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10 Best Msi Gaming Laptops 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9  score

MSI Katana 15 HX 15.6” 165Hz QHD+ Gaming Laptop: Intel Core i9-14900HX, NVIDIA Geforce RTX 5070, 32GB DDR5, 1TB NVMe SSD, RGB Keyboard, Win 11 Home: Black B14WGK-016US

Processor (CPU): Intel Core i9-14900HX
Graphics Card (GPU): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070
RAM: 32 GB DDR5
Storage: 1 TB SSD
Display: 15.6-inch QHD+ 165Hz
Cooling System: Cooler Boost 5
Keyboard and Build Quality: RGB keyboard, solid durable build

Chosen by 1427 this week

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

MSI Katana 15 HX 15.6” 165Hz QHD+ Gaming Laptop: Intel Core i9-14900HX, NVIDIA Geforce RTX 5070, 32GB DDR5, 1TB NVMe SSD, RGB Keyboard, Win 11 Home: Black B14WGK-016US

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,427
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
44 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The Core i9-14900HX and RTX 5070 combo delivers consistently smooth performance, achieving over 100 FPS on high to ultra settings in demanding AAA games without thermal throttling.
Display
The 165Hz QHD+ display enhances gameplay with fluid motion and vivid visuals, making competitive gaming feel noticeably smoother.
Battery Life
Battery life is limited, offering around 4 hours under light use and significantly less during gaming, reflecting a trade-off for high performance.
Cooling System
MSI's Cooler Boost 5 system effectively manages heat, keeping the laptop cool and stable during extended gaming sessions.
Keyboard and Build Quality
The laptop’s chassis feels solid with a clean, understated design, although it leans on the heavier side for a 15-inch model.

The MSI Katana 15 HX is a strong choice for gamers looking for top-tier performance. Its Intel Core i9-14900HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card make it capable of handling demanding games smoothly and quickly. With 32GB of fast DDR5 RAM and a spacious 1TB SSD, it offers plenty of memory and storage for gaming and multitasking.

The 15.6-inch QHD+ display with a 165Hz refresh rate delivers sharp visuals and smooth motion, enhancing the gaming experience with vivid colors and high detail. MSI’s Cooler Boost 5 system helps keep the laptop cool during intense gaming sessions, which is important to maintain performance and comfort. The RGB-backlit keyboard adds a nice touch for gamers who enjoy customizing their setup, and the build quality reflects MSI’s reputation for solid, durable gaming laptops.

The laptop weighs nearly 5 pounds, which might make it less convenient for frequent travel. It comes with Windows 11 Home, which is fine for gaming but lacks some business features found in Windows 11 Pro. For those prioritizing high-speed gaming with excellent visuals and strong hardware, the MSI Katana 15 HX is a fitting choice, especially if portability and long battery life are less important.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,427
Processor (CPU)
Display
Battery Life

Most important from
44 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The Core i9-14900HX and RTX 5070 combo delivers consistently smooth performance, achieving over 100 FPS on high to ultra settings in demanding AAA games without thermal throttling.
Display
The 165Hz QHD+ display enhances gameplay with fluid motion and vivid visuals, making competitive gaming feel noticeably smoother.
Battery Life
Battery life is limited, offering around 4 hours under light use and significantly less during gaming, reflecting a trade-off for high performance.
Cooling System
MSI's Cooler Boost 5 system effectively manages heat, keeping the laptop cool and stable during extended gaming sessions.
Keyboard and Build Quality
The laptop’s chassis feels solid with a clean, understated design, although it leans on the heavier side for a 15-inch model.
#2

MSI Thin 15 15.6” 144Hz FHD Gaming Laptop: Intel Core i7-13620H, NVIDIA Geforce RTX 4050, 16GB DDR4, 512GB NVMe SSD, WiFi 6E, Win 11: Black B13VE-2678US

Rating
9.8
Processor (CPU)
Graphics Card (GPU)
RAM

Most important from
1285 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor handles complex 3D rendering tasks efficiently, even with big scenes and special effects.
Graphics Card (GPU)
The RTX 4050 graphics card performs well in demanding applications like Daz Studio, Marvelous Designer, and Blender, as well as in games like SimCity 5.
RAM
Upgrading to 64GB of DDR4 RAM significantly improves performance, especially for memory-intensive tasks.
Storage
The laptop is easy to upgrade with accessible SSD and RAM slots, allowing for significant enhancements.
Cooling System
The laptop performs smoothly in high-demand games like Cyberpunk 2077, especially with proper cooling solutions.
Keyboard and Build Quality
The red LED keyboard, while functional, might be a letdown for those expecting RGB lighting.

The MSI Thin 15 gaming laptop is equipped with a powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13620H processor, making it suitable for immersive gaming experiences and multitasking. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card enhances visual performance with advanced ray tracing capabilities, ideal for demanding games. With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the laptop runs smoothly, even with multiple applications open, and the 512GB NVMe SSD provides quick load times and ample storage for games and files.

The 15.6-inch FHD display with a 144Hz refresh rate offers a smooth and immersive viewing experience, which is essential for gamers who need fast and responsive visuals. The inclusion of WiFi 6E ensures faster internet speeds and reduced latency, which is beneficial for online gaming. The laptop's backlit keyboard adds a touch of convenience for low-light gaming environments. However, the battery life may not be the best, as gaming laptops often require frequent charging during extended use.

The build quality seems solid, although the laptop's weight (7.43 pounds) might be a downside for portability. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MSI Thin 15 is a robust option for gamers wanting high performance and advanced features, especially considering its strong processor and GPU.

Rating
9.8
Processor (CPU)
Graphics Card (GPU)
RAM

Most important from
1285 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor handles complex 3D rendering tasks efficiently, even with big scenes and special effects.
Graphics Card (GPU)
The RTX 4050 graphics card performs well in demanding applications like Daz Studio, Marvelous Designer, and Blender, as well as in games like SimCity 5.
RAM
Upgrading to 64GB of DDR4 RAM significantly improves performance, especially for memory-intensive tasks.
Storage
The laptop is easy to upgrade with accessible SSD and RAM slots, allowing for significant enhancements.
Cooling System
The laptop performs smoothly in high-demand games like Cyberpunk 2077, especially with proper cooling solutions.
Keyboard and Build Quality
The red LED keyboard, while functional, might be a letdown for those expecting RGB lighting.
#3

MSI Katana A15 AI 15.6” 144Hz FHD Gaming Laptop: Ryzen 7-8845HS, NVIDIA Geforce RTX 4060, 32GB DDR5, 1TB NVMe SSD, Cooler Boost 5, Win 11: Black B8VF-448US

Rating
9.6
Graphics Card (GPU)
Display
Cooling System

Most important from
283 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
Handles graphic-intensive games smoothly, with the cooling system efficiently managing heat.
Display
The 144Hz refresh rate keeps up with the busiest action scenes in games and movies.
Cooling System
Runs small business office and accounting software silently, without the cooling system kicking in.
Battery Life
The battery drains quickly when running high-intensity tasks, but it's to be expected with such performance.
Build Quality and Design
The laptop is well-built and surprisingly heavy, but the weight is not an issue.

The MSI Katana A15 AI 15.6” 144Hz FHD Gaming Laptop is well-suited for gaming enthusiasts, thanks to its powerful hardware and immersive display. The AMD Ryzen 7-8845HS processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card ensure excellent performance for gaming and other demanding tasks. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD, this laptop offers ample memory and storage, promoting fast load times and smooth multitasking.

The 15.6-inch 144Hz FHD display enhances the gaming experience by providing clear visuals and a high refresh rate, making fast-paced games more enjoyable. The inclusion of MSI's Cooler Boost 5 cooling system helps manage the heat, ensuring that the laptop remains cool even during intense gaming sessions. Additionally, the backlit keyboard adds a stylish touch and improves usability in low-light environments.

However, the battery life might be a concern for users looking to game on the go, as gaming laptops typically consume more power. Weighing approximately 9 pounds, it is also on the heavier side, which could affect portability. The design is simplistic, which might not appeal to those seeking a more flashy appearance. Nonetheless, with its robust performance capabilities and display quality, the MSI Katana A15 AI is an excellent choice for gamers seeking a reliable and powerful gaming laptop.

Rating
9.6
Graphics Card (GPU)
Display
Cooling System

Most important from
283 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
Handles graphic-intensive games smoothly, with the cooling system efficiently managing heat.
Display
The 144Hz refresh rate keeps up with the busiest action scenes in games and movies.
Cooling System
Runs small business office and accounting software silently, without the cooling system kicking in.
Battery Life
The battery drains quickly when running high-intensity tasks, but it's to be expected with such performance.
Build Quality and Design
The laptop is well-built and surprisingly heavy, but the weight is not an issue.

Buying Guide for the Best Msi Gaming Laptops

When choosing an MSI gaming laptop, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best performance and experience for your gaming needs. Gaming laptops are designed to handle high-performance tasks, so understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision. Here are the key specs to look at and how to choose the right one for you.
Processor (CPU)The processor, or CPU, is the brain of your laptop and is crucial for overall performance. For gaming, you need a powerful CPU to handle complex game mechanics and multitasking. CPUs are typically divided into entry-level, mid-range, and high-end. Entry-level CPUs are suitable for casual gaming and less demanding games. Mid-range CPUs offer a balance of performance and cost, making them ideal for most gamers. High-end CPUs are for those who want the best performance for the latest and most demanding games. Choose a CPU based on the types of games you play and whether you plan to use the laptop for other intensive tasks like video editing.
Graphics Card (GPU)The graphics card, or GPU, is responsible for rendering images and videos, making it one of the most important components for gaming. A powerful GPU ensures smooth gameplay and high-quality visuals. GPUs are categorized into entry-level, mid-range, and high-end. Entry-level GPUs can handle older or less demanding games. Mid-range GPUs are suitable for most modern games at medium to high settings. High-end GPUs are necessary for playing the latest games at the highest settings and resolutions. Your choice should depend on the types of games you play and the visual quality you desire.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) is essential for multitasking and running games smoothly. More RAM allows your laptop to handle more data at once, which is important for gaming and other applications. Gaming laptops typically come with 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB of RAM. 8GB is the minimum for gaming, suitable for less demanding games. 16GB is the sweet spot for most gamers, providing a good balance of performance and future-proofing. 32GB is for those who want to ensure their laptop can handle the most demanding games and multitasking needs. Choose based on your gaming habits and whether you use other memory-intensive applications.
StorageStorage affects how much data you can store and how quickly your laptop can access it. There are two main types: HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). SSDs are faster and more reliable but more expensive, while HDDs offer more storage for a lower price. Many gaming laptops come with a combination of both. For gaming, an SSD is recommended for faster load times and better overall performance. A 256GB SSD is a good starting point, but 512GB or more is better if you have a large game library. Consider your storage needs based on the number of games and other data you plan to store.
DisplayThe display is crucial for your gaming experience, affecting how you see and interact with your games. Key factors include resolution, refresh rate, and screen size. Resolution determines the clarity of the image, with Full HD (1080p) being standard, while 1440p and 4K offer higher clarity. Refresh rate, measured in Hz, affects how smooth the motion appears; 60Hz is standard, but 120Hz or 144Hz is better for fast-paced games. Screen size is a personal preference, with 15-inch and 17-inch being common for gaming laptops. Choose based on your visual preferences and the types of games you play.
Battery LifeBattery life is important if you plan to use your gaming laptop on the go. Gaming laptops typically have shorter battery life due to their powerful components. Battery life can range from a few hours to over 10 hours. If you plan to game primarily while plugged in, battery life may be less critical. However, if you need portability, look for a laptop with longer battery life. Consider how often you'll be away from a power source and choose accordingly.
Cooling SystemA good cooling system is essential to prevent overheating and ensure your laptop runs smoothly during intense gaming sessions. Gaming laptops generate a lot of heat, and an efficient cooling system helps maintain performance and longevity. Look for laptops with advanced cooling technologies, such as multiple fans and heat pipes. If you plan to game for extended periods, prioritize a laptop with a robust cooling system to avoid thermal throttling and potential damage.
Keyboard and Build QualityThe keyboard and build quality affect your comfort and durability of the laptop. A good gaming keyboard should have responsive keys, customizable RGB lighting, and features like anti-ghosting and N-key rollover. Build quality ensures the laptop can withstand regular use and transport. Look for a sturdy chassis, preferably made of metal or high-quality plastic. Consider your gaming setup and how often you'll be moving the laptop to choose the right build quality and keyboard features.

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