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The Best Gaming Laptop Deals This Week*
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Purists will argue that you need a PC to truly play games, especially if you’re a fan of pushing the levels of graphics quality beyond the capabilities of a mere gaming console. To do that, the gaming desktop is still king, particularly when it comes to having the kind of components and horsepower needed to run 4K games smoothly and support virtual reality (VR) setups. But if you want or need something you can tote around the house or over to your friend’s place, we’re here to help you choose the right gaming laptop.Our list of picks is ever-evolving as we test new models. We have organized our choices into our current favorites in the budget (under about $1,200), midrange (between $1,200 and $2,000), and high-end ($2,000 and up) classes. In years past, we saw only 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch laptops, but we are now seeing 14-inch, 16-inch, and 18-inch systems too, so grouping picks by specific size is too cumbersome. And so, in addition to the pricing tiers, we’ve selected picks for those seeking a particularly portable or an especially big-screen solution and designated a few additional favorites for more niche use cases, such as content creation and cloud gaming. If the base model starts at a lower price, we may designate a model in a different price class than what we tested it at. Also note that the budget class in particular saw some price inflation recently, given the silicon shortages and supply-chain issues that have plagued the industry since the pandemic began. Before, we’d have set a hard limit of $999 for budget gaming machines, but we are seeing price rises at the lower end of this market. So, we’ve lifted the price ceiling for this class of gaming machines. Check out a detailed breakout of our current picks for the best gaming laptops for 2024 below, followed by our extensive buying guide to how to shop for a gaming laptop.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8
Best Gaming Laptop for Most People
Why We Picked ItGiven the Legion Slim 5 Gen 8’s reasonable $1,299 starting price, wealth of configuration options, and sturdy build, we can comfortably recommend this model to the average gamer. Our configuration (at $1,549) is a little pricier than the base model, which gives you an idea of how it can scale up without coming close to high-end pricing. With an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU for speedy midrange gaming performance—alongside a sharp 165Hz display, a comfortable keyboard, and efficient cooling—this Legion is a worthy selection.Who It’s ForWhile the starting price is a bit beyond budget class (we have other picks for that purpose), most of you will find the performance more than acceptable at a reasonable cost. This model has a 16-inch screen, and you can find plenty more portable laptops if that’s your priority. Still, know that 16 inches is rapidly becoming the “standard” size among gaming machines. If you have money to spend, but not that kind of money, come first to the Legion Slim 5 Gen 8.
PROS
High-TDP GPU
Well-cooled for its thickness
Sharp and fast display
Excellent keyboard layout
Sturdy build
Cheaper than a lot of competitors
CONS
No USB4 or Thunderbolt 4
Still fairly long front to back
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Gaming
Processor
AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS
Processor Speed
3.8 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
G-Sync
Screen Refresh Rate
165 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.1
Dimensions (HWD)
0.92 by 14.16 by 10.25 inches
Weight
5.17 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
6:20
Learn More
Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 Review
Gigabyte Aorus 15 BMF
Best Budget Gaming Laptop
Why We Picked ItYou’ll find plenty of powerful and pricey systems on our list, but so many shoppers are on tight budgets. Gigabyte’s Aorus 15 BMF is the best current solution as a lean, mean, $999 gaming machine. It won’t top the performance charts, but it’s running sensible entry-level parts from the current generation of CPUs and GPUs while keeping the price down. Considering its price, we especially appreciate the partially metal build, the comfortable keyboard, the sharp 1080p webcam, and the broad port selection.Who It’s ForIf you have a hard spending limit of around $1,000, then the Aorus 15 BMF should be your first stop. Parents shopping for kids also don’t need to consider the more expensive options on our list, as this model should be more than enough. This laptop can run all of the most popular games, including the more demanding big-budget games, at 1080p without issue. You shouldn’t have to turn down the visual settings in games at that resolution, either, making for a generally plug-and-play experience.
PROS
Sturdy, elegant construction
On-point performance for the price
Commendable keyboard
Plenty of ports
Rare 1080p webcam
Sufficient battery life
CONS
Merely average display
RTX 4050 is outmatched by the RTX 3060
Hit-or-miss touchpad
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core i5-13500H
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
15.6 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
144 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
6 GB
Wireless Networking
Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6E
Dimensions (HWD)
0.82 by 14.2 by 10.7 inches
Weight
5.25 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
7:10
Learn More
Gigabyte Aorus 15 BMF Review
MSI Cyborg 15 (2023)
A Solid Alternative to the Gigabyte Aorus 15 BMF
Why We Picked ItMuch like the Gigabyte Aorus 15 BMF, this is one of the best $1,000 deals available. The entry-level parts won’t set any records, but an RTX 4050 GPU and particularly a 13th Gen Core i7 processor at this price are a reasonable package. You’ll always have to make concessions (a dim display and a graphics performance are top of mind here), but it’s easy to recommend this laptop to mainstream gamers on a budget.Who It’s ForIf the Aorus 15 BMF isn’t available, then this is another smart pick for budget-bound shoppers, young gamers getting their first gaming laptop, and anyone in those groups who especially wants a fast processor. The Aorus 15 BMF brings a more premium feel to this price tier, but this is a traditionally sound budget gaming laptop with some clear upsides and arguably acceptable concessions to keep the cost down.
PROS
$999 price in our Core i7/RTX 4050 test unit
Able to play at the highest 1080p settings
Peppy processor for the money
Decent build for a budget gaming rig
CONS
RTX 4050 GPU didn’t wow versus RTX 3060s
Display is dim and disappointing
Sharp chassis edge can dig into wrists during typing
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core i7-13620H
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
15.6 inches
Native Display Resolution
1,920 by 1,080
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
144 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
6 GB
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.1
Dimensions (HWD)
0.9 by 14.1 by 9.85 inches
Weight
4.5 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
7:16
Learn More
MSI Cyborg 15 (2023) Review
Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 (14.5-Inch)
Best Midrange Gaming Laptop
Why We Picked ItWhile relatively new sizes such as 16-inch and 18-inch machines are becoming the norm for midrange and high-end laptops, the Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 bucks the norm at 14.5 inches. It does so without dropping the ball on the performance side: Our AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS- and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060-equipped review unit can keep up with larger, similarly outfitted systems. It’s got more tricks up its sleeve beyond the performance and portable size, too, chiefly a brilliant OLED screen and a long battery life. It’s well made, long lasting, and a good performer, all at a very reasonable price.Who It’s ForAspirational gamers are the heart of the target market for this unit. True high-end systems cost $2,000 and up, out of reach for many budgets, but the starting price here is more reasonable for those who can spend a bit above entry-level. The size and portability are also uncommon advantages. There are some 14-inch machines that really specialize in mobility, but this is a nice middle ground, and there are plenty of larger machines if you prefer a bigger screen.
PROS
Outstanding performance
Well-priced
Vivid OLED screen
Long battery life
Classy aluminum design
CONS
RAM isn’t upgradeable
Average speakers
Audible fans
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Gaming
Processor
AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS
Processor Speed
3.8 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14.5 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.84 by 12.9 by 9.9 inches
Weight
3.85 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
8:09
Learn More
Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 (14.5-Inch) Review
Alienware m16 R2
A Bigger-Screen Alternative to the Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 (14.5-Inch)
Why We Picked ItThe Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 is a pretty unbeatable value, but not every gamer prioritizes portability or wants to play on a 14.5-inch screen. The Alienware m16 R2 sits toward the upper end of midrange pricing, but it’s still a compelling deal given the performance and design. An Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU drive steady high-end gaming and productivity performance in our $1,849.99 test model. The QHD+ screen resolution strains the system in the most cutting-edge games, but only super-expensive laptops can handle it better, and you can always tune down the settings. The build is trim for the power, the keyboard feels comfortable, and the battery lasts long for a gaming laptop, making this a smart buy overall.Who It’s ForAspirational gamers are the heart of the target market for this unit. True high-end systems cost $2,000 and up, out of reach for many budgets, but the starting price here is more reasonable for those who can spend a bit above entry-level. While it may not be a 14.5-inch machine, it’s pretty slim for the power profile, leaving a place for it as a travel companion. Mainstream and hardcore gamers who want a quality-made laptop and higher-end performance will be satisfied with the Alienware m16 R2.
PROS
Strong gaming, productivity performance, thanks to RTX 4070 and Core Ultra 7
Reasonable starting price and good value as configured
Sleek metal build is trim for a 16-incher
Superior keyboard, plenty of ports
Long battery life
CONS
QHD+ screen resolution strains hardware in demanding titles
Only two configurations, though they’re well priced
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
G-Sync
Screen Refresh Rate
240 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.93 by 14.33 by 9.81 inches
Weight
5.75 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
10:14
Learn More
Alienware m16 R2 Review
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 8
Best High-End Gaming Laptop
Why We Picked ItSimply put, this laptop is the best of both worlds in performance and price. Bargains aren’t the main consideration once you’re in this price tier, but it doesn’t hurt that the Legion Pro 7i Gen 8 delivers top-end performance for less than its competition. The build maybe lacks the bells and whistles of some rivals, but the subtle design may also be preferable for many shoppers.Its $2,299 starting price is appealing, and our $2,749 test model includes an Intel Core i9-13900HX and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080, which delivered performance in line with more expensive laptops. Who It’s ForYou’ll find a lot to love here for anyone who can shop in this price range. This Legion Pro’s performance rivals pricier and heavier systems, which is reason enough on its own; anyone seeking the best deal in the high-end range should look no further.
PROS
Bright and colorful 240Hz display
Comfortable keyboard with RGB extras
Generous port selection
Full HD webcam with extra features
Relatively affordable in its category
Subtle design avoids gamer stereotypes
CONS
Noisy fans under heavy load
Lacking in battery life
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core i9-13900HX
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
G-Sync
Screen Refresh Rate
240 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
12 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
Dimensions (HWD)
1 by 14.3 by 10.3 inches
Weight
6.1 pounds
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
6:13
Learn More
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 8 Review
Alienware m18
Best High-End Big-Screen Gaming Laptop
Why We Picked ItThe burgeoning 18-inch laptop space is home to some of the most powerful gaming laptops available, allowing manufacturers to pack the best parts and plenty of thermals into larger chassis. Dell’s Alienware m18 brings all of this and more to the table, from powerful components and high-end style to premium features like an advanced display. You can pick from a 1600p 165Hz or 1080p 480Hz panel, and our review unit was loaded with an Intel Core i9-13980HX and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU. Unsurprisingly, this meant extreme performance as configured, and extra options like a Cherry MX mechanical keyboard elevated the experience even further.Who It’s ForThis is undoubtedly a big and bulky system, but if you’re considering an 18-inch laptop, you’re looking at a powerful desktop replacement first and foremost—not a super-mobile option. And it’s not just size: We mean it when we say this is our “high-end” option in terms of cost. Its $1,899.99 starting price is actually rather reasonable for the category, but our $3,199.99 review configuration requires deep pockets.
PROS
Blistering performance as configured
Sturdy build with metal lid, customizable lighting
Superior Cherry MX mechanical keyboard option
Sharp 1600p/165Hz display, with 1080p/480Hz option
Reasonable starting price with lots of configuration
CONS
Rear-facing ports are awkward to reach
Short battery life
Big and heavy
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core i9-13980HX
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
18 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
G-Sync
Screen Refresh Rate
165 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
16 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
1.05 by 16.15 by 12.59 inches
Weight
8.9 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
5:36
Learn More
Alienware m18 Review
Razer Blade 14 (2023)
Best Ultraportable Gaming Laptop
Why We Picked ItThe 14-inch gaming laptop is a relatively new trend, and few OEMs have executed on this portable form factor better than Razer has with its Blade 14. The compact size may mean performance compromise for some, but the Blade 14 comes out swinging and full of style.Making high-performance gaming systems compact and portable is never cheap: This machine starts at $2,399, and our review unit rang up at $2,699. But a potent mix of portability, performance, and build quality emerges for that money. The all-metal Blade line always impresses with a premium look and feel, which is even easier to appreciate at this size. There’s substance too, with the latest components coming along with this update. Our review model works in an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS CPU, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU (which delivers plenty of wattage despite the system size), ensuring top-notch gaming performance despite its size.Who It’s ForPC gamers with a big budget looking for a portable travel companion should shortlist this one. The Blade 14 is our current favorite 14-inch option, in both style and performance. You’ll see some worthy alternatives, and the Blade 14 is undeniably expensive, but this is a generally pricey field. Considering all of that, the Blade 14 is a road-ready gamer you’ll want to be seen with, if portability is a chief concern.
PROS
Exemplary 14-inch gaming performance
QHD+ 240Hz display
Long battery life
Quiet fans
All-aluminum build
CONS
Shallow keyboard
Much higher starting price than the original
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Gaming
Processor
AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
Processor Speed
4 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
FreeSync
Screen Refresh Rate
240 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.7 by 12.2 by 9 inches
Weight
4 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
10:35
Learn More
Razer Blade 14 (2023) Review
Alienware x14 R2
A Solid Alternative to the Razer Blade 14
Why We Picked ItWhile the top-end Razer Blade 14 is our primary pick for the best ultraportable system with no qualifiers, Dell’s Alienware x14 R2 may be just as appealing in the event the Blade isn’t available. If your priority is to take your gaming laptop with you on the road, then the x14 R2 delivers just as well. It’s more than capable of 60fps gaming, quick processing, and long battery life—all in a slick and slim design. The x14 R2’s performance doesn’t quite stack up to the Blade 14, and the all-metal build of the Blade remains best in class, but this is next best for mobile gamers.Who It’s ForThe main reason this is the best alternative to Razer’s excellent machine: price. The x14 R2 starts at $1,499.99, and even our superior test model was just $1,899.99. Both are much lower than the Blade 14’s $2,399 starting price, and they’re more attainable for a wider pool of gamers. Of course, you’ll find gaming laptops larger than both of these machines if you value power over portability, but this is the best attainable 14-inch system around.
PROS
Impressive super-slim build
Brisk gaming and processing speeds as configured
Appealing starting and configuration prices
Long battery life
Wide range of ports for a small laptop
CONS
QHD+ screen resolution challenges the GeForce RTX 4060 at max settings
Ports being all on the back edge can be awkward
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core i7-13620H
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
G-Sync
Screen Refresh Rate
165 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.57 by 12.6 by 10.2 inches
Weight
4.2 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
9:38
Learn More
Alienware x14 R2 Review
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18
Best Cost-Is-No-Object Gaming Laptop
Why We Picked ItSome of these picks are balanced for size or budget, but this selection goes for broke. If money is no object, your best bet is the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18, which goes all-in for power with little regard for cost. As the name suggests, this is a sizable 18-inch laptop, one in the first wave of this new screen size. The latest Intel and Nvidia components are a chart-topping combination for gaming performance, with a supporting feature set that will make any shopper with a big budget happy.Its roomy QHD 240Hz screen provides a desktop-like experience, though it certainly isn’t made for portability at 1.21 inches thick and 6.77 pounds (though it could be worse). The upside to the size beyond the big screen? The Intel Core i9-13980HX CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU in our review configuration made mincemeat of our benchmark tests, posting some unmatched raw 3D and gaming results.Who It’s ForDeep-pocketed gamers who are all about speed and want the latest parts with the most power should consider this beast. This is just about the best-performing gaming laptop you can buy, especially if frame rates and performance in the latest titles are your primary concern. It isn’t travel-friendly, so shoppers should consider it a desktop replacement in the purest sense, luggable-along with its adapter when you need it to be. But for that sacrifice, you’ll be rewarded with desktop-like performance.
PROS
Extreme performance
Excellent gaming display
Semi-reasonable size and weight
Decent battery on iGPU
CONS
Plastic construction
Expensive
Can become loud under intense work loads
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core i9-13980HX
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
2 TB
Screen Size
18 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
G-Sync
Screen Refresh Rate
240 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090
Graphics Memory
16 GB
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
1.21 by 15.71 by 11.57 inches
Weight
6.77 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
8:14
Learn More
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 Review
Gigabyte Aero 16 OLED (2023)
Best Gaming/Content Creation Laptop Crossover
Why We Picked ItAs you shop, you’ll see clearly defined gaming laptops alongside obvious content-creation machines (see Acer’s ConceptD or Asus’ ProArt notebooks). Then the crossovers arrived, much like those automobiles of the same name. The 2023 Gigabyte Aero 16 is one of the best such hybrids, amping the power up even further from past iterations, with options for a 4K OLED screen, a high-powered Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU, and the latest Intel Core i9 CPU—in a slim package. It’s meant as a content-creation machine, able to muscle through everything from graphic design to video editing and animation, but its GPU is ready for high-end gaming, too. The stellar OLED panel is what really sets it apart from most bulked-up builds, though the 60Hz refresh rate is a miss for gaming purposes.Who It’s ForVideo editors and graphic designers will come for the panel, wrap up their workday, and stay for the gaming-ready GPU (just probably not many esports games). It’s not a perfect answer for every creator or gamer, but if you want one of the best laptops for video editing or media work with gaming on the side, it’s a powerful (if pricey) option. Few media makers wouldn’t lust after one.
PROS
Impressive OLED screen returns
Satisfying TKL keyboard
Sturdy aluminum body
MicroSD card slot
Decently priced
CONS
Short battery life
Single, rear-mounted USB-A port
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Desktop Replacement
Processor
Intel Core i9-13900H
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
3840 by 2400
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.87 by 13.9 by 10.1 inches
Weight
4.6 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
8:09
Learn More
Gigabyte Aero 16 OLED (2023) Review
Acer Chromebook 516 GE
Best Cloud Streaming Gaming Laptop
Why We Picked ItThis is a new category of gaming laptop, but the trend is only just beginning. Many companies have tried to capitalize on the concept of cloud gaming, and now the hardware and infrastructure are coming together in a wave of cloud-streaming Chromebook machines with gamer-friendly details that set them apart from “ordinary” Chromebooks. The Acer Chromebook 516 GE is among the first of these, and it’s our top pick so far. The performance is consistent across the board for gaming and general use; the build is top-quality for its price; the screen is sharp and peaks at a 120Hz refresh rate; and the keys even have RGB lighting. Perhaps this trend won’t last, but if this machine is any indication, there’s a lot of promise here.Who It’s ForGamers who can’t afford a pricey dedicated laptop have a relatively easy out with this system. It doesn’t need a discrete GPU of its own, cutting down on the cost of the laptop itself significantly. It’s much more affordable than the average gaming laptop because this Chromebook relies on cloud streaming services to play games. Of course, that requires at least a stable (if not outright fast) internet connection, and a subscription to a cloud gaming service, each a possible no-go if you’re on a tight budget. But if you can get by with a Chromebook for your everyday computing life outside of your gaming, and an under-$700 price is right, this is a fine solution.
PROS
Superb performance in gaming (and everything else)
Powerful hardware for a Chromebook, from processing to storage
Rich port selection
RGB keyboard with anti-ghosting tech
Gorgeous 120Hz display
CONS
No touch screen
USB-C ports aren’t Thunderbolt 4
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Chromebook
Processor
Intel Core i5-1240P
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.84 by 14 by 9.8 inches
Weight
3.75 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
9:41
Learn More
Acer Chromebook 516 GE Review
Buying Guide: The Best Gaming Laptops for 2024
Gaming systems have higher-end components than run-of-the-mill consumer laptops, so their prices consequently will be higher, but the range across the category is huge: from under a grand to $4,000 and up. Budget gaming laptops start at around $800 and can go up to about $1,250. For that, you get a system that can play games at full HD resolution (1080p) with the settings turned down in most titles, or at maximum quality settings in simpler games. Storage will likely be a modest-capacity solid-state drive (SSD); a hard drive indicates an older model best avoided. An SSD as the boot drive is always preferable, and nowadays, hard drives have been relegated to secondary drives in larger laptops. Want something better? Midrange systems give you smoother gameplay at high or maximum settings on a better-quality 1080p screen (which will support high refresh rates; more on that in a moment), and they should add support for VR headsets. These models will range in price from around $1,250 to $2,000.
(Credit: Kyle Cobian)
High-end systems, meanwhile, should guarantee you smooth gameplay at 1080p with graphics details maxed out, invariably on a high-refresh screen. They even might let you play at 4K resolution if the screen supports it. A high-end model should also be able to power a VR headset and support additional external monitors. These machines tend to come with capacious PCI Express SSDs, and they are priced above $2,000, often closer to $3,000.Some laptops in this class support QHD (2,560-by-1,440-pixel) or 4K screens, a hard drive to supplement the SSD, and ultra-efficient cooling fans as optional extras. Thanks to modern advancements, an increasing number of these are even fairly thin and portable. With laptops in this tier, you’ll either pay a premium for high-end performance in a thin chassis or pay for the most possible power in a chunkier build.Put the GPU First: Which Gaming Laptop Graphics to Get?The main attribute that makes or breaks a gaming laptop is its graphics processing unit (GPU). We don’t consider a laptop to be a gaming laptop unless it has a discrete graphics chip from Nvidia or (less commonly) AMD. A quick crash course for the uninitiated: In general, the higher the suffix number in a GPU series, the more powerful it is. For example, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 will generally produce faster frame rates and higher-quality graphics than an RTX 3070, and so on down the stack. The “30” denotes the generation, so the latest GeForce 40 series is superior to the 30 series; the GeForce RTX 4080 is the successor to the RTX 3080. Nvidia is the dominant player in the field right now, currently producing discrete mobile GPUs based on its “Ada Lovelace” microarchitecture, though some older “Ampere”-based (2021) GPUs are still available.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Ampere GPUs sell under the GeForce RTX 30-series name (i.e., the RTX 3070 or RTX 3080), though they have been largely phased out by the newer GeForce RTX 40-series “Ada Lovelace” GPUs. The latter launched on desktops in 2022, and laptops with RTX 40 series GPUs started to hit shelves early last year. Virtually any new laptop released this year will run 40-series GPUs, but some base-model configurations (and non-gaming laptops) may still feature a GeForce RTX 3050 or 3060 to keep the price down.And so, we’ll touch on both generations. Unlike past generations, the top-end 30-series and 40-series GPUs available on new laptops carry an “RTX” designation rather than “GTX,” a nod to the ray-tracing technology that the platform offers for enhanced in-game visuals (with games that support it). This fancy real-time lighting effect looks amazing but is very demanding to run. Combined with a rendering technique called DLSS, the high-end GPUs are even able to push ray-tracing at higher resolutions in some titles. Nvidia is continuously working on this technology, and the improvements in the latest edition, DLSS 3, are a big part of the effectiveness of its RTX 40-series GPUs. More demanding games may not hit 60 frames per second (fps) at 4K, especially with ray-tracing active depending on the laptop, but it’s much more plausible to do either on their own with top-end RTX 40-series GPUs. DLSS 3 and the “frame generation” feature are doing wonders for the 40-series GPUs.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Ampere and Ada Lovelace laptop GPUs are not 1:1 performers in line with their desktop counterparts, but performance is still very strong, and they’re more capable of ray-tracing than the 20 series was. We’ve found some sizable performance variance between the same GPU in one laptop versus that same GPU in another, depending on the power that laptop makers deliver to the GPU. To see our findings on why this is, read our mobile Ampere testing article. This makes laptop shopping a bit more complicated than going by just the GPU name on paper. Our testing of each system is more important than ever.Now, let’s move down the power hierarchy a bit. The midrange RTX 3060 occupies space just under the RTX 3070 and 3080. At the bottom of the 30-series stack are the GeForce RTX 3050 and RTX 3050 Ti, which launched in spring 2021. Compared with the premium RTX 3070 and RTX 3080 (and their souped-up RTX 3070 Ti and RTX 3080 Ti counterparts), these GPUs are available in budget-friendlier gaming laptops, or the base configurations of more premium machines, bringing ray-tracing to entry-level machines. (See our primer on ray-tracing on the PC.) Below the RTX 3050 are the GeForce GTX GPUs mentioned earlier, but these have become virtually irrelevant. If you’re seeing a system with GTX GPUs, it’s dated. RTX 3050, RTX 3050 Ti, and RTX 4050 GPUs are the new budget class.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
The same relative hierarchy applies to the RTX 40 series. Laptops with an RTX 4080 or RTX 4090 (used in the most expensive laptops) are exceptional performers at all resolutions, and the RTX 4070 is impressive in its own right, even above 1080p gaming. As mentioned, DLSS is a must to run ray tracing at higher resolutions, but it’s much more capable in these scenarios than the 30 series. Raw performance increases outside of these scenarios are more modest. The RTX 4060 is a reliable, steady pick for 1080p laptops that won’t break the bank, and it appears in machines at either the high end of budget pricing or the low end of midrange pricing.Nvidia is still the main player in graphics, but chief rival AMD is seeing an increase in adoption. A rising number of gaming laptops include Radeon RX GPUs, though far less than Nvidia still; AMD announced its next generation of mobile GPUs (Radeon RX 7000) early last year, but we didn’t see all that many of them throughout the year.AMD GPUs are sometimes paired with an Intel processor, though we’re also seeing more frequent examples of AMD graphics combined with AMD processors than before. (For example, Dell and MSI sold a few AMD-on-AMD CPU/GPU machines.) Even with all the above complexity, we can still draw some basic conclusions about graphics performance. Today, a single midrange or high-end discrete GPU will let you play the latest AAA gaming titles on a 1080p screen with high-quality settings turned on, and be fine for powering VR play. The RTX 3070 and 3080 have made smooth 1440p gaming the norm, and the latter GPU especially has made even 4K gaming on laptops much more plausible than before. Their parallel models in the RTX 40 series, along with DLSS where the game supports it, have furthered those high-res-gaming trends.The Panel: How High a Refresh Rate to Get in a Gaming Laptop?In the past, the power of a GPU like the RTX 4070 would look like overkill for sticking with gaming at 1080p, but several new factors can absorb that extra potential. A high-refresh-rate screen is now the norm in any new gaming laptop, which allows for the display of lofty frame rates in full to smooth out the perceived gameplay. You’ll need a powerful graphics chip to leverage the benefits of a high-refresh panel with demanding games. You’ll be able to identify machines like these by marketing lingo about, say, a 144Hz, 240Hz, or even 300Hz-plus screen. (A typical display on a laptop is a 60Hz panel, but new gaming models all have 144Hz-plus screens at this point.)
(Credit: Kyle Cobian)
A 144Hz panel is emerging as the most common, but we’re also seeing some 240Hz and even 360Hz options in pricey models, so they can display more than 60 frames per second (for example, up to 144fps in the case of 144Hz screens). This makes gameplay look smoother, but only high-end GPUs can push those limits, in many cases. Additionally, the aforementioned ray-tracing techniques (think real-time lighting and reflection effects) are demanding to run, and as more video games implement the technology, the more you wish you could flip them on.Because of that, you have multiple reasons to opt for a high-end GPU, even if playing games at a full HD (1080p) resolution doesn’t look too demanding to you on paper. On the lower end, DLSS can also help less powerful hardware like the RTX 3050 or 4050 run or enable ray-tracing with limited downsides, so you’re not totally out of luck if you can’t afford the top-end chips. DLSS support is far from universal, but it’s appearing in more and more titles.Nvidia’s G-Sync and AMD’s FreeSync technologies are more down-to-earth. They help increase the quality of the gaming experience and smooth out frame rates by letting the laptop screen rewrite the image onscreen at a variable rate that depends on the output of the GPU (rather than the fixed rate of the screen). Look for support for one of those technologies if you’re a stickler for perfectly rendered visuals. These technologies, collectively known as “adaptive sync,” are becoming more common, but they tend to show up in pricier machines, with G-Sync being much more common in laptops.The Processor: Which CPU to Get in a Gaming Laptop?Last year, we saw the launch of Intel’s 13th Generation (“Raptor Lake”) chips and AMD’s Ryzen 7000 processors, which have taken over most of our picks through the year and into 2024. Our first performance tests of the Core i9 Raptor Lake chips and Ryzen 7000 “Dragon Range” chips were impressive.Intel just launched its Core Ultra “Meteor Lake” chips with onboard AI processing, and these will run in some gaming systems. However, Intel’s new 14th Gen “Raptor Lake Refresh” H, HK, and HX processors are the CPUs more likely to appear in 2024’s new gaming laptops, and will prevail in larger, more powerful gaming machines. We first saw these at CES 2024, and reviewed our first such chip inside the 2024 edition of the Razer Blade 16.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Most laptops included here encompass Intel Core i7 processors (even most of the thin-and-light gaming laptops), while the most expensive hardcore laptops are running Core i9 CPUs. These days, many budget machines use Core i7 chips, but some especially affordable options may opt for Core i5 chips.In general, more cores and higher clock speeds bring better overall efficiency and much-improved performance on multithreaded tasks like media projects, but it’s less vital for gaming. Gaming doesn’t usually see as much of a boost from more threads as many media tasks do. But they certainly don’t hurt.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
As a result, if you have to choose between a high-end CPU and a high-end GPU, go for the graphics. For example, we’d recommend getting a Core i5 CPU over a Core i7 if the money saved could then go toward an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU instead of an RTX 4050. Spending the money on the GPU makes more sense than spending it on the CPU if gaming is your main concern.Look for Intel Core i5 processors in budget gaming systems, with Core i7 H, HQ, and HK processors in midrange gaming laptops. The H-series processors are higher-power and tend to show up in more expensive gaming laptops, while lower-power Core i7 U-series chips are designed for thinner, more portable (and generally not gaming) machines. The most expensive, biggest gaming laptops for sale use Core i9 H-series processors, which are also superior for media tasks. The branch-off Core Ultra Meteor Lake processors drop the “i” structure, but still have their own Ultra 5, 7, and 9 tiers, as well as designations like H series and U series.Then you have the AMD side, which we alluded to at the start of this discussion. AMD’s chips long played second fiddle to Intel’s offerings, but these days Intel and AMD tug back and forth for performance supremacy. Today, AMD’s Ryzen 7000 chips go toe-to-toe with Intel’s 13th Gen processors, making for fiercer competition. For now, any Ryzen 6000, Ryzen 7000 or 13th Gen Intel H-class chips should be capable gamers under most circumstances, with the upcoming Ryzen 8000 series and Intel 14th Gen chips a given.Display: What Screen Size to Get in a Gaming Laptop?In terms of display size, a 15.6-inch screen is the traditional sweet spot for a gaming laptop. You can buy models with larger displays, but this will almost certainly jack up the weight to well beyond five pounds and put portability in question. Multiple vendors announced 18-inch laptops early last year, including Alienware, Asus, and Razer. We reviewed the first of these, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18, and several have followed since. You’ll find more screen options than ever, with popular picks at 14, 15.6, 16, 17.3, and 18 inches. The 16-inch size is another up-and-comer.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
In terms of resolution, a full HD (1,920-by-1,080-pixel in 16:9 aspect ratio) native-resolution screen is the default minimum at this point, whatever the screen size. One thing to note: Laptop makers have increasingly moved to 16:10 panels, which provide a little more vertical real estate without changing the footprint much.Also note that 14-inch panel sizes, as well as 16-inch ones that are slightly bigger than the 15-inch class, are now consistent members of the market. Major makers such as Acer, Alienware, Asus, and Razer have produced 14-inch gamers, and 16-inchers are everywhere, on the way to supplanting the long-standard 15.6-inch size.Larger displays are capable of giving you higher-than-1080p resolutions, but choose wisely, as a resolution of QHD, QHD+, or 4K can boost the final cost twice: first for the panel, and second, possibly, for the higher-quality graphics chip, you’ll need to drive it to its full potential. As mentioned, look for increasingly common G-Sync or high-refresh-rate screens (as discussed earlier) if you want smoother visuals.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Because they require the most potent GPUs for smooth gameplay at native resolution, gaming laptops with a 4K screen (3,840 by 2,160 pixels in 16:9) are still an exception, and still expensive. Keep this in mind: Only the most powerful graphics cards can render complex game animations at playable frame rates across the full screen at 4K, so a 1080p screen may be a better use of your money if all you do is play games. Even though the RTX 3080 and particularly the RTX 4080 can handle 4K gaming much more ably than any laptop GPUs before them, we still don’t think it’s worth the cost to seek out 4K gaming in laptops, unless you can spend big. The screens do look excellent, though, especially since they’re sometimes paired with OLED technology. QHD is often a better resolution pairing for modern high-end GPUs on laptops.Gaming Laptop Storage: SSDs Bring the SpeedThese days, virtually every laptop comes with an SSD as the boot drive, and most have done away with spinning hard drives entirely. SSDs speed up boot time, wake-from-sleep time, and the time it takes to launch a game and load a new level. Only older laptops will still have a hard drive as the boot drive.In large gaming laptops, it was previously common to see a small-capacity (256GB) SSD boot drive paired with a roomy (1TB or greater) secondary hard drive to store the bulk of your library. You may still find this combination, but as higher-capacity SSDs have become more affordable, SSDs have become the norm. A 512GB SSD is the new default, while some budget gaming laptops will start at 256GB, and high-end systems will include a 1TB SSD or more. Adding greater SSD capacity will certainly increase the price, but it may be necessary given how large modern game installations can be, so shop accordingly. We do recommend at least a 512GB SSD if you can afford it; your library will fill up your drive fast. A too-small SSD can mean you’re forever shuffling games on and off the drive. How Much Memory to Get in a Gaming Laptop?Before we forget, let’s talk about memory (RAM). In a Windows gaming laptop, expect at least 8GB of RAM. (In practice, no self-respecting model will come with less.) That will give you some breathing room when switching back and forth between your gameplay window and your messaging app, but we’d save researching game tips for when you’re not playing, as each successive browser window you open eats into your RAM allotment.For a higher-end system, we recommend 16GB, so you can have your gaming session, a messaging app, several websites, a webcam, and streaming video active simultaneously. A midrange gaming laptop should function fine with 8GB of memory, but be aware that many new laptops are not upgradable. You may be stuck with the amount of memory you order. For an investment-grade gaming laptop, 16GB is the minimum target; for most folks who aren’t extreme streamers or multitaskers, more than that is overkill.Buying the Best Cheap Gaming LaptopIf you’re shopping for a gaming system on a limited budget (in this case, between roughly $900 and $1,300), you’re going to need to make some sacrifices. Maximizing power while staying within a limited price range is the goal, but you’ll have to accept that some of the components won’t be comparable with the more expensive laptops you’ll see while browsing. That said, $1,200 is a reasonable ceiling for what some buyers are ready to spend on a gaming laptop, and you can still get an effective system for that much. (Check out our side roundup of the best cheap gaming laptops.)The main drop-off will be the graphics since the dedicated graphics chip is one of the most expensive components in a machine and the major factor in a laptop’s gaming prowess. The graphics chip almost single-handedly defines the class of laptop you’re dealing with, so pay attention to that part. Fortunately, even the less powerful GPU options these days are quite capable.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Past budget systems were equipped almost exclusively with those wallet-friendly Nvidia GeForce GTX 1600-series GPUs we mentioned earlier. The GeForce RTX 3050, RTX 3050 Ti, and RTX 4050 have replaced these inside laptops for as low as $799. These are now the entry-level options.The RTX 4050 is now the budget baseline, but you can hunt for sales for past 30-series laptops if you’re looking to save as much as possible. Even at the entry range, with most of these GPUs, you’ll be able to play smoothly at 1080p, just not at the very highest settings in newer games, and all should be able to provide at least a decent level of VR play if that’s your thing.Processors are the next biggest difference. In a budget model, you’ll likely get a capable Core i5 instead of a faster Core i7. Still, some of the benefits of an i7 machine aren’t a major factor for gaming, but instead benefit video editing and other creative uses, so an i5 will do the job. Over the past year or two, we saw more Ryzen CPUs in cheap, general-use laptops than in cheap gaming laptops, despite their adoption in some higher-end or ultraportable gaming systems.AMD GPUs are much less common in budget gaming laptops than Nvidia ones. You’ll find more all-AMD laptops available than in the past, but few are budget machines.Outside of the graphics card and processor, the other components should be closer to more expensive machines than you’d expect. SSD boot drives are the norm even in the cheapest new gaming laptops, though they may be small in capacity. The display will almost certainly be 1080p, as 1,366-by-768-pixel panels are now reserved only for cheap non-gaming systems. The RAM will likely top off at 8GB in budget laptops, but you will find some (more ideal) 16GB laptops in this range.What Else Do You Need to Up Your Game?Given that high-end components tend to drain battery life, don’t plan on taking any of these gaming rigs too far from a wall socket very often. Cutting-edge ports like USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 4 are beneficial now, and will only be more so down the road, but look for at least two ordinary-shaped (aka, “Type-A”) USB 3.0 ports so you can plug in an external mouse and a hard drive for your saved media files.If you want to attach a VR headset to your rig, look for the right loadout of ports to accommodate it. You’ll need a well-placed HDMI or DisplayPort video out (it depends on the headset which one you’ll need) and enough USB ports for a possible hydra-head of cabling. Other video ports, like DisplayPort or mini-DisplayPort (sometimes implemented over a USB-C port), will be helpful if you want to play games on an external display, but they aren’t necessary if your laptop’s screen is large enough.So, Which Is the Best Gaming Laptop to Buy?Feeling more prepared now to buy than before? We hope so. Scroll down for a detailed spec breakout of all the top-pick machines that we laid out above.
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