Top 5 Best Gaming Laptops in 2024 So Far

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As we dive into 2024, the gaming laptop market continues to evolve, offering a wide range of options for gamers. After testing numerous models, I've compiled a list of the top 5 gaming laptops of 2024. However, no laptop is perfect, so I’ll be sharing both the pros and cons of each to help you make the best choice for your needs. Let’s start from number 5 and work our way to the top.

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5. ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18kicks off our list with its massive 18-inch display.

  • Highlights:

    • Mini-LED Screen: This year's model features a Mini-LED display, offering vibrant colors and super-bright visuals that enhance the gaming experience, especially on a large screen.

    • Performance: Equipped with an RTX 4090 GPU, this laptop excels in 4K gaming, handling high settings without breaking a sweat. The CPU performance is the best I've tested in 2024, even when running on battery power.

  • Downsides:

    • Similar to Last Year’s Model: Despite the new Mini-LED screen, the performance is quite similar to the 2023 Scar 18 model, which also had excellent gaming and CPU performance. The 2023 version even slightly outperforms the 2024 model in battery life.

    • Price: Given the minor improvements, you might want to consider saving some money by opting for the 2023 version if you can do without the Mini-LED panel.

4. ASUS Zephyrus G14

Next up is the ASUS Zephyrus G14, a highly portable 14-inch gaming laptop.

  • Highlights:

    • Portability: The G14 is one of the smallest and lightest gaming laptops available, making it incredibly easy to carry around.

    • OLED Screen: The 14-inch OLED display offers a crisp, vibrant picture with an excellent color gamut and super-fast screen response time, making it perfect for responsive gameplay.

    • Battery Life: Despite its small size, the G14 is power-efficient and offers longer battery life than most gaming laptops.

  • Downsides:

    • Lower GPU Power Limit: Due to its compact size, the G14 has a lower GPU power limit, which means it may not perform as well as larger laptops with the same GPU.

    • Limited Upgradeability: The RAM is soldered to the motherboard, meaning you can't upgrade it. If you want future-proofing, you might need to invest in the more expensive 32GB RAM version.

3. Acer Predator Helios Neo 16

At number 3, we have the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16, a solid mid-range gaming laptop.

  • Highlights:

    • Improved Performance: The 2024 model features increased CPU performance, faster memory, a better screen with faster response times, and upgraded connectivity options like 2.5 gigabit Ethernet.

    • Gaming Experience: The Helios Neo 16 offers excellent FPS in games, delivering one of the most responsive gaming experiences among RTX 4070 laptops.

  • Downsides:

    • Size and Weight: The Helios is on the larger and heavier side for a 16-inch laptop, and it comes with a bulky 330-watt charger, which is usually reserved for higher-powered laptops.

    • Battery Life: The battery life is relatively poor compared to other gaming laptops, and the Type-C charging is limited to 65 watts, meaning you'll likely need to carry the large charger with you.

2. Lenovo Legion 5

Coming in second is the Lenovo Legion 5, another 16-inch gaming laptop that offers a balanced mix of performance and portability.

  • Highlights:

    • Customization: The Legion 5 offers extensive customization options for CPU and GPU power limits, better BIOS control, and improved Linux support. It also supports higher wattage Type-C charging and has better battery life compared to the Helios Neo 16.

    • Price: The Legion 5 is usually cheaper than the Helios Neo 16 and performs similarly in games, making it a great value option.

  • Downsides:

    • Keyboard and Ports: While the Legion 5 excels in many areas, the keyboard lighting isn’t as vibrant, and the ports aren’t as fast or conveniently located as on the Helios Neo 16.

    • Battery Drain During Heavy Load: During extended gaming sessions that max out both the CPU and GPU, the battery can drain even when plugged in, which didn’t happen with the Helios.

1. Lenovo Legion 7

The best gaming laptop I've tested in 2024 so far is the Lenovo Legion 7.

  • Highlights:

    • Build Quality: The Legion 7 offers premium build quality, with a sleek glacier white design that looks and feels great.

    • Performance: It features upgradeable RAM (a notable improvement over last year’s model) and a high-end processor that delivers excellent performance while keeping thermals in check with its new cooling design.

    • Portability: Despite its powerful hardware, the Legion 7 is more portable than many other high-end gaming laptops, making it an excellent choice for those who travel frequently.

  • Downsides:

    • Price: The main downside is the cost. At around $1850 USD for an RTX 4070 version, it’s more expensive than some RTX 4080 laptops, which offer significantly better gaming performance.

    • Value Consideration: While the Legion 7 is a premium option, you’ll need to decide if the higher build quality is worth the extra cost compared to a higher-performing, yet cheaper, RTX 4080 laptop.

These are the top 5 gaming laptops of 2024 that I’ve tested so far. Each laptop offers something unique, making them suitable for different types of gamers. Whether you prioritize portability, performance, or build quality, there’s a laptop on this list that will meet your needs. If you’re looking to save money, consider checking out our gaminglaptop.deals website for the best prices on these models, and don’t forget to subscribe for more updates as we continue to test and review the latest gaming laptops throughout the year.