Best Gaming Laptop Under 1200 – Portable Gaming Beasts of 2022

Here to find out the best laptop for gaming under 1200? You will not be disappointed at all.

Hey there! Today we are going to discuss the portable gaming rigs available within a price range of $1200.

First of all, let me clarify that gaming laptops under 1200 do ensure running games on Ultra-settings. Moreover, you could get a smooth 70 to 100 FPS rate when you play games like GTA V, Red Dead Redemption 2, Need for Speed Series, and Fortnite, etc.

In addition to that, the best gaming laptops I’ve got for you are properly examined based on their gaming performance, display interface, ergonomics, battery life and portability.

If you have some more bucks, then check the best gaming laptops under 1500.

Cutting it short, let us dive right into the best gaming laptops under 1200 reviews in 2022:

Top 10 Best Gaming Laptops under 1200 – Comparison Table of Latest Picks 2022

1. Acer Predator Helios 300 – Best $1200 Gaming Laptop in 2022

Predator Helios 300 by Acer is undoubtedly one of the best gaming laptops under 1200. Why? Because every quality it possesses is an epitome of powerful gaming performance. Be it the latest Nvidia graphics card or an advanced Intel processor, Acer Predator Helios 300 excels in almost all aspects.

For starters:

This brand new gaming beast is quite aesthetic and uniquely designed. There is a proper exhaust fan installation to keep it cool. Backlit keyboard with a long battery life are two other reasons gamers love this portable machine. In a nutshell, with a $1200 budget, you won’t find anything better than the Helios 300 in 2022 to play games on a computer.

Important Features You Must Know:

This Acer Predator comes with an updated 11th gen Intel Core i7 processor. To be more precise, it offers a 5.0GHz processing speed, which is more than enough to run different games smoothly.

The cherry topping comes in shape of Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card with a 6GB VRAM. With a smooth graphical interface, the laptop could play games like Valorant, Call of Duty Modern Warfare, PUBG, and Fortnite with Ray Tracing properties.

A large 15.6” Full HD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time increases the overall gaming interface. Not only that, but it will keep you focused for a long time without damaging your eyesight.

Moving along, one of the best gaming laptops under 1200 also features an RGB backlit keyboard to let you feel those gaming vibes. Plus, the 16GB DDR4 ram (expandable up to 32GB) is also there to improve multitasking. It also helps to run games smoother than expected.

Lastly, talking of the storage options, the Acer Helios 300 comes with 512GB SSD for storing large gaming files. Extra accessories include Wi-Fi 6, USB Type-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 5th Gen. Aeroblade 3D fan respectively.

You may also check best gaming laptops under 1000.

Final Views:

Acer Predator Helios 300 ensures a smooth gaming interface and runs all latest game titles without compromising on the frame rates, and the battery life is great for a gaming laptop. My two cents? You should get this -one of the best gaming laptops under 1200 gaming beast- as soon as possible.

 

2. MSI GL66 – Best Gaming Laptop with Nvidia RTX 3070

Here comes another beast from MSI who’s ready to challenge the Acer Predator Helios 300 with its high-end gaming performance. The GL66 is one laptop possessing some of the most versatile gaming qualities. It certainly justifies its place among the best gaming laptops under 1200!

Starting with some initial features:

I loved the overall design and shape of GL66 as it’s quite lightweight and thin compared to the Helios 300. Moreover, the presence of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 already works like a charm and ensures a smooth gaming interface.

Important Features You Should Know:

First off, the backing of 11th gen Intel Core i7 processor could not be ignored. It offers a superfast speed of up to 5.0GHz, which is beneficial for running heavy games and applications without any worries.

Moreover, Nvidia RTX 3070 with 8GB VRAM runs all latest games like CyberPunk 2077. RDR2, GTA V, Apex Legends, and Valorant on ultra-high settings. Not only that but I noticed that the frames rate won’t drop below 60 at all.

A thin-bezel display with a 144Hz refresh rate and IPS panel offers a smooth gaming overlay. Besides the 15.6” size works like a charm for professional gamers as it allows them to play multiplayer games with complete focus.

One last thing to mention about the best cheap laptop under $1200 is its 16GB DDR4 random access memory. Along with that, you’ll get a 512GB SSD storage space option to store large gaming files and videos, etc.

The battery life of 4 to 6 hours is not too bad for a gaming laptop.

Also, check the best laptop under 700 for all purposes.

Final Views:

MSI GL66 offers a smooth and versatile gaming experience without any lags or stuttering problems. In my opinion, it should be a priority for you, especially if you need one of the best gaming laptops on a $1200 budget.

 

3. ASUS TUF Gaming  TUF505  – One of the Best Gaming Laptops under 1200 by ASUS

ASUS TUF505 Gaming is the next gaming machine that has been gaining all the spotlight it deserves. Compared to the likes of MSI and Acer, ASUS excels in offering an immersive gaming experience without overheating.

Not only that:

But, the laptop is quite thin and light in weight. Features like an Intel Core i7 processor, GTX graphics interface, and strong wireless connectivity make this rig the best laptop for gaming under $1200 without any doubt.

Most Notable Technical Features:

Powered by none other than the Intel core i7 9750H processor and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650, the TUF505 laptop ensures a productive gaming interface. It can run games like Apex Legends, Valorant, League of Legends, and PUBG on Ultra-High settings easily.

Moving along, I literally loved the large 15.6” thin bezel display with an IPS panel and 144Hz refresh rate. ASUS has done a splendid job in improving the overall display of the TUF505 laptop.

The combination of 8GB DDR4 memory and 512 SSD paves the way for non-stop gaming without any lags, stutters, and low storage issues. Along with that, the laptop is backlit, comes with Windows 10 Home OS, and has a long-lasting battery life.

If you have a tight budget, you may also check the best gaming laptops under 800.

Final Views:

ASUS TUF505 is one of the best  gaming laptops for gaming under 1200. With long battery life, the gaming specs it offers can ensure gaming at 60 to 70 fps without compromising on the graphics. So, better check it out before it runs out of stock.

 

4. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 – Best $1200 Gaming Laptop with 240Hz Display

For some 50 bucks over the $1200 budget, I present to you the 2021 model ASUS Rog Zephyrus G14 which is a powerful gaming machine.

To start with some basics:

I loved the aesthetic and slim design to include the Zephyrus G14 in the list of the best laptops for gaming under 1200. It’s way better than the laptops we’ve discussed up till now. Besides Zephyrus, G14 is the only gaming laptop on our list that comes with a 240Hz display. Yeah, you read that right. Have a look at what else the best ASUS laptop offers as follows:

Important Technical Features:

Backed by the latest AMD Ryzen 7 processor, the overall speed boost is around 4.2GHz which is more than enough to run heavy gaming titles smoothly.

Moreover, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card ensures gaming with full details and ray tracing. The 6GB VRAM is also there to keep the frame rate as balanced as possible.

Rog Zephyrus G14 is the only laptop on our list that offers a 240Hz refresh rate. The overall display size is 14” and it’s full HD as well. Along with that, the 16GB DDR4 ram with 3200MHz speed and 512GB SSD are the features that make this laptop an OG gaming machine.

You can also check the low budget best gaming laptops under 700.

Final Views:

Rog Zephyrus G14 is an outstanding gaming machine, which is ultrathin and ultralight for maximum portability, while offering an immersive gaming experience. Get it now and enjoy a smooth gaming interface while playing CyberPunk 2077 or Call of Duty Modern Warfare.

 

5. HP Pavilion  – Best Affordable Gaming Laptop Under 1200

When it comes to hardcore gaming, brands like HP or Dell aren’t preferred by gaming. However, it’s wrong. I mean, just take a look at how overpowered the brand new HP Pavilion is.

With a sleek and slim design, backlit keyboard, advanced specs, and reliable battery timing, this HP laptop is getting extremely popular with gamers. Moreover, I specifically liked the no-lag and anti-stutter display, which helped me enjoy playing Valorant for many hours.

Important Technical Specs:

For starters, the Pavilion, one of the best laptops for gaming under 1200 is backed by the latest Intel Core i5, 10th gen. processor. This chipset combined with the advanced Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660Ti graphics ensures an ultrarealistic gaming experience.

Along with that, this 16” laptop offers a superior display with a high-quality graphical interface. The diagonal IPS gaming display is smooth and full of coloration at the same time.

In the end, I did love the availability of 8GB of RAM which is expandable to 16GB as there are two slots available. With massive amounts of storage (512GB SSD plus 32GB Optane), PCI-e SSDs are great for major gaming applications.

8 hours of battery life is also considered very good for a gaming laptop.

Final Views:

HP Pavilion gaming laptop is indeed the best in terms of offering a smooth fps rate on games like The Witcher 3 and Valorant. However, it’s not as powerful as compared to the laptops we mentioned above. But at around 900 bucks, its a bargain as compared to the more powerful  machines in this group. Get it before it’s too late.

 

6. Dell G5 15 – Best Dell Gaming Laptop Under 1200

From Dell, we’ve got the latest G5 15 laptop for gaming enthusiasts. The funny thing about this gaming laptop is that its shape is quite ugly. To be honest, it’ll feel like you are using a $500 laptop. That’s what I felt while testing it out.

So, what’s the reason for including it on our list?

Well, our main focus is gaming and from that perspective, this laptop is quite powerful. I mean, the 9th gen. processor, Nvidia graphics, and Windows 10 operating system with a backlit keyboard are more than enough spec to add this to the best gaming laptops list. Right?

Important Features You Need to Know:

To start with some specifics, the HP Pavilion comes with an Intel Core i7, 10th gen. CPU chipset. To analyze it more, Nvidia GTX 1650 Ti graphics card is also there to help you play all latest gaming titles at a smooth fps rate.

Moreover, even with such a simple design, the laptop features a full HD 15.6” anti-glare LED display with an IPS panel. Anti-glare properties of the display help to prevent eye redness and fatigue while continuous gaming.

The one negative with this Dell model is that it comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which is not ideal, but justified at a $900 price tag. For an extra 600 bucks you could get this Dell G5 with 32GB RAM and 1TB storage.

Final Views:

Dell G5 15 should be a priority for you only if you can’t afford the laptops I’ve mentioned above. Better options are available so you should get this one only if you can’t splash out all your budget on a $1200 gaming laptop.

 

7. ASUS TUF Gaming FX505 – Best Cheap $1200 Gaming Laptop in 2022

Another budget laptop for gaming from ASUS would catch your attention especially if you have money of around $1000 to $1200. The FX505 comes with a thin, sleek, and slim design. Moreover, it comes with RTX graphical interface so it works like blessing in a disguise for hardcore gamers. Cutting long story short, it’s indeed the best cheap gaming laptop under $1200 available on our list in 2022.

Most Reliable Features:

Backed by a powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 and AMD Ryzen 7, you’ll never face lagging or stuttering issues while playing your favorite games such as Valorant or CS: GO.

Moreover, the 120Hz, full HD display with IPS panel integration and 15.6” size ensures an immersive gaming experience. The display is full of colors and offers a vivid brightness at the same time.

One last thing I’d want to mention about one of the cheapest gaming laptops under 1200 is that it comes with 16GB random access memory. Multitasking is thus possible with this gaming laptop. A 512GB SSD also makes sure that you never run out of space while storing large game files.

4-6 hours of battery life is a good news as well!

Final Views:

ASUS TUF Gaming laptop is an extremely affordable option for gamers who want to enjoy playing Fortnite and Valorant with their friends on the go.

 

8. Lenovo Legion Y540 – Best VR Ready Gaming Laptop:

Coming towards the only gaming laptop from Lenovo. Y540 has impressed me a lot already. The main reason behind it is that this best $1200 gaming laptop is VR ready. You can get an ultra-realistic graphics interface from it. On the other hand, the backing of Intel CPU chipset also plays a pivotal role in improving the overall gaming performance.

Heading towards some of its features:

Features You Should Know:

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660Ti graphics with VR ready settings ensure a hardcore gaming experience while keeping the frame rate as smooth as possible.

On the other hand, the Core i7, 9th gen. processor offers a speed boost of up to 4.5GHz which is better as compared to AMD CPU chipsets. Hence, you could enjoy running heavy apps or playing latest games without any worries.

Finally, I’d like to mention that Y540 also comes with SSD and HDD combo. Combined with a 16GB ram, the 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD ensures a better multitasking performance along with a plethora of space.

Final Views:

ASUS TUF Gaming laptop is a perfect alternative to other cheap gaming rigs available in the market. Go grab it before it’s too late.

 

9. Acer Nitro 5 – Best Windows 11 Gaming Laptop under $1200

The latest Acer Nitro 5 has got some killing gaming specs. Wanna know what one of the best Windows 11 gaming laptops offers? Have a look:

Important Features You Need to Know:

The backing of Intel core i7, 11th gen. processor combined with top of the line Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050Ti graphics card offers hardcore gaming without any lags or hanging issues. Besides, there won’t be any overheating issues as this gaming laptop comes with an updated cooling system.

Along with that, the 17.3” full HD IPS display is also there to keep the gamers focused on killing their opponents while playing games like Valorant or Call of Duty Modern Warfare.

And of course the Nitro 5 has got the 16GB DDR4 ram along with a 1TB SSD storage option. Both of the options pave the way for an un-disruptive and quick gaming interface.

Final Views:

The Acer Nitro 5 offers a powerful gaming performance and running games- latest games- is piece of cake for it. So, check it out before it’s way too late.

 

10. MSI GF63 Thin – Thinnest Gaming Laptop under $1200:

Finally, we’d be ending the best gaming laptops review section with one of the thinnest gaming laptops MSI has offered. The latest GF63 resembles the shape and weight of GF75. On the other hand, it costs less than the MSI gaming laptop we mentioned above. So, all in all, let us have a look at what kinda features could you expect from it as follows:

Key Features You Should Know:

First off, this great laptop for gaming under 1200 is backed by a core i7, 9th gen. processor which helps to improve the overall processing speed without any worries.

The availability of Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card with 16Gigs ram and 512GB SSD proves to be icing on the cake and helps the gamers play their favorite games without any lagging issues.

Last but not the least, MSI GF63 comes with a full HD 15.6”, thin bezel display to maintain proper coloration and brightness. Hence, you’ll not miss your gaming PC while playing GTA V or PUBG on it.

Final Views:

The Thin GF63 gaming laptop from MSI should be a priority for you if you need a blend of portability plus hardcore gaming in an affordable budget.

 

Top 3 Picks:

The top 3 best picks of the best gaming laptops under 1200, based on gaming performance, my own experience, and expert opinions are as follows:

1. Acer Predator Helios 300 – as it is hands down the best gaming laptop around $1200 in 2022.
2. MSI GL66 – has the same great specs as Acer Predator, except that this brand name is a little less known than Acer. Also it has the latest Nvidia RTX 3070 graphics card.
3. HP Pavilion   – if you need a cheap gaming laptop -around 900 bucks- in this group of best laptops within a $1200 budget.

What to Look for in a $1200 Gaming Laptop in 2022? A Buyer’s Guide:

Before rushing into getting the best laptop for gaming under 1200, it’s essential that you know the way around the gaming specs they offer. You can also read, a guide to buy a gaming laptop.

In this regard, I’ve tried my best to give a brief overview of what specs you should consider in affordable gaming laptops.

So, have a look as follows:

CPU Chipset:

Within a 1200 dollar budget, you’ll easily get a powerful gaming laptop with either AMD Ryzen 7 or the Intel Core i7, 10th gen. processor.

Between the rivalry of Intel and AMD, I think that Intel performs better as it offers better speed and could be overclocked at the same time.

So, the first thing you should do would be to neglect all other best gaming laptops except the ones having Ryzen 7 or 10th gen. Intel processing chipset.

Graphics Card:

As far as the graphics cards are concerned, you could get a gaming laptop with RTX graphics easily which are considered slightly superior to GTX graphics card. The Nvidia GeForce GTX is suitable for games such as League of Legends, Starcraft, PUBG, Fortnight, and other Esport games for the best graphical experience. Meanwhile, Nvidia GeForce RTX provides the best performance in those games COD, Fortnite, Control, Cyberpunk Minecraft, and many other PC games.

For 1080p gaming, 2GB of video memory is the absolute bare minimum, while 4GB is the minimum to get for high-detail 1080p play.

Other than that, gaming laptops with 1660Ti and 1650 graphics cards are also available. However, you should prioritize getting a gaming laptop that is VR ready and offers Ray tracing qualities as well.

RAM and Storage Option:

As for the random access memory, almost every $1200 gaming laptop will offer you 16GB DDR4 memory.

On the other hand, getting the SSD+HDD combo should be a priority for you when it comes to storage options. It will prevent the laptop from running short of space while you store multiple gaming files in it.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Which is the best laptop for gaming under 1200 in 2022?

With RTX graphics interface, latest 10th gen. Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, Acer Predator Helios 300 is the best under 1200 dollar gaming laptop available in 2022.

2. What is the best cheap gaming laptop in 2022?

The best cheap gaming laptop is Dell G5 which offers a smooth graphical interface and could play almost all games with a smooth frame rate.

3. Could you get a gaming laptop with RTX graphics in an under 1200 dollar budget?

Obviously. Almost 6 to 7 best gaming laptops I’ve mentioned above have got the RTX graphics cards that ensure an ultra-realistic gaming experience without any lag or stuttering.

Some Last Words:

With that, I think I’ve done my job and have given you multiple gaming laptop options to choose from.

So, make up your mind, take a close look at the reviews I’ve done above, and purchase the best laptop for gaming under 1200 as per your will and wish.

Good Luck!!