Best Gaming Laptops Under 2000: Top Picks for 2023‍

The best gaming laptops under $2000 are:

1. Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop
2. ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop
3. ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 Gaming Laptop
4. Alienware m15 R7 15.6" Gaming Laptop
5. LENOVO Legion 5 Pro 16" Gaming Laptop
6. MSI Stealth 15 15.6" FHD 144Hz Gaming Laptop
7. Acer 2023 Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop
8. HP 2022 OMEN 17.3" Gaming Laptop
9. MSI Raider GE68Hx 16" QHD+ Gaming Laptop
10. Acer Nitro 16 Gaming Laptop

As a staple in many gaming enthusiasts' lives, having a reliable and high-performance gaming laptop makes a significant difference in enjoying the gaming experience.

With an ever-growing market for gaming laptops, it can be challenging to navigate through the variety of options available. When it comes to picking the right gaming laptop under $2000, there are key factors that should be taken into consideration.

Gaming laptops combine portability with powerful performance, allowing gamers to indulge in their favorite titles on the go or in the comfort of their homes. These laptops are designed with dedicated graphics cards, high refresh rate displays, and powerful processors to provide an immersive gaming experience.

The specific product type discussed in this article is the best gaming laptops under $2000, which will help you maximize your gaming performance without breaking the bank.

When it comes to choosing the perfect gaming laptop, it's essential to consider factors such as the display, graphics card, processor, RAM, and storage.

These are critical elements that contribute to the overall gaming performance, which directly affects your enjoyment of the games you play. Balancing these factors with your budget is vital to ensure you get the best value for your money.

After spending numerous hours researching and testing various gaming laptops, I've compiled a list of the top contenders within the price range of $2000.

These laptops provide an optimal gaming experience and ease of use, making them the perfect companions for both casual and competitive gamers alike.

Let's dive in and explore the best gaming laptops under $2000 to help you make an informed decision on your next purchase.

Best Gaming Laptops Under $2000

I'm excited to share with you my top picks for the best gaming laptops under $2000. These powerful machines offer exceptional performance, stunning visuals, and fantastic features—all within a reasonable budget. So let's dive into the list and find the perfect one for you!

Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop

The Acer Nitro 17 is a solid choice for gamers looking for a powerful laptop under $2000, with an impressive display and top-notch performance.

Pros

• Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS Octa-Core CPU
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU for smooth gaming
• Stunning 17.3" FHD 165Hz IPS display

Cons

• May experience slower performance on battery power
• Cooling fans can get noisy during long gaming sessions
• Limited RGB customization options

Buy Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop on Amazon

I've recently had the chance to put the Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop through its paces, and I couldn't be more impressed by its performance. The AMD Ryzen 7 Octa-Core CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU work together to deliver a smooth gaming experience, and the 17.3" FHD display with a 165Hz refresh rate ensures my gaming sessions are fluid, unbroken, and unmatched.

The Nitro 17's cooling system is top-notch. It features a dual-fan, dual-intake, and quad-exhaust port design, which keeps the laptop cool during intense gaming sessions. However, I should warn you that the fans can get quite noisy, which can be distracting in quieter environments.

The backlit RGB keyboard on the Nitro 17 is fantastic for gaming in low light conditions, but I wish there were more customization options. I did appreciate the NitroSense Key, which allowed me to control the laptop's performance settings easily. The laptop also boasts plenty of connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 6E, a range of USB ports, and HDMI 2.1.

Unfortunately, I noticed that the Nitro 17's performance dropped when running on battery power alone. This may be a concern for gamers who want to maintain high performance during off-the-grid gaming sessions. To make the most out of this laptop, I recommend staying connected to a power source whenever possible.

In summary, the Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop is a powerful, feature-packed option for gamers seeking a laptop under $2000. Its stunning display, top-notch performance, and range of connectivity options make it a worthy investment. Just be prepared for the occasional noisy fan and to stay near a power source for optimal performance.

ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop

This ASUS ROG Strix G16 is an excellent gaming laptop with powerful features for a budget under $2000.

Pros

• High-performance Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU
• Fast DDR5 memory and PCIe 4x4 SSD storage
• Impressive cooling system with liquid metal and Tri-Fan Technology

Cons

• Potential coil whine issue
• Bulky design
• Laptop bag not included

Buy ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop on Amazon

I recently got my hands on the ASUS ROG Strix G16 gaming laptop and have been thoroughly impressed with its performance. The Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU provide a fantastic gaming experience. While playing, I noticed how smooth and responsive the system felt even during the most demanding games.

One feature that stood out to me is the DDR5 memory and PCIe 4x4 SSD storage. My games loaded quickly, and multitasking was a breeze. The FHD 165Hz display ensured that I never missed a moment of action, and the colors were vibrant and accurate.

The cooling system on this laptop is truly exceptional. The liquid metal on the CPU, combined with Tri-Fan Technology, helps to keep the system cool and running at optimal levels for extended gaming sessions. However, I did notice some coil whine, which might be an issue for those who are sensitive to noise.

The design is inspired by cyberpunk aesthetics, and the graffiti accents give it a unique touch. But, I found the laptop to be a bit bulky, which might not be everyone's preference. I was disappointed that the laptop didn't come with a bag since it can be challenging to find a suitable backpack for its dimensions.

In conclusion, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 is a powerful gaming laptop with an impressive performance under $2000. The cooling system, fast memory, and storage, along with the vibrant display, make this one with amazing laptop features an excellent choice for gamers. Just keep in mind the potential coil whine issue and its bulky design. If you're looking for a low budget laptop, check out this list of the best laptops under $200.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 Gaming Laptop

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is a powerful, sleek gaming laptop that I recommend due to its performance and design.

Pros

• Blazing-fast 13th Gen Intel 14-core i9 processor
• Crystal-clear 16" QHD+ IPS 240Hz display
• Massive 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB SSD storage

Cons

• Premium price, nearing the $2000 limit
• Possibility of heating issues during intense gaming sessions
• Limited port selection compared to other gaming laptops

Buy ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 on Amazon

Upon using the ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16, I was immediately impressed by its performance. The 13th Gen Intel 14-core i9 processor, combined with 32GB of DDR5 memory and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 8GB dedicated graphics card, allowed me to run my favorite games with ease. The 16" QHD+ IPS 240Hz display provided stunning visuals with smooth, fluid gameplay.

One thing that caught my attention was the sleek and elegant design of this laptop. It's relatively thin and lightweight for a gaming laptop, making it a great portable option. The backlit chiclet keyboard was comfortable to use, even during long gaming sessions, and I appreciated the addition of a 32GB MicroSD card in the package.

However, there were a few drawbacks to the ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 that I noticed during my time using it. Firstly, its price is quite high, being a high end gaming laptop, but the performance justifies the cost. During intense gaming sessions, I noticed the laptop was getting warm, which could be due to its compact design. I'd recommend using a cooling pad to prevent overheating. Additionally, the laptop has a limited port selection compared to other gaming laptops in its class.

In conclusion, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 offers a powerful gaming experience with its top-of-the-line processor, ample RAM and storage, and a stunning display. Despite a few drawbacks, I believe this laptop is a solid option for any serious gamer seeking a stylish, portable gaming machine under $2000.

Alienware m15 R7 15.6" Gaming Laptop

The Alienware m15 R7 is a solid choice for gamers seeking power and performance under $2000.

Pros

• Powerful AMD Ryzen 9 processor and RTX 3070Ti graphics
• Stunning QHD display at 240Hz refresh rate
• Dolby Atmos provides immersive audio experience

Cons

• Loud fan noise under heavy load
• Limited battery life during gaming
• Potential backlight bleed

Buy Alienware m15 R7 on Amazon

I recently got my hands on the Alienware m15 R7 and couldn't wait to push it to its gaming limits. The performance this gaming laptop delivers is impressive, with its AMD Ryzen 9 processor and RTX 3070Ti graphics card. Gaming felt buttery smooth, thanks to the QHD display and its 240Hz refresh rate. Fast-paced games looked crisp and vivid, allowing for an immersive experience.

Another remarkable feature of this Alienware laptop is Dolby Atmos, which provides a surreal audio experience. The sound characteristics truly added a new dimension to gaming, placing me right in the center of my favorite titles. The Alienware Cyro-tech cooling also did a decent job keeping things cool, but the fans became quite loud under heavy load.

On the downside, the battery life during gaming sessions was somewhat disappointing. It's best to keep this laptop plugged in for extended playtime. Additionally, I noticed some backlight bleed, which could be bothersome in darker environments or when watching dark scenes in movies.

Overall, the Alienware m15 R7 offers a powerful gaming experience under $2000, but be prepared to deal with the fan noise and battery life limitations. If those drawbacks aren't deal-breakers for you, it's an excellent choice for any serious gamer.

LENOVO Legion 5 Pro 16" Gaming Laptop

The LENOVO Legion 5 Pro is a fantastic gaming laptop under $2000, offering impressive performance and features that make it an excellent choice for both gamers and professionals.

Pros

• Excellent 16" QHD 165Hz display
• Powerful AMD Ryzen 9-6900HX processor
• Generous 64GB DDR5 RAM and 2TB PCIe SSD

Cons

• Slightly heavier than some alternatives: 5.49 lbs
• No dedicated macro keys
• Limited battery life during intense gaming sessions

Buy LENOVO Legion 5 Pro 16" Gaming Laptop on Amazon

I recently had the chance to test out the LENOVO Legion 5 Pro gaming laptop and was blown away by its incredible 16" QHD 165Hz display. From the vivid landscapes of open worlds to the adrenaline-pumping action of fast-paced gameplay, every visual element was enhanced with stunning clarity and vibrant colors. The wider field of view also gave me a competitive edge, allowing me to spot enemies and crucial details with ease.

The AMD Ryzen 9-6900HX processor in this laptop is a powerhouse, providing maximum high-efficiency performance that handles demanding tasks with ease. I was impressed by its capacity to run multiple applications simultaneously with lightning-fast responsiveness that kept me immersed in the experience. The generous storage provided by the 2TB PCIe SSD allowed me to access my extensive digital library effortlessly.

The laptop is slightly heavier than some alternatives at 5.49 lbs, but it didn't bother me too much. The 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard made working or gaming in low light settings a breeze, and the customization options allowed me to create my personalized style. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070Ti graphics card provided excellent image quality, making the laptop perfect for casual gaming, photo editing, and even content creation. However, I did notice that the battery life during intense gaming sessions could be better.

Overall, the LENOVO Legion 5 Pro is a fantastic gaming laptop under $2000, offering exceptional performance and features for both gamers and professionals. While its weight and battery life might be minor drawbacks for some, I believe the laptop's other impressive attributes make it a great choice for those in the market for a powerful gaming device.

MSI Stealth 15 15.6" FHD 144Hz Gaming Laptop

I recommend the MSI Stealth 15 for those looking for a powerful gaming laptop under $2000, thanks to its performance and sleek design.

Pros

• Excellent performance with 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13620H and RTX 4060
• 144Hz FHD display for smooth gameplay
• Cooler Boost Trinity+ for efficient cooling

Cons

• Speaker quality could be better
• Screen brightness may not be sufficient for some users
• Battery life may not be enough for extended gaming sessions

Buy MSI Stealth 15 on Amazon

I recently got the chance to give the MSI Stealth 15 a try, and I was impressed by the performance it delivered right out of the box. With an Intel Core i7-13620H processor and an RTX 4060 graphics card, I experienced lightning-fast performance and stunning visuals in my favorite games.

The 144Hz FHD display provided a smooth and immersive gaming experience, and overall, the laptop felt very responsive. The Cooler Boost Trinity+ technology kept the laptop cool even during intense gaming sessions, which is always a plus.

One thing I noticed was that the speakers on the Stealth 15 could be improved. The sound quality wasn't terrible, but it wasn't as impressive as I was hoping for. Also, some users might find the screen brightness to be a bit lacking, especially when using it in brightly lit environments.

Another potential downside I discovered was the battery life. While it wasn't terrible, I wouldn't recommend using this laptop for extended gaming sessions without being connected to a power source.

In conclusion, the MSI Stealth 15 is an excellent choice for those looking for a powerful gaming laptop under $2000. Despite some minor shortcomings, its performance and features make it a worthy addition to any gaming setup.

Acer 2023 Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop

The Acer Predator Helios 300 offers a fantastic gaming experience at an affordable price, delivering excellent performance and features, but with some room for improvement.

Pros

• Impressive performance with Intel Core i7-12700H and GeForce RTX 3070 Ti
• Stunning 15.6" 2K QHD 240Hz display
• 64GB DDR5 RAM and 2TB PCIe SSD for fast multitasking and ample storage

Cons

• On the heavier side at 5.51 pounds
• Battery life is limited, with just up to 6 hours of run time
• No memory card reader or optical drive

Buy Acer Predator Helios 300 on Amazon

Ever since I got my hands on this Acer Predator Helios 300, it has been exceeding my expectations in gaming performance. The Intel Core i7-12700H and GeForce RTX 3070 Ti pack a powerful punch, making it perfect for the most demanding games. The screen is truly a masterpiece, boasting a 15.6" 2K QHD 240Hz display that brings my games to life with vivid colors and smooth, blur-free visuals.

The laptop's 64GB DDR5 RAM ensures lag-free multitasking, while the 2TB PCIe SSD provides enough storage for all my games, apps, and files. I also appreciate the connectivity options available, like Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI 2.1, and Thunderbolt 4.

Unfortunately, the Acer Predator Helios 300 does have a few drawbacks. Its 5.51-pound weight makes it less portable than I would like, and it just doesn't last long enough on a single charge. I find myself searching for a power outlet after 6 hours of use. Additionally, the lack of a memory card reader and optical drive can be inconvenient, depending on your needs.

Overall, I still believe the Acer Predator Helios 300 is an amazing gaming laptop under $2000 that delivers solid performance and impressive features. Despite its cons, if you're in the market for a powerful gaming laptop that can handle the latest titles, the Acer Predator Helios 300 is well worth the rates and lets you play as many games as you want.

HP 2022 OMEN 17.3" Gaming Laptop

This high budget gaming laptop, is perfect for those who want top-notch performance under $2000.

Pros

• Powerful Intel Core i7-12700H processor
• Impressive NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti graphics
• Massive 64GB DDR5 RAM and 4TB PCIe SSD storage

Cons

• Slightly heavy
• Weak built-in speakers
• RGB backlit keyboard can turn off unexpectedly

Buy HP 2022 OMEN 17.3" Gaming Laptop on Amazon

I recently got my hands on the HP 2022 OMEN 17.3" Gaming Laptop, and I have to say, it's a fantastic gaming machine for anyone seeking a powerhouse under $2000. The Intel Core i7-12700H processor paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti graphics allows me to run the latest games with ease, providing an outstanding gaming experience.

The 64GB DDR5 RAM and 4TB PCIe SSD storage definitely stand out as major positives. I can smoothly run multiple programs and store a vast amount of games, files, and data without worrying about running out of space or losing speed. The laptop is also equipped with a crisp 17.3" QHD 165Hz display that boasts accurate colors and outstanding clarity.

However, there are a few flaws I noticed during my time with the laptop. First, it's slightly heavy at 6.15 lbs, which might be a bit cumbersome for those who value portability. Another drawback is the weak built-in speakers. The sound quality wasn't as great as I had hoped, so I often find myself using headphones or external speakers for a better audio experience. Lastly, the RGB backlit keyboard, although comfortable and accurate, sometimes turns off unexpectedly, which can be annoying.

In summary, the HP 2022 OMEN 17.3" Gaming Laptop provides a powerful gaming experience under $2000, with an impressive processor, graphics card, and generous memory and storage. Keep in mind that it's a bit heavy, and you might need to use external audio solutions and deal with the occasional keyboard hiccup. That being said, if you can look past these minor issues, the laptop is an excellent choice for any avid gamer.

MSI Raider GE68Hx 16" QHD+ Gaming Laptop

This gaming laptop offers powerful performance and immersive visuals, making it perfect for gamers and multitaskers.

Pros

• Powerful 13th Gen. Intel Core i9 processor
• Impressive NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU
• Stunning 16" 240Hz QHD+ display

Cons

• Expensive price point
• Heavier weight for portability
• Fans may be noisy under heavy loads

Buy "MSI Raider GE68Hx on Amazon

When I first unboxed my MSI Raider GE68Hx, I was captivated by its sleek and sturdy design. The black aluminum chassis looks both professional and aggressive, making it suitable for both gaming and multitasking sessions.

After setting up my laptop, I was immediately impressed by the power and efficiency of the Intel Core i9 processor. I could run multiple applications at once with ease, and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU made gaming a truly immersive experience. The ray tracing capabilities provided realistic lighting and reflections that took my breath away with every scene.

The 16" QHD+ display is another standout feature of the MSI Raider. The colors were vibrant, and the 240Hz refresh rate made everything look incredibly smooth, especially when playing fast-paced games. This laptop's display also supports a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, which ensures accurate colors and details in gameplay and other visual content.

One downside I noticed was that the laptop can be quite heavy for daily portability, and its fans can get noisy when under heavy loads. However, these drawbacks are negligible considering the laptop's amazing performance and visual capabilities.

With its powerful processing, immersive graphics, and stunning display, the MSI Raider GE68Hx is an excellent choice for gamers and creative professionals seeking a powerful gaming laptop under $2000. Though it may not be the lightest option, its performance more than makes up for it.

Acer Nitro 16 Gaming Laptop

In my experience, this laptop offers incredible power, stunning visuals, and excellent cooling, all under the budget of 2000.

Pros

• Impressive AMD Ryzen 9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU
• Crisp and fluid 16" WQXGA display with 165Hz refresh rate
• Next-gen cooling and customizable 4-zone RGB keyboard

Cons

• A bit on the heavier side at 5.95 pounds
• No optical drive
• Limited number of USB ports

Buy Acer Nitro 16 Gaming Laptop on Amazon

The Acer Nitro 16 impressed me from the moment I powered it on. The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS Octa-Core Processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU allowed me to play my favorite games smoothly, without any major hiccups. The performance from this combination of hardware is truly top-notch, especially for the budget-conscious gamer.

The 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) display with a 165Hz refresh rate provides an immersive gaming experience. I was able to see the finest details in every game I played, and the high refresh rate minimized ghosting in fast-paced scenes. The dual-fan, dual-intake, and quad-exhaust port cooling design kept the laptop running cool even during intense gaming sessions, and the liquid metal thermal grease made the cooling even more efficient.

Apart from gaming, the Acer Nitro 16's 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard allowed me to customize my gaming environment to my liking. The NitroSense software gave me control over fan speeds and other aspects of the laptop's performance, proving to be a valuable tool while multitasking. Wi-Fi 6E and Killer Ethernet ensure top-notch connectivity for online gaming, though I could've used a few more USB ports for my peripherals.

Overall, I believe the Acer Nitro 16 Gaming Laptop offers fantastic value for those seeking an affordable yet powerful gaming experience. Just keep in mind that it's slightly heavier than some competitors, and there is no optical drive. However, the performance, visuals, and cooling capabilities make it a top choice for gamers on a budget.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best gaming laptop under $2000, it's essential to consider several factors to ensure you make the right choice. Below are the key elements to keep in mind. Fortunately, most gaming laptops in this price bracket are high end and have great features.

Performance

The most critical aspect of any gaming laptop is its performance. Look for laptops with powerful processors, such as the latest-generation Intel Core i7 or i9, or AMD Ryzen processors. A laptop with a high-quality GPU, such as NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon, will enable you to play graphically demanding games smoothly.

RAM and Storage

For a seamless gaming experience, it's crucial to have enough RAM. I recommend at least 16GB RAM for a gaming laptop under $2000. Additionally, you'll need sufficient storage space for your games and other files. Look for laptops with a combination of fast SSD and larger HDD storage, or opt for a single large SSD for better speed and reliability.

Display

The display is also an important factor to consider. Ideally, you should look for a gaming laptop with a screen size of at least 15 inches, as this offers a more immersive gaming experience. In terms of resolution, a Full HD (1920 x 1080) screen should be the minimum requirement. Additionally, a higher refresh rate (120Hz, 144Hz, or even 240Hz) will provide smoother gameplay and reduced motion blur.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The keyboard and trackpad also play a role in your overall gaming experience. Look for a laptop with a comfortable, responsive keyboard and customizable backlighting, allowing you to game in dimly lit environments. While most gamers prefer using an external mouse, a precise and responsive trackpad is still essential for everyday tasks and occasional gaming sessions.

Portability and Battery Life

Lastly, consider the portability and battery life of the gaming laptop you're interested in. Though performance is vital, keep in mind that more powerful machines could be heavier and bulkier. If you plan to carry your laptop frequently, look for models that strike a balance between performance and portability. Additionally, a gaming laptop with good battery life will keep you going during long gaming sessions without having to worry about plugging in.

Keep these factors in mind, and you're on your way to finding the perfect gaming laptop under $2000. Happy gaming!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top gaming laptops under $2000 in 2023?

As a gaming enthusiast, I've researched quite a few laptops in this price range. Some of the best models in 2023 I've found include the Asus ROG Strix G15, Acer Predator Helios 300, and the MSI GL66 Pulse. These laptops all provide a fantastic combination to the gaming world- of performance, portability, and build quality.

Which gaming laptops offer the best performance for the price?

In my experience, the Asus TUF Dash F15 and the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro are excellent choices when it comes to performance for the price. Both of these laptops are packed with powerful hardware and offer a great gaming experience without breaking the bank.

What are some recommended 17-inch gaming laptops within budget?

If you prefer a larger screen, the HP OMEN 17 and the Dell G7 17 are two superb 17-inch gaming laptops under $2000. Both of these laptops come with a high refresh rate display, powerful graphics cards, and ample storage.

Which affordable gaming laptops are ideal for VR?

When it comes to affordable VR-ready gaming laptops, I have had great experiences with the MSI GL66 Pulse and the Acer Predator Triton 300. These laptops come with powerful GPUs that can handle VR gaming smoothly, ensuring an immersive experience.

Which laptops have the best components like the i9-13980HX and RTX 4070?

Laptops with high-end components can be expensive. However, I have found the Gigabyte AERO 15 OLED and MSI GE66 Raider to be solid choices that feature the i9-13980HX and RTX 4070. While these laptops might be just above the $2000 price range, they offer exceptional performance for gamers who want the latest and most powerful hardware.

What do Reddit users suggest for gaming laptops under $2000?

Reddit forums have been helpful during my search for gaming laptops in this price range. Lenogo Legion 5 Pro, Acer Predator Helios 300, and Asus ROG Strix G15 are all frequently praised by users on subreddits like r/GamingLaptops and r/SuggestALaptop. By visiting these communities and joining the discussions, you can find valuable recommendations based on personal experiences from fellow gamers.