The experience of playing video games on contemporary consoles can be summarized with a straightforward inquiry: Do you prefer a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, or Nintendo Switch? If you’re not particularly interested in exclusive titles for these systems, any option you select is likely a good one. On the other hand, gaming on PCs, particularly laptops, presents an entirely different scenario.
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In contrast to consoles, the gaming PC industry is teeming with brands, each providing a wide range of products. Additionally, while every version of a given console features the identical graphics card, RAM, and storage (excluding devices like the Xbox Series S and PlayStation 5 Pro), the specifications and pricing of computers can differ significantly. Even when two devices from various manufacturers share the same hardware components, one may outperform the other due to variations in factors such as build quality, materials used, and internal cooling systems.
This article aims to guide you through the various computer brands and identify which devices are deserving of your investment, ranked from least to most favorable. In the interest of impartiality, there’s no universally poor gaming laptop or computer, nor is there a bad brand. A high-spec computer from a lower-ranked brand typically provides better gaming performance than a lower-spec computer from a higher-ranked brand, simply because the former has superior components.
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Keep in mind that a brand’s ranking is influenced by numerous elements; gaming performance is merely one aspect.
What Defines a Gaming Laptop?
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Each video game console is crafted specifically for playing video games. While it’s true that you can stream the latest shows from Netflix and Disney+ on consoles, those features are secondary at best. Creating Word documents isn’t an option on an Xbox, but it is on computers, prompting the question: what exactly qualifies as a “gaming computer” and, by extension, a “gaming laptop?”
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Gaming laptops are fundamentally laptops intended for playing the latest titles. Typically, manufacturers achieve this by equipping laptops with robust GPUs and CPUs, ample RAM, and significant hard drives and/or solid-state drives. More powerful GPUs and CPUs equate to improved frame rates and visual quality, with larger drives accommodating more games. Naturally, this more capable hardware drives up the typical cost of a gaming laptop. In addition, powerful components generate considerable heat during operation, necessitating superior cooling and thermal management solutions than standard laptops. Without these measures, the computer may overheat or harm its owner.
Technically, a gaming laptop is not a requisite for playing computer games. Due to the continual advancement of computer technology, you can still enjoy older games on ordinary laptops. However, performance will never match the experience of a dedicated gaming machine.
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10. Apple (MacBook Pro M)
Apple products are associated with a multitude of things, but video gaming is not one of them. You may enjoy certain titles on iPhones and MacBooks, but Apple falls short of other brands in the gaming sector because it offers few dedicated gaming options.
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The MacBook Pro M computers represent Apple’s closest approach to a true gaming laptop. For example, the MacBook Pro M3 Max can run “Baldur’s Gate 3” at maximum settings with a steady 50 FPS and no drops (via Tom’s Guide). This performance is actually superior to what is delivered by an Nvidia RTX 4090 laptop GPU under maximum settings (via Notebookcheck), but that’s not necessarily good news.
In reality, the Pro M only surpasses other gaming laptops in “Baldur’s Gate 3” because the game has been optimized for Apple Silicon processors. Playing any game that isn’t tailored for this chip is a gamble. Titles such as “Red Dead Redemption 2” and “Elden Ring” are not compatible with Apple Silicon. Occasionally, a game might receive an Apple Silicon compatibility update post-release (“Cyberpunk 2077” will in 2025), but these are exceptions that highlight the norm. MacBooks are not ideal gaming machines since their users are often excluded from the majority of games. Furthermore, Apple MacBook Pro Ms tend to be quite pricey.
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9. Dell/Alienware (G Series, M Series, X Series)
Gaming computers and laptops frequently provide superior gaming experiences compared to consoles, but they are also more vulnerable to breakdowns. What use is a powerful laptop if it is coupled with dismal customer service?
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Dell computers are prevalent in workplace settings, and the company has also ventured into gaming. However, its proprietary gaming laptop line, the G Series, falls short of expectations. Models like the G15 are surpassed by rivals in both performance and portability (via PCMag). Yet, Dell also markets a high-end range of gaming PCs under the esteemed Alienware brand. Where G Series laptops falter, Alienware’s M and X Series excel. Reviews commend the build quality, display resolution, and gaming performance of laptops like the m18 (once again via PCMag).
If assessing Alienware computers independently, they would rank higher on this list. Unfortunately, since the brand is a subsidiary of Dell, the laptops suffer from Dell’s notoriously poor customer service. Those who experience it firsthand often vow to avoid all Dell products in the future, and the horrifying accounts people share about their experiences are sufficient to deter potential buyers.
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Alienware enthusiasts migrating towards competing gaming laptop brands. The caliber of Alienware laptops is indisputable, yet if anything goes awry with either of them or the G Series models, best of luck getting your machine repaired swiftly.
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8. Samsung (Galaxy Book)
Samsung’s Galaxy range features numerous impressive models. The S24 Ultra, for example, is a powerhouse of a smartphone, slightly hindered by its cost and AI capabilities. Nevertheless, this standard of quality does not translate to Samsung’s gaming laptops.
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The Galaxy Book series from Samsung provides various entry-level options. While the majority, if not all, can handle older games, only the “Book4 Ultra” version can truly be classified as a gaming laptop due to its dedicated Intel Core CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU (the others depend on Snapdragon X chips). Indeed, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra is capable of running numerous contemporary titles thanks to its components, but frugality is just as crucial in PC gaming as a device’s capability.
Multiple elements restrict Samsung’s gaming laptops, including the existence of pesky bloatware (via PCGamer). Nevertheless, the primary concern with the Book4 Ultra is its pricing. Although not every model is overly expensive, it’s often possible to find a more affordable gaming laptop from a different vendor that either matches or exceeds the Book4 Ultra’s specifications (via ShortCircuit). The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra isn’t inherently a poor laptop; it’s merely that nearly all other gaming laptops available offer better value for your investment.
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7. HP (Omen, Victus)
HP devices are generally dependable. They may not be the finest, but they are certainly not the worst. The same could apply to HP’s gaming laptops…that is what I would assert if some models did not show detrimental design flaws.
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HP offers two lines of gaming laptops: the Victus and the significantly more favored (and marketed) Omen. While the Victus is decent for a midrange laptop, people commonly think of the Omen when inquiring about HP’s gaming notebooks — and for good reason. The HP Omen 16 is a robust machine hampered by a low-quality webcam and a “soft touchpad” (via Tom’s Hardware). However, these are not necessarily dealbreakers since most PC gamers seldom utilize touchpads for gaming purposes.
While HP’s larger Omen models are excellent devices, their smaller counterparts come with certain design deficiencies. To enhance the portability of the 14-inch Omens, HP compromised their performance with underpowered components. However, battery life suffers significantly, despite these sacrifices (again via Tom’s Hardware). In fact, power issues plague the 14-inch Omens, with their power supply capped at 60 watts and relying on a USB-C connection. This design restricts the amount of power allocated to the CPU and GPU, causing a bottleneck in gaming performance. Regardless of the GPU HP includes in a smaller Omen, laptops with more robust power supplies will always outperform them. This is significant when investing in an Omen 16, but it effectively persuades customers seeking 14-inch laptops to look at alternatives from other manufacturers.
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6. Gigabyte (Aorus, Aero, G Series)
Gigabyte Technology is recognized for creating motherboards and graphics cards. Their influence can be seen in products from AMD, Intel, Origin PC, and Alienware. Gigabyte also produces its own gaming laptops that almost stand up against more well-known brands.
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Gigabyte’s gaming laptops primarily comprise the Aero and Aorus series, both designed for budget-conscious PC gamers. Most Aero and Aorus machines are priced under $2,000, yet these costs do not significantly affect their performance. The 2024 Gigabyte Aorus 16X, for instance, remains cool under heavy gaming loads while sustaining smooth frame rates (via Jarrod’s Tech). Even Gigabyte’s comparatively lesser-known gaming laptop line, the G Series, exceeds expectations in terms of gaming performance, despite sacrificing aesthetics and sound quality to achieve this (via PCWorld).
Given Gigabyte’s performance, you may question why the brand ranks lower on this list. In testing the Aorus 16X’s battery life, Jarrod’s Tech found it impossible to run any games, even when they lowered the settings on titles like “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” to medium. Despite the laptop’s RTX 4070 GPU exceeding the game’s requirements, due to energy-saving measures activated when the Aorus 16X operates on battery power, the machine couldn’t maintain more than 10 FPS. In contrast, the 2023 Gigabyte 17X ran the game quite well when unplugged. Even if you choose to game with your laptop connected to power, the inability to play titles on battery is disappointing, bordering on alarming.
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5. Razer (Blade)
Razer is a well-established name in the realm of PC gaming accessories. The company has produced dependable gaming keyboards such as the BlackWidow V4 and stylish gaming mice like the Cobra Pro. Razer also markets its own line of gaming laptops that adhere to the same design principles as the rest of its products, both positively and negatively.
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Razer’s exclusive range of laptops, the Razer Blades, has a track record of satisfying customers. One of the brand’s first laptops, released in 2018, was an ultraportable gaming powerhouse with somewhat frustratingly loud fans, but the designers have refined their approach over time. The 2024 Razer Blade 16 features a stunning OLED display and an exceptional cooling system (via PCGamer). Naturally, the Razer Blade includes Razer Synapse, an application allowing users to customize the keybinds and RGB lighting of their Razer devices. Those already invested in Razer products will find even more utility from a Razer Blade.
Razer Blades are top-notch machines for the prices they command, yet their most significant drawback is their high cost. Currently, Razer’s most affordable model, a 14-inch laptop featuring an RTX 4070 GPU, begins at $2,199, while the premium 18-inch model, equipped with an RTX 4090 GPU, carries a staggering price tag of $3,799. When purchasing Razer products, you are paying for quality; however, by that same measure, there is no companion…
“`as a cost-effective Razer product, Razer Blades were incorporated.
Acer is a renowned name, particularly in Asia, known for producing computers that target various niches. Historically, Acer has been perceived as a budget-friendly brand offering low-cost, somewhat variable-quality computers. The company has made significant advancements to elevate its products, yet its gaming laptops still face some challenges.
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Acer’s range of gaming laptops includes the Predator Helios, Nitro, and Predator Triton models, all of which deliver substantial performance at a fair price. Naturally, the pricier models pack more power, but opting for an Acer Helios Neo 16 equipped with, let’s say, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, affords one of the best experiences available from a 4070. Tests conducted by Jarrod’s Tech revealed that only gaming laptops featuring an RTX 4080 or 4090 surpassed the Helios Neo 16.
Sadly, several minor complications hinder Acer laptops from reaching their full potential. For example, the laptops’ fans are notably loud—Jarrod’s Tech measured them at up to 60 dB, comparable to the sound level of a conversation. Additionally, battery performance varies significantly within the Acer lineup. While the Predator Triton Neo 16 can endure up to 10 hours while streaming YouTube videos (according to PCMag), the Predator Helios 16 fails to even reach half that duration. Nonetheless, for a gamer who keeps their devices plugged in and consistently uses headphones, these issues might not be considerable.
Micro-Star International, commonly referred to as MSI, is a powerhouse in computer hardware. The firm produces a wide array of components that enable the construction of high-performance custom PCs, as well as some of the most dependable gaming computers available.
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MSI’s array of gaming laptops, and by extension, PCs, are a formidable preference among gamers. The brand offers an extensive selection of portable computers that fulfill varying demands and budgets, from entry-level options like the Crosshair and Cyborg to gigantic powerhouses such as the Titan. Moreover, every laptop showcases a sleek black and red design accented with the MSI dragon logo. The fans and vents of the laptops also resemble fighter jet intakes, which is an added advantage.
In terms of performance, MSI delivers high reliability, although it has occasionally produced subpar models. PCMag praised the Titan 18 HX as a laptop capable of substituting for gaming desktop PCs, despite the 18 HX sacrificing battery longevity and portability to achieve this feat. Conversely, PCMag also commended the MSI Cyborg 15 for being a dependable low-cost gaming laptop, though it lacks an abundance of teraflops. However, the same publication noted that the MSI Raider GE68HX 13VF falls short of expectations due to a cramped keyboard and an unsatisfactory display. Regardless, MSI laptops frequently outperform most of the competition.
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2. ASUS ROG/TUF (Flow, Zephyrus, Strix, A Series)
Both MSI and ASUS are frequently acknowledged as leading brands for gaming PCs and laptops. Choosing between the two is largely a matter of preference, yet there are factors that might sway a buyer toward one over the other.
More often than not, ASUS’ gaming laptops, especially the ASUS ROG and the more economically friendly ASUS TUF, are just as capable as their MSI counterparts. For example, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 manages to integrate a robust RTX 4070 and an OLED display into a chassis that is nearly as thin as the MacBook Air. Meanwhile, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 features a formidable hardware setup, but unlike the smaller Zephyrus, the Strix G16 lacks optimally positioned ports (according to PCWorld). In addition, both machines exhibit relatively short battery lives, a common drawback found in gaming laptops.
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Ultimately, either ASUS or MSI is a commendable choice. Both brands boast a history of providing exceptional gaming performance, so why does ASUS hold a higher rank on this list? It primarily boils down to cost. Although the most powerful ASUS ROG computer cannot match the most powerful MSI laptop, ASUS compensates for this by consistently being more affordable. Depending on your shopping source, you may end up paying more for a comparable MSI gaming machine than an ASUS. While an occasional sale may reduce these price disparities, generally speaking, ASUS represents a more budget-friendly choice.
1. Lenovo (Legion, LOQ)
A few years back, Lenovo had a minimal presence in the gaming laptop sector. Their computers were quite popular, but not designed specifically for gaming. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Lenovo surfaced in the gaming arena and overwhelmed the competition, including more established names.
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The Lenovo Legion brand made its debut in 2017, captivating the PC gaming community with laptops that significantly outperform their price segment. Take the Lenovo Legion 5i, for instance. This laptop’s CPU and GPU vastly exceed what its mid-range pricing would suggest, complemented by an impressive 16-inch display (via TechRadar). For users requiring raw power, the Lenovo Legion 9i is the go-to option. Although it comes with a hefty price tag, this device incorporates an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090, the leading laptop GPU prior to 2025, within a slim and lightweight configuration. Yet, despite this sleek design, the device remains cool under load due to an advanced liquid cooling system.
Lenovo also offers a budget line of gaming laptops branded as Lenovo LOQ. These models lack the flashy aesthetics of Legion laptops and compromise on a number of features including materials and displays, yet reviews from sources such as Tom’s Guide indicate that LOQs maintain a comparable quality-to-price ratio. Their ability to deliver outstanding gaming performance at a lower cost has enabled Lenovo’s laptops, particularly the Legion series, to secure spots atop numerous “Best Gaming Laptops of the Year” lists. If that doesn’t testify to the brand’s quality, nothing does.
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Methodology
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To compile these entries, I utilized insights acquired from a rather recent laptop investigation session — I am currently writing this article on my latest gaming laptop.
As previously noted, gaming laptops can exhibit a broad array of internal setups. Many evaluations were influenced by how a brand’s overall graphical quality and framerates compared to its counterparts, yet that was merely one element of the equation. Cost was also a significant consideration. Since not every gamer can afford to spend several thousand dollars on a device, I preferred brands that were priced slightly lower than their rivals without compromising too much performance over companies that offered high-performance machines at steep prices. Additionally, glaring issues that undermined a laptop’s capability as a gaming device, such as inadequate customer support or a general deficiency in game compatibility, adversely affected their ranking.
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My personal encounters shaped the initial arrangement of certain slides — I have owned laptops from Dell, ASUS, MSI, and Lenovo. However, I am just one opinion in a vast community of PC gamers. The perspectives of consumers and reviewers alike were crucial in deciding if certain brands retained their original list rankings, as well as where to position brands I have no familiarity with (e.g., Razer, Gigabyte).
