10 Best MSI Laptops 2025 in the United States

The MSI Katana 17 Gaming Laptop offers a robust performance package for gaming enthusiasts. At its core is the 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, which provides powerful performance for gaming and multitasking. Complementing the CPU is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, well-suited for handling modern games with advanced graphical capabilities like ray tracing. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM, it ensures smooth multitasking and fast data processing, making it ideal for gamers who also use their laptops for other intensive applications.

The 17.3-inch FHD display with a 144Hz refresh rate is a significant advantage, delivering vibrant visuals and smooth gameplay. This is particularly beneficial for fast-paced games where a higher refresh rate can provide a competitive edge. Storage is ample with a 1TB NVMe SSD, allowing for fast loading times and plenty of space to store large game files.

Design-wise, it maintains a simplistic yet functional aesthetic with a black finish. However, at 9.68 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which might limit its portability for some users. The inclusion of Cooler Boost 5 technology is beneficial for maintaining performance during extended gaming sessions. Connectivity options are decent, featuring USB-Type C and other USB ports. Running Windows 11 Home, it's ready for everyday tasks, but businesses might prefer the Pro version for additional features. The MSI Katana 17 is a strong contender for gamers seeking high performance and a quality display, even with some trade-offs in portability and connectivity.

The MSI Katana A15 AI is designed for gamers and those seeking high performance in a portable package. It features a powerful AMD Ryzen 9 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, making it suitable for demanding gaming and creative tasks. The 32GB DDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking, while the 1TB NVMe SSD provides ample storage with speedy access times.

One of the standout features of this laptop is its 15.6-inch QHD display with a 165Hz refresh rate, which offers vibrant visuals and enhances the gaming experience with fluid motion and rich colors. Additionally, the Cooler Boost 5 technology helps maintain optimal temperatures during intense gaming sessions, contributing to better performance.

While the Katana A15 AI excels in performance, it has a few drawbacks. Its weight at 9.03 pounds makes it less portable compared to lighter gaming laptops, which might be a consideration for users who travel frequently. Battery life, while decent, may not be as long-lasting as some competitors, especially under heavy load. The simplistic design might not appeal to everyone, as some users prefer a more premium look and feel. The keyboard is backlit, which is a plus for gaming in low-light conditions, and the connectivity options, including multiple USB ports and Wi-Fi 6 support, cater well to gamers and professionals alike. It comes with Windows 11 Home, which might limit some business functionalities compared to Windows 11 Pro.

The MSI Thin 15 gaming laptop offers a strong combination of power and portability, making it a good choice for gamers and users who want a capable machine for both gaming and everyday tasks. Its 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor is fast enough to handle demanding games and multitasking without slowing down. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card supports modern gaming features like ray tracing, which enhances visual effects and realism in games. With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, this laptop provides smooth performance for gaming and productivity. Storage comes in the form of a 512GB NVMe SSD, which means quick load times for games and programs, though heavy users may want to add external storage for more space.

The 15.6-inch Full HD display runs at 144Hz, offering a smooth and responsive visual experience, especially noticeable in fast-paced games. Battery life is decent for a gaming laptop, but like most gaming laptops, it will last longer when used for everyday tasks than intense gaming. The laptop has a sleek, minimalist black design that looks professional, and MSI’s intelligent technology helps optimize performance automatically. The keyboard is backlit, which is useful for gaming or working in low light, and the inclusion of multiple USB 3.0 ports and WiFi 6E ensures good connectivity options.

While the laptop is relatively light for a gaming model, weighing about 7.4 pounds, it might still feel a bit heavy for all-day carrying. Cooling is designed to keep the system running efficiently during gaming sessions, but heavy users should expect some fan noise. This laptop effectively balances performance and portability, making it appealing to gamers who want a solid gaming experience without a bulky machine, while also serving well for general use.