9 Best Gaming Laptops Under $2500 in September 2024 [Expert Recommended]

Gaming PCs tend to have more graphics, more storage, and quicker, and better graphics systems than normal PCs thus you spend more often on a gaming PC.

A laptop gives many of the advantages you receive from a gaming PC, but it is portable, so you can go with it. However, it might be difficult to locate an inexpensive laptop for games, that can effortlessly play AAA titles.

We have investigated and tested 37 laptops for the best gaming laptops under $2500.

There are many packed laptops on the market even in this cheap price range and they provide everything from personalized cooling systems to the option to update (some) existing hardware specimens (e.g. RAM).

While it’s true that they can’t compete against top-of-the-line gaming devices, they nevertheless handle most contemporary games without any difficulties.

So, if your total budget is $2500 and you want to dip your toes into the gaming industry, there are some of the best laptops available for games.

Top 9 Best Gaming Laptops Under $2500 in 2024 [Recommended]

Only the proper CPU wouldn’t ensure high performance. Therefore, other aspects like display size, GPU, RAM, battery life, etc. should be taken into consideration when buying a laptop. Although we have enrolled the best gaming laptop under $2500, the final choice should take into consideration all your preferences.

1. Best Versatile Gaming Laptop: Asus ROG Strix Scar 15

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For professional players, the Asus ROG Scar 15 is the best laptop if the Ryzen 7 CPU is a priority.

At the heart of this is the unlocked latest AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX CPU, which is supported by HyperThreading and a turbo clock speed limit of up to 5GHz. The more complex gaming logic, therefore, matches the processes on display.

The RTX 3080 Super Graphics Card complements the 8-core GPU. The featured GPU comes with ray tracing and DLSS technology and allows you to run virtually every AAA title without breaking a sweat.

As long as you want numbers, the present graphic card coupled with 8GB can run Yakuza Like a Dragon in an extreme 1080p configuration, reaching around 100fps.

Nevertheless, the 32GB High-Speed 4800MHz DDR5 RAM is also useful for gaming and other high-end tasks. This version has a 2TB swift PCIe 4.0 SSD module, which boots the existing current Windows 11 OS.

When you come to the display, you will receive a basic 15.6-inch panel with just a 240Hz screen refresh rate. This feature allows players to play lag-free games.

Asus provides a broad range of resources for creative workers, including the 100% color range of sRGB. With regards to productivity, Asus provides the sophisticated backlit AURA keyboard with powerful speakers and a robust chassis, weighing over 5.70 pounds.

Asus gives access to Type-C, DisplayPort, HDMI, Ethernet, and other legacy slots in port arrangements. Gig Ethernet rates and Wi-Fi 6 are supported to further sweeten the pot for MOBA and MMORPG players.

Therefore the Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 is one of the best gaming laptops on the list if you are prepared to make peace with the median battery backup and the amassing heaviness for 5 hours.

2. Best Functional Gaming Laptop: HP Omen 17

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If you have the money, the updated HP Omen 17 from CUK is the strongest gaming laptop to buy. However, unlike a PC with a workstation grade, HP strives to minimize the gadget’s heavy.

At the heart of it is the famous chipset the powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H. This mobile SoC is one of the best alternatives for 3D modeling, rendering, BIM procedures, and virtually anything challenging with 14 Cores and 20 threads for display.

The included Intel Core i7-12700H CPU can also provide up to 4.70 GHz turbo clock speed, which increases processing performance in specific AI-centric applications, such as Apache Mahout, TensorFlow, and many more applications.

If you are using graphical support, you receive the RTX 3070Ti Super GPU. Although it is somewhat more powerful than the GTX model, this GPU is tuned for power economy and even has Dynamic Boost capability.

As the Omen 17 is sold off as a full-length gaming laptop, the ability to handle high-end titles like Horizon Zero Dawn, Death Stranding, COD Warfare, and more at 1080p and 4K is useful.

But the 32GB DDR5 of this high-end laptop’s RAM module makes sense, taking into account the price point and the utilities it offers to provide. This means that the dual-channel RAM is fast enough to handle cache and data at 4800 MHz.

Storage, you receive a 2TB NVMe SSD module for Windows 10 Home OS, static data, and projects. Apart from a very overwhelming workflow arrangement,

HP takes good care of the display and displays a 15.6-inch QHD panel. The screen features a total resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels combined with IPS 165Hz IPS 300nits and WLED-backlit display systems.

Besides the relatively efficient panel, HP also provides space for a gamer-friendly keyboard, which supports N-Key. The numerical keyboard, robust chassis with sturdy hinge, stereo speakers, and a handy weight, which closes in on the 5.5-pound threshold, are further significant features.

With respect to the connectivity package, you may access the Wi-Fi 6 standard followed by USB Type-C with optional compatibility for Thunderbolt 3, Type-A, HDMI, and other older options.

Again, don’t let the 4-hr battery backup deceive you, because HP Omen 17 still manages a lot given the class-leading specifications sheet and a brilliant QHD display.

Overall, while you’re in the 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H processor gadget market, there’s nothing as strong as the Omen 17.

3. Best Performative Gaming Laptop: Alienware X17 R2

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The Alienware X17 R2 is perhaps the most complete gaming laptop on the list, given its crazy strong processor, adequate RAM, and dependable connection. This is also one of the most portable gadgets in the area, particularly given the firepower underneath.

The unlocked 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H chipset is worth mentioning in particular. While the 14-core CPU enhances the multi-threaded proof, you may even overclock the same up to 4.7GHz for higher returns and quicker 3D outputs, plus other performance-centered performances.

Latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Super graphics card, coupled with an 8GB GDDR6 video RAM, manages the best processes that demand GPU acceleration.

The current GPU is improved for power efficiency and refrigeration. In addition, virtually every high-end AAA title can be administered with 1080p settings.

If your system memory is a priority, you will be able to access two 16GB 4800MHz DDR5 slots. While RAM 16GB is quite suitable for most multi-tasking, virtualization, and other work, you may increase it up to 64GB if and when required. Alienware now provides a 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive for easy management of various storage-centered demands.

For the OS, this high-end gadget runs Windows 11 Pro directly out of the box. In addition, the 17-inch display provides the courtesy of anti-blend support and a wide-angle viewing experience.

No wonder, the Alienware X17 R2 is an outstanding gaming laptop, because it has a 360Hz 300-nit screen refresh rate and an overdrive reaction time of 3ms. These characteristics minimize the tearing and ghosting of the screen.

Alienware now has backlit compatibility for the revolutionary Steel Series keyboard. Additional important characteristics include an HD camera, studio-grade microphones, Dynaudio speakers, a thinner metal undertone chassis, and a great connection suite.

You will thus have access to USB Type C, Type A, Thunderbolt 3, support for Intel Wi-Fi 6, and other relevant requirements. The superior thermal design also minimizes thrill.

The 5.5-pound laptop is fairly portable in contrast to common assumption, due to the good battery backup of over 7 hours. Therefore the Alienware X17 R2 is the best one to invest in if you’re interested in an inclusive computer powered by an i7 CPU.

4. Best Fastest Gaming Laptop: Lenovo Legion Pro 7i

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This laptop is from the famous Lenovo Legion gaming line-up. The Lenovo Legion 7 Pro combines a reasonable price, excellent performance, and interesting gaming-oriented features such as an advanced GPU and a 165Hz refresh rate.

The Intel Core i9-13900HX processor with a clock speed of 5.4 GHz is one of the reasons for the excellent performance of the laptop. This CPU works nicely with the 12GB GDDR6 of VRAM NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080. It fits the recommended spec-list of most games with both high-end specifications.

We can observe the average RAM and storage mix on the device. 16 GB DDR4 4800MHz RAM is a big deal for the money you spend and it should be plenty for most games. Lenovo provides 1TB of rapid PCIe SSD-based storage, which is adequate for most individuals and gaming aficionados.

The Lenovo Legion 7i Pro can be the best display conceivable. The 16-inch Full QHD+ IPS display is a good deal and the screen also boasts a refresh rate of 165Hz. Lenovo has also managed to minimize the bezels. This arrangement provides a more immersive experience in gaming.

The Lenovo Legion 7i Pro certainly does an excellent job when it comes to design. It is not especially tiny, but extremely portable than our Alienware goods. We should also mention that the laptop has a reduced weight of 8.9 pounds, despite the 1TB of SSD module.

Lenovo took the traditional gaming laptop way through the port arrangement. On both the left and the back, there are ample connectors, including HDMI, Ethernet, Type C USB, Type A USB, and DisplayPort.

This laptop checks for all keyboard and trackpad boxes. The illuminated RGB keyboard looks great and also gives nice customizing possibilities. The keyboard also gives your hand a more comfortable position when playing.

Last but not least, battery life is the situation here. The Lenovo Legion 7i features one of the hardest battery backups on the list. Although the gadget can survive for two hours with varied case scenarios. It’s a figure that most gamers dislike.

5. Best AMD Gaming Laptop: CUK ROG Zephyrus M16

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Our next selection is again from ASUS. The ROG Zephyrus is more of a medium-specific laptop with a higher price tag compared to Strix Scar 15. Besides, you don’t need to worry about performance and the capacity to play most games.

The CUK ROG Zephyrus M16 has the 13th gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor that we can not see in other laptops in the list, it has a basic clock rate of 4.1GHz and can, when necessary, boost turbo to 5.4GHz.

The 8GB VRAM NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 can perform high-end gaming and other high-resource work that requires ray tracks.

However, we have seen several sacrifices in terms of storage and RAM. A 32GB DDR5 RAM is included on the laptop, which is sufficient for most AAA games. However, the smoothest gaming cannot be expected. We also believe that the producer should have done better than  1TB PCIe Nvme SSD-based storage.

For many people, the display of CUK ROG Zephyrus M16 might be a decision-maker. The 16-inch full HD IPS display is 1920 x 1080 high definition. More crucially, the refresh rate is 240Hz and has a reaction time of 3ms. Improved refresh rates and reaction time can improve gaming.

As we said before, this is likely the most compact laptop under the $2500 price range. ASUS did this without compromising heat dispersion vents or cooling technology. This laptop is appropriate for players with a thickness of 6 inches and a total weight of 4.6 pounds.

The I/O choices are more than plenty on the CUK ROG Zephyrus. The USB 2.0 ports and 2 USB 3.1 Type C ports are included. On the back, you can also see a full-size HDMI. Also, for more I/O possibilities, try reviewing the other models in this list.

The backlit CUK ROG Zephyrus keyboard comes with AURA SYNC. The RGB lights behind each key can not only be controlled but also other intelligent devices may be synchronized as required. As you can see, the keyboard was pushed closer to the user and the trackpad was taken right.

We did not expect too much battery life from the laptop, given the small and light appearance. The CUK ROG Zephyrus still offers you a pleasant 3-4-hour gaming session suitable for most people.

In addition to gaming, this system may also be used for CPU/GPU heavy work like machine learning, 3D modeling, game creation, and more.

6. Best All-Rounder Gaming Laptop: Alienware X15 R2

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In the ever-growing sky of a premium gaming laptop, the new and upgraded Alienware X15 R2 is the north star. Although the feature sets conform to some of the most famous contemporaries, this laptop goes beyond the rest in aesthetics.

Alienware X15 R2 has a strong 12th-generation processor at its heart. The H-series CPU is equipped with the hexacore architecture and HyperThreading compatibility for nearly every game. The current Intel Core i9-12900H has greater TDP numbers but with a faster speed of the turbo clock of up to 5GHz.

One of the main features, the Turing-based RTX 3070Ti, 8GB GDDR6, allows you to easily outweigh virtually every game task.

With RTRT and DLSS support, the raw gaming performances of the RTX 3070Ti GPU on the GTX 1070 Desktop Card resemble that of the GTX 1070. Moreover, some of the most recent titles and releases of 2024, like Yakuza Like a Dragon, Cyberpunk 2077, Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order, and COD Modern Warfare, have also been tested by our specialists.

Based on performance, we can conclude that the RTX 3070Ti GPU can reach nearly every high-end launch of 2024 at 1080p ultra-settings. Games started in 2024 give the best experience if they are played on medium FHD settings.

This graphics card not only lets you enable Ray tracing to be used for select supporting games such as COD, Control, and more.

Alienware also offers an effective 16GB LPDDR5 RAM for gaming support, especially with a number of NPCs and maps. Furthermore, the 2 TB PCIe SSD is an essential characteristic. The existing storage drive allows you to easily store installed games and media while launching the Windows 10 Home OS almost immediately.

The Alienware X15 R2 alloyed snatches the display when it is a gadget display. The 15.6-inch screen shows a 1920 x 1080 pixel total resolution with a color gamut of 72 percent. The GPU is complemented by the 300Hz screen refresh rate and the overdrive reaction time of 7ms.

Finally, this device allows you to play for hours without straining your eyes, with the kindness of a variety of anti-illumination panels.

AlienFX keyboard which has all the attributes in the book, including anti-ghosting support, n-key roll-over compatibility, and 4-zone illumination, may be used for greater customization by gamers.

Although you have access to other resources, including a nice pair of music speakers and a smooth pad, this 55-pound laptop is the thermal system from Crio-Tech that most pleased our experts.

The Alienware X15 R2 enables you to operate with HDMI, Mini DC, Type-C, and the coveted Thunderbolt 3 connection when it comes to connectivity. You also have access, if necessary, to the proprietary GA port to add external gaming platforms.

Furthermore, with the Killer-enabled Wi-Fi AX standard, this device allows you to participate in MMORPG, MMO, MOBA, and other online multiplayer resources.

The autonomy of the device is a deception, as you only get a miserable 5-hour backup on a single charge. If you want to leave this bottleneck, the Alienware X15 R2 provides you with a lot to satisfy your gaming pleasures.

7. Best Multi-Purpose Gaming Laptop: Acer Nitro 5

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You should check out Acer Nitro 5 if you are searching for an excellent laptop for casual games for around $2500. It is one of the most popular alternatives for gamers and combines the proper performance, power, and mobility.

A CPU  12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H (12-Core) can turbo up to 4.2GHz is at the core of this laptop. This CPU is a great choice for high-end gaming. To make things aesthetically pleasing, Acer has installed a 8GB GDDR6 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070Ti.

The Acer Nitro 5 is quite fair in memory. You can’t expect more than 16 GB of DDR4 RAM for less than 2500 dollars. More significantly, for most games, it’s enough. However, for a multi-tasking laptop, we do believe that a 2TB NVMe SSD  is perfect, although Acer has made storage upgrades simple.

One of the reasons why the laptop is trendy among professional players is the enhanced display. Its 15.6-inch Full HD display has 1920 x 1080 resolution. In spite of this usual statistic, a 165 Hz refresh rate makes all the difference in games like PUBG or Fortnite worldwide.

The Acer Nitro 5 is not a lightweight or basic laptop, technically speaking. Instead, it exploited the extra space to generate more ventilation.

This hefty design may provide you with maximum performance when coupled with superior cooling. The enormous construction did not stop Acer from weighing 4.85 pounds.

This laptop has organized the ports to the left and right sides despite its usual gaming laptop design. In addition to many USB Type A and Type C connections, HDMI and Ethernet interfaces are also available. DoubleShot Pro technology also provides the best network environment during gaming.

There are so many characteristics that distinguish the Acer Nitro 5. Each key comes with a personalization level and also provides a comfortable typing experience. Some Nitro features such as the Turbo button and NitroSense key are also available.

Last but not least, the laptop delivers up to 6 hours of excellent battery life. For those casual gamers who prefer to play on the move, six hours is an amazing amount. Naturally, the final results might differ if you go to Turbo Mode and other features.

8. Best Budget-Friendly Gaming Laptop: Apple MacBook Pro M2

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The new 16-inch Apple MacBook Pro is the most powerful notebook ever produced by the firm. It not only has a high-performance CPU and a class-leading GPU but also a 16-inch QHD + huge retina display.

The laptop is powered by the M2 pro-Chip, 12-Core Processor with a 5GHz max CPU clock speed. Although MacBooks are not encouraged for gaming, you may accomplish the same with Windows OS installation via Bootcamp.

The computer comes with a 19 Core GPU, an efficient yet powerful GPU with 16GB video memory, depending on the graphics performance. This is one of the best alternatives for individuals who require a high-performance macOS laptop.

The 16-inch Apple MacBook Pro offers a 1TB SSD with fast bandwidth storage. The gadget employs a soldered storage unit that allows the computer to increase read and write speeds.

The RAM on Apple’s newest computer is not soldered and no opportunity is available to upgrade any of these memory components. However, before you buy, you may modify it.

Depending on the lifetime of the battery, the system can easily last up to 11 hours on one charge.

If you want a high-performance laptop based on the latest high-end Core M2 CPU, then the gadget to purchase is the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Port-wise, Thunderbolt has plenty of 3 ports, 4 in total, which enables users to connect external USB accessories easily.

At 4.3 pounds, despite a metal-clad body, the 16-inch MacBook Pro goes easily on heft. Other characteristics include a good travel magic keyboard, a fantastic acoustic six-speaker conglomerate, high-performance cooling technology, and reversible wireless standards.

The Touch ID provides a further security layer for the device and a very useful Touch Bar.

9. Best Aesthetic Gaming Laptop: Dell XPS 17 9720

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The Dell XPS 17 9720 is a luxury design, performance-oriented laptop. One of the best-rated laptops on the market for touchscreens.

It features a large screen with a resolution of 17 inches, which converts into 3840 x 2400 pixels in 4K. Not only that, the laptop boasts smaller bezels and a 17-inch laptop form factor, making it easier to transport.

The laptop is built on the latest 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900HK processor, a 14-core, 2.9GHz base clock, and a boost clock speed of 5.0GHZ, which delivers excellent performance for software that depends on the performance of the single and multi-core CPUs.

When it comes to graphic performance, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 provides the CPU with respectable assistance. This GPU is a 6GB VRAM clubbed that lets you can play FHD and HD with medium or higher presets, reaching 60 fps.

The Dell XPS 9720 features a 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive for storage. This quantity should be more than sufficient to save all presentations straight on the device.

You also get 32GB 4800MHz DDR5 RAM, making it easy to work. Even with all of the equipment, the Dell XPS 9720 weighs just 3,97 pounds to make transportation easy.

In terms of productivity, Killer Ethernet and WiFi support are accessible followed by a backlit keyboard, an outstanding collection of ports, a fingerprint scanner, and a novel thermal layout.

The Dell XPS 9720 may easily last more than 6 hours on one charge with regard to battery life.

Overall, this is a high-performance laptop with an emphasis on aesthetics and quality processing.

When Searching for a $2,500 Gaming Laptop, Keep These Features in Mind

Processor for Gaming Laptop

The CPU is also a key feature in gaming laptops, but it takes a rear seat to the GPU. The biggest laptops for gaming are provided with either AMD Ryzen or Intel Core i7 CPUs, although you may get by with less.

Make sure the CPU doesn’t follow the required specs for your favorite games, otherwise, performance will be much slower, or you can’t even play the game.

Video Card Video for Gaming Laptop

A video card is the most crucial element of any gaming laptop. If you want to play games, a separate video card is definitely necessary.

Look for an NVIDIA or AMD GPU laptop. If you’re going to play a particular game, check out the recommended video card specs and select a laptop that meets (or exceeds) them. Ideally, to surpass the requirements, you need your laptop, otherwise, the game may operate poorly.

Memory for Gaming Laptop

If you buy a Gaming laptop with a reasonable quantity of RAM, you will only be disappointed. 32GB is the minimum number of computers that gaming needs, however, 24GB is suitable for a cheap laptop if you are prepared to play more minor games.

The video card also has its own VRAM, therefore ensuring that the GPU provides such devices.

FAQs on Best Gaming Laptops Under $2500

Check out our frequently asked questions about the best gaming laptops under $2500. With next-gen graphics, high-performance processors, and immersive displays, you get a powerful gaming rig without breaking the bank. Get insights and expert advice to improve your gaming experience without compromising quality.

Best Gaming Laptops Under $2500 Review – 2024

Conclusion on Best Gaming Laptops Under $2500

We evaluated different aspects of choosing these 9 laptops, such as user reviews, hands-on experience, and expert reviews from a variety of sources. We think that this data knowledge enables you to make an educated purchasing decision.

We have listed numerous market alternatives, and most of them are price-friendly. However, if you have a budget of $2,500, we propose that you include the most premium laptop on the list. Based on the conclusions of our specialists,

1. Probably the most comprehensive gaming laptop, the [amazon link=”ASIN” title=”Name” /] Asus ROG Strix Scar, is the courtesy of the Turing-optimized GPU and the 12th gen processor for that price category.
2. If you’re all right to invest a little extra on a resourceful gadget, the [amazon link=”ASIN” title=”Name” /]Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is likewise a good option.
3. Finally, budget searchers with very low gaming aspirations may continue with the [amazon link=”ASIN” title=”Name” /] ASUS ROG Zephyrus S Ultra, a gentle profile, and a long-lasting battery.