Best laptops 2025: Premium, budget, gaming, 2-in-1s, and more
Why we like the Acer Nitro V 16
The Acer Nitro V 16 pairs a fast IPS display and RTX 4060 graphics in a package that costs just under a grand, making it the perfect option for the budget-conscious gamer. The GPU is “capable of running any modern game,” according to our review. In fact, while running the built-in Shadow of the Tomb Raider benchmark, the Nitro managed a respectable 136 frames-per-second on average. This result almost matches some gaming laptops with RTX 4070 graphics–impressive! The 16-inch 1920×1200 display isn’t the sharpest, but it’s a step up from the traditional 1080p fare, and the 165Hz refresh rate means you can expect smooth gameplay.
Who should buy the Acer Nitro V 16
Anyone who’s looking to save some cash on a reliable gaming laptop. The display is a fine choice for action-packed games because it’s big and fast, and the RTX 4060 GPU is capable of running most games on the Medium or High graphics preset. Battery life, as you might’ve guessed, is subpar (about four hours on a single charge) and the gamer aesthetic is a touch flashy, but if you can live with those trade-offs, then the Acer Nitro V 16 is a fantastic value pick.
Alternative option: The Asus TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition ($1,099.99), which was our previous Best Budget Gaming Laptop pick until the Acer Nitro V 16 usurped it, is still a good option to consider. For about a grand, you’re getting reliable graphics performance, a spacious keyboard, and long battery life. If you’re looking for a more subtle-looking gaming laptop, the HP Victus 15 ($1,099.99) might be of interest to you. You’re getting a 144Hz high refresh rate display, a design that doesn’t scream gaming PC, and a 144Hz refresh rate display.
