In the realm of tech, the pursuit of the perfect desktop replacement laptop is a continuous quest. As we step into 2024, the market unveils an array of innovative contenders, promising to be portable powerhouses that can seamlessly blend portability and performance. This article delves into the top picks for the best desktop replacement laptops of 2024, equipping you with expert insights to navigate this ever-evolving landscape.
Processing prowess, graphics capabilities, ample storage, and enduring battery life are the cornerstones of a truly formidable desktop replacement [citation:1]. These machines are engineered to handle demanding tasks with finesse, ensuring a smooth user experience whether you're on the move or commanding your home office setup.
Striking the perfect balance between performance and affordability is a delicate dance, but we've curated a range of options to suit diverse budgetary constraints. From budget-friendly champions to premium, high-performance behemoths, our selections cater to a spectrum of needs and preferences [citation:1].
Moreover, we'll explore the realm of compact and mini desktop alternatives, offering potent performance in a condensed form factor [citation:7]. These nimble solutions can be an enticing option for those seeking desktop-grade capabilities with a touch of portability.
Prepare to embark on a journey through the cutting-edge world of desktop replacement laptops, where we'll arm you with the knowledge to make an informed and rewarding purchase in 2024.
Alienware x17 R2: Ultimate Gaming Powerhouse
X17 R2 Gaming Laptop - 17.3-inch FHD 480Hz 1ms Display, Intel Core i9-12... -- 2270(Amazon)
x17 R2 Gaming Laptop (2024) 17.3" 480Hz FHD (Intel 20-Core i9-12900H, 64... -- 2799.99(Amazon)
x17 R2 17.3" FHD 480Hz Gaming Laptop Computer, Intel 14-Core i9-12900H u... -- 2399(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Alienware x17 R2 stands out for its exceptional gaming performance, combining the power of up to Intel Core i9 processors with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 series GPUs. Its 17.3-inch FHD 480Hz display ensures smooth and immersive gaming experiences, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking a desktop replacement without compromising on power or display quality.
Who It's For
This laptop is perfect for hardcore gamers and power users who demand top-tier performance for gaming, content creation, and other intensive tasks. It's also suitable for those who appreciate high-quality displays for an enhanced visual experience. However, due to its price and weight, it might not be the best option for casual gamers or those looking for a highly portable laptop.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Equipped with up to Intel Core i9 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPUs for unparalleled gaming performance | ❌ High price point makes it a significant investment |
| ✅ Stunning 17.3-inch FHD 480Hz display for smooth and immersive visuals | ❌ Heavy and bulky, reducing its portability for on-the-go users |
| ✅ Features like per-key RGB backlit keyboard and Killer Wi-Fi 6 enhance gaming and connectivity | ❌ Battery life may be limited due to the powerful hardware components |
MSI GE76 Raider: Best High-Performance Gaming Laptop
GE76 Raider Gaming Laptop 17.3" FHD IPS 144Hz 12th Gen Intel 14-core i9-... -- 1722.21(Amazon)
Raider GE76 Gaming Laptop: Intel Core i9-12900H, GeForce RTX 3060, 17.3"... -- 1391.22(Amazon)
MSI GE76 Raider 17.3" 144Hz (64GB RAM, 2TB SSD, Intel 8-Core i7-11800H (... -- 1189.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The MSI GE76 Raider is a powerhouse of a gaming laptop, boasting top-tier specs that make it a formidable choice for gamers and content creators alike. Its large 17.3-inch FHD display with a 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, while the comprehensive cooling system keeps performance at its peak during intense gaming sessions or heavy workloads.
Who It's For
This laptop is best suited for serious gamers and professional content creators who require robust performance and a large screen for an immersive experience. It's also a good fit for users who prioritize high-speed processing and multitasking capabilities. However, it may not be ideal for those who need a laptop with long battery life for extended use away from a power source.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Exceptional performance with 12th Gen Intel 14-core i9 processor and RTX 3060 graphics | ❌ Limited battery life due to high-performance components |
| ✅ Vivid 17.3-inch FHD IPS display with a high refresh rate of 144Hz | ❌ Higher price point reflecting its premium specs |
| ✅ Extensive connectivity options including Thunderbolt 4 and multiple USB ports | ❌ Heavier and bulkier than more portable alternatives |
ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16: Ultimate Gaming and Multitasking Laptop
ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 (2022) Gaming Laptop, 16” Mini LED 240Hz/3ms, QHD 16... -- 3760.63(Amazon)
ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 (2022) Gaming Laptop, 16” 165Hz IPS Type WUXGA 16:10... -- 2009.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 stands out with its innovative dual-screen design, combining top-tier gaming and multitasking capabilities. It's equipped with the latest hardware, including an AMD Ryzen 9 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, and a Mini LED display with a 240Hz refresh rate, making it a powerhouse for both gaming and creative work. The secondary ScreenPad Plus enhances productivity and gaming experiences by offering additional screen real estate for multitasking, streaming, or tool access.
Who It's For
This laptop is ideal for hardcore gamers, professional streamers, and content creators who require the pinnacle of performance and multitasking capabilities. It's also suited for tech enthusiasts looking for the latest innovations in laptop design. However, its high price point and specialized secondary display may not appeal to casual users or those on a tight budget.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Cutting-edge performance with AMD Ryzen 9 and NVIDIA RTX 4090 | ❌ High cost due to premium features and hardware |
| ✅ Innovative dual-screen design for enhanced multitasking | ❌ Secondary display may not be useful for all users |
| ✅ High-refresh-rate Mini LED display for superior gaming and creative work | ❌ Heavier and bulkier than traditional laptops, affecting portability |
Razer Blade 17: Best High-Performance Gaming Laptop
Razer - Blade 17 - 17.3" Gaming Laptop - FHD 360Hz - Intel Core i7 - Nvi... -- 99.99(Bargain Blitz Acquire)
Blade 17 Gaming Laptop: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti - 12th Gen Intel 14-C... -- 1939(Amazon)
Razer Blade 17 RTX 3070 Ti QHD 240Hz -- 1939(Amazon)
Blade 17 Gaming Laptop: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti - 12th Gen Intel 14-C... -- 2959.99(Amazon)
Razer Blade 17 Gaming Laptop 17.3-in - QHD 240Hz - Intel Core i7 - NVIDI... -- 633.99(InVastor.com)
Blade Pro 17 Gaming Laptop 2021: Intel Core i7-11800H 8-Core, NVIDIA GeF... -- 2399.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Razer Blade 17 is a top-tier gaming laptop that doesn't compromise on performance or portability. It's built with premium materials and packs high-end components like the latest 12th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Ti series graphics, making it a powerhouse for gaming and creative work. The high refresh rate QHD display ensures a smooth and immersive visual experience, while the advanced cooling system keeps the hardware at optimal temperatures.
Who It's For
This laptop is ideal for serious gamers, professional content creators, and power users who need desktop-class performance in a portable form factor. It's also suitable for those who appreciate a high-quality build and are willing to invest in a premium device. However, it might not be the best fit for budget-conscious consumers or those who prioritize battery life over raw power.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Desktop-grade performance with 12th Gen Intel Core i7 and NVIDIA RTX 30 Ti series | ❌ Premium price point may be prohibitive for some buyers |
| ✅ Stunning QHD 240Hz display for fluid gameplay and sharp visuals | ❌ Heavier and bulkier than ultraportable laptops, affecting portability |
| ✅ Robust build quality with advanced vapor chamber cooling for sustained performance | ❌ Battery life may be shorter due to high-performance components |
Dell XPS 17: Best High-Performance Workstation Laptop
NewDell XPS 17 9730 Laptop 17 inch UHD 4K Display Touchscreen Intel i9-1... -- 4099(Amazon)
Dell XPS 17 17.0" UHD+ Touch Laptop - Intel Core i7 - 32GB Memory - Nvid... -- 2899.99(Best Buy)
Dell XPS 17 9720 Laptop - 17.0-inch Fhd+ (1920 x 1200) Display, Intel Co... -- 1899(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Dell XPS 17 is a top-tier laptop that combines a large, high-resolution touchscreen display with robust performance capabilities, thanks to its 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 graphics. It's designed for professionals who require a powerful machine for demanding tasks, including content creation, productivity, and multitasking, while also offering the flexibility for some light gaming. The inclusion of AI-based optimization software enhances the user experience by fine-tuning the system for optimal performance across various applications.
Who It's For
This laptop is ideal for professionals in fields such as graphic design, video editing, and engineering who need a high-performance machine with a large, vivid display. It's also suitable for users who appreciate a premium build and design, as well as those who occasionally indulge in gaming. However, dedicated gamers might prefer a machine specifically tailored for gaming with higher refresh rates and more gaming-centric features.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Stunning 17-inch 4K UHD+ touchscreen display with 500 nits brightness | ❌ Premium price point may not be accessible for all users |
| ✅ Powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 4080 graphics | ❌ Not primarily designed for hardcore gaming |
| ✅ Massive 64GB DDR5 RAM and 2TB SSD for exceptional multitasking and storage | ❌ Heavier and larger than more portable alternatives |
HP Omen 17: High-Performance Gaming Powerhouse
OMEN 17 inch Laptop, FHD 144Hz Display, 7ms Response Time, Intel Core i7... -- 1349(Amazon)
OMEN 17 inch Laptop, QHD 165Hz Display, 3ms Response Time, Intel Core i7... -- 1804.23(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The HP Omen 17 is a powerhouse designed for gamers and creators who need high-performance hardware for intensive tasks. With its latest 13th Generation Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 or 4070 GPU options, it delivers exceptional gaming and creative experiences. The high refresh rate display ensures smooth visuals, while the OMEN Tempest Cooling technology is engineered to handle the heat during extended use.
Who It's For
This laptop is ideal for serious gamers and creative professionals who require a portable machine with desktop-level power. It's also suitable for those who appreciate a larger screen for an immersive experience and are looking for a laptop that can double as a mobile workstation for demanding applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and high-resolution gaming.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and RTX graphics for top-tier performance | ❌ Can become quite hot under heavy loads, despite advanced cooling |
| ✅ High refresh rate displays (FHD 144Hz or QHD 165Hz) for smooth visuals | ❌ Premium price point for high-end configurations |
| ✅ OMEN Tempest Cooling technology to maintain performance under load | ❌ Relatively heavy at 11.05 pounds, which may affect portability |
Lenovo Legion 7i: High-Performance Gaming Powerhouse
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 8 Gaming Laptop - Intel Core i9-13900HX, RTX 40... -- 2199.99(Lenovo)
Legion Pro 7i Gaming Laptop, 16" WQHD IPS 240Hz Display, Intel Core i9-1... -- 2895(Amazon)
Lenovo - Legion Slim 7i 16" Gaming Laptop WQXGA- Intel Core i9-13900H wi... -- 2099.99(Best Buy)
Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 16" Gaming Laptop (2024 Model) Intel Core i9-14900HX... -- 3295(Amazon)
Lenovo Legion Slim 7i Gen 8 Intel Laptop, 16" IPS, i7-13700H, Nvidia GeF... -- 1297.19(Lenovo)
Legion Slim 7i Gen 8 16" Gaming Laptop (2023 Model) - Intel Core i7-1370... -- 1699.95(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Lenovo Legion 7i stands out for its exceptional blend of high-end performance and portability, making it an ideal choice for gamers and professionals alike. With its robust build quality, cutting-edge specs including a 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 graphics, and a stunning 240Hz 16-inch WQHD IPS display, it delivers an unparalleled gaming and multitasking experience. Its comprehensive connectivity options and per-key RGB backlit keyboard further enhance its appeal, offering both functionality and style.
Who It's For
This laptop is perfect for serious gamers, content creators, and power users who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and other intensive tasks. It's also suitable for those who appreciate a high-quality display and advanced features for an immersive experience. However, it may not be the best fit for users who prioritize battery life over performance, given its powerful hardware.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Equipped with 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 4080 for peak performance | ❌ Battery life may be limited due to high-performance components |
| ✅ Stunning 240Hz 16-inch WQHD IPS display for immersive gaming and content creation | ❌ Premium price point reflecting its high-end specifications |
| ✅ Robust connectivity with USB 3.2, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and Wi-Fi 6E support | ❌ At 6.17 pounds, it's relatively heavy for portability |
Acer Predator Helios 500: Best High-Performance Gaming Laptop
Predator Helios 16 Gaming Laptop | 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700HX | NVID... -- 1367.99(Amazon)
Acer Predator Helios 500 PH517-51-72NU Gaming Laptop, Core i7-8750H, GeF... -- 1428(Amazon)
Acer Predator Helios 500 Gaming Laptop 11th Gen Intel Core i9 -- 4557.25(detec.in)
Acer Predator Helios Triton 500 SE Gaming Laptop 16" Qhd+ 165Hz 8-Core i... -- 1399.99(Amazon)
Acer Predator Helios Triton 500 SE Gaming Laptop (16 Inches Qhd+ 165Hz, ... -- 1627.99(Walmart - Absofinegoods LLC)
Predator Triton 500 SE Gaming/Creator Laptop | 12th Gen Intel i9-12900H ... -- 2124.35(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Acer Predator Helios 500 is a top-tier gaming laptop designed to deliver exceptional performance for the most demanding games and multitasking needs. It features the latest 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics, and a high-refresh-rate display, making it a powerhouse for both gaming and creative work.
Who It's For
This laptop is best suited for hardcore gamers and content creators who require robust performance and high-quality graphics. It's also ideal for users who appreciate the ability to overclock for even more power. However, its gamer-centric design and size may not be suitable for those seeking a more subtle or portable machine.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Cutting-edge 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU for top-notch gaming performance | ❌ Bulky design may not be ideal for portability |
| ✅ High-refresh-rate 165Hz G-SYNC display for smooth, tear-free gaming | ❌ Gamer-centric aesthetic might not appeal to all users |
| ✅ Extensive connectivity options including Thunderbolt 4 and Killer Wi-Fi 6E | ❌ On the pricier side, which might not fit all budgets |
Gigabyte AERO 17 HDR: Best Laptop for Creative Professionals
AERO 17 HDR SA-7US4020SH 17.3" Thin Bezel UHD HDR, i7-9750H, NVIDIA GeFo... -- 2267.27(Amazon)
AERO 17 YE5: 17.3" 4K/UHD miniLED 120Hz, Intel Core i7-12700H, NVIDIA® G... -- 3029.56(Amazon)
AVADirect GIGABYTE AERO 17 HDR YD-93US548SP TAA Compliant -- 2899(AVADirect Custom Computers)
Gigabyte Aero 17 HDR Yd-93Us548Sp 17.3 inch Intel Core i9-11980HK 2.6GHz... -- 3776.3(Tecisoft)
Why We Picked It
The Gigabyte AERO 17 HDR is a top-tier laptop designed for creative professionals who require a high-performance machine with exceptional visual fidelity. Its 4K HDR display offers stunning color accuracy and detail, making it ideal for tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and 3D modeling. The powerful internals, including options for an Intel Core i7 or i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce graphics, ensure smooth operation even with demanding software.
Who It's For
This laptop is best suited for creative professionals such as graphic designers, video editors, photographers, and 3D artists who prioritize screen quality and computing power. It's also a good fit for gamers and tech enthusiasts who appreciate a high-resolution display and robust performance. However, it may not be the best option for users who need a laptop with long battery life due to the power consumption of the 4K HDR screen.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Stunning 4K HDR display with 100% Adobe RGB coverage | ❌ High-resolution screen can significantly reduce battery life |
| ✅ High-performance internals with options for i7 or i9 CPUs and NVIDIA GeForce graphics | ❌ Premium price point may not be accessible for all users |
| ✅ Sleek design with a thin bezel and upgraded cooling system | ❌ Base model comes with only 8GB RAM, which may be insufficient for some professional tasks |
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M1 Max): Ultimate Pro Mobile Workstation
MacBook Pro 2021 16" - Apple M1 Max Chip (32 GPU) - 64GB RAM - 8TB - Spa... -- 3299(Reebelo USA)
2021 Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Max Chip (16-inch, 32GB RAM, 1TB SS... -- 1789(Amazon)
2021 Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Max Chip (16-inch, 32GB RAM, 1TB SS... -- 1898.69(Amazon)
Late 2021 Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Pro chip (16-inch, 16GB RAM, 5... -- 1265(Amazon)
Apple MacBook Pro 16" (2021) M1 Pro 10:Core CPU 16:Core GPU 1TB SSD - Sp... -- 647.28(Christiana Auto Parts)
Why We Picked It
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with the M1 Max chip is a powerhouse designed for professionals who require top-tier performance and a high-quality display. Its integration of CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine on a single SoC provides exceptional efficiency and power, making it ideal for demanding workflows in creative and technical fields.
Who It's For
This MacBook Pro is best suited for creatives and professionals in the Apple ecosystem who need a mobile workstation capable of handling intensive tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, music production, and software development. It's less suitable for gamers or those on a tight budget due to its limited gaming capabilities and premium price.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Incredible performance with the M1 Max chip | ❌ Limited gaming capabilities |
| ✅ Stunning 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display | ❌ High price tag |
| ✅ Up to 64GB of memory and 8TB of SSD storage | ❌ Not ideal for non-professional users or those outside the Apple ecosystem |
Thanks for reading! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help you find the perfect desktop replacement!