Find the best laptop for gaming in 2026

To find the best gaming laptop we recommend to focus on these characteristics:

  1. Graphics card - look for latest offering from Nvidia and AMD, make sure it's discrete and has enough VRAM
  2. Thermal performance - rule of thumb: opt for thick and heavy laptop as they tend to handle workload better
  3. Display - 2K display with fast response (1ms) and high refresh rate (120Hz+) is optimal

Best Laptops under $500 for gaming

Best Pick

Acer Predator Helios 18 PH18-73-90A6 w/ RTX 5080,

71 Gaming Score
18" Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080
Why we recommend this

Its 24-core Intel 275HX CPU and RTX 5080 GPU deliver top-tier performance for demanding tasks, supported by a 250Hz refresh rate display. The 18-inch screen and WiFi 7 connectivity offer a premium, future-proofed desktop replacement experience. This laptop is best for competitive esports players and professional 3D artists who need maximum frame rates and rendering power in a large-format system.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

AMD CHUWI CoreBook Plus Gaming Laptop 16'', AMD Ryzen

66.5 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core i7 1355U 16GB RAM 512GB SSD AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
Why we recommend this

Its standout AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme discrete GPU with 16GB VRAM delivers robust graphics power for a sub-1kg laptop. The 16-inch FHD IPS display with a 90.3% screen-to-body ratio and a user-friendly backlit keyboard enhance its portable usability. This device is best for mobile gamers and students who prioritize strong GPU performance and a large screen in an exceptionally lightweight chassis.

Read Full Review

Omnica Laptop, AMD Ryzen 5 7430U Gaming Laptop, 15.6 Inch

65.6 Gaming Score
15.6" AMD Ryzen 5 7430U 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD AMD Radeon
Why we recommend this

Its 32GB of VRAM from a discrete AMD Radeon GPU is a standout for a laptop in this class, enabling it to handle demanding textures. The 32GB of DDR4 RAM is also generous and user-expandable, offering good future-proofing. This configuration is best for budget-conscious gamers who prioritize maximum graphics memory for mods or high-resolution textures in specific titles.

Read Full Review

ASUS VivoBook 16 Laptop, 16" WUXGA (1920 x 1200)

61.5 Gaming Score
16" AMD Ryzen 7 7730U 8GB RAM 1024GB SSD AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
Why we recommend this

Its discrete AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme GPU with 8GB VRAM provides solid graphics performance for a laptop in this class, handling mainstream gaming and creative tasks well. The 16-inch IPS touchscreen display offers good color accuracy and an interactive experience, while the backlit keyboard adds to its usability. This laptop is best for students or casual users who need a versatile machine for entertainment, light gaming, and everyday productivity.

Read Full Review

Best Laptops under $1,000 for gaming

Best Pick

Lenovo - LOQ 15.6" Full HD Gaming Laptop - AMD

77.6 Gaming Score
15.6" AMD Ryzen 5 7235HS 16GB RAM 512GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
Why we recommend this

Its AMD 7235HS processor and discrete RTX 4050 GPU deliver solid 1080p gaming performance on its 144Hz IPS display. The inclusion of a touchscreen on a gaming-focused laptop is a notable and uncommon feature that adds versatility. This machine is best for budget-conscious gamers who want a responsive, high-refresh-rate experience for mainstream titles.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

HP - Victus 15.6" 144Hz Full HD Gaming Laptop -

76 Gaming Score
15.6" AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS 16GB RAM 512GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
Why we recommend this

Its 144Hz IPS display and RTX 4050 graphics deliver smooth gameplay, while the AMD Ryzen 5 7445HS processor provides solid performance for its class. The inclusion of a touchscreen is a unique feature for a gaming laptop, adding versatility beyond typical use. This model is best for budget-conscious gamers who prioritize high refresh rates and want the occasional utility of a touch interface.

Read Full Review
HP Victus laptop
Price $789

Acer Nitro V AI Gaming Laptop, 15.6 FHD 165Hz IPS

72.1 Gaming Score
15.6" Intel Core i5 13420H 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050
Why we recommend this

Its 165Hz IPS display and NVIDIA RTX 5050 graphics deliver smooth, high-fidelity gameplay, while the 32GB of RAM provides ample headroom for multitasking. The inclusion of a touchscreen on a gaming-focused laptop is a unique feature that adds versatility for creative tasks. This laptop is best for competitive gamers and streamers who value high refresh rates and the ability to interact directly with their content.

Read Full Review

ASUS TUF Gaming A16 Laptop: AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS,

70.2 Gaming Score
16" AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS 16GB RAM 512GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
Why we recommend this

Its AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics deliver solid 1080p gaming performance, backed by a durable MIL-STD-810H build. The 16-inch 144Hz display provides smooth visuals, making it a strong value in its class. This laptop is best for budget-conscious gamers seeking reliable performance for mainstream titles and everyday multitasking.

Read Full Review

Best Laptops under $2,000 for gaming

Best Pick

Lenovo - Legion 7i 16" 2.5k OLED Gaming Laptop -

96.8 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX 32GB RAM 1000GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070
Why we recommend this

Its 16-inch 2.5K OLED display with a 240Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness delivers exceptional visual clarity and responsiveness for gaming. The combination of a 24-core Intel 275HX CPU and an RTX 5070 GPU provides robust performance for demanding tasks, supported by a premium build quality. This laptop is best for competitive gamers and content creators who prioritize a high-refresh, color-accurate screen in a relatively portable 1.99kg chassis.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

ASUS 16" Republic of Gamers Strix G16 Gaming

91.8 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060
Why we recommend this

Its 24-core Intel Ultra 9 275HX and RTX 5060 GPU provide exceptional power for demanding creator tasks and high-framerate gaming. The 16-inch 240Hz WQXGA display offers a sharp, fluid visual experience, supported by a robust 90Wh battery for extended mobile use. This laptop is best for competitive esports players and 3D animators who need a high-refresh screen and desktop-caliber processing power in a portable, albeit not ultra-compact, form factor.

Read Full Review

Acer - Predator Helios Neo 16S AI Gaming Laptop -

91.8 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core 7 240H 32GB RAM 1000GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU paired with a 16-inch 240Hz OLED display, delivering exceptional visual clarity and smoothness for gaming. The laptop also offers strong creator performance with its 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD, supported by a high-resolution touchscreen. This machine is best for competitive gamers and content creators who prioritize top-tier visual fidelity and responsive gameplay over extreme portability.

Read Full Review

MSI Creator A16 AI+ 16" QHD+ 240Hz Ultra Thin and

87.1 Gaming Score
16" AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
Why we recommend this

Its AMD 350 processor and RTX 4060 graphics provide strong performance for gaming and creative tasks, housed in a surprisingly thin chassis. The 16-inch QHD display with a 240Hz refresh rate offers a sharp, fluid visual experience ideal for fast-paced content. This laptop is best for competitive gamers and digital artists who prioritize a high-refresh-rate screen and dedicated GPU in a portable form factor.

Read Full Review
MSI Creator laptop
Price $1,650

Premium Laptops for gaming

Best Pick

ASUS - ROG Zephyrus G14 14" 3K OLED 120Hz Gaming

100 Gaming Score
14" AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series 32GB RAM 1000GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti
Why we recommend this

Its 14-inch 3K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and NVIDIA G-SYNC delivers exceptionally vivid and fluid visuals, powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and an RTX 5070 Ti GPU. The premium CNC-machined aluminum chassis offers a durable and elegant build in a portable 1.57kg frame. This laptop is best for competitive gamers and content creators who demand high-fidelity graphics and AI-accelerated performance in a highly portable form factor.

Read Full Review

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 (16 83F50019US

99.3 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX 64GB RAM 2048GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
Why we recommend this

Its 24-core Intel 275HX CPU and NVIDIA RTX 5090 graphics deliver top-tier performance for demanding AAA gaming and 3D rendering. The 16-inch OLED display offers exceptional contrast and a 240Hz refresh rate, wrapped in a surprisingly portable 2.72kg chassis. This machine is ideal for competitive esports players and professional animators who require maximum graphical fidelity and processing power in a relatively mobile package.

Read Full Review
Lenovo Legion Pro Series laptop
Price $3,749

MSI 16" Vector 16 HX AI Gaming Laptop

95.4 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX 32GB RAM 2048GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080
Why we recommend this

Its Intel 275HX processor and RTX 5080 graphics deliver top-tier performance for demanding games and creative tasks. The 16-inch 240Hz QHD display offers a smooth, bright visual experience, supported by a robust port selection including Thunderbolt and WiFi 7. This laptop is best for competitive gamers and 3D artists who require maximum frame rates and rendering power in a desktop-replacement form factor.

Read Full Review

Gigabyte 16" AORUS ELITE 16 Laptop

94.8 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX 32GB RAM 2048GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
Why we recommend this

Its 24-core Intel 275HX processor and NVIDIA RTX 5090 GPU provide top-tier performance for demanding AAA gaming and 3D rendering. The 16-inch 240Hz OLED display offers exceptional visual clarity and responsiveness, supported by a comprehensive port selection. This laptop is best for competitive esports players and professional 3D artists who require maximum frame rates and color accuracy.

Read Full Review