In this article you can read about which laptops in the categories high-end, middle class and budget that we have named the best gaming laptops 2022. Just like all other gaming equipment, gaming laptops have developed a lot in recent years and today there is a large selection of laptops designed to play on.
A gaming laptop is the perfect choice for you who can not or do not want a great gaming setup at home. In addition to saving space, they also offer great flexibility in that they are easy to move and carry everywhere.
Of course, it is also possible to run a hybrid of gaming setup, where you have a gaming laptop and e.g. complements with an external gaming keyboard, a gaming mouse and a gaming headset.
Below we present the winners of our best in testing gaming laptops through a smooth overview. You will find two models from each category of high-end, mid-range and budget.
Overview
Best gaming laptop 2022 – High-end
Option 1:
MSI GE66 Raider 15.6 “
- Powerful laptop with QHD resolution
- Superior compliance with 240 Hz
- GeForce RTX 3080 & Intel i7-12700H
- Stylish RGB lighting
- Advanced cooling system with liquid metal
Best gaming laptop 2022 – High-end
Option 2:
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 15
- Razor-sharp QHD resolution
- Hyper-fast processor i9-12900H
- Powerful performance with GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
- 240 Hz provides a fast and compliant picture
- Arc Flow provides superb cooling
Best gaming laptop 2022 – Middle class
Option 1:
MSI GL66 Pulse 15.6 “
- Affordable & high performance gaming laptop
- 15-inch QHD screen with fast image movement
- RTX 3070 in combination with Core i7
- 16 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD
- RGB-lit keyboard
Best gaming laptop 2022 – Middle class
Option 2:
Acer Predator Helios 300
- 17.3 “IPS screen with QHD resolution
- 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD
- Aluminum chassis with a premium feel
- i7 processor and GeForce RTX 3070
- AeroBlade 3D Fans provide efficient cooling
Best gaming laptop 2022 – Budget
Option 1:
Acer Nitro 5
- Cheap and large gaming laptop with 17 “screen
- 144 Hz, which gives a compliant picture
- RGB-lit keyboard
- GTX 3050 graphics card & Intel i5 processor
- Acer Coolboost provides optimal cooling
Best gaming laptop 2022 – Budget
Option 2:
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
- Fantastically good entry-level model
- 15.6 “FHD screen with 120 Hz
- Solidly built with brushed aluminum chassis
- RTX 3050 Ti and Ryzen 5 5600H processor
- Thin and easy to handle
Choosing the right gaming laptop ?
When buying a laptop to play on , there are several factors to consider, as it is a whole setup in a single machine. Although of course you can complement your gaming laptop with, for example, a gaming mouse and a gaming headset.
A good gaming laptop should consist of both a fast and flexible screen that is suitable for playing on, while the processor and graphics card should be able to handle the games you want to be able to play on the computer. This means that the cheapest laptops on the market that cost around SEK 3-4000 are not suitable to play on. A sensible and good gaming laptop you will have to pay a little more for.
It can be difficult to know the difference between an expensive and a cheap gaming laptop. So to make it easier for you to find the best laptop for you, we will go through the 7 most important parts to know in a gaming laptop, then we dive into our best in test.
1. Laptop screen
The first part to consider before buying a gaming laptop is the screen and what you should mainly think about is what size, resolution and refresh rate the screen should have.
Screen size
A laptop’s screen size also determines the size of the entire computer and how easy it is to move. The two most common sizes of a gaming laptop today are 15.6 inches and 17.3 inches . There are also those that are 13.3 or 14 inches. If you intend to play directly on the laptop screen and do not use a separate gaming screen, we recommend choosing at least 15.6 inches, otherwise it will be too small.
Resolution
The resolution of a monitor is how many pixels it has in width and height . A higher number means a picture is sharper and clearer, if everything else is equal.
The portable gaming computers are available with three different resolutions that can be called a little different:
- Full HD / FHD (1920 x 1080p)
- Quad HD / QHD / WQHD / 2K (2560 x 1440p)
- 4K / Ultra HD (3840 x 2160p)
However, the majority of gaming laptops on the market today have a Full HD screen. We find QHD and 4K mainly in more expensive premium models today.
Update frequency
To find gaming laptops with a compliant and smooth image movement , you should look at the refresh rate, this is measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher number means that more frames per second (FPS) can be displayed on the screen and then there will simply be a better flow in the image. Which is optimal for fast games such as. various car games, CS, Valorant, Fortnite etc.
We recommend choosing a gaming laptop with at least 120 Hz to get the best gaming experience.
2. Processor
The processor is the computer’s engine and a major contributing factor to how fast the computer works . For gaming, you want a processor with a relatively high clock frequency , this is measured in GHz and the higher the number the better.
Which manufacturers are there of processors?
Intel and AMD are the two major manufacturers today. They have a number of different processors in their model range, some of the most common from Intel are named i3, i5, i7 and i9 . AMD’s most common processors follow the same name pattern and are called Ryzen 3 , Ryzen 5 , Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 .
Which processors are good in a gaming laptop?
We recommend that you look at a gaming laptop with at least an i5 from Intel or Ryzen 5 from AMD .
3. Graphics card
The graphics card is the most important component of a laptop to play on . It is the graphics card that produces the computer’s image and the better the card, the nicer and more compliant image the computer can produce.
The graphics card in a good gaming laptop should be separated from the processor . In laptops that are for home use and office work, the graphics card is usually integrated in the processor, for example, Intel’s integrated graphics card is called Intel UHD Graphics. You do not want this in a gaming laptop as the graphics cards can only handle simpler games, but you should look for a separate graphics card from NVIDIA or AMD .
Which graphics cards are good in a gaming laptop?
It depends a bit on what you want the computer to be able to handle. In the slightly simpler and cheaper gaming laptops, you can usually find graphics cards from NVIDIA’s 16 series , such as GTX 1650 and GTX 1660. These can handle most games, but with lower FPS and graphics settings compared to better graphics cards.
The majority of the more expensive and sharper gaming laptops in 2022 use NVIDIA’s latest top series with models such as the 3060 , 3070 and 3080 . Where a higher number means a better graphics card.
4. RAM
A fourth factor to consider is RAM, which is the computer’s temporary working memory for all ongoing processes. The larger the memory, the better for the laptop, then it can handle more and larger processes.
How much RAM should a good gaming laptop have?
We recommend that it has a minimum of 8 GB and you should aim for at least 16 GB . It is also possible to expand the RAM yourself if you are knowledgeable in it.
5. Storage memory – SSD and HDD
This is not really an important point anymore, as basically all laptops that are designed to play on use an SSD today . But for information, we would like to mention that HDD is an older type of storage memory and SSD is a newer variant that is significantly faster and less fragile.
What may be worth looking at is the size of the memory in the computer. Many of today’s gaming laptops come with 512 GB SSD or 1000 GB / 1 TB SSD. The larger the memory, the more games and programs can fit on the computer, but it is also possible to buy external storage memories.
6. Cooling and sound ❄️
In order for a gaming laptop to maintain a high and even performance , it needs a good fan system that cools the components efficiently . Furthermore, the fans should be as quiet as possible , so that they do not interfere when playing.
The fan system on gaming laptops has become significantly much better in recent years, with more solid and large fans. In general, it can be said that the more expensive the gaming laptop, the more gunpowder the manufacturers have on the cooling .
However, it should be said that since portable gaming computers are tighter built than desktop gaming computers, they do not have exactly the same ability to cool. Therefore, we recommend supplementing with a cooling plate , for even better cooling and lower noise level on your laptop.
7. Battery life ?
If you know with you that you will use the laptop a lot without a charging cable , it may be worth taking a little extra look at battery life. Generally, laptops have somewhere between 7-12 hours of battery life , where cheaper gaming laptops usually have a shorter battery life.
With that said, we take and dive into our best in testing gaming laptops 2022.
Best gaming laptop 2022
Best gaming laptop 2022 – High-end
Option 1: MSI GE66 Raider 12UH
- Size: 15.6 inches
- Resolution & Hz: QHD (1440p) & 240 Hz
- Processor : Intel Core i7-12700H
- Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
- RAM: 32 GB
- Hard disk: 2 TB SSD
MSI GE66 Raider 12UH is a lavish and powerful gaming laptop with a sleek and appealing design. The computer stands out above all with its incredible 240 Hz in refresh rate, which makes the image extremely compliant and fast . This gives a big advantage in competition-oriented games such as COD, CS, Valorant or Rocket League.
The laptop is powered by the Core i7-12700H processor, which is one of the top models from Intel for laptops. Furthermore, this computer is equipped with the graphics card GeForce RTX 3080, which allows you to play demanding games with high FPS .
MSI has also equipped the GE66 Raider 12UH with an advanced cooling system , with liquid metal that helps keep the computer at low temperatures. In addition, you can choose the fan speed yourself to adjust the cooling and sound level according to what you do on the computer.
The keyboard and front of the laptop are equipped with an RGB lighting , where each key has an individual lighting. Which gives many cool effects and color combinations to choose from.
Best gaming laptop 2022 – High-end
Option 2: ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 15
- Size: 15.6 inches
- Monitor: Quad HD (1440p) & 240 Hz
- Processor : Intel Core i9-12900H
- Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
- RAM: 32 GB
- Hard disk: 2 TB SSD
ROG Strix SCAR 15 is a really nice and high-performance gaming laptop from the popular ASUS that exudes quality and premium right through.
This lavish machine offers a QHD resolution with 240 Hz in refresh rate, which means that the image is significantly sharper than many other laptops, while being compliant.
The computer is also capable of running demanding and epic games in QHD with graphics settings on Ultra and still gets good FPS and flow in the image . This is thanks to the sharp graphics card RTX 3080 Ti and the fast Core i9 processor from Intel.
If you look at the build quality, it is first class. ROG Strix SCAR 15 is made of brushed aluminum which gives a high premium feel, it is also smoothly constructed thanks to the 15.6 inch screen goes out close to the edges.
Another nice detail is that both the keyboard and the front of the laptop have RGB lighting where you have the opportunity to choose between ready-made effects or create your own.
For optimal cooling, the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 15 is equipped with Arc Flow and liquid metal , which means that the laptop can run at full power. It is also possible to manually control the cooling and select the speed of it.
Best gaming laptop 2022 – Middle class
Option 1: MSI GL66 Pulse 15.6 “
- Size: 15.6 inches
- Resolution & Hz: QHD (1440) & 165 Hz
- Processor : Intel Core i7-12700H
- Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
- RAM: 16 GB
- Hard disk: 1 TB SSD
The MSI GL66 Pulse offers a fantastically enjoyable gaming experience on its 15-inch screen . With a QHD resolution and 165 Hz in refresh rate, you get an image that is both sharp and very compliant in fast image movements.
The computer is equipped with the sharp graphics card GeForce RTX 3070 from NVIDIA, which gives you the opportunity to play many of today’s games with high FPS even at the highest graphics settings .
The SSD memory is large 1 TB and allows you to fit many games before it is full. Furthermore, 16 GB of RAM ensures that the GL66 Pulse can work painlessly even when many programs are running.
Just as the first picture shows, this laptop is equipped with an RGB-lit keyboard that you can customize to your liking and liking.
Best gaming laptop 2022 – Middle class
Option 2: Acer Predator Helios 300
- Size: 17.6 inches
- Resolution & Hz: QHD (1440p) & 165 Hz
- Processor : Intel Core i7-11800H
- Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
- RAM: 32 GB
- Hard disk: 1 TB SSD
The Acer Predator Helios 300 is a really affordable gaming laptop and offers a perfect mix between price and performance. With its sleek design, lavish construction and sharp components , this is one of the best gaming laptops in the middle class in our opinion.
With the combination of an i7 processor from Intel and NVIDIA’s graphics card GeForce RTX 3070, the Predator Helios 300 delivers a really good gaming experience and is capable of playing many of today’s games at the highest graphics settings.
Furthermore, the computer is equipped with Acer’s advanced cooling system AeroBlade , which keeps the laptop at good temperature levels, even through tough and more demanding games.
If you want a gaming laptop that is better than the budget models but at the same time is at a good price level , this is the perfect choice for you.
Best gaming laptop 2022 – Budget
Option 1: Acer Nitro 5
- Size: 17.3 inches
- Resolution & Hz: Full HD (1080p) & 144 Hz
- Processor : Intel Core i5-11300H
- Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 3050
- RAM: 8 GB
- Hard disk: 512 GB SSD
Acer Nitro 5 is a cheap and affordable entry -level model with a large screen consisting of an IPS panel and 144 Hz refresh rate. This gives a really good and compliant picture for this price tag.
Inside the laptop we find the processor Intel Core i5-11300H and the graphics card GeForce GTX 3050. With that combination, the laptop will be able to offer well with FPS at high graphics settings in many games . In the most demanding AAA games, however, you may need to turn down the graphics settings, depending on how compliant you want the image to be.
To keep the laptop cool, Acer has equipped it with dual adjustable fans, which can be set in the NitroSense software.
Best gaming laptop 2022 – Budget
Option 2: Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
- Size: 15.6 inches
- Resolution & Hz: Full HD (1080p) & 120 Hz
- Processor : AMD Ryzen 5 5600H
- Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 3050 Ti
- RAM: 16 GB
- Hard disk: 512 GB SSD
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is one of the cheaper gaming laptops on the market, but is nevertheless equipped with good components that can handle the vast majority of today’s games at a good level . At the same time, it is well-built with a chassis of brushed aluminum , which gives a nice premium feeling.
This model is powered by a Ryzen 5 processor along with a GTX 3050 Ti graphics card, which provides good power. The computer can play games such as Apex, Valorant and Fortnite without any worries, but can get a little tougher with demanding games like Cyberpunk or Red Dead Redemption.
Despite its cheap price, the computer has an FHD screen with 120 Hz in refresh rate, which provides compliant image movements even at fast events in games and movies.
All in all, this is a perfect first gaming laptop or a computer for you who most like to play a little simpler games.
Summary of best gaming laptop 2022
Gaming laptops, like most gaming equipment , have evolved a lot in recent years. A gaming laptop is perfect for you who may not have enough space at home for a complete setup with, for example, dual screens, keyboards and desktops. In addition, gaming laptops are fantastically easy to move and carry.
A good gaming laptop combines a sharp performance with a fast and compliant screen. At the same time, it has a quiet and efficient cooling system that allows the computer to maintain a high and even level of performance.