Playing your favourite computer games at high performance and maximum resolution should not require you to purchase a large desktop computer. The gaming laptops available today are made to perform at a high level. In this article, you are provided with the top 10 picks of the best gaming laptops in 2021 you should buy now.
Table of Contents
- 1. HP Pavilion Full HD Gaming Laptop
- 2. HP OMEN 17 Gaming Laptop
- 3. ASUS TUF FX506LIGaming Laptop
- 4. ASUS TUF FX505GT Gaming Laptop
- 5. Alienware Area 51m R2 17.3 Inch FHD Gaming Laptop
- 6. Razer Blade Gaming Laptop 15 Base Edition Full HD
- 7. MSI GF63 Thin 10SCXR-426 – 15.6 Inch Full HD Gaming Laptop
- 8. Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop
- 9. Dell G5 15.6 inch FHD Gaming laptop
If you are an avid gamer, and you play popular games such as Minecraft, World of Warcraft, or Grand Theft Auto, or The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, or Total War: Warhammer 2, or The Walking Dead, then you will know that you need a powerful gaming laptop that can handle heavy CPU usage and demands. Gaming laptops differ from standard laptops and notebooks in that they provide a higher-quality image, more memory, improved sound, and, high speed.
As your primary gaming PC, gaming laptops have a lot to offer. A dedicated gamer may be irritated with a laptop that that lacks the required power, screen resolution, audio and graphics to run the games mentioned above. So, to avoid being irritated when playing any of these games, why not treat yourself to a gaming laptop that is designed just for gaming.
The best gaming laptop for your gaming needs can be difficult to find, and you may have to make some compromises in your search for a suitable gaming laptop: you may select a powerful gaming laptop that pushes the boundaries of what can really be described as a gaming laptop or a lightweight machine with poor performance. Although in recent years, there has been a significant improvement in the make of gaming laptops, primarily due to more powerful and efficient GPUs from AMD and Nvidia.
While many gamers may go to desktops to get the most performance for their money, try lugging a tower, monitor and keyboard around in your backpack. When you need a powerful rig you can take with you, there’s no substitute for a gaming laptop. The only issue is the price. The best gaming laptops are exorbitantly priced. However, because you won’t be able to upgrade crucial performance components like the CPU or GPU later on, you shouldn’t skimp if you can afford it. You might come to regret choosing a lower GPU a few months down the road when the latest games stutter on-screen.
To assist you in finding the best gaming laptop these days, here are a list of the top 10 best models of gaming laptop. While many gamers choose desktops to get the most out of their gaming experience, gaming laptops are the best option you can take with you while you are on the go.
The top 10 picks of best gaming laptops on this list should be ready to run Windows 10, be able to meet your gaming needs, whatever your choice of game you choose to play.
1. HP Pavilion Full HD Gaming Laptop
Specifications:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 4600H, AMD Ryzen 7 4800H, Intel Core i5-10300H
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, 1650 Ti , 1660 Ti (4 GB Dedicated)
RAM: 8 GB, 16GB
Screen: 17.3 Inch Full HD, 15.6 Inch Full HD
Storage: 256 GB SSD, 512 GB SSD, 1 TB HDD
Operating System: Windows 10
Best deals:
This top-rated gaming laptop from HP is great for dedicated gamers, thanks to its numerous exciting features which were all designed to make your gaming experience effortlessly enjoyable.
With a 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti with Max-Q design graphics, you can be rest assured that this gaming laptop will handle any task you throw at it. Designed for high-intensity use, you will be able to play without interruption. The gameplay images are smooth, thanks to the high-resolution display with a quick refresh rate.
This HP Pavilion Full HD Gaming Laptop is perfect for games such as Fortnite, Call of Duty Warzone, Fall Guys, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), as well as a number of other new game releases.
Equipped with Microsoft Windows 10 and its compatibility with Xbox Game Pass for PC; you can play hundreds of high-quality PC games on this Windows 10 gaming laptop with Xbox Game Pass for PC. This gaming laptop is also equipped with the OMEN Command Centre which serves as a single point of contact for all HP gaming systems, the Network Booster which sends gaming network traffic to the front of the line, as well as the System Vitals which dynamically displays your key metrics for maximum performance.
Furthermore, the large back corner vent and dual fan system keeps this gaming laptop cool, even if you have been stuck at your controller gaming for hours. You can in fact feel you are ‘in the game’ thanks to the front-facing speakers, as well as the custom-tuning which results in out-of-this-world sounds.
Pros:
- Lightning fast 256GB NVME SSD
- Keyboard is nice to type on and the trackpad is decent
- Charges quickly
- Fan is silent when browsing the internet and other light use.
Cons:
- Reported problems of upgrading beyond the default 8GB RAM.
- Small 256GB SSD, though this is an attribute that is made very clear at the point of purchase.
- When connected to wifi, the laptop’s internet accessibility may drop every few hours.
2. HP OMEN 17 Gaming Laptop
Specifications:
CPU: Intel Core i7-10750H, AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 (6 GB Dedicated), RTX 2070, 144Hz, GTX 1060 (6 GB Dedicated), 144Hz, RTX 2080, 144Hz (8 GB Dedicated).
RAM: 16 GB
Screen: 15.6 Inch, 17.3 Inch
Storage: 256GB SSD, 512 GB SSD, 1 TB HDD
Operating System: Windows 10
Best deals:
This laptop combines the power of a desktop computer with the portability of a laptop. With the 10th generation Intel Core i7-10750H processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super graphics, and accelerated storage, nothing holds you back from having an ultimate gaming experience.
Similar to the HP Pavilion gaming laptop mentioned above, this gaming laptop is ideal for games such as Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War, Call of Duty Warzone, Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), and a lot of other new game releases.
Designed with HP Dual Speakers, HP Audio Boost, and custom tuning by the experts at Bang & Olufsen, the sound you feel awakens your senses and brings entertainment to life.
With an optimised IR sensor and thermal design, be sure that you have the latest in management of heat, and that this gaming laptop is kept cool without affecting the quality of your gaming experience.
Pros:
- Picture quality
- The plastic exterior feels solid and has a reassuring texture to it
- Also benefits from g-sync
- Keyboard
- Sound quality
Cons:
- Initial boot issue.
- Noisy fans
- Freezes
- Battery life
3. ASUS TUF FX506LIGaming Laptop
Specifications:
CPU: Intel i5-10300H, Intel i5-9300H
Graphics: Nvidia GTX 1650, Nvidia GTX 1650Ti, Nvidia GTX 1650Ti + 16GB RAM, Nvidia GTX 1650Ti + 8GB RAM
RAM: 16 GB
Screen: 15.6 Inch 60Hz, 15.6 Inch 144Hz, 15.6 Inch 144Hz ROG, 17.3 Inch 144Hz
Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
Operating System: Windows 10
Best deals:
This gaming laptop is powered by Intel Core i5-10300H Processor 2.5 GHZ (8M Cache, up to 4.5 GHz, 4 cores), that is designed for an ultimate gaming performance. With the 15.6-inch LED Backlit screen and anti-glare display, you can enjoy a great view of whichever game you are playing.
This gaming laptop comes with 8 GB RAM Size, with DDR4 SDRAM Computer Memory type, and are designed to run on various range of NVIDIA graphics, depending on the type you are getting, such as Nvidia GTX 1650, or Nvidia GTX 1650Ti, or Nvidia GTX 1650Ti + 16GB RAM, or Nvidia GTX 1650Ti + 8GB RAM providing stunning visuals to immerse you in your selected gameplay.
Pros:
- Screen
- Graphics
- Back lit keyboard
- Good connectivity, ports,
Cons:
- Battery life is not great
4. ASUS TUF FX505GT Gaming Laptop
Specifications:
CPU: Intel i5-9300H
Graphics: Nvidia GTX 1650,
RAM: 4 GB, 8 GB
Screen: 15.6 Inch 60Hz,
Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
Operating System: Windows 10
Best deals:
The ASUS TUF FX505GT Gaming laptop will alter your perception of gaming laptops. It offers high-performance gaming at an economical price, thanks to its IPS-level NanoEdge display and refresh rate of up to 144Hz, as well as the latest 9th Gen Intel® CoreTM processor and NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1650 graphics. It has also been tested and certified to military-grade MIL-STD-810G requirements, ensuring unparalleled hardness and durability.
The new NanoEdge design of this gaming laptop features an even thinner 6.5mm bezel for maximum immersion in a significantly smaller package. The IPS-level panel, with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, doubles the frames pushed out by standard displays, allowing you to experience actual triple-digit FPS. When more people gather around for split-screen gaming, watching videos, or collaborating on projects, the movement and animation are considerably smoother, and wide viewing angles keep the picture from washing out.
If you are looking for a compact gaming laptop that punches far beyond its weight, that is what the ASUS TUF FX505GT Gaming Laptop brings to the table. It is powered by the most recent 9th Gen Intel® CoreTM i7-9750H processor for quicker, more efficient multitasking, including daily productivity tasks, web browsing, and video and movie streaming. With the newest NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1650 graphics, you can be confident that the ASUS TUF FX505GT Gaming Laptop is up to the challenge, both in and out of the gaming arena.
The ASUS TUF FX505GT Gaming Laptop, infused with the spirit of The Ultimate Force (TUF), successfully survives a series of rigorous MIL-STD-810G tests, including solar radiation exposure, high altitude, and temperature extremes. It has been tested to withstand everyday use, from accidental knocks to sudden drops on a desk. This gaming laptop is durable and stable, and has been tested to ensure only the best for gamers.
The ASUS TUF FX505GT includes an aluminium Future Tank cover with the trademark Radiating-X design and a corresponding sand-blasted finish. The hexagonal pattern on the laptop’s underbelly adds structural rigidity while complementing the gaming laptop’s sleek and aggressive aesthetics.
With the RGB backlighting across all zones of this gaming laptop that can be customised via the TUF Aura Core panel, you are able to express your own personal style while gaming. Thanks to a desktop-inspired layout with a highlighted WASD key group, larger space bar, isolated arrow keys, and identifiable gaps between the function keys, the exclusive HyperStrike technology offers more accurate typing, improved ergonomics and provides supreme control in fast-paced games. Furthermore, with the overstroke technology, keystrokes registered more quickly, allowing for more precise and effortless control.
Pros:
- High-performance memory
- Immersive dts surround sound
- Hypercool technology improves durability
- Solidly built
- Desktop-inspired rgb-backlit keyboard
Cons:
- Battery life due to the high demands
- Noisy due to the cooling required
- Do not come with various ports like USB C or Firewire
5. Alienware Area 51m R2 17.3 Inch FHD Gaming Laptop
Specifications:
CPU: Intel Core i7 10700
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8 GB GDDR6
RAM: 16 GB
Screen: 17.3 Inches
Storage: 1 TB HDD & 512 GB SSD
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Best deals:
With the Alienware Area 51m R2 17.3 inch Intel® CoreTM i9 RTX 2080 Gaming Laptop, you get all the benefits of a compact laptop in a piece of kit that still packs the punch of a desktop. You’ll have amazing power behind you thanks to a 10th generation i9 processor, 10-core CPU, 16 GB of RAM, hard drive, and SSD storage. So, you can handle time-consuming software, demanding gaming, and able to carry out multiple different tasks at the same time.
Even the most dedicated gamers will be impressed by the Area 51m R2 17.3 inch Gaming laptop. With a 144 Hz display and Tobii Eye tracking technology, you would not want to miss out on your gaming activity for even a second. The quality of how the laptop looks and feels are supported by its sleek yet durable design and enhanced surface treatment.
You can play at full throttle with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super graphics that comes with this gaming laptop, and there is hardly nothing this beast of a GPU cannot handle. You will see more than ever before thanks to this gaming Laptop’s ability to generate massive amounts of detail almost instantly.
You may want to think again if you feel that a virtual reality (VR) game could not be played on a laptop because you will not be disappointed with the super-fast rendering and stunning realistic visuals of this laptop. With the heat pipes, thermal controls as well as a dual-intake airflow design, the Area 51m R2 gaming laptop has a number of practical ways to keep itself cool thereby improving its performance 100% of the time.
The Area 51m R2 17.3″ RTX 2080 Gaming Laptop gives you plenty of flexibility when it comes to upgrading your components. Both CPU and GPU upgrades are simple to execute, allowing you to keep up with the times and keep your laptop running at its best.
Pros:
- Keyboard
- Smooth and fast phenomenal for gaming
- Very good performance and well built
Cons:
- Price
- Quite heavy but you’d expect this from a gaming laptop with desktop parts.
- Battery runs out fast
- When trying to figure out why games crash, you may run into a number of issues and hassles.
- If you get the light version, be aware that the palm rest may darken and there will be nothing you can do about it (Alienware is offering a one time replacement).
- This laptop demands a lot of work straight out of the box; for example, if you want to play games, you must first learn how to under-volt the processor using the “intel extreme tuning utility.”
6. Razer Blade Gaming Laptop 15 Base Edition Full HD
Specifications:
CPU: Intel Core i7 10700
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
RAM: 16 GB
Screen: 15.6
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Best deals:
The Razer Blade Gaming Laptop is equipped with an NVIDIA brand RTX 3060 Graphics Card, which delivers an ultimate gaming experience, and features advanced 2nd generation Ray Tracing Cores and 3rd generation Tensor Cores with greater throughput.
This gaming laptop comes with 6-Core 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H processor which provides the ultimate level of performance On-The-Go, and an intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (Gig+) that delivers an optimum wireless gaming experience.
The Quad HD display, which supports up to 100% of the DC1-P3 colour space and has a 165Hz refresh rate, is ideal for gaming or creating. You will have the flexibility to increase settings and resolutions for a stunning visual experience, thanks to the NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) which is a ground-breaking AI rendering technology that uses GeForce RTX’s specialised AI processing Tensor Cores to enhance frame rates without sacrificing image quality.
For a desktop-class experience, the Razer Blade 15 comes equipped with Wi-Fi 6, Gigabit Ethernet, Thunderbolt 3, USB Type-A and Type-C connectors, and HDMI.
Pros:
- Build quality and material choice
- Small form factor
- Subtle controllable rgb lighting
- Powerful components
- Decent screen
- Excellent port selection
Cons:
- Runs hot – the metallic body probably makes this worse
- Loud fans although is to be expected
- The battery isn’t great
7. MSI GF63 Thin 10SCXR-426 – 15.6 Inch Full HD Gaming Laptop
Specifications:
CPU: Intel Core i5 -10300H
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
RAM: 8GB DDR4 2666 RAM
Screen: 15.6 Full HD Thin Bezel Gaming Panel
Storage: 256GB NVMe PCIe SSD
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Best deals:
The MSI Gaming Laptop is equipped with 10th Gen. Intel Core i7 processors & latest GeForce RTX graphics designed for gamers with style, enabling you to immerse yourself in the new generation of gameplay.
If you are looking for a low-cost gaming laptop, your quest is over. Enjoy the wide, 15.06-inch screen for a wonderful perspective of your adventures and an NVIDIA Geforce GTX 1650 graphics card to optimise those graphics to (almost) true-to-life levels with the MSI GF63 Full HD Gaming Laptop, which comes with a plethora of features to have you gaming like the best of them.
The GeForce GTX 1650 of the MSI Gaming Laptop is based on the award-winning NVIDIA Turing architecture, which delivers unprecedented graphics performance. It is a turbocharger for today’s most popular games, and it is even faster with newer titles. With the GeForce GTX, you can take your gameplay to the next level.
With the revolutionary cooling technology, this gaming laptop has a dedicated cooling solutions for both the GPU and CPU; and depending on the model of the gaming laptop, there may be up to seven heat pipes, which work in harmony by maximizing airflow as well as minimizing the heat for a smooth gaming performance.
The high-resolution audio provides excellent sound, allowing to listen to and experience the premium sound quality of this gaming laptop, thereby immersing yourself in the sound and enjoy the audio the way it was meant to be enjoyed while gaming.
MSI’s unique Dragon Centre software allows you to customise and control your MSI gaming laptop to your liking. Using a single unified system, you can simply monitor, alter, and optimise your equipment.
With the thin bezel IPS-Level panel, you would get a clear view of the game at any angle with exceptional clarity and contrast. If you have ever wished for a gaming laptop that has a keyboard with powerful lighting, then look no further as this gaming laptop has a SteelSeries silver-lining printing keyboard with powerful red, which is also long-lasting.
Pros:
- Decent built-in speakers – only lacking bass but to be expected from a compact laptop.
- Large trackpad.
- Fast performance – can easily chew through many current triple A games at high settings – that 144hz and 1ms response time is great for competitive games.
- Great looking and fast screen.
- Portable.
- Build quality and material choice.
- Small form factor.
- Subtle controllable RGB lighting.
- Powerful components.
- Decent screen.
- Excellent port selection.
Cons:
- Battery life is poor.
- Heats up – base can get very hot if you’re not careful.
- Fans are noisy and they come on often.
- Has USB-C ports but you cannot charge laptop through them (higher spec laptop models can I believe).
- Loud fans although is to be expected
- Only 256GB SSD is low considering the price of this device – current games take up a lot of space
8. Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop
Specifications:
CPU: Intel Core i7-10750H
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB
RAM: 16GB Dual-Channel DDR4
Screen: 15.6 Inches
Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Best deals:
The Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop is a fantastic option that is equipped with 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H 6-Core Processor with Windows 10 Home 64 Bit for speed and high processing power to deliver smooth performance in demanding games as well as NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card featuring 6GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM and 16GB DDR4 2933MHz memory for storage and crystal-clear visuals.
With the 15.6 inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen IPS Display you are able to clearly se your game from every angle. Thanks to the built-in stereo speakers you will get great audio sounds.
The USB C-port allows you to connect your other devices, such as a mouse or memory sticks, and the built-in HD webcam is excellent for gaming with friends both close and far. With a 144Hz refresh rate (believe us, that’s fast), you will be in the moment rather than lagging behind when you’re in the middle of a game.
Pros:
- The computer is fairly good for the price.
- It starts quickly, runs games well.
- Its performance is very good
Cons:
- The volume is a little low when trying to watch movies etc but it’s still pretty good.
- The fan speeds are VERY LOUDLY INCONSISTENT depending on what you are doing no matter how you adjust them in the settings.
- The finish of the keys is of very poor quality, some of the keys may be erased to the point where they can’t be read (say within a short period).
- Although its performance is very good, the machine may get very hot when running some games/programs.
9. Dell G5 15.6 inch FHD Gaming laptop
Specification:
CPU: Intel Core i7-10750H (10th Gen)
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
RAM: 16GB
Screen: 15.6 Inches
Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
Operating System: Windows 10
Best deals:
The Dell G5 gaming laptop is equipped with a 10th Gen Intel Core processors providing you with a guaranteed powerful performance without interrupting your gaming activity or streaming your videos or carrying out demanding tasks. With the press of a single button, you are able to give yourself a turbo-boost of power when your gaming gets critical, and this can be activated by the Game Shift Technology which triggers a dynamic performance mode within the Alienware Command Centre by maximizing the fans’ speed to keep your system cool while the processors work harder.
Thanks to a 144Hz display and a two-sided narrow bezel, every aspect of your game is magnified, and an optional 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard with WASD and chassis lighting controlled by the Alienware Command centre which enables you to play in low-light environments, as well as the Nahimic Sound centre with dual speakers which enhances your immersive gaming experience and allows you to hear every plan of attack with stunning clarity.
This laptop features an excellent and revolutionary dual-fan cooling system with advanced thermal design to help spread out heat and keep your system responsive and cool during intense gameplay.
If you are a streamer, your visual materials can be streamed uninterrupted thanks to the SmartByte technology. Your gameplay does not have to revolve around a plug as you can charge this gaming laptop quickly with the 51Watt-hours (Whr) or 68Whr battery.
You now have command of your hardware and software ecosystems. Not only can you customise the hardware for each game you play, but you can also personalise the space and setup to make your software appear and feel exactly the way you want it, without interfering with your gameplay or other activities.
The user-friendly interface connects all of your system settings with a gaming library, making it quick to obtain gaming information. Regardless of the source, the command centre provides quick access to your games as well as the option to fine-tune parameters for each one. Create a distinct game profile, and it will remain exactly as you want it no matter where you launch. Thereby, improving your gaming experience by fine-tuning all of your game and system settings, solving difficulties, and managing time.
Pros:
- Display is okay 300nit, colours are okay, but not as good as XPS 15. 60 Hz which is fine considering hardware.
- Battery is 60Wh which seems little, but actually has decent performance.
- Keyboard is very decent, almost similar to XPS 15.
- Backlight is very good.
- Touchpad is precise but it has plastic surface which is not as good as a glass one, however it is accurate and nice looking.
- It has no sound at all in idle.
Cons:
- It heats up too quickly and locking, right from the first day of use.
- Whilst playing games fans turn on which can be loud but survivable.
- Software issues and not under warranty.
- A very expensive and inconvenient purchase for me.
10. Lenovo Legion 5 Gaming Laptop (15.6 Inch, FHD 144 Hz)
Specification:
CPU: Intel Core i5
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti
RAM: 8GB – 16 GB
Screen: 15.6 Inches
Storage: 512GB SSD
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Best deals:
£649.98 – GTX 1650 (i5 256 GB)
£924.97 – GTX 1650 (i5 512 GB)
This gaming laptop is designed specifically for gamers. With a weight of about 2.46kg and width of about 26mm, this gaming laptop strikes the perfect balance between epic performance and practical portability, with delicate design elements and white illumination.
The Lenovo Legion 5 performs outstandingly and can handle the most demanding AAA games, thanks to the power of the 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics. Your favourite games are brought to life with the 15.6-inch full-HD display, which has a 144Hz refresh rate, 300 nits, and an IPS Anti-glare screen.
This gaming laptop is also equipped with Dolby Atmos headphone support and a Harman Kardon speaker system, giving you incredible 3D audio precision and a competitive advantage in determining the direction even discrete sound is originating from, while you are immersed in the gameplay action.
Using the unique Q-Control function, you can instantly switch your laptop’s performance from ‘Quick’ Mode to ‘Quiet’ Mode, enabling intelligent cooling and boosting battery life.
Pros:
- Easy to Upgrade.
- Solid Construction
- Great smooth display.
- Smooth track pad.
- Keyboard
- Big battery, still not the best though as it is a gaming laptop.
- Good cooling
- Nice design, sleek and mat
- Smooth track pad
- Excellent set of ports.
Cons:
- Big power brick.
- When gaming the fans become loud.
- No SD card reader.
Gaming on the go is best done on one of the best gaming laptops so now you can take one of the best gaming laptops on the list above home no matter your budget. Why not take a look at more gaming laptops below:
LIST OF BEST GAMING LAPTOPS TO BUY NOW
Designed for gamers, Exceptional performance, Take your games to the edge, Immersive action, Optimum Control and long Battery life:
