In case you are interested in purchasing a new gaming laptop under $2000 and seeking worthy recommendations, then you have come to the right place.
Gaming laptops priced slightly under $2000 are powerful enough to handle every demanding game, without lags or stutters.
So, We have handpicked a few gaming laptops under 2000 dollars which have been recently launched in the last 2 years and tested based upon our few criteria like Speed, Performance, Configurations and usability. Out of them only 10 machines passed the test.
So in this post, We are going to review all ten of them to help you decide which one you should go for.
Although there are quite a few good sub-$2000 gaming laptops to choose from, it eventually comes down to the featured GPU, complementing processor, and a relevant gaming friendly display. While the new GTX 16-series GPUs deserve all your attention, We would always recommend the RTX 20-series cards, if available, for best gaming experience. As the processor deciphers complex gaming logic and diverse NPCs, a powerful, multi-threaded CPU is what you should consider.
Besides that, a sizable display is equally important to look for, preferably with a refresh rate of 120Hz or more. While higher screen refresh rates readily improve the gaming experiences, you should also try and put your hands on the G sync technology, if and when possible, to keep screen tearing at bay.
Besides these important gaming considerations, you must carefully look at the best secondary gaming attributes like the existing system memory, with 8GB being the bare minimum, followed by the nature, speed, and type of the storage module.
Ranked #1 – Editor’s Pick
Asus ROG Strix Scar III gaming laptop features right at the top of our list, courtesy of its gaming friendly feature sets. While there are several other gaming laptops from MSI and Acer with bigger screens, the 15.6-inch display associated with the Strix Scar III is exceptionally vibrant and makes way for an enhanced screen refresh rate of up to 240Hz.
Then again, you can expect a decent storage support on the Asus Rog Strix laptop followed by the inclusion of the path-breaking GeForce RTX 2070 GPU, boasting of Ray Tracing and DLSS support. Admittedly, this gaming laptop from Asus is perfectly balanced and even ensures a decent battery backup, class-leading music output, and cooling innovation, all under 2000 dollars.
Product Name | Processor Speed | Screen Size | Battery Life | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 | 4.5GHz | 15.6 inch | 7 Hours | Check Price |
MSI GS65 Stealth 007 | 4.1GHz | 15.6 inch | 8 Hours | Check Price |
HP Omen 15 | 4.1 GHz | 15.6 inch | 5 Hours | Check Price |
Asus ROG Zephyrus S | 4.1GHz | 15.6 inch | 4 Hours | Check Price |
MSI GL65 Leopard | 5.0GHz | 15.6 inch | 7 Hours | Check Price |
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 | 5.1 GHz | 15.6 inch | 8 Hours | Check Price |
Alienware M15 | 4.5 GHz | 15.6 inch | 8 Hours | Check Price |
Razer Blade 15 | 5. 0GHz | 15.6 inch | 7 Hours | Check Price |
Dell G7 17 | 4. 5 GHz | 17.3 inch | 8 Hours | Check Price |
Acer Predator Triton 500 | 4. 5GHz | 15.6 inch | 6 Hours | Check Price |
10 Best Gaming Laptop under $2000
1. Asus ROG Strix Scar 15
PROS
- Nifty intel core i9 CPU
- Fast SSD unit
- Responsive display
- Top-of-the-line GPU
- Brilliant cooling tech
CONS
- No Thunderbolt 3
- Processor: Intel Core i9 10980HK
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- OS: Windows 10 Home
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080)
- Battery Life: Up to 7-Hours
- Weight: 5.67 lbs
Detailed Review
The ROG Strix Scar 15 is all about gaming perfection, courtesy of the core i9 10980HK. The Intel-tagged intel core CPU boasts of HyperThreading capabilities and the Turbo Boost technology for processing every complex gaming logic in the best possible way. The GeForce RTX GPU is capable of running demanding gaming titles like Battlefield V and Control, hitting decent fps. Games that use Ray-Tracing support are also possible to indulge in. The 8GB Video RAM handles gaming textures with precision.
The memory allocation is exhaustive enough with Asus making way for 16GB RAM and an ultrafast SSD with 1TB of space. A good thing about this gaming laptop is the memory upgradeability support. The Full HD display looks adequately bright with the 240Hz refresh rate eliminating frame drops, completely.
The backlit keyboard steals the show, clubbed with brilliant acoustics, and a host of essential ports, namely USB Type-C with Mini DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0b, and more. Asus also brings in the intelligent cooling technology that can easily make the heads roll. The 7-hour battery life on this sub- 2000 dollar device is still above-par for a mean gaming machine.
2. MSI GS65 Stealth 007
PROS
- Exceptional gaming conglomerate
- Long-lasting battery
- Sleek gaming laptop
- Class-leading Graphics Processing Unit
- Fast SSD
CONS
- Lack of requisite storage
- Processor: Intel Core i7 8750H
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- RAM: 16GB
- OS: Windows 10 Pro
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080)
- Battery Life: Up to 8-Hours
- Weight: 4.2 lbs
Detailed Review
If you have a penchant for high-end specifications but sans battery-centric trade-offs, the MSI GS65 Stealth 007 is the perfect gaming laptop to invest in. While this computing device features an 8th gen intel core i7 8750H CPU, it is still a capable processing ally. The NVidia GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card is worth investing in as it allows the gamer in you to indulge in mid-range and high-end MMORPG, MOBA, and FPS games, sans frame drops.
Moving further, MSI offers a single-channel RAM module, with 16GB added, right out of the box. MSI flaunts an underwhelming, 256 SSD module that is restrictive yet ultrafast. The IPS screen is sharp and flaunts full HD resolution. Besides gaming, you can also indulge in creative tasks with the 72 percent NTSC color gamut to show for.
Th structural innovation precedes the laptops gaming prowess, courtesy of the backlit keyboard that is bolstered by the Per-Key lighting support. Despite the competitive hardware, this gaming laptop only weighs 4.2lbs. Connectivity is never an issue with Thunderbolt 3, Killer Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Type-C ports, and other specs added into the mix.
The long-lasting battery is the best feature associated with this gaming laptop, capable of lasting for almost 8 hours, at a stretch.
3. HP Omen 15
PROS
- NVMe-supported SSD
- Light-weighted gaming laptop
- Stellar display
- A massive chunk of RAM
- High-end NVidia GeForce RTX GPU
CONS
- Heating issues
- No Thunderbolt 3
- Processor: Intel Core i7 8750H
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
- RAM: 32GB
- OS: Windows 10 Home
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080)
- Battery Life: Up to 5-Hours
- Weight: 5 lbs
Detailed Review
Satiating the gamer within is never easy but for the sleek Omen 15 by HP. Primarily termed as a gaming laptop, this device also has a lot to offer in the professional department, courtesy of an exceptional chipset.
The 8th gen intel core i7 8750H processor does a majority of heavy lifting but offloads certain tasks to the powerful NVidia GeForce GTX 1070 GPU. Admittedly, the featured graphics card is an asset to the creatives and high-end gamers, courtesy of the 8GB VRAM, and the power-efficient Max Q technology for keeping the heat generation to its lowest.
In case you seek multitasking meat, the 32GB RAM comes across a wonderful addition. Storing games, files, and even the operating system is hardly an issue with the 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD at work. This gaming laptop that leaves no stone unturned when it comes to the display clarity. Other relevant display-centric features include anti-glare support and a gamer-friendly, 144Hz refresh rate.
The inclusion of G-Sync plays an important role in unearthing newer gaming possibilities sans zero screen tearing. HP Omen 15 keeps adding more to the table, including powerful speakers, a backlit keyboard, and a diverse array of outputs in USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB-C, and more. The battery isn’t its strongest suit and only musters 5 hours, at once.
4. Asus ROG Zephyrus S
PROS
- Sleek laptop
- Top-notch keyboard
- Excellent display
- Class-leading graphics card
- Powerful Intel Core i7 8750H
CONS
- No Thunderbolt 3
- Underwhelming power backup
- Processor: Intel Core i7 8750H
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- RAM: 16GB
- OS: Windows 10
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080)
- Battery Life: Up to 4-Hours
- Weight: 4.6 lbs
Detailed Review
If you are looking for a light and durable gaming laptop under 2000 dollars, the ROG Zephyrus S from Asus is the best laptop to consider, courtesy of a minimal heft and sleekest possible design.
The processing performances are above-par, courtesy of the 8th gen intel core i7 8750H chipset that boasts of a turbo clock speed of 4.1GHz. The existing chipset works in tandem with the NVidia GeForce RTX 2070 GPU that comes equipped with 8GB VRAM and Real-Time Ray Tracing support. Apart from gaming, the graphics card allows you to manage highly intricate professional activities like 3D modeling and video editing with utmost precision.
16GB of system memory offers decent multitasking support to this model whereas storage-centric needs are best addressed by the 512GB solid state module. The ultrafast storage unit is more than capable of speeding up the loading times. Not to mention the Windows 10 operating system that amplifies the user interface and ease of navigation.
The best gaming display is meant for high-end, smoothest possible gaming, courtesy of full HD resolution and a refresh rate of 144Hz. One of the better attributes in play includes the 3ms overdrive response time that helps eliminate ghosting and trailing during fast-paced action games.
The RGB keyboard comes with the Aura SYNC support and allows you to personalize diverse sections of the gadget, as per preferences. It is the ROG Intelligent cooling tech that stands out followed by a decent set of ports and connectivity schemes.
The battery life might be a deal-breaker and can only last for 3 to at most 4 hours, upon mixed usage.
5. MSI GL65 Leopard
PROS
- 10th gen intel core processor
- Wi-Fi 6
- NVMe-compatible SSD
- Top-of-the-Line GPU
- Brilliant Acoustics
CONS
- On the heavier side
- Processor: Intel Core i7-10750H
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
- RAM: 16GB
- OS: Windows 10 Home
- Display: 15.6 inch Full HD (1920×1080)
- Battery Life: Up to 7-Hours
- Weight: 5.7 lbs
Detailed Review
In case you search for the best gaming laptop under 2000, it might just be appropriate to consider the GL65 Leopard from MSI. Better termed as a gamers laptop, this piece of innovation flaunts the best ever 10th gen Intel core i7 9750H SoC. Besides the powerful gaming specific processor, with a turbo clock speed in the range of 5.0GHz, you also get the NVidia GeForce RTX GPU, capable enough of handling high-end gaming requirements with considerable ease.
With Windows 10 Home edition as the existing operating system, this gaming laptop is also user-friendly and supports professional productivity. Moreover, this laptop comes equipped with 16GB RAM that works in tandem with the 512GB SSD unit. The PCIe NVMe support adds to the speed of the storage module and ensures that the files, programs, and the OS load faster than expected.
This gaming laptop under 2000 is one of the best options in the market, featuring a full HD screen, and a dependable 144Hz screen refresh rate for smooth gaming experiences. Not to mention the 100 percent sRGB color gamut that satiates your creative indulgences. Next in line, you get the backlit, anti-ghost keyboard followed by a 7-hour backup.
Unlike the MSI GS65, the GL65 Leopard is on the heavier side at 5.7 lbs but makes up for this minor flaw with a brilliant cooling tech with Cooler Boost 5 at the helm. The port arrangement, including USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1, and more, is the best but the Wi-Fi 6 support ensures brilliant connectivity.
Overall, this is one of the few best gaming laptops under 2000 in the market that ticks off every box with substantiated precision.
6. Asus ROG Strix Scar 15
PROS
- Octa-Core, 10th gen chipset
- High-end NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 GPU
- Brilliant display
- Class-leading design
- 1TB Storage
- Wi-Fi 6
CONS
- No Thunderbolt 3
- Processor: Intel Core i7-10875H
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- RAM: 16GB
- OS: Windows 10 Home
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080)
- Battery Life: Up to 8-Hours
- Weight: 5.67 lbs
Detailed Review
Asus spices up the gaming experience with an insanely powerful laptop that relies on the Octa-Core intel core i7 processor. While the 10th gen, Comet Lake chipset can reach the highest possible clock speeds of up to 5.1GHz, it is ably assisted by the equipped NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super GPU. Admittedly, the supplied graphics processor performs better than the vanilla model, in case you are looking to play demanding games like the Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, hitting almost 94fps at ultra 1080p settings.
The Windows 10 powered gaming laptop is a multitasking beast courtesy of the 16GB RAM. Moreover, laptop gaming also gets a good rap with this device offering 1TB of storage space to rely on. The 1080p panel is nothing less than sharp. With such a powerful GPU to rely on, the exhibited 240Hz refresh rate seems more appropriate.
Moving ahead, you get an Asus ROG special gaming keyboard with Aura SYNC backlit support and other relatable specs. However, it is the intelligent cooling technology with liquid metal that validates our recommendation. When it comes to connectivity, you get USB 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 2.0b, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, Gig+ Ethernet port, Wi-Fi 6 support, and other functional slots and standards.
Asus ROG Strix 15 doesn’t let you down in the power department either, with an 8-hour of steady backup.
7. Alienware M15
PROS
- Best gaming intel core processor
- Vibrant 144hz display
- Keyboard with AlienFX RGB lighting
- Extremely thin and light
- A high-end graphics card
CONS
- No Thunderbolt 3
- Processor: Intel Core i7 9750H
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
- Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
- RAM: 16GB
- OS: Windows 10
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080)
- Battery Life: Up to 8-Hours
- Weight: 4.78 lbs
Detailed Review
The improved Alienware M15 is one of the best gaming laptops under 2000 dollars, provided you seek a decent set of features that is bested by the cooling technology on display.
The core i7 processor, hailing from the 9th gen of Intel H-series lineup, is capable of the heavy lifting with 6 cores to work with. It is the VR ready RTX 2060 chipset that adds to the credibility of the gaming laptop, courtesy of the RTRT and Smart DLSS operating support. Therefore, in addition to gaming, this gadget allows you to handle all sorts of creative and intricate professional tasks, with precision.
Coming to professional productivity, 16 gigs of system memory is more of an asset followed by the 512GB SSD that is fast enough to load the concerned operating system and demanding apps with ease. Alienware flaunts one of the best displays for the given price tag with the Full HD IPS panel equipped with anti-glare properties, 72 percent color gamut, and 144Hz refresh rate.
Other intuitive specs include a premium keyboard with backlit support, advanced Cryo-tech cooling, smooth touchpad, and the elusive Eye-tracking technology, courtesy of the responsive webcam. When it comes to ports, the USB-C, USB 3.0, HDMI, and other functional slots help pair data peripherals and display sans hiccups. The gadget also packs in a decent connectivity suite and a sizable battery to go with the same.
8. Razer Blade 15
PROS
- 10th gen SoC
- High-end RT supported GPU with Max-Q support
- Complete connectivity suite
- 144hz display
- Exceptional, ultra-thin design
CONS
- Shallow keyboard
- Processor: Intel Core i7 10750H
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
- Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
- RAM: 16GB
- OS: Windows 10
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080)
- Battery Life: Up to 7-Hours
- Weight: 4.19 lbs
Detailed Review
In case you are seeking a light-weighted gaming laptop that focuses a lot on aesthetics, the Razer Blade 15 is the gadget to go with. While the intel core i7 9750H processor readily amplifies the processing performances related to games and productive applications, the chipset is perfectly assisted by the fast-clocking, 16GB RAM.
Besides that, you get the NVidia GeForce RTX 2070 GPU with Max Q support and 8GB of integrated video RAM. The graphics processor, based on the NVIDIA Turing architecture comes with Ray-Tracing support and several CUDA cores for parallel processing. When it comes to storage, there is a 512GB SSD to work with.
The remarkable 1h display looks charming enough and ensures exceptional gaming performances. Razer doesn’t run short of ports and comes equipped with several innovative specs, featuring Thunderbolt 3, USB-A, Type-C, Gig Ethernet, and Wi-Fi 6.
The metal-clad, sleek structure stands out followed by a remarkable cooling technology. The brilliant workmanship extends beyond the precision touchpad, RGB keyboard, and amplified speakers, and a serviceable webcam. The battery, on the other hand, is pretty usable and capable of lasting for up to 7 hours.
9. Dell G7 17
PROS
- Fast processor
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 16-series GPU
- Dedicated UI
- Gig Ethernet connectivity
- Sizable 17.3 inch screen real-estate
CONS
- No Thunderbolt 3
- Heavy
- Processor: Intel Core i7 9750H
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- RAM: 16GB
- OS: Windows 10 Home
- Display: 17.3 inch Full HD (1920×1080)
- Battery Life: Up to 8-Hours
- Weight: 7.28 lbs
Detailed Review
In case you are inclined toward a 17.3 inch gaming laptop, the new Dell G7 ist the best gaming option on our list. For starters, you get a 9th gen processor to take care of the gaming logic, non-playing characters, and the environment. The Intel core i7- 9750H processor works in tandem with the 16GB RAM, clocking at a decent 2666MHz.
Dell brings the mid-range GTX 1660Ti graphics processor into the mix, boasting of Turing Architecture and ability to handle a majority of high-end and mid-range titles at 1080p ultra settings. The existing GPU is complemented by 6GB VRAM and makes way for a premium gaming performance, regardless of the title.. In case you need to store the games and other applications, the 512GB solid-state drive with NVMe support can be a handful.
Dell comes equipped with a 17.3 inch 1080p display, based on IPS technology. The extensive screen real-estate comes across as a perfect gaming ally followed by a backlit keyboard, USB 3.1 ports, Gig Ethernet connectivity, and integrated speakers.
This laptop is one of the best bets for smooth gaming, courtesy of the pre-existing, all rights reserved command center for selective resource allocation. The power module on this gaming laptop churns out 8 hours in general, upon mixed usage.
10. Acer Predator Triton 500
PROS
- Decent display
- 9th gen processor
- Amplified speakers
- Killer Wired and Wireless support
- Powerful GPU
CONS
- Lacks Thunderbolt 3
- Processor: Intel Core i7 9750H
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
- Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- RAM: 16GB
- OS: Windows 10 Home
- Display: 15.6 inch Full HD (1920×1080)
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours
- Weight: 4.63 lbs
Detailed Review
Acer Triton 500 is a gaming laptop worth drooling over, courtesy of an expansive specs sheet. While top-notch gaming performances are more than expected, with the intel core i7-9750H CPU with Turbo Clock speed of 4.5GHz at the helm, it is the RTX 2060 GPU that does a majority of heavy lifting. The graphics processing unit clubbed with 6GB RAM handles complex games like GTA V and Battlefield V with ease.
When it comes to memory allocation, there is 16GB RAM to work with. Unlike the Predator Helios, the Acer Predator Triton 500 offers a bigger chunk of storage memory, with the 512GB SSD to rely on. This gaming machine also brings forth an excellent display with the 15.6 inch Full HD screen at the helm. The 144 Hz rate followed by 3ms response time further amplifies gaming experiences.
This powerful gaming laptop also features a standard backlit keyboard and an out-of-the-box cooling technology that is presided over by a triple-fan layout. The AeroBlade 3D fan is one of the many premium additions to the list followed by VR readiness, Killer Wired, and Wireless connectivity standards. When it comes to ports, Acer features USB 3.1, USB-C, HDMI, and other innovative additions.
This laptop is extremely portable, courtesy of the light-weighted chassis, and a decent, 6-hour battery backup.
Are 2000 dollars good for a gaming laptop?
Yes, purchasing a laptop for gaming under the 2000 dollar mark is quite a prudent selection as you can get hold of the best possible features for this price. Although the RTX 2080 GPU might still elude you, expect stellar displays, decent chunks of system memory, and customized, rights reserved specs as shelled out by diverse OEMs.
Moreover, certain gaming laptops are priced slightly higher than the 2000 dollar mark and you can still avail the same online by pairing select discount coupons. However, you can always get hold of the best gaming laptops in case you are willing to shell out 2000 dollars for the same. You can increase a budget little and get your self a gaming laptop under $2500.
Are gaming laptops worth it in 2020?
Gaming laptops have never been more relevant. With a majority of people restricted indoors and social distancing being a glaring norm, the popularity of gaming laptops has skyrocketed in 2020. Moreover, gaming companies are launching newer games like the Death Stranding which in turn is increasing demands for future-proof gaming laptops.
What is the best gaming laptop in 2020?
As per tests conducted by our experts, we can readily state that nothing handles a new and demanding laptop game better than the Asus Rog Strix Scar III. While the intel core i7 is adequately equipped, it is the NVidia GeForce RTX 2070 GPU that allows you to play every intricate and resource-intensive game at the highest possible settings.
However, this gadget is closely followed by the Razer Blade 15, in case you are looking for a minimally flawed laptop. The Razer Blade 15 is probably the best looking laptop on our list sans any specs specific trade-offs.
What is the best gaming laptop under 1500?
Although we didn’t add it to our list, the Acer Predator Helios 300 is probably the best gaming laptop under 1500, in case you are only looking to spend 1500 dollars or less on your new machine. This Acer Predator Helios comes equipped with an intel core i7, 16 GB RAM, and the GeForce GTX 1660Ti GPU. However, as you are going down the price segment, the storage capacity gets restricted with the only 256GB to work with.
Final Words
While there are a host of gaming laptops to choose from, including the likes of Razer blade, Acer Predator, and the famed ROG Strix series, the final selection depends on your preferences related to display, battery life, connectivity, and budget. For instance, if you are specifically seeking 32GB RAM, the Omen 15 from HP is the best choice. Similarly, for 17-inch display lovers, the Dell G7 is the best gaming laptop to rely on. Last but not least, if you are looking for the most well-balanced gaming laptop preferably with NVidia GeForce RTX 2060 graphics or higher, consider the ROG Strix Scar III or the Razer Blade 115.