The Best Laptops for Gaming and School Tasks in 2025.
Here is a new selection of the most powerful and affordable gaming laptops, which are also suitable for school use, based on expert evaluations in the field.
Although conventional laptops and those specially designed for gaming still exist, the distinction between the two categories has become almost imperceptible. Nowadays, if you have a fast processor, a powerful graphics card, a large display, and a good cooling system, you can enjoy a wide variety of games on your laptop. Not everyone is looking for an extravagant gaming machine or wants to spend large amounts of money on one. For those considering a new laptop for studying, there are now more options than ever that can meet academic demands while also supporting intensive gaming sessions. Below are some of the best recommendations for laptops that serve both academic work and gaming, although if your intention is to find a laptop exclusively for gaming, there are dedicated lists you could review.
A standout option is the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14. With a 14-inch OLED display and a resolution of 2560 x 1440, this model features an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, 32 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of SSD storage. It weighs 3.31 pounds, and its battery life can reach up to 10 hours. This model has been highly recommended for its gaming performance, which has improved this year thanks to its refined aluminum design and OLED display.
Another great option is the Razer Blade 14. With similar features to the previous model, it offers a 14-inch display and choices between NVIDIA RTX 4060 or 4070 graphics cards. Its build quality is noteworthy, featuring a robust aluminum chassis and an LCD display with a 240Hz refresh rate, ideal for gaming. Although it lacks the OLED display of the Zephyrus G14, it remains a formidable option for gaming enthusiasts, although its price is considerably higher.
Dell’s G series laptops, such as the G15, provide a more accessible approach without sacrificing performance. With a 15.6-inch display and an Intel Core i5-13450HX processor, it's an optimal choice for those seeking a balance between quality and price, staying under $1,000.
The Alienware m16 R2, redesigned to be lighter and more affordable, is another interesting choice. Despite its 16-inch size and RTX 4070 graphics card, its new design makes it 20% lighter than the previous version. For those seeking a large display, the ROG Strix G18 presents itself as a powerful contender, boasting an 18-inch size and high-end hardware specifications, making it an attractive option for gaming and media editing.
Although gaming laptops are particularly useful for demanding tasks, their weight and portability can be a drawback. For an optimal balance of size and price, it is recommended to choose 15-inch models, which typically weigh around 4.5 pounds. However, current models are lighter compared to previous generations, making them easier to transport. If you're looking for something even lighter, there are good alternatives at 14 inches. Additionally, if you prefer a less flashy style, there are models that offer essential features without the excess LED lights typically found on gaming devices.