Best Laptops for Gaming and Work in 2024

Gaming is a stress reliever for many and while there are plenty of great gaming laptops on the market, most users don’t want to invest in a second laptop for their work. This means a laptop that can serve both purposes is the most cost-effective option here.

ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023)

Best Overall Laptop for Gaming and Work
MSI Vector GP68HX

Best High-End Laptop for Gaming and Work
Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop

Best Budget Laptop for Gaming and Work
HP Victus 16.1-inch 144Hz Laptop

Best Mid-Range Laptop for Gaming and Work
HP Envy Laptop WQXGA

Best Productivity Laptop for Gaming and Work

The Best Gaming Laptops for 2024

Finding the best gaming laptop comes down to budget, expected performance, and workload. Let’s dive in and find the best new gaming laptop.

Not only does this double down the time one may need to find an appropriate laptop, but it may also create a lot of confusion in choosing the right laptop, considering how many options are available for a similar price. Finding the right laptop that serves both gaming and work purposes can be as challenging as choosing a character class in an MMORPG. For enthusiasts and professionals alike, this guide dives into the world of dual-duty laptops that excel both in the heat of battle and the boardroom.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Laptop

When choosing the best laptops for gaming and work, consider these factors.

Performance: A robust CPU and GPU combo handles intensive tasks and games.
Battery Life: Sufficient power sustains long work sessions and gaming marathons.
Build Quality: A durable design can withstand work and play.
Display: At least a full HD resolution on a high-quality panel makes gaming more immersive and provides accurate color representation.

For gamers who want to level up in real life, an upgrade to a premium gaming laptop might be the next quest.

Game Rant’s Picks for The Best Laptops for Gaming and Work in 2024

ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023)

Best Overall Laptop for Gaming and Work

$2100 $2200 Save $100

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is designed for smooth gameplay and efficient multitasking. The computer sports a 13th-generation Intel Core i9-13980HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU. These allow high frame rates for a smooth gaming experience even at 2560×1600 resolution. For faster load times and efficient multitasking, the laptop includes 32GB of DDR5 memory and a 1TB PCIe SSD.

The Strix G16 also features ROG Intelligent Cooling, with liquid metal on the CPU. The laptop’s QHD 240Hz panel ensures clear, fast visuals and is DCI-P3 compliant.

Operating System: Windows 11
CPU: Intel Core i9-13980HX
GPU: RTX 4070
RAM: 32GB DDR5
Storage: 1TB PCI-E 4.0 SSD
Battery: 90WHr
Display (Size, Resolution): 16” QHD, 240Hz
Brand: ASUS
Model: G614JI-XS96
Display type: Nebula Display
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3

Pros

Nebula display with a high refresh rate of 240Hz
2560×1600 resolution on an IPS panel with DCI-P3 100% color space
Beastly CPU-GPU combo maxes out any game with 60+ fps

Cons

Hefty cost
Can consume battery quickly due to high-end display and components

No matter how heavy the workload is, the ROG Strix G16 can handle it without breaking a sweat. Asus’ ROG Strix series is generally a top-of-the-line offering for every product lineup and the G16 has proven that it can’t be outperformed in functionality or aesthetics. This highly-rated laptop is powered by the Core i9 13980HX, which is the flagship mobile CPU in the Raptor Lake Refresh family and is designed for high performance in CPU-oriented tasks. This makes it a potent solution for different types of CPU-intensive loads, whether it is rendering, compilation, encoding, or similar stuff.

With 24 cores and 32 threads, it is already too good for just work, but with the RTX 4070 laptop GPU, it becomes overwhelming in gaming too. The RTX 4070 is the most popular ADA card and this laptop edition GPU is sufficient to max out graphics in modern titles at 60+ fps. It brings 8GB of VRAM, which is enough for most games available today to bring eye candy on its QHD screen. This isn’t a regular IPS display but a Nebula one that comes with a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut for vibrant colors and runs at a 240Hz refresh rate, which is perfect for competitive gaming.

Other specs include 32GB of DDR5 memory, 1TB fast NVMe SSD, and all other latest connectivity features to keep users ahead. The construction is sturdy and brings a bezel-less design for more immersion. On top of that, the keyboard is RGB-backlit and the front edge has its own RGB LED strip that enhances its aesthetics significantly.

MSI Vector GP68HX

Best High-End Laptop for Gaming and Work

MSI Vector GP68HX brings the best capabilities for both gaming and work. The high-end Core i9 CPU takes care of CPU-intensive programs and the RTX 4080 powers the pixels to push the frame rates higher. This Vector model comes with fantastic aesthetics, has a 144Hz refresh rate IPS display, and the latest connectivity features for easy future proofing.

Operating System: Windows 11 Home
CPU: Intel Core i9 13950HX
GPU: Nvidia Geforce RTX 4080
RAM: 16GB DDR5
Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
Battery: 90Wh
Display (Size, Resolution): 16″, 1920×1200
Brand: MSI
Model: Vector GP68HX 13VH-098US
Keyboard: RGB
Display type: IPS
Connectivity: WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2

Pros

High-end CPU for crunching big numbers
RTX 4080 for maxing out modern titles
RGB backlit keyboard

Cons

Somewhat expensive
Not the best battery life

MSI Vector GP68HX comes in various configurations, but this 13VH-098US model is probably the most attractive one. Featuring an exceptional configuration, the laptop is ready to deliver unparalleled performance for its price tag. At its core lies the i9 13950HX CPU, featuring a whopping 24 cores and 32 threads. While 8 cores are performance ones, the rest 16 are efficient cores that take on the background tasks to minimize the load on the primary ones. This helps it achieve superior performance in intensive operations.

So, whether users are running rendering applications or applications related to encoding, compilation, or compression/decompression, the Vector laptop has got them covered. Now for gaming, the RTX 4080 is probably the best choice at the moment, which can max out any title at way over 60 fps. Assisting the laptop’s performance further is the 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB NVMe SSD for quickly booting up applications and OS. While it’s recommended to upgrade to 32GB if users see any limitations, 16GB will do the job perfectly in most programs and games.

To enjoy high fluidity, the laptop is equipped with a fast 144Hz refresh rate, and an IPS display that measures 16″ for a more immersive experience and brings an FHD+ resolution. Connectivity is also satisfactory, providing users with multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, including Type C and Thunderbolt 4 ports.

Acer Nitro V 15 Gaming Laptop

Best Budget Laptop for Gaming and Work

$752 $800 Save $48

Acer Nitro V brings a balanced configuration to make sure it fulfills any kind of day-to-day requirements related to work and gaming. The laptop is powered by the 13th gen Core i5 CPU, 8GB DDR5 RAM, and a fast 512GB SSD. The 15.6″ 144Hz IPS display is powered by the Geforce RTX 3050 laptop GPU that is sufficient to play most games at 1080p with satisfactory frame rates.

Operating System: Windows 11 Home
CPU: Intel Core i5 13420H
GPU: Nvidia Geforce RTX 3050
RAM: 8GB DDR5
Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
Battery: 57Wh
Display (Size, Resolution): 15.6″, 1920x1080p
Camera: 720p
Network: WiFi 6
Brand: MSI
Model: ANV15-51-532J
Display type: IPS
Connectivity: Gigabit LAN, Bluetooth 5.1

Pros

Latest 13th gen Core i5 CPU
144Hz IPS display for smooth gameplay

Cons

8GB RAM and 512GB SSD are somewhat inadequate
RTX 3050 is not meant for intensive gaming

Gaming laptops are generally more expensive than generic office-purpose laptops. Finding a perfect balance of both budget and performance can be difficult, but the Nitro V 15 gaming laptop does it convincingly for around 800 dollars. The laptop is lightweight and features a thin build to carry it easily. This is despite its capable specifications that incorporate the 13th-generation Core i5 13420H CPU, featuring 8 cores, 12 threads, and an RTX 3050. With this combo, users can expect it to perform decently in various CPU-intensive tasks and gaming too.

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However, it isn’t to max out something and is best for lighter loads. The total system RAM users will be getting initially is 8GB and 512GB NVMe storage. Not bad, but it’s recommended to add another 8GB RAM stick to increase its capacity to 16GB to eliminate any kinds of bottlenecks. The display, however, is fantastic, boasting an IPS panel with a refresh rate of 144Hz and a full HD resolution. This allows gamers to get fluidity similar to what is found on more expensive laptops. The laptop is perfectly able to game with playable frame rates and can provide over 60 fps in eSports and some non-intensive titles.

HP Victus 16.1-inch 144Hz Laptop

Best Mid-Range Laptop for Gaming and Work

The HP Victus 16.1″ brings a solid value to the table for its price tag. The laptop is powered by the Core i7 13700H CPU, 32GB RAM, and RTX 4070. It is a beast in CPU-intensive programs and gaming as well. The laptop is slim, has an anti-glare IPS panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, and comes with an RGB backlit keyboard.

Operating System: Windows 11
CPU: Intel Core i7 13700H
GPU: Nvidia Geforce RTX 4070
RAM: 32GB DDR5
Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
Display (Size, Resolution): 16.1″, 1920x1080p
Camera: 1080p
Network: WiFi 6E
Brand: HP
Model: Victus 16.1″
Display type: IPS
Connectivity: 1G LAN, Bluetooth 5.3

Pros

High performance configuration for an affordable price
Compact, thin, and lightweight
Micro-edge 16.1″ Anti-Glare display with 144Hz refresh rate

Cons

Shorter battery life compared to laptops with similar specs

Gaming laptops with the RTX 4070 typically cost close to $2000, which makes achieving ultra-quality eye candy difficult at an affordable price. The HP Victus, therefore, stands out as it brings the powerful RTX 4070 GPU for a high frame rate gameplay that will look absolutely flawless on its 144Hz IPS display, which is also anti-glare and has very thin bezels. The screen boasts an unusual 16.1″ size, but it should provide a slightly more immersive experience compared to the standard 15.6″ laptops.

The laptop uses the Intel Core i7 13700H as its processor, which uses the Hybrid architecture to provide 6 performance and 8 efficient cores, resulting in a total of 14 threads and 20 cores. The clock speeds of this processor are impressive too, with the performance cores reaching as high as 5.0GHz, thanks to the maximum turbo power that doesn’t restrict it in its performance. Nonetheless, this also comes out to be a CON when the battery life is considered. It comes with a 70Wh battery that won’t be sufficient to keep it on for several hours when on full load, particularly on gaming loads where both the CPU and GPU are in full action.

HP Envy Laptop WQXGA

Best Productivity Laptop for Gaming and Work

$1770 $1800 Save $30

The HP Envy WQXGA is a killer productivity laptop that features a massive memory size of 64GB. Also, with its 4TB fast storage, users will have plenty of space for their work files and large gaming titles. With the power of the Core i9 13900H CPU and RTX 4060, it is surely going to be a killer machine at executing the programs quickly while not remaining behind in gaming either.

Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
CPU: Intel Core i9 13900H
GPU: Nvidia Geforce RTX 4060
Storage: 2TB+2TB SSD
Display (Size, Resolution): 16″, 2560x1600p
Brand: HP
Model: Envy WQXGA
RAM: 64GB DDR5
Display type: IPS touchscreen
Connectivity: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3

Pros

Touchscreen IPS panel for easy usage
Insanely big RAM capacity of 64GB with a 4TB storage
Fantastic high-end Core i9 13th gen CPU and RTX 4060 for gaming/productivity

Cons

120Hz refresh rate which is lower than most mid-range laptops

This is a purely productivity-based laptop with a Core i9 13900H CPU and an insane capacity of system RAM. Typically, most gaming or work-oriented laptops come with 16 or 32GB of RAM, which is adequate for most loads. However, with 64GB DDR5 RAM, the HP Envy WQXGA will be a beast in crunching numbers. For users who are into 3D modeling, graphic design, and multimedia editing, this is the laptop they should be opting for.

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In their spare time, they can try their hands at modern titles powered by the RTX 4060 GPU, which won’t make them compromise on the graphical settings. Moreover, the storage capacity is impressive with dual fast SSDs each carrying 2TB of storage space. The laptop looks like a work-oriented one with a thin build, but inside it resides powerful hardware to achieve any operation.

MSI Raider GE78HX

Best Performance Laptop for Gaming and Work

MSI Raider GE78HX is a monster in performance. This stylish laptop looks gorgeous with its premium build quality and RGB backlit keyboard as well as the dedicated RGB LEDs at the front. Powered by the latest 14th-generation Core i9 CPU, it can crush any CPU-intensive task. The laptop has a huge 64GB RAM capacity, 2TB fast SSD, and the fastest RTX 4090 GPU for gaming.

Operating System: Windows 11 Home
CPU: Intel Core i9 14900HX
GPU: Nvidia Geforce RTX 4090
Storage: 2TB NVMe SSD
Display (Size, Resolution): 17″, 2560x1600p
Brand: MSI
Model: 14VIG-600US
RAM: 64GB DDR5
Display type: IPS
Connectivity: Killer E3100G LAN, Bluetooth 5.4
Battery: 99.9Wh
Camera: 1080p
Network: WiFi 7
Weight: 6.61lbs
Keyboard: RGB backlit

Pros

Extremely powerful configuration for productivity and gaming
240Hz IPS display with 100% DCI-P3 color gamut
Premium build quality and excellent thermal solution

Cons

Very expensive
High battery consumption

The Raider GE78 HX is the pinnacle of performance within the mainstream laptop category. From solid aesthetics to unparalleled configuration, the laptop excels in every area, giving users the best they can have for money. It boasts a beautiful RGB-backlit keyboard and RGB LEDs on the front edge, configurable via MSI center. The display is truly impressive with an excellent color gamut of 100% DCI-P3 to cover a wide range of colors, providing more vibrant details. Moreover, the 240Hz refresh rate will further smooth out the gameplay, making it ideal for competitive gaming.

The machine is powered by the latest i9 14900HX CPU that easily dominates almost every mobile chip, thanks to its powerful 24-core/32-thread configuration, which now boasts a higher clock speed than its predecessor. The max turbo-boost can go as high as 5.8GHz, which is 400MHz higher than the 13900HX. This may not be very noticeable in gaming, but will be apparent in CPU-oriented loads where some applications are highly sensitive to the CPU frequency.

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The i9 14900HX is combined with 64GB of fast DDR5 RAM that runs at 5600MHz and an RTX 4090 laptop GPU, featuring 16GB of GDDR6 VRAM. This is plenty for maxing out the latest titles at its QHD+ resolution and most games will see way over 100 fps on ultra settings. Other features of this laptop are also top-notch, exceeding what is commonly found on mid-range and high-end models, including connectivity and speakers.

How to Choose the Best Laptops for Gaming and Work

Understanding the intricacies of selecting a dual-purpose laptop can ensure that gamers and professionals alike can find a device that meets their needs. Check out these key considerations for a choice that checks all the boxes for performance, endurance, and resilience.

Performance

A top-notch CPU paired with a formidable GPU that won’t falter under the pressure of the latest games or heavy-duty work tasks is essential. Seek out specs that promise smooth gameplay and swift multitasking capabilities to ensure a seamless switch between work and play.

Battery Life

Endurance is crucial, as a laptop for gaming and work must keep pace with its user’s lifestyle. Aim for a model that guarantees ample battery life, giving freedom from the tether of a power outlet whether users are crunching numbers or crushing foes.

Build Quality

The rigors of daily use demand a laptop that’s built to last. Opt for a chassis that champions durability, paired with a keyboard and trackpad that remains comfortable and responsive over countless hours of gaming and work.

Display

While VA and TN panels are cheaper and more common, IPS will provide the best viewing angles and better color accuracy. It’s recommended to aim for a panel that covers different color spaces with a wide range of colors.

FAQ

Q: Can gaming laptops be used for working from home?

Certainly, gaming laptops often have powerful specs that can easily handle work-related tasks, though they may be overpowered for typical office work.

Q: How important is battery life for a home office laptop?

Battery life is vital. It ensures you can work uninterrupted throughout the day without staying plugged in, offering flexibility in work locations.