Written by Lena Borrelli, Contributing Writer
Reviewed by
Amy LieuWhy you can trust ZDNET
ZDNET's reviewers spend weeks to months testing each laptop on this list, using it for both everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and gaming, to more performance-intensive work like photo and video editing. We aim to give you a view into how each laptop could actually fit into your life and workflow, and the pros and cons of their various features like performance, display, and battery life.
What to Consider
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Design
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Performance
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Storage and RAM
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Purpose
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Value
Razer Blade 17
Best gaming laptop overall
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Acer Nitro 5
Best gaming laptop value
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Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
Best ultra-portable gaming laptop
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HP Victus 15
Best HP gaming laptop
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MSI GT77 Titan
Best 17-inch gaming laptop
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When it comes to a gamer's success, it's not just about skill. It is also about having the best gaming laptop to help you in your battle for the crown. From a sparkling, detailed display to rich, colorful graphics, there is much to be said for a great gaming laptop. These computers are equipped with powerful processors and advanced hardware to deliver state-of-the-art specs for your gaming adventures.
Also: The best laptops
However, gaming laptops are not the cheapest laptops, so it is critical you find the best gaming laptop that is worth the money. ZDNET's in-depth research reveals that the Razer Blade 17 is the best gaming laptop, thanks to its phenomenal performance, upgraded i7 processor, and superior graphics. However, we also included options from Acer, MSI, Asus, and more.
Also: The best computers
The best gaming laptops of 2024
Pros
- Phenomenal display
- Fantastic connectivity
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Poor battery
- Limited charging
Razer Blade 17
Best gaming laptop overall
Razer Blade 17 specs: Processor: Intel Core i9 | Screen size: 17.3 inches | Graphics: RTX 3080 Ti | Operating system: Windows 11
The Razer Blade 17 is not just the best gaming laptop you can buy, but it is also the best 17-inch laptop.
The 4K Ultra-HD display measures 17.3 inches and is equipped with a fast 144-Hertz refresh rate. There are upgraded NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti graphics, paired with a 12th-Generation Intel 14-Core i9 processor with up to 5.3GHz of Turbo Boost for even faster performance than before. Its speedy GDDR6 memory is 50% faster than the previous generation, giving you improvements you can actually see and feel. The Chroma RGB keyboard is an added bonus, delivering easy visibility even in the dark. It is quiet, too, using its signature Vapor Chamber Cooling system to ensure a softer operation.
Enjoy excellent connectivity with Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, USB-A, and SD card compatibility. Windows 11 also comes pre-installed.
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Pros
- Impressive keyboard
- Excellent display
- Affordable
Cons
- Not so portable
- Loud fans
Acer Nitro 5
Best gaming laptop value
Acer Nitro 5 specs: Processor: Intel Core i5-9300H | Screen size: 15.6 inches | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | Operating system: Windows 10 Home
The Acer Nitro 5 is a great pick for the best affordable gaming laptop, offering a straightforward design with a low price tag that users can't help but appreciate.
The Nitro 5 uses a 9th-Generation Intel Core i5-9300H processor, working at a speed of up to 4.1 gigahertz for a reliable performance you can count on. Built in is Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless connections while you play, helping to prevent disruptive lagging and crashes. For greater convenience, Amazon Alexa comes built-in and ready to go.
The display is great, too: the 15.6-inch full HD display shows off the laptop's NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics and LED backlighting. The backlit keyboard is a lifesaver during those late night gaming sessions while Acer Cool Boost technology keeps things quiet so you don't disturb any sleeping roommates or family.
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Pros
- Customizable RGB lighting
- Light and portable
- Solid hardware
Cons
- Comes with bloatware
- Not the most efficient cooling system
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
Best ultra-portable gaming laptop
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 specs: Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS | Screen size: 14 inches | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU | Operating system: Windows 11 Home
If portability is an important factor in choosing a gaming laptop, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 makes one of the best options out there. This MacBook-inspired laptop has the hardware for gaming (its Ryzen 9 is among the upper echelon of processors) while also is subtle enough to double as an office-ready work laptop.
The 2K resolution OLED screen is surrounded by thick black bezels, serving as a contrast that makes colors on the screen pop, especially against the stylish white keyboard. Add in a surprisingly long-lasting battery and you have a laptop that is just at home in the game as it is in the office.
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Pros
- 1080p gaming
- 144Hz refresh rate
- Affordable
Cons
- Display could be better
- Plastic construction
HP Victus 15
Best HP gaming laptop
HP Victus 15 specs: Processor: Intel Core i5-12500H | Screen size: 15.6 inches | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050| Operating system: Windows 11 Home
The HP Victus 15 is also one of the best laptops under $1,000 that you can buy.
This HP gaming laptop comes with a 12th-Generation Intel Core i5-12500H processor with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics and new enhanced Ray Tracing and Tensor Cores for a superior performance over previous models. Enjoy the 1080p Full HD display measuring 15.6 inches for a just-right size that many users appreciate.
You also have extra-wide viewing with 178-degree viewing angles so you and your friends can still see clearly from any angle. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics shine on this model and are further complemented by a backlit keyboard that always ensures visibility is a top priority. The battery lasts up to eight hours, but it takes just 30 minutes to receive a 50% charge when you use HP Fast Charge, getting you back into the game that much faster.
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Pros
- Incredible power
- Phenomenal mini-LED display
- Excellent keyboard
Cons
- Expensive
- Very heavy
MSI GT77 Titan
Best 17-inch gaming laptop
MSI GT77 Titan specs: Processor: Intel Core i9-13980HX | Screen size: 17.3 inches | Graphics: RTX 4080 | Operating system: Windows 11 Pro
The MSI GT77 Titan comes prepared for serious performance with an impressive build not commonly seen among gaming laptops.
It starts with a super-fast 13th-Generation Intel Core i9-13980HX processor. From there, enjoy a monster 17.3-inch 4K display in Ultra HD that is made up of tiny mini LED lights for an incredibly detailed and vibrant display. It also comes with a special anti-glare coating to ensure top visibility, no matter where you are located.
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card will do your games justice and works in hand with the Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile mechanical keyboard. Connectivity is great with options for Thunderbolt 4 and USB-Type C ports. Meanwhile, MSI OverBoost Ultra technology pushes for maximum performance while preventing overheating through its Cooler Boost Titan system.
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What is the best gaming laptop?
Users and experts alike are huge fans of the Razer Blade 17, and it is hard not to be. It is moderately priced while dishing up an oversized display, advanced i9 processor, and custom RGB lighting.
To see how it compares, this is a look at the best gaming laptops.
Gaming laptop | Cost | Processor | Screen size |
Razer Blade 17 | $1,900 | Intel Core i9 | 17.3 inches |
Acer Nitro 5 | $700 | Intel Core i5-9300H | 15.6 inches |
ASUS ROG Zephyrus 14 | $1,899 | AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS | 14 inches |
HP Victus 15 | $720 | Intel Core i5-12500H | 15.6 inches |
MSI GT77 Titan | $3,839 | Intel Core i9-13980HX | 17.3 inches |
Which is the best gaming laptop for you?
It is not always so easy to determine the best gaming laptop for your needs. The technical specifications can be confusing to track and start to all feel the same from model to model.
That's where I can help. Before you buy the best gaming laptop, consider these suggestions to help you find the right model for your needs.
Choose this gaming laptop... | If you want... |
Razer Blade 17 | Reliable performance with excellent graphics and a generous display. Its speedy GDDR6 memory is 50% faster than the previous generation. |
Acer Nitro 5 | The best affordable gaming laptop with an i5 processor. The 15.6-inch full HD display shows off the laptop's NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics and LED backlighting. |
ASUS ROG Zephyrus 14 | A gaming laptop with solid hardware that's actually portable, or a laptop that you can take into the office. |
HP Victus 15 | A popular gaming laptop with a clear 1080p display and wide-viewing panels. The battery also lasts up to eight hours. |
MSI GT77 Titan | A powerhouse gaming laptop with market-leading mini-LED display technology and an upgraded i9 processor. |
How did I choose these gaming laptops?
Before you buy a gaming laptop, take a moment to reflect on these considerations.
Processor: Also known as the CPU, the processor is like the brain of the computer, helping everything to run properly and quickly. Most gaming laptops incorporate processors like the Intel Core i9 or i7, or you may see an AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 processor in other laptops. When shopping, remember this rule of thumb: the higher the number, the more powerful the processor.
Graphics card: When gaming, it is critical to have the best graphics card possible so your game can feel lifelike with rich colors and vivid images. Most of the best gaming laptops tend to incorporate NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon graphics cards.
Connectivity: Laptops generally do not offer as many ports as their desktop companions, but that does not mean you are out of luck. The best gaming laptops will offer plenty of options, such as USB-C, USB-A, Thunderbolt 4, and HDMI ports.
Price: The cost of a good gaming laptop can vary significantly, with the difference ranging several thousands of dollars. Things like your processor, graphics card, and memory can all impact the price, so keep these things in mind when shopping. To help give you an idea of what to expect, we found that the best gaming laptops range from $650 to more than $3,800 in price.
Which brand is best for gaming laptops?
When shopping for gaming laptops, you will find that there are many options available by several different computer manufacturers. Some manufacturers may specialize in budget gaming laptops, while others may focus on high-end laptops. In our search, we found the best gaming laptops came from leading manufacturers such as Razer, Acer, Asus, and HP.
Can you buy a gaming laptop for $1,000?
It is easy to spend several thousand dollars on a gaming laptop, but it is possible to find a great gaming laptop under $1,000 when you are on a budget. With the Acer Nitro 5 and HP Victus 15 priced around $650, you can easily purchase a quality laptop under $1,000 without sacrificing key features.
How much RAM do I need in a gaming laptop?
RAM refers to random-access memory, or the amount of memory that your computer has. It is critical that your gaming laptop has enough RAM to run your favorite games and save files. Typically, the best gaming laptops have at least eight megabytes of RAM but the general rule of thumb is the more RAM, the better.
Are there alternative gaming laptops worth considering?
These aren't the only options available. Check out these other options for best gaming laptop that may be worth a second look.
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