Best Laptops for Travel in 2024

Going on a trip with the right travel partner can transform your experience, and when it comes to tech, nothing beats the perfect travel laptop. There are many laptops for every type of traveler, from digital nomads to busy professionals. Finding a laptop with good performance, portability, and long battery life is important for a better travel experience. So, if you’re getting ready to travel, you’ll want to check out our expertly curated selection of the best laptops for travel.

Choosing the Ideal Travel Laptop

When selecting a laptop for travel, consider these essential factors:

• Portability and Weight: Lighter laptops make travel more comfortable without sacrificing screen size or quality.
• Battery Life: Long-lasting battery life keeps you going with productivity and entertainment throughout long flights or layovers.
• Durability: A strong build can handle the challenges of travel, including airport security and bumpy rides.

Choosing the best laptop for travel sets the stage for work and enjoyment on the move. But pairing it with the right accessories can further improve your experience. Discover the best wireless mice for laptops, designed for easy connectivity and portability, ensuring your setup is as mobile as you are.

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The Best Gaming Laptops for 2024

The best gaming laptop for you will come down to budget, expected performance, and workload. Let’s dive in and find your new gaming laptop.

Game Rant’s Best Laptops for Travel

Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 Gaming Laptop

Best Overall Laptop for Travel

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 Gaming Laptop comes packed with features including a Mini-LED 2K display, the best Intel laptop CPU money can buy, and plenty of storage and RAM in a neat 16-inch package that still allows you to get the performance you need versus competing 17-inch laptops.

Operating System

Windows 11 Pro

CPU

Intel Core i9-13980HX

GPU

RTX 4090 Laptop GPU

Storage

2TB (1+1TB in RAID 0 config)

Battery

4 cell 90WHr Battery

Display (Size, Resolution)

2K (2560 x 1600), Mini-LED, 240Hz

Camera

720P Camera

Speakers

4 Speakers

Memory

32GB DDR5

Ports

USB-C, USB-A, Thunderbolt, Ethernet, Headphone Jack, HDMI 2.1

Network

Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 2.5G Ethernet

Dimensions

13.94″ x 10.39″ x 0.89″

Weight

5.73 lbs

Form

16”

Brand

ASUS ROG

Power

330W AC Adapter

Pros

• Intel Core i9 for high-end performance
• Stunning 2K Mini-LED 240Hz display
• Dual 1TB SSDs in RAID 0 for speedy storage

Cons

• Heavier laptop for carrying around
• Premium price point

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 tops our list as the best overall laptop for travel. It has the latest Intel Core i9 processor and RTX 4090 Laptop GPU in a travel-friendly 16-inch size. Its 2K Mini-LED display at 240Hz makes everything look amazing on your trips. Also, with 32GB DDR5 RAM and two 1TB SSDs, you get plenty of storage and speed to handle any task.

Its size and weight might challenge some carry-ons, but paying for such high-end specs is often worth it for those needing exceptional performance on the go. Given these considerations, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 secures its position as the best overall laptop for travelers, especially for gamers and creators who demand no compromise on performance and quality during their travels.

MSI Raider GE78 HX 17.3 Gaming Laptop

Best Gaming Laptop for Travel

$3649 $3999 Save $350

The MSI Raider GE78 HX 17.3-inch Gaming Laptop is one of the best all-around RTX 4090 PCs players can currently grab with the top-of-the-line Intel Core i9 processor, the RTX 4090. It also has an excellent display coupled with plenty of RAM and SSD space.

Operating System

Windows 11 Home

CPU

Intel Core i9-13980HX

GPU

RTX 4090 16GB GDDR6 175W

Storage

2TB NVME SSD

Battery

4-Cell 99 Whr Battery

Display (Size, Resolution)

2K (2560×1600) 17.3”, 240Hz

Camera

1080P 30FPS

Speakers

2x 2W Speakers, 4x 2W Woofers

Colors

Core black

Memory

32GB DDR5

Ports

USB Type-C, USB Type A, SD Card, HDMI, Ethernet

Network

Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 2.5G Ethernet

Dimensions

380 x 298 x 23 mm

Weight

6.8 lbs

Form

17.3”

Brand

MSI

Power

330W AC Power Adapter

Pros

• Stunning 2K 240Hz display
• Massive 2TB NVMe SSD storage
• Flexible 32GB DDR5 RAM

Cons

• Heavy 6.8 lbs build
• Expensive price tag

The MSI Raider GE78 HX is our top choice for a gaming laptop suitable for travel. It’s a high-performing machine specifically crafted for gamers who are frequently on the move. This model is powered by the latest Intel Core i9-13980HX processor and an RTX 4090 GPU, delivering uncompromised gaming performance in terms of both speed and graphics quality.

The Raider GE78 HX impresses with its excellent specifications and surprising portability, featuring a durable build and a long-lasting battery. Whether gaming in a hotel room or editing videos on a flight, this laptop is the best gaming laptop for travel, offering a perfect blend of high performance and easy portability.

Alienware x14 R1 Gaming Laptop

Best Lightweight Laptop for Travel

The Alienware X14 R1 is a super lightweight and ultra-thin gaming laptop with a clean white case. Powered by NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, 16 GB of RAM, and a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H, gamers can expect decent specs despite the impressively compact packaging. Weighing just over four pounds with a thickness of only 0.6 inches, this laptop is one of the thinnest and lightest gaming-specific laptops on the market.

Operating System

Windows 11

CPU

Intel Core i7-12700H

GPU

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060

RAM

16GB

Storage

512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD

Display (Size, Resolution)

14-inch, 1920 x 1080

Dimensions

12.7 x 10.3 x 0.6 inches

Weight

4.1 pounds

Brand

Alienware

Connectivity

Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2

Pros

• Ultra-slim 0.6-inch profile
• Powerful Intel i7 and RTX 3060 combo
• Exceptional portability at 4.1 pounds

Cons

• Limited upgradability due to compact size
• High performance can lead to heat build-up

The Alienware x14 R1 stands out as the best lightweight laptop for travel on our list, offering powerful gaming capabilities in a sleek, thin design perfect for on-the-go gaming. Equipped with an Intel Core i7-12900HK processor and an NVIDIA RTX 3060 graphics card, it effortlessly manages the most demanding games, making it an excellent choice for traveling gamers. The 14-inch FHD display delivers vibrant visuals, while the 16GB RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD ensure fast performance and ample storage.

Even with its powerful hardware, the x14 R1 maintains a remarkably light and slim profile, which is uncommon among gaming laptops. While some may find the keyboard space a bit limited, the superior build quality and gaming experience it provides are second to none. For those who prioritize gaming performance as well as travel convenience, the Alienware x14 R1 is an unparalleled choice, standing out as the best lightweight laptop for travel without any compromise on performance or portability.

Read the full review here.

ASUS TUF F17 Gaming Laptop

Best Mid-Range Laptop for Travel

$837 $900 Save $63

The ASUS TUF F17 is a laptop powered by an Intel Core i5-11400H processor with six cores and a boost speed of up to 4.5 GHz. It features an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card with 4 GB of GDDR6 RAM. The display on the laptop is a 17.3-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS panel with a refresh rate of 144 Hz.

As part of the TUF Series, this laptop is designed for durability and meets the MIL-STD-810H military standard. It uses a dual-fan system for cooling.

Operating System

Windows 11 Home

CPU

Intel Core i5-11400H Processor

GPU

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6 Graphics

RAM

8 GB DDR4 3200MHz

Storage

512 GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD

Memory

Memory Speed 4.5 GHz

Pros

• Fast Intel Core i5-11400H processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050
• Impressive 17.3-inch FHD 144Hz IPS display for vibrant visuals
• 512 GB M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD and 8 GB DDR4 RAM

Cons

• Larger size may not be ideal for portable needs
• 8 GB RAM might need upgrading for intensive multitasking

Meet the ASUS TUF F17, our top pick for the best mid-range laptop for travel. It’s an outstanding choice for those who seamlessly blend travel with work. Equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor and a GeForce RTX 3050, it guarantees that users won’t have to compromise on work or enjoyment, even while traveling. The 17.3-inch screen vividly brings every detail to life, enhancing the travel experience with more colorful and enjoyable visuals.

While it offers exceptional performance, the ASUS TUF F17 is big and heavy, which might not be ideal for those who want portability. But its durability and specs make it an excellent choice. For a travel laptop that strikes a balance between performance, durability, and visual excellence, the ASUS TUF F17 stands out as the best mid-range option.

Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop (RTX 4090)

Best High-End Laptop for Travel

The Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop is a laptop that pushes the boundaries of what people can genuinely call a gaming laptop (but in a good way). Razer has no qualms about it, calling it the ultimate desktop replacement with a feature-packed offering that also comes with some of the most premium pricing on the market.

Pros

• Desktop-grade performance in a portable design
• 240Hz 2K display for stunning visuals
• 32GB DDR5 RAM for superior multitasking

Cons

• High price point
• Shorter battery life under heavy use

The Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop is the best high-end option for those seeking to merge top-tier performance with portability. Equipped with an Intel Core i9-13950HX 24-core processor and an NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU, it delivers desktop-like performance, making it an excellent choice for both gamers and professionals. Its 240Hz 2K screen offers stunning visuals, elevating gaming and content creation to an immersive experience.

The Razer Blade 18’s premium price reflects its exceptional build quality and advanced components, often matching a desktop’s performance and setting a high standard among Windows laptops. Its powerful features and solid build may exceed the needs of regular users, and its larger size could be a factor for those who prefer more compact travel options. However, for those who prioritize exceptional performance on the go, the Razer Blade 18 is unrivaled, making it the best high-end travel laptop, catering to those who refuse to compromise on power and quality while traveling.

HP Victus 15

Best Budget Laptop for Travel

With a decent Intel Core i5 12th generation processor and a GTX 1650 GPU powering it, the Victus 15 isn’t the fastest laptop, but it does offer decent pricing, a 144Hz display, and a healthy slew of ports.

Operating System

Windows 11

CPU

Intel Core i5-12450H

GPU

GTX 1650

Storage

512 GB NVMe SSD

Battery

52.5 WHr

Display (Size, Resolution)

15.6″, 1080p, 144 Hz

Camera

720p

Colors

Mica Silver

Memory

8 GB DDR4 3200 MHz

Ports

1 USB Type-C, 2 USB Type-A, Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, SD Card Reader

Weight

5.06 lbs

Brand

HP

Pros

• Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5 performance
• Amazing 15.6″ 1080p 144Hz display
• Plenty of storage with 512GB NVMe SSD

Cons

• 8GB RAM may need upgrading for heavy multitasking
• Larger design compared to ultraportables

For budget-conscious travelers seeking a combination of affordability, performance, and portability, the HP Victus 15 emerges as the best choice. It is equipped with a 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12450H CPU and NVIDIA GTX 1650 GPU, making it adept at handling both work related tasks and entertainment needs while traveling. The laptop’s fast display enhances the smoothness of visuals, perfect for photo editing or enjoying games during layovers.

While the HP Victus 15 features a sturdy design and a comprehensive selection of ports for added versatility, travelers should consider its noise level and battery life. Even with these factors in mind, the overall value of the HP Victus 15 is exceptional, making it an outstanding choice for travelers seeking the best budget laptop at an affordable price.

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Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Travel Companion

Picking the best travel laptop is all about finding the right balance between its specs and what fits your travel style and needs. When considering purchasing a laptop for travel, don’t forget about three, very important concerns. These are portability and weight, battery life, and durability.

Portability and Weight

The ideal travel laptop should be your go-to gadget without being too heavy. Look for models that balance lightweight design and screen size perfectly, so you don’t sacrifice usability for portability.

Battery Life

Long flights and travel layovers require a laptop that can keep up. Choose laptops with extended battery life to make sure you are still working or enjoying entertainment, no matter how far off from home your travels may take you.

Durability

Travel can be unpredictable, so your laptop should be designed to handle some rough and tumble. Durable materials and a solid design can protect your laptop from bumpy rides, airport security, etc.

FAQ

Q: How important is a laptop’s durability for travel?

Extremely important. Travel laptops should have a solid body to handle the challenges of moving from place to place, offering peace of mind on your trips.

Q: Can travel laptops handle demanding tasks like video editing?

Many travel-friendly laptops have high-performance specs that can handle demanding tasks like video editing and gaming and offer a great balance of power and portability.

Q: How do I secure my laptop while traveling?

Look for laptops with advanced security features like fingerprint readers or facial recognition to keep your data safe while traveling.