For those who want to play games on the move but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, popular companies like HP, Asus, and Dell provide affordable and entry-level gaming laptops.
Best Cheap Gaming Laptops
There are chip scarcity and supply concerns, so don’t be shocked if merchants start to raise the price tags on the laptops on this list a little. Some laptops, like the HP Omen and HP Victus, allow you to customize your machine while still staying under $1,100. Fortunately. To help you pick the finest gaming laptop for your needs, I selected both Intel and AMD-based machines.
ASUS ROG Strix G15 Gaming Laptop, 240Hz 15.6″ FHD 3ms IPS, Intel Core i7-10750H
A gaming laptop that costs less than $1,000 has been named the best budget gaming laptop by PC Magazine because Asus ROG Strix G15 illustrates that you can still acquire a high-quality computer without having to forgo your rent. The graphics processing capability is provided by an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU and an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H CPU. If you need more memory down the road, you can always add more RAM.
You can expect near-instantaneous responses to your inputs thanks to the 15.6-inch display’s 3ms response time and its native refresh rate of 144Hz. When you play your favorite games, the display changes its refresh rate based on your preferred settings, reducing screen tearing and stuttering.
In order to play games and keep tabs on the conversation or your streaming software without frequently alt-tabbing out, the USB-C connector may be used to set up a second display. For Apex Legends, you’ll have plenty of time to rack up victories with the device’s 8-hour battery.
Product information
| Standing screen display size | 15.6 Inches |
|---|---|
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920X1080 Pixels |
| Processor | 5 GHz corei7_10750h |
| RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Memory Speed | 2933 MHz |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 |
| Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
| Card Description | Dedicated |
| Wireless Type | Bluetooth, 802.11ax |
| Brand | ASUS |
|---|---|
| Series | ROG Strix G15 |
| Item model number | G512LW-ES76 |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
| Item Weight | 5.28 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 14.2 x 10.8 x 1 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 14.2 x 10.8 x 1 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| Processor Count | 6 |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Flash Memory Size | 1 |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
Dell G15 Ryzen Edition Gaming 15 Laptop I 15.6″ FHD 165Hz 3ms I AMD 8-Core Ryzen 7 5800H
Despite its relatively low retail price, this gaming laptop is packed with top-of-the-line components. Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 3050 and AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processors have enough power to run the most recent AAA games at high resolutions.
There is only 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage in the standard configuration, but if you need additional memory or storage, you may always expand them yourself later on. Because of the anti-glare coating on the 1080p screen, which reduces reflections from overhead lighting, the default 120Hz refresh rate provides buttery smooth action.
With Wi-Fi 6, you’ll be able to enjoy lightning-fast wireless internet connections to help you dominate fast-paced online competitions. Because of its long battery life (up to 10 hours), the G15 may be used both for gaming and for work.
Product information
| Standing screen display size | 15.6 Inches |
|---|---|
| Screen Resolution | 1920×1080 |
| Max Screen Resolution | FHD (1920 x 1080) 165Hz Pixels |
| Processor | 3.2 GHz amd_r_series |
| RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Memory Speed | 3.2 GHz |
| Hard Drive | 512 GB SSD |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB |
| Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
| Card Description | Dedicated |
| Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 2 |
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Series | Dell G15 Ryzen Edition 5800H 3060 |
| Item model number | Dell G15 Ryzen Edition |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Item Weight | 5.39 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 14.06 x 10.7 x 1.06 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 14.06 x 10.7 x 1.06 inches |
| Color | Phantom Grey |
| Processor Brand | AMD |
| Processor Count | 8 |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Hard Drive Interface | Solid State |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 1.00 |
| Power Source | AC & Battery |
HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop,15.6″ FHD IPS, Intel 8th Gen i5+8300H, NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti 4GB, 8GB RAM, 16GB Intel Optane Memory, 1TB HDD
When it comes to being “budget-friendly,” this laptop from AMD is an excellent example. If you don’t mind having an outdated GPU, it’s a worthwhile buy. While the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card isn’t the newest and best in terms of technological advancements, it can still handle most triple-A games with relative ease.
There’s no need to worry about finding a power outlet for hours on end when you play on this gaming laptop’s 9-hour battery life. Upgrading the laptop’s RAM is not an option since the laptop only supports up to 16GB of RAM, which is plenty for most games but insufficient for other tasks like 3D modeling and rendering.
Product information
| Standing screen display size | 15.6 Inches |
|---|---|
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
| Processor | 4 GHz core_i5 |
| RAM | 8 GB DRAM |
| Memory Speed | 2666 MHz |
| Hard Drive | 1000 GB Mechanical Hard Drive |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Dedicated |
| Graphics Card Ram Size | 1 |
| Wireless Type | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11g |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 8.45 Hours |
| Brand | HP |
|---|---|
| Series | HP Pavilion |
| Item model number | 3WF00UA#ABA |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
| Item Weight | 5.18 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 10.01 x 14.4 x 1 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 10.01 x 14.4 x 1 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| Processor Count | 4 |
| Computer Memory Type | GDDR5 |
| Flash Memory Size | 16 |
| Hard Drive Interface | Serial ATA |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 5400 RPM |
| Optical Drive Type | No Optical Drive |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop, 9th Gen Intel Core i5-9300H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
Acer’s latest Nitro 5 model is a nice advance over its predecessors. You’ll be able to play all but the most visually demanding games with an Intel Core i7 11th generation processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card. Faster wireless internet with Wi-Fi 6 and DTS:X audio without the need for a headphone is possible thanks to the DTS:X audio and Wi-Fi 6 connection.
There are also four vents and two cooling fans to dissipate heat away from fragile components, allowing your laptop to function at ideal temperatures for longer periods of time than before. With an 8-hour battery life, you won’t have to worry about running out of juice in the middle of the night.
Product information
| Standing screen display size | 15.6 Inches |
|---|---|
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
| Processor | 4.1 GHz core_i5 |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
| Memory Speed | 4.1 GHz |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB Flash Memory Solid State |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 |
| Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
| Card Description | Dedicated |
| Wireless Type | 801.11ac |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 8 Hours |
| Brand | Acer |
|---|---|
| Series | AN515-54-5812 |
| Item model number | AN515-54-5812 |
| Hardware Platform | Windows |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
| Item Weight | 5.07 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 14.31 x 10.04 x 0.96 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 14.31 x 10.04 x 0.96 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| Processor Count | 4 |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Flash Memory Size | 256 |
| Hard Drive Interface | USB |
| Optical Drive Type | No Optical Drive |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
HP – OMEN Gaming 16.1″ Laptop – AMD Ryzen 7 5800H- 16GB Memory – AMD Radeon RX 6600M- 1TB SSD
As far as cheap gaming laptops go, HP’s Omen basic model is one of the best provided you don’t mind dealing with an outdated GTX 1650 GPU. However, an RTX 3050 Ti may be had for less than $1050. Many more options are available, such as 16GB of RAM or a 1TB SSD, as well as the option to update the laptop at a later period when components are less expensive.
Since you won’t have to worry about losing team conversation or your mouse disconnecting in the midst of a battle since this laptop has Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, you’ll be able to browse quicker while also enjoying more robust wireless connections to your peripherals like headsets and mice. As long as the battery is fully charged, you may play for up to 9 hours.
Product information
| Standing screen display size | 16.1 Inches |
|---|---|
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
| Processor | 4.4 GHz ryzen_7 |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Hard Drive | 1 TB SSD |
| Graphics Coprocessor | AMD Radeon RX 6600M |
| Chipset Brand | AMD |
| Wireless Type | Bluetooth |
| Brand | HP |
|---|---|
| Series | HP Omen |
| Item model number | 15-EN0013DX |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Item Weight | 5.1 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 14.54 x 9.76 x 0.91 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 14.54 x 9.76 x 0.91 inches |
| Color | Mica Silver |
| Processor Brand | AMD |
| Processor Count | 8 |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Flash Memory Size | 1 TB |
| Hard Drive Interface | Solid State |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
What is the best low-cost laptop for gaming?
In terms of affordable gaming laptops, Asus ROG Strix G15 is the finest option. Despite its low price, this laptop offers a strong CPU, stunning graphics, and a long battery life.
If you’re looking for an excellent gaming laptop, any of the alternatives on this list will do the trick.
What is the best low-cost gaming laptop for you?
When it comes to purchasing a PC, specs are often overestimated. However, when it comes to gaming systems, the opposite is true. For a cheap gaming laptop, you need to obtain the most value for your money. Even if you can afford to double your RAM or upgrade your graphics card, it’s a delicate balancing act. In the $1,000 price range, it’s more probable you’ll be able to obtain more than the minimum gaming laptop specs, such as a newer CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of solid-state storage. For those on a tight budget, you’ll have to make do with these rudimentary features.
The weight and battery life are also significant factors, although gaming laptops aren’t known for any of these attributes. While all of the laptops on our list are less than 5 pounds, a lighter system may be more important if you intend to carry your laptop about a lot. In terms of battery life, don’t hold your breath hoping for any miracles, since games that make use of more powerful components will drain the battery faster. However, if remaining disconnected for as long as possible is a must, the Acer Nitro 5’s stronger battery stats should be seriously considered.
How did we choose these low-cost laptops for gaming?
Because budget gaming laptops are all about value, we limited our selection to those that were around $1000. Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, as well as their respective online storefronts, sell these notebooks from well-known manufacturers.
The presence of a powerful separate graphics card was also essential since integrated graphics simply cannot handle anything more demanding than casual gaming on a laptop. It is common for manufacturers to promote these laptops to gamers, therefore features like neon-backlit keyboards and gaming hotkeys are commonly included.
Yes, but are they worth it?
When it comes to gaming laptops, the term “cheap” might be a little subjective. However, my selections for this list are all under $1,000. If you’re ready to sacrifice a few components, you can still acquire a decent computer if you’re looking for a machine with a lot of storage. To get the best deal, you’ll need to be willing to accept your laptop’s outdated graphics card or be able to upgrade it yourself. It’s possible to get certified pre-owned systems, but they are typically unprotected by any kind of guarantee, so you’ll have to pay for repairs or replacements yourself if a component breaks.
Is it possible to have too much RAM?
It’s true. At the very maximum, 16GB of RAM will be enough in the vast majority of games. There are a number of laptops that support up to 32, 64, or even 128GB of storage, but unless you plan to use your laptop for video editing or 3D modeling and rendering, you’re simply spending money to show off.
SSD vs. HDD: What’s the difference between the two?
A solid-state drive (SSD) and a hard disc drive (HDD) are two different types of storage devices. Because HDDs are based on older technology that employs a physical disc that is written and read like old, blank CD-Rs, they are often far less expensive. Physical components that break down and wear out over time make them more vulnerable to harm, making them more likely to be damaged. Programs and information are stored on a solid-state drive using flash memory and a specific chipset. These apps and data may also be accessed considerably more quickly as a result of this protection. Having an SSD as your boot disc means your computer will be up and running in a fraction of the time. Make sure your budget can accommodate the larger capacity since they are more costly.