Best Gaming Laptops in 2023

The Best Gaming Laptops for Every Budget and Size

______________ Acer Nitro 5 View Detail

______________ Razer Blade 15 View Detail

______________ Asus Rog Zephyrus View Detail

______________ Razer Blade 14 View Detail

______________ Acer Predator Helios View Detail

As a passionate gamer, the best gaming laptop is a thing of beauty. With so many options on the market, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of choices. But fear not, as we’ve done the research and testing for you. If you’re after the ultimate gaming experience, then you need a high-end gaming laptop that can handle the most demanding games with ease. Our top pick for the best high-end gaming laptop is the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i.

Equipped with an RTX 4090 graphics card and a powerful Intel i9 processor, this laptop can handle even the most demanding games at the highest settings. And with a sleek and portable design, it’s easy to take on the go. But what sets the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i apart from the competition is its price. Despite its impressive specs, it comes in at a far lower price point than other RTX 4090 gaming laptops such as the Razer Blade 16 and the MSI Titan GT77 HX. It’s a great option for gamers who want top-of-the-line performance without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking for a gaming laptop that offers a balance between performance and price, then a mid-range option is the way to go. Our top pick for the best mid-range gaming laptop is the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16. This laptop comes with an RTX 3070 graphics card and a powerful Intel i7 processor, providing solid gaming performance at a reasonable price. It also boasts a sleek and stylish design, making it a great choice for both gaming and everyday use.

For those on a tight budget, there are still plenty of great gaming laptops to choose from. Our top pick for the best budget gaming laptop is the Acer Nitro 5. This laptop may not have the most impressive specs on the market, but it still provides solid gaming performance at an unbeatable price. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and an NVIDIA GTX 1650 graphics card, it can handle most modern games at medium to high settings. Out of the many gaming laptops we test each year, here are the ones that make the list. If you’re looking for a more multipurpose device, check out our best laptop page. If you’re an Android gamer, we’ve also got a list of the best Chromebooks you can buy.

When it comes to finding the perfect gaming laptop, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It all comes down to your budget and personal preferences. However, with our top picks for the best high-end, mid-range, and budget gaming laptops, we’re confident that you’ll find the perfect option for your needs.

And if you’re looking for more laptop options, be sure to check out our best laptop page for a more multipurpose device, or our list of the best Chromebooks for Android gaming.

Best Gaming Laptops

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1. Acer NITRO 5

The best budget gaming laptop

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Our favorite config:

The RTX 3050 model is our absolute favorite version of the Acer Nitro 5. That’s the same one we’ve tested ourselves. This awesome chassis delivers enough headroom for the RTX 3050 to shine in games, and it often matches laptops with more restrained RTX 3050 GPUs inside. Tough to argue with that.

We tested: Intel Core i5-10300H | Nvidia RTX 3050 | 8GB DDR4 | 256GB NVMe SSD

Most demanding games should run comfortably above 60fps at most graphical settings

The Acer Nitro 5 has been a go-to budget laptop for multiple generations, and for good reason. With a range of prices, including plenty of models at the lower end, it’s an affordable option for those seeking solid gaming and general computing experience.

While the test model we cite in our full review may be priced above what we outlined as the “budget” range in our introduction, this is unfortunately the reality of the current market for many systems. However, our unit is configured for midrange performance, and discounts can be found at some retailers, bringing the price closer to $1,000.

If you’re seeking a budget laptop, you’re likely to find more options at the 15.6-inch screen size than the 17-inch size. This is because 15.6-inch panels are traditionally the most cost-efficient in laptops due to the volume of production.

Now let’s get to what really matters: performance. The Acer Nitro 5 comes equipped with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU and AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor, making it a solid choice for mainstream and even enthusiast gaming. The 144Hz display and roomy 1TB SSD further enhance the gaming and general computing experience. Keep in mind, though, that the Nitro 5 is not a highly portable laptop due to its large screen size.

If you’re a budget-conscious gamer searching for a laptop with a big screen, then look no further than the Acer Nitro 5. This laptop offers a lot of features that will impress even the most demanding gamers.

One of the most significant selling points of the Nitro 5 is its large screen. It’s perfect for gamers who want to immerse themselves in the game world fully. Moreover, it comes with a wired Ethernet connection, which is not always available on all gaming machines. So, if your laptop is going to stay in one place or you’re after a large-screen luggable, the Nitro 5 is an excellent fit.

The Nitro 5 comes equipped with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU and an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor. These components make it a perfect fit for mainstream gamers. The 1TB SSD offers plenty of storage space, allowing gamers to store a vast library of games on this system. The Nitro 5 will capably play most titles, even the most demanding games. However, you may have to knock down some settings to get the best experience.

Read our full Acer Nitro 5 review

2. Razer Blade 15

Best Thin and Light 15 Inch Gaming Laptop

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Our favorite config:

You can, of course, go for the big boi—the RTX 3080 Ti—but in this slimline chassis, the Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti will deliver fantastic frame rates, even at the 1440p resolution of the 240Hz screen. You also get a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD and 16GB of dual-channel DDR5 RAM at a blistering 4,800MHz.

We tested: Intel Core i7 10875HX | Nvidia RTX 2080 Super | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB NVMe SSD

The Razer Blade 15 is the overall best gaming laptop on the market right now.

The Razer Blade 15 has always been one of the best gaming laptops around, and the latest spin on this classic design is no exception. With an updated CNC-milled aluminum chassis, the new Blade 15 can now house one of Nvidia’s latest RTX 40-series GPUs and an Intel 13th Gen Core i9 CPU.

When we tried out the Razer Blade 15 Advanced with a 10th Gen Intel chip and RTX 3080 (95W) GPU, we were blown away by its performance. The larger Razer Blade 17 with an RTX 3080 Ti and 12th Gen chips was also impressive, and it’s incredible how such powerful components can fit into such a slim and sleek design. However, due to the slimline design, there can be some throttling, and the battery life on the Blade 17 can be a little short-lived. Nonetheless, the Blade 15 still provides exceptional performance in a beautiful package.

The Blade 15 is not the lightest gaming laptop on the market, but it’s still more lightweight than many traditional gaming laptops while offering similar specs and performance. The weight also adds to the feeling of solidity, and the laptop is still easy to carry around in a backpack. It’s a great choice for gamers on the go, or if you don’t have enough space for a gaming desktop and monitor.

Typing on the Blade 15’s keyboard feels great, and the new shift and half-height arrow keys will please keyboard enthusiasts. The laptop’s per-key RGB lighting is also a nice addition, compared to the Base Model’s zonal lighting. While the trackpad can be frustrating at times, most gamers would still prefer to use a mouse with this powerful machine.

The Razer Blade 15 comes in various configurations, from the RTX 3060 Base Edition to the RTX 3080 Ti Advanced with a 144Hz 4K panel. With so many options, there’s something for almost everyone. It’s also one of the most visually stunning gaming laptops available today and remains one of the most powerful.

Overall, the Razer Blade 15 is one of the best gaming laptops currently on the market, though it comes at a premium cost. It may also be the last of its kind, as the Blade 16 is slightly larger with a smaller bezel around the display. Therefore, we anticipate that Razer may discontinue the 15-inch version soon. If you’re looking for a top-performing gaming laptop with stunning design and features, the Razer Blade 15 is an excellent choice.

Read our full Razer Blade 15 review

3. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

The best all-round 14-inch gaming laptop

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Our favorite config:

We have tested a lower-spec version of the G14, which is actually better in terms of affordability and overall performance. The octa-core AMD CPU still maintains its power, but the GPU and RAM have been downgraded to more modest specs. Despite this, the G14 remains an impressive gaming machine that provides ample power while being affordable.

In essence, this version of the G14 strikes the perfect balance between cost and performance, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious gamers who still demand great gaming experiences. With its powerful CPU and reduced GPU and RAM specifications, this machine can handle the most demanding games with ease, making it a perfect fit for serious gamers on a budget.

We tested: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS | AMD Radeon RX 6800S | 16GB DDR5 | 1TB NVMe SSD

I’m heartily impressed with the G14’s gaming performance overall.

The Zephyrus G14 continues to amaze us with its well-balanced specifications and impressive gaming performance. The device is capable of handling even the most demanding games without any hiccups, thanks to its ability to render frames up to its 120Hz refresh rate. But the G14 isn’t just for gaming, as it performs well in other areas too.

Our review focuses on the version of the G14 equipped with AMD’s RX 6800S, which is currently the best option available, as AMD has yet to replace it with an RX 7000-series chip. However, there is also a version available with a lower-end RX 6700S for a lower price. In our opinion, the cheaper version is a better choice as the high-end option can be quite expensive and may compete with the costly but excellent Razer Blade 14. The G14 is also equipped with 32GB of DDR5-4800 RAM, which provides speedy memory for all your needs.

Under the hood, the G14 is powered by an AMD Ryzen 6900HS, which delivers eight cores and 16 threads of the Zen 3+ architecture. Although it’s not the best and brightest chip in AMD’s Ryzen 6000 series, it’s more than capable of handling any task thrown at it. It can boost up to 4.9GHz, which is impressive.

The combination of the GPU and CPU makes the G14 a powerhouse in terms of performance. It’s capable of topping the frame rate of RTX 3080 and RTX 3070 mobile chips, and although it falls short of the Razer Blade 17 with an RTX 3080 Ti, the G14 is a much smaller and cheaper device. The G14 may not be able to compete with the RTX 40-series mobile chips, but Asus has yet to refresh this line-up with newer graphics silicon.

The G14’s 14-inch screen size is one of its standout features. It strikes a perfect balance between screen real estate and compact size, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer smaller laptops. The 2022 model also features a larger 16:10 aspect ratio than its predecessors’ 16:9 panels, which further enhances the viewing experience.

The G14’s high refresh and high-resolution panel look fantastic, especially with its bright and colorful IPS display. However, the battery life is not the best while gaming, lasting less than an hour during gameplay. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to consider.

The G14 used to be a budget-friendly option, but the inclusion of 32GB of DDR5 RAM has increased its price. The cost of DDR5 memory has not stabilized since its introduction last year, and 32GB of high-performance memory is more than what most gaming PCs offer.

Overall, the G14 provides a straightforward and enjoyable experience, with few issues to report. Although there are some negatives, Asus has offset them with many positives. The cheaper versions of the G14 may be a better option for those on a budget, as they provide the same excellent design and performance with a lower price tag.

Read our full Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 review

4. Razer Blade 14

The best stylish gaming laptop

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Our favorite config:

If you’re willing to invest in a high-quality compact gaming laptop, then look no further. The Blade 14 with its RTX 3070 Ti graphics card is undoubtedly one of the best options available in the market. While the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 provides stiff competition, it falls short in terms of power and affordability when compared to the Blade 14.

The gaming performance of the Blade 14 is exceptional, as you would expect from such a powerful machine. However, what truly impressed me was how this laptop remained cool and quiet despite running demanding benchmarks and the latest games. Although it may not be the coolest gaming laptop I’ve ever reviewed, it is certainly up there as one of the most impressive.

We tested: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 | 16GB DDR5-4800 | 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD

I’m heartily impressed with the G14’s gaming performance overall.

Undoubtedly, the new Razer Blade 14 is a magnificent gaming laptop that boasts impressive features. Although it may come with a hefty price tag of $2,600 for the version we tested and reviewed, it’s certainly worth the investment. This compact and durable laptop is a true masterpiece in terms of design and performance, delivering everything gamers could want and more.

The internal components are top-notch and combine seamlessly with a brilliantly bright and vivid screen. The machine’s classic machined metal chassis is also a defining characteristic of the Blade laptop line, giving it a sleek and stylish appearance.

In terms of gaming performance, the RTX 3070 Ti model we tested was able to hit 60+fps in most games at 1440p resolution, making it an exceptional gaming laptop. Additionally, the laptop’s fans are remarkably quiet compared to other gaming laptops on the market, which is a definite plus.

The battery life is also noteworthy, although it’s not as long-lasting as that of Ultrabooks, which are designed to have extended battery life.

Read our full Razer Blade 14 review

5. Acer Predator Helios 300

Best Midrange 15-Inch Gaming Laptop

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Our favorite config:

The config I suggest is a little less overkill than what was reviewed. A speedier 1080p 144Hz display is a better fit than others in order to maximize frames on some of your favorite games and save a couple of bucks.

We tested: Intel Core i7-9750H | GeForce GTX 1660 Ti | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD

Looking for a midrange gaming laptop that delivers on both style and substance? The Acer Predator Helios 300 might just be the one for you. While it didn’t quite make the cut for our Editors’ Choice award in 2022, it’s still a solid buy that’s worth considering.

The Helios 300 comes in two configurations – 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch – with prices starting at $1,199.99. Our 2022 test unit, with a 15.6-inch, 144Hz screen, costs $1,299.99. Although it might not offer the best overall value in its price range (the MSI Katana GF66 wins out in that department), the Helios 300 wins in the display department. And let’s face it – when it comes to a gaming laptop, the display is what you’re looking at most of the time.

The Helios 300 is equipped with a GeForce RTX 3060 that delivers great performance for the price, making it an ideal complement to the 1080p screen. It also boasts an eight-core Intel processor that can handle productivity tasks outside of gaming, including light media editing. And for those who value aesthetics, the Helios 300 comes with an RGB-programmable keyboard that adds a touch of flair to your gaming setup.

The Helios 300 faces stiff competition in the $1,100 to $1,300 price range, but it’s still a strong contender that ticks many of the right boxes for gamers. If you’re considering this laptop, be sure to keep an eye out for new entries and discounts, as the competition in this segment is intense.

Read our full Acer Predator Helios 300 review

Comparison Table of Best Gaming Laptops

	Acer Nitro 5	Razer Blade 15	Asus ROG Zephyrus G14	Razer Blade 14	Acer Predator Helios 300
Processor	AMD Ryzen 5 / 7 / 9	Intel Core i7 / i9	AMD Ryzen 7 / 9	AMD Ryzen 9	Intel Core i7 / i9
Graphics	NVIDIA GeForce GTX / RTX	NVIDIA GeForce GTX / RTX	NVIDIA GeForce RTX	NVIDIA GeForce RTX	NVIDIA GeForce RTX
RAM	Up to 32GB	Up to 32GB	Up to 16GB	Up to 16GB	Up to 32GB
Storage	Up to 2TB SSD	Up to 2TB SSD	Up to 1TB SSD	Up to 1TB SSD	Up to 1TB SSD
Display	15.6″ FHD / QHD	15.6″ FHD / 4K	14″ FHD / QHD	14″ QHD 165Hz	15.6″ FHD 144Hz
Battery Life	Up to 10 hours	Up to 6 hours	Up to 12 hours	Up to 12 hours	Up to 6 hours
Weight	5.07 lbs	4.63 lbs	3.5 lbs	3.92 lbs	5.07 lbs

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)

How do we test gaming laptops?

Each of the gaming laptops listed above has been put through its paces by our team of experts. We have personally tested them by using them for a variety of tasks, including writing, browsing the internet, watching videos, and most importantly, playing games. Our experiential approach to evaluating the machines is crucial in determining the best gaming laptop recommendations.

In addition to our hands-on testing, we also employ a comprehensive suite of benchmarks. Our testing includes synthetic CPU tests, rendering tests, memory bandwidth tests, thermal testing, and of course, gaming benchmarks. These benchmarks help us to obtain an objective and quantitative view of the laptops’ capabilities.

We believe that the combination of the subjective experiential view and the objective benchmarks provides us with a holistic perspective on the performance of each gaming laptop. This approach enables us to compile an accurate and definitive list of the top notebooks for gaming.

What’s the most important gaming laptop component?

When it comes to gaming, the most important factor is typically the graphics card. However, in recent times, things have become a bit more complex due to the significant impact that cooling has on GPU performance. It’s crucial to consider the wattage limit of a graphics card and the chassis it’s housed in.

As we mentioned earlier, if an RTX 3080 is installed in an 18mm chassis, its performance will be considerably lower compared to one installed in a bulkier case with more room for high-performance cooling. Therefore, it’s important to pay attention to these details when choosing a gaming laptop.

Which gaming laptop brand is best?

When it comes to selecting the best gaming laptop, we believe that it’s a close call between the Razer and Asus models. Razer’s Blade series boasts sleek and stylish designs with a matte black finish, resembling that of a gaming MacBook. We find this look very appealing.

On the other hand, Asus is a brand that excels in delivering excellent hardware performance while also offering stylish designs at a more affordable price point than Razer’s premium-focused laptops.

Ultimately, the choice between Razer and Asus will come down to personal preference and budget. But we can confidently recommend both brands as top contenders in the gaming laptop market.