27 Apr

Best Gaming Laptops in 2024

09:12 November 4, 2021 9 3092
Author: Denis Malinka
9.5 (Votes : 4)

While the early portable gaming computers were considered a joke in the gaming community due to their bulky size, modern gaming laptops have much more to offer. Today, these devices are a truly reasonable alternative to desktop gaming computers, especially given the rising prices of modern GPUs.

Best gaming laptops in 2021
Content:

    Top gaming laptops make it easy for you to enjoy gameplay playing in Cyberpunk 2077, New World and other recent titles with outstanding graphics. Basically, you get a highly-performed multi-core processor, large amounts of RAM and the latest graphics adapters from such companies as Nvidia or AMD. Add the excellent cooling system here, and your laptop becomes a perfect platform for both gaming and streaming. 

    Even though many players believe that good gaming laptops are too expensive, the current situation in the cryptocurrency market has unquestionably shaken their beliefs. As Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies rise in price, the powerful GPUs needed to generate the coins have also increased in price several times. It means that even video cards of the previous generation can literally cost like some powerful laptops. 

    With that in mind, we have dedicated this review to reasonably priced gaming laptops that combine high specs with excellent ergonomics and decent design. You will find out what configurations these devices’ manufacturers can offer you and how to choose a proven gaming solution that can handle any modern game. 

    1. Razer Blade 14

    Specifications:

    • CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
    • GPU: Up to Nvidia RTX 3080
    • RAM: 16 GB DDR4-3200
    • Screen: 14-inch 1080p @ 144 Hz or 1440p @ 165 Hz
    • Storage: 1 TB Samsung 981a SSD
    • Battery: 61.6 Wh
    • Dimensions: 0.66 x 8.66 x 12.59 inches
    • Weight: 3.92 lb

    This gaming solution is quite expensive. However, many players adore it because of its compact size. Powered by AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX, this gaming device allows you to enjoy FullHD gameplay at high or ultra settings. It will provide you with 16 gigabytes of RAM and a high-performance Nvidia RTX 3080 adapter with a top-end configuration.

    This laptop’s key benefits include:

    • compact, well-assembled chassis;
    • small weight, which is vital for those who are on the go constantly;
    • sharp ultrabook design;
    • high specs that can handle even the most advanced games.

    As for the weaknesses, they are as follows:

    • pretty high cost for the FullHD gaming at max;
    • Ryzen processors only in all configurations.

    Razer 14 is a great gaming solution for those looking for portability. If you will not push the limits in terms of graphics performance and select an Nvidia RTX 3060 chip for your order, your laptop will set you back for around $1,800.

    Aside from all the factors mentioned, keep in mind that we are talking about the Razer brand that has long provided reliable hardware to gamers around the globe. This aspect means that you will not have to think about buying a gaming device, at least for the next few years.

    2. MSI GS66 Stealth

    Specifications:

    • CPU: Up to Core i9 10980HK
    • GPU: Up to Nvidia RTX 3080
    • RAM: Up to 32 GB DDR4-3200
    • Screen: 15.6-inch 1080p 240Hz or 300Hz
    • Storage: Up to 2 TB M.2 SSD
    • Battery: 99.9 Wh
    • Dimensions: 9.65 x 14.17 x 0.71 inches
    • Weight: 4.63 lbs

    This device is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable MSI gaming laptops. It will allow you to participate in massive shooter battles and other gaming adventures through its stunning 15.6-inches screen with a frequency of up to 300Hz. While the manufacturer may offer 1080p gameplay only, it promises to provide players with the 1440p option in the near future.

    The laptop also will not disappoint you from a performance perspective as it has numerous configurations. With 32GB of RAM, a time-proven Intel processor and up to RTX 3080 on the motherboard, you can put this portable device to the test in any visually intense game. 

    This laptop’s key benefits include:

    • available configurations cost about $1,400;
    • sophisticated, stylish and slim body;
    • quite powerful battery;
    • stunning high refresh rate screen for the smoothest gameplay.

    At the same time, please note that the device also has weaknesses:

    • GS66 Stealth tends to work too loudly when not plugged in;
    • the thin case does not allow to unleash the graphics card’s full potential.

    It is also worth highlighting that this laptop lives up to its name thanks to the so-called Whisper Mode 2.0. This Nvidia specification allows you to affect the graphics chip’s operation when you plug your laptop into the mains. Once you have activated this mode, the device will begin to optimize your gameplay to reduce the noise made by the cooling fans. This feature can play a significant role in choosing the best budget gaming laptops for those who prefer to play without headphones.

    3. Acer Predator Helios 300

    Specifications:

    • CPU: Intel Core i7 10750H
    • GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 with Max-Q
    • RAM: 16 GB DDR4-2666
    • Screen: 15.6-inch IPS 1080p @ 240 Hz
    • Storage: 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD
    • Battery: 58 Wh
    • Dimensions: 10.01 x 14.23 x 0.9 inches
    • Weight: 5.51 lbs

    When it comes to more affordable gaming devices, this laptop can definitely compete with the best of them. Although this configuration does not include the latest generation GPUs, an Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM make up for this factor. In addition, numerous tests show that this laptop has a surprisingly long battery life for such high specifications.

    This laptop’s key benefits include:

    • stylish branded design;
    • two slots for SSDs, which allows you to install more modern games;
    • low price for the pretty powerful hardware.

    On the downside, bear in mind that this gaming device supports 1080p gameplay at max, and Acer has no plans to develop other screen options for this model.

    If the above configuration suits you, modern retailers sell it for around $1,300. It is a fairly reasonable price, and many other gaming laptops clearly fall short of the Helios 300 in this significant aspect.

    4. Razer Blade 15

    Specifications:

    • CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i7
    • GPU: Up to Nvidia RTX 3080 Max-Q
    • RAM: Up to 32 GB
    • Screen: 1080p @ 360 Hz, 1440p @ 165 Hz, or 4K @ 60 Hz
    • Storage: Up to 1 TB SSD
    • Battery: 80 Wh
    • Dimensions: 9.25 x 13.98 x 0.78 inches
    • Weight: 4.63 lbs

    This gaming solution is one of the most recognized laptops on the market due to its incredibly high-quality chassis and high specifications. Razer provides gamers with numerous configurations for this device, making it quite flexible in terms of cost. Fans of high-quality screens will surely enjoy the 4K option available. Besides that, this model supports Nvidia’s 30-series graphics adaptors and handles all tasks through a 10th generation Intel processor.

    This laptop’s key benefits include:

    • the great variability of configurations;
    • several screen options suitable for any task;
    • excellent minimalistic design;
    • the battery lasts long enough, even for AAA games.

    As for the cons, you should consider to the following factors:

    • the trackpad may seem a little inconvenient to you;
    • the maximum configuration will set you back for around $2,900.

    Of course, if you choose your hardware wisely, you can get a perfect gaming device that will serve you for many years. These gaming laptops have already proven their reliability, and you can experience their powerful potential for quite reasonable money. These devices’ basic configurations will cost you around $1,600. And if you consider that we are talking about a high-end brand like Razer, this price should seem totally justified to you.

    5. Dell G3 15

    Specifications:

    • CPU: Up to 10th Gen Intel Core i7
    • GPU: Up to Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti
    • RAM: 16GB
    • Screen: 15.6-inch IPS 1080p @ 144 Hz
    • Storage: 512 GB SSD
    • Battery: 51 Wh
    • Dimensions: 0.85 x 14.4 x 10 inches
    • Weight: 5.40 lb

    When it comes to good cheap gaming laptops, this device will surely not disappoint any modern gamer. Yes, it will not let you enjoy the latest graphics innovations. However, the Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti can still guarantee you smooth gameplay. It has a sophisticated, classic design, excluding unnecessary elements, and can handle FullHD gameplay without difficulties. In essence, this device is the perfect average gaming laptop that costs around $1,300.

    This laptop’s key benefits include:

    • lucrative price options for different configurations;
    • the battery allows you to have long gaming sessions.

    If these mid-range specs are appropriate for your preferred gaming experience, the only drawback you may notice is the relatively large weight. More expensive options from our list are ahead of this device in terms of practicality. But since we are talking about gaming laptops, this factor is much less significant than the cheap power this model can provide you with.

    6. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

    Specifications:

    • CPU: Up to AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS
    • GPU: Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Max-QRAM: 
    • RAM: 16 GB DDR4-3200
    • Screen: 14-inch IPS 1080p @ 120 Hz
    • Storage: 1 TB SSD NVMe PCIe 3.0
    • Battery: 75 Wh
    • Dimensions: 12.76 x 8.74 x 0.70 inches
    • Weight: 3.53 lbs

    Incredibly lightweight and compact, and yet, amazingly powerful. This description fits this gaming laptop perfectly. It combines an ultrabook design with high-end hardware that you can get for an excellent enticing price. Given the numerous configurations available, you do not have to spend more than $1,200 to fill this sleek laptop with powerful components. 

    This device’s key benefits include:

    • CPUs show excellent results during benchmarks;
    • incredibly compact size;
    • recognizable design that does not scream about the laptop’s gaming nature.

    Another significant factor is that the ROG Zephyrus G14 can be too loud under maximum loads. But even considering this disadvantage, the device is an excellent budget solution for everyone who prefers practical multitasking laptops. 

    7. Asus ROG Strix Scar 17

    Specifications:

    • CPU: UP to AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
    • GPU: Up to Nvidia RTX 3080
    • RAM: Up to 32 GB DDR4-3200
    • Screen: 17.3-inch 1080p @ 360Hz or 1440p @ 165Hz
    • Storage: Up to 2x 1 TB M.2 SSD
    • Battery: 90 Wh
    • Dimensions: 11.1 x 15.55 x 0.92 inches
    • Weight: 5.95 lbs

    Our list of top laptops for gaming would not be complete without some big-screen solution, and the Strix Scar 17 indeed stands out in this regard. This huge device can provide players with spectacular gameplay on a widescreen display with up to 1440p resolution. It has numerous configurations, the most powerful of which are comparable to the desktop PCs’ performance.

    This laptop’s key benefits include:

    • incredibly high maximum specifications;
    • silent cooling system;
    • a giant screen with a high refresh rate;
    • recognizable design with unique ROG series’ attributes.

    But at the same time, this powerful gaming solution has some drawbacks:

    • although the device is portable by default, you probably will not want to move a lot with such a “monster” that weighs almost 6 pounds;
    • the laptop is not a budget device as its price can reach up to $4,500.

    While this combination of raw performance and large size may seem unreasonably expensive to you, this laptop can provide you with a quintessential portable gaming experience. And if you want to play your favourite video games without any compromises, even when you need to travel somewhere, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 will surely guarantee you a decent gameplay experience.

    Rate:

    9.5 (Votes: 4)

    Comments

    Comments
    • Collins h7y8gr6e5s
      I’ll probably buy the Razer one, thanks for the list.

    • tomas bek
      It’s hilarious that these laptops cost less than most decent video cards. 😅

    • Tiffany Faber
      Been reading a lot of similar reviews lately. And I must say thank you for including some more affordable models on your list.

    • silin anatolij
      Wow! The Asus one is my dream

    • mirze
      If I had the money I would buy the one with the largest screen.

    • Mark Hill
      Cool laptops! Starting to save money for the Razer one 😄

    • gena
      I have always considered buying gaming laptops a bad idea. But today it is quite a reasonable device considering the rising prices for PC video adapters.

    • jon
      Excellent list. I wouldn’t change anything.

    • Dylan Gibbs
      Ordered the cheap one from Dell yesterday. Hope there won’t be any issues.

    More comments

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    Frequently asked questions

    If we are talking about similar graphics chips, then no. The thing is that modern video cards need efficient cooling, and many gaming laptops do not have room for such cooling systems.

    Generally, most gamers choose 15-inch screens to enjoy portable gaming. If you want to get a gaming experience similar to desktop gameplay, take a look at 17-inch laptops. But if you put usability first, 13-14-inch screens are fine for you.

    This price difference is caused by the fact that miners use desktop video cards to generate cryptocurrencies. The more expensive cryptocurrencies become, the more costly any desktop GPUs will be, even the last-gen ones.

    No. Experts and seasoned gamers believe that such a high resolution makes no sense if you deal with a 15-inch screen. In most cases, 4K resolution is suitable for more bulky laptops.