The Best 16 inch Gaming Laptops 2025
After extensive testing, we’ve identified the best 16-inch gaming laptop that combines top-tier performance, cutting-edge hardware, and excellent value for gamers of all kinds. Our goal is to help you find laptops that deliver exceptional value, whether you’re looking for a high-end machine or something more budget-friendly.
The current generation of mobile GPUs and CPUs from Nvidia, AMD, and Intel has solidified its place at the top, offering unmatched performance. While we’ve tested various CPU options, AMD’s new Strix Point and Zen 5 mobile chips have emerged as a game-changer, with the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 standing out as our top pick for the best 16-inch gaming laptop. It strikes the perfect balance between portability, power, and battery life. Whether you’re opting for a powerful iGPU, an RTX 4070 to complement its sleek design, or pairing an Intel chip with an RTX 4080 for even more speed, the G16 offers performance that outshines even the fastest RTX 4090 laptops.
For those on a tighter budget, the Lenovo Legion Slim 5 is our pick for a more affordable yet capable gaming laptop. With its excellent portability and performance, it provides a solid gaming experience without breaking the bank.
Best 16 Inch Gaming Laptop
Top 3
Striking a perfect balance between portability, power, and battery life, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 is a standout choice for gamers. It’s engineered to deliver top-tier performance without sacrificing convenience. Full Review
The Razer Blade 16 impresses with its sleek design and cutting-edge hardware, offering an exceptional gaming experience. Known for its premium build, this laptop is a high-end option for serious gamers. Full Review
Praised for its powerful performance and solid construction, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i is designed to meet the needs of dedicated gamers. It’s a reliable and high-performing laptop for those who demand more.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16: Best 16 inch Gaming Laptop
The Best Gaming Laptop You Can Buy Today
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 has claimed the top spot as the best gaming laptop you can buy today. While the discontinuation of our previous favorite, the Lenovo Legion 7i Pro Gen 8, played a role in this shift, the G16’s latest iteration is undeniably impressive—thanks to its sleek design and cutting-edge AMD processor.
Asus has made a significant improvement by addressing one of the G16’s past shortcomings: it no longer crams the most powerful mobile GPU into a slim and portable chassis. While that might seem counterintuitive for a gaming laptop, it’s a smart move. When we initially tested the Intel-powered G16, we were captivated by its stylish design, stunning OLED display, and overall performance. However, the inclusion of the RTX 4090 proved problematic due to thermal constraints, leaving much of its potential untapped and making it far from quiet.
This issue isn’t unique to the G16—thermally limited RTX 4090 laptops often underperform compared to well-cooled RTX 4080 models, despite the steep price difference. Thankfully, the new AMD Strix Point version of the Zephyrus G16 features a more practical RTX 4070, perfectly matched to the laptop’s unibody chassis and paired with AMD’s powerful Zen 5 CPU.
At the heart of the G16 is the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, a standout mobile processor with a mix of Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores. Unlike Intel’s mixed-core architecture, AMD’s approach ensures both core types are nearly equally capable and support simultaneous multithreading (SMT). This gives the HX 370 12 cores and 24 threads, outperforming Intel’s Core Ultra 9 in both single- and multi-threaded tasks, delivering exceptional gaming and processing power.
Integrated GPU and Battery Life
The G16 also features AMD’s new Radeon 890M integrated GPU, based on the updated RDNA 3.5 architecture. With more compute units than the 780M found in gaming handhelds, it delivers impressive 1080p performance. For on-the-go usage, switching to the integrated GPU dramatically extends battery life, complementing the G16’s efficient design.
While the RTX 4070 isn’t the most powerful GPU, its performance at the G16’s native OLED resolution is still excellent. For those seeking extra power, there’s an Intel-based version with the RTX 4080, which offers better cooling and performance than its RTX 4090 predecessor.
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 offers a range of configurations to suit different needs, whether you prioritize raw CPU power, solid gaming performance, or portability with great battery life. That said, the Ryzen AI versions come with a hefty price tag, positioning them among the most expensive RTX 4060 and RTX 4070 laptops. However, Intel-based RTX 4070 models offer similar quality at a more competitive price, especially during sales. If you’re considering the G16, keep an eye out for discounts to maximize its value.
Razer Blade 16
Stunning Visuals That Define Excellence
It’s no surprise that the Razer Blade 16 earns the title of the gaming laptop with the best screen. Even before you power it on, the hardware lineup signals something extraordinary. Razer offers only two CPU options for this model—the Intel Core i9-13950HX or the 14900HX—underscoring its commitment to high-end performance. Coupled with an RTX 4080 GPU, the model we tested carries a jaw-dropping MSRP of $3,600.
Razer laptops are known for their premium price tags, but their impeccable build quality often justifies the cost. In this case, however, the real star is the display. The 16-inch panel boasts a 2560 x 1600 resolution and a 240Hz variable refresh rate, delivering one of the most stunning OLED experiences we’ve ever encountered.
Words alone can’t do justice to the quality of this screen. It’s less intense than a mini-LED, yet richer and more natural than the finest IPS displays. The result is a visual feast that truly shines in games with HDR support, like Cyberpunk 2077. Once you’ve played on this display, you’ll find it hard to go back to anything else.
Performance Meets Elegance
Fortunately, the rest of the hardware lives up to the display’s standard. The Core i9-14900HX and RTX 4080 combo in our review unit breezed through benchmarks with ease. That said, it’s worth noting that there are other RTX 4080 laptops offering similar performance at a significantly lower price.
Razer hasn’t just invested in the screen and chassis, though. The Blade 16 features a massive, responsive trackpad that exudes quality. The laptop’s solid, weighty design enhances its premium feel, though it does make portability a bit of a challenge.
And let’s be honest: with a laptop this expensive, you might not want to travel too much with it anyway. It’s not that the Blade 16 is fragile—it’s built to last, with sturdy hinges—but the attention this laptop attracts, especially with that breathtaking OLED display, might make it hard to get any work (or gaming) done.
For those seeking the best 16 inch gaming laptop, the Razer Blade 16 deserves serious consideration for its display alone. While it may not outperform other high-end laptops with similar hardware, it sets itself apart with its incredible screen quality and premium build. If visual excellence and build quality are your top priorities, this laptop is in a class of its own.
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i
Pragmatic Design with Premium Features
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i is a gaming laptop that balances top-tier performance with exceptional value. Designed for power users, it features Intel’s Core i9-13900HX processor and Nvidia’s RTX 4080 GPU. This combination delivers stellar gaming and multitasking capabilities without reaching the ultra-premium price bracket of RTX 4090-equipped rivals. It offers exceptional performance while staying accessible to value-conscious gamers.
Lenovo opted for a pragmatic design with the Legion Pro 7i, prioritizing functionality over flashy aesthetics. Its build quality is solid, exuding professionalism rather than the aggressive styling often seen in gaming laptops. This understated design doesn’t compromise on features. Instead, it’s packed with thoughtful details that enhance the user experience, whether you’re gaming, working, or multitasking.
At its core is a 16-inch QHD+ display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 and a 240Hz refresh rate. While it lacks the dramatic contrast of OLED or brightness of mini-LED, the screen is vibrant and crisp. The versatile 16:10 aspect ratio offers extra vertical space for productivity and gaming. It strikes a great balance, delivering immersive visuals without unnecessary costs.
Outstanding Performance
The Legion Pro 7i excels in performance. Its Core i9-13900HX processor, with 24 cores, easily handles demanding tasks. Paired with the RTX 4080, it delivers smooth, high-framerate gaming at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. Despite being less expensive than some RTX 4090 laptops, it often matches or surpasses their performance. This is thanks to its efficient 150W TGP configuration, which allows for higher clock speeds under thermal constraints.
The keyboard is a standout feature. It offers a tactile typing experience with a functional numpad and per-key RGB lighting. The large, responsive trackpad enhances usability. While the laptop is heavier, it’s built for durability, making it more of a stationary powerhouse than a portable option.
The Legion Pro 7i delivers comparable performance to higher-tier models but at a more reasonable cost. This makes it an excellent option for gamers who want cutting-edge hardware without overspending. Its compromises—lacking premium display technologies like OLED or mini-LED and having modest battery life during gaming—are minor relative to the overall package.
For gamers seeking a powerful, reliable laptop without excessive costs, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i is a standout. Its robust performance, thoughtful design, and excellent value make it one of the best 16 inch gaming laptops on the market today.
