Top 10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $2,000

Gaming has always been a passion of mine, from staying up late playing Minecraft in my teen years and building worlds to playing ranked League of Legends and Overwatch and screaming at each other. Gaming is not just about the game itself but also about spending time with friends and creating bonds. One thing that makes a big difference in gaming is the hardware that you’re playing on. When you can play the game smoothly, without any lag, at decent graphics, it changes your whole perspective. That is why, in this article, I will give you my top 10 choices for best gaming laptops that don’t break the bank yet provide stable performance that can support different calibres of games.

1. Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 9

On top of my list I have a contender from the Lenovo’s Legion series, the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 9. This beast of a machine is able to run Cyberpunk 2077 buttery smooth at ultra setting thanks to its 24-core i9 processor and Nvidia, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 on the QHD+ screen. What makes this laptop stand out is the fact that the graphic card and the storage can easily be upgraded making it the best gaming laptop investment in my opinion. Despite a $1900 USD price that, this machine will be your ultimate portable gaming machine. Think about the amazing gaming night you can have with your friends without having to worry about carrying bulky and heavy desktops and monitor.

• Price: $1,900
• Processor: Intel Core i9-14900HX (24-core)
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 12GB (configurable up to RTX 4090)
• Memory: 16GB or 32GB DDR5 RAM
• Storage: 1TB or 2TB NVMe SSD (expandable) 
• Display: 16-inch 2560×1600 IPS, high color accuracy, 240Hz refresh
• Battery: 90Wh (around 4–5 hours of light use; 4 hours in gaming tests)
• Weight: 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) – fairly hefty, reflecting its robust build
• Other Features: Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C/USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, Gb Ethernet, per-key RGB keyboard

2. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)

Asus has equipped the 2024 ROG Zephyrus G14, G14 with AMD’s latest Ryzen 9 mobile processor and up to an NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU, delivering high-end performance in a 3.3 lbs machine. Assassin’s Creed Mirage (2023) runs comfortably at high graphics settings on this machine, easily hitting 60+ FPS at the G14’s native 1600p resolution. The G14’s bright 14-inch 16:10 OLED display offers sharp QHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh, making games look crisp and fluid.

• Price: $1,600 to $1800
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS (8-core, 16-thread) or Ryzen 7 8845HS options
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 8GB (90W TGP) max, or RTX 4060/4050 in lower trims
• Memory: Up to 32GB DDR5 (soldered + expandable)
• Storage: 1TB SSD (PCIe 4.0) max; one M.2 slot (user-upgradeable)
• Display: 14-inch 2560×1600 OLED, 120Hz w/ G-SYNC (100% DCI-P3, very colorful)
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz (supports Adaptive Sync for tear-free gaming)
• Battery: 76 Wh, 8 hours general usage on battery
• Weight: 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) – extremely portable for its power

3. Razer Blade 15 (2023)

The 2023 Blade 15 refresh packs a 13th-gen Intel Core i7 CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU in a slim all-aluminum chassis, delivering excellent 1080p–1440p gaming performance. Thanks to its efficient RTX 4060 GPU and Razer’s cooling optimizations, it can run modern titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022) at high settings with ease.

• Price: $1,900
• Processor: Intel Core i7-13800H (14-core, 5.2 GHz boost)
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB (optional upgrade to RTX 4070 on higher trims)
• Memory: 16GB DDR5-5200 (dual-channel, expandable to 64GB)
• Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD (upgradable; second M.2 slot available)
• Display: 15.6-inch QHD (2560×1440) IPS, 240Hz (supports G-SYNC)
• Battery: 80 Wh
• Weight: 4.4 lbs (2.0 kg)

4. Alienware m18 (R2, 2024)

This 18-inch beast is essentially a portable desktop, offering top-of-the-line components like Intel Core i9 HX-series or AMD Ryzen 9 CPUs and up to an NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU. It can easily push Starfield (2023) or Forza Motorsport (2024) at ultra settings and high frame rates.

• Price: $1,800 (can exceed 2K with higher specs)
• Processor: Up to Intel Core i9-13980HX (24-core) or AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX (16-core) options
• Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 16GB, or RTX 4080/4070/4060; also AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT option
• Memory: 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD (base) up to 8TB (quad drive slots RAID-capable)
• Display: 18-inch QHD+ (2560×1600) IPS @ 165Hz or FHD+ (1920×1200) @ 480Hz, both with G-SYNC support
• Battery: 97 Wh
• Weight: 9.3 lbs (4.23 kg) – extremely bulky

5. HP Omen 16 (2023)

HP’s Omen 16 is a well-rounded gaming laptop that offers strong performance for the price, making HP competitive in the mid-range gaming segment. For example, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (2023) runs smoothly on the Omen 16 at 1080p/1440p on High settings, showcasing the RTX 4060/4070’s ability to maintain 60+ FPS in graphically intensive scenes.

• Price: $1,300 to $1,900
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS or Ryzen 9 7940HS (8-core), or Intel Core i7-13700HX (14-core) on Intel model
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB (standard) or up to RTX 4070 8GB 
• Memory: 16GB DDR5-4800
• Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD
• Display: 16.1-inch IPS, QHD (2560×1440) @ 165Hz on higher trims (100% sRGB) or FHD @ 144Hz on base models
• Battery: 83 Wh battery
• Weight: 5.2 lbs (2.37 kg)

6. Acer Predator Helios 16 (2023)

Acer’s Predator Helios 16 is a powerhouse 16-inch gaming laptop that offers high-end specs at a relatively affordable price point in this category. It’s equipped with up to an Intel Core i9-13900HX CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 GPU, packing serious performance for hardcore gaming.

• Price: $1,800
• Processor: Intel Core i9-13900HX (24-core) or Core i7-13700HX (16-core) 
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 12GB (140W) on high-end config; also available with RTX 4070 or 4060
• Memory: 16GB DDR5 (base) up to 32GB (2 slots, user-upgradeable)
• Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD (with a second M.2 slot for adding another SSD)
• Display: 16-inch 2560×1600 IPS, 240Hz
• Battery: 90 Wh 
• Weight: 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg)

7. MSI Katana 15 (2023)

MSI’s Katana 15 is a budget-friendly gaming laptop that brings solid 1080p performance without breaking the bank. Thanks to the RTX 4060/4070 GPU options, you can expect this laptop to run popular games like Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 or Forza Horizon 5 well above 60 FPS. It’s a great entry point for PC gaming in 2025, packing plenty of punch for the price.

• Price: $1,100
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS (16-thread) or Ryzen 7 7840HS in the Katana A15 model
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB
• Memory: 16GB DDR5 RAM
• Storage: 1TB SSD (PCIe 4.0); second M.2 slot available for adding storage
• Display: 15.6-inch IPS, Full HD (1920×1080) @ 144Hz
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz or 165Hz
• Battery: 53 Wh
• Weight: 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg)

8. Gigabyte Aorus 16X (2024)

‍Gigabyte’s Aorus 16X is a mid-range gaming laptop that punches above its weight in performance while maintaining a reasonable price. Baldur’s Gate 3 runs flawlessly on the Aorus 16X, and you can expect well over 60 FPS at ultra settings (1440p) thanks to the RTX 4070. It’s a confident choice if you want longevity and performance without reaching the $2k+ range.

• Price: $1,700
• Processor: Intel Core i7-14650HX
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 8GB
• Memory: 32GB DDR5-5600 RAM
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• Display: 16-inch 2560×1600 IPS, 165Hz refresh
• Battery: 99 Wh 
• Weight: 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg)

9. Framework Laptop 16 (2024)

Framework is an emerging laptop brand known for its fully modular and repairable designs, and the Framework Laptop 16 is its first gaming-oriented model. This 16-inch notebook takes a different approach. It allows users to upgrade or replace the GPU via a modular cartridge and reconfigure the keyboard deck. This machine can run Forza Horizon 5 on ultra settings at over 60 FPS at 1080p, which is on par with many RTX 4060 laptops.

• Price: $1,699
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS or Ryzen 9 7940HS
• Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 7700S 8GB
• Memory: 16GB DDR5 (expandable)
• Storage: 512GB SSD (base) up to 6TB
• Display: 16-inch 2560×1600 IPS, 165Hz, with FreeSync
• Battery: 85 Wh
• Weight: 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg)

10. Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition (2023)

The TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition is a collaboration between Asus and AMD, showcasing an all-AMD hardware package in a durable, budget-friendly gaming laptop. “TUF” stands for The Ultimate Force, Asus’s line focused on extra durability and value when it comes to gaming.

• Price: $1,100
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS
• Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 6700S 8GB
• Memory: 16GB DDR5-4800 RAM 
• Storage: 512GB or 1TB SSD
• Display: 16.0-inch FHD+ (1920×1200) @ 165Hz or QHD+ (2560×1600) @ 240Hz
• Battery: 90 Wh battery
• Weight: 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) 

Ready to get your game on?

Well, there you have it, my list of the best gaming laptops on the market in 2025. They will provide you with the best gaming experience without breaking the bank. I have the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 9, and it has been the best gaming laptop purchase I have made. I don’t have to worry about the graphics card being outdated since I can always upgrade it. Whatever your budget is, this list has a gaming laptop that can fit your budget and provide you with the best gaming laptop experience without the big bulky desktops.

FAQ

1. Which gaming laptop offers the best upgradability?
   The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 and the Framework Laptop 16 both emphasize user-upgradable components like storage and graphics.
2. Are these laptops good enough for AAA titles at high settings?
   Yes. Models with powerful GPUs like the RTX 4060, 4070, 4080, or AMD Radeon RX series can handle AAA games at high or ultra settings smoothly.
3. Is battery life a concern for gaming laptops?
   Generally, gaming laptops offer shorter battery life under heavy load. However, most models here provide around 4–8 hours of general usage, which is good for daily tasks.
4. Can budget gaming laptops still deliver solid performance?
   Absolutely. Options like the MSI Katana 15 and Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition prove you can enjoy smooth 1080p gaming without spending a fortune.
5. Should I pick an AMD or Intel-based gaming laptop?
   Both AMD and Intel have competitive offerings. AMD-based laptops can offer better efficiency and integrated graphics, while Intel often leads in raw CPU performance. It depends on your specific needs and budget.