5 best gaming laptops to buy in 2025

It’s 2025, and you’d think the decision would be simple. A new GPU generation is out, so naturally, the latest laptops should be the obvious choice. Except they aren’t. While laptops powered by NVIDIA’s RTX 5000 series are currently front and centre, many laptops fitted with the previous RTX 4000 series remain highly competitive, given they had time to mature, benefit from stable drivers, and now come at more attractive prices.

So, if you are shopping for a gaming laptop right now, it is not just about buying the newest specifications as the real test lies in consistent performance and value over time. With that in mind, here are our picks for the top 5 best gaming laptops to buy in 2025.

5 best gaming laptops to buy in 2025

Here are some of the top options.

ALSO READ: Asus ROG’s 2025 lineup brings elite gaming power with AI smarts

Dell Alienware m18 R2 gaming laptop

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 gaming laptop

MSI Katana A15 gaming laptop

HP OMEN 16 gaming laptop

Asus TUF Gaming F15 gaming laptop

Dell Alienware m18 R2 gaming laptop

In the world of high-end gaming laptops, few names carry as much weight as Alienware, and the Dell Alienware m18 R2 lives up to that reputation with powerful performance and premium features. Its 18-inch QHD+ display runs at 165Hz with NVIDIA G-SYNC, delivering smooth gameplay and vibrant colours across a spacious 16:10 screen. Inside, the laptop is powered by a 14th Gen Intel Core i9-14900HX processor with 24 cores and speeds up to 5.8GHz, paired with 32GB of fast DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD. 

Graphics come from the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 with 12GB of GDDR6 memory, delivering ray tracing and DLSS 3 support for stunning visuals and improved frame rates. The Dell Alienware m18 R2 gaming laptop also comes with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for improved audio and video quality, Wi-Fi 7, multiple ports including Thunderbolt 4, and a keyboard with Cherry MX mechanical switches and RGB lighting.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 gaming laptop

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 gaming laptop features a 3K OLED display that delivers vivid colours and deep contrast, bringing every game and graphic to life. It is powered by a 12-core AMD Ryzen 9 HX 370 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU with 12GB of dedicated memory, providing sharp graphics and smooth gameplay, including support for ray tracing. 

The 3K OLED display offers a 2880 x 1800 resolution with a 16:10 aspect ratio and a 120Hz refresh rate for vibrant visuals and fluid motion. With 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD, the laptop delivers fast load times and ample memory for gaming and work. Additional features include advanced cooling systems, Wi-Fi 7, and a battery that can last through long sessions, making the Zephyrus G14 an excellent choice for gamers focused on performance and portability.

MSI Katana A15 gaming laptop

The MSI Katana A15 gaming laptop delivers a 144 Hz Full HD display that produces crisp and fluid visuals, giving gamers an edge in fast-paced action. It is powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor with eight cores and turbo speeds up to 5.2 GHz, handling gaming, streaming, and multitasking with ease. 

The MSI Katana A15 gaming laptop delivers a 144 Hz Full HD display that produces crisp and fluid visuals, giving gamers an edge in fast-paced action. It is powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor with eight cores and turbo speeds up to 5.2 GHz, handling gaming, streaming, and multitasking with ease. 

HP OMEN 16 gaming laptop

Built for gamers who demand both speed and reliability, the HP OMEN 16 gaming laptop packs powerful hardware into a purposeful design. Under the hood, the laptop features an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor with eight Zen 4 cores and turbo speeds up to 5.1 GHz. Combined with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD, it can handle intense gaming sessions, multitasking, and creative workloads with ease. 

Graphics come from the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, equipped with 6GB of GDDR6 memory, supporting advanced ray tracing and maintaining high frame rates in modern games. The 16.1-inch Full HD display features a 165Hz refresh rate and a 7ms response time, delivering sharp and smooth visuals. Additional highlights include a four-zone RGB backlit keyboard, Bang & Olufsen-tuned audio, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and an efficient cooling system.

Asus TUF Gaming F15 gaming laptop

The Asus TUF Gaming F15 gaming laptop features a 144Hz Full HD display designed to keep gameplay smooth and responsive, minimising motion blur and screen tearing during fast-paced action. Its 15.6-inch anti-glare panel delivers accurate colours with 100% sRGB coverage, offering a clear and immersive gaming experience whether you’re in a bright room or a dim setup.

Under the hood, the laptop runs on a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13620H processor paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, providing enough power to handle modern AAA games and multitasking with ease. Complemented by 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD, it loads games quickly and keeps background tasks running smoothly without lag. Durability is a key strength — the TUF series meets military-grade standards, making this laptop a reliable choice for those who need a machine that can withstand wear and tear. Other features include comprehensive connectivity options like Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and Wi-Fi 6, plus a 90Wh battery with fast charging support.