, the keyboard feels robust and responsive, and MSI has packed this machine with a wealth of ports and super-fast connectivity options. On top of that, the build quality is excellent, giving you a device that feels as durable as it is powerful.

That said, it’s not for the faint of heart – or for anyone with a weak back. This laptop is a bruiser, with a chassis that’s both thicker and heavier than most of its competitors. Lugging it around isn’t exactly fun, and when you’re running demanding games, it gets loud. If you’re sensitive to fan noise, you might need to invest in some noise-cancelling headphones. And let’s not forget the price tag: at nearly $4000/£4000, it’s a significant investment. You can find cheaper alternatives, like Alienware’s quieter and slimmer models, although they won’t come with a screen quite as impressive. Only Razer’s sleeker designs come in pricier, but those trade some of the raw power for elegance.

Ultimately, this kind of performance is always going to come with a steep price. The MSI Raider GE77 is like the muscle car of gaming laptops – it’s big, bold, and built for speed. If you’re after a machine that prioritises sheer power over portability and don’t mind the bulk (or the noise), then this could be perfect for you. For those who want something a little sleeker, other brands might tempt you, but for the power-hungry gamer, the Raider is hard to beat.

10. Razer Blade 15 Advanced

Razer makes some of the best gaming laptops on the market, and its latest machines take aim at competitive gamers who want every advantage in top esports titles. That’s no surprise given the firm’s pedigree in peripherals – they’ve spent years building the best gaming mice and keyboards around.

The Razer Blade 15 Advanced uses lightning-fast 360Hz displays with 2ms response times, so there’s hardly any difference in performance between these screens and the best desktop displays.

Those 360Hz panels pair ace performance with excellent visuals, including 100% sRGB reproduction and high contrast – handy for seeing enemies lurking in the darkest corners. Alternative display specs are available: the 1080p, 240Hz variant has Nvidia G-Sync for smooth gaming, and the 4K model is ideal for creative work.

Razer’s machines have the internals to keep up with those displays. They’re bolstered by Nvidia’s latest GeForce RTX 3070 Ti and 3080 Ti GPUs, which deliver extra cores and higher clock speeds than non-Ti models, and they have 12th-gen Intel processors that have proven to be exceptional for gaming and working. There’s a lot to like around the rest of the specs too – like Thunderbolt 4 ports with charging, SD card slots, Killer Wi-Fi 6 and crisp RGB-lit keyboards.

The speakers are high-quality, and the 17mm body and 2.01kg weight mean this is slimmer and lighter than most 15.6in machines. The aluminium exterior does get warm in tough gaming situations, but it doesn’t bring too much fan noise.

The updated Blade 15 Advanced is not cheap: the most affordable model with a 12th-gen CPU costs around $3000/£3000. There are also 17.3in and 14in variants, but for us that 15.6in model with the 360Hz screen is the esports sweet spot.

11. Acer Nitro 5

If you’d like to get your hands on some top gaming power without rinsing your bank account, this Acer is our top budget pick. This machine is available with current-gen Nvidia graphics alongside capable Intel processors and displays with the refresh rates to handle games at decent speeds.

The most powerful Nitro 5 models pair the RTX 3070 GPU with AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800H. Those components supply enough gaming power to scythe through any title.

More affordable specs rely on RTX 3050 and 3060 graphics cores – the former is ideal for casual games and older titles, while the latter is a rock-solid chip for esports. The Intel options aren’t current-gen and can’t keep up with AMD, but they’re respectable and won’t slow you down… plus they’re getting updated later this year, which bodes well for performance.

The 15.6in displays have a 144Hz refresh rate – fine for most situations – and offer good depth and contrast. You get three full-size USB ports, an HDMI output, dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth, plus a keyboard with a numberpad and four-zone RGB LED lighting. Those buttons are fast and comfortable, so ideal for long gaming sessions.

The compromises? Build quality is mediocre, so we’d recommend a protective sleeve if you’ll travel with this notebook. Plus it’s heavy, the speakers are tinny and ours only lasted for just over 3hrs during a work benchmark.

12. Lenovo Legion 5 Pro

Loads of people buy a gaming laptop and also use it for work, which is no surprise given the ample power available in the latest game-centric portables. If you’re on the hunt for a machine that can straddle work and play, the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro does a tremendous job without costing silly money.

It’s got more screen space than most gaming laptops, and has some surprising features alongside plenty of power. And, crucially, it looks more ‘mature’ than most gaming notebooks so it won’t seem weirdly out of place in the office.

Lenovo’s machine has a load of features that boost its ability in work situations. The display has a 16in diagonal, a 16:10 aspect ratio and a 2560×1600 resolution, which means you get more vertical space and more pixels than most. It renders the sRGB colour gamut accurately, with great contrast, and it’s got awesome brightness levels that mean it works well outdoors.

Elsewhere, the Legion has loads of USB connections and a webcam with a privacy shutter and Windows Hello support. The keyboard is fast and comfy and includes a number pad.

On the inside, it’s available with AMD Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 processors, with the former suited to mainstream work and the latter a content-creation powerhouse. These rigs can run with up to 32GB of memory and 1TB of SSD space. It’s an impressive specification, especially when you consider that the Legion’s prices start at close to $1000/£1000 – and upgrades later in the year will see some models equipped with better processors, graphics cores and displays.

If you want to run top games without compromise you’ll need to specify an RTX 3080, and esports fans might not be happy with the 165Hz refresh rate. For most people, though, this is the best choice if you need a laptop for gaming and working.

What to consider when buying a gaming laptop

Gaming laptops are expensive so to ensure you’re not wasting your money there are several important factors to consider to ensure you get the best gaming experience for your needs and budget.

Without a doubt, the most important aspect of a gaming laptop is performance. If your budget allows, you’ll want to opt for a laptop with a powerful processor (such as Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9), a dedicated graphics card (NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX, or AMD Radeon), and sufficient RAM (at least 16GB, preferably 32GB).

These components will directly impact your gaming performance. The GPU, in particular, is crucial for gaming performance – it’s really important to ensure your laptop has a dedicated graphics card, as integrated graphics are not powerful enough for modern gaming.

Of course, with all this performance on tap your gaming laptop can get hot during intensive gaming sessions, so you’ll want to make sure it has an efficient cooling system. Good thermal management will prevent overheating and help maintain optimal performance.

You’ll want to check if the laptop allows for easy upgrades of components like RAM and storage, as this can extend the machine’s lifespan.

After decent performance, you’ll want to make sure your laptop has a good display – after all, you can’t upgrade this like you would a gaming PC build. Look for a laptop screen with a high refresh rate (at least 120Hz) and low response time, as this will provide a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.

You’ll want to opt for an SSD (Solid State Drive) rather than an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) as your primary storage, as SSDs are faster and improve loading times in games.

A comfortable and responsive keyboard is vital for gaming, so you’ll want to make sure you’re happy with the keyboard in your gaming laptop (as, like the display, this can’t be upgraded at a later date). You should keep in mind the layout, key travel, and whether it has customisable RGB lighting.

Now, gaming laptops are infamous for their poor battery life, so if you plan to use yours for tasks other than gaming you’ll want to look for a laptop with reasonable battery life. You can read our reviews to find out the models below performed when it comes to battery life.

Finally, you’ll want to think about the design and portability. Some gaming laptops can be quite bulky and heavy, so if you plan to travel with it regularly then look for a balance between portability and performance.

Likewise, some gaming laptops can be understated, but many are flashy with RGB lights and brash design flairs. If you’ll regularly be taking your laptop to work in an office, you may want to opt for a more understated design.

What are the best laptop accessories for gaming?

he best gaming laptop accessories can enhance your experience. A quality gaming mouse is a must, somehting which offers customisable buttons and precision tracking. An external mechanical keyboard can also improve your control, with brands like Corsair and SteelSeries offering great options.

A gaming headset with a built-in mic, such as the SteelSeries Arctis Pro, ensures immersive sound and clear communication. Cooling pads, like those from Cooler Master, help keep temperatures in check during intense gaming sessions. Finally, an external gaming monitor with a high refresh rate, like the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ, can provide a bigger, smoother gaming display when you’re at home.

Do I need a 4K screen in my gaming laptop?

While 4K screens are visually stunning, they may not be necessary for everyone. For most gamers, a 1440p or even a 1080p screen with a high refresh rate (120Hz or above) can offer a better experience, especially for fast-paced games where fluidity matters more than pixel count.

4K requires a lot more GPU power, which could lead to reduced performance or require more expensive hardware. Additionally, on a laptop-sized display, the visual difference between 1440p and 4K is less noticeable than on a larger external monitor. Unless you’re doing professional creative work or absolutely need the best resolution, a 4K screen might be overkill for a gaming laptop.

What is the best brand for gaming laptops?

There isn’t a single “best” brand, but several stand out for different reasons. ASUS’s ROG (Republic of Gamers) line is highly regarded for its performance and build quality, with models like the Zephyrus often leading the pack. MSI also delivers strong gaming laptops, like the Titan and Raider series, known for their raw power. Razer’s Blade laptops are favoured for their sleek, premium designs, though they can be pricier. Alienware by Dell offers innovative designs and strong customer support. Each brand has its strengths, so it’s worth prioritising features like portability, performance, or aesthetics based on your needs.

Is it cheaper to build my own gaming laptop?

Building your own gaming laptop isn’t really an option the way it is with desktops. Laptops have highly integrated components, which means you can’t just buy parts off the shelf and assemble them yourself.