In the exciting world of gaming, where every move counts and stunning visuals are key, gaming laptops have come a long way. No longer tied down to bulky desktop setups, gamers now have the freedom to enjoy high-performance gaming on the go, thanks to sleek and portable gaming laptops. These impressive devices combine top-notch graphics, fast processors, and immersive displays, all packed into a compact design… but they cost an arm and a leg.
If you are after an affordable option, this article has got you covered! We have done the heavy lifting and named a selection of the best gaming laptops under $2000, based on our independent research.
Table of Contents
Editor’s Pick: Best Gaming Laptop Under $2000
Best Overall
ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) RTX 4060: Scraping in below $2,000, this laptop strikes a solid balance between power and portability, featuring a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, RTX 4060 GPU, 2.5K 240Hz Nebula Display, and liquid metal cooling for sustained performance.
Best Competitive
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024): Engineered for esports with AMD Ryzen 9 processor, RTX 4050/4060 options, and a blazing-fast 240Hz display, this laptop offers peak performance and responsiveness for competitive gamers.
Best Budget
Victus by HP Gaming Laptop 16: Delivering the latest technology at an affordable price, this laptop features a 14th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, RTX 4050 GPU, optimization features, and a backlit keyboard.
Review Of Best Gaming Laptop Under $2000
Forget the struggle for the perfect balance between power and affordability. Our curated list unveils the best gaming laptops under $2000 across various categories, each tailored to specific gamer archetypes. Whether you crave unmatched performance, competitive dominance, or an all-around powerhouse, we’ve got you covered.
Gaming Laptops with 8GB GPUs Under $2000
The GPU, or Graphics Processing Unit, is like the engine behind the stunning visuals on your laptop screen. An 8GB graphics card gives you the power to enjoy most games at 1080p resolution with smooth, immersive visuals. Now, let’s explore some top picks, each excelling in its own way.
For those seeking the ultimate power to conquer AAA gaming titles, dive into intense video editing, or tackle demanding tasks head-on, these machines stand as formidable allies.
ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) RTX 4060
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming laptop embodies a harmonious blend of power and finesse, carefully crafted to enhance your gaming experience. With its high processing power and advanced graphics capabilities, this laptop ensures smooth and seamless gameplay, even when handling the most demanding AAA titles. Thanks to its robust design and efficient cooling system, thermal management is optimized, allowing for sustained peak performance without any compromise.
Moreover, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 offers reliable connectivity options, ensuring minimal latency and uninterrupted gameplay. With its sleek and portable design, this laptop is perfect for gaming on-the-go, providing gamers with the freedom to immerse themselves in their favorite titles wherever they are. Overall, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming laptop is a powerhouse that delivers exceptional gaming performance without sacrificing portability or affordability.
- Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i7
- GPU: RTX 4060
- Cooling: Liquid metal cooling
- Display: 16-inch 2.5K 240Hz Nebula Display
| What Like | We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Fantastic Battery Life | Only 720p WebCam |
| Liquid Metal Cooling | |
| Great gaming performance output |
Razer Blade 15 RTX 4070
The Razer Blade 15 combines top-tier performance with a sleek and portable design, making it a premium choice for discerning gamers. Packing an Intel Core i7 processor and RTX 3070 Ti graphics, it tackles demanding games while its stunning OLED display with up to 240Hz refresh rate delivers immersive visuals and ultra-smooth gameplay. Its lightweight design and vapor chamber cooling ensure comfortable gaming on the go. If you prioritize portability, performance, and aesthetics, the Razer Blade 15 is a strong contender.
- Processor: Intel Core i7 or i9 (14-core)
- Graphics: Up to RTX 4070 Laptop GPU
- Display: QHD 240Hz, FHD 360Hz, QHD OLED
- Storage: 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD Storage
- Memory: 16GB or 32GB DDR5 RAM
| What Like | We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Smooth gaming performance | Can run hot. Users noted elevating the laptop from your table can improve CPU and GPU |
| Slim low profile for portability | |
| Decent GPU level for the enthusiast-level gamer |
Acer Predator Helios 16 (2024)
The Acer Predator Helios 16 Gaming laptop is a top-notch choice, providing incredible performance and stunning visuals for an unbeatable gaming experience. With its powerful Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, this laptop is a real powerhouse. Whether you’re diving into intense gaming sessions or handling multimedia editing tasks, the Predator Helios 16 can handle it all with ease. Its 16-inch display boasts high resolution and a super-fast refresh rate, ensuring smooth gameplay with crisp details. Plus, the RGB backlit keyboard adds a stylish touch to your gaming setup, allowing you to create the perfect gaming atmosphere.
- Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i7
- GPU: RTX 4060
- RAM: 16GB
- Display: 16-inch WQXGA with a 165Hz refresh rate
| What Like | We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Powerful gaming performance | This laptop is a little heavy coming in at 5.73lb |
| Smooth graphics display with ultra-high refresh rate | Keyboard is a bit cramped |
| Backlit keyboard |
Best Competitive Gaming Laptops under $2000
For those who live and breathe competitive gaming, the quest for the perfect laptop is paramount. In the fast-paced world of esports, split-second decisions, and lightning-fast reflexes can mean the difference between victory and defeat. That’s why we’ve curated a selection of the best competitive gaming laptops on the market, each engineered to provide the performance, speed, and precision required to dominate the virtual arena.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) comes equipped with top-tier components to elevate your gaming experience to new heights. Featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 processor and the option of either an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 or RTX 4060 GPU, this 14-inch powerhouse ensures smooth gameplay and seamless multitasking. Its standout feature, a high refresh rate display boasting a blazing-fast 240Hz, provides the competitive edge you need in fast-paced games, reducing motion blur for ultra-responsive gameplay. Whether you’re engaged in intense battles or crafting cutting-edge games, the Zephyrus G14 delivers unrivaled performance and realism, thanks to features like DLSS 3.5 and ray tracing enhancements. This is a fantastic all-rounder gaming laptop
- Processor: Powerful AMD Ryzen 9
- GPU: RTX 4050 | RTX 4060
- Display: 14inch Blazing-fast 240Hz
- Storage: 1TB M.2 SSD Storage
| What Like | We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Beautiful design with high-quality aluminium case | This laptop is a little heavy coming in at 5.73lb |
| Strong graphic output with OLED screen | The underside of the laptop can run hot |
| Powerful AMD Ryzen processor |
Razor Blade 14 (2024)
The Razer Blade 14 is a powerful, yet portable laptop designed for serious gamers. It has a fast AMD Ryzen 9 (6900HX) Processor and NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics card, which can handle even demanding games smoothly. The high-resolution display with a 165Hz refresh rate ensures clear and responsive visuals during gameplay.
- Display size: 14 inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 pixels
- Processor: 3.3 GHz Ryzen 9
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
- Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU
- Graphics card RAM: 8 GB
This laptop also boasts some cool features like a customizable backlit keyboard for better visibility in low-light conditions and a special cooling system that keeps things running smoothly even under pressure. It’s built with a sturdy aluminum body, so you don’t have to worry about damage while traveling.
However, keep in mind that the keyboard might feel cramped for some users and you won’t have as many options to upgrade this laptop compared to larger models. Also, while the battery life is decent, it’s not as long as what you might get from a bigger laptop.
Overall, the Razer Blade 14 is a great choice for gamers who want a powerful and portable machine.
| What Like | We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Fantastic gaming performance | No ethernet port on this model, meaning you need to rely on WiFi or purchase a hub |
| Strong aluminium build | More expensive than competitors for similar specs |
| Long battery life for the size of the laptop |
MSI Stealth 15M Gaming Laptop
This laptop is thin and light, making it perfect for gamers who are always on the move. It still packs a punch with a powerful processor and graphics card, and the display is smooth and vibrant. The battery life is impressive for a gaming laptop this size.
- Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i7
- GPU: RTX 4060
- RAM: 16GB
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD with a 165Hz refresh rate
- Features: Thin and light design, long battery life, ideal for on-the-go gaming.
| What Like | We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Cheaper alternative | Rivals in this bracket provide faster performance |
| More portable than some competitors with slim design | Build quality not as sturdy |
| Decent gaming performance |
The All-Rounder’s Arsenal: Best Balanced Gaming Laptops
MSI Katana 15 Gaming Laptop
The MSI Katana 15 is a sleek and powerful gaming machine, designed to deliver exceptional performance and immersive gaming experiences. Powered by the 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA Max-Q technology, this laptop offers optimized power and performance in a slim and lightweight design. The RTX 4060 GPU brings stunning visuals to life on the 144Hz IPS-level display, ensuring smooth and fluid gameplay with vivid colors.
Moreover, the 4-Zone RGB gaming keyboard adds a personalized touch to your gaming setup, allowing you to create a captivating atmosphere for your gaming sessions. With its lightning-fast display and robust performance, the MSI Katana 15 is the perfect companion for gamers seeking a balance of style and substance.
- Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i7
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4060 Laptop GPU
- Memory: 6GB DDR5 RAM
- Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
| What Like | We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Good speakers | Battery life is relatively short compared to rivals |
| Provides excellent value | |
| Decent gaming performance |
MSI Alpha 17
Imagine yourself diving into vast landscapes and epic battles on the MSI Alpha 17’s large 17.3-inch Full HD screen. Its smooth 144Hz refresh rate ensures quick responses without any blurring, providing an immersive gaming experience. With its powerful Ryzen 7 processor and RTX 4060 graphics card, this laptop effortlessly handles most games. And priced around ~$1,300, it’s a great choice for gamers looking for an affordable yet immersive gaming experience.
- Processor: Ryzen 7
- GPU: RTX 4060
- Display: 17.3-inch FHD, 144Hz refresh rate
- Powerful and immersive gaming experience
| What Like | We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Large 144 Hz display | Users noted the vivid colour was lacking |
| Good battery life | |
| Decent speakers |
Gigabyte AORUS 15G XC (2024)
For frequent travelers seeking uncompromised gaming performance on the move, the AORUS 15G XC is the ideal solution. Don’t let its sleek, portable design fool you – a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and RTX 4060 graphics card unleash the power to conquer demanding games. Witness stunning visuals on the QHD display, while the 165Hz refresh rate ensures ultra-responsive gameplay. Plus, its compact size and decent battery life make it perfect for on-the-go gamers.
- Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i7
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU
- Display: 15 Inch 165Hz QHD Display
- Ram: Up to 32GB RAM
| What Like | We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Fantastic display | Webcam placement is awkward and quality is lacking |
| Good cooling system | |
| Mechanical keyboard is a plus |
Best Budget Gaming Laptops in 2024: A Closer Look
OMEN Transcend Gaming Laptop 14
This ultra-thin wonder packs a punch, making it ideal for portable gamers seeking power and style. The 2.8K 120Hz OLED display delivers stunning visuals with vibrant colors and lightning-fast responsiveness, while the Intel® Core™ i7-1555H and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 Laptop GPU combo tackles demanding games and tasks effortlessly. Plus, the long-lasting battery keeps you fueled for extended adventures. While it might be pricier than other budget options and lacks extensive upgradability, the OMEN Transcend offers a premium experience that’s hard to beat in its weight class.
- Processor: Up to Intel® Core™ i7-1555H
- Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 Laptop GPU (6 GB)
- RAM: 16 GB DDR5
- Storage: 512 GB PCIe® NVMe™ TLC M.2 SSD
- Display: 2.8K 120Hz OLED
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16
This 16-inch beast offers an immersive experience at a surprisingly affordable price. The 165Hz refresh rate display ensures smooth gameplay, while the Intel® Core™ i5-13500HX processor and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 Laptop GPU handle 1080p gaming admirably. With a generous selection of ports and a bright display, the Helios Neo 16 excels as a desktop replacement. However, keep in mind its hefty weight and average battery life, and the speakers could be better.
- Processor: Intel® Core™ i5-13500HX
- Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 Laptop GPU (6 GB)
- RAM: 16 GB DDR5
- Storage: 512 GB PCIe® NVMe™ TLC M.2 SSD
- Display: 16″ Full HD (1920×1080) 165Hz IPS
| What Like | We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| The keyboard is well laid out | Plastic body |
| Decent specs for the price | |
| Bright 16inch display |
Victus by HP Gaming Laptop 16
The Victus by HP delivers the latest technology at a budget-friendly price. The 14th Gen Intel® Core™ processor and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 Laptop GPU ensure smooth performance, while optimization features automatically boost it during gameplay. The backlit keyboard adds a touch of style, and DDR5 memory keeps things snappy. However, the 60Hz display refresh rate might feel limiting for some, and upgradeability options are restricted.
- Processor: 14th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-14450HX
- Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 Laptop GPU (6 GB)
- RAM: 16 GB DDR5
- Storage: 512 GB PCIe® NVMe™ TLC M.2 SSD
- Display: 16″ Full HD (1920×1080) 60Hz IPS
| What Like | We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Excellent specs for price | Build quality is lacking but ok for the price |
| Large display | |
| Quality sound system |
Why Opt for These Versatile Laptops?
These laptops strike a perfect balance between power and affordability, seamlessly handling a wide range of games and tasks. With a blend of high-quality displays, fast refresh rates, and portability, they cater to diverse gaming preferences. Additionally, some models support RAM and storage upgrades, enhancing their longevity and versatility.
What should I consider before buying a gaming laptop?
When selecting a gaming laptop, it’s essential to prioritize certain features to ensure an optimal gaming experience.
1. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
GPU is like the engine behind all the cool graphics and smooth gameplay. If you’re playing in 1080p resolution, aim for GPUs like the NVIDIA RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600XT for really good performance. If you want even sharper graphics in 1440p, go for something like the RTX 3070 or RX 6700XT. And if you’re into virtual reality, make sure your GPU is labeled “VR Ready” so you can dive into those virtual worlds without any issues
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
CPU is like the brain of the laptop. Look for models with high-performance CPUs like the Intel Core i7-12700H or AMD Ryzen 7 6800H to handle demanding games and multitasking efficiently.
3. Random Access Memory (RAM)
Aim for at least 16GB of RAM for smooth multitasking and gaming performance. Consider upgrading to 32GB for future-proofing.
4. Display
When it comes to the display, look for a refresh rate of at least 144Hz for smooth visuals, and try to get an IPS panel for better colors and viewing angles.
5. Storage
A 512GB SSD is a good starting point, but if you have the option, go for a 1TB SSD for more space to store all your games and files.
6. Cooling System
When choosing a laptop, it’s important to prioritize models with effective cooling systems. Whether they offer manual fan speed control or not, ensuring good airflow is crucial.
7. Battery Life and Performance
Many gaming laptops are designed to be plugged in for extended periods without fear of battery degradation. Look for models with built-in features that maintain battery health even when continuously connected to power, ensuring peak performance levels.
For dedicated gaming, consider opting for the AMD 6700 series laptops as they offer enhanced VRAM and superior raw performance. Typically, NVIDIA graphics cards have lower VRAM capacities. VRAM, or graphic card memory, plays a crucial role in gaming, especially for running games on ultra settings without VRAM constraints. By weighing these factors, you can select a gaming laptop tailored to your needs, ensuring optimal performance and durability.
Round up
This review guide of the best gaming laptops under $2000 offers a diverse range of options tailored to meet the needs of every gamer. From powerhouse performance to sleek portability, these laptops redefine the gaming experience, providing unmatched immersion and performance. By considering key factors such as GPU, CPU, RAM, display, storage, cooling systems, and battery life, gamers can make informed decisions and find the perfect gaming companion for their needs. With these exceptional laptops, the world of gaming is at your fingertips, ready to be explored with confidence and excitement.