The Best Gaming Laptops of 2025
Buying 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 145 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 need to upgrade your wireless network at home to get the best online gaming experience, check out our recommendations for the best Wi-Fi routers.
Best Gaming Laptops in 2025: Ultimate Guide to Performance and Features
In the world of gaming, the right laptop can make all the difference between an immersive experience and a frustrating one. The demand for high-performance gaming laptops is constantly on the rise, driven by the ever-growing expectations of gamers who crave smooth, responsive, and visually stunning gameplay. Dive into the best gaming laptops of 2025, including a thorough review of the Razer Blade 18 (2025), which stands out as the best gaming laptop tested.
1. Razer Blade 18 (2025): The Best Gaming Laptop
Design & Build
The Razer Blade 18 (2025) is an epitome of premium design and performance. Crafted from a full aluminum chassis, this gaming powerhouse delivers a solid and high-quality build that rivals some of the best in the industry, including Apple’s MacBook Pro. The overall aesthetics are sleek, with a minimalist approach that oozes sophistication. This gaming laptop is not just about looks – it’s made to last with durability at its core.
Weighing in at a substantial weight due to its 18-inch screen, it sacrifices portability, making it unsuitable for those on-the-go. However, if you’re looking for a robust machine that promises excellent in-game performance and all-around power, the Razer Blade 18 will not disappoint.
Performance and Display
The laptop offers various configurations, including up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090, which guarantees that even the most demanding AAA titles, like Cyberpunk 2077, run smoothly. Gaming performance is nothing short of spectacular with ultra-fast graphics rendering and an impeccable display. The Razer Blade 18 offers two impressive display options: a 300Hz QHD+ Mini LED and a 200Hz 4K+ IPS panel. The Mini LED backlight provides deeper blacks and superior contrast, making it ideal for immersive gaming, especially in dark environments. The 200Hz refresh rate ensures a fluid gaming experience with minimal motion blur.
Thermals and Noise
With the powerful RTX 4090, the Razer Blade 18 (2025) certainly generates heat under load. While the cooling system is efficient, the fans can get exceptionally loud, reaching up to 57.0 dBA at maximum speed. Despite this, the laptop remains functional during extended sessions, though the noise might be a bit bothersome in quieter environments.
Ports and Connectivity
Razer ensures that connectivity is not an issue with a variety of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port. For online gaming, the inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 ensures low latency, even in the most demanding scenarios. Whether you’re streaming, downloading, or gaming online, the Razer Blade 18 has you covered.
Razer Blade 18 (2025) offers unmatched performance for gamers willing to invest in a premium gaming machine. Its exceptional display, powerful GPU, and sleek build make it a standout choice. Its bulk and loud fan noise under heavy load are worth considering before purchase.
2. Best Upper Mid-Range Gaming Laptop: Dell Alienware m18 R2 (2025)
For those who want a high-performance gaming laptop but without the extreme price tag of the Razer Blade 18, the Dell Alienware m18 R2 (2025) offers an excellent alternative.
Design & Build
The Alienware m18 R2 shares a similar design language to its predecessor, featuring a futuristic, alien-inspired aesthetic. It’s built for gamers who prefer a bold and eye-catching laptop. While it is bulkier than the Razer Blade 18, it’s still constructed with high-quality materials, ensuring durability.
Performance and Display
This model comes with Intel’s 14th Gen processors and NVIDIA RTX 4090 graphics. The 480Hz FHD+ display is a game-changer, offering ultra-fast refresh rates for an ultra-smooth gaming experience. It’s perfect for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts. For those who need slightly higher resolution, the 165Hz QHD+ panel is another option that offers a balanced resolution and refresh rate.
Thermals and Noise
Although the Alienware m18 R2 offers similar gaming performance, its thermal management isn’t as efficient as the Razer Blade 18. The laptop tends to get louder under load, and its bulkier design might make it less comfortable for extended gaming sessions.
The Dell Alienware m18 R2 (2025) provides excellent performance with high-end specifications, but its larger and louder design makes it less portable compared to other models. It’s perfect for those who want top-tier gaming performance without going all out on the Razer Blade 18.
3. Best Mid-Range Gaming Laptop: Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Gen 8 16 (2023)
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Gen 8 16 (2023) offers a great balance between performance, design, and affordability.
Design & Build
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 features a solid build with a mix of plastic and metal components. While it doesn’t offer the same premium feel as the Dell or Razer laptops, it’s sturdy enough for most users. Its 16-inch screen is the perfect middle ground between portability and immersive gaming.
Performance and Display
With an AMD Ryzen 7040-series CPU and up to an RTX 4070 GPU, this laptop performs well in modern AAA games. It features a 165Hz or 240Hz QHD+ IPS panel, ensuring smooth motion during gameplay. The laptop supports FreeSync for tear-free gaming.
Thermals and Noise
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 doesn’t overheat as much as some of the other models on this list, and its fan noise remains relatively quiet compared to the louder systems like the Razer Blade 18.
While it lacks some of the high-end features of the Alienware and Razer models, the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Gen 8 is an excellent option for gamers looking for a solid mid-range laptop without compromising too much on gaming performance.
4. Best Budget Gaming Laptop: MSI Katana A15 AI (2025)
For gamers on a budget, the MSI Katana A15 AI (2025) is the best pick in its class. While it may not compete with high-end models in terms of build quality and additional features, it offers solid performance at a much lower price.
Design & Build
The MSI Katana A15 AI has a plastic build that feels somewhat flimsy compared to its more expensive counterparts. However, it is sturdy enough for everyday use, though the display hinges may feel a bit loose.
Performance and Display
Equipped with AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS CPUs and NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics, this 15-inch laptop delivers smooth gaming performance, even in demanding games. You can choose between a 144Hz FHD or a 165Hz QHD display for a better gaming experience. While the color reproduction is lacking in the FHD display, the QHD panel offers better results.
Thermals and Noise
The MSI Katana A15 tends to get hot and loud under load, which is a downside for longer gaming sessions. However, it remains functional and provides the performance you need at a budget-friendly price.
The MSI Katana A15 AI offers the best value for budget-conscious gamers, providing solid gaming performance at a reasonable cost. If you can overlook the build quality and fan noise, it’s an excellent choice for budget gaming.
5. Best Cheap Gaming Laptop: ASUS TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition (2023)
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition (2023) is the best cheap gaming laptop for those looking for a reliable machine that doesn’t break the bank.
Design & Build
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is a bit bulky, but it offers a solid build and a great set of ports. Its 16-inch screen strikes a good balance between portability and gameplay immersion.
Performance and Display
Powered by AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS or Ryzen 9 7940HS CPUs and paired with AMD Radeon RX 6700S or 7700S GPUs, this budget laptop handles most AAA games at 1080p or 1440p. The 165Hz FHD+ display offers smooth gameplay, although it’s not as vibrant as more expensive displays.
Thermals and Noise
Despite the bulkier design, the laptop stays relatively cool, though it can get noisy under load. Battery life is a bit lacking, so gamers will need to plug it in for extended sessions.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition is a great option for gamers on a tight budget. It offers solid gaming performance at a price point that won’t break the bank, making it an excellent choice for those looking to game without splurging on premium hardware.
6. Best Gaming Chromebook: Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2025)
While Chromebooks are not traditionally seen as gaming devices, the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2025) makes a compelling case for cloud gaming.
Design & Build
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE feels sturdy for a Chromebook, offering a portable design with a 16-inch display. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, making it a great choice for those on the move.
Performance and Display
This Chromebook is designed primarily for cloud gaming through services like GeForce NOW and Xbox Cloud Gaming. The 120Hz QHD+ display ensures a smooth experience for cloud gaming, though its integrated graphics limit the ability to run local AAA games.
For gamers who prefer cloud gaming, the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE offers a budget-friendly option with a great display and portable design. However, it is not suited for traditional gaming due to its limited local graphics performance.
Choosing the Right Gaming Laptop
The gaming laptop market in 2025 offers a variety of options to suit every gamer’s needs, from high-end, performance-focused machines like the Razer Blade 18 to budget-friendly models like the MSI Katana A15 AI. When choosing the best gaming laptop for your needs, consider factors such as performance, build quality, thermals, portability, and price. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a professional eSports competitor, there’s a gaming laptop out there that perfectly suits your needs.
FAQs
FAQs: Best Gaming Laptops in 2025
- What is the best gaming laptop of 2025?
- The Razer Blade 18 (2025) is considered the best gaming laptop in 2025 due to its powerful performance, impressive display, and sleek design.
- How do I choose the right gaming laptop?
- When choosing a gaming laptop, consider factors such as performance (CPU and GPU), display quality (refresh rate and resolution), cooling system, battery life, and portability.
- What is the ideal refresh rate for gaming laptops?
- A 144Hz or higher refresh rate is ideal for gaming laptops, as it offers smoother visuals and reduces motion blur during fast-paced games.
- Is the Razer Blade 18 worth the investment?
- If you are looking for top-tier performance, stunning visuals, and premium build quality, the Razer Blade 18 is worth the investment for serious gamers.
- Which gaming laptop is best for budget-conscious gamers?
- The MSI Katana A15 AI (2025) and ASUS TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition (2023) are excellent budget gaming laptops that offer solid performance at affordable prices.
- Can I run AAA games on a gaming laptop?
- Yes, most gaming laptops in 2025, especially those with NVIDIA RTX 40-series graphics, can easily run AAA games at high settings.
- What is the difference between the Dell Alienware m18 and Razer Blade 18?
- The Dell Alienware m18 offers similar performance but is bulkier and has a louder fan noise. The Razer Blade 18 offers a more premium design and slightly quieter operation.
- What’s the best gaming laptop for cloud gaming?
- The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2025) is the best gaming Chromebook for cloud gaming, providing access to platforms like GeForce NOW and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
- What should I look for in a gaming laptop’s display?
- Look for high refresh rates (144Hz or higher), vibrant color reproduction, and good resolution (at least Full HD). If you prefer immersive gaming, opt for a 4K display.
- How important is the cooling system in a gaming laptop?
- The cooling system is crucial for maintaining optimal performance during intense gaming sessions. Laptops like the Razer Blade 18 and Dell Alienware m18 have advanced cooling solutions to prevent overheating.
- Do gaming laptops have good battery life?
- Gaming laptops tend to have shorter battery life due to their high-performance components, but some models like the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 offer decent battery longevity during lighter use.
- Are gaming laptops good for work and school too?
- Yes, gaming laptops are powerful enough to handle work and school tasks, such as video editing, software development, and productivity apps, in addition to gaming.
- What is the best gaming laptop for esports?
- The Dell Alienware m18 R2 (2025) is great for esports due to its high refresh rate display and fast processing power, providing an edge in competitive gaming.
- Are there any good gaming laptops under $1000?
- Yes, the MSI Katana A15 AI and ASUS TUF Gaming A16 offer good gaming performance for under $1000, making them great options for budget gamers.
- How loud are gaming laptops under heavy load?
- Gaming laptops, particularly high-performance models like the Razer Blade 18, can get loud under heavy load. However, models like the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 are quieter in comparison.
- Can I upgrade the components of a gaming laptop?
- Some gaming laptops, such as the Razer Blade 18, allow for limited upgrades, like expanding RAM or replacing storage, but the GPU is generally not upgradeable.
- What’s the best gaming laptop for portability?
- The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 and Lenovo Legion Pro 5 are relatively portable while still providing excellent gaming performance.
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