Game On: Top Gaming Laptops of 2023

Gaming laptops offer a unique combination of portability and performance, making them a game-changer for anyone looking to enhance their gaming experience. With their high-performance rates, gaming laptops can also be a great option for students, animators, and those working on side projects. While they may be slightly bulkier than regular laptops, many gaming laptops come in slim models that are easy to carry in a backpack or side bag. However, if portability is not a concern, budget prebuilt PCs may be a better option for your gaming needs. When choosing a gaming laptop, there are many factors to consider, including budget and workload. Some models are designed specifically for artists, with touch screens and foldable interfaces, while others are optimized for gaming with robust fans and cooling options. With so many options available, we've curated a list of the best picks to help you get started.

When shopping for a new laptop, it's important to consider several factors to ensure you find the ideal device for your needs. First and foremost, consider the display performance you desire. Next, think about the size and form factor of the laptop you prefer. Additionally, take into account the GPU and CPU specs necessary to support the games you want to play. Storage and memory space are also crucial considerations, especially if you plan to build an extensive game library. Finally, think about any special features that would make a laptop perfect for you.

The Razer Blade 16 takes the crown as the Best Overall Gaming Laptop, with its impressive specs including Intel's Core i9-13950HX laptop CPUs, up to 32 GB GDDR5 5600 MHz RAM, and NVIDIA 4000 series laptop GPUs. This anodized aluminum laptop is not only sleek and stylish, but also perfect for gaming and content creation on the go. Its 240 Hz display allows for a fully immersive experience and maximizes the FPS output. At $3600 on Amazon, the Razer Blade 16 is worth the investment for any serious gamer.

The Razer Blade 16 boasts significant improvements over its predecessor, the Razer Blade 15, with upgrades that include high-speed DDR5 RAM, an NVIDIA 4000 series GPU, and an expanded 18" display. While the price has increased, the inclusion of Intel's 13th generation CPUs offers unparalleled performance in both single-threaded applications like gaming and multi-threaded tasks such as content creation, thanks to improved thermals and innovation. These advancements make the Razer Blade 16 one of the best gaming laptops on the market.

The Razer Blade series excels in its ability to maintain a sleek and modern appearance without the typical "gamery" design elements found in other gaming laptops. Unlike those laptops, which feature accents of various colors and unnecessary edges, the Razer Blade is similar in style to the Microsoft Surface or MacBook. With the exception of the Razer logo on the back, it's unlikely that anyone would even know you're using a powerful gaming laptop capable of producing desktop-level FPS. However, it's worth noting that the Razer Blade 18, which boasts an 18" display, isn't the best value for only a couple more inches and comes at an additional cost.

The Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop boasts impressive specs for its price point, including a 512GB NVMe SSD, Intel Core i7-11800H CPU, and RTX 3050 Ti GPU. The 144 Hz display is also a standout feature, providing smooth visuals for gaming. However, the laptop only has one USB Type-C port and 8GB of RAM, which may not be enough for heavy multitasking. Despite these limitations, the Nitro 5 is a versatile option for gamers, students, and professionals alike, thanks to its Killer DoubleShot Pro technology and portability.

The Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop boasts the Acer CoolBoost technology that helps keep your system cool even during intense gaming sessions. It can increase fan speed by up to 10% when needed. The NitroSense UI allows you to monitor your PC's temperature, fan speed, power plan, and loading performance, among others.

MSI Raider GE78 HX Best High-End Gaming Laptop$3499 $3749 Save $250 The MSI Raider GE78 is powered by Intel's Core i9-13980HX CPU, making it the top-performing laptop in the market. It outperforms the 12900HX generation by 30% to 40%. With its own dedicated 4080 GPU, the 240 Hz display is more than capable of displaying all of the frames you'll get.

The MSI Raider GE78 HX is a powerhouse of a gaming laptop, boasting the latest and greatest hardware including the lightning-fast i9-13980HX CPU, a dedicated RTX 4080 laptop GPU, and an impressive 64 GB of DDR5 RAM. Its performance is unparalleled, easily competing with top-end desktops in the market today.

MSI is set to launch an upgraded version of their Titan graphics card with the RTX 4090. However, the slight performance boost comes with a downgrade in display refresh rate and an increase in weight, making the already expensive Titan even pricier. If you're looking for top-tier performance without breaking the bank, the Raider GE78 is a great option to consider.

The ASUS TUF Dash 15 Gaming Laptop is a mid-range gaming laptop that boasts top-of-the-line graphics and gameplay. Its RTX graphics card provides supercharged graphics and works with Dynamic Boost to cover ray tracing and standard gameplay speed and settings for FPS, racing, and sports games. The laptop is portable, light, and powerful, making it easy to multitask wherever you go. It comes with 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage, an Intel Core i7-12650H CPU, and 16 GB DDR5 4800 Mhz memory. The laptop runs on Windows 11 and has a 76WHrs battery. The ASUS TUF Dash 15 Gaming Laptop also features 2 USB Type-C ports, 2 USB Type-A ports, HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, a 720p camera, and a 15.6-inch, 1080p, 144 Hz display. Its RTX 3060 GPU is dedicated for gaming and the 144 Hz display ensures smooth gameplay. The laptop also has fast DDR5 4800 MHz memory. However, the compact keyboard may not be ideal for gaming and the 6GB 3060 may not always keep up in games. The ASUS TUF Dash 15 Gaming Laptop is priced at $1130 on Amazon and $1289 on Newegg.

The ASUS TUF Dash 15 Gaming Laptop packs a punch with its compact yet robust design. It boasts an NVIDIA graphics card that delivers seamless gameplay for the majority of high-speed games, all displayed on its impressive 16-inch colorful screen. The MUX Switch allows for direct communication between the GPU and display, instantly improving performance and reducing latency. Powered by an Intel Core i7, this laptop is more than capable of handling demanding games and tasks with ease. Its HD display complements its powerful processor, ensuring minimal lag between the game and screen. Looking for a more budget-friendly option? Check out our recommended budget gaming laptops!

The ASUS ROG Flow X13 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that caters to the needs of gamers, content creators, and artists alike. With the powerful Ryzen 9 5900HS processor, 16 GB of DDR4 memory, and a dedicated GTX 1650 graphics card, this laptop delivers top-notch performance. Additionally, the laptop can be upgraded with ASUS's ROG XG Mobile external GPU for even better performance and added I/O. The 13.4-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 and a refresh rate of 120 Hz is perfect for both work and play. However, the laptop's I/O options are limited, and the GTX 3050 Ti has already surpassed the GTX 1650 in terms of performance. Available at a price of $1319 on Amazon, $2000 at Best Buy, and $2316 at Newegg, the ASUS ROG Flow X13 is a great all-purpose gaming laptop that offers excellent value for its price.

The ASUS ROG Flow X13 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that caters to a wide range of needs, whether it's gaming, work, or creative pursuits like drawing. It offers the convenience of a laptop and the flexibility of a tablet, allowing you to seamlessly switch between modes. What sets the Flow X13 apart from other 2-in-1s is its association with ASUS's renowned ROG line, which is synonymous with high-performance gaming laptops.

The Flow X13 is equipped with top-of-the-line hardware that can handle even the most demanding games, thanks to the powerful AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS processor and dedicated 3050 Ti GPU. It also boasts DDR5 memory, a first for AMD CPUs, and comes with 16 GB of LPDDR5-6400MHz RAM, which enables smooth multitasking. While it may not be the latest model on the market, the Flow X13 offers excellent value for its price, and is a great all-purpose gaming laptop that can also double as a drawing tablet.

The Razer Blade 14 gaming laptop is a perfect choice for gamers who are always on the go. Despite being made of CNC aluminum, the laptop is incredibly light and sleek, making it easy to carry around for daily tasks, school, and work. With an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS and an NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti, this laptop can handle even the most demanding games and content creation tasks. The 1440p display with a 165 Hz refresh rate is absolutely stunning, making gaming and streaming an immersive experience. The only downsides are the average battery life and the smaller keys, which can be a challenge for typing at times. Overall, the Razer Blade 14 is a great choice for gamers looking for a lightweight and powerful laptop. Get it now for $2300 at Best Buy.

The Razer Blade 14 is a gaming laptop that packs a powerful punch despite its lightweight design, weighing in at just under 4 lbs. Equipped with a Ryzen 9 6900HS, RTX 3070 Ti, and CNC aluminum frame, it's impressive how this laptop manages to feel so light. However, this was achieved partly by reducing the battery capacity to 61.6 Watt-hours, which is 33% less than the Razer Blade 16. This also results in slightly smaller keys, but the Blade 14 still competes with heavier laptops on the market.

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 Gaming Laptop is the ultimate machine for gamers, streamers, and creators alike. Powered by the 12th gen Intel Core, this laptop can handle even the most demanding games with ease. Equipped with an RTX 3070 Ti, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 Gaming Laptop delivers maximum processing power for an immersive gaming experience whether you're at home or on-the-go. Its 15.6" display boasts a super-fast 240 Hz IPS panel with QHD resolution, while its 1 TB SSD and 16 GB DD5 memory ensure lightning-fast load times and smooth multitasking. Plus, its RGB-backlit keyboard adds a stylish touch to your gaming setup. With 2 USB Type-C ports, 2 USB Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, and a 1080p camera, this laptop has everything you need for a seamless gaming experience. Its multiple cooling vents also ensure optimal performance during extended gaming sessions. While the keypad/trackpad may have a learning curve, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 Gaming Laptop is still the best ASUS gaming laptop on the market. Get yours today for only $3295 on Amazon or Newegg.

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 Gaming Laptop is a visually impressive and high-performing device that is suitable for various activities such as school, work, or gaming. Its base is adorned with a bright LED light that adds a pop of color to its aesthetic appeal. Powered by a 12th gen Intel Core, this laptop is on par with most gaming rigs available in the market.

Moreover, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 Gaming Laptop boasts a remarkable refresh rate that displays visuals at an exceptionally fast pace. The MUX Switch Boost further enhances its graphics capabilities by enabling direct communication between the graphics card and display. Additionally, you can personalize the laptop's appearance with full RGB customizability, allowing you to change the colors of individual keys at the touch of a button.

The Alienware m16 is the ultimate gaming laptop that combines high performance with an affordable price tag. Thanks to Intel's 13th generation CPUs and low demand for the RTX 4080 chipset, Alienware has managed to offer the m16 at a discounted price of $2400, a savings of $300. Equipped with an Intel Core i9-13900HX, RTX 4080, 16 GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 240 Hz, QHD+ monitor, gamers can enjoy a truly immersive and smooth gaming experience. The laptop features a dark metallic moon color and comes with a 1 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, Windows 11 Home or Pro operating system, 86 WHr battery, and a variety of ports including 2 USB Type-C, 2 USB Type-A, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, SD Card Reader, and Mini Displayport 1.4. Its large vents ensure monstrous cooling, while the 16" 1440p display is far away from the keyboard for maximum immersion. The only downsides are its poor battery life and chunky weight. The m16 is available for $2400 at Best Buy and $2100 at Dell.

The Alienware brand has often been associated with high prices within the gaming community, but the new m16 laptop is a game-changer in terms of price-to-performance ratio. With its powerful combination of the i9-13900HX, a full-sized RTX 4080, and a QHD+ monitor, it is undoubtedly one of the best-performing laptops currently available. In fact, it can easily compete with high-end desktop setups at a similar price point. The only downside is the m16's limited battery life, which means you'll need to carry the power brick with you to supplement the power draw. This adds to the already significant weight of the laptop, which weighs over 7 lbs.

How To Pick The Perfect Gaming Laptop For You

Selecting a gaming laptop can be a daunting task, considering the multitude of features that need to be taken into account. These features include hardware specifications, display quality, form factor, battery life, and unique features that set gaming laptops apart. However, by breaking down each feature individually, the process of choosing a suitable gaming laptop can become more manageable.

Display

The performance of a laptop greatly depends on its display size, resolution, and refresh rate. For those seeking a larger screen, laptops with 15-inch or 17-inch options are ideal, with a 16:10 aspect ratio providing more screen real estate than the traditional 16:9 ratio. While it may be difficult to find gaming laptops with 13 or 14-inch displays, there are excellent options available, such as the Razer Blade 14.

High refresh rate displays are essential for an optimal gaming experience, and we highly recommend seeking laptops with a minimum of 120 Hz display. While faster displays are available, aiming for 120 Hz is a good starting point. Additionally, a 4K display is unnecessary for a laptop, even at 17 inches, as it would be excessive.

Form Factor

Form factor and display size are interdependent factors when choosing a laptop. It is important to consider the trade-off between portability and screen real estate. While a 17-inch display offers ample viewing space, it may not be the most practical choice for someone who wants a lightweight and compact laptop. By examining the weight and dimensions of the laptop, you can determine the form factor that suits your needs. From slim and easily transportable machines to bulky desktop replacements, there is a wide range of options available in the market.

CPU and GPU

When it comes to laptops, CPUs and GPUs are the primary specifications that are usually taken into consideration. However, it is important to note that mobile GPUs may not always perform as well as their desktop counterparts. Therefore, it is not always wise to choose a laptop solely based on the GPU it has. Instead, after finding a laptop that meets all of your other requirements, it is highly recommended to check the benchmarks of the games you wish to play and see how both the CPU and GPU perform.

Memory and Storage

When it comes to high performance laptops, NVME SSDs are the go-to for their impressive speeds and ample storage options. As games continue to require more storage, we suggest opting for at least 500 GBs of storage. However, if you want to avoid upgrading for a longer period of time, a 1 or 2 TB drive would be a more suitable choice. As for memory or RAM, it serves as temporary storage for quick retrieval by the CPU. For most gamers, 16 GB of RAM is sufficient to handle most tasks. However, if you plan on doing more multitasking, 32 GB of RAM would be a better fit.

We suggest considering laptops with RAM and storage that can be easily upgraded. This way, in case you need to upgrade or replace any components in the future, it can be done without buying a new laptop altogether.

Special Features Or The X Factor

Now that you have narrowed down your options, it's time to consider what unique features each laptop has to offer. This could include special I/O ports or advanced cooling systems, but ultimately the decision comes down to your personal preferences and what makes a laptop the perfect fit for you.

FAQ

Q: Are gaming laptops good for multiplayer games?

Multiplayer gaming is definitely possible on gaming laptops, despite their slightly less robust nature compared to full PCs. However, it is important to note that for FPS titles, a good mouse is necessary to keep up with the precision demanded by the game, as a trackpad may not be sufficient.

Q: What should I consider before buying a gaming laptop?

When purchasing your first gaming laptop, it's important to consider its potential use beyond gaming. If you plan to use it for school or work, opting for a slimmer, more professional-looking laptop may be the way to go. However, if gaming is your main priority, a bulkier laptop with more power may be the better choice.

Q: What are some good accessories to buy for gaming laptops?

Maximizing the performance of your laptop goes beyond its internal components. Enhance its functionality with useful add-ons like a laptop cooling fan that can be attached at the base to prevent overheating. Additionally, invest in a high-quality mouse for smoother and more precise gaming experience, especially if you have a dedicated gaming desk.