Computers, Gaming, Reviews, Tech

Best & lightweight gaming laptops

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April 26, 2024
James L

Finding the best gaming laptop in 2024 isn’t just about raw power anymore. Gamers now want machines that deliver smooth frame rates, fast load times, and immersive graphics — all without weighing down their backpack or draining their wallet. Whether you’re into competitive shooters, open-world RPGs, or strategy games, the right gaming laptop can elevate your entire experience. But with so many options out there, from ultra-portables to desktop replacements, it’s easy to get lost in specs.

This guide breaks it all down. We’ve rounded up the best overall gaming laptops, highlighted some solid budget-friendly picks, and called out the lightest options for gamers who are always on the move. Whether you’re chasing top-tier performance or just want something affordable that can handle popular titles like Fortnite, Valorant, or Elden Ring, there’s something here for every kind of player. Let’s dive in.

Our Top Picks

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14
Razer Blade 14 (2024)
ASUS ROG Strix G16
MSI GF63 THIN 9SCX-005 (Budget Pick)
Acer Nitro V (Budget Pick)

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is a powerhouse packed in a lightweight, 14-inch frame. It combines up to an AMD Ryzen 9 CPU and RTX 4070 GPU for smooth AAA gaming and content creation. With premium build quality, a fast QHD display, and great portability, it’s ideal for gamers on the go.

Specs:

Price: Starts around $1,599
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 (Laptop GPU)
Display: 14-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600), 165Hz, 16:10
RAM: 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5X
Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) is one of the most powerful lightweight gaming laptops available. It features an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and an RTX 4070 GPU, packed into a sleek 14-inch chassis. The QHD+ 165Hz display is crisp and smooth, perfect for fast-paced gaming. With up to 32GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB SSD, it handles multitasking and storage with ease. Despite its power, it weighs just around 3.5 lbs, making it ultra-portable.

Razer Blade 14 (2024)

The Razer Blade 14 (2024) delivers serious power in a compact and sleek 14-inch design. It features an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS and up to an RTX 4070 GPU, offering excellent performance for both gaming and creative work. With a sharp QHD+ 240Hz display, solid aluminum build, and surprisingly good battery life, it’s one of the most refined portable gaming laptops available.

Specs:

Price: Starts around $2,699
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 (Laptop GPU, up to 140W)
Display: 14-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600), 16:10 aspect ratio, 240 Hz
RAM: 32GB DDR5 / 5600 MHz
Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD

The Razer Blade 14 (2024) is a premium compact gaming laptop that blends power and portability. It’s equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and an RTX 4070 GPU, delivering smooth performance in modern AAA titles. The 14-inch QHD+ display with a 240Hz refresh rate is fast and color-accurate, making it great for both gaming and creative work. With 32GB DDR5 RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a sleek CNC aluminum build, it feels as premium as it performs. It’s lightweight yet powerful, ideal for gamers who want desktop-level specs in a travel-friendly size.

ASUS ROG Strix G16

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 delivers powerful performance with up to an Intel Core i9 processor and RTX 4070 GPU, making it ideal for high-end gaming. Its 16-inch QHD display with a 240Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, while advanced cooling keeps temps in check. With aggressive styling and upgrade-friendly internals, it’s built for serious gamers.

Specs:

Price: Around $1,299
CPU: Intel Core i7-13650HX (14 cores)
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 (Laptop GPU)
Display: 16-inch, Full HD (1920 x 1200), 165Hz, 16:10 aspect ratio
RAM: 16GB DDR5
Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
Extras: Wi-Fi 6E, Windows 11, RGB keyboard, advanced cooling

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is a powerful 16-inch gaming laptop built for smooth 1080p and QHD gaming. It features an Intel Core i7-13650HX processor paired with an RTX 4060 GPU, delivering strong performance in modern titles. The 165Hz display offers sharp visuals and fast response times, perfect for competitive play. With 16GB DDR5 RAM, a 1TB SSD, and efficient cooling, it’s a solid choice for gamers who want speed, storage, and style. Its bold design and RGB keyboard add to the immersive experience.

MSI GF63 THIN 9SCX-005

The MSI GF63 Thin 9SCX-005 is a lightweight budget gaming laptop with a 9th Gen Intel Core i5 and GTX 1650 Max-Q graphics. It handles casual gaming and everyday tasks well, all in a sleek and portable design. Ideal for gamers on a tight budget.

Specs:

Price: Around $700
CPU: Intel Core i5-9300H (4-core, up to 4.1GHz)
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, 4GB
Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080), 60Hz
RAM: 8GB DDR4 (upgradeable)
Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD

The MSI GF63 Thin 9SCX-005 is a budget-friendly gaming laptop built for casual gamers and students. Powered by a 9th Gen Intel Core i5 and GTX 1650 Max-Q, it runs popular titles like Fortnite and GTA V at decent settings. The 15.6-inch Full HD display and thin-bezel design offer a clean, modern look. With 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, it handles multitasking reasonably well. It’s a lightweight and affordable option for entry-level gaming.

Acer Nitro V

The Acer Nitro V is a well-rounded budget gaming laptop that packs solid performance into a sleek 15.6‑inch chassis. Typically equipped with the latest Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processors and NVIDIA RTX 30-series graphics, it delivers smooth gameplay at 1080p. With a high-refresh display, upgradeable RAM and storage, and sharp thermals, it offers excellent value for entry to mid-level gamers.

Specs:

CPU: Up to 13th‑Gen Intel Core i7‑13620H or i5‑13420H
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 or RTX 4060 (Laptop)
Display: 15.6″ Full HD IPS, up to 165 Hz
RAM: Up to 32 GB DDR5
Storage: Up to 2 TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD

The Acer Nitro V is a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers who want reliable 1080p performance. It comes with up to a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 and NVIDIA RTX 4050 or 4060 GPU, offering smooth gameplay on modern titles. The 15.6-inch Full HD display supports up to a 165Hz refresh rate, making it great for fast-paced action. With up to 32GB DDR5 RAM and 2TB SSD storage, it handles multitasking and load times well. Dual-fan cooling and NitroSense software help manage thermals during intense sessions. It’s a well-balanced laptop for entry to mid-level gaming.