Looking for the best gaming laptop under 1500? You’ve come to the right place! Glitchmind has compiled a list of the top laptops for gamers, based on price, performance, and specs. Whether you’re looking for a powerful laptop that can handle the most demanding games or a budget-friendly option that still offers great gaming power, we’ve got you covered.
Things to consider when buying the best gaming laptop under $1500
This buying guide will help you understand the various features that your laptop should have to be optimized for gaming.
1. CPU
Gaming laptops should have powerful processors that can handle many gaming tasks without lag.
The Intel Core I series, AMD Ryzen, FX, and FX series are the best gaming laptop processors.
2. GPU
Gaming requires a sound graphics card, so be sure to choose one that meets your requirements.
You don’t necessarily need a top-of-the-line card if you are only playing older games. However, if your game demands are high, you will need something more powerful.
3. RAM
We recommend that gaming laptops have at least 8GB RAM. This will allow your computer to handle multitasking seamlessly.
RAM is an essential component of gaming. It stores game data temporarily, so your computer doesn’t need to reload every change.
4. Storage
An SSD drive is better for gaming laptops than a hard drive. They are more reliable and faster. You can get at least 256GB if your budget permits. However, external storage is always available if you need it!
We recommend that you get an HDD or SSHD for gaming PCs. This depends on how big your storage needs are. However, SSHDs don’t have the same speed as traditional HDDs, so only use them when necessary.
5. Size
It is essential to determine how light your laptop will be and the cooling system. Larger gaming laptops, however, will be easier to transport but have better cooling systems.
6. Screen
If you have a budget for less than $1500, the screen size of your gaming laptop will be determined by how much you can spend.
We recommend at least a 1080p resolution. Higher resolutions drain more battery life and slow down processing speeds.
G-Sync and Freesync support are recommended. This prevents tearing and stuttering, which can reduce gameplay quality.
Remember that 1440p screens may look fantastic, but they can lower FPS in some games. So, consider your needs before you buy.
7. Ports
Gaming laptops should have many ports to allow you to connect all your peripherals. These ports include a DisplayPort, an HDMI port, and preferably a USB Type-C port.
Many gaming laptops have optical drive slots. However, we recommend that you get an external one if you are concerned about the space they take up.
8. Connectivity
A gaming laptop should have Bluetooth and WiFi built-in. These are the most popular connectivity options. However, if you require something more, your gaming laptop should be equipped with it.
9. Webcam
Although it is not essential, many gamers prefer a webcam to stream or video chat. This is something that you might be interested in. Before you buy, make sure you check the webcam on the gaming laptop. See also some best laptops for streaming.
10. Operating System
We don’t recommend purchasing a gaming laptop that comes with Windows OS unless you are familiar with it. Many gaming laptops come preinstalled and have bloatware you will likely need to uninstall.
Consider instead buying a gaming laptop that runs Linux, or none at all. This will ensure your computer is optimized for gaming!
11. Battery Life
You should get at least five hours of battery life on the gaming laptop you choose. To ensure it can withstand even the most extended gaming sessions, select a model with at least nine hours of battery life.
12. Weight
If you plan to carry your gaming laptop around for long periods, you must consider the weight of your computer.
It is best to not bring more than 6 pounds, but it is a good idea to double-check the dimensions of your gaming laptop before you buy it.
Best Gaming Laptop Under 1500
1. Asus ROG Strix G15 We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Specifications
- Processor: AMD Ryzen9 5900HX (8 cores, up to 4.6 GHz).
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM (Upgradable)
- Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 3060 6GB DDR6 Graphics (115W GPT)
- Display: Full HD IPS-Type 15.6 Inch display with 300Hz refresh rate
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home 64 bit OS
- Battery life: up to 12 hours
- Weight: 5.0 lbs
The Asus ROG Strix G15 is our top-rated gaming laptop below $1500. It has a lot to offer, compared with other options.
The unlocked AMD Ryzen 9 processor powers it, beating even the most recent 11th-Gen Intel Core i9 processors in multi-core workloads. The AMD Ryzen 9 processor is accompanied by the RTX 3060 GPU and 16GB RAM. These specs are among the most impressive you will find on a gaming laptop below $1500. They can also run all games at 1080p resolution and smooth frame rates.
It has a 15.6 inch full HD display and a 300 Hz refresh rate to enhance the gaming experience. Although it might seem excessive for a gaming laptop, this is the best refresh rate display available in this price range. It also features a 100% sRGB panel, making it an excellent choice for professional content creation.
The large trackpad and RGB keyboard make it a great deal. It also has a large 90 Whr battery that can run up to 12 hours (assuming you’re not doing any intensive tasks).
Pros
- Flagship AMD CPU
- Max-P GPU RTX 3060
- 300 Hz color-accurate display
- RGB Light Bar
- Battery life is long
Cons
- There is no webcam
2. MSI GL66 Gaming Laptop 15-Inch We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Specifications
- Processor: Intel Core i7-11800H (8 cores, Turbo upto 4.6 GHz).
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM (Upgradable)
- Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 3070 8GB DDR6 Graphics (85WTGP)
- Display: 15.6 Inch Full HD 144Hz display
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Battery life: up to 5 hours
- Weight: 4.6 lbs
The MSI GL66 15, an RTX3070 GPU, is almost the same price as the MSI GL66 15.
We discovered that the RTX 3070 was a low-powered Max-Q variant with a TGP of just 85W. It means that although the MSI GL66 may look more powerful, the Asus ROG Strix G15, our top choice, will outperform it in most games due to its higher TGP RTX3060 GPU.
The MSI GL66 is better suited for graphic-intensive tasks such as video editing, CAD, and 3D rendering. It has 8GB of VRAM and more CUDA Cores than the RTX3060. The laptop also features the 11th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU. This processor is potent and will allow you to play all the latest games at high settings.
The MSI GL66 is nothing special, aside from its hardware. The MSI GL66 is similar to those of other MSI gaming laptops. It also has an RGB backlit keyboard. It is lighter and thinner than the Strix G15 due to its lower TGP GPU. The cooling system is also comparatively quieter.
Pros
- RTX 3070 8GB VRAM
- 144Hz display
- RGB keyboard
- Cooling system that is more efficient and quieter
- Weighing less than 5 pounds
Cons
- The case is mainly made from plastic
- Noticeable fan noise
- Battery life is shorter
3. HP Omen 16 Advantage Edition We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Specifications
- Processor: AMD Ryzen7 5800H (8 Core, up to 4.4 GHz).
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz (Upgradable to 32GB).
- Storage: 1TB SSD (Upgradable)
- Graphics: AMD Radeon RX6600M GPU with 8GB DDR6 RAM
- Display: 16.1 Inch Full HD, 144Hz IPS LCD display with 100% sRGB
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Battery life: up to 6 hours
- Weight: 5.2 lbs
If you want to play on a larger screen but don’t want to carry it around in bulk, the HP Omen 16 might be the right choice. The 16-inch gaming laptop weighs in at nearly 5 pounds. This is an excellent compromise between a 15-inch notebook or a large, heavy 17-inch laptop.
It’s not all about the size. The Omen 16 is one of the few gaming laptops to sport the AMD “Advantage Edition” badge. This means that it will run most games at least 100 FPS and has a minimum 144Hz display for gaming. It also has about 10 hours of battery power for daily work. What more could you want in a gaming laptop than that?
It contains AMD hardware, including the Radeon RX6600M GPU and AMD Ryzen 7 processor. It has 8GB DDR6 VRAM and is tuned for maximum TGP. This GPU should deliver a similar performance to the Nvidia RTX 3060, in some cases even better.
It also has AMD’s CPU and GPU. This means that it can use AMD SmartShift technology to channel more power towards the CPU or GPU, depending on the task. This allows the laptop to perform the job better and saves battery power.
The HP Omen 16 Advantage Edition gaming laptop is another great gaming laptop under $1500. It has some cool AMD tricks and offers an outstanding balance between battery life and performance.
Pros
- Powerful AMD CPU and GPU
- Large 16-inch screen with 144Hz refresh rate
- Great RGB keyboard
- Thanks to AMD SmartShift, up to 10 hours of battery life
Cons
- Loose hinge makes screen wobble
Read also: HP Omen Laptop Review: Tips New 2022
4. Asus ROG Zephyrus – G14 We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Specifications
- Processor: AMD Ryzen9 5900HS (8 Core, up to 4.6 GHz).
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200 MHz (Upgradable)
- Storage: 1TB SSD (Upgradable)
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 3060 6GB DDR6 Graphics (60-80W TGP).
- Display: 14 inch Full HD 144Hz IPS display (100% of sRGB).
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Battery Life: up to 10 hours
- Weight: 3.6 lbs
The Asus ROG ZEPHYRUS G14 was a hot item when it launched last summer. It outperformed many tower PCs with its exceptional performance and put a lot of money to shame. The refreshed model 2021 packs even more power in a smaller 14-inch chassis. It is the most lightweight and portable gaming laptop under $1500 for 2021.
The AMD Ryzen 9 processor is inside, with 8-cores clocked at 4.6 GHz. This can easily beat Core i9 laptops during stress tests. The powerful CPU is 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage. The Zephyrus G14’s RTX 3060 is a Max-Q version with lower power. But, that’s alright!
The device still offers enough power to play any game in high settings. It also has a stunning 144Hz HD screen and is Pantone certified for color accuracy. This makes it an excellent choice for content creators.
The gaming laptop is lighter than any other laptop we have reviewed. It can run for as long as 10 hours on one charge and weighs in at just over 3.5 pounds. This means you can take it with you, use it while on the move, and plug it in to charge it when you’re not using it.
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 laptop is the best choice for students and those who travel a lot. We think the $1550 MSRP of this laptop is still well worth it, even though it costs slightly more than your $1500 budget.
Pros
- Most portable gaming laptop
- Outstanding performance
- Display with color accuracy and 144 Hz refresh
- Battery life up to 10 hours
- Competitively priced
Cons
- Gaming can make it a little too hot
5. Razer Blade 15 
Razer Blade 15 Base Gaming Laptop Check Price We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Specifications
- Processor: 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H 6-Core CPU (2.6-2.5 GHz).
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (Upgradable)
- Storage: 512GB SSD (Upgradable)
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce 1660 Ti 6GB DDR6 Graphics
- Display: 15.6 Inch Full HD 120 Hz display (100% sRGB)
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Battery life: up to 5 hours
- Weight: 4.5 lbs
This Razer Blade 15 is a Windows laptop that offers a premium design. It is sometimes called the Windows replacement to MacBooks.
MacBooks can be expensive, but this Razer Blade 15 isn’t!
If you have a $1500 or less budget, the fully-specced 2021 Razer Blade 15 is not within your reach. It starts at $1699 and goes up to $3000 for the top variant. We think the Razer Blade 15 from last year is still available, and it’s a great deal right now.
It is a year-old model, so its internals are likely to be the same as last year. The 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor has six cores and a GTX1660 Ti GPU with 6GB VRAM. These specs are insignificant, but they are much less potent than the other gaming laptops.
It would still be capable of running all the most recent games and can even be used for professional video or photo editing because its 15-inch screen has decent color coverage.
You also get a lovely laptop with a chassis made from CNC-milled aluminum. It feels luxurious inside and out. The keyboard, trackpad, and speakers feel amazing, adding more to the premium experience.
The 2020 Razer Blade 15 is a great gaming laptop that’s thin and lightweight.
Pros
- Premium CNC-milled aluminum chassis
- Most compact 15-inch gaming laptop
- Color accurate display
- Decent audio quality
- Overall, great value
6. MSI Stealth Gaming Laptop 15M We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Specifications
- Processor: Intel Core CPU i7-11375H Quad Core CPU (Up to 5.0 GHz).
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 3060 6GB DDR6 Graphics (90W GPT)
- Display: 15.6 Inch IPS-level 144 Hz display (1920 x 1080)
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Battery life: up to 5 hours
- Weight: 3.7 lbs
MSI Stealth15M is the right choice if you’re looking for a gaming laptop that costs less than $1500 and can pass in a meeting without looking too flashy.
This gaming laptop is just 0.6 inches thin. However, it’s not the smallest. The Razer Blade 15 is the next option on this list. It’s a compact 15-inch notebook. The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, which is smaller and lighter than the Razer Blade 15, is the best MSI gaming laptop under 1500.
If you’re looking for a lightweight and thin gaming laptop, the following options will be of interest to you.
The Stealth 15M looks stunning in its all-metal look, but the performance takes a little bit longer. It’s still a powerful machine. I’m not going to lie. However, the 11th Gen Core i7 CPU inside is a quad-core chip, and its RTX3060 GPU is a low-powered Max Q variant.
It still runs the most recent games and delivers a smooth gaming experience. The screen’s 144Hz 1080p resolution helps a lot.
The MSI Stealth 15M gaming laptop is thin and lightweight and offers a decent 5-hour battery backup.
Pros
- Slim and sleek design
- Lightweight
- Amazing gaming performance
- Tactile keyboard and smooth trackpad
Cons
- Professionals can only make upgrades with flippable motherboards
7. Acer Predator Helios 300 We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Specifications
- Processor: 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11800H 8 Core CPU (2.3-4.6 GHz).
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz (Upgradable)
- Storage: 512GB SSD (Upgradable)
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 3060 6GB DDR6 Graphics (90W GPT)
- Display: 15.6 Inch Full HD LED IPS LED-backlit, 144 Hz 3ms display
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Battery life: up to 6 hours
- Weight: 5.0 lbs
This RTX 3060 is not a low-powered model. It is a Max -P RTX3060 with 90W TGP. The turbo boost can reach 105W, almost surpassing its TGP range.
This notebook offers a gaming experience similar to other laptops, even though it is almost $200 cheaper. It also has 512GB SSD storage and 16GB RAM, which allows you to run many demanding programs simultaneously without issues.
Its battery is not long-lasting, so you will always need your laptop charger. This means you will need to carry almost 7 pounds of weight around with you, which is not ideal if your commute involves your laptop. It also has a decent audio output through its stereo speakers. To enjoy gaming, you will need to purchase gaming headphones.
The Acer Predator Helios 300 still offers excellent value for money. It is a high-performance 15-inch machine with a full HD display at 144Hz, a 4-zone RGB keyboard, and extensive wired or wireless connectivity options.
Pros
- High performance and efficient cooling
- Fast 144 Hz refresh rate screen
- 4-zone RGB keyboard with Numpad
- Easy upgrade
- Excellent value for the money
Cons
- Battery life is below average
- Subpar audio quality
8. Lenovo Legion 5 15 We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Specifications
- Processor: AMD Ryzen7 5800H (8 cores, Turbo upto 4.4 GHz).
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (Upgradable)
- Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 3050 Ti 4GB DDR6 Graphics. (Up to 95W TP)
- Display: Full HD IPS 15.6 inch display at 165 Hz with 100% sRGB (300 nits).
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Battery life: up to 6 hours
- Weight: 5.2 lbs
If you’re looking for a great deal, the Lenovo Legion 515 15 is undoubtedly the best value for money. It’s a great gaming laptop for a low price, at $1200 (Amazon: $1429.00).
The AMD Ryzen 7 processor is inside, paired with 16GB RAM 512GB SSD storage, making it a gaming laptop. It’s an RTX3050 Ti with 4GB VRAM, but its GPU is a step-down. Although it could not match the performance RTX3060 in Strix G15 (our top choice) or RTX3070 in MSI GL66, it can still run the latest games at medium settings.
However, the RTX3050 Ti in this Lenovo Legion 5 15 gaming laptop is a Max P variant. It would perform better than many thin and lightweight gaming laptops with RTX3060 Max-Q. This gaming laptop is an excellent value for money!
It is a great performer with a full-size RGB keyboard, a 165Hz refresh rate, and 100% sRGB coverage. This makes it ideal for professional editing and gaming.
Its 5.2-pound weight and large charging brick make it heavy. This gaming laptop is worth the price.
Pros
- Gaming performance that is powerful
- Full HD 100% sRGB screen at 165Hz
- Full-size RGB keyboard
- Placement of ergonomic ports
- Amazing value for money
Cons
- Heavy
Read also:
9. Lenovo Legion Y540 We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Specifications
- Processor- Intel Core i7-9750H
- Graphics-NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- RAM-32GB
- Storage-1TB SSD + 1-TB HDD
- Display-15.6-inch FHDIPS (1920×1080)
Legion Y540 laptop from Lenovo is an excellent value for money at a price of fewer than 1500 dollars. The Legion Y540 from Lenovo is not a gaming laptop that maximizes the available memory.
The 32GB RAM onboard the chipset can support is most effective. It can handle every 3D project, browser indulgences, and simultaneous gaming needs in a matter of seconds. You still have access to the mid-range NVIDIA GeForce GTX 160050 GPU that exhibits the Turing architecture for graphics and gaming. The existing graphics card, paired with 4GB video RAM, can handle almost any AAA game at 720p and high 1080p settings.
Dual storage compatibility is a feature introduced by Lenovo. It includes a 1TB solid-state hard drive that acts as the boot-up source for the Windows 10 OS. You also have access to a 1TB hard disk for larger files and static projects.
The processing requirements can be handled at a desirable speed thanks to the 12MB cache memory and high-bandwidth memory system memory. This Lenovo laptop also takes professional productivity seriously by pairing a backlit keyboard and good webcam with a high-fidelity audio setup.
The 4-hour battery life disappointed our reviewers the most, despite the many professional enhancements. If you’re looking for a replacement desktop, the same can be considered.
Pros
- CPU includes HyperThreading support
- Massive storage support
- Includes 1TB HDD and SSD
- It takes up a lot of system memory
- Durable chassis
Cons
- Sub-par battery life
- Performance basics
10. ASUS TUF Gaming Laptop We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Specifications
- Processor- AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
- Graphics – 6GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 2060
- RAM-32GB
- Storage-1TB SSD
- Display-15.6-inch FHDIPS (1920×1080)
The Asus TUF506IV notebook is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a rugged, durable, and user-friendly laptop that costs less than $1500. The TUF 506IV is a gaming laptop that’s both high-end and stylish, but it also has the durability you need. The Asus TUF weighs in at 5.07 pounds and boasts brushed metal accents and unmatched ruggedness.
The most striking feature is the highly designed thermal layout. It’s presided over by ADC cooling technology and honeycomb-style cooling ventilations.
The 6GB video RAM is an excellent asset for photorealistic and real-time rendering. Asus has 32GB of system memory, which is a staggering amount for a mid-level professional.
Asus keeps the 1TB HDD but uses a 1TB NVMe SSD to speed up app loading and boot-up times. You will also find a backlit keyboard and high-quality speakers. There are also a variety of ports, including Type-C, Type-A, and Type-C HDMI.
Asus decided to remove Thunderbolt and WiFi 6 support from the laptop to better cooling hardware. This laptop is also equipped with a vast, 90whr battery that can produce a battery life of nearly 9 hours.
Pros
- Processors that are performance-centric
- One of the most powerful GPUs
- Innovative cooling technology
- Reliable battery module
Cons
- More squishy than usual
- Support for Wi-Fi 6 is not available
FAQs
1. What are the limitations to higher frame rates in certain games?
Displays with a restricted refresh rate (e.g. 60Hz) will limit the number of frames per second that can be displayed. It would reduce the frame rate of a game by having a display with a low refresh rate (e.g. 60Hz). The laptop’s screen refresh rate is what limits FPS, despite having the largest GPU and VRAM.
2. What RAM should a professional gamer with a $1500 budget aim for?
While the CPU and GPU do most of the heavy lifting, RAM stores all data and variables that are required quickly by the processor components. Professional gaming requires 16GB. Multitasking is possible with 24GB and 32GB.
3. What graphics card should you consider for a $1500 gaming notebook
We recommend a GTX 1650 with 4GB VRAM, or a GTX 1060 has 6GB VRAM if you’re an avid FPS player. GTX 1660Ti is a good choice for professionals who want to achieve 1080p resolutions. RTX 2070 and RTX 2160 are better options if Ray tracing or DLSS rendering are desired for games such as Wolfenstein: Youngblood or Deliver us the Moon.
4. What’s the purpose of an SSD storage device?
Although solid-state drives won’t improve gaming speed or efficiency, it will help to install the file or title onto the SSD module. Optane technology is available for NVMe drives.
Conclusion
This article on gaming laptops below 1500$ helped help you choose a computer that is right for you. We would love to hear your suggestions or have any questions. With all the options on our list, I’m sure you will find something that suits your needs. You are very welcome!
