Playing games on modern consoles is pretty straightforward: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, or Nintendo Switch. Unless you’re after specific games that are exclusive to each platform, any of these will work just fine. But when it comes to gaming on a laptop, things get a bit more complicated.
Unlike consoles, the gaming laptop market is full of different brands offering a wide variety of specs and prices. Even if two laptops have similar hardware, one might perform better than the other, thanks to factors like build quality, materials, and cooling systems.
In this article, we’ll help you navigate through the world of gaming laptops, ranking them from worst to best. Keep in mind, there’s no such thing as a bad gaming laptop; it’s all about finding the right fit for your needs, and performance isn’t the only factor that matters.
What Makes a Laptop a “Gaming Laptop”?
Gaming laptops are designed to run the latest games smoothly. They’re packed with powerful CPUs, GPUs, tons of RAM, and large storage drives. These powerful components ensure better graphics and faster frame rates. But the catch? All that power generates heat, so gaming laptops need efficient cooling systems to avoid overheating.
While you don’t need a gaming laptop to play games (you can still run older titles on basic laptops), a dedicated gaming laptop will give you the best experience.
10. Apple (MacBook Pro M)
Apple’s MacBook Pro M series isn’t really built for gaming. Sure, you can play a few games, but it’s not optimized for the gaming experience. The MacBook Pro M3 Max can run games like “Baldur’s Gate 3” smoothly, but other games like “Red Dead Redemption 2” and “Elden Ring” aren’t compatible. MacBooks are also expensive and limit you to a smaller range of games.
9. Dell/Alienware (G Series, M Series, X Series)
Dell’s G Series laptops are pretty basic when it comes to gaming performance. However, Alienware, Dell’s premium gaming line, performs much better. Alienware laptops like the M and X Series are praised for their build quality and display, but Dell’s poor customer service is a huge downside. If something goes wrong, getting it fixed can be a headache.
8. Samsung (Galaxy Book)
Samsung’s Galaxy Book4 Ultra can run modern games thanks to its Intel Core CPU and NVIDIA GPU, but it’s overpriced for what it offers. Other brands offer better performance at lower prices. While it’s not a bad option, you might find better value elsewhere.
7. HP (Omen, Victus)
HP’s gaming laptops are decent, especially the Omen series. However, the smaller 14-inch Omen laptops have performance issues due to limited power supply, which affects gaming performance. The Omen 16, though, is solid and great for gamers who keep their laptops plugged in.
6. Gigabyte (Aorus, Aero, G Series)
Gigabyte’s gaming laptops, like the Aorus 16X, deliver solid performance at a more affordable price. However, their battery life leaves much to be desired, with some laptops struggling to play games on battery power. Still, if you’re okay with keeping your laptop plugged in, Gigabyte offers good value.
5. Razer (Blade)
Razer is known for sleek and stylish gaming laptops like the Razer Blade. While the Blade offers fantastic performance and cooling, it’s also expensive. If you’re okay with paying a premium for quality, Razer is a great choice, but it’s not the most budget-friendly option.
4. Acer (Predator Helios, Nitro V, Predator Triton)
Acer has made a name for itself with gaming laptops that deliver plenty of power without breaking the bank. The Predator Helios Neo 16, for example, offers impressive performance for a mid-range price. However, Acer laptops can be noisy and have inconsistent battery life, which can be a turnoff for some gamers.
3. MSI (Titan, Raider, Stealth, Vector, Crosshair, Cyborg)
MSI is known for reliable gaming laptops, ranging from budget options like the Cyborg to powerhouse machines like the Titan. The MSI Titan 18 HX can even replace a gaming desktop, though it sacrifices portability. MSI laptops usually offer great value, though some models fall short in certain areas like battery life or screen quality.
2. ASUS ROG/TUF (Flow, Zephyrus, Strix, A Series)
ASUS ROG and TUF gaming laptops are widely considered some of the best on the market. They deliver top-tier performance at a lower price compared to MSI. For example, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 packs powerful hardware into a thin design. ASUS laptops are reliable, stylish, and typically more affordable than their competitors.
1. Lenovo (Legion, LOQ)
Lenovo has completely transformed its gaming laptop lineup in recent years. The Legion series offers fantastic performance at competitive prices. The Lenovo Legion 5i, for example, delivers high-end specs for a mid-range price, while the Legion 9i fits an RTX 4090 into a slim design without overheating. Lenovo’s budget option, the LOQ, also offers great performance for less money, making them the top choice for gamers on a budget.
In conclusion, there are many great options out there, but Lenovo’s gaming laptops, especially the Legion series, stand out for their performance and value. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly or high-end options, there’s something for everyone.