Here Are The Top 10 Best Gaming Laptops of 2020!

Whether it’s playing Candy Crush to pass the time or dedicating hours on end to build the perfect fortress in Minecraft, playing video games is a pastime that most people enjoy. And, having stayed home for much of 2020 so far, I’m sure many of us have been spending more time in virtual worlds than ever before. 

Despite not belonging to the “PC Master Race” crowd, there’s no denying that a good, hi-spec computer is the gold standard in terms of seamless gaming experience. However, not everyone has the money to custom-build a PC from scratch. That’s where gaming laptops come in! 

In the past, gaming laptops have often been slated for not providing nearly enough functionality given their price tags compared to normal laptops. These days however, there are plenty of good gaming laptops on the market that are not just on par, but sometimes even better than some gaming PCs.

What makes a good gaming laptop

Gaming laptops are an impeccable choice for gamers because they provide immense processing power and are ultra portable. This allows users to game on the go, something that’s difficult to achieve with heavy PC rigs or even game consoles. 

A good gaming laptop is sleek, versatile and packs some serious power. Some of the things you should consider when buying a gaming laptop include:

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): Since most games these days rely heavily on stunning 3D graphics, you’ll need a good GPU to enable you to immerse yourself in smooth gameplay without needing to sacrifice visual aesthetics.

CPU (Central Processing Unit): Right after graphics, the next most important aspect is the processing unit. Think of it as the heart of the laptop: it dictates the overall performance levels of your laptop. You don’t need the latest CPU as long as it is capable of supporting whatever it is you want to use the laptop for. 

SSD (Solid State-Drive) and RAM (Memory): Simply put, an SSD reduces boot time and the time needed to launch an app. RAM on the other hand dictates how many apps/programs you can smoothly run concurrently. As a rule of thumb, 8GB RAM is the bare minimum for a gaming laptop and 16GB is the ideal setup. You can go higher, but anything beyond that is basically overkill. 

Size and budget: Generally, gaming laptops are bigger, heavier and more expensive than normal laptops. I mean, after all, gaming laptops are built to function at the same level as a PC. However, you don’t really need a 18” laptop that weighs over ten pounds and costs an arm and a leg. ‘

With all that being said, here are the top 10 gaming laptops in 2020 you should definitely check out! 

1. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

Specs: 14” 1920 x 1080 Display | AMD Ryzen 9-4900HS CPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU | 16GB RAM | Storage: 1TB SSD | Weight: 3.5 pounds 

What we like: Without a doubt, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is the best premium gaming laptop of 2020 so far. It boasts a slick and super portable design (3.5 pounds for a gaming laptop is ludicrous), long-lasting battery (up to 11 hours), and superb audiovisual performance. It’s the perfect gadget for an immersive gaming experience. 

What could be better: Unfortunately, one of the major flaws of the Zephyrus is the lack of a webcam. So if you were hoping to use it as your work laptop too, tough luck because you won’t be answering any Zoom calls with this. In addition, there have been reported issues about the keyboard lighting but we’re willing to overlook that since it’s not such a major issue. 

Price: $$$

2. Alienware Area 51m

Specs: 17.3’ 1,920 x 1,080 Display | 9th Gen Intel Core i7-i9, 3.6-5 GHz CPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060-2080 GPU | 16-64GB RAM | Storage: 1TB-2x1TB SSDs+1TB SSHD | Weight: 8.5 pounds

What we like: For those not in the know, the Alienware brand is quite well-known among avid gamers. Most would consider it the “Apple” of gaming laptops. Unlike the often rigid confines of iPhones however, the Alienware Area 51m is fully customisable in terms of storage, memory, graphics card and CPU. Ultimately, if you have the money, you could potentially upgrade this behemoth to a level where it has more power than maybe even your entire house! 

What could be better: Because the Area 51m packs so much power, it is obviously extremely pricey compared to other premium gaming laptops (just like the iPhone!). It is also slightly on the heavy side due to its large screen size and steel backplate. In addition, the cooling fans have also been known to be a little loud and noisy. Understandable since a laptop with such power needs to be kept from overheating. 

Price: $$$$$

Also read: 8 Online Games Every ’90s Kid Used to Play That You Can Still Download Today

3. Acer Predator Triton 500

Specs: 15.6” 1920 x 1080 Display | 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H CPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super GPU | 32 GB RAM | Storage: 1TB SSD | Weight: 4.6 pounds

What we like: The Predator Triton 500’s most attractive quality is its glorious screen and display. With its Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super GPU, it can run almost every AAA game on high graphical settings. It also has plenty of USB ports so if you’d like to connect several gaming peripherals to it, you certainly have the option to. 

What could be better: Sadly, when gaming at max settings, the battery on the Predator Triton 500 can drain rather quickly. In addition, after long hours of use, the keyboard sometimes gets hot and steamy, which leads to the interior fans working overtime to cool it down, which leads to tons of noise.

Price: $$$$

4.  MSI GS65 Stealth Thin

Specs: 15.6” 1920 x 1080 Display | Intel Core i7-i9 CPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060-2080 Max-Q GPU | 16-32GB RAM | Storage: 512GB-1TB SSD | Weight: 4.2 pounds

What we like: The MSI GS65 Stealth Thin is the epitome of the phrase “good things come in small packages”. Despite being one of the thinnest gaming laptops on the market, the GS65 packs a load of power and can run most games smoothly even on high settings. Its slick and inconspicuous design (in case you don’t like attracting attention when gaming in public) is another nice touch. As an added bonus, the touchpad is made of glass, which makes it super comfortable to use. 

What could be better: While we appreciate not having to lug around a bulky laptop, the compact GS65 also comes with a display cap of 1080p. Not terrible, but at a similar price range, you can find laptops that offer better display (such as the aforementioned Zephyrus). What’s more, the underside of the laptop is known to overheat sometimes so you may need to purchase extra cooling fans just in case. 

Price: $$$ 

5. Lenovo Legion Y740

Specs: 15.6” 1920 x 1080 Display | 2.2-GHz Intel Core i7-8750H CPU | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 GPU | 16GB RAM | Storage: 256GB SSD | Weight: 5.3 pounds

What we like: Lenovo may not be the first brand gamers will think of when considering purchasing a gaming laptop, but the Legion Y740 is certainly a game-changer. For one, it is one of the best gaming laptops for those on a tight budget (though still expensive compared to normal laptops). Apart from that, while you may need to tone down the settings for some games, the Legion Y740 is still capable of running most games with a silky smooth frame rate. 

What could be better: A potential issue with this model is the limited storage. With only 256GB, you may find yourself running out of space quickly as some games these days require upwards of 100GB to install. What’s more, the sound quality of the Legion Y740 isn’t exactly pristine, so you may still need to invest in a good headset for better audio. 

Price: $$$

6. Alienware m17

Specs: 17.3” 1920 x 1080 Display | Intel Core i5-i9, 2.4-2.6 GHz CPU | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti-RTX 2080 Max-Q GPU | 8-16GB RAM | Storage: 256GB SSD-4TB | Weight: 5.7 pounds

What we like: The best features of the m17 are its 4k display and impressive overall performance. Compared to other Alienware laptops, the m17 is also more lightweight. For those who want to max out their laptop performance, the m17 is also slightly customisable in terms of hardware. 

What could be better: As expected of the Alienware brand, the biggest stumbling block is its price. Like Area 51m, it is mind blowingly expensive. In addition, when gaming on max settings, the battery lasts only an average of four hours. It isn’t bad by any standard considering the hardware power it packs, but for that price, you’d expect a laptop that can last just a little bit longer. 

Price: $$$$$

7. Razer Blade Pro 17

Specs: 17.3” 1920 x 1080 Display | 2.6-GHz Intel Core i7-9750H CPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060-2080 Max-Q GPU | 16-64GB RAM | Storage: Dual 512GB SSDs | Weight: 6.1 pounds

What we like: Much like the GS65 Stealth, the Razer Blade Pro 17 is one of the best gaming laptops in terms of portability. The chassis is less than an inch thick! And yet, housed within this slim design is a powerhouse that can outperform many of the beefier models on the market. 

What could be better: Also like the GS65 Stealth, overheating is an issue. In addition, its battery life has also been called into question a few times, especially since it carries a rather extravagant price tag. 

Price: $$$$

8. Dell G3 15

Specs: 17.3” 1920 x 1080 Display | Intel Core i7-9750H CPU | Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q GPU | 16GB RAM | Storage: 512GB SSD | Weight: 5.4 pounds

What we like: The G3 15 is arguably one of the most affordable gaming laptops on the market. However, it still boasts awesome overall performance with the ability to run most games smoothly. It also has an above average battery life so you can game for hours on end without worrying about it shutting down. 

What could be better: The cheaper price tag does come with some compromise. For one, the screen isn’t as dynamic as most other gaming laptops. Some might find it to be a little dull. 

Price: $$

9. Asus TUF A15

Specs: 15.6” 1920 x 1080 Display | AMD Ryzen 5 4600H – 7 4800H CPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660TI – RTX 2060 GPU | 16-32GB RAM | Storage: 1TB | Weight: 5 pounds

What we like: The Asus TUF A15 is another affordable gaming laptop option that’s worth taking a look at. Featuring a stellar AMD Ryzen processor, the TUF A15 not only offers incredible gaming performance but also long-lasting battery life and FHD display. It’s also pretty durable for a gaming laptop. 

What could be better: Most gaming laptop designs fall into one or two categories: slick or flashy. The TUF A15 is neither. Its robust design may not be everyone’s cup of tea but the bigger turn off lies in the fact that it’s simply not as powerful as it can be. Frankly, there are better options in the market with the same price point. 

Price: $$

Also read: 13 Nostalgic & Relaxing RPG OSTs To Zone Out To During Quarantine

10. HP Omen 17

Specs: 17.3” 1920 x 1080 Display | Intel Core i7-9750H CPU | Nvidia RTX 2070 GPU | 16GB RAM | Storage: 256GB SSD | Weight: 7.1 pounds

What we like: Although the Omen 17 isn’t exactly a 2020 release, we felt that it still warrants a place on this list. That’s because it still boasts one of the best gaming performance ratings on the market. It also offers a stunning 144 Hz display, giving gamers an immersive experience in the virtual worlds of AAA games. 

What could be better: Even though it is not as pricey as Alienware, the Omen 17 is still on the high side in terms of price point. It also doesn’t help that it has a relatively short battery life. But personally, what we found most difficult to ignore was the hideously thick plastic chassis which led to an awkward-looking design. 

Price: $$$$$

Choose your machine

And there you have it: 10 of the best gaming laptops you can buy in 2020. Of course, none of these machines are perfect but they’ll definitely allow you to better indulge in your gaming sessions. So, which one do you fancy?