When it comes to gaming laptops, 2024 is shaping up to be an incredible year. We’ve been testing the best gaming laptops, diving deep into the latest AMD, Nvidia, and Intel technologies to see which machines are pushing the boundaries and which offer the best value for gamers. Whether you’re seeking raw power, portability, or a more budget-friendly option, we’ve picked a range of gaming laptops that cover it all—from high-end beasts to surprisingly capable budget choices.
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The current crop of mobile CPUs and GPUs brings us incredible performance, thanks to the latest advancements from Intel’s Raptor Lake Refresh, AMD’s Zen 5 mobile chips, and Nvidia’s RTX 40-series GPUs. The options are now more varied than ever, with the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 standing tall as our favorite for those who want the best balance between performance, battery life, and price.
Below, we present the best gaming laptops of 2024—covering everything from the most powerful mobile gaming rigs to solid choices that won’t break the bank.
1. MSI Titan GT77 HX — The Powerhouse
Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090
- Display: 18-inch, 3840 x 2400, Mini-LED, 120 Hz
- Weight: 7.93 pounds (3.6 kg)
Reasons to Buy:
- Clicky mechanical keys
- Bright and beautiful mini-LED screen
- Strong gaming performance
- Opulent RAM and storage
- Three-year warranty
Reasons to Avoid:
- Loud fans
- Disappointing audio for music
- High price
The MSI Titan GT77 HX is an absolute beast of a gaming laptop, designed for those who want the closest experience to a desktop in a portable form. It combines Intel’s Core i9-14900HX with Nvidia’s RTX 4090, offering the kind of performance that can run any modern game at max settings without breaking a sweat.
Its 18-inch mini-LED display is a highlight, reaching 559 nits of brightness and covering 112.4% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, making it perfect for both gaming and creative work. While the price is well beyond what most gamers would consider affordable, for those who can splurge, this is the one to beat.
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2. Acer Nitro 16 — Best for Budget Gamers
Specifications:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050
- Display: 16-inch, 1920 x 1200, 165 Hz, G-Sync
- Weight: 5.95 pounds (2.7 kg)
Reasons to Buy:
- Competent gaming performance
- Bright G-Sync screen
- Solid battery life
- Quiet fans
- Lots of ports, including USB 4
Reasons to Avoid:
- Subpar webcam
- Hollow speakers
- Lots of bloatware
The Acer Nitro 16 is a great choice for those on a budget. Featuring a Ryzen 5 7640HS and an RTX 4050, this laptop is ideal for casual gamers who want good performance without breaking the bank. The 165 Hz G-Sync screen offers a smooth gaming experience, and its battery lasted over eight hours during our tests, which is impressive for a gaming laptop.
Acer’s inclusion of USB 4 under $1,000 is a welcome surprise, making it a future-proof choice for connectivity. However, there are a few compromises—the speakers are lackluster, and the webcam is nothing special. Still, for its price, the Nitro 16 is a fantastic entry-level option.
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3. MSI Katana 15 — Best Value Under $1,000
Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-13620H
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050
- Display: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080, 144 Hz
- Weight: 5.51 pounds / 2.5 kg
Reasons to Buy:
- Strong 1080p gaming performance
- Good speakers
- Excellent value
Reasons to Avoid:
- Short battery life
- Washed-out display
The MSI Katana 15 delivers impressive performance at a reasonable price. Its Intel Core i7-13620H and RTX 4050 provide enough power to run most modern games at 1080p, often exceeding 60 fps. While you might have to lower some settings in demanding titles, it’s hard to argue with the value you get for under $1,000.
The display could be more vivid, but the 144 Hz refresh rate is great for esports players. If you’re looking for a capable gaming laptop without spending too much, the Katana 15 is an excellent pick.
4. Gigabyte Aorus 16X — Mid-Range Champion
Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-14650HX
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070
- Display: 16-inch, 2560 x 1600, 165 Hz
- Weight: 5.07 pounds (2.3 kg)
Reasons to Buy:
- Vibrant screen
- Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 7
- Solid gaming performance
Reasons to Avoid:
- Mediocre battery life
- Unintuitive software
The Gigabyte Aorus 16X strikes a balance between performance, price, and features, packing an RTX 4070 and a stunning 165 Hz display into a portable package. The laptop offers excellent connectivity, including Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 7, making it great for gaming and productivity.
While the battery life isn’t the best, and Gigabyte’s software could use some refinement, the Aorus 16X is an excellent choice if you want strong gaming performance without venturing into ultra-premium territory.
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5. Asus TUF Gaming A14 — Best for Portability
Specifications:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
- Display: 14-inch, 2560 x 1600, 165 Hz
- Weight: 3.22 pounds (1.35 kg)
Reasons to Buy:
- Barely bigger or heavier than an ultrabook
- Great battery life
- Understated design
Reasons to Avoid:
- Disappointing speakers
The Asus TUF Gaming A14 is a standout option for those who prioritize portability. Weighing in at just over three pounds, it offers excellent battery life and features Nvidia’s Advanced Optimus, which switches to integrated graphics for extended use. This means you can comfortably use it for work and then seamlessly switch to gaming without worrying about battery drain.
Its understated design makes it suitable for both professional environments and gaming sessions, but the speakers are unfortunately weak. Nevertheless, if you’re always on the go, the TUF A14 is a fantastic compact gaming laptop.
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How We Test Gaming Laptops
We rigorously test each gaming laptop to ensure it meets our standards for performance, battery life, build quality, and value. We run benchmarks like Cyberpunk 2077 on the Ray Tracing Ultra preset and Red Dead Redemption 2 on Medium settings to gauge real-world gaming performance. We also test productivity metrics using tools like Geekbench and Handbrake, and evaluate upgradeability by opening up each unit to see which parts are user-replaceable.
Battery life tests include browsing the web, streaming, and running graphics tests to simulate typical usage. We also use a colorimeter to measure screen brightness and color accuracy, ensuring the display can do justice to your games.
Quick Gaming Laptop Shopping Tips
- Focus on the GPU: Most games depend on the GPU, which isn’t upgradeable. Invest in the best GPU you can afford now for a smoother experience in the coming years.
- Consider Upgrades: While CPUs and GPUs are soldered, you can usually upgrade RAM and storage. Thicker laptops tend to be easier to upgrade.
- Battery Life Matters Less: Gaming laptops generally have poor battery life. While some can last over eight hours, it’s best to game plugged in for optimal performance.
Final Thoughts
Whether you need a desktop replacement or a travel-friendly gaming companion, there are great options available in 2024. The MSI Titan GT77 HX is a top choice for those seeking raw power, while the Acer Nitro 16 and MSI Katana 15 prove that you don’t need to break the bank for a great gaming experience. For those seeking a blend of portability and power, the Asus TUF Gaming A14 delivers in a lightweight package.
No matter what your gaming needs are, the perfect gaming laptop is out there waiting for you.