When it comes to gaming laptops in 2025, the choices are endless. With new models constantly popping up, each claiming to be more powerful and advanced than the last, it can be a serious headache trying to figure out which one is actually worth your money. The truth is, there’s no perfect laptop for everyone. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re chasing jaw-dropping performance, portability, or just something affordable that can handle your favorite games, I’ve rounded up a list of the top gaming laptops you can buy this year.
What Should You Look for in a Gaming Laptop?
Okay, before we jump straight into the laptops, here’s a quick cheat sheet of what matters most in a gaming laptop. Think of this as your gamer’s checklist:
- Performance Powerhouse: Your CPU and GPU (graphics card) are like the engine of your gaming laptop. Bigger and better ones mean smoother gameplay and the ability to play demanding games.
- Refresh Rate and Screen Quality: You’ll want a screen with a high refresh rate (120Hz, 144Hz, or more) for that buttery-smooth motion while gaming. It makes a huge difference, trust me.
- Cooling Matters: No one likes a jet engine running at full blast during their gaming session. A good cooling system stops things from overheating and throttling your frames per second (FPS).
- Comfort is Key: A comfortable keyboard with nice feedback is no joke if you’re pulling those long late-night raids or marathon sessions of your favorite RPG.
- Travel-Friendly or Desk Anchor: If you need a laptop to carry around, go for something lighter. But if it mostly lives on your desk, you can go big with size and weight.
Now that you’re prepped, here are the best gaming laptops this year!
1. Razer Blade 18 (2024): The All-Out King of Gaming Laptops
First up, we’ve got the Razer Blade 18. If you’re the type who wants the best of the best and doesn’t care about the price tag, this thing is an absolute beast. With its massive 18-inch screen, it practically feels like a mini gaming desktop you can (kinda) carry around.
- Why It’s Awesome: It’s loaded to the brim with power. You can pick it up with an NVIDIA RTX 4090 graphics card (absolute overkill in the best way), and the display options will blow you away. The QHD+ Mini LED panel with 300Hz refresh rate? Chef’s kiss.
- What’s the Catch? It’s bulky. And loud. The fans can hit full turbo under load, which might annoy you (and, honestly, everyone else in the room). But hey, if performance is what you’re after, small trade-offs, right?
This laptop screams luxury and performance, but it’s not the one to lug around daily.
2. Dell Alienware m18 R2 (2024)
Think of the Alienware m18 R2 as a slightly more approachable alternative to the Razer Blade 18. It still has that 18-inch massive screen, incredible hardware, and plenty of premium vibes, but it eases up a bit on the price.
- Performance Highlights: Packed with an Intel Core i9-14900HX and NVIDIA RTX 4090, this guy doesn’t mess around. It’s got options for a snappy 480Hz Full HD screen or a crisp QHD display at 165Hz. Either one guarantees smooth gameplay.
- Anything to Watch Out For? While it’s a little cheaper, the overall build isn’t as premium as the Razer. The screens are also dimmer, so glare could be an issue in bright conditions.
For the price and specs, though, this is a fantastic pick for gamers who want power without going completely overboard.
3. Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Gen 8 (2023): Best Bang for Your Buck
If you want solid performance without feeling guilty about the price, the Legion Pro 5 is where it’s at. Lenovo has really nailed that “mid-range” sweet spot here.
- What’s Great About It? This laptop has AMD Ryzen CPUs paired with NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics, making it more than capable of running the latest games smoothly. Plus, the screen options (either 165Hz or 240Hz) are designed for those fast-moving FPS or action games.
- What’s Not-So-Great? The lack of Thunderbolt 4 ports or an SD card reader might annoy some folks. Build-wise, it’s solid but not premium. Think durable plastic rather than fancy aluminum.
Overall, it’s reliable, powerful, and doesn’t cost a fortune. A nice middle ground!
4. MSI Katana A15 AI (2024): A Gamer’s Budget-Friendly Dream
Not everyone’s out to spend thousands on a gaming laptop, and I get that. The MSI Katana A15 might not have all the bells and whistles, but for the price, it delivers solid gaming performance.
- Standout Specs: With AMD Ryzen 9 CPUs and up to an NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU, it can handle bigger games like Elden Ring or Hogwarts Legacy while staying within budget. There’s also a 165Hz QHD display option if you want that smoother experience.
- Trade-Offs: To keep the price down, the chassis is all plastic, and the build can feel a bit flimsy. Also, owning this laptop means dealing with fan noise and heat during intense sessions.
It’s not perfect, sure, but for casual gamers or newbies who don’t want to drop serious cash, this is a fantastic pick.
5. ASUS TUF Gaming A16 (2023): For Gamers on a Tight Budget
If “budget-friendly” is an understatement for your situation, the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 might be your best friend. This laptop is all about value, offering decent hardware without charging you an arm and a leg.
- What’s in the Box: AMD Ryzen processors, Radeon RX 7700S GPUs, and either a 165Hz or 240Hz display. You’re good to go for smooth 1080p gaming with a bit of tweaking.
- Things to Consider: It’s pretty bulky, so don’t expect to toss it in a backpack and go. Oh, and the fans? Yeah, they’re loud.
For the price, though, it’s hard to complain. It’s an easy win for budget-conscious gamers.
6. Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2024): The Cloud Gamer’s Pick
Okay, hear me out. Chromebooks and gaming? I know—it sounds weird, but cloud gaming changes the game (literally). The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is basically the perfect laptop if you rely on services like GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming.
- The Good Stuff: It’s lightweight, has a snappy 120Hz QHD screen, and works great with online gaming. Plus, you get a three-month trial for GeForce NOW, so it’s a nice way to dip your toes into the world of cloud-based gaming.
- Where It Falls Short: You’re not going to play hardcore games like APEX Legends locally. Most games run via streaming services, so a stable, fast internet connection is a must.
If you’re okay with the cloud gaming ecosystem, this is a refreshing and affordable alternative.
Wrapping It Up
Whether you want portable power, all-out performance, or just the best value for your money, the best gaming laptops of 2025 cover all the bases. It all comes down to what you need most. Got deep pockets? Go for the Razer Blade 18 or Alienware m18. Looking for the best mid-range option? The Legion Pro 5 delivers. And if you’re pinching pennies, the MSI Katana or ASUS TUF is there for you.
Now grab your gaming headset and get ready to dominate your favorite games. Happy gaming!