Best Gaming Laptops 2019

706
0

Based on our extensive testing, which includes playing and benchmarking the top PC games, here are the best gaming laptops you can buy

Thanks to their powerful graphics, gorgeous displays and great audio, gaming laptops provide an immersive entertainment experience in a portable package. Many also offer stylish designs, desktop-quality keyboards and the ability to use high-end VR headsets. And your favorite laptops are about to get even more powerful. Nvidia recently unveiled the mobile versions of its new RTX GPUs, which will be making their way into over 40 gaming laptops this year. 

hero-best-gaming-laptop

But if you’re not ready to spend exorbitant amounts of cash yet, check out our roundup of the best gaming rigs under $1,000. Looking for some game recommendations? We’ve got the best games to play with integrated games as well as our list of demanding titles. And to help you save some cash, check out our list of best free PC games. Based on our extensive display, audio, keyboard and performance testing, as well as playing and benchmarking the latest top PC games, here are the best gaming laptops you can buy right now for every budget.

Latest News and Updates (March 2019)

  • Just because Nvidia RTX is here, don’t forget about GTX. Lenovo’s Legion Y7000earned the coveted Editor’s Choice award and 4.5 stars thanks to its slim good looks, strong performance and affordable proce. 
  • Looking for a beautiful and graphically demanding game to get the most out of your gaming rig, check out our impressions of Metro Exodus and Anthem
  • The RTX train is blazing a trail full speed! Stay tuned for reviews from the revamped Razer Blade 15, which has an Nvidia RTX 2070 GPU and the Asus GX701VX and Acer Predator Triton 500 which have Nvidia RTX 2080 GPUs, respectively.
  • We just pitted the Alienware Area-51m against the MSI GT75 Titan, find out which one of these gaming beasts came out on top. 

Best Overall: Alienware 17 R5

Best Overall: Alienware 17 R5

The Alienware 17 packs impressive raw gaming performance and a big honkin’ 17-inch screen into a sexy intergalactic chassis that’s perfect for fragging your enemies in virtual reality or watching movies with friends. The latest version of Alienware’s flagship laptop sports more customizable lighting zones than ever, as well as quieter fans and louder speakers. Factor in up to a gorgeous 3840 x 2160 G-Sync display and Nvidia GTX 1060, 1070 and 1080 graphics options, and you’ve got a gaming laptop that’s as powerful on the inside as it is stunning on the outside.

Key Specs – CPU: Intel Core i7/Core i9 | GPU: Nvidia GTX 1060/1070/1080 | RAM:8GB/16GB/32GB | Storage: 256GB/512GB SSD | Display: 17.3-inch display (1080p/1440p/4K) | Weight: 9.8 pounds

Alienware 17 R5 Full Review

Dell Alienware 17 R5 deals


LAPTOPMAG

Most Powerful: Alienware Area 51m

Most Powerful: Alienware Area 51m

Meet the most powerful gaming laptop we’ve ever tested. The Alienware Area 51m’s stunning, one-of-a-kind design houses a desktop grade Intel Core i9 CPU and a full Nvidia RTX 2080 GPU, allowing it to tear through demanding games without breaking a sweat while supporting every possible bell and whistle — including ray tracing. Better yet, the Area 51m’s arresting magnesium alloy chassis is fully future-proof, allowing you to swap out key components such as the GPU and CPU to keep the system fresh over time. Factor in a stunning 1080p G-Sync display, customizable RGB lighting and booming front-firing speakers, and you’ve got the ultimate battlestation for gamers willing to splurge on sheer power. 

Key Specs – CPU: Intel Core i7/Core i9 | GPU: Nvidia RTX 2070/2080 | RAM: 8GB/16GB/32GB/64GB | Storage: 256GB/512GB SSD | Display: 17.3-inch display (1080p, G-Sync) | Weight: 8.5 pounds

Alienware Area 51m Full Review

Alienware Area-51m deals


LAPTOPMAG

Best Under $1,000: Dell G7 15 Gaming

Best Under $1,000: Dell G7 15 Gaming

Who says that you can’t get a stylish, moderately powerful gaming laptop for under $1,000? Pairing head-turning colors with sleek, sophisticated design, the G7 15 Gaming doesn’t look like your typical gaming laptop. And outfitted with a Core i7 processor and an Nvidia 1060 Max-Q GPU, it doesn’t perform like your typical budget gaming laptop either. The system consistently performed above expectations and is an emphatic step forward for the brand.

Key Specs – CPU: Intel Core i5/i7 | GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050/1060 | RAM: 8GB/16GB | Storage: 1TB hard drive | Display: 15.6-inch 1080p display | Weight: 6.3 pounds

Dell G7 15 Gaming Full Review

Dell G7 15 deals


LAPTOPMAG

Best Under $1,500: Lenovo Legion Y7000

Best Under $1,500: Lenovo Legion Y7000

Getting quality gaming at an affordable price is not impossible. The Lenovo Legion Y7000 is proof that you can get an affordable gaming laptop with premium features. Selling for $1,099, the laptop features a strong Core i7 CPU and GTX 1060 GPU packed into a stylish chassis with a comfortable keyboard, a wildly colorful 15.6-inch display and above-average battery life.

Key Specs – CPU: Intel Core i7-8750H | GPU: Nvidia GTX 1060 | RAM: 16GB | Storage:  256GB SSD + 1TB 7,200-rpm hard drive | Display: 15.6-inch 1080p display | Weight: 5.3 pounds


Best 15 inch: Asus ROG Strix Hero II

Best 15 inch: Asus ROG Strix Hero II

Strap in and enjoy the ride. Asus’ ROG Strix Hero II boasts some robust specs, including an 8th Gen Core i7 processor and Nvidia GTX 1060 graphics. That means you’ll have no problem playing the latest titles at smooth settings. And with its colorful, 144-hertz panel and mesmerizing speakers, your games will sound almost as good as they look. The keyboard is nice and comfy and optimized for fans of first-person shooters.

Key Specs – CPU: Intel Core i5/i7 | GPU: Nvidia GTX 1060 | RAM: 16/ 32GB | Storage:256GB/512GB SSD, 1TB hard drive |Display: 15.6-inch 1080p display | Weight: 5.1 pounds

Asus ROG Strix Hero II Full Review

Asus ROG Strix Hero II deals


LAPTOPMAG

Best 17 inch: HP Omen 17

Best 17 inch: HP Omen 17

Instead of playing it safe, the Omen 17 sports a daring, futuristic look that’s sure to turn heads. And the shock and awe don’t stop there: The company has added Nvidia’s powerful GTX 1070 GPU and paired it with an equally robust Intel Core i7 processor and a crazy-fast SSD. The laptop also serves up an enticing 4K display with a nice pair of speakers. The result is a rig capable of delivering showstopping performance, whether you’re playing games or crunching numbers.

Key Specs – CPU: Intel Core i7-7700HQ | GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050/1070 | RAM:8GB/16GB/32GB | Storage: 1TB hard drive or 512GB SSD | Display: 17-inch display (1080p or 4K) | Weight: 8.2 pounds

HP Omen 17 Full Review

HP Omen 17 deals


LAPTOPMAG

Best Design: MSI GS65 Stealth Thin

Best Design: MSI GS65 Stealth Thin

Say hello to my skinny friend. At a mere 4.1 pounds and 0.7 inches thick, MSI’s GS65 Stealth Thin is one of the company’s slimmest gaming laptops to date. The laptop features Intel’s new 8th gen, six-core Coffee Lake processor, which promises 20 percent more performance than its predecessor. But since this is a gaming laptop at its core, MSI squeezed an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q GPU into that slim frame. It’s a true jack-of-all-trades system that should be at the top of your list.

Key Specs – CPU: Intel Core i7-8750H | GPU: Nvidia GTX 1060 Max-Q/1070 Max-Q | RAM:16GB | Storage: 512GB SSD | Display: 15.6-inch 1080p display | Weight: 4.1 pounds

MSI GS65 Stealth Thin Full Review

MSI GS65 Stealth Thin deals


LAPTOPMAG

Best Convertible: Acer Nitro 5 Spin

Best Convertible: Acer Nitro 5 Spin

Twist it, turn it, anyway you want it. The Acer Nitro 5 Spin is a cornucopia of versatility, able to transform at the drop of a hat. In addition to its bendy antics, the notebook offers solid multitasking power, good battery life, a comfortable keyboard and an easily convertible design. An Nvidia GTX 1050 GPU means that you’ll get good frame rates while gaming — just not at the highest game settings.

Key Specs – CPU: Intel Core i5/i7 | GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050 GPU | RAM: 8GB | Storage:256GB SSD + 1TB hard drive | Display: 15.6-inch 1080p | Weight: 4.9 pounds

Acer Nitro 5 Spin Full Review

Acer Nitro 5 Spin deals


LAPTOPMAG

Best Max-Q Design: Razer Blade 15

Best Max-Q Design: Razer Blade 15

Starting at $1,599, the Blade is one of the lightest gaming laptops around, delivering strong performance and over 6 hours of battery life. This is also the first system in the Blade line to offer dual storage. And if that’s not enough for you, Razer’s also offering the notebook in a stunning Mercury White aluminum chassis that’s sure to have all eyes on you when you make the winning play.

Key Specs – CPU: Intel Core i7 | GPU: Nvidia GTX 1060 Max-Q/Intel UHD Graphics 630 | RAM: 16GB/32GB| Storage: 256GB SSD/1TB SSD + 1TB SSD| Display: 15.6-inch 1080p/4K display | Weight: 4.7 pounds

Razer Blade 15 (Late 2018) Full Review

Razer Blade 15 4K deals


LAPTOPMAG

Best Splurge: Alienware m15

Best Splurge: Alienware m15

There’s a new challenger in the thin-and-light gaming arena, and it’s Alienware. Equipped with a Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q GPU, the m15 the slimmest Alienware ever.  But rocking an Intel Core i7 processor, Nvidia Max-Q GPU, over 6 hours of battery life and a drool-worthy display, Alienware is ready to take on all comers. It’s a literal lean, mean gaming machine. But, if you’re so inclined, you can seriously trick out this puppy including adding a pair of 1TB PCIe SSDs. Your options are only limited by your budgets.

Key Specs – CPU: Intel Core i7 | GPU: Nvidia GTX 1060OC/1070 Max-Q | RAM: 16GB/32GB/64GB | Storage: 256GB SSD/1TB SSD + 1TB SSD| Display: 15.6-inch 1080p/4K display | Weight: 4.7 pounds

Alienware m15 Full Review

Alienware m15 deals


LAPTOPMAG

Best Display: Alienware 13 (OLED Display)

Best Display: Alienware 13 (OLED Display)

You won’t find a more vibrant screen on any laptop than the OLED panel on the Alienware 13. One of the smallest VR-ready laptops, the Alienware 13 supports Oculus Rift and HTC Vive headsets while also delivering buttery-smooth frame rates, thanks to its Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 GPU and Intel Core i7 CPU. Its small dimensions mean that it’s easy to stow the notebook in an awaiting book bag for on-the-go gaming. And just like its bigger brothers, the Alienware 13 has customizable backlighting and supports Alienware’s proprietary Graphics Amplifier to help you get even better performance out of the diminutive system.

Key Specs – CPU: Intel Core i5/i7 CPU | GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050Ti/1060 | RAM: 8GB/16GB | Storage: 180GB/512GB SSD | Display: 13.3-inch 2560 x 1440 OLED display | Weight: 5.4 pounds

Alienware 13 (OLED Display) Full Review

Alienware 13 R3 deals


LAPTOPMAG

Best Keyboard: MSI GT75VR Titan

Best Keyboard: MSI GT75VR Titan

The MSI GT75VR Titan Pro has the best keyboard we’ve used or seen on a gaming laptop. The 17-inch MSI GT75 Titan employs the kitchen-sink approach with great success, sporting an immensely powerful, overclockable 8th Gen Intel processor and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 GPU with a blisteringly fast SSD. And if that isn’t enough to pique your interest, there’s the incredibly vivid 1920 x 1080 display and first-class speakers, making the Titan an undeniable juggernaut of gaming. But it’s that mechanical keyboard that keeps us coming back for more. The rhythmic clicking is almost therapeutic, like a prettier, more useful version of a kinetic ball machine.

Key Specs – CPU: Intel Core i7/i9 | GPU: Nvidia GTX 1070/1080 | RAM: 16GB/32GB/64GB | Storage: 256GB SSD/512GB SSD + 1TB hard drive | Display: 17.3-inch 1080p/4K display | Weight: 10 pounds

MSI GT75VR Titan Full Review

MSI GT75VR TItan deals


LAPTOPMAG

How We Test Gaming Laptops

Here at Laptop Mag, we test gaming laptops using a variety of real-world and synthetic tests to give consumers the most complete picture of how a product performs. Our current tests for gaming systems evaluate graphics performance, battery life, virtual-reality compatibility, overall performance and file-transfer speed and heat, to name just a few. We also judge the laptop based on usability criteria, such as keyboard comfort, design language, audio output and screen quality.

Quick Tips for Finding the Right Gaming Laptop

Depending on your budget, lifestyle and the games you want to play, you could end up spending anywhere from $800 to $5,000 on a system that’s likely to weigh between 4 and 13 pounds. Here are some tips to help you find your ideal gaming rig.

  • Don’t buy a gaming laptop for low-end titles like The Sims or Candy Crush. These games can easily be supported by an integrated graphics card.
  • The most powerful mobile GPU is Nvidia’s GTX 1080, but you can get good frame rates from the GTX 1050. If you want to do VR, don’t settle for less than GTX 1060. There’s no mobile version of Nvidia’s powerful new RTX 2080 cards yet, but we expect them to arrive eventually.
  • Get a laptop with at least an Intel Core i7 processor and 8GB of RAM for gaming and multitasking performance.
  • Avoid touch screens. They’re more expensive and drain the battery.
  • 17- or 18-inch laptops are typically more powerful, but you can find some 15-inch systems with serious muscle. The more portable 13- and 14-inch models are easier to carry but often lack higher-end components.
  • Make sure the keyboard is comfortable. If you can, take a trip to the store and try out the keyboard before you buy.