Gigabyte Aero X16 (2025)

Configs to buy / avoid: The higher quality 2560x1600 165Hz screen is nice to have depending on how much extra it costs at the time. Avoid the cheaper, lower quality 1920x1200 panel if possible, granted it will be easier to run games at this resolution with the lower powered GPU. Testing notes: The Aero X16 delivered over 8 hours of video playback on battery, one of the best gaming battery results we have tested, very cool thermals, quiet fan noise, a bright QHD+ screen, decent response times, good keyboard and touchpad feel, and solid Linux support. The RTX 5070 we tested was limited to around 75W, so gaming performance was closer to RTX 4070 laptops than higher-powered RTX 5070 machines. Trade-offs: The main compromises were keyboard deck flex, poor desk grip, front-heavy port placement, USB 2.0 in 2025 is a yikes, no Advanced Optimus, no G-Sync, BIOS-only MUX switching, weak BIOS tuning, Type-C charging not working in our test, and a limited spare M.2 slot. Alternatives: Most other lighter weight gaming laptops typically cost far more, but it's possible for the Lenovo Legion 5i to not be too much more expensive with the right sale, and that offers a much better all-round experience.