Every gaming laptop is different and it’s certainly not just about the graphics card and built-in VRAM. If you are an experienced gamer, you will know that there are several genres to consider including MMO, Adventure, RTS, Simulations, Racing, FPS or First Person Shooter, Combat, and RPGs. Also, each game is based on a different computing resource.
For example, FPS games like Fortnite, and PUBG are GPU intensive where the graphics processor needs to render complex textures with the help of the integrated VRAM. Similarly, demanding racing games like Wreckfest rely primarily on the PhysX engine, so they emphasize more on the CPU more than the GPU.
Therefore, gamers who invest in specific genres should select devices that complement their gaming trends, instead of overspending on expensive laptops. The under $1500 gaming laptops are not mid-range like the $1000 machines and you need to be careful with the selection process before purchasing.
Also, if you get a relevant device at a lower price, we recommend HP Pavilion Gaming 15-Inch, because the specs and features are fair enough when you consider its affordability.
Best Gaming Laptops under $1500
The comparison chart below enlists all the best gaming laptops to help you choose the best.
Image | Product | Feature | Price |
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Top Pick |
HP Pavilion Gaming 15-Inch
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Very fast processor. The design is impressive. Large vents for airflow. |
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Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop
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Powerful GPU Brilliant display with 144Hz refresh rate Excellent keyboard |
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Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
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Large screen Game-specific backlighting makes the experience better than ever Long duration battery |
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MSI GF65 Thin 9SD-004 15.6″
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32GB DDR4 Ram Hot Under Load Feels Great To Game On Screen 1TB NVME Ssd-Par Touchpad |
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ASUS TUF (2019) Gaming Laptop, 15.6”
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Extensive connectivity range Additional SSD storage lets you store heavy games |
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Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop
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Competent interns Fascinating display Innovative thermal design |
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ASUS ROG 15.6″ FHD Gaming Laptop
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Multipurpose gaming laptop fast refresh rate |
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Asus ROG Strix G (2019) Gaming
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Powerful processor Commendable GPU with 4GB of VRAM Stellar display with 60Hz refresh rate |
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Dell G3 15
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Affordable configuration options Good battery life Powerful laptop |
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So, what’s the best Gaming Laptop Under $1500? Let’s find out…
1. HP Pavilion Gaming 15-Inch
Here is the first gaming laptop on our list of the best gaming laptops for under $1500. It comes with a 15.6-inch high-definition screen. Plus, it’s packed with some decent specs that are fine to use if you’re a budget-minded gamer.
Features
It has a 9th-generation Intel Core i5 9300H quad-core processor paired with 8GB RAM. The processor is 2.4 GHz, which can be boosted up to 4.1 GHz, thanks to Intel’s Turbo Boost. However, it doesn’t meet the recommended system requirements for high-end games like PUBG and The Witcher 3.
The HP Pavilion Gaming 15 is equipped with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 which ensures smooth gaming images for low-end gamers. It has a very basic 60Hz screen refresh rate which, again, is suitable only for casual gamers. In general, the graphics are quite decent and are capable of spicing up your entertainment.
Get ready for a more streamlined experience with an internal M2 drive that supports 256GB of SSD storage. If that’s not enough for you, HP offers an easy memory upgrade feature so you can make this laptop perfect for your casual gaming needs.
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2. Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop
The Razer Blade 15 is one of the better-looking gaming notebooks with the thermals done right. While the entire specs sheet looks promising, the display on this one is a class apart.
Features
The Intel Core i7-9750H processor is more of an expected addition for the given sub- $ 1500 price segment. However, it has the highest possible clock speed of 4.50GHz which helps you with game logic processing and physical simulations. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti GPU is a handy addition, beefed up further by 6GB of VRAM. The existing video RAM is capable of rendering complex gaming textures and graphics with ease.
Gamers who are mainly into FPS, adventure, and MMO games blindly rely on this GPU to take them through at almost 100+ frames per second. Razer brings 16GB RAM into the mix followed by a standard yet middling 256GB SSD module. Windows 10 OS is pre-supplied with the gadget itself.
The 15.6-inch display looks great with the thinner bezels further amplifying the viewing experience. The Full HD IPS panel features 1920 x 1080 pixels to be exact. However, it is the 144Hz screen refresh rate that is one resourceful addition to most gamers. The existing value allows you to play even the most demanding games at the highest presets without worrying about frame drops.
Razer introduces the Chroma backlit keyboard followed by an easy-to-use touchpad, amplified speakers, and a serviceable webcam for professional productivity. Despite being a sleek gadget, the thermal layout is exceptional.
The Razer Blade 15 flaunts a unibody chassis made of aluminum and weighs close to 4.56 pounds. All the crucial connectivity features are persisted with, including Thunderbolt 3, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and a host of other legacy ports and output slots. When it comes to the battery, you get a decent, 6-hour backup. Overall, this functional notebook is one of the best gaming machines in the market that emphasizes equally on aesthetics.
Also Reviewed: 15 Best Gaming Laptops Under $500
3. Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
Hardcore gamers and tech-savvy players can skip this option as it may be suitable for budget gamers. The Acer Nitro 5 is the most affordable gaming laptop available on the market right now. It has a plastic body, which doesn’t look good, to be honest, but the processor is a nice trade-off for the cheap-looking chassis.
If you are a casual gamer and not a foodie, you will be more than happy to buy this laptop at an affordable price.
Features
It is well-equipped in terms of processing power. A 9th Gen 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor is more than enough for a casual gamer. Additionally, it carries an 8GB SSD RAM which is ideal for a mid-level gaming laptop. Rather it is a very powerful processor for casual gamers. You can’t expect more from an $ 800 laptop.
It has an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics chip with 4GB of VRAM, which is quite valuable for a low-end gamer. Devour all the low-end games. The screen goes up to only 60 MHz though, but it’s fine for this point.
It is loaded with 256 GB SSD storage that allows your games to run smoothly. However, you may want to update it. Pre-upgraded ones are also available in the market, so you can buy them first to avoid the hassle of upgrading your laptop.
Verdict
4. MSI GF65 Thin 9SD-004 15.6″ Gaming Laptop
With an impressive 32GB RAM, a fast Intel Core i7 processor, and a vibrant 120Hz display, the MSI GF65 is a worthy contender as the best gaming laptop under $1500.
Features
Just like the Acer Predator, this laptop has the Nvidia RTX 2060 graphics card. The Nvidia RTX 2060 has 51% better benchmarks than the Nvidia GTX 1060. The framerates you’ll get in gaming with this graphics card are impressive! Have a look at yourself at the end of this article. Scroll down this article and look at the fps you’ll get on the latest games with this GPU.
With a 10th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and 32GB RAM, it has powerful enough hardware to handle anything you throw at it.
Even if this laptop has a sturdy metal lid and keyboard cover, it weighs less than 4 pounds (1.8 kg). The keyboard, made by SteelSeries, has smooth, clicky feedback, and is perfect for gaming. The trackpad is a weak point, but since this is a gaming laptop, you’re most likely going to use a gaming mouse anyway.
The screen is a Full HD TN panel with a refresh rate of 120Hz. It has a fast response time and good brightness. Since it’s an IPS screen, it has good viewing angles. The colors are good enough for gaming, but not accurate enough for graphics design work.
The biggest downside of this laptop is that it tends to get quite hot after an hour of gaming.
Read Also: How To Take a Screenshot on your Laptop?
Verdict
5. ASUS TUF (2019) Gaming Laptop, 15.6”
Gaming freaks gear yourself up because this is hands down the best gaming laptop that you can find at such a low cost. This rock-solid machine costing around $999 is ample to give you the ultimate gaming experience. The ASUS TUF gaming A15 comes with a 15.6-inch IPS display, a powerful processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce graphic card. It is going to be an absolute privilege to own this machine.
Features
The octa-core AMD Ryzen 7 processor chip is a perfect fit for a gaming laptop. The processor is accompanied by 16 GB of RAM that paves the way for hard-core gaming. You can run your games at the highest settings and consistent frame rates above 60 Fps and it will not break a sweat.
This laptop will not fail to impress you in terms of its graphics as well. It is equipped with a 6 GB VRAM and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti graphic card. You can also choose between a 60 Hz and 144 Hz panel, with 144 Hz being ideal even for serious gaming. There is no high-end game that this beast can’t handle even at ultra settings.
The deadly combination of its enormous 1 TB HDD storage and an extra 512 GB SSD memory is second to none. There’s nothing left that you can demand from such a budget-friendly laptop. It can run most of the stuff at its best and is loaded with more than enough firepower that allow you to have a spectacular gaming experience.
Verdict
6. Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop
There is no denying the fact that Acer makes and retails some extraordinary gaming laptops. However, if you’re purely performance-based while sticking to the sub $1500 price segment, the Predator Helios 300 is a decent laptop to invest in.
Features
Gaming and multitasking performance is cleverly handled by the Intel Core i7-9750H processor that works in tandem with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti GPU. While the existing chipset turbo clocks up to 4.5GHz, thus handling NPC and game logic with ease, the existing graphics processing unit assumes the innovative Turing Architecture. Advanced Turing Shaders associated with the GPU help you reap the benefits of faster game scenarios.
With these Shaders in play, this device can hit 120 FPS and more, even for some demanding titles like Fortnite, PUBG, and Apex Legends. When it comes to memory, Acer racks up 16GB of RAM, which is more than adequate for professional games. The 512GB NVMe storage drive is one of the fastest modules on the market. Acer makes way for the Windows 10 Home edition, right out of the box.
Acer pays maximum attention to the display, with the 15.6-inch widescreen giving way to 1920 x 1080 pixels. The IPS panel ensures an exceptional gaming environment thanks to the 144Hz refresh rate and 72 percent NTSC color gamut.
Other productivity-focused benefits Acer offers include a backlit keyboard, a fast-response trackpad, and exciting speakers with MaxxAudio technology that boosts acoustic performance. What stands out is the innovative thermal design, featuring 3D fan intuition and excellent cooling technology. This smart device also comes equipped with a PredatorSense platform for mapping functions, fan speed, CPU overclocking support, and other resources based on indulgence levels.
The Predator Helios 300 is a durable laptop that overcomes the toughest possible working conditions and challenges. However, despite concentrating on durability and strength, Acer does not compromise on connectivity with USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.1, and other ports built into the chassis. You also get the fastest wireless connectivity possible with Killer ‘DoubleShot’ Pro technology.
The battery underperforms, as is the case with most gaming laptops. But you can also increase the battery life of your laptop.
7. ASUS ROG 15.6″ FHD Gaming Laptop
The ASUS ROG Strix G series of notebooks is praised by the audience for its reliable performance. While ASUS ‘ROG Strix Hero and Scar series of gaming laptops offer premium looks and powerful performance, the new G series of gaming laptops is focused on delivering the same performance at affordable prices.
Features
This newly revamped ASUS ROG Strix G15 is a multipurpose gaming laptop that can handle just about any graphics-intensive game, and it doesn’t break the bank while doing it.
The laptop has a 15.6-inch full HD 240Hz refresh rate display, a first in the segment, which provides a fluid and immersive gaming experience. Plus, it has an AURA sync system with customizable RGB lighting on the keyboard, the ROG logo, and a light bar around the laptop, making it feel like a real gaming console. It is also not far behind in the hardware segment.
It’s powered by the latest Intel Core i7-10750H processor, and the laptop’s graphics are backed by an 8GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card, which are the best gaming specs you can get at this price. Furthermore, the laptop comes with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of a speedy solid-state drive, which provides ample storage space and can satisfy a wide category of audiences.
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Verdict
8. Asus ROG Strix G (2019) Gaming Laptop
If you’re looking for a decent gaming laptop that’s well below the supposed $1500 price segment but doesn’t compromise on specs, the Asus ROG Strix G is the one to consider.
Features
For starters, the Intel Core i7-9750H processor appears, powered by the Hexa-Core architecture and multi-threaded technology. Next in line is NVIDIA’s powerful GTX 1650 GPU. Here’s a graphics processing unit that’s a bit more powerful than the GTX 1050Ti and is still capable of running high-end games at decent fps. The GPU also takes care of complex textures in games, courtesy of the 4GB VRAM.
Another good thing about the GPU is the low thermal design power of 50W. This means that despite hours of continuous gaming, the device does not exude much heat.
The 15.6-inch screen is a decent addition to the existing spec sheet. With excellent levels of color reproduction and an overall 1920 x 1080 screen resolution, gaming experiences are more than adequate on this device. Last but not least, the IPS panel features slimmer bezels and assumes a screen-to-chassis ratio of almost 80 percent.
The cooling tech on this beast is worth mentioning, as Asus packs in larger blades and hardware to accentuate airflow and heat dissipation by nearly 17 percent. Also, anti-dust technology prevents the heat sinks from clogging.
Verdict
9. Dell G3 Gaming Laptop
Let’s face it, trying to find a decent gaming laptop on a budget can be a chore. You have to make compromises in areas like performance, design, and even battery life.
Features
The most significant improvement from its previous model is its slimmer and more elegant design. Along with slimmer bezels around a 144Hz screen, the sleeker design gives it a more sophisticated vibe.
It’s a welcome toned-down look, in case you’re expecting a gaming laptop that doesn’t scream “gamer” as soon as you pull it out of your bag. The display itself seems the only drawback, as it doesn’t have as rich a color gamut as the other gaming laptops on this list.
Read Also: How To Remove Stickers From Laptops?
Verdict
Best Gaming Laptops Under $1500 – Buyer’s Guide
If you are a newbie to the gaming field and not very familiar with the requirements of a gaming laptop, this ultimate guide to buying the best gaming laptops under $1500 will help you buy the best one.
When selecting a gaming laptop, you will need to have a thorough understanding of many of its specifications and features. You may end up buying a regular laptop that will be useless for gaming if you don’t know the basic gaming requirements well.
Therefore, we recommend that you take a look at this buying guide.
But first, let’s take a look at the basic specifications required for a gaming laptop before we get into the details.
Processor
A good processor is a key feature of a gaming laptop. If you want your system to be fast and lag-free, you will have to invest in a good processor. Almost all gaming laptops have Intel technology. All manufacturers strive to incorporate a powerful processor even in a low-budget gaming laptop.
Graphic Chart
The feature that is most important to a gaming enthusiast is a laptop with top-notch graphics. You don’t want to play any games if it looks like shit. So you definitely have to invest in a good GPU because it can’t be upgraded most of the time. Compromising a RAM or storage capacity all you want, but GPU? It’s a huge NO! You cannot think of updating it in the future and you will have to search for a new and better laptop again.
Game
Most of the laptops on our Best Gaming Laptops Under the $1500 list contain a GTX 1660Ti card and cost less than $1200.
- Mainstream – For gamers who demand a slightly more realistic gaming adventure, we suggest selecting a laptop with an RTX 2060 for smooth motion pictures. Such a laptop will cost you around $ 1500 and will be able to meet your expectations of smooth gaming.
- Hardcore: if you are a hardcore gamer, you will demand a lot more from the GPU system. An NVIDIA RTX 2070 is the most ideal graphics card that suits the requirements of heavy-duty gaming. Laptops with this graphics card generally cost around $2000 or more, but you’ll be happy to find out in our list of the best gaming laptops under $1500. We have MSI GL65 at number 7 that contains an RTX 2070, a keen gamer’s dream.
Read Also: How to make a laptop run games better?
RAM
Selecting good RAM is also an integral part of choosing the best gaming laptop. A minimum of 8GB of RAM is recommended even for a mediocre gaming experience. You can have a laptop with 16GB RAM for less than $ 1500, in fact, we recommend 16GB RAM capacity if you’re targeting high-end gaming.
Storage
You can get confused between choosing an SSD or HDD storage type. You can have a mix of both because most laptops offer a pair of 128GB SSD and 1TB HDD. However, you can always go for a massive SSD capacity of about 512GB as SSD is a much faster drive. In addition, it guarantees a faster loading time and a more agile system.
If you are confused about how much storage you need for your laptop, then read this article.
Battery duration
If you are looking for a good gaming laptop, you will have to face the fact that the battery is something that you will always have to compromise on. For the best gaming performance, you will need to connect your laptop. You cannot expect a system to have an ultra-powerful processor, huge RAM, realistic graphics, and an 8-hour battery life.
Portability
Laptops are designed to be portable. Otherwise, a desktop is good enough to give you enough firepower for an incredible gaming experience.
Keyboard & touch panel
A backlit RGB keyboard is a treat for a gaming fanatic. Improve your mood and make the environment ready for a gaming adventure. Most gaming laptops offer this feature even on a tight budget. So you don’t have to look for it on purpose.
Brand
Some people tend to chase big companies and brands. As a result, companies take advantage of the naivety of their users. Some of the famous brands produce shitty products in a low-budget range. While, on the other hand, the lesser-known make amazing products even at a low cost.
Last Thoughts
Now that we’ve listed 09 of the best gaming laptops in the $1500 price segment, you need to determine your preferences and make the purchase. Even though our picks are already segregated by category, you may want to explore quite a few possibilities before taking the final call.
If you are interested in a holistic gaming experience and not worried about battery, the Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop is the best device to consider.
On the other hand, if you have your sights set on aesthetics and portability while adhering to the standards of the game; our suggestion is to go for the Razer Blade 15.
Also, if you’re looking to spend on a device that’s loaded with specs, Gigabyte’s AERO 15 Classic is a wise choice. However, the ROG Strix G is the perfect gaming laptop to consider if you want to stay on budget without compromising on performance.
FAQs
What is the most important specification to look for in a gaming laptop under $1500?
Although the preferred set of specifications may change, it is always advisable to opt for a GPU that supports the Turing Architecture, and therefore Turing Shaders. With high-end shading technologies at the helm, productive gameplay can be enjoyed with maximum presets.
What’s the limiting factor when it comes to significantly higher frame rates for certain games?
If you have a display with a restrictive refresh rate i.e. 60Hz, it would limit the fps count you can get for a game. Despite including the most powerful GPU and considerable VRAM, it is the laptop’s screen refresh rate that limits the FPS.
How much RAM should you aim for as a pro gamer looking to get a new $1500 laptop?
Although the CPU and GPU do most of the heavy lifting, the RAM stores all the content, data, and variables that the processing components require quickly. Therefore, a 16GB stadium is often recommended for professional games. However, if you like to multitask, you can go for 24GB or 32GB to accommodate other tasks with ease.
What is the role of an SSD storage drive?
While a solid-state drive would not directly improve fps or improve gaming speed or efficiency, installing the file or title on the SSD module would speed up loading. However, if you are looking for higher speeds, opt for NVMe drives with Optane technology.
What graphics card to consider in a $1500 gaming laptop?
If you are a keen FPS gamer and not a professional, we recommend a GTX 1650 with 4GB VRAM or the GTX 1060 with 6GB VRAM. However, if you’re a pro who wants excellent 1080p performance, the GTX 1660Ti with 6GB VRAM is worth considering.
Lastly, if you are interested in using ray tracing and DLSS rendering features to play games like Wolfenstein: Youngblood and Deliver Us the Moon, RTX 2070 and RTX 2060 are the best options.