Best thin and light laptops 2024: game on the go

The Asus Zephyrus G14 boasts impressive performance and a satisfactory display, all encased within an incredibly thin and lightweight notebook. Returning to the NVIDIA RTX chipset after experimenting with Radeon in 2022, this latest laptop lineup from Asus also incorporates a webcam, albeit a slightly outdated 1080p lens. Unfortunately, battery life has suffered in comparison to previous models due to increased power consumption.

While the G14 showcases significant graphical prowess, opting for a top-tier configuration with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090, AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS, and a mini LED QHD 165Hz display comes at a hefty price. For those seeking affordability, selecting a mid-to-high range version of this Asus gaming laptop might be a more practical choice. Design-wise, the Zephyrus impresses with its modern lines and understated aesthetic, suitable for both professional and leisure settings.

The AniMe Matrix display offers a unique feature by displaying dotted images and GIFs on the laptop lid. While it may seem gimmicky to some, it underscores Asus’ commitment to innovative design. Despite its premium price tag, the G14 stands out as one of the smallest and lightest high-end gaming laptops available, weighing just 1.72 kg and measuring a slim 20.5 mm thick. The G14 offers power and performance in a compact and visually appealing chassis, and it’s a formidable option in a competitive market if your budget can stretch.

The XPS 17 is great if you’re a  creative by day as well as a gamer. Dell has boosted the processing power while maintaining its core features, which isn’t necessarily a drawback. The laptop boasts an aluminum shell complemented by a carbon-fiber keyboard, embodying the XPS series’ commitment to premium construction. However, its weight of up to 2.44 kg sets it apart as one of the heaviest models in its category.

At the helm of the top-tier XPS 17 lies Intel’s 13th-gen i9-13900H processor, delivering pleasing speed for tasks like Photoshop and Premiere Pro. Graphics are handled by the NVIDIA RTX 4080, adding another layer of performance. Nevertheless, the inclusion of an option for a 17-inch touch panel and the powerful processor contribute to its relatively high price point, even for the base model.

The XPS 17’s standout feature is its stunning InfinityEdge display. With a UHD+ resolution and nearly borderless design, coupled with a brightness rating of 500 nits, the screen enhances both work and entertainment experiences. Despite its impressive specifications, the XPS 17 falters with its underwhelming 720p camera, detracting from an otherwise stellar package.

While dedicated gamers might seek alternatives, professionals such as video editors, analysts, and designers may find the XPS 17 to be a solid choice, thanks to its sleek design and robust performance capabilities.

A thin and light MSI laptop with NVIDIA RTX 40 series for under a grand? That seems like a bargain, especially with MSI’s penchant for solid build quality and reliability. Of course, don’t expect benchmark-dominating performance — this is as budget as gaming laptops with a dedicated GPU get. However, surprisingly, you’ll get a decent gaming experience out of it thanks to the RTX GPU and last-gen i7 Core Raptor Lake CPU, which still holds up compared with today’s Alder Lake chipset.

That means you’ll probably be fine running most contemporary games with mid-range settings on the supplied 1080p panel. Its 144 Hz refresh rate makes it perfect for playing twitchy esports where you need a smooth and responsive experience.

We’re also impressed with the GF63’s no-frills chassis. There’s some bend in its frame because it’s a thin machine, but the black casing, brushed aluminum finish and red backlit keyboard make for a fairly sleek aesthetic. Speaking of the keyboard, there’s some flex in the frame, so we’re not sure about using the laptop as an everyday device, especially as the webcam is only 720p.

MSI got the memo that having a decent GPU is one of the most important aspects of a gaming laptop. Its other specs are generally a combination of last-gen tech that still holds up fairly well. All this makes the GF63 a seriously affordable contender in the gaming laptop market and practically impossible to resist for those on a budget.

The Legion Slim 7i Gen 7 is one of the best Lenovo gaming laptops. It’s impressive that Lenovo has crammed so much into its tiny 17 mm thick frame. It’s a laptop that can do everything and suit any setting. And even though the keyboard features little travel, there is a numeric keypad.

The combination GeForce RTX 3000 series paired with the Intel Core i7 means it can handle number crunching, video stream editing, or polygon wizardry. However, as the Intel i9s and RTX 4000 series are now among the gold standard, it throws cold water on the Slim 7i’s futureproofing capabilities.

We love this model’s display panel. There’s a choice between a 1080p or 2.5K screen, with the former getting a 240 Hz refresh rate and the latter 165 Hz. We’re also big fans of its near borderless screen, which is rich in color and runs at a max 500 nits — plenty bright enough. The anodized, thin, and light aluminum chassis looks mature, although its restrained look might deter hardcore gamers.

Alienware gaming laptops have always stood out from the crowd for their striking designs, and the x15 R2 is no exception. Featuring an unfathomably thin profile, it makes you wonder what witchcraft goes on at Dell to craft this gorgeous gaming rig with a sub-16mm girth. To be fair, it does sit wider, so be sure to measure your backpack to ensure a decent fit.

Heads will be turned by the x15’s outer stylings, particularly where the hinge has been moved away from the back edge. A futuristic “15” also adorns the lid, which comes with a lit Alienware logo. Most notably, surrounding the rear ports is a customizable RGB ring of light that’s straight out of Tron.

Its innards prove it’s no slouch either. With premium specs, including an Intel i9 processor and RTX 3000 series GPU, performance will always be on point. And we love how gorgeous the display is, which can go up to 1440p with a minimum refresh rate of 165 Hz. Battery life is disappointing, and despite having a generous set of ports, an ethernet connection is a puzzling omittance.

The Acer Triton 500 SE, coated in all-metal grey, exudes a classy and understated aesthetic. While it may appear more like a high-end business machine at first glance, it seamlessly blends into office environments without drawing too much attention. Its standout feature is the refined 16-inch screen boasting a 16:10 aspect ratio, ideal for navigating text-heavy documents with ease, thanks to its 2.5K resolution, high refresh rate, and 500-nit brightness.

Despite the dominance of the NVIDIA 4000 series in graphics, the Triton 500 remains a gaming powerhouse with its high-end 3000 Ti chipset. It delivers buttery smooth performance even with triple-A titles at maxed settings and 1440p resolution, all within a laptop under 2 cm thick. However, some may find better value in equally capable alternatives. Moreover, the Triton 500’s impressive brightness and performance come with the trade-off of increased heat and fan noise, addressed by Acer’s inclusion of a “Turbo” fan mode accessible via a dedicated keyboard button.

As well as performance, the Triton 500 offers ample connectivity options, including USB-A, Thunderbolt, HDMI, and an SD card reader – catering to various needs, particularly for professionals dealing with image files. With its sturdy chassis, strong screen and graphics, and commendable productivity features, the Triton 500 stands as a reliable workhorse suitable for any time of day.