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5 Best Gaming Laptops Under $1500

Best Gaming Laptops Under $1500

Most recommended
Acer Nitro 5 Gaming LaptopAcer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
  • 9th Generation Intel Core i7-9750H
  • 15.6″ Full HD Widescreen
  • 16GB DDR4 2666MHz Memory

A good choice too
MSI GL65 Leopard 10SFK-062MSI GL65 Leopard 10SFK-062
  • Intel Core i7-10750H
  • 15.6″ FHD IPS-Level
  • 512GB NVMe SSD

A good choice too
ASUS ROG Strix G15 (2020)ASUS ROG Strix G15 (2020)
  • 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H
  • 15.6” Full HD 1920×1080 Display
  • 16GB DDR4 2933MHz RAM

CUK MSI GF65 Thin Gaming LaptopCUK MSI GF65 Thin Gaming Laptop
  • Intel Core i7-9750H
  • 15.6″ Full HD 1920 x 1080 Display
  • RAM: 32GB DDR4 2666MHz

ROG Zephyrus G15 (2020)ROG Zephyrus G15 (2020)
  • AMD Ryzen 7 4800HS processor
  • 15.6″ Full HD 1920 x 1080 Display
  • 16GB 3200MHz DDR4 RAM


Choose the Best Gaming Laptop Under $1500

Customer’s Choice: the Best Rated Gaming Laptops Under $1500

15 users answered this survey. Please help us improve this review!

73.33% of users selected Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop, 20% selected MSI GL65 Leopard 10SFK-062, 0% selected ASUS ROG Strix G15 (2020), 0% selected CUK MSI GF65 Thin Gaming Laptop and 6.67% selected ROG Zephyrus G15 (2020). Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

The consideration that only expensive laptops can have all the technical characteristics needed for gaming has existed for a long time. However, high price tags do not always mean the best quality. You can find a great budget-friendly variant that will turn out to be a really powerful machine with all its state-of-the-art features, such as an attractive display, high resolution, consistent USB 3.0 features, and a stunning 4GB graphics card. Apart from just one or two minor characteristics, you will get everything you need for playing your favorite games online and effective streaming.
Just relax and trust our experience. Here, we have completed a great list of the most popular and effective gaming laptops under $1500 that are of the highest quality. We have highlighted the most crucial specifications you may be interested to get on your laptop. Make smart solutions a norm for your gaming experience and consider the top 5 laptops you will enjoy your gaming with. You will also find useful tips on how to make your choice still more considerate and effective.
So, let us consider the best options of gaming laptops under $1500 and their characteristic features.

Acer Nitro Gaming Laptop – A Device That Creates the Best Gaming Atmosphere Ever

The design of this brand-new computer is sleek and mobile. The laptop has a lot of gaming features due to the Intel Core processor of the 9th generation and the graphics from NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 featuring all the best qualities of the stunning NVIDIA Turing Architecture. The processor is quite powerful.


How It Performs

The keyboard looks very attractive and is very convenient in use. All the commands are ensured by the NitroSense Key and the arrow keys and WASD are clearly specified. The keys feel very soft and smooth for a touch. The distance among them in any direction is 1.6 mm so they are very convenient. The keyboard is dimly lit with a red hue adding much excitement and creating a specific gaming atmosphere.
To get a stunningly immersive experience, pay attention to Waves MaxxAudio combined with Acer TrueHarmony. You can achieve the smooth adjustment options for bass, volume, and dialog while the sounds can become richer and deeper.

Pros
  • The display is bright and attractive.
  • The fan noise is very slight and not disturbing at all.
  • The laptop is very smart and fast.
  • The speakers are of high quality with all the bass notes audible.
  • The USB 3 Ports are very quick and reliable.
Cons
  • The battery life is rather short – about 4 hours instead of 8 advertised.
  • The keyboard may appear not quite convenient for speedy games.

In short, this laptop features the best sound and video technologies and is very fast. It is also equipped with an HD webcam and 3 USB ports for a quick wireless connection and 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet. Remember to keep the fans and dual exhaust ports powered by Acer CoolBoost technology clean and free from dust to avoid the laptop’s noise and to provide its smooth work.


MSI GL65 Leopard – A Great Gaming Laptop Featuring the Latest Technological Advancements

The design of this stunning highly technological device solution allows for great gaming. The Intel Core processor of the 10th generation and the graphics from NVIDIA GeForce RTX SUPER Series provides higher clocks and cores for faster performance (up to 52% in comparison to previous generations).


Your gaming experience will be realistic with super-quick ray tracing providing clear lighting, shadows, and reflections powered by AI.
The processor with 6 cores is quite powerful allowing for 15% more efficiency than the previous versions. The frequency of every single core is also higher providing an amazing gaming experience.

How It Performs

The gaming display of 144 Hz is extremely fast. The entire potential of the GPU is unleashed through the rapid rate of refreshing. The smoothest graphics ever is enabled at the highest FPS.
If you are an enthusiastic gamer, you will get one more privilege – the brand-new thermal solutions that can be activated for both GPU and CPU. 7 heat pipes allow for the maximum speedy performance in extreme gaming conditions.
The music sounds great and very natural with Hi-Resolution Audio. Your audio will sound exactly as it was meant.

Pros
  • All the systems of this laptop are flawless.
  • The sound is much better than expected.
  • Gaming experience is fantastic and quite realistic.
  • The laptop is especially good for the price.
  • The keyboard is very pretty, usable, and convenient.
Cons
  • Fans are a bit louder than they should be for the utmost comfort.
  • The speakers should be better and you need to use headphones for better sound quality.

All in all, the laptop makes up a great option for gaming featuring the latest technological advancements. It is also equipped with a silver-lining 720p HD Webcam and 2 USB ports – 3.1 Gen 2 and 3.2 Gen 1 – for a smooth wireless connection. Remember that you need a pair of headphones to get the sound of the utmost quality and the feeling of personal presence within the game.


ASUS ROG Strix G15 (2020) Gaming Laptop– A Laptop for Gaming in Style and Winning

The design of this laptop is streamlined and efficient for the best experience in games and multi-task fulfillment. The Intel Core processor of the 10th generation and the stunning graphics provided by NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU ensure the fast display due to its high-FPS powers.


You can use your storage space and expand it easily to utilize your entire program library on the move.

How It Performs

The 240 Hz display refresh rate allows for professional gaming and target tracking feels much smoother with the 3 ms grey-to-grey time for response.
The performance is improved with the state-of-the-art liquid metal compound installed on the CPU. The exterior is well-ventilated which means lower levels of noise even during quite speedy games.
The Intel Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+) feature provides reliable gaming at any LAN speed available. The maximum bandwidth for the interface is up to 2.4 Gbps. Though, the speed may vary slightly depending on the quality of the Wi-Fi connection.

Pros
  • Web browse scrolling is very smooth due to 240 Hz screen capacity.
  • The keyboard is very responsive and convenient.
  • Graphics is absolutely amazing.
  • Laptop is very sturdy and strong, quite powerful, and functional.
  • Device runs video editing and CAD programs without any issues.
Cons
  • Laptop could have a webcam but it doesn’t have it.
  • The weight is a bit too big for carrying it without effort.

The final notes about this powerful and multi-functional laptop concern its comprehensive connectivity. It has one USB 3.2 Type-C Display Port 1.4 and three Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports to connect any gaming gear. As well, you can connect your laptop to a 4K monitor or even TV due to HDMI 2.0b. And the best option for gamers is a one-month subscription to Game Pass. It is provided with the purchase and ensures unlimited access to about one hundred PC games based on Windows 10. With the active subscription, play your favorite games in style and win.


CUK MSI GF65 Thin Gaming Laptop– A Device for Those Who Are Searching for Convenience and Portability

The state-of-the-art 120 Hz IPS-level display for thin-bezel gaming allows for realistic and fully immersive gameplay. The speed and clarity are amazing. The Intel Core processor of the 9th generation provides a 10% better performance than previous versions.


The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20 series graphics powered by the brand-new NVIDIA Turing GPU architecture provides real-time ray tracing and is supported by AI with its stunning programmable shading.

How It Performs

The 120Hz thin display allows for smooth and fast gameplay. The keyboard and the top are metal-covered creating the feeling of a true battlefield. The upgraded thermal solutions work perfectly well for both the GPU and CPU. 6 heat pipes are meant to minimize the heat considerably. They also maximize the airflow which is especially important for such a compact chassis.
The MSI Dragon Center provides such features as a System Tuner, a LED Wizard, a New Gaming Mode, a Voice Wizard, and a Mobile Center. The keyboard is equipped with a single backlight and the Anti-Ghost Key with the silver lining. There is also a 720p HD webcam and a 3-cell battery.

Pros
  • The sound is absolutely amazing.
  • The device is completely silent, with no additional sounds and noises.
  • Keyboard’s backlight looks beautiful and is quite convenient.
  • The display is crisp and clean with very fast response times.
  • Portability is very good because of its lightweight.
Cons
  • The package of the laptop is not sturdy and reliable so some details can arrive damaged.
  • The ventilation hinges on the sides can start breaking off after some months.
In conclusion, let us highlight the laptop’s connection options. It has two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Ports, one HDMI, one microphone input, and one headphone output that make the device very convenient in use. These options allow for smooth connections to Wi-Fi and TV, connecting other gaming devices, and great usability while you are on the go. Just remember not to overload the laptop with many extra devices because the battery’s lifespan can be shortened significantly.


ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 (2020) Ultra Slim Gaming Laptop – A Unique Device That Will Travel with You to Explore the World of Gaming

The laptop weighs only 4.85 lbs owing to its thin (just 19 mm thick) design which is quite elegant and subtle, yet very powerful and versatile. It can be used by all categories of gamers and in the everyday work of content and software developers.


The AMD 4800 HS brand-new processor provides the optimal equality between energy consumption and performance which extends the lifespan of the battery during live gameplay or web browsing. You can easily customize your gaming experience with NDIVIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q Series graphics.

How It Performs

The efficiency of performance is enhanced by the super-narrow 6.2 mm bezels providing an 81% screen-to-body ratio which is stunning. Imagine an IPS-level panel of 15 inches in width setting on a 14-inch chassis and how amazing and sharp the colors are viewed from any angle.
When the chassis is slim, it means difficulties with cooling but not in this case. All the innovative cooling solutions are perfectly optimized to provide more powerful airflow. There are 83 blades per one fan and each blade is 33% thinner than in previous models. Owing to this technology, the airflow increases by 17% providing a smoother operation for the NVIDIA card. The cooling system is also equipped with anti-dust features and self-cleaning tunnels for sturdy work of the entire device.
The keyboard is backlit for more convenience and the laptop also has an IPS-Type Full HD display with the capacity of 144 HZ for complete immersion in the game. The audio is also great and sounds close to real.

Pros
  • The monitor is bright but not too much, so the colors are nice and vivid.
  • Laptop can smoothly operate multiple low-grade tasks at once.
  • Keyboard has very convenient switches and is easy to use.
  • Device is pretty slim and light, quite portable, and can be easily used while on the go.
  • The screen is anti-glare and it can be seen well from any angle.
Cons
  • Fans sometimes do not work properly at high speeds and it causes overheating.
  • Speakers need improvement because the best sound quality can be achieved only with headphones.
Finally, something should be said about connection options and compatibility. The device has a USB Type-C port that can also be used for charging. It can connect to Wi-Fi with its Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+) technology. The laptop can be compatible with other gaming devices but be careful not to overheat it because the very thin chassis does not allow for quick cooling at higher gaming speeds.


Buyer’s Guide

You can find many laptops on the market with a price tag under $1500. Though, not all of them are suitable and appropriate for gaming. That is why read this Buyer’s Guide carefully to find out which important characteristics of a device to consider for the best and smoothest gaming experience.

Physical Features

If you are going to spend much time gaming, you would probably like to have a high-quality and aesthetically appealing laptop. Of course, it should also be thin and light. However, everything depends here on the way of using your device. If your laptop is going to be stationary located on the desktop in your room, it can be a bit heavier. If you travel much, your device should be easy to throw into your backpack and move on.

Pay attention to the type of display. An IPS display performs very well when considering viewing angles, colors, and images. That will provide you with a stunning gaming experience and the feeling of full immersion into the game.

Processor

This is the main characteristic to consider while choosing a gaming laptop. It should be fast and reliable, free of lags and frequent reloading. Intel Core i7 9750h, 9th gen, and 10th gen are the CPUs that work smoothly and have a great reputation. Gaming performance that depends on response time is related to the quality of a processor.

Memory (RAM)

This component is also very important for a gaming laptop to ensure the smooth running of all the programs. Experts believe that RAM of 8 GB is quite suitable for gaming. However, it will be better if you opt for 16 GB RAM to be able to play complicated games with the need for faster responses.

Graphics Card

Gaming will never be enjoyable without high-quality and advanced graphics. That is why pay attention to the type of graphic card while choosing a gaming laptop. The most trusted and smoothly performing graphic cards are NVIDIA GeForce and Radeon solutions.

Battery Life

This aspect should be thoroughly considered if you are going to play on the move. Most brand-new laptops offer a battery life of 8 hours or so. However, everything depends on the use intensity and the type of game. The minimum battery’s lifespan you can consider buying a laptop is 5 hours. Get prepared to receive fewer hours if you are using a wireless connection or your Internet connection is not stable at all.

Storage

Many gamers prefer to download programs, apps, and supporting files. Great storage capacity is very important for that. The general recommendation is 1TB SSD. If you want to manage files easily, this is the best option.

Brand

It is very difficult to recommend a certain brand, especially, if you are closely attached to some model. However, you may always want to try something new. Look for the brands that provide a long warranty. It means that the company is sure about the quality of its products. Such brands as ASUS or MSI offer larger warranties but why not try others?

FAQs

Are special gaming laptops worth their price?

Everything depends on how much time you spend on gaming. If you play online just occasionally or your total time per day does not exceed 2 hours, spending additional costs on a special laptop is not reasonable. Though, if your gaming time is over 2 hours every day and you play regularly, it makes sense to have a specially designed device for smoother gameplay.

Do I need much memory for gaming?

If you are not a regular gamer, 8 GB RAM will be enough. If you play sophisticated games with rich graphics and do it quite regularly, opt for 16 GB RAM or more.

Can I use my gaming laptop for something else?

Sure. Gaming laptops work great if used for other purposes, for example, for streaming or processing files. They work faster and that can sometimes become a crucial factor to make such a laptop use daily on a regular basis.

Can playing games often damage my laptop?

The main problem with most laptops when you play games on them is overheating. This is the most dramatic issue that can lead to some negative outcomes for your device. Playing games cannot damage your laptop if it is not overheated very often.

Can I leave my gaming laptop plugged in?

Modern laptops have a specific feature that stops the battery from charging when it is full. However, you should not rely on it completely so unplug your laptop when you do not need it. Regular overcharging and heating can lead to some battery problems.

Video Tutorial: Acer Nitro 5 17.3 (2019) Gaming Laptop Unbox & First Look

Conclusion

You may need some more time to regard all the tips and products highlighted in this article to make the right choice of your perfect gaming laptop. Consider some other options and brands as well.

You will need to remember that laptops are developed not for gaming only. They can be used by program developers, college students, and for multimedia purposes. Each type has some specific features that are useful for this very purpose.

If you want a budget gaming laptop under $1500, regard our suggestions first of all. You will never feel upset or disappointed when you choose one from our list.