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Even if you don’t have the time, space, or cash for a full PC build, that doesn’t mean you can’t game on a computer. Gaming laptops are a portable, yet powerful way to play any of your favorite video games without sinking serious cash into a full desktop PC and monitor or console and TV.
A good gaming laptop is powerful enough to run high-intensity games, has a high resolution screen, and is still portable enough to fit comfortably in a messenger bag or backpack to take on the road. While you’ve already heard our takes for the best in class, many users on Reddit have their own opinions—and tens upon tens of hours testing out PCs.
We scoured tons of threads on multiple subreddits to find the most common opinions on gaming laptops from Reddit users all over the world. Check out what gaming laptops they tried, which ones they hated, and which ones are worth buying.
The Best Gaming Laptops
- Best Overall: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 8 Gaming Laptop
- Best Value: HP OMEN 16 Gaming Laptop
- Best Keyboard Control: ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023) Gaming Laptop
- Best Long-Term Buy: Acer Predator Helios 16 Gaming Laptop
- Best Splurge: Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop
What to Consider
Processing Power
Your gaming laptop’s processing power can be determined by a number of key factors including the number of cores, thread count, clock speed, and thermal design power. In a practical sense, its worth focusing on the brand and model of the processor inside your gaming laptop.
The two major brands that account for the processors in nearly all of the gaming laptops available are Intel and AMD. Intel processors are broken down into i3, i5, i7, i9, and the X series; These are further broken down by the HX, U, and H series. However, what’s most important to understand is that the i5 and above are designed to handle the higher workload of PC games without lag or reduced performance, with i7 and i9 being notably powerful. You can game on an i5 laptop, but don’t expect seamless graphics all the time, especially for big, heavy games.
Similar to Intel, AMD processors come in multiple series (U, H, HX, HS). For gaming, the only thing to focus on is whether you have a Ryzen 7 or a Ryzen 9 processor. Both options are powerful enough to run intensive games without fail, though the Ryzen 9 processor is the more premium option with even more cores and much faster speeds.
Graphics Card
When it comes to graphics cards, the main determining factor of quality and performance is the frames per second at high resolution. While lower quality graphics cards may be able to run above 100 fps in 1080p, only the highest quality options are able to replicate this feat in 4K.
The biggest names in graphics cards are Nvidia and AMD. Nvidia’s GeForce RTX line includes some of the highest performing graphics cards on the market, including the incredible RTX 4090 (though anything above 3000 will provide consistent gameplay at 144 fps in 1080p—plenty for gaming on your laptop screen).
The highest quality option from AMD is the RX 7900 XTX, which falls just short of Nvidia’s 4090 in terms of fps. Anything in AMD’s RX XT line with a number higher than 6700 will perform at 144 fps in 1080p consistently.
Screen Resolution
Similar to computer monitors and TVs, gaming laptop displays are generally capable of at least 1080p, also known as Full HD. Higher quality options come in 1440p Quad HD or even 4K Ultra HD, which looks incredibly crisp but isn’t strictly necessary for a small screen. Lower resolution screens may be better for in-game speed without blur or lag, while higher resolution screens are great for beautiful graphics.
Thermals
A relatively important factor in gaming laptops is how cool they run, and how quickly they can be cooled down if they get warm. Most laptops run around 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit when idle and typically warm up more when in use.
If the gaming laptop gets too hot, it can affect in-game performance as well as be uncomfortable or even painful to touch—moreover, it can cause internal components of your laptop to overheat or melt, leaving you with a very expensive paperweight. While you can expect the laptop to heat up some, gamers should look for laptops with multiple fans or in-unit cooling systems in place to regulate temperature, or snag a plug-and-play laptop fan for safety.
How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming Laptop?
While there are gaming laptops that exceed $5,000, most conventional wisdom advises spending less. Instead of spending so heavily on one item, consider saving a portion of that money on an upgraded model a few years down the line, or new components for your PC when graphics cards and processors are released.
With how fast the technology in gaming laptops develops, even a top of the line option may not be all that remarkable in a few years, so we recommend sticking around the $1,500 mark, give or take $500. As Reddit user ___purple puts it, “The best laptops are two actually. Buy one now, buy another one in three years.”
How We Selected
We made our picks after scouring several subreddits and high traffic threads to ensure our picks have been well-considered by Reddit users. This means alongside general opinions and details, we also took into account if the comment was upvoted or heavily interacted with on the thread. We also cross-referenced all of Reddit’s top choices with our own research and analysis of several key specs to ensure reliable quality. The picks on this list span different sizes, specs, and price points to fit your needs best.
1
Best Overall
LENOVO Legion Pro 5i Gen 8 Gaming Laptop
1
Best Overall
LENOVO Legion Pro 5i Gen 8 Gaming Laptop
Pros
Quality screen resolution for price- Unique cooling system keeps temperature low
Cons
- Lacks highest level graphics card
A powerful mix between affordability and performance, this Legion Pro 5i from Lenovo stands as a favorite among many Reddit communities.
Built with enough processing power to run high performance games and with a graphics card to handle images at well above 1400 pixels, this gaming laptop continues to impress even without a price tag above $2,000.
In the simplest terms, Reddit user Asdprotos says, “Lenovo Legion is what you need and want, best build quality, thermals, and performance.”
User ab12848 adds to this saying, “Legion has a good reputation of offering all around laptops when you compare to others at the same price range, they don’t have any major drawbacks in most aspects and have great thermals.”
Key Specs
| Processor | Intel Core i7-13700HX |
|---|---|
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 |
| Screen Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels |
Pros
- Affordable price tag
- Tactile, satisfying keyboard
Cons
- Lower end graphics card and resolution
Costing hundreds of dollar less than many comparable models, this Omen 16 gaming Laptop from HP is one of the best values amongst high quality options.
Made with a sleek, relatively lightweight design and an anti-glare screen, you can feel comfortable transporting this laptop from place to place and playing anywhere without reducing in-game performance.
Beyond this, many users praise its physical feel and keyboard including herpedeederpderp, who says, “I thought I was the only one that felt the omen keyboard to be absolutely perfect. No other keyboard has come close to the feeling I get passion typing on an omen. It’s just chef’s kiss sensational.”
Key Specs
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 6800H |
|---|---|
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
3
Best Long-Term Buy
acer Predator Helios 16 Gaming Laptop
3
Best Long-Term Buy
acer Predator Helios 16 Gaming Laptop
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Pros
- Liquid and fan-based cooling system
- High refresh rate
Cons
- Some users complain about the placing of the power cord
Similar to the Blade 18, this option from Acer comes with some of the most powerful internal specs. This Predator Helios 16 has a powerful i9 processor to match the Nvidia 4080 graphics card. As a result, the powerful hardware should keep up with newer, more advanced games even as the years go on.
You can also feel confident about the screen as well—at 250Hz, the refresh rate will keep gameplay smooth and moving at the speed of your eyes.
When recommending this laptop, Reddit user IndependentBig6160 says, “If you want build quality and performance, but don’t want to pay Razer’s stupid high prices, I’d highly recommend the Lenovo Legion 7 4080 or Acer Helios 16 4080. You should 100% save up for a 4080 over a 4060. It is going to be way more future proofed if you’re keeping for 5+ years.”
Key Specs
| Processor | Intel Core i9-13900HX |
|---|---|
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 |
| Screen Resolution | 2560 x1600 pixels |
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4
Best Keyboard Control
ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023) Gaming Laptop
4
Best Keyboard Control
ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023) Gaming Laptop
Pros
- GPU MUX switch for optimal gameplay
- Full keyboard with illuminated WASD
Cons
- Some users complain about loud whines or whirring from internal hardware
A powerful gaming laptop from Asus that’s been revamped this year, this ROG Strix G16 is a capable option that comes at a more affordable price point.
A unique feature on this laptop is the GPU MUX switch which works to optimize game performance and reduce latency by bypassing certain integrated graphics.
Following a purchase and test-out period, Reddit user shukpa says, “Not a single crash, no coil whine, just pure enjoyment. Laptop is as smooth as warm butter on toast, can handle all the games I’ve played on my 4K 60Hz TV.”
Key Specs
| Processor | Intel Core i7-13650HX |
|---|---|
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels |
5
Best Thin Option
Lenovo Legion Slim 7i Gaming Laptop
Pros
- Lower weight than competition
- 1-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Not as powerful as larger options
If you want a slimmer gaming laptop that’s a bit more suited for everyday life, check out this Legion Slim 7i from Lenovo. While it lacks the same kind of horsepower as larger, bulkier options, it still offers more than enough to handle most intensive games.
At the same time, it is significantly slimmer than most of its competition, making it far easier to slide into a backpack and travel with. It’s also designed as a more versatile option, working just as well for classes, daily work, and streaming content as for PC gaming.
This is the consensus of Reddit user Big-DF, who called this laptop “super slick, and thin. Build quality is just impressive. Solid machine. RGB keypad looks superior to the Asus Strix.”
Key Specs
| Processor | Intel i7-12700H |
|---|---|
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels |
6
Best Splurge
Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop
6
Best Splurge
Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop
Pros
- Powerful internal system
- Effective cooling system
Cons
- Costly price tag even for the quality
If you have a few extra bucks to spend on a gaming laptop, considering directing them toward this Blade 18 from Razer. With a 4080 graphics card from Nvidia and an i9 processor from Intel, this laptop is built to handle games with intense performance metrics.
This line of Razer gaming laptops is also notable for its cooling system, which prevents it from overheating even after long stretches of gaming. The three-fan system reduces temperatures to ensure is won’t get too hot to keep on your lap.
After purchasing and trying out the laptop, Reddit user danielbarakat says, “Yes, there’s a Razer tax. Yes, you can get an equivalent laptop for $1,000 less, but none of them look and feel this good.”
Key Specs
| Processor | Intel Core i9 13950HX |
|---|---|
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 |
| Screen Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels |
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7
Best Thin Alternative
MSI Stealth 14 Gaming Laptop
7
Best Thin Alternative
MSI Stealth 14 Gaming Laptop
Pros
- Powerful graphics card
- Sleek frame
Cons
- Some users complain about the hinges being too delicate
- Can run too hot when running high intensity games
Another great thin option, this Stealth 14 gaming laptop comes from MSI. With a 4060 graphics card, this laptop can run powerful games even with its slimmer build.
Another minor performance feature many users enjoy on this laptop are the speakers. Even without the use of headphones or a gaming headset, the speakers blast out in-game sounds and soundtracks. This also doubles to provide great sound if you’re watching a movie or streaming music as you work.
After trying it out for college, Reddit user gavino69 says, “Build quality feels AMAZING, screen is beautiful, keyboard and trackpad are at least passable, but my favorite part is the ‘customization.’ I’m going to college and wanted a gaming laptop that I can use during lectures without A: sounding like a jet engine or being too hot and B: have it look like a normal laptop.”
Key Specs
| Processor | Intel Core i7-13620H |
|---|---|
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels |
Tom Price
Associate Reviews Editor
Tom Price is an Associate Editor of Reviews for Popular Mechanics, and also contributes to Runner's World, and Bicycling. He has previously covered product reviews, startup news, and even professional wrestling. In his free time, he enjoys watching pretentious TV, low-brow movies, and exercising for beauty, not health. If you are interested in exploring more of his work, check out his website.
