We’ve compiled the Top 5 Best Gaming Laptop Of 2024 to fit every price range.
The greatest gaming laptops allow you to move your setup from your desk to… well, anywhere you like. These days, these mobile workhorses are capable of competing with desktop PCs, all from the comfort of a coffee shop. Add a new generation of high-resolution screens and frames that come in both slim and chunky varieties, and you have an enormous array of machines to pick from.
However, there haven’t been any new GPUs released this year, and Intel’s 14th generation processor upgrade is more of an incremental improvement. Brands of gaming laptops have therefore had to get inventive when releasing their latest models. This year’s lineup of portable computers still packs a punch thanks to features like lightning-fast OLED screens and entirely redesigned chassis. We also have a full roster of older devices to deal with, though, as evidenced by the benchmark scores’ lesser increases over the models from the prior year.
As a matter of fact, the 2023 Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 is, overall, Top 5 Best Gaming Laptop Of 2024 that we have evaluated. Without going over the top-shelf costs of the 18-inch model, it strikes a compromise between powerful performance, a manageable size factor, and a ton of extra capabilities. If, on the other hand, your budget still won’t stretch that far, you may be confident that we have tested devices at all price points.
Below are all of our top picks, each of which has successfully completed a battery of in-game and benchmark stress tests. Additionally, we have spent at least two weeks each living, working, and playing with each of these machines (and more when we can afford it). This implies that you are aware that every one of them has undergone life and play testing. See our dedicated guide to see exactly how we test gaming laptops.
Table of Contents
Best Gaming Laptop Of 2024
NO.1 : Asus Rog Strix Scar 16
The best gaming laptop overall
Pros
- Classic RGB-laden aesthetic taken to new heights
- Intel i9 absolutely sings
- Vivid, bright display with excellent contrast
- Three figure framerates at Ultra settings
Cons
- Ports moved back to sides
- Translucent design won’t be for everyone
- Trackpad feels a little mushy and clunky
Even while you won’t be purchasing the top-tier RTX 4090 model, the CPU and GPU we tested for our Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 review still offers an incredible amount of power. Future games will run smoothly on 32GB of RAM, and the Nebula display is also not to be missed.
The Razer Blade 15, which is still listed below, has been surpassed by the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 as the greatest gaming laptop we have used to date. Without hitting the dizzying heights of other premium RTX 40-Series systems, this machine flies through anything you throw at it. This is because the Strix Scar offers a sharp pair of RGB panels and a Mini LED display worthy of its next-generation chassis, all while precisely where a PC gaming enthusiast needs it: cooling, CPU efficiency, and GPU power.
Design: This is not a device for the more understated among us. This is still very much a gaming laptop, even though you can turn off the RGB panel that runs over the lower lip. Though it does add to the gamer image and somewhat devalue the experience, the translucent design that runs the length of the main deck wasn’t exactly our favorite feature. Still, this is a matter of taste.
This rig is further distinguished from your typical office laptop by the huge ROG logo on the lid and the series of carved diagonal lines around the hefty grill towards the back. Still, it’s not a very ostentatious design, and turning those LEDs off keeps the whole vibe sophisticated.
Features: For a gaming laptop, this one has one of the nicest screens we’ve ever used. The Mini LED screens from Asus are called “Nebula HDR,” and they look great. In the range of 1,024 dimming zones to 1,100+ nits of peak brightness, colors are exceptionally vibrant and harmoniously balanced with a rich, deep contrast. An excellent virtual surround system and Dolby Atmos combined for a really immersive experience.
Naturally, a sophisticated range of setting choices backs it up. With an RTX 4090 graphics card and an i9-13980HX CPU, the ROG Strix Scar 16 can easily satisfy anyone searching for a top-tier setup.
Performance: We tested an RTX 4080 setup using the Intel i9-13980HX processor that is included with both this and the 4090 configuration. It outperformed the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 by a significant margin, scoring 17,611 Time Spy and 32,876 Fire Strike. In these benchmark testing, the larger—and somewhat more costly—Razor Blade 18—was even beaten by the Scar 16. With such figures, you should have no trouble playing games for the next five years, and if no exceptionally demanding graphical advances emerge, maybe even longer.
While the framerates were not as good as those of the ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 (see below), you also won’t have to pay an additional $1,000 for a fancy second screen and the power to run it, which you might not need. Furthermore, the raw might that this machine possesses is undeniable, as it achieves three-figure framerates on Ultra settings across challenging titles.
Conclusion: Although we’re constantly obtaining more gaming laptops from the RTX 40-Series, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 is now the greatest model to cross our tables. For anyone looking for a high-end device with plenty of power left over for future releases, it’s definitely worth the price.
NO.2 : Asus TUF A15
The best budget gaming laptop
Pros
- Excellent price-performance ratio
- Solid construction with some premium materials
- Full-sized keyboard
- Comfortable form factor
Cons
- Display could be brighter
- Slightly soft keyboard
- 16:9 aspect ratio
Spending as little money as possible won’t stop you with this RTX 4050 setup. With this model, you can still get playable framerates and enjoy the benefits of a Ryzen 7 processor and 144Hz monitor.
Although the Asus TUF A15 has long been a mainstay among inexpensive gaming laptops, its status as one of the best has been solidified by the release of the 2023 model. Since this is a less expensive setup, you have to make some compromises in order to afford the newest parts. But as a result, the performance is excellent value for the money.
Design: The Asus TUF A15 has a more upscale appearance than its real price, thanks to elements like the metal lid and cool gray hues. Although this chassis is primarily made of plastic and features some very tacky text stamps on the main body, overall it has a sleek design that cleverly avoids the frequent angular faults of less expensive rigs.
With a neatly tightened hinge to the primary display and just the normal amount of flex in the keyboard area for a gaming laptop at this budget, the build quality is sturdy. Granted, it’s not quite as thin as the Asus TUF Dash F15 that came before it, but it’s still a manageable size that’s far more affordable than the heavyweights on our list.
Features: The A15, like many good low-cost gaming laptops, has all the features you need without overspending on any of them. It stores its value for performance instead. This indicates that you’re getting an IPS display with 1080p resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, but in an outdated 16:9 form factor that felt a little constrictive during our tests.
Although there is room for improvement in terms of brightness, this screen manages to display colors with sufficient contrast and vibrancy to be functional in a less formal setting. Additionally, this keyboard is full-sized, which is uncommon even in 16-inch devices these days. Although it is a touch softer than we would like, it still does the job. However, you won’t be able to get through an entire workday on the fly with that trackpad. It’s an awkward implementation with a heavy central part and erratic zoning for each click side.
Performance: The statistics that the A15 filed out of its benchmarks impressed us. It even outperformed a similarly specced HP Omen Transcend 16 (worth roughly $600 more) in Time Spy and Fire Strike, and it powered through demanding games like Hitman 3 and Returnal without ever dipping below 60 frames per second. With Shadow of the Tomb Raider, you’re spending a lot less than normal and yet getting three-figure framerates, so this is a definite gain.
Conclusion: The Asus TUF A15 is a must-see if you’re willing to put everything on the line and your budget won’t allow you to buy the big dogs in this race. It’s one of the least expensive devices we’ve examined thus far, and the performance, form factor, and design have all surprised us. At this pricing point, the sacrifices you make to get there are all worthwhile.
NO.3 : ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14
The best 14-inch gaming laptop
Pros
- Slick redesign
- Thin and light form factor
- Incredible OLED display
- Solid gaming performance
- Durable luxury feel
- Thoughtful port selection
Cons
- No high end configuration options available
- No Thunderbolt 4
Although you aren’t given a choice in CPU, we would strongly recommend the RTX 4070 GPU. To get the most of your games both now and in the future, you’ll need this graphical power given the slimline form factor.
With the addition of a magnificent OLED display and the removal of its top-tier components from the range to create a slimline design more in line with ultrabooks, the 2024 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 altered the game once more. For those seeking the greatest possible experience at the nexus of power and portability, this is a masterwork.
Design: Asus has abandoned its recognizable LED matrix lid in favor of a single diagonal stripe that is both cleaner and, in this reviewer’s opinion, more appealing. This gaming laptop is meant to blend in with high-end ultrabooks thanks to its new unibody CNC milled aluminum chassis, light gray color similar to the MacBook Pro, and slimline base. The G14 is currently among the lightest rigs available on the market, weighing only 1.5 kg, thanks to the removal of larger components like the RTX 4080 and RTX 4090 from its range, all the while maintaining a very sturdy design factor.
Features: That display will have to come first. With this OLED panel, Asus and Samsung collaborated, and the outcomes are amazing. Everything pops on screen, from Cyberpunk 2077’s vibrant hues to the straightforward developer logos displayed during game startup. Although the refresh rate is a touch slower, the amazing color contrast and vivid effect make for an amazing experience when playing on a daily basis.
This year, those specifications have slightly dropped. The Ryzen 9 8000 Series CPU is a slight improvement over the model from 2023, while GPUs are now capped at an RTX 4070 and start at an RTX 4050. This implies a more slender structure will be achieved at the expense of a decreased overall output.
Performance-wise, no, an RTX 4090 model from the previous generation will outperform the 2024 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. However, given the superb screen and incredibly sleek design, it is not necessary. In the majority of games, the RTX 4070 in our testing device could easily maintain a frame rate of above 100 frames per second at 1080p, and it frequently did so in QHD+ as well. Performance is comparable to a Razer Blade 14 with comparable specs, but this one is cheaper. There is a noticeable boost in resolution further up the scale.
Conclusion: The Zephyrus G14 is the greatest 14-inch gaming laptop we’ve used so far, and the 2024 model carries on the legacy of combining exceptional portability with performance. Although it won’t be able to match the FPS highs of a more powerful device, its stunning OLED screen and excellent form factor will make it far more useful in daily life.
No.4 : Razer Blade 16
The best 16-inch gaming laptop
Pros
- Best in class display
- Excellent build quality
- Slick aesthetic remains
- High-end performance
Cons
- Far more expensive than the competition
- Trackpad might be too large
Although the Razer Blade 16 is not a cheap device, switching to an RTX 4070 won’t significantly impair performance and will save you a significant amount of money. In order to minimize the initial outlay, we have chosen to stick with a high-end OLED display and 16GB RAM (which is totally upgradeable later on).
The 2024 Razer Blade 16 costs a lot of money, perhaps a bit too much given its competitors. However, it is the greatest 16-inch gaming laptop that we have tried thus far, and its added features are really powerful.
Design: We don’t have to describe the appearance of a Razer Blade gaming laptop to you. The 2024 Blade 16 maintains the same black CNC-milled unibody design that these machines have had for many years. Even so, this construction is still excellent, including a rock-solid form factor and a sleek, understated design that Razer has long been proud of. The 16-inch form factor is comfortable to hold and has a 16:10 aspect ratio that offers more real estate than the Razer Blade 15 while not packing as much bulk into a backpack as the Razer Blade 18.
Indeed, this is still a thin device, particularly in comparison to the larger Asus Scar versions. However, it’s not quite as light or thin as the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16, so you might want to look at a another construction if portability is a top priority when making a purchase. All things considered, the Blade 16 benefits from its additional size. With performance balancing, having that additional bit of power to extract from your components can be crucial, and you have plenty of room to do so.
Features: That 240Hz OLED panel is the main attraction. This is the first high-speed OLED we’ve examined, and it’s developed by Samsung. It performs flawlessly, providing a remarkably sharp 1600p picture while maintaining amazing contrasts. We’ve never seen a better gaming laptop display, so it’s definitely worth seeing in person.
Razer’s response to a slow year for components is that screen upgrade. Yes, all configurations come with Intel’s new 14th generation i9 chip, together with RTX 4070–RTX 4090 GPUs, but there aren’t many internal upgrades. Similar to this, the trackpad and keyboard feel essentially the same as they always have, despite the latter’s large size frequently getting in the way. This is a well-rounded device for work and pleasure, with features like THX speakers, an FHD webcam, user-upgradeable RAM and storage (up to an astounding 96GB / 8TB), and a surprisingly efficient battery.
Performance: The Razer Blade 16 actually performs about on pace with comparable high-end 16-inch laptops, despite its additional expense due to its thinner form factor. It does, however, deviate slightly from comparably thin models in industry benchmark tests and in-game framerates. The RTX 4090 setup we tested outperformed the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16, which had specs comparable to ours, and it even defeated the chunkier Lenovo Legion Pro 7i by a significant amount.
Conclusion: There are many 16-inch gaming laptops with comparable specs that are available for less money, so the Razer Blade 16 won’t be for everyone. But this is the first equipment we would recommend if you want the best in the industry. A genuinely amazing luxury machine is the outcome, thanks to Razer’s advantage in display, performance, form factor, and aesthetics.
NO.5 : Alienware M18
The best 18-inch gaming laptop
Pros
- Incredible power under the hood
- Cheaper configurations than Razer or Asus
- Subtle design
- Plenty of ports with excellent placement
- Full sized keyboard and number pad
Cons
- The heaviest gaming laptop we’ve tested so far
- Display quality doesn’t live up to the competition
- Speakers don’t feel as robust as the Scar 18
We tested an RTX 4090 graphics card with this i9-13900HX processor, but because an RTX 4080 combination can be had for less than $3k, we’re going to go with our favorite setup a little bit lower. With the Asus underneath, which is for people who truly want to go above that $3K barrier, it keeps things fairly competitive.
In terms of raw performance, the Alienware M18 is on par with the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 below, albeit it lags somewhat behind the title of “most powerful.” However, we think it’s the finest 18-inch gaming laptop overall because to its sleek design, variety of setup options, and capabilities that are more suited for desktop usage.
Design: When we first opened the box, the Alienware M18 surprised us. Compared to the more boxy Strix Scar 18 below, the entire design feels more controllable thanks to the front lip’s gentle slope to a thin taper. It weighs a whopping 4.23 kg and has a big footprint of 410 x 319 x 25 mm, so no, this isn’t a portable laptop by any means. However, its sleeker form makes it appear less bulky on a desk. You have all of the Alienware rig’s design elements elsewhere. The top of a sleek aluminum lid features an engraved 18 while the main body made of plastic maintains the same gray color scheme. Naturally, there’s still a lovely RGB light display.
Features: That 18-inch screen is, of obviously, the main attraction here. The specs that Dell is offering are unusual; there are just two choices: FHD+ 480Hz or QHD+ 165Hz. A midway choice would have been nice, but the QHD+ 240Hz region is now home to both the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 and the Razer Blade 18. Motion is still smooth, but general handling in higher fps games may use a little more work. Additionally, we observed that this panel lacks additional HDR features and runs less brightly than the options offered by Razer and Asus.
But with a full-sized keyboard (along with a full-sized number pad), a 1080p webcam built right in, and a decent port selection, this feels like a true desktop PC substitute. Nonetheless, the M18’s component options are really helping it out. With sub-$2,000 RTX 4060 options available, the Alienware M18 is leading the pack in terms of choice. That’s ideal if you want to watch movies on a large screen but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on graphics cards that you won’t use to their full potential.
Performance: In our testing, the Alienware M18 nearly outperformed the Strix Scar 18, even defeating it in a few benchmarks instances. There’s still amazing performance behind the hood, even though the Asus rig is still the best. The M18 actually outperformed the more demanding games, such as Total War: Three Kingdoms and Returnal, and consistently managed to squeeze three figure framerates into the maximum graphical settings at native resolution.
Conclusion: Despite a few compromises, the Alienware M18 succeeds in positioning itself as an extraordinarily adaptable gaming laptop. If you have the extra cash, you may set it up to your heart’s content, or you can keep things more modestly configured for under $2,000 in big-screen gaming. Few 18-inch computers can make that claim, especially those that are able to extract this much power from their parts.
How we test gaming laptops
Every gaming laptop we assess is put through stress testing using both regular use and a number of benchmarking procedures. For every setup, we conduct a standardized battery of performance tests, benchmarking on High and Ultra / Highest across:
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider
- Total War: Three Kingdoms (Battle)
- Metro Exodus
- The Division 2
- Red Dead Redemption 2
We run these benchmarks at native resolutions of 1080p and higher provided by each machine.
Next, we use 3DMark Firestrike and Firestrike Extreme (for 1440p systems) to test the GPUs in these gaming laptops, utilizing Firestrike Ultra for our 4K PCs. We also employ Sky Diver, Cinebench, Crystal Disk Mark, and PC Mark 10 tests (including battery performance).
We do, of course, also coexist with these devices. We use the laptops as if they were our own, pushing them a bit further for scientific reasons, and spending as much time as possible playing, binge-watching, and working with them to determine which gaming laptops are the best.
How to find the best gaming laptop for you
Uncertain of the optimal screen size and minimal specifications you should pursue in your quest for the finest gaming laptop? We can assist you in figuring it out if you need it.
The secret, in our opinion, is to choose something that strikes a mix between components, performance, and cost. You want something that can run your current favorite games and have enough bandwidth left over to allow you discover new ones later on.
What should you do as soon as you begin your search for the greatest gaming laptop? Prioritizing the machine’s hardware is normally (and somewhat predictably) the best course of action, but you can start by setting a budget or upper limit on all purchases. Since you’ve found yourself on this page, you’re searching for a portable gaming powerhouse, so you should set your sights high for your graphics card—ideally, one from Nvidia’s RTX line of cards.
This can be a great place to start narrowing down your options, but don’t forget to check out laptops that have a 16-series card installed as well; these devices offer amazing value when paired with other well-balanced parts. A brief word about components: supply has been wildly inconsistent and erratic in recent months, as everyone is aware. Consequently, it is possible that only a few configurations are accessible when you visit stores or the manufacturers of these equipment.
If you’re not sure the parts you need, it’s a good idea to look at the CPU and GPU tiers that are available. You may be in the entry level tier if you mainly play less demanding games. If you want to play at 60 frames per second on High settings with a few changes, it’s worth going into the mid-range. But, if you want to play the most demanding games at Ultra settings, a more expensive laptop might be the best choice for you.
HOW WE TEST GAMING LAPTOPS
Before being taken into consideration for a slot on this list, every gaming laptop that we get is put through a battery of tests. To provide a clear view of performance, we benchmark both in-game and with industry tests like PC Mark 10, 3DMark, and Cinebench. These stress tests include 3D Mark’s Time Spy, Steel Nomad, and Fire Strike in addition to Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Three Kingdoms, Returnal, Hitman 3, and Rainbow Six Extraction. Apart from benchmarks, however, we use these laptops for work, play, and living for at least two weeks before completing our final evaluations, both on the laptop alone and when connected to an external monitor. We frequently take gaming laptops on trips in order to evaluate portability.
TOP 5 best gaming laptops in 2024 : FAQS
Q. What are some cool things about the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16?
On top of that, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 stands tall with its powerful performance from the latest Intel Core i9 processor and the NVIDIA Geforce RTX 3080 graphics. It features an increased refresh rate display, improved cooling system, and RGB lightening that is customizable.
Q. Why Is Asus TUF A15 Recommended?
The Asus TUF A15 is the best for those looking at a rugged build, affordable price, and superlative performance courtesy of AMD Ryzen 9 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics. Further, it has one of the better battery lives on offer for a gaming notebook.
Q. Key features of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14:
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 touts its powerful and lightweight features, super useful with an AMD Ryzen 9 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060. It also features a really unique LED display on the lid for customizations.
Q. Where does the Razer Blade 16 stand against other models?
On top of that, the Razer Blade 16 will be the most stylish, well-built, and high-performance device powered by Intel Core i9 processors, accompanied by an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti. In addition, it will house a 4K display model with an RGB keyboard for customizable backlighting.
Q. What makes the Alienware M18 different?
What sets the Alienware M18 apart is the huge 18-inch display that comfortably opens up a very immersive gaming experience. High-performance features include Intel Core i9 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics. Advanced cooling technology and customization lighting are also included.
Q. Are gaming laptops easy to upgrade?
Yes, most of these gaming laptops, like the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 and Alienware M18, were designed to be upgradeable. This means users can upgrade RAM and storage for future gaming and performance needs.
Q. Are the cooling systems on these laptops good?
Indeed, all these laptops on the list have advanced cooling systems so they won’t under heavy gaming sessions. For instance, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 employs liquid metal thermal compound on the CPU, while the Alienware M18 features advanced vapor chamber cooling.
Q. What about the battery life of these gaming laptops?
While battery life is not really a priority in gaming laptops, some models, like the Asus TUF A15, do try to offer more than the usual battery life when compared to other gaming laptops. However, for extended gaming, it is still best to have these laptops plugged in.
Q. Can one play VR games on these gaming laptops?
Yes, all of the mentioned gaming laptops—the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16, Razer Blade 16, and Alienware M18—are VR-ready, packing the hardware and performance to run virtual reality gaming.
Q. Where can I buy these gaming laptops?
These gaming laptops can either be found through online retailers, electronic stores, or through websites of manufacturers. Bestfluencer added links inside an article to trusted retailers for easy access.
