Let’s put it straight to the tablet, gaming laptops can cost you an arm and a leg.
But, what if I tell you it’s a long-gone myth now, and finding the best gaming laptop under $1500 is not a hassle-full job?
Top 10 Best Gaming Laptop under $1500
With technology running compact and slimmer, gaming laptops have gained more power, over the last decade thus making them suitable for gaming.
And, you don’t have to spend a fortune on that! Here are the top 10 best gaming laptops under $1500…
 | OUR TOP CHOICE ROG Zephyrus |
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 | Razer Blade 15 |
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 | Asus ROG Strix G |
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 | VALUE FOR MONEY Acer Predator Helios 300 |
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 | ROG Strix SCAR II |
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 | BUDGET PICK Alienware M15 R1 |
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 | Asus ROG 2020 |
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 | Alienware M15 R2 |
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 | MSI GF65 |
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 | Gigabyte Aero |
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ROG Zephyrus - Editor's Choice
- It comes with 9th generation Intel Core i7-9750H processor.
- It features 6GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti graphics and 16GB RAM.
- ROG Zephyrus M has a 15.6-inch display with 1920 x 1080 pixels .
- It is lightweight (1.9 kg) and portable (18.9 mm).
- USB Type-C power delivery option.
CPU and GPU
The powerful processor is what makes the Asus ROG Zephyrus M more desirable. It features a 9th generation Intel Core i7 processor paired with NVIDIA GeForce TX 1660Ti. Now, this robust hardware specifications provide the performance that is enough for big games and applications such as PUBG, Battlefield, Adobe Lightroom, Android Studio, Magix, and many more.
Storage and RAM
Zephyrus M comes with a builtin 512 GB, which is quite enough if you are going to use this laptop for daily work purposes. However, for gaming purposes, you might be needing a little more storage in hand, and there comes a secondary M2 slot for your convenience. You can pair up to 1 TB and enjoy as many games as you want on your laptop.
Moreover, not to forget, the 16GB RAM is the star of the show for this laptop. It makes it easier to multitask on this laptop, without worrying about lag.
Keyboard and Display
This laptop has a chiclet laptop along with N key rollover, and per-key RGB lighting, the lights are adjustable. The keyboard is quite handy for gaming as it has excellent feedback with a slight firmness.
With a 15.6 inch screen and 1920 x 1080 pixels, the display of ROG Zephyrus is just enough for playing FPS demanding games as well as for bingeing Netflix. It comes with an ultra-smooth refresh rate, and the minimal bezel look, i.e., 81% screen-to-body ratio, is the cherry on top.
Connectivity and Battery
The Asus ROG Zephyrus M has all the I/O ports that you will need for smooth gameplay. It comes with USB 3.1 Type-C port, HDMI 2.0b, USB 3.1 Type-A, RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet, 2 x USB 3.2 Type-A, and Kensington lock along with a mic-in audio jack and 3.5mm audio jack.
When it comes to battery, the ROG Zephyrus M claims to last 6 hours with web browsing, however, with the real tests it lasted around 4 hours. Which, to be honest, is not good.
The Zephyrus M is a full power pack when it comes to gaming performance, the robust processor, high-resolution screen, and the versatile connectivity options makes it worthy. Apart from the heating issues and limited battery life, the Zephyrus M has ticked all the good checklists.
- Lightweight design.
- Ultra-smooth screen.
- Powerful processor.
- USB Type-C Power Delivery.
- Battery life is limited.
- Heating issues.
Razer Blade 15 - Compact and Lightweight
- Razer Blade 15 has an attractive aluminium chassis.
- It has a 15.6″ inch full HD screen with 60Hz refresh rate.
- It features Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660Ti GPU.
- Razer Blade 15 has 9th Generation Core i7 Processor.
- You get double storage options 128GB SSD and 1TB HDD.
CPU and GPU
Since we are talking gaming specifically here, the performance really matters. Razer Blade 15 comes fully prepared for that matter, and it has Hexa Core 9th generation Intel Processor. On top of that, you are getting Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti for graphics. That means this gaming laptop is powerful enough to handle demanding games as well as some extensive workstation tasks such as video editing and encoding.
Storage and RAM
Razer Blade 15 features 128GB SSD along with 1TB HDD. This double storage option is quite handy, to be honest. You can store essential things on your SSD, for that 128GB is a lot. And, for heavy games and media, you can store in the HDD.
You get 16GB RAM with this laptop. That means, yes! Multitasking is made more accessible. In a nutshell, you are not going to run out of storage or RAM anytime soon.
Keyboard and Display
Razer Blade 15 comes with a 15.6 inches Full HD screen with the 1920 x 1080 resolution. Along with that, it has a refresh rate of 60Hz. If I’m being straightforward here, the refresh rate is not that high, but you can get away with it (or you can choose the 144Hz variant as well). However, the matte anti-glare finish and 100% sRGB colour gamut has made up for the loss.
The keyboard makes a difference when it comes to gaming. Razer Blade 15 has taken care of that as well as it features comfortable yet satisfying to use the keyboard. However, the one major drawback that you could face with the keyboard is the placement of the “up” arrow key. It is placed between the “shift” and “?” button, which can take time to get hold of (meanwhile, say welcome to the mistakes).
Connectivity and Battery
It has almost all the ports that must be needed for gaming purposes. It features a thunderbolt 3 port on the right, you can connect multiple peripherals on this port. Also on the right side, you’ll be able to locate USB 3.1 type A port, a Mini display port 1.4, an HDMI input 2.0, and a Kensington lock. While on the left side, there are a couple of USB 3.1 Type-A ports, an Ethernet port, and a headphone jack.
Its battery lasts for 5 hours and 45 minutes, which is kind of ok for a gaming laptop. And, competitors with the same specifications aren’t offering any better battery life too. So the almost 6-hour stamp is fine.
For the price tag it comes with, the specifications do justice. It is a power-packed laptop with a snappy processor, FHD display, and sufficient battery life. However, the Razer Blade could have done better if it fixed the keyboard keys issue, weight, and the heating problem.
- Sturdy design and built .
- Robust performance.
- Sufficient ports for gaming .
- Thin bezels for display.
- It heats up quickly.
- Key placement is quite confusing.
Asus ROG Strix G - 120Hz IPS Gaming Laptop
- It is powered with 9th Generation Intel Core i7 9750H processor.
- Asus ROG Strix G has a cutting edge design.
- It features 16GB RAM for smooth multitasking.
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 makes games run like a dream.
CPU and GPU
Do you know what the most catchy thing about this laptop is? It’s the latest 9th generation Intel Core i7 processor. It has a refresh rate of 120 Hz. Moreover, it is supported by Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU, which makes it a whole deal when it comes to performance. The games on this machine run buttery smooth.
Storage and RAM
For the storage, Asus Rog Strix G has 512 GB of SSD. This is quite handy, but in case you think you need more storage, you can always throw in some external harddisk with it, it is not much of a problem here. Also, you get 16 GB DDR4 RAM here, which makes this gaming laptop capable of multitasking without breaking a sweat.
Keyboard and Display
The Asus ROG Strix G has a Full HD 15.6 inches screen. Along with that, it has a 120 Hz refresh rate with a 3ms response time. The brightness is also very suitable for indoors as well as moderately lit environments. If you are not much of a screen geek, you will get away with this display.
It has got a keyboard that’s exactly made for gaming. Not having a Numpad has been an advantage here, the keyboard is quite spacious, and the travel is comforting too. There are special shortcut keys as well for home, volume control, page up, and Armoury crate app to control the RGB lighting.
Connectivity and Battery
On the left side of the laptop, there are three USB type-A ports along with an audio jack. And, on the right side, charging port, Lan port, and an HDMI port are located. You are missing USB type C port, card reader, and thunderbolt over here.
The battery of the Asus Rog Strix G lasts for almost 4 hours with web surfing. Yes, 4 hours are not good enough, but that’s the thing with gaming laptops you never get good battery life. When tested with consuming games, the battery lasted for 2 hours, and it took 1.5 hours to get it fully charged.
If you are looking for a latest yet affordable gaming machine, the Asus Rog Strix G is right on point. Apart from the average display quality and limited ports, the Asus Rog Strix G makes a pretty deal with robust performance and sleek design.
- Snappy performance.
- Decent keyboard.
- Attractive design.
- Display quality is average.
- A limited selection of ports.
Acer Predator Helios 300 - Best Value for Money
- Acer Predator Helios 300 has a Core i7 processor along with Nvidia Geforce GTX 1660ti.
- It has 16GB RAM for multitasking and gaming.
- The display is 17.3 inches Full HD IPS panel.
- It has four zones RGB Backlit keyboard.
CPU and GPU
You get an Intel Core i7 9750H processor with this gaming laptop. Moreover, it also features the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660ti. That means CPU and GPU together make sure that you get the performance you want for your entry-level gaming laptop.
Storage and RAM
The Acer Predator Helios 300 packs a powerful punch as it offers you a chance at boosting your efficiency and speed; with a powerful 16GB memory and a 512GB SSD along with it, you won’t ever need to budge on the way you’re used to computing.
512 GB can be a little restrictive for some people, but you can get away with an upgrade.
Keyboard and Display
The keyboard of Acer Predator Helios 300 is surprisingly good. It has a backlit 4 zone RGB lighting, which makes it quite attractive and gaming-friendly. Moreover, the key size and travel are comfortable as well.
The display of the Predator Helios 300 is surrounded by thin bezels which are impressive, and we always love more screen to body ratio. The display is Full HD IPS Panel of 17.3 inches. And for the gaming-focused features, it has a 144Hz refresh rate with 3ms response time. The 300 nit brightness is on a lower side, but at this price, I guess we can expect that.
Connectivity and Battery
Predator Helios 300 holds all the ports that are practical for gaming. On the right side of the laptop, there is a USB 3.0, a USB 3.0 Type C, a mini Displayport and an HDMI port. While on the left side you’ll find two USB 3.0 ports, a headset jack, and an ethernet jack.
The battery lasted for around 3 hours at medium brightness and video playback on 1080p. It isn’t the best option if you want a portable laptop. But, other specifications make up for the battery life.
Is it a competent gaming machine under $1500?
Definitely! With a bigger screen and fantastic performance, it really makes a deal. However, it comes with some limitations such as less capacity, less bright display, and below-average battery life.
- Bigger 17.3 inches display.
- Snappy processor performance.
- Variety of ports.
- The display is a little dim.
- The battery is not long-lasting.
ROG Strix SCAR II - Over the Budget but Worth it!
- It has an attractive unique design.
- Rog Strix Scar II features Intel Core i7 8750H processor.
- It has a big 17.3 inches FHD IPS display.
- It comes with a huge storage, i.e., 256 GB SSD and 1 TB HDD.
CPU and GPU
You can’t doubt the performance of this gaming laptop as it has Core i7 8750H, but do keep in mind the competitors are offering 9750H at the same price. The CPU is paired with an entry-level GPU Nvidia Geforce GTX 1660ti. They both work excellent together, and when tested with Call of duty, I didn’t find any significant problems here.
Storage and RAM
The ROG Strix Scar II has a massive capacity as it comes with 256GB SSD and 1TB HDD. That means you are not running out of storage anytime soon, so stack up against your favorite games and movies without any worries. Also, 16GB RAM plays a significant role when gaming.
Keyboard and Display
We should give appreciation to the big screen here; ROG Strix Scar II features a 17.3 inches screen that too FHD with a refresh rate of 144Hz. When tested, it gave an overall sharp and colorful performance without budging for a second. However, you might find this laptop a little dim when placed in front of its competitors.
Connectivity and Battery
For gaming, ports are vital, as gaming is incomplete without streaming and connecting the external peripherals. For that reason, this laptop is packed with ports that you’ll be needing. On the left side, there are the following ports: a headphone jack, three USB 3.1 ports, a mini Displayport, an HDMI 2.0 port, a power jack, an RJ45 port. On the opposite side, there is a Kensington lock, USB Type C port, USB 3.1 port, and an SD card reader.
Like all the gaming laptops, the battery of ROG Strix Scar II didn’t do any good as well. It lasted for 3 hours with normal web surfing at 150 nits brightness. And, when it was put to the test with the gaming, it only held up to 1 hour with PUBG. If you are buying this laptop to carry it around, I’d say look for some other options.
It is an absolutely made-for-gaming laptop without any doubts. It serves you with amazing performance, a 17-inch display panel, impressive graphics, and a punchy keyboard; all add up to the worth of this laptop, although it has some limitations, nothing too major.
- Impressive CPU-GPU combination for robust performance.
- Thin bezels around the screen.
- 144Hz colourful panel.
- Battery life below average even for a gaming laptop.
- The display isn’t that bright.
Alienware M15 R1 - The Alienware Beast
- Alienware M15 R1 has Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card.
- It features Intel Core i7 8750H processor.
- It has a sound battery that lasts for 9 hours.
- Alienware M15 R1 has an attractive chassis.
CPU and GPU
With the Intel Core i-7 8750H CPU, the Alienware M15 R1 works outstandingly. It works smoothly without any lag. And for the GPU, it comes with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060, which is quite powerful and considered amazing for medium-level gaming.
Storage and RAM
The storage that you get with Alienware M15 R1 is 512GB, which is standard at this price point. To be honest, I am quite messy when it comes to web surfing. I have 15-20 tabs opened in different browser windows along with a PUBG emulator running on the side. And, this gaming laptop still managed to work just the same, thanks to the 16GB RAM.
Keyboard and Display
If you are into higher frame rates, you’ll love this laptop. Dell Alienware M15 R1 has a beautiful 15.6 inches FHD screen with 144Hz refresh rate. Unlike some low standard laptops, this one has better color accuracy and a tendency to handle the frame rates up to 144 fps without any trouble.
Connectivity and Battery
Dell didn’t disappoint with the ports. Alienware m15 R1 has three USB 3.0 ports, an ethernet port, HDMI, Mini Displayport, USB C port as well as a thunderbolt 3 port.
This gaming laptop had a better battery life among all the competitors. While doing some daily tasks, the 90 W/hr battery lasted for 8-9 hours. And with gaming, it lasted for around 4 hours, which is quite impressive for a gaming laptop.
Alienware M15 R1 is the perfect mix of specifications that a gamer looks for. It might not be the lightest or sleekest option out there, but it has got power and display that will definitely be every gamer’s centre of attraction.
- Fast performance.
- Attractive and bright display.
- Sturdy design.
- A little bit heavy.
Asus ROG 2020 - 17 Inch Monster Gaming Machine
- Asus Rog 2020 has Intel Core i7-9750H processor clocked at 2.6GHz base frequency.
- It features the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB GPU.
- It also has a wide 17.3 inches IPS display.
- Asus ROG 2020 comes with 1TB SSD and 1TB HDD.
CPU and GPU
The Asus ROG 2020 accommodates Intel Core i7-9750H processor that is clocked at 2.6Hz base frequency. However, it can be clocked up to 4.5GHz with the assistance of Intel Turbo Boost technology.
With Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti, the graphics of this gaming laptop are top-notch. I didn’t notice any lag or fall back even while playing Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
Storage and RAM
You’ll be surely surprised by the storage options of Asus ROG 2020. It comes with 1TB SSD along with 1TB HDD, which means heavy games, multiple servers, and daily backups are not a problem here. Moreover, it also features 32GB RAM, perfect for multitasking, running simultaneous tabs, and much more.
I tested it with a few youtube tabs, Visual Studio, and Call of duty running at the same time. And, to be honest, the laptop still managed to work smoothly.
Keyboard and Display
If you are into big wide screens, the Asus ROG 2020 heard you. It has a wide 17.3 inches IPS display with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution (FHD). Overall, the screen performance was bright, sharp, and colorful, even in direct sunlight. However, the bigger screen adds to the weight of the gaming laptop. If you are looking for a more lightweight and portable option, you might want to steer clear from Asus ROG 2020.
Connectivity and Battery
When it comes to connectivity, the Asus ROG 2020 has enough ports on the plate. It has 3 USB 3.2 Type-A ports, 1 USB Type C port, Card reader slot, 1 RJ45, 1 HDMI port and one headphone/microphone jack. However, we do miss a thunderbolt port here.
This laptop goes a long way! Yes, even though it’s a gaming laptop, it has a sufficient battery. While testing with the simple video playback on medium brightness, the laptop lasted for 9 hours. And while playing Grand Theft Auto V, the laptop ran for almost 4 hours, which is an achievement for a gaming laptop.
The Asus ROG 2020 is the new gaming boy in the market with the robust processor and wide display. Straightforwardly, it is a machine every gaming pro looks for. However, do keep in mind that it has some weight, and the CPU-GPU combination can cause some heating.
- 32GB RAM is perfect for gaming.
- The bright 17.3 inches display is impressive.
- Great performance.
- It has some thermal throttling issues.
- It is quite heavy.
Alienware M15 R2 - 144Hz, RTX 2060, and what not?
- Alienware M15 R2 has Core i7 9750H processor.
- It has a powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU for medium-level gaming.
- It has plenty of ports with the right placement.
- It features an FHD 15.6 inches display at 144Hz refresh rate.
CPU and GPU
Being in the list of “best gaming laptops under 1500 dollars”, Alienware M15 R2 is a performance beast. Packed with Intel Core i7-9750H processor clocked at 4.5Ghz, this laptop gives full efficiency that is worth every penny. Moreover, Alienware M15’s Nvidia RTX 2060 is far better than GTX 1660ti which is quite common at such price. So, you are getting a fast processor along with the powerful GPU all at an affordable price.
Storage and RAM
The laptop has 512GB SSD, which is enough for games, movies, and whatnot. And for the RAM, it accommodates 16GB DDR4, which means faster and better gaming, and that’s exactly what we need here.
Keyboard and Display
The keyboard of Alienware M15 R2 will give you an old school vibe design-wise. But, it is a good keyboard when it comes to action. The keys are spacious, and the response is firm tactile feedback, which is impressive.
This laptop features a 15.6 inches screen, quite common at this price. The screen is Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution at a refresh rate 144Hz. The display is bright and color accurate, exactly what you need for gaming.
Connectivity and Battery
Connectivity is the showoff part of this laptop. It has got all the ports you’ll be needing and even more. The list of slots and ports include 2 x USB 3.1 Type-A ports, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-A port with power share, 1 x Thunderbolt 3 port, 1 x Ethernet port, 1 x power jack, 1 x mini display port, 1 x HDMI 2.0 port, 1 x lock slot and 1 x headphone/microphone jack. A big list, right?
The battery is a tradeoff that you have to suffer for gaming laptops. Similarly, the Alienware M15 R2 is no exception; it only lasts 3 hours with checking emails and the web. And, the battery cut to half, i.e., 1 hour 30 mins when used for gaming.
Alienware M15 R2 is an excellent laptop for gaming. The powerful processor, variety of ports, and sharp display give the laptop a wow factor that it needs. However, the powerful processor comes with a tradeoff of weight. Bear in mind it is not a lightweight laptop.
- Excellent port selection.
- Fast and powerful performance.
- Attractive design.
- The display is sharp and bright.
- A little on the bulkier side.
- Battery life is satisfactory.
MSI GF65 - Perfect For Fortnite & Apex Legends
- MSI GF65 comes with Core i7 9th Generation Intel Processor.
- It features 32GB RAM at an affordable price.
- It has a long-lasting battery life.
- MSI GF65 has a builtin 2TB SSD storage.
CPU and GPU
The processor of the laptop makes it a worthy contender of the “top gaming laptops under $1500” category. Under the sturdy chassis, there is a powerful Intel Core i7 9750H processor. And, since it is gaming performance, GPU is equally important as CPU. Therefore, it comes with NVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti, to give amazing gameplay.
Storage and RAM
You get 2TB of SSD storage with MSI GF65, and that is a lot! You are not going to run out of it any time soon. Also, the real showstopper for this laptop is its 32 GB RAM. Yes, you got it right, 32GB RAM that too under $1500. That means, multitasking and starting up applications won’t be a problem with this laptop.
Keyboard and Display
The display of MSI GF65 is a Full HD IPS display of 15.6 inches at a 120Hz refresh rate. Moreover, the thinner bezels make the screen look bigger and wide, a plus for better gameplay. However, a little unevenness was noticed with the backlight when the screen turned all black.
The keyboard is a typical MSI look and feel. Full-size keys and red light on the screen are quite impressive. However, the fingerprints can accumulate quickly on this keyboard.
Connectivity and Battery
The right side of the gaming laptops accommodates most of the ports including 2 USB 3.2 Type-A ports, USB 3.2 Type C port, 3.5 mm earphone jack, 3.5 mm microphone jack, and a Kensington lock. And, on the left side of the chassis, there is only an HDMI port along with an AC charging adapter.
After testing the laptop on normal web surfing, the laptop lasted for 5 hours. While gaming, the laptop consumed more battery, and therefore, it lasted for only 2 hours 15 mins, which is fair enough. It took 2 hours to get it fully charged.
For a budget laptop, MSI gives it all. A 32GB RAM, core i7 processor, decent battery life, and a pleasing design. If MSI paid some attention to the display, it would have been the perfect gaming laptop for under $1500.
- A very lightweight design.
- 120 Hz refresh rate is quite impressive.
- Impressive battery life.
- 32GB RAM is great at this price.
- Average display performance.
- The port placement is confusing.
Gigabyte Aero - The Versatile Gaming Laptop
- Gigabyte Aero has Intel Core i7 9750H processor.
- It features a big 17.3 inches thin bezel FHD display.
- It comes with 16GB RAM along with two 64GB expansion slots.
- Gigabyte Aero’s keyboard has per-key RGB lighting.
CPU and GPU
As much as Gigabyte Aero 17 is good looking from outside, it is equally good from the inside. Underneath the chassis, there is an Intel Core i7 9750H processor inside. Also, for the GPU, it features Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti, which has proven to give outstanding performance when it comes to medium to heavy gaming.
Storage and RAM
The variant I am reviewing here has storage of 512 GB SSD. Nowadays, storage isn’t that much of a problem considering there are tons of external storage devices available to make up even if you have lesser SSD available on your system. Therefore, 512GB on its own is enough to hold heavy-duty games. Otherwise, you can expand it with an external hard drive.
Moreover, the Gigabyte Aero 17 has 16GB of RAM. That means modern gaming is made easier and faster with this laptop. And, obviously, the multitasking is smooth with 16GB RAM. There are two expansion slots available too, in case you want to increase the RAM.
Keyboard and Display
Aero 17 has a thin bezel 17.3 inches screen, that is Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels resolution). Moreover, the refresh rate is 144Hz, the cherry on top. Brightness and colour accuracy deserve the special shoutout for this laptop.
The keyboard of GigabyteAero 17 is very eye-catching, the credit goes to per-key RGB. The per-key RGB is very bright even in the sunlight, which is not common to find in laptops. However, when it comes to the action of the keyboard, the keys seemed a little stiff, and the key size is small too.
Connectivity and Battery
It accommodates enough ports that you will need for gaming. On the right side, there is a mini display port, HDMI 2.0, USB Type-A port, Thunderbolt 3 and a barrel charging port. While on the left side, two USB Type-A ports, two analogue jacks, Gigabit ethernet and a UHS-II SD slot is located.
To test the battery of Gigabyte Aero, it was looped on an HD video on medium brightness, and surprisingly the battery lasted for 7 hours. But, video playback is not that battery consuming. While gaming or using Adobe Premiere, the battery only made up to 2.5 hours.
For an under $1500 laptop, it is quite unusual to find a gaming laptop with a big screen, i.e., 17.3 inches display. Moreover, the attractive design, connectivity options, decent battery life, and a powerful processor, all do justice to the price tag as well as the laptop.
- Attractive thin design.
- Big 17.3 inches screen.
- Wide range of ports.
- Per-key RGB keyboard.
- Keyboard keys are slightly stiff.
- Chassis is a little flimsy.
Gaming Laptop Under $1500
Buyers Guide
So, now we have made finding the best gaming laptop under $1500 easier for you through this list.
But there are a few things you need to keep in mind before making a final call…
Graphics Card
Sorry to break your bubble, but for gaming laptops, GPU is far more important than CPU as most of the games are GPU-bound. There are tons of GPU options available these days for gaming laptops, but you need to choose wisely as a GPU can break or make the deal.
For entry-level gaming, I recommend a laptop having GTX 1650 or GTX 1660ti. And, for mainstream gaming, you are good to go with Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060. If you are a gamer that enjoys the highest settings, don’t settle for anything less than RTX 2070 or RTX 2080.
Storage and Ram
Storage is not a big deal these days. You can have both SSD and HDD on a single machine, and that is what I recommend. Have at least 128GB SSD on your gaming laptop, rest leave it to the HDD that can be 1TB or more. Storage is easily upgradable, so don’t run your mind on it.
Games are RAM demanding, no doubt. Therefore RAM is a very important factor. I recommend 8GB RAM as necessary for entry-level gaming. But, for GPUs like Nvidia GTX 2060 or higher, a 16GB RAM would be suitable. There are expansion slots available on gaming laptops, so you can get an 8GB RAM laptop and upgrade it later if you need it.
Display and Resolution
If you are truly a gaming geek, you’ll consider display as the last thing. But, if you are not intending on connecting external gaming monitors or screens, display plays a significant role. Obviously, you don’t want to play on a dim and unpleasant screen.
Screen Size
Screen size is mostly a personal preference. Most gaming laptops come with 15 to 17 inches screens. There are some rare options of 18 inches and 14 inches available too. Straightforwardly, go for a screen size that you are comfortable with. However, keep in mind, the bigger the screen, the heavier the laptop.
Refresh Rate
Gaming laptops offer Full HD (1920 x 1080p) with 60Hz, which is absolutely enough for all types of gamers. There are faster displays available too such as at 144Hz and 240Hz for smooth gameplay. However, you must be needing a better GPU to run on that refresh rate.
Resolution
Let’s get it straight on the table, never go for anything less than 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, never! If you are into a better display, you can also go for 4K displays, but it comes with a bigger price tag as well.
CPU
Most of the time, CPU is a one-time decision because CPUs aren’t upgradeable. And, for that matter, try going for the latest and powerful option that fits in your budget. I recommend the Core i7 CPU for gaming purposes works perfect, you can go with the Core i9 as well, but it has some heating issues, or Core i5 isn’t a bad option for entry-level gaming as well.
Battery
When it comes to gaming laptops, battery life isn’t their territory. Most of the gaming laptops last only 1-2 hours maximum when playing. However, if you need something more portable, it won’t be called a gaming laptop.
Moreover, for your GPU to work at the best, it is always recommended to keep your laptop plugged in. The short and precise answer is “don’t expect your gaming laptop to be ultra-portable battery wise”.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a gaming laptop be used for daily tasks?
Yes, gaming laptops can be used for other purposes as well. It can be used for web surfing, video editing, and many other tasks just like a normal laptop.
Is the Core i7 processor good for gaming?
The Core i7 processor is obviously a better processor than the Core i5 and Core i3 in many ways such as faster performance, integrated graphics, and higher clock speeds. These features surely add up to better gameplay.
Are gaming laptops worth the money?
Since gaming laptops come with special specifications that a normal laptop doesn’t hold, it is always a good choice to go for a gaming laptop if you are a gaming geek. And, with the heavy hardware comes a suitable price that is totally worth it.
Gaming PC Desktop or Gaming Laptop, which one is better?
You get smaller components in a gaming laptop due to the size limitations. However, the performance is more or less the same for both the options, but you get the comfort of portability with the laptop.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it is your preference that matters; whether you are a display person or a performance person.
With this detailed review, I am sure you’ll be able to find one for yourself.
If we have missed any of your favorites or you have any feedback, do let us know in the comment section below. We love to talk to you!
Hello Alishba Tasleem,
First of all, I just want to say you have done such a great research for compiling this great list. From this list which I like the most is Razer Blade 15 because it has got a powerful configuration with aluminum chassis which is really look and feel premium.
I am really thankful to you as you have taken time and effort, researched, and shared the latest information.
After weeks of research, I have shortlisted the following GL502VM, GL702VM(i think below 1500 dollars and better than GL502) and Acer Predator 17, Aspire V 15 Nitro Black Edition, and Finally ASUS GL753VD.
Kindly suggest me last best from these options, my preferences are future proof for at least 2 years, good screen refresh rate, decent battery, best processor and GPU without over throttle or overheating, SSD to load is and games( nvme if applicable)
I will wait for your reply, thank you very much.
-William Stanaland
Very nice article. Help all gamers who have a limited budget in their pocket. Thanks a lot for sharing.
I’m looking for a laptop just for gaming but I don’t know which one the best for that with the price under $1500. Can you please help me?
Very nice article. But in this article not include MSI GL65 Leopard Gaming Laptop is one of best gaming laptops under $1500. it come with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 is great opportunity for gaming laptops under 1500.
best laptops for every gamer and every genre Building your own machine seems impossible right now, which makes a full system purchase the most practical thing for bagging an RTX 30-series GPU or an AMD Ryzen 5000-series CPU.