The best high refresh rate gaming laptops (120Hz, 144Hz, 165Hz, 240Hz, 360Hz)

In recent years, gaming laptops have become increasingly popular as gamers seek to take their gaming experiences on the go. One of the latest advancements in this field is the emergence of high refresh rate laptops. These laptops offer a much smoother and more responsive gaming experience, making them the go-to choice for gamers who want the best possible performance.

So, what exactly is a high refresh rate laptop? Newer laptops are now featuring refresh rates higher than the traditional 60Hz, with some models offering up to 240Hz or even 360Hz. This is made possible by advancements in display technology, which allow for faster response times and smoother transitions between frames. The result is a laptop that feels more responsive and immersive, with less lag and stuttering. 

While high refresh rate laptops may be more expensive than their lower-refresh rate counterparts, they offer a level of performance that is unmatched by traditional laptops and are quickly becoming the go-to choice for anyone looking for a powerful and responsive machine.

For gamers, a higher refresh rate is better for a number of reasons. Firstly, it reduces motion blur, making fast-moving images appear sharper and more defined. This is especially important for gamers, who rely on fast response times to stay competitive. Additionally, a higher refresh rate can improve the overall visual quality of a laptop, making it more enjoyable to use for tasks like video editing, graphic design, and other multimedia work. In fast-paced games such as first-person shooters, the difference between a 60Hz and 144Hz laptop can be game-changing.

Without further ado, here’s a list of the best high refresh rate laptops.

ASUS ROG Strix G17 (2022)

ASUS offers two versions of the ASUS ROG Strix G17, the G713RS-XS91-CA and the G713RM-BS91-CB. Both versions come with different display configurations.

The G713RS-XS91-CA model Rocks a 17.3-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) display with a refresh rate of 240Hz while the G713RM-BS91-CB features a (1920 x 1080) FHD 17.3″ display with a refresh rate of 360Hz.

Other specs include:

 G713RS-XS91-CA

• NVIDIA RTX 3080 GPU (8GB GDDR6)
• AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor 
• 1TB NVMe SSD
• 8GB RAM (Expandable to 32GB)
• Backlit Chiclet Keyboard Per-Key RGB

G713RM-BS91-CB

• NVIDIA RTX 3060 GPU (6GB GDDR6 VRAM)
• AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor 
• 1TB NVMe SSD
• 8GB RAM (Expandable to 32GB)
• Backlit Chiclet Keyboard 4-Zone RGB

Ports (for both)

• 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
• HDMI 2.1 TMDS
• USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
• 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
• USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support DisplayPort™ / power delivery / G-SYNC
• 2.5G LAN port

MSI Stealth 17 Studio A13V 

Rocking a 13th Gen Intel Core i9 Processor and a 16GB GDDR6 GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, the MSI Stealth 17 Studio A13V is a force to be reckoned with.

There are four display options for this laptop, offering different resolutions and refresh rates. See the specs below for more information.

Display

• 17.3″ FHD (1920×1080), 360Hz 
• 17.3″ QHD (2560×1440), 240Hz 
• 17.3″ UHD (3840×2160), 120Hz 
• 17.3 UHD (3840×2160), MiniLED, HDR 1000, 144Hz

Other specs include:

• 64GB maximum RAM
• Per-Key RGB Keyboard
• 2x M.2 SSD slot (NVMe PCIe Gen4)
• 1080p webcam
• Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3

Ports

• 1x Type-C (USB3.2 Gen2 / DP)
• 1x Type-C (USB / DP / Thunderbolt™ 4) with PD charging
• 2x Type-A USB3.2 Gen2
• 1x SD Express Card Reader
• 1x HDMI™ 2.1 (8K @ 60Hz / 4K @ 120Hz)
• 1x RJ45

Razer Blade 14

The Razor Blade 14, crafted by the skilled hands of Razor Inc., is a top-of-the-line gaming laptop that offers a stunning 14-inch display with an impressive resolution of up to 1440p and a refresh rate of up to 165Hz (you can also configure it with 144Hz). Its robust AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor coupled with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU delivers unparalleled performance. With up to 16GB of RAM and a lightning-fast 1TB SSD, the Razor Blade 14 delivers the ultimate gaming experience.

Designed to cater to gamers who value both power and portability, the Razor Blade 14 features a sleek, durable aluminum chassis that is both stylish and sturdy. Its customizable RGB keyboard, combined with a range of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and USB Type-A and Type-C, make this laptop a versatile powerhouse.

Note: Several versions of this laptop come with varying specifications. It’s crucial to ensure that you’re content with the specifications before you make a purchase.

Acer Nitro 5 

The Acer Nitro 5 is a gaming laptop that offers various models and specifications, each with a distinct refresh rate. The refresh rate may differ depending on the model, with some models having a refresh rate of 60Hz, while others offer faster refresh rates of 120Hz, 144Hz, and even up to 165Hz. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the gameplay will be, as the screen can display more frames per second.

These laptops are designed to offer an affordable gaming experience with decent performance and features. Here are some of the specifications and features of the Acer Nitro 5: (This is a spec’d out version of the Acer Nitro 5)

• Processor: 12th Gen core i7-12700H
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 3070Ti
• Display: 15.6-inch or 17.3-inch display
• RAM: 32GB RAM
• Storage: 2TB SSD or 1TB HDD 
• Ports: USB 3.2 Gen 2, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
• WiFi 6 

Overall, the Acer Nitro 5 is a good choice for gamers who are on a budget but still want a reliable gaming laptop with decent specs. The laptop is also suitable for other tasks such as video editing, photo editing, and programming.

MSI Sword 15 

Under the hood, the MSI Sword 15 packs a powerful punch with its 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card, and up to 64GB of DDR4 memory. This combination of top-of-the-line hardware ensures that the Sword 15 can handle even the most demanding applications and games with ease. While not as impressive as other laptops on this list, it’s still a worthy contender.

But the Sword 15 isn’t just about raw power. Its 15.6-inch Full HD display is crisp and clear, delivering stunning visuals. And with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, you can expect smooth gameplay and top-notch performance.

HP Omen 17-CM2047NR

HP Omen laptops offer excellent gaming performance, with powerful hardware specifications and advanced graphics capabilities. In this specific model, the 17-CM2047NR, the laptop comes with an Intel Core i7-13700HX processor (up to 5.0GHz with Intel Boost) and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU.

Additionally, this HP Omen laptop features a 17.3″ QHD (2560 x 1440) with a refresh rate of 165Hz.

Other specs include:

• 16GB RAM
• 1TB SSD
• Wi-Fi 6E
• Bluetooth 5.3
• SD card reader
• 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard

Lenovo Legion 5 Gen 7 (15″ AMD)

The Lenovo Legion 5 is a gaming laptop that delivers impressive performance, and a sleek design, at an affordable price point. As a powerful machine built for gamers, it’s easy to see why the Legion 5 has been well-received by both casual and professional gamers alike.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Lenovo Legion 5 is its performance capabilities. It’s powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor, which provides blazing-fast speeds and can handle even the most demanding games without any issues. (It’s also worth noting that this laptop can be configured with different specifications)

Additionally, the Legion 5 features a 15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080) display with a refresh rate of 165Hz. The laptop also has a GeForce RTX 3070Ti graphics card, which provides stunning graphics and allows for smooth gameplay. Depending on your budget, the laptop can be configured with other lower 30 series RTX graphics cards. 

In terms of design, the Lenovo Legion 5 is sleek and stylish. It has a minimalist design that gives it a professional appearance.

Alienware x14  

Featuring a super-slim chassis, the Alienware x14 is one of the best-looking gaming laptops. While it may be slim on the outside, the inside tells a different story. 

While open, the Alienware x14 rocks a 14″ 1920X1080 display with a refresh rate of 144Hz. The bezels are slim and the screen looks sharp and high-quality. Though it would have been nice if there was a higher resolution option.

Like other manufacturers, the Alienware x14 can be configured with various specifications. Here is a version of the laptop that is spec’d out to the maximum.

• GeForce RTX 3060
• 32GB RAM
• 12th Gen
• Intel Core i7-12700H
• 2TB SSD
• WiFI 6E and Bluetooth 5.2

Although the Alienware x14 R1 is a great choice for entry and mid-tier gamers, its high price tag puts it solidly out of reach for budget-savvy gamers. Additionally, the display falls slightly below the standard we would expect for this price point.

ASUS TUF Gaming A15 

One of the most impressive features of the TUF Gaming A15 is its display. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS-level panel delivers sharp, vivid, and detailed visuals with a 144Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and fluid gaming experience. The narrow bezel design also enhances the immersive viewing experience, making it a joy to play your favourite games.

The TUF Gaming A15 also boasts a durable design that can withstand the rigors of daily use. It features a MIL-STD-810H military-grade construction that can survive accidental drops, bumps, and spills. The keyboard is also built to last, with a 20-million keystroke lifespan ensuring that it can handle even the most intense gaming sessions.

In terms of connectivity, the TUF Gaming A15 has plenty of options. It features USB 3.2 Gen 2Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HDMI 2.1, and an Ethernet port, providing you with a wide range of options for connecting to peripherals, displays, and networks.

Other specs include:

• WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0
• Backlit Chiclet Keyboard 1-Zone RGB
• Upto 1TB SSD
• Upto 32GB RAM
• (NVIDIA® GeForce GTX™ 1650, 4GB GDDR6), (NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2060, 6GB GDDR6), (NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1660Ti 6GB GDDR6), (NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1650 Ti, 4GB GDDR6)
• Ryzen 7 processor

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (15.6″ 120Hz display)

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 gaming laptop is a true powerhouse that packs a punch in a sleek and compact design. This gaming laptop offers a unique combination of performance and portability, making it a top contender for gamers on the go.

The G14 is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS processor, which provides lightning-fast speeds and efficient multitasking capabilities. Paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card, this laptop delivers crisp and clear visuals when playing your favorite game or watching a movie.

The G14’s keyboard is comfortable and responsive, allowing for quick and accurate inputs. The laptop also features a generous selection of ports, including USB Type-C and HDMI, allowing for seamless connectivity to your favorite devices.

Unfortunately, the 120Hz display is only available on the inferior Zephyrus G14 with a display resolution of (1920 x 1080). This version also uses a weaker GTX 1660Ti graphics card.

Overall, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 gaming laptop is a high-performance machine that delivers on both style and substance. Its impressive battery life, powerful specs, and unique customization options make it a standout choice for any serious gamer.

Disadvantages of high refresh rate laptops

There are a few things to keep in mind before investing in a high refresh rate laptop. Firstly, a high refresh rate requires more processing power, which can drain the battery life of the laptop faster. It’s also important to note that not all games are compatible with higher refresh rates, so it’s important to do some research before purchasing. Other disadvantages include;

1. Cost: High refresh rate laptops often come at a premium cost, which may make them less accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
2. Limited content availability: While high refresh rate displays are becoming increasingly popular, there is still a limited amount of content that supports refresh rates beyond 60Hz. This means that users may not be able to take full advantage of their high refresh rate display, which can reduce the overall value of the purchase.
3. Limited resolution options: High refresh rate displays are typically only available with a limited range of resolution options, which can be a drawback for users who need a specific resolution for their work or gaming needs.
4. Higher GPU Requirements: High refresh rate displays require more powerful graphics processing units (GPUs) to achieve higher frame rates, which can be a disadvantage for users who don’t have a powerful enough GPU to take full advantage of the display.