Monday, November 1, 2021

Best gaming laptops in Australia: the top gaming laptops we've reviewed in 2021

There are plenty of reasons for Aussies to seek out a gaming laptop – whether you're seeking a portable beast of a machine or if you simply can't build the desktop rig of your dreams due to the global scarcity of GPUs, it's a great time to go for a gaming laptop.

Gone are the days when all gaming systems were big and bulky units that would barely survive between powerpoints – thanks in no small part to the popularity of Ultrabooks, they're becoming more sleek and portable while maintaining the power needed to handle the latest games.

Regardless of if you're in it for the stealthy, sleek numbers to slip in your satchel on the go, or an all-in-one replacement for a desktop rig, we've sifted through what's on offer to bring you the best gaming laptops available in Australia.

It's worth noting that our list of the best gaming laptops here in Australia will be a bit different to our US and UK counterparts. While the laptops themselves are undisputedly powerful and capable, the Australian 'tech tax' means we simply don't get as good a deal down under, and so the value proposition is a little different.

Speaking of good deals, if the laptop you're chasing is sitting at full price at the moment, it could be worth waiting out for Australia's 2021 Black Friday sales to see if it drops down in price.

Best gaming laptops in Australia at a glance

  1. Asus ROG Zephyrus G15
  2. Asus ROG Strix G15 AMD Advantage Edition
  3. Razer Blade 14
  4. Gigabyte Aorus 17G (2021)
  5. Asus TUF Dash F15
  6. Lenovo Legion 7 (Gen 6)
  7. Alienware m17 R4 (2021)
  8. Razer Blade Pro 17 (2021)
  9. Asus ROG Zephyrus M15 GU502
  10. Lenovo Legion Pro 5
  11. MSI Pulse GL66

Asus Zephyrus G15 on a white background, with the ROG logo on the display. The gaming laptop is at an angle.

(Image credit: Asus)

1. Asus ROG Zephyrus G15

Desktop-replacement performance

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H – 9 5900HS | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 – 3080 | RAM: Up to 32GB | Screen: 15.6-inch QHD (1440p), 165Hz, 3ms, 300 nits | Storage: 1TB

Outstanding performance, especially for the price
Incredible battery life
Lack of webcam might disappoint streamers

Our favourite Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 config:

AMD Ryzen 9 | RTX 3080 | 32GB RAM
There's absolutely no game this laptop won't be able to handle if you go for these specs, with a powerful Ryzen 9 processor and mobile Nvidia RTX 3080 laptop GPU. Along with 32GB of RAM, this is a gaming laptop that will last you for years.

The Asus ROG Zephyrus line has produced some of the best gaming laptops out there, and the new ROG Zephyrus G15 is no exception. Fitted with the latest and most powerful AMD Ryzen and Nvidia RTX 3000 series, they’re incredibly powerful and able to see you through the most demanding games. Of course, that legendary battery life has made an appearance, as well as that stylish chassis. If you want a high performing gaming laptop, very little beats this one, but you'll certainly be paying for the privilege, especially with the Australian pricing.

Read the full review: Asus ROG Zephyrus G15

Asus ROG Strix G15 AMD Advantage Edition. The gaming laptop is shot from the back, showing the Asus ROG logo and the red accent on the back of the device.

(Image credit: Asus)

2. Asus ROG Strix G15 AMD Advantage Edition

AMD's swing at the high-end

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX | Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 6800M | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 15.6-inch FHD (1080pp), 300Hz | Storage: 512GB SSD

Excellent performance
Jaw-dropping battery life of more than 11 hours
Has some kinks and bugs that need to be worked out

Our favourite Asus ROG Strix G15 Advantage Edition config

AMD Ryzen 9 | Radeon RX 6800M | 16GB RAM
This is the configuration we got in for review, and it is perfect for playing demanding games with all the options set up. And because it's a 1080p display at 300Hz, this hardware is perfect for playing the latest esports titles.

Powerful great-value laptops aren’t necessarily common, so when one does come out every now and then, we’re only too happy to test it out. The Asus ROG Strix G15 AMD Advantage Edition is AMD’s successful swing at the high-end, boasting the brand's top processor and GPU. But, it isn’t just its performance that takes centre stage here. That battery life is astounding as well, especially considering those powerful specs.

Read the full review: Asus ROG Strix G15 AMD Advantage Edition

The Razer Blade 14 on a white background with its display, keyboard and trackpad visible.

(Image credit: Razer)

3. Razer Blade 14

Portability and performance

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 – 3080 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 14-inch 144Hz Full HD – 14-inch 165Hz QHD | Storage: 1TB SSD

Beautiful yet robust chassis
Thin and light
Lower performance than other laptops

Our favourite Razer Blade 14 config

AMD Ryzen 9 | RTX 3060 | 16GB RAM
When it comes to Razer laptops, it's tempting for us to rave about the top-end SKU, but this one with a 1080p display, a powerful Ryzen 9 processor and 16GB of RAM is an excellent pick if you just want a portable gaming laptop that can power through anything you throw at it. 

A luxurious portable option comes in the form of a Razer, naturally. The manufacturer’s latest gaming laptop release, the Razer Blade 14, comes with lots of power with a Ryzen 9 from the 5000 series as well as the most powerful Nvidia 3000 graphics. That means you can pretty much play the latest AAA game on it without lugging around a heavy device around with you. At 0.66 inches thick and just under 4lb, that thin and light chassis is definitely a boon to gamers who often travel. Luckily, it also boasts a luxe design so you won’t hesitate to pull it out at a cafe or on a train. Of course, things are still solid, from performance to build.

Read the full review: Razer Blade 14

Best gaming laptops: Gigabyte Aorus 17G (2021)

(Image credit: Gigabyte)

4. Gigabyte Aorus 17G (2021)

New age hardware, old school vibes

CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3000 Series | RAM: Up to 64GB | Display: 17.3-inch FHD 300Hz NTSC 72% IPS panel | Storage: 512 GB PCIe SSD

Incredible mechanical keyboard
Powerful gaming performance
300 Hz display
No upgraded design
Extremely heavy

A tactile mechanical keyboard and a 300Hz refresh rate display are just the beginning. The Gigabyte Aorus 17G (2021) touts an incredible gaming performance that might just be worthy of desktop gaming PCs. With one of the RTX 3000 GPUs under the hood, this will see you through the most graphics-intensive games, including competitive ones. And, because of its impressive battery life, you can do so away from a power source.

Read the full review: Gigabyte Aorus 17G (2021)

Asus TUF Dash F15

(Image credit: Asus)

5. Asus TUF Dash F15

Affordable CAN mean sheer power

CPU: Up to Intel Core i7-11375H | Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 | RAM: Up to 16GB DDR4-3200 | Screen: Up to 15.6-inch WQHD anti-glare 165Hz IPS-level display with Adaptive Sync | Storage: Up to 1TB SSD

Long battery life
Super thin and light
Strong gaming performance
No webcam
Keyboard lighting color can't be changed

The Asus TUF line is no stranger to affordable great performers. Last year’s Asus TUF A15, for instance, was simply brilliant while keeping things accessible to budget-conscious gamers. The Asus TUF Dash F15 is back to preserve that affordability while also delivering brute strength. It brings in Intel Tiger Lake processors, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3000 mobile GPUs, and up to a 240Hz 1080p display without costing a fortune while also keeping things light, thin, and military-grade durable.

Read the full review: Asus TUF Dash F15

Lenovo Legion 7 (Gen 6) against a white background

(Image credit: Lenovo)

6. Lenovo Legion 7 (Gen 6)

Unrivaled gaming performance at a price

CPU: Up to AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX | Graphics: Up to Nvidia RTX 3080 | RAM: Up to 32GB DDR4 3200MHz | Screen: 16" QHD (2560 x 1600) IPS HDR 400, 500 nits, 165Hz | Storage: Up to 2 TB PCIe SSD

Superb performance
Sleek design with plenty of ports
Battery life is lacking

Our favorite Lenovo Legion 7 (Gen 6) config:

AMD Ryzen 7 | RTX 3070 | 16GB RAM
The Lenovo Legion 7 (Gen 6) is not exactly cheap, but you can certainly customize one for a more down-to-earth price. For that, we like the Ryzen 7, RTX 3070 setup, which will see you through high-res at 60fps or faster gaming beautifully while knocking off a few hundred bucks/quid off the main model.

A fantastic laptop that delivered astounding performance across the board, the Lenovo Legion 7 (Gen 6) has proven itself already worth its steep price tag – even if it’s not exactly something most people can afford. This is a pricey behemoth with only about three hours of battery life, but if you’re ok with something you wouldn’t want to travel with, this is a winner. Apart from its unrivalled gaming performance, you’re also getting a bunch of RGB lighting options and a bunch of ports – three USBs, three USB-C, an HDMI 2.1 and two DisplayPort 1.4 ports – so you’ll never need a separate hub for your peripherals. 

Read the full review: Lenovo Legion 7 (Gen 6)

Best gaming laptops: Alienware m17 R4 (2021)

(Image credit: Dell)

7. Alienware m17 R4 (2021)

Big. Powerful. Beautiful.

CPU: Up to 10th Generation Intel Core i9-10980HK | Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 | RAM: Up to 32GB DDR4 2933MHz | Screen: 17.3" UHD 60Hz 25ms 500-nits display | Storage: Up to 4TB SSD + 512GB SSD

Blazing fast performance
Stylish chassis
Plenty of ports
Expensive
Basically no battery life

It’s not always going to be substance over style. The Alienware m17 series continues to prove this with the new Alienware m17 R4, an extremely powerful gaming laptop with plenty of ports and an extremely stylish chassis that lights up like a Christmas tree. That way, you can play all the latest AAA games smoothing and in style. Of course, this being one of the fastest gaming laptops in 2021, it won’t be cheap. However, if you have the money, you’ll be glad you chose this.

Read the full review: Alienware m17 R4 (2021)

Best gaming laptops: Razer Blade Pro 17 (2021)

(Image credit: Future)

8. Razer Blade Pro 17 (2021)

RTX 3000 gaming goodness

CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i7 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 – 3080 | RAM: Up to 32GB | Screen: 17.3" Full HD 360Hz – 17.3" 4K Touch 120Hz | Storage: 512GB – 1TB SSD

Extremely powerful
Gorgeous display
Great performance at 1080p
Very expensive
Gaming at 4K needs tweaking

If you’re looking for an absolute beast, the best gaming laptop for you might just be this follow-up to Razer’s 17-inch leviathan. More than just a gaming portable, it makes for an excellent mobile workstation for creators as well – although gamers who have the cash will appreciate the RTX 3000 GPU, up to 64GB of memory, and display with fast refresh rates. It’s pretty expensive, though, so unless you need all that power or you just have the money to throw away, you really have to make sure you’ll make the most of it.

Read the full review: Razer Blade Pro 17 (2021)

Best gaming laptops: Asus ROG Zephyrus M15 GU502

(Image credit: Asus)

9. Asus ROG Zephyrus M15 GU502

Intel’s latest mobile tech brings its A-game

CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i7 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti – RTX 2070 Super | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 15.6-inch 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) 16:9 anti-glare display, 60Hz – 15.6-inch Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS, 144Hz | Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD

Excellent battery life
Good gaming performance
Fast screen
Not the most powerful
You're paying a lot for the design

Those in the market for a mid-range gaming device might adore the Asus ROG Zephyrus M15 GU502. It’s a great-looking piece of kit, serving as another entry to Asus’ much-vaunted ROG Zephyrus lineup of stylish thin and light gaming laptops. And, that fast screen makes it a joy for gamers with a predilection for fast-paced games. However, does it measure up to the most powerful laptops out there? While not cutting-edge, the Asus ROG Zephyrus M15 GU502’s specs are decent for graphically intensive games and its battery can last a while, which makes it a great candidate if you’re not looking for a maxed out machine.

Read the full review: Asus ROG Zephyrus M15 GU502

Lenovo Legion 5 Pro on a white background. The laptop is open, and there's a colorful background on the display with the Legion logo and what looks like black rocks surrounding it.

(Image credit: Lenovo)

10. Lenovo Legion 5 Pro

Nearly perfect

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 – 3070 | RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz | Screen: 16-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS 500 nits, 165Hz | Storage: Up to 2TB M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD

Incredible gaming performance
Excellent hardware controls
Fairly generic chassis that's on the heavy side

Hands down one of the best gaming laptops we’ve tested, the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro comes with all the makings of a nearly perfect portable for gaming. Its incredible performance is matched only by that gorgeous QHD IPS screen with up to 500 nits of brightness, Dolby Vision, and up to a 165Hz refresh rate. It also boasts excellent hardware controls, admirable battery life, and a full-sized keyboard. Budget-minded gamers will also appreciate the fact that while it’s among the best in its class, it’s also reasonably priced, making it a better value than its peers.

Read the full review: Lenovo Legion 5 Pro

MSI Pulse GL66 with its backlit keyboard lit up red on a white background

(Image credit: MSI)

11. MSI Pulse GL66

A powerful midrange gaming laptop

CPU: Up to 10th-gen Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 – 3060 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: Up to 15.6" QHD (2560x1440) 165Hz IPS-Level | Storage: From 512GB NVMe SSD

Great gaming performance to match older gaming rigs
The full-sized keyboard is a nice touch
Battery life is only at a little over 3 hours

Our favorite MSI Pulse GL66 config

If a powerful mid-range gaming laptop that does the job and doesn’t burn a big hole in your pocket is what you had in mind, the MSI Pulse GL66 might prove to be an appealing option. This affordable prospect still boasts some of the latest and greatest components without stepping into the premium sphere, giving those who’ve been wanting an RTX 3000 GPU an easier way in. Naturally, sacrifices had to be made, as is always the case. That battery life, for example, is sad by today’s standards – but considering the pricey Alienware line is plagued with the same issue, it’s not a deal-breaker here. Just remember to pack that charger.

Read the full review: MSI Pulse GL66


Thinking of insuring your laptop?

While your laptop's portable nature increases its convenience and flexibility, it also means it's at greater risk of becoming lost, damaged or stolen. In Australia, you can often protect against those scenarios (even outside the home) by adding 'personal effects' insurance to your contents insurance. To find out more, check out our sister site Mozo and compare contents insurance offers.



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