9 Best Gaming Laptops Under $2000 to Run the Newest Games in 2022 and Next Few Years

So, you are planning to spend $2000 on a gaming laptop. It is not cheap, and you should be sure that it is the best gaming laptop for the money. 

The specs of laptops are often similar between brands. Whether you’re confused or don’t have time to go through the specs of each gaming laptop model, our team has selected the top 9 gaming laptops under $2000 to help you make an easy and informed choice from a huge assortment. Our list is based on analysis of specs, consumer reviews, and testing each model in the most popular AAA games.Take a quick look at our Top 9 gaming laptops up to $2000 and read more to know what parameters are needed to get the most out of it.

Top 9 gaming laptops under $2000

These are the best no-compromise laptops for gaming on the go in the price range of $1,000-2,000. We can’t show you a full review of each laptop within this article so we will focus on the main features each of them has. Just note, that all laptops on our list have excellent gaming performance and are best suited for enjoying the latest titles from Battlefield 5 to Fortnite. 

We highly recommend them for purchase because we spend over 100 hours for research to make the list and that is how we did it:

• Firstly we researched the laptops on the market available in the price range of  $1,000-2,000 and picked the ones with the best specs needed for gamers (to avoid your overpaying for weak machines)
• Then checked all the customer reviews we could find about selected models to highlight cons/pros which owners notice during usage (paying special attention to feedback on long-term use as not all is noticeable immediately after purchase)
• After that, we went to testing in the lab (the main benches FPS, CPU/GPU Temp). Of course, we didn’t test all the laptops we researched, it will take years and a lot of money, as this article isn’t sponsored by any brand. In the first two stages, we identified a list of the best offers, but there were still a lot of them. So we used our secret bonus and consulted with friends from the laptop repair service center to exclude those models that most often come to them.
• As a result, we get a list of the best gaming laptops under $2,000 with the best gaming performance, the best value for money, and great reviews from both owners and repairers.

Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 (2020): Best overall gaming laptop under $2000

CPU Intel 8-Core i7-10875H | GPU: Nvidia RTX 2070 SUPER | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD | Display: 15.6-inch 240Hz IPS FHD| Windows 10

Winner features

• Most powerful CPU Core i7 10875H 
• Most powerful GPU RTX 2070 SUPER
• One of the best refresh rate display 240Hz
• 1 TB SSD —  enough to store the games
• Per-key backlighting

The Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 has the highest specs possible on a laptop up to $2000 at the moment. This laptop will run almost all of the newest and most popular games. It will also run 98% of these games at the mid or best experience levels.

The best 8-core processor i7 10875H — 2 more physical cores and 4 MB larger cache size compared to the competitors, the only one laptop with Octa-core Intel CPU on our list up to $2000. 

The most powerful video card RTX 2070 SUPER — uses the full 115W for the highest possible level of performance; equipped with the largest 8GB GDDR6 video memory and ROG Boost — an exclusive ASUS technology capable of overclocking the GPU for instant graphics performance boosts.

Despite all this power, the cooling system is very good, you won’t feel hot just warm.

One of the highest refresh rate displays (240Hz) will provide lightning-fast responsiveness to win the game. This allows you to maximize the potential of such a powerful RTX 2070 video card capable of supporting this high frame rate. 

The battery life and fan noise are the weak links for this (like in most gaming laptops). The battery life is about 4 hours in business mode and no more than 2 hours in gaming mode. Note that gaming on the battery is possible, but not great and this is especially noticeable when the battery is discharged more than 60%. You’ll need to bring the massive adapter and spend the time charging. So it’s not the best choice for traveling or as a business laptop (by the way, it doesn’t even have a webcam). 

This is a gaming beast and that’s all. Fantastic performance is pretty obvious and will surely satiate a gamer’s appetite. It outperforms all others and there are hardly any games or apps that it can’t handle. And as well the laptop offers a 1 TB SSD drive, giving tons of storage for your gaming library and ensuing fast start-up and gameplay.

Verdict: Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 is the most powerful gaming laptop that you can buy up to $2000. If you need the best frame rates and the fastest screen, the Strix Scar 15 is the best purchase. The expected weak point is battery life, so don’t buy it if you want to use it for anything other than gaming (work, study, travel), we have some picks with good battery but slightly less powerful in games: ASUS TUF

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Razer Blade 15 OLED: Best 4k (3840×2160) gaming laptop under $2000 

CPU: Intel 6-Core i7-10750H | GPU: Nvidia RTX 2070 Max-Q GPU | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB SSD | Display: 15.6-inch 4K OLED | Size: 13.98 x 9.25 x 0.78 inches | Weight: 4.9 pounds

Winner features

• 4K OLED display (the only one on our list)
• The fastest 1ms response time display
• Strong performance (the most powerful among 4k gaming laptops under $2000)
• Lots of ports and Thunderbolt3 (to connect speedy hard drives, various displays, external GPU, and other peripherals)
• Stylish CNC aluminum chassis (the most rigid materials)

Razer Blade’s 15 4K display is mesmerizing — the details are so clear that you can see the smallest wrinkles on faces, tree bark, and many other details that you may not have seen before.

The Razer Blade 15 is only one on our list with a 4K display and one of the most powerful specs that allow playing AAA games in 4K resolution. It’s equipped with Nvidia RTX 2070 Max-Q video card — just 10-15% less performance than in our best Asus ROG Strix Scar, but it’s still more than enough and you get a laptop that’s lighter, thinner, with less fan noise, and longer battery life. 

4K display has one downside — the 60Hz display. All other models in our rate have at least 144Hz IPS displays which will give you smoother gameplay. However, the 60Hz still provides smooth images with fast and sharp frame rates, which is important for most games to avoid lags. And in terms of color saturation, brightness, viewing angles, 4K are many times superior to any IPS display.

Verdict: without a doubt, this is the best option if you are looking for a powerful and thin laptop with a 4K OLED display of up to $2000.

💡Note: if you are not a big fan of 4K and 60Hz is not enough, the Razer Blade 15 has a $200-300 cheaper version with an IPS 114Hz display.

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HP Omen 15: Best gaming laptop with 300Hz Display and Thunderbolt 3

CPU: Intel 6-Core i7-10750H I GPU: Nvidia RTX 2060 | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD I Display: 15.6″ FHD 300Hz IPS I Windows 10

Winner features

• 300Hz display — the highest refresh rate
• Thunderbolt3 3 port (to connect speedy hard drives, various displays, external GPU, and other peripherals)
• Good sound quality

The HP Omen 15 is another impressive laptop with great specs. Core i7-10750H processor and RTX 2060 graphics allow you not to think about upgrading for 2-3 years. However, the Omen has 20% less gaming performance than our best Asus ROG Strix Scar 15, but note that it costs $ 300 less. 

HP OMEN 15 has an incredible screen with a refresh rate of 300 Hz — this is the highest frequency that is available only for flagship models, but what is its advantage, and is it so important? 

The difference between 144Hz and 240Hz is barely noticeable, let alone 300Hz. There is a misconception that if the monitor has a high refresh rate, then the FPS in games must be the same. This is not entirely true, or rather not the main advantage of high refresh rate monitors. Of course, if you have a 300Hz display, you can try to achieve a stable 300 FPS (though, RTX 2060 video card could be a bottleneck). But above all, you have a wider choice of frame rates and the ability to take advantage of the different refresh rate gameplay.

Another useful feature of the Omen HP is the Thunderbolt 3 port. This cannot be called a necessity, but it has many advantages: high data transfer rate of 40 Gb/s that is 4 times faster than USB Type-C (like in most models on our list), the ability to connect any devices like 4k monitors, external video cards and others.

The sound and quality of graphics are at their best. You’ll also like a set of arrow keys and a special backlit of most running keys (it is convenient to click on them without looking). 

The battery is expected to be weak and allows it to work up to 6,5 hours in business mode and 2+ in gaming mode. 

Verdict: the HP Omen 15 is the best choice if you look for a gaming laptop with top-notch performance, a brilliant clear 300Hz display, and Thunderbolt 3 port. The disadvantage is its high price. So, if you are agreeing to sacrifice a 300Hz screen and a Thunderbolt 3 port, take a look at an MSI GL65 Leopard with a more powerful video card RTX2070 instead of the 2060 and the same processor, which results in a 12-13% increase of gaming performance and will cost $300-400 less.

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MSI GL65 Leopard: best for money 144Hz screen gaming laptop under $2000

CPU: Intel 6-Core i7-10750H | GPU: Nvidia RTX 2070 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD | Display: 15.6-inch 144Hz IPS FHD| Windows 10

Winner features

• Perfect gaming performance
• The most vivid 144Hz display
• Per-key backlighting
• Best value for money

The MSI GL65 Leopard packs the display just right for gameplay with such a powerful video card as GeForce RTX 2070: 1080p resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, IPS technology with wide viewing angles, bright colorful picture, an anti-glare surface. It produces very vibrant and vivid images and has about 270-290 nits bright which are actually, very good (since none of the laptops on our list have more than 300 nits).

As for gaming performance — it is a beast, otherwise it wouldn’t appear on our list. As it is packed with one of the most powerful hardware like an Intel i7-10750H processor, RTX 2070 graphics, and 16GB of RAM.

You’ll also love per-key backlighting. This feature is only available for MSI laptops and our top pick Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 as others on our list are only willing to set the backlight for groups of keys or zones, but not for each key separately.
Verdict: The MSI GL65 Leopard 10SFK-062 is the sure best choice of mid-range gaming laptops with 144 Hz display, as it provides the best value of price, power, and performance.

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ASUS TUF: Best AMD Gaming Laptop with Best Battery Life

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7-4800H 8 Core | GPU: Nvidia RTX 2060 | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 2TB SSD | Display: 15.6-inch 144Hz Full HD IPS | Windows 10

Winner features

• The largest 90WHr battery (up to 10 hours of business usage)
• The most powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor
• The largest RAM 32GB
• The largest storage 2TB
• Best value for money

The main feature of ASUS TUF 506IV-AS76 is its Octa-Core AMD Ryzen 7-4800H processor that outperforms the Intel Core i7-10750H (found on most laptops on our list) and on par with the i7-10875H (like in our overall best Asus ROG Strix Scar 15). You can enjoy an ultimate performance and responsiveness with 8 cores/16 threads which are impressive considering the price of about $ 1,300. The laptop has the largest on our list RAM 32GB and Storage 2TB SSD which provide the fastest loading and running, and also enough space to store your collection of games. This new version finally gets a 144Hz IPS display (prev Asus TUF models were equipped with 60Hz and 120Hz) and the biggest 90WHr battery which can provide 8-10 hours of business usage (which is perfect for gaming laptops). 

Verdict: ASUS TUF 506IV-AS76 is the affordable gaming laptop with AMD’s most powerful 8-core processor and the largest 90Wh battery. Yes, it is not super light and thin with a great design and doesn’t have biometrical and Thunderbolt 3, but the price and great performance fully justify it.

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ASUS ROG Zephyrus S: Best Ultra Slim Gaming Laptop Under $2000

CPU: Intel Core i7-8750H | GPU: Nvidia RTX 2070 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB SSD | Display: 15.6-inch 144Hz Full HD IPS | Windows 10

Winner features 

• The slimmest and lightest on our list
• Great gaming performance

Few gaming laptops boast thin and light chassis, but that’s not about ASUS ROG Zephyrus S Ultra Slim. This is the thinnest and lightest laptop on our list. At the same time, it is not deprived of gaming power. The processor here is the weakest of those that we are considering today but paired with a productive video card, it copes well with gaming tasks. Although the screen is top-notch and performs great. The controversial issue is non-standard keyboard placement. It is brought forward (for cooling purposes) and many people like it because it looks more like an actual PC keyboard. 

Verdict: ASUS ROG Zephyrus S is a perfect choice if you need a gaming beast in the slim and light form factor. But don’t buy it if you are going to use it on your lap as its type of keyboard placement is useful only for a desk.

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Acer Predator Helios 300: Best 17.3-inch Gaming Laptop Under $2000

CPU: Intel 6-Core i7-10750H| GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q 8GB| RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD | Display: 17.3″ FHD 144Hz 3ms IPS |4-zone RGB Keyboard | Windows 10

Winner features

• The largest 17.3-inch FHD IPS display
• Strong overall performance
• Beautiful backlit
• Good value for money

For any gaming laptop, the large 17.3-inch IPS display is a definite advantage as it provides more space and comfort for gaming. But the Acer Predator Helios 300 is also blessed with outstanding gaming power due to Core i7 processor and RTX graphics. Oh, what else does a gaming laptop need? At this price point, you won’t find a more powerful 17.3-inch laptop. Its gaming performance is 20% lower compared to our best Asus ROG Strix Scar, but you get a 17-inch screen and save up to $ 500.

Verdict: Acer Predator Helios 300 17-inch is the best choice if you want a big 17-inch display paired with outstanding gaming performance. 

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MSI GS65 Stealth: Best Design Gaming Laptop Under $2000

CPU: Intel Core i7-8750H | GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2060 | RAM: 16GB |, Storage: 512GB Nvme SSD | Display: 15.6-inch 144Hz Full HD IPS | Windows 10

Winner features

• Stylish design
• Thin and Light
• Good gaming performance

Gaming laptops tend to look massive and aggressive, but MSI GS65 Stealth is an exception. This laptop combines gaming power with a sophisticated design. Ultra-thin and light matte black with gold diamond cut. Superior all the competitors in terms of design and style. Please note that it has the weakest pair of processor+video card on our list, but still great for gaming. Be ready to lose up to 15% of gaming performance compared to most of our picks but it still provides high FPS in games (e.g. Far Cry 5 – Normal 96FPS, Ultra 82FPS, all tested at 1080p). However, you get a thin, light laptop with an excellent battery for a good price ($200 less compared to its main competitor thin and light ASUS ROG Zephyrus S).

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Eluktronics MAG-15: Best Gaming Laptop under $2000 With Mechanical Keyboard: 

CPU: Intel 6-Core i7-9750H | GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 2TB NVMe SSD | Display: 15.6” 144Hz Full HD IPS | Mechanical RGB Keyboard | Windows 10

Winner features

• The only one with a mechanical keyboard
• The largest RAM 32GB (up to 64GB options available) — you will never worry about not having enough RAM, except how to use it all
• The largest 2TB SSD
• Thunderbolt 3 port

Some gamers prefer mechanical keyboards because of their advantages over membrane ones: speed (the construction allows for a faster button press), accuracy (accurate record of pressing multiple keys at the same time), better feel and build, durability. But this feature is often not available or too expensive — the vast majority of laptops are equipped with membrane keyboards. However, Eluktronics MAG-15 is an excellent mechanical keyboard laptop within budget. 

It can be hard for less known brands to make a dent in the laptop market, but every now and then a brand no one has ever heard of makes itself known. A $2000 gaming laptop has to be quite impressive to take on the likes of Asus, HP, Acer, Dell, and Lenovo. The Eluktronics MAG-15 is equipped with the largest RAM and Storage you can find in the price range. It provides an excellent performance enough to run most of the recent resource-demanding games. The RTX 2070 and the i7-9750H crushes everything: it plays most triple-A titles at 90+ FPS at Ultra, E-Sports games run above 144Hz at High settings. However, it is 20% less in gaming performance than our best laptop (due to weaker processor and video card although about $300 cheaper).

Verdict: The Eluktronics MAG-15 is the best choice for a gaming laptop with a mechanical keyboard. It has one of the most powerful combinations of an Intel processor, GTX graphics, and the largest RAM and storage on a budget under $ 2,000. And the only one with a mechanical keyboard, but due to its excellent performance, there is no need to sacrifice, unless you want a well-known and prestigious logo on the case.

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What to expect from a gaming laptop under 2000?

The main expectation of anyone who spends $ 2,000 on a laptop is that their investment will be top-notch over the next 2-3 years. Will support the newest game updates without any compromises in gameplay experience — interaction speed, resolution, frame rate, etc.

Processor (CPU)

The best processors for laptops under 2000$:

• Intel Core i7 — this is the best Intel gaming processor for your money. While you’ll get a little more performance on a much more expensive Intel Core i9 processor, it’s not enough to be noticeable in gaming. As few games know today how to take advantage of the i9 processors. But anyway, Core i9 is out of the $2000 budget by now. (read our article Best Core i7 Laptops).
• AMD Ryzen 7 — if earlier, everyone preferred an Intel processor (cause it just had no equal), then now the situation changed — AMD released competitive mobile chips. Therefore, in 2020, the question of which processor to buy in a laptop again becomes relevant. 

Whichever manufacturer (Intel or AMD) you choose, stop only on powerful series and the latest version — this will keep your laptop up to date in the next few years.

Video card (GPU)

The graphics card (GPU) has the greatest impact on the performance of a gaming laptop. Video card memory (VRAM) is critical especially if you play with high settings enabled and high-resolution texture packs or if you play at very high resolutions like 4K. It should have at least 6GB, preferably 8GB and more.

RAM

Every $ 2,000 gaming laptop should have at least 16GB of RAM to run games smoothly and lag-free, 32GB might be a good idea for the future. But anything larger is overkilling.

Storage

SSD (with the fastest NVMe interface) is a must, HDD only as additional for data storage. SSD gives an advantage in boot times (but not in FPS). It should have a minimum of 512GB of storage as most games are large and take up about 60–100 GB.

Cooling system

Unlike PCs, efficient cooling is difficult to fit into a thin form factor, and gaming laptops get very hot. So an additional laptop pad with extra cooling comes in handy.

Display

For gaming laptops, display refresh rates should be the highest and response rates the lowest. As for the $ 2,000 machines, it should be at least 144Hz IPS Full HD or 60Hz 4K OLED. The response time should be 3 ms or less.

What about the touch screen — for games you are using a mouse and keyboard anyway, so the touchscreen has no impact. You’d rather overpay for a touch screen laptop compared to a non-touchscreen laptop with similar specs.

Keyboard

Be sure to pay attention to the keyboard, it is one of the main things, although it is often forgotten. But in vain, since it is the main communication tool between you and your laptop (unless, of course, you intend to use an external keyboard). Note how the buttons are located, what kind of backlit, what type of keyboard (some prefer only mechanical, as in Eluktronics MAG-15).

Design

The specs of laptops are similar between brands. So, the overall look and feel of the laptop could be a deciding factor as you’ll choose a laptop that is most closely to your style. Settle for only the best materials, build quality, and aggressive backlit looks like Asus ROG Strix Scar or sophisticated like MSI GS65 Stealth. This way you can get a gaming vibe and impress others.

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