Modern-day laptops are no longer viewed as all-purpose gadgets. Instead, the latest iterations of laptops are meticulously crafted with specific uses in mind, whether it be the latest gaming titles or conducting critical business operations.
The best gaming laptops under $2,000 in 2023
We present to you a compilation of five top-tier gaming laptops that have distinctive strengths and weaknesses within this price bracket. In our comprehensive review, we delve into the essential features and technical specifications you ought to be aware of, such as the graphics processing unit (GPU), central processing unit (CPU), random-access memory (RAM), disk storage, screen display, and ergonomic design, to assist you in determining the optimal option that caters to your preferences. If you’re unconcerned about the price range and desire to survey the most exceptional gaming laptop platforms spanning all price points, we recommend browsing through our ultimate gaming laptop page.
Top Best Gaming Laptop Under $2000 – In-depth
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1. GIGABYTE CUK AORUS 15G (RTX 3080)
Price: $1602
We’ve compiled a list of gaming laptops, and the Gigabyte CUK AORUS 15G Gamer Notebook stands out with its impressive Nvidia 3080 Max-Q graphics card and Intel Core i7-10870H processor. This combo is a powerful one that can handle most games even when running at maximum settings. It comes with 32GB of RAM, which allows for multitasking during gaming or when using it for work purposes. Its sizable 1TB SSD storage capacity is another noteworthy feature.
The display of this laptop has a maximum refresh rate of 240Hz, which is great for competitive gaming. For less demanding games, lowering the settings can help achieve a frame rate of up to 240FPS. While the color gamut is good enough for gaming, it’s not suitable for color-based workstation tasks. The display isn’t as vibrant as those of other brands such as Razer and Alienware, but it’s still decent.
Although the laptop’s design is not the most attractive we’ve seen, its reserved look makes it suitable for use in an office setting. However, the loud fan noise might be a deal-breaker for some. The battery life is good enough, but it’s not as great as the RTX 3070 Max-Q version since the more powerful GPU drains the battery more quickly. It can last around 3.5+ hours for demanding non-gaming usage and up to about 7 hours for less strenuous work in battery-saver mode. The trackpad is excellent, and it comes with a built-in fingerprint scanner. The full-size mechanical-like keyboard is a bit plasticky, but it still provides a good typing experience.
One drawback of this laptop is that the webcam is placed under the chin, which can be an irritation for some users. It also lacks a Thunderbolt port, which might be a turn-off for some people. The fan noise can be loud at times, even in battery saver mode. However, the laptop does run relatively cool, given its powerful components. The most significant disadvantage is the absence of G-Sync support, which increases the likelihood of screen tearing. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a high-performance laptop, the GPU and CPU are what you’re paying for, and at this price range, there isn’t a better option available.
2. Razer Blade 15 (2021) 1440p 165Hz
CPU: Up to Core i9 13800H
GPU: Up to RTX 4070
RAM: Up to 32GB DDR5
Storage: Up to 1TB SS
Battery: 80Wh
Weight: 4.40lbs
BEST FOR
+ Excellent build quality
+ Wide range of CPU/GPU options
+ Excellent webcam and ports
+ Strong gaming performance
+ Great battery life
AVOID FOR
– Trackpad can be awkward
– High starting price, even higher as tested
The Razer Blade 15 is equipped with a 1440p resolution screen, which may be considered excessive for a 15-inch laptop, but it offers a stunning visual experience. The 165Hz refresh rate of the display is not the highest among the laptops on this list, but it is still impressive and worth the trade-off for the higher resolution. The color reproduction and brightness of the screen are excellent, as is typical of Razer Blade laptops, and it is suitable for color-accurate workstation tasks within the sRGB range.
The combination of the Intel Core i7-10750H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q make this laptop a powerful gaming machine that can push less demanding games to the 165FPS mark with some tweaking of the settings. However, the laptop only comes with 16GB of RAM, which is adequate but not ideal, and the 512GB SSD is not sufficient for today’s games. Both of these features can be upgraded by opening the back of the laptop, but this will void the warranty.
In terms of design, the Razer Blade is thin and visually appealing, with a great selection of ports and sockets, including Thunderbolt support. The battery life is decent, lasting a few hours under strenuous non-gaming use, which is not the best but still acceptable. Overall, it is a quality laptop.
Read our full Razer Blade 15 review
3. GIGABYTE AORUS 15G XC-8US2430SH
Gigabyte’s CUK AORUS 15G laptop is currently available for less than $1,800, which is an excellent deal for its features. Its graphics processing unit (GPU) is one of NVIDIA’s newest GeForce RTX 3070 cards, and its processor is the highly powerful Intel Core i7-10870H, which is the most potent central processing unit (CPU) on this particular page. These components can handle most games in 2021 at decent frame rates per second (FPS).
For gamers who prioritize the most liquid and fast gameplay, the 240Hz screen is more than sufficient, especially for competitive online games such as CS: GO, Overwatch, or Fortnite. Players should be able to achieve the 240FPS necessary to make the most out of this screen. It’s worth noting, however, that the device is not G-Sync compatible, and as a result, some users may experience occasional screen tearing compared to other machines. While the IGZO display’s color reproduction is excellent for gaming, its gamut and accuracy are insufficient for color-centric workstation tasks, despite the machine’s power, particularly with its 32GB of RAM.
Like the more expensive version listed above, this laptop’s inputs are excellent. The touchpad is responsive and features a fingerprint scanner in the corner. The full-size mechanical-like keyboard (not a true mechanical keyboard) is an uncommon feature and a joy to type on, although the keys feel somewhat cheap. The laptop’s webcam is positioned beneath the screen, resulting in unflattering under-the-chin viewing angles, although this may not be significant to some. The ports and sockets are generally sufficient, including an SD card reader, but regrettably, there is no Thunderbolt support.
The machine’s battery life is above average, and you can expect to get at least four hours of strenuous non-gaming tasks and up to eight hours of undemanding work in battery-saver mode. Although the laptop isn’t the thinnest, it’s relatively light. The fans are relatively noisy, but this keeps the laptop running at a cool temperature.
The laptop’s most significant drawback is the limited 512GB SSD, which many users may consider upgrading or adding to using the available slot. Nevertheless, overall, it is a fantastic laptop for the price.
4. Alienware M15 R4 FHD Gaming Laptop With RTX 3070
Price: $2149
The Alienware m15 R4 laptop boasts an impressive 300Hz refresh rate display, which is a unique feature in gaming laptops. However, there is a debate as to whether this high refresh rate is actually worth the cost, considering the other components on the machine. The Intel Core i7-10870H CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q GPU are both powerful, but even the laptop versions of the 2080 Ti and RTX 3080 would struggle to reach 300 FPS on most recent games, even with settings tweaked down. Nonetheless, if you play less demanding games on lower settings and require that extra FPS, this feature could give you an edge.
The display of the laptop is of premium quality, with an exceptionally wide color gamut, displaying 211% of the sRGB spectrum, and accuracy. However, if you prefer higher resolution, you might want to look elsewhere.
The laptop comes with 16GB of RAM, which is adequate for most users, but upgrading to 32GB may be necessary for some. The 1TB SSD is respectable, but you can add another SSD if required. The battery life is a significant weakness, lasting for approximately 1 hour under strenuous use, and around 2.5 hours in battery saver mode for general web browsing. The fan noise is loud, but typical of gaming laptops. The surface of the laptop can also get warm under extended use, although not the hottest seen in laptops.
The build quality of the laptop is exceptional, with a sleek design and a high-quality membrane keyboard and touchpad. It is also quite portable due to its slimline design. Overall, the Alienware m15 R4 laptop is a terrific and elegant machine, but its high price and the trade-offs between its features may not suit everyone.
5. Razer Blade Pro 17 Gaming Laptop (2019) With 2080 Max-Q
Price: $2933
The Razer Blade Pro 17-inch 2019 version is another high-quality gaming laptop with excellent color gamut and accuracy, making it great for color-focused workstation tasks as well. The larger screen size is also a bonus, but some may prefer a higher resolution than the 1080p display. The 1440p version is available but at a higher cost.
The display on this laptop has a refresh rate of up to 240Hz, making it ideal for fast-paced competitive gaming. The laptop is equipped with an older series GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q graphics card and an Intel Core i7-9750H CPU, which are still powerful enough to run most games at decent settings, but they may not be able to achieve the highest FPS on more demanding games.
The laptop comes with 16GB of RAM, which is adequate for gaming, but upgrading to 32GB is recommended for those using it for workstation tasks. The 512GB SSD is a bit disappointing, but it can be upgraded or paired with an additional drive at the cost of voiding the warranty.
The Razer Blade Pro 17-inch 2019 version is thin and portable, with a sleek design and a good-quality keyboard and touchpad. It also has a good selection of ports, including Thunderbolt support. Overall, it is a great 17-inch option for this price point.
6. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15
Price: $1849
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 is one of the best gaming laptops under $2000. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 9 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. The laptop also features a 15.6-inch 144Hz IPS-level display, which provides excellent visuals.
Read our full ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 review
7. MSI GS66 Stealth
The MSI GS66 Stealth is a slim and lightweight gaming laptop that packs a punch. It features an Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. The laptop also features a 15.6-inch 1080p display with a 240Hz refresh rate.
Price: $1399
8. HP Omen 15
The HP Omen 15 is another great gaming laptop that offers excellent value for money. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. The laptop also features a 15.6-inch 1080p display with a 144Hz refresh rate.
Price: $1379
Gaming Laptop Under $2000: Comparison Table
| Laptop | Processor | Graphics | RAM | Storage | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 | AMD Ryzen 9 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 | 16GB | 1TB SSD | 15.6-inch 144Hz IPS |
| Alienware m15 R4 | Intel Core i7 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 | 16GB | 512GB SSD | 15.6-inch 1080p 144Hz |
| MSI GS66 Stealth | Intel Core i7 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 | 16GB | 1TB SSD | 15.6-inch 1080p 240Hz |
| Razer Blade 15 | Intel Core i7 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 | 16GB | 512GB SSD | 15.6-inch 1080p 144Hz |
| HP Omen 15 | AMD Ryzen 7 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 | 16GB | 512GB SSD | 15.6-inch 1080p 144Hz |
Things to consider when buying a gaming laptop under $2,000
Before making a purchase of a gaming laptop around $2,000, there are some things to keep in mind to ensure you are getting the most bang for your buck.
Firstly, consider the graphics card – this is one of the most important components when it comes to gaming performance. Aim for a laptop with at least an NVIDIA RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6700M graphics card for solid gaming performance.
Secondly, the CPU is also important. Look for at least an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor for optimal gaming and multitasking performance.
Thirdly, consider the display. Aim for at least a 144Hz refresh rate and a color gamut coverage of over 90% sRGB for an enjoyable gaming and viewing experience. If you plan to use the laptop for color-focused work, such as photo or video editing, aim for a wider color gamut coverage.
Fourthly, take note of the amount and type of storage. Look for a laptop with at least a 512GB SSD for speedy load times and consider upgrading the storage if necessary.
Lastly, keep in mind the overall build quality and design of the laptop. Ensure that the laptop has adequate cooling to prevent overheating and has a sturdy build for durability. Also consider factors such as portability, keyboard quality, and the availability of ports.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a gaming laptop for around $2,000.
Is the best gaming laptop under 2000 USD worth buying?
Above the price point of one thousand dollars, gaming laptops begin to truly earn their title, being capable of running the latest and most demanding games, albeit not necessarily at their highest settings. When one reaches the price point of two thousand dollars, a gaming laptop can be confidently expected to play the newest AAA games on higher graphical settings. However, pushing these settings to their absolute limit may result in less-than-optimal frame rates, an unfortunate consequence of gaming on a laptop rather than a desktop PC.
1080p vs 1440p Gaming Laptops
Although 1440p screens will in the coming years become the new standard, currently 1080p remains king for most gamers. Competitive, fast-paced gamers tend to opt for 1080p in order to maximize the performance of their machine in FPS (Frames Per Second) terms. Even if this isn’t your area of interest, the amount of subjective benefit a 1440p screen brings when limited to a 15” screen size is debatable – it’s noticeable, but is it worth it? For 17-inch screens and above 1440p displays do begin to come into their own, however, although you may have to pay slightly more than $2,000 to get a display that size, at that resolution, with components that can make the most of it. Have a gander at our Best Gaming Laptops in 2022 guide for our overall best 1440p laptop recommendation.
4K Gaming Laptops
While there are 4K gaming laptops that exist under the $2,000 price point, none of them made the cut for this particular list. Currently, the sacrifice a gamer has to make in other areas to obtain one for less than $2,000 is too significant to justify the purchase. In general, for anything below 17 inches, a powerful GPU or CPU holds more weight than the benefit of having a 4K screen for a gamer. Furthermore, even if you were to opt for a 17-inch or larger display laptop with 4K resolution, it is unlikely that the machine will be powerful enough to handle any reasonably demanding game at high FPS, at least not in 2022. If a 4K gaming machine is a must-have, it’s advised to increase the budget and refer to our Best Gaming Laptops in 2022 guide for our recommendation in that category.
Workstation Use And Color Replication
With a budget of $2,000, it’s possible to acquire a laptop with an accurate color gamut for color-critical workstation duties, which may be restricted in lower-priced models. A dual-purpose workstation and gaming laptop is also achievable at this level, especially with more potent hardware, although the extent of the feasibility may vary depending on the specific machine.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best gaming laptop under $2000, you can’t go wrong with any of the above options. All of these laptops offer excellent performance, graphics, and features, making them perfect for gaming enthusiasts. Before making your final decision, make sure to consider the key features we discussed earlier, such as processor, graphics, RAM, storage, and display. By doing so, you can ensure that you get the best value for your money.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
What is the best gaming laptop under $2000?
There are several excellent options to choose from, including the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15, Alienware m15 R4, MSI GS66 Stealth, Razer Blade 15, and HP Omen 15.
What is the ideal amount of RAM for a gaming laptop?
For optimal performance, look for a laptop with at least 16GB of RAM.
What is the best graphics card for a gaming laptop?
Look for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card, such as NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon.
Can gaming laptops be used for other purposes besides gaming?
Yes, gaming laptops can be used for other purposes, such as video editing, graphic design, and programming.
Do gaming laptops have a shorter lifespan than regular laptops?
No, gaming laptops typically have the same lifespan as regular laptops, as long as they are well-maintained and not overheated.
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology, and handing out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware. He's written about gaming hardware and comparison according to speed, performance, price, battery life, and others by using a new research technique.