Top Laptop Picks
View allBuying a new gaming laptop can be overwhelming, as new models with the latest and greatest hardware are being released all the time. There are a few key aspects to consider when shopping. First, you'll want to look at CPU and GPU performance, and keep performance over time in mind; no one likes to see their frames tank during long gaming sessions due to thermal throttling. For the display, focus on refresh rate, motion performance, and VRR support to ensure your gameplay looks smooth and feels responsive. A good keyboard that gives clear tactile feedback and won't cause fatigue over long gaming sessions is important, too. If you don't plan on using a headset, you might want to consider the fan noise, as most gaming laptops can get pretty loud under load. Finally, the laptop's portability and battery life are important if you plan on gaming on the go; regardless, keep a charger close, as gaming laptops are power-hungry machines.
We've bought and tested over 155 laptops. Below are our recommendations for the best gaming laptops you can buy. You can also see our recommendations for the best laptops, the best budget and cheap gaming laptops, and the best Windows laptops. If you want to learn more about how we test laptops or our review process, check out this article, where we give you a quick rundown of each step from the moment we purchase the laptop to the final published review.