3 Best Gaming Laptops With High Refresh Rates in 2026
If you’re serious about gaming in 2025, a laptop with a high refresh rate, like 165Hz, is practically mandatory for smooth, responsive gameplay. Models like the MSI Katana 15 HX and Acer Nitro V series combine top-tier hardware—fast CPUs, capable GPUs, and rapid display tech—to keep pace with demanding titles and competitive action. These machines aren’t just powerful; they’re optimized for the axes of cooling, portability, and upgradability that modern gamers need. Curious how these specs measure up in real-world scenarios?
MSI Katana 15 HX Gaming Laptop (B14WGK-016US)
- Intel Core i9 HX Power for Elite Gaming: Dominate demanding titles with the Intel Core i9-14900HX and its 24-core hybrid architecture, delivering fast load...
- GeForce RTX 5070 With Ray Tracing & DLSS 4: Powered by NVIDIA Blackwell, the RTX 5070 delivers stronger ray tracing, higher FPS, faster AI upscaling, and more...
- QHD 165Hz, 100% DCI-P3 for Ultra-Clear Combat: The QHD 165Hz display reveals more detail, reduces motion blur, and boosts visibility in fast-paced games while...
If you love playing games and want a laptop that keeps up with the latest big titles, the MSI Katana 15 HX is a great pick. It offers high power but is still portable enough to carry around. It has an Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, which means it can handle many tasks at once without slowing down. The NVIDIA RTX 5070 graphics card lets you play AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 smoothly, with over 100 frames per second on high settings.
This laptop has 32GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD. That helps games load fast and lets you run multiple programs easily. The 15.6-inch QHD+ screen with a 165Hz refresh rate makes visuals bright and clear, so your gaming sessions feel more alive.
Best For: gamers and power users who want a portable laptop that can run big games smoothly.
Pros:
- Great gaming power thanks to the Intel Core i9-14900HX and NVIDIA RTX 5070.
- Bright, clear 15.6-inch screen with 165Hz for smooth visuals.
- 32GB DDR5 RAM and quick 1TB SSD for fast load times and multitasking.
Cons:
- Battery lasts about 2 hours during heavy use.
- Fans can get loud, and the heat needs cooling pads during intense gaming.
- The plastic chassis feels less premium and the number pad layout is a bit tight.
Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop (ANV15-52-76NK)
- Beyond Performance: The Intel Core i7-13620H processor goes beyond performance to let your PC do even more at once. With a first-of-its-kind design, you get the...
- AI-Powered Graphics: The state-of-the-art GeForce RTX 4050 graphics (194 AI TOPS) provide stunning visuals and exceptional performance. DLSS 3.5 enhances ray...
- Visual Excellence: See your digital conquests unfold in vibrant Full HD on a 15.6" screen, perfectly timed at a quick 165Hz refresh rate and a wide 16:9 aspect...
The Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop (ANV15-52-76NK) is a good choice for gamers who want strong performance and a stylish look. It has an Intel Core i7-13620H processor, which helps with multitasking, streaming, and playing games. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU with DLSS 3.5 gives you sharp, realistic graphics and smooth gameplay. The screen has a 165Hz refresh rate, making fast-moving games look clear and almost ghost-free.
The laptop features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display that shows bright and vivid images. It comes with 16GB DDR5 RAM, which can be expanded if needed. The 1TB PCIe SSD makes it quick to boot up and load files, with plenty of space for your games and projects.
The design focuses on keeping the system cool during long gaming sessions. It also has a sleek look inspired by neon lights, making it stand out. The laptop is suitable for both gaming and creative work.
Who should get this laptop? It’s great for gamers and content creators who want high performance and eye-catching visuals in a slim, stylish machine.
Pros:
- Fast Intel Core i7 processor and powerful RTX 4050 graphics card
- Smooth visuals with a 165Hz full HD display
- Quick storage with a 1TB SSD and options to upgrade RAM
Cons:
- Price might be higher than basic gaming laptops
- It is heavier, so less portable
- It may overheat during long gaming hours if you don’t use proper cooling
This laptop combines strong power with good looks and can handle tough games and creative work easily.
Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop with Intel Core i5-13420H, NVIDIA RTX 4050, 15.6″ FHD IPS 165Hz, 8GB DDR5, 512GB SSD, Wi-Fi 6, Backlit Keyboard
- Beyond Performance: The Intel Core i5-13420H processor goes beyond performance to let your PC do even more at once. With a first-of-its-kind design, you get the...
- AI-Powered Graphics: The state-of-the-art GeForce RTX 4050 graphics (194 AI TOPS) provide stunning visuals and exceptional performance. DLSS 3.5 enhances ray...
- Visual Excellence: See your digital conquests unfold in vibrant Full HD on a 15.6" screen, perfectly timed at a quick 165Hz refresh rate and a wide 16:9 aspect...
Looking for a gaming laptop that is powerful but still easy to carry around? The Acer Nitro V gives you that. It has an Intel Core i5-13420H processor, so it can handle multiple tasks and games. The NVIDIA RTX 4050 graphics card makes visuals look great and smooth. It supports special features like ray tracing and DLSS 3.5, which help games look more realistic and run better.
The 15.6-inch FHD IPS screen refreshes at 165Hz. This means fast-moving games stay clear without ghosting or blurriness. The laptop comes with 8GB DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD. It starts up quickly and gives you enough space for your games and files.
It also has Wi-Fi 6 for faster internet connections. The backlit keyboard helps you see keys in the dark. Overall, this laptop offers a good mix of power and portability for gamers and busy users alike.
Best for: People who want a portable laptop that can run modern games and handle everyday tasks easily.
Pros:
- Good combo of a fast processor and strong graphics card.
- Smooth visuals with a 165Hz refresh rate.
- Modern features like Wi-Fi 6 and a backlit keyboard.
Cons:
- The 8GB RAM might need an upgrade for heavy multitasking.
- Fans can get loud during gaming.
- 512GB storage may fill up fast, so you might need extra space.
This laptop is a solid choice if you want a machine that works well for gaming and everyday use without being heavy to carry.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Gaming Laptops With High Refresh Rate
When choosing a gaming laptop with a high refresh rate, you’ll want to pay close attention to how smooth your gameplay can get, especially in fast-paced titles—that’s where refresh rate really shines. But don’t forget, balancing screen resolution, graphics card, and processor power is key to ensuring your game looks stunning and runs without hiccups; otherwise, you might end up with eye candy that chugs along. And if portability matters, consider the laptop’s build; the lightest rigs aren’t always the most powerful, but they sure make sneaking into LAN parties easier.
Refresh Rate Importance
Even if you’re new to gaming laptops, you’ve probably heard about “refresh rate.” It’s an important part of how smooth the game looks. A higher refresh rate, like 165Hz, makes movements look smoother. It also reduces motion blur during fast scenes. That makes your game feel more fluid and easier to follow. This is helpful in competitive games, where quick reactions matter.
But remember, a high refresh rate alone isn’t enough. Your laptop needs a good graphics card, called a GPU, to get the full benefit. If the GPU can’t produce enough frames, a faster screen won’t make much difference. The number of frames your GPU can output helps determine how smooth your game will look.
When you pick a gaming laptop, check that your hardware can handle a high refresh rate. This way, you get the best visual experience and smooth gameplay.
Screen Resolution Choices
Have you ever thought about how your screen resolution affects your gaming? When you pick a higher resolution, like QHD+ or 4K, your images look clearer and more detailed. This makes games look more real and exciting. But remember, these high resolutions need more power from your graphics card. That means your computer has to work harder to keep your game smooth.
On the other hand, screens with 1080p resolution often have very high refresh rates, like 165Hz or even higher. These screens make games look really smooth and are great if you like fast-paced or competitive games. They help your gameplay feel more fluid and responsive.
It comes down to what you want most. If you love sharp, vibrant pictures, go for higher resolutions. If you want super smooth and quick gameplay, choose a 1080p screen with a high refresh rate. Simply put, pick what suits your style best: better graphics or smoother motion.
Graphics Card Performance
Choosing the right graphics card makes a big difference when you want your gaming laptop to run smoothly at high refresh rates. A powerful GPU like the RTX 4070 or 5070 helps you reach 120Hz or even 240Hz. These cards usually have at least 6 GB of VRAM, so you can play new games on high settings without problems. Features like DLSS and ray tracing boost how good the game looks. They make the visuals better while keeping the game running smoothly. Checking benchmarks, like FPS scores in popular games, helps you see how well a GPU performs. It is also important to think about cooling and power use. These things affect how long your laptop stays at high speed and how stable your game play is. If your GPU overheats or uses too much power, it won’t keep up with your high refresh rate goals.
Processor Power Needs
When you want a gaming laptop with a fast refresh rate, the processor has to be strong. It needs to match the power of the graphics card to make the game smooth and quick. If the CPU isn’t fast enough, it can slow things down, like a traffic jam that stops everything. Look for a processor with multiple cores and high speeds. For example, an Intel Core i9-14900HX is good because it can handle tough games and multitasking easily. Better designs and bigger memory caches also help move data faster, stopping lag. Remember, even a top graphics card can’t work well if the processor can’t keep up. Pick a CPU and GPU that work well together. This way, your games stay smooth, responsive, and steady with all those frames.
Build Portability Factors
High refresh rate screens are great for smooth visuals in fast games. But how portable a laptop is depends on more than just the screen. A lightweight gaming laptop that weighs under 5 pounds is easy to carry. It can fit in your backpack or bag without making it heavy or bulky. Slim designs, about an inch thick or less, help you take powerful laptops with you. Many high-refresh-rate models, like 120Hz or higher, come in slim shapes. So, you don’t have to choose between performance and portability.
Battery life also matters. A longer battery lets you game on the go, like during commutes or flights. Plus, a sturdy, well-built chassis with reinforced corners keeps the laptop safe. It can handle being moved around often and still stay in good shape.
In short, a good portable gaming laptop mixes a light weight, slim size, long battery, and strong build. This way, you get great performance without sacrificing comfort and ease of travel.
Cooling and Noise Levels
High refresh rates in gaming laptops make the screen look super smooth, especially during fast action scenes. But when the laptop has strong parts running at high speeds, it gets hot. Good cooling systems, like Cooler Boost 5 or dual-fan setups, are important to stop the laptop from overheating. When it gets too hot, the parts might slow down, which can make your game less fun.
You might notice the fans get loud when they spin faster during intense gaming. That noise can be annoying. But good cooling tools and special software let you control how fast the fans go. This helps you find a balance between keeping things cool and keeping the noise down.
Finally, choosing a laptop with good cooling means fewer overheating problems and less loud fan noise. That way, you can stay focused and enjoy your game without distractions.
Upgradability Options
Thinking about upgradability is important when picking a gaming laptop with a high refresh rate. If you want your laptop to keep up with new games, look for models that are easy to upgrade. Many laptops have slots for extra RAM and SSDs that you can access easily. You can add more RAM by inserting new modules or swapping old ones. Some laptops support up to 64GB of RAM, which is great for playing many games at once or doing other heavy tasks. For storage, you can replace or add NVMe or SATA drives. This makes loading games faster and gives you more space for your files. Some laptops have parts you can change yourself, but others need a tech expert to do the work. Choose a laptop with simple upgrade options. This way, your gaming laptop won’t become outdated quickly. It will save you money and hassle later.
FAQs
How Do High Refresh Rates Improve Gaming Performance?
High refresh rates make your games look smoother and more responsive, reducing motion blur and lag. This allows you to react faster, enjoy more immersive gameplay, and gain a competitive edge in fast-paced, action-packed gaming scenarios.
What Is the Ideal Refresh Rate for Competitive Gaming?
For competitive gaming, you should aim for a refresh rate of at least 144Hz. This guarantees smoother visuals, reduces motion blur, and provides a competitive edge by allowing faster reaction times and more precise movements.
Do Higher Refresh Rates Reduce Input Lag?
Yes, higher refresh rates can reduce input lag since they allow your display to update more frequently, resulting in more responsive gameplay. This means your actions are reflected faster, giving you a competitive edge in fast-paced gaming sessions.
Can a Gaming Laptop With a High Refresh Rate Handle VR Gaming?
Yes, a gaming laptop with a high refresh rate can handle VR gaming. It delivers smoother visuals and reduces motion blur, enhancing your experience, especially if it has strong graphics performance and a powerful CPU.
How Does Screen Size Affect Gaming Experience at High Refresh Rates?
Larger screens enhance immersion at high refresh rates, making gameplay more engaging and visually appealing. Smaller screens offer quicker response times and portability, but might sacrifice some immersive experience. Your choice depends on your preference and gaming style.
DK is a technology expert who specializes in AI tools, software, and tech gadgets. He writes for How to Tech Info, providing detailed reviews and practical guides. DK helps readers discover the best AI applications, navigate new software, and choose the right tech gadgets.
Last update on 2026-01-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
