Top 5: Best Gaming Laptops Under $1000 in 2024

Written by Lucas

Last updated Nov 13, 2021

For less than $1000 USD you can get a great gaming laptop capable of playing pretty much anything. Take a look at our top 5 gaming laptops under $1000, and I’m sure you’ll find what you’re looking for. That’s to say, finding the best gaming laptop doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, the best gaming laptop under $1000 is the Acer Predator Helios 300.

If you’re the kind of person who is constantly on the go, but you also need your fix of AAA PC gaming, a good gaming laptop might be exactly what you need. When I say a “good” gaming laptop, I don’t mean something littered with flashing LED lights and the body of a stealth bomber; but one that has good specs and will perform well in games first and foremost. I think you’ll see what I mean below.

There are countless benefits to having a laptop capable of both work & play, mobility is the biggest benefit by far while still having solid power and a good graphics card. With this price range you can get a lower end NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or mid-upper end 1060 along with other quality components.

As of this writing there are very few laptops under $1000 that have 16GB RAM.  Fortunately some of these models have an upgrade option if you are willing to spend a little more money for the extra memory. 

If you have any questions about anything on the list, or you want to know if the laptop you’ve picked is good, feel free to ask me in the comment section

MSI Thin Bezel Laptop
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#1 (BEST LAPTOP)

ASUS TUF Dash 15 (2021) Ultra Slim

The ASUS military-tough series laptop has made honorable mentions in the past and jumps to our top list under $1000. Durability for any laptop on the go is an important consideration as dropping or shaking can cause significant damage. Check out more on MIL-STD-810 H Standards.

Toughness aside, it has a powerful Intel Core i7-1075H mobile processor with a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics with 4 GB and 8GB RAM, making it one of the best performing gaming laptops under $1000. It comes with a solid5 12GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage as well.

At almost 3/4 of an inch (0.78) this laptop is the thinnest option on the list and 4.41 lbs its one of the lightest as well. 

There a lot of I/O ports to allow for connecting with your devices and the THurnderbolt USB-C opens the door for multi displays and charging options. Let us know in thse comments what you think about this laptop!

The gOOD

  • Powerful 6 core i7 CPU
  • Windows 11 Compatible
  • 144Hz display
  • Powerfuul BatteryGreat storage (512GB)
  • Meets MIL-STD-810H durability standards.
  • Lots of external ports: 3 USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C
  • Great battery life. Advertised at > 16 hrs but realistically < 10.

The Bad

  • Mediocre RAM (8GB)
  • No Webcam

    The specs

    • Processor: Intel i7-1075H
    • Graphics: ‎NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
    • RAM: 8GB DDR4
    • Storage: 512GB SSD
    • Display: 1920×1080 @ 144Hz | 15.6″ IPS
    • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
    • Weight: 4.41 lbs
    • Battery: 16.6 hours

    #2 (Runner Up)

    ASUS ROG Strix G15 (2021)

    The ASUS ROG STRIX G15 Gaming Laptop is a pretty awesome laptop in this price range with a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 4800H processor (which actually outperforms our number 1 Intel processor).

    It also has an ultrafast 144Hz refresh rate for smooth video. The laptop can be upgraded to include 16GB of RAM/Ryzen R7-5800H or  1 TB of RAM and include. Any combination of those 3 options puts the laptop well over $1000 but still a worthwhile laptops to consider at that price. We’ll see if it lands in on next laptop review for laptops > $1000.

    The gOOD

    • Powerful 8 core AMD Ryzen processor
    • Same graphics card as our top pick.
    • 144Hz display
    • Great storage (512GB)

    The Bad

    • Battery life is on the short side.
    • No Webcam

      The specs

      • Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
      • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
      • RAM: 8GB DDR4
      • Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
      • Display: 1920×1080 @ 144Hz | 15.6″ IPS
      • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
      • Weight: 5.07 lbs
      • Battery: 90 WHrs

      #3

      HP OMEN 15.6" FHD IPS High Performance Gaming Laptop

      The HP Omen is a good option if you have to use your laptop for both work and gaming. It has plenty of storage (1.256TB) and more than enough RAM (16GB) to multitask efficiently. Combine that with the good i5 CPU and a GTX 1650, you get a fairly solid 1080p gaming laptop.

      The HP Omen packs enough power to handle pretty much any game in 1080p at 60fps on mid-high settings. Sometimes more, sometimes less, it just depends on the game. In something like Fortnite, you’d see a little more than 100fps on average.

      The HP Omen is a solid option for under $1k. It’s equipped with enough power to handle pretty much any game in 1080p at 60fps on mid-high settings. Sometimes more, sometimes less, it just depends on the game. In something like Fortnite, you’d see a little more than 100fps on average.

      The gOOD

      • Powerful core i7 CPU
      • Great graphics card
      • 144Hz display
      • Loads of Storage with SSD + HDD
      • 16GB Ram (Expandable)
      • Windows 11 Comptabile.

      The Bad

      • No Webcam
      • Lower Refresh Rate (60Hz)

        The specs

        • Processor: Intel Quad Core i5-9300H
        • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB
        • RAM: 16GB DDR4
        • Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD + 1TB HDD
        • Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) Micro-Edge (IPS) LED-backlit
        • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
        • Weight: 8.13 lbs
        • Battery: No Data

        #4

        Newest MSI GF63 Premium Gaming Laptop

        This laptop from MSI and the Gigabyte G5 MD is the only thin bezel laptop we’re featuring. Normally high performing, thin bezel laptops are out of this price range, but the GF63 by MSI is an exception.

        With a 15.6″ screen and 1920×1080 resolution the display is gorgeous. The Intel Core i5 9300H isn’t amazing compared to some of these options, but combined with 16 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB graphics card, and 1TB SSD it wields a solid gaming experience while being visually beautiful with a red backlit keyboard…oh ya, and an Oydisen Cloth to keep it the screen clean…not sure if that is a selling feature!

        The gOOD

        • Thin Bezel
        • Solid Intel Core i5 CPU
        • 16GB RAM
        • 1 TB SSD
        • Lots of external ports
        • Windows 11 Compatible

        The Bad

        • Lower refresh rate
        • No Webcam

          The specs

          • Processor: Intel Quad-Core i5-10300H
          • Graphics: GeForce GTX 1650 4GB
          • RAM: 16 GB DDR4
          • Storage: ‎1 TB SSD
          • Display: 1920×1080 @ 60Hz | 15.6″ IPS
          • Operating System: Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
          • Weight: 4.10 lbs
          • Battery: No Data

          #5

          GIGABYTE G5 MD

          AI If you are considering a laptop that provides a balance between work and play this one may be worth considering. It features core components for a great gaming  experience such as a 11th Gen Intel i5 processor, 16GB of RAM and a GeForce RTX 30 Series mobile GPU that supports  ray tracing, AI acceleration at 144 Hz refresh rate to give you a smooth visual experience.

          It also includes tonnes of ports for external I/O, a webcam (only one in this list!) and multi color backlit keyboard. The laptop offers 3 (2x M.2 slots + 2.5″ HDD/SSD swappable bay) offering an incredible option to store up to 6TB.

          The gOOD

          • Thin Bezel
          • Powerful core i7 CPU
          • Great graphics card
          • 144Hz display
          • Great storage (512GB)
          • 6TB capable storage capacity!
          • HD Webcam
          • Lots of external ports
          • WiFi 6 technology
          • 15 preset backlist colors

          The Bad

          • Older versions do not support Windows 11.  
          • Low Battery Life

            The specs

            • Processor: Intel Core i5-11400H
            • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
            • RAM: 16GB RAM
            • Storage: 512GB SSD
            • Display: 1920×1080 @ 144Hz | 15.6″ IPS
            • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
            • Weight: 4.48 lbs
            • Battery: 48.96 WHrs

            #6

            Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 Gaming Laptop

            The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-55E5 is of the best prices (for the hardware) you’ll see and if you can get over the ridiculously long model number is a good option!

            It’s coming with an Intel Core i5 -10300H, a 4GB GeForce® RTX™ 3050i, 8GB of SDRAM, and a 256 GB SSD.

            The AN515-55-55E5 is packing enough power to handle pretty much any game in 1080p at 144fps.

            Long story short, if you’re looking to spend as little as possible while getting as much power as you can, the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-55E5 is definitely one of your best options to consider.

            The gOOD

            • Great price vs. performance ratio.
            • Great graphics card
            • 144Hz display
            • Great storage (512GB)
            • Lots of interfaces/Ports
            • Windows 11 Compatible
            • 11 hours battery spec

            The Bad

            • Mediocre RAM (8GB)

              The specs

              • Processor: Intel Core i5-10300H 
              • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU
              • RAM: 8GB DDR4
              • Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD
              • Display: 1920×1080 @ 144Hz | 15.6″ IPS
              • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
              • Weight: 5.29 lbs
              • Battery: No Data

              Conclusion

              If you’re a money conscious gamer who needs a budget gaming laptop capable of playing modern games with good graphics and performance, I hope you were able to find your laptop above. If the laptops above are still outside of your price range, why not take a look at my Best Laptops (for gaming) under $500 list?

              One thing you should always keep in mind while gaming on a laptop is: don’t restrict your airflow. It might be convenient to put your laptop on a pillow on your lap or something and game out, but trust me, that’s a bad idea, and you’re slowly smothering your laptop. You should almost always use a cooling pad when actively gaming on your laptop, if not just a hard surface.

              You might want to consider getting yourself a mouse also, gaming with a trackpad can be a nuisance at best. Since there are so many mice on the market, I’ve put together top 5 lists for both mice under $50 and mice under $100. You’re almost guaranteed to find the mouse you need within one of those lists.

              When it comes down to it, $1000 is going to get you a solid mid-range gaming laptop that should last you a long time. That being said, if you’re looking at a gaming laptop primarily for use at home, then you might be better off by building or buying your own gaming desktop instead. You’ll get a lot more power for the same price, at the expensive of mobility.

              In any event, I hope my list of the top 5 gaming laptops under $1000 helped you find what you need! If decide you have a bigger budget check out the awesome HP Omen 17.

              Have any questions? Comments? Leave them below!

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              Techie
              Techie
              September 10, 2023 10:53 pm

              Best Mouses for Graphic Design has various features and specifications that are essential for graphic designers to consider when selecting a mouse. The discourse also highlights the importance of ergonomics, precision, and sensitivity in the context of graphic design. The article provides a detailed review of the top computer mice available in the market, including their pros and cons. The discourse concludes by emphasizing the significance of selecting the right mouse for graphic design to enhance productivity and creativity.

              olivia charlotte
              olivia charlotte
              August 15, 2023 8:07 am

              Thanks for the insightful list of gaming laptops under $1000! Gaming is all about immersing oneself in unique experiences, and just like gaming laptops enhance those experiences, a striking logo enhances a brand’s identity. If you’re looking to make your gaming setup truly your own, consider the impact of a well-designed logo. Speaking of design, if you’re in need of a standout logo, check out my logo design reseller service. Let’s collaborate to create a visual masterpiece that reflects your gaming style and brand ethos!

              Freelance
              Freelance
              June 21, 2023 6:00 am

              Upwork Guides Navigating the Freelancing Frontier. Our blog is your go-to resource for expert advice, tips, and insights on excelling in the world of freelancing through Upwork. Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer or just starting your journey, join us as we guide you toward success and help you unlock your full potential on Upwork.

              Grayson lord
              Grayson lord
              November 14, 2022 8:51 am

              After pandemic lots of people have learn that new skills is very important while doing work from home,Skill may contain Java development and its  most important topics are encapsulation. When people start developing new skill they need to do focus on learning process and need to sit in from of compter about  9 to 10 hours a day . They start facing issue in the form of medical term like back pain etc therefore i have solve this issue by writing complete guidance on best office chair for upper back and neck pain. Click here to get more guidance

              Kayak
              Kayak
              November 6, 2022 11:40 pm

              Hemos hecho una lista de los mejores portátiles por menos de 500 euros para ti que te darán la mejor experiencia. Nuestro equipo de expertos ha realizado una exhaustiva investigación y ha elaborado una lista de estos portátiles con infinitas características.

              mensclobber
              mensclobber
              September 14, 2022 7:49 am

              great content you can see more like this at mensclobber

              Rocky
              Rocky
              May 9, 2022 8:49 pm

              Can anyone recommend to me the best laptop for gaming and Trading

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