HP Omen Max 16 review: a powerhouse gaming laptop at a compelling price

Date:
Wed, 14 Jan 2026 16:54:29 +0000

Description:
The HP Omen Max 16 is a powerful gaming laptop that offers excellent performance for a very competitive price - but the design is dated.

FULL STORY ======================================================================HP Omen Max 16: Two minute review

Many of the best gaming laptops on the market feature Nvidias 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.

Enter the latest HP Omen Max 16, which comes with a more affordable
pricepoint when compared to its rivals, though it will still leave a significant dent in your wallet.

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. (Image credit: Future) 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.

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.

HP 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 (Image credit: Future) 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 its not really the best option for me, but this wont 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 youre intending to take this laptop on the go with you. (Image credit: Future)

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 youre 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 its 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 HP Omen Max 16 Benchmarks Here's how the HP Omen Max 16 performed in our
suite of benchmark tests: Geekbench 6 (Multi Core): 16,800; (Single Core): 3,150
Crossmark Overall: 2,050
3DMark Fire Strike: 35,890; Night Raid: 42,100; Time Spy 15,720
Total War: Warhammer III: (1440p, Ultra): 140 FPS; 1440p, low): 290 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077 (1440p, Ultra): 90 FPS; (1440p, Low): 160 FPS
Dirt 5 (1440p, Ultra): 180 FPS; ( 1440p, Low): 260 FPS
PCMark 10 Battery Life: 5 hours 10 mins
TechRadar 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'. (Image credit: Future)

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? HP Omen Max 16 Scorecard

Value

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 performance
If 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 you
The vibrant, high-refresh-rate display offers an immersive visual experience.

You don't want to get burnt
The 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 design
The HP Omen Max 16's design is robust but bulkier than ultra-portable alternatives.

You need all-day battery life
While decent for a gaming laptop, it won't last a full workday or long gaming sessions unplugged.

You're on a very tight budget
The 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 17
For 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 m18
If 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



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/gaming-laptops/hp-omen-max-16


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