Your favourite PC games may be enjoyed at maximum settings without needing a high-end desktop computer. With our in-depth ratings and reviews, you can be certain that you’re getting the best gaming laptop available.
Some gamers believe that only on a personal computer can you experience games at their full potential, beyond the limitations of even the most powerful consoles. The gaming PC is still the preferred platform since it has the necessary components to run 4K games smoothly and support VR installations.
However, if you want or need something portable that you can take with you as you move about the house or to a friend’s place, we can help you locate the finest gaming laptop.
Our list of top picks always evolves as we test out new models. Not to mention, the budget class faced significant price increases through 2021 and 2022 due to silicon shortages and supply-chain problems that have plagued the industry since the outbreak began.
In the past, we would have set a hard limit of $999 for budget gaming devices, but recently, we’ve seen a rise in prices across the board. Because of this, we increased the maximum allowed cost of these slot machines.
The best gaming laptops of 2022 are detailed here, along with our in-depth buying recommendations.
The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE
A successful gaming laptop has to meet the needs of a diverse audience, from budget-conscious students to serious gamers who also need to get work done. The Predator Triton 300 SE is one of the best at pleasing many customers.
The gadget, which has a 14-inch screen and is reasonably priced, is representative of a growing market segment of lightweight gaming laptops. It’s not a cheaply made bare-bones computer. It also doesn’t compromise on fundamentals like battery life or physical connections.
Compared to many other 14-inch machines that have luxury designs and start at higher prices, the Triton 300 SE occupies a kind of “Goldilocks” niche in the gaming laptop market by being neither too large nor too expensive while still providing exactly the right amount of power. (The GeForce RTX 3060 in the demo unit is an excellent midrange graphics processing unit.)
The GF66 MSI Katana
When PC and component costs constantly rise, MSI’s Katana GF66 is fresh air for serious budget shoppers. Prices start at $799 and go down to $1,199 for the configuration we tested, thanks to a wonderful in-store discount at Micro Center.
What sets it apart from other affordable solutions that would also work well? It offers an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU and an eight-core Intel Core i7 CPU at a lower price than competitive products. You get a lot of value for your money with this package.
You may count on compromises, but they should be small, given the price. The Katana’s battery life and display are both subpar. Nonetheless, it addresses every possible issue. The GeForce RTX 3060 graphics processing unit (GPU) is uncommon in laptops at this price range, but it makes for smooth 60fps+ gaming with little to no learning curve.
Games like popular competitive multiplayer titles may benefit from Katana’s 144Hz display since they can achieve frame rates far over 60 with a midrange GPU.
Acer’s Nitro 5, in the fifth generation (2022)
When you compare it to the “budget” price range we established at the beginning of the article; you’ll notice that the test model for this massive Nitro costs a little more. Unfortunately, this describes the current state of the market for many systems in our modern society.
Despite this, the Nitro 5 has been a best seller among budget laptops for a long time, and you can get it in a wide range of configurations and pricing ranges. Our product is reasonably priced as designed, but many promotions mean it is occasionally available for less than $1,000.
You should expect to pay less for a laptop with a 15.6-inch screen than one with a 17-inch screen since the 15.6-inch market is larger, and 15.6-inch screens are often the most cost-effective in laptops due to bulk production.
This is a steal if you’re in the market for a powerful laptop with a large screen. The AMD Ryzen 7 6800H central processing unit (CPU) and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics processing unit (GPU) are stable, essential components suitable for recreational and even enthusiast gaming. With its large 1TB SSD and 144Hz display, this laptop is great for gaming and general work. To put it another way: it’s not portable.
The Acer Predator Helios 300
The Acer Predator Helios 300 received four stars and our Editor’s Choice award in 2020 and 2021. This model from 2022 didn’t make it three years in a row, but it’s still a steal considering its screen size and price.
The 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch models of the Helios 300 start at $1,199.99; the 15.6-inch, 144Hz model that we tested in 2022 costs $1,299.99. Value-wise, the MSI Katana GF66 (thanks in large part to its large SSD) beats out the Helios 300, but the Helios 300 has the better screen. (That’s also where most of your attention goes while using a laptop.)
Apart from that, it’s a toss-up between the two. We found the Helios 300’s GeForce RTX 3060 a great value and a perfect complement to the system’s 1080p display. The eight-core Intel processor should be more than enough for anything beyond playing games and simple video editing. May some individuals base their choice on this? The Helios has a programmable RGB keyboard.
Lenovo’s Legion 5 Pro, 7th Generation
Because the baseline cost of laptops has risen over time, certain genuine intermediate models now provide better value. The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro Gen 7 is a perfect example, with a starting price of $1,439.99 for a superb and fully equipped gaming laptop.
Our $1,599.99 test unit boasts a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti graphics card, making it ideal for various games. With its large 165Hz screen, enough RAM, and ample storage, this gaming laptop offers incredible value for the money. The bare-bones version might save you money while providing enough power.
The entry of laptops in the gaming scene keeps increasing with the latest AAA games playable on high settings. The availability of many gaming laptops may confuse new and veteran buyers alike and that’s way you can visit our store to get advice on which gaming laptop to buy under your budget.
