Top-tier Portable Gaming Laptops 2025: Phenomenal Performance Anywhere You Roam
Gaming laptops are perfect for individuals who crave peak performance in playing heavy-duty games, all while having the ability to carry their machine on the go. They're a level above the standard laptops most people use for work or lightweight laptops commonly preferred by students.
In 2025, triple-A games tend to demand a compromise between performance and fidelity, even on powerhouses like the PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X. You'll find that the best gaming laptops, however, won't force you into that conundrum. The level with which you'd like to step up the ladder of graphical prowess (and naturally, the price) would depend on various factors.
Some gaming laptops boast flashy, outrageous designs that scream 'gamer,' while others opt for a more subtle approach. This list offers recommendations of various gaming laptops suitable for a range of tastes and preferences.
Our Top Picks
Best overall — The best gaming laptop overall
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) is a remarkable gaming laptop that's as sleek as a MacBook Pro but packs an unbelievable punch. It has no significant flaws (other than the steep price), and it's well worth the investment.
Best premium — The best premium gaming laptop
Razer's thin and light gaming laptops are synonymous with class, and the latest 16-inch version is nothing short of brilliant. It's even thinner than ever, and it matches the Asus competitor in terms of power.
Best value — The best value gaming laptop
Medion isn't a household name in the laptop market, which explains why its laptop comes at a great value. It's not as chunky as it appears, and it's packed with power without breaking the bank.
Max, our website's Tech section staff writer, tested almost every laptop on this list, including several simultaneously. That makes him the best person to rank them based on his hands-on experience.
Update 12 Jun 2025: This list has been entirely refreshed to feature the latest gaming laptops with 2025 GPUs, ensuring you have the most recent recommendations.
The best gaming laptops we recommend in 2025
Best overall
1. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025)
This sleek, lightweight laptop boasts the power of an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti card, a display that's luscious and vibrant, and exceptional battery life. It's not quite a MacBook Pro, but it comes pretty close to it.
Best premium
2. Razer Blade 16 (2025)
Razer has carved a niche for itself in the gaming laptop market, producing some of the most coveted laptops available. The latest Blade 16 offers a stunning 16-inch OLED panel pushing to 240Hz, a 5070 Ti, and unmatched class and style.
Best value
3. Medion Erazer Beast 16 X1 Ultimate
This smaller-brand laptop offers an impressive specs list, starting with a 5090 GPU, without an outrageous price tag. It may not carry a famous name, but it offers genuine value for the price.
Best big-screen
4. MSI Stealth 18 HX AI
MSI's 18-inch laptop offers a large display without feeling cumbersome. The price tag is reasonable, considering it's fitted with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti to handle the latest releases.
Best affordable OLED
5. Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI
If you're on the hunt for an OLED gaming laptop without breaking the bank, the Helios Neo 16S AI is worth a look. It boasts a 165Hz OLED display, capable specs, and a price tag that's less intimidating.
Best 2-in-1
6. Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025)
Looking for a versatile laptop that doubles as a tablet and can handle regular gaming? The Flow Z13 fits the bill, offering considerable power and the convenience of a 2-in-1 design.
How to choose the best gaming laptop for you
- Assess your gaming library: Identify the type of games you enjoy, as this will determine if it's worth investing in a high-end gaming laptop or saving money for a system that caters to simpler games.
- Consider your budget: High-end gaming laptops don't come cheap. Prioritize your spending and decide on a budget that's manageable for your needs.
- Do you intend to use an external monitor?: If you plan to take your laptop on the go, consider getting one with a crisp resolution and high refresh rate. If you're mainly tethered to a monitor, focus on other attributes.
- What will you use your laptop for?: Will your laptop serve as a dedicated gaming machine or do double duty as a work tool as well? This will help you identify the ideal laptop for your lifestyle.
FAQs
Can I avoid RGB lighting?
Many gaming laptops today have customizable RGB lighting that can be conveniently turned off with a few clicks. Most high-end gaming laptops, including those on this list, come with software that allows users to control every aspect of the lighting setup.
Can I game on battery power?
While some laptops offer battery-powered gaming, it's most often limited to casual gaming due to battery restrictions. Most laptops throttle their power when unplugged as their GPU requirements exceed battery capabilities. For optimal gaming performance and uncompromised visuals, it's best to play with your laptop plugged in.
How we tested these gaming laptops
We test each laptop's design, display, user experience, performance, and battery life to ensure we provide thorough and reliable reviews. We spend extensive time with each laptop to deliver a comprehensive evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses.
In 2025, you'll find that the top gaming laptops, such as the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) and Razer Blade 16 (2025), come equipped with powerful technology, ensuring seamless gameplay that surpasses standard laptops. These gadgets are perfect for pushing graphical limits and providing an unparalleled gaming experience.
For an unbelievable balance of value and power, consider the Medion Erazer Beast 16 X1 Ultimate or Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI, both offering affordable yet impressive specifications. Gaming technology has advanced to integrate these innovative machines into various budget ranges, making them accessible for enthusiasts everywhere.
