This year's gaming laptop market has been exceptionally competitive, with numerous manufacturers introducing cutting-edge models. Following extensive evaluations, the PC Gamer Hardware Awards has narrowed down the field to three outstanding nominees for the best gaming laptop of 2025. These devices stand out for their innovative designs, powerful performance, and unique features, promising an exciting future for portable gaming.
Top Gaming Laptop Contenders for 2025 Honor
As the year progressed, the realm of gaming laptops witnessed significant advancements, primarily fueled by the introduction of new graphics chip generations from Nvidia. This surge in technological innovation prompted manufacturers to either refine existing models with the latest GPU technology or completely reimagine their designs for the upcoming year. Out of a vast array of contenders, three laptops have emerged as prime candidates for the coveted PC Gamer Hardware Award for the best gaming laptop of 2025.
The first nominee, the Razer Blade 16 (2025), marks a triumphant return for Razer, which aimed to reclaim its position at the forefront of the gaming laptop market. Last year, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 impressed with its elegant, slender profile and remarkable gaming capabilities. In response, Razer meticulously redesigned the Blade 16, resulting in a device that perfectly balances a svelte aesthetic with formidable performance. Its ability to serve as a versatile companion for both professional tasks and intensive gaming sessions, coupled with exceptional on-battery performance, makes it a compelling choice.
Next, the MSI Vector 16 HX AI enters the fray, challenging preconceptions about what an award-winning gaming laptop can be. While it may not boast the slimmest or most aesthetically refined chassis, its sheer gaming prowess is undeniable. This robust machine delivers superior performance without the excessive fan noise often associated with high-powered laptops. Furthermore, its frequent availability at discounted prices positions it as an impressively affordable option for those seeking a powerful RTX 5080-equipped gaming laptop without significant compromises. Despite its larger form factor, it excels as a desktop replacement.
Completing the trio of nominees is the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10. This substantial gaming laptop is built for unadulterated speed, capable of outperforming some more expensive RTX 5090 systems in frame rates, even with an RTX 5080. Beyond its raw power, the Legion Pro 7i distinguishes itself with genuinely useful software, a rarity in the gaming laptop landscape. Its LegionSpace application, far from being bloatware, empowers users with custom settings to manage fan noise by intelligently adjusting CPU performance while maintaining peak GPU output. This thoughtful approach to user control, combined with an excellent keyboard and a stunning OLED display, makes it a standout contender.
The final announcement for the PC Gamer Hardware Award for the best gaming laptop of 2025 is scheduled for New Year's Eve. Each of these nominated laptops—the Razer Blade 16, the MSI Vector 16 HX AI, and the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10—brings a unique set of strengths to the table, catering to different preferences and needs within the gaming community. Their collective excellence underscores a vibrant and innovative period for gaming hardware development.
The current landscape of gaming laptops demonstrates a fascinating blend of power, design, and user-centric features. The nominations for the PC Gamer Hardware Awards highlight that excellence can manifest in various forms, whether it's through a sleek and portable design, an uncompromising focus on raw performance, or intelligent software solutions that enhance the user experience. This emphasizes the importance of considering individual needs and preferences when selecting a gaming laptop, as the "best" device ultimately depends on how it aligns with a user's priorities.
