Best Compact Budget Option

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)

Name: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)
Brand: Asus
Rating: 3.9 (2 reviews)

The best compact gaming laptop for those who want portability without sacrificing too much performance. A 14-inch form factor with serious GPU options and an OLED display — at a mid-range price.

$1,500-$3,000

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Pros

Compact 14-inch form factor — far more portable than typical budget gaming laptops
OLED display option with excellent color and contrast
Strong GPU performance with DLSS 4 support for high frame rates
Doubles as a capable work/school laptop with non-gamer aesthetics
Proven ROG thermal design in a smaller chassis

Cons

More expensive than true budget options — typically $1,500+
Smaller screen may not suit all gamers
Battery life shorter than non-gaming laptops of similar size
Premium pricing for the compact form factor

Why we recommend it

If you hate lugging around a 5-pound brick but still want real gaming chops, the G14 is the move. It costs more than the LOQ 15 but you're paying for a machine you'll actually want to carry everywhere.

What the experts said

“A good middle-ground example is the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, which can manage high settings and higher frame rates (with DLSS 4 turned on) at around $1,500 to $3,000.”
Tom's Guide · read full review →

“There are two primary competitors in this category: the Razer Blade 14 and the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. They're equivalent in size, and many of the components are every bit as high-end—including OLED screens.”
WIRED · read full review →