10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $1500 In May 2024 [Gaming Beasts]

If you're looking for an affordable gaming laptop that won't break the bank but still has plenty of power to run anything you can throw at it, then this blog post is for you!

We've compiled a list of the best gaming laptops under $1500 so that you don't have to spend hours scouring websites trying to find your perfect machine.

Now, we know that gaming laptops can be quite expensive, but don't worry – we've managed to find some great options for you without spending a fortune.

So whether you're looking for a powerful gaming laptop that will let you play the latest games at high settings or one that is more affordable and still offers good performance, we've got you covered.

This blog post will cover gaming laptops at prices under $1500 so that everyone can find something within their budget and still get an amazing gaming experience.

The 10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $1500 In 2024

We sorted out these gaming laptops by their CPU AND GPU, RAM and storage type, display, keyboard, ports and battery life, and overall gaming performance to make it easier for you to choose the best gaming laptop for your needs.

1. ASUS TUF

The first laptop on our list is the ASUS TUF, which comes in at a comfortable $1,099. Now, I thought this price was both reasonable and surprising, considering the impressive specs of this laptop.

Firstly, the 15.6" FHD screen provided a stunning display no matter what game I was playing. The vibrant colors and crisp details on the screen were impressive. You could tell that ASUS had put much thought into ensuring that gamers would have an immersive experience with their product.

Under the hood, things only got better with an Intel i5-13500H CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4050 graphics card. This dream team of components sent my gaming performance into overdrive - let me tell you, Modern Warfare II ran like greased lightning on this beast! It was an incredible experience!

Speaking of performance, don’t even get me started about its 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB PCIe SSD Storage. Forget about lags or storage issues; this baby is built to perform!

The laptop also features plenty of ports, including Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI, among others, ensuring that all your peripherals can be connected seamlessly.

Now let's talk about sound quality: With DOLBY ATMOS-powered 2.1 stereo speakers, every gunshot or tire screech in games felt real enough to make me glance over my shoulders!

With all these specs and weighing only 4.8 pounds, it's not only powerful but also portable.

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows with the ASUS TUF – users have reported certain issues such as higher than expected heat output (the power box gets really hot) and mediocre battery life, which lasts around 1-1 1/2 hours while gaming without charging.

Not to mention annoying vibration noises from time to time from the CPU fan during non-intensive tasks.

My Verdict

So, my verdict for Asus TUF? It offers great value for money with impressive gaming performance. However, do keep in mind the feedback about heat output and battery life while making your decision.

Pros And Cons

PROS

• Great performance
• Affordable price
• Good Port Selection

CONS

• Higher than expected heat output
• Mediocre battery life

2. Acer Predator Helios

The Acer Predator Helios, priced at $1,449, has blown me away with its performance and capabilities. Whether I need to run graphics-intensive games or complex AI programs, the Helios is the sidekick that never lets me down.

When it comes to specifications, this laptop is packed with stunning figures. It flaunts a colossal 16" QHD screen that provides unprecedented visual brilliance.

Underneath the hood runs the powerful Intel i7-13700HX CPU coupled with an NVIDIA RTX 4070 graphics card, making sure your gaming aspirations or heavy coding projects face no bottlenecks.

Coming to memory and storage – it's simply out of the world! With 16GB DDR5 RAM and a super-fast 1TB Gen 4 SSD, you won't ever have to worry about system lag or storage space.

An essential aspect of any gaming rig is its selection of ports, and the Predator Helios doesn't disappoint here as well. It features multiple USB Type-C and Type-A ports alongside Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, headphone/speaker/line-out jack, and Ethernet for your comprehensive connectivity needs.

However mighty a machine might be on paper, it's only as good as what users say about it in real-life scenarios.

Most users seem thrilled by this laptop's performance capabilities and endurance under continuous heavy usage; one user even said that it matched his RTX3080 desktop’s performance! The excellent cooling system was another highlight loved by many.

On the aesthetic front, users lauded the vivid LED keyboard backlighting and praised the screens' size as familiarly comfortable.

However, some weren’t all thrilled with navigating through Windows 11's barrage of questions during setup – but that’s about operating systems rather than the laptop hardware itself.

But like all machines, it's not all roses. Some users found both the laptop and its charger quite hefty. There were also rare issues with the Wi-Fi connectivity needing multiple restarts to function, as well as occasional system malfunctions.

My Verdict

While these cons do exist, I believe that its performance superiority and extensive features outweigh them. Plus, for under $ 1,500 - you're still getting a lot of bang for your buck.

In summary, if you're on the hunt for an affordable yet powerful gaming laptop that can do more than just a game, the Acer Predator Helios might just be your perfect match.

Pros And Cons

PROS

• Brilliant gaming performance
• Excellent cooling system
• Vivid LED-lit keyboard

CONS

• Bulkier than some might prefer
• Occasional Wi-Fi issues

3. ASUS ROG Strix G16

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 captured my attention right from the start, blowing me away with its specs like a 16" FHD screen, an Intel i7-13650HX processor, and an NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics card. It's a powerhouse tailored to meet the needs of avid gamers like myself.

On the memory front, it comes packed with 16GB DDR5 RAM and a fast 512GB SSD storage. And if you're someone who loves multitasking or intense gaming sessions, I bet you'd appreciate this kind of setup as much as I did.

In terms of connectivity, the Strix G16 doesn’t leave much to be desired either. It houses two USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports, a USB 3.2 Gen2 Type C port, a Thunderbolt 4 port, a full HDMI 2.1 port, an Ethernet port, a DC-in port, and even a headset jack. Each came in handy when I wanted to plug in my gaming peripherals or connect the laptop to my larger monitor.

Now, when it comes to audio quality for those immersive gaming moments or catching up on your favorite series - trust me, the dual Dolby Atmos speakers won't let you down.

But here's where things started to wrinkle somewhat. The Strix G16 was impressive until I attempted to upgrade its RAM -- thankfully, most of us don't need more than 16GB for regular use, but 'tweaking' is what we gamers do! On upgrading to 64GB RAM for some intense gaming sessions, it initially failed to boot up; however, when connected via HDMI and then disconnected, it seemingly 'woke up' the laptop, and all was well. Peculiar? Yes!

Another minor quibble emerged over time - heat management while in sleep mode. Post extensive use, leaving it in sleep mode caused an unusual CPU activity even with the lid closed, heating the laptop. But worry not; the loud whirl of fans and cooling kicked in timely as soon as I resumed.

My Verdict

In summing up, I would definitely recommend the ASUS ROG Strix G16 for its overall impressive specs and performance. It is a considerable gaming powerhouse below $1500 that's marred by a few quirks which, for most, won't be deal-breakers.

Priced at $1,281, ASUS ROG Strix G16, despite its cons, holds good value for those seeking high-end gaming performance under $1500.

Pros And Cons

PROS

• Powerful configuration
• Good connectivity options
• Clear audio quality

CONS

• Issues encountered during RAM upgrades
• Heat management in sleep mode can be improved

4. HP Victus

You know, after having my fair share of laptops over the years, I can confidently voice my thoughts on the HP Victus. With a modest price tag of just $849, you get more than what you pay for.

Out of the box, its 15.6” FHD screen didn’t seem impressive at all. But dig a little deeper, head to the Intel Display Center app (like I did), and tweak those color brightness/saturation/contrast settings.

My eyes instantly took a sigh of relief, and it started feeling more usable to me. Still, don’t expect it to outshine the lush screens with great contrast/color gamut that you find on an iPad Pro or an upscale ultrawide display - but remember you're not paying premium price here.

Housing an Intel i5-12500H CPU and NVIDIA RTX 3050 Graphics card, the Victus delivered top-notch gaming performance for me! On top of this, with 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD storage, lag was never an issue.

Will we say that this laptop is feather-light? No way! Weighing in at almost 5 pounds, it is heavy-ish, but let's be honest - most gaming laptops are not meant to be ultra-portable. The weight is something I'd compromise on, given its price point.

Ports? It's got plenty! With everything from SuperSpeed USB Type-C/Type-A ports and HDMI 2.1 ports to an SD media card reader, you've got all your bases covered here.

Disappointingly, though, after about a year of use, it started randomly rebooting, which made using this laptop a bit cumbersome for me.

Plus, what shocked me was finding my warranty had expired based on the 'factory date' rather than the purchase date, leaving me at a financial loss from repair charges without resolution.

My Verdict

To wrap up my thoughts, at this price point, the HP Victus is quite a steal for budget gamers. It does have its downfalls, like the initially weak display and weight, but these compromises aren't deal breakers considering the solid performance it offers.

Pros And Cons

PROS

• Affordable
• Powerful performance
• Variety of ports

CONS

• Mediocre display (upgradeable)
• Heavy
• Warranty and support issues

5. Lenovo LOQ

I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with the Lenovo LOQ, and to say that I was impressed would be an understatement. This machine packs quite a punch for a price of just $1308.

Sporting a 15.6" FHD screen with 144Hz refresh rate, it provides top-of-the-line graphics performance. Powered by an Intel i7-13700H CPU and coupled with a dedicated NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU, it handled each game I threw at it like a champ.

One such game was Star Citizen, known as one of the most resource-intensive games out there. To my delight, Lenovo LOQ ran it smoothly without any hitches, proving that it is more than capable of handling heavy gaming loads.

But what surprised me more was its 32GB DDR5 RAM. It allowed for quick loading times and efficient multitasking – something any gamer values highly in their system.

Additionally, LOQ’s storage space is no laughing matter either – its whopping 1TB SSD ensures you can easily store lots of games, files, or work documents without worrying about running out of space.

One thing worth mentioning in this little powerhouse is its portability - despite housing so much power within, it only weighs 5.50 pounds, which makes carrying it around effortless and convenient.

Let's shift gears and talk about connectivity options because having enough ports can make or break your gaming experience.

The LOQ comes loaded with 3 USB Type-A ports (1 x Gen1 and 2 x Gen2), an HDMI port to connect your favorite larger screens or projectors effortlessly, RJ45 Ethernet for lag-free wired internet connections, E-Shutter Button for taking quick screenshots, and even an handy DC-in port.

One review did mention issues where it lagged when multiple tabs were open, but that could very well come down to the user's internet speed or a momentary system error.

My Verdict

Despite being a plastic laptop, Lenovo LOQ has a solid and sturdy feel to it. It’s simple yet strong, and you can think that craftsmanship in its build. If you’re looking for something powerful, affordable, and reliable, I’d say this one is a definite contender.

Pros And Cons

PROS

• Affordable price for excellent specs
• Large storage space
• Sufficient RAM for gaming

CONS

• Occasional lags with multi-tasking
• Might be heavy to carry around

6. Gigabyte AORUS

I am very impressed with this laptop - the GIGABYTE AORUS. Priced affordably for its class at $1112, it handsomely undercuts the $1500 budget that we have set for ourselves.

It comes blessed with a 15.6" FHD, 144Hz screen, ensuring that you experience optimal graphic performance. Under the hood, it's powered by Intel's i7-13700H CPU, which is supported by NVIDIA's RTX 4060 graphics card.

With these in hand, irrespective of the game I’ve dived into - from God Of War to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order – I have reveled in an unprecedentedly seamless gaming experience.

What we also have here is an impressive storage capacity – a massive 1TB SSD – which guarantees quick launches and loads. It also comes with a comprehensive array of ports and a dual-speaker setup that earns top marks for its audio quality.

However, there are two major areas where I feel this laptop falls short - battery life and in-built webcam performance. The battery drains out fairly quickly when unplugged, though I must clarify that being plugged in while gaming does augment performance.

Also, the built-in webcam confronted me with several problems - starting from missing default drivers to straight-up refusal to function even after putting in hours to troubleshoot.

Overall, though, considering its price-to-performance ratio and upgrade potential (not to mention fan efficiency), this machine is absolutely worth checking out if you spend lots of time plugged in and if you already have or don't mind investing in an external webcam.

My Verdict

The GIGABYTE AORUS offers a fantastic price-performance proposition and is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to graphic-intensive tasks, only let down by its poor battery life and dodgy in-built webcam performance.

Would I recommend this laptop? Yes, but with a word of caution. It has a remarkable feature set that justifies the price tag, and if you're plugged into power and don't mind sourcing your webcam, it’s an absolute steal.

Pros And Cons

PROS

• Great price
• Excellent graphic performance
• Efficient cooling system

CONS

• Poor battery life
• Webcam issues

7. Acer Nitro 5

If you are someone who's looking for a laptop with crisp, lively visuals, then the Acer Nitro 5, priced at $1,196, just might be your perfect match. Boasting a vibrant 15.6'' FHD screen, this machine truly delivers an immersive gaming experience.

It implements an Intel i7-12650H CPU, which smoothly executes commands and reduces lagging issues - a gamer's true delight. Showcasing a powerful NVIDIA RTX 4060 Graphics card, it smoothly handles heavy-graphic games such as Baulder's Gate 3 and Age of Empires IV without breaking a sweat.

Maintaining pace with its sharp gaming capabilities is the laptop's ample memory. With a whopping 16 GB DDR5 RAM alongside 1 TB Gen4 SSD storage capacity - multitasking is effortless on this powerful rig.

Let me tell you more about the ports available. It includes one USB Type-C Port, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and Thunderbolt 4 for fast data transfer; it also has two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, one HDMI port, and even provides a dedicated headphone jack for an uninterrupted audio experience along with Ethernet (RJ-45) — ensuring you will never fall short of connection options.

Speaking about sound quality, wait till you hear the in-built speakers. Engineered with transformative Dolby technology that encapsulates bassy depths and sharper highs into your headset, resulting in an impeccable audio experience to elevate your games.

Weighing in at ‎5.51 pounds, it isn't the lightest model around but it becomes palatable considering its high-end gaming capabilities!

However, it isn't all sunshine and rainbows. I came across some concerns from users regarding product durability - particularly unexpected shutdowns that might be linked to hardware faults.

My Verdict

Overall, though, from my perspective as well as echoing others' positive experiences – if reliability checks out– Acer Nitro 5 is a superb gaming laptop under $1500, especially considering its high-end specifications.

Pros And Cons

PROS

• High-performance gaming capabilities
• Plentiful storage
• Wide range of ports
• Superior sound quality

CONS

• Concerns about durability
• Weighs slightly on the heavier side

8. MSI Thin GF63

Let's dive into one of my personal favorites, the MSI Thin GF63. Priced at a modest $1,189, it boasts an impossibly light weight of just 4.10 pounds. Now that I've given you a brief overview let's get down to the nitty-gritty.

When you first unbox the laptop and lift it, you realize just how justified its name is. Weighing approximately as much as a jug of milk, this ultra-lightweight gaming powerhouse ensures your backpack won't turn into a burden during your daily commute.

Flipping it open greets you with a stunning 15.6” FHD screen that is truly a sight to behold. With crisp and vibrant visuals, whether it's high-octane gaming or binge-watching your favorite series on Netflix, everything springs to life on this beautiful display.

Underneath the sleek exterior hides an Intel i7-12650H CPU coupled with an NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics card – basically screaming premium performance.

The smooth multitasking experience it provides is honestly unreal. It could effortlessly handle any game I threw at it without breaking a sweat while jumping between different apps like my social media feed or some work files pretty smoothly.

With its generous 16GB DDR4 RAM and ample storage (1TB SSD), launch times are faster than ever - games load in a flash! And speaking of fun, prepare yourself for an unmatched gaming experience with ultra/epic settings on virtually every game – yes, even those graphic-demanding AAA titles!

Now let's talk about ports and compatibility; having multiple USB ports (2x USB 3.2 Gen1), HDMI option, and headphone-out/mic-in slot ensures you have all the connectivity options you need right at your fingertips.

And oh boy! The audio quality is really the cherry on top. The immersive sound from the 2-watt speakers easily lets you pinpoint a player's location during gaming – talk about having a competitive edge!

Of course, like all things, the MSI Thin GF63 isn’t flawless. The integrated camera/microphone and keyboard do leave room for improvement, and there was some questionable behavior when it came to installing Windows updates. Still, then again – perfection is a myth!

My Verdict

To wrap it up, based on my experience with the MSI Thin GF63 at this price range, it still stands tall as one of the best gaming laptops under $1500. It's quite literally bang for your buck with very minor flaws amidst so many triumphs.

All in all, if you are someone looking for serious gaming fun without wanting to blow all your savings, give this stellar gizmo a perusal! You'll not be disappointed.

Pros And Cons

PROS

• Premium performance at affordable rates
• Exceptional multitasking capabilities
• Sublime imagery and immersive sound quality

CONS

• Webcam/microphone quality could be better
• Some users reported issues regarding Windows updates

9. Lenovo Legion 5 Slim

Step right into the gaming world with the Lenovo Legion 5, which costs just under a whopping $1500. Its high-quality design and amazing power-packed performance will leave you wondering how you ever gamed without it.

This bad boy features a stunning 16” WQXGA 2.5K display. Trust me, seeing a game come alive on this vibrant screen is nothing short of magic.

It's bright enough to light your gaming nights and bring out the best in color depth to make your gaming experience more enjoyable.

Now, let's talk about what is under the hood! The Legion 5 runs on Ryzen 7 7840HS, which operates like a beast.

Accompanied by an impressive NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics card, it not only gave me an incredible gaming experience but held up well with video editing software as well.

What really boosted my gaming was its unbeatable RAM! With 32GB DDR5, all my games (including Cyberpunk 2077) ran smoothly without any crashes or freeze time!

Storage issues? Not anymore! With its 1TB PCIe SSD storage capacity, I could install many high-end games without any worries about space or speed degradation.

A plethora of ports is available in this machine, including Thunderbolt USB ports, HDMI with HDCP support, and Ethernet connector for lag-free network connections.

Let’s not forget its audio quality. The laptop comes with Stereo speakers that deliver quite crisp and clear sounds while gaming or streaming.

However, one minor setback of this beast has to be its battery life. Unfortunately, I noticed that the Legion 5 drains the battery quite quickly when running power full-scale games for consecutive hours—planning on plugging it in won't hurt!

My Verdict

Despite small hitches like a white backlight only on the keyboard and a somewhat less impressive battery life, the Lenovo Legion 5 is a beast of a machine when it comes to performance. For just under $1500, this surely offers a lot of bang for your buck!

Pros And Cons

PROS

• Power-packed performance with Ryzen 7
• Distinct display quality with vibrant colors
• Massive storage space
• Quality surround sound

CONS

• Shorter battery life
• Bit Heavy

10. ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16

Now, this machine costs just about $1,229, and it surely does pack a punch for that price. Let me take you through my journey with the ROG Zephyrus M16.

First off, the Zephyrus M16 boasts a 16" Full HD screen. To me, watching movies or playing games on this display was an absolute treat.

Especially gaming, I've seen other laptop screens, but this is one of the best gaming laptop screens out there (besides those fancy mini-LED ones), even within higher price ranges!

Its engine room is powered by a beastly Intel i7-12700H with 16GB DDR5 RAM (8 GB soldered and one slot that can be upgraded) that provides enough firepower for any game you throw at it. I did add an extra 8 GB just for good measure, but honestly, most games wouldn't come anywhere close to needing 16 GB.

The NVIDIA RTX 3060 does help to render all those sharp graphics smoothly and quickly without any hitches in most modern games. And as I love to hoard games, the provided storage of 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD seemed sufficient.

ASUS has graciously supplied all types of ports one usually needs - USB Type-C Port, USB 3.2 Gen 2 (with Thunderbolt 4 support), HDMI 2.1 port, and headphone jack - it's got them all! Also, weighing ‎just about 4.41 pounds, it was fairly portable for me.

As much as I found love about the Zephyrus M16, there was a bit of letdown, too. The notable one was the issue with the battery – it simply wouldn’t run without being connected to a power adapter.

So, depending on where you buy it from and whether you get one with this problem, you may have a power-supply issue on your hands.

My Verdict

Overall, I found ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 to be an excellent choice if you're looking for a high-performing laptop under $1500. It manages to fit plenty of powerful specs into a well-crafted design and portable frame.

Pros And Cons

PROS

• Superb gaming performance
• Frequent optimization updates
• Top-level Intel processor
• Excellent value for money

CONS

• Battery issues noted
• Glare spots around the edge of the screen

Specs To Look At While Buying Best Gaming Laptops Under $1500

When you're shopping for the best gaming laptop under $1500, it's essential to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the most value for your money. Here are the crucial specs and features to look for:

Processor

When it comes to gaming laptops, the CPU plays a crucial role in ensuring your games run smoothly. Look for:

• Latest generation Intel Core i5 or i7, or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7.
• At least quad-core, but 6-core or higher is recommended for modern games.

Graphics Card

Arguably the most essential component for gaming.

• NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti, RTX 3050, RTX 3060, or RTX 4050 for solid performance in this price range.
• AMD's equivalent like the Radeon RX 5600M or higher might also be an option.

RAM

A sufficient amount of RAM is essential for multitasking and ensuring games run without hitches.

• Minimum of 16GB for modern gaming.
• DDR4 or DDR5 with a speed of 3200MHz or higher.

Storage

Fast storage speeds can decrease game load times and improve overall system responsiveness.

• Minimum of 512GB SSD. NVMe SSDs are preferable due to their faster speeds compared to SATA SSDs.
• Some might offer a combination of SSD for the OS and HDD for additional storage.

Display

A good display ensures immersive gaming experience.

• Minimum resolution of 1920x1080 (Full HD).
• Refresh rate of at least 120Hz for smoother gameplay.
• IPS panel for better color accuracy and viewing angles.

Keyboard and Trackpad

For gaming, the feel and response of input devices matter.

• Backlit keyboard (RGB customization is a plus).
• Keys with good travel and tactile feedback.
• A precise trackpad, although most gamers will use an external mouse.

Connectivity

Ensure a variety of ports to connect peripherals.

• Minimum: 1x USB-C, 2x USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, and a headphone jack.
• Wi-Fi 6 support for faster wireless connections.

Cooling System

Gaming can heat up your laptop significantly, so a good cooling system is a must.

• Multiple fans and heat pipes.
• Vented design for optimal airflow.

Build Quality

Durability is essential for the longevity of the laptop.

• Preferably a metal chassis or a robust plastic build.
• Avoid laptops that feel too flimsy or cheap.

Battery Life

While gaming laptops aren't known for long battery lives, it's still a consideration.

• At least 4-6 hours of general usage. Note: Actual gaming will significantly reduce this time.

Audio

Good audio can enhance the gaming experience.

• Stereo speakers or better.
• Support for spatial audio or technologies like Dolby Atmos is a plus.

Upgradability

The ability to upgrade components can extend the laptop's lifespan.

• Accessible RAM and storage slots.

When choosing a gaming laptop under $1500, balancing these specs based on your priorities is key. Always read reviews and see how the laptop performs in real-world scenarios.

Conclusion

If you have made it to the end of the list, congratulations! We hope that you were able to find the best gaming laptop Under $1500 for your needs on this list.

All these laptops are great gaming laptops under 1500 dollars. They are a great choice for gamers looking for gaming power without having any issues.

Let us know if we missed anything or if there is a model that should be added to the list by commenting below.