Portable and powerful, that’s the definition of the best gaming laptop.
Yet, it’s been a pipe dream until the most recent years. Previously, gaming laptops were more often unwieldy cubes the size and weight of a small child and they also happened to whine like a small child too.
Now, you can carry the power of a desktop in your backpack without breaking your back and right now is the best time to buy one. The processor price hikes and supply issues have cleared, and the next generation of gaming laptops is here.
So, which is the best gaming laptop in Australia? Let’s find out!👇
Top 6 Best Gaming Laptops
From the monstrously powerful Razer Blade 15, to the perfectly priced Acer Nitro 5, choosing a gaming laptop that is suitable for your needs and budget is tough. There’s your budget to consider, the laptop specifications and factors such as overheating.
So, to help you make the right decision with your next laptop purchase, we’ve rounded up the very best gaming laptops in Australia and tested them for speed, durability, portability and of course, in-game experience.
The best gaming laptops in Australia right now are:
- Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen8) – Best Overall
- Gigabyte G5 (2023) – Best Value Gaming Laptop
- Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (2022) – Best 17-Inch Gaming Laptop
- Razer Blade 15 – Best 15-Inch Gaming Laptop
- Acer Predator Helios 300 – Best 4K Gaming Laptop
- Acer Nitro 5 – Best For Beginners
Now, let’s take a closer look at each gaming laptop on our list!
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen 8)
Best Gaming Laptop Overall
Price: From $3,999.00 » See Latest Deals
Price and power are always at odds, but the Legion Pro 7i gaming laptop manages to make its competitors look greedy. In particular, the RTX 4080 model especially captures this sweet spot; making the 4090 superfluous.
Another reason why the Legion Pro 7i is considered the best gaming laptop right now is it’s 13th Gen Intel Core i9 13900HX chip which is an absolute rocket. When you compare the ASUS Zephyrus M16 which uses the 14-core 13900H chip, the 24-core 13900HX in the Legion Pro 7i is a juicy TDP upgrade.
Learn More: AMD Ryzen 9 vs Intel Core i9 Processors
Whilst the 1600p 240Hz screen falls short of high-powered LED backlights, the 16:10 aspect ratio is a nice treat and makes the Legion Pro 7i equally suitable for watching movies. Again, the main draw here is its performance for its price.
The Legion Pro 7i consistently tops the Razer Blade 16 (which costs thousands more), and its only real competition is the overlarge and overpriced MSI Titan GT77– which sounds like a Harrier jump jet. So yeah, go for the Legion Pro 7i.
Pros:
- Looks lovely, inside and out.
- Performs powerfully.
- No price gouging.
Cons:
- Poor battery life.
- A little large.
Gigabyte G5 (2023 Edition)
Best Value Gaming Laptop
Price: From $1,199.00 » See Latest Deals
If the Lenovo Legion is too costly, the Gigabyte G5 drives the best value for gaming laptops at an incredibly modest price. It’s lean and powerful; offering the best entry point into proper laptop gaming.
The RTX 4060 might look a little budget compared to other laptops on this list, but the Gigabyte’s 1080p, 144Hz screen leaves little to complain about. The trick here is its power consumption. Higher wattage, higher frame rate. This does mean that the laptop needs more cooling, which is one of the downsides of Gigabyte G5– the fans freak out when you’re pushing the limits.
In addition, concessions have been made to the CPU too. The twelve cores are still stunning for a laptop, but not quite for a gaming laptop. The same can be said for its storage where 512GB SDD is more than a skyscraper of paperwork, but that flattens out to a handful of current-gen games at a time. The upside is that there is an empty M.2 SSD slot, so you can upgrade this at any time should you need more space.
Solid, reliable, and affordable is what you’ll get with the Gigabyte G5. It might get loud, and it might fill up fast, but for the price you pay, it can’t be beat.
Pros:
- Can handle heavy games.
- Sleek & secure design.
- Easily Upgraded Storage.
- Incredible value for money.
Cons:
- Not quiet.
- Light on storage.
- Entry level laptop.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (2022)
Best 17-Inch Gaming Laptop
Price: From $4,799.00 » See Latest Deals
Few gaming laptops can harvest the potential of Nvidia’s RTX 4090 graphics card, but the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17-inch gaming laptop handles this nicely. The MSI Titan can too, but the latter is a ten-thousand-dollar abomination and the Scar 17 is $4,000 cheaper so go figure. Naturally, this makes the ROG Strix Scar 17 the best 17-inch gaming laptop right now.
Additionally, besides the wonderful 4090 GPU, the CPU is the real star here.
Under the hood, its 16-cores can fire at 32 threads and all this technical power is somehow hidden within a slight and slim shell. Few games can even use this kind of power, and it’ll be a generation (or two) before console games even reach this point let alone make use of it (the PS5 has 8 cores and 16 threads). So you can expect to keep hold of the Strix Scar for a while.
That said, there are some catches on the physical side.
Firstly, the Scar’s performance across high-end hardware does mean high-power usage, so you’ll want to keep your charger on you (or plugged) at all times. In addition, its keyboard has suffered and thinned out, its trackpad grimes up real quick and its firepower requires the sound of an aeroplane to cool it down. But the keyboard is passable, and the other two just require a dedicated high performance gaming mouse and a nice pair of headphones.
Pros:
- Gorgeous performance
- RTX 4090 Graphics Card
- Stout yet slim
- Well priced
Cons:
- Terrible typing
- Painful trackpad
- A battery to bemoan
- Not quiet
Razer Blade 15
Best 15-Inch Gaming Laptop
Price: From $4,899.00 » See Latest Deals
The Razer Blade 15 isn’t a single laptop, it’s a series. You can choose from four processors, five GPUs, four displays, two RAM sets, and two storage drives. The Blade 15 is really just the shell, and you’ll have to decide what to add.
That said, the shell is a thin and stylish one, and not to be underappreciated. The large glass trackpad is one of the best on the market, the keycaps are just as nice as dedicated Razer keyboards and the laser-cut speaker grill is the type you see only on luxury laptops like the Macbook Pro.
If you’re a savvy shopper and flexible with your specs, you might be surprised by the discounts Razer puts out (right now the 15” 2560×1440 is 2k cheaper than its lower-res 15” counterpart). That’s a huge saving to go and collect a Razer gaming mouse to complete your setup in style too!
But of course, regardless of what you pay, the overall performance of the Razer Blade 15 is what makes it the best 15-inch gaming laptop in Australia right now. Heck, even the cheapest options within the series can handle ultra settings and ray-tracing at 1080 (though over 40 FPS may be unlikely).
Pros:
- Stylish exterior
- Games like a desktop
- Exceptional discounts
- Upgradeable storage
Cons:
- A little big and heavy
- High base price
Acer Predator Helios 300
Best 4K Gaming Laptop
Price: From $2,399.00 » See Latest Deals
For a laptop that absolutely slays in the visual department, look no further than the Acer Predator Helios 300. While the Acer Predator Helios 300 does have an RTX 4080 GPU like the Lenovo Legion, its TGP doesn’t quite match it. However, the Legion skimps out on the brightness and black hues that the Helios performs greatly with. Its Mini LED screen is stunning, and it’s also cheaper than the Legion too.
Magically, the Mini LEDs are used in zones to allow the bright colours to beam without bleeding into the blacks– even with the brightness turned right up. It’s perfect for muzzle flashes in dark rooms, rays of light hitting cavern floors, or moonlit forests.
And that’s at 240Hz, in 4k!
So visually, it’s a true treat, despite the price. Now, this laptop isn’t cheaper because it has a better screen, it’s actually because of the hardware inside. That’s not saying it’s weak or overpriced, only that the RTX 4080 and Intel Core i9 13900HX, don’t hold up against some of the competition. So, the Helios is better for RPG games and gaming genres that are less intensive on the CPU.
Physically though, the style is nice and the screen is what really matters here. For the money, you won’t find a better laptop for visual display than the Helios 300.
Pros:
- A screen to scream about
- Powerful
- Nice Price
Cons:
- Performance comes second
- Big fans, vents and noise
- Battery is more like 5 hours
Acer Nitro 5
Best Gaming Laptop For Beginners
Price: From $1,809.00 » See Latest Deals
Comparatively to the other gaming laptops on this list, the phrase “Nitro” in Acer’s Nitro 5 is a little generous. However, the price sure is nice and the Acer Nitro 5 is a great laptop for beginner gamers. It’s all plastic, a little heavy (2.5kg) and it won’t be able to hit 60FPS for current-gen games, but it’s a good place to start your gaming journey.
The screen is crisp and lively (1080p at 144Hz) and if the 8GB RAM is too light, there are slots for an upgrade as you venture deeper into AAA games. Another thing worth mentioning is that the Acer Nitro 5 features Acer CoolBoost technology, which increases fan speed by 10% and reduces CPU and GPU working temperatures drastically. This improves the device’s thermal performance so you can comfortably game for hours on end.
The one downside of this laptop is that some models only come with a 256 GB SSD, and most modern AAA titles take well over 50 GB of storage. You’ll be hard-pressed to find an Acer Nitro 5 that comes with a 1 Tb SSD out-of-the-box, so keep in mind that you’ll likely have to add an extra SSD if you want to have dozens of games on this laptop.
Pros:
- Cheap and upgradeable
- Good cooling tech
- 720p webcam
Cons:
- Low storage
- Lacking processing power
- Will struggle with new games
Are Gaming Laptops Worth It?
In conclusion, gaming laptops are worth it for individuals who prioritize portability, versatility, and high-performance gaming on the go. However, they come at a premium price compared to desktop gaming setups with some limitations in terms of upgradability and heat management.
If you are someone who will rarely play video games on the move, it would be best to purchase a gaming desktop instead of a gaming laptop as there is far greater value for money here. However, ultimately, the decision depends on your specific gaming needs, budget, and lifestyle. It’s essential to carefully weigh these factors to determine whether a gaming laptop is the right choice for you.
To help you make the right choice, here is a summary of the top 6 key factors to consider when evaluating the value of gaming laptops:
1. Performance:
Gaming laptops are designed to offer high-performance gaming experiences. They typically feature powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards, and ample RAM. If you’re a serious gamer who values smooth gameplay and cutting-edge graphics, a gaming laptop can provide the necessary performance you need for the best results.
However, for gamers who only play low-grade games that do not require the laptop to process data at lightning-fast speeds, a regular laptop might suffice.
2. Portability:
Naturally, gaming laptops are more portable than desktop gaming rigs. With a gaming laptop, you can take your gaming on the go, to a friend’s house, to a LAN party, or while travelling. This portability can be a significant advantage for those who want flexibility in their gaming setup and is one of the primary reasons why people purchase gaming laptops over desktops.
3. Versatility:
Contrary to misconception, gaming laptops are not just for gaming. They can handle a wide range of tasks, including content creation, productivity, video editing and entertainment. If you need a device that can multitask effectively for both work and play, a gaming laptop might be the versatile choice that you seek.
In particular, for anybody who works within a creative industry such as graphic design, photography or video editing, a gaming laptop provides all the specifications you need for both work and gaming. This results in you only needing to purchase one device and therefore makes gaming laptops worth the investment.
4. Cost:
One of the drawbacks of gaming laptops is that they tend to be more expensive than desktop PCs with equivalent performance. If you’re on a tight budget, building a desktop gaming PC might be a more cost-effective option. However, gaming laptops offer a complete, compact package, which can be appealing to those who don’t want to deal with the complexity of building and maintaining a desktop system.
5. Upgradability:
Another drawback of gaming laptops is limited upgradability. Unlike desktop PCs, you can’t easily swap out components like the graphics card or CPU. In fact, the majority of upgrades that are possible with gaming laptops are limited to storage space. As such, this means that as technology advances, you may need to replace the entire laptop to keep up with the latest gaming demands.
6. Cooling and Noise:
Lastly, gaming laptops can get hot and noisy under heavy gaming loads very quickly. Comparatively to a gaming desktop, many gaming laptops run extremely hot. Therefore, adequate cooling solutions are essential to prevent overheating and maintain performance. Some users find the fan noise on gaming laptops to be a drawback, especially when using them for non-gaming tasks.
The Final Word
As you have likely recognised when reading this article, the world of gaming laptops in Australia offers a diverse range of options, each catering to unique preferences and requirements. Whether you’re an avid gamer seeking the pinnacle of performance, a content creator looking for versatility, or a casual gamer who simply wants something cheap and portable, there’s a gaming laptop for you.
Our exploration of the best gaming laptops in Australia has unveiled an array of contenders, each excelling in different aspects of gaming. Factors such as raw computing power, graphics capabilities, display quality, portability, and budget all play pivotal roles in determining which laptop will suit your needs best and we hope we have helped you to make the right decision.
Ultimately, the “best” gaming laptop in Australia is subjective, as it hinges on your individual preferences and priorities. So, take the time to evaluate your gaming requirements, budget constraints, and the specific features that matter most to you. By doing so, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and embark on an immersive gaming journey that perfectly suits your needs in the Land Down Under.
What’s your take on our list of gaming laptops? Hit the comments below!
Don’t forget to read our other roundups of the best gaming gear to complete your setup:
- Best Cheap Gaming Mouse Australia
- Top Rated Gaming Ethernet Cables Australia
- Best Budget Gaming Headsets (All Platforms)
- Most Popular PC Controllers Australia
- Best Standalone Gaming Microphones.
- Best Twitch & Streaming Webcams Australia
- Top 6 Cheap Keyboards For Gaming
- Best Sit & Standing Gaming Desks Australia
- Must Buy Gifts For Gamers This Year
Gaming Laptop FAQs
Do you still have burning questions about which laptop to purchase next for gaming? Don’t sweat! Here are the most commonly asked questions our editors receive about gaming laptops to help you finalise your decision.
Content Disclaimer: This handpicked shortlist of the best gaming laptops has been independently written. GamePro has not been commissioned by any manufacturers featured on this list, nor have we received any royalties for this article. This includes financial reimbursement, free advertising or free gifts.
To select our list of top gaming laptops, GamePro has tested over 20 laptops in the past few months for speed, durability, value for money and gaming performance. After testing, we shortlisted an original 12 laptops before consulting independent product review websites to gain user feedback on this shortlist. We do this to obtain an idea of market sentiment before whittling down our list even further to what you see here. All opinions are subjective.
Should you click on any link to Amazon and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. But that’s just how we keep this website alive and free to use! Please hit us up in the comments with any questions you may have about the best 15 and 17-inch gaming laptops and we’ll endeavour to return fire!
