Introduction

Gaming laptops are a niche that is oversaturated with a variety of systems with different kinds of specifications and hence, choosing the ideal gaming laptop can be a daunting task. If you are new to the niche, it is extremely important to understand the major components and how it influences the gaming laptop’s performance. For example, some require a high-end CPU, while others might require a high-end GPU.

Irrespective of the gaming laptop you choose, you should always ensure that the system meets the minimum specification requirements of your favourite games. To make the process of choosing a laptop easier, we have curated this list of the best gaming laptops under $2000.

RankPictureNameShops
#1

Asus ROG Strix Scar 15

  • Brand: ASUS
  • Model Name: ROG Strix SCAR 15
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15Price
#2

Acer Nitro 17

  • Brand: acer
  • Model Name: Nitro 17
Acer Nitro 17Price
#3

MSI Stealth 15

  • Brand: MSI
  • Model Name: Stealth 15 A13VF-012US
MSI Stealth 15Price
#4

MSI Creator M16

  • Brand: MSI
  • Model Name: Creator M16 A12UEV-468
MSI Creator M16Price
#5

MSI Katana 15

  • Brand: MSI
  • Model Name: Katana 15 B13VGK-484US
MSI Katana 15Price
#6

Alienware M15 R6

  • Brand: Alienware
  • Model Name: Alienware m15 R6
Alienware M15 R6Price
#7

Acer Predator Helios 300

  • Brand: acer
  • Model Name: PH317-56-70XJ
Acer Predator Helios 300Price
#8

OMEN HP X 2S

  • Brand: OMEN
  • Model Name: 6UA83UA#ABA
OMEN HP X 2SPrice

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15

ASUS ROG Strix

Specifications:

  • Brand: ASUS
  • Model Name: ROG Strix SCAR 15
  • Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
  • Color: Black
  • Hard Disk Size: 1 TB
  • CPU Model: Core i9
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 16 GB.

Asus ROG Strix Scar 15

The Asus ROG Strix Scar is a gaming laptop for professional gamers as the system has excellent specifications for the price, as well as a gamer-centric design with angular edges and RGB lights. Asus has equipped the laptop with a 12th Gen Intel Core i9 – 12900H CPU with up to 5.0 GHz Turbo Boost clock speed, ‎16 GB of DDR5 RAM running at 4800 MHz frequency, 1 TB of NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD storage, and a dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU with 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM for a smooth gameplay experience.

Such excellent specifications are complemented by a 15.6” QHD IPS narrow-bezel display which covers 100% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut and has a 240 Hz refresh rate for extremely smooth gaming performance. The laptop also comes with dedicated multimedia cum memory keys for enhanced usability, while the gamer-centric RGB and angular design is a bonus.

Pros

  • Exceptional Performance
  • High-refresh Rate Display
  • Gamer Aesthetics

Cons

  • Average Speakers
  • Average Battery Backup

Why We Like It

  • Asus ROG Strix Scar 15
    We love the Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 for its exceptional CPU and GPU combination which ensures that you can play the latest games in ultra-graphic settings, making it an excellent choice for being one of the best gaming laptops under $2000. The added RGB lights and the angular gamer aesthetics are an added advantage too.
OVERALL RATING

Acer Nitro 17

Acer Nitro 17

Specifications:

  • Brand: acer
  • Model Name: Nitro 17
  • Screen Size: 17.3 Inches
  • Color: Black
  • Hard Disk Size: 1 TB
  • CPU Model: AMD Ryzen 7
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 16 GB

Acer Nitro 17

The Nitro series from Acer is an excellent example of having a good price-to-performance ratio. Being a part of the excellent Nitro lineup, Acer has equipped the Acer Nitro 17 with an AMD Ryzen 7 – 7840HS CPU with up to 5.1 GHz boosted clock speed, ‎16 GB of DDR5 RAM, 1 TB of NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD storage, and a dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU with 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM, making for a smoother gaming experience.

Additionally, the laptop is also equipped with a 17.3” QHD IPS display with a lightning-fast 165 Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay and enhanced performance. The laptop also has a refined chassis for enhanced cooling with the help of dual fan intakes and quad-exhausts, which ensures longer cool gaming times. Acer has also provided Intel Killer Ethernet E2600 and Wi-Fi 6E for enhanced connectivity, which is especially relevant for online multiplayer gaming.

Pros

  • Exceptional Performance
  • High Refresh Rate Display
  • Excellent Connectivity

Cons

  • Average Speakers
  • Average Battery Backup

Why We Like It

  • Acer Nitro 17
    We like the Acer Nitro 17 for the larger high refresh rate display and the excellent thermals, thanks to the well-engineered chassis with excellent heat dissipation options. Additionally, the laptop also boasts of excellent CPU and GPU combination, making for a high-performance laptop that is good for running the latest games in higher graphic settings.
OVERALL RATING

MSI Stealth 15

MSI Stealth 15

Specifications:

  • Brand: MSI
  • Model Name: Stealth 15 A13VF-012US
  • Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
  • Hard Disk Size: 1 TB
  • CPU Model: Core i7
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 16 GB

MSI Stealth 15

MSI is one of the pioneers in gaming and hence, we have included several MSI laptops in this list of the best gaming laptops under $2000. Let us start with the excellent MSI Stealth 15. Being a gaming laptop, MSI has equipped it with a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 – 13620H CPU with up to 4.9 GHz Turbo Boost clock speed, ‎16 GB of DDR5 RAM, 1 TB of NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD storage, and a dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU with 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM for remaining budget-friendly, yet having a smooth gaming experience.

MSI has also equipped the laptop with a 15.6” FHD IPS narrow-bezel display with up to 144 Hz refresh rate, making the games run butter-smooth in your system. The laptop also comes with Cooler Boost Trinity+ technology, which includes seven heat pipes, and three fans with 0.1 mm blades, providing longer gaming hours.

Pros

  • Excellent Performance
  • Stealthy Aesthetics
  • Enhanced Cooling

Cons

  • Average Speakers
  • Average Battery Backup

Why We Like It

  • MSI Stealth 15
    We love the MSI Stealth 15 for its stealthy aesthetics, which is very different from the other gaming laptops with their RGB-infused chassis. Additionally, MSI has also ensured longer game times with the help of their proprietary Cooler Boost Trinity+ solution, making for an excellent gaming laptop.
OVERALL RATING

MSI Creator M16

MSI Creator M16

Specifications:

  • Brand: MSI
  • Model Name: Creator M16 A12UEV-468
  • Screen Size: 16
  • Hard Disk Size: 1 TB
  • CPU Model: Core i7
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 32 GB

MSI Creator M16

The MSI Creator is another gaming machine from MSI that has gamer-centric design accents while remaining subtle about it. Being a gaming laptop, MSI has equipped the device with a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 – 12650H CPU with up to 4.7 GHz Turbo Boost clock speed, ‎32 GB of DDR4 RAM running at 2400 MHz frequency, 1 TB of NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD storage, and a dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU with 6 GB of GDDR6 VRAM for a smooth gaming experience.

The laptop also comes with a 16” QHD+ display, which is geared towards creators more than gamers. For example, it comes with 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage, and True Pixel Display technology, which is also calman-verified. Additionality, it also has MSI’s proprietary Cooler Boost 5 Technology, which makes use of 2 fans and 4 heat pipes for enhanced cooling.

Pros

  • Exceptional Performance
  • Professional Aesthetics
  • Excellent Display

Cons

  • No Higher Refresh Rate
  • Average Sound Quality

Why We Like It

  • MSI Creator M16
    We love the MSI Creator M16 for its excellent display, which is aimed at creators and hence, is excellent for fast-moving games too. It makes anything on the screen look good and life-like, which enhances the gaming experience on the machine. The system can also game for longer, making it a good choice for your primary gaming needs.
OVERALL RATING

MSI Katana 15

MSI Katana 15

Specifications:

  • Brand: MSI
  • Model Name: Katana 15 B13VGK-484US
  • Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
  • Hard Disk Size: 1 TB
  • CPU Model: Core i7
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 16 GB

MSI Katana 15

Here we have the excellent MSI Katana 15, which is one of the best gaming laptops under $2000, simply because of the gamer-heavy aesthetics and the heavy RGB lights on top of the already heavy spec sheet. Being a gaming laptop, MSI has equipped the Katana 15 with a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 – 13620H CPU with up to 4.9 GHz Turbo Boost clock speed, ‎16 GB of DDR5 RAM, 1 TB of NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD storage, and a dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU with 12 GB of GDDR6 VRAM for an exceptionally smooth gaming and user experience.

To match such excellent specifications, MSI has also equipped the laptop with a 15.6” FHD IPS narrow-bezel display with a 144 Hz refresh rate for an exceptionally smooth gaming experience. MSI has also provided their proprietary Cooler Boost 5 Technology for enhanced thermals with 2 fans and 6 heat pipes.

Pros

  • Smooth Performance
  • Excellent Thermals
  • Exceptional Graphic Card

Cons

  • Average Speakers
  • Average Battery Backup

Why We Like It

  • MSI Katana 15
    We love the MSI Katana 15 for its pure performance and gamer-centric aesthetics. While the GPU is highly powerful, it is combined with the highly potent CPU too, making it ideal for gaming. Additionally, the RGB lights and the high-refresh-rate display ensure a smooth gaming experience, making it one of the best gaming laptops under $2000.
OVERALL RATING

Alienware M15 R6

Alienware M15

Specifications:

  • Brand: Alienware
  • Model Name: Alienware m15 R6
  • Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
  • Color: Black
  • Hard Disk Size: 512 GB
  • CPU Model: Core i7 Family

Alienware M15 R6

The name ‘Alienware’ is synonymous with gaming. They have some of the most potent gaming laptops and hence, the Alienware M15 R6 is ideal for this list of the best gaming laptop under $2000. Dell has equipped the Alienware M15 R6 with an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 – 11800H CPU with up to 4.6 GHz Turbo Boost clock speed, ‎16 GB of DDR4 RAM running at 3200 MHz frequency, 512 GB of NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD storage, and a dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU with 6 GB of GDDR6 VRAM for a smooth gaming experience.

The laptop also has a 15.6” QHD WVA narrow-bezel display with a 240 Hz refresh rate for an extremely smooth gaming experience, while it also has ComfortView Plus low blue light technology for protecting the eyes. The laptop is also fitted with an advanced thermal solution, which provides longer gaming hours.

Pros

  • Excellent Performance
  • Good Thermal Performance
  • High Definition Display

Cons

  • Average Speakers
  • Average Battery Backup

Why We Like It

  • Alienware M15 R6
    We love the Alienware M15 R6 for its no-frills attitude towards gaming. They have covered all the basics to ensure a smooth system while taking care of the aesthetics by keeping it subtle and classy. The high refresh rate and the higher resolution display also ensure a great gaming experience, making it one of the best gaming laptops under $2000.
OVERALL RATING

Acer Predator Helios 300

Acer Predator Helios 300

Specifications:

  • Brand: acer
  • Model Name: PH317-56-70XJ
  • Screen Size: 17.3 Inches
  • Color: Black
  • Hard Disk Size: 512 GB
  • CPU Model: Core i7
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 16 GB

Acer Predator Helios 300

The Acer Predator Helios 300 is another excellent gaming beast which provides one of the best gaming experiences in this list. Being a gaming machine, Acer has equipped the Predator Helios 300 with a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 – 12700H CPU with up to 4.7 GHz Turbo Boost clock speed, ‎16 GB of DDR5 RAM running at 4800 MHz frequency, 512 GB of NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD storage, and a dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU with 6 GB of GDDR6 VRAM for enhanced gaming experience.

Such excellent specifications are mated to a 17.3” FHD IPS narrow-bezel display with a 3 ms response rate and 144 Hz refresh rate, making it one of the fastest displays for a smooth gaming experience. The laptop is also equipped with Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E for enhanced connectivity, which is useful for online multiplayer gaming.

Pros

  • Excellent Performance
  • Large Display
  • Gamer Aesthetics

Cons

  • Average Speakers
  • Average Battery Backup

Why We Like It

  • Acer Predator Helios 300
    We love the Acer Predator Helios 300 laptop for its excellent gamer-centric features, the larger high refresh rate display, and the excellent Wi-Fi connectivity. Such features ensure a great user experience and make the laptop a great investment as the first gaming machine.
OVERALL RATING

OMEN HP X 2S

OMEN HP X

Specifications:

  • Brand: OMEN
  • Model Name: 6UA83UA#ABA
  • Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
  • Hard Disk Size: 1 TB
  • CPU Model: Core i7
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB

OMEN HP X 2S

The HP Omen X 2S is a gaming laptop with a trick up its sleeve – it comes with a secondary touchscreen which can provide you with additional entertainment or utility, making for a versatile setup. Being a gaming machine, HP has equipped the Omen X 2S with a 9th Gen Intel Core i7 – 9750H CPU with up to 4.5 GHz Turbo Boost clock speed, ‎16 GB of DDR4 RAM running at 2666 MHz frequency, 1 TB of NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD storage, and a dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 GPU with 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM for excellent gaming experience.

The laptop also comes with dual displays with the primary display being a 15.6” 4K IPS anti-glare micro-edge WLED-backlit screen, and the secondary display being a 5.98” FHD IPS BrightView micro-edge WLED-backlit touchscreen. Coupled with an excellent thermal solution, the laptop is ideal for long gaming sessions.

Pros

  • Dual Screens
  • Smooth Performance
  • Excellent Thermals

Cons

  • Average Battery Backup
  • Average Speakers

Why We Like It

  • HP Omen X 2S
    We love the HP Omen X 2S for its innovative use of dual screens and amazing performance. It makes the laptop versatile and unique. Additionally, the excellent thermal solution also ensures a great user experience for a longer time, making it an excellent choice as the primary gaming laptop.
OVERALL RATING

Conclusion

So, there you have it, the list of the best gaming laptops under $2000. While we have taken adequate measures to cover all major brands and different kinds of machines, you can also visit the website of your favourite games and check whether your chosen laptop meets their minimum requirements.

Feel free to go through the list of the pros and cons of each machine as you go through the article to choose the ideal system for your gaming needs. Additionally, we have added why we love a specific laptop and have included it in this list, to ensure you get a good overview of the machine, and make the right choice.

If you have low budget, then you should go for Best Gaming Laptops Under 1200 Dollars.

Now I would like to hear from you.

What was your #1 choice from the list or maybe you have a question about the Best Gaming Laptops Under 2000 Dollars?

Go ahead and leave a comment below right now.