Best Gaming Laptops of 2025: A Side-by-Side Comparison
I’ve just finished reviewing the first RTX 5090 gaming laptop to hit the market. While this new generation doesn’t bring as massive a leap as the shift from RTX 30-Series to RTX 40-Series, there are definitely some solid efficiency improvements. The gaming laptops of 2025 may look and feel a bit different from their predecessors. If the Blade 16 has shown us anything, it’s that manufacturers are now focusing more on design, portability, and overall user experience.
That said, RTX 40-Series laptops are still great options in 2025. They’re more affordable than the latest RTX 50-Series models, and you can get excellent performance without breaking the bank.
Top Pick: Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9
After testing several gaming laptops, my top recommendation is the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9. It delivers outstanding performance with an elegant, subtle design. It outperforms many high-end models in benchmarks while maintaining a sleek look. I’ve tested every laptop for at least two weeks to ensure they’re not just good for gaming but also for everyday use.
The Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 has overtaken the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 as my top choice. Both are powerful 16-inch gaming laptops that can be configured with up to an RTX 4090, but the Legion Pro stands out due to its improved performance, more refined design, and better overall build quality.
Design & Build
Despite being a hefty 2.79kg, the Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 feels more compact than its competitors. The tapered front edge and well-thought-out design make it seem sleeker than the chunkier Scar 16, even though it packs just as much power.
Build quality is top-notch, featuring an aluminum base and a sturdy yet lightweight lid. Unlike many slim laptops, the screen holds up well with minimal wobbling and flex. RGB lighting lovers will appreciate the per-key backlighting and an elegant LED strip on the front. While it lacks the premium RGB touches of the Alienware x16 R2, the Legion Pro compensates with its solid design and extra durability.
Display & Features
The main upgrade in this model is the 16-inch QHD+ 240Hz display with improved color accuracy. It now covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, making colors more vibrant and realistic. Compared to the Alienware x16 R2, which sometimes appears dim, the Legion Pro’s screen offers better contrast and brightness.
The keyboard is also one of the best I’ve tested—springy, tactile, and responsive. Port selection includes two USB-C ports (both supporting power delivery and DisplayPort 1.4, one being Thunderbolt 4) and four USB-A ports (USB 3.2 Gen 1). While this won’t matter to most gamers, those using high-speed peripherals might notice slightly slower transfer speeds.
Performance
The Legion Pro 7i outperformed the ROG Strix Scar 16 in both synthetic and in-game benchmarks. It delivered impressive frame rates, competing even with pricier RTX 4090 models like the Razer Blade 16.
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1080p Ultra Settings: 97–195 fps
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QHD Ultra Settings: 71–184 fps
It dominates the RTX 4080 category and even outperforms some RTX 4090 laptops in certain games.
Final Verdict
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 is a top-tier gaming laptop that delivers exceptional performance in a well-designed package. It balances price, power, and usability better than most competitors, making it a fantastic choice in 2025.
Budget Pick: Asus TUF A15
For those looking for a more affordable gaming laptop, the Asus TUF A15 with an RTX 4050 and AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS is an excellent option.
Design & Build
The Asus TUF A15 looks more premium than its price suggests, thanks to its sleek gray finish and metal lid. Though the chassis is mostly plastic, it’s well-built, with a sturdy hinge and minimal keyboard flex. It’s slightly bulkier than its predecessor (Asus TUF Dash F15), but still lightweight and easy to carry.
Display & Features
This laptop features a 1080p 144Hz display with decent contrast and color reproduction. While it’s not as bright as premium models, it performs better than similarly priced options like the HP Victus 16. The full-sized keyboard is a nice bonus, though the trackpad is less impressive.
Performance
Despite its budget-friendly price, the TUF A15 delivers impressive performance. It even outperformed the HP Omen Transcend 16, a laptop that costs around $600 more.
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Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Over 100 fps
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Hitman 3 & Returnal: Consistently above 60 fps
For the price, this level of performance is outstanding.
Final Verdict
If you want solid gaming performance on a budget, the Asus TUF A15 is a fantastic choice. You’ll need to make some compromises, but overall, it’s a great value-for-money option.
Looking Ahead: CES 2025 & the Future of Gaming Laptops
At CES 2025, Lenovo announced a 10th Gen version of the Legion Pro 7i, featuring:
✅ Intel Core Ultra HX processors
✅ RTX 5090 GPUs
✅ New chassis design
✅ OLED display options
✅ WiFi 7 & swappable keycaps
This new model is set to launch in March 2025 with a starting price of $2,399.
With these new advancements, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for gaming laptops, offering more power, efficiency, and innovative designs.
