Gaming laptops are no longer just clunky devices that are difficult to transport. Thanks to technological innovations, they now combine powerful hardware, impressive graphics and a sleek design – perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy their games at the highest level on the go. However, with so many models on the market, it can be a real challenge to find the right gaming laptop to suit your needs. These are the best gaming laptops currently available
The best gaming laptops: our recommendations
Brute performance meets appealing design. The best gaming laptops deliver impressive graphics in combination with state-of-the-art hardware, which also makes the notebooks interesting for multimedia use.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (Best gaming laptop)
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) is a remarkable gaming notebook that combines performance and mobility in a slim design. Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 185H and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 laptop GPU, it delivers impressive computing and graphics performance for demanding games and creative applications.
However, the AMD version (ROG Zephyrus G16 GA605), which is equipped with the efficient and powerful AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, is more recommendable.
The 16-inch device has a 2.5K OLED display with a refresh rate of 240 Hz and a response time of 0.2 ms, which ensures razor-sharp and smooth images. With a height of just 1.49 cm and a weight of 1.85 kg, it is extremely portable and yet robust thanks to its CNC-milled aluminum housing.
Additionally, the Zephyrus G16 is equipped with the ROG Intelligent Cooling System, which includes a vapor chamber, liquid metal, enhanced heat pipes and Arc Flow Fans™ 2.0 to ensure optimal performance with minimal noise. Another highlight is the new slash lighting, which gives the notebook an individual and modern aesthetic.
MSI Raider 18 HX (Highest performance)
The MSI Raider 18 HX A14VX is currently the most powerful gaming laptop designed specifically for demanding gamers. Equipped with an Intel Core i9-14900HX processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 laptop GPU with 16 GB GDDR6 memory, it offers outstanding performance for the latest games and computing-intensive applications.
The device has an 18-inch UHD+ mini LED display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, which ensures razor-sharp images and smooth displays. With four DDR5 memory slots, which allow expansion up to 192 GB, and two M.2 SSD slots (one PCIe Gen5, the other PCIe Gen4), the Raider 18 HX offers generous storage and expansion options.
A special highlight is the Mystic Light with matrix light bar, which enables customizable lighting effects with 16.8 million colors and thus ensures an impressive gaming atmosphere. In addition, the laptop supports the latest connectivity standards such as WiFi 7 to ensure a fast and stable network connection.
XMG FUSION 15 (Best 15-inch gaming laptop)
A 15-inch gaming laptop offers the ideal balance between performance and size. It is handy and compact, yet powerful enough to handle even the latest games. Our current choice here is the XMG FUSION 15 (E24).
The XMG FUSION 15 (E24) is a versatile laptop that combines gaming performance and multimedia functionality in a compact design. Powered by Intel’s Core i9-14900HX processor with 24 cores and 32 threads and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 graphics cards, such as the RTX 4070 or RTX 4060, it offers impressive performance for demanding applications.
The 15.3-inch display in 16:10 format is characterized by a high resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, a refresh rate of 240 Hz and a brightness of 500 nits, which ensures razor-sharp and vivid images. The laptop has a robust, black anodized aluminium housing and weighs just 2.1 kg, making it particularly portable.
In addition, the FUSION 15 offers a comprehensive range of features including a backlit keyboard, versatile connectivity options and an efficient cooling system that ensures optimum performance during intensive use. With its elegant design and powerful hardware, the XMG FUSION 15 (E24) is the ideal choice for users who want to experience both gaming and productive tasks at the highest level.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (Best 14-inch gaming laptop)
Handy, mobile, elegant and powerful. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is our choice when it comes to compact gaming laptops with a 14-inch screen diagonal. We are big fans of this form factor, as this size is exactly what a laptop should be: Mobile and portable.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) is a compact and powerful laptop suitable for both gaming and creative applications. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor with 8 cores and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, it offers impressive performance in a handy 14-inch format.
The device has a high-quality 3K OLED display with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels and a refresh rate of 120 Hz, which ensures brilliant colors and smooth displays. With a weight of just 1.479 kg and a slim design, the Zephyrus G14 is particularly portable yet robust.
In addition, the notebook scores with a backlit keyboard, versatile connectivity options and a long battery life, making it an ideal companion on the go. The combination of powerful hardware and sophisticated design makes the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) an excellent choice for users who don’t want to compromise on performance and mobility.
Razer Blade 16 (Best Display)
The Razer Blade 16 is a powerful gaming laptop equipped with state-of-the-art hardware. Powered by an Intel Core i9 HX Series processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series laptop GPU, it offers impressive performance for demanding games and creative applications.
An outstanding feature of the Razer Blade 16 is its 16-inch OLED display with a refresh rate of 240 Hz. This world’s first OLED display of this size and speed delivers crisp images and vibrant colors, which is beneficial for gamers and creatives alike.
Alternatively, and this is a special feature, the Blade 16 is also available with an innovative dual-mode mini LED display. This has a resolution of either UHD+ (3,840 x 2,400 pixels) with 120 Hertz or Full HD+ (1,920 x 1,200 pixels) with 240 Hz.
In addition, the laptop has a robust yet slim design that ensures mobility and style. With versatile connectivity options and advanced cooling technologies, the Razer Blade 16 is designed to deliver optimal performance even during intensive use.
Schenker XMG Core 15 (M24) (price-performance tip)
The XMG CORE 15 (M24) is a versatile 15.3-inch laptop that combines performance and mobility in an elegant, black aluminum chassis. With a weight of just 2 kg and a robust design, it offers an ideal balance between portability and stability.
Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor with 8 cores and 16 threads and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 laptop GPU with 8 GB GDDR6 memory, the CORE 15 delivers impressive performance for gaming and productive applications. The 15.3-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels in 16:10 format, a refresh rate of 240 Hz and a brightness of 500 nits ensures razor-sharp and vivid images.
In addition, the laptop has a backlit keyboard, a large touchpad and versatile connectivity options, including USB-C, HDMI and an SD card reader. With support for up to 96 GB DDR5 RAM and a 99.8 Wh battery, the XMG CORE 15 (M24) offers both extended storage options and impressive battery life, making it an ideal companion on the go.
Gigabyte G6X 9KG (price-performance tip)
Our price tip comes from Gigabyte: The Gigabyte G6X 9KG (2024) is an affordable gaming notebook that offers solid performance for modern games. Equipped with an Intel Core i7-13650HX processor with 14 cores and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 laptop GPU with 8 GB GDDR6 memory, it delivers impressive performance for gaming and productive applications.
The 16-inch WUXGA display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and a refresh rate of 165 Hz ensures smooth displays and sharp images. With 16 GB DDR5 RAM and a 1 TB NVMe PCIe 4 SSD, the laptop offers sufficient storage space and fast data access.
In the benchmark tests, the gaming notebook showed very good performance and can even run current games without ray tracing at over 100 fps without any problems. However, if ray tracing is added, the frame rate quickly drops to 50-60 fps.
The design combines aluminum and plastic, resulting in a robust yet lightweight construction. With a weight of around 2.55 kg, the G6X 9KG (2024) is relatively portable for a gaming notebook. Features include a backlit keyboard, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, making it versatile.
Buying gaming laptops: What you should look out for
Gaming laptops offer the perfect blend of mobility and performance for anyone who wants to enjoy their favorite games anywhere, anytime. But before you decide on a model, there are some important points to consider to ensure that your new laptop meets your exact requirements. In this article, we’ll show you what you should look out for when buying a gaming laptop.
1. the right graphics card
The graphics card (GPU) is the heart of a gaming laptop. It determines how well your laptop can display demanding games. Current models from NVIDIA (e.g. GeForce RTX series) or AMD (Radeon RX series) offer impressive performance. Make sure that the GPU is compatible with the requirements of your favorite games.
2. processor (CPU)
A powerful processor ensures that your gaming laptop runs smoothly even in demanding situations. Intel Core i7 or i9 and AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 processors are ideal options for gamers. For beginners, an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 is often sufficient.
3. working memory (RAM)
RAM plays an important role in performance. 16 GB of RAM is recommended for most games, while 32 GB is an advantage for more demanding games and multitasking. Make sure that the RAM is expandable if you want to upgrade later.
4. display
The display is another decisive factor. The resolution should be at least Full HD (1920 x 1080). Gamers who value razor-sharp images can also opt for a 4K display. In addition, high refresh rates of at least 120 Hz or 144 Hz are ideal for smooth movements and a better gaming experience.
5. storage space
The choice between SSD and HDD is important. An SSD (Solid State Drive) ensures fast loading times and a smooth gaming experience. 512 GB SSD storage is a good starting point, while a combination of SSD and HDD offers more storage space for games and data.
6. cooling
Gaming laptops tend to get hot, especially during long sessions. Good cooling technology is therefore essential. Look for models with multiple fans and efficient heat dissipation.
7 Portability and battery
Even if gaming laptops tend to be used as stationary devices, portability still plays a role. Decide whether you prefer a lightweight model or a larger device. Also consider the battery life – powerful gaming laptops often have a limited battery life.
8. connections and expansion options
Check whether the laptop has enough ports such as USB, HDMI and an SD card reader. Thunderbolt ports and Wi-Fi 6 are also an advantage to ensure a fast connection and versatile use.
9. price-performance ratio
Gaming laptops are available in different price ranges. Entry-level models are available from €1,000, while high-end laptops with top hardware often cost over €2,500. Compare different offers and look out for discounts to find the best value for money.
10. test reports and customer opinions
Before you make a decision, read test reports and customer reviews. These can give you valuable insights into the performance, quality and reliability of a laptop.
Click here for our tests in the area of laptops and PCs
Conclusion
A gaming laptop is a big investment that should be carefully considered. By taking the above points into consideration, you can find the model that perfectly suits your needs. Whether you are a casual gamer or a hardcore gamer – with the right choice, you can take your gaming experience to the next level.
