Gaming Laptops VS Gaming PCs: Everything You Need To Know

Good gaming equipment isn’t cheap, so it’s always worth doing some research and comparing all your options until you find the best fit for you. When it comes to choosing between a gaming laptop or desktop, there are a few important things to consider:

No matter what type of electronics you’re shopping for, there’s one factor that always comes into play when considering your options, and that’s your budget.

Typically, pre-built gaming PCs are more affordable than gaming laptops, and they also tend to have a better price-to-performance ratio. Desktops are easier to upgrade and even if you choose a high-end gaming PC that is a bit pricier, the efficiency of the device will take your experience to the next level – and for gaming enthusiasts, that is worth extending their budget for.

Keep in mind, however, that buying a desktop comes with a few extra costs. You might need to purchase a gaming keyboard and monitor, so be sure to factor that in.

Winner is… Desktop.

This one couldn’t be easier: if you want to be able to play your favourite games no matter where you are, a gaming laptop is, without a doubt, the right choice for you. 

Portability is one of the strongest suits of gaming laptops, especially as more and more compact options become available. Even if you buy a bulkier device or have some additional hardware you need to take with you, like a charger or external peripherals, a laptop will always be easier to carry than a desktop.

Winner is… Laptop.

This is where things start to get a bit trickier. Nowadays, the difference in efficiency between gaming PCs and laptops isn’t as pronounced as it once was. Modern gaming laptops can be incredibly powerful and, if you buy a $2000 laptop, you can expect it to outperform a $500 PC.

However, if we compare a laptop and a desktop with similar specs, the latter usually wins and the reason why is quite simple. Desktops are larger, which means there is more space for manufacturers to incorporate higher-range components that will boost performance levels. A gaming laptop, on the other hand, needs to be small, light and portable, and to check all those boxes, they might be developed with lower-performance components.

Winner is… Desktop (but laptops are certainly catching up).

When it comes to customisation and upgradeability, there’s a clear winner: gaming desktops, as you can easily swap out the hardware, get rid of any parts you don’t need and even customise it aesthetically so it matches your gaming setup perfectly. On the flip side, although the best gaming laptops allow for a certain level of efficiency fine-tuning, bigger upgrades typically require you to buy an entirely new machine.

Many experienced gamers choose to build their own PC so they can have full flexibility to customise it in the future, but if your computer system knowledge isn’t at that level yet, most gaming desktops are built to be upgraded over time for optimal performance. 

Winner is… Desktop.

We know that gaming desktops are easier to customise, however, it’s also important to think about the availability of the parts you might need. For pre-built gaming PCs, you might find that certain hardware is either expensive or difficult to find, which is a caveat to keep in mind.

Availability for gaming laptops isn’t much better, but for different reasons. Besides the limited customisation features, the parts you can swap are typically built for specific laptop models, meaning it could be trickier to find the right ones for your machine. 

Winner is… it’s a tie.

As we mentioned before, along with your desktop or laptop, there are a few other pieces of gaming equipment you want to purchase:

• A gaming mouse. A non-negotiable, whether you opt for a PC or a laptop. Choose one that is ergonomic so you can game comfortably for hours on end and look into additional features, like built-in lighting effects and game-grade sensors, that will give you a competitive edge over any opponent.

• A gaming keyboard. The right keyboard will take your gaming experience to the next level (and make you win even more often). Avoid any wrist cramping by choosing an ergonomic keyboard and make sure to get the best size for your setup.

• A gaming chair. Adjustable, breathable and, once again, ergonomically built: these are all the boxes your gaming chair needs to check for the most comfortable marathon gaming sessions. And hey, if it looks stylish, that will only add to the experience!  

• Gaming headphones. Nothing makes a game feel more immersive than high-quality headsets. Choose a pair that promises first-class, full-range audio quality and make sure the fit is right for you.

Ultimately, the decision between gaming PCs and gaming laptops comes down to what you value most and how you plan on using your gaming machine. In summary, this is what we recommend:

Buy a gaming laptop if…

You need your machine to be portable

You don’t require high-end components

You’ll use it as your everyday laptop

Buy a gaming PC if…

You’re on a tighter budget

You want to be able to easily customise your machine

You have a gaming setup at home where you always play