The year 2024 has seen a significant leap forward in gaming laptop technology, with manufacturers releasing powerful machines equipped with the latest processors, graphics cards, and displays.
Choosing the right gaming laptop can be a daunting task, as there are many factors to consider, such as budget, performance, portability, and battery life. This guide will explore the top 5 best gaming laptops in 2024, catering to different needs and budgets.
Top Picks for Different Gamers
Before diving into the specific recommendations, it’s important to understand what kind of gamer you are. Are you a casual gamer who enjoys playing less demanding titles occasionally, or a hardcore gamer who needs a machine that can handle the most demanding AAA games at the highest settings?
Once you know your gaming needs, you can narrow down your options and choose the laptop that best suits your requirements.
Here are some general recommendations based on your gaming needs:
- Casual Gamers: If you primarily play less demanding games or older titles, you don’t need the most powerful laptop. A mid-range gaming laptop with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT graphics card will suffice. Look for laptops with at least 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for storage.
- Moderate Gamers: If you play a mix of demanding and less demanding games, you’ll need a more powerful laptop. An Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics card is a good starting point. Aim for 16GB of RAM and at least 1TB of storage.
- Hardcore Gamers: If you play the latest AAA games at the highest settings and competitive esports titles, you’ll need the most powerful laptop you can find. Look for laptops with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 or AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT graphics card, 32GB of RAM, and at least 2TB of storage (preferably a PCIe NVMe SSD for faster loading times).
Image credit: Notebookcheck
The Top 5 Best Gaming Laptops in 2024
Now that you know your gaming needs, let’s take a look at the top 5 best gaming laptops in 2024:
- Asus ROG Strix G16 (Overall Best): The Asus ROG Strix G16 strikes a perfect balance between performance, portability, and price, making it our top pick for the best gaming laptop overall in 2024.
- It’s powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, delivering exceptional performance for even the most demanding games. The 16-inch display boasts a 240Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals and 100% sRGB color gamut coverage for vibrant colors. Other notable features include a comfortable keyboard, a wide range of ports, and long battery life.
- Lenovo LOQ (Best Budget): If you’re on a tight budget, the Lenovo LOQ is an excellent option. It starts at just $1,099 and offers surprisingly good performance for the price. The base model comes with an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card, which is enough to handle most games at 1080p resolution with medium to high settings. The 16-inch display has a 165Hz refresh rate, and the laptop also features a comfortable keyboard and a decent selection of ports.
- Velocity Micro Raptor S77 (Most Customizable): If you want a gaming laptop that you can customize to your exact needs, the Velocity Micro Raptor S77 is the best option. This laptop allows you to choose from a wide variety of components, including processors, graphics cards, RAM, storage, and even the keyboard. This level of customization makes it a great choice for gamers who know exactly what they need and want. However, it’s also the most expensive laptop on this list, with prices starting at $2,499.
- Razer Blade 16 (Best High-End): The Razer Blade 16 is a powerful and stylish gaming laptop that’s perfect for gamers who demand the best. It’s powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card, delivering top-of-the-line performance for even the most demanding games. The 16-inch display has a 240Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals and a stunning 4K resolution with G-Sync support for tear-free gaming. Other notable features include a per-key RGB backlit keyboard, a large touchpad, and a wide range of ports. However, the Razer Blade 16 is also the most expensive laptop on this list, starting at $3,499.
Image credit: iF Design Award
Few details about the top 5 gaming laptops.
| Laptop | Processor | Graphics Card | RAM | Storage | Display | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asus ROG Strix G16 | 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 | 16GB | 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD | 16-inch, 240Hz, 100% sRGB | $2,499 |
| Lenovo LOQ | AMD Ryzen 7 6800H | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 | 8GB | 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD | 16-inch, 165Hz | $1,099 |
| Velocity Micro Raptor S77 | Up to 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX | Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 | Up to 64GB | Up to 8TB PCIe NVMe SSD | Up to 17.3-inch, 360Hz, G-Sync | Starting at $2,499 |
| Dell Alienware x17 R2 | 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti | 16GB | 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD | 17.3-inch, 360Hz, G-Sync | $2,299 |
| Razer Blade 16 | 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 | 16GB | 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD | 16-inch, 240Hz, 4K, G-Sync | $3,499 |
FAQs
What factors should I consider when choosing a gaming laptop in 2024?
Your primary considerations should be:
- Gaming needs: Casual, moderate, or hardcore? Different levels require varying performance.
- Budget: Prices range from affordable to high-end, so set a realistic spending limit.
- Portability: Do you need a travel-friendly option, or is size less important?
- Performance: Prioritize processor, graphics card, RAM, and storage based on your needs.
- Features: Consider display refresh rate, keyboard quality, battery life, and customization options.
Are there any major differences between the top 5 laptops you mentioned?
Absolutely! They cater to diverse needs and budgets:
- Asus ROG Strix G16: Overall best balance of power, portability, and price.
- Lenovo LOQ: Best budget option with surprising performance.
- Velocity Micro Raptor S77: Most customizable for specific hardware needs.
- Dell Alienware x17 R2: Best for casual/moderate gamers with a focus on visuals and customization.
- Razer Blade 16: Best high-end option with top-tier performance and sleek design.
Is there a “perfect” gaming laptop for everyone?
Unfortunately, no. The ideal choice depends entirely on your individual needs and budget. Carefully assess your priorities before making a decision.
Are there any new technologies or trends in gaming laptops for 2024?
Yes! We see:
- More powerful 13th Gen Intel processors and Nvidia RTX 40 series graphics cards.
- Increased adoption of high refresh rate displays (240Hz and above) for smoother visuals.
- The growing popularity of thin and light gaming laptops offers portability without sacrificing power.
Where can I find more information and reviews before buying a gaming laptop?
Several resources can help:
- Tech review websites like Tom’s Hardware, PC Gamer, and Laptop Mag.
- Online retailer websites like Amazon and Best Buy often feature customer reviews.
- Gaming communities and forums where enthusiasts share experiences and recommendations.
Conclusion
Choosing the right gaming laptop can be a tough decision, but hopefully, this guide has helped you narrow down your options. Consider your gaming needs, budget, and desired features carefully before making a purchase. If you’re still not sure which laptop is right for you, consult with a gaming laptop expert or read online reviews.
Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing a gaming laptop:
- Battery life: Gaming laptops are typically not known for their long battery life, but if you plan on using your laptop on the go, you’ll want to choose one with a decent battery life.
- Keyboard: A comfortable keyboard is essential for long gaming sessions. Look for a keyboard with good key travel and feedback.
- Trackpad: The trackpad isn’t as important for gaming as it is for everyday tasks, but you’ll still want one that’s responsive and accurate.
- Software: Some gaming laptops come pre-loaded with gaming software, such as Steam and Origin. This can be a convenience, but it can also be bloatware that you don’t need.
- Warranty: Make sure to choose a gaming laptop with a good warranty in case of any problems.
