Once known primarily for office workhorses, HP has become a major force in the PC gaming space. With two distinct and powerful product lines, the Omen and the Victus, they offer fantastic options for every type of player and budget. Finding the best HP gaming laptops means understanding what makes each series unique and choosing the one that perfectly fits your needs.
This guide will break down the key differences between the premium Omen and the budget-friendly Victus lines. We’ve reviewed their entire lineups to select the four best HP gaming laptops you can buy right now, ensuring you get the most performance for your dollar.
Omen vs. Victus: What’s the Difference?
Before we dive into the specific models, understanding HP’s strategy is key to finding the best HP gaming laptops for your needs.
- HP Omen: This is HP’s premium, enthusiast-grade brand. Omen laptops are built with higher-end materials (like metal), feature the most powerful GPU and CPU options, have more advanced cooling systems, and include premium features like RGB keyboards and high-resolution displays. They compete directly with brands like Razer and MSI’s top-tier models.
- HP Victus: This is HP’s high-value, mainstream gaming brand. Victus laptops are designed to deliver the best possible gaming performance at a more accessible price point. They often share powerful GPUs with the Omen line but may use more plastic in their construction, have more basic designs, and offer fewer luxury features. They are perfect for students and anyone looking for a great deal.
1. HP Omen 16: The Best All-Around Performer
The HP Omen 16 is the sweet spot in HP’s entire gaming lineup. It offers a perfect balance of high-end power, premium features, and a fair price. You can configure the Omen 16 with some of the most powerful mobile processors and graphics cards on the market, allowing it to run any modern AAA game at high settings with excellent frame rates.
Its design is sleek and mature, avoiding the overly aggressive “gamer” look of some competitors. The cooling system is robust, keeping temperatures in check during intense gaming sessions, and the QHD (1440p) high-refresh-rate screen is a joy to use. For the serious gamer who wants a powerful, premium machine without any major compromises, the Omen 16 is the one to get.
Key Features:
- Screen: 16.1-inch, up to QHD (2560×1440) 240Hz
- GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40-series
- Build: Premium Aluminum and Plastic Construction
- Best For: The serious gamer who wants a premium, powerful, do-it-all machine.
Pros:
- Excellent performance for both gaming and content creation
- High-resolution, high-refresh-rate display
- Effective cooling system
- Clean, professional design
Cons:
- Can get expensive with top-tier configurations
For the vast majority of users, the Omen 16 is one of the best HP gaming laptops available, offering an ideal blend of power and premium features.
2. HP Victus 15: The Ultimate Budget Champion
The HP Victus 15 is a masterpiece of value. It takes the most important part of a gaming laptop—the graphics card—and puts it in a simple, affordable package that consistently punches above its weight. It’s common to find a Victus 15 with a powerful mid-range GPU for a price that significantly undercuts the competition.
To keep costs down, the chassis is primarily plastic, and the screen is a standard 1080p panel. But HP didn’t skimp where it counts. The performance is fantastic for 1080p gaming, the keyboard is comfortable, and the design is clean and modern. For students, casual gamers, or anyone looking to get into PC gaming without breaking the bank, the Victus 15 is an unbeatable first choice.
Key Features:
- Screen: 15.6-inch, FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz
- GPU: Typically NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30-series or 40-series (4050/4060)
- Build: All-Plastic Construction
- Best For: Gamers on a budget who want the best performance for their money.
Pros:
- Incredible performance-per-dollar value
- Often available with powerful mid-range GPUs
- Clean, minimalist design
- Comfortable keyboard and solid port selection
Cons:
- Build quality is good but not premium
- Display is not as bright or color-accurate as Omen models
For anyone on a budget, the Victus 15 is easily one of the best HP gaming laptops you can buy. The performance-per-dollar value it offers is simply unmatched.
3. HP Omen Transcend 16: The Premium Portable Powerhouse
The Omen Transcend 16 takes the power of the standard Omen and places it in a thinner, lighter, and more premium chassis. It’s HP’s answer to the Razer Blade, designed for the gamer or creator who is also constantly on the go.
Its standout feature is often the stunning mini-LED display option, which offers incredible brightness and HDR performance that is a class above typical laptop screens. It maintains top-tier performance but wraps it in a more portable and aesthetically pleasing package. It’s more expensive than the standard Omen 16, but for those who need to travel or simply want the best-looking and best-feeling laptop, the premium is worth it.
Key Features:
- Screen: 16-inch, often with a mini-LED 240Hz option
- GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40-series
- Build: Thin and Light Magnesium-Aluminum Alloy Frame
- Best For: The traveling gamer or content creator who needs maximum power in a portable design.
Pros:
- Stunning optional mini-LED display
- Thinner and lighter than the standard Omen 16
- Exceptional performance for its size
- Super-premium look and feel
Cons:
- More expensive than the regular Omen
- Can run hotter and louder due to the compact chassis
The Omen Transcend 16 is for the user who wants the power of a desktop replacement in a package they can comfortably carry every day.
4. HP Victus 16: The Best of Both Worlds
If the Victus 15 feels a bit too small or basic, the Victus 16 is the perfect upgrade. It offers a larger 16.1-inch screen, providing a more immersive gaming experience. Crucially, that larger chassis also allows for a better cooling system, meaning the Victus 16 can often support slightly more powerful graphics cards than its 15-inch sibling.
It still represents an incredible value, but it bridges the gap between the entry-level Victus 15 and the premium Omen 16. If you want a large screen for gaming but don’t have the budget for a full-priced Omen, the Victus 16 is the perfect compromise, delivering a big-screen experience without the big-screen price tag. If you’re looking for a different aesthetic, you can also check out our guide to the best MSI gaming laptops.
Key Features:
- Screen: 16.1-inch, FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz
- GPU: Wide range of mid-tier NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs
- Build: All-Plastic Construction
- Best For: Budget-conscious gamers who want a larger, more immersive display.
Pros:
- Large 16.1-inch screen enhances the gaming experience
- Better cooling can support more powerful components
- Still offers fantastic value for the price
- A great middle-ground option
Cons:
- Larger and heavier than the Victus 15
- The 1080p resolution is less sharp on a bigger screen
The Victus 16 is a top contender in the search for the best HP gaming laptops, especially for those who prioritize screen size and value.
How to Choose the Best HP Gaming Laptops
When deciding, focus on these key factors:
- GPU is King: Your graphics card (NVIDIA GeForce RTX) determines your gaming performance. An RTX 4060 is a fantastic sweet spot for 1080p, while an RTX 4070 or higher is ideal for 1440p.
- Display Matters: A high refresh rate (144Hz or more) makes games look incredibly smooth. QHD (1440p) resolution is noticeably sharper than FHD (1080p).
- Know Your Budget: If your budget is under $1200, focus on the Victus line. If you can spend more, the Omen series offers a significant step up in build quality and features. For deep-dive technical reviews and benchmarks, NotebookCheck.net is an invaluable external resource.