HP Omen Transcend 14 (2025)

Configs to buy / avoid: As the Omen maxes out with RTX 5070 graphics, you're limited by 8GB VRAM no matter what you do. The only 14" gaming laptop with more VRAM is the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14, which will offer better longevity in games. Otherwise with the Omen, considering spending more for 32GB RAM, as it's soldered and can never be upgraded later. Testing notes: The Omen 14 delivered great battery life, has a fast OLED screen, a compact travel weight with charger included, cooler keyboard temps than last year, no battery drain during our gaming or stress testing, and much better performance than the previous model. Trade-offs: The main compromises were low GPU power, 8GB VRAM on the RTX 5070, no MUX switch, no Advanced Optimus, no G-Sync, soldered RAM, one M.2 slot, poor Wi-Fi upgrade access, louder fans than last year, bloated Omen software, and terrible Latencymon results (DPC latency). Alternatives: If gaming performance is your priority, consider the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14, which is the best 14" gaming laptop we've ever tested, and often ends up cheaper than the Omen when on sale. If the Omen 14 is the cheapest good 14 inch OLED option by a clear margin, then it becomes easier to justify.