Gaming laptops have come a long way in recent years, providing a portable and powerful alternative to desktop gaming rigs. However, finding the right gaming laptop can be overwhelming, especially if you’re on a budget. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best gaming laptops under $2000.
When it comes to gaming laptops, there are a few critical things to consider before making a purchase. The most important factor is the graphics card, as it determines the laptop’s ability to handle high-end games. Other factors to consider include the processor, RAM, storage, and display.
We spent countless hours researching and testing various gaming laptops to identify the ones that offer the best performance, features, and value for under $2000. In this article, we’ll be sharing our top picks and providing a detailed review of each one.
Best Gaming Laptops Under $2000
We understand that finding the best gaming laptop can be a daunting task, especially when you’re on a budget. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best gaming laptops under $2000 that will give you the performance you need without breaking the bank. Our team of experts has tested and reviewed these laptops to ensure that they meet our high standards for quality, performance, and affordability. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a serious competitor, we’ve got you covered with these top picks.
1. Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop
If you’re looking for a high-performance gaming laptop, the Acer Nitro 17 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS Octa-Core Processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU deliver superior gaming performance.
- The 17.3-inch Full HD display with a lightning-quick 165Hz refresh rate provides an immersive viewing experience.
- The quad-exhaust port design and liquid metal thermal grease ensure complete next-gen cooling.
Cons
- The laptop is quite heavy, weighing in at 6.83 pounds.
- The battery life is average, lasting around 5 hours on a single charge.
- The laptop’s design is not particularly sleek or stylish.
We’ve been using the Acer Nitro 17 for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its overall performance. The AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS Octa-Core Processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU deliver fast and smooth gaming experiences, even when playing demanding games at high settings.
The 17.3-inch Full HD display is another standout feature, with a lightning-quick 165Hz refresh rate that makes games look fluid and unbroken. The display also has minimal ghosting, ensuring that you can land those reflexive shots with pinpoint accuracy.
The laptop’s cooling system is another highlight, with a quad-exhaust port design and liquid metal thermal grease that ensure complete next-gen cooling. We’ve played games for hours on end without experiencing any overheating or performance issues.
However, the laptop is quite heavy, weighing in at 6.83 pounds, which can make it less than ideal for travel. Additionally, the battery life is average, lasting around 5 hours on a single charge. Finally, the laptop’s design is not particularly sleek or stylish, which may be a turn-off for some users.
Overall, we would highly recommend the Acer Nitro 17 to anyone looking for a high-performance gaming laptop. Its fast and smooth performance, lightning-quick display, and next-gen cooling make it a great choice for serious gamers.
2. Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly gaming laptop, Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Boost your gaming performance with the latest generation AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processors and a 15.6″ FHD IPS screen with 120Hz refresh rate.
- GeForce RTX 30 Series GPUs deliver the ultimate performance for gamers and creators, powered by Ampere – NVIDIA’s 2nd gen RTX architecture – with new RT Cores, Tensor Cores, and streaming multiprocessors for realistic ray-traced graphics and cutting-edge AI features.
- The signature Lenovo gaming keyboard comes with all the best media control and number pad features stocked out of the box.
Cons
- The laptop comes with only 8GB of RAM and 256GB NVMe Storage, which might not be enough for some gamers.
- The RGB for the keyboard is limited to white, which might be a deal breaker for some users.
- The laptop is a bit bulky and heavy, making it less portable than other gaming laptops.
We got our hands on the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3, and we were impressed with its performance. The laptop runs smoothly and can handle most games with ease. We tested it with games like Fortnite, Overwatch, and Apex Legends, and it performed exceptionally well.
The laptop’s 15.6″ FHD IPS screen with 120Hz refresh rate provides an immersive gaming experience. The colors are vibrant, and the viewing angles are excellent. The laptop’s speakers are also impressive, providing clear and crisp sound.
The laptop’s keyboard is comfortable to use and has a good amount of travel. The keys are well-spaced and have a good tactile feel. The touchpad is also responsive and accurate.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 has excellent battery life, which is a plus for gamers who like to take their laptops with them. The laptop also has Rapid Charge, which can boost the battery by 40% in just 15 minutes.
Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is an excellent budget-friendly gaming laptop. It has a great performance, a good keyboard, and an impressive battery life. If you’re looking for a gaming laptop that won’t break the bank, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is definitely worth considering.
3. ASUS TUF Gaming F15 Gaming Laptop
If you’re looking for a gaming laptop under $2000, the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 is a solid choice.
Pros
- The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 4GB GDDR6 graphics card delivers smooth gameplay graphics.
- The Intel Core i5-11400H processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM allow for multitasking and streaming with ease.
- The 144Hz 15.6” Full HD IPS Type Display provides swift visuals for a competitive edge.
Cons
- The battery life is not great, lasting just over 2 hours.
- The sound quality is decent but could be louder.
- Some users may find the design to be too bulky and heavy.
We recently had the chance to test out the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 and were impressed with its performance. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics card allowed us to play our favorite games with smooth graphics and no lag. The Intel Core i5-11400H processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM also made multitasking and streaming a breeze.
The 144Hz 15.6” Full HD IPS Type Display was a standout feature, providing swift visuals that gave us a competitive edge in our gaming sessions. However, the battery life was disappointing, lasting just over 2 hours before needing to be charged.
The sound quality was decent but could have been louder, and some users may find the design to be too bulky and heavy. Overall, we would recommend the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 for those looking for a gaming laptop under $2000 with solid performance and a swift display.
4. ASUS TUF Gaming A17 Gaming Laptop
If you’re looking for a gaming laptop that won’t break the bank, the ASUS TUF Gaming A17 is worth considering.
Pros
- The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card and AMD Ryzen 5 4600H processor make for smooth gameplay.
- The 17.3″ Full HD IPS-Type display with a 144Hz refresh rate provides a great visual experience.
- The dual fans with anti-dust technology help keep the laptop running cool and extend its lifespan.
Cons
- The battery life is only around 5 hours, so you’ll need to keep the charger handy.
- The keyboard may feel a bit cramped for some users.
- The laptop is on the heavier side, weighing in at 5.73 pounds.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the ASUS TUF Gaming A17 and were impressed with its performance. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card and AMD Ryzen 5 4600H processor make for smooth gameplay, even with demanding titles. The 17.3″ Full HD IPS-Type display with a 144Hz refresh rate provides a great visual experience, with vibrant colors and sharp details.
One thing to note is that the battery life is only around 5 hours, so you’ll need to keep the charger handy if you plan on gaming for extended periods of time. Additionally, the keyboard may feel a bit cramped for some users, but it’s still comfortable enough for everyday use. The laptop is also on the heavier side, weighing in at 5.73 pounds, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for something ultra-portable.
Overall, we think the ASUS TUF Gaming A17 is a solid option for gamers on a budget who want a laptop that can handle their favorite titles without breaking the bank.
5. ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop
If you’re in the market for a powerful gaming laptop, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Draw more frames and win more games with Windows 11, a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13650HX processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU at 140W Max TGP.
- Multitask swiftly with 16GB of DDR5-4800MHz memory and speed up loading times with 512GB of PCIe 4×4.
- The Strix features Thermal Grizzly’s Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on the CPU, and a third intake fan among other premium features, to allow for better sustained performance over long gaming sessions.
Cons
- The laptop is quite heavy, weighing in at 5.51 pounds.
- The battery life is only around 6 hours, so you’ll need to keep it plugged in for longer gaming sessions.
- The price point may be a bit steep for some, but you get what you pay for in terms of performance.
We recently had the chance to test out the ASUS ROG Strix G16 and were impressed with its performance. The laptop is designed for gamers who want a powerful machine that can handle even the most demanding games.
The 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13650HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU at 140W Max TGP work together to deliver smooth and fast gameplay. We were able to play games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla on high graphics settings without any lag or stuttering.
The 16GB of DDR5-4800MHz memory and 512GB of PCIe 4×4 storage allow for quick multitasking and speedy loading times. We were able to switch between multiple applications and games without any issues.
One of the standout features of the ASUS ROG Strix G16 is its cooling system. The laptop features Thermal Grizzly’s Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on the CPU, which helps keep the temperature down during long gaming sessions. The third intake fan also helps with heat dissipation, allowing for better sustained performance.
The laptop has a fast FHD 165Hz panel to make sure you never miss a moment. It also covers 100% of the sRGB color space and features Dolby Vision, Adaptive-Sync support, and a 90% screen-to-body ratio for a stellar gaming and viewing experience.
Overall, we would highly recommend the ASUS ROG Strix G16 to anyone looking for a powerful gaming laptop. While it may be on the pricier side, the performance and features make it well worth the investment.
6. ASUS TUF Gaming F15
If you’re looking for a gaming laptop that can handle anything you throw at it, the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 is a great choice.
Pros
- The powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12500H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU at 95W Max TGP make it easy to jump straight into the action.
- With 16GB of DDR4-3200MHz memory and 512GB of PCIe 3.0, multitasking and loading times are quick and effortless.
- The FHD 144Hz display is perfect for keeping up with the pros, and Adaptive-Sync ensures ultra-smooth gameplay.
Cons
- The laptop can get quite hot during extended gaming sessions, but the upgraded pair of 84-blade Arc Flow Fans help to keep things under control.
- The battery life could be better, but this is a common issue with gaming laptops.
- The laptop is a bit on the heavy side, so it may not be the best choice if you need to take it on the go frequently.
We were impressed with the performance of the ASUS TUF Gaming F15. The MUX Switch is a great feature that increases gaming performance by routing frames directly from the dGPU to the display, bypassing the iGPU. The laptop also passed a rigorous battery of MIL-STD-810H tests, so you can be sure it’s built to last.
Overall, we would recommend the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 to anyone looking for a powerful gaming laptop that can handle anything you throw at it.
7. ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop
We highly recommend purchasing the ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop for its exceptional gaming performance and impressive features.
Pros
- The 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU at 140W Max TGP provide impressive gaming performance and allow for smooth gameplay even on high settings.
- The Strix G16 has a fast FHD 165Hz panel with Adaptive-Sync support, Dolby Vision, and 100% sRGB color space coverage for stunning visuals.
- The ROG Intelligent Cooling system with Thermal Grizzly’s Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on the CPU and a third intake fan allows for better sustained performance over long gaming sessions.
Cons
- The laptop is quite heavy, weighing in at 10.17 pounds, which may not be ideal for those who need to carry their laptop around frequently.
- The battery life is average at 6 hours, which may not be enough for extended gaming sessions without being plugged in.
- The MUX Switch with Advanced Optimus may not be necessary for all users and may not provide a noticeable difference in performance.
Overall, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop is an excellent choice for gamers looking for a powerful and feature-packed laptop. The laptop’s impressive specs and intelligent cooling system provide a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. However, the laptop’s weight and average battery life may not be ideal for those who need to use their laptop on the go.
8. Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-57Y8 Gaming Laptop
If you are looking for a powerful gaming laptop under $2000, then the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-57Y8 is a great choice for you. With its 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, this laptop can handle all your favorite games with ease.
Pros
- The 144Hz refresh rate of the 15.6” Full HD IPS display provides a smooth and immersive gaming experience.
- The dual-fan cooling system with quad-exhaust port design ensures that the laptop stays cool even during intense gaming sessions.
- The Killer Ethernet E2600 and Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 provide fast and reliable connectivity, giving you an edge over other gamers.
Cons
- The laptop is a bit heavy, weighing in at 5.51 lbs, which may not be ideal for those who need to carry it around frequently.
- The battery life is average, lasting only up to 8 hours on a single charge.
- The laptop does not come with an optical drive, which may be a downside for some users.
We tested the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-57Y8 and were impressed with its performance. The laptop is fast and responsive, and the graphics are stunning. The 16GB DDR4 memory and 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD provide ample storage and speed, allowing us to easily multitask and switch between applications.
The laptop also has a variety of ports, including USB Type-C, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and more, making it easy to connect to external devices. The backlit keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the touchpad is responsive and accurate.
Overall, we highly recommend the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-57Y8 for anyone looking for a powerful gaming laptop under $2000. It has a great combination of performance, design, and features that make it a great value for the price.
9. ASUS TUF Gaming F17
If you’re searching for a powerful gaming laptop under $2000, the ASUS TUF Gaming F17 is a great option.
Pros
- The FHD 144Hz display with Adaptive-Sync ensures ultra-smooth gameplay.
- The laptop is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU for high-performance gaming.
- The TUF Gaming A17 is built to last with military-grade endurance and must successfully survive a rigorous battery of MIL-STD-810H tests.
Cons
- The battery life could be better, especially when the screen brightness is at maximum.
- The laptop is on the heavier side, weighing around 4.2 pounds.
- Some users have reported that the keyboard could be improved.
We’ve had a great experience with the ASUS TUF Gaming F17. The laptop’s high-performance components deliver an excellent gaming experience, and the FHD 144Hz display with Adaptive-Sync ensures smooth gameplay. The TUF Gaming A17’s military-grade endurance and rigorous testing also provide peace of mind that the laptop will last.
However, the battery life could be better, and the laptop is slightly heavier than some other gaming laptops. Additionally, some users have reported that the keyboard could be improved.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful gaming laptop under $2000, the ASUS TUF Gaming F17 is definitely worth considering. Plus, with a free 90-day Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you’ll have access to over 100 high-quality games to play.
10. MSI Thin GF63 Gaming Laptop
If you’re looking for a reliable gaming laptop under $2000, the MSI Thin GF63 is a great option.
Pros
- The 12th Gen. Intel Core i5 processor provides maximum efficiency in gameplay, multi-task work and productivity.
- The 15.6” 144Hz display delivers a fast refresh rate for smooth and vibrant gameplay.
- With the latest Cooler Boost 5 technology, the laptop uses 2 fans and 6 heat pipes to ensure optimal thermal dissipation and provide the best gaming experience.
Cons
- The laptop’s cooling system can be noisy at times.
- The 8GB DDR4 RAM may not be enough for some high-end games.
- The battery life is not the best, lasting only a few hours on a single charge.
We’ve had the opportunity to test out the MSI Thin GF63 gaming laptop and we can confidently say that it’s a great option for those on a budget. The laptop’s 12th Gen. Intel Core i5 processor provides maximum efficiency in gameplay, multi-task work and productivity. The 15.6” 144Hz display delivers a fast refresh rate for smooth and vibrant gameplay, making it perfect for gamers.
One of the standout features of the MSI Thin GF63 is its cooling system. With the latest Cooler Boost 5 technology, the laptop uses 2 fans and 6 heat pipes to ensure optimal thermal dissipation and provide the best gaming experience. However, the cooling system can be noisy at times.
While the 8GB DDR4 RAM may not be enough for some high-end games, the laptop’s SSD Gen 4×4 and DDR4-3200 memory provide the fastest data transfer, system speed and responsiveness. The laptop also comes with the latest generation Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs, although MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use.
The battery life is not the best, lasting only a few hours on a single charge. However, for the price, the MSI Thin GF63 gaming laptop is a great option for those looking for a reliable gaming laptop under $2000.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a gaming laptop under $2000, there are several factors that you should consider. Here are some of the most important features to look for:
1. Graphics Card
The graphics card is one of the most important components of a gaming laptop. It is responsible for rendering the images and videos that you see on the screen. When choosing a gaming laptop, it is important to look for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card. Integrated graphics cards are not powerful enough to handle most modern games.
2. Processor
The processor is another important component of a gaming laptop. It is responsible for running the games and applications that you use. When choosing a gaming laptop, it is important to look for a laptop with a powerful processor. A quad-core processor is recommended for most modern games.
3. RAM
The amount of RAM in a gaming laptop is also important. RAM is responsible for storing the data that is currently being used by the processor. When choosing a gaming laptop, it is important to look for a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM. This will ensure that you can run most modern games without any issues.
4. Storage
The amount of storage in a gaming laptop is also important. Most modern games require a lot of storage space. When choosing a gaming laptop, it is important to look for a laptop with at least 256GB of storage. A solid-state drive (SSD) is recommended for faster load times.
5. Display
The display is also an important factor to consider when choosing a gaming laptop. A larger display will provide a better gaming experience, but it will also make the laptop heavier and less portable. A display with a high refresh rate (at least 120Hz) is recommended for smoother gameplay.
Other Features
Other features to consider when choosing a gaming laptop include the keyboard, battery life, and overall build quality. A backlit keyboard is recommended for gaming in low-light conditions. A laptop with a long battery life will allow you to play games for longer periods of time without needing to be plugged in. A laptop with a durable build quality will last longer and be more resistant to damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
– What are some of the best gaming laptops available under $2000?
There are several excellent gaming laptops available under $2000. Some of the best options include the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14, MSI GS66 Stealth, Razer Blade 15, and Alienware m15 R5.
– Which gaming laptop offers the best value for money under $2000?
The ASUS TUF Dash F15 is an excellent gaming laptop that offers great value for money under $2000. It comes with a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics, and a fast 144Hz display.
– What are the top-rated gaming laptops under $2000 in 2023?
As of 2023, some of the top-rated gaming laptops under $2000 include the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14, MSI GS66 Stealth, Razer Blade 15, and Alienware m15 R5. These laptops offer excellent performance, build quality, and features for the price.
– What are the most important features to look for in a gaming laptop under $2000?
When looking for a gaming laptop under $2000, it’s important to consider factors such as the processor, graphics card, display, and build quality. A powerful processor and graphics card are essential for smooth gaming performance, while a high-quality display and durable build can enhance the overall gaming experience.
– Can I get a VR-ready gaming laptop under $2000?
Yes, there are several VR-ready gaming laptops available under $2000. Some of the best options include the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14, MSI GS66 Stealth, and Alienware m15 R5, which come with powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics cards that can handle VR gaming with ease.
– What are the most popular gaming laptops among gamers under $2000?
The most popular gaming laptops among gamers under $2000 include the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14, MSI GS66 Stealth, Razer Blade 15, and Alienware m15 R5. These laptops offer excellent performance, build quality, and features for the price, making them a top choice for many gamers.