7 Best Gaming Laptop under $1500 (October 2023)

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Gamers don’t need to leave the hole in their pocket to get the best gaming laptop. There are some really good gaming laptops that are available for under $1500. If you are in the market hunting for the best gaming laptop under $1500, this specially curated list is going to be a big help.

We have scoured a couple of gaming laptops before finally presenting this list in front of you. This list is comprised of some viable options you can consider without any doubts.

7 Best Gaming Laptop under $1500 in 2023

All the gaming laptops mentioned in the list are value-for-money laptops that come with RTX 3080 or at least RTX 3060 GPU. Some brands are also offering RTX 4060/4070 coupled with Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor. With this build, you can expect a premium gaming performance at 1080p Full HD resolution that too on ultra graphic settings.

The gameplay pretty much depends on the gaming titles. In a nutshell, you don’t need to compromise anything with these gaming laptops. If you feel you are compromising a few things, you should check our expert’s recommendation of best gaming laptops under $2000 which basically includes some premium gaming laptops you can buy without any compromise.

1. ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023) – Best Value for money laptop

Here is ASUS ROG Strix G16 which is a brand new gaming laptop that offers 8GB RTX 4060 GPU with 13th Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB DDR5 RAM and 512GB SSD.

The main attraction is the display. It looks gorgeous at first glance. With a 90% screen-to-body ratio, the bezel gets super thin, giving an immersive gaming and media experience. It is a 16-inch Full HD display with a 16:10 aspect ratio that also comes with Dolby Vision. All the Dolby Vision HDR content looks stunning on this display which also makes it suitable for those who like to watch movies & videos on laptop screens. The RGB strip around the laptop also looks attractive and adds gaming vibes to any place.

The 8GB RTX 4060 GPU performs really well in real-life scenarios. With DLSS 3 and the brand-new architecture of RTX 4060, you can expect slightly higher frame rates and better overall performance. ASUS ROG Strix G16 also got the MUX switch which not only enhances the GPU performance but also improves the battery backup.

ASUS ROG Strix G16 also offers a couple of connectivity ports for those who are going to connect an external monitor to a laptop. It got HDMI 2.1 FRL, Thunderbolt 4 DisplayPort, and USB Type-C port which also supports DisplayPort. With these ports, users will be able to pull 4K gaming on the external monitor. Here are the best HDMI 2.1 4K monitors for gaming that can be used with ASUS ROG Strix G16. Other than that, it also got an RJ-45 ethernet port, 3.5mm headphone jack and USB Type-A ports for connecting more peripherals.

For its price, ASUS ROG Strix G16 is a well-built, powerful gaming laptop that is running on Windows 11. You don’t need to surpass your budget to get this laptop in your hands. ASUS ROG Strix G16 checks everything to get a place on this list of best gaming laptops under 1500. Do check it out.

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2. Acer Nitro 17 – Best overall laptop

What is missing in ASUS ROG Strix G16 has been found in Acer Nitro 17. Running on AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS Octa-Core Processor, coupled with 16GB DDR5 RAM and 8GB RTX 4070 GPU, gamers going to have the best gaming performance on Nitro 17. With some trial and error and accurate graphic settings, Acer Nitro 17 handles everything with sheer grace.

The laptop also got the NVIDIA Advanced Optimus which is similar to the MUX Switch in Rog Strix G16. It basically allows users to switch between integrated graphics to discrete graphics. By doing this, the load of integrated graphics on the processor is transferred to a dedicated Nvidia GPU for better graphics, tear-free, low latency gaming.

RTX 4070 performs really well with AMD Ryzen 7, 8 core processor. Advanced graphic settings like Ray tracing also feel smooth and offer life-like graphics. What makes the experience even better is its 17.3-inch QHD IPS display. The larger displays are always preferred for gaming and other creative tasks like music production, video editing, graphic designing etc and this laptop is suitable for all. Here is a recommendation for the best music production laptops that might interest some producers.

The picture quality is sharper, the vibrant colors and the frame rates are smooth are a few things you can expect from this display. The bezels are slightly bolder than ROG Strix G16 but it doesn’t bother much while gaming or even consuming other forms of media.

There are no extra RGBs on the laptop other than the keyboard that comes with 4-zone RGB. The design of the laptop is also sober and to me, it misses the charm. But considering the hardware of the Nitro 17, these things can be overlooked.

Connectivity-wise, Nitro 17 is fully loaded with ports on 3 sides. It comes with USB Type-C ports that support up to 65W power delivery, DisplayPort. It also got HDMI 2.1 with HDCP support. Other than that, Nitro 7 got the USB 2.0 Type-A, Killer Ethernet E2600, microphone/headphone combo jack, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.1. These ports are enough to connect other peripherals like monitors, mouse, keyboard, headphones etc.

Considering the whole package, Nitro 17 is a great deal for its price. It might not have the most gorgeous looking design but it got the latest RTX 4070 with AMD Ryzen 7 processor which is more important for gaming than looks. The QHD resolution display is also better than the Full HD resolution display. If you are looking for the best gaming laptop under $1500 with RTX 40 series GPU, Acer Nitro 17 makes complete sense. If you want more laptops with 17-inch screen, here is a dedicated list of best 17 inch laptops.

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3. Alienware m15 R7

Dell Alienware laptops are known for their design and gorgeous display performance. If you are specifically looking Alienware gaming laptop under 1500, Alienware m15 R7 is one for you.

It features 12th Gen Intel Core i7, 14 core processor coupled with 16GB DDR5 RAM and 512GB SSD, 6GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU. The rig is powerful enough for handling any AAA gaming title in optimized graphic settings but considering the price, RTX 3060 is kind of bothering me.

While other laptops are coming up with RTX 4070, Alienware still using RTX 3060 at almost the same pricing. In our testing, we also found a significant difference in the gaming performance of both GPUs. RTX 3060 can easily run all the games but RTX 4070 gives better frame rates and overall performance. Other than GPU, everything seems perfect and well-balanced.

Talking about the display, it is a 15.6-inch QHD 2560 x 1440p resolution display with a 240hz refresh rate and 2ms response time. It is pretty fast and renders smooth graphics. For tear-free gaming, it also comes with an Nvidia G-Sync VRR that intelligently handles all the chances of screen tearing while you are playing at high frame rates.

When it comes to design, it is super attractive and gives a premium look and feel. Although it comes with a plastic build but it uses high-quality plastic that doesn’t wobble or give a cranky sound while using. The AlienFX lighting at the back also looks good to the eyes. You can also customize it using the software.

There are plenty of connectivity options for connecting external monitor to laptop or other gaming peripherals. USB Type-C with DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.3 support, USB 3.2 Type-A, Killer E3100 2.5Gbps RJ-45 port, 3.5mm headphone jack are the ports you are going to get with Alienware m15 R7.

Everything on Alienware m15 R7 shouts perfection. It is definitely the well-built, designed, and best gaming laptop under 1500.

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4. MSI Katana 15

MSI Katana 15 is a value-for-money gaming laptop that comes with the perfect balance of specs and price. To begin with, MSI Katana 15 boasts a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor coupled with 16GB DDR5 RAM and 8GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU. For storage, it got a 1TB SSD.

For this price, RTX 4070 is great a deal. All the AAA gaming titles run smoothly on this gaming rig. Not just gaming, you can also use this machine for LIVE streaming, video editing or any other graphics-intensive task. It is a 10-core processor (6P and 4E Cores) that works pretty smoothly while jumping from one program to another. I would also like to appreciate the availability of 1TB SSD on MSI Katana 15. It is good enough for storage as well as for storing documents, audio, videos, etc.

Also See: Best Monitor for Streaming

Talking about Display, it comes with a 15.6-inch Full HD 144hz display. It is not an IPS display and colors might not look vibrant. Once the display is calibrated, it can give you good, vibrant colors that look good while gaming. This is not a big issue for many but I personally don’t like the thick bezel, especially at the top where the webcam is placed. MSI should adapt a modern, minimalistic approach to its designs and also improve the build quality.

There are no RGBs on the laptop except on the keyboard. The keyboard got the 4 zone RGB lighting which looks good while gaming in a dark room. To keep the laptop cool and performance-oriented, MSI is using Cooler Boost 5 which is a 2 fans and 6 heat pipe setup to keep the thermals in control.

MSI Katana 15 is well-versed with connectivity ports. It got all the latest and important ports like USB Type-C with DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, RJ-45, USB 3.2 Type-A port and a 3.5mm headphone/mic jack.

In a nutshell, MSI Katana 15 got everything a gamer might be expecting in this price segment. The inclusion of the 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and RTX 4070 GPU is highly appreciated but the battery is compromised. It is advised to keep your laptop plugged in while gaming. Other than that, MSI Katana 15 is a good package and deserve its place in this list of best gaming laptop under $1500.

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5. Lenovo Legion 5

Lenovo Legion 5 is probably the overloaded gaming laptop that is priced under $1500. For starters, we have an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H Octa Core processor which checks the minimum requirement of almost every AAA gaming title. When it comes to RAM, it got the massive 64GB DDR5 RAM which to be honest is overkill unless you are working on special professional programs. Along with that, it also got a 2TB SSD which is super impressive for this price.

Moving forward to GPU, it got 6GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 which is okay but as compared to other laptops are already offering RTX 4070 in this price segment. To balance things out, Lenovo might have decided to equip RTX 30 series GPU instead of RTX 40 which to me is not a wise move. No one wants 64GB RAM for gaming but having RTX 4070 or even RTX 4060 can put a significant difference in the gameplay.

The display of the Lenovo Legion 5 is quite impressive. It got a 15.6-inch QHD 2560x1440p resolution display with Dolby Vision. The display covers a 100% sRGB color gamut resulting in vibrant colors. The display also comes with FreeSync and G-Sync VRR.

It also got USB Type-C that supports DisplayPort 1.4 and Power delivery up to 135W. Other connectivity options include USB 3.2 Type-A, RJ-45, headphone/microphone combo jack, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.1. Only the keyboard has 4 zones RGB lighting and there are no other fancy RGBs on the laptop.

Running on Windows 11, Lenovo Legion 5 is a powerpack gaming laptop and it totally justifies its pricing. If you are okay with RTX 3060, which is good enough for gaming, and looking for the best gaming laptop under $1500, this is good to go.

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6. Acer Predator Helios 300

Acer Predator Helios is a top-of-the-line series of Acer’s gaming laptops. These laptops are fully loaded gaming rigs that are ready for every action. Acer Predator Helios 300 is one of the Helios laptops that comes with a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 14-core processor. Coupled with 32GB DDR5 RAM and 6GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU. Now this rig is capable to play every sort of AAA gaming title at high to ultra graphic settings at Full HD resolution.

For getting the best out of this laptop, you can also connect the laptop to an external monitor via HDMI 2.1 port and get a better, immersive gaming experience. The inbuilt display of the laptop is a 15.6-inch Full HD display with 100% sRGB color gamut coverage and 300nits of brightness. The display is pretty good for a laptop but it is not an IPS display. The colors are good and you will only feel the difference when you compare it with the IPS panel side by side.

The keyboard is designed edge to edge which definitely looks good and with RGBs, it does give a premium feel. The mouse pad however is pretty small even for day-to-day usage. No one uses a mouse pad for gaming and that should not be an issue for many users. You can always grab a budget gaming mouse for under $50.

Talking about connectivity, it comes with Mini DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1 (8K@60hz, 4K@120hz), RJ-45, USB Type-A, Thunderbolt 4 with power delivery and DisplayPort, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1.

Considering the price and the laptop, I think Acer Predator Helios 300 is a value-for-money gaming laptop that delivers powerful gaming performance. If you don’t want to spend much cash for a gaming laptop, this could be a great deal during the sale but if you can add a little extra to it, you can easily get RTX 4060/4070. If RTX 3060 is good enough for you, Acer Predator Helios 300 is the best gaming laptop under $1500 you can grab right now.

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7. ASUS TUF Dash 15 – Best budget laptop

If you don’t want to spend all your budget on a gaming laptop, you can consider ASUS TUF Dash 15. It still got all the great specs you need for AAA gaming titles but comes with an affordable price tag. If you are looking for more options for affordable gaming laptops, here are the best gaming laptop under 1000. For even cheaper options, we also have the best gaming laptops under $800 but you might have to compromise on a few things.

Under the hood, it runs on the 12th Gen Intel Core i7 12650H processor which is a 10-core processor (6P and 4E Cores). The 16GB DDR5 4800Mhz RAM is good enough for every kind of gaming title and when it combines with 6GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, there is nothing you cannot play on this gaming rig. For storage, it only got 512GB SSD which is justified for this price but 1TB is still preferred.

For stunning visuals, it boasts a 15.6-inch Full HD 144hz display. It is not an IPS panel but it is good enough for gaming. The display also comes with Adaptive Sync technology to keep the screen tearing away while gaming at high frame rates. Like any other good gaming laptop by Asus, ASUS TUF Dash 15 also has a MUX switch to switch from integrated graphics to discrete graphics (RTX 3060).

For connectivity, we have a USB Type-C port with DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery, HDMI 2.0B, Thunderbolt 4, microphone/headphone jack, RJ-45, USB Type-A ports, Bluetooth 5.2, and Wi-Fi 6. The keyboard is backlit but it is not a RGB keyboard. It is a single-color chiclet keyboard.

Overall, ASUS TUF Dash 15 is a great package for its price. It obviously lacks the latest processor, HDMI 2.1 port, and much more vibrant display (covers 62.5% sRGB color gamut) but for its price, it is definitely the best budget gaming laptop under 1500.

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Best Gaming Laptop under $1500: In a Nutshell

All the above-mentioned gaming laptops are best for their price. Under $1500, you can easily get RTX 40 series GPU with the latest 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor or AMD Ryzen 7 processor. However, there are options where the rig is coming up with RTX 30 series GPU but comes with massive 64GB RAM and 2TB SSD. If you need extra RAM for additional tasks other than gaming, Lenovo Legion 5 and Acer Predator Helios 300 are the best options for you.

To me, ASUS ROG Strix G16 and Acer Nitro 17 are the best gaming laptop under $1500. They offer the latest CPU and GPU with large displays which are always preferred for gaming. However, it limits the portability and gets a little bulky to carry it around.

The battery performance of these laptops is still an issue. The battery backup depends on graphic settings, the gaming title you are playing, sound level, brightness level and other resources a game is occupying. You have to plug in the charger while gaming. There is no other solution to that.

All the laptops here in this list are the best gaming laptop under $1500 in 2023 and you can grab any of them that seems perfect for your requirement and need.