The best gaming laptops in 2021

Asus Rog Zephyrus G14 review

One of the best gaming laptops, the best small gaming laptops

Asus Rog Zephyrus G14 GA401IV specifications:

• 3.0 GHz Ryzen 9 4900HS
• NVIDIA RTX 2060 Max-Q
• 24GB RAM
• 2TB SSD
• 14″ FHD 120Hz display
• Windows 10 Home
• Battery: up to 11.5 hours

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• Excellent display

• Amazing design

• Great battery life

• Stellar performances

• Portable

• Very good audio

• Excellent ports combinations

• No webcam

Asus Rog Zephyrus G14 is not just one of the best gaming laptops in 2021 out there, but it is one of the best laptops. It is, for sure, the best smaller gaming laptop with its 14″ screen. It is a combination of beautiful and practical design, great display, and stellar performances. This laptop is the best in class in almost all departments.

Let’s start with the price. Reviewed Asus Rog Zephyrus G14 is the priciest one at $1,999, but the cheapest one starts at just a bit over $1,000. So, there is a space for choosing the budget option. This reviewed version has a Ryzen 9 4900H processor with eight cores and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card with 6GB of dedicated VRAM. Besides, it comes with an amazing 24GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage. The configuration in the most expansive version is astonishing. The base model comes with the less powerful Ryzen 9 processor, Nvidia GTX 1650, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage, which is still a respectable budget gaming laptop.

The display is very bright, 1080p at 120Hz. The panel is producing 117% of the sRGB color gamut, one of the best results in the class. Thermal management is excellent. For this strong configuration, you’ll expect the heating of the keyboard. But, that is not the case. Cooling fans are only noticeably louder at heavy workload, and only during the playing of the graphically demanding AAA gaming titles.

It weighs only 3.5 pounds (~1.5 kg), and it is the lightest gaming laptop on the market. The chassis is built of rigid magnesium and aluminum. The design is beautiful with a lid embellished with a pattern of dots. Battery life is truly incredible for such a powerful configuration. It provides around 11.5 hours of browsing the web with a bright display. Considering its size and battery life it is an outstanding portable laptop.

Audio speakers offer a robust sound and great volume for such a small laptop. Ports combinations are excellent. The only flaw is that there is no webcam. Overall, Asus Rog Zephyrus G14 is the state of the art laptop. It is one of the best gaming laptops, and the best small laptop currently on the market.

Gigabyte Aorus 17X review

Excellent gaming performances

Gigabyte Aorus 17X specifications:

• 10th Gen Intel i7-10875H
• 16GB RAM
• 512GB SSD
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER Max-Q
• 17.3-inch 240Hz display
• Windows 10 PRO
• Battery: up to 2 hours

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• Amazing display

• Very good build quality

• Extraordinary gaming performances

• Excellent keyboard

• Large and heavy

• Poor battery life

• Noisy fans

The Gigabyte Auros 17X, at its top configuration, has one of the best gaming performances. An entry-level has the i7 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER Max-Q graphics card. In addition, it has 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. The price of the entry-level is competitive. It costs around $2,500, while the price for the top-class level reaches a whopping $4,000. But, its performances are utterly superior.

To call Gigabyte Auros 17X a laptop is rather hard. It weighs around 8 pounds (~3.6kg), and if you opt for the stronger GPU GeForce RTX 2080 which comes with a second power supply and power cable, its total weight may top 14 pounds (~6.3kg). So, to be honest, this laptop will rarely leave your desk.

Thermal management is excellent. On rare occasions, the keyboard will get heated. But it comes at the expanse of very loud cooling fans. The screen panel is excellent. It is a 17.3″ 1080p FHD screen. It is not a 4k display, but it has an extraordinary refresh rate of 240Hz, excellent for esports. Build quality is exceptional. The chassis is fully built of aluminum. But, it does have sharp edges. The mechanical keyboard is another great feature of this laptop. Unfortunately, the battery life is not long. It will only last for around 2 hours.

To call Gigabyte Aorus 17X a laptop is kinda difficult. It is very heavy and it will rarely leave your desk. But, it is a great substitution for the desktop computer with extraordinary performances and excellent screen.

Asus Rog Strix Scar 17 review

Best gaming laptop in 2021 with 17.3″ screen

Asus Rog Strix Scar 17 specifications:

• Intel Core i7-10875H
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super
• 16GB RAM
• 1TB SSD
• 17.3” 300Hz FHD display
• Windows 10 Home
• Battery: up to 5 hours

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• Best gaming performances on the list

• Extraordinary 300Hz display

• Good battery life for gaming laptop

• Very good sound

• Portable

• Excellent thermal management

• No webcam

• No Thunderbolt 3

Similar to Asus Rox Zephyrus G14, Asus Rog Strix Scar 17 is the best gaming laptop in a 17.3″ screen category. You can also pick from various configurations. I have picked the most powerful configuration, thus this is to post about the best gaming laptops in 2021. Entry-level configuration starts with the i7 processors and GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card. It is also a remarkable gaming laptop for $2,000.

This version has an Intel Core i9-10980HK processor with eight cores. The graphics processing unit is NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 2080 Super with 8GB of VRAM. In addition, it has 16GB of DDR4 RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. But, I would recommend picking more SSD storage. All of the above will ensure you a stellar gaming performance. It beats its competition in almost all tests. It is sold for around $3,000.

17.3″ display has a 300Hz refresh rate. It is also the best display on the list. Similar to its smaller relative Zephyrus G14, the panel is producing 117% of the sRGB color gamut, one of the best results in the class. The thermal management is superior. During long gaming sessions, the keyboard doesn’t get heated. Cooling fans are not loud. Besides the performances and display, this is the most important thing when choosing the best gaming laptop.

The build quality is also extraordinary. It has a recognizable Republic of Gamers design. The keyboard has a per-key RGB chiclet-style and the lid has a stylish matte black design. The sound speakers are extraordinary for a gaming laptop. Also, for a gaming laptop, battery life is reasonably long and it lasts for around 5 hours.

Besides good ports selection, it doesn’t have Thunderbolt 3. Unfortunately, like other ROG series laptops, it doesn’t come with a webcam.

Taking everything into consideration, Asus Rog Strix Scar 17 is the best gaming laptop in 2021. With its 6 pounds and long battery life (for a gaming laptop) it is highly portable. And, with extraordinary gaming performances, it is an excellent pick for a gaming laptop.

Razer Blade 15 review

The best build quality in gaming laptops

Razer Blade 15 (2020) specifications:

• Intel Core i7-10875H 8-Core
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER Max-Q
• 16GB RAM
• 1TB SSD
• 15.6” FHD 300Hz display
• Windows 10 Home
• Battery: up to 7 hours

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• Premium build quality

• Excellent display

• Great battery life for a gaming laptop

• Portable

• Excellent port selection

• Excellent thermal management

• Expansive

• Fans may get loud

Razer Blade 15 (2020) doesn’t have the best scores in various benchmark tests, although the battle is very, very close. What it has is a premium build quality. Razer Blade 15 is completely built of metal and aluminum. It has the top of the class build quality and one of the best smaller gaming laptops in 2021.

The version in the review is the most powerful Razor Blade 15 configuration. It is a bit pricey at around $3,000. While the cheaper version, less powerful version, may be bought for several hundred dollars less. It has a strong configuration. With a 10th generation i7 processor with eight cores and GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER Max-Q with 8Gb of dedicated VRAM, it can run all the latest AAA gaming titles in high frames per seconds.

The thermal management is exceptional and the keyboard doesn’t get overheated during the gaming sessions. The cooling fans are not loud. Although, it is worth mentioning that on boost settings they may get a bit louder.

The design is beautiful. The keyboard is very comfortable and every key has individually backlit with customizable lightning. The display is excellent with a 300Hz refresh rate and the battery life is exceptional for a gaming laptop.

Overall, Razer Blade 15 is one of the best small gaming laptops. With its truly beautiful design, many users will use it every day as a business and work laptop. It has a very long battery life, and even it is not a lighter laptop in the class at 8.9 pounds it is a very portable laptop. Razer Blade 15 is a bit pricey but you will get a premium build quality and powerful performances.

Acer Predator Helios 300 review

The best mid-range (budget) gaming laptop in 2021

Acer Predator Helios specifications:

• Intel i7-10750H
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB
• 16GB Dual-Channel DDR4 RAM
• 512GB SSd
• 15.6″ Full HD 144Hz 3ms IPS Display
• Windows 10 Home
• Battery: up to 6 hours

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• Excellent display with 144Hz refresh rate

• Build quality

• Great battery life for a gaming laptop

• Very good gaming performances

• Good price

• Problems with overheating

• No Thunderbolt 3

Acer Predator Helios 300 is the cheapest gaming laptop on the list. The version in the review is the entry-level, and you can get a more powerful, albeit, more expensive model. This version cost only 130 dollars more than Lenovo Legion 5, a great mid-range gaming laptop. But, it has a premium build, aluminum chassis.

Gaming performances are excellent. It has a 10th generation Intel i7-10750H with six cores. NVIDIA takes care of the graphics with GeForce RTX 2060 with 6GB of VRAM. In addition to the 16GB of dual-channel (the faster option), it provides excellent gaming performances.

Unlike the other mid-range gaming laptops, Acer Predator Helios 300 has a premium build design. It is mostly built of metal and aluminum. The keyboard is comfortable and in the gaming theme with colorful four-zone keys RGB backlit. It weighs only 5 pounds (around 2.2 kg), and in addition to more than 6 hours of battery life, it is a solid portable laptop.

The display is excellent and it has a 144Hz refresh rate. Ports combination is more than solid. It would be great that there is a Thunderbolt 3, but it is not mandatory in this price range. The only flaw is that the keyboard may get overheated during the long gaming sessions. The middle of the keyboard could get to a 50-celsius degree.

Taking everything into consideration, Acer Predator Helios 300 is the best mid-range gaming laptop and the cheapest laptop on the list. It has plenty to offer for a competitive price.

Alienware Area 51m R2 review

Premium gaming laptop from Dell

Alienware Area 51m R2 specifications:

• Intel Core i9 10900K (10 cores)
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER 8GB GDDR6
• 16GB RAM
• 512 SSD + 1 TB HDD
• 17.3″ FHD 144Hz display
• Windows 10 Home

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• Excellent display

• Gaming design

• Stellar performances

• Build quality

• Excellent thermal management

• Pricey

• Poor battery life

Alienware Area-51 is a premium gaming laptop from Dell, and this version is the latest edition. It is one of the best gaming laptops in 2021. Like most of the laptops from the list, there are several versions in different price ranges. But with Alienware, you can customize your gaming laptop and choose the specifications you prefer the most.

Yes, the Alienware is pricey, but there are several configuration options. Entry-level starts at around $1,700, considering the latest drops in prices. Which is not bad at all, considering what configuration you are getting and a premium build quality.

This version sits at around $3,300 and it comes with Intel Core i9 10900K with 10 cores and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER with 8GB GDDR6 video RAM. It is providing excellent gaming performances. The display is a 17.3″ full high definition ar 144Hz refresh rate, and it has NVIDIA G-SYNC technology.

The design is of premium quality and recognizable Alienware Sci-Fi style. The keyboard is very comfortable and fully customizable with RBG backlit. The biggest selling point of this premium gaming laptop is the ability to swap nearly all of the components.

Overall, this is one of the best gaming laptops out there. I would take no less, considering it is a premium gaming laptop from Dell. It is almost perfect in any way, only thing is that it is not light. It weighs around 8.5 pounds, so you will mainly use it as a substitution for your desktop computer.

Acer Predator Triton 900 review

Unique and premium gaming laptop from Acer

Acer Predator Triton 900 specifications:

•  i9-9980HK processor Octa-core
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 8GB
• 32 GB, DDR4 SDRAM
• 1 TB SSD
• 17.3″ 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) 16:9 Touchscreen
• Windows 10 PRO
• Battery: up to 2 hours

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• Unique design with rotating display

• 4k UHD display

• Premium build quality

• Slim for the powerful configuration

• Excellent thermal performances

• Pricey

• Poor battery life

Acer Predator Triton 900 is a premium laptop from Acer, and one of the best gaming laptops in 2021. It is hard to say it is only a premium gaming laptop, with its unique design is more than that. A 17.3″ 4k ultra-high-definition display can be rotated. The screen is also a touchscreen. You can rotate it and pull it upfront to use it as a tablet. Or to watch movies. It is a unique and successful concept.

The performances are excellent. Configuration with eight cores i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 with 8GB of VRAM is providing excellent results on benchmark tests. Although, the display is 4k and it is great for work or watching videos, but for gaming, I would prefer more than only a 60Hz refresh rate.

Build quality is exceptional, and you would expect no less for a premium laptop. The keyboard is comfortable and shifted to the front edge. It takes some time to get used to, but it works well with the rotating display. The laptop is relatively slim for such a strong configuration. Thermal management is excellent and the laptop does not get overheated during long gaming sessions.

Ports combinations are excellent and it is worth mentioning that the power supply needs only one power brick, which is not usual for top-performing gaming laptops. Overall, Acer Predator Triton 900 is a successful and unique concept with a rotating display. This machine has a lot of horsepowers and it is not unlikely that the battery life is not long. It lasts for only 2 hours.

Asus Rog Mothership review

Premium gaming laptop from Asus with a unique design

Asus Rog Mothership GZ700 specifications:

• Intel i9-9980HK 8 cores
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 8GB GDDR6 VRAM
• up to 64GB RAM
• up to 2TB SSD storage
• 17.3-inch Full HD (1920×1080) 144Hz
• Windows 10 PRO
• Battery: up to 5.5 hours

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• Excellent performances

• Build quality and unique design

• Great battery life for strong configuration

• Exceptional audio

• Excellent display

• Great thermal performances

• Expansive

Asus Rog Mothership GZ700 doesn’t have any flaws, except that is incredibly expansive. It is the priciest gaming laptop on the list that sits at around $5,500. But, Mothership has a premium, top-level class build, and unique, conversation-starting design. It is one of the best gaming laptops in 2021. At the most, almost every, laptop the heaviest part is the keyboard section and not the display. But with this laptop, things are a little bit different.

The heaviest part is actually the display. Under (or isn’t it above?) the screen all components have found its place. Numerous vents are on the sides of the screen and thermal management is incredible. A big part of the thermal management is that the keyboard can be detached from the screen. You won’t be bothered with high temperatures during the gaming sessions and the keyboard is very comfortable.

Every single part of this incredible machine is superior. It has a great i9 processor with eight cores and GeForce RTX 2080 with 8GB of video ram. Asus Rog Mothership is having the top of notch results on various benchmarks tests. Audio is incredible with speakers positioned on the front of the screen bezels pointing directly to the user.

The keyboard comes with Aura Sync technology responsible for flashy light shows depending on the audio. The only flaw is that backlit cannot be set individually for every key. The display is excellent, very colorful, and bright. There is also a 4k version but for gaming is a better full high definition version that runs at 144Hz refresh rate.

Asus Rog Mothership is a premium gaming laptop with incredible performances and a bright display. It is not too heavy, it weighs around 10 pounds which is not too much for this powerful configuration. Asus Rog Mothership doesn’t have flaws, the only downside is that is very expansive.