Best Gaming Laptops Under $1200 in 2023

Finding the best gaming laptop under $1,200 might be challenging in today’s society, as playing video games has become an integral component of our typical routines.

Since so many alternatives are available on the market, deciding which fits your preferences and finances may take work. You may locate the ideal gaming laptop that won’t blow your budget but will still perform well if you do your homework and think things through.

In this article, we will discuss the best gaming laptops under $1200, paying attention to the features, characteristics, and ratings provided by previous buyers.

Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make an educated choice when selecting your next gaming laptop.

There is a laptop on our list that is likely to fulfill your needs and provide an immersive gaming experience. You will likely find such a laptop whether you are a casual gamer or a dedicated enthusiast.

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s go into the realm of gaming laptops and find the best solutions within your price range.

Top 12 Best Gaming Laptops under $1200 – Comparison Table of Latest Picks 2023

1. Acer Predator Helios 300 – Best $1200 Gaming Laptop in 2023

Helios 300 by Acer is undoubtedly one of the best gaming laptops under 1200. Why? Because every quality it possesses is the 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 entirely aesthetic and uniquely designed. There is a proper exhaust fan installation to keep it cool. A backlit keyboard with long battery life is another reason gamer love this portable machine.

With a $1200 budget, you won’t find anything better than the Helios 300 in 2022 to play games on a computer.

Essential 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 is shaped like a Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card with 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 increase the 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.

The 16GB DDR4 ram (expandable up to 32GB) is also there to improve multitasking. It also helps to run games smoother than expected.

Lastly, regarding the storage options, the Acer Helios 300 has a 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.

You may also check the best gaming laptops under 1000.

Final Views:

Acer Predator Helios 300 ensures a smooth gaming interface. It runs all the latest game titles without compromising the frame rates, and the battery life is excellent for a gaming laptop. My two cents? It would help if you got this -one of the best gaming laptops under 1200 gaming beast- as soon as possible.

 

2. Lenovo Legion 5 – Best Lenovo Gaming Laptop Under $1200

Regarding gaming laptops, Lenovo has been making waves in the market with its powerful machines designed for serious gamers. Among their lineup, the Lenovo Legion 5 stands out as one of the best gaming laptops under $1200.

At its core, the Lenovo Legion 5 is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 4800H processor, which boasts eight cores and sixteen threads. The laptop can handle heavy multitasking, running multiple applications, and playing games simultaneously.

The processor is coupled with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card, which provides excellent graphics performance for most games.

The Lenovo Legion 5 also has a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display, providing sharp and clear visuals and a 144Hz refresh rate that ensures smooth gameplay. The laptop also features an anti-glare coating, which minimizes eye strain during extended gaming sessions.

In terms of storage, the Lenovo Legion 5 comes with a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, which offers fast boot times and quick loading of games and applications. Additionally, the laptop comes with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, which provides enough memory for smooth performance when running demanding games.

One of the standout features of the Lenovo Legion 5 is its excellent thermal management. The laptop features a dual-channel thermal system that helps dissipate heat quickly, ensuring that the system stays cool during extended gaming sessions. This feature lets the laptop perform optimally, even when running the most demanding games.

Another feature that makes the Lenovo Legion 5 stand out is its keyboard. The laptop has a full-sized backlit keyboard that provides excellent tactile feedback and ensures comfortable typing, even during extended gaming sessions.

Finally, the Lenovo Legion 5 has various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet. It makes it easy to connect the laptop to multiple devices and peripherals.

Final Views:

The Lenovo Legion 5 is an excellent gaming laptop for under $1200. Its powerful processor and graphics card, superior thermal management, and keyboard make it an ideal choice for serious gamers.

With its solid build quality, fast storage, and excellent display, the Lenovo Legion 5 offers superb value for money, making it one of the best gaming laptops on the market.

 

3. MSI Katana GF76 – Best MSI Gaming Laptop Under $1200

If you’re looking for the best MSI gaming laptop under $1200, the MSI Katana GF76 is an excellent choice. Its powerful hardware and sleek design deliver an immersive gaming experience without breaking the bank.

The MSI Katana GF76 has an Intel Core i7-11800H processor, providing excellent gaming performance and other intensive tasks.

It also has an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, which delivers smooth and responsive gameplay with stunning graphics. These specifications make it one of the best gaming laptops in its price range.

In addition to its hardware, the MSI Katana GF76 features a 17.3-inch full HD display with a refresh rate of 144Hz, making it ideal for fast-paced games. The laptop also has a backlit keyboard, which is comfortable to use and enhances the gaming experience.

The MSI Katana GF76 has a sleek design with a black and silver finish that gives it a premium look. It’s also lightweight, weighing in at just 5.3 pounds, which makes it easy to carry around.

Additionally, the laptop has a good selection of ports, including three USB-A ports, a USB-C port, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port, allowing you to connect all your gaming peripherals.

One of the best things about the MSI Katana GF76 is its price. Under $1200 is best for a gaming laptop with impressive hardware and design. It’s also easy to upgrade, with two easily accessible RAM slots and a second M.2 slot for additional storage.

Final Views:

Overall, the MSI Katana GF76 is an excellent gaming laptop that provides exceptional value for its price. With its powerful hardware, sleek design, and affordable price, it’s the best MSI gaming laptop for under $1200.

Whether casual or professional, the MSI Katana GF76 will surely provide you with an immersive gaming experience.

 

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

Here comes another beast from MSI, 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 pretty 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.

Essential Features You Should Know:

First, the backing of the 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 the latest games like CyberPunk 2077. RDR2, GTA V, Apex Legends, and Valorant on ultra-high settings. Not only that, but I noticed that the frame rate wouldn’t drop below 60 at all.

A thin-bezel display with a 144Hz refresh rate and IPS panel offer a smooth gaming overlay. Besides, the 15.6″ size works like a charm for professional gamers, allowing 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. You’ll also get a 512GB SSD storage space option to store large gaming files and videos, etc.

A gaming laptop’s battery life of 4 to 6 hours is not too bad.

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

Final Views:

MSI GL66 offers a smooth, versatile gaming experience without lags or stuttering problems. It should be your priority, especially if you need one of the best gaming laptops on a $1200 budget.

 

5. ASUS TUF Gaming TUF505 – Best Gaming Laptops under 1200 by ASUS

Gaming is the next gaming machine that has gained all the spotlight it deserves. Compared to MSI and Acer, ASUS offers an immersive gaming experience without overheating.

Not only that:

But, the laptop is relatively thin and light in weight. Features like an Intel Core i7 processor, GTX graphics interface, and robust wireless connectivity makes 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 quickly run games like Apex Legends, Valorant, League of Legends, and PUBG on Ultra-High settings.

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

The 8GB DDR4 memory and 512 SSD pave the way for non-stop gaming without lags, stutters, and shared storage issues. The laptop is also backlit, comes with Windows 10 Home OS, and has 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 ASUS laptops for gaming under 1200. With long battery life, its gaming specs can ensure gaming at 60 to 70 fps without compromising graphics. So, better check it out before it runs out of stock.

 

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

For some 50 bucks over the $1200 budget, I present the 2021 model ASUS Rog Zephyrus G14, 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 with a 240Hz display on our list. 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, 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 also keeps the frame rate as balanced as possible.

Rog Zephyrus G14 is the only laptop on our list with a 240Hz refresh rate. The overall display size is 14,” and it’s full HD.

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 best low-budget gaming laptops under 700.

Final Views:

Rog Zephyrus G14 is a fantastic 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.

 

7. HP Pavilion – Best Affordable Gaming Laptop Under 1200

Regarding hardcore gaming, brands like HP or Dell aren’t preferred by gaming. However, it’s wrong. I mean, look at how overpowered the 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:

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 two slots are available. With massive storage (512GB SSD plus 32GB Optane), PCI-e SSDs are great for major gaming applications.

Eight hours of battery life is also suitable for a gaming laptop.

Final Views:

HP Pavilion gaming laptop is indeed the best in offering a smooth fps rate on games like The Witcher 3 and Valorant. However, it’s not as powerful as the laptops we mentioned above.

But at around 900 bucks, it’s a bargain compared to this group’s more powerful machines. Get it before it’s too late.

 

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

We’ve got the latest G5 15 laptop from Dell for gaming enthusiasts. The funny thing about this gaming laptop is its ugly shape. Honestly, 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 primary focus is gaming; from that perspective, this laptop is quite powerful. The 9th gen. processor, Nvidia graphics, and Windows 10 operating system with a backlit keyboard are more than enough specs to add this to the best gaming laptops list. Right?

Essential Features You Need to Know:

To start with some specifics, the HP Pavilion has 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 the latest gaming titles at a smooth fps rate.

Moreover, the laptop features a full HD 15.6″ anti-glare LED display with an IPS panel, even with such a simple design. The display’s anti-glare properties help prevent eye redness and fatigue during 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 your priority 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 the best $1200 gaming laptop.

 

9. ASUS TUF Gaming FX505 – Best Cheap $1200 Gaming Laptop

ASUS TUF Gaming Laptop Another budget laptop for gaming from ASUS would catch your attention, especially if you have 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 a blessing in disguise for hardcore gamers. To cut a long story short, it was the best cheap gaming laptop under $1200 on our list in 2023.

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 ensure an immersive gaming experience. The display is full of colors and offers a vivid brightness simultaneously.

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 ensures you never run out of space while storing large game files.

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

Final Views:

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

 

10. Lenovo Legion Y540 – Best $1200 VR-Ready Gaming Laptop

We are coming towards the only gaming laptop from Lenovo. Y540 has impressed me a lot already.

The main reason is that this is the best $1200 VR-Ready gaming laptop.

You can get an ultra-realistic graphics interface from it. On the other hand, the backing of the Intel CPU chipset also plays a pivotal role in improving 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 than AMD CPU chipsets. Hence, you could enjoy running heavy apps or playing the latest games without worries.

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

Final Views:

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

 

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

The latest Acer Nitro 5 has got some killer gaming specs. Do you want to know what one of the best Windows 11 gaming laptops offers? Have a look:

Essential 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 lags or hanging issues.

Besides, there won’t be any overheating issues as this gaming laptop has an updated cooling system.

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 16GB DDR4 ram and a 1TB SSD storage option. Both options pave the way for an un-disruptive and quick gaming interface.

Final Views:

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

 

12. 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 kind of features you could expect from it as follows:

Key Features You Should Know:

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

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

Last, MSI GF63 has 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 your priority if you need a blend of portability plus hardcore gaming on an affordable budget.

 

What to Look for in a $1200 Gaming Laptop in 2023? A Buyer’s Guide:

Before rushing into getting the best laptop for gaming under 1200, you must know the way around the gaming specs they offer. You can also read a guide to buying 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 quickly get a powerful gaming laptop with either AMD Ryzen 7 or the Intel Core i7, 10th gen. processor.

Between the rivalry between Intel and AMD, I think Intel performs better as it offers better speed and can be overclocked simultaneously.

So, you should first neglect all other best gaming laptops except those with Ryzen 7 or 10th gen—Intel processing chipset.

Graphics Card:

Regarding the graphics cards, you could get a gaming laptop with RTX graphics quickly, which is considered slightly superior to a GTX graphics card.

The Nvidia GeForce GTX is suitable for games such as League of Legends, StarCraft, PUBG, Fortnight, and other esports games for the best visual experience.

Meanwhile, Nvidia GeForce RTX performs best in COD, Fortnite, Control, Cyberpunk Minecraft, and many other PC games.

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

Also, gaming laptops with 1660Ti and 1650 graphics cards are available. However, it would help if you prioritized getting a VR gaming laptop that is VR ready and offers Ray tracing qualities.

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 your priority regarding 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 2023?

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 2023.

2. What is the best cheap gaming laptop in 2023?

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

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

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

4. What’s a good and cheap gaming laptop?

The Acer Nitro 5 is a good and cheap gaming laptop.

Some Last Words:

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

So, please 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.