Find the best laptop for gaming in 2026
To find the best gaming laptop we recommend to focus on these characteristics:
- Graphics card - look for latest offering from Nvidia and AMD, make sure it's discrete and has enough VRAM
- Thermal performance - rule of thumb: opt for thick and heavy laptop as they tend to handle workload better
- Display - 2K display with fast response (1ms) and high refresh rate (120Hz+) is optimal
Best laptops under $500 for gaming
HP OMEN 16" AI Gaming Laptop, 2K 144Hz IPS 300Nits
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Auusda 16" Business Laptop, Windows 11 Pro Laptop
Why we recommend this ▼
Its discrete AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme GPU provides significant graphics power for a business laptop, enabling solid gaming performance. The 16-inch touchscreen and Windows 11 Pro offer versatile productivity, while the backlit keyboard and fingerprint unlock add practical security. This laptop is best for business users who also want capable gaming and media playback on a single device.
ASUS 15.6" Vivobook 15 Laptop (Quiet Blue)
Why we recommend this ▼
Its AMD 7430U processor and discrete Radeon graphics provide capable performance for everyday multitasking and light creative work. The 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD offer good responsiveness for a budget-friendly machine, while its 1.70kg weight makes it reasonably portable. This laptop is best for students and home office users who need reliable performance for productivity software and web browsing without a high price tag.
Best laptops under $1000 for gaming
Acer 16" Nitro V Gaming Laptop
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
MSI Summit Pro 16 16" Touchscreen Laptop Intel
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 16-core Intel 255H CPU and RTX 4050 GPU deliver strong performance for creators and moderate gaming on its 16-inch touchscreen. The 32GB of DDR5 RAM and Thunderbolt connectivity support demanding multitasking and fast data transfers. This laptop is best for content creators needing a portable workstation for video editing and 3D rendering, and for users who value touchscreen functionality in a Windows environment.
Microsoft MSI Thin 15 Gaming Laptop, 15.6" FHD 144Hz, Intel
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 8-core Intel i5-13420H and RTX 4060 graphics deliver strong 1080p gaming performance, supported by a 144Hz display for smooth visuals. The laptop maintains a relatively portable 2.22kg build while offering a comprehensive port selection, including USB-C and RJ45. This device is best for gamers and students who need a capable, well-connected machine for modern titles and multitasking without a desktop.
Dell - Plus - Copilot+ PC - 14" 2K 2-in-1
Why we recommend this ▼
Its discrete AMD Radeon 860 graphics and 8-core processor provide solid performance for a 14-inch touchscreen laptop. The 1TB SSD and 16GB of RAM offer good multitasking headroom in a portable form factor. This model is best for students or general users who need a capable, all-around Windows machine for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Best laptops under $2000 for gaming
Lenovo - Legion Pro 5 16" 2.5K OLED Gaming Laptop
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
ASUS ROG Strix G16 G615 16" WQXGA 240Hz Gaming
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 24-core Intel Ultra 9 275HX and RTX 5060 GPU provide exceptional power for demanding creator tasks and high-framerate gaming. The 16-inch 240Hz WQXGA display offers a sharp, fluid visual experience, supported by a robust 90Wh battery for extended mobile use. This laptop is best for competitive esports players and 3D animators who need a high-refresh screen and desktop-caliber processing power in a portable, albeit not ultra-compact, form factor.
MSI Creator M14 A13V A13VF-081US 14" 2.8K Laptop,
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 14-inch 2.8K display and RTX 4060 graphics provide a potent, portable package for creators needing color accuracy and GPU power. The 32GB of DDR5 RAM and 2TB SSD offer excellent multitasking headroom and storage for large project files. This laptop is best for digital artists and content creators who prioritize a high-resolution screen and strong performance in a compact, sub-4-pound chassis.
HP Omen MAX RTX 5070 Gaming Laptop, 16" WQXGA
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 64GB of high-speed DDR5 RAM and NVIDIA RTX 5070 graphics provide exceptional multitasking and gaming power for a laptop. The 16-inch WQXGA display offers a sharp 240Hz refresh rate ideal for fast-paced competitive titles. This machine is best for competitive esports players and power users who need to simultaneously run demanding games, streaming software, and numerous background applications.