If you are the gamer who always wants to get maximum performance out of your hardware, a custom-built desktop PC would be the best choice. However, if you are looking for a powerful gaming device to move around your house or take to a friend’s place, you will need a gaming laptop.
In this post, we review the six best gaming laptops of 2020:
- Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
- Razer Blade 15
- Alienware m17 R3
- Asus ROG Zephyrus DUO 15
- Dell G5 SE
- Alienware Area 51m
Keep reading to learn how to choose the perfect gaming computer for you.
Choosing the Right Gaming Laptop
Several factors should be considered before selecting the gaming laptop that best suits your needs. Ultimately, the ideal laptop will fit your budget, meet your gaming performance requirements, and adapt to your personal preferences.
To narrow your options, we recommend starting with your budget to determine the types of laptops you can afford. After that, consider the hardware specifications, followed by the display quality, sound, keyboard, trackpad, and overall design. These elements are essential to evaluate before purchasing a gaming laptop.
Our Top Pick: Best Gaming Laptop of 2020
1-Razer Blade 15 Advanced Edition (2020)
Looking for a stylish gaming laptop that delivers outstanding performance? The Razer Blade 15 Advanced Edition (2020) might be the perfect choice. Renowned for its powerful components and premium design, this model features a sleek, portable chassis made from machined aluminum, reminiscent of a MacBook Pro.
It has an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super Max-Q GPU and a 10th-generation Intel Core i7-10750H processor with two cores and four threads, offering exceptional power for multitasking and gaming. These specs make it capable of running next-gen AAA titles like Metro Exodus at over 60 frames per second.
Additional features include 1TB PCIe SSD storage, 16GB DDR4 RAM, various ports, and high-quality top-mounted speakers. The laptop also caters to creative professionals, allowing photo and video editing tasks thanks to its hardware capabilities and choice of displays—144Hz FHD Matte or OLED 4K touchscreen.
However, the Razer Blade 15 has drawbacks. At a starting price of $2,599, it’s one of the most expensive gaming laptops available. Its high-performance hardware and fast display compromise battery life, offering up to four hours of mixed usage without being plugged in. Additionally, at 4.73 pounds, it’s heavier than some competitors, like the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, which weighs only 3.52 pounds.
Verdict: The Razer Blade 15 Advanced is an outstanding computer, but we wouldn’t recommend it for gamers on a budget due to its premium price.
2-Alienware m17 R3
The Alienware m17 R3 is an excellent gaming laptop for gamers seeking an elegant, yet powerful machine. It is a perfect blend of performance and attractive design. However, at 6.6 pounds, the computer might not be the most portable one. Still, given it is a 17.3-inch model, the m17 R3 is well worth it.
The laptop has 32GB of RAM and two 1TB SSD drives. It features a 10th-generation Intel H-series processor paired with NVIDIA RTX-series graphics. The 4K display sports an integrated Tobii eye tracker, enhancing productivity and gameplay. Prices vary based on the configuration: the base model starts at $1,549, the mid-tier model at $2,249, and the high-end model at $3,529. If you need an extra boost in performance, the Alienware Graphics Amplifier can be added as an optional upgrade.
Verdict: This is the best gaming laptop if you can afford it. However, being a 17.3-inch model, it’s not the most portable.
3-Asus ROG Zephyrus DUO 15 GU502
The Asus ROG Zephyrus DUO 15 GU502 is a mid-range gaming laptop that delivers outstanding performance. It features a sleek and portable design, measuring 360 x 252 x 18.9mm and weighing just 5.3 pounds—perfect for gamers on the go.
This laptop sports powerful hardware, such as an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti or RTX 2070 GPU and a 10th-generation Intel Core i7 processor for smooth gameplay. Its primary display is a 15.6-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) panel with a 60Hz refresh rate. Additionally, it has a unique secondary display (3840 x 1000 resolution), making it a versatile device that can double as a work laptop. The base model has a standard 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, and an array of ports like Thunderbolt 3, USB Type-C, USB Type-A, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, and audio inputs.
One of the key features of the Zephyrus DUO 15 is its exceptional battery life. If users adjust settings accordingly, they can get up to nine hours. Plus, the laptop is quite portable and sleek-looking. Overall, the Zephyrus DUO 15 GU502 is perfect for e-sports enthusiasts and those who care about looks. Base model price starts at $1,299.
Verdict: Futuristic dual-screen design and outstanding battery (for a gaming laptop) make it a great multitasker.
4-Dell G5 SE
The Dell G5 SE is an ideal budget gaming laptop for newcomers seeking solid performance and affordability. With a straightforward design and excellent value, this laptop delivers reliable gaming capabilities.
Powered by AMD Ryzen 5 4600H or Ryzen 7 4800H CPUs and an AMD Radeon RX 5600M GPU, it provides smooth gameplay. For instance, the G5 SE averages 45 frames per second on Total War: Three Kingdoms at the highest settings. AMD’s SmartShift technology intelligently allocates power between the CPU and GPU based on demand.
The laptop features a vibrant 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) display and a 144Hz refresh rate, complemented by anti-glare LED backlighting and narrow borders. It also offers great battery life for a gaming laptop, along with a comfortable RGB-backlit keyboard with a numpad. Storage options range from 256GB to 1TB SSDs, with up to 16GB of RAM.
Verdict: The Dell G5 SE stands out as an affordable gaming laptop that does not compromise on performance. It is undoubtedly one of the best budget gaming laptops of 2020.
5-Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 stands out as one of the best gaming laptops of 2020 due to its incredible performance, long battery life, and exceptional portability. Measuring just 0.7 inches thick and weighing only 3.5 pounds, this thin and lightweight laptop is perfect for gamers on the go. It is powered by an eight-core AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU, delivering solid gaming performance and boosting productivity. With 16GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB PCIe SSD storage, it has everything you need for current and next-gen games.
The Asus Zephyrus G14 supports Intel Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring fast and reliable network connections wherever you play. Its 14-inch FHD display (1920 x 1080) features a 120Hz refresh rate and covers 100% of the sRGB color spectrum, offering vibrant visuals for gaming and creative tasks like photo and video editing. Additionally, the laptop has a long battery life, ensuring extended gaming sessions without interruptions.
For added convenience, the well-spaced keyboard is comfortable to type on and includes a dedicated key for Armory Crate, allowing you to control system performance and RGB lighting. The device is equipped with plenty of I/O ports, including 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2, HDMI-out, Gigabit Ethernet, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x microphone-in, and 1 x headphone-out. Price-wise, the base model starts at $1,449.
Verdict: High-end hardware, slim profile, and long-lasting battery. However, the downsides include the lack of a webcam and Thunderbolt support.
6-Alienware Area 51m R3
The Alienware Area 51m R3 sets a high standard for gaming laptops with its premium build, top-notch performance, and updated configurations in the 2020 model. Featuring a 15.6-inch 4K OLED display rated at 400 nits, this screen offers stunning visuals with rich colors, infinite contrast, and rapid response times.
Under the hood, the laptop packs a 10th-generation Intel Core i9-10980HK CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super GPU, allowing gamers to play titles at the highest settings and resolutions. With 32GB DDR4 RAM and 4TB RAID 0 + 512GB M.2 SSD storage, the Area 51m R3 handles even the most demanding tasks effortlessly. The model also includes all the essential ports, such as USB-C, mini DisplayPort, HDMI, Ethernet, MicroSD, and three standard USB sockets.
This laptop excels at delivering a premium gaming experience but has a premium price tag starting at $3,299.
Verdict: If you’re looking for a gaming powerhouse and have the budget, the Alienware Area 51m R3 is a fantastic choice.
Which Gaming Laptop Will You Choose?
Whether you’re seeking high-end performance or a budget-friendly option, the best gaming laptops of 2020 offer something for everyone. From the portable and powerful Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 to the premium Alienware Area 51m R3, these notebooks combine advanced CPUs, GPUs, and other top-notch components.
Want to upgrade? Consider selling your used gaming laptop for cash on Gadget Salvation to help fund your next gaming device. Start your journey toward better gaming today!
