Best Gaming Laptops (2026): Gaming Laptop Reviews
For a gaming laptop that puts the most graphics memory in this list at its center, the MSI Vector 16 HX AI leads this guide: it pairs a GeForce RTX 5070 Ti with 12GB of graphics memory, 32GB of RAM and a 240Hz 16 inch screen. The rest of the list is compared on the specifications each seller states and on live prices, so the ranking can be checked against the current listings.
15 picks from 35 laptops that match this guide with a price we can quote today. Every price below is live and carries the moment it was read.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- For a player who wants the most graphics memory: The MSI Vector 16 HX AI states 12GB of graphics memory on a GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, more than any other laptop in this list. It also carries 32GB of RAM and a 240Hz screen. See pick 1
- For a player who keeps a stream, voice chat and a browser open while playing: With 64GB of RAM and an 18 inch screen, the MSI Crosshair 18 HX gives the game and the programs around it room to run together. Its 240Hz screen is the highest refresh rate stated in the list. See pick 2
- For a player who carries the laptop to a friend's place: At 1.9kg, the Lenovo Legion 5 15IRX10 is the lightest weight stated in this list, with 32GB of RAM, an RTX 5070 and an OLED screen. See pick 11
- For a player who wants the highest refresh rate with 2TB of storage: The HP Omen states a 240Hz refresh rate on a 16 inch screen, with 32GB of RAM, an RTX 5070 and 2TB of storage. See pick 4
The 15 picks
1 Most graphics memory here
msi Vector 16 HX AI 16" 240Hz QHD+ Gaming Laptop
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX
- GPU
- GeForce RTX 5070 Ti
- GPU memory
- 12 GB
- RAM
- 32 GB
- Storage
- 1000 GB
- Screen
- 16 in
- Refresh
- 240 Hz
- Weight
- 2.7 kg
This pick ranks first because it has the most graphics memory in the list: 12GB on a GeForce RTX 5070 Ti. It also states 32GB of RAM and a 240Hz refresh rate, so it leads on the two next ordering rules as well. No other pick in this guide combines those figures.
Pros
- 12GB of graphics memory: the most in this list
- 32GB of RAM
- 240Hz refresh rate
- GeForce RTX 5070 Ti
Cons
- 2.7kg: the heaviest weight stated here
- 1TB of storage, while several picks state 2TB
Good fit if
- A player who wants the most stated graphics memory in this list
- A player who wants a 16 inch laptop with 32GB of RAM and a 240Hz screen
Skip if
- A player who wants a lighter laptop: the stated 2.7kg is the highest figure here
- A player who wants 2TB of storage in a single drive
Verdict: The MSI Vector 16 HX AI leads this guide on stated graphics memory, RAM and refresh rate.
2 64GB of RAM with a 240Hz screen
MSI Crosshair 18 HX AI Gaming Laptop 18" QHD+ 240Hz
- CPU
- Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
- GPU
- GeForce RTX 5070
- GPU memory
- 8 GB
- RAM
- 64 GB
- Storage
- 1000 GB
- Screen
- 18 in
- Refresh
- 240 Hz
- OS
- Windows 11
$2,499.00 price as of 2026-10-10 04:22 UTC (Details)
This pick ranks second as the first of the 8GB entries, and it has the most RAM (64GB) and the highest refresh rate (240Hz) among them. The ASUS TUF 18 below also states 64GB of RAM, but this one adds a 240Hz screen and an 18 inch panel. It carries a GeForce RTX 5070.
Pros
- 64GB of RAM
- 18 inch screen: the largest size in the list
- 240Hz refresh rate
- GeForce RTX 5070 with 8GB of graphics memory
Cons
- Weight not stated by the seller
- 8GB graphics memory, less than the top pick's 12GB
- 1TB of storage, while the pick below states 2TB
Good fit if
- A player who wants 64GB of RAM on an 18 inch screen
- A player who wants a 240Hz refresh rate with an RTX 5070
Skip if
- A player who needs the weight stated before ordering: this listing does not state it
- A player who wants more than 8GB of graphics memory
Verdict: The MSI Crosshair 18 HX ranks second on 64GB of RAM, an 18 inch screen and a 240Hz refresh rate.
3 64GB of RAM with 2TB of storage
ASUS TUF 18 AI Gaming Laptop
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 7 260
- GPU
- GeForce RTX 5060
- GPU memory
- 8 GB
- RAM
- 64 GB
- Storage
- 2000 GB
- Screen
- 18 in
- Refresh
- 144 Hz
- Weight
- 2.6 kg
$2,449.00 price as of 2026-10-10 04:20 UTC (Details)
This pick ranks third as the second 64GB entry, placed after the Crosshair above because its screen states 144Hz rather than 240Hz. It offers 2TB of storage, the most alongside 64GB of RAM in the list, and an 18 inch screen with Windows 11 Pro.
Pros
- 64GB of RAM
- 2TB of storage
- 18 inch screen
- Windows 11 Pro
Cons
- 144Hz refresh rate: lower than the 240Hz picks above
- 8GB graphics memory, less than the 12GB top pick
- 2.6kg weight: among the higher stated figures here
Good fit if
- A player who wants 64GB of RAM with 2TB of storage
- A player who wants Windows 11 Pro on an 18 inch screen
Skip if
- A player who wants a 240Hz refresh rate rather than 144Hz
- A player who wants a lighter laptop: 2.6kg is among the higher stated weights
Verdict: The ASUS TUF 18 pairs 64GB of RAM with 2TB of storage on an 18 inch 144Hz screen.
4 RTX 5070 with a 240Hz screen and 2TB
HP Omen RTX 5070 AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX 240Hz Gaming Laptop
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX
- GPU
- RTX 5070
- GPU memory
- 8 GB
- RAM
- 32 GB
- Storage
- 2000 GB
- Screen
- 16 in
- Refresh
- 240 Hz
- Weight
- 2.45 kg
$2,249.00 price as of 2026-10-10 04:21 UTC (Details)
This pick ranks fourth as the first of the 32GB entries: it states 240Hz, the highest refresh rate of this group, and 2TB of storage. The Alienware below matches it on RAM, refresh and storage, and this one takes the earlier position by pool order. Its RTX 5070 has the same stated 8GB as the next several picks.
Pros
- 240Hz refresh rate
- 32GB of RAM
- 2TB of storage
- RTX 5070 with 8GB of graphics memory
Cons
- 2.45kg: heavier than several other 16 inch picks
- Windows 11 Home, not Pro
- 8GB graphics memory
Good fit if
- A player who wants a 240Hz 16 inch screen with 32GB of RAM
- A player who wants an RTX 5070 with 2TB of storage
Skip if
- A player who wants more than 8GB of graphics memory
- A player who wants Windows 11 Pro (this listing states Windows 11 Home)
Verdict: The HP Omen is the lead 32GB pick, with a 240Hz 16 inch screen, an RTX 5070 and 2TB of storage.
5 Ultra 9 275HX with a 240Hz 16 inch screen
Dell Alien-Ware 16X Aurora Gaming AI Laptop 16" WQXGA 240Hz
- CPU
- Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
- GPU
- GeForce RTX 5070
- GPU memory
- 8 GB
- RAM
- 32 GB
- Storage
- 2000 GB
- Screen
- 16 in
- Refresh
- 240 Hz
- OS
- Windows 11 Pro
$2,799.00 price as of 2026-10-10 04:21 UTC (Details)
Outside this guide's budget at today's price.
This pick ranks fifth among the 32GB 240Hz entries by pool order. It matches the HP Omen on RAM, refresh and storage, with an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX instead of the AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX. Windows 11 Pro is part of the listing.
Pros
- 32GB of RAM
- 2TB of storage
- 240Hz refresh rate
- Windows 11 Pro
Cons
- Weight not stated by the seller
- 8GB graphics memory
Good fit if
- A player who wants Windows 11 Pro with 2TB of storage
- A player who wants an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX with a 240Hz screen
Skip if
- A player who needs the weight stated before ordering: this listing does not state it
- A player who wants more than 8GB of graphics memory
Verdict: The Alienware 16X matches 32GB, 2TB and 240Hz with an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX.
6 18 inch 240Hz screen with 32GB and 2TB
msi Crosshair 18 HX AI Gaming Laptop 18" QHD+ 240Hz 100% DCI-P3 Intel
- CPU
- Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
- GPU
- GeForce RTX 5070
- GPU memory
- 8 GB
- RAM
- 32 GB
- Storage
- 2000 GB
- Screen
- 18 in
- Refresh
- 240 Hz
- OS
- Windows 11 Pro
$2,229.99 price as of 2026-10-10 04:22 UTC (Details)
This pick ranks sixth as another 32GB 240Hz entry, placed after the 16 inch models of the same tier by pool order. It offers the largest screen among the 32GB picks: 18 inches, with 2TB of storage and Windows 11 Pro.
Pros
- 18 inch screen: tied for the largest here
- 240Hz refresh rate
- 2TB of storage
- Windows 11 Pro
Cons
- Weight not stated by the seller
- 8GB graphics memory
Good fit if
- A player who wants an 18 inch screen at 240Hz with 32GB of RAM
- A player who wants 2TB of storage with Windows 11 Pro
Skip if
- A player who needs the weight stated before ordering: this listing does not state it
- A player who wants more than 8GB of graphics memory
Verdict: The MSI Crosshair 18 HX brings an 18 inch 240Hz screen to the 32GB tier.
7 240Hz screen with a GeForce RTX 5060
Lenovo Legion 5 16" WQXGA 240Hz Gaming Laptop
- CPU
- Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
- GPU
- GeForce RTX 5060
- GPU memory
- 8 GB
- RAM
- 32 GB
- Storage
- 1000 GB
- Screen
- 16 in
- Refresh
- 240 Hz
- Weight
- 2.45 kg
$2,249.00 price as of 2026-10-10 04:22 UTC (Details)
This pick ranks seventh among the 32GB 240Hz entries, after the Crosshair 18 by pool order. It states a GeForce RTX 5060 rather than the RTX 5070 of the picks above it, and that GPU carries the same stated 8GB. The screen is 16 inches.
Pros
- 240Hz refresh rate
- 32GB of RAM
- Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
- 16 inch screen
Cons
- Operating system not stated by the seller
- 1TB of storage
- 8GB graphics memory
Good fit if
- A player who wants a 240Hz screen with 32GB of RAM
- A player who wants a Lenovo Legion with an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
Skip if
- A player who wants the operating system stated in the listing
- A player who wants more than 1TB of storage
Verdict: The Lenovo Legion 5 16 states a 240Hz screen, 32GB of RAM and a GeForce RTX 5060.
8 165Hz OLED screen with 32GB of RAM
Lenovo Legion 5a Gaming Laptop
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 7 250
- GPU
- GeForce RTX 5060
- GPU memory
- 8 GB
- RAM
- 32 GB
- Storage
- 1000 GB
- Screen
- 15.3 in
- Refresh
- 165 Hz
- Weight
- 2.27 kg
$1,999.99 price as of 2026-10-10 04:22 UTC (Details)
This pick ranks eighth as the first of the 32GB 165Hz entries by pool order. Its 15.3 inch OLED display is the only OLED among the picks with a stated refresh rate. It carries a GeForce RTX 5060 with 8GB.
Pros
- OLED display
- 165Hz refresh rate
- 32GB of RAM
- GeForce RTX 5060 with 8GB of graphics memory
Cons
- 165Hz: lower than the 240Hz picks above
- 1TB of storage
Good fit if
- A player who wants an OLED screen with a 165Hz refresh rate
- A player who wants 32GB of RAM on a 15.3 inch laptop
Skip if
- A player who wants a 240Hz refresh rate
- A player who wants 2TB of storage
Verdict: The Lenovo Legion 5a combines an OLED screen, 165Hz refresh and 32GB of RAM.
9 Radeon RX 7700S with 32GB of RAM
ASUS TUF Gaming A16 Laptop 16" WUXGA 165Hz 100% sRGB AMD 8-core Ryzen 7
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS
- GPU
- Radeon RX 7700S
- GPU memory
- 8 GB
- RAM
- 32 GB
- Storage
- 1000 GB
- Screen
- 16 in
- Refresh
- 165 Hz
- Weight
- 2.2 kg
$1,569.00 price as of 2026-10-10 04:20 UTC (Details)
This pick ranks ninth as the second 32GB 165Hz entry by pool order. It is the only pick in this guide with a Radeon graphics card: a Radeon RX 7700S with 8GB. The screen is 16 inches at 165Hz.
Pros
- Radeon RX 7700S with 8GB: the only Radeon here
- 32GB of RAM
- 165Hz refresh rate
- 16 inch screen
Cons
- 165Hz: lower than the 240Hz picks above
- 1TB of storage
Good fit if
- A player who wants a Radeon RX 7700S with 8GB of graphics memory
- A player who wants a 16 inch 165Hz screen with 32GB of RAM
Skip if
- A player who wants a 240Hz refresh rate
- A player who wants more than 1TB of storage
Verdict: The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 is the Radeon option in this list, with 32GB of RAM and a 165Hz screen.
10 32GB of RAM with an RTX 5060 at 165Hz
ASUS TUF 16" FHD+
- CPU
- Intel Core i7-14650HX
- GPU
- GeForce RTX 5060
- GPU memory
- 8 GB
- RAM
- 32 GB
- Storage
- 1000 GB
- Screen
- 16 in
- Refresh
- 165 Hz
- OS
- Windows 11
$2,122.83 price as of 2026-10-10 04:20 UTC (Details)
This pick ranks tenth as the third 32GB 165Hz entry by pool order. It matches the Legion 5a and the TUF A16 on RAM and refresh, with an Intel Core i7-14650HX. The listing does not state a weight.
Pros
- 32GB of RAM
- 165Hz refresh rate
- GeForce RTX 5060 with 8GB of graphics memory
- Intel Core i7-14650HX
Cons
- Weight not stated by the seller
- 1TB of storage
Good fit if
- A player who wants 32GB of RAM with a 165Hz screen
- A player who wants an Intel Core i7-14650HX processor
Skip if
- A player who needs the weight stated before ordering: this listing does not state it
- A player who wants 2TB of storage
Verdict: The ASUS TUF 16 pairs 32GB of RAM with a 165Hz screen and a GeForce RTX 5060.
11 Lightest pick here with an RTX 5070
Lenovo Legion 5 15IRX10 15.1" WQXGA OLED
- CPU
- Intel Core i9
- GPU
- GeForce RTX 5070
- GPU memory
- 8 GB
- RAM
- 32 GB
- Storage
- 1000 GB
- Screen
- 15.1 in
- Weight
- 1.9 kg
- OS
- Windows 11 Home
$2,489.00 price as of 2026-10-10 04:22 UTC (Details)
This pick ranks eleventh as a 32GB entry without a stated refresh rate, so it follows the 165Hz group. At 1.9kg it is the lightest weight stated in the list. It also states an OLED screen and 32GB of RAM.
Pros
- 1.9kg: the lightest weight stated here
- 32GB of RAM
- RTX 5070 with 8GB of graphics memory
- OLED display
Cons
- Refresh rate not stated by the seller
- 15.1 inch screen: the smallest in the list
- 1TB of storage
Good fit if
- A player who carries the laptop to a friend's place: 1.9kg is the lightest stated here
- A player who wants an OLED screen with an RTX 5070
Skip if
- A player who wants the refresh rate stated in the listing
- A player who wants a screen larger than 15.1 inches
Verdict: The Lenovo Legion 5 15IRX10 is the lightest pick here, with 32GB of RAM, an RTX 5070 and an OLED screen.
12 165Hz screen on a 15.6 inch laptop
acer Nitro V 15.6” FHD IPS 165Hz Gaming Laptop
- CPU
- Intel Core i5-13420H
- GPU
- GeForce RTX 5050
- GPU memory
- 8 GB
- RAM
- 16 GB
- Storage
- 512 GB
- Screen
- 15.6 in
- Refresh
- 165 Hz
- Weight
- 2.11 kg
$1,049.99 price as of 2026-10-10 04:20 UTC (Details)
This pick ranks twelfth as the first of the 16GB entries by pool order, with a 165Hz screen. It is the lead entry-level option in the list, with an RTX 5050 and 512GB of storage.
Pros
- 165Hz refresh rate
- GeForce RTX 5050 with 8GB of graphics memory
- 15.6 inch screen
- Windows 11 Home
Cons
- 16GB of RAM: the lowest tier here
- 512GB of storage: the smallest stated here
Good fit if
- A player who wants a 15.6 inch laptop with a 165Hz screen
- A player who wants an RTX 5050 with 8GB of graphics memory
Skip if
- A player who wants more than 16GB of RAM
- A player who wants more than 512GB of storage
Verdict: The Acer Nitro V leads the 16GB group with a 165Hz screen and an RTX 5050.
13 16 inch screen with an RTX 5060 at 165Hz
Acer Nitro V 16" WUXGA IPS 165Hz Gaming Laptop
- CPU
- Intel Core 7 240H
- GPU
- GeForce RTX 5060
- GPU memory
- 8 GB
- RAM
- 16 GB
- Storage
- 1000 GB
- Screen
- 16 in
- Refresh
- 165 Hz
- Weight
- 2.1 kg
$1,689.95 price as of 2026-10-10 04:20 UTC (Details)
This pick ranks thirteenth as the second 16GB 165Hz entry by pool order. It offers a larger 16 inch screen and 1TB of storage compared with the Acer above it, and a GeForce RTX 5060 with 8GB.
Pros
- 16 inch screen
- 165Hz refresh rate
- 1TB of storage
- GeForce RTX 5060 with 8GB of graphics memory
Cons
- 16GB of RAM: the lowest tier here
- 165Hz: lower than the 240Hz picks above
Good fit if
- A player who wants a 16 inch screen with a 165Hz refresh rate
- A player who wants 1TB of storage with an RTX 5060
Skip if
- A player who wants more than 16GB of RAM
- A player who wants a 240Hz refresh rate
Verdict: The Acer Nitro V 16 adds a 16 inch 165Hz screen and 1TB of storage to an RTX 5060.
14 RTX 5060 with 144Hz on a 15.6 inch screen
Lenovo LOQ 15.6" IPS FHD 144Hz AMD Ryzen 7 250 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 7 250
- GPU
- GeForce RTX 5060
- GPU memory
- 8 GB
- RAM
- 16 GB
- Screen
- 15.6 in
- Refresh
- 144 Hz
- Weight
- 2.39 kg
- OS
- Windows 11 Home
$1,299.99 price as of 2026-10-10 04:22 UTC (Details)
This pick ranks fourteenth as a 16GB entry with a 144Hz screen, after the two 165Hz Nitros. It pairs a GeForce RTX 5060 with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
Pros
- GeForce RTX 5060 with 8GB of graphics memory
- 15.6 inch screen
- Windows 11 Home
Cons
- 144Hz: the lowest refresh rate stated here
- 16GB of RAM: the lowest tier here
- 512GB of storage
Good fit if
- A player who wants an RTX 5060 with 16GB of RAM
- A player who wants a 15.6 inch screen at 144Hz
Skip if
- A player who wants a 165Hz or 240Hz screen
- A player who wants more than 512GB of storage
Verdict: The Lenovo LOQ states an RTX 5060, a 144Hz screen and 16GB of RAM.
15 RTX 5050 with a 144Hz screen
Lenovo LOQ 15 AI Gaming Laptop
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 7 170
- GPU
- GeForce RTX 5050
- GPU memory
- 8 GB
- RAM
- 16 GB
- Storage
- 512 GB
- Screen
- 15.6 in
- Refresh
- 144 Hz
- Weight
- 2.3 kg
$1,289.00 price as of 2026-10-10 04:22 UTC (Details)
This pick ranks fifteenth as the final 16GB 144Hz entry by pool order. It states Windows 11 Pro where the LOQ above states Windows 11 Home, and its 2.3kg weight is just below the LOQ's 2.39kg.
Pros
- Windows 11 Pro
- GeForce RTX 5050 with 8GB of graphics memory
- 144Hz refresh rate
- 15.6 inch screen
Cons
- 16GB of RAM: the lowest tier here
- 512GB of storage
Good fit if
- A player who wants Windows 11 Pro on a 15.6 inch gaming laptop
- A player who wants an RTX 5050 with 8GB of graphics memory
Skip if
- A player who wants more than 16GB of RAM
- A player who wants a refresh rate above 144Hz
Verdict: The Lenovo LOQ 15 AI closes the list with an RTX 5050, a 144Hz screen and Windows 11 Pro.
Side by side
| # | Laptop | CPU | GPU | GPU memory | Rentable GPU model | RAM | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | msi Vector 16 HX AI 16" 240Hz QHD+ Gaming Laptop | AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX | GeForce RTX 5070 Ti | 12 GB | not stated | 32 GB | 1000 GB |
| 2 | MSI Crosshair 18 HX AI Gaming Laptop 18" QHD+ 240Hz | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX | GeForce RTX 5070 | 8 GB | not stated | 64 GB | 1000 GB |
| 3 | ASUS TUF 18 AI Gaming Laptop | AMD Ryzen 7 260 | GeForce RTX 5060 | 8 GB | not stated | 64 GB | 2000 GB |
| 4 | HP Omen RTX 5070 AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX 240Hz Gaming Laptop | AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX | RTX 5070 | 8 GB | not stated | 32 GB | 2000 GB |
| 5 | Dell Alien-Ware 16X Aurora Gaming AI Laptop 16" WQXGA 240Hz | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX | GeForce RTX 5070 | 8 GB | not stated | 32 GB | 2000 GB |
| 6 | msi Crosshair 18 HX AI Gaming Laptop 18" QHD+ 240Hz 100% DCI-P3 Intel | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX | GeForce RTX 5070 | 8 GB | not stated | 32 GB | 2000 GB |
| 7 | Lenovo Legion 5 16" WQXGA 240Hz Gaming Laptop | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX | GeForce RTX 5060 | 8 GB | not stated | 32 GB | 1000 GB |
| 8 | Lenovo Legion 5a Gaming Laptop | AMD Ryzen 7 250 | GeForce RTX 5060 | 8 GB | not stated | 32 GB | 1000 GB |
| 9 | ASUS TUF Gaming A16 Laptop 16" WUXGA 165Hz 100% sRGB AMD 8-core Ryzen 7 | AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS | Radeon RX 7700S | 8 GB | not stated | 32 GB | 1000 GB |
| 10 | ASUS TUF 16" FHD+ | Intel Core i7-14650HX | GeForce RTX 5060 | 8 GB | not stated | 32 GB | 1000 GB |
| 11 | Lenovo Legion 5 15IRX10 15.1" WQXGA OLED | Intel Core i9 | GeForce RTX 5070 | 8 GB | not stated | 32 GB | 1000 GB |
| 12 | acer Nitro V 15.6” FHD IPS 165Hz Gaming Laptop | Intel Core i5-13420H | GeForce RTX 5050 | 8 GB | not stated | 16 GB | 512 GB |
| 13 | Acer Nitro V 16" WUXGA IPS 165Hz Gaming Laptop | Intel Core 7 240H | GeForce RTX 5060 | 8 GB | not stated | 16 GB | 1000 GB |
| 14 | Lenovo LOQ 15.6" IPS FHD 144Hz AMD Ryzen 7 250 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 | AMD Ryzen 7 250 | GeForce RTX 5060 | 8 GB | not stated | 16 GB | not stated |
| 15 | Lenovo LOQ 15 AI Gaming Laptop | AMD Ryzen 7 170 | GeForce RTX 5050 | 8 GB | not stated | 16 GB | 512 GB |
How we picked
This gaming laptop reviews guide compares 15 laptops drawn from a pool of 36 priced listings, all of them candidates for the best gaming laptop. The pool holds laptops that state a dedicated graphics card with 8GB or more of graphics memory and 16GB or more of RAM. The guide orders the picks by stated graphics memory first (most first), then by stated RAM, then by the screen refresh rate, with ties broken by the order in the pool file. Every pick is compared on the specifications stated in its listing and on its live price; no laptop here has been measured or run by this site. Where a listing does not state a figure, the guide says so.
How to choose
What the graphics card and its memory decide
The graphics card does most of the work of drawing a game, and the amount of graphics memory limits how large and detailed the scenes and textures it can hold. Every pick in this guide states a dedicated graphics card with 8GB or more of graphics memory, and the top pick states 12GB on a GeForce RTX 5070 Ti. The maker of the GeForce RTX 50 series describes features such as DLSS and ray tracing for this generation of laptop graphics cards. More graphics memory is not a promise of a specific frame rate, but it gives a game more room for large, detailed scenes. This guide orders the picks by stated graphics memory first.
Refresh rate: what the screen can redraw
The refresh rate is how many times per second the screen can redraw. Higher numbers, such as the 240Hz stated on several picks, are the screen spec that competitive players look for. A laptop only benefits when the game itself delivers that many frames per second: a high refresh screen does not create frames by itself. The picks here range from 144Hz to 240Hz, and one listing does not state the refresh rate. A player who plays fast, competitive games will want to compare the higher refresh figures.
RAM when the game, voice chat and a stream run together
RAM holds the game, a launcher, a browser, voice chat and a stream or capture program open at the same time. The picks in this guide range from 16GB to 64GB of RAM. Most state 32GB, while two state 64GB and several state 16GB. More RAM gives more room for those programs to run together. A player who opens many programs next to the game will want more than the 16GB floor, while a player who only runs the game alone can work with less.
Screen size and weight when the laptop travels
A larger screen shows more of the game on a 16 or 18 inch panel, while a lighter laptop is easier to carry to a LAN event or between rooms. The lightest pick in this list states 1.9kg, and the heaviest stated weight is 2.7kg. Several listings do not state a weight at all. A player who carries the laptop often should compare the stated weights, and a player who plays mostly at a desk can favor the largest screen: the 18 inch picks here.
Operating system and storage
Most picks state Windows 11, Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro; one listing does not state an operating system. Windows 11 states a minimum of 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, and every pick in this guide exceeds both figures. Storage holds the game library: the picks range from 512GB to 2TB. A player with a large library of installed games will want one of the 2TB picks, while 512GB suits a smaller library.
Questions
Does this guide cover frame rates, fan noise or battery life?
No. The catalogue behind this guide lists only the specifications each seller states: RAM, CPU, GPU and graphics memory, storage, screen size, refresh rate, weight and operating system. It has no data for frame rates, fan noise, thermals or battery life in hours. This guide never guesses at figures it does not have, so those topics are left out of the comparison entirely.
What does graphics memory do for a game?
Graphics memory sits on the graphics card and holds the scenes, textures and geometry the card is drawing. More of it gives a game room for larger and more detailed scenes. The picks here state 8GB or 12GB of graphics memory. More graphics memory does not by itself set a frame rate; this guide orders on it because it is the stated spec that limits scene detail.
Is a 240Hz screen worth it?
A 240Hz screen can redraw up to 240 times per second, the highest refresh rate stated in this list. It only matters when the game delivers that many frames per second, because a screen cannot create frames the graphics card does not produce. Competitive players of fast games are the most likely to notice a higher refresh rate. Lower figures like 144Hz are still stated on several picks.
How much RAM should a gaming laptop have?
The picks in this guide range from 16GB to 64GB of RAM. RAM holds the game and the programs often open next to it, such as a browser, voice chat or a stream. A player who runs several of those at once will find room in 32GB, and two picks state 64GB. The 16GB picks are the entry level here. No game has a stated RAM figure in this guide, so the advice stays at what RAM does.
Why do some listings not state a weight or refresh rate?
Every pick comes from a seller listing, and sellers do not always state every specification. Where a figure is missing, this guide writes 'not stated by the seller' instead of guessing. For example, the Lenovo Legion 5 15IRX10 states no refresh rate, and several other listings state no weight. The comparison sticks to the figures each listing actually gives.
What does 'compared on specifications and live prices' mean?
Each pick in this guide is compared on the specifications its listing states, such as graphics memory, RAM, refresh rate, screen size, weight and storage. The live price shown next to each pick is the price read from the listing when this guide was written. Prices change over time, so the guide avoids stating dollar figures in the text and lets the page show the current price for each laptop.
Recent updates
- : First published.