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 CA$500 for gaming
ASUS Vivobook Go 14" AMD Ryzen 5 7520U 16GB 512GB
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Acer Aspire 3 15.6" AMD Ryzen 3 7320U 8GB 512GB
Lenovo Tab M8 Gen 4, 8" 350 nits, 2GB, 32GB
Why we recommend this ▼
Its MediaTek Helio A22 processor and Android 12 Go edition are optimized for efficient basic task performance. The 8-inch HD display and compact form factor make it highly portable for on-the-go use. This tablet is best for users needing a simple, affordable device for web browsing, reading, and light media consumption.
HP Portable Laptop, Student and Business, 14" HD
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 16GB of RAM provides a notable advantage for basic multitasking over typical budget laptops with only 4GB or 8GB. The inclusion of a full suite of ports, including USB-C and RJ-45, offers practical connectivity for a classroom or home office. This laptop is best for students and remote workers who primarily need a device for web browsing, document editing, and video calls.
Best Laptops under CA$1,000 for gaming
Lenovo 15.6" LOQ 15IRX9 Gaming Laptop (Luna Gray)
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Acer Nitro L 16" Intel i5-13420H GeForce RTX 3050
HP Victus 15.6" FHD 144Hz Gaming Laptop, Intel
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 144Hz IPS display and RTX 3050 graphics provide smooth visuals for mainstream gaming. The 8-core Intel i5-13420H processor and backlit keyboard offer solid performance and usability for its class. This laptop is best for budget-conscious gamers prioritizing high refresh rates for competitive titles like esports.
Gigabyte A16 16" Intel i7-13620H GeForce RTX 4050
Best Laptops under CA$2,000 for gaming
Acer 16" Predator Helios Neo 16 AI LED IPS Gaming
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These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
ASUS Vivobook V16 V3607 16" WUXGA 144Hz Laptop,
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 10-core Intel 240H CPU and discrete RTX 5060 GPU deliver strong performance for gaming and content creation on its 144Hz 16-inch display. The generous 32GB of DDR5 RAM and comprehensive port selection, including HDMI 2.1, enhance its versatility for multi-tasking and connectivity. This laptop is best for competitive gamers and 3D modelers who prioritize high frame rates and dedicated graphics power in a relatively portable 1.95kg chassis.
MSI Raider GE68HX 16" FHD+ 144Hz Gaming Laptop
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 24-core Intel 14900HX processor and RTX 4070 graphics deliver top-tier performance for demanding AAA games and 3D rendering. The inclusion of a high-refresh-rate display, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, and a touchscreen adds significant versatility beyond raw power. This laptop is best for competitive esports players and 3D animators who need maximum frame rates and fast asset processing.
GIGABYTE - AERO X16 - Copilot+ PC - 16" 2560×1600
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, which delivers substantial AI horsepower and next-level graphics for demanding tasks, all within a remarkably thin 16.75mm chassis. The 14-hour battery life and Windows Copilot+ AI integration significantly boost on-the-go productivity and creative workflows. This laptop is best for mobile gamers and content creators who prioritize a powerful GPU and long battery life in a portable, AI-enhanced package.
Premium Laptops for gaming
ASUS ROG Strix Scar- 16" GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop
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These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Lenovo 16" Legion Pro 7i Gaming Laptop
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 GPU paired with a 240Hz OLED display, delivering exceptional visual fidelity and smoothness for high-end gaming. The laptop's robust 99Wh battery and comprehensive connectivity, including Thunderbolt and WiFi 7, support extended, versatile use beyond just gaming. This machine is best for competitive esports players and professional 3D artists who require top-tier graphical performance and a high-refresh-rate screen for real-time rendering.
MSI 16" Vector 16 HX AI Gaming Laptop
Why we recommend this ▼
Its Intel 275HX processor and RTX 5080 graphics deliver top-tier performance for demanding games and creative tasks. The 16-inch 240Hz QHD display offers a smooth, bright visual experience, supported by a robust port selection including Thunderbolt and WiFi 7. This laptop is best for competitive gamers and 3D artists who require maximum frame rates and rendering power in a desktop-replacement form factor.
Gigabyte GIGABYTE AORUS ELITE 16 Gaming Laptop - 165Hz
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 24-core Intel Ultra 9 275HX processor and RTX 5070 GPU deliver desktop-tier performance for demanding tasks like 3D rendering and competitive gaming. The 16-inch 240Hz display ensures exceptionally smooth visuals, while the integrated GiMATE AI assistant offers a unique layer of smart system interaction. This laptop is ideal for competitive esports players and AI developers who need maximum processing power in a portable, albeit not ultra-compact, form factor.
