MSI may not have adopted an 18-inch display on its flagship laptop, but in our testing, we were still enamored. Some come with full-size Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics cards, while others go for the more efficient Max-Q designs that enable thinner chassis and (sometimes) quieter fans.

Thankfully, there are more gaming laptop options now than ever, from budget-friendly to desktop replacements.

For those on a tight gaming budget, we've have dedicated pages for the best gaming laptops under $1,500 and the best gaming laptops under $1,000. Our picks here are often high-end models (we're an enthusiast site, after all), but most come in various configurations at various price points. Sure, a high-end PC over $5,000 might have the highest-end graphics and a great display for a killer gaming experience, but most of us can't afford a rig like that.

The best gaming laptops are varied, ranging from thick machines with the most powerful components to slim, efficient machines to cheaper laptops made of plastic.

Nitro pro 13 portable