Find the best laptop for gaming in 2026
To find the best gaming laptop we recommend to focus on these characteristics:
- Graphics card - look for latest offering from Nvidia and AMD, make sure it's discrete and has enough VRAM
- Thermal performance - rule of thumb: opt for thick and heavy laptop as they tend to handle workload better
- Display - 2K display with fast response (1ms) and high refresh rate (120Hz+) is optimal
No Laptops under €500 yet. See our top picks under €2,000
No Laptops under €900 yet. See our top picks under €2,000
Best Laptops under €2,000 for gaming
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Acer Predator 16" PT516-52s 2023, Core i7-12700H, 16GB, 1TB SSD, RTX 3070 Ti, Steel Gray
Why we recommend this ▼
The 2560x1600 240Hz G-SYNC display covers 100% DCI-P3 at 500 nits, backed by an Intel i7-12700H and GeForce RTX 3070 Ti with 8GB VRAM. Liquid metal cooling with 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D fans and Killer DoubleShot Pro networking sustain performance under combined workloads. Best for video editors and 3D artists who require a color-accurate high-refresh panel for grading and GPU-accelerated rendering while gaming competitively.
Acer Nitro V 15.6" 2025, Core i5-13420H, 16GB, 1TB SSD, RTX 4050, Black
Why we recommend this ▼
The Intel Core i5-13420H and RTX 4050 with DLSS 3.5 handle gaming, streaming, and editing, while the 165Hz IPS panel keeps motion clear. Its 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, and Thunderbolt 4 offer fast multitasking and connectivity, plus a foldable stand is included. Best for budget-conscious gamers and creators who need a solid all-rounder for AAA titles and light video work.
Lenovo Legion LOQ 15.6" 83JE000XUS, Core i7-13650HX, 16GB, 1TB SSD, RTX 5050, Luna Gray
Why we recommend this ▼
The Intel Core i7-13650HX and GeForce RTX 5050 deliver smooth 144Hz gaming with G-Sync on a 100% sRGB display, backed by Hyperchamber Cooling to sustain performance. Its aerospace-grade aluminum cover provides military-spec durability in a 2.4kg chassis, while Rapid Charge Pro refills the battery to 70% in under 30 minutes. This laptop is best for entry-level gamers and students who need a rugged, color-accurate machine for both esports titles and coursework.
Acer Nitro 5 15.6" NH.QFMAA.003 2022, Core i7-12700H, 16GB, 512GB SSD, RTX 3060, Obsidian Black
Why we recommend this ▼
The 14-core Intel Core i7-12700H and RTX 3060 6GB GPU drive smooth 1080p gameplay, leveraging a 144Hz IPS display with a 3ms response time for crisp motion clarity. A full port array including Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI 2.1 ensures strong peripheral connectivity, despite the 2.50kg build’s limited portability. This laptop suits budget-focused gamers seeking high refresh rate performance and desktop-level CPU muscle without needing a thin-and-light form factor.
Why we recommend this ▼
The Intel Core i5-13420H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 GPU with 8GB GDDR7 VRAM deliver 440 AI TOPS for ray tracing and DLSS 4 in a 2.11kg chassis. The 15.6-inch 165Hz IPS display at 300 nits and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity support smooth gaming and fast file transfers. This laptop is best for a budget-conscious gamer who wants high frame rates in esports and modern titles at 1080p.