Looking for the best gaming laptop? You’re in the right place! With over 15 years of experience testing and reviewing the finest laptops, we’ve compiled a definitive list of the top gaming laptops of 2024 based on performance, cost, and the features that gamers crave. Whether you’re gaming at 1080p, 1440p, or even 4K, our list covers the most popular models from top manufacturers like ASUS, MSI, Lenovo, Razer, Dell, and Acer, featuring both AMD and Intel CPUs.
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Number 5 : ASUS TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition is the best budget-friendly gaming laptop we’ve tested. Equipped with either an AMD Radeon RX 6700S or RX 7700S GPU and a Ryzen 7 7735HS or Ryzen 9 7940HS processor, this machine delivers smooth, high frame rates in demanding AAA titles at 1080p or 1440p. You can choose between a 165Hz FHD+ or a 240Hz QHD+ 16-inch screen, both with variable refresh rates to reduce screen tearing.
It also offers a good variety of ports, including Ethernet and HDMI 2.1, perfect for connecting external displays and accessories. The RAM and storage are user-upgradable, providing a clear upgrade path for future improvements. Though it heats up and gets noisy under load, the critical WASD area remains free of hot spots. However, its bulky build and short battery life—just over an hour when gaming—make it less portable. At $980, it’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers.
Number 4 :MSI Katana 15
For those looking to game at 1080p without breaking the bank, the MSI Katana 15 is a great option. Priced at just $999, it features a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, and a 1TB SSD. While the design is somewhat dated and battery life isn’t stellar, the Katana 15 prioritizes performance, delivering smooth gaming at an accessible price.
Higher-end models are also available, with prices reaching $1,899 for an Intel Core i9, 32GB of RAM, and an Nvidia RTX 4070, though these still feature only a 1080p display. The laptop’s thermal design does a good job keeping the CPU and GPU cool, making this a solid choice for gamers on a budget who prioritize performance over aesthetics.
Number 3 : Lenovo Legion 5 Slim
The Lenovo Legion 5 Slim 14 fulfills the desires of individuals seeking perfection in almost all aspects, such as dimensions, cost, functionality, and design. Because of its lightweight design and 14-inch display, the Legion 5 Slim 14 is an amazing low-cost laptop that is incredibly portable. When compared to the majority of other gaming laptops available this generation, the price is really reasonable.The AMD Ryzen 7 CPU that powers the Legion 5 Slim 14 can be updated to a Ryzen 9, and the GPU can be upgraded to an RTX 4060, so gaming and productivity performance are both excellent.
The latter in particular, since benchmark results and overall framerate are outstanding, and we were able to maximize settings in every AAA game we tried. It also did well in benchmarks that were not related to gaming, indicating that it is capable of handling artistic and editing tasks. Its stunning display, with its outstanding resolution, HDR compatibility, brightness of up to 500 nits, and refresh rate of 120 Hz, facilitates both creative work and gaming.Lastly, even though it is compact and lightweight, it is a tad thicker than average.The cost of the laptop is $1430.
Number 2 : Razer Blade 14 2024
With a redesigned CPU and the same timeless design that has made this laptop so popular among gamers, the Razer Blade 14 is back for 2024. This gaming laptop, which is made from a single CNC aluminum block, is undoubtedly among the best constructed on the market. Though it doesn’t surpass its predecessor entirely, this year’s Blade 14’s most recent hardware update beats it by a fair amount and outperforms all other 14-inch gaming laptops we’ve tested so far this year.Regarding the laptop’s real performance, the machine we tested’s RTX 4070 GPU could run at an average frame rate of 73 FPS. Given that this is a gaming laptop, the battery life is the only real letdown in this case. With moderate use, the Blade 14 2023 achieved slightly more than eight hours of battery life, whilst the Blade 14 2024 only managed to achieve roughly six and a half hours. The Blade 14 is somewhat expensive, with a starting price of $2,200 or $2,700 depending on configuration.
Number 1 Dell Alienware m18 R2 (2024)
Taking the top spot on our list is the Dell Alienware m18 R2 (2024), the best gaming laptop we’ve tested this year. Its massive 18-inch screen delivers an unparalleled gaming experience, powered by the latest Intel 14th Gen Core i9-14900HX processor and Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU. With display options including a 480Hz FHD+ or a 165Hz QHD+ panel, you can choose between ultra-responsive gameplay or crisp image quality.
Like many high-performance gaming laptops, the m18 R2 is bulky and not the most portable. However, its RAM and storage are user-replaceable, allowing for future upgrades. The laptop starts at $1,899, and while it’s a hefty investment, its performance and features make it well worth the price for dedicated gamers.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable entry-level laptop or a high-performance machine, our list has something for everyone. Happy gaming!