Ranking: Best thin-and-light gaming laptops
November 2024 update.
The model-specific allure of these thin & light gaming notebooks is their unique combination of very thin and lightweight cases on the one hand and powerful hardware on the other rendering devices particularly interesting to all users who intend to use their gaming laptops when out and about. Naturally, everyday work is another use case, but gaming is the most important aspect here. Below, you will find the best ultra-portable gaming laptops reviewed by Notebookcheck.Christian Hintze (translated by DeepL / Ninh Duy) Published 🇩🇪 🇪🇸 ...
"Mobile gaming": What sounded like a bad joke a few years ago has long since become common practice for notebooks. Thanks to new manufacturing techniques and architectures, processors and graphics cards are not only becoming smaller, but also more energy-efficient and easier to cool, making it possible to design ever thinner cases. High-end notebooks are still dominated by powerful machines, but the slim gamer segment is growing steadily.
The following overview shows the best gaming notebooks that weigh up to 2.2 kilograms, are thinner than 2.0 centimeters and have been tested by us in the last 12 months. The links to the tests can be found in the table.
The best ultra-portable gaming laptops (new v8 rating systems)
Image | Model / Review | Price | Weight | Height | Display |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Asus ProArt P16 H7606WI AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 ⎘ NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU ⎘ 64 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $2,879.00 HIDevolution [2024] ASUS Pro... 2. $2,449.99 ASUS ProArt P16 AI Powered L... 3. $93.99 20V 10A 200W Laptop Charger ... List Price: 4000€ | 1.8 kg | 17.3 mm | 16.00" 3840x2400 283 PPI OLED | |
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 GU605MY Intel Core Ultra 9 185H ⎘ NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 2048 GB SSD | Amazon: $3,509.00 List Price: 4300€ | 1.9 kg | 16.4 mm | 16.00" 2560x1600 189 PPI OLED | |
Asus ProArt PX13 HN7306 AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 ⎘ NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $1,809.99 ASUS ProArt PX13 AI Gaming 2... 2. $39.99 Smatree ASUS Laptop Hard Cas... 3. $93.99 20V 10A 200W Laptop Charger ... List Price: 2999€ | 1.4 kg | 17.7 mm | 13.30" 2880x1800 255 PPI OLED | |
Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5 16IMH G9 RTX 4050 Intel Core Ultra 9 185H ⎘ NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $919.98 Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 16″ ... 2. $855.99 Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 16″ ... 3. $949.00 Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 15AR... List Price: 1500 USD | 2 kg | 18.95 mm | 16.00" 2048x1280 151 PPI OLED | |
Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 Intel Core Ultra 7 155H ⎘ NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU ⎘ 16 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: $1,499.99 List Price: 1300 USD | 2.2 kg | 19.9 mm | 16.00" 2560x1600 189 PPI IPS | |
Asus TUF Gaming A14 FA401WV-WB94 AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 ⎘ NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU ⎘ 16 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: $1,509.00 List Price: 1500 USD | 1.5 kg | 19.9 mm | 14.00" 2560x1600 216 PPI IPS |
Note: The switch to a new rating system took place in June 2024 . In the new v8 rating, the criteria were adapted to current hardware developments, new points were added and individual measurement methods were changed. As a result, the v8 ratings are slightly lower than under v7. The new v8 rating is not directly comparable with previous versions. For this reason, we are listing two tables with the best devices according to v7 and v8 rating here for the time being. Further information on the new v8 rating can be found here.
The best ultra-portable gaming laptops (v7 rating system)
Image | Model / Review | Price | Weight | Height | Display |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 GA403U AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS ⎘ NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $1,499.00 HIDevolution [2024] ASUS ROG... 2. $75.00 180W 20V 9A Charger ADP-180T... 3. $1,999.00 EXCaliberPC [2024] ASUS ROG ... List Price: 2499€ | 1.5 kg | 16.3 mm | 14.00" 2880x1800 243 PPI OLED | |
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 2024 GU605M Intel Core Ultra 7 155H ⎘ NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU ⎘ 16 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: $1,899.99 List Price: 3000€ | 1.8 kg | 16.4 mm | 16.00" 2560x1600 189 PPI OLED | |
Lenovo Yoga Pro 9 16IMH9 RTX 4050 Intel Core Ultra 9 185H ⎘ NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $1,796.49 Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Laptop, I... 2. $1,989.00 Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16"" Lapt... 3. $1,899.99 Lenovo Slim Pro 9 16IRP8 16"... List Price: 1900 USD | 2.1 kg | 18.3 mm | 16.00" 3200x2000 236 PPI IPS | |
Razer Blade 14 RZ09-0508 AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS ⎘ NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: $2,699.99 List Price: 2700 USD | 1.9 kg | 17.99 mm | 14.00" 2560x1600 216 PPI IPS | |
HP Omen Transcend 14-fb0014 Intel Core Ultra 7 155H ⎘ NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU ⎘ 16 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $1,489.00 HP OMEN Transcend Gaming Lap... 2. $1,529.90 HP OMEN Transcend Gaming Lap... 3. $2,209.99 HP OMEN Transcend Gaming Lap... List Price: 1700 USD | 1.6 kg | 18 mm | 14.00" 2880x1800 243 PPI OLED |
The table above shows an overview of the best thin & light gaming notebooks tested by Notebookcheck in the last 12 months and relevant devices that are still available. More recent tests are ranked first with the same rating. The sales prices shown in the table and in the price comparison for the individual items are automatically updated daily and may therefore vary!
Link: all tested devices in this class
Editorial comment
This month, there is no new candidate for our list of the best mobile laptops. At the same time, the Lenovo Legion Slim 7 16APH8 is retiring, the test is 12 months old and the laptop is only available from a single store.
Alternatives that just didn't make it:
- Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 (20.9 mm thick, 81 %, 08/24)
- XMG Pro 16 Studio (2.3 kg, 81 %, 07/24)
- Lenovo Legion 7 16 G9 (2.3 kg, 91 %, 04/24)
- Aorus 16X (2.33 kg, 87 %, 03/24)
- Razer Blade 16 (2.46 kg, 91 %, 02/24)
- HP Omen Transcend 16 (2.284 kg, 88 %, 02/24)
- Asus Zenbook Pro 16x (2.4 kg; 91 %, 11/2023)
- MSI Stealth 14 Studio (rating, 85 %)
- HP Omen Transcend 16 (just too heavy, 88 %, 2023)
Former top ten contenders that have dropped out due to age:
- Lenovo Legion Slim 7 16APH8 (11/23, 90 %)
- MSI Stealth 16 Studio A13VG (07/23, 89 %)
- Asus ROG Flow X16 GV601V (06/23, 90 %)
- Asus ROG Flow Z13 ACRNM (04/23, 89 %)
- Razer Blade 15 (03/23, 90 %)
- Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (02/23, 88 %)
- Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (04/23, 90 %)
1st place - Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 (R9 8945HS, RTX 4070)
The new Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 no longer focuses on maximum performance, instead Asus wants to appeal to a larger customer group with a slimmer and more compact aluminum chassis. The result is an excellent gaming/multimedia hybrid with plenty of power.
The new ROG Zephyrus G14 is probably the best all-round notebook currently on the market. Asus combines a lot of positive features in a very high-quality and compact aluminum case with great input devices and excellent speakers, only the soldered RAM is a clear disadvantage.
The new ROG Zephyrus G14 will be available from 15.02.2024 and can already be pre-ordered. Our test configuration for €2,499 is already listed at Cyberport, for example, while the smaller version with the RTX 4060 laptop and 16 GB RAM costs €2,099.
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2nd place - Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 2024 (Ultra 7 155H, RTX 4070)
With the new ROG Zephyrus G16 2024 asus is presenting a completely new and significantly thinner design that is intended to appeal to other target groups in addition to gamers. The result is a high-quality 16-inch computer with a great OLED panel and excellent speakers that can easily compete with Apple's MacBook Pro or the Razer Blade 16.
High-quality and lightweight aluminum housing, great OLED screen and excellent speakers: Thanks to its powerful hardware, the new ROG Zephyrus G16 can of course still display the latest games, but with the 2024 model, Asus is moving more towards high-end multimedia. Even if you don't have any gaming ambitions, it's worth taking a look at the new Zephyrus G16.
The new ROG Zephyrus G16 will be available in stores from February 15, 2024 and individual configurations are already listed. At online retailer Cyberport, for example, it currently starts at 2,299 euros.
3rd place - Lenovo Yoga Pro 9 (Ultra 9 185H, RTX 4050)
The Yoga Pro 9 16IMH9 is the most impressive model in the series so far, even in the cheapest configuration without RTX 4070 graphics or the stylish mini LED screen. It offers a real alternative to the XPS 16 or MacBook Pro 16. Its IPS display, performance and size are competitive with the Dell or Apple equivalents, while it is easier to maintain and has a better keyboard than the XPS.
The AI-enabled Lenovo Yoga Pro 9 16IMH9 is not only a great alternative to the Dell XPS 16 or MacBook Pro 16, but it does a few things better than both.
Currently, Amazon is offering the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9 16 configuration, for 1,900 euros.
4th place - Razer Blade 14 2024 (R9 8945HS, RTX 4070)
Razer is starting the new year strong with a small but solid update to its smallest Blade series. Most users will probably miss the AI improvements in the CPU, but the small changes to the GPU ensure that the 2024 Blade overtakes its predecessor.
If you are not interested in CPU AI or Wi-Fi 7, you may be convinced by the slight increase in graphics performance of the 2024 Blade 14. If not, the visually identical 2023 model offers almost the same performance for less money.
In Germany, our test configuration is available from various online retailers for €2,999, including Cyberport, Notebooksbilliger and even Media Markt.
5th place - Asus ProArt P16 (Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, RTX 4070)
With the ProArt P16, Asus is launching a powerful 16-inch model that combines a new AMD Zen 5 processor with the dedicated GeForce RTX 4070 laptop, 64 GB RAM and a high-resolution 4K OLED touchscreen.
With the ProArt P16, Asus offers a comparatively light and compact powerhouse for creative users who need a touchscreen and are willing to sacrifice a higher frequency. However, the top version with 64 GB RAM is also extremely expensive.
The new ProArt P16 can be configured and ordered directly from Asus. Our top configuration is around 4,000 euros!
6th place - Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (Ultra 9 185H, RTX 4090)
Asus only equips the most powerful models of the ROG Zephyrus G16 with vapor-chamber cooling - we test the high-end model with the Core Ultra 9 185H and the GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop. The Asus Zephyrus G16 2024 is a thin and comparatively light gaming laptop that is also suitable for other target groups such as content creators or multimedia users. With the choice of the RTX 4090 laptop, however, the focus is naturally on graphics performance.
With the ROG Zephyrus G16, Asus offers a very compact 16-inch laptop with the GeForce RTX 4090 laptop. However, good mobility requires compromises in performance and other RTX 4090 models have advantages when it comes to gaming performance.
The RRP for the ROG Zephyrus G16 with the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 laptop is €4,299 and the model can be ordered, for example, from Amazon, Notebooksbilliger or directly from Asus can be ordered.
7th place - Asus ProArt PX13 (Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, RTX 4070)
The new Asus ProArt PX13 is a compact 13.3-inch convertible that is primarily aimed at creative users who are looking for a device that is as compact as possible with plenty of performance. It comes with the brand new Zen 5 mobile processors from AMD in combination with dedicated GeForce GPUs from Nvidia. A high-resolution OLED panel with 2,880 x 1,800 pixels is used as the screen, but only at 60 Hz.
Thanks to the new AMD Zen 5 processor and the GeForce RTX 4070 laptop, the new ProArt is the fastest 13.3-inch device currently available to buy. It also has an excellent keyboard and plenty of ports. However, we don't understand why Asus opted for a 60 Hz OLED in view of the high price.
The new ProArt PX13 can now be ordered from Asus from €2,199. Our test configuration with the RTX 4070 laptop costs 2,999 euros.
8th place - Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5 (Ultra 9 185H, RTX 4050)
The IdeaPad Pro 5 16 G9 is an all-rounder when equipped with the discrete GPU option. While the lower iGPU configuration is a respectable multimedia machine, the higher dGPU configuration is already a borderline gaming machine.
The IdeaPad Pro 5 16 G9 is faster than it looks at first glance, especially when equipped with the powerful 90WGeForce RTX 4050 GPU.
Only Costco is now offering the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 16 with the Core Ultra 9 185H and RTX 4050 configuration for 1,500 US dollars (1,400 euros).
9th place - HP Omen Transcend 14 (Ultra 7 155H, RTX 4060)
The list of 14-inch gaming notebooks is now growing with the HP Omen Transcend 14. It may not be as well known as the popular Razer Blade 14 or the Asus Zephyrus G14, but it has enough tricks up its sleeve to be a worthy competitor. The Omen Transcend 14 is designed for students or gamers who want to game, tinker and create anywhere, with an emphasis on portability. It is consequently one of the smallest and lightest notebooks in the Omen family with a screen size of just 14 inches.
The first 14-inch Omen notebook gets a lot right when it comes to looks, specs and price. It is significantly cheaper than the competition, but the performance is a little slower.
HP delivers the Omen Transcend 14 in the configuration of this test for 2,169 euros, while the configuration with Core Ultra 9 185H and RTX 4070 is available for 2,699 euros.
10th place - Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 (Ultra 7 155H, RTX 4060)
The newer model supports up to two SSDs, offers faster black/white and gray/gray response times, longer battery life and AI acceleration.
The Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 addresses some of the drawbacks of its predecessor, making it an even better multimedia machine than before. However, the single-thread CPU performance and gaming performance take a small step backwards.
Our test configuration of Core Ultra 7, RTX 4060 and 1,600p currently ships directly from Dell for $1,300. The cheaper SKU with Core i7 with UHD Graphics starts at just 900 US dollars.
The best ultra-compact gaming laptops: Overview
Measurements
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 2024 GA403U | Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 2024 GU605M | Lenovo Yoga Pro 9 16IMH9 RTX 4050 | Razer Blade 14 RZ09-0508 | HP Omen Transcend 14-fb0014 | Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 GU605MY | Asus TUF Gaming A14 FA401WV-WB94 | Asus ProArt P16 H7606WI | Asus ProArt PX13 HN7306 | Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5 16IMH G9 RTX 4050 | Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, Ultra 7 155H, SK hynix BC901 HFS001TEJ4X164N | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Display | |||||||||||
Display P3 Coverage | 99.6 | 99.9 | 95.6 | 96.9 | 99.6 | 99.9 | 65.1 | 99.9 | 99.4 | 99.7 | 76 |
sRGB Coverage | 100 | 100 | 99.9 | 99.8 | 100 | 100 | 94 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 99.8 |
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 89.9 | 96.9 | 86.5 | 85 | 96.1 | 96.9 | 65.6 | 99.1 | 88.9 | 97.8 | 76.7 |
Response Times | |||||||||||
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 0.62 ? | 0.22 ? | 12.4 ? | 6 ? | 0.86 ? | 0.22 ? | 10.7 ? | 1.58 ? | 1.94 ? | 0.58 ? | 25.6 ? |
Response Time Black / White * | 0.68 ? | 0.25 ? | 8.9 ? | 8.3 ? | 0.99 ? | 0.25 ? | 7.1 ? | 1.25 ? | 1.63 ? | 1 ? | 17.6 ? |
PWM Frequency | 960 ? | 960 ? | 479 ? | 960 ? | 240 ? | 240 ? | 240 ? | ||||
Screen | |||||||||||
Brightness middle | 423 | 416 | 404.9 | 484.1 | 386.3 | 416 | 455.8 | 355 | 360 | 367.6 | 314.7 |
Brightness | 424 | 418 | 390 | 466 | 389 | 418 | 436 | 360 | 358 | 371 | 291 |
Brightness Distribution | 98 | 96 | 91 | 89 | 98 | 96 | 93 | 98 | 98 | 98 | 89 |
Black Level * | 0.01 | 0.4 | 0.38 | 0.38 | 0.02 | 0.28 | |||||
Contrast | 42300 | 1012 | 1274 | 1199 | 18000 | 1124 | |||||
Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 0.7 | 1.6 | 2.42 | 2.23 | 4.03 | 1.6 | 3.39 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 4.31 | 1.62 |
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 1.8 | 2.1 | 4.65 | 4.57 | 6.69 | 2.1 | 7.3 | 2.6 | 2.3 | 6.85 | 2.94 |
Greyscale dE 2000 * | 0.8 | 2.7 | 1.1 | 1.6 | 1.2 | 2.7 | 3.9 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.3 |
Gamma | 2.18 101% | 2.16 102% | 2.22 99% | 2.24 98% | 2.25 98% | 2.16 102% | 2.17 101% | 2.14 103% | 2.16 102% | 2.2 100% | 2.26 97% |
CCT | 6505 100% | 6331 103% | 6468 100% | 6816 95% | 6280 104% | 6331 103% | 7340 89% | 6526 100% | 6554 99% | 6272 104% | 6385 102% |
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated * | 0.93 | 0.74 | 1.07 | 1.67 | 1.11 | 1.08 | |||||
Noise | |||||||||||
off / environment * | 23.9 | 23.9 | 23.6 | 24.3 | 24.5 | 24.6 | 22.9 | 24.4 | 24.7 | 23 | 23.8 |
Idle Minimum * | 23.9 | 23.9 | 23.6 | 25 | 24.7 | 24.6 | 22.9 | 24.4 | 24.7 | 23 | 24.2 |
Idle Average * | 23.9 | 27.8 | 25.4 | 25 | 24.7 | 27.8 | 28.3 | 27.7 | 28.4 | 23.3 | 24.2 |
Idle Maximum * | 23.9 | 30.1 | 25.4 | 25 | 24.7 | 31.9 | 28.8 | 32.3 | 30.9 | 23.3 | 24.2 |
Load Average * | 46.2 | 34.2 | 44.2 | 33 | 25.2 | 49.2 | 37.3 | 42.2 | 43 | 45.7 | 28.9 |
Witcher 3 ultra * | 46.2 | 46.4 | 48.9 | 49.5 | 47 | 51 | |||||
Load Maximum * | 46.2 | 46.4 | 52.6 | 51.9 | 52 | 52.3 | 50.6 | 53.2 | 53.3 | 48.4 | 51 |
Cyberpunk 2077 ultra * | 52.3 | 50.6 | 53.2 | 53.3 | 48.4 | ||||||
Heat | |||||||||||
Maximum Upper Side * | 46.6 | 50.3 | 41 | 41.8 | 41.2 | 45.9 | 49.8 | 46.9 | 45.3 | 48.2 | 43.4 |
Maximum Bottom * | 47.8 | 48 | 40.6 | 42.2 | 39 | 47.5 | 46 | 50.9 | 47.9 | 59.4 | 41.6 |
Idle Upper Side * | 26.7 | 28.8 | 30.2 | 34.8 | 26.2 | 26.1 | 30.2 | 28.9 | 28.5 | 34.2 | 32.8 |
Idle Bottom * | 27.8 | 29.8 | 31.4 | 37.4 | 25.4 | 26.6 | 29.8 | 30 | 29.9 | 34.8 | 32.4 |
Battery Runtime | |||||||||||
WiFi v1.3 | 555 | 435 | 540 | 428 | 517 | 391 | 421 | 499 | 510 | 639 | 799 |
Load | 64 | 71 | 72 | 66 | 112 | 116 | 69 | 50 | |||
Reader / Idle | 480 | 622 | 662 | 1338 | |||||||
Power Consumption | |||||||||||
Idle Minimum * | 6.9 | 8.3 | 9.9 | 20.9 | 9.1 | 7.8 | 9.1 | 8 | 7.5 | 5.6 | 4.2 |
Idle Average * | 8.6 | 12.5 | 16.6 | 25.6 | 12.6 | 10.9 | 15.3 | 9.9 | 9.3 | 7.3 | 6.9 |
Idle Maximum * | 9 | 12.8 | 29.2 | 32.1 | 27.4 | 11.6 | 22.6 | 11.6 | 9.6 | 14.6 | 15.2 |
Load Average * | 75.2 | 71.3 | 100.9 | 72.7 | 63.5 | 98.7 | 72.1 | 76.9 | 74.1 | 86.3 | 70.4 |
Witcher 3 ultra * | 109.7 | 127.5 | 151.8 | 182.1 | 118.9 | 115.9 | |||||
Load Maximum * | 161.6 | 169.1 | 182.2 | 228.4 | 135.3 | 232 | 198 | 212.6 | 185 | 172 | 137.4 |
Cyberpunk 2077 ultra * | 157.3 | 144.7 | 157.7 | 121.6 | 136.4 | ||||||
Cyberpunk 2077 ultra external monitor * | 165.5 | 141.7 | 156.6 | 121.5 | 135.8 |
* ... smaller is better