Updated Aug 19, 2026· 6 min read· Hands-on tested

Key takeaways

  • GPU Performance: A 240Hz display is wasted if your GPU cannot push frames to match it. For esports titles, an RTX 5060 or 5070 is the current sweet spot for hitting high frame rates at 1440p without overspending on enthusiast-tier silicon.
  • Panel Quality: Refresh rate is only part of the equation. Look for low response times (3ms or lower), strong color gamut coverage like 100% DCI-P3, and higher resolutions such as WQXGA or 2.5K to keep visuals crisp during fast motion.
  • CPU Cores and Clocks: Esports titles are notoriously CPU-bound. Prioritize modern high-core-count processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX or AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX to prevent frame drops and stutters during chaotic team fights.
  • Cooling and Sustained Performance: Thin-and-light laptops often throttle under load, dropping frames precisely when you need them. Heavier chassis designs like the 18-inch MSI Crosshair or ASUS ROG Strix G18 generally sustain higher wattage for longer periods.
  • Portability vs. Screen Size: A 16-inch display offers a good balance for LAN events, while an 18-inch panel provides immersive real estate but adds significant weight. Consider where you will actually be playing before committing to a larger format.

What's inside

  1. Watch: Best Gaming Laptops with 240Hz Screens for Esports and Competitive Play — Video Review
  2. How to Choose a Gaming Laptop with 240Hz Screens for Esports and Competitive Play
  3. The Best Gaming Laptops with 240Hz Screens for Esports and Competitive Plays Reviewed
  4. Related Guides
  5. Frequently Asked Questions
  6. Final Thoughts
  7. Related Articles

Finding a gaming laptop with a 240Hz screen that balances competitive-level performance against a realistic budget is one of the trickiest purchases in the PC hardware space. Esports titles like Valorant, CS2, and Apex Legends demand exceptionally high, consistent frame rates to take advantage of those ultra-fast refresh rates, yet buyers also need strong single-core CPU performance, adequate cooling, and a GPU that will not bottleneck the display.

Table of Contents

This guide breaks down the best 240Hz gaming laptops across a range of budgets and GPU tiers. Whether you are looking at the premium ASUS ROG Strix SCAR and G18 lineups with the latest NVIDIA RTX 5070 graphics, the value-focused MSI Crosshair A16 with the RTX 5060, or the screen-real-estate-heavy MSI Crosshair 18 HX, these picks cover the spectrum of competitive play.

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Watch: Best Gaming Laptops with 240Hz Screens for Esports and Competitive Play — Video Review

How to Choose a Gaming Laptop with 240Hz Screens for Esports and Competitive Play

  • GPU Performance: A 240Hz display is wasted if your GPU cannot push frames to match it. For esports titles, an RTX 5060 or 5070 is the current sweet spot for hitting high frame rates at 1440p without overspending on enthusiast-tier silicon.
  • Panel Quality: Refresh rate is only part of the equation. Look for low response times (3ms or lower), strong color gamut coverage like 100% DCI-P3, and higher resolutions such as WQXGA or 2.5K to keep visuals crisp during fast motion.
  • CPU Cores and Clocks: Esports titles are notoriously CPU-bound. Prioritize modern high-core-count processors like the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX or AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX to prevent frame drops and stutters during chaotic team fights.
  • Cooling and Sustained Performance: Thin-and-light laptops often throttle under load, dropping frames precisely when you need them. Heavier chassis designs like the 18-inch MSI Crosshair or ASUS ROG Strix G18 generally sustain higher wattage for longer periods.
  • Portability vs. Screen Size: A 16-inch display offers a good balance for LAN events, while an 18-inch panel provides immersive real estate but adds significant weight. Consider where you will actually be playing before committing to a larger format.

The Best Gaming Laptops with 240Hz Screens for Esports and Competitive Plays Reviewed

ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025) RTX 5070 Ti

The flagship of the new Strix lineup pairs the RTX 5070 Ti with a stunning 2.5K 240Hz Nebula panel and an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, making it the top choice for players who want maximum headroom for graphically demanding competitive titles. With 32GB of DDR5 and Wi-Fi 7, it is built to dominate both current and next-generation esports arenas.

ASUS ROG Strix G18 RTX 5070

The 18-inch WQXGA Nebula display offers incredible immersion and color accuracy, while the RTX 5070 and 24-core Ultra 9 processor handle high-framerate gameplay with ease. The Windows 11 Pro configuration and 4-zone RGB keyboard make it a premium desktop-replacement option for serious competitors.

MSI Crosshair 18 HX AI (2TB)

Offering the same massive 18-inch 2560×1600 240Hz screen and Ultra 9 275HX CPU as its peers, this MSI configuration stands out with an RTX 5070 and a generous 2TB NVMe SSD. It provides excellent value for players who need extensive storage for their game library without sacrificing competitive refresh rates.

MSI Crosshair A16 HX (RTX 5060)

For budget-conscious gamers, the Crosshair A16 HX brings the new RTX 5060 and a Ryzen 9 8940HX to a 16-inch QHD+ 240Hz screen at a much lower price point. It is the best entry point for hitting triple-digit frame rates in esports titles without breaking the bank.

ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025) RTX 5070

This configuration drops the GPU down to the RTX 5070 but compensates with a massive 2TB Gen 4 SSD and Windows 11 Pro, making it ideal for streamers and content creators. The 2.5K 240Hz Nebula display remains one of the best 16-inch panels on the market for competitive tracking.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 240Hz screen necessary for competitive gaming?

For casual play, 144Hz is sufficient. However, for top-tier esports competitors, 240Hz provides noticeably smoother motion clarity and lower input latency, which can make a measurable difference in tracking and reaction time in games like CS2 and Valorant.

Does an RTX 5060 laptop support 240Hz gaming?

Yes, but with caveats. The RTX 5060 is excellent for pushing 240+ FPS in well-optimized esports titles at 1080p or 1440p settings. However, for graphically intensive AAA titles, you will likely need to lower settings or play at a lower resolution to hit 240 FPS.

Are 18-inch gaming laptops too heavy for travel?

18-inch laptops are significantly bulkier and heavier than their 16-inch counterparts, making them less ideal for frequent travel or LAN tournaments. If portability is a priority, a 16-inch model like the ROG Strix G16 or MSI Crosshair A16 is a much better choice.

Should I prioritize RAM or SSD capacity?

For competitive gaming, 32GB of DDR5 RAM is becoming the standard to prevent background task interruptions. SSD capacity is important for storage, but you can always upgrade an SSD later, whereas soldered RAM usually cannot be upgraded, so prioritize memory speed and capacity at purchase.

Final Thoughts

For outright performance and the best 240Hz panel, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 with the RTX 5070 Ti is the undeniable top pick, offering unmatched future-proofing for esports and beyond. If you want maximum screen real estate, the MSI Crosshair 18 HX delivers massive value, while the MSI Crosshair A16 HX remains the best budget-friendly entry into the new 240Hz 50-series laptop era.

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M
Mason Reed
Our team buys and bench-tests every product for 40h+ before it earns a spot. Rankings are never paid.

FAQ

Is a 240Hz screen necessary for competitive gaming?
For casual play, 144Hz is sufficient. However, for top-tier esports competitors, 240Hz provides noticeably smoother motion clarity and lower input latency, which can make a measurable difference in tracking and reaction time in games like CS2 and Valorant.
Does an RTX 5060 laptop support 240Hz gaming?
Yes, but with caveats. The RTX 5060 is excellent for pushing 240+ FPS in well-optimized esports titles at 1080p or 1440p settings. However, for graphically intensive AAA titles, you will likely need to lower settings or play at a lower resolution to hit 240 FPS.
Are 18-inch gaming laptops too heavy for travel?
18-inch laptops are significantly bulkier and heavier than their 16-inch counterparts, making them less ideal for frequent travel or LAN tournaments. If portability is a priority, a 16-inch model like the ROG Strix G16 or MSI Crosshair A16 is a much better choice.
Should I prioritize RAM or SSD capacity?
For competitive gaming, 32GB of DDR5 RAM is becoming the standard to prevent background task interruptions. SSD capacity is important for storage, but you can always upgrade an SSD later, whereas soldered RAM usually cannot be upgraded, so prioritize memory speed and capacity at purchase.
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