The 4 Best Gaming Laptops — Winter 2022: Reviews
- Table of Contents
- Intro
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Best Laptop
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Best Mid-Range
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Best Budget
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Best Cheap
- Notable Mentions
- Recent Updates
- All Reviews
- Discussions
Updated Dec 22, 2022 at 07:53 am
By Ryan Lim
Buying a gaming laptop isn’t easy as there are tons of options these days, with new models coming out every year sporting increasingly more powerful CPUs and GPUs. On top of that, a CPU or GPU might perform very differently from one laptop to another due to their power draw and the chassis’ thermal limitations, making the buying decision even harder. To help you, we’ve narrowed down the best laptops and configurations that’ll give you the smoothest gaming experience for various price segments. The list is short for now, but it’ll grow as we review more laptops.
We’ve bought and tested over 60 laptops. Below you’ll find our recommendations for the best gaming laptops you can buy. You can also see our recommendations for the best laptops, the best laptops for college, and the best Windows laptops.
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Best Gaming Laptop
Razer Blade 14 (2022)
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Amazon.de
Unavailable
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Gaming
8.6
Size
14″
Operating System
Windows 11
See all our test results
The best gaming laptop we’ve tested is the Razer Blade 14 (2022), an exceptionally well-built model with a sleek, compact design.
It has a spacious keyboard with per-key RGB backlighting, plenty of ports for peripherals, and a Wi-Fi 6E wireless adapter for low-latency online gaming. Its 1080p webcam is pretty good if you want to stream, and it doubles as a Windows Hello IR camera for facial recognition so you can log in quickly. The speakers get reasonably loud but sound muddy, with no bass at all, so you’re better off using a pair of headphones.The Blade 14 is available in three preset configurations. All three have the same AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage, so you only have to choose the display and GPU combo you want. We recommend going with the base model with a 1080p 144Hz display and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU or the mid-range model with a 1440p 165Hz display and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti. Both will provide smooth gameplay in modern AAA titles. The top-end RTX 3080 Ti configuration will provide higher frame rates, but it’s significantly more expensive and isn’t the best option value-wise.
As for battery life, it lasts only about an hour or so when gaming, so you’ll need to keep the charger close.See our review
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Best Mid-Range Gaming Laptop
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022)
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Amazon.de
Unavailable
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Gaming
8.3
Size
14″
Operating System
Windows 11
See all our test results
If you don’t want to spend too much on a premium model like the Razer Blade 14 (2021), get the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022) instead.
It has a powerful 8-core AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS CPU, and you can choose between an AMD Radeon RX 6700S or 6800S GPU, both of which provide smooth gameplay in AAA titles at the display’s native QHD resolution. As for the display itself, it has a 120Hz refresh rate and a fast response time to deliver a clear image, and it supports FreeSync to reduce screen tearing. It’s only available with 1TB of storage, which isn’t very much considering the size of most modern AAA games; however, the SSD is user-upgradeable, meaning you can upgrade to a larger drive later. Unfortunately, it gets hot and loud under load, and its battery lasts only a little over an hour when gaming.Another option is the HP OMEN 16 (2022). It’s a great alternative if you want a larger 16-inch screen or prefer an Intel/NVIDIA system. It has more GPU configuration options, so it’s easier to find a model that fits your budget. It also has a wider port selection that includes an Ethernet port and Thunderbolt 4 support, and it doesn’t get as hot or loud as the ASUS under load.
Of course, it isn’t as portable due to its larger size, and none of the available displays get very bright, so it might not be the best option if you often use the laptop in very well-lit settings.See our review
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Best Budget Gaming Laptop
Lenovo Legion 5 Gen 6 15 (2021)
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Amazon.de
Unavailable
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Gaming
8.2
Size
15.6″
Operating System
Windows 11
See all our test results
Our best budget pick is the Lenovo Legion 5 Gen 6 15 (2021), an affordable 15.
6-inch model that you can configure with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H or Ryzen 7 5800H CPU and an NVIDIA discreet GPU. The GPU options range from an entry-level NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 to a powerful RTX 3070 with ray-tracing and DLSS support. You can get up to 32GB of memory and 1TB of storage. The RAM and SSD are user-replaceable, so if you’re short on cash, you can get a cheaper configuration and upgrade it later. Build-wise, this laptop has a sturdy chassis with a finish that doesn’t scratch or smudge easily. The keyboard feels great to type on, and there are plenty of ports, including six USBs, an HDMI, and an Ethernet port.The keyboard is only mildly warm under load, but the fans are loud. As for the display, we recommend the 165Hz 1080p or 1440p panel for the best visual experience, as they have the fastest response time and support variable refresh rate to reduce screen tearing. If you choose to go 1440p, just make sure to pair it with an RTX 3070 GPU to get the most out of it. One thing to note is that the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022) we recommend above is deeply discounted at this time, so unless you’re set on getting a model with an NVIDIA GPU, you’re better off getting the ASUS, as it’s a better device overall.
However, if you miss the sale or can’t afford to spend a little more, the Lenovo is still a great option.See our review
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Best Cheap Gaming Laptop
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021)
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Amazon.de
Unavailable
Missing Store
Gaming
7.7
Size
15.6″
Operating System
Windows 11
See all our test results
If you want something cheap, get the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2021).
Like our budget pick, it’s also a 15.6-inch laptop with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H or Ryzen 7 5800H CPU, and GPU options range from an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 to an RTX 3060. The GTX 1650 is an entry-level GPU that can only push around 60 fps at 1080p with medium or low settings, so if you want to keep the laptop for a while, it’s best to get a better configuration with an RTX 3050 or 3060, as the GTX 1650 might not be able to handle newer AAA titles. There are only 1080p display options; we recommend getting the 120Hz or 165Hz panel, as they’ll deliver a clearer image with less ghosting.Though entirely plastic, this laptop feels surprisingly sturdy, especially for a model in its price range. It has a comfortable and tactile keyboard, and the webcam is pretty good if you want to stream. Its port selection includes three USBs, an HDMI, and an Ethernet port. Unfortunately, you can’t charge the laptop via USB-C, so you’ll have to use its proprietary charger. The fans are very loud under load, but the noise isn’t annoying as it just sounds like heavy airflow.
See our review
Notable Mentions
- HP Victus 16 (2021):
The HP Victus 16 (2021) is a good alternative to the Lenovo Legion 5 Gen 6 15 (2021). However, it’s hard to find because it’s discontinued.
See our review
Recent Updates
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Dec 22, 2022:
Verified accuracy of picks; no change in recommendations. -
Dec 01, 2022:
Verified accuracy of picks; no change in recommendations. -
Nov 04, 2022:
Verified accuracy of picks; no change in recommendations.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best gaming laptops to buy.
We factor in the price (a cheaper laptop wins over a pricier one if the difference isn’t worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no laptops that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you prefer to make your own decision, here’s the list of all of our laptop reviews, sorted by price from low to high. Keep in mind that most laptops are available in various configurations, and the table only shows the results of the model we tested, so it’s best to see the full review for information about other variants.
Discussions
Best Gaming Laptop Deals | Tom’s Hardware
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A new gaming laptop can change . . . the game for you. You’ll be able to play your favorite titles on the go and, hopefully, have a system you can use for work or web browsing. It’s a great time to save on a gaming laptop as Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, Dell, and others are offering incredible discounts daily.
We’re highlighting all of the best gaming laptop deals below.
We also maintain lists of the best gaming laptops under $1,500, best gaming laptops under $1,000, and the best gaming laptops overall.
Gaming Laptop Deals: Quick Links
- Amazon: Up to 29% off MSI Gaming Laptops
- Lenovo: Up to 33% off Gaming Laptops
- Best Buy: Up to $300 off Gaming Laptops
- Dell: Up to $680 off Gaming Laptops
Gaming Laptop Deals
MSI GF63 Thin: now $539 at Walmart (was $599)
The MSI GF63 Thin is available at Walmart for $150 off which puts this budget notebook below $500. It features an Intel Core i5 processor along with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q. It also ships with 8GB of RAM and a 512 GB internal SSD of storage.
Acer Nitro 5 (RTX 3050 Ti, Core i7): now $747 at Amazon (was $999)
If you’re looking for an inexpensive gaming laptop that has enough oomph to play games with some raytracing, this Nitro 5 config could be a great choice.
It has RTX 3050 Ti graphics, a Core i7-11800H CPU, a 144 Hz display, and a 512GB SSD. The only downer is the 8GB of RAM, but you can upgrade it.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus 14 (Ryzen 7, RTX 3060): now $999 at Best Buy (was $1,399)
The ROG Zephyrus 14 is a competent gaming laptop with an FHD screen, offering a refresh rate of 144 Hz. The AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800HS processor powers the laptop along with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card.
MSI GL76 17.3-inch Gaming Laptop: now $1,699 at Newegg (was $1,899)
Featuring a 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake CPU, the GL76 gaming laptop from MSI has a Core i7-12700H at its heart and graphics powered by an Nvidia RTX 3070. This config also features 16GB DDR4 and a 512GB NVMe SSD.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 (RTX 3080, Ryzen 9): now $1,982 at Newegg (was $2,399)
This config of the Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 Gaming Laptop has an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX CPU and an RTX 3080 GPU.
RAM sits at 16GB and storage at 1TB, plus this laptop has a 300 Hz IPS display.
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TOP 10 best gaming laptops 2022-rating, Reviews Tehnobzor
Author Vasily Hi-Tech published 20 minutes Published updated
Annotation 9000
- What should be able to be the best game laptops of 2022
- Top 10 gaming laptops of 2022 — ranking of the best
- Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 — budget gaming laptop of 2022
- HP Victus 16 — best budget gaming laptop HP
- ASUS TUF Gaming F15 — fast gaming laptop Asus
- HP Omen 16 — good gaming laptop 2022 value for money
- Lenovo Legion 5 15 — gaming laptop from Lenovo
- ASUS ROG Strix G15 — powerful gaming laptop Asus
- MSI GP76 Leopard — 17″ Gaming Laptop
- Lenovo Legion 5 Pro — More than just Gaming Laptop
- MSI Katana GF76 — MSI’s Coolest Gaming Laptop
- ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 15 — Most Powerful Gaming Laptop of 2022
- Which gaming laptop to buy
- More TOP best gaming laptops 2022 price-quality — video
Choosing a gaming laptop is not an easy task.
If you don’t know which gaming laptop to choose? We have prepared a list of the top 10 models in various price segments that should meet the expectations of most gamers and enthusiasts.
The best gaming laptops can be a good desktop alternative. These compact devices offer more and more performance. They will allow you to play comfortably, as well as efficiently perform resource-intensive tasks. nine0007
Good 2022 gaming laptop, easy to handle creative work such as photo editing, video editing or 3D modeling. In addition, you can take it with you on a trip, which does not “tie” you to one workplace.
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TehnObzor Gaming Laptop Rating of 2022 |
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Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 |
Intel Core i5 10300H |
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti |
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HP Victus 16 |
AMD Ryzen 5 5600H |
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 |
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ASUS TUF Gaming F15 |
Intel Core i5 11400H |
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti |
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HP Omen 16 |
AMD Ryzen 5 5600H |
AMD Radeon RX 6600M |
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Lenovo Legion 5 15 |
Intel Core i7-11800H |
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 |
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ASUS ROG Strix G15 |
0055 | |
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MSI GP76 Leopard |
Intel Core i7 11800H |
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 |
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Lenovo Legion 5 Pro |
Intel Core i7 11800H |
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 |
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MSI Katana GF76 |
Intel Core i7-12700H |
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti |
One of the key elements in choosing a gaming laptop in 2022 is the screen. Modern models offer high-quality 1080p or 1440p IPS matrices with high refresh rates — 120 Hz, 144 Hz, 240 Hz or even 360 Hz. 
They provide better performance than older series processors. nine0007 
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In the Victus 16 we get a Full HD (16.1″) IPS screen with a refresh rate of 144Hz and a backlit keyboard. As well as the combination of a Ryzen 5 5600H processor, 16GB of DDR4 RAM running in dual-channel mode, and a GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card. 
It is worth paying attention to the fast Full HD IPS matrix with a frequency of 144 Hz. The specs are good too — the configuration is equipped with an Intel Core i5-11400H processor (6 cores / 12 threads), 16 GB of dual-channel DDR4-3200 memory and a GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card. 
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This is supported by 16 GB of DDR4-3200 RAM and a GeForce RTX 3070 Ti graphics card. And for data storage, a 512 GB NVMe SSD is used. 
It has a great screen, very powerful components and a good work culture. nine0007 
Today, technology in computing hardware has advanced so much that the best gaming laptops can now compete with desktop PCs. This is made possible by mobile GPUs capable of running the latest games at high settings. Most modern gaming laptops even boast features such as vertical sync and higher refresh rates, technologies that were previously only found on high-end desktop monitors.
This 15″ laptop is a very affordable gaming battlestation that can be folded in half and stowed in a backpack or shoulder bag. Thanks to the HDMI port, you can connect it to an external monitor when you get home and get a desktop-like gaming rig.
The Acer Nitro 5 is one of the best budget options on the market if you want a solid gaming and work machine that costs less than a thousand dollars. It pairs a Ryzen 5 5600H processor with a GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card, one of Nvidia’s RTX 30 series GPUs that has 6GB of GDDR6 VRAM. It also comes with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD.
Usually the GPU is the most expensive part of a gaming machine — if any component is going to slow you down in gaming performance, it will be the graphics card. However, the CPU and RAM are still very important as they perform general computing tasks and power almost every other gaming experience as well.
With hardware like this, this is one of the best gaming laptops you can buy today.
Better yet, you’ve got 16GB of RAM — twice the amount normally found in laptops.
Gorgeous QHD resolution also lets you enjoy games, movies and other entertainment on a screen that surpasses standard 1080p panels. The screen ensures that you get the most out of your built-in hardware.
