6 Best Gaming Laptops Under $2000 (Tested and Reviewed)

6 Best Gaming Laptops Under $2000 (Tested and Reviewed)

Nusrat Tanji

Last Updated on September 24, 2023 by Arif Chowdhury

Are you in search of a gaming laptop that can effortlessly handle the latest games without putting a dent in your wallet? If that’s the case, rest assured you’re not alone in this pursuit. Read this guide, we will help you to find the best gaming laptops under $2000.

Gaming laptops have garnered increasing popularity and affordability, all thanks to the remarkable strides in technology and the vigorous competition within the market. These laptops bestow upon you a blend of portability, high performance, and adaptability that can significantly elevate both your gaming endeavors and overall productivity.

Here is a list of our selected 6 best gaming laptops under $2,000.

NameCPUGPURAMStorageDisplayBattery LifePriceRating
Asus TUF Dash 15Intel Core i7-12650HNvidia RTX 306016GB DDR4512GB SSD15.6-inch 1080p 144Hz8 hours (normal) / 4 hours (gaming)$1,699.994.5/5
Alienware x15 R1Intel Core i7-11800HNvidia RTX 306016GB DDR4512GB SSD15.6-inch 1080p 360Hz6 hours (normal) / 3 hours (gaming)$1,9994/5
ASUS ROG Strix G15Intel Core i7-10870HNvidia RTX 2070 Super16GB DDR4512GB SSD15.6-inch 1080p 144Hz7 hours (normal) / 3.5 hours (gaming)$1,7994/5
MSI GP66 LeopardIntel Core i7-10750HNvidia RTX 3070 Ti Laptop GPU16GB DDR41TB SSD15.6-inch FHD IPS-level Anti-glare Display (360Hz)5 hours (normal) /2 hours (gaming)$1,9994/5
Razer Blade Stealth 13Intel Core i7-1165G7Nvidia GeForce GTX1650 Ti Max-Q16GB LPDDR4X512GB SSD13.3-inch FHD IPS-level Anti-glare Display (120Hz)10 hours (normal) /5 hours (gaming)$1,7993.5/5
Acer Predator Helios 300Intel Core i7-10750HNvidia GeForce RTX206016GB DDR4512GB SSD15.6-inch FHD IPS-level Anti-glare Display (144Hz)6 hours (normal) /3 hours (gaming)$1,4993.5/5

Whether your aspirations revolve around indulging in top-tier gaming titles, streaming your gameplay for an eager audience, or delving into creative projects, gaming laptops are primed to cater to all these needs and more. However, navigating through the plethora of options to find the optimal gaming laptop that aligns with your requisites and financial scope can prove to be a formidable challenge.

The landscape is rife with a multitude of choices and a labyrinth of considerations encompassing the processor’s prowess, graphics card capabilities, RAM capacity, storage provisions, display quality, battery endurance, keyboard functionality, cooling mechanisms, and beyond. Amidst this intricate maze, how can you confidently pinpoint the exact choice that suits you?

Fret not, for we stand ready to provide our guidance. Within the confines of this article, we shall meticulously assess six of the finest gaming laptops available under the $2000 mark. Our evaluation will be based on an in-depth analysis of their specifications, features, design nuances, and invaluable feedback from customers who have had hands-on experience. Additionally, we will impart a set of pointers to steer you toward selecting the ideal gaming laptop that seamlessly aligns with your requirements and budgetary considerations.

Upon the culmination of this exposition, you will emerge equipped with a crystalline understanding of which gaming laptop warrants your investment and the rationale behind such a choice. Without further ado, let us embark on this insightful journey.

Recommended Reading: 5 Best Gaming Mouses Under $50 in 2023 (Tested and Reviewed)

1. Asus TUF Dash 15

  • Model: Asus TUF Dash 15
  • Price: $1,699.99 on Amazon
  • Description: Sleek and powerful gaming laptop for a smooth gaming experience in high settings. Thin and light design for portability.
  • Specifications:
    • CPU: Intel Core i7-12650H
    • GPU: Nvidia RTX 3060
    • RAM: 16GB DDR4
    • Storage: 512GB SSD
    • Display: 15.6-inch 1080p with 144Hz refresh rate and adaptive sync
    • Battery Life: Approx. 8 hours normal use, 4 hours gaming
    • Keyboard: Backlit with four-zone RGB lighting, dedicated hotkeys
    • Cooling: Dual fans, four heat pipes for efficient and quiet cooling
Asus TUF Dash 15 - one of the Best Gaming Laptops Under $2000

Let’s dive into our top gaming laptop pick: the Asus TUF Dash 15. This sleek machine comes at $1,699.99 on Amazon. Now, imagine a laptop that’s both slim and strong, ready to handle demanding games smoothly, without any annoying lags or stutters. Plus, it’s a breeze to carry around wherever you go.

Inside this Asu’s wonder, you’ve got an Intel Core i7-12650H brain and an Nvidia RTX 3060 graphics heart. Together, they work their magic to give you speedy performance in most games. They’re joined by 16 gigs of DDR4 RAM and a 512-gig SSD – that’s a whole lot of space for your stuff! The screen is 15.6 inches of crisp 1080p goodness, with a 144Hz refresh rate that makes everything look ultra-smooth. And there’s some tech that prevents those annoying jagged lines from showing up on your screen.

Now, battery-wise, you’re looking at around 8 hours for regular stuff like browsing and whatnot. If you’re really into gaming, you’ll get about 4 hours – not too shabby. The keyboard’s got some fancy lights going on, and some buttons do special things in a snap. And guess what? This laptop stays cool and quiet because it’s got two fans and four heat pipes to handle all that heat stuff.

People dig the Asus TUF Dash 15 for its sleek look, how light it is, its powerful performance, and that top-notch screen. But, like all things, it’s got a few quirks. Some folks wish it had a webcam, and others say the speaker’s a bit noisy. Also, the touchpad could be better – it’s just alright. And there’s a bit of grumbling about not having a ton of ports to plug things in.

Pros:

  • Sleek and lightweight design
  • Powerful performance
  • High-quality display
  • Durable build

Cons:

  • No webcam
  • Limited port selection
  • Noisy speakers
  • Mediocre touchpad

2. Alienware x15 R1

  • Model: Alienware x15 R1
  • Price: $1,999 on Dell’s website
  • Description: Premium gaming laptop with high-performance features and a futuristic design.
  • Specifications:
    • CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H
    • GPU: Nvidia RTX 3060
    • RAM: 16GB DDR4
    • Storage: 512GB SSD
    • Display: 15.6-inch 1080p with 360Hz refresh rate and G-Sync technology
    • Battery Life: Approx. 6 hours normal use, 3 hours gaming
    • Keyboard: Backlit with per-key RGB lighting, anti-ghosting technology
    • Cooling: Liquid metal compound, vapor chamber technology for advanced cooling
Alienware x15 R1

Introducing the Alienware x15 R1, the second star in our gaming laptop lineup of best gaming laptops under $2000! This sleek beast comes for $1,999 if you check it out on Dell’s website. Now, let’s talk about what makes this gaming wonder tick.

Picture a world where gamers rejoice, for the Alienware x15 R1 has landed. It’s like the ultimate gaming companion, designed to give even the toughest gamers a run for their money. Its futuristic and fancy exterior is like a superhero’s cape, making it stand out in a sea of ordinary laptops.

Underneath the hood, this bad boy is powered by an Intel Core i7-11800H brain and an Nvidia RTX 3060 graphics wizard. They team up to tackle any game you throw at them, and they do it with style. Plus, there’s 16GB of DDR4 RAM to keep things speedy, and a 512GB SSD to make sure everything loads faster than a cheetah on roller skates.

Now, let’s talk about that display. Imagine a 15.6-inch screen that’s as clear as a sunny day and as fast as a race car. With a refresh rate of 360Hz, it’s like the pixels are doing the cha-cha to keep your gameplay super smooth. And if that’s not enough, there’s this fancy G-Sync tech that makes everything look so real, you might just try to jump into the screen.

But wait, there’s more! The battery isn’t a superhero, but it’s decent enough to last around 6 hours of regular use. When it comes to gaming, it’s like having a gaming marathon of about 3 hours. The keyboard is like a party trick, with every key lighting up in its fancy color. Plus, it’s really good at not getting confused when you press multiple keys at once.

Now, here’s where things get icy cool. This laptop is like a penguin in a freezer, thanks to its innovative cooling tech. It’s not just regular cooling; it’s like having a mini ice kingdom inside. There’s this stuff called liquid metal and a chamber that’s like a mini cloud, and they work together to keep the laptop from overheating. And trust me, it’s so quiet, you might just forget it’s even on.

The Alienware x15 R1 has fans everywhere cheering for its awesome design, super performance, mind-blowing display, and the way it stays chill even during intense sessions. But, and there’s always a but, some folks have raised concerns about the price, the fans being a bit noisy, the battery playing hide and seek, and the lack of a slot for an SD card.

Pros:

  • Premium design
  • Top-notch performance
  • Amazing display
  • Innovative cooling system

Cons:

  • High price tag
  • Loud fan noise
  • Short battery life
  • No SD card slot

Recommended Reading: Top 10 Most Expensive Gaming Mouses for Pro Gamers

3. ASUS ROG Strix G15

  • Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15
  • Price: $1,799 on Amazon
  • Description: Stylish and powerful gaming laptop with a customizable design.
  • Specifications:
    • CPU: Intel Core i7-10870H
    • GPU: Nvidia RTX 2070 Super
    • RAM: 16GB DDR4
    • Storage: 512GB SSD
    • Display: 15.6-inch 1080p with 144Hz refresh rate and adaptive sync
    • Battery Life: Approx. 7 hours of normal use, 3.5 hours of gaming
    • Keyboard: Backlit with per-key RGB lighting, dedicated hotkeys
    • Cooling: Dual fans, liquid metal compound for effective cooling
ASUS ROG Strix G15 - Best Gaming Laptops Under $2000

Get ready to dive into the wild world of gaming gear with the ASUS ROG Strix G15, our third contender in the gaming laptop showdown! You won’t believe your eyes when you see the price tag on Amazon – it’s dancing at $1,799. Now, let’s unbox the secrets that make this laptop a true gaming gem.

Imagine the ASUS ROG Strix G15 strutting onto the stage like a superstar. This laptop isn’t just powerful; it’s like a lightning bolt of style. It’s got the magic touch to run games on their highest settings like a breeze. And oh boy, its look is like a rainbow explosion of personality. You can make it look like your machine, not just another plain Jane.

Now, let’s talk tech. Inside this beast, there’s an Intel Core i7-10870H brain paired with a Nvidia RTX 2070 Super graphics wizard. Together, they’re like the dream team of power and pretty visuals. And wait, there’s more! With 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, this laptop’s memory and storage space is like a treasure chest waiting to be filled.

Hold onto your hats, because the display is like an amusement park for your eyes. It’s a 15.6-inch 1080p screen that’s as smooth as a skating rink with its 144Hz refresh rate. It’s so sharp and vivid, you might just mistake your game for reality. And the battery? It’s got your back, lasting about 7 hours for regular stuff and around 3.5 hours when you’re in full gaming mode.

The keyboard is like a symphony of lights, with every key lighting up and dancing to your tunes. Plus, there are special shortcuts that are like secret passages to make things easy-peasy. Now, let’s talk about the cooling system – it’s like having your air conditioner. Dual fans and liquid metal keep things frosty and hush-hush even when things get heated.

People are giving high-fives to the ASUS ROG Strix G15 for its cool style, impressive graphics, sharp display, and genius cooling mojo. But, hold up, there’s a plot twist. Some folks have noticed that this laptop is a bit of a heavyweight champion, not to mention a little on the chunky side. The webcam isn’t winning any beauty contests either, and it’s missing this thing called a Thunderbolt port – you know, that fancy jack that can do magic tricks with your gadgets.

Pros:

  • Stylish and customizable design
  • Impressive performance and graphics
  • Good display
  • Effective cooling system

Cons:

  • Heavyweight
  • Bulky size
  • Low webcam quality
  • No Thunderbolt port

4. MSI GP66 Leopard

  • Model: MSI GP66 Leopard
  • Price: $1,999 on Amazon
  • Description: Powerful gaming laptop with a sleek design suitable for both gaming and work.
  • Specifications:
    • CPU: Intel Core i7-10750H
    • GPU: Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti Laptop GPU
    • RAM: 16GB DDR4
    • Storage: 1TB SSD
    • Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS-level Anti-glare Display with 360Hz refresh rate and G-Sync
    • Battery Life: Approx. 5 hours normal use, 2 hours gaming
    • Keyboard: Backlit with per-key RGB lighting, anti-ghosting technology
    • Cooling: Dual fans, seven heat pipes for powerful cooling
MSI GP66 Leopard

Hold on tight, because we’re about to dive into the world of gaming gadgets with the MSI GP66 Leopard, our fourth contender in the lineup of best gaming laptops under $2000! Get your eyes ready for some mind-blowing numbers – this sleek machine is tagged at $1,999 on Amazon. And let me tell you, this laptop is like a dragon in disguise, ready to tackle any game like it’s a piece of cake. But that’s not all, its outer shell is so smooth and classy, you could take it to a business meeting and no one would even guess it’s a gaming powerhouse.

Imagine the MSI GP66 Leopard roaring onto the scene like a rockstar. This laptop is like a giant whisperer, handling games set to “ultra” without even breaking a sweat. Its design? Oh, it’s like a tuxedo for gadgets – fancy and professional, perfect for both gaming battles and work wars.

Alright, let’s crack open the tech treasure chest. Inside, there’s an Intel Core i7-10750H brain paired with a Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti Laptop GPU. These two? They’re like the Batman and Robin of the gaming world – always ready to save the day with stunning performance and jaw-dropping graphics. But wait, there’s more! With 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a whopping 1TB SSD, you’re swimming in a sea of memory and storage. It’s like having a backpack that can carry your entire gaming universe.

Now, onto the screen – it’s a 15.6-inch FHD IPS-level Anti-glare Display, which is like a window into a parallel universe. With a refresh rate of 360Hz and G-Sync technology, it’s as if the pixels are having a synchronized dance party just for you. And the battery? It’s like a trusty sidekick, giving you about 5 hours of normal use and a solid 2 hours of intense gaming.

The keyboard is like a neon rainbow, each key lighting up like a star. Plus, it’s a wizard at not getting confused when you press lots of keys at once. And oh boy, the cooling system – it’s like a frosty winter breeze on command. With dual fans and seven heat pipes, it keeps things chill and quiet, even when the action gets hot.

Folks are giving standing ovations to the MSI GP66 Leopard for its suave design, jaw-dropping performance, endless storage, and cooling skills that would make a snowman jealous. But hey, there’s always a plot twist. Some folks have spotted some road bumps like the price tag being a bit too fancy, the fans making a ruckus, the battery taking a nap after 5 hours, and the lack of a slot for an SD card – you know, the tiny card that stores photos and stuff.

Pros:

  • Sleek and professional design
  • Incredible performance and graphics
  • Massive memory and storage space
  • Powerful cooling system

Cons:

  • High price tag
  • Loud fan noise
  • Short battery life
  • No SD card slot

Recommended Reading: How to Download and Use the Onn Gaming Mouse Software

5. Razer Blade Stealth 13

  • Model: Razer Blade Stealth 13
  • Price: $1,799 on Razer’s website
  • Description: Compact and portable gaming laptop with a minimalist design suitable for travel and work.
  • Specifications:
    • CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7
    • GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX1650 Ti Max-Q
    • RAM: 16GB LPDDR4X
    • Storage: 512GB SSD
    • Display: 13.3-inch FHD IPS-level Anti-glare Display with 120Hz refresh rate
    • Battery Life: Approx. 10 hours of normal use, 5 hours of gaming
    • Keyboard: Backlit with Razer Chroma RGB lighting
    • Cooling: Quiet cooling system, but with some overheating issues
Razer Blade Stealth 13

Hold onto your seats, because we’re diving headfirst into the gaming galaxy with the Razer Blade Stealth 13, our fifth contender that’s shaking things up among the best gaming laptops under $2000! Prepare to be amazed – this snazzy gadget can be yours for $1,799 on Razer’s website. And let me tell you, this laptop might be small, but it’s like a pocket rocket ready to handle games on the medium setting spectrum. But wait, there’s more – its design is so sleek and fancy, it’s like the James Bond of laptops, perfect for conquering both virtual worlds and real-world tasks.

Picture the Razer Blade Stealth 13 making its grand entrance, like a stealthy ninja slipping into the scene. This little guy? It’s like a magical sprite, tackling games on the “medium” setting like a champ. And its look? It’s as if it went to a fashion show and learned the art of elegance, perfect for throwing in your backpack and jetting off on an adventure.

Now, let’s break it down tech-style. Inside, it’s got an Intel Core i7-1165G7 brain combined with an Nvidia GeForce GTX1650 Ti Max-Q graphics wizard. Together, they’re like a dynamic duo of performance and graphics that are here to save the day. And get this – there’s 16GB of LPDDR4X RAM and a 512GB SSD, which is like having a super-speedy vault for all your gaming treasures.

Hold onto your hat, because the display is like a portal into another dimension. It’s a 13.3-inch FHD IPS-level Anti-glare Display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s as if the pixels are doing the cha-cha to keep your gameplay smooth. And the battery? It’s like a magical potion, lasting about 10 hours for regular stuff and a solid 5 hours when you’re deep in the gaming realm.

The keyboard is like a light show, with colors dancing like fireflies in the night. Oh, and that cooling system? It’s like a gentle breeze, but it’s not the superhero type – it’s like a quiet librarian trying to keep things hushed. However, sometimes it’s not quite up to the task, and the laptop might get a bit too cozy with overheating.

People are giving high-fives to the Razer Blade Stealth 13 for its petite design, battery life that’s like a marathon runner, smooth gameplay, and keyboard that’s like an art canvas. But, hold onto your joystick – there’s a twist in the plot. Some folks have noticed that this laptop gets a bit too toasty sometimes, the graphics card isn’t exactly Hulk-level strong, the screen size is more like a pocket dimension, and the price tag might need its seatbelt.

Pros:

  • Compact and portable design
  • Excellent battery life
  • Smooth gameplay
  • Customizable keyboard

Cons:

  • Overheating issues
  • Low graphics card power
  • Small screen size
  • High price tag

6. Acer Predator Helios 300

  • Model: Acer Predator Helios 300
  • Price: $1,499 on Amazon
  • Description: Budget-friendly gaming laptop with a simple and sturdy design for reliable performance.
  • Specifications:
    • CPU: Intel Core i7-10750H
    • GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX2060
    • RAM: 16GB DDR4
    • Storage: 512GB SSD
    • Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS-level Anti-glare Display with 144Hz refresh rate
    • Battery Life: Approx. 6 hours normal use, 3 hours gaming
    • Keyboard: Backlit with blue lighting, turbo button for overclocking
    • Cooling: Dual fans, three heat pipes for decent cooling

Buckle up, because we’re taking a wild ride into the gaming realm with the Acer Predator Helios 300, one of the best gaming laptops under $2000, and the sixth player in our laptop lineup! Can you believe your eyes? This gaming genie can be yours for just $1,499 on Amazon. Now, prepare for liftoff as we unveil the mysteries that make this laptop a true gaming marvel.

Hold onto your hats as the Acer Predator Helios 300 swoops in like a superhero with a mission. This laptop? It’s like the knight in shining armor for your budget, bringing high settings in games within reach. And it’s exterior? It’s like that trusty old backpack you’ve had since kindergarten – solid and reliable, ready to take on whatever comes its way.

Now, let’s unravel the tech secrets. Inside the belly of the beast, there’s an Intel Core i7-10750H brain joining forces with a Nvidia GeForce RTX2060 graphics magician. They’re like the dynamic duo of performance and visuals, throwing gaming parties like no other. But hold on tight, because there’s more magic to behold – 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, the storage champion, are at your service.

Get ready to be amazed as the display is like a window into a virtual wonderland. It’s a 15.6-inch FHD IPS-level Anti-glare Display that’s as smooth as a slide at the water park with its 144Hz refresh rate. It’s so vivid, it’s like your game jumped out of the screen and into your room. And the battery? It’s like a marathon runner, going for about 6 hours in regular mode and a solid 3 hours when the gaming adrenaline kicks in.

The keyboard? It’s like a neon rave party with blue lights glowing in the dark. And wait, there’s a turbo button! It’s like a booster rocket, overclocking the CPU and GPU like they’re in a race to the moon. Now, onto the cooling system – it’s like having a personal air conditioner, but it’s not exactly the library type – it’s like a chatty fan that’s there to keep things cool.

People are giving virtual high-fives to the Acer Predator Helios 300 for its wallet-friendly price tag, impressive performance, smooth sailing through games, and durable exterior. But, hold onto your headsets – there’s a twist in the tale. Some folks have noticed the fan’s love for making noise, the laptop’s weight that’s like carrying a sack of potatoes, the display’s mood lighting that’s a tad dim, and the absence of a slot for an SD card – you know, that tiny card for your photos and files.

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly price
  • Good performance and graphics
  • Smooth gameplay
  • Sturdy design

Cons:

  • Loud fan noise
  • Heavyweight
  • Dim display
  • No SD card slot

How to Choose the Right Gaming Laptop for Your Needs and Budget?

Alright, so we’ve looked at six cool gaming laptops under $2000. Now, how do you pick the right one for you without getting confused? Let me break it down:

  1. Think about the games you like. What games do you wanna play? Do you care a lot about how the game looks, how fast it goes, and how big the screen is? What about carrying it around, battery life, keyboard, and how cool it stays? These things will help you choose better.
  2. Compare the stuff in the laptops. Check out the brain (processor), the graphics thing (graphics card), memory (RAM), space to keep stuff (storage), the TV part (display), battery life, the keyboard, and how it chills (cooling system). See which one matches what you want. There’s a site called UserBenchmark or NotebookCheck you can use to compare them.
  3. Listen to people who used them. Don’t just trust what the laptops say they can do. Listen to other people who played with them. Look at what people say on Amazon or Best Buy. Also, some smart people write about this stuff on PCMag or Laptop Mag. Read what they think about the laptops.
  4. Know how much money you can spend. Gaming laptops can be expensive, but you don’t need to spend all your money. You can get a great one for less than $2000. Know how much you can spend and don’t go over. Don’t buy fancy things you don’t need or can’t pay for. Stick to your plan!

Conclusion

We’re talking about six super gaming laptops under $2000. These won’t break the bank and will give you a blast of gaming fun. Plus, we’re giving you tips on how to snag the right gaming laptop for you without money worries.

After a bunch of looking around and comparing, we’re waving the flag for the Asus TUF Dash 15. It’s the champ in the under-$2000 gaming laptop race. This thing is tough with its fast brain and graphics muscles. The screen looks awesome, the battery lasts long, and it’s slim and light. And guess what? The price is fair, and folks who bought it are smiling.

Wanna grab the Asus TUF Dash 15 or any of our other picks? Hit the links on the name. You can see if they’re around and how much they cost. Got stuff to say? Leave a comment. We’re all ears for your questions or thoughts. Thanks for reading, and have a blast gaming!