Let’s explore the best 16-inch gaming laptop 2023 that offers efficient performance, detail-oriented displays, and additional features for pro gamers while maintaining portability.
The 16-inch screen size has become a well-appreciated gaming machine form factor. These computers deliver abundant real estate to give you a clear and detailed picture, complete with minute details that can lead you to triumph. At the same time, they are portable enough to take to gaming competitions – at least more so than 18-inch behemoths.
You will not be short of options in the 16-inch gaming laptop space. Brands like ASUS, Acer, and Razer have developed excellent offerings to cater to the professional (and amateur) gamer at prices starting at $1,200.
8 Best 16-inch Gaming Laptop 2023 for Performance & Portability Hand-in-Hand
Let’s dive into the best gaming PCs in the 16-inch space. Put on your seat belts.
ASUS ROG
Easily one of the most famous gaming laptop series, the ASUS ROG has plenty in its favor. There are high-end CPUs like Intel Core i9, excellent GPUs ala RTX 4070, and SSD storage space. These PCs have MUX switches for optimal frame routing and delivering a performance boost of around 10%. Liquid metal cooling is another excellent initiative, ensuring long-term performance when things get intense.
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 has a $1,980 price tag, which can be steep for many users. But we daresay it turns out cost-effective considering the performance, durability, and additional features like a free XBOX game pass. It has an FHD panel with a 165Hz refresh rate. Plus, the screen benefits from 100% sRGB color, Dolby Vision, and a high screen-to-body ratio (90%).
ASUS has kept things flexible and adaptable to different users. You can choose higher specs like 32 GB RAM or a 240Hz refresh rate if you play games requiring swifter actions or transitions. The Nebula standard offers finer, more immersive A/V features at a slightly higher price tag – around $2,000. Similarly, you can go with lower specifications like an Intel Core i7, RTX 4060 graphics, and 16 GB RAM at approximately $1,200.
Of course, if your passion for games (and the availability of cash) knows no bounds, we can recommend the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16. This gorgeous monster costs a whopping $2,899. But look inside: an Intel Core i9 processor, 32 GB RAM, and RTX 4080 graphics. It even has a QHD display with a 240Hz refresh rate and a jaw-dropping 1100 nits brightness. The Mini LED technology contributes to this razzle-dazzle, but the overall design is also in sync with the gaming life.
Acer Predator
In step with ASUS is its closest competitor in this category – Acer, with its flagship Predator range. These PCs are quite budget-friendly for their offerings, which include the latest Intel Core i7 processors, RTX 40 Series graphics cards, adaptive sync display technology, and mini-LED backlighting.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 costs $1,500 – a sum justifying its terrific adaptation of the NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture. You have control over the operation and fan modes, the final goal being optimal performance or battery backup, as the case may be. Acer also ensures you stay well-connected wherever you go, thanks to Thunderbolt 4 ports, card readers, and Killer Wi-Fi 6E. Gamers can customize as much as they like with the intuitive PredatorSense settings.
Dell Alienware
Dell, the first laptop for many professionals and students, has a distinct reputation in the gaming world with its Alienware line-up. You get reliable performance true to the brand promise, QHD+ displays with NVIDIA G-SYNC and Dolby Atmos audio with AI adjustments. The Alienware m16 (priced at $1,699.99) lets you tinker things as you choose fit: Intel Core i7/i9, up to RTX 4090, 64 GB RAM, and up to an 8 TB SSD.
High-quality, comfortable keyboards are a mainstay of Dell PCs, and the Alienware range continues the trend. So, you can choose a Cherry mechanical keyboard with personalized AlienFX lighting to give your entertainment den an impressive facelift.
HP Omen
Although not as high-flying as some competing brands, the rather unpretentious HP OMEN laptop series is worth your consideration. What works in its favor is focusing on the simple but essential aspects: consistent performance, smooth display, and good battery backup.
The OMEN 16t costs $1,599 and offers the speeds of an Intel Core i7 and RTX 4060 graphics – not a bad deal, eh? Plus, HP uses Bang & Olufsen audio and lets you choose among different configurations for RAM (16 GB)and memory (512 GB).
MSI Raider
Chances are you have considered MSI if you are into premium, high-performance gaming machines that can cost a bomb. Case in point: the 16″ MSI Raider, priced at $2,599. It is an out-and-out pro-gaming machine with an Intel Core i9 processor, 32 GB RAM, and RTX 4070 graphics. Its QHD+ display has a 240Hz refresh rate – perfect for fast-paced competitive multiplayer games like Overwatch and Rainbow 6 Siege.
MSI has a clear eye on non-negotiable features like Thunderbolt 4 connections and an effective cooling mechanism. The audio on these PCs (Dynaudio) is quite breathtaking. MSI also offers better backup than some competitors because of a 99.9Whr battery.
FAQs
Is a 16-inch gaming laptop portable?
Yes. You shouldn’t face a problem carrying these devices around now and then. For example, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 weighs just about 5.51 lbs. The average weight is in the 6-10 lbs range. Many use a thin bezel for the screen, which makes the form factor similar to a 15-inch laptop.
You can insist on mobility-boosting features like Thunderbolt 4 ports, a quick-charging battery, and damage-proof surface finish. These provisions will help those for whom travel is integral to the day.
Should you buy a 16″ or a 17″ gaming laptop?
Going strictly by the display size, the latter will give you more room, enjoyment, and engagement. However, it will also bring down the portability. One bonus of 17″ laptops is that they are better suited to demanding games since they have more space for an efficient cooling mechanism.
For a long time, 15″ laptops reigned supreme, acting as the golden mean between performance and ease of travel. The 16-inch size has presented itself as a worthy alternative, and we can expect more models to launch soon.
How much RAM do you need in a 16″ gaming laptop?
Typically, 16″ gaming machines can run the most popular games on 16 GB RAM. The prime thing is to pair it up with sufficient storage space (at least 512 GB) and a graphics card from the RTX 30 or 40 series. This configuration will enable multitasking and background applications. You can opt for 32 GB as well, but it might be overkill unless you are a professional or a competitive/esports gamer.
