Finding the perfect gaming laptop on a $1,500 budget isn’t as hard as it used to be. Most laptop manufacturers now have a gaming line of notebooks designed specifically for enjoying today’s modern games. Check out these nine models that offer fantastic value for anyone who wants a portable gaming PC.
Best Overall
Sager NP7877DW Gaming Laptop (17.3-Inch Thin Bezel FHD)
Quick Specs
- Screen Size: 17.3″ Thin Bezel Full HD (1920x 1080), Wide View Angle Matte Display with 144Hz refresh rate
Power & Speed:
- Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10875H (8 core / 16 thread)
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDDR6
- Ram: 32GB DDR4
- SSD: 500GB PCIe NVMe SSD + 1TB (7200RPM) HDD
Other:
- Keyboard: Single Zone Multi-Color (15 Colors) illuminated full-size keyboard with a numeric pad.
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Multi-Color illuminated keyboard
Price: $1499 (See Latest Price)
Sager is a relatively unknown brand in the United States, but the Taiwanese laptop manufacturer offers the best bang for your buck in gaming laptops. For around $1,500 you get an NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 2060, which will run any modern game you throw at it. The build also features a generous 32GB RAM and is VR-ready.
It also comes with Intel’s new 10th Gen Core i7-10875H processor, which is the first Intel Mobile CPU that has surpassed 5.0 GHz clock speeds. It has 8 Core and hyperthreading, which gives up to 16 threads for heavy load tasks such as:
- 4k Video Editing
- Photography
- Smooth Gameplay
- 3D Modeling
- CAD
- Rendering
- Etc.
The only negative point of this laptop is the lack of a 4K display. Still, if you’re fine with 1080p gaming while on the go, then this Sager laptop provides the best bang for your buck. Best of all, Sager is a no bloatware manufacturer, meaning you won’t have to spend time uninstalling all that unnecessary software.
If 4K gaming and a larger hard drive are important, check out Sager’s other laptop models. These laptop models to run closer to $2,000 but still remain the best option for powerhouse specs at a decent price point.
CUK MSI GF65 Thin Gaming Laptop (15.6-Inch Thin Bezel FHD)
Quick Specs
- Screen Size: 15.6″ Full HD, Thin Bezel Display (1920 x 1080), 120Hz
Power & Speed:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-9750H, 6-Core Processor (12MB Cache, 2.6GHz-4.5GHz) 45W
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDDR6
- Ram: 32GB DDR4 2666MHz
- SSD: 1TB NVMe SSD
Other:
- Keyboard: Single Backlight with Anti-Ghost Key + Silver Lining
- Warranty: 3-Year CUK Limited Warranty
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home x64
Price: $1449 (See Latest Price)
Most Customization Options
MSI GL63 9SDK-614 15.6” Gaming Laptop
Quick Specs:
- 15.6″ Full HD IPS 1920 x 1080 display with 144Hz refresh rate
- 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750H 6-Core Processor (2.6 GHz)
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX1660Ti 6GB GDDR6 GPU
- 16GB DDR 2666MHz RAM (max 64GB)
- 256GB NVMe SSD + 1TB 7200RPM HDD
- SteelSeries per-key RGB keyboard
MSI has teamed up with SteelSeries to bring amazing customization to this gaming laptop. The internal specs are on par with the Sager laptop above, with a few crucial differences. This MSI laptop has a newer and more efficient processor, but it is one generation behind on its GPU.
While this laptop doesn’t offer NVIDIA’s latest and greatest GPU, the unique keyboard and extra hard drive space make it worth consideration. If you’re okay with paying about $100 over the $1,500 limit, you can get this laptop configuration with an RTX 2060 instead of the GTX 1660 Ti.
Best Budget Bundle
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR Edition Gaming Laptop
Quick Specs:
- 17.3″ Full HD Wide-View Display with 120Hz refresh rate
- 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8750H 6-Core Processor (up to 3.9 GHz)
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB GPU
- 16GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM
- 256GB M.2 SSD + 1TB FireCuda hybrid
- ROG Gladius II Gaming Mouse Included
Looking to get a good gaming laptop bundle that includes everything you need to get started without breaking the bank? This ASUS ROG Strix bundle offers a massive 17″ laptop and mouse for less than $1,000. The laptop features an entry-point GPU, and it is obvious ASUS cut a few corners to arrive at this price point.
The storage space is adequate, but the 1TB FireCuda hybrid drive isn’t the best choice. One point in favor of this laptop goes to the cooling features ASUS has introduced. The unique design forces dust and debris to exit the chassis instead of getting caught up inside. ASUS says the design offers 42.5% more airflow compared to other gaming laptops.
Best Thin & Light Gaming Laptop
Razer Blade 15 – 15.6″ Gaming Laptop
Quick Specs:
- 15.6″ Full HD Edge-to-Edge Display with 60Hz refresh rate
- 8th-Gen Intel Core i7-8750H 6-Core Processor (2.2 GHz)
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX1060 Max-Q Design
- 16GB DDR4 2667MHz, expandable to 32GB
- 128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
- Thin and light design inspired by the MacBook
If thin and light is your biggest concern for your gaming laptop, the Razer Blade is the best gaming laptop you’ll find. This model is not the most recent Razer Blade, which costs over $3,000 with all the bells and whistles. However, it is more than capable of playing modern games on the highest settings. The GTX 1060 video card even makes the laptop VR-ready.
The includes SSD is small compared to most gaming laptops on this list. The 1TB HDD only spins at 5400RPM, which will cause painfully slow loading screens. If you can swing a bit more cash, you can upgrade to a newer model of Razer Blade that features a 7200RPM HDD. Be aware that loading speeds will be a concern for any game not installed on the tiny SSD.
Some compromises are expected at this price point. Thankfully the Razer Blade is easy to open so that you can upgrade your RAM and HDD later on.
Best Gaming Laptop – AMD Processor
ASUS TUF Gaming Laptop 2019 Edition
Quick Specs:
- 15.6″ Full HD 1920 x 1080 IPS Display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Quad-core AMD Ryzen 7 3750H Processor
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 256GB NVMe SSD + 1TB HDD
- Durable MIL-STD-810 Military Standard Construction
The ASUS TUF series is designed to be a durable gaming laptop featuring AMD Ryzen processors. All of the gaming laptops on the list above this one feature Intel processors, which lends to the typically higher price. If you plan on taking your gaming laptop into tough conditions, this might be the perfect setup for you.
The TUF model features a MIL-STD-810G rated chassis, durable keyboard rated for 20 million keystrokes, and anti-dust fans. The keyboard is RGB and can be customized to suit your style. The Ryzen 7 3750H will handle any game you can throw at it on the highest settings. ASUS’ chassis design offers better design for keeping the internal components cool, too.
Best DIY Storage Gaming Laptop
Acer Predator Helios 300 15.6″ Gaming Laptop
Quick Specs:
- 15.6″ Full HD 1920 x 1080 IPS Display with 144Hz refresh rate
- 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8750H 6-Core Processor (up to 4.1GHz)
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB GDDR5 GPU
- 16GB DDR4 2666MHz DRAM
- 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD + extra slot for 2.5″ SSD
- Backlit keyboard and USB-C port
If you’re looking for a cheap, VR-ready gaming laptop, then look no further than this Acer Predator Helios 300. The laptop is not as powerful as some of the other gaming machines on the list, but here’s why it is worth your consideration. The 144Hz refresh rate IPS sRGB monitor is one of the best you can get in a gaming laptop. In addition, the included 256GB PCIe SSD should be plenty large enough to get started with gaming.
Also included in the Helios 300 is an extra 2.5″ slot for an SSD that can be installed at any time. The budget price of the laptop means you can splurge for a 2.5″ SSD of your choice and have more storage space than any other laptop configuration here. It’s an excellent option for DIY PC owners who like to upgrade components.
Best Gaming Laptop – Cheapest RTX 2060
Omen by HP 15-Inch Gaming Laptop 2019 Edition
Quick Specs:
- 15.6″ Full HD 1920 x 1080 IPS Display with 144Hz refresh rate
- 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8750H 6 Core Processor (2.2 GHz)
- NVIDIA RTX 2060 6GB GDDR6 GPU
- 16GB DDR4 2666MHz SDRAM (upgradeable 2 slots)
- 128GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD + 1TB 7200RPM SATA HDD
Want the latest generation of NVIDIA’s graphics cards without breaking the bank? The HP Omen 2019 line of gaming laptops features the latest generation GPU with no compromises. The 15.6″ laptop features an anti-glare 144Hz refresh rate screen. The included 16GB RAM will be more than enough to handle games, but it can be upgraded with two open slots.
HP was also generous with the included SATA HDD, offering a 7200RPM drive for better load times. Unfortunately, the included M.2 SSD drive is only 128GB, which is pretty paltry for a gaming laptop. However, this is the cheapest price you’ll find an RTX 2060 laptop so it may be worth upgrading later down the line. This laptop also features an RGB backlit keyboard that can be customized and 26-key rollover.
Best Gaming Laptop – Dell
Dell G7 15 2019 Edition
Quick Specs:
- 15.6″ Full HD 1920 x 1080 IPS Display
- 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8750H 6 Core Processor (2.2 GHz)
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDDR6
- 8GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM
- 128GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD + 1TB 2.5″ SATA HDD
This Dell G7 15 2019 Edition is practically the same as the HP Omen 2019 above with a few essential differences. Dell has cut corners in two key areas that make this laptop an okay choice, but not as good as the HP Omen above it. First, Dell opted for a 5400RPM SATA HDD, which will induce long loading times in games. Second, the laptop only features 8GB of RAM, which is a paltry amount for any gaming laptop.
Users who consider this laptop may want to upgrade the HDD and the RAM module, which adds to the price. The HP Omen ends up coming out ahead if you don’t want to worry about upgrades in the future.
Best Gaming Laptop – 17″ Laptop
ASUS ROG Strix Scar II Gaming Laptop
Quick Specs:
- 17.3″ Full HD 1920 x 1080 IPS Display with 144Hz refresh rate
- 8th Gen Intel Core i7 6-Core Processor (2.2GHz)
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060GB GDDR6 GPU
- 16GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM
- 512GB NVMe PCIe SSD
Want the best 17-inch gaming laptop that money can buy right now? Be sure to check out this ASUS ROG Strix Scar II in your hunt for the best laptop. The price is just a tad over our $1,500 budget, but it features absolutely no compromises in components or its build quality.
The 17.3-inch screen offers a 144Hz refresh rate with an ultra-fast 3ms response time. The RTX 2060 GPU is one of the best mobile GPUs available on the market and will handle any serious games you throw at it on the highest settings. ASUS also pays careful attention to cooling with their laptop models, helping them stay cool during serious gaming sessions.
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar II also features a keyboard with a gaming-optimized layout. The laptop has a larger space bar that is easier to hit, with four additional hotkeys with system controls. These keys are positioned above the WASD keys for easy access while gaming. The keyboard also has isolated arrow keys to help you avoid hitting neighboring keys.
Other Tips
If you’re having trouble deciding which laptop model you should buy, consider these quick tips.
* A smaller screen means better portability. If portability is a factor for you, you may not want to lug around a large 17-inch laptop. Some gaming laptops even come in 13″ sizes, but these tend to cost more than $1,500.
* Battery life should be an important consideration, too. Gaming laptops will not have all day battery life while gaming, but standard use should get you through a full day. Look for laptops that advertise at least 8 hours of battery life to avoid being chained to an outlet while out and about.
* Gaming laptops need to have Windows installed. You can play games on a MacBook, but your selection is much more limited. Save your Macbook for productivity purposes and focus on finding a good Windows gaming laptop.
* 2-in-1 screens are usually more hassle than they’re worth. Many gaming laptops are offering touch screens as a feature, but that means abandoning matte displays. Matte displays help cut down on glare and reduce eye strain during long gaming sessions.
* You’ll need at least an Intel Core i5 for gaming. All of the laptops on our list feature an Intel Core i7 or equivalent for the best performance. If you’re on a budget, you can get by with a Core i5 laptop, but you still need at least 8GB of RAM for gaming.
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