The best Asus gaming laptops offer both style and functionality with conscientious designs, impressive power, and high-end displays. Between the slimline Zephyrus line and the monstrous Strix range, this brand's machines span the full portability / power spectrum - with TUF options bringing in some of the highest quality budget laptops on the market as well. That means there's plenty to choose from - though some models offer more bang-for-your-buck than others.
Right now, the best Asus gaming laptop overall is the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18. The brand new RTX 50-Series machine has topped my benchmark charts and packs a far more refined design at the same time. Not only that, but it does so with the brand's Nebula HDR Mini-LED display for a super crisp result. That's no surprise - the Asus flagships boasting these kinds of screens make up some of the best gaming laptops on the market.
I've put all the latest Asus gaming laptops through their paces across a series of stringent tests (and after living with each rig for a minimum of two weeks) to find the best of the bunch. You'll find my favorites just below and you can find out more about how we test gaming laptops further down the page as well.
The quick list
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 offers an insane amount of power and manages to do so with an incredible display, RGB heavy design, and an impressive selection of ports. That makes for the best option on the market overall.
The older G14 is still the best Asus gaming laptop on the market for most people thanks to its cost-effective performance and excellent display.
With a range of configuration options up for grabs, and prices regularly sitting below $1,000 / £1,000 the Asus TUF A15 is our top budget pick. Its 16:9 display does age it a little, but it's still a fantastic performer for the cash.
With a form factor similar to that of the G14 and a super powerful set of specs under the hood, the Asus TUF A14 punches well above its MSRP.
The new Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 doesn't pack the same value for money as the previous generation model, but it does offer far better performance.
With its slick OLED display and top-of-the-range components, the 2025 Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 is the best 16-incher Asus has released so far.
I've been reviewing gaming laptops with GamesRadar+ for three years now, but I fell in love with portable rigs some 15 years before that. The first gaming laptop I ever bought was an Asus, and I've never looked back. I've been hands-on with over 40 gaming laptops in the last two years alone, developing an eye for performance to add to the expertise in value I developed as a Deals Editor for our sister site, TechRadar. I've personally tested all of the Asus gaming laptops you'll find on this page.
Recent updates
April 30 - The new generation of Asus gaming laptops are in and I've spent the last few weeks testing three new entries. The Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 has shot straight to the top of this list, knocking the previous generation Scar 16 off its perch, meanwhile the new generation ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16 are also in for their respective sizes. The 2024 Zephyrus G14 is staying put for now, though, as it offers better overall value, even if its performance doesn't match up. The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16, last generation Scar 18, and Zephyrus Duo 16 have been added to the Also Tested section further down the page.
The best Asus gaming laptop overall
The 2025 Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 is a beast, scoring some of the highest benchmarks I've ever seen in a gaming laptop and cleaning up its aesthetics over the previous generation. It'll certainly cost you, but if you're after desktop power in a sometimes-portable chassis, it's well worth the investment.
✅ You leave your laptop at home: This is a stacked machine, but that means it packs a thicker chassis and heavier weight than more portable options. This one's for those who keep their rigs firmly at home.
✅ You want new Nvidia features: The RTX 50-Series brings with it some additional DLSS options, though you won't need them too much in everyday play here. If you're future-proofing, though, these are the latest components.
✅ You want an immersive screen: That Mini LED display is a sight to behold, and the fact it stretches across 18-inches of immersion means you're getting a particularly impressive visual experience.
❌ You want the best cable management possible: Ports are split across both sides of this rig, which means those wires are pretty sprawled out. If you don't use a hub system you might struggle to keep your mouse hand free.
❌ You travel with your laptop: The larger size and heavier weight means this isn't a backpack-friendly device. Asus laptops in the Zephyrus line are better suited to on-the-go use.
Design: There's one element of this design that had me breathing a sigh of relief as soon as I opened the lid. Unlike the last two 2023 and 2024 iterations, the plastic covering the main chassis area is now completely solid. The translucent effect on older models cheapened the experience, but this truly feels like a premium device now. It's annoying that Asus has chosen to ship the Strix Scar 18 with the annoying LED effect on the back panel (usually reserved for Zephyrus machines), but it's easily switched off.
In all, though, the plastic chassis and back lid feel far more grown up than previous iterations, with less iconography stamped across the deck and an all-black aesthetic. Not only that, but the RGB strip running along the front lip now also extends around the sides, giving the entire laptop a particularly slick floating effect.
Features: Up top, Asus has opted for its Nebula HDR Mini LED display once again, and it's a particularly crisp beauty. The individual dimming zones provide fantastic contrast, especially in HDR content and colors pop with an impressive 1,100 nits of brightness. Unfortunately, ports are split across both sides of the device with no rear connections. I prefer to keep more permanent cables plugged into the back, a feature you'll find on most 18-inch rigs, however with everything running down the flanks those cables can get a little messy.
You do, however, benefit from two Thunderbolt 5 ports as well as a whole army of USB-As. The keyboard and trackpad are both nicely bouncy, providing plenty of tension under each key and a forced press. The keyboard itself still features additional macro buttons along the top and manages to keep its arrow buttons full-sized, even if they're squeezed in with no surrounding bezel.
Performance: The 2025 Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 blew the competition away in testing, topping the charts for 3D Mark's Time Spy, Fire Strike, and Steel Nomad synthetic benchmarks, taking the lead from the RTX 4090 MSI Titan 18 HX and MSI Raider 18 HX. That success is replicated in real-world testing as well, with the Scar 18 comfortably pacing ahead of older RTX 4090 configurations across lighter and more demanding titles.
Verdict: The Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 is the most powerful machine I've tested yet, and considering it also makes some thoughtful updates to its design it's in pole position across the brand's portfolio right now. It's an investment, but if you're going all in on power this is the best Asus gaming laptop the brand has produced so far.
Read more: Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2025) review
The best Asus gaming laptop for most
The 2024 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 opened up the playing field this year. The redesigned chassis and more mainstream appeal makes it a go-to for anyone who doesn't want the flash of RGB to be a distraction. While the components on offer are a little smaller, the vast majority of players will be able to get by with that RTX 4070 - and still take advantage of that incredible OLED display.
✅You want to take your laptop on the road: A slimline form factor and super low 1.5kg weight means this is a particularly backpack friendly device.
✅ You want a high-end display: Samsung has helped make this OLED panel one of the best in the business - it's a sight to behold and well worth prioritizing.
✅ You don't like the gamer aesthetic: A refined design means the G14 is more ultrabook than gaming laptop in its looks. This is a MacBook Pro-esque affair.
❌ Performance is everything: If you're chasing framerates and don't mind sacrificing display quality to do so, this isn't the laptop for you.
Design: Previous Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 models have all held a similar look, punctuated by that matrix LED panel to the rear. Things are different this time around. Not only is the new G14 much thinner overall, but it's got more of an ultrabook look about it. This little portable powerhouse has grown up, and now looks and feels far more like a MacBook Pro. That's thanks to the single diagonal strip of LED lights to the rear and soft-touch gray CNC milled aluminum unibody chassis. Of course, everything's still super sturdy to the touch, with a rock solid main base and very little flex to the display. If you're going for optimal portability, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 tablet is a little easier to sling in a backpack, but it's performance doesn't hold up to the full RTX 4070 treatment.
Features: The 120Hz OLED panel sits atop the G14 like a crown. This is a particularly astonishing screen, capable of incredible color contrast and a bold, vivid picture. Combined with the boosted resolution, games run smooth and bright here - particularly more dynamic scenes like those of Cyberpunk 2077. That's not all, though. We've got a 1080p webcam here, a slick and comfortable keyboard, and a good selection of ports (on both sides of the main frame). The AMD build means there's no Thunderbolt 4 here, but the USB-C options can easily carry you through instead. The only drawback to all this is that the 2024 model drops the RTX 4080 and RTX 4090 graphics card options of the previous generation. However, with an RTX 4070 at the top of the configuration scale the majority of players are still covered here.
Performance: Of course, that RTX 4070 isn't going to compete with the framerates of the RTX 4090 model I tested last year. However, we're still seeing three figure fps in a considerable number of benchmark games - and that's still pretty darn impressive at 14-inches. The G14 performs similarly to the Razer Blade 14 in 1080p, sometimes ahead and sometimes behind. However, things open up a little more in QHD+.
Asus is coming for Razer's lunch here - taking aim at both the gaming and creator markets with one luxury swoop.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 review
Verdict: The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is the best Asus gaming laptop for the majority of players right now. Its small form factor makes it the most portable machine in the current lineup, but it doesn't skimp on performance either. Throw in that slick aesthetic and gorgeous OLED panel and this is a winner.
Read more: 2024 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 review
The best budget Asus gaming laptop
Many of the best Asus gaming laptops can command a serious price tag, but the brand also excels at the bottom of the budget as well. Nowhere is that exemplified more than in the Asus TUF A15. This is a model with a well established position in cheaper categories, and while some of its features are a little dated in 2024 it's certainly the best budget pick of the lot right now.
✅ You value speed: You're getting some solid speeds for your cash here, thanks to the A15 keeping things simple with a 1080p display.
✅ You use a gaming headset: You'll get the best performance possible out of this machine with those fans cranked right up and while they're not the loudest we've heard this is one for those who already have a gaming headset to spare.
✅ You want a premium finish: Asus has always done a great job of making cheap gaming laptops feel far more premium. You're getting a metal lid and simple aesthetic here to keep things streamlined and suave.
❌ You need a portable device: If you need a portable laptop for everyday work, we'd recommend looking elsewhere. Not only is the A15 chunkier than other options, but the trackpad isn't up to a full day's grift.
❌ You prioritize high-end performance: If you want to play super demanding games maxed out on their settings you'll need to look further up the price scale by default.
Design: Like the Asus TUF Dash F15 before it, the A15 looks far more premium than its price tag suggests. That's thanks to the metal lid and cool gray tones used throughout. This is the kind of build material that initially drew me to the TUF line for my own first gaming laptop, and it continues all these years later. Of course, you're still getting the TUF logo stamped onto the top, as well as some cringe-inducing text slapped across the bottom corner inside, but overall this is a slick design without too much gamerfication to it.
Everything fits together beautifully without any concerns over longer term durability. A little flex in the main typing deck is nothing to be concerned about, and I never experienced any worrying creaks or groans when manipulating the hinge either.
Features: The Asus TUF A15 keeps things lean in the feature department, offering everything you need to get going without investing too much of its price tag into extras. That's perfect for a budget rig - you're getting a solid keyboard, workable trackpad (should you need it), and a standard 1080p 144Hz display up top. The 16:9 aspect ratio on this screen does age the device a little, especially with the chunkier bezel down below.
You're getting a full-sized keyboard with slightly smaller caps to make room for everyone, but a good amount of spacing in between. The typing feel itself is softer than a more premium deck, though once again everything is nicely functional in itself. The same goes for the trackpad, though the clunky feel is enough here to ward anyone off longer stretches of everyday work. If you're after a true hybrid device, these elements are going to be enough to have you looking further up the price scale.
Performance: The Asus TUF A15 focuses its value on its performance which, for the money, is particularly impressive. 1080p benchmarks across more demanding games like Returnal and Hitman 3 managed to stay well above 60fps in the RTX 4060 configuration I tested, and were much closer to 100fps in reality. This is fantastic performance considering the price tag, putting the RTX 4060 to work in a larger chassis to get fantastic value for money overall.
For its budget price point, the Asus TUF A15 certainly gives the effect of a more premium gaming laptop.
Asus TUF A15 review
Verdict: The Asus TUF A15 concentrates its value in its performance, which means you are dropping a few more luxurious touches you'll find on more expensive machines. Still, if you're chasing mid-range framerate levels but don't want to slide too far up the price scale, this isn't just your best Asus option it's the best budget rig I've tested so far.
Read more: Asus TUF A15 review
The best value Asus gaming laptop
The Asus TUF A14 is one of the most impressive gaming laptops I've tested this year overall, but its value for money is particularly exciting. A $1,499.99 MSRP nets you a turbo-charged AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, RTX 4060 GPU, 32GB RAM, and a 2TB SSD. Those are specs that rarely make it down to this kind of price point.
✅ You prefer a slimline build: If you're travelling with your laptop regularly, or you just want more of an ultrabook feel, the 0.7-inch thickness and 3.2lb weight of the A14 drop it nicely into the slimline category.
✅ You don't want to spend on a G14: The A14 looks and feels like an Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 from a couple of years ago - just with up to date tech under the hood. The Zeph can get pretty pricey, but this is a fantastic affordable alternative.
✅ You want a hybrid work / play device: With Windows CoPilot AI features and that skinnier form factor, the TUF A14 is well suited to both gaming and productivity uses.
❌ You want an OLED panel: The A14 does drop the OLED display of the Zephyrus, replacing it with a still impressive 165Hz QHD+ IPS panel. If you're after that extra vibrancy and contrast, though, you'll need to move further up the price scale.
❌ You want high-end materials: This is a cheaper gaming laptop, so you're not getting the CNC-milled chassis of more high-end machines. While it's still durable, those after a luxury finish will want to look elsewhere.
Design: The Asus TUF A15 keeps its cool with a slate gray aluminum lid and a plastic under-chassis, combining a more subtle aesthetic for its slimline form factor with a super robust MIL-STD 810 safety rating. That means you're getting the best of both worlds - a slimline feel rated to last against extreme temperatures and drops. These are cheaper materials than you'll find in the Asus ROG Zephyrus G-Series line, but they never feel too flexible or creak during use. Instead, you're trading that unibody CNC-milled luxury for affordable but still slick looking reliability. It also just so happens to be one of the thinnest and lightest Asus gaming laptops on the market, with 0.70-inches thickness and 3.2lbs of weight.
Features: The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 rules the roost here - it's the latest and greatest AI chip from AMD, running on all the newest architecture to deliver some phenomenally fast performance. The A14 prioritizes this internal power in its price tag, pairing the CPU with a solid mid-range RTX 4060, bags of RAM, and plenty of storage. That means performance losses due to a smaller chassis are less noticeable here, and you're getting far more power than you usually would for your cash.
That does mean other sacrifices have been made. The IPS panel up top is still impressive - a QHD+ 165Hz panel isn't to be taken for granted in cheaper machines like this. However, it's not as vibrant as the OLED display featured in the Zephyrus G range. The keyboard feels great under the hand, but its backlighting is set to a simple white with no options for customization. You're also dropping Thunderbolt functionality from your USB-C ports as well. In general, though, none of these sacrifices should be deal-breaking for those after a lower mid-range hybrid machine.
Performance: The Asus TUF A14 impressed in my testing, running well above other slimline 14-inch machines in both in-game and synthetic benchmarks and even coming close to RTX 4070 Razer Blade 14 and Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 numbers. These components are working particularly hard to delivery slick 1080p and 1600p gameplay across even more demanding titles. However, it was the CPU that truly shone the brightest. It beat every other model in its class to set new records in efficiency and raw performance. Not only that, but its low power draw means battery life runs particularly strong here. Gaming is obviously going to chop your charge time considerably, but I was able to easily work a full day away from a power outlet. That's not something I say regularly in the gaming laptop space.
Verdict: With excellent power under the hood, a slick display, and a versatile form factor, the Asus TUF A14 could easily sit at a much higher MSRP. Considering the top-line spec only hits at $1,499.99, this is a steal - and the fact that this range sees regular discounts is just another feather in its cap.
Read more: Asus TUF A14 review
The best 14-inch Asus gaming laptop
The 2025 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 marks a slight departure from the previous generation, hence the fact both are staying on this list for the time being. The RTX 50-Series generation is more powerful, but considerably more expensive in its cheapest configurations. That means it's the best 14-inch Asus gaming laptop on the shelves, but not necessarily the best model for most players.
✅ You want true portable power: If you want the smallest gaming laptop possible, but still want to run demanding games at solid framerates, this is where you need to be looking.
✅ You need a laptop for work and play: That 14-inch screen is going to make the most sense for hybrid users. It's perfect for carrying around for work, but can also double up as a slick gaming panel.
✅ You know you want new-generation components: The RTX 50-Series comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, so if you're after enhanced DLSS support and boosted efficiency you're best off with a new device.
❌ You only play lighter games: If you don't play demanding titles, you should be able to get away with the RTX 4070 inside the much cheaper previous generation.
❌ You want to run multiple high-refresh rate 4K monitors: This being an AMD build, there's no Thunderbolt support on board. While USB-4 can still hook you up to external displays, those looking for high-speed UHD monitors should be on Intel's side.
Design: This is still the super slick ultrabook-like aesthetic of yesteryear, with its soft rounded corners, sleek aluminum chassis, and incredibly sturdy build quality. That feels amazing in a slimline gaming laptop and, while the 2025 model is slightly thicker than the 2024 version above, the Zephyrus manages to stay cool and comfortable in this form factor as well. Two colorways are available; the darker Eclipse Gray or the Platinum White I received. It's not particularly white, more of a light gray or silver, but it still carries that crisp, clean energy.
The hinge is super strong but still malleable enough to open confidently with one hand, and the actual base is solid. All in all, this is a fantastic gaming laptop design and I'm glad it's stuck around for another year - even if that annoying LED 'Slash Lighting' still persists.
Features: The new G14 is configurable with either an RTX 5070 Ti or RTX 5080, that's a considerable step up from the previous generation, which focused on more entry-level configurations. Rather than tapping out at an RTX 4070, though, this thing is taking you much further. That's supported by one of my favorite processors, the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. It's AI-flavored, but it consistently beats previous generation CPUs in my testing and performs much better than Intel's counterparts.
The display still runs at 2880 x 1800 resolution and that OLED panel keeps everything looking vibrant and fresh. I did, however, notice that warmer tones were a little more blown out on this display during testing - even if more natural blues, grays, and greens were replicated beautifully. That 120Hz refresh rate hurts a little, considering most high-end gaming laptops use 240Hz as standard these days.
The AMD build also means you lose out on Thunderbolt connectivity. You're not really going to notice the difference between Thunderbolt 5 and USB-4, unless you want to connect more than two 4K displays or you're transferring particularly large files as fast as possible.
Performance: Considering last year's model didn't go beyond an RTX 4070, 2025's G14 races ahead in its performance. I tested the flagship RTX 5080 version and noted a 30% increase in raw performance across 3D Mark Fire Strike and 42% increase in Fire Strike. Considering the G14 is a smaller machine it also performed admirably against the rest of the market. It hit in-game benchmarks comparable to those of an RTX 4090 running inside a larger chassis in my testing, though you'll need to switch on a few extra DLSS features to get smooth gameplay in more demanding titles like Black Myth Wukong or Cyberpunk 2077.
Verdict: Last year's G14 was an everyday laptop with gaming chops, this year's is a dedicated flagship with the price to match. That means it's no longer the best Asus gaming laptop for most players, but it is the best 14-incher the brand has produced so far.
Read more: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) review
The best 16-inch Asus gaming laptop
The 2025 Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 doesn't quite stack up against the new 2025 Razer Blade 16, but if you prefer the smoother, less severe aesthetic of Asus gaming laptops it's still got plenty to show off. With a full range of RTX 50-Series GPUs to show off, and Thunderbolt 4 compatibility, there's plenty separating this larger model from the 14-incher above.
✅ You want more screen space: That extra screen space does make a difference, especially if you're used to more immersive displays or you regularly multitask between different windows side-by-side.
✅ You want Thunderbolt 4 support: Unlike the AMD G14, the G16 uses Intel's newer processor, which means Thunderbolt 4 is back on the menu.
✅ You take your laptop out and about: Asus does have other 16-inch gaming laptops, like the Strix series, but this is the slimmest model on their shelves.
❌ You want the highest performance possible: The G16 sacrifices power for its slimline chassis, so if you're not fussed about portability it's worth checking out some chunkier models.
❌ You don't need cutting edge components: The RTX 50-Series offers a minor upgrade in raw native rendering compared to the RTX 40-Series, so if you're looking to spend a little less last year's model still looks pretty strong.
Design: The Zephyrus line is one built on streamlined portability, and the 2025 G16 is no different. This is the same sleek aesthetic that I see on the older generation and the new G14 listed above, with rounded corners, a sturdy build quality, and a soft-touch finish. That's all incredibly premium, especially so in this larger form factor.
2025's iteration is the same weight and thickness as the model before, making it easily carriable in a backpack while still giving you a little extra cooling room compared to the 14-inch version. There is, however, more flex to this larger screen than I saw in the G14.
Features: The OLED panel up top isn't going to give Razer anything to worry about, it's not quite as lively and vivid, but it's still certainly impressive. The G16 bumps you up to a full QHD+ resolution at 240Hz (compared to 120Hz on the G14) and handles HDR content particularly well.
All configurations use the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H. This isn't the most powerful processor on the market, and it only just scores above the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H in the previous generation. It's well below the likes of AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 in some other models. However, you can pack everything from an RTX 5070 Ti to an RTX 5090 into this machine, taking things one graphical step above that of the G14.
Ports are nicely balanced, though are still all placed on the side flanks, offering a strong mix of USB-A and USB-C with Thunderbolt support (albeit Thunderbolt 4 rather than the newer 5) available as well.
Performance: I tested the RTX 5080 configuration, and was pleased with the overall results. The machine was essentially trading places with the RTX 5090 Blade 16 across different FHD in-game tests, though struggled to keep up in QHD and more demanding titles.
It couldn't quite pace above its RTX 4090 predecessor, but considering we're dealing with a lower class of card that's not unexpected. It follows the same trajectory of other RTX 50-Series gaming laptops I've had my hands on. Native performance upgrades are minor between generations, but additional DLSS features are in place to keep things running smoothly.
Verdict: The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 is the best 16-inch Asus gaming laptop I've tested so far, especially if you're looking for a hybrid work and play device.
Read more: Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) review
How we test Asus gaming laptops
We've run all of the Asus gaming laptops above through a series of stringent tests, both in real world gaming scenarios and in stress testing industry benchmarks. Every machine that passes our desks is run through 3D Mark Time Spy, Fire Strike, and (as of July 2024) Steel Nomad to stress its GPU, PC Mark 10 and Cinebench to check its productivity and CPU power. We then run each Asus gaming laptop through in-game benchmarks on both High and Ultra settings across both 1080p and 1600p. Our current suite of test games is listed below, but older machines may have been benchmarked on a combination of Metro Exodus, Red Dead Redemption 2, The Division 2, Rainbow Six Extraction, and Hitman 3 in addition to Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Total War: Three Kingdoms.
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider
- Total War: Three Kingdoms
- Returnal
- The Talos Principle 2
These synthetics and real-world benchmarks allow us to rate and compare internal performance of each laptop, but we also live, work, and play with each machine to appropriately explore form factor, features, and portability.
The design portion of our gaming laptop review process is based around weight, comfort, build quality, and aesthetic. We evaluate the build materials used (and any flexing, creaking, or wobbling they may yield) for both long-term durability and value for money. Portability is tested using a standard 16-inch or 18-inch backpack to take the laptop out and about in at least two instances; a shorter trip to work from a coffee shop or library and, generally, a longer trip as well.
We evaluate an Asus laptop's features according to its price position within the market and its value for money overall. That extends across display, battery, included software, keyboard and trackpad feel, speakers, and connectivity. The screen is tested within a range of lighting conditions across scenes of varying brightness and detail. Meanwhile, the battery is fully run down across both work and gameplay with display brightness set at 50% and RGB switched on.
For more information on how we test gaming laptops take a look at our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.
Also Tested
How to choose an Asus gaming laptop
Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.
There are three main strands of Asus gaming laptops to choose from; the budget TUF series which prioritizes component value over screen and build quality, the ROG Zephyrus line which pushes portability for a hybrid work / play device, and the ROG Strix range - your all-out performance beasts.
Choosing the Asus gaming laptop that's right for you starts by identifying which range suits your needs the best.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Budget | Gaming | Productivity | Portability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Asus TUF | Entry level / lower mid-range ($800 - $1,500) | Casual or lighter games, running more demanding games at reduced settings or relying on frame generation techniques | Everyday work and multi-tasking between more demanding programs | Smaller machines can be easily portable, though build quality is less sophisticated than Zephyrus. |
Asus ROG Zephyrus | Mid-range / lower high-end ($1,500 - $2,500) | Fairly demanding games running at high settings with the help of frame generation techniques | Content creation workflows and a particular attention paid to subtle design | Particularly portable, often offering a slimline form factor and low-profile design |
Asus ROG Strix | High-end ($2,500 - $4,000) | Demanding games at high or ultra settings, with additional future-proofing to run blockbuster titles for years to come | Able to work through demanding workflows at home | Often too large and thick to be considered truly portable, and regularly feature stylized 'gamer' designs |
Your budget, the types of games you play, how much you want to work from your laptop, and how often you need to travel with your setup will all loosely determine which Asus machine is right for you. An expensive configuration of an Asus TUF laptop, for example, might overlap with an Asus ROG Zephyrus spec at the bottom of the spec list. It's well worth approaching these machines with a budget in mind, and seeing what's available.
Once you've narrowed things down to the range, it's time to consider size. If you're looking to take your laptop out and about with you, you'll want to look for 14-inch or 16-inch machines (15.6-inch devices are still available, but are being phased out). A slimline 16-inch rig will still be easily portable, but pay attention to the weight on these rigs - they can grow too large to comfortably house in a backpack. Opt for an 18-inch machine like the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 if you're looking for a desktop replacement that will stay firmly put on your desk.
Then it's time to consider the components available to you. In general, the TUF range taps out at the RTX 4070, but the Zephyrus G16 can move up to an RTX 4090. The Strix range spans only the top-end GPU configurations, focusing on the RTX 4080 and RTX 4090. The processor you receive paired with this GPU will scale with the graphics power under the hood. However, I'd recommend opting for at least 16GB RAM, moving up to 32GB if you're investing in a high-end laptop. Storage will generally stick to either a 1TB or 2TB SSD.
Best Asus laptops: FAQ
Which Asus laptop is best for gaming?
In all our testing, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 is the best Asus gaming laptop on the market right now. However, if you're after something a little more compact we'd recommend the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 to the majority of players.
What's the difference between Asus ROG and TUF?
Asus separates its gaming hardware into two camps; ROG and TUF. The former is the brand's collection of luxury hardware, and premium machines that allow for higher-end components and efficient engineering. You'll usually find flashier designs, bolder RGB elements, and higher-quality displays on Asus ROG gaming laptops. By contrast, the TUF series is built to cater to a more budget-minded audience. You're still getting quality here, but with components and certain build elements scaled down to meet a lower price tag.
We're also rounding up all the best Alienware laptops and the best Razer laptops if you're after a different brand. Or, take a look at the best gaming PCs for more of a permanent solution.
