Best Gaming Laptops under $1000 in 2024

From a plethora of gaming laptops available with various configurations, it can be quite difficult to get the right one that gives more while costing less. While some laptops compromise on the graphics capabilities, others may do so when it comes to CPU, RAM, or display. Therefore, this guide is all about finding that sweet spot, where cost meets quality, and serious gaming is just a click away.

Choosing the Best Gaming Laptops Under $1000

When scouting for gaming laptops less than 1000 dollars, focus on:

• Performance and Graphics: Look for capable processors and decent graphics cards to handle modern games.
• Build Quality and Design: A durable build and sleek design can significantly enhance the gaming experience.
• Battery Life and Portability: Long-lasting battery life and easy portability for gaming on the go.

After exploring the best gaming laptops under $1000, users might need to find the perfect gaming accessory. Upgrade the gaming experience with top-notch gaming headsets under $75, and gamers will be able to hear every crucial in-game sound. Whether it’s an intense multiplayer session or a solo adventure, the right headset can make all the difference.

Game Rant’s Picks for the Best Gaming Laptops Under $1000

Acer Nitro 16 Gaming Laptop

Best Overall Gaming Laptop Under $1000

Acer Nitro 16 Gaming Laptop brings a perfect configuration for gaming at 1080p that can play most titles on ultra settings. The latest Ryzen APU combined with the RTX 4060 GPU helps it achieve high fps numbers that provide a smooth gaming experience on its 16″ display. The bezel-less screen, thin body, and RGB-backlit keyboard further add to its aesthetics.

Operating System

Windows 11

CPU

AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS

GPU

Nvidia Geforce RTX 4060 Laptop

RAM

16GB DDR5

Storage

512GB NVMe SSD

Display (Size, Resolution)

16″, 1920x1200p

Network

Wifi 6E

Brand

Acer

Model

AN16-41-R1WE

Keyboard

RGB-backlit

Pros

• 8-core/16-thread Ryzen APU for crunching numbers
• RTX 4060 8GB GPU for good gaming performance
• 165Hz IPS display

Cons

• Default storage capacity is just 512GB

For a thousand dollars, nothing beats the Acer Nitro 16, which has capable hardware for gaming and productivity along with other features that come in handy frequently. It’s powered by the Zen 4-based Ryzen 7840HS mobile APU which comes with integrated Radeon 780M graphics. The 8-core/16-thread config is enough to take on some intensive CPU tasks and the Radeon 780M is capable of playing games with playable frame rates without any need for a discrete graphics solution. However, the Geforce RTX 4060 laptop GPU takes gaming to the next level and is ready to maximize the graphics settings in most modern titles.

It comes with a sufficient amount of VRAM to let users bump up the textures, foliage, and shadows and supports DLSS 3.0 Frame Generation to go from double to triple digits. The laptop provides a Mux Switch to easily switch between the iGPU and the dGPU whenever users find it difficult to either maintain a better battery life or higher gaming performance. It has adequate system RAM, but lacks a good storage capacity. Still, users have the option to add another storage drive or to replace the one it came with to store more and bigger games.

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Coming to its display, it boasts a 16-inch IPS panel that runs at 165Hz to smooth gameplay movements. High refresh rate is an immersive gaming feature that most modern gaming laptops nowadays are equipped with and, since many games can be run on 100+ fps with high to ultra settings, it’s important to have that display quality to feel the smoothness. Another noteworthy feature is the DTS:X, which boosts the audio quality and eliminates the need for any dedicated speakers. All of that, plus an RGB-backlit keyboard, is waiting for the users who want a gaming laptop that not only looks good, but feels premium.

Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop

Best Budget Gaming Laptop Under $1000

Acer Nitro V brings a balanced configuration to make sure it fulfills any kind of day-to-day requirements related to work and gaming. The laptop is powered by the 13th gen Core i5 CPU, 8GB DDR5 RAM, and a fast 512GB SSD. The 15.6″ 144Hz IPS display is powered by the Geforce RTX 3050 laptop GPU that is sufficient to play most games at 1080p with satisfactory frame rates. 

Operating System

Windows 11 Home

CPU

Intel Core i5 13420H

GPU

Nvidia Geforce RTX 3050

RAM

8GB DDR5

Storage

512GB NVMe SSD

Battery

57Wh

Display (Size, Resolution)

15.6″, 1920x1080p

Camera

720p

Network

WiFi 6

Brand

MSI

Model

ANV15-51-532J

Display type

IPS

Connectivity

Gigabit LAN, Bluetooth 5.1

Pros

• Decent CPU-GPU combo for gaming
• 144Hz IPS display
• Good connectivity features

Cons

• RAM and storage may need some upgrades
• RTX 3050 has only 4GB VRAM

Cutting down the cost significantly, the Nitro V from Acer is a fantastic option for gamers looking for something that can play their favorite games on medium to high settings. The GPU in use is the RTX 3050, which comes with 4GB VRAM and is based on the Ampere architecture. It may not be sufficient for intensive modern titles, but it is fully capable of providing 40-60 fps in most games. Fortunately, users won’t need to compromise on CPU performance, as the Core i5 13420H brings a hybrid architecture to give 8 cores/12 threads from the Raptor Lake family.

The display is quite good with an IPS panel and a full HD resolution to show vivid details. It runs at a 144Hz refresh rate to provide high fluidity in movements and will enhance the gaming experience overall. It definitely lacks a good configuration when it comes to the system RAM and storage, but thankfully, both of them can be increased by adding another RAM stick or SSD. Connectivity is also good with a Wi-Fi 6 adapter and a Thunderbolt port for transferring data and charging devices quickly.

MSI Cyborg 15 A13VE Gaming Laptop

Best Lightweight Gaming Laptop Under $1000

MSI 2023 Cyborg is a well-designed gaming laptop with carefully chosen parts to provide a satisfactory gaming experience. For less than $1000, the laptop brings the latest Core i7 CPU from the Raptor Lake family and an RTX 4050 to excel in gaming/productivity. The LED-backlit keyboard provides better aesthetics, while the 144Hz display is its noteworthy feature for smooth gameplay. 

Operating System

Windows 11

CPU

Intel Core i7 13620H

GPU

Nvidia Geforce RTX 4050

RAM

16GB DDR5

Storage

512GB NVMe SSD

Display (Size, Resolution)

15.6″, 1920×1080

Network

WiFi 6

Weight

1.98kg

Brand

MSI

Model

A13VE-218US

Pros

• 10 cores/ 16 threads processor for great productivity
• 144Hz IPS display
• Lightweight body and LED-backlit keyboard

Cons

• Storage capacity is only 512GB

Inspired by AI robots, the Cyborg 15 gaming laptop is designed in a way that lets users see the internal hardware through a translucent keyboard. The keyboard is blue LED backlit and gives Cyberpunk vibes. The laptop, however, isn’t limited to just aesthetics but brings a powerful CPU to crunch numbers quicker than most sub-thousand-dollar laptops. The Core i7 13620H powers the laptop with its 10 cores and 16 threads configuration that has 6 performance and 4 efficient cores. This excellent config makes it easier to handle the main load as the background apps are taken care of by efficient cores.

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For rendering the pixels quickly, the RTX 4050 is combined with the i7, which is significantly faster than the RTX 3050. Although it is not meant to max out modern titles, it has got the horsepower to play most games on ultra settings at around 60 fps. Memory is also sufficient with 16GB of DDR5 system RAM, but the 512GB SSD may limit users from installing multiple games with huge file sizes. Nonetheless, the storage can be increased, but the core hardware is what matters at the end of the day.

ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 2-In-1 Laptop touchscreen

Best Multi-Purpose Laptop Under $1000

Asus Chromebook Flip C434 is a study, well-built touchscreen laptop with an aluminum finish that adds a touch of class and style. Featuring a 14-inch Touchscreen and ultra-narrow bezels, this laptop has the power and flexibility to get everything done.
It also has a durable 360-degree hinge that can flip the touchscreen display for a more comfortable working experience. In addition, it’s powered by the Intel Core m3-8100Y Processor for fast performance.
 

Operating System

Chrome OS

CPU

Intel Core M3-8100Y Processor,

GPU

Intel HD Graphics 615

RAM

4GB DDR3 RAM

Storage

64 GB

Battery

10 Hours

Display (Size, Resolution)

14″ Full HD Touchscreen 4-Way NanoEdge

Pros

• Stylish aluminum build and versatile touchscreen
• 360-degree hinge for flexible use
• Long battery life up to 10 hours

Cons

• Some issues reported with brightness and keyboard
• Limited to 4GB RAM and 64GB storage

The ASUS Chromebook Flip C434, hailed as the best multi-purpose laptop under $1000, effortlessly balances style, performance, and versatility. Its sleek aluminum body and innovative 360-degree hinge make it a standout in both laptop and tablet modes, ideal for users who crave flexibility. The 14-inch Full HD Touchscreen is perfect for streaming, browsing, and light work tasks, offering crisp visuals and responsive touch control.

The Intel Core M3-8100Y Processor ensures speedy operation for everyday computing, while the battery life champions through a whole day’s work or play. However, users seeking more intense graphical tasks might find the Intel HD Graphics 615 a bit limiting. The Chromebook Flip C434 remains a favorite for those seeking a reliable, all-around laptop at an affordable price point, justifying its position as the top multi-purpose laptop under $1000.

GIGABYTE AORUS 7 9KF

Best High Refresh Rate Gaming Laptop Under $1000

$980 $1150 Save $170

GIGABYTE AORUS 7 9KF boasts a super high refresh rate display for unparalleled fluid movements for an immersive gaming experience. The hardware is capable of playing the latest titles on ultra settings which makes it ideal for competitive and serious gamers. Its potent specifications on a budget make it suitable for those looking to obtain the highest value achievable for price.

Operating System

Windows 11

CPU

Intel Core i5 12500H

GPU

Nvidia Geforce RTX 4060 Laptop

RAM

16GB DDR4

Storage

512GB SSD

Display (Size, Resolution)

17.3″, 1920x1080p

Network

WiFi 6E

Brand

Gigabyte

Model

Aorus 7 9KF-E3US513SH

Battery

99Wh

Keyboard

RGB-backlit

Pros

• Incredibly high refresh rate
• Good hardware specs for gaming/productivity
• Great battery life

Cons

• Configuration isn’t powerful enough to reach 360fps
• Only 512GB storage capacity

The market is filled with laptops featuring Core i5s and budget RTX 40 series GPUs for under $1000, but very few bring high refresh rates comparable to premium offerings. Even though many gaming laptops listed here are ideal for most users, they are limited to 144-165Hz refresh rates. Meet the Aorus 7 9KF, which breaks this limit and boasts a 360Hz refresh rate on a 17.3-inch bezel-less display to create a highly immersive gaming experience that can’t be matched.

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At its core lies the Core i5 12500H CPU, which brings 12 cores and 16 threads to the table. Even though it belongs to the Alder Lake family, it’s better than the Raptor Lake Core i5s, which feature only 4 efficient cores, whereas the 12500H doubles that amount to reduce the load on the performance cores. It’s combined with the RTX 4060, which needs no introduction. This config is capable of pushing the frame rate over 60 and, in some cases, over 100. However, most games aren’t going to reach 360 fps, which is why only a couple of esports games, such as CS2, are best suited for this laptop.

Gigabyte G5 KF

Best Mid-Range Gaming Laptop Under $1000

GIGABYTE G5 KF provides a powerful Alder Lake mid-range CPU with the RTX 4060 to conquer the gaming world on a budget. Its high refresh rate screen, LED-backlit keyboard, and sturdy build quality for a fair price make it a wonderful gaming laptop for budget gamers. 

Operating System

Windows 11

CPU

Intel Core i5 12500H

GPU

Nvidia Geforce RTX 4060 Lapto

RAM

16GB DDR4

Storage

512GB SSD

Display (Size, Resolution)

15.6″, 1920x1080p

Network

WiFi 6E

Weight

4.59 lbs

Brand

Gigabyte

Model

G5 KF

Battery

54Wh

Keyboard

LED-backlit

Pros

• Decent CPU-GPU configuration for gaming
• 15 colors LED-backlit keyboard
• 144Hz 1080p display

Cons

• System RAM and storage requires an upgrade
• Poor battery life