When it comes to gaming, desktops reign supreme. And while you can customize your desktop in just about any manner you see fit, the one thing you cannot do is take it with you wherever you go. For this reason, a gaming laptop provides you with the portability you need to play your favorite games anywhere.
Gaming laptops are available in a variety of different shapes and sizes. While some of these features integrated graphics, the vast majority feature video graphic chipsets from Nvidia and AMD. From the ever-popular RTX 3080 to the RX 6800, there are a lot of options available in today’s gaming laptops to choose from.
What is a Gaming Laptop?
While there are a number of budget laptops out there today, they only make use of integrated graphics. For Intel, the most advanced integrated graphics available is the Intel Iris Xe, whereas, for AMD, the most advanced integrated graphics currently offered is Vega 20. Although both of these are excellent for general use, they are not very good when it comes to AAA gaming.
A true gaming laptop makes use of a separate, yet internal graphics card. They are designed with the fastest processors currently available on the market, and generally have more memory than budget laptops. Moreover, all of this extra speed also results in extra heat, which is why they also feature more advanced cooling systems. But, with all of this built into a mobile device, battery size and capacity will play an important role in how long you can play your favorite games.
10 Best Gaming Laptops to Buy in 2022
Razer Blade 15
The Razer Blade 15 not only looks good, but it is also one of the best gaming laptops currently available on the market today. Featuring your choice of either an Intel Core i7 or i9 processor, you are guaranteed to have more than enough processing capabilities for all of your gaming needs. Thanks to the built-in Nvidia RTX 3080 TI graphics card, you’ll be able to play your favorite games in 4K resolution 
Specs:
- CPU: 12th Gen Intel Core i7 and Core i9
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti
- RAM: 32GB DDR5
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Screen: 4K @ 144Hz
- Battery: 80Wh
- Weight: 4.63lbs
- Price: $3,099
The most advanced version of the Razer Blade 15 comes with the popular RTX 3080 TI graphics card, but you can also choose the slimmed-down version that features the Nvidia RTX 3070 TI. With the help of a 1TB SSD, you will find there is plenty of storage room for all of your favorite games. Moreover, the Razer Blade 15 features 16 Gb of dual-channel memory that runs at 4800 MHz.
The chassis of the Razer Blade 15 is all aluminum, which is not only beautiful but provides the stability needed to protect the higher-end components inside. Although the sturdy design is very slim, it still weighs nearly 5 pounds, which makes it more difficult to carry around. Nevertheless, with the help of an 80Wh battery, you will be able to sit down and play many different AAA games for hours on end.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022)
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is a marvel of design and power. Featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 processor, along with an RX 6800S graphics card, this is one laptop that is truly designed for gaming. While most other gaming laptops only feature 16GB of RAM, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 features a whopping 32GB. 
Specs
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS
- GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6800S
- RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800
- Storage: 1TB SSD NVMe PCIe 4.0
- Screen: 14-inch IPS 1600p @ 120Hz
- Battery: 76Wh
- Weight: 3.79lbs
- Price: $1,679
Thanks to the octa-core AMD processor, and the most advanced dedicated graphics card on the market today, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 offers any gamer an impressive gaming experience. However, the price of the laptop is dramatically affected by the choice of the graphics card. While the AMD RX 6800S is the latest and greatest on the market today, it is almost worth saving the cash by opting for the RX 6700S card instead.
Unlike many of the gaming laptops available on the market today, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 features a 14-inch screen. This is a lot smaller than many gamers may be used to, which is why many instead opt for laptops that feature 15- or 17-inch screens instead. Nevertheless, the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS which features 16 threads on 8 cores, is one of the best chips currently available on the market today.
Razer Blade 14
Unlike its big brother, the Razer Blade 14 features an AMD Ryen 9 9600HX processor and a 14-inch screen, which makes it a much lighter gaming laptop to carry around. With 1TB of storage space, you will have plenty of room for all of your AAA-rated games. And, thanks to the 16GB of RAM you will be able to maintain a stable frame rate for hours on end. 
Specs
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti
- RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800
- Storage: 1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
- Screen: 14-inch 1440p @ 165Hz
- Battery: 61.6Wh
- Weight: 3.92lb
- Price: $2,590
Thanks to the eight-core AMD processor, you can expect an amazing gaming experience from the Razer Blade 14. While the screen is smaller than many of the other gaming laptops on the market today, it can nevertheless provide anyone with an immersive gaming experience. As long as you are able to look past the 14-inch screen, you can focus on the performance capabilities of the laptop.
Since the Razer Blade 14 comes with many different options, you may want to opt for the lower-end RTX 3060 graphics card, which can provide you with longer battery life. However, the downgrade to the 3060 will also affect the frame rates of your favorite games. Nevertheless, this gaming laptop packs quite a punch for such a small and stylish form.
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro (16″ AMD)
The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro, is the best budget gaming laptop on the market today. Not only does this laptop feature an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H, but also has a very popular Nvidia RTX 3070. When most gaming laptops only feature 16GB of RAM, Lenovo provides you with 32GB to ensure that you’re able to play with steady frame mates all day long. It also has one of the largest hard drives, with 2TB of storage space. 
Specs
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 3070
- RAM: 32GB DDR4
- Storage: 2TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
- Screen: 16-inch 2560 x 1600 @ 165Hz
- Battery: 86Wh
- Weight: 5.4lbs
- Price: $1,389
Although you can save even more money by downgrading to the RTX 3060 graphics card, the RTX 3070 is the best option for the 16-inch QHD display. The 8-core Ryzen 7 provides you with more than enough processing capabilities for playing any high-end game. With an oversized 2TB solid-state device, you will have plenty of storage space for your favorite games and movies than is available on other gaming laptops.
For many people, one of the biggest advantages of the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is the keyboard and touchpad. Not only do the keycaps provide a better feel than is available in laptops, but they also respond faster and have a shorter keystroke. When coupled with the larger 4.7” x 3” touchpad, your gaming experience is made a lot easier.
MSI GS66 Stealth
Perhaps one of the best gaming laptops on the market today, the MSI GS66 Stealth comes with a 12th generation Core i9 processor and the latest Nvidia graphics card. The RTX 3080 TI, provides an amazing gaming experience on the 15.6-inch 1080p screen. This laptop also has one of the largest battery capacities available today. 
Specs
- CPU: Core i9 12900H
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti
- RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800
- Storage: 2TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
- Screen: 15.6-inch 1080p @ 300Hz
- Battery: 99.9Wh
- Weight: 4.63lbs
- Price: $1,599
One of the biggest advantages of the MSI GS66 Stealth is also one of its biggest disadvantages. The slim chassis provides you with a very stylish feel but can also be considered by many as two thin for all of the powerful components that have been packed inside. If you want to save some cash, you can also opt to downgrade to the Nvidia RTX 3060 model. This version will still provide you with a full 1080p display but at a much lower price.
With 2TB of storage space, you will find that there is plenty of room to install all of your favorite AAA games. While many other gaming laptops only provide you with 1TB of storage, that additional space surely can come in handy. With so many games that you can install and play on the MSI GS66 Stealth, you will find that the 32GB of RAM is more than enough to handle all of your favorite titles.
Acer Predator Helios 300
The Acer Predator Helios 300, features a 12-generation Intel Core i7 processor and a powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU. There is 1TB of storage on this 15.6-inch gaming laptop, which provides plenty of room for many of your favorite game titles. Unlike other laptops available today, the Acer Predator Helios 300 provides room for two SSDs so that you can add additional storage whenever it is needed. 
Specs
- CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080
- RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800
- Storage: 1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
- Screen: 15.6-inch IPS 1080p @ 240Hz
- Battery: 58Wh
- Weight: 5.51lbs
- Price: $1,999
When it comes to purchasing a budget gaming laptop, the Acer Predator Helios 300 is an excellent choice. While the RTX 3080 model can seem a bit expensive, you can also purchase a downgraded version that features the RTX 3060 ethics card instead. The 3060 model still provides you with more than enough power to play all of your favorite games at 1080p.
One of the biggest advantages of using the Acer Predator Helios 300 gaming laptop, is the one-touch overclocking feature of the GPU. While many other devices require you to manually overclock your graphics card, this gaming laptop provides you with a simple button that can be pressed in order to get that extra power when needed. Thanks to the 15-inch screen, your gameplay experience will be fun and enjoyable.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (2022)
One of the most popular Republic of Gaming laptops available on the market today is the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17. This 17-inch gaming laptop comes complete with the latest Intel Core i9 processor and an extremely fast Nvidia RTX 3080 TI graphics card. With 2TB of NVMe storage, you will have plenty of space to install your favorite games and can rest assured knowing that those games can be loaded faster thanks to the lightning speed of the SSD. 
Specs
- CPU: Intel Core i9 12900H
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti
- RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800
- Storage: 2TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
- Screen: 17.3-inch 1080p @ 360Hz
- Battery: 90Wh
- Weight: 6.39lbs
- Price: $2,999
When it comes to gaming performance, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 is one of the best options currently available. Not only does it feature the latest Intel Core i9 processor, but also includes the fastest GPU, the RTX 3080 TI. This combination provides you with a 1080p display featuring an amazing 360 Hz refresh rate.
Because the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 comes with all the latest and greatest features, it’s also one of the most expensive laptops that you can buy today. You will enjoy playing games on the 17-inch screen or even watching your favorite movies and shows. Although you will get more battery life through watching movies, you’ll still be able to play your favorite AAA games for at least an hour before you need to plug it back in again.
Gigabyte Aero 16
The Gigabyte Aero 16 is a very stylish aluminum-framed gaming laptop that has one of the largest battery capacities on the market today. Featuring a powerful 12th generation Intel Core i9 processor bundled with the equally powerful Nvidia RTX 3080 TI, this laptop provides you with the ultimate 4K gaming experience. 
Specs
- CPU: Intel Core i9-12900HK
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 3400
- Storage: 1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
- Screen: 16-inch 4k @ 60Hz
- Battery: 99Wh
- Weight: 5.07lbs
- Price: $4,399
All in all, the Gigabyte Aero 16 is a sleek-looking and sturdy, all-aluminum laptop. Weighing in at just over 5 pounds, this gaming laptop can be mostly compared to the weight, look, and feel of an Apple MacBook Pro. But, all of this comes at an expense. The Gigabyte Aero 16 is one of the most expensive gaming laptops currently available.
Without a question, the biggest advantage of the Gigabyte Aero 16 is the 16-inch 4K OLED display. Thanks to the Intel Core i9 processor and the very powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 TI, you are able to watch movies in ultrahigh definition and play your favorite games in 4K. The only downside to having a 4K display, is that this laptop only offers a refresh rate of 60Hz.
Alienware X14
Alienware has a long heritage of building some of the finest gaming laptops that the world has ever seen. The Alienware X14 is no exception to this rule. Rather than choosing a 12th generation Intel Core i9 processor, the manufacturer decided to go with a 10th generation, and pair that with the latest Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU. Alienware has done it again with the X14. 
Specs
- CPU: Intel Core i5-12500H
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU
- RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800
- Storage: 512GB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
- Screen: 14-inch 1080p @ 144Hz
- Battery: 68Wh
- Weight: 6.5lbs
- Price: $2,080
The Alienware X14 features a sturdy frame, with a soft plastic exterior. Despite the use of plastic, it is still a very heavy laptop. As a result, those who travel more often will not enjoy having to lug this laptop wherever they go. Nevertheless, the well-balanced pairing of CPU and GPU, ensures there are no bottlenecks during gameplay.
One of the most unique features of the Alienware X14 when compared to other gaming laptops in its class, is that this particular device features a mechanical keyboard upgrade. For gamers, a mechanical keyboard provides better interaction and response times in-game. The low-profile mechanical keyboard upgrade can definitely improve your gaming experience.
Acer Predator Triton 300 SE
While many other gaming laptops future an Intel Core i9 processor, the Acer Predator Triton 300 SE, features an 11th generation i7. In order to keep this gaming laptop more affordable, it comes with the lower-end Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card. But don’t let that fool you, because the Acer Predator Triton 300 SE is still capable of 144Hz refresh rates at a 1080p resolution. 
Specs
- CPU: Intel Core i7-11375H
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop
- RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800
- Storage: 512GB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
- Screen: 14-inch 1080p @ 144 Hz
- Battery: 60Wh
- Weight: 3.75lbs
- Price: $1,399
You can simply fall in love with the all-silver Acer Predator Triton 300 SE. This compact gaming laptop weighs only 3.75 pounds, which means it is an excellent choice for mobile gaming. Its lightweight and compact size make it easier to pick up and take with you no matter where you are going. But, the lighter weight and more compact design do have some drawbacks.
If you have never played games using a 14-inch screen, then you might feel as if the screen is too cramped for most of your favorite AAA titles. What’s more, is that you will find yourself leaning in closer to the screen in order to get a more immersive experience. The keyboard provided is also not the best. Although it is very responsive and features backlighting, the quality is rather bland.
Buyer’s Guide – How to Buy a Gaming Laptop in 2022?
Without a question, the desktop is the ultimate gaming device. However, you’re not always able to sit behind the desk of your favorite desktop. As a result, if you plan on playing games while on the go, then you will need to invest in a gaming laptop. But before you go out and purchase the most expensive model you can afford, there are some important rings that you need to take into consideration beforehand.
CPU
Although it would be nice to have a 12th generation Intel Core i9 processor, the cost of the processor can drive the cost of the gaming laptop through the roof. For this reason, many gamers instead opt to buy new laptops that feature older generations of the i9 processor or even a newer generation of the i7. You’ll have to decide just how much processing power you need, in order to stay within your budget.
GPU
For it to be considered a true gaming laptop, you must have an independent GPU. Although most top-of-the-line CPUs feature integrated graphics, they are not capable of providing the immersive gaming experience that many are seeking. As a result, you will need to make the decision on whether to purchase a device with the latest and greatest GTX 3080 TI GPU or downgrade to a 3060.
RAM
The fact is, that you will need at least 8GB of RAM just to run the operating system. So when it comes time to select a gaming laptop, you must remember that the first 8GB will be used by the OS. For this reason, an entry-level gaming laptop must have at least 16GB of RAM. However, to get the most immersive experience possible, you should attempt to find a unit that provides you with 32GB of RAM instead.
Storage
Without a question, the storage capacity of the gaming laptop is very important. Entry-level units often feature a mere 128GB SSD, which is insufficient for installing many of your favorite AAA games. A 1TB hard drive provides you with enough space for installing many games while still having enough space for your personal files and movies. For your additional storage needs, you may want to look into devices that either offer an expansion slot to add an additional hard drive later, or something that comes with a 2TB hard drive.
Screen
The screen and its resolution play an integral part in gaming. Refresh rates on a gaming laptop can range anywhere from 60Hz, all the way up to 360 Hz. Likewise, the resolution of the screens can range anywhere from 1080p all the way up to 4K. Keep in mind that while entry-level models feature a 14-inch screen, these can be too cramped for most games. At the same time, a 17-inch screen is amazing but it can be bulky and heavy to carry around.
Battery
Lastly, the battery capacity of your gaming laptop is an important factor to take into consideration when making your final decision. The fact is, is that under general use, most laptops will not run for more than 8 to
10 hours on a single charge. When you are gaming, you are lucky if you get more than an hour of gameplay before you need to plug it back in. And while it would seem obvious to choose gaming laptops with the highest-rated watt-hour batteries, you will find that depending on the components used, some units with smaller batteries will run for longer times than units with larger batteries.
Wrapping it Up
Ultimately, the purchase of a gaming laptop is an investment in the future. It is a large expense and therefore it’s important to choose something that will last you for several years. You will have to determine not only what your needs are today, but what they may be in the next few years. As a result, these factors will help guide you in choosing the processor, graphics card, storage space, and many other important features of a mobile device. In the end, when you are able to take the time to properly identify your needs and your budget, you will be able to choose that perfect gaming laptop.
