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 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 Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is an upper midrange laptop with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and Nvidia RTX 4070 graphics, ideal for gaming and demanding graphical tasks like 3D rendering and machine learning. It features 16GB of RAM, a 1024GB storage drive, a 16-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600, and a refresh rate of 165Hz ensuring smooth visuals during fast-paced games or videos. It isn't touchscreen but has a high brightness level and robust color coverage. With a 3.5-hour battery life, it's less suited for extended work on-the-go, but it makes up for this with a backlit keyboard that includes a number pad, and hardware features like ray tracing and DLSS support for enhanced gaming graphics. Weighing 5.6 pounds and nearly an inch thick, portability is fair, yet it remains a strong performer for both general use and engineering applications. It was released in March 2023 and runs on Windows 11 Home.
The HP Omen 17 is a premium gaming laptop that boasts a large 17.3-inch display with a high refresh rate, ideal for gamers and professionals who work with fast-moving visuals. It's equipped with a high-end Nvidia RTX 4080 graphics card and an Intel i7 processor, which make it powerful enough for 3D rendering, machine learning tasks, and engineering software. It offers excellent heat management but is weightier than average, making it less portable. The keyboard is backlit with a number pad, contributing to a very good overall build quality. Its screen offers vibrant colors and brightness, though it lacks a touchscreen. You'll find a variety of ports, including Thunderbolt, Ethernet, and USB-C charging, which enhances its connectivity. Expect a solid battery life for typical usage, but keep in mind that intensive tasks will likely drain the battery faster. The Omen 17 is particularly suited for intensive gaming and demanding computational tasks, but it's less ideal for those who require a lightweight and highly portable laptop.
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 Razer Blade 14 is a high-end laptop with a premium price, designed for gaming and performance-intensive tasks. It features a robust AMD Ryzen 9 processor alongside an Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti graphics card, which makes it suitable for 3D rendering, machine learning, and engineering software. With 16GB of RAM and 1024GB of storage, it's well-equipped for multitasking and large projects. The 14-inch display has a high resolution, very good color coverage, and a fast refresh rate, which is beneficial for both gaming and professional creative work. However, its compact size and relatively low weight also make it quite portable for a performance-oriented laptop. The battery life is solid for its class, contributing to its portability. It excels in build quality, heat management, and has a backlit keyboard but lacks an Ethernet port and a number pad. It runs Windows 11 Home and was released in February 2022.
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.