Gamers require something more from their machines, and that can be tough to find when you need a portable solution at a certain price point. The best gaming laptops under $1000 tend to open things up although there are features you may have to do without. Before we get to the top options under a grand, we’re going to talk about what you should expect from laptops in this class.
Top Picks
[amazon box=”B08F5J26M3,B087HJ4RRZ,B0897B9J48,B08F4RYJRQ,B086KJBKDW,B0865RZR9S,B08DX82SD8″ template=”table”]
Things to Consider When Choosing Gaming Laptop Under $100
Are you a Casual or Hardcore gamer?
When you sit down for a gaming session, do you opt for E.V.E. Online or head over to Miniclip? How you game is the first step to finding the right laptop for the job. While every laptop on our list meets a specific set of requirements, you certainly won’t need 16GB of RAM if you play browser-based titles or PC classics.
No matter what types of games you play, there will be a few drawbacks in this range. While there aren’t as many cuts as you’ll find with laptops under $500, it’s rare to find a machine with a QHD panel or even a fingerprint scanner.
Laptop Power
Gaming laptops used to be notorious for their underwhelming power. While you can find the best Intel chip in today’s portable PC’s, things aren’t as rosy in the memory department. That’s where the types of games you play should be taken into account along with the system requirements of your machine.
If you’re new to the scene, you’ll notice there is a huge difference at times between the minimum and maximum requirements listed on the back of the box or online. Those numbers make things pretty clear-cut, but other factors can dramatically increase or decrease performance as well. We’re not going down that rabbit hole today but will focus on two components instead with memory and the processor.
No laptop should fall into the “gaming” category unless it has at least 8GB of RAM. That’s our baseline and will cover a wide variety of casual titles. Obviously, some games require more power so look for laptops with 16GB or ones that allow you to expand if you play hardcore titles.
As for the processors, things are fairly simple as most gaming laptops under $1000 use Intel chips. While the generation matters, so does the cache and amount of cores. 8th generation processors are the newest, and the i7 lineup is their best, but you can compare processors for yourself with this handy tool from Intel.
Pixels
Laptops in the gaming class generally top out around 17-inches although most have 15.6-inch displays. There’s a good reason for that, as bigger isn’t always better for gamers with laptops – especially if you’re on a budget. Unfortunately, the best gaming laptops under $1000 limit your choice of resolution as well. You won’t find any UHD panels in this class, so you’ll need to settle for FHD, otherwise known as 1,920 x 1,080.
NVIDIA treats their graphics cards like Intel does their chips when it comes to generations. When you’re trying to compare a GTX 980 to a GTX 1060, it can be tough if you’re new to the game. Thankfully, NVIDIA has plenty of tools that allow you to compare chips and there are resources online which benchmark the popular GTX 1050 Ti and every other processor under the sun.
Battery Life & Storage
Storage capacity for laptops in this class ranges from 256GB to 2TB. You’ll also get to choose between solid-state drives and HDD’s although the former is considerably faster than the latter. Hybrid options are a possibility, and you can always upgrade through external means if things get tight.
One thing you can’t upgrade is the battery. A laptop with quick charging capabilities is nice, but not when the battery goes flat in 4-hours. Battery life is one thing that’s sacrificed in the world of gaming laptops although there are a few exceptions to the rule. If you plan to game on the go where you’re away from a wall socket, have battery life at the very top of your list.
The Extras
While every machine we chose for our list will have a USB 3.1 port, some will have several. USB Type-C ports are a possibility in this range as well, but you may be hard pressed to find one that’s Thunderbolt compatible. There are always trade-offs, and they tend to fall into the “Extra” category with budget-friendly laptops.
Gamers may not have much use for a fingerprint scanner, but ports are essential and so are webcams. It’s an overlooked area, and one to keep in mind if you plan to stream your gaming sessions and don’t have a dedicated Vlogging camera for gaming. The same goes for audio. Most gaming laptops will offer up something special in that regard although you can’t always believe the hype.
Best Gaming Laptops Under $1000
MSI GF75
A Dedicated Heavy-Duty Laptop With Tons of Potential
Made with a specific kind of consumer in mind, the MSI GF75 fits excellently within the mid-range gaming laptop class, bringing you enjoyable experiences wherever you happen to be.
Bringing the full power of the 10th Gen Intel Core Processor and GeForce GTX 1650 4GB Graphics, this laptop runs most games and even more powerful editing software without any trouble whatsoever.
The latest OS system ensures you get a quality system that is up to date and ready for action when you turn it on. The Single Backlight Anti-Ghosting key is an excellent addition, alongside 2 USB and 1 HDMI slot.
The elegant and lightweight design makes it perfect for traveling, while the 17.3″ HD display replicates the fantastic viewing experience usually seen on heavier laptops.
The integration of quality sound systems, responsive keyboard, and specs that can run most programs and games of the modern age without much trouble, all within a reasonable price, makes this one of the better gaming-dedicated laptops you can get for yourself.
Pros:
- Extremely fast and powerful, especially for a mid-range laptop
- Sturdy and elegant
- Allows for additional upgrades
- Very portable
Cons:
- MSI bloatware can be annoying as it can fill up the memory with obsolete programs
Lenovo Legion 5
A High-Quality Laptop, Ideal for More Tasking Activities
If you want to ensure you have a laptop that has top-notch performance in all areas of use, then Lenovo Legion 5 is just the right fit for you- durable, stable, and able to handle anything a high-end powerhouse laptop can, this is the real deal in terms of quality and power.
The Legion 5 runs at a stable 2.9 CPU speed and houses an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR6 GPU, which provides an above-average gaming experience handy if you get down to some video editing or if you use software that might require above-average GPU power a laptop can support.
The AMD Ryzen 7-4800H Octa-core supplements the high-quality configuration you get with this laptop, alongside the standard 8GB of RAM, providing you with a reliable gaming laptop that falls nicely within the mid-range class.
Pros:
- High-quality specs make this laptop perfectly capable of mid-range gaming that is lag-free
- Full Legion Ultimate Support included
- Runs on Windows 10 Home
Cons:
- The machine won’t run Linux OS (due to being blocked by Lenovo in its BIOS)
- It is heavier than most high-end laptops of a similar price
HP Pavilion 15-ec1010nr
One of the Best Gaming-Dedicated Laptops on the Market
Intensive gaming on the move is trendy nowadays, and thousands of gaming-dedicated machines made for keeping up with the latest hardware-demanding games are available to meet hardcore gamers’ demands. This laptop is one of those that brings the power of static computers to the portable platform!
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 sets the stage for fast-paced and energy-efficient laptop gaming, supported by Intel Core i5-10300H quad-core that can give up to 4.5 GHz enables this laptop to deliver an immersive gaming experience on its 15.6″ HD display.
The astoundingly long-lasting battery life can last up to more than 12 hours of use, while the laptop itself is just 4.37 pounds, giving this high-end gaming laptop the benefits of an ultra-portable laptop and a static PC.
It supports Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and WLAN adapter connectivity. It has a backlit keyboard design that makes it ideal for gaming in lowly lit areas. The keys are extremely sensitive, employing an ergonomic design that makes typing enjoyable and comfortable.
The visual immersion is enhanced by the high-quality Dual Speakers, custom-tuned by B&O, giving out a rich audio experience that makes every game come to life in ways unseen on gaming laptops before.
As a great gaming laptop with specs that can bring your gaming experience to the level, this is a strong contender for any gaming enthusiast who wants the perfect machine to complement their hobby.
Pros:
- Runs most games without any flaws
- Extremely fast and powerful
- Thin and light enough to be carried around anywhere
- The battery life provides you with long periods of uninterrupted play
Cons:
- The memory storage capacity could be better
ASUS ROG Strix G
Customizable High-End Gaming Laptop Made to Suit to Compete With Dedicated PC’s
As one of the new customizable powerhouses from Asus, this series of laptops aims to give the consumer as much choice as possible when considering what suits them the most. Every configuration options present a potent choice for both gaming and similarly tasking activities.
The 15.6″ FHD LED display showcases colors in a vivid manner and remains crystal clear during use while consuming minimal amounts of power due to power-efficient settings.
One of its most prominent components is Intel’s i-7 9750H Hexa-core processor provides you the power to run many tabs at once and multitask smoothly. The 8GB DDR4 RAM offers high-bandwidth so you can run games and other programs all at once without the laptop slowing down.
The potential for sheer storage size that can go up to 2TB SSD allows you to save all your files and programs in one place without sacrificing for overall performance. The RGB Backlit Keyboard boasts an ergonomic design that makes hours of typing seem like a breeze during use.
The integrated three-dimensional audio system features high-end stereo speakers that produce audio that immerses you in the games you play in such a seamless fashion that it rivals stand-alone sound devices.
This marvel of engineering ingenuity places itself high in quality and sheer power, offering configurations that can tackle anything you throw at them!
Pros:
- High-quality specs can meet any high-intensity demand of almost any user
- The series offers a large selection of specs you can choose from
- Fantastic display quality that is easy on the eyes
Cons:
- Most of the laptops in this series are pricey
- It lacks a camera
Acer Nitro 5
An Elegantly-Built Gaming Laptop Designed for a Wider Audience
The moment you lay your eyes on it, you know this is no mere everyday gaming laptop- this is a custom-built powerhouse that allows you to soar to new gaming heights anytime and anywhere with cutting-edge components that give you an edge in every possible aspect.
The sleek-portable design encompasses a 15.6″ HD IPS Display and two of the best additions for any gaming-savvy user- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics and Intel’s 9th Gen i5-9300H processor, making this laptop a killer combination with the latest features.
The NitroSense Keyset is extremely sensitive to touch, with a red-colored backlit design that makes it ideal for playing in dimly lit environments. It also comes with Alexa built-in, allowing you to use the latest AI-assisted technology for setting up all of your daily tasks.
The laptop comes with two built-in Stereo Speakers, an HD Webcam, and two high-quality mics, perfect for communicating within the game without any additional equipment.
As a unique accommodation for new users, you get the option to get an entire bundle of items that include premium items from Nitro’s gaming arsenal to equip yourself with full gaming equipment of the highest quality.
Pros:
- It offers a superb gaming experience with its high-end specs
- You can upgrade it further to enhance its potency further
- You can pick a premium deal for the entire 5-in-1 accessory kit
- Affordable
Cons:
- The touchpad is not very accurate, so your best bet is to get a mouse during use.
ASUS TUF TUF506IU-ES74 A15
A High-Quality All-Rounder That Can Run Some of the Most Intensive Programs
While it is true that most users tend to dedicate gaming laptops solely to that activity, a large majority of them can do wonders for most tasks that are usually done by static PC’s. This new configuration from ASUS promises to hand out stellar performance no matter the task.
The laptop’s frame is exceptionally durable. It can withstand rough handling and even short falls due to the military-grade construction that meets the highest MIL-STD-810H standards, making it great for travel.
Its dedicated workhorse, the 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 4800H Processor (with the capacity to deliver 4.2 GHz), is fully capable of performing admirably under heavy workloads and, thank the 6GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM, you can use this laptop for pretty much anything as its performance can really outshine a good number of desktop computers.
The included battery is no slouch either, being able to provide power for more than 12 hours of constant video playback, while the self-cleaning duals fans ensure that you won’t have to worry about dust building up in your laptop, drastically extending its longevity.
It features 6 ports that can accommodate different USB types, an HDMI cable, an RJ45, and a 3.5 mm Audio Jack. This laptop is excellent for gaming and tasking activities such as detailed video editing and 3D modeling, making it a prospective investment for gamers and non-gamers alike.
Pros:
- Lightning-fast operating speed
- Extremely durable
- Offers plenty of connectivity options with high transfer speed
- Powerful specs make this laptop great for handling almost any task
Cons:
- The trackpad’s accuracy could be better
- The fan’s operation is quite loud
Dell G3 15 Gaming Laptop
A High-Class Laptop With Plenty of Power
As one of Dell’s first-class gaming laptops, you can rest assured that this is one of the better pieces of hardware you can get for yourself. With up to 4.5 GHz CPU speed, from 8 to 16GB of RAM, and the choice between GTX 1650 Ti and RTX 2060 GPU’s, this is an outstanding laptop you don’t want to miss out on.
The 15.6″ LED Backlit FHD display employs Anti-Glare technology and a 120Hz refresh rate so that you can game on for as long as you like without damaging your eyesight, even during late night use.
Your gaming experience can extend to prolonged hours of continuous use due to the Dual-fan cooling system that effectively disperses heat and keeps your system fully operational for as long as the battery holds.
The 8GB DDR4 RAM allows up to 16 GB of RAM, with a storage space of 512 GB that can go up to 2 TB’s if upgraded (take note that third-party installation or upgrades void the provided warranty).
With a 10th Generation Intel Core processor and NVIDIA’s premier GPU, Dell’s gaming laptop can compete with the best competitors on the market and can provide for a fantastic experience regardless of use.
Pros:
- Breakneck operation speed makes it ideal for fast-paced gaming
- Cooling technology allows you to game for long hours without the laptop overheating
- Alienware Command Center allows you to personalize your user experience
- The laptop allows for additional upgrades
Cons:
- It won’t overheat from prolonged use, but it can still get hot, so a laptop stand is recommended