Best gaming laptop under 2000

Ever tried gaming on a Mac? It sucks… That’s why we’ve written this article to tell you about some of the best gaming laptop under 2000 dollars.

Our Top Picks

Alienware Logo

Alienware

  • Sleek design with a 15.6-inch screen 

  • 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor

  • OS: Windows 11 Home

  • Alienware’s customisable AlienFX RGB lighting

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 LOGO

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14

  • 14-inch display with Full HD or QHD resolution and high refresh rate

  • Slim and lightweight design for portability

  • 50% battery charge in just 30 minutes

  • Long battery life for extended gaming sessions (around 8 hours)

ASUS ROG Strix Scar LOGO

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15

  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics for exceptional gaming performance
  • Responsive keyboard with customisable per-key rgb keyboard lighting

  • Dedicated hotkeys and precision touchpad

As you follow this article, we’ll dive into the Pros, Cons, Key Features & Pricing, of some of the best gaming laptops available on a budget.

best gaming laptop under 2000

How do the top gaming laptops under $2000 compare in terms of design, portability, and battery life?

When it comes to the best gaming laptops around, finding the perfect balance between performance and affordability can be a challenge for most gamers.

However, if you have a budget of $2000, you can still get your hands on some impressive gaming machines that deliver exceptional gaming experiences without breaking the bank. In this article, we will explore how the top gaming laptops under $2000 stack up against each other in terms of design, portability, aesthetics, and battery life.

Table of Contents

1. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14

Best for: Those who appreciate a high-quality display and a balance between performance and portability.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14

Known for its powerful performance and compact design, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is a popular gaming laptop that features a 14-inch display with options for Full HD or QHD resolution and a high refresh rate for smooth gaming.

The laptop is powered by AMD Ryzen processors, up to an 8-core Ryzen 9, and is paired with NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics, providing an excellent gaming performance. 

The G14 also boasts a unique feature: an optional AniMe Matrix display on the lid that can display custom graphics and animations. With a slim and lightweight form factor, long battery life, and impressive gaming capabilities, we think the Zephyrus G14 deserves a spot on this list.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 key features

Key Features:

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 screen features
  • Innovative AniMe Matrix display on the lid for personalised graphics and animations: The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 features a unique and innovative AniMe Matrix display on the lid. This unique display is made up of individually controllable LED lights, allowing users to personalise the graphics and animations that appear on the lid of the laptop. With the help of the dedicated software, users can create custom designs, display text messages, showcase animated patterns, or even synchronise the lighting effects with music. This feature adds a level of personalisation and flair to the laptop, making it stand out from the crowd & really allowing you to make it one of a kind.

  • Compact and lightweight design for excellent portability: Designed with portability in mind, its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and transport if you like to game on the move. With dimensions that are smaller than traditional gaming laptops, the G14 can easily fit into a backpack or laptop bag. But the best part is, despite its compact size, the gaming laptop doesn’t compromise on performance & continues to offer a powerful gaming experience without sacrificing portability.

  • Powerful AMD Ryzen processors for high-performance gaming: The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is equipped with powerful AMD Ryzen processors. These processors are known for their exceptional performance in both gaming and productivity tasks. With options ranging from the Ryzen 5 to Ryzen 9, users can choose the level of performance that suits their needs. The Ryzen processors offer multi-core performance, allowing for smooth gameplay, faster rendering, and improved multitasking. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or working on resource-intensive tasks, the G14’s AMD Ryzen processors have your back.

A GadgetGeekHQ's take:

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 key feature

Large storage options and it’s lightweight compact-ability make this a great gaming laptop and a top pick for those on the move. If I were someone that was always off to new locations, such as holidays, gaming conventions, friends houses etc. And wanted to consider my options while on a budget, I would certainly be looking at the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14.

In addition to this, the fast-charging gaming laptop allows for long periods of use without the need to recharge.

Do you often get carried away in the gaming world on Warzone, or GTA lobbies, but also don’t want to miss out on the sun this summer? Well, as long as you have an internet connection, gaming outside without the worry that your laptop will die, is no worry for the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14!

Pricing:

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 gaming computer

If you’re looking a hard disk size of 2TB & 16GB of RAM Memory, then you can find this powerful gaming laptop for just $1,900. However, if you’re happy with just 1TB, then you can pay considerably less, at around $1,500

Pros/Cons

Pros:

  • 14-inch display with Full HD or QHD resolution and high refresh rate

  • Powered by AMD Ryzen processors, up to Ryzen 9

  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics for excellent gaming performance

  • Slim and lightweight design for portability

  • Optional AniMe Matrix display on the lid for customisation

  • 50% battery charge in just 30 minutes

  • Long battery life for extended gaming sessions (around 8 hours)

Cons:

  • Limited port selection due to its compact size

  • Milled holes on the back of the screen can be a nightmare to clean if you don’t keep the laptop in a case

  • No built-in webcam, which may require an external one for video conferencing or streaming

  • The smaller display size may not be ideal for users who prefer larger screens for gaming or productivity tasks

Travel anywhere with the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14

2. MSI Crosshair 15 R6E

Best for: Gamers that enjoy taking advantage of ray tracing technology

In second place, the MSI Crosshair 15 R6E is a gaming laptop designed for total high-performance gaming. With a 15.6-inch display with options for Full HD or 4K resolution, the powerful gaming machine allows for a high refresh rate perfect for smooth gameplay. 

The laptop is powered by the latest Intel Core i7 or i9 processors, paired with NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics, providing excellent gaming performance and support for ray tracing technology. 

The Crosshair 15 R6E also offers extensive customisation options, including per-key RGB lighting and a customisable RGB light strip on the front. And its powerful hardware, immersive display, and customisable features, means the Crosshair 15 R6E is aimed at gamers who want a top-tier gaming experience.

MSI Crosshair 15 R6E gaming

Key Features:

Key features of the MSI Crosshair 15 R6E
  • Striking RGB lighting customisation options for a personalised gaming aesthetic: The MSI Crosshair 15 R6E offers striking RGB lighting customisation options that allow gamers to create a personalised gaming aesthetic. With the help of MSI’s software, users can customise the RGB lighting on the keyboard, chassis, and other areas of the laptop. The lighting effects can be synchronised with gameplay or music, creating an immersive experience. Whether you prefer a vibrant and dynamic light show or a more subtle and sophisticated look, the Crosshair 15 R6E can do both.

  • High refresh rate display for smooth and fluid gameplay: The MSI Crosshair 15 R6E features a high refresh rate display, which is crucial for smooth and fluid gameplay. With options for 144Hz or even higher refresh rates, the laptop ensures that the visuals on the screen are updated rapidly and smoothly, reducing motion blur and providing a more responsive gaming experience. Whether you’re playing fast-paced first-person shooters or engaging in an intense adventure game, the high refresh rate display of the Crosshair 15 R6E enhances your gaming performance and allows you to react quickly to in-game events.

  • Premium build quality and sleek design for a stylish gaming laptop: The MSI Crosshair 15 R6E boasts premium build quality and a sleek design that elevates its status as a not your average gaming laptop, but a more stylish one. The laptop is constructed with high-quality materials that not only enhance durability but also give it a premium look, and feel. It’s attention to detail in the design, from the precision-cut edges to the slim profile, adds to its aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re using the laptop at home or taking it to gaming events, the premium build quality and sleek design of the Crosshair 15 R6E make it a standout choice that reflects your taste for style and sophistication.

  • Powerful Intel Core i7 or i9 processors for exceptional gaming performance: Like some of the other laptops on this list the Crosshair delivers exceptional gaming performance, being equipped with powerful Intel Core i7 or i9 processors. These processors are known for their high clock speeds, multiple cores, and efficient performance, making them well-suited for demanding gaming Laptops. With the processing power of the i7 or i9, the Crosshair 15 R6E can handle resource-intensive games and applications with ease, delivering smooth gameplay and fast load times. Whether you’re playing the latest AAA titles or engaging in CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or streaming, the powerful processors in the Crosshair 15 R6E ensure a responsive and lag-free gaming experience.

  • Extensive connectivity options and ports for versatile peripheral connectivity: The extensive connectivity options and ports, ensure versatile peripheral connectivity. The laptop features a range of USB ports, including USB Type A ports and USB Type C port, allowing for easy connection of gaming accessories, external storage devices, and more. It also includes an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and an SD card reader (what more could you want?), providing additional flexibility for connecting to external displays, wired networks, and transferring data from memory cards.

A GadgetGeekHQ's take:

MSI Crosshair 15 R6E back

In all honesty, I would say there are better gaming laptops under 2000 on this list. But, the Crosshair has a realistic gaming experience nevertheless.

Even for the most demanding games, this gaming laptop has the ability to remain competent with its powerful processors, and its connective ports allow you to input an additional external hard drive for all your games that require large storage, even while you have other attachments connected.

Pricing:

MSI Crosshair 15 R6E gaming computer

Priced at $1,499, the MSI Crosshair is a promising & powerful gaming laptop that will likely fulfil all of your gaming needs & overall satisfaction. Click here to see more about this laptops specific spec and pricing options

Pros/Cons

Pros:

  • 15.6-inch display with Full HD or 4K resolution and high refresh rate

  • Latest Intel Core i7 or i9 processors for powerful performance

  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics with support for ray tracing

  • Customisable, including per-key rgb keyboard lighting

  • Overall great quality immersive gaming experience

Cons:

  • The premium design and features result in a slightly heavier weight compared to more portable options like the Zephyrus

  • Battery life may not be as long-lasting as some other gaming laptops due to the high-performance hardware

Dont wait to get your Crosshair 15

3. ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15

Best for: Competitive gamers and esports enthusiasts who require high performance and responsiveness.

Credit: Expert Reviews

Another option certainly worth considering, is the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15. This gaming laptop specifically designed for esports and competitive gaming also features a 15.6-inch display, equipped with Full HD resolution and a refresh rate of up to 300Hz. 

The laptop is powered by the same Intel Core i7 or i9 processors as the MSI Crosshair 15 R6E, combined with NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics for state-of-the-art gaming. The Strix Scar 15 also includes features tailored to competitive gamers, such as a responsive keyboard with customisable per-key RGB lighting, dedicated hotkeys, and a precision touchpad. 

With its emphasis on performance and esports-centric features, the Strix Scar 15 is an excellent choice for gamers who prioritise competitive gaming.

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 Key features

Key Features:

  • Designed specifically for esports and competitive gaming enthusiasts: Built to meet the demands of professional gamers and enthusiasts who require a high-performance laptop for their gaming endeavours. Every aspect of the laptop, from its powerful hardware to its specialised features, is optimised to deliver you with a quality experience. Whether you’re participating in fast-paced multiplayer matches or engaging in intense esports tournaments, the Strix Scar 15’s design enhances your gaming experience and assists you in reaching your potential.

  • Dedicated hotkeys and precision touchpad for optimised gaming convenience: The Strix Scar 15 is equipped with dedicated hotkeys and a precision touchpad.  know what is. This quick-access to functions such as volume control, microphone mute, and ASUS’ proprietary software features, allows you to make adjustments instinctively without interrupting your gameplay. The precision touchpad also ensures precise cursor control and smooth gestures, facilitating smooth navigation in and out of games (DW, a 360 no-scope was my first thought as well).

Pricing:

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 gaming laptop

At just $1,549, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 is one of the cheapest gaming laptops on this list. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that compromises on its performance and ability to maintain an amazing gaming experience. Like some of the more expensive options available, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 still benefits from intel core i7 or i9 processors for fast-paced gaming.

Pros/Cons

Pros:

  • Full HD resolution and high refresh rate (up to 300Hz)

  • Intel Core i7 or i9 processors ideal for esports and fast-paced gaming

  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics for exceptional gaming performance

  • Responsive keyboard with customisable per-key rgb keyboard lighting

  • Dedicated hotkeys and precision touchpad

Cons:

  • High refresh rate display may impact battery life when used on battery power alone (as expected)

  • The design, while optimised for esports, may not appeal to users looking for a more understated or professional aesthetic

Get the most out of the competition

4. MSI Pulse GL76

Best for: Anyone who values a larger display with high resolution and colour accuracy.

MSI Pulse GL76

Credit: Scan UK

Serious hardware and just a great laptop overall, the MSI Pulse GL76 is a gaming laptop offers a balance of performance and affordability. It features a  whopping 17.3-inch display (the biggest on this list) with Full HD and a high refresh rate. 

Also this excellent gaming laptop is powered by Intel Core i7 or i9 processors and is equipped with NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics. The Pulse GL76 gaming laptop provides a comfortable typing experience with its SteelSeries keyboard, which includes per-key RGB lighting customisation.

It also features ample storage options and a variety of ports for connectivity. The MSI Pulse GL76 is a solid gaming laptop and good choice for gamers who want a capable and portable gaming laptop, at a more accessible price point.

MSI Pulse GL76 ports

Key Features:

MSI Pulse GL76 key features
  • Generous screen size (17.3 inches): Although the MSI Pulse GL76 features a generous 17.3-inch screen size, if you’re like me and usually wear glasses, then the answer is yes, you will still need them. The larger display offers a wider field of view, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the game world. Whether you’re exploring vast open landscapes as a pilot, or engaging in intense battles in the latest version of Warzone, the spacious screen size of the GL76 ensures that you don’t miss any crucial details. It also provides ample space for UI elements, giving you a clear view of in-game menus and interfaces. The larger screen size adds depth and realism to your gaming sessions.

  • SteelSeries keyboard with per-key RGB lighting for customisable aesthetics: With the help of MSI’s software, you can personalise the lighting of each individual key, choosing from a wide range of colours and lighting patterns. The per-key RGB lighting not only adds a visually appealing element to your gaming setup but also serves a functional purpose. It helps with easier key recognition, allowing for faster and more accurate keystrokes during intense gaming sessions. The customisable lighting adds a touch of personalisation to your gaming experience, making the GL76 uniquely yours.

  • Ample storage options for storing large game libraries and files: The MSI Pulse GL76 offers ample storage options, allowing you to store large game libraries and files. It typically comes with a combination of SSD and HDD storage, providing the best of both worlds. The SSD (Solid-State Drive) ensures fast boot times, quick loading of games and applications, and snappy responsiveness. Meanwhile, the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) offers high storage capacity, making it ideal for storing large files, multimedia content, and less frequently accessed games. This combination of storage options ensures that you have sufficient space to install and store your favourite games, as well as other files and media.

A GadgetGeekHQ's take:

MSI Pulse GL76 customise

Out of all the laptops on this list, none are quite like the GL76. Its Alienware-like design, mixed with per-key customisation & 17.3 inch screen size make it a great/cheaper alternative to the Alienware laptop itself.

However, with the larger screen, does come the compromise in battery life. But if you’re like me, and spend your time on your laptop in your office or bedroom, this wont be an issue for you.

MSI Pulse GL76 processors

Pricing:

In the middle of the list sit’s the MSI Pulse GL76. Although, not to be overlooked, one of the GL76’s unique selling points certainly has to be its 17.3 inch Full HD display for those who enjoy noticeable experience without the need of a monitor display.

This laptop can be found below in the price bracket of $1,600 to $1,750.

Pros/Cons

Pros:

  • 17.3-inch display with Full HD resolution and high refresh rate

  • Intel Core i7 or i9 processors for solid gaming performance

  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics for smooth gameplay

  • SteelSeries keyboard with per-key RGB lighting customisation

  • Ample storage options and various connectivity ports

Cons:

  • The 17.3-inch display may make it less portable and heavier compared to laptops with smaller screen sizes

  • Battery life may be shorter due to the larger screen and powerful hardware

  • Limited customisation options compared to some other gaming laptops in the same price range

Try a 17-inch HD display today

5. Alienware M15 R6

Best for: Gamers and power users looking for a high-end gaming laptop with premium design and build quality.

Credit: Amazon

How could we not include an Alienware laptop on this list?

The Alienware M15 R6 specifically is one of the best high end gaming laptop – known for its sleek design and powerful hardware. The perfect gaming laptop perhaps?

It features a 15.6-inch display with options for Full HD or 4K resolution and a high refresh rate of 165Hz for smooth gaming visuals. The laptop is powered by Intel Core i7 or i9 processors, paired with NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics for exceptional gaming performance and support for ray tracing technology. 

The M15 R6 also offers Alienware’s signature customisable AlienFX RGB lighting, providing a visually striking and immersive gaming experience. With its premium build quality, powerful components, and customisable lighting, the Alienware M15 R6 is a top-tier gaming laptop for enthusiasts seeking both style and performance.

Key Features:

Alienware M15 R6 key features
  • Premium Alienware brand with a sleek and visually striking design: The Alienware M15 R6 is part of the premium Alienware brand, known for its high-quality gaming laptops. The M15 R6 continues the tradition with its sleek and visually striking design. Alienware laptops are instantly recognisable, often featuring angular lines, futuristic aesthetics, and attention-grabbing lighting elements. The M15 R6’s design however, is a testament to the Alienware brand’s commitment to creating visually appealing gaming laptops that stand out from the crowd. Its premium build quality and sleek design make it a statement piece in any gaming setup for sure.

  • Customisable AlienFX RGB lighting for a visually appealing gaming experience: The Alienware M15 R6 comes with customisable AlienFX RGB lighting, allowing you to personalise your experience, start-to-finish. AlienFX offers a wide range of lighting effects and colour options, which can be customised to match your gaming style or synchronised with in-game events. The RGB lighting can be found on the keyboard, chassis, and other areas of the laptop, creating an immersive and visually appealing gaming environment. The ability to customise the lighting adds an extra layer of personalisation, allowing you to create a unique and visually stunning gaming aesthetic.

  • High-quality display options (Full HD or 4K) with high refresh rates for stunning visuals: The Alienware M15 R6 offers high-quality display options to deliver stunning visuals. You can choose between Full HD or 4K displays, depending on your preference and requirements. These displays provide crisp and vibrant imagery with excellent colour accuracy. Additionally, the M15 R6 offers high refresh rate options, ensuring smooth and fluid gameplay. The high refresh rates reduce motion blur and screen tearing, enhancing your gameplay, and allow you to react quickly to in-game events. The combination of high-quality displays and high refresh rates ensures that you can fully appreciate the visual aspects of your favourite games.

  • Premium build quality and attention to detail for a premium gaming laptop experience: As expected from Alienware, the M15 R6 is built with premium materials and meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a high-quality gaming laptop experience. From the choice of durable components to the precise construction, the M15 R6 exemplifies premium build quality. Alienware laptops are known for their robustness, ensuring that they can withstand the rigours & intense gaming sessions that are sure to take place. Additionally, the gaming laptop attention to detail extends to aspects such as ergonomics, cooling systems to prevent a loud fan noise, and placement of ports and connectors. These considerations enhance the overall user experience and contribute to the premium feel of the M15 R6.

A GadgetGeekHQ's take:

Alienware M15 R6 back

I would buy this laptop. That’s all I have to say.

No, but on a serious note – If its great value for money that you’re after, Alienware is a brand you want to be looking at. Its sophisticated design, aggressive reputation, realistic ray traced graphics & 32gb of RAM are just some of the convincing features that make it a must on this list of gaming consoles.

Pricing:

The Alienware M15 R6 is a premium gaming laptop, so you can expect it to be priced in the higher range compared to entry-level or mid-range gaming laptops.

The pricing can vary depending on factors such as the configuration you choose. However, for the 1TB hard disk Size & 32GB of RAM memory model under $2000 (double the memory of some other laptops on this list), you can expect to pay around $1,949.

Pros/Cons

Pros:

  • Sleek design with a 15.6-inch screen (Full HD display or 4K resolution) and high refresh rate

  • 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor

  • OS: Windows 11 Home

  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics with support for ray tracing

  • Alienware’s customisable AlienFX RGB lighting

  • Premium build quality and visually striking design

Cons:

  • The premium Alienware brand and design results in a higher price compared to laptops with similar internal specifications

  • The sleek design may limit upgradability options compared to bulkier gaming laptops

  • The laptop can run hotter under heavy gaming loads, requiring additional cooling measures for optimal performance

Get your Alienware Laptop Here

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