Delve past the RTX 5090: Savor our highest-rated RTX 5080 gaming laptops

Ditch those RTX 5090 dreams, bro! Splurging on an expensive laptop ain't always the wise move.

In reality, you can possess a killer gaming rig without breaking the bank on a high-end RTX 5090 laptop.CHECK IT OUT: Top Gaming Laptop Deals in June 2025

That's right, man, I'm talkin' about the Asus ROG Strix G18 G815 - the hidden gem of the RTX 5080 world. It's the perfect blend of performance and affordability, giving the pricier RTX 5090 models a run for their money!

So, should you drop a bundle on that shiny RTX 5090 laptop, huh? Nah, probably not.

I get it, big spender. You want the cream of the crop, no doubt about it. An RTX 5090 sounds like the cat's pajamas, but here's the catch - the RTX 5080 has got some hidden talents that'll surprise your socks off.

In fact, the ROG Strix G18 showed us that it ain't afraid to outperform an RTX 5090-equipped laptop in our tests! And it wasn't just in a single test, either - it topped the charts across the board:

3DMark Fire Strike Ultra (Higher is better)

| Header Cell - Column 0 | Asus ROG Strix G18 (G815) (RTX 5080) | HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5090) || --- | --- | --- || 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra (Higher is better) | 13,074 | 12,374 || Assassin's Creed Mirage (1080p) | 154 fps | 137 fps || Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p) | 59.8 fps | 58 fps || Far Cry 6 (1080p) | 120 fps | 109 fps || Monster Hunter Wilds (1080p) | 81.78 fps | 76.5 fps || Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1080p) | 187 fps | 175 fps |

13,074

Look at these numbers, son - you'd be hard-pressed to spot the difference between the Strix G18 and the Omen Max 16, the RTX 5090-packin' laptop that should have been the frontrunner.

12,374

But here's the real kicker - the Strix G18 costs when compared to the pricier Omen. That means you're coughing up big bucks for lower performance compared to the RTX 5080. These awesome RTX 5080 gaming laptops offer much better bang for your buck, man.

So, should you go for the Omen and pay over a grand more for lower RTX 5080 performance? I think not, my friend.

Assassin's Creed Mirage (1080p)

The Three Most Wanted RTX 5080 Laptops

154 fps

I've spent plenty of time gaming on the Asus ROG Strix G18, and lemme tell ya - it's a solid choice, deliverin' performance and value. But you don't have to stick with the Strix G18 only. There are a few swoon-worthy RTX 5080 gaming laptops out there that'll leave you blown away.

137 fps

1. Asus ROG Strix G18 (G815)

Asus ROG Strix G18 (G815): at Best BuySpecs: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 (16GB), 32GB of RAM, 2TB of storage, 18-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) IPS 240Hz display

Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p)

Our review: ★★★★1⁄2, Editor's Choice

59.8 fps

First up, without question, is the Asus ROG Strix G18. With its spacious 18-inch display, it's perfect for gamers who love having lots of real estate. It also sports excellent battery life, which is a nice perk, even if it's a bit of a beast to lug around.

58 fps

The Strix G18 blew our gaming tests out of the water across the board, and while it gets a little toasty in thermal tests, the heat management leaves the keyboard cool even under the heaviest loads. The keyboard's a total treat, too, and the RGB light strip around the keyboard deck is a slick visual touch.

2. MSI Raider 18 HX AI

Far Cry 6 (1080p)

MSI Raider 18 HX AI: at our websiteSpecs: Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 (16GB), 64GB of RAM, 4TB of storage, 18-inch (3840 x 2400) 120Hz Mini LED display

120 fps

Our review: ★★★★1⁄2, Editor's Choice

109 fps

If the Asus ROG Strix G18 ain't the one for you, the MSI Raider 18 HX AI could be the best alternative, especially if you need more storage and RAM. While the Raider costs a pretty penny compared to the Strix G18, it offers twice the storage and double the RAM as well as a higher-resolution 18-inch Mini LED display and a slightly beefier processor (give it a whirl!).

This RTX 5080 laptop took the Omen Max 16 down in some of our graphics tests, and it even sports top-firing speakers, a must for any gamer.

Monster Hunter Wilds (1080p)

3. Alienware 16 Area-51

81.78 fps

Alienware 16 Area-51: at DellSpecs: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 (16GB), 32GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, 16-inch (2560 x 1600) 240Hz IPS display

76.5 fps

Our review: ★★★★1⁄2, Editor's Choice

The Alienware 16 Area-51 offers a striking design paired with stellar performance, all without breaking the bank compared to other RTX 5090 machines. It's an excellent alternative to the Strix G18 if you're after similar performance but prefer a smaller chassis. The Area-51 features a 16-inch display, making it more compact than the Strix G18, though it's still a bit of a doorstop, weighing over seven pounds.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1080p)

Now, aside from the display, the Alienware 16 Area-51 is practically like the Strix G18 - it's powered by the same CPU and offers the same display resolution and refresh rate. The sound's even better - it boasts top-and-bottom-firing speakers, making for a highly immersive gaming experience that'll have you on the edge of your chair.

187 fps