Best Laptops under $500 for gaming

Best Pick
15.3"Core 58GB RAM256GB SSDIntel Graphics
View Details & Prices
Price $480
Check Price at Best Buy
Also available open box & refurbished:

Best Laptops under $1,000 for gaming

Best Pick
15.6"AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS16GB RAM512GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
Why we recommend this

The Ryzen 7 7445HS and RTX 4050 with 6GB VRAM deliver stable 1080p gaming on a 144Hz display, aided by OMEN AI for automatic performance tuning. A 12-hour video playback battery life and 16GB of DDR5 RAM provide solid multitasking endurance beyond gaming sessions. This laptop is best for entry-level gamers who want high-refresh esports performance without breaking the bank.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

15.6"Intel Core i5 12450H16GB RAM512GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050
Why we recommend this ▼

The RTX 2050 GPU and 144Hz IPS display provide a smooth 1080p gaming experience in a chassis weighing under 2kg, making it a genuinely portable entry-level machine. Its translucent build panels offer a distinct visual flair rarely found at this budget, complemented by 16GB of fast DDR5 RAM. This laptop is best for students and casual gamers who prioritize a lightweight design and high refresh rate over maximum graphical fidelity.

View Details & Prices
15.6"AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS16GB RAM512GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
Why we recommend this ▼

Equipped with a Ryzen 5 7535HS and RTX 3050 graphics, the 144Hz display pushes smooth frame rates in esports games. Its MIL-STD-810H certified chassis handles knocks and drops, while 16GB of DDR5 memory keeps background tasks fluid. Budget-conscious gamers wanting a durable machine for 1080p competitive play get a reliable pick.

View Details & Prices
15.6"AMD Ryzen 7 4800H8GB RAM512GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti 4GB
Why we recommend this ▼

The Ryzen 7 4800H processor and 120Hz IPS display provide a solid foundation for smooth 1080p gaming, though the GTX 1650 Ti and dim 250-nit screen limit visual fidelity. Its dual-drive storage with a 512GB SSD and 1TB HDD offers generous space for game libraries without a premium price. This is a practical choice for budget-conscious gamers who prioritize frame rates in esports titles over high-end graphical detail.

View Details & Prices
15.6"Intel Core i5 11400H16GB RAM512GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
Why we recommend this ▼

The Intel Core i5-11400H and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 with 4GB VRAM deliver solid 1080p gaming performance, paired with a 144Hz IPS display for smoother motion. At 1.86kg, it is lighter than many gaming laptops, and the 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD provide ample multitasking and fast load times. This laptop is best for budget-conscious gamers who want a portable machine for esports and mid-settings AAA titles.

View Details & Prices
15.6"Intel Core i7 9750H16GB RAM512GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti
Why we recommend this ▼

A 240Hz Pantone-validated display and 18.9mm-thin metal chassis set this laptop apart for fluid, color-accurate gaming on the go. Its 1.9kg weight and subtle styling make it a genuinely portable 15-inch machine that doesn't sacrifice a full-fat GTX 1660 Ti GPU. This is best for competitive gamers who need high refresh rate performance in a travel-friendly form factor.

View Details & Prices
15.6"Intel Core i5 12450H16GB RAM512GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050
Why we recommend this ▼

The Intel Core i5-12450H and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 with 4GB VRAM deliver solid 1080p gaming performance, while the 144Hz FHD display ensures smooth motion in fast-paced titles. The 16GB DDR5 RAM and 512GB SSD provide ample multitasking and storage, and the Cooler Boost 5 keeps thermals in check during long sessions. Best for budget-conscious gamers who want a capable entry-level gaming laptop for esports and moderate AAA titles without overspending.

View Details & Prices
15.6"Intel Core i7 9750H8GB RAM512GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining a 9th Gen Core i7-9750H with a GeForce GTX 1660 Ti, this 4.1-pound chassis delivers smooth 1080p gaming on a 144Hz IPS-level display. The thin-bezel design and 0.85-inch profile make it a portable option that doesn't sacrifice a full HDMI port or dual USB-C connectivity. It’s best for budget-conscious gamers who prioritize high refresh rate esports titles over color-accurate content creation.

View Details & Prices
15.6"Intel Core i5 10500H8GB RAM512GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
Why we recommend this ▼

The RTX 3060 with 8GB VRAM and ray tracing support drives the 15.6-inch 1920x1080 IPS panel at 144Hz, making this a capable gaming machine. At 1.90kg and 0.9 inches thin, it offers portability without sacrificing a backlit keyboard or 802.11ax Wi-Fi. This is best for gamers on a budget who want smooth high-refresh play and ray tracing in a lightweight chassis.

View Details & Prices
15.6"3.9 GHz core_i716GB RAM128GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
Why we recommend this ▼

The 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8750H 6-core processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti with 4GB GDDR5 deliver solid 1080p gaming performance. A 128GB SSD boot drive paired with a 1TB HDD offers fast system responsiveness and ample storage for games and files. This laptop is best for budget-conscious gamers who want a capable 15-inch machine for playing titles like Fortnite or Overwatch at medium settings.

View Details & Prices
15.6"Intel Core i7 11600H8GB RAM512GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
Why we recommend this ▼

The Intel Core i7-11600H and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti with 4GB VRAM deliver solid 1080p gaming and creative work in a 1.85kg full-metal chassis. Its 83Wh battery supports long sessions, and the backlit keyboard plus Odyssey Control software let you customize performance for each game. Best for a student or casual gamer who wants a portable laptop for both daily productivity and moderate gaming without spending on a bulkier rig.

View Details & Prices
15.6"AMD Ryzen AI 5 34016GB RAM512GB SSDAMD Radeon 840M
Why we recommend this ▼

The AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 processor with a dedicated NPU and 16GB of DDR5 RAM provides capable performance for everyday multitasking and local AI tasks. A 1080p webcam with a physical privacy shutter and a full set of ports, including USB-C and HDMI, add practical value at this price point. This notebook is best for students or office workers who need a reliable 15.6-inch machine for web-based productivity and video calls.

View Details & Prices

Best Laptops under $2,000 for gaming

Best Pick
15.1"AMD Ryzen AI 7 35016GB RAM1024GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070
Why we recommend this

The 15.1-inch 2560x1600 OLED panel with 165Hz refresh, 500 nits brightness, and 100% DCI-P3 coverage delivers vivid colors and smooth motion, paired with an AMD Ryzen 7 8000 Series CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU for strong gaming performance. Its 80Wh battery and 1.90kg weight balance portability with endurance, while Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt offer modern connectivity. Best for gamers prioritizing display quality and frame rates, with a 90.1/100 gaming score, though AI workloads score lower at 46.6/100.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

16"Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX32GB RAM1024GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070
Why we recommend this ▼

The 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX and GeForce RTX 5070 drive a vivid 2560x1600 240Hz display with full DCI-P3 color, making it a powerhouse for high-fidelity gaming. Its robust port selection, including Thunderbolt 4 and dual USB-C, complements the 32GB of DDR5 RAM for a desktop-like connectivity suite. This machine is best for competitive gamers and streamers who need high frame rates and color-accurate visuals without sacrificing multi-tasking headroom.

View Details & Prices
14"AMD Ryzen 9 27016GB RAM1024GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060
Why we recommend this ▼

The 14-inch 3K OLED 120Hz 0.2ms ROG Nebula Display with 100% DCI-P3 delivers vivid colors and fast response, paired with an AMD Ryzen 9 270 and RTX 5060 8GB GDDR7 for smooth 1080p gaming. At 1.50kg with a 73Wh battery and Wi-Fi 7, it is a portable gaming machine that also handles creative work well. Best for gamers who want a lightweight 14-inch laptop with a top-tier OLED screen for both gaming and content creation.

View Details & Prices
16"Intel Core i7 13620H32GB RAM1024GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining a 10-core Intel i7-13620H with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 and 32GB of DDR5 RAM, this laptop delivers strong 1080p gaming and AI-accelerated creative performance in a slim 19.45mm chassis. The 180-degree hinge and GiMATE AI assistant add practical flexibility and system-level personalization not captured by raw specs alone. It’s best for students and casual gamers who want a capable, portable machine for both gaming and entry-level generative AI tasks.

View Details & Prices
16"AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX32GB RAM1024GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060
Why we recommend this ▼

The-inch 162560x1600 OLED panel with DisplayHDR True Black 1000 and 100% DCI-P3 coverage delivers exceptional contrast and color accuracy for gaming and content creation. A 32GB DDR5 memory configuration and the RTX 5060 with 115W TGP provide strong 1440p performance, while the chassis remains relatively portable at 2.30kg. This laptop is best for gamers and creators who prioritize a high-contrast OLED display and need substantial multitasking headroom without stepping up to a higher GPU tier.

View Details & Prices
15.6"Intel Core i7 13700H32GB RAM1024GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining a 14-core Intel i7-13700H with RTX 4060 graphics and 32GB of DDR5 RAM, this configuration handles modern games at the 144Hz refresh rate without bottlenecking. The 350-nit IPS display and a generous port selection including USB-C with 140W Power Delivery add practical versatility beyond raw performance. It’s best for gamers and streamers who need high frame rates and ample multitasking memory in a single, desktop-replacement machine.

View Details & Prices
16"Intel Core i7 14650HX16GB RAM1024GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR7
Why we recommend this ▼

Powered by a 16-core Intel 14650HX and RTX 5060 with 8GB GDDR7, it drives a 2560x1600 IPS display at 240Hz with full DCI-P3 color coverage for fluid, color-accurate visuals. Its 500-nit brightness and robust port selection, including Thunderbolt and Wi-Fi 7, make it a versatile workstation beyond gaming. This laptop is best for competitive gamers and content creators who need high-refresh precision and wide-gamut color accuracy in a single machine.

View Details & Prices
16"AMD Ryzen 5 160032GB RAM1024GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining an NVIDIA RTX 5070 GPU with a remarkably thin 16.75mm chassis, this laptop delivers serious graphics power for AI-driven tasks and gaming without the typical bulk. Its 16-inch 2560x1600 IPS display and 14-hour battery life make it a practical choice for all-day productivity, further enhanced by the integrated GiMATE AI for intelligent system optimization. This machine is best for gamers and creators who need a powerful, portable workstation that prioritizes a slim profile over absolute peak performance.

View Details & Prices
16"Intel Core 7 240H32GB RAM1024GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining an Intel Core 7 240H with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 and 32GB of DDR5 RAM, this laptop delivers capable 1080p-class gaming and creative performance at its 144Hz refresh rate. The 1TB NVMe SSD provides ample fast storage, while the matte black chassis and full-size backlit keyboard offer a practical, understated build. It’s best for budget-conscious gamers and students who need strong multi-core and GPU power in a 2.00kg package without a premium price tag.

View Details & Prices

Premium Laptops for gaming

Best Pick
16"Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX64GB RAM4096GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
Why we recommend this

The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 with 24GB GDDR7 deliver desktop-class gaming performance, paired with a 16-inch 2560x1600 OLED display at 240Hz and 500 nits for vivid, smooth visuals. The 64GB DDR5 RAM and 6TB total NVMe storage (4TB + 2TB) handle heavy multitasking and large game libraries, while the 1.84kg chassis and 80Wh battery offer portability for a laptop of this power. Best for serious gamers and content creators who need top-tier frame rates and color-accurate OLED output in a single, travel-friendly machine.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

14"AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 37032GB RAM2048GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080
Why we recommend this ▼

The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 GPU with 16GB VRAM deliver high frame rates in demanding games. The 14-inch 3K OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness provides vivid visuals, while the premium aluminum CNC chassis adds a luxury feel. This laptop is best for gamers and creators who want a portable 1.57kg machine that handles AAA gaming and content creation without compromise.

View Details & Prices
16"AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 37032GB RAM2048GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining a 12-core AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor with RTX 5070Ti graphics and a 99Wh battery, this machine delivers strong gaming and AI performance in a 2.1kg chassis. The 16-inch 2560x1600 OLED panel stands out with a 240Hz refresh rate and full DCI-P3 coverage for fluid, color-accurate visuals. It is best for gamers and creators who need high frame rates and a professional-grade display in a portable form factor.

View Details & Prices
Price $2,699
16"AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX32GB RAM1024GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080
Why we recommend this ▼

Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D and a 175W NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 with 16GB VRAM, this laptop delivers desktop-class gaming and AI performance. Its 16-inch OLED display stands out with a 240Hz refresh rate, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 1000 certification, and factory-calibrated Pantone accuracy for color-critical work. This machine is best for competitive gamers and creators who need a powerful, albeit 2.3kg, desktop replacement with a brilliant HDR screen.

View Details & Prices
16"Intel Core i9 14900HX64GB RAM4096GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
Why we recommend this ▼

A 24-core i9-14900HX and RTX 4090 with 16GB VRAM deliver extreme compute, paired with 64GB DDR5 RAM and 8TB of SSD storage to eliminate bottlenecks. The 16-inch 2560x1600 IPS panel reaches 500 nits, covers 100% DCI-P3, and refreshes at 240Hz, equally suited for color-accurate editing and fluid gaming. This laptop is ideal for 4K video editors and competitive gamers who need uncompromising desktop-replacement performance in a single chassis.

View Details & Prices
16"Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX32GB RAM1024GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti
Why we recommend this ▼

A 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX and RTX 5070 Ti 12GB GPU power a 16-inch 2560x1600 OLED 240Hz display, delivering fluid high-res gaming without compromise. The 500-nit, 100% DCI-P3 panel with 1600p resolution excels for color-critical tasks, while the 99Wh battery and Thunderbolt connectivity add versatility. Best for competitive gamers and video editors who need a single machine with high refresh rates and accurate 4K editing capabilities.

View Details & Prices
16"Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX32GB RAM2048GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX with a 24GB GeForce RTX 5090 and a 16-inch 240Hz Mini-LED display hitting 1200 nits, this machine delivers top-tier rendering power and HDR clarity. Its tool-free upgrade access and customizable AniMe Vision lid lighting add practical and aesthetic flexibility rarely found in this performance class. This laptop is best for 3D artists and game developers who need maximum GPU compute and a color-accurate DCI-P3 screen in a desktop replacement form factor.

View Details & Prices
16"Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX64GB RAM2048GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080
Why we recommend this ▼

The Intel Ultra 9 275HX and RTX 5080 with 175W TGP deliver desktop-class frame rates, while the 16-inch 2560x1600 OLED panel offers 240Hz refresh, 500 nits brightness, and DisplayHDR True Black 1000 for deep contrast. Its 64GB of DDR5 RAM and dual 1TB SSDs provide ample headroom for multitasking, though the 4.92kg weight limits portability. This machine is best for competitive gamers and 3D artists who need maximum rendering power and color-accurate visuals in a stationary setup.

View Details & Prices
16"Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX32GB RAM1024GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070
Why we recommend this ▼

The Intel Core Ultra 9-275HX 24-core processor paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 8GB GPU delivers desktop-class gaming and creative performance in a 3.45kg chassis, while the 16-inch 2560x1600 OLED panel hits 240Hz, 500 nits, and 100% DCI-P3 for vivid, tear-free visuals. The 84Wh battery supports up to 8 hours of use, and the dual 1TB NVMe SSDs provide ample storage for large game libraries and projects. This laptop suits competitive gamers and content creators who need high-refresh OLED color accuracy and strong multitasking power without compromising on portability.

View Details & Prices
16"Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX32GB RAM2048GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070
Why we recommend this ▼

The 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX and RTX 5070 with DLSS 4 drive high frame rates on the 240Hz Nebula display, while the anti-glare ACR film and Dolby Vision HDR improve contrast in bright rooms. Its tri-fan vapor chamber cooling sustains performance quietly, and the full-surround RGB light bar with Stealth Mode adapts to any setting. This laptop is best for competitive gamers and streamers who need a powerful, upgradeable 16-inch machine with a vivid 500-nit screen.

View Details & Prices
16"AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 37032GB RAM2048GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining an RTX 5080 with 16GB VRAM and a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor delivering over 50 NPU TOPS, this laptop accelerates both high-end gaming and local AI workloads. The 16-inch 240Hz OLED panel with 100% DCI-P3 coverage provides fluid, color-accurate visuals, while the 100Wh battery and Wi-Fi 7 support a robust, untethered experience. It is best for creators and gamers who need desktop-class rendering power in a 2.10kg chassis for 4K video editing or AI-assisted development.

View Details & Prices
16"Ryzen 964GB RAM2048GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070
Why we recommend this ▼

The AMD Ryzen 9 270 16-core CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 with 8GB VRAM deliver strong performance for gaming and video editing, supported by 64GB DDR5 RAM and a 2TB NVMe SSD. The 16-inch IPS display with 165Hz refresh rate and 100% sRGB, plus a MUX switch for GPU control, offers smooth visuals and battery flexibility. This laptop suits gamers and creators who need high multitasking power and color accuracy in a 2.26kg portable chassis.

View Details & Prices
16"AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX16GB RAM1024GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060
Why we recommend this ▼

The AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX 16-core CPU paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 8GB GPU delivers strong gaming and creator performance, while the 16-inch 2560x1600 OLED panel at 165Hz and 1100 nits offers deep blacks and high brightness. The 70Wh battery and 2.48kg weight make it portable for a gaming laptop, and OMEN Tempest Cooling plus Unleashed Mode allow manual CPU overclocking. Best for gamers and content creators who want a bright, high-refresh OLED display and need solid multitasking with 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB NVMe storage.

View Details & Prices
16"Intel Core Ultra 9 285H32GB RAM2048GB SSDNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining a 16-core Intel Core Ultra 9 285H with discrete RTX 5050 graphics in a 1.40kg chassis defies typical workstation weight expectations. The 16-inch 144Hz IPS panel covers 99% DCI-P3, making it a color-accurate canvas that remains highly portable. This machine is best for developers and content creators who need strong multi-core performance and GPU acceleration in a travel-ready form factor.

View Details & Prices