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Top 10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $2,000 In 2023 Review

We would all love to have the best laptop money can buy. Realistically, we are restricted to what our budgets can afford. And realistically, $2,000 is a decent budget and can purchase you some pretty impressive specs.

For this money, you can have a machine that will comfortably play the latest titles without any lag. Of course, for some of the less expensive machines, there’s always room to increase RAM with your leftover budget.

Therefore, we decided to review the best gaming laptops under $2,000, so you can start gaming on your powerful new machine in no time at all…

Top 10 Best Gaming Laptops Under ,000 In 2023 Review

Top 10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $2,000 Reviews

  1. Acer Nitro 5 – Best Value Gaming Laptop Under $2,000
  2. MSI GL65 Leopard – Best RGB Gaming Laptop Under $2,000
  3. Acer Predator Triton – Best Thin Gaming Laptop Under $2,000
  4. Razer Blade 15 Base – Best Core i7 Gaming Laptop Under $2,000
  5. ASUS TUF – Best Ryzen 7 Gaming Laptop Under $2,000
  6. Acer Predator Helios – Best GeForce Gaming Laptop Under $2,000
  7. ASUS ROG Strix G15 – Best IPS Panel Gaming Laptop Under $2,000
  8. Razer Blade 15 Advanced – Best 4K Gaming Laptop Under $2,000
  9. Lenovo Legion Y540 – Best Memory Gaming Laptop Under $2,000
  10. ASUS ROG Zephyrus – Best Compact Gaming Laptop Under $2,000

1 Acer Nitro 5 – Best Value Gaming Laptop Under $2,000

Acer’s Nitro 5 packs in a stack of high-performance components into a compact and affordable gaming powerhouse. Perfect for those who want the best budget gaming laptop under $2,000. The performance is already fantastic but can still be easily upgraded in the future.

Accessing the RAM, NVMe slots, and hard drive bay is easy, so you can enjoy gaming now, then add a boost later. The portable design makes gaming on the go possible, and the 144Hz screen provides amazingly smooth images.

My beating heart…

At the heart of the Nitro 5 is a 9th generation Intel Core i7 9750H processor. It runs 6 cores and 12 threads at 2.6GHz and can boost up to 4.5GHz. Paired with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, this surpasses minimum requirements for most current major titles.

Graphics are taken care of by the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 with 6GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM. The Windows 10 OS and your games are run from a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD, heavily reducing loading times.

Has to be screen to be believed…

While the performance of your CPU and GPU is highly important, if you don’t have a great screen to enjoy it, they’re almost pointless. Luckily, the Nitro 5 has a 15.6-inch IPS 144Hz display panel. Images are bright and vivid with crystal smooth gameplay.

Of course, there are other gaming essentials available, like an RJ45 Ethernet port, two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and a USB-C port. Plus, the keyboard is LED-backlit in an aggressive red color with textured and highlighted WSAD keys.


Acer Nitro 5

Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Easy to upgrade both RAM and storage drives.
  • 15.6-inch Full HD 144Hz IPS display panel.
  • Plenty of connectivity options for USB and Ethernet.

Cons

  • Smaller SSD than other competitors.
  • Can start to run warm after extended periods.

2 MSI GL65 Leopard – Best RGB Gaming Laptop Under $2,000

When you think “gamer,” you automatically think “RGB.” Having hypnotic rainbows of LED light shining from different areas of your PC has become synonymous with gamers. Well, MSI keeps that trend alive with their GL65 Leopard.

It’s not enough to just whack some fancy lights in and expect gamer-level performance. You also need some of the latest tech to run your games as smoothly as possible. And that’s exactly what you get here.

What’s under a Leopard’s spots?

Giving the Leopard its main source of power is the 10th generation Intel Core i7 10750H processor. The 6 core 12 thread processor idles at 2.6GHz and can boost up to an incredible 5.0GHz.

16GB of DDR4 RAM handles memory, and storage sits on a super-fast 512GB NVMe SSD. Graphics are processed using the awesome Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 with a dedicated 8GB of GDDR6 memory.

Smooth flowing visuals…

Displaying those incredible graphics comes courtesy of a 15.6-inch, thin bezel Full HD IPS 144Hz panel. To match the visuals, there is also full detailed high-resolution audio, either using headphones or through the two 3-watt built-in speakers.

Fast internet can be achieved using either the built-in WiFi 6 connection or the RJ45 Ethernet port for wired. Connect all your other devices using one of the three USB 3.0 ports or the USB-C port.


MSI GL65 Leopard

Our rating:4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)

Pros

  • 10th generation Core i7 processor.
  • GeForce RTX 2070 8GB GPU.
  • RGB backlit keyboard for gaming feel.

Cons

  • Fans can become noisy when pushed.
  • Some bloatware installed that needs removing.

3 Acer Predator Triton – Best Thin Gaming Laptop Under $2,000

One of the most difficult things to achieve for a gaming laptop is keeping them thin. The Acer Predator series somehow packs serious tech with sufficient cooling into one of the thinnest, lightest packages available.

Measuring only 0.7 inches (1.78 centimeters) thick, the Triton is one of the best lightweight gaming laptops under $2,0000 available. It also packs one of the most impressive displays inside too, pushing out an incredible 300Hz.

You can fit all that in there?

Held within the thin frame is a 10th generation Intel Core i7 10750H processor that can boost up to 5.0GHz. 16GB of DDR4 RAM takes care of memory functions and can easily be upgraded to a maximum of 64GB.

Graphics are provided using an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super that can be overclocked. You can push this machine to its absolute limits. Storage is provided by way of a highly responsive 512GB NVMe SSD drive.

Enough to make you screen…

The screen on this laptop is nothing short of breathtaking. Measuring 15.6 inches, the Full HD IPS panel is capable of an incredible 300Hz refresh rate. This includes G-Sync technology, a 3 ms response time, and 300 nits of brightness.

Giving even more character and life to your machine is per key customizable RGB keyboard backlighting. Gaming online with fast internet speeds can be done using either the built-in Ethernet port or WiFi 6.


Acer Predator Triton

Our rating:4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)

Pros

  • Incredible Full HD 300 Hz IPS display panel.
  • Overclockable RTX 2070 Super GPU.
  • One of the thinnest gaming laptops available.

Cons

  • Accessing the SSD M.2 slot is difficult for upgrading.
  • Lots of bloatware that needs to be removed.

4 Razer Blade 15 Base – Best Core i7 Gaming Laptop Under $2,000

Despite this gaming laptop from Razer being called the “Blade 15 Base”, there isn’t anything “base” about it. Filled with super-high-tech gaming components, this machine is sure to be the envy of all your competition.

Featuring Razer’s incredible Chroma RGB lighting, you can synchronize your light show with other Razer products. Wrapped in a CNC aluminum body, it not only provides a strong and sturdy case, it is thin and lightweight too.

Filled with goodness…

Running the show is the 10th generation Intel Core i7 10750H processor with 6 cores and 12 threads. It can boost to an amazing 5.0GHz, providing unbeatable per core power. Memory is provided by 16GB of RAM.

Cinematic-like graphics are rendered by the awesome Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q. Even the most visually intense games can be easily handled by this high-performance GPU giving an almost lifelike experience.

Connectivity covered…

No matter what type of connection is required, Razer has you covered. Options include WiFi 6, Gigabit Ethernet, Thunderbolt 3, USB-A and USB-C ports, and HDMI. Connect fast internet, external screens, or the latest accessories quickly and easily. Therefore, this is one of the most versatile gaming laptops under $2,000 on the market.

Making great use of the awesome GPU is the 15.6-inch Full HD 144Hz display panel. Smooth and fluid gameplay can be enjoyed with factory-calibrated colors providing 100% of the RGB color gamut.


Razer Blade 15 Base

Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • The aluminum body is sturdy, thin, and light.
  • Powerful Intel CPU and GeForce GPU.
  • Smooth, fluid, and accurate display panel.

Cons

  • Cooling is not as efficient as competitors.
  • Non-NVMe SSD is not as fast.

5 ASUS TUF – Best Ryzen 7 Gaming Laptop Under $2,000

This is one of the best affordable gaming laptops we have here and is made by ASUS, so you know its quality. Called the TUF, it is filled with great gaming features and can play all the latest titles with ease.

Complete with an RGB backlit keyboard, the majority of savings on this occasion comes from having previous generation technology. It is still plenty capable and will still provide many hours of gaming enjoyment.

Powerful performance…

Running the show is an AMD Ryzen 7 3750H processor. Using 4 cores and 8 threads, the CPU idles at 2.3GHz and can boost to 4.0GHz. Memory is provided by 16GB of DDR4 RAM, making multitasking a breeze.

Graphics are run using Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 2060 with 8GB of GDDR6 Memory. This GPU provides amazingly smooth and fluid gameplay for even the most demanding of titles. Combined with the speed of a 512GB NVMe SSD, this thing is a beast.

Pleasing to the eye…

Enjoying those graphics can be done using the 15.6-inch Full HD 120Hz IPS display panel. Viewing angles are greatly increased with the use of IPS technology over a TF display. Visuals are bright, vivid, and realistic.

Online gaming can be taken advantage of using either wireless WiFi 5 or via the RJ45 wired Ethernet port. If you would prefer to use an external screen, HDMI out makes connections incredibly easy.


ASUS TUF

Our rating:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Pros

  • Affordable gaming laptop.
  • RGB keyboard backlighting.
  • Fast NVMe SSD storage drive.

Cons

  • Previous generation technology.
  • No USB 3.0 ports are available.

6 Acer Predator Helios – Best GeForce Gaming Laptop Under $2,000

This gaming laptop from Acer’s Predator series. Called the Helios, it’s one level down from the Triton we showed you earlier. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t capable of running the latest titles, as this thing still packs a punch.

And it will do one thing that the Triton can’t, it save you some money. It still has that cool-looking RGB backlit keyboard but uses a previous generation CPU and GPU. Whenever next generations come along, this is always a great opportunity for a bargain.

Previous generation, impressive performance…

Using a 9th generation Intel Core i7 9750H processor, the 6 cores and 12 threads can run between 2.6GHz and 4.5GHz. Those are still impressive performance figures, well beyond most minimum performance requirements.

Memory is handled by 16GB of DDR4 RAM for seamless multitasking. For graphics, there’s an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti GPU with 6GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM providing impressive and lifelike visuals.

Super responsive screen…

The Helios uses a 15.6-inch Full HD 144Hz IPS display panel to show off what the GPU is capable of. A response rate of only 3 ms means that playing FPS or driving sims is rewarded with crisp and fluid movement.

Keeping things cool is the custom-engineered 4th generation 3D fan blade technology. That’s handy if you want to use the Mini DisplayPort out, which is compatible with G-Sync and up to 240Hz refresh rate.


Acer Predator Helios

Our rating:4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)

Pros

  • Affordable gaming laptop.
  • Solid CPU and GPU can handle demanding games.
  • Low 3 ms response rate on the 144Hz Full HD Screen.

Cons

  • Loud fan operation while gaming.
  • Speakers are downwards facing and easily blocked.

7 ASUS ROG Strix G15 – Best IPS Panel Gaming Laptop Under $2,000

When it comes to gaming, ASUS has had its ROG (Republic of Gamers) department around for a while. The Strix line within ROG is the high-end level, with only the best of technology making the cut.

You would think there would be a premium price attached, but this gaming laptop is an incredibly great value, including a powerful CPU, GPU, plenty of memory, and a very fast SSD, plus some sweet gaming features. So, let’s find out more about one of the best gaming laptops under $2,000.

The latest tech inside…

The processor used in the ROG Strix is a 10th generation Intel Core i7 10750H. Its 6 cores and 12 threads pump out between 2.6GHz and 5GHz, making it perfect for gaming. Memory is provided by 16GB of DDR4 RAM.

For the GPU, ASUS uses an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 with a ROG factory overclock from 1005MHz to 1560MHz. This makes it one of the best overclocking gaming laptops under $2,000 you will find. Likewise, there is 6GB of dedicated memory for the graphics, which provides some stunning visuals.

Can you see the light?

ROG Aura Sync provides an incredible light display using the RGB lighting found in the keyboard, logo, and lightbar. Each key can be programmed to display its own customized color, even depending on which game’s being played.

The colorful lights aren’t the only thing that keeps your eyes happy. The 15.6-inch Full HD 144 Hz IPS panel provides amazingly smooth gameplay. Keep up with even the fastest-paced action in beautiful detail.


ASUS ROG Strix G15

Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Great bang for your buck performance.
  • ROG Aura Sync RGB lighting is stunning.
  • Incredibly detailed and accurate display.

Cons

  • Heavier to transport than other competitors.
  • DisplayPort adapter required for connecting VR.

8 Razer Blade 15 Advanced – Best 4K Gaming Laptop Under $2,000

We showed you the Razer Blade Base before, and now we have the top-spec Advanced. With upgrades to the already powerful processor, GPU, and an even more impressive screen, this machine is weapon-grade.

You still get the same strong, thin, and lightweight CNC aluminum unibody frame, which is great news. The other great feature to be maintained is the Chroma RGB lighting with tons of customizable effects.

When only the best will do…

The processor used in this beast is a 10th Generation Intel Core i7 10875H. With 8 cores and 16 threads, this incredibly powerful processor runs between 2.3GHz and 5.1GHz. Memory is 16GB of DDR4 RAM. This is one of the most powerful gaming laptops under $2,000 available.

Providing incredible graphics is the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super with a Max-Q design. With a dedicated 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM, this GPU is up to 25% faster with more cores and higher clocks.

4K laptop gaming…

A feast for the eyes is the 4K OLED touchscreen display, complete with HDR 400 True Black. There’s also an amazingly fast 1 ms response time for enjoying super-fast-paced gaming with the convenience of a laptop.

Connectivity options are extensive, including three USB 3.0 ports, Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, HDMI, audio, and an SD reader. Wireless options include the latest WiFi 6 for networking along with Bluetooth 5.0.


Razer Blade 15 Advanced

Our rating:4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)

Pros

  • Intel Core i7 processor with 8 cores.
  • Boosted GeForce RTX 2080 Super with Max-Q.
  • 4K screen with 1 ms response time.

Cons

  • Least affordable product here.
  • Built-in speakers are not very good.

9 Lenovo Legion Y540 – Best Memory Gaming Laptop Under $2,000

Lenovo is more well known for their office workhorse laptops than their gaming products. With their levels of reliability and performance, we just couldn’t go past this great value gaming designed machine.

There is more than enough power on board to play and enjoy all the latest gaming titles comfortably. You could even still pass this off as your work laptop and make it look like you’re completing an intense project.

When work meets play…

Under the hood of this machine is the 9th Generation Intel Core i7 9750H 6 core 12 thread processor. Running between 2.6 and 4.5GHz, there is huge per core performance perfect for running even the most demanding games.

Memory is a massive 24GB of DDR4 RAM, and storage is covered with both a 512GB NVMe SSD and a 1TB HDD. Graphics are taken care of using an Nvidia GeForce GTX1650 with 4GB of dedicated memory.

Connectivity galore…

Connectivity options include WiFi 5 for wireless networking along with Bluetooth 4.0. There are also three USB 3.0 ports, a USB-C port, one Mini Display port, a single HDMI output, and an RJ45 Ethernet port.

For the display, there’s a 15.6-inch Full HD 1920 x 1080p resolution IPS panel. With an anti-glare coating and having wide viewing angles, it’s great for gaming, working, or even just kicking back and watching a movie.


Lenovo Legion Y540

Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Reliability and performance of Lenovo.
  • Dual storage drives, including SSD and HDD.
  • Huge 24GB of DDR4 RAM.

Cons

  • Last generation processor and graphics card.
  • Arrow buttons are located under the numeric pad.

10 ASUS ROG Zephyrus – Best Compact Gaming Laptop Under $2,000

This compact little gaming laptop from ASUS and their ROG line. The Zephyrus is much more understated than the Strix we showed you earlier. It still manages to pack a massive punch when it comes to gaming performance. Let’s see why it’s one of the best gaming laptops under $2,000.

This is the first white laptop, and it looks fantastic, especially when matched with the white LED backlit keyboard. You could easily spend your work allowance on this machine, and only those in the know would be any wiser.

Running the show…

Rather than an Intel, ASUS has chosen the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS processor for this laptop. With an incredible 8 cores and 16 threads, it can run between 3GHz and up to 4.3GHz. Memory is handled by 16GB of DDR4 RAM.

The Windows OS and programs load lightning-fast from the huge 1TB PCIe SSD storage drive. Graphics are then handled by an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU with 6GB of dedicated GDDR6 memory.

Gaming in comfort…

For added comfort when either gaming or typing, ASUS has used a chiclet keyboard. This adds to both accuracy and responsiveness. While still not at the mechanical switch level, it’s certainly an improvement on a membrane keyboard.

Enjoy all your games, work projects, or movies via the 14-inch screen. The 1920 x 1080p Full HD resolution provides sharp details. Also, the 120Hz refresh rate makes even the fastest-paced action responsive and smooth.


ASUS ROG Zephyrus

Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Smaller, lighter, and thinner than competitors.
  • Super-fast Ryzen 9 4900HS processor.
  • Comfortable chiclet keyboard.

Cons

  • No built-in webcam.
  • Only WiFi and no Ethernet port.

Looking for Something Else?

Satisfy all your computer gaming needs. Check out our in-depth Best Gaming Monitor Under $100 Review, our Best Gaming Monitor Under $200 Review, our  Best Gaming Laptops For Sims 4 Review, our Best Fingertip Grip Mouse review, and our Asus VG248QE Gaming Monitor review for more awesome tech you can buy in 2023.

And don’t miss our comprehensive Best Budget Gaming Chairs Under $200 Reviews, our Best Gaming Desks Review, our Best Cherry MX Brown Keyboards Review, our Best CPU For Gaming Reviews, and our Best Network Switches For Gaming Review for even more amazing items currently available.

What are the Best Gaming Laptops Under $2,000?

For us to choose which of all these awesome products is the best, we have considered the following areas. The laptop must have a balance of solid performance, useful features and still be of great value.

The product we feel achieves this best is…

ASUS ROG Strix G15

It offers some of the latest technology in both the CPU and GPU, with the best bang for your buck performance. The Aura Sync lighting is awesome, along with the extensive connectivity options.

Until next time, it’s game on.

About Paul S. Brunet

Known as the "Tech Lover", Paul is an expert of current and trending technology. Here at TinyGrab, he makes "tech" easy to understand for the average person.

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