Our experts used the PerfectRec decision engine to comb through our laptop database and find the best gaming laptops under 1500 available in 2024. Here are our top picks.
Our criteria for the best gaming laptops under 1500:
Operating System: We limited the search to Windows laptops since there are more games available than on Mac.
Usage: We focused on gaming laptops.
Budget: We chose a higher budget of $1,000-1,500, which should cover a mid-range gaming laptop.
To consider others factors, try the PerfectRec decision engine to get your personalized laptop recommendation
The Lenovo Legion 5i Pro is a midrange-priced laptop with a large storage capacity and ample 32GB of RAM, suited for both demanding engineering tasks and gaming with its Intel i7 processor and Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU. Its screen is a 16-inch IPS panel with a high refresh rate, ideal for smooth visuals, and it has a resolution that strikes a balance between clarity and performance. It doesn't support touchscreen but has a comfortable keyboard with a numpad and is backlit. However, at 5.6 pounds, it leans towards the heavier side, which might affect portability, and its battery life is modest, which could limit mobility for extended use away from power sources. It supports a wide range of ports, including USB-C and HDMI, and has features like Ethernet and USB-C charging, but it's not the quietest under load. Overall, it's built for gaming and heavy workloads but not the best for on-the-go usage.
The Acer Predator Helios 16 is a midrange gaming laptop that offers a blend of performance and features suitable for both gaming and general use. It comes with ample storage and a good amount of RAM, powered by a robust Intel i7 processor and a high-end Nvidia RTX graphics card, which makes it great for 3D applications and machine learning tasks. The laptop's 16-inch display boasts a high resolution that's larger than standard Full HD, and the screen's high refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, important for fast-paced games. Battery life is moderate, so it may not be ideal for extended use away from a power source. The build is solid, with a weight that leans towards the heavier side, affecting its portability. It includes features like a backlit keyboard with a number pad, hardware ray tracing, and DLSS for improved gaming graphics. Ports are generous, with multiple USB-C and Thunderbolt connections, though its midrange price reflects a balance between the high-end features and compromises in areas like the battery. The laptop was released quite recently and it's optimized for Windows 11 Home. It's well-suited for gaming and work tasks involving complex graphics and engineering software.
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16, with a midrange price point, offers a balance of performance and features suited for versatile users, especially those interested in gaming and demanding tasks. It comes equipped with a large storage capacity, adequate RAM, a high-end Intel i7 processor, and an Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics card, supporting hardware ray tracing and DLSS for enhanced visual fidelity. The device boasts a significant battery capacity, a 16-inch IPS display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and a high refresh rate, ensuring smooth motion and a sizable workspace. However, with a weight over 5 pounds and a battery life offering modest hours of typical usage, its portability is compromised. Windows 11 Home comes pre-installed, and the laptop features multiple USB-C and Thunderbolt ports, ensuring extensive connectivity options. The laptop also includes a quality keyboard with a number pad and backlit keys, alongside good speakers and heat management systems. Despite its suitability for intensive gaming and high-performance tasks, its bulk should be considered if frequent mobility is necessary.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14, with its AMD Ryzen 9 processor and Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU, is designed for high performance and is suitable for engineering tasks, 3D rendering, machine learning, and gaming. With a 14-inch IPS display, high resolution, and a high refresh rate, it's great for fast-paced games and creative work, though it doesn't come with a touchscreen. Portability is very good given its light weight and compact dimensions, coupled with a solid battery life for typical use. The laptop also boasts a backlit keyboard, USB-C charging, and high-quality sound and build, but if you're looking for a laptop with Thunderbolt ports or a number pad, this might not be the best fit.
The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is a midrange-priced laptop designed for gaming and performance tasks with its Intel i7 processor and Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics card. It comes with 512 GB of storage and 16 GB of memory, offering good capacity and multitasking ability. The display is a 16-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 and a high refresh rate, ensuring crisp and smooth visuals. This laptop has a solid build with customizable RGB lighting for those who appreciate aesthetics. However, it's not the most portable option weighing over 5 pounds and having a thickness of over an inch. The battery life is moderate, suitable for short-term use without access to power. Its connectivity options are good, with multiple USB ports, HDMI, and Wi-Fi 6 support. This laptop is a strong choice for gamers or users needing powerful hardware for tasks like video editing or 3D design, however, it may be less ideal for those who prioritize long battery life or need to frequently travel with their laptop.
The ASUS Vivobook 16X offers a solid balance between price and performance with a lower midrange cost while delivering a good general use experience. It is equipped with a large 16-inch IPS display with a resolution suited for productivity and entertainment, but it may not be optimal for color-sensitive tasks with its adequate color coverage. The laptop includes a powerful main processor and a capable Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU, making it suitable for 3D rendering, machine learning, and engineering applications. However, with a modest battery life for typical usage and a weight that may affect portability, it's less ideal for on-the-go use. It has a good build quality and effective heat management, ensuring comfortable use during demanding tasks. The backlit keyboard with a number pad and additional features like a fingerprint reader enhance the user experience, especially for professionals. It is released in May 2023 and runs on Windows 11 Home, making it a contemporary option for those seeking a new laptop with recent features.