10 Best VR Ready Laptops for Gaming (2022) Buying Guide

Best VR Ready Laptops for Gaming

The best VR-ready laptops can handle high-quality VR games with VR headsets like the Oculus Rift S and the HTC Vive Cosmos to give users an immersive experience.

It’s probably smart to think about a VR-ready laptop that will support seamless play and a more immersive experience if you’re going to invest in a VR setup.

You’ll need to determine the features you need and the type of gaming setup you prefer in order to find the best VR-ready laptop.

For the best VR experience, choose a laptop with a powerful processor, a top-tier graphics card, and plenty of RAM.

Our recommendation is that you consider laptops with high-grade processors and GPUs that are capable of handling graphically intensive games, such as virtual reality titles.

In case you’ve always loved portable devices, there’s good news: Laptops have advanced significantly, and many of them can now run today’s high-end VR games.

If you choose the right laptop with the right specifications such as Nvidia’s 20-series GPUs or Max-Q GPUs, even the smallest laptop will be turned into a virtual reality powerhouse.

With RTX, the best gaming laptops on the market are not just redesigned, but they’re VR-ready as well. The newly released RTX 30 chips from Nvidia should help boost the performance of the mentioned graphics cards.

Before you go out and buy a new VR-ready laptop, you have to make sure it’s worth the money and will run VR games well. All in this list are oculus quest 2 compatible laptops.

Is My laptop VR-ready? VR Minimum Specs:

  • CPU: Intel Core i5-6300HQ
  • GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060, 1070 or 1080. (Stronger alternatives include the RTX 2060, 2070, and 2080).
  • RAM: 8GB
  • VRAM: 4GB
  • Ports: 2 USB 3.0, HDMI 1.4
  • Display: 1920 x 1080
  • OS: Windows 8 or 10

See more details on the best VR Ready gaming Laptops buying guide at the bottom of the post.

Best VR Ready Laptops for Gaming

  1. Acer Predator Triton 300 SE – Best Budget VR-ready laptop
  2. Alienware m17 R4 – Best Value VR-ready laptop
  3. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 – Longest lasting VR-ready laptop
  4. Alienware m15 R4 – Best 15″ VR-ready laptop
  5. Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 – Best laptop for VR
  6. Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model – Slim VR-ready laptop
  7. Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop – Cheap VR Ready Laptop
  8. MSI GS66 Stealth (2021) – Best Max-Q design
  9. MSI GE76 Raider UH10 – Best 17-inch VR-ready laptop
  10. Lenovo Legion Y540 – Bright Display VR-ready laptop

1. Acer Predator Triton 300 SE

Acer Predator Triton 300 SE vr ready laptop
Acer Predator Triton 300 SE VR ready laptop

Specifications: CPU: Intel Core i7-11375H 11th Gen, GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 RAM: 16GB Storage: 512GB SSD Display: 15.6-inch (1080p, 144Hz) Size: 12.7 x 9.0 x 0.7 inches Weight: 3.8 pounds

As everyone knows, Acer makes quality laptops at affordable prices, but its gaming laptops are slightly more expensive and do not come with as many features as other brands. 

Although it is rather pricey, the Acer Predator Triton 300 SE offers best-in-class components at an affordable price. The laptop has a great balance between power and price.

This sleek, thin laptop offers an Intel Core i7-11375H processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU for around $1,400, along with a 14-inch, 144Hz display, and decent battery life. Predator Triton 300 SE is easily one of the best VR-ready laptops under $1500 (for the price). 

The 14-inch screen and ample power of this laptop can handle whatever you want to do with it, whether you’re playing a game, watching a show, or using a VR headset. This isn’t the fastest laptop on our list, but for the price, it is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • Graphics and performance are strong
  • Optimal battery life
  • Featuring a sleek chassis of 14 inches
  • The display is colorful and bright

Cons

  • Keyboard & touchpad could be improved

Check Acer Predator Triton 300 SE Price on Amazon

2. Alienware m17 R4 VR-ready laptop

Alienware m17 R4 VR-ready laptop
Alienware m17 R4 VR-ready laptop

Specifications: CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10870H, GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080, RAM: 16GB, Storage: 256GB, Display: 17.3-inch (1080p/4K), Size: 9 x 12.7 x 0.7 inches, Weight: ‎5.51 pounds

It is even better than previous versions of the Alienware m17. The Alienware m17 R4 sports Intel’s newest 10th Gen HK-Series processor and Nvidia’s RTX 30 GPU, making it a formidable competitor in the gaming laptop market. 

This laptop is not only powerful but also stunningly elegant. Additionally, it’s one of the lightest desktop replacements.

A stunning, 17.3-inch 4K display makes this beast a real beauty. There are some downsides to the laptop, including its weight and battery life, so don’t expect to play games while flying internationally, but overall it is tough to beat.

Pros

  • Performance and graphics are excellent
  • Keyboard with customizable comfort
  • High refresh rate and bright, vivid display
  • A very attractive chassis

Cons

  • Quite expensive

Check Alienware m17 R4 Price on Amazon

3. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 VR-ready laptop

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 VR-ready laptop
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 VR-ready laptop

Specifications: CPU: AMD Ryzen 7-4800HS GPU: Nvidia GTX 1650, RAM: 8GB/16GB, Storage: 512GB/1TB SSD, Display: 14-inch (1080p), Size: 12.8 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches, Weight: 3.7 pounds

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is equipped with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU and 6GB of VRAM, which can run Doom Eternal at 90 FPS at 1080p on Ultra settings. 

The SteamVR Performance Test showed a score of 9.8 out of 11, which is above the 9.2 category average. The Zephyrus G14 laptop stands out for its fantastic battery life, along with its outstanding performance. 

Zephyrus’s battery died at 11 hours, 32 minutes after surfing the Web continuously over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of brightness. There is no Mini DisplayPort on the Zephyrus G14, so you will need to buy an adapter for a USB Type-C port.

Additionally, ASUS’ premier gaming laptop is equipped with built-in Dolby Atmos speakers so that every game is even more immersive than ever before. Furthermore, it features an upgrade to Windows 11 to keep things updated.

Pros

  • Stunning AMD and Nvidia performance
  • An ultra-durable gaming laptop
  • Rapid SSD performance
  • High-resolution 120Hz display
  • Build-in Speakers are pretty good 

Cons

  • At high pressure, It’s a bit noisy with fans
  • The display is just 14″

Check Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Price on Amazon

4. Alienware m15 R4 VR-ready laptop

Alienware m15 R4 VR-ready laptop
Alienware m15 R4 VR-ready laptop

Specifications: CPU: Intel Core i7-10870H 10th Gen, GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070, RAM: 8GB/16GB/32GB, Storage: 1TB SSD, Display: 15.6-inch (1080p/4K), Size: ‎10.86 x 14.19 x 0.78 inches, Weight: 5.5 pounds

Would you like some phenomenal Nvidia 30-series performance? The Alienware m15 R4 is the new king in gaming. It has power, beauty (inside and out), and a soft touch.

The Alienware m15 R4 runs on an Intel Core i7-10870H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 GPU, features a gorgeous 15.6-inch OLED display and comes with a tactile keyboard. 

If you’re looking to spend around $2,499 on this laptop, perhaps the Alienware m15 R3 is a better buy. This machine has only two significant downfalls: short battery life and a $2,499 price tag.

This Alienware m15 R4 notebook ticks all the boxes when it comes to being the best gaming laptop. It has a phenomenal display, raw power, and a banging keyboard. Sadly, the battery life is disappointing and the price is high.

Pros

  • Excellent graphics and performance
  • An exquisite 4K OLED display
  • Elegant design
  • Punchy keyboard
  • Highly customizable
  • 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor 

Cons

  • Low battery life
  • Fan gets a little loud
  • Pricey

Check Alienware M15 R4 Price On Amazon

5. Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 VR-ready laptop

Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 VR-ready laptop
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 VR-ready laptop

Specifications: CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX, GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080, RAM: 32GB, Storage: 2 1TB SSDs, Display: 17.3-inch (1080p, 360Hz), Size: ‎15.55 x 1.08 x 11.1 inches, Weight: 5.95 pounds

The Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 G733 is the closest thing to what my wild, gamer-centric imagination could create as the perfect gaming laptop.

My dream laptop would be a 17.3-inch display with a refresh rate of 360Hz and a GPU made even more powerful by an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor powered by an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080.

This 17-inch beast from Asus makes these dreams a reality and extends them with even more exciting and unexpected features.

This laptop comes with a price tag that makes it a fantasy purchase for most people, especially with its dazzling RGB light show and optical-mechanical keyboard switch. 

If you are willing to empty your wallet, you will be treated to one of the best gaming laptops around. Sadly, it does not come with a webcam and has poor battery life. However, it’s one of the best VR laptops currently available.

Pros

  • A stunning 360Hz display
  • Beautiful graphics
  • A fast AMD CPU
  • The best mechanical keyboard ever
  • Sleek chassis

Cons

  • Pricey
  • No webcam

Check Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 Price on Amazon

6. Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model

Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model
Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model

Specifications: CPU: Intel Core i7-10875H 10th Gen, GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080, RAM: 32GB, Storage: 1TB SSD, Display: 15.6-inch, Size: ‎9.25 x 13.98 x 0.67 inches, Weight: 4.4 pounds

If you build a better laptop, gamers will come rushing to your door. The new Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model isn’t the perfect laptop, but it’s getting very close. This slim, 4.6-pound laptop is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU. 

Additionally, the device has a good battery life, a fast display, and a couple of security features. The Blade 15 is a powerful gaming laptop that has earned its way onto our best VR-ready laptops page despite its price and mushy keyboard.

Razer Blade 15 is one of the best 15-inch gaming laptops available. Razer improved the laptop slightly, but it’s noticeable. However, a 1080p webcam and 2560 x 1440 configurations are definitely beneficial.

Pros

  • An attractive, lightweight design
  • Excellent overall performance and graphics
  • Good battery life
  • Strong gaming performance
  • QHD resolution
  • Lots of ports
  • 1080p webcam

Cons

  • There are some mushy keys on the keyboard
  • Dim screen
  • Pricey, especially as configured

Check Razer Blade 15 Advanced Model Price On Amazon

7. Acer Nitro 5 VR Ready Gaming Laptop

Acer Nitro 5 VR Ready Gaming Laptop
Acer Nitro 5 VR Ready Gaming Laptop

Specifications: CPU: Intel Core i5-9300H, GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, VRAM: 4 GB GDDR5, RAM: 8 GB, Display: 15-inch, Storage: 256 GB SSD, Size: ‎14.31 x 10.04 x 0.96 inches, Weight: 5.07 pounds

The cost of a VR-ready laptop may well remain out of reach for many gamers due to limited funds. You don’t have to go broke to get into virtual reality. There are several cheaper options available that still have specs that are good enough for you to get started.

Currently, the Acer Nitro 5 is the cheapest VR-ready laptop worth buying around $700- $800. This laptop comes with just 8 GB of RAM and a single 256 GB SSD (which are not that impressive specs for a consumer laptop), but it has a 15.6-inch display at 1080p and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card.

While this is sufficient to get started with virtual reality without breaking the bank, it does not deliver the same performance as a high-end VR laptop and this can be felt when playing. Even though it comes with a few drawbacks, it’s still an excellent budget option.

Check Acer Nitro 5 Price On Amazon

8. MSI GS66 Stealth (2021)

MSI GS66 Stealth vr ready laptop
MSI GS66 Stealth VR ready laptop

Specifications: CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H, GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080, RAM: 16GB, Storage: 1TB SSD, Display: 15.6-inch (1080p), Size: 14.2 x 9.7 x 0.7 inches, Weight: 4.5 pounds

The RTX 3080 from Nvidia fits nicely into the 0.7-inch slim chassis of the GS66 Stealth thanks to Max-Q technology. As a result, MSI has removed all color accents, leaving an elegant black aluminum chassis.

In addition to having a 2560 x 1440p resolution and 240Hz refresh rate, the MSI GS66 Stealth is one of the latest gaming laptops on the market. It’s likely we’ll see a lot of this kind of configuration as time goes on, as gamers seem to like this kind of setup. 

MSI equipped the Stealth with a 99.9 watt per hour battery to enable gamers to play on the go for up to 6 hours and 27 minutes. 

This MSI GS66 Stealth with RTX “Ampere” gaming laptop has a fantastic QHD screen, but it falls behind less expensive gaming laptops in frame rate performance.

Pros

  • An attractive, sleek design
  • Gaming and overall performance are good
  • Excellent battery life
  • Lightning-fast transfer speeds
  • Memory and storage can be upgraded
  • Excellent QHD screen with G-Sync at 240Hz

Cons

  • Brightness and clarity could be improved
  • The keyboard is a little mushy

Check MSI GS66 Stealth Price On Amazon

9. MSI GE76 Raider UH10 VR-ready laptop

MSI GE76 Raider UH10 VR-ready laptop
MSI GE76 Raider UH10 VR-ready laptop

Specifications: CPU: Intel Core i7-10870H, GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080, RAM: 32GB, Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD, Display: 17.3-inch (1080p), Size: ‎22.32 x 15.31 x 4.25 inches, Weight: 6.4 pounds

The Raiders now have the upper hand. The GE76 Raider fills the vast footprint left by MSI’s Titan, which is being retired. Overall, it does a great job. 

MSI GE76 Raider’s performance, durability, and RGB lighting make it my favorite gaming laptop. Its battery can last a long time, depending on the mode you’re in.

The Raider is a smaller, thinner version of Titan, but is no less powerful than its superior predecessor thanks to its Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia RTX 3080 graphics card. 

In addition, you get incredibly fast data transfers, long battery life, and great sound quality. Also, it’s the first gaming laptop to support Wireless 6 technology. 

Even so, a few downsides remain, including a mushy keyboard and dim, dull display, for example. On the plus side, it has one of the highest refresh rates. 

We recommend the MSI GE76 Raider for your gaming battle station and the best VR-ready laptops page if you can overlook those slight imperfections. 

Pros

  • An attractive, sleek design
  • Gaming and overall performance are good
  • Powerful audio
  • Lightning-fast transfer speeds
  • Strong build quality
  • Upgrades are possible for memory and storage

Cons

  • Display that is dim and dull
  • A musky keyboard
  • Wi-Fi 6 capabilities

Check MSI GE76 Raider UH10 Price On Amazon

10. Lenovo Legion Y540 VR-ready laptop

Lenovo Legion Y540 VR-ready laptop
Lenovo Legion Y540 VR-ready laptop

Specifications: CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H, GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, RAM: 24 GB DDR4, Screen: 15. 6” anti-glare display, Storage: 1TB HDD + 512 GB SSD, Size: 14.37 x 10.24 x 1.02 inches, Weight: ‎9.4 pounds

The Lenovo Legion Y540  is an incredible laptop with high specs that can run a lot of VR games. You can run multiple programs in the background even when playing VR games since it features an Intel Core i7-9750H processor and 24 GB of RAM. 

As a result, you can use this laptop to stream or record your VR games, because recording and screen capturing requires a lot of RAM and processing power.

Furthermore, storage won’t be a problem since it features both an HDD and an SSD for the storage of files and games. You’ll have access to 1 TB of storage from HDDs and 512 GB of storage from SSDs.

However, the Lenovo Legion Y540’s GPU is truly amazing. In terms of performance, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 can run a lot of VR games quite well, though it won’t be as good as the RTX 2060 and above GPUs.

The laptop is also great for playing other video games due to its FHD IPS display, which gives a clear view of the graphical settings in the game. In addition to having an anti-glare display, it is also able to play and see the screen even on bright days.

Check Lenovo Legion Y540 Price On Amazon

Best VR Ready Laptops Buying Guide

The growing popularity of VR has led to the availability of a number of gaming laptops to support it. It’s important to do your homework in order to find the best VR laptop for you.

GPU

When it comes to choosing the right gaming laptop, the most important aspect is the GPU inside. So, any laptop with the proper specs can do the job. The GPU of a lot of gaming laptops cannot be upgraded, since it is usually soldered into place. 

If you intend to use VR applications for the next few years, investing in a gaming laptop with a powerful GPU makes sense. According to the manufacturers of the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, smooth and consistent performance requires at least a GeForce GTX 1060 or Radeon RX 480.

The GTX 1060 and RX 480 are both very popular graphics cards in modern gaming laptops, but using them at maximum settings could experience dropped frames.

If you want the best performance, you’ll need a GPU with more power, such as the GTX 1070 or 1080. It’s true that a more powerful graphics card will give you more performance, but it will also increase the cost quite a bit. Think carefully before you buy.

CPU

The majority of VR headsets display 90fps, which is vital in preventing motion sickness or disorientation in users. The GPUs listed above are designed to display 60fps at 1080p, which is the target for non-VR gaming. 

Therefore, a CPU that can support your GPU is also required when loading resource-intensive files. If you want everything to run smoothly and not have motion sickness caused by a slow frame rate, keep in mind the VR headset manufacturer’s stated requirements.

Intel Core i5 or AMD R3 processors are the minimum requirements to run VR games. However, if you have the budget to spend more, you should not choose an i5. The game will run faster and smoother with a Core i7 or Ryzen 7 CPU and above. 

This will lighten the load on the GPU and make it easier for the game to run. If you want the best performance available, go for a Ryzen 9 or an i9. If you want to take advantage of that, the Razer Blade Pro 17’s CPU is one of the most powerful and latest i9 processors out there.

RAM 

It is often ideal to use incredibly fast machinery in virtual reality to take full advantage of its lifelike movements. To summarize, to run any of these programs, you will need 8 GB of random access memory – the bare minimum. 

Because most of your preferred options offer no less than that, it is highly recommended to bump things up to at least 16 gigs to ensure you have a smooth VR experience.

Storage

As with most games, VR applications consume a ton of storage space on the device, and this is more true than with ordinary games. The most frequently played games should be on a hard drive of at least 1TB, while the OS and other applications should be on a fast SSD.

High-end games should not be played on HDDs since they will significantly reduce your gaming experience as well as your loading times.  In addition to the GPU being needed for VR, fast storage will also be necessary to load those assets.

A fast HDD can read and write files as fast as 125 MBps, so you’ll need an SSD. With an average speed of 550 MBps, an SSD can perform 4 to 5 times faster. SSDs should be very large and a must.

Display

Many gaming laptops and mobile workstations can support dual-drive setups like this, while other systems might only have SSDs that may be faster, but also have smaller capacities.

If you’re planning to play on the go or mostly keep your laptop at your desk, you’ll need to choose the right screen accordingly. Generally, 15-inch monitors or smaller make your device more portable, and most laptops in this range are lighter and thinner. 

Therefore, a larger laptop will have a larger battery and will have a better screen resolution and larger storage. VR uses the headset rather than the screen, however, a larger screen will still prove useful to anyone who plays non-VR games.

Battery Life

If you’re not connected to a charger, VR will drain your battery within 3 to 4 hours when using a gaming laptop. As a result, you’re probably going to notice that your game will run slower on the battery, regardless of its size.

High-end graphics still require you to be tethered to a charger if you don’t want to compromise performance while gaming. The fact remains that VR uses quite a lot of power, and batteries are yet to catch up.

Size

Even though gaming laptops are still a bit heavier than MacBook Airs, advancing technology has resulted in thinner and lighter gaming laptops. Thinner means less power in the past, but in recent years, this has become less and less true.

Gaming laptop manufacturers receive a lot of criticism for making bulky, cumbersome products, but with technology catching up, more viable options are now available.

Budget

For VR gaming, you should consider both specifications and budget carefully, and you won’t find much VR-ready gaming laptops under $1000 (Acer Nitro 5 will be the cheapest VR-ready laptop under $1000).

Most gaming laptops allow users to upgrade RAM and storage, despite the trend in consumer laptops toward soldering everything in place.

Choosing an affordable model today and upgrading a few things later is not that difficult if your budget is limited. However, CPUs and GPUs generally can’t be easily replaced, so you should keep that in mind when making your initial investment.

FAQs

What is a VR-ready laptop?

A VR-ready laptop is a laptop that is fast enough to support virtual reality contents, headsets, applications, and VR games.

Can I upgrade later to get additional features?

In modern laptops, the GPU and CPU are usually soldered in place and cannot be upgraded. When purchasing a gaming laptop, take into account other features like RAM and storage since these can often be upgraded.

Are VR-ready desktops and laptops having a performance gap?

Many people are already aware that even the best gaming laptops are regarded as stepping down from their desktop counterparts. This is still true today.

A tower desktop still has more ports and room for additional fans for cooling. Although large gaming laptops might have better batteries, in reality, them running on the battery isn’t nearly as efficient as running them on an adaptor. 

Which laptop is best for VR?

Most of the best laptops for VR have ultra-powerful processors and graphics cards. Additionally, the laptop should have a durable design and innovative cooling technology, as VR applications can put a lot of strain on the CPU.

Can you use a laptop for VR?

Definitely. Today’s laptops are incredibly powerful, and manufacturers have managed to cram a lot into small cases. As well as supporting full HD displays for traditional gaming, high-end gaming laptops usually meet and exceed the requirements for VR gaming.

Can a Chromebook run VR?

Yes, As long as your Chromebook supports installing apps from the Play Store, you can lead a VR / AR Expedition.

Can you run VR on a GTX 1650?

Yes, The GTX 1650 supports VR, but you also have to consider your CPU and RAM. If all of them are compatible, VR will be supported, but if one or two of them is not compatible, VR will not be supported.