Laptop

Portable gaming tech has advanced considerably here in 2022, and it’s no longer necessary to purchase a desktop PC to enjoy some incredible gaming experiences. The laptop market is brimming with suitable machines, whether you’re looking for a budget model or a powerhouse portable gaming rig. With speed, processing power and storage no longer things you need to compromise on, investing in a gaming laptop might just be the best purchase you make this year.  

Keep reading to discover our round-up of the best gaming laptops of 2022.  

What Do You Need from a Laptop?  

Many of the machines featured in this article are multi-purpose in that they can be useful for gamers with several different needs. However, to truly get the most from your new laptop, it helps if you have a clear idea of what you need from it. Think about your gaming habits as well as what attributes a new laptop could have that will best meet your requirements.  

If you’re looking for a machine with raw power, a feature like bags of RAM will be of secondary importance; you’re looking for the meatiest CPU rather than a laptop with the most amount of space (which is something that can easily be added in later, at a relatively low cost).  

On the other hand, if you’re planning to download client software to access your favourite games, be that the PokerStars desktop client for online poker gaming, or the ever-popular Steam client, storage should be a top priority in your search. Valve recommends having at least 5GB of storage space free to comfortably run its gaming client.   As a general gamer, hitting a balance between price, performance, and components will be the sweet spot. You’ll be looking for a laptop that works just as well in future years as it does right now.  

Laptop

2022’s Top Gaming Laptops 

Razer Blade 15 

By our reckoning, the Razer Blade 15 might just be the best overall gaming laptop released in 2022. Packing in an Intel i7-12800H or i9-12900H processor with up to the minute RTX 3080Ti GPU, this is a high-end machine that features top-of-the-line components.  

High end doesn’t stop at its innards, as the Blade 15 features a luxurious chassis and delivers excellent colour and contrast with its 144Hz 4K resolution. Coming in at around $2499.99, it’s not within everyone’s price range but is a wise investment if you have the space in your budget.  

ASUS TUF Dash F15 

Budget gamers rejoice! Yes, it’s possible to get your hands on a machine that won’t break the bank but still incorporates high-performing components and delivers a solid performance. With a choice of CPUs and GPUs available in this model, ranging from the Intel i5-11300H/RTX 3050 combo to the i7-11375H/RTX 3070, there’s room for extra processing power if you are able to stretch your budget further. 

While it may not have the core of the Blade 15, nevertheless, the Dash F15 can take on even the most demanding of games with ease. Plus, with its slimline design and up to 240 Hz resolution, it’s as visually appealing as it is functional – often a rarity in budget machines.  

Acer Nitro 5  

You may be surprised to see a 2021 model included in our rundown of the best gaming laptops for 2022, but the Acer Nitro 5 remains the one to beat for its exceptional component value. With a choice between the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H or Intel i7-11800H CPUs and the RTX 3060 to RTX 3080 Ti, this machine is fully equipped to meet the various demands of busy gamers.  

Coming in at between $1049 and $1300, this is a model that’s geared towards everyday use and chooses functionality above aesthetics. Sure, it may not have the sleek appeal of the more slimline laptops featured in this article, but it delivers when it comes to reliability and all-round gaming performance. Plus, a UHD 144Hz display is nothing to be sniffed at!