Best Gaming Laptops of 2023

Gaming laptops are a popular choice for gamers who want to experience the best graphics and performance while playing their favorite games. These laptops are designed specifically for gaming, with powerful processors, high-quality graphics cards, and large amounts of RAM. They also come with features like high refresh rate displays, advanced cooling systems, and customizable RGB lighting.

When looking for the best gaming laptop, there are several factors to consider. One of the most critical things to look for is the graphics card. A powerful graphics card is essential for running the latest games at high frame rates and high resolutions. Another essential factor is the processor, which should be fast enough to handle the demands of modern games.

In addition to these hardware specifications, other factors to consider include the display size and resolution, the amount of RAM, and the storage capacity. A larger display can provide a more immersive gaming experience, while more RAM and storage can help ensure smooth performance and faster load times.

We spent countless hours researching and testing various gaming laptops to identify the best options on the market. In the following sections, we will share our top picks and provide detailed reviews of each one. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, we’ve got you covered with the best gaming laptops available.

Best Gaming Laptops

We understand that finding the perfect gaming laptop can be a daunting task, especially with so many options on the market. That’s why we have done the research and put together a list of the best gaming laptops available. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a professional esports player, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.

ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop

If you’re looking for a gaming laptop that can handle even the most demanding games, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Lightning-fast performance thanks to a 13th Gen Intel Core i9–13980HX processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU at 140W Max TGP
• Fast FHD 165Hz panel with Dolby Vision, Adaptive-Sync support, and an 90% screen-to-body ratio for an immersive gaming and viewing experience
• ROG Intelligent Cooling system with upgraded liquid metal on the CPU and Tri-Fan Technology ensures better sustained performance over long gaming sessions

Cons

• Lacks a number pad and an optical drive
• Can get quite hot during intensive gaming sessions
• Expensive compared to other gaming laptops on the market

We recently got our hands on the ASUS ROG Strix G16 and we were impressed with its performance. The laptop is designed to provide lightning-fast performance and minimize loading times, making it perfect for gamers who want to stay ahead of the competition. The fast FHD 165Hz panel ensures that you never miss a moment, and the MUX Switch with Advanced Optimus optimizes both gaming performance and battery life.

Inspired by cyberpunk aesthetics and graffiti accents, this laptop’s design features unique elements such as a dot-matrix lid design and hatched air vents. It also covers 100% of the sRGB color space, making it ideal for content creators who need accurate colors.

The ROG Intelligent Cooling system with upgraded liquid metal on the CPU and Tri-Fan Technology ensures that the laptop can handle the power it can deliver. The Strix G16 also has 16GB of DDR5-4800 MHz memory and 1TB of PCIe 4x4 storage, making it ideal for multitasking and speed-up loading times.

Overall, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 is an excellent choice for gamers who want a powerful laptop that can handle even the most demanding games. However, it is quite expensive compared to other gaming laptops on the market, and it can get quite hot during intensive gaming sessions.

Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-525P Gaming Laptop

We highly recommend the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-525P Gaming Laptop for gamers and creators who want a high-performance device that can handle even the most demanding games and applications.

Pros

• The 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor delivers immersive and competitive performance for all your games.
• The latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (4GB dedicated GDDR6 VRAM) provides award-winning architecture with new Ray Tracing Cores, Tensor Cores, and streaming multiprocessors that support DirectX 12 for ultimate gaming performance.
• The sharp visuals of a 15.6” Full HD IPS display with a lightning-quick 144Hz refresh rate ensure fluid, unbroken, and unmatched game sessions.

Cons

• The battery life is less than advertised.
• The Windows 11 defaults have things open if the mouse just hovers over them, which could be annoying for some users.
• The computer runs hot during extended gaming sessions.

We were impressed by the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-525P Gaming Laptop’s performance, thanks to its 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics. The 15.6” Full HD IPS display with a lightning-quick 144Hz refresh rate provided sharp visuals and fluid gameplay. However, the battery life was less than advertised, and the computer runs hot during extended gaming sessions.

The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-525P Gaming Laptop comes with 8GB DDR4 3200MHz Memory (2 DDR4 Slots Total, Maximum 32GB) and 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD (2 x PCIe M.2 Slots, 1 x 2.5" Hard Drive Bay Available). It also features Killer Ethernet E2600 and Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 for an edge online by taking control of your network and prioritizing your gameplay. The newly refined chassis comes with a few extra tricks up its sleeve in the form of dual-fan cooling, dual intakes (top and bottom), and a quad-exhaust port design.

The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-525P Gaming Laptop has a USB Type-C Port USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps) DisplayPort over USB Type-C, Thunderbolt 4 & USB Charging, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Port (Featuring Power-off Charging), USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, HDMI 2.1 Port with HDCP support, Headphone/Speaker/Line-out Jack, Ethernet (RJ-45), DC-in for AC adapter. The laptop’s dimensions are 14.19" W x 10.67" D x 1.06" H, and it weighs 5.51 lbs.

Overall, the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-525P Gaming Laptop is an excellent choice for gamers and creators who want a high-performance device that can handle even the most demanding games and applications.

ASUS TUF Gaming F15 Gaming Laptop

We highly recommend the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 Gaming Laptop for anyone looking for a reliable and powerful gaming laptop.

Pros

• The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 4GB GDDR6 graphics card with Dynamic Boost provides smooth and stunning gameplay graphics.
• The Intel Core i5–11400H processor with 12M cache, up to 4.5 GHz and 8GB of 3200MHz DDR4 RAM makes multitasking and streaming easy.
• The 144Hz 15.6” Full HD IPS Type Display ensures swift visuals and keeps you one step ahead of the competition.

Cons

• The laptop is a bit heavy at 7.75 pounds, making it less portable than some other options.
• The battery life could be better, lasting only around 5 hours on a single charge.
• The keyboard could use more travel, making it less comfortable for extended typing sessions.

The ASUS TUF Gaming F15 Gaming Laptop is a great choice for gamers who want a powerful and reliable laptop that can handle any game. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 4GB GDDR6 graphics card with Dynamic Boost provides smooth and stunning gameplay graphics, while the Intel Core i5–11400H processor with 12M Cache and up to 4.5 GHz and 8GB of 3200MHz DDR4 RAM makes multitasking and streaming easy. The 144Hz 15.6” Full HD IPS Type Display ensures swift visuals and keeps you one step ahead of the competition.

However, the laptop is a bit heavy at 7.75 pounds, making it less portable than some other options. Additionally, the battery life could be better, lasting only around 5 hours on a single charge. Finally, the keyboard could use more travel, making it less comfortable for extended typing sessions.

Overall, the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 Gaming Laptop is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful and reliable gaming laptop that can handle any game.

MSI Thin GF63 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop

We highly recommend the MSI Thin GF63 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop for anyone looking for a budget-friendly gaming laptop with great performance.

Pros

• The 144Hz display provides smooth and vibrant gameplay.
• The SSD Gen 4x4 and DDR4–3200 memory provide the fastest data transfer and system speed.
• The Cooler Boost 5 with 2 fans and 6 heat pipes ensures optimal thermal dissipation and provides the best gaming experience.

Cons

• The battery life is not as long as we would like.
• The laptop can get hot under heavy usage.
• The laptop’s design is minimalistic and lacks any significant aesthetic details.

The MSI Thin GF63 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop is a great budget gaming laptop that offers excellent performance. The laptop’s 144Hz display provides smooth and vibrant gameplay, making it perfect for gamers who need a high refresh rate. Additionally, the SSD Gen 4x4 and DDR4–3200 memory provide the fastest data transfer and system speed, ensuring that you can multitask efficiently.

However, the laptop’s battery life is not as long as we would like, so you may need to keep the charger handy. Also, the laptop can get hot under heavy usage, so you may need to invest in a cooling pad. Finally, the laptop’s design is minimalistic and lacks any significant aesthetic details, which may not be to everyone’s taste.

Overall, the MSI Thin GF63 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly gaming laptop with great performance.

Acer Nitro 5 AN515–55–53E5 Gaming Laptop

We highly recommend the Acer Nitro 5 AN515–55–53E5 Gaming Laptop for gamers who want to experience the ultimate gaming performance.

Pros

• The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU with Ray Tracing Cores delivers stunning graphics and smooth gameplay.
• The 15.6-inch FHD display with 144Hz refresh rate provides a clear and immersive visual experience.
• The Killer Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6 ensure quick matchmaking and a stable network connection.

Cons

• The battery life is not long-lasting, so you may need to keep your charger handy during extended gaming sessions.
• The keyboard backlighting is not customizable, which may be a downside for some users.
• The laptop is slightly heavy, making it less portable than other gaming laptops.

The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 Gaming Laptop is a powerful machine that can handle all your gaming needs. With its Intel Core i5 processing power and 8GB RAM memory, it can run even the most demanding games smoothly. The laptop also features a 256GB solid-state drive storage space which can be upgraded as per your needs.

The NitroSense UI allows you to monitor the component temperature, fan speed, loading performance, power plan, and more. This feature helps you to keep track of your laptop’s performance and make necessary adjustments.

The laptop has a variety of ports, including USB Type-A, USB Type-C, HDMI, Ethernet, and a headphone jack, making it easy to connect to your favorite accessories. Additionally, the HDMI 2.0 port allows you to connect an external monitor for an even better gaming experience.

The Acer CoolBoost technology increases fan speed by 10% and CPU, GPU cooling by 9% compared to auto mode, overall increasing thermal performance by 25% for better gaming comfort.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a gaming laptop that delivers advanced performance, the Acer Nitro 5 AN515–55–53E5 Gaming Laptop is a great choice. It has a powerful GPU, a high-quality display, and a range of features that make it perfect for gamers.

ASUS TUF Gaming A15

We highly recommend the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 for anyone looking for a high-performance gaming laptop that can handle even the most demanding games.

Pros

• The TUF Gaming A15 is equipped with a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU, making it ready for anything.
• The DDR5–4800MHz memory and PCIe 4.0 storage make multitasking faster and loading times quicker.
• The FHD 144Hz display with 100% sRGB color and Adaptive Sync tech provides ultra-smooth and lifelike gameplay.

Cons

• The battery life could be better, especially when gaming.
• The left speaker may rattle while playing music.
• It is a bit heavy, weighing in at 8.75 pounds.

I was blown away by the performance of the TUF Gaming A15. The powerful CPU and GPU make it capable of running even the most demanding games without any lag or stuttering. The display is also top-notch, with lifelike colors and smooth gameplay.

One downside is the battery life, which may not last as long as some other gaming laptops. Additionally, the left speaker may rattle while playing music, which can be a bit annoying. Lastly, the laptop is a bit heavy, so it may not be the best choice for those who need to carry it around frequently.

Overall, we think the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-performance gaming laptop. With its powerful CPU and GPU, fast memory and storage, and top-notch display, it is ready for anything you can throw at it.

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3

If you’re looking for a gaming laptop that can deliver top-notch performance, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The latest generation AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics provide excellent gaming performance.
• The 15.6" FHD IPS screen with 120Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth and immersive gaming experience.
• The signature Lenovo gaming keyboard comes with all the best media control and number pad features.

Cons

• The 8GB DDR5 RAM and 256GB NVMe storage might not be enough for some users.
• The design is a bit plain and lacks the premium feel of some other gaming laptops.
• The battery life could be better.

We had the chance to review the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 and was impressed with its gaming performance. The latest generation of AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics deliver excellent frame rates and can handle even the most demanding games. The 15.6" FHD IPS screen with 120Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth and immersive gaming experience, and the signature Lenovo gaming keyboard is a joy to use.

However, the 8GB DDR5 RAM and 256GB of NVMe storage might not be enough for some users, especially if you plan on using the laptop for more than just gaming. The design is a bit plain and lacks the premium feel of some other gaming laptops we’ve tested. The battery life could be better, but it’s still decent enough to get you through a few hours of gaming on a single charge.

Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a solid gaming laptop that offers excellent performance at a reasonable price point. If you’re looking for a gaming laptop that can handle the latest games and deliver a smooth and immersive experience, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is definitely worth considering.

MSI Katana 15 Gaming Laptop

If you’re in the market for a gaming laptop that can handle the latest games with ease, the MSI Katana 15 is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The 13th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor delivers elite gaming and professional content creation performance.
• With its simplistic design, the MSI Katana 15 is perfect for everyday use.
• The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU unleashes the full glory of ray tracing, providing a truly immersive gaming experience.

Cons

• The laptop is quite heavy, weighing in at 8.85 pounds.
• The 1TB NVMe SSD may not be enough for users who need a lot of storage space.
• The battery life is not great, so you’ll need to keep the laptop plugged in if you plan on gaming for extended periods of time.

We were impressed with the MSI Katana 15’s performance during our testing. The 15.6" 144Hz FHD display was fast and responsive, providing an immersive gaming experience. The Thunderbolt 4 and DDR5–4000 memory allowed for fast data transfer and system speed, while the Cooler Boost 5 kept the laptop cool during extended gaming sessions.

The laptop’s simplistic design is perfect for everyday use, and we appreciated the latest-generation Windows 11 Home operating system. However, the laptop is quite heavy, so it may not be the best choice for users who need a portable gaming laptop.

Overall, we think the MSI Katana 15 is a great choice for gamers who want a powerful and immersive gaming experience. If you’re looking for a gaming laptop that can handle the latest games with ease, the MSI Katana 15 is definitely worth considering.

HP — Victus 15.6" Gaming Laptop

We highly recommend the HP — Victus 15.6" Gaming Laptop for anyone looking for a powerful gaming laptop with impressive specifications.

Pros

• The 12th Generation Intel Core i5–12450H processor with 8 cores and 12 threads provides lightning-fast performance.
• The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card with 4GB GDDR5 dedicated memory delivers stunning visuals and smooth gameplay.
• The 144Hz 15.6-inch FHD IPS display with a 9 ms response time provides an immersive gaming experience.

Cons

• The battery life is only two hours, which may be a concern for those who need to use the laptop on the go.
• The laptop can get noisy when running intensive applications or games.
• The power button is located on the keyboard, which may be inconvenient for some users.

The HP Victus 15.6" Gaming Laptop is a great choice for gamers who need a powerful laptop that can handle even the most demanding games. The 12th Generation Intel Core i5-12450H processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card provide excellent performance, while the 144Hz FHD IPS display delivers stunning visuals.

The laptop is also equipped with up to 32GB DDR4 RAM and up to 2TB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive, ensuring that you have plenty of storage space for all your games and other applications.

One downside of this laptop is the battery life, which is only two hours. This may be a concern for those who need to use the laptop on the go. Additionally, the laptop can get noisy when running intensive applications or games.

Overall, the HP — Victus 15.6" Gaming Laptop is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful gaming laptop with impressive specifications.

MSI Stealth 15M Gaming Laptop

We highly recommend the MSI Stealth 15M Gaming Laptop for those looking for a powerful yet portable gaming device.

Pros

• The 12th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor delivers maximum efficiency in gameplay, multi-tasking, and productivity.
• The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU powered by the NVIDIA 2nd gen RTX architecture provides the most realistic ray-traced graphics and cutting-edge AI features.
• The 15.6” 144Hz FHD display delivers a smooth refresh rate for seamless and vibrant gameplay.

Cons

• The laptop may heat up quickly during long gaming sessions.
• The battery life could be improved.
• The trackpad may have minor issues.

The performance of the MSI Stealth 15M Gaming Laptop is stellar and can handle demanding games and multitasking with ease. The laptop’s ultra-thin and light design makes it easy to carry around, and the FHD display provides an immersive gaming experience.

One downside we noticed was that the laptop can heat up quickly during long gaming sessions, which may cause discomfort. Additionally, the battery life could be improved, as it drains quickly during intensive use. We also encountered a minor issue with the trackpad not working properly after taking the laptop out of the box.

Overall, the MSI Stealth 15M Gaming Laptop is a great choice for those looking for a powerful and portable gaming device. Its cutting-edge features and high-performance capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for any serious gamer.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a gaming laptop, there are several factors that you need to consider before making your purchase. In this buying guide, we will discuss some of the key features that you should look for in a gaming laptop.

Processor: The processor is the brain of your laptop, and it is important to choose a powerful processor that can handle the demands of modern games. Look for a laptop with an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, or an AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 processor.

Graphics Card: The graphics card is another important component of a gaming laptop. Look for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card, such as an Nvidia GeForce or AMD Radeon card. These cards will provide better performance than integrated graphics.

RAM: The amount of RAM in your laptop will affect its performance. Look for a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM, but 16GB or more is recommended for gaming.

Storage: Gaming laptops require a lot of storage space for games and other files. Look for a laptop with a solid-state drive (SSD) for faster load times, and consider getting a laptop with at least 512GB of storage.

Display: The display is important for gaming, and you should look for a laptop with a high refresh rate and low response time. A 144Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time are ideal for gaming.

Keyboard and Touchpad: The keyboard and touchpad are important for gaming, and you should look for a laptop with a comfortable keyboard and responsive touchpad. Look for a laptop with a backlit keyboard for gaming in low-light conditions.

Battery Life: Gaming laptops are notorious for their short battery life, so look for a laptop with long battery life if you plan on gaming on the go. A laptop with a battery life of at least 6 hours is recommended.

In summary, when choosing a gaming laptop, consider the processor, graphics card, RAM, storage, display, keyboard and touchpad, and battery life. By taking these factors into consideration, you can choose a gaming laptop that will provide you with the performance and features you need to enjoy your favorite games.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some affordable gaming laptops with good performance?

If you’re on a budget, there are several gaming laptops that offer decent performance at an affordable price. Some of the best options include the Acer Nitro 5, Dell G3, and the Lenovo Legion 5. These laptops typically come with mid-range graphics cards and processors that can handle most games at medium to high settings.

Which gaming laptop brands offer the best value for the price?

When it comes to value for the price, ASUS, Acer, and MSI are some of the best brands to consider. They offer a wide range of gaming laptops at different price points, with varying levels of performance and features. These brands are known for their reliability and durability, making them an excellent choice for gamers who want to get the most bang for their buck.

What are some top-rated gaming laptops for serious gamers?

If you’re a serious gamer who wants the best of the best, there are several gaming laptops that are worth considering. Some of the top-rated options include the Alienware m15 R4, ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14, and MSI GE76 Raider. These laptops come with high-end graphics cards, processors, and other features that are designed to deliver the best gaming experience possible.

What are the most important specs to consider when choosing a gaming laptop?

When choosing a gaming laptop, there are several specs to consider. The most important ones include the graphics card, processor, RAM, and storage. You’ll want to choose a laptop with a dedicated graphics card, a powerful processor, at least 8GB of RAM, and a solid-state drive (SSD) for fast storage.

Are there any gaming laptops that are comparable to Macs in terms of design and performance?

While Macs are known for their sleek design and high-end performance, several gaming laptops can compete in design and performance. Some of the best options include the Razer Blade, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S, and the MSI GS65 Stealth. These laptops come with powerful hardware and a slim, lightweight design that rivals that of a Mac.

What upcoming gaming laptops should be on my radar for 2023?

While it’s hard to predict which gaming laptops will be released in 2023, there are a few brands that are worth keeping an eye on. ASUS, Acer, and MSI are all expected to release new gaming laptops with the latest hardware and features. Additionally, Razer and Alienware are also likely to release new models that will appeal to serious gamers.