homework gaming laptop

Best laptops for gaming and work in 2024

Productivity and play? These are the best laptops for gaming and work

The quick list

1. Best overall
2. Best battery life
3. Best on a budget
4. Best portable
5. Best value
6. Best mobile workstation
7. Best budget workstation
How to choose
How we test

The best laptops for gaming and work combine power and performance with professionalism and portability.

Our expert team of reviewers have tested the best business laptops and the best gaming laptops - but for the perfect blend of both, here's what we recommend. Our top choice laptop for work and gaming is the Dell XPS 15, which boasts the latest i9 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, and 32GB RAM - more than enough to power through productivity tasks and online enemies alike. For an affordable gaming and work laptop, check out the surprisingly impressive Acer Nitro 5, while gaming on the go is outstanding thanks to the superior battery life of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14.

We've rounded up our favorite laptops for gaming and work, comparing the specs, benchmarking performance, and assessing screen size, dimensions, and overall portability to find the best machines for work and play.

The Dell XPS 15 rocks Intel's latest i9 processor and is equipped with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 – faster than the RTX 4060 in Dell G15 and Legion Pro 5i – and a whopping 32GB DDR5 RAM, along with a fairly comfortable pricing, all of which together make it our top-rated laptop for gaming and work.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 on a white background

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is a one-stop solution for just about everybody, but especially for those looking for exceptional battery life. For gamers, the GeForce RTX 4050, which is faster and better than the older RTX 3060, will pull through nicely, no matter the game.

Despite being a cheap gaming laptop, the Acer Nitro 5, with 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and RTX 4050 graphics card, is absolutely capable of powering through any software or game you will throw at it. Read more

The Acer Swift 3 sports a stunning and sleek 14-inch display and asks for very little while delivering loads, making it the ideal pick for anyone looking for a portable laptop on a budget.

Lenovo Legion Pro 5i on a white background

The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i is one of the most affordable gaming laptops with a powerful CPU-GPU combination and an immaculate 16-inch WQXGA (2,560 x 1,600) 165Hz refresh rate display that punches above the weight for what's a budget gaming laptop.

If you are looking for an extremely powerful large-screen laptop with thin bezels, a gorgeous display, and plenty of ports to set up a multi-screen workstation of your dreams, the Razer Blade Pro 17 will be a sound choice — at a slightly higher price tag, though.

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The Dell G15 is an affordable powerhouse. There are multiple configurations to pick from, and the base model with RTX 3050 will do the job if you're not looking to run heavy and demanding games. That said, I recommend going for the RTX 4060 variant, which still manages to be very reasonably priced and delivers excellent gaming and work performance across the board. Read more

What is the best laptop for gaming and work in 2024?

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Best laptop for gaming and work overall

Dell XP 15 on a purple mat during our tests

1. Dell XPS 15

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Dell XPS 15 rocks Intel 's latest i9 processor and is equipped with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 – faster than the RTX 4060 in Dell G15 and Legion Pro 5i – and a whopping 32GB DDR5 RAM, along with a fairly comfortable pricing, all of which together make it the #1 laptop for gaming and work.

It competes directly with the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch and the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra and eclipses both of them as long as your memo is an all-around laptop capable of getting through most high-end games along with creative and productive tasks.

If you can shell out a few more bucks, it'd make sense to go for the newer model, the Dell XPS 17 , as it rocks a bigger display with a higher resolution. For most users, though, the Dell XPS 15 is already going to be a step up from their original budget, and the 15.6-inch 3.5K (3456 x 2160) touch display simply does not disappoint.

Despite being an out-and-out workstation capable of the most rigorous tasks, the Dell XPS 15 impressed with a battery life of over 8 hours in our movie test, where we play 1080p video back to back.

Read our full Dell XPS 15 review

Best gaming and work laptop for battery life

Asus Zephyrus G14 on a desk in a home office during our testing process

2. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

While 4K gaming will be limited to 30fps, 1080p gaming with maxed-out ray tracing and what's a super impressive 165Hz refresh rate will be a delightful experience. I ran Red Dead Redemption 2 , Far Cry 6, and Assassin's Creed Valhalla @1080p, and the G14 was able to do the heavy lifting and produce around 100 fps on all of them.

Its GPU capabilities aren't limited to gaming alone. Combined with 16GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD, and a breathtaking processor speed of up to 4.30GHz, there's a lot of power under the hood for business, engineering students, data scientists, programmers, and more.

A 1080p webcam means that it's also excellent for business meetings – even the top gaming laptops limit themselves to a 720p webcam only – and a compact 14-inch screen with a sub-4 lbs weight and an ultra-thin 0.7-inch body makes it decent enough on the portability front.

The battery life of 8 hours 10 minutes, as found in our movie test, is nothing short of astounding, and it scored a high 4 hours and 47 minutes in our PCMark8 battery test, too, which is significantly better than recent gaming laptops, including Alienware m15 R2, which only manages 2 hours and 45 minutes.

The multimedia experience is more than decent, thanks to its four-speaker system with Smart Amplifier Technology. And, the AI noise-canceling and support for Dolby Atmos are the cherry on top of what's an incredible all-purpose machine.

Read our full Asus Zephyrus G14 review

Best budget laptop for gaming and work

3. acer nitro 5.

The older model rocked the RTX 3060, and it's appreciable how a notable jump in graphics performance has managed to come without a significant bump in price. The laptop is still priced around the $1,000 mark, making it a go-to choice for STEM students who'd very much like the 80 tensor cores and 20 ray tracing acceleration cores, which will improve the speed of matching learning applications.

While it's more expensive than the Acer Swift 3, its GPU and overall performance, especially for intensive tasks, make it a better choice for those who need an all-in-one laptop while still being on a tight budget.

A slight downside is that there's no anti-glare, which will make it difficult to game in direct sunlight, like outside or in a super sunlit room. However, given its near-6-pound weight, it’s anyway not meant for those who want a travel-friendly laptop to work or play outside, even though an impressive battery life of over 7 hours may argue otherwise.

Read our full Acer Nitro 5 review

Best portable laptop for gaming and work

4. Acer Swift 3

The Acer Swift 3 sports a stunning and sleek 14-inch display and asks for very little while delivering loads, making it the ideal pick for anyone looking for a portable laptop on a budget.

It’s lighter than any other option on the list, and weighing in at just 3.09 pounds, it's a perfect choice if you want to be able to flip open your laptop no matter where you are and get going with intensive architectural, editing, or programming software–such is the GPU power.

The overclocked Core i7 is an excellent CPU and maximizes work performance, as you'd expect from an Ultrabook . It will also easily run low and mid-range games. For hardcore gamers, though, this may not cut it, and I'd point them to the other options on our list.

However, that's not to say that this laptop's gaming performance isn't ideal, but the fact remains that it'd be unfair to compare a sub-$700 product to a Zephyrus G14 or Dell G15 that are easily twice as expensive. For anyone pinching for pennies, the Acer Swift 3 is a must-have.

If you're willing to splurge just a few more bucks for a better GPU, consider opting for the Acer Nitro 5.

Read our full Acer Swift 3 review

Best value laptop for gaming and work

Lenovo Legion Pro 5i on a drafting mat during our tests

5. Lenovo Legion Pro 5i

Thanks to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, which is what you will also find in Dell G15, it's able to run demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Finally Fantasy VII Remake at maxed-out settings and ray tracing while churning out 60fps on average.

As far as its work performance is concerned, I found no sluggishness irrespective of how many applications were launched at once, and everything from simple browsing to complex programming and video editing software ran with utmost smoothness and poise.

The battery on this one is a two-edged sword. It charges just as fast as it drains, and while the 3-and-a-half-hour battery life is more than just a slight bummer, you can look past it, considering the overall bang for your buck you will get with this laptop.

Read our full Lenovo Legion Pro 5i review

Best mobile workstation for gaming and work

Razer Blade Pro 17 in a home office, a desk and notebook behind the laptop

6. Razer Blade Pro 17

Razer really went to town with the display on this one, and a 4K 17.3-inch display with 100% Adobe RGB coverage is easily one of the best I've ever tried on for size. Despite the steep pricing, I can see digital creatives and ultra professionals in the tech space flocking to get their hands on this laptop.

The design, with a glowing Razer logo and RGB keyboard lighting, is as immaculate as it could be, and the powerful RTX 3080 is much better than the likes of RTX 4060 and RTX 4050.

Read our full Razer Blade Pro 17 review

Best budget workstation for gaming and work

7. Dell G15

Large screen lovers will certainly appreciate G15's 15.6-inch 360Hz FHD display that boasts 100% sRGB coverage. You can rest assured that colors will be as vibrant as ever, and irrespective of whether it's 3D modeling software or Forza Horizon 5 you're running, the screen will be a sight to behold. The high refresh rate will particularly benefit video editors and 3D renders who deal with tons of moving images.

There's also Nvidia G-Sync that just about eliminates screen testing and minimizes any kind of lag to deliver perfection. However, a 15.6-inch screen could have gone for better resolution like the ones in Dell XPS 15 and Legion Pro 5i.

The RTX 4060 overpowers Zephyrus G14's GPU ever so slightly, thanks to more Cuda cores and better gaming performance at 1440p resolution. A slight downside is the machine's weight. While it's tailor-made for holding its ground on a table, its full 6.19 pounds make it rather troublesome to carry around in a backpack.

Best laptops for gaming and work: Frequently asked questions

Can i use a gaming laptop as an office laptop.

Top gaming laptops feature powerful hardware, making them well-suited for demanding work tasks, including 3D modeling, machine learning, graphic design, video editing, and data analysis. At the same time, it's important for you to consider factors like battery life, portability, and the laptop's appearance, as gaming laptops tend to be bulkier and may have a more striking design than traditional business laptops or Ultrabooks.

Do gaming laptops last longer than normal laptops?

Gaming laptops are generally not expected to last longer than normal laptops. They are built for performance and can easily handle resource-intensive tasks, hardcore gaming, and demanding software, but all this cranks up heat generation and power consumption, resulting in faster wear and tear of components, such as the GPU and CPU. This reduces the overall lifespan of a gaming laptop when compared to a standard laptop that's used for general tasks and light gaming.

Are business laptops more expensive than gaming laptops?

The cost of a laptop depends on various factors, including its specifications, brand, and intended use. Gaming laptops tend to have high-end graphics cards and processors to handle demanding games and complex applications, which makes them relatively more expensive.

On the other hand, business laptops are designed for productivity and typically focus on factors like durability, security, portability, and battery life. While there are premium business laptops with higher price tags, they are not the norm, and budget-friendly options are usually what this section of the audience roots for.

How to choose the best laptops for gaming and work

Selecting the best laptop for gaming and work is not a simple endeavor since it involves looking at multiple factors and finding laptops that strike the perfect balance between them. Here, we'll dive into the most important things to look at when out shopping for a do-it-all laptop for gaming and work.

Look for a laptop with a powerful CPU (like an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7), sufficient RAM (16GB or more), and a dedicated graphics card (NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon). This combination ensures smooth gaming experiences and efficient multitasking for work-related applications. That's why many opt for the best mobile workstations as a work-and-play laptop, as they're built for high-performance.

A high-quality display is vital. While a laptop with a Full HD screen is going to do the job nicely, one with 4K resolution will look absolutely breathtaking, with crystal-clear clarity for gaming, professional tasks, streaming, and more. Additionally, look for displays with a high refresh rate if you would like minimum lags and a more reactive screen.

When looking for a laptop for work, it’s fair to assume that you might want to carry it around, so let's talk about portability . The best UltraBooks we've tested are thinner, lighter, and easier to stuff in a backpack, making it more suitable for work on the go.

However, this may compromise gaming performance, so find the right balance for your needs. For instance, if you're looking for an out-and-out mobile workstation with little to no on-the-go usage on the cards, the weight and thickness of the laptop will not be your major concern.

A good battery life is a must to sustain long meetings or on-the-go workdays. It's worth noting that dedicated gaming laptops tend to have shorter battery lives due to their powerful hardware, so choose one that fits your priorities. Anywhere above the 4-hour mark is decent battery life for a gaming laptop that's also fit for work, but the right balance between the two could mean that your priority is laptops with over 6 hours of battery life.

A comfortable keyboard and trackpad combination is essential for productivity - and the best Lenovo ThinkPad laptops are very popular for this reason, with arguably the best keyboards on any laptop. If you deal in sensitive work and prioritize privacy, opt for laptops with fingerprint sensors or similar safety mechanisms. On the contrary, a customizable RGB keyboard can be your go-to choice if you want to enhance the overall gaming experience.

The laptop's build quality is an unmissable factor, as durability and longevity are extremely important – metal or high-quality plastic constructions are preferable. Ensure that the hinges and overall design are sturdy and the cooling system can efficiently manage and dissipate heat during extended gaming sessions. While you can look into the best rugged laptops to avoid bumps and scrapes, in our experience they're built for durability, but not high performance.

Finally, consider the budget . Gaming and work laptops can range from budget-friendly to as high-end as you can think of. Determine how much you’re willing to splurge and find a laptop that provides the right balance of features and performance and allows you to seamlessly transition between work and play without breaking the bank for you. We've reviewed the best cheap laptops and the best cheap gaming laptops to find the one that's right for your budget.

How we test the best laptops for gaming and work

Our team of reviewers have tested hundreds of laptops and PCs, including the best laptops for programming , the best laptops for video editing , and the best business computers . Whether it's mini PCs or the best laptops for gaming and work, our reviewing process to test laptops and desktops involves a rigorous evaluation that covers various aspects to ensure it can handle the demands of both worlds.

One of the first things we scrutinize is performance. We test a laptop's CPU, GPU, and RAM to find out how it stands up to intense gaming and resource-heavy workloads. It's important for us to give you a clear idea of your laptop's capabilities so that you know what to expect when jumping into a game or tackling productivity tasks.

Durability and portability are other key aspects of our evaluation. We assess the laptop's build quality, materials used, and ability to withstand the daily grind, which may or may not include frequent travel. This means examining its sturdiness and resistance to wear and tear because, let's face it, you want a laptop that can take the odd bump here and there.

User experience is also something we give a lot of importance. This includes evaluating the keyboard's responsiveness, touchpad performance, and overall ergonomic design, ensuring that extended gaming or work sessions are as efficient and enjoyable towards the end as they are at the beginning.

Finally, we delve into the cost and value-for-money aspects . We compare each laptop's price with its features, performance, and competition in the market. Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive view of your laptop's strengths and weaknesses, helping you make a well-informed decision based on your unique needs for gaming and work.

You can find out more in our guide How we test laptops and desktops on TechRadar

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Krishi covers buying guides and how-to's related to software, online tools, and tech products here at TechRadar. Over at Tom's Guide, he writes exclusively on VPN services. You can also find his work on Techopedia and The Tech Report. As a tech fanatic, Krishi also loves writing about the latest happenings in the world of cybersecurity, AI, and software.

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The best laptops for gaming and schoolwork in 2024

These are our top picks for true work-and-play machines..

The line between gaming laptops and respectable workhorse notebooks has all but disappeared. These days, having a fast CPU and GPU, along with excellent cooling and a beautiful screen, will help you play the latest games and run all the demanding software you’d need for school work. Not everyone wants a garish gaming rig, though, so we’ve collected some understated options that will be at home across the classroom, library and heated sessions of Apex Legends in your dorm room. These are our top picks for the best laptops for gaming and schoolwork — but if you’re looking for a dedicated gaming laptop rather than an all-in-one machine, check out our best gaming laptops list for our recommendations.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14

Best laptop for gaming and school overall, razer blade 14, best high-end laptop for gaming and school, best budget laptop for gaming and school, alienware m16 r2, best no-limit gaming laptop for schoolwork, asus rog strix g18, best big screen laptop for gaming and school, are gaming laptops good for school.

As we’ve mentioned, gaming laptops are especially helpful if you're doing any demanding work. Their big promise is powerful graphics performance, which isn't just limited to PC gaming. Video editing and 3D rendering programs can also tap into their GPUs to handle laborious tasks. While you can find decent GPUs on some productivity machines, like Dell's XPS 15, you can sometimes find better deals on gaming laptops. My general advice for any new workhorse: Pay attention to the specs; get at least 16GB of RAM and the largest solid state drive you can find (ideally 1TB or more). Those components are both typically hard to upgrade down the line, so it’s worth investing what you can up front to get the most out of your PC gaming experience long term. Also, don’t forget the basics like a webcam, which will likely be necessary for the schoolwork portion of your activities.

The one big downside to choosing a gaming notebook is portability. For the most part, we'd recommend 15-inch models to get the best balance of size and price. Those typically weigh in around 4.5 pounds, which is significantly more than a three-pound ultraportable. Today's gaming notebooks are still far lighter than older models, though, so at least you won't be lugging around a 10-pound brick. If you’re looking for something lighter, there are plenty of 14-inch options these days. And if you're not into LED lights and other gamer-centric bling, keep an eye out for more understated models that still feature essentials like a webcam (or make sure you know how to turn those lights off).

Best laptops for gaming and school in 2024

Read our full ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 review

The Zephyrus G14 has been our go-to gaming laptop recommendation for years, but it’s better than ever this year thanks to a refined unibody aluminum case, a gorgeous OLED screen and a weight reduction to just 3.3 pounds. It feels curiously light for a machine with an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics. While the new Zephyrus G14 loses the RTX 4080 option from the previous model, that’s not a big problem. You’ll be better off with a lighter and more attractive model that doesn’t cost a ton.

Read our full Razer Blade 14 review

Razer’s flagship Blade laptops have been the closest PC analog to Apple’s MacBook Pro since their debut, and the latest Blade 14 doesn’t change that one bit. It features the company’s signature, rock-solid unibody aluminum case, but now it sports AMD’s Ryzen 9 8945HS CPU and your choice of NVIDIA’s RTX 4060 and 4070. The new 240Hz LCD will also let you play just about everything at eye-bleeding speeds (or, at the very least, it’ll give you a helpful accuracy bump while sniping in Overwatch 2 ). While we would have liked to see an OLED screen like what’s on the Zephyrus G14, the Blade 14 remains a tremendous gaming notebook. Just be ready to pay a premium for its fantastic hardware.

While Alienware has established itself as a solid premium brand, Dell's cheaper G-series notebooks are worth a look for anyone on a budget. In particular, the G15 continues the trend of delivering very capable hardware – including Intel’s latest 13th-gen CPUs, AMD’s Ryzen 7000 CPUs and NVIDIA’s RTX 30- and 40-series GPUs – for under $1,000. Sure, the case is mostly plastic, and the laptop’s screen doesn't offer all of the latest niceties (at least there’s finally a 165Hz option!). But for the price it's hard to find anything more powerful.

After just one year on the market, Dell went back to the drawing board with its latest Alienware m16 and redesigned it from the ground up. The result is the m16 R2, a lighter and more affordable gaming notebook that can still pack a punch in Cyberpunk 2077 with its RTX 4070 GPU. At 5.75 pounds, it’s a chunky beast, but it’s still 20 percent lighter than the previous 7.28-pound model. And for some, the weight will be worth it to live with the m16 R2’s gorgeous 16-inch 240Hz LCD panel.

Sometimes, a 16-inch or even 17-inch screen won’t cut it. For the most demanding gamer and media editor, there’s the ROG Strix G18 , an 18-inch beast sporting Intel’s latest 14th-gen CPU and NVIDIA’s RTX 40-series family (which of course includes the top-end RTX 4080). The Strix G18 screams “gaming laptop” more so than anything else in this guide, but it’s a solid choice for anyone who wants a big-screen machine at a relatively affordable price.

Best Laptops for Gaming and Work in 2024

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Gaming is a stress reliever for many and while there are plenty of great gaming laptops on the market, most users don't want to invest in a second laptop for their work. This means a laptop that can serve both purposes is the most cost-effective option here.

ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023)

MSI Vector GP68HX

Acer Nitro V ANV15

HP Victus 16.1-inch 144Hz Laptop

HP Envy Laptop WQXGA

Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 RTX 4090 Laptop

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 (4070)

Which Gaming Laptop is the Best for 2024

The best gaming laptop for you will come down to budget, expected performance, and workload. Let's dive in and find your new gaming laptop.

Not only does this double down the time one may need to find an appropriate laptop, but it may also create a lot of confusion in choosing the right laptop , considering how many options are available for a similar price. Finding the right laptop that serves both gaming and work purposes can be as challenging as choosing a character class in an MMORPG. For enthusiasts and professionals alike, this guide dives into the world of dual-duty laptops that excel both in the heat of battle and the boardroom.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Laptop

When choosing the best laptops for gaming and work, consider these factors.

Performance : A robust CPU and GPU combo handles intensive tasks and games.
Battery Life : Sufficient power sustains long work sessions and gaming marathons.
Build Quality : A durable design can withstand work and play.
Display: At least a full HD resolution on a high-quality panel makes gaming more immersive and provides accurate color representation.

For gamers who want to level up in real life, an upgrade to a premium gaming laptop might be the next quest.

Game Rant's Picks for The Best Laptops for Gaming and Work in 2024

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is designed for smooth gameplay and efficient multitasking. The computer sports a 13th-generation Intel Core i9-13980HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU. These allow high frame rates for a smooth gaming experience even at 2560x1600 resolution. For faster load times and efficient multitasking, the laptop includes 32GB of DDR5 memory and a 1TB PCIe SSD. The Strix G16 also features ROG Intelligent Cooling, with liquid metal on the CPU. The laptop's QHD 240Hz panel ensures clear, fast visuals and is DCI-P3 compliant.

Nebula display with a high refresh rate of 240Hz
2560x1600 resolution on an IPS panel with DCI-P3 100% color space
Beastly CPU-GPU combo maxes out any game with 60+ fps
Can consume battery quickly due to high-end display and components

No matter how heavy the workload is, the ROG Strix G16 can handle it without breaking a sweat. Asus' ROG Strix series is generally a top-of-the-line offering for every product lineup and the G16 has proven that it can't be outperformed in functionality or aesthetics. This highly-rated laptop is powered by the Core i9 13980HX, which is the flagship mobile CPU in the Raptor Lake Refresh family and is designed for high performance in CPU-oriented tasks. This makes it a potent solution for different types of CPU-intensive loads, whether it is rendering, compilation, encoding, or similar stuff.

With 24 cores and 32 threads, it is already too good for just work, but with the RTX 4070 laptop GPU, it becomes overwhelming in gaming too. The RTX 4070 is the most popular ADA card and this laptop edition GPU is sufficient to max out graphics in modern titles at 60+ fps. It brings 8GB of VRAM, which is enough for most games available today to bring eye candy on its QHD screen. This isn't a regular IPS display but a Nebula one that comes with a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut for vibrant colors and runs at a 240Hz refresh rate , which is perfect for competitive gaming.

The Best Premium Laptops for Gaming in 2023 Thumb

The Best Premium Laptops for Gaming in 2024

The best premium laptop doesn't just elevate a gaming experience; it transforms it. Here are the best premium laptops for gaming in 2024.

Other specs include 32GB of DDR5 memory, 1TB fast NVMe SSD, and all other latest connectivity features to keep users ahead. The construction is sturdy and brings a bezel-less design for more immersion. On top of that, the keyboard is RGB-backlit and the front edge has its own RGB LED strip that enhances its aesthetics significantly.

MSI Vector GP68HX brings the best capabilities for both gaming and work. The high-end Core i9 CPU takes care of CPU-intensive programs and the RTX 4080 powers the pixels to push the frame rates higher. This Vector model comes with fantastic aesthetics, has a 144Hz refresh rate IPS display, and the latest connectivity features for easy future proofing.

High-end CPU for crunching big numbers
RTX 4080 for maxing out modern titles
RGB backlit keyboard
Somewhat expensive
Not the best battery life

MSI Vector GP68HX comes in various configurations, but this 13VH-098US model is probably the most attractive one. Featuring an exceptional configuration, the laptop is ready to deliver unparalleled performance for its price tag. At its core lies the i9 13950HX CPU, featuring a whopping 24 cores and 32 threads. While 8 cores are performance ones, the rest 16 are efficient cores that take on the background tasks to minimize the load on the primary ones. This helps it achieve superior performance in intensive operations.

So, whether users are running rendering applications or applications related to encoding, compilation, or compression/decompression, the Vector laptop has got them covered. Now for gaming, the RTX 4080 is probably the best choice at the moment, which can max out any title at way over 60 fps. Assisting the laptop's performance further is the 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB NVMe SSD for quickly booting up applications and OS. While it's recommended to upgrade to 32GB if users see any limitations, 16GB will do the job perfectly in most programs and games.

To enjoy high fluidity, the laptop is equipped with a fast 144Hz refresh rate, and an IPS display that measures 16" for a more immersive experience and brings an FHD+ resolution. Connectivity is also satisfactory, providing users with multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, including Type C and Thunderbolt 4 ports.

The ANV15 model of the Acer Nitro V brings an incredibly fast Core i9-13900H processor from the 13th gen and an RTX 4060 for under a thousand dollars. It's perfect for both gaming and work and gives users a high refresh rate IPS panel to see fluid movements. It's lightweight and has the latest connectivity features.

High MGP of 115W in gaming.
144Hz refresh-rate.
Flagship Intel Core i9-13900H processor
Fans are loud under load
Small battery capacity

Budget gaming laptops need not cost an arm and a leg anymore and can be bought for around a thousand dollars, irrespective of deals or sales. However, it is crucial to understand that not all laptops with the same GPU perform similarly due to their varying MGP (maximum graphics power). To take the guesswork out of the equation, we have selected one of the best RTX 4060 laptops in the market, the Acer Nitro V (2024).

Coupled with Intel's flagship mobile processor from last year, the Core i9-13900H, this affordable and portable gaming beast is equally competent in intense productivity workflows. While the 8GB RTX 4060 is apt for budget laptops, not all are allowed to operate at their full potential, leaving performance on the table. The Acer Nitro V doesn't hold back the GPU, allowing it to achieve an MGP of 115W, one of the higher ones among its competition.

The Best Gaming Laptops To Play Ghost of Tsushima

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The rest of the specs include 16 GB of dual-channel DDR5 SDRAM running at 4800MHz, 512 GB of NVMe storage with an average read/write speed of 5500 MB/s, and a 15.6" 144Hz FHD IPS display. The laptop also comes with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and a decent 57 Wh battery which can be charged with the supplied 135W AC charger. For those looking for an entry-level gaming laptop capable of achieving 100+ FPS in popular e-sports titles at 1080p along with light video editing on the go, this laptop checks all the right boxes without burning a hole in the pocket.

The HP Victus 16.1" brings a solid value to the table for its price tag. The laptop is powered by the Core i7 13700H CPU, 32GB RAM, and RTX 4070. It is a beast in CPU-intensive programs and gaming as well. The laptop is slim, has an anti-glare IPS panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, and comes with an RGB backlit keyboard.

High performance configuration for an affordable price
Compact, thin, and lightweight
Micro-edge 16.1" Anti-Glare display with 144Hz refresh rate
Shorter battery life compared to laptops with similar specs

Gaming laptops with the RTX 4070 typically cost close to $2000, which makes achieving ultra-quality eye candy difficult at an affordable price. The HP Victus, therefore, stands out as it brings the powerful RTX 4070 GPU for a high frame rate gameplay that will look absolutely flawless on its 144Hz IPS display, which is also anti-glare and has very thin bezels. The screen boasts an unusual 16.1" size, but it should provide a slightly more immersive experience compared to the standard 15.6" laptops.

How Much Does A Gaming Laptop Cost?

Gaming laptops are an excellent alternative to PCs for people who need to game and work on the go, but not all gaming laptops are created equal.

The laptop uses the Intel Core i7 13700H as its processor, which uses the Hybrid architecture to provide 6 performance and 8 efficient cores, resulting in a total of 14 threads and 20 cores. The clock speeds of this processor are impressive too, with the performance cores reaching as high as 5.0GHz, thanks to the maximum turbo power that doesn't restrict it in its performance. Nonetheless, this also comes out to be a CON when the battery life is considered. It comes with a 70Wh battery that won't be sufficient to keep it on for several hours when on full load, particularly on gaming loads where both the CPU and GPU are in full action.

The HP Envy WQXGA is a killer productivity laptop that features a massive memory size of 64GB. Also, with its 4TB fast storage, users will have plenty of space for their work files and large gaming titles. With the power of the Core i9 13900H CPU and RTX 4060, it is surely going to be a killer machine at executing the programs quickly while not remaining behind in gaming either.

Touchscreen IPS panel for easy usage
Insanely big RAM capacity of 64GB with a 4TB storage
Fantastic high-end Core i9 13th gen CPU and RTX 4060 for gaming/productivity
120Hz refresh rate which is lower than most mid-range laptops

This is a purely productivity-based laptop with a Core i9 13900H CPU and an insane capacity of system RAM. Typically, most gaming or work-oriented laptops come with 16 or 32GB of RAM, which is adequate for most loads. However, with 64GB DDR5 RAM, the HP Envy WQXGA will be a beast in crunching numbers. For users who are into 3D modeling, graphic design, and multimedia editing, this is the laptop they should be opting for.

Best Gaming Laptops for Game Development

Explore the finest laptops tailored for game development, balancing power and precision.

In their spare time, they can try their hands at modern titles powered by the RTX 4060 GPU, which won't make them compromise on the graphical settings. Moreover, the storage capacity is impressive with dual fast SSDs each carrying 2TB of storage space. The laptop looks like a work-oriented one with a thin build , but inside it resides powerful hardware to achieve any operation.

Usually available under $3000.
Available in a 3200 x 2000 mini-LED display.
Large 99.9Whr battery with rapid charging.
Keyboard has some flex; external keyboard is recommended.
Screen only has 70% DCI-P3 color gamut.

When it comes to the absolute best gaming performance, it's hard to surpass the colossus Nvidia RTX 4090. With 16 GB of GDDR6 VRAM and an MGP of 175W, the Legion Pro 7i is a formidable gaming juggernaut. Although it has a cut-down version of the desktop-size GPU and costs similar to a custom RTX 4090 PC, other closely specced laptops are well into the mid $3000 range.

Must Have Laptop Travel Accessories

Laptops are made to travel, but that doesn't mean there aren't accessories ready and waiting to make it even easier work and game on the go!

Lenovo decided to fit Intel's Core i9-14900HX into their enthusiast-grade laptop, providing ample horsepower for even the most intensive tasks. The 24 cores, 32 threads processor is the greatest Intel has to offer with the P-cores hitting up to 5.80 GHz boost clocks, creating a monstrous CPU-GPU combination. Multitasking is a breeze for the laptop thanks to its 32 GB DDR5 RAM clocked at 5600MHz while a 2 TB Gen4 SSD handles data storage.

The 16" WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS display compliments the laptop as it will not bottleneck the GPU and the buttery smooth 240Hz refresh rate is a welcome feature for those dabbling in e-sports. The laptop is decked with the best in connectivity, with Wi-Fi 6E, Gigabit Ethernet, and Bluetooth 5.3, which are standard for such a high-tech portable device. The 99.9Wh battery supports rapid charging of up to 30% in 10 minutes and 100% in 80 minutes when using the provided 330W charger.

The Zephyrus G14 from Asus is their ultra-premium compact laptop packed with the latest-gen specs. Powering this computer is an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor with 8 cores and 16 threads, their high-efficiency mobile chip. An 8GB RTX 4070 running at a max 1655MHz with an MGP of 90W finds itself in a tight 14" laptop chassis, making it impressive for its size.

Compact yet powerful.
OLED display.
Premium look and feel
Costlier than similarly specced laptops.
Can be loud under intense workload.

Laptops are designed to be used on the go and can be easily carried around but gaming laptops don't follow these guidelines. Asus's Zephyrus lineup of capable and compact laptops disregards the rule book as the 2024 G14 features an RTX 4070 and a Ryzen 9 8945HS processor with a 14" OLED display, making it one of the best ultraportable gaming laptops.

The 8 cores and 16 threads processor complements the 8GB RTX 4070, which is enough power to storm through productivity workflows and high-resolution gaming without being noticeable when in a backpack. Making it a multitasking champ is its 32GB of LPDDR5X memory, while the terabyte of Gen 4 storage ensures blazing-fast data transfers.

The Lightest and Thinnest Gaming Laptops Thumb

The Lightest and Thinnest Gaming Laptops in 2024

For gamers looking for ultra-portable gaming rigs, only the thinnest and lightest laptops will do.

The immersive OLED ROG Nebula Display further enhances the experience, a rare find among laptops, thus giving it an edge over its rivals. The 73WHrs battery will get you through your tasks without needing to be plugged into a power outlet all the time, although it's recommended while gaming. The aluminum alloy chassis provides a premium feel to the device, which weighs just 3.32 lbs while being 0.63" thick. The ROG Zephyrus G14 has been crafted keeping those in mind who aren't fond of lugging around a traditionally bulky gaming laptop but also don't want to sacrifice performance for mobility.

How to Choose the Best Laptops for Gaming and Work

Understanding the intricacies of selecting a dual-purpose laptop can ensure that gamers and professionals alike can find a device that meets their needs. Check out these key considerations for a choice that checks all the boxes for performance, endurance, and resilience.

Performance

A top-notch CPU paired with a formidable GPU that won't falter under the pressure of the latest games or heavy-duty work tasks is essential. Seek out specs that promise smooth gameplay and swift multitasking capabilities to ensure a seamless switch between work and play.

Battery Life

Endurance is crucial, as a laptop for gaming and work must keep pace with its user's lifestyle. Aim for a model that guarantees ample battery life, giving freedom from the tether of a power outlet whether users are crunching numbers or crushing foes.

Build Quality

The rigors of daily use demand a laptop that’s built to last. Opt for a chassis that champions durability, paired with a keyboard and trackpad that remains comfortable and responsive over countless hours of gaming and work.

While VA and TN panels are cheaper and more common, IPS will provide the best viewing angles and better color accuracy. It's recommended to aim for a panel that covers different color spaces with a wide range of colors.

Q: Can gaming laptops be used for working from home?

Certainly, gaming laptops often have powerful specs that can easily handle work-related tasks, though they may be overpowered for typical office work.

Q: How important is battery life for a home office laptop?

Battery life is vital. It ensures you can work uninterrupted throughout the day without staying plugged in, offering flexibility in work locations.

Q: Are built-in webcams important for remote work laptops?

With the rise of video conferencing, a built-in webcam is essential for virtual meetings, making it a critical feature for remote work laptops.

We hope you like the items we recommend and discuss! Game Rant has affiliate and sponsored partnerships, so we receive a share of the revenue from some of your purchases. This won’t affect the price you pay and helps us offer the best product recommendations.

Article updated on December 31, 2023 at 9:20 PM PST

Best 15-Inch Gaming and Work Laptop for 2024

We’ve rounded up all of the best-performing laptops from Razor, Lenovo, Apple, and Acer.

Our Experts

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

If you’re in the process of selecting a new gaming and work laptop, you’re most likely aware that the prices can be rather steep. So, if you’re going to invest in a new system, naturally you want to ensure that you don’t rush the process and do all of the necessary research. That way you'll pick a machine that can perform at the standard required.

The good news is that there are a wide number of 15-inch laptops that can handle everything an avid gamer and professional worker will throw at them. Admittedly, these devices don’t come cheap, but if you’re smart about the model you pick, you’ll find it’s worth the cost.

If you’re in the know when it comes to these kinds of laptops, you may be aware that the majority of models are actually 14 or 16 inches, rather than 15 inches. So, that’s why you’ll find that a few of the picks below for the best 15-inch laptop are actually 14 or 16 inch screens.

These are the laptops, from budget to premium, we consider to be the best 14- and 15-inch work and gaming laptop options based on:

Performance and battery life for a given set of specs and intended use, where the configuration specs include the amount of solid-state storage and memory (SSD and RAM), main processor (CPU) and graphics processor (GPU), and operating system (Mac OS or Windows).
Features for a given weight class, such as the combination of laptop screen size, type (touchscreen or not) and resolution (4K, QHD or FHD), ports (such as an HDMI port, Ethernet port, and the type and number of USB connections), webcam and fingerprint reader.
Design, both aesthetic and functional, including keyboard layout and feel (lots of people want a backlit keyboard and a numeric keypad on their laptops), build quality, upgradeability and reparability and so on.

If you're laptop shopping, remember you don't have to buy now if money's tight or can afford to wait. If you decide to postpone your purchase, here are some tips for stretching the life of your old laptop . If you do opt to go ahead, think about recycling it .

This list is periodically updated with new models we've tested and reviewed. It's a great place to start to get an idea of what's available. If you need advice on whether a particular type of laptop or two-in-one is right for you, jump to our FAQ below this list.

Slim, ultralight aluminum-magnesium body
Good battery life with fast charging
Great processing performance
Memory can't be upgraded/increased
Dim display

Top budget pick

Acer swift 3.

It's a 14 incher, but if you're on a tight budget, 14 inches is your friend. It's a good deal for the basics like email, word processing and much more, thanks to AMD Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 processors. It's available with 11th-gen Intel processors too. This budget laptop has a backlit keyboard, a fingerprint reader and a USB Type-C port, too. The Acer Swift 3 is also an incredibly lightweight laptop -- less than 3 pounds -- for a machine that can be found for less than $700.

In addition to this Acer Swift, we're also fans of the Acer Aspire 5, which has a larger 15.6-inch display. The Acer Aspire 5 is available in a variety of configurations starting as low as $400, but that's for a pretty poor configuration.

Best for gamers on a budget

Dell's G15 has been a favorite budget gaming laptop for the past few years, along with the HP Victus line. In late 2022, a 16-inch G16 joined the veteran 15-inch G15. If you're looking for a gaming laptop bargain, the G15 is the way to go. But if you can afford to spend a couple of hundred dollars more and don't mind the slight step up in size, the G16 is a better bet for longevity. We do recommend waiting until it goes on sale, though, since the entry-price model incorporates only an RTX 3050, which may not future-proof you against the growing legion of power-hungry games. Read our Dell G15 and G16 Gaming Laptop review .

A top 16-inch choice for creators

Samsung galaxy book 3 ultra (no longer available).

It's a 16-inch rather than a 15-inch, but this Editors' Choice-earning laptop is a serious contender for your 15-inch needs. It offers seamless integration with other Galaxy devices, coming closer to matching a MacBook's Continuity behavior with Apple devices than any other Windows laptop. It delivers excellent performance, decent battery life and a great OLED display, all packed into a relatively lightweight design. And with Nvidia GeForce RTX 40-series discrete graphics, it can be a pretty solid gaming system for occasional players. The sound isn't terrific, and the oddly placed touchpad might annoy some people, but those may be minor nitpicks.

Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra Review

Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra 16-inch laptop on a gray wood table.

Recommended 14-inch Chromebook under $500

Hp chromebook x360 14c.

The two-in-one design means you can use the HP Chromebook x360 as a tablet (though it's a bit heavy to use as a handheld device), and 14 inches is much less awkward to use that way than a 15-inch model. You can also tent it, connect an external keyboard and mouse and use it as a small all-in-one computer.

The Core i3 processor and 8GB of memory keep this HP Chromebook running smoothly even with a couple dozen tabs open and streaming video in the background. And this Chromebook laptop has a long battery life, lasting 10 hours, 40 minutes in CNET's tests.

HP Chromebook x360 14 open and angled to your left

Best Apple laptop

Apple macbook pro 14.

If you need any convincing that 15-inch (and 17-inch) laptops are a dying breed, take Apple's killing them off as a confirmational nail in their coffin. If your major concerns are weight and price, and you don't need much power, then the smaller MacBook Air rules.

But I disagree with my colleague Dan Ackerman that the Air is the best choice for most people : I think the MacBook Pro 14 is. It costs a lot more, but it's significantly better in every way, and I think it will meet most people's needs for a lot longer. (The 2022 model of the Air with an M2 processor got better, but the price for models with the newer chip went up as well. I agree that the MacBook Pro 13 M1 and M2 give you very little over the Air for the extra cost and weight.) On the flip side, the 14-inch can be configured closely to the weightier and more expensive MacBook Pro 16 , with the exception of the bigger screen and option for a higher-performing GPU.

Typically great Razer design, at its best in the alternate Mercury White color scheme. Excellent performance, especially considering the small size. One of the only gaming laptops with a very thin screen bezel.
Faster RTX 2070 and RTX 2080 GPUs are not available in the white color scheme. The system can get very hot, which has led to some online complaints.

Top pick for work and play

Razer blade 15.

The 2022 model we tested of the Blade 15 (we've reviewed the new 18-inch model ) retains the title of least-gaming-like gaming laptop, but doesn't forgo the speed, but like all Razer's it's pretty expensive. It's got a streamlined, slim and sturdy design with plenty of ports and a comfortable Razer Chroma RGB keyboard, plus the latest from Intel and Nvidia and new high-quality panel options for gaming. For work, you can benefit from the 1080p webcam with Windows Hello support. It can get a bit warm when it's revved up, though.

The 14-inch Blade 14 is equally attractive and lighter, as well as a little cheaper -- a nice 165Hz QHD model with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti and AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX will run you around $2,300, but the older generation is still around as well if you can find a good deal. The extra room on the 15-inch gives it space for a Thunderbolt connection, SD card reader and an additional USB-A port.

Razer Blade 15 open and angled to your left

Best 15-inch 2-in-1

Samsung galaxy book 2 pro 360.

The highlights of this thin and light 15-inch Windows two-in-one are its excellent battery life, high-contrast OLED screen and the plethora of cross-device features it serves up for owners of Samsung's Galaxy phones and accessories. It's specifically designed for people who want a laptop experience similar to that of their phones, with similar responsiveness. For its size, it's relatively slim and lightweight, and includes the excellent S Pen.

A great 2-in-1 at a smaller size (Currently out of stock)

Lenovo yoga 9i (gen 7, 14-inch).

The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 7 continues the company's streak of fantastic premium two-in-ones. The 12th-gen Intel processor delivers a big performance jump in multicore tasks compared to its predecessor, and the features and design are worth the higher price. The latest model offers a big performance jump, top-flight sound and visuals and bundles a sleeve and stylus. It does go hot and heavy on the software and services upselling, though, so if that's going to drive you nuts, run away.

Laptop FAQs

How we test computers.

The review process for laptops, desktops, tablets and other computer-like devices consists of two parts: performance testing under controlled conditions in the CNET Labs and extensive hands-on use by our expert reviewers. This includes evaluating a device's aesthetics, ergonomics and features. A final review verdict is a combination of both those objective and subjective judgments.

The list of benchmarking software we use changes over time as the devices we test evolve. The most important core tests we're currently running on every compatible computer include: Primate Labs Geekbench 5 , Cinebench R23 , PCMark 10 and 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra .

A more detailed description of each benchmark and how we use it can be found in our How We Test Computers page.

Which is better, MacOS or Windows?

Deciding between MacOS and Windows laptop for many people will come down to personal preference and budget. Apple's base model laptop, the M1 MacBook Air, starts at $999. You can sometimes find it discounted or you can get educational pricing from Apple and other retailers. But in general, it'll be at least $1,000 for a new MacBook, and the prices just go up from there.

For the money, though, you're getting great hardware top to bottom, inside and out. Apple recently moved to using its own processors, which resulted in across-the-board performance improvements compared to older Intel-based models. But, the company's most powerful laptop, the 16-inch MacBook Pro, still hasn't been updated to Apple silicon.

But, again, that great hardware comes at a price. Also, you're limited to just Apple laptops. With Windows and Chromebooks (more on these below), you get an amazing variety of devices at a wide range of prices.

Software between the two is plentiful, so unless you need to run something that's only available on one platform or the other, you should be fine to go with either. Gaming is definitely an advantage for a Windows laptop, though.

MacOS is also considered to be easier and safer to use than Windows, especially for people who want their computers to get out of the way so they can get things done. Over the years, though, Microsoft has done its best to follow suit and, with Windows 11 here , it's trying to remove any barriers . Also, while Macs might have a reputation for being safer, with the popularity of the iPhone and iPad helping to drive Mac sales, they've become bigger targets for malware .

What size screen do I need? Do I need a 4K screen?

One of the reasons I like 14-inch more than 15-inch displays is because they strike a much better balance among price, size and performance while sacrificing only about 0.6 inches (15.2mm) horizontally and 0.8 inches (20mm) vertically of screen real estate (although you lose more like 2 inches (50mm) horizontally if the comparison is between a 16:9 aspect ratio screen and 3:2).

Resolution, the number of vertical x horizontal pixels that comprise the image, is inextricable from screen size when you're choosing a screen. What you really want to optimize is pixel density, the number of pixels per inch the screen can display, or its reciprocal, pixel pitch . Those determine how sharp the screen looks (though there are some other factors), as well as how big elements of the interface, such as icons and text, can appear.

You can easily calculate the pixel density of any screen at DPI Calculator . But my rule of thumb for laptop screens in the 14- and 15-inch size class: FHD is fine, QHD is better and 4K is usually overkill.

Can I get a Chromebook instead of a Windows laptop?

A lot can be done entirely on the web these days, though you can use Chromebooks offline in some cases. Take stock of everything you do on a daily basis, and you may find there's nothing you can't accomplish with Chrome at its most basic level.

That said, a Windows laptop or MacBook can run the Chrome browser as well as other software supported by those operating systems. Even if you don't immediately need a particular piece of software, it's nice to have the option. Plus, if you're shopping for a Chromebook for remote learning with Google Classroom, a Mac or Windows PC will work as well.

Chromebooks are not natively compatible with Windows or Mac software, though current models can run Android apps and there are also web apps that are available through Google's Chrome Web Store . You can't install the full Office software on a Chromebook, but Microsoft makes both web-based and Android versions available in the Chrome and Google Play stores , respectively. But generally speaking, if you need or want a specific Windows or Mac application -- and there's no suitable web or Android app substitute and you don't want to use VMware -- don't get a Chromebook.

Also, if you need advanced photo- and video-editing capabilities, you'll want a Windows, Mac or Linux laptop. Basic photo and video editing is fine, but Chromebooks typically don't offer the graphics performance you need for demanding tasks or, again, the option to install Windows or Mac software and games.

Can I use a hub to compensate for insufficient connections?

Yes and no. For the most part, USB-C hubs deliver seamless expansion in cases when you've traded off USB, Ethernet and display ports for the extra millimeter it can shave off a laptop's thickness. But you can't assume you won't have any problems, especially when it comes to 4K monitors, webcams, gaming peripherals or the number of devices connected to it. Anything else sensitive to the quality and power of the signal could cause a problem. Or you may have to spend a lot for a Thunderbolt hub instead of USB-C to ensure sufficient power and bandwidth for your particular needs -- that can cost upwards of $300.

A selection of the best laptops you can buy right now

Best laptops for 2023.

See the full list of best laptops for 2023 .

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Gaming Laptops That Also Work for School and the Office

Video games used to require specialized computers, but no longer

When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more .

Gaming laptops were once notorious for being heavy, niche machines whose high prices put them out of reach for many budget-minded consumers.

That's not true these days.

You can now buy an affordable model that pulls double duty, performing as an everyday workstation and a gaming machine. The models listed below are on the Consumer Reports list of recommended laptops, and they pack enough memory and graphics to easily handle mainstream titles such as "Overwatch," a popular multiplayer game released in 2016. (They might struggle with ultra-demanding titles such as "Witcher 3," a richly rendered third-person action game. It's good practice to check the system requirements before you buy a game.)

One more note: Battery life tends to suffer during gaming, so it's a good idea to plug in before you start playing.

(If you're replacing a laptop, use our advice on recycling old electronics. And keep your new machine clean and looking good .)

Dell Inspiron i7567-5000BLK

Lenovo Ideapad Y700 80NW000PUS

Samsung Notebook 9

Microsoft Surface Book (512GB)

Budget Choice #1

At $800, this 15-inch notebook from Dell is a bargain. It delivers smooth gaming performance even when faced with demanding games. For everyday nongaming use, such as web browsing and sending email, it will run for nearly 13 hours on a charge. But like all laptops, it will run down sooner when you're gaming. Compared with some more expensive laptops, the Dell does bring some compromises. For instance, the display has narrow viewing angles, meaning that a friend peering over your shoulder may not see the same clear, vibrant images as you do. More critically, it's quite heavy, weighing more that 6 pounds. So it may be best to treat this one as a homebound machine that you occasionally bring to a coffee shop or vacation spot.

Budget Choice #2

Gaming laptops are often designed to stand out visually. Unlike minimalist Ultrabooks and MacBooks, these machines tend to have large vents and lots of red detailing. The Ideapad Y700 fits that description.

The Lenovo has the technical chops to back up its gamer-friendly looks. Armed with 8GB of RAM and a discrete graphics card, it can handle nearly all applications and games you throw at it. According to Consumer Reports testers, it's also a standout when it comes to audio quality, so most users can skip the headphones or external speakers when watching movies and listening to music.

Like the Dell laptop listed above, this one is a bargain considering its abilities, going for less than $1,000.

The downsides are that this machine weighs a lot—6.4 pounds—and lasted only a bit more than 7 hours in CR's battery testing. That means it's best suited to life at home, not on the road.

Ultraportable Powerhouse

The Samsung Notebook 9 is a powerful 15-inch laptop receiving excellent marks in CR's evaluations of performance and portability.

Choose the Samsung and you get a stealth gaming machine. It has a sophisticated look along with an excellent-quality screen and the processing power you need to run most games. There's one small downside: It's not a touchscreen. But the battery life is impressive; you can work all day and into the night if you want to.

And at just 2.8 pounds, this laptop is as light as many 13-inch models.

Versatility Champ

The Surface Book is all about versatility. It's a premium laptop with a 13.5-inch touchscreen that can be detached from the keyboard and used as a tablet. And the laptop comes with a pen that lets you draw directly on the screen. The battery lasts nearly 15 hours.

This model, which goes for around $1,500, received a very good performance score from our testers and was one of the best machines in our ratings for middle-of-the-road gaming. For those with a larger budget who want more power, the Surface Book With Performance Base will cost about $2,800 and bring more performance when playing more demanding games.

But even without the Performance Base, the Microsoft Surface Book is one of the fastest models in our ratings across a range of tasks.

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MSI Cyborg 15

Alienware x14 r2 (13th gen), asus zenbook s 16 (um5606), asus vivobook s, asus proart px13, hp spectre x360 2-in-1 laptop 14t-eu000, dell xps 13 - copilot+ pc - 13.4" oled touch laptop, hp 2-in-1 14" touch-screen chromebook - 14b-cd0013dx, acer chromebook plus spin 714, acer chromebook plus touchscreen laptop – amd ryzen 3-7320c, microsoft surface laptop - copilot+ pc (7th edition), microsoft surface pro - copilot+ (11th edition).

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How to Buy a Gaming Laptop: A Guide for 2024

Everything you need to know to pick a gaming laptop.

While the desktop remains supreme among many PC gamers, sometimes you just need something a bit more portable. A gaming laptop is a rig on the go, with the power to play games in a size you can take with you.

But when you’re buying a gaming laptop , you’re not just looking at specs. You’re looking at a whole computer, including a built-in keyboard and display. Here, we explain all of the decisions you’ll have to make when buying a gaming laptop so you can get the best one for your needs and budget.

Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

Get a good GPU: Most games are GPU-dependent, and you can’t upgrade these in laptops. A good GPU will ensure your laptop plays games at high settings for a few years.
Consider upgrading later: Many, though not all, gaming laptops let you upgrade your RAM and storage.
Pick resolution or speed: The fastest displays, going up to 480 Hz, only come at 1920 x 1080 resolution (or, on a 16:10 screen, 1920 x 1200) right now, so a 4K screen will be slower.
Get a good keyboard: You don’t want to play your games on something mushy or stiff. Some top-of-the-line gaming laptops use mechanical keyboards, which are our favorites.
Battery life will probably be bad: Very few gaming notebooks get 8 hours or more on a charge, and you need the power supply to get the best performance anyway.

What GPU do you need?

While some games use the CPU, the majority of games are still GPU-bound, so this is one of the biggest decisions you make when buying a gaming notebook. At the moment, the majority of gaming notebooks come with Nvidia GeForce RTX GPUs.

The latest graphics cards on the Nvidia series are the newest RTX 40-series cards, from the RTX 4050 through the RTX 4090. On the AMD front, there's the Radeon RX 7000M and 7000S series, with the main difference being power limits, which are higher on the M line. AMD's latest cards include the Radeon RX 7600M and 7600M XT, RX 7700S and RX 7600S. A note on Max-Q: Nvidia has changed this from a type of GPU to a set of technologies that laptop manufacuters can choose to use. (Check how to tell if an RTX laptop uses a Max-Q GPU .) The best way to tell if you'll get an Nvidia GPU meeting your requirements is to check the specs, while more and more manufacturers have been listing in full.

The RTX models command a premium. In the meantime, if you’re looking for a deal on a current-generation gaming laptop, keep an eye on our Best Tech Deals page.

Entry-level gaming: If you don’t need to play on the highest settings, you can go for a RTX 4050 or an older Radeon, which will let you play most games, albeit on middling settings. An RTX 4060 will give you a bit more power, and we generally think it’s noticeable and worth the investment. A laptop with these cards will roughly cost you between $800 and $1,100, though recently we've seen them being slightly more expensive, likely due to the component shortage.
Mainstream Gaming : Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 4060 is a good middle-of-the-road card that will let you play most games on high settings, though the RTX 4070 or will give you a meaningful bump. Expect laptops with these cards to fall between $1,100 and $1,500, but again, the market is in a bit of flux.
VR and the Highest Settings: An RTX 4070 will let you play through just about anything on high settings, while the RTX 4080 or RTX 4090 are the most powerful 40-series cards out there and will allow for smoother VR and special effects. These are the cards that will let you start pumping up effects like Nvidia Gameworks. Laptops like this can start around $2,000, and, depending on what other specs you need, go over $3,000. But with the new RTX series, you can play ray-traced video games and get faster frame rates. An RTX 4080 or RTX 4090 may even be enough for you to play games in 4K, depending on the settings that you use.

What other specs should I look for?

While the GPU is important, you’ll also want to be on the lookout for a good CPU, enough RAM and lots of storage space.

CPU: Depending on your budget, you can get a very powerful Core i7 CPU or even one that you can overclock such as the Intel Core i9-13900HK. You can also find laptops with desktop CPUs . However, most games benefit more from a quality GPU than a CPU so you can definitely get by with a Core i5 processor.

If you see something older than the most current Intel 13th Gen Core (model numbers begin with 13) or with less power, consider saving a bit. CPUs usually aren’t upgradeable, so you’re making this choice once. Intel launched its 13th Gen Core parts for mobile this year, so they're the most recent.

RAM: Gaming can be RAM intensive, and 8GB is what we recommend for even average productivity tasks. If you can, you should go for 16GB on a gaming PC. A laptop with an RTX 4050 usually comes with 8GB. Once you get to a RTX 4060 or higher, some will come with 16GB of RAM. If you can’t get your laptop with 16GB of RAM now, consider upgrading it in the near future. Memory is upgradeable in many gaming laptops, so this is an area that you can consider boosting later if you’re handy with a screwdriver.
Storage: Hard drive or SSD ? Why not both? Some budget gaming laptops will come with only a single best hard drive (usually 1TB), but the majority of gaming notebooks also include a small SSD to serve as a boot drive. It’s not uncommon to see a 128GB SSD and 1TB HDD working in tandem in a budget system. If you can get a larger SSD you may see decreased loading times, but that will also cost you quite a bit more money. Make sure you get a faster, 7,200-rpm HDD as opposed to a 5,400-rpm HDD.

Like memory, storage is often upgradeable in gaming notebooks. So if you need more space, you can toss in a 2TB or larger HDD.

What should I look for in a display?

Displays are often overlooked but are hugely important. If you’re not connecting a laptop to a monitor, the built-in screen will be how you see all of your games.

Size: Most gaming laptops have 15 or 17-inch screens, though there are a few huge systems that have 18-inch panels and a handful of 14-inch systems. What size you like is matter of personal preference, but remember that the larger the screen, the bigger and heavier the laptop.
Resolution: Never get anything less than a 1920 x 1080 display. It’s rare to find one with a lesser resolution, but if you do, run. 4K (3840 x 2160) screens are an option on some gaming laptops, but you still may need to turn down some settings, especially if you enable ray tracing. More and more laptops are shipping with a 1440p middle ground, which is an excellent choice.
Refresh rate: Most laptops you’ll see will have 1080p resolution and a 60Hz display. And for many gamers, that’s absolutely enough. Higher resolution displays (2560 x 1440, 3840 x 2160) are pretty, but often top out at 60Hz. That’s why for some gamers, 1080p may be the best option. Some vendors offer FHD displays with a faster, 144 Hz, 240 Hz or even 360 or 480 Hz refresh rate for smoother gaming. Of course, you need a great GPU and to play on settings that emphasize frame rate over graphical fidelity to take advantage.
Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync: Some gaming notebooks, particularly on the high-end, support technologies that sync the display with the graphics cards, which eliminates screen tearing and ghosting.
Avoid touch screens: While not inherently bad, touch screens are unnecessary on gaming notebooks (some 2-in-1 models notwithstanding). They kill battery life and can make the display overly glossy.
OLED : An increasing number of gaming laptops are shipping with OLED display options. These often have slower refresh rates than LED displays, but with deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. Some gamers, however, worry about the possibility of burn-in on these panels. Mini-LED has also proven to show off gorgeous colors without the risk of burn-in.

What should I look for in a keyboard?

If you get an entry-level gaming keyboard, you’re going to get chiclet keys with LED backlighting. But there’s so much more to consider:

Key Travel: This is how far down you can press a key. In general, we prefer keys with over 1.5 millimeters of key travel, and if you hit 2mm, that’s even better. This can keep you from “bottoming out,” or hitting the keyboard’s frame. When you get to some really expensive laptops, you can even find mechanical keys.
Actuation: This is how much force you need to apply to a key to press it down. We usually like it between 65 and 70 grams, which is enough to provide resistance without feeling soft.
Macro Keys: It’s more difficult to find macro keys on gaming notebooks than on desktop keyboards, but it’s not impossible. A good set of programmable macro keys will let you easily complete the most common tasks you complete in games. There’s usually custom software by the laptop manufacturer for this.
Anti-ghosting and n-key rollover: These are two features that will keep you performing at your best in games. Anti-ghosting means that when you mash on several keys for combos or perform several actions, they will all register. Additionally, n-key rollover means that each key is independent of the others and will be registered no matter which other keys are being pressed.
Backlighting: While budget gaming laptops will provide backlighting, it’s either just red or white. The best keyboards have RGB backlighting. Some do it by zone (or section of the keyboard), while others allow customization on a per key basis. Some even let you change the lighting depending on the game.

What do specific brands offer?

Each gaming laptop brand has a bit of special sauce. Some have specific hardware designs that stand out while others focus on custom software.

Here are a few to note:

Alienware ( Dell ) - Alienware has gotten into the thin-and-light game with the Alienware m series , which goes as big as 18-inch on the Alienware m18 . Dell also makes its own entry-level machines in the Dell G series..

Asus - Asus’s Republic of Gamers brand has some slick designs. Its ROG Gaming Center software shares device information including temperature, storage and RAM usage, while the Armoury Crate program allows you to customize RGB backlighting. Asus also makes the Zephyrus G14 , the best AMD laptop we've seen and the Zephyrus Duo , a popular dual-screen option.

Acer - Acer is known for having affordable hardware, though it has wowed us with innovation like its ridiculous Predator 21X featuring a curved display and mechanical keyboard. The PredatorSense app lets you monitor your CPU and GPU usage and customize fan speeds.

HP - HP ’s Omen lineup has a classier design as of late , but maintains a gamer aesthetic. Its app is the Omen Command Center, which details GPU and CPU use, RAM utilization and a network booster that lets you prioritize bandwidth.

Gigabyte & Aorus - Gigabyte and its sub-brand, Aorus, offer some variety. Gigabytes tend to be lower-end with more color options, while the Aorus models are sleek and thin. Whichever one you go with, you’ll get Fusion software for RGB customization. Aorus machines have Command and Control for easy overclocking.

Lenovo - Lenovo’s gaming lineup is called Legion, and has been recently redesigned to be more minimalist. Rather than creating new software, the company altered its Vantage app to focus on CPU, GPU, RAM and HDD info, as well as a button to boost fan speeds.

MSI - MSI ’s gaming laptops are often big, black and red, though the company’s recent Stealth Thin showed it can do something more subdued as well. Of course, you’ll always notice the trademark dragon logo. MSI includes its Dragon Center software, which recently went through a redesign. It allows for system monitoring, multiple performance profiles, controlling the fans and customizing keyboard backlighting.

Razer - Did someone say Chroma? Razer’s design is some of the best in the business, and it's known for its RGB lighting. Razer Synapse lets you record macros and set lighting on both laptops and accessories.

How About Battery Life?

The short answer is not to count on your gaming notebook being super portable.

If you’re using your laptop to play games, you need to keep your laptop plugged in to get the full performance out of your GPU. And if you don’t, you’ll be lucky if your laptop lasts an hour gaming. In our testing experience, most gaming laptops last only a few hours on a charge when performing other tasks, but never as long as ultraportables without discrete GPUs. If you need something to last 8 hours while you work, it won’t be a gaming notebook.

Some do last long, but that’s often at the expense of the display, and you don’t want to play all your games on a dark, dim or inaccurate screen. Others are getting better Mux switches, which choose between the discrete and integrated graphics based on what you're doing on the PC. Thankfully, an increasing number of gaming laptops work with both barrel chargers and USB Type-C. The latter won't deliver enough power for gaming, but can top you off if you're doing productivity work.

Saving Money on a Gaming Laptop

When you're shopping for a gaming laptop, you may find savings by checking out the latest Best Buy promo codes , Newegg promo codes , Corsair coupon codes , Dell coupon codes , HP coupon codes , Lenovo coupon codes or Razer promo codes .

We also maintain a list of the best gaming PC and laptop deals .

Bottom Line

When buying a gaming notebook, get one that will last you for a few years. If you can afford it, get a mid-range to high-end GPU, though obviously a better card will offer better performance. That choice is more important than RAM and the CPU, though you should pay attention to those as well. Storage is the most likely to be upgradeable, but more is better, as games take up a lot of space. Decide if you prefer high resolutions or faster displays and consider what software will be helpful to you, but realize that you won’t get great battery life. How all of those work together determines just how well a gaming notebook does on the Tom’s Hardware test bench.

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Andrew E. Freedman is a senior editor at Tom's Hardware focusing on laptops, desktops and gaming. He also keeps up with the latest news. A lover of all things gaming and tech, his previous work has shown up in Tom's Guide, Laptop Mag, Kotaku, PCMag and Complex, among others. Follow him on Threads @FreedmanAE and Mastodon @FreedmanAE.mastodon.social .

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Here's why you should get a gaming laptop as your next work or college laptop

Gaming laptops are now so good they are great for work, play and everything in between

Think of the best laptops for college or best laptops for work and your mind’s eye will probably conjure up images of something like a Dell Inspiron or Lenovo ThinkPad — and more recently the likes of the Microsoft Surface Go 2 — or if you’ve got a bit of cash to splash, perhaps a Dell XPS 13 or MacBook Pro .

But I’m here to suggest another way: gaming laptops.

Stop the snickering in the back. I’m not talking about the red accented lumps of plastic and aluminum you may have seen in the past. Rather, I’m keen to recommend a closer look at today's slick and sophisticated looking gaming laptops. These have now been refined to make for somewhat do-everything machines for work, play and everything in between.

Slim and light gaming laptops are nothing new, with the likes of the Razer Blade 15 integrating gaming power with a MacBook Pro-like design a good few years ago. But such machines have been very expensive and came with a good few caveats when it came to battery life and cooling.

Yet having had a chance to use MSI’s Stealth GS66, which is a rather svelte and neat-looking gaming laptop that eschews loud stickers and design accents for an all-black aesthetic, I’m now convinced that the current crop of gaming laptops make for excellent work machines, especially if you’re planning on going or returning to university or college.

Proper portable power

While the Stealth GS66 isn’t going to beat the likes of the new MacBook Air M2 when it comes to svelteness, it’s minimal display bezels means it fits in a 15.6-inch display into a machine that weighs a reasonable 4.6 pounds. Yet the model I was testing somehow manages to pack in a 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 3080 Ti, as well as 32GB of RAM.

Now that’s a heck of a lot of power for a machine that fits easily into a small backpack or laptop bag and doesn't feel like one’s lugging around a brick; something that can’t be said for an older 17-inch gaming laptop I own. This meant I could take the Stealth GS66 to the office, thanks to its low-key design not screaming “PC gamer here” to my colleagues. Admittedly the fans did kick up a bit more noise than other systems, but not obnoxiously so.

At a price that sits around $3,000/£3,000, the Stealth GS66 I was using feels a little like overkill. I don’t think a 4K 60Hz display is needed on a 15-inch laptop. And the RTX 3080 Ti was perhaps a little much for the compact laptop; I’d have preferred the model that comes with a QHD 240Hz display and GeForce RTX 3070 Ti .

But this story is about more than just the ratio of specs versus value. It’s about how I could use this laptop for pretty much everything I need.

In the office, it presented a neat machine for hammering out tech news and other articles for Tom’s Guide; the use of a SteelSeries keyboard with customizable per-key lighting was a joy to type on. On the move, it’s easy to carry and I’d not feel conscious about using a gaming laptop at a swanky coffee shop.

At home, and on power, the MSI Stealth GS66 proved a powerful gaming machine that chewed through even the most demanding of games — in some cases it could act as a desktop replacement, connecting to an external display and using its bounty of ports to plug in peripherals like one of our picks for the best gaming mouse or best gaming keyboard .

a photo of the MSI Stealth GS66 keyboard

And the Stealth GS66 isn’t alone here. The likes of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 , Razer Blade Stealth 14 and Acer Triton 500 SE are thin and light gaming laptops that could also be used as work or content creations machines.

Sure, none of these laptops are cheap. But then again a lot of the best laptops are well over $1,000 and aren't likely to be able to offer the flexibility of these gaming laptops.

I imagine if you want a decent work laptop and a solid gaming PC you’d be looking at spending some $2,000, which is the price point where gaming laptops get seriously powerful. And yes, you lose the flexibility to upgrade. But it’s not like PC components are cheap and that easily available, and a good gaming laptop is likely to last you for some time.

Gaming laptops: An easy choice for college students

For people who travel a lot or have a lack of space to fit in a big desktop gaming rig, I feel gaming laptops are the answer. And they are also the type of machine I wish was around when I was a student.

At the tender age of 35, my university years are someway in the past. Gaming laptops were around back then, but they were clunky beasts with a lot of compromises. As such, I ended up getting a desktop to take to university

While it was invaluable, it was hardly the most flexible setup. This was a pain, as I was studying broadcast journalism, which required a fair bit of video editing and rendering, meaning my only choice was to use some rather clunky iMacs on campus, or go back to my room and use my gaming PC’s power to crunch through various snippets of vox pops and B-roll.

Had one of today’s gaming laptops existed at the time and been in my hands, this situation would have been a lot different. The power these laptops can kick out makes them great at video rendering, with solid cooling enabling sustained workloads.

Furthermore, we now live in a time where content creation is everywhere, so having the power to produce videos, especially in a portable package, makes a lot of sense. And when going home for holidays, it also means there's no need to persuade beleaguered parents to come and pick you up with your gaming desktop in tow.

So in short, if you’re looking for your next powerful do-it-all laptop or a machine that’ll see you through college, then I thoroughly recommend looking at getting a slim and light gaming laptop. It could even be the best overall value choice, given there are often great gaming laptop deals available .

Note: Chromebooks are incredibly popular with students for their portability, pricetag and functionality and now serious gaming on Chromebooks just became a reality as well.

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Roland Moore-Colyer a Managing Editor at Tom’s Guide with a focus on news, features and opinion articles. He often writes about gaming, phones, laptops and other bits of hardware; he’s also got an interest in cars. When not at his desk Roland can be found wandering around London, often with a look of curiosity on his face.

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The Best Laptops

By Kimber Streams and Dave Gershgorn

Smartphones and tablets may have taken over much of people’s screen time, but there’s still a need for a real computer sometimes—and for most people, that means a laptop. For school and office work and tasks like creating spreadsheets and editing video, there’s no good substitute for a decent keyboard and a big screen. But exactly which laptop you should get depends on how often you’ll use it, what you’ll use it for, and (of course) how much money you can afford to spend on it.

We regularly test the most promising laptops, from sleek ultrabooks to cheap Chromebooks to massive gaming laptops and beyond. Here are the best models you can buy in every category, along with advice on how to choose which type of laptop is right for you.

The research

Mac or windows (or something else), the best windows ultrabook, the best macbook, the most repairable laptop, the best chromebook, the best budget windows laptop, the best macbook for photo and video editing, the best windows laptop for photo and video editing, the best cheap gaming laptop, frequently asked questions.

If you’re already familiar with macOS or Windows, the easiest choice is to buy a computer that runs that operating system. Or if you already have an iPhone, a MacBook will let you send texts with iMessage, make FaceTime video calls, and access your iCloud photos. That said, macOS and Windows have never been more similar, and most popular apps work just as well on either platform (or at least have alternatives that work similarly). If you’re interested in switching, it isn’t as big a deal as it used to be.

If you’re not tied to a platform, the biggest factor is how easily you can get support. Do you have an Apple Store nearby? Do your most tech-savvy friends use Windows? Does your school or job provide tech support? If you’re not a self-sufficient techie and want the best service for your computer, buy a Mac, because you can take it to any Apple Store to get it fixed. No other computer maker provides that level of support. (If you’re self-sufficient, go with what you like.)

Alternatively, since more tasks can be accomplished in a browser, without your downloading and installing any apps, you might not even need a traditional operating system—a Chromebook may be all you need.

Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3406HA-WS74T)

The best ultrabook.

The Zenbook 14 offers excellent battery life, a vivid touchscreen, and a reliable keyboard and trackpad, all in a thin and light body. It’s relatively inexpensive, too.

Buying Options

Recommended configuration

	AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS		14-inch 1920×1200 OLED touch
	16 GB		2.82 pounds
	512 GB or 1 TB SSD		14.5 hours

Who these are for: If you need a thin and light, super-portable Windows laptop with long battery life to get you through a full day of work or classes, choose a Windows ultrabook. They’re powerful enough to do everything most people need a computer for, and they have great keyboards, trackpads, and displays. You can expect to pay between $900 and $1,300 for a great Windows ultrabook that will last you at least four years, though excellent budget options are available for around $800.

Where they fall short: Windows ultrabooks are in an odd place in 2024—many of the available options cost more than most people want to spend on a laptop, and they typically fall short of their promise of excellent battery life in a thin and light machine. We hope this situation will improve when laptops with new processors launch late this year. Ultrabooks also lack the processing power to play high-end games or handle demanding tasks such as professional video editing or 3D modeling.

The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3406) open to the home screen, sitting on a green background.

Why we like this one: The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3406) is a fantastic value. It has the best combination of what makes an ultrabook great, offering fast performance, all-day battery life, a quality keyboard and trackpad, and a spacious, vivid screen, all in a thin and light body. At 14 hours, the Zenbook 14 OLED has the longest battery life of any Windows laptop we’ve tested so far in 2024. But compared with more expensive options, the Zenbook 14 lacks a 360-degree hinge and a fingerprint reader, its glossy touchscreen is reflective, and its speakers are mediocre. We recommend the UM3406HA-WS74T model with 512 GB of storage, but the UM3406HA-PS76T model with 1 TB is also a good option if the cheaper one is unavailable.

We don’t recommend Snapdragon laptops for everyone just yet. After testing most of the newly released laptops with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X processors, we found that the Microsoft Surface Laptop (7th Edition, 13.8 inch) is an all-around excellent compact laptop with exceptional battery life. But we recommend it only if you can tolerate that some apps and peripherals simply won’t work until a developer builds an Arm version .

Because these processors don’t use the x86 architecture that has been standard on Windows PCs for decades, we’re currently in a transition period similar to when MacBooks moved to Apple Silicon processors a few years ago. Microsoft’s app translation layer, Prism, runs x86 apps moderately well , but it’s likely at this stage that you’ll run into at least one thing that you simply cannot do. Also as of this writing, the most hyped (and most criticized ) Copilot+ AI feature, Windows Recall , has not yet launched.

Read more about the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X laptops in our full guide to ultrabooks .

Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022, 13-inch)

A sleek design and a nice webcam.

The M2 MacBook Air has a bright screen, a good webcam, and a MagSafe port.

You save $150 (16%)

	eight-core Apple M2 CPU		256 GB SSD
	eight-core Apple M2 GPU		2560×1664 IPS
	8 GB		15.5 hours

Who these are for: If you prefer macOS or need great tech support, a MacBook is a safe bet; this is an excellent laptop for writers, office workers, commuters, and college students. The 13-inch models offer the best combination of size, weight, and performance. Powered by Apple’s latest M-series processors, these laptops have exceptionally good battery life compared with similarly priced Windows laptops. Expect to pay at least $1,000 for one with good enough specs and storage to last you at least four years.

Where they fall short : MacBooks are typically more expensive than Windows ultrabooks, especially if you want to upgrade the memory or storage—Apple’s SSD upgrade prices are so high that we usually recommend looking into cloud storage or an external SSD instead. Our recommended MacBook configuration lacks the processing power to play demanding games. If you need a cheaper laptop or a more powerful one, check out our other picks below.

Our pick for best MacBook, a rose gold 2022 13-inch MacBook Air, open to a purple and blue abstract desktop.

Why we like this one: The 13-inch M2 MacBook Air delivers strong performance and fantastic battery life at a reasonable price. The base 8 GB of RAM that’s offered is enough for basic web browsing and office tasks, but if you’re the kind of person who has a few dozen browser tabs open at a time, we recommend upgrading the RAM to 16 GB. Like Apple’s other laptops, the MacBook Air has only a few ports—in this case, two Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports, which may require you to use a hub or new cables . But the MacBook Air’s light weight, solid construction, and industry-leading support make it a great laptop, especially if you also own an iPhone or other Apple devices.

For more on the MacBook Air, take a look at our full guide to MacBook models .

Framework Laptop 13 (AMD)

A repairable and upgradable option.

The Framework Laptop is the best—and so far only—option if you want a laptop you can easily upgrade and repair. And it’s a great ultrabook, too.

	AMD Ryzen 5 7640U		13.5-inch 2256×1504 non-touch
	8 GB or 16 GB		2.9 pounds
	256 GB SSD		11.5 hours (AMD)

Who these are for: Most modern laptops aren’t designed to be repaired or upgraded by just anyone with a screwdriver. Even if you do manage to get past the screws and the difficult-to-pry-open chassis, you might have access to the SSD, but the memory is likely to be soldered, and you certainly can’t upgrade the processor. When something breaks out of warranty, when the battery wears out, or when you’re ready to upgrade after five or six years, you have to recycle or dispose of the entire laptop—even if some of its parts are still perfectly good. If you want the ability to upgrade and repair your laptop yourself and make it last longer without replacing the whole thing—which theoretically can save you money and create less e-waste over the years—our repairable pick is for you.

Where they fall short: The availability of parts and upgrades for the Framework Laptop 13 is entirely dependent on the laptop’s manufacturer. If Framework goes under or it decides to stop designing and selling upgrades, this laptop will end up just like any other—when the computer breaks or outlives its usefulness, you’ll have to replace the whole thing. Other companies have attempted to make upgradable laptops in the past and have failed to follow through on the promise.

Our top Ultrabook repairable pick, the Framework 13, shown open to a purple and blue zebra pattern desktop.

Why we like this one: Every part of the Framework Laptop 13 (AMD) is super easy to repair and upgrade . Each part is helpfully labeled with handy QR codes that direct you to step-by-step replacement guides and links to the exact parts you’ll need. You can add more memory and storage , replace or upgrade the battery , upgrade the mainboard with a new processor , and repair anything else if it breaks—the display, the fingerprint reader, the keyboard, the hinge, you name it.

The Framework Laptop 13 is an excellent computer, too. It’s sturdy and surprisingly thin and light for how modular its design is, and it has a reliable keyboard and trackpad plus a bright and spacious display. The AMD Ryzen 5 model’s battery will last a full workday, while the Intel version’s battery life is around an hour less. But the ability to upgrade and repair this laptop down the line depends on the company continuing to exist and to supply parts. So far the company is off to a great start: Every year since it launched in 2021 the company has introduced upgraded parts.

We recommend adding another 8 GB of memory to the base-model Framework Laptop. If you want the full experience of putting your laptop together , you can choose from a wider variety of parts by purchasing the DIY Edition instead.

Read more about our repairable pick in our guide to Windows ultrabooks .

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

Reliable performance, a spacious touch display, and long-enough battery life for a full workday make the Flex 5i the best Chromebook for the price. But it is a bit heavy.

	Intel Core i3-1315U		14-inch 1920×1200 touch
	8 GB		3.6 pounds
	128 GB eMMC		8.5 hours

Who these are for: Chromebooks are ideal for students and kids, but you should also consider one if you spend most of your computer time in a web browser, if you’re on a tight budget, or if you already have a decent desktop PC. A good Chromebook can do almost anything a regular laptop can do , including document work, video calls, and streaming video—as long as it’s possible in a web browser or in Android apps. And $500 Chromebooks tend to be faster, lighter, and sleeker than $500 Windows laptops. Plus, Chromebooks are secure and easy to maintain .

Where they fall short: Chromebooks can’t run Windows-specific games or particular programs you might be used to on your Mac or Windows computer. But if you use web-based email, if you can get by with Google’s office web apps or Office 365 and Android app alternatives, and if you stream your music and movies over the internet, a Chromebook should do just about everything you need it to.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus open to an orange homescreen, sitting on a purple background.

Why we like this one: The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is an excellent laptop, with the best combination of features and price of all the Chromebooks we’ve tested. It has fast performance, a reliable keyboard and trackpad, a spacious touchscreen, surprisingly good speakers, and long-enough battery life to last a full day of work or classes. Even though we wish it were lighter—at 3.6 pounds, it’s heavy for a 14-inch laptop—it’s the best option for most people’s needs.

For more, read our full guide to Chromebooks .

Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 (A3SP14-31PT)

The best windows laptop under $500.

Unlike most cheap Windows laptops, the Aspire 3 Spin 14 is fast, compact, and light, and it has a decent 1080p touchscreen and good battery life.

	Intel Core i3-N305		14-inch 1920×1200 touch
	8 GB		3.3 pounds
	128 GB or 256 GB SSD		10 hours

Who these are for: If you need a Windows laptop for home, work, or school—and you can’t afford to spend a lot—you can find a decent one for less than $500. These computers are ideal for grade-school and middle-school students, people on a strict budget, and those who use their computers mostly at home in the evenings for doing schoolwork, browsing the web, managing a budget, or watching Netflix. Cheaper, lighter laptops tend to be too slow for everyday tasks, while faster, sleeker ones usually cost too much.

Where they fall short: To get a laptop that doesn’t feel slow for a decent price, you have to make a lot of compromises. Most budget laptops that are fast enough tend to be bulky, heavy, and saddled with short battery life. They also tend to have low-resolution, low-quality screens that are unpleasant to look at. You have to be especially vigilant when shopping for a laptop in this price range to avoid slow or old processors, insufficient memory, and sluggish storage.

A stock image of the Aspire 3 Spin 14 open to an abstract blue and green desktop wallpaper.

Why we like this one: The Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 (A3SP14-31PT) in any of our recommended configurations— 37NV or 38YA —is fast enough to meet most people’s computing needs. Plus, it has a tall, 14-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen and a 360-degree hinge, and its keyboard and trackpad are accurate and reliable. The Aspire 3 Spin 14 is also more compact and offers better battery life than most bulky Windows laptops in this price range.

The Aspire 3 Spin 14 ships with Windows 11 S mode, which allows only apps from the Microsoft Store and limits you to Microsoft Edge for web browsing. But you can switch it to Windows 11 Home for free to install any program you need. It also comes with a ton of bloatware; we recommend following these steps to get rid of it.

Choosing a budget laptop is tricky because you can find hundreds of variations. Their prices fluctuate constantly, too, and companies release and discontinue models with no warning. If our pick isn’t available, check our full guide to budget laptops for other options, as well as advice on how to shop for a budget laptop that doesn’t suck.

For additional details, read our full guide to budget laptops .

Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, M3 Pro, 2023)

The fastest editing laptop.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro is faster than any other laptop we’ve tested for photo or video editing, and it has truly impressive battery life to boot.

May be out of stock

	Apple M3 Pro		3456×2234
	18-core (integrated)		4.7 pounds
	18 GB		15 hours
	512 GB SSD

Who these are for: Photo and video editors need an extremely color-accurate screen, the processing power to work with 4K footage or to batch-edit hundreds of photos, and a battery that will last through an entire day’s work. These professional-grade laptops are more costly than ultrabooks, ranging from $2,000 to $2,500, but they offer desktop performance away from the desk. Our testing for this category included both Windows laptops and MacBooks, and we found that right now Apple is making the best laptops for creative professionals. That’s a boon for those who are already comfortable with macOS or are willing to make the switch, but we have a recommendation for a Windows machine, too.

Where they fall short: Laptops with color-accurate screens and enough power for creative professionals are expensive, and even more so with add-ons like extra storage and memory. Editing laptops also tend to be larger and heavier than ultrabooks, with most weighing more than 4 pounds. The powerful processors in editing laptops generate lots of heat, as well, so some can get too hot to use comfortably on your lap, though our top pick stayed cool even under the heaviest workloads. In addition, the MacBook Pro is impossible to service on your own, but Apple provides excellent support.

The 16 inch MacBook Pro with M3 chip sitting open and plugged in on a white surface, showing a picture of hilly farmland as a background.

Why we like this one: The Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, M3 Pro) is easily the best editing laptop we’ve tested, combining a sharp display that’s color-accurate out of the box with Apple’s powerful and power-efficient M3 Pro processor. We found the laptop quick and responsive even when we were working with large 4K files. In one of our tests, the MacBook Pro exported a 4K test video in 1 minute 25 seconds on average, a full minute faster than the Dell XPS 15 , our top Windows editing laptop pick, which took 2 minutes 29 seconds. Last year’s MacBook Pro with the M2 Pro chip took about 2 minutes 15 seconds.

In addition to the MacBook Pro’s performance, we were impressed with its 15-hour battery life. It has three USB-C ports that support Thunderbolt 4, as well as an HDMI port, an SD card reader, a headphone jack, and a MagSafe charging port. While the performance of the MacBook Pro is stellar, it’s nearly impossible to repair or upgrade on your own. If you’re willing to sacrifice some speed for a more repairable machine, check out our recommendation below for a Windows laptop.

Read more about the 16-inch MacBook Pro in our full guide to pro laptops .

Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra

The best windows alternative for creative professionals.

The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra puts a sharp AMOLED display and powerful performance in a lighter package than the competition.

	Intel Core 9 185H		16-inch 2880×1800 OLED
	Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070		4 pounds
	32 GB		11.5 hours
	1 TB SSD

Who these are for: If you’re a creative professional and you prefer Windows to macOS, don’t want a Mac, or are required to use Windows for compatibility reasons, this is your pick. In recent years, Windows ultrabooks have struggled to match the performance of the MacBook Pros. However, if you need a specific port or feature, you’re also more likely to find it on a Windows laptop than on a Mac, simply because the Windows world has more manufacturers and variety compared with Apple’s MacBooks.

Where they fall short: As a whole, Windows laptops didn’t perform as well in our tests as the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Typically, their screens were less accurate, they were a bit slower, and they got hotter underneath where the processor was located. However, the MacBook set a high bar to clear, and our top Windows pick still performed admirably in these tests.

A Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra laptop open on a beige surface.

Why we like this one: The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra offers a solid balance of performance, portability, and a variety of ports. The model we suggest, which we considered too expensive until a recent price cut, has Intel’s latest high-performance Core 9 processor and an Nvidia RTX 4070 graphics card to handle video processing. The Book4 Ultra also has useful ports, like USB-A, HDMI, and a microSD card reader. As with most Windows laptops, its touchscreen AMOLED display will need calibration before taking on color-critical work.

However, like Apple laptops, the Book4 Ultra isn’t as upgradable or repairable as other Windows machines.

Read more about this option in our full guide to pro laptops .

Gigabyte Aorus 16X (9KG-43USC54SH)

The best gaming laptop under $1,500.

This laptop has the newest generation of hardware and performs better than some of the most expensive models we tested. It maintains great frame rates for smooth gameplay, and it stays quiet and cool to the touch.

	Intel Core i7-14650HX		16-inch 2560×1600 165 Hz
	Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 with 8 GB VRAM		5.07 pounds
	16 GB		14 by 10 by 1.06 inches
	1 TB SSD		3 hours

Who these are for: If you want to play games but also need an affordable laptop for school or work—and your top priority isn’t playing the newest games at maxed-out graphics settings at QHD or 4K resolution—a cheap gaming laptop is for you. Nowadays, a gaming laptop that costs around $1,500 can play most new games on high settings or better at 1920×1080 resolution above 60 fps. Even cheaper models that cost around $800 are ideal for classic games and less-demanding modern titles, and they can play most new games on at least medium settings. You don’t need to spend $2,000 on a more powerful gaming laptop to get great performance.

Where they fall short: Every affordable gaming laptop we’ve tested has had at least one serious flaw. Some get way too hot, others have poor build quality, and some have dim screens with poor viewing angles. And compared with more portable options, such as ultrabooks, all gaming laptops are large, heavy, and saddled with short battery life.

A laptop with a background that shows the word "Aorus" shining in neon futuristic letters, sitting on a purple background.

Why we like this one: The Gigabyte Aorus 16X (9KG-43USC54SH) provides great gaming performance for the price. It can play most of the newest titles at high and ultra settings, maintaining excellent frame rates while doing so. It also keeps its most-touched surfaces cool during long gaming sessions, and it comes with nice extras, such as a comfortable RGB keyboard and a screen with a high, 165 Hz refresh rate. But it has underwhelming battery life, losing power after just a few hours of simple web browsing and productivity tasks, so it isn’t as portable as we’d like.

You can read more about our pick in our full guide to cheap gaming laptops .

This article was edited by Signe Brewster and Arthur Gies.

Which laptops last the longest?

Depending on what you buy and how you use it, a good laptop that’s well cared for should last at least four years, ideally longer—but most modern laptops are not designed with repairability or upgradability in mind. A good ultrabook , a business laptop , or a MacBook will feel sturdier, last longer, and perform better than a cheap sub-$500 laptop with a mostly plastic frame and a basic processor. And a laptop that you primarily use around the house will last longer than one that you travel with frequently. Some business laptops and photo and video editing laptops allow you to upgrade their memory and storage to extend their useful life, and we have a repairable pick that’s specifically designed to make any part (not just the memory or storage) easy to upgrade and repair.

Should I buy a MacBook or a Windows laptop?

If you already use Macs or Windows computers and you like them, stick to the software you’re used to—don’t force an unfamiliar operating system on yourself unless you need to. Otherwise, if you have an iPhone or iPad that you like, a MacBook will work with the same Apple services, including iCloud Photos and iMessage. Windows laptops are better if you want something more affordable, if you want plenty of ports for connecting accessories, or if you want to play games. And if you want an even less-expensive laptop that's easier to use and harder to break, consider a Chromebook.

What is a good price for a laptop?

For general tasks—editing documents and spreadsheets, browsing the internet, doing homework, and communicating using apps such as Slack or Zoom—a cheap but usable laptop should cost between $400 and $600, a good laptop should be $700 or $800, and a great laptop should cost at least $1,000. More powerful, specialized laptops, such as gaming notebooks or laptops for professional photo and video editing , start in the range of $1,000 to $1,500 and go up from there. If you have $500 or less to spend, Chromebooks tend to look, feel, and run better than equivalently priced Windows laptops. If you’re looking for a Mac, expect to pay at least $1,100 (or $1,000 with an educational discount) for our recommended MacBook Air configuration . Keep an eye on our Deals page if you’re able to wait for a better price on a specific laptop.

How much RAM do I need?

In 2024, you need a minimum of 8 GB of memory, which should be enough for web browsing, document and spreadsheet editing, light gaming, and occasional basic video and photo editing. But since a great laptop should last at least five years and you can’t add more memory to most laptops after you buy them, we recommend starting with 16 GB if you can. And you should consider 32 GB if you regularly use high-end applications like Adobe Photoshop or Premiere, if you play visually demanding games, if you’re doing 3D drafting, or if you work in web and app development.

Meet your guides

Kimber Streams

Kimber Streams is a senior staff writer and has been covering laptops, gaming gear, keyboards, storage, and more for Wirecutter since 2014. In that time they’ve tested hundreds of laptops and thousands of peripherals, and built way too many mechanical keyboards for their personal collection.

Dave Gershgorn

Dave Gershgorn is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He’s been covering consumer and enterprise technology since 2015, and he just can’t stop buying computers. If this weren’t his job, it would likely be a problem.

The Best Things to Get for Your New Laptop

by Ivy Liscomb

From laptop bags to headphones to chargers to dongles galore, here are the essential accessories to help you use your new laptop.

Two Anker USB hubs plugged into a Mac laptop.

Accessories for Your USB-C Laptop

We've tested the best cables, hubs, and dongles to help you connect your all your peripherals to your new laptop, even if it has only USB-C ports.

a dirty laptop surrounded by cleaning tools

How to Clean a Laptop

by Thorin Klosowski

It’s easy to forget that your laptop needs to be cleaned. Thankfully, it’s not hard to clean out dust and stray crumbs.

A stack of four laptops sitting in between a potted plant and a stack of books with a mug of pens on top of it.

The Best Laptop Under $500

by Kimber Streams

If you’re on a budget, these are the best cheap Windows laptops and Chromebooks we recommend after extensive research and hands-on testing.

Best gaming laptops under $1,500 in 2024

Here are the best gaming laptops under $1,500

Best overall

Best budget, best budget 40-series, best battery life, best handheld.

How we test
Find your perfect gaming laptop
Why trust Laptop Mag

1. The list in brief ↴ 2. Best overall 3. Best budget 4. Best budget 40-series 5. Best battery life 6. Best Intel 7. Best handheld 8. How we test 9 . Find your perfect gaming laptop 10 . Why trust Laptop Mag

Gaming laptops under $1,500 might be budget-friendly, but that doesn't mean they cannot run the latest titles in medium to high settings.

These devices aren't the turbo-clad behemoths of higher price brackets. However, thanks to technologies like Nvidia's DLSS performance and visual-enhancing tools, you can still breeze through your Steam library with impressive results. In this price range, you can secure a great all-around performer with a solid CPU and GPU capable of taking on the latest AAA titles with solid visuals.

If you won't accept anything less than pushing every slider to the right on your graphics menus, why not check out our list of the best gaming laptops for a more comprehensive selection of top-notch gaming notebooks? And if your budget is tight, there are always some top entry-level options in our best cheap gaming laptops , or you can peruse our picks for the best handheld gaming devices for affordable gaming in a different form factor.

However, if you're looking for gaming goodness without breaking the bank, read our selection of the best gaming laptops under $1,500 in 2024.

Rami reviewed and tested dozens of gaming laptops over 6+ years. He gets to game on a new machine every time one comes in for review, so he's an expert on what works and what doesn't for any budget. Finding a 4 to 5-star gaming laptop for under $1,500 is getting more difficult as the years go on, but there are still enough out there to curate a list like this. Rami knows that budget shouldn't compromise on quality and that you deserve the most for your coin. Extensive testing and hands-on training have taught Rami the best gaming laptops for under $1,500.

The Quick List

Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is the perfect gaming laptop for the price. It boasts powerful RTX 4070 performance, a gorgeous display, a sturdy build, and an exceptional keyboard for the average gamer.

▼ Read more below

Best Gaming Laptops: Acer Predator Triton 300 SE

The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE is where performance and affordability meet. Packed into this 14-inch body is all the gaming performance you need to jump-start most AAA games.

Best budget 40-series The HP Victus 16 is for anyone seeking to avoid the impossible cost of high-end gaming laptops. At just $800, it surprised us with its solid framerates, quality display, and excellent cooling. ▼ Read more below

With a surprisingly high-quality display, great performance metrics in productivity and gaming, and a solid-feeling exterior, this phone highlights the best of both worlds. ▼ Read more below

Are you looking for a 40 Series Nvidia GPU without breaking the bank? Then we highly recommend the MSI Katana 15, which offers a powerful Intel Core i7 CPU, and RTX 4070, which delivers powerful overall graphics performance.

Best for handheld gamers While the Asus ROG Ally may not technically be a gaming laptop, its Windows 11 OS and excellent performance metrics make one thing clear: This is a great gaming laptop at heart.

1. Lenovo Legion 5 Pro

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is the best sub-$1,500 gaming laptop, and it's no contest. It boasts superb RTX 4070 performance that outperforms its competitors without a sweat, alongside excellent productivity scores to satisfy your needs in everyday tasks.

On our Borderlands 3 , Far Cry 6 , and Red Dead Redemption 2 tests, the Legion 5 Pro averaged 110, 97, and 78 frames per second, respectively. That means you’ll be able to use its 165Hz screen.

Lenovo also packed in one of our favorite keyboards; our reviewer even called it her keyboard soulmate . By giving the arrow keys a little nook, featuring its touchpad, and having a wonderful 1.5-mm of key travel, it stands out and excels as one of the best.

While the Legion 5 Pro doesn't have the best display, it is surprisingly high quality for a laptop at this price point. The 16-inch, 2560 x 1600, IPS, 165Hz display managed DCI-P3 coverage of 82.4 percent and averaged 319 nits of brightness. At this cost, these scores are often rare.

A surprisingly powerful audio system backs up that pretty display. There are moments when it sounds low. It’s loud and punchy. As long as you’re not an audiophile like some of us at Laptop Mag , you’ll get along with the Lenovo’s bottom-firing speakers.

With an AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, this laptop excels with a Geekbench 6 score of 13,063. It also takes only four minutes and five seconds to convert a 4K video into 1080p resolution through the HandBrake app. The final cherry on top is the SSD’s 2,150 megabyte-per-second transfer rate.

Every aspect of the Legion 5 Pro’s price-to-performance ratio is unbelievable.

See our full Lenovo Legion 5 Pro review .

^ Back to the top

Acer Predator Triton 300 SE resting on a gorgeous white countertop.

2. Acer Predator Triton 300 SE

I love the Acer Predator Triton 300 SE. It's slightly older than some gaming notebooks on this page, but it packs a hell of a punch at its current price. This killer machine weighs just 3.8 pounds and is 0.7 inches thick. Portable and affordable don't often go hand in hand, but the Triton breaks that rule.

The Triton 300 SE's 14-inch, 1920 x 1080, 144Hz display is respectable for its class. It covered 80.6 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut and averaged 292 nits of brightness. Those numbers are solid, considering the price. However, I wish the display was a bit brighter.

Don't count out the Triton’s RTX 3060 GPU. It is more than capable of taking on most AAA games in medium to high settings. The Predator Triton 300 SE scored 73 fps on the Far Cry New Dawn benchmark, taking over its competition. It also beat the average gaming laptop (at the time) on the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Shadow of the Tomb Raider benchmarks.

However, you will take a hit regarding overall performance, as the Intel Core i7-11375H CPU lacked even when it launched. On the Geekbench overall performance test, it scored 5,234, which beat the category average but not rival systems. The Acer turned in a relatively slow time of 11 minutes and 36 seconds on the Handbrake video transcoding test.

Despite that, this baby has a decent battery life, lasting 6 hours and 41 minutes.

Some minor quibbles include weak audio and a mushy keyboard, which is OK for the price. However, you can check out our best gaming headsets and best gaming keyboard pages to get ahead of those issues.

See our full Acer Predator Triton 300 SE review .

3. HP Victus 16

We reviewed last year's version of the HP Victus 16, but we recommend this year's model since it offers a better deal. The new HP Victus 16 offers an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. However, the following testing is based on our review of its predecessor, so keep that in mind.

The HP Victus 16's office-like design is one of our favorite features. We even labeled it as one of the few gaming laptops that look normal . It also boasts a colorful 16-inch display, which this Victus seems to share if the specs are any indication. The Victus we reviewed averaged 66 frames per second on the Borderlands 3 (Badass, 1080p) test, so in theory, the latest model should be able to achieve that or more.

While limited to a 1080p resolution, the HP’s 16-inch, 16:10 display is clocked at a 144Hz refresh rate. The model we tested registered 75.2 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut and averaged 313 nits of brightness on our tests. That's decently colorful, but the brightness impressed us more than anything. It should be bright enough to combat well-lit spaces.

You also get a great pair of speakers. Many companies shortlist speakers as the component to cut in terms of quality, but the HP Victus 16 doesn't have that problem. Packed in the Victus 16 are Bang & Olufsen speakers, which excelled with a depth that captured highs, mids, and lows without a whisper of distortion. While the Victus' speakers are quite loud, there’s not a lot of bass.

The HP Victus 16 tugs on the heartstrings with its battery life. Before breaking out that charging cable, you'll get 7 hours and 26 minutes of life. That’s nearly enough time to finish a work or school day.

The HP Victus 16 we reviewed is excellent, and the latest model will likely land in the same place. But we cannot guarantee that. It's still a good deal, though.

See our full HP Victus 16 review .

Lenovo Legion 5i Pro playing Cyberpunk 2077 .

4. Lenovo Legion 5i Pro

Gaming laptops with poor battery life? A thing of the past. The Lenovo Legion 5i Pro clocks into work with 7 hours and 30 minutes on schedule. That's a whole workday (provided you turn off the laptop for lunch). While it even boasts an office-ready appearance, there's a flair of gamer aesthetic thanks to its vibrant RGB backlighting. If you need a gaming laptop under $1,500 that doesn't make many sacrifices, this is it. It also has plenty of ports to create a formidable battle station.

The Legion 5i Pro still cracks some skulls with its last-gen RTX 3070 Ti GPU. Yeah, it’s not the latest 4000 series GPU, but the Legion 5i Pro shows that the 3000 series still has plenty of punch. It delivered an impressive 81 fps on Red Dead Redemption 2 and 132 fps on Grand Theft Auto V . Don't underestimate the 12th Gen Intel processor, either, as it crushed on both Geekbench 5.4 and our video transcoding tests.

You get 16 inches of real estate on top of a quality 1440p resolution with a 165Hz refresh rate. The Legion 5i Pro's panel covered 80 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut and reached a peak average of 474 nits of brightness. That’s bright enough to take this gaming laptop out into a well-lit café, and that color is vibrant enough to immerse you into your favorite worlds.

However, we have minor grievances, including a lackluster webcam and a sluggish SSD. Add to that its 1.0-inch thick chassis. Overall, everything I mentioned above makes the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro an absolute win.

You could check out the best webcams to resolve at least one of those issues.

See our full Lenovo Legion 5i Pro review .

MSI Katana 15 playing Elden Ring.

5. MSI Katana 15

The MSI Katana 15 is great for folks who want the most out of their performance without overpaying. If you're willing to make some sacrifices, the Katana 15's Intel Core i7-13620H CPU and RTX 4070 GPU will take you far. This gaming laptop kept pace with more powerful competitors without breaking a sweat.

The Katana 15 consistently pushed between 50 and 55 fps on Elden Ring at a resolution of 2K. The RTX 4070 also crushed it on the Borderlands 3 benchmark at 99 fps (1080p, high), as well as Assassin's Creed Valhalla (106 fps), Dirt 3 (103 fps), Far Cry 6 (94 fps), and Red Dead Redemption 2 (72 fps). That's a master class in gaming performance. Of course, the MSI didn't earn its best Intel title for no reason. The Core i7 CPU scored 11,581 on the Geekbench 5.5 test and sparked the competition on the Handbrake benchmark with a blistering time of 5 minutes and 4 seconds.

Want an understated look? The Katana 15 exterior is fitted with a black aluminum chassis with the company's logo engraved at the top of the lid. The colorful interior features a comfortable, 4-key, customizable RGB keyboard. Portable, it is not, however. The Katana weighs 8.8 pounds, so you need a backpack with solid straps to tote this system around.

Now, let's talk about those sacrifices you're making. You are stuck with a 2-hour, 48-minute battery life, which is terrible even for a gaming laptop. The 15.6-inch, 1080p display is dim and lackluster. However, it's a better value than the RTX 4090 systems, which cost upwards of $4,000.

Check out the best gaming monitors if you want a better display.

See our full MSI Katana 15 review .

6. Asus ROG Ally

You don't need a gaming laptop to get the most out of gaming on PC. Handheld gaming devices are the new hotness, not only because they are super portable but also because they are cheaper. Don't underestimate their performance, either (just look at the Nintendo Switch).

After the Steam Deck proved the concept profitable, the Asus ROG Ally swooped in for the kill. One of my favorite parts about the Asus ROG Ally is the display. Yeah, it's only 7 inches, but it's brighter than most, averaging 465 nits of brightness. That outclasses several premium gaming laptops. The 1080p AMD FreeSync touch panel also features a 7-millisecond response time with a 120Hz refresh rate.

No, you won't be playing AAA games on high settings, but considering the size, the Asus ROG Ally worked its little GPU off on our testing. On the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla benchmark, the ROG Ally scored 29 fps at 1080p on High settings. You'll likely get over 60 fps if you turn that to Low.

Portability is essential for gaming laptop users. If it wasn't, they'd likely get a desktop. The ROG Ally weighs only 21.4 ounces and measures 11 x 4.4 x 0.8 inches. I threw this thing in my purse, and it fit perfectly. However, that level of portability doesn’t extend to battery life. You’re getting a measly 1 hour and 43 minutes. Keep in mind that is persistent gaming. It lasts 5:51 otherwise, but considering it is designed like a Switch, the use case will be more in line with that, making the low battery life more disappointing.

Because of its price and impressive features, you should consider the Asus ROG Ally. Whether on your daily commute or traveling across the skies, this is great for controller-based gaming and playing on the go. Keyboard and mouse users will want to stay clear.

See our full Asus ROG Ally review .

How we test gaming laptops

When we bring a laptop into our laboratory, we aim to see how it would work if you brought it into your home or office. While we use industry-standard benchmarks such as Geekbench and 3DMark, we focus heavily on real-world tests that we have developed in-house.

To test endurance, the Laptop Mag Battery test surfs the web at 150 nits of brightness until the system runs out of juice. We use a giant spreadsheet macro that matches 65,000 names with their addresses to judge pure processing power, a video transcoder that converts a 4K video to 1080p, and the Geekbench 5/6 synthetic test.

We ramp up our 3DMark testing to also include Fire Strike Ultra and Time Spy Extreme, which determine how well the laptop copes with DX11 and DX12 4K graphics workloads. If the laptop has a graphics card that supports DirectX ray-tracing, we also use the 2560 x 1440 Port Royal test. (We don’t bother with Night Raid here—who cares about integrated graphics on a gaming laptop?) For the best-equipped laptops on the market, we may also run Speed Way, which plies the deepest and most demanding features of DX12 Ultimate.

We run all gaming benchmarks in full-screen mode with vertical sync disabled, always at least at 1920 x 1080 (1080p) resolution and the laptop's native resolution. Games include Red Dead Redemption 2, Assassin's Creed Mirage, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Borderlands 3, Far Cry 6, and more.

We use a colorimeter to measure screen brightness and color gamut, while other instruments help us determine a laptop's key travel and ambient heat. See this page on How We Test Laptops for more details on our benchmarking procedures.

How to find the right gaming laptop

When shopping for a gaming laptop, there's a lot to consider. We wrote a detailed piece about the nine most important factors for buying a gaming laptop . However, to simplify the process of choosing a system, here are seven key points to remember.

Budget: How we split cost categories

Money is getting tight. There was a time when you could find a good gaming laptop for under $1,000, but those are few and far between. If you're looking for a quality gaming laptop and are trying to budget yourself, try aiming for at least $1,300. With a larger budget, you can push for a more powerful mainstream gaming laptop, often priced between $1,500 and $2,000. But we're trying to get you under $1,500 right now

Remember that the bigger the GPU, the bigger the gaps in price points. So, list the games you play and start checking the PC requirements. Almost any gaming laptop with a 40-series GPU can play an indie game, but if you're dabbling in AAA titles, you have to decide which settings you're comfortable playing on.

Screen Size: 14 and 16 inches are the go-to

You'll rarely find a 13-inch gaming laptop nowadays, and 15.6-inch laptops have taken a backseat to the hyped-up 14-inch and 16-inch laptops. Those 17-inch gaming laptops also feel like a thing of the past. Well, now we have 18-inch gaming laptops. Yeah, they're beasts, but what all these sizes have in common is that they're getting more compact.

If you're looking for a gaming laptop to take on the go and even use as a school or work laptop, 14-inch gaming laptops are the perfect fit. Smaller gaming laptops also tend to have longer battery life as well. 16-inch gaming laptops are more manageable in size than 17 or 18-inch machines without sacrificing any power. But if you're looking for true desktop replacements, you'll probably want to go all out with a larger size. They tend to be the most powerful but require always being near an outlet.

Screen Resolution: 1080p (high refresh rates), 4K (detail), 1440p (sweet spot)

Regarding gaming laptop displays, you want to balance frame rates and aesthetics. And if you're planning to get a truly mobile system, battery life also deserves consideration. A 1080p resolution is the bare minimum you'll find, which isn't great unless you're trading resolution for a high refresh rate. Panel makers now serve up screens with a 360Hz refresh rate and a three-millisecond response time. But I don't count out 4K screens yet, as many laptops with 4K displays are clocked at 120Hz. Remember that laptops with lower resolutions tend to have longer battery life overall.

Are you looking for a sweet spot between the two? More and more gaming laptops are shipping with 1440p displays, which provide high refresh rates and a sharp panel. This strikes an outstanding balance between the two without charging a premium price.

Refresh rate: 120Hz is a minimum

Depending on the kind of games you're playing, particularly first-person shooters and MOBAs, you'll take anything that enhances accuracy. Surprisingly, the higher a display's refresh rate is, the more accurate your shot becomes. We've experienced this firsthand during many demos. At this point, 60Hz is unacceptable for a gaming laptop, so we recommend investing in a panel with at least a 120Hz refresh rate.

You also have to balance graphics performance with resolution and refresh rate. Sometimes, a laptop is paired with a low-performing GPU and a high resolution and refresh rate. The math doesn't add up. If your gaming laptop cannot take advantage of the sharp screen or high refresh rate, then what's the point? Make sure you check the benchmarks.

Intel or AMD?

A couple of years ago, the answer to this question would have been undoubtedly Intel. However, AMD has made a furious comeback with its new Ryzen CPUs, which deliver outstanding overall performance and battery life. The new Ryzen chips architecture makes them super power efficient without sacrificing productivity. The Ryzen 8000 series CPUs have consistently impressed with its performance versus battery life.

Not to be outdone, Intel's 14th-generation chips are nothing to sneeze at. Laptop manufacturers have started rolling out systems with Intel's Core Ultra chips. These chips are extremely powerful and are catching up to AMD with their battery life game.

Gaming laptops have been balancing performance with battery life, improving the use case for these rigs.

Battery Life: At least 5.5 hours

Unless it's plugged in, gaming laptop battery life tends to be very short, especially when gaming. However, the battery life of gaming laptops has increased over the years — so much so that anything under 5.5 hours is considered below average. We've reviewed several gaming laptops that last a whole workday and jump into the double digits. With results like that, we expect gaming laptops will match their non-gaming counterparts sooner rather than later. Our most recent power-efficient gaming laptop (Razer Blade 14) lasted over 8 hours.

Specs: 1080p / Core i5 / 16GB are a minimum

You can spend a lot of time delving into specs, but here are the key components. If you want decent mainstream performance, go for a Core i5 CPU, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a 1080p screen.

Why Trust Laptop Mag

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Rami Tabari is an Editor for Laptop Mag. He reviews every shape and form of a laptop as well as all sorts of cool tech. You can find him sitting at his desk surrounded by a hoarder's dream of laptops, and when he navigates his way out to civilization, you can catch him watching really bad anime or playing some kind of painfully difficult game. He’s the best at every game and he just doesn’t lose. That’s why you’ll occasionally catch his byline attached to the latest Souls-like challenge.

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The best laptops for students, from kindergarten through college.

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The Dell XPS 13 is one of the best laptops for high school and college students.

Shopping for a laptop can be stressful — doubly stressful if you or your children will be learning online for the first time. Kids of different ages have a range of different laptop use cases and different needs. And as the choices for best laptop and best Chromebook evolve, so do students’ needs. So I spoke to some experts on the subject: students themselves.

The best laptop you can buy
The best Chromebooks to buy

My recommendations here are meant to accommodate a variety of preferences and price ranges. But they’re a jumping-off point rather than an exhaustive list: every student is different. Before making a decision, you’ll want to make sure you read reviews and try out devices yourself if you can. I’ll do my best to keep this article up to date with items that are in stock.

Google’s Pixelbook Go has solid battery life and a rippled base that’s easy to grip, making it a good choice for kids.

The best laptop for elementary school

For younger students, a touchscreen device is easier to use than a keyboard and touchpad, says Michelle Glogovac. Glogovac’s five-year-old son uses an iPad for Webex meetings with his kindergarten class. He’s gotten the hang of it; Glogovac says he’s already learned how to mute and unmute himself, “a skill that many adults aren’t familiar with.”

That said, it may be worth investing in a keyboard case if you go the tablet route. Glogovac has to type her son’s meeting codes and passwords for him, which can be cumbersome on the iPad’s flat screen.

As kids get older, their best laptop choice will vary depending on their needs. As a parent, it’s important that you and your child are in sync about how they intend to use it and the size of the programs they want.

Kristin Wallace purchased a budget HP laptop for her daughter, Bella, but didn’t realize how quickly the nine-year-old would fill up 32GB of storage. “It is really slow and has no space for games. I need a computer with more storage space,” said Bella, who uses the laptop to Zoom with friends and take virtual guitar lessons and math enrichment classes. Wallace plans to buy Bella a better device in the next few weeks.

Audio quality is an important consideration for kids’ laptops. Lisa Mitchell, an elementary library media specialist, says her students use their devices to watch YouTube videos in addition to their online classes. Battery life is also a plus, even for distance learners who may not be far from a wall outlet. Bella likes to use her laptop all around the house and doesn’t want to bring the cord with her.

Durability is also worth paying for, according to Mitchell. If you’re using a tablet, get a protective case. “If a reasonably-priced insurance or replacement policy is available, it’s usually worth the extra expense.”

Check out :

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Editio n ($139.99): a colorful, fast tablet with kid-friendly content
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 ($379): a tiny 11-inch Chromebook with a detachable keyboard
Apple 10.2-inch iPad ($329): a great budget tablet that supports the Apple Pencil
Microsoft Surface Go 3 ($439.99): a solid Windows tablet with a built-in kickstand
Google Pixelbook Go ($649): a sturdy touchscreen Chromebook

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 in laptop mode on a wooden table seen from above. The screen displays a blue desktop background.

The best laptop for middle school

The middle school students I spoke to don’t use their laptops for much more than web-based schoolwork and browsing. Don’t be too concerned about power — prioritize a machine that’s comfortable and easy for your child to use.

“We just got the most basic Chromebook and it is totally perfect,” says Gabrielle Hartley, an attorney and mother of three children. “The most basic Chromebook serves all the needs of the basic middle schooler.”

The Surface Laptop Go 2 is a good choice for students who need a Windows machine.

Hartley’s son Max, who is in eighth grade, agrees. “I would really like a gaming PC or gaming laptop that can plug into a monitor and run video games with 120fps, but I really don’t need that,” Max says. “Most eighth graders aren’t going to be running any video games on their laptops or any software that requires a lot of power.”

Max mostly uses his laptop for Google Classroom applications, including Gmail, Slides, Google Docs, and Google Sheets. They’re very easy to use on his device, which he describes as “a run-of-the-mill Samsung Chromebook.” That said, if your child is starting middle school this year, it could be worth checking with their teachers to see what operating system is most compatible with their workflow. Caspian Fischer Odén, a ninth grader from Sweden, told me he has trouble with his Chromebook because his school has blocked downloading apps from the Google Play Store.

Even kids with more demanding hobbies think a budget device can get the job done. Sam Hickman, an eighth grader from the UK who uses his laptop for photo and video editing, says, “For most middle schoolers, any processor developed within the last two years will be able to handle any tasks they can throw at it.”

So, what is worth paying for? A comfortable keyboard, several students told me. Many middle school kids aren’t used to typing for long periods of time. You should also look for a device that’s compact and easy for them to carry around, particularly if they’re preparing for in-person school. Shoot for an 11- to 13-inch model — certainly nothing larger than 15 inches.

HP Chromebook x360 ($239.99): an affordable Chromebook with great battery life
Lenovo Flex 3 Chromebook ($299.99): a small but sturdy laptop made for students
Lenovo 300e ($419.99): a durable 2-in-1 with a stylus and LTE
Acer Aspire 5 ($679.99): a portable option for kids who need a 15-inch screen
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 ($573.99): an attractive, light Windows laptop

The Surface Laptop 5 seen from above, open, on a desk with Post-its and pencils. The screen displays a green ribbon.

The best laptop for high school

High schoolers’ laptop needs can vary based on their interests, but most don’t need powerful machines with lots of bells and whistles — especially if they come with glitches or serious downsides that could interfere with schoolwork. Miles Riehle, a student at Laguna Beach High School, has a high-end Surface Pro 7 but finds it overwhelming. “There is so much other stuff that I don’t use very often,” he said. “Something simpler might be a little more straightforward.”

The best operating system may depend on what your child is used to. Aryan Nambiar, a student at Barrington High School in Illinois, has an iMac at home and enjoys using an iPad for his schoolwork. Riehle says he would prefer a Chromebook because he has an Android phone and often uses Google services.

But almost every student I spoke to agreed that the most important feature of a high school laptop is portability. Kids attending in-person classes may be carrying their device around for much of the day with a stack of other books. Look for a 13- or 14-inch screen, or a lighter 15- to 17-inch model.

Students also recommend something sturdy. “Most high schoolers I’ve seen will throw their laptop in their bag without too much care,” says Moses Buckwalter, a student at Penn Manor High School. Backpacks can be jostled in the hallway as well. Kids can also run into trouble at home. “Anything can happen,” says Aadit Agrawal, a high school student from India. “My own brother scratched my laptop with his nails.”

Battery life is another key feature. “It can be a real struggle to find a place to charge while in class,” says Cas Heemskerk, a sophomore from the Netherlands. Unlike college students, many high schoolers don’t have frequent breaks to juice up their devices, so try to find something that can last a full day.

Many students recommend a touchscreen with stylus support. Nambiar uses the feature for his biology class, where he does a lot of visual modeling. “The touchscreen is always a bonus for drawing diagrams, whereas if you’re using a laptop it’d be a whole process to submit a diagram you drew,” Nambiar says. Riehle uses a Surface Pen to fill out school forms and annotate PDFs. Agrawal finds it useful to take notes on the same screen as his online lessons.

Depending on the broadband situation in your area, you may also want a laptop with multiple connectivity options. Agrawal’s online classes are sometimes interrupted by powercuts, so he recommends an LTE model. Matej Plavevski, a junior at Yahya Kemal College in North Macedonia, recommends looking for an Ethernet port in case slower connections disrupt meetings. That’s hard to find on smaller laptops, but there’s a slew of affordable dongles and docks to consider.

Acer Chromebook Spin 514 ($699.99): a convertible Chromebook with all-day battery
Apple iPad Air ($599): a powerful tablet with a great screen
Acer Chromebook Spin 714 ($699.99): a fantastic Chromebook that’s not too pricey
Dell XPS 13 ($599): a solid clamshell Windows laptop
Surface Laptop 5 ($899.99): an excellent, light laptop that’s comfortable to use

A user holds the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 in tablet mode. The screen displays Launcher on a purple background.

The best laptop for college

College kids are justified in spending a bit more money than other age groups. Some (especially in STEM courses) can expect to do some fairly demanding work. Assad Abid, an electrical engineering undergrad from Pakistan, needs to run simulation software for his assignments. Aakash Chandra, a student at New Horizon College of Engineering in India, does a lot of coding, in addition to creative work in Premiere Pro and Photoshop, and gaming. Students also noted that it’s worthwhile to pay for a laptop that will last for a few years after graduation. That means you won’t have to worry about finding and financing your next device until you’re (hopefully) settled into a job.

But among high-end, capable devices there’s still a wide range of options. Students stressed that a college laptop should be light. Expect to bring it between classes, meals, meetings, the library, and other locations on campus. “It’s a boon that I can carry my laptop as well as some notebooks without feeling like I’m carrying too much for six hours a day,” says Haseeb Waseem, a senior at Villanova University.

The Acer Swift 3 OLED half closed seen from above.

Another universally-lauded feature: battery life. Waseem, who uses an HP Spectre, says the all-day juice gives him “the flexibility to study in a bunch of different locations, and even outside.”

Speakers and webcams are often overlooked, even in top-end devices. But students say it’s worth looking for good ones if you’re starting college this year. Though many college students are now back to in-person classes, some will still be meeting with clubs and attending events online. Waseem isn’t satisfied with his laptop’s audio and picture quality, which he says has made it difficult to pay attention in class and to engage with other students.

Many students will need to invest more in areas tailored to their interests and schoolwork needs. Chandra’s dream laptop would include a stylus and touchscreen for his creative work as well as a high-end GPU. Waseem, who uses his laptop for a hodgepodge of activities, including streaming, coding, social media, video chatting, and Microsoft Office work, would prefer to prioritize a large screen to keep track of his multitasking.

Acer Swift 3 ($849.99): a super light laptop that performs well
HP Envy x360 ($1099.99): a fast and stylish 2-in-1
HP Spectre x360 13.5 ($1,399.99): a premium convertible with standout battery life

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Best Gaming PCs and Laptops for Back To School

Gaming Laptops , Gaming PCs , New Product Releases and Promotions , News , Product Reviews , Sales and Deals
by cpconnor9
August 1, 2023 January 24, 2024

Summer break and winding down and it’s time to return to campus and head back to school. Whether you need a desktop for your home desk or laptop that can go with you to class, we have you covered. Check out the best gaming PCs and laptops for back to school and get ready to take on homework, gaming and more!

Entry Level Gaming PCs

Head back to school in style with an entry level gaming PC. These systems won’t drain your wallet and are perfect for top multiplayer games like COD, FortNite, Valorant and more! Play your faves and finish your school work on a nice gaming PC.

Back to School Special 1

Windows 11 Home Intel® Core™ Processor i5-13400F GeForce RTX™ 3050 8GB GDDR6 16GB DDR5/6000MHz memory ASUS Prime Z790-P WIFI 2TB Samsung 980 PRO M.2 SSD

Price: $1125 was $1425

Esports Essential Gaming PC

Windows 11 Home AMD Ryzen™ 5 5500 Processor AMD Radeon™ RX 6500 XT 4GB Graphics 16GB DDR4/3600MHz RAM GIGABYTE B550 UD AC ATX Motherboard 2TB Samsung 980 Pro

Price: $959

Back to School Special II

Windows 11 Home AMD Ryzen™ 5 7600 Processor AMD Radeon RX 7600 16GB DDR4/3600MHz RAM ASUS Prime B650M-A 2TB Samsung 980 Pro

Price: $1209 was $1509

Mainstream Gaming PCs

Play 2023’s biggest blockbuster games with crisp graphics and high framerates with this selection of high performance mainstream Gaming PCs. Slay homework, creative tasks, and make time for some games.

Spring RTX 4070 Ti

Windows 11 Home Intel® Core™ Processor i9-13900K GeForce RTX™ 4070 Ti 12GB 32GB (16GBx2) DDR5/6000MHz Memory 2TB Samsung 980 Pro ASUS PRIME Z790-P WIFI D5 DDR5 Motherboard

Price: $2305 was $2605

Sprin g 2023

Windows 11 Home Intel® Core™ Processor i7-13700KF GeForce RTX™ 4070 12GB 16GB (16GBx1) DDR5/6000MHz Memory ASUS PRIME Z790-P 2TB Samsung 980 Pro

Price: $1885 was $2185

Best Gaming Laptops for Back to School

Our high performance Tracer VII Gaming Laptops are the perfect portable option for back to school . Tracer VII Laptops are available in 17′ and 16′ variants, both featuring Intel Core 13th Gen Mobile Processors and NVIDIA GeForce’s RTX 40 series mobile GPUs. For students interested in graphic intensive topics like animation, graphic design, or video editing – the top end performance that these laptops provide is excellent. Both models have optional, detachable liquid cooling units that can provide a 10% performance uplift compared to regular air cooling. If you love being able to take your pc gaming on the go, and having a portable computer that can do it all, Tracer VII laptops are the perfect choice. For those looking to take this laptop to school, we recommend the 16inch variant for increased portability.

Tracer VII Gaming I16G LC 200

Windows 11 Home Intel® Core™ Processor i9-13900HX NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4080 16GB DDR5/4800Mhz RAM Intel Raptor Lake HM770 500GB Kingston SNV2S

Price: $2225 was $2395

Tracer VII Gaming i16G

Windows 11 Home Intel® Core™ Processor i9-13900HX NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 32GB DDR5/4800Mhz RAM Intel Raptor Lake HM770 2TB Samsung 980 Pro

Price: $1805 was $1905

Tracer VII Edge i17E LC 500

Windows 11 Home Intel® Core™ Processor i9-13900HX NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4090 16GB 32GB DDR5/4800Mhz RAM Intel Raptor Lake HM770 2TB Samsung 980 PRO M.2 PCIe SSD

Price: $2949 was $3049

Top Gaming PCs for Hardcore Gamers (And Hardcore Students)

Hardcore gamers will love the deals available on our high end gaming PCs. Plenty of performance for your “homework”.

Back to School Ryzen 9

Windows 11 Home AMD Ryzen 9 7800X3D AMD Radeon™ RX 7900 GRE 16GB 32GB (16GBx2) DDR5/6000MHz Memory ASUS Prime B650M-A 2TB Samsung NVMe M.2 SSD

Price: $1969

AMD Advantage Gaming PC

Windows 11 Home AMD Ryzen™ 9 7950X X3D Processor AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX 24Gb 32GB GSKILL Trident Z5 RGB ASROCK x670E PG Lightning AM5 2TB Kingston SNV2S PCIe SSD

Price: $2879

Hyper Liquid Alloy Black Mamba

Windows 11 Home Intel® Core™ Processor i9-13900K GeForce RTX 4090 Ti 24GB GDDR6X 32GB DDR5/6000Mhz Memory ASUS PRIME Z790-P WIFI D5 DDR5 Motherboard 2TB Samsung 990 Pro M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD

Price: $5315

Hopefully this guide helped you find the perfect gaming PC to get you excited to head back school ! For more systems check out all of our gaming pcs here . For prebuilt systems that ship quick – check here . And lastly for all of our gaming laptops, check here . To see all available deals and offers, you can head over to our deals page .

This adorable mini PC is the ‘world’s smallest’ water-cooled gaming desktop

System builders in the small form factor (SFF) niche absolutely love cramming the most powerful parts into the smallest case possible, and making it look good in the process. But desktop manufacturers seem to have a lower limit on these designs.

One boutique builder seems to have busted through it, though. The MegaMini G1 is… well, it’s just the cutest lil guy.

We’ve seen preliminary designs for the MegaMini G1 a few times this year, including at Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress. But now the manufacturers — mini PC specialist Geekom and general electronics brand Tecno — are ready to start selling.

Well, almost. It’s up on Kickstarter now with an early bird price of $1,500 and a shipping date set for November 2024.

The itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny, Intel-powered mini PC packs a 13th-gen Intel Core i7 processor and a Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 discrete graphics card into a case that’s just 255mm tall and 150mm square at the base. That’s a volume under six liters. (For comparison, the current go-to favorite MiniITX case, Fractal Design’s Terra , is 10.4 liters.)

But this thing isn’t just tiny. It’s a showpiece! The MegaMini G1’s case is a sleek vertical affair with windows on three sides, showing off the custom heat exchanger and four transparent pipes running to an L-shaped radiator on the rear. Geekom says the package is under 36 decibels for noise, compared to 45 to 60 for a standard PC. Note the internal RGB lighting and small LCD screen on the top to show off status messages.

I’m impressed by the port selection. You get four USB-A ports and a headphone jack on the front, and around the back you get two more USB-A ports, double USB-C, double HDMI, DisplayPort, and a full Ethernet jack. Not bad at all for a mini PC.

Naturally, there are going to be some compromises. The CPU and GPU are both laptop parts, so this is essentially a gaming laptop with the screen and keyboard replaced with a massive cooling system. (That’s how they’ve crammed all those ports down into the bottom.) You’ll also have to make do with laptop SO-DIMM RAM (32GB on the base model). Both 1TB and 2TB SSDs are offered, allegedly with dual M.2 slots.

But if you can replace the RAM or storage, the campaign isn’t saying so. So, yeah, this is a fairly one-off design with very limited upgrade options, no matter what the video says about AI TOPS and how it “performs just as well as any top-notch workstation.” Maybe a top-notch workstation from five or six years ago.

For the price, you can build an SFF PC — or even buy another mini PC based on laptop parts, like the Asus ROG NUC — that’s going to stomp it in terms of number-crunching power.

Still, if you’ve always dreamed of having the smallest, cutest gaming PC on the block, this might be your way in. Just don’t expect to beat out some less-stylish machines in terms of performance.

Author: Michael Crider , Staff Writer, PCWorld

Michael is a 10-year veteran of technology journalism, covering everything from Apple to ZTE. On PCWorld he's the resident keyboard nut, always using a new one for a review and building a new mechanical board or expanding his desktop "battlestation" in his off hours. Michael's previous bylines include Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and he's covered events like CES and Mobile World Congress live. Michael lives in Pennsylvania where he's always looking forward to his next kayaking trip.

Recent stories by Michael Crider:

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IMAGES

best laptops for working from home and gaming
Lenovo Tempts Student Gamers with New IdeaPad Gaming Laptops and Legion
best laptops for working from home and gaming
Lenovo Tempts Student Gamers With New IdeaPad Gaming Laptops And Legion
5 Best Laptops for Work, Gaming, and Design
Lenovo tempts student gamers with new IdeaPad gaming laptops and Legion

VIDEO

मेरा New Gaming Laptop 😀 #popathogaya #minivlog #acerpredator #vishalskater #indorecity #police
laptop vs homework #funny
Generation Alpha: Faking Homework, Gaming Instead!"😆😂😂💔🔥
The ultimate laptop for tinkerers? #framework
GeForce RTX Laptops for STEM Students
Do your Homework

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Best Gaming PCs and Laptops for Back To School
Check out the best gaming PCs and laptops for back to school and get ready to take on homework, gaming and more! Entry Level Gaming PCs. Head back to school in style with an entry level gaming PC. These systems won't drain your wallet and are perfect for top multiplayer games like COD, FortNite, Valorant and more!
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