Best Gaming Laptops of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Feb 1, 2026

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Gaming laptops are powerful and versatile machines designed specifically for gamers who want to enjoy high-quality graphics and smooth gameplay. These laptops are equipped with high-performance processors, dedicated graphics cards, and advanced cooling systems to ensure that they can handle even the most demanding games. They also come with large displays, high resolution screens, and fast refresh rates, making them ideal for immersive gaming experiences. Whether you're a casual gamer or a serious enthusiast, gaming laptops are a great investment for anyone who wants to enjoy the latest games on the go.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4 Cover #TOP 1
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Alienware 16 Aurora Gaming Laptop Cover #TOP 2
Alienware 16 Aurora Gaming Laptop
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop Cover #TOP 3
ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Gaming Laptops

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4

MW123LL/A
Midnight
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4 Cover
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6" Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID, Midnight

The Apple MacBook Air M4 is designed to keep up with your busy lifestyle. Powered by the fast M4 chip, it handles work, school, and creative tasks smoothly, helping you stay productive without lag. Thanks to Apple Intelligence, this laptop assists you in writing and creating while keeping your information private. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry anywhere, perfect for students and professionals on the move. Plus, with up to 18 hours of battery life, you can rely on it to last through your day without needing a recharge.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable design
Excellent battery life
Fast performance and multitasking
High-quality Retina display
Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
What We Don't Like
Limited number of ports
Display not 120Hz
#TOP 2

Alienware 16 Aurora Gaming Laptop

LAC16250-7193BLU-PUS
Blue
16.0 WQXGA
Alienware 16 Aurora Gaming Laptop Cover
Alienware 16 Aurora Gaming Laptop AC16250-16" WQXGA 120Hz Display, Intel Core 7-240H Processor, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 8GB Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Onsite Service - Blue

The Alienware 16 Aurora offers a stunning 16-inch WQXGA display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and bright 300 nits, making your gaming visuals sharp and immersive. Its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 graphics card delivers powerful performance for both gaming and creative tasks, using advanced AI technology to enhance your experience. The laptop features a redesigned Cryo-Chamber cooling system that directs airflow precisely to critical components, keeping your device cool during intense sessions. Plus, its sleek design supports effective heat management without needing extra bulky parts, ensuring comfort whether you’re gaming or working long hours.

What We Like
Powerful gaming performance
Premium build quality
Stunning display
Efficient cooling system
Comfortable keyboard
What We Don't Like
Battery life could be better
Gets warm during gaming
#TOP 3

ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop

G615JMR-AS74
Eclipse Gray
ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop Cover
ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025) Gaming Laptop, 16” FHD+ 16:10 165Hz/3ms Display, NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5060 Laptop GPU, Intel® Core™ i7 Processor 14650HX, 16GB DDR5, 1TB Gen 4 SSD, Wi-Fi 7, Windows 11 Home

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 offers powerful performance with its Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 graphics, letting you enjoy smooth gaming and fast computing. You get plenty of memory and storage with 16GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, so multitasking and storing games is hassle-free. The 16-inch FHD+ display runs at 165Hz, providing sharp, clear visuals with reduced glare, perfect for gaming and entertainment. Plus, its advanced cooling system keeps the laptop cool and quiet even during intense gameplay, ensuring you stay comfortable during long sessions.

What We Like
Blazing fast performance
Powerful graphics card
Customizable RGB lighting
Quiet cooling fans
Premium build quality
What We Don't Like
Short power cable
Slight keyboard quirks
#TOP 4

CHUWI CoreBook Plus 16'' Ryzen 7430U Laptop

CHUWI CoreBook Plus
Gray
CHUWI CoreBook Plus 16'' Ryzen 7430U Laptop Cover
CHUWI CoreBook Plus Gaming Laptop 16'', AMD Ryzen 7430U (Beat i7-1355U), 16GB RAM 512GB SSD, Windows 11 Pro Laptop with Office, IPS 2K Display, Backlit Keyboard, 74.1Wh, WiFi 6, BT 5.2, 4K HDMI

The CHUWI CoreBook Plus Laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 7430U processor, giving you strong performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking with ease. Its 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD ensure quick startup and smooth operation, while also allowing for easy upgrades as your storage or memory needs grow. The large 16-inch Full HD IPS display offers clear and vibrant visuals, perfect for gaming, movies, or work projects that need detail. Plus, the backlit keyboard with adjustable brightness helps you type comfortably in low-light settings, and the long-lasting battery keeps you going throughout the day without frequent charging.

What We Like
Powerful AMD Ryzen 5 CPU
Expandable RAM and storage
Large 16-inch IPS display
Backlit keyboard with brightness control
Long-lasting battery
#TOP 5

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 Pro

MX2H3LL/A
Space Black
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 Pro Cover
Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 Pro, (12-core CPU / 16 GPU): Built for Apple Intelligence, 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, Space Black

The Apple MacBook Pro 14 is designed to deliver powerful performance with the new M4 Pro or M4 Max chips, making it ideal for handling heavy tasks like coding or 3D rendering smoothly. Its vibrant 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display offers bright and clear visuals, perfect for creative work or media viewing. You’ll appreciate the long-lasting battery that keeps you working all day without needing to recharge. Plus, the built-in Apple Intelligence system helps you work smarter with privacy features that keep your data secure. Whether you're working or relaxing, this laptop offers speed, clarity, and reliability.

What We Like
Exceptional battery life
Powerful performance
Premium build quality
Stunning display
Silent operation
What We Don't Like
Slightly heavy to carry
#TOP 6

Dell 15 DC15250 Laptop

LDC15250-3883BLK-PUS
Carbon Black
512GB
Dell 15 DC15250 Laptop Cover
Dell 15 Laptop DC15250-15.6-inch FHD 120Hz Display, Intel Core 3 Processor 100U, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, Intel UHD Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Onsite Service - Carbon Black

The Dell 15 Laptop offers a smooth computing experience powered by an Intel Core 3 processor, perfect for handling your daily tasks quickly and efficiently. Its long-lasting, energy-saving battery combined with Express Charge technology means you can stay productive longer without worrying about frequent recharging. The display is designed with your eye comfort in mind, featuring Dell ComfortView software that reduces harmful blue light, helping you avoid strain during extended use. Plus, the spacious keyboard with a dedicated numeric keypad and calculator hotkey makes typing and number crunching easier and more comfortable, enhancing your overall productivity.

What We Like
Fast performance
High screen quality
Lightweight and portable
Affordable price
Reliable brand
What We Don't Like
Speaker quality could improve
Keyboard feels slightly cheap
#TOP 7

Apple MacBook Air M1 13.3" 8GB 128GB Renewed

MGND3LL/A
Space Gray
128GB
Apple MacBook Air M1 13.3" 8GB 128GB Renewed Cover
Late 2020 Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip (13.3 inch, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) Space Gray (Renewed)

The Apple MacBook Air M1 offers a sharp and vibrant 13.3-inch Retina display, making your photos, videos, and text look clear and bright. Powered by the Apple M1 chip with eight cores, it delivers smooth and efficient performance, whether you're working on documents or multitasking. With 8GB of memory, you can switch between apps without slowdowns. The 128GB solid-state drive provides quick access to your files and fast startup times. This laptop also features a backlit keyboard for easy typing in low light and a Touch ID sensor to unlock your device securely and quickly.

What We Like
Fast performance
Long battery life
Good value for price
Quick shipping
Minimal cosmetic wear
What We Don't Like
May lack original charger
Minor cosmetic imperfections
#TOP 8

NIMO 15.6" Ryzen 7 Pro Laptop

NIMO N15A
Blue
32GB RAM | 1TB SSD
NIMO 15.6" Ryzen 7 Pro Laptop Cover
NIMO 15.6" FHD Light-Gaming-Laptop, 8 Cores AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U 32GB LPDDR5 RAM 1TB SSD (Beat i7-1360P Up to 4.7GHz) GPU AMD Radeon 680M IPS Computer with 100W Type-C Backlit Keyboard Fingerprint

The NIMO Ryzen 7 Laptop offers powerful performance with its AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U processor, handling demanding tasks smoothly for work, creation, and gaming. You get fast 100W USB-C charging that quickly powers your device, perfect for busy days or travel. Built with a sturdy metal frame, this laptop is designed to last and lets you upgrade memory and storage as needed. Plus, NIMO backs it with 2 years of customer support and a 90-day return policy, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.

What We Like
Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 Pro CPU
Fast 100W USB-C charging
Durable metal chassis
Upgradeable RAM and storage
2-year customer support

HP Chromebook 14 Laptop

HP
14a-na0226nr
Mineral Silver
Standard
HP Chromebook 14 Laptop Cover
HP Chromebook 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4120, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC, 14" HD Display, Chrome OS, Thin Design, 4K Graphics, Long Battery Life, Ash Gray Keyboard (14a-na0226nr, 2022, Mineral Silver)

Get everything on your to-do list done with the HP Chromebook 14 Laptop, equipped with an Intel processor, 14-inch HD display, long battery life, and 4K graphics. With 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC storage, this Chromebook is perfect for work, school, or entertainment on the go. Plus, it's ENERGY STAR certified and EPEAT Silver registered for sustainability.

What We Like
Affordable price point
Easy setup and use
Lightweight and portable
Parental controls
Durable build quality
What We Don't Like
Limited desktop software
Few USB ports
#TOP 10

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M5 (2025)

MDE64LL/A
Silver
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M5 (2025) Cover
Apple 2025 MacBook Pro Laptop with M5 chip with 10‑core CPU and GPU: Built for Apple Intelligence, 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 24GB Unified Memory, 1TB SSD Storage, Silver

The Apple MacBook Pro M5 is designed to boost your productivity with its next-level speed and smart features. Its powerful M5 chip helps you tackle professional and creative tasks quickly, so you can get more done without delay. The laptop offers all-day battery life, meaning you can work or create for hours without needing to recharge. The stunning 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display provides bright, clear visuals that make everything look sharp and vibrant, perfect for detailed work or entertainment. Plus, its improved GPU and built-in AI capabilities deliver smooth and fast performance, making your experience seamless and efficient.

What We Like
Exceptional performance and speed
Outstanding battery life
Premium build quality
Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display
Excellent speakers and audio
What We Don't Like
Slightly higher price point
Charger color mismatch
Best Gaming Laptops Feature Image

Gaming Laptops Buying Guide: What You Need to Know

What To Look For In A Gaming Laptop

The best gaming laptop depends on a few key factors. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right one for you:

Processor: Look for a powerful processor like an Intel Core i7. This will ensure that your games run smoothly and without any lag.

Graphics card: A dedicated graphics card is a must for gaming laptops. Choose one with at least 4GB of VRAM to get the best performance.

Display: A large display is important for gaming, so make sure to get a laptop with a screen size of 15 inches or more.

Battery life: Gaming laptops tend to have shorter battery lives than regular laptops, so keep this in mind when making your purchase.

How Much Should You Spend on a Gaming laptop?

Gaming laptops are a great way to get the best possible performance out of your games, but they can also be quite expensive. If you're looking for a gaming laptop on a budget, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First, it's important to understand that not all gaming laptops are created equal. Some are designed for specific games or genres, while others are more general purpose. That means that you'll need to decide what kind of games you want to play before you start shopping.

Once you know what you need, it's time to start looking at prices. Gaming laptops can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, so it's important to set a budget before you start shopping.

If you're on a tight budget, there are still plenty of great options available. Gaming laptops under $300 can offer decent performance for less demanding games, while gaming laptops under $500 can provide good performance for more demanding titles.

In general, gaming laptops have higher-end components than regular laptops, so they will cost more, but the entire category ranges widely: from less than $1,000 to $4,000 or more. Budget gaming laptops start at about $700 and go up to about $1200.

If budget is not a concern, mid-range systems can give you a smoother gaming experience. These models will cost from $1500 to around $2000. And from $2,000, you should expect to get a high-end laptop and use it strictly for 4K gaming. By the way, 4K gaming laptops can satisfy the needs of any gaming enthusiast.

No matter what your budget is, there's a gaming laptop out there that will suit your needs. Just remember to do your research and shop around to find the best deals.

Which Brand is Best for Gaming Laptops?

Overall, the best gaming laptop brands include Thunderbird, Alienware, HP, Dell, MSI, Asus and Acer. However, the features of each brand of gaming laptop vary, and finding the best gaming laptop brand may depend on how much you are willing to pay and what additional features you value more.

What kind of computer do you need to play games?

Cyberpunk 2077, DOTA 2, PUBG, Sims 4, Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, Wazone, and WOW are all popular games that can be played on a computer. But what kind of computer do you need to play them?

If you want to play Cyberpunk 2077, you'll need a computer that can handle 4K resolution and has at least an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 or an AMD Radeon RX Vega 64 graphics card.

For DOTA 2, you'll need a computer with at least 4 GB of RAM and an Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 or an AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ processor.

For PUBG, you'll need a computer with at least 6 GB of RAM and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or an AMD Radeon R7 370 graphics card.

And for Sims 4, you'll need a computer with at least 8 GB of RAM and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 or better graphics card.

So, if you're looking to game on your computer, make sure you have the right hardware for the job.

Conclusion

So, the best gaming laptop for you would be one that meets your specific needs and budget. You should consider what games you want to play, what features are important to you, and how much you’re willing to spend. We hope this guide has helped make the process a little bit easier and given you a better idea of what to look for when shopping for a gaming laptop. Are there any other factors you think we should have included? Let us know in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are gaming laptops worth buying?

Whether a gaming laptop is worth buying depends on your needs. If you value portability and want to play games on the go, then a gaming laptop is a good choice. However, if you prioritize performance and have no need for portability, a desktop PC may offer better value for your money.

2. How do I choose a laptop for gaming?

When choosing a gaming laptop, pay attention to the graphics card, processor, and RAM. These components work together to provide a good gaming experience. Look for a balance between these components to ensure optimal performance.

3. How long do gaming laptops last?

A good gaming laptop can last around five years in terms of performance. It's important to choose a laptop with hardware that matches or exceeds the performance of a gaming console. Keep in mind that most gaming laptop hardware is not upgradable, so invest in the components that matter most.

4. Is 32GB overkill for a gaming laptop?

While 32GB of RAM may be considered overkill for gaming alone, it can be beneficial if you play more demanding games or run resource-intensive programs alongside your games. For high-end PC gaming or multitasking, 32GB of RAM can provide a smoother experience.

5. What is the downside to gaming laptops?

One downside of gaming laptops is the heat they generate due to high-performance hardware. This can lead to system overheating, resulting in reduced performance and potential damage to the hardware. Proper cooling solutions and regular maintenance are important for optimal performance.

6. What are the disadvantages of a gaming laptop?

The main disadvantage of gaming laptops compared to regular laptops is the higher price. Gaming laptops tend to be more expensive, so if you're on a budget, consider whether the advantages of a gaming laptop outweigh the cost. It's important to evaluate your needs and determine if the investment is worth it for you.

Editor's Notes

During our gaming laptop research, we found 24 gaming laptop products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 49,011 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gaming laptops list. We found that most customers choose gaming laptops with an average price of $930.94.

The gaming laptops are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gaming laptops, including Apple, Alienware, ASUS, CHUWI, Dell. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.

Gaming Laptops Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Apple Alienware ASUS CHUWI Apple Dell Apple NIMO HP Apple
Model Name MacBook Air Alienware 16 Aurora Gaming AC16250 Laptop ROG Strix G16 Corebook Plus MacBook Pro Dell 15 DC15250 Laptop MacBook Air NIMO N15A Chromebook 14a-na0226nr MacBook Pro
Screen Size 13.6 Inches 16 Inches 16 Inches 16 Inches 14.2 Inches 15.6 Inches 13.3 Inches 15.6 Inches 14 Inches 14.2 Inches
Color Midnight Blue Eclipse Gray Gray Space Black Carbon Black Space Gray Blue Mineral Silver Silver
Hard Disk Size 256 GB 1 TB 1 TB 512 GB 512 GB 512 GB 128 GB 1024 GB 64 GB 1 TB
CPU Model Apple M4 Intel Core 7 Core i7 AMD Ryzen 5 7520U Apple M4 Intel Core 3 Apple M1 AMD Ryzen 7 Celeron Unknown
Ram Memory Installed Size 16 GB 16 GB 16 GB 16 GB 24 GB 8 GB 8 GB 32 GB 4 GB 24 GB
Operating System Mac OS Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Pro Mac OS Windows 11 Home Mac OS Windows 11 Chrome OS Mac OS
Special Feature Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint Reader, Lightweight Anti Glare Coating, Backlit Keyboard, HD Audio, Numeric Keypad ROG Nebula Display, Tri-Fan Technology Anti Glare Coating, Backlit Keyboard, HD Audio, Lightweight, Memory Card Slot Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint Reader Anti Glare Coating, Memory Card Slot Retina display with True Tone technology Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint Reader, HD Audio, Numeric Keypad Display: 14.0-inch diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, anti-glare, Operating system: Chrome OS, Processor: Intel Celeron N4120, nternal storage: 64 GB eMMC Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint Reader
Graphics Card Description Integrated Dedicated Dedicated Integrated Integrated Integrated Integrated Integrated Integrated Integrated
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.7
Where to Buy