TechRadar Verdict
The HP Omen Max 16 is a strong choice for serious gamers, boasting powerful performance, a vibrant display, and effective cooling. While its design leans towards a more traditional gaming aesthetic, its overall capabilities make it a desirable choice for those seeking a high-end, immersive gaming experience. However, it’s worth noting that the battery life does leave me wanting more.
Check Amazon Singapore Pros- +
High performance
- +
Beautiful backlit keyboard
- +
Effective cooling
- -
Bulky design
- -
Average battery life
- The best HP laptop 2025
- The best budget gaming laptop in 2025: my picks for affordable gaming on the go
- The best Nvidia RTX 3070 laptops 2025
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Jump to:- Price & availability
- Specs
- Design
- Performance
- Battery life
- Should you buy it?
- Also consider
- How I test
HP Omen Max 16: Two minute review
Many of the best gaming laptops on the market feature Nvidia’s latest 50 series graphics cards, and while these are perfect for those who are looking for a powerful device, they typically come at an exceptionally high price point.
The HP Omen Max 16 is a formidable machine designed for high-end gaming, and from the moment you power it on, its capabilities shine through, offering smooth gameplay and crisp visuals.
While it features a more traditional gaming laptop aesthetic with a slightly bulkier build, its performance under pressure is where it truly excels. The Omen Max 16 manages heat impressively well, maintaining optimal performance even during extended gaming sessions, and its display offers a truly immersive visual feast.
This laptop is a strong choice for gamers who prioritize raw power and a high-quality visual experience, and it's well-equipped to handle the most demanding AAA titles - all for a price that's (slightly) more sensible than other gaming laptops at this end of the market.
HP Omen Max 16: Price and availability
- How much is it? Starting at $2,599 / £1,999
- When is it available? Available now
- Where can you get it? Available in the US and UK
The Omen Max 16 is available for $2,599 / £1,999. This price positions it competitively within the high-performance gaming laptop market, especially considering the specifications it offers.
While it's certainly not a budget option, it provides excellent value for serious gamers looking for top-tier hardware without reaching the ultra-premium price points of some alternatives. For example, the MSI Stealth A16 AI+, which boasts an Nvidia 5070 Ti - less powerful than the 5080 featured in the Omen Max 16 - comes in at $2,899 / £2,199.
Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inboxContact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.The laptop is currently available in the US, UK, and several European countries. While there's no official word on wider global availability, HP typically expands its distribution to other regions over time.
- Value: 4 / 5
HP Omen Max 16: Specs
The HP Omen Max 16 is equipped with a powerful Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 GPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a fast 1TB NVMe SSD. These specifications combine to create a powerhouse capable of handling the most demanding games and applications with ease.
Swipe to scroll horizontallyHeader Cell - Column 0HP Omen Max 16 AH0007NA
Price
$2,599 / £1,999
CPU
Intel Core i9-14900HX
GPU
GeForce RTX 5080
RAM
32GB DDR5
Storage
1TB PCIe SSD
Display
16.1-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) IPS - 240Hz
Ports
3x USB-A, 1x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Ethernet, 1x Audio Jack, 1x SD Card Reader
Wireless
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions
369 x 259.4 x 23.9 mm
Weight
2.5 kg
HP Omen Max 16: Design
- Dated design
- Keyboard looks great
- Excellent screen
The Omen Max 16 embraces a bold, aggressive design that is characteristic of gaming laptops - while you could take it into an office environment or on the go, you might get some strange looks.
Personally, I find this aesthetic quite dated, so it’s not really the best option for me, but this won’t be the case for everyone. One thing I will note, however, is that the RGB keyboard is stunning thanks to the semi-transparent keycaps.
Its chassis is sturdy, and while it's not the slimmest laptop on the market, its build quality feels premium. The laptop's larger footprint accommodates its powerful components and effective cooling system, but it does also mean that this device will be taking up a fair amount of space on your desk or in your bag if you’re intending to take this laptop on the go with you.
HP has provided an ample selection of ports, ensuring you can connect all of your gaming peripherals without the need for an extra USB adaptor. You'll find multiple USB-A ports, a versatile USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4 support, an HDMI 2.1 output for connecting to external monitors, an Ethernet port for stable online gaming, an audio jack, and even an SD card reader.
However, it's worth noting that if you’re intending to run a streaming setup off of your gaming laptop, you may need more ports in order to plug in a microphone and higher-resolution webcam.
The 16.1-inch QHD IPS display is a highlight, offering vibrant colors, sharp details, and a smooth 240Hz refresh rate. While it’s not as good as an OLED panel, IPS still offers decent image quality, and is capable of an impressive range of colors. This screen provides an incredibly immersive visual experience, making games and movies truly pop. The high refresh rate ensures fluid motion, and there's no hint of screen tearing.
- Design: 4 / 5
HP Omen Max 16: Performance
- Excellent performance
- Efficient cooling
- Fans can get loud
Here's how the HP Omen Max 16 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:
Geekbench 6 (Multi Core): 16,800; (Single Core): 3,150Crossmark Overall: 2,0503DMark Fire Strike: 35,890; Night Raid: 42,100; Time Spy 15,720Total War: Warhammer III: (1440p, Ultra): 140 FPS; 1440p, low): 290 FPSCyberpunk 2077 (1440p, Ultra): 90 FPS; (1440p, Low): 160 FPSDirt 5 (1440p, Ultra): 180 FPS; (1440p, Low): 260 FPSPCMark 10 Battery Life: 5 hours 10 minsTechRadar movie test: 5 hours
The performance of the HP Omen Max 16 gaming is exceptional, consistently delivering high frame rates across a wide range of demanding games.
Whether battling in the latest AAA titles or engaging in intense competitive multiplayer, the laptop maintains smooth and responsive gameplay. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 graphics card, paired with the Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, easily handles graphically-intensive games, even with settings cranked up to 'ultra'.
During extensive testing, titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2 ran beautifully at high resolutions with ray tracing enabled, showcasing the laptop's ability to render stunning visuals without compromise. In each game I tried I got high frame rates with no stuttering and no issues whatsoever, and beyond gaming, the Omen Max 16 handles resource-intensive tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and complex multitasking with remarkable efficiency, making it a versatile machine for power users.
One of the standout features is its cooling system. Despite running demanding applications, the laptop manages heat impressively well. While the fans do become quite loud under heavy load, they are effective at keeping internal temperatures in check, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring sustained performance. The keyboard area remained comfortable to use, even during prolonged gaming sessions, which is a testament to the efficient cooling design.
The speakers provide decent audio, clear enough for general use, but for the best results, I'd suggest picking up one of the best PC gaming headsets to take advantage of directional audio.
- Performance: 4.5 / 5
HP Omen Max 16: Battery life
- Surprisingly good battery life
- Almost a full day's regular use, about two and a half hours of gaming
- Charges fast but uses a proprietary charger
While HP promises a decent battery life for general usage, in real-world testing, the Omen Max 16 delivered an average of around five to six hours for light tasks such as web browsing or video playback.
This is a respectable figure for a powerful gaming laptop. However, as expected with high-performance hardware, engaging in intensive gaming or demanding applications significantly reduces battery life, typically down to about one and a half hours.
Our PCMark 10 battery life benchmark and TechRadar movie test both lasted around 5 hours, which aligns with typical expectations for this class of device. For extended gaming sessions, keeping the laptop plugged in is essential.
- Battery Life: 3 / 5
Should you buy the HP Omen Max 16?
Swipe to scroll horizontallyHP Omen Max 16 ScorecardValue
The HP Omen Max offers competitive pricing for its high-end specifications.
4 / 5
Design
It has a robust, traditional gaming aesthetic with a good port selection.
4 / 5
Performance
Expect exceptional performance for AAA gaming and demanding tasks.
4.5 / 5
Battery Life
Average battery life, typical for a high-performance gaming laptop.
4.5 / 5
Total
Overall, the HP Omen Max 16 offers excellent gaming performance for a competitive price. The design, however, feels a bit bulky and dated.
4 / 5
Buy the HP Omen Max 16 if...
You want powerful gaming performanceIf you're looking for a laptop that can handle the latest AAA titles at high settings with ease, this will be the laptop for you.
Image quality is important to youThe vibrant, high-refresh-rate display offers an immersive visual experience.
You don't want to get burntThe HP Omen Max 16 manages heat well, ensuring sustained performance during long gaming sessions.
Don't buy it if...
You prioritize portability and having a laptop with a slim designThe HP Omen Max 16's design is robust but bulkier than ultra-portable alternatives.
You need all-day battery lifeWhile decent for a gaming laptop, it won't last a full workday or long gaming sessions unplugged.
You're on a very tight budgetThe HP Omen Max 16 offers good value for its specs, but it's still a high-end device with a corresponding price tag.
Also consider
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17For those seeking an even larger screen and potentially more aggressive aesthetics with top-tier performance, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 is a strong alternative that often features cutting-edge components.
Read our full Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 review
Alienware m18If screen size and sheer power are paramount, the Alienware m18 offers an expansive display and extreme performance, often at the very top end of gaming laptop capabilities.
Read our full Alienware m18 review
How I tested the HP Omen Max 16
For a period of two weeks, the Omen Max 16 served as my primary device for both work and leisure activities. I integrated it into my daily routine, using it for typical office tasks, extensive gaming sessions in the evenings, and general media consumption.
To assess its portability and performance outside of a stationary setup, I also used it in various remote working environments. Beyond everyday usage, comprehensive benchmark tests were conducted using industry-standard software such as 3DMark and GeekBench, alongside in-game benchmarking tools, to rigorously evaluate its performance across different scenarios.
- First reviewed January 2026
No price informationCheck Amazon SingaporeWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricespowered by 
Jasmine MannanContributorJasmine is a gaming hardware and tech journalist with an appreciation for all things others dare to call boring or complicated.
Previously of GamesRadar and The Mirror, Jasmine has reviewed and covered hundreds of devices from laptops to sound bars, monitors to cameras and almost everything in-between.
In her spare time, Jasmine enjoys playing games that make her rage and building PCs, which also makes her rage – as well as spending time with her three cats. Crazy cat lady in the making!
Show More CommentsYou must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
Logout Back To Top Read more
Gigabyte Gaming A16 Pro review: this restricted RTX 5080 machine holds its own thanks to 5070 Ti pricing
Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 review: a great-looking gaming laptop for those who prize design over performance
Lenovo LOQ Essential 15 Gen 9 review
MSI Cyborg 15 (2025) review
Dell 16 Plus review
Medion Erazer Deputy 15 P1 review: an excellent 1080p performer with a good price, but it’s not without a few drawbacks
Latest in Gaming Laptops
The 25 best gadgets we saw at CES 2026
Lenovo officially unveils the rumored Legion Pro Rollable gaming laptop with expanding screen
Alienware teases new laptops at CES 2026 and brings OLED to its Area-51 models
Is 8GB of VRAM really enough for gaming? This MSI laptop helped me find out
You might be hard-pressed to find over 8GB RAM in PC setups – here's why
Lenovo's new OLED ultrawide laptop just leaked, and I'm so ready for it
Latest in Reviews
Kodak Charmera review: the viral keychain digital camera is so bad, that I actually love it
Ricoh ScanSnap iX2400 document scanner review
GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra mini PC review
Tribit QuietPlus 81 review: cheap ANC headphones with a few too many flaws
Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition review: this intergalactic adventure shines on Nintendo Switch 2
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms review: HBO Max's new Game of Thrones show is a timely and triumphant underdog story for the ages
LATEST ARTICLES- 1Meta just killed some of its best Quest 3 game studios — and convinced me to buy a Steam Frame instead of a Quest 4
- 2Micron says it's 'trying to help consumers' in RAM crisis despite killing its Crucial brand – and PC owners have got even angrier as a result
- 3More worrying tech supply chain news - no, it's not more RAM troubles, but this vital material could be set to cause issues sooner than expected
- 4Even AI skeptic Linus Torvalds is getting involved in 'vibe coding' - so could this herald a new dawn for Linux? Probably not...
- 5Companies confess their agentic AI goals aren't really working out - and a lack of trust could be why
