Ultimate Gaming Laptop Power Rankings
By Lucy Chen | Published: 2024-07-26 | Category: Best Gaming Laptops
About Best Gaming Laptops
Gaming laptops are high-performance portable computers specifically engineered for demanding video games, featuring top-tier graphics cards, powerful processors, high refresh-rate displays, and advanced cooling systems. They aim to deliver a desktop-like gaming experience in a mobile form factor.
How We Tested
Laptops were evaluated based on raw gaming performance using industry-standard benchmarks and real-world gameplay, display quality (resolution, refresh rate, color accuracy), thermal efficiency, build quality and design, keyboard and trackpad usability, and overall value proposition. Aggregated critic and user reviews also informed the scoring.
Scoring Criteria
- → Build Quality
- → Ease of Use
- → Performance
- → Customer Satisfaction
- → Value for Money
The Best Best Gaming Laptops
Framework Laptop 16
By Framework
A highly modular and repairable gaming laptop, offering user-swappable components including a discrete graphics module.
Key Features
- ✓CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS or Ryzen 9 7940HS
- ✓GPU: AMD Radeon RX 7700S Graphics Module (interchangeable)
- ✓RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5 (user-replaceable)
- ✓Storage: Up to 2x M.2 NVMe SSDs (user-replaceable)
- ✓Display: 16-inch (2560 x 1600) 165Hz, 100% DCI-P3
- ✓Website: https://frame.work/laptop-16
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Unprecedented repairability and upgradability
- + Open-source philosophy
- + High-quality display
- + Innovative modular I/O and input decks
- + Strong focus on sustainability
Cons
- - GPU performance not at RTX 4080/4090 level
- - Thicker and heavier than some non-modular designs
- - New platform, long-term ecosystem support TBD
- - Higher initial investment for modularity
Verdict
"The Framework Laptop 16 is a groundbreaking product for tech-savvy users who prioritize sustainability, repairability, and customization over raw, cutting-edge performance. A commendable vision for the future."
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16
By ASUS
A sleek and powerful thin-and-light gaming laptop featuring a new CNC-milled aluminum chassis and an OLED display option.
Key Features
- ✓CPU: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
- ✓GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop (newer models up to RTX 4090 in some regions)
- ✓RAM: Up to 32GB LPDDR5X (soldered)
- ✓Storage: Up to 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
- ✓Display: 16-inch ROG Nebula Display OLED, 2.5K (2560 x 1600), 240Hz, 0.2ms
- ✓Website: https://rog.asus.com/laptops/rog-zephyrus/rog-zephyrus-g16-2024/
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Stunning OLED display
- + Premium and slim aluminum build
- + Excellent keyboard and speakers
- + Good balance of portability and performance
Cons
- - Soldered RAM limits upgradability
- - Performance capped by thinner chassis compared to thicker rivals
- - Can be expensive
Verdict
"The ROG Zephyrus G16 is perfect for gamers and creators who need a potent, portable machine with a gorgeous display and don't need the absolute highest framerates of thicker laptops."
"The OLED screen is a game changer, and it's so light for what it packs!"
- CreativePro22 (2024-05-20)
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Gigabyte AORUS 17X
By Gigabyte
A high-performance gaming laptop featuring top-tier components and a focus on cooling efficiency, catering to serious gamers.
Key Features
- ✓CPU: Up to Intel Core i9-14900HX
- ✓GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop
- ✓RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5
- ✓Storage: Up to 2x 2TB PCIe Gen4 SSDs
- ✓Display: 17.3-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) 240Hz, 100% DCI-P3
- ✓Website: https://www.gigabyte.com/Laptop/AORUS-17X--Intel-14th-Gen
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Excellent gaming performance
- + High refresh rate QHD display with good color
- + Robust WINDFORCE Infinity cooling
- + Plenty of connectivity options
Cons
- - Chassis design is somewhat dated
- - Keyboard could be better for the price
- - Gigabyte Control Center software can be finicky
Verdict
"The AORUS 17X is a solid choice for gamers prioritizing raw power and a fast, color-accurate display, especially if they find a competitive price."
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Acer Predator Helios 18
By Acer
A large-screen gaming laptop with powerful components, an impressive Mini-LED display option, and customizable RGB lighting.
Key Features
- ✓CPU: Up to Intel Core i9-14900HX
- ✓GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop
- ✓RAM: Up to 32GB DDR5
- ✓Storage: Up to 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD in RAID 0
- ✓Display: 18-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) Mini-LED, 250Hz
- ✓Website: https://www.acer.com/us-en/predator/laptops/helios/helios-18
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pros
- + High-end performance capabilities
- + Bright and fluid Mini-LED display option
- + Customizable per-key RGB keyboard and light bar
- + Effective cooling system
Cons
- - Bulky design
- - Fan noise can be significant
- - Software suite can be clunky
Verdict
"The Acer Predator Helios 18 offers a compelling package for gamers wanting a large, high-performance machine with a dazzling display and eye-catching aesthetics."
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HP Omen Transcend 16
By HP
A slim and stylish gaming laptop that prioritizes portability without heavily sacrificing performance, featuring a vibrant Mini-LED display option.
Key Features
- ✓CPU: Up to Intel Core i9-13900HX (Note: newer models may have 14th gen)
- ✓GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop
- ✓RAM: Up to 32GB DDR5
- ✓Storage: Up to 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD
- ✓Display: 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 240Hz Mini-LED or IPS
- ✓Website: https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/mdp/omen-gaming-laptops/omen-transcend-16
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Sleek and relatively lightweight design
- + Bright and colorful Mini-LED display option
- + Good keyboard and touchpad
- + Decent performance for its size
Cons
- - GPU options top out at RTX 4070
- - Can get warm under sustained load
- - Battery life could be better for a 'transcend' model
Verdict
"The HP Omen Transcend 16 is an excellent choice for gamers who value a more portable and aesthetically pleasing laptop that can still handle modern games effectively."
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Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen 9)
By Lenovo
A well-rounded high-performance gaming laptop offering a great balance of power, features, and a more subdued design compared to competitors.
Key Features
- ✓CPU: Up to Intel Core i9-14900HX
- ✓GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop
- ✓RAM: Up to 32GB DDR5
- ✓Storage: Up to 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD
- ✓Display: 16-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) IPS, 240Hz, 500 nits, G-Sync
- ✓Website: https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/legion-laptops/legion-pro-series/legion-pro-7i-gen-9-(16-inch-intel)/len101g0036
Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Excellent performance for its class
- + High-quality 240Hz display
- + Comfortable and responsive keyboard
- + Relatively understated design
- + Good thermal management
Cons
- - Can be pricey in higher configurations
- - Webcam quality is average
- - Battery life is modest
Verdict
"The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i is a top contender for gamers seeking a powerful, reliable machine with a professional aesthetic and a strong feature set, offering great overall value."
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MSI Titan 18 HX
By MSI
An ultimate-tier gaming laptop with extreme performance, a unique haptic touchpad, and a large 4K Mini-LED display, targeting hardcore enthusiasts.
Key Features
- ✓CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX
- ✓GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop
- ✓RAM: Up to 128GB DDR5 (via 4 slots)
- ✓Storage: Up to 3 SSD slots (PCIe Gen5 and Gen4)
- ✓Display: 18-inch UHD+ (3840 x 2400) Mini-LED, 120Hz, 100% DCI-P3
- ✓Website: https://www.msi.com/Laptop/Titan-18-HX-A14VXG
Scorecard (Overall: 7.6 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Unrivaled performance levels
- + Stunning 4K Mini-LED display
- + Mechanical keyboard by Cherry
- + Innovative haptic feedback touchpad
- + Exceptional cooling capacity
Cons
- - Extremely expensive
- - Very large and heavy design
- - Over-the-top aesthetics for some
Verdict
"The MSI Titan 18 HX is for those who demand the absolute pinnacle of mobile gaming performance and features, regardless of cost or practicality. It's a true desktop replacement."
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Alienware m18 R2
By Dell Alienware
A large and powerful gaming laptop focused on maximum performance and cooling, featuring a robust build and distinctive Alienware aesthetics.
Key Features
- ✓CPU: Up to Intel Core i9-14900HX
- ✓GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop
- ✓RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5
- ✓Storage: Up to 8TB (2x4TB) PCIe NVMe SSD
- ✓Display: 18-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) 165Hz or FHD+ (1920 x 1200) 480Hz
- ✓Website: https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/gaming-laptops/alienware-m18-r2-gaming-laptop/spd/alienware-m18-r2-laptop
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Top-tier performance for gaming and creative tasks
- + Robust cooling solution (Cryo-tech)
- + Comfortable keyboard with optional CherryMX mechanical keys
- + Multiple display options
Cons
- - Extremely large and heavy
- - Power brick is massive
- - Design might not appeal to everyone
Verdict
"The Alienware m18 R2 is a desktop replacement powerhouse for gamers prioritizing raw speed and thermal headroom over portability, with a distinct sci-fi design."
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Razer Blade 16
By Razer
A premium gaming laptop that masterfully blends high performance with a sleek, relatively portable design and a unique dual-mode Mini-LED display.
Key Features
- ✓CPU: Up to Intel Core i9-14900HX
- ✓GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop
- ✓RAM: Up to 96GB DDR5
- ✓Storage: Up to 4TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
- ✓Display: 16-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) 240Hz Mini-LED / UHD+ (3840 x 2400) 120Hz Mini-LED (Dual-Mode)
- ✓Website: https://www.razer.com/gaming-laptops/razer-blade-16
Scorecard (Overall: 8.4 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Exceptional CNC aluminum build quality
- + Innovative dual-mode Mini-LED display option
- + Powerful performance in a slim chassis
- + Excellent keyboard and large glass touchpad
Cons
- - Very expensive, especially higher configurations
- - Can run hot and loud under load
- - Fingerprint magnet
Verdict
"The Razer Blade 16 is the epitome of a luxury gaming laptop, offering potent performance and a standout display in a beautifully crafted chassis, albeit at a steep price."
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View Top Ranked Product
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ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18
By ASUS
A flagship gaming beast offering uncompromising performance, a stunning Mini-LED display, and robust cooling for enthusiast gamers.
Key Features
- ✓CPU: Up to Intel Core i9-14900HX
- ✓GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop
- ✓RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5
- ✓Storage: Up to 4TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD (RAID 0)
- ✓Display: 18-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) Nebula HDR Mini-LED, 240Hz, 3ms
- ✓Website: https://rog.asus.com
Scorecard (Overall: 8.4 / 10.0)
Pros
- + Exceptional raw gaming and CPU performance
- + Stunning and bright Mini-LED display
- + Advanced tri-fan cooling system
- + Ample I/O ports
Cons
- - Very bulky and heavy
- - Premium pricing
- - Can get loud under maximum load
Verdict
"The ROG Strix SCAR 18 is an absolute powerhouse for those who want maximum performance and a large, immersive display, without concern for portability or budget."
"This machine handles everything I throw at it on max settings. The display is incredible!"
- GamerXtreme (2024-06-15)
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Final Thoughts
The current gaming laptop market offers incredible power, with choices ranging from desktop-replacement behemoths to surprisingly slim yet potent machines. Key considerations remain display quality, thermal performance, and balancing power with portability and price.
Notable Mentions:
- ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18: For those seeking absolute maximum raw performance and a large, stunning display, regardless of bulk or price.
- Razer Blade 16: Unmatched build quality and a sleek design for users valuing premium aesthetics alongside strong performance.
- Framework Laptop 16: Its unique modularity and repairability make it a compelling, sustainable choice for enthusiasts.
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