Buying the best budget gaming laptop means making some concessions in hardware specifications. But that doesn’t mean you can’t play the same titles as other gamers. You are just limited to lower graphics settings, which is fine.Steam’s hardware survey shows that the RTX 4060 laptop GPU is the second most-used graphics card globally. It also shows that the vast majority of gamers (55%) play at 1080p, with 1440p gaming coming in at a distant second (19%).
These figures show that budget laptops are the mainstream devices, not the high-end, expensive rigs.
So, which budget gaming laptops are the best? I’ll cover the laptops that come out on top in different categories.
Best Budget Gaming Laptops
As mentioned, I’’ll cover the best affordable gaming laptops for different categories. You may not have as many options as someone shopping for a gaming desktop , but there’s a cheap laptop for everyone. I’ll also include technical specifications that affect your overall gaming experience. They include the following:
- GPU total power: Helps you understand your GPU’s performance ballpark. The higher the wattage, the higher the clock rate and heat production. Bigger computers have higher GPU power.
- Screen brightness and refresh rate: Shows your screen’s maximum brightness level. The refresh rate refers to how many frames (or pictures) your display can render per second. Higher refresh rates mean smoother gameplay.
- RAM speed: Measured in mega transfers per second (MT/s) or MHz, it explains how fast your RAM communicates with your CPU. RAM types, such as DDR5 and DDR4 , also indicate the level of performance to expect, with DDR5 RAM sticks being faster.
- Battery capacity: Provides insight into battery performance. While bigger batteries mean longer battery life, other factors like GPU power, cooling, and software optimizations also impact your battery.
Knowing these details is important because buying a cheap gaming laptop means forgoing specific specs and getting the best of others. Before we begin, here’s a snapshot of the best budget systems on our list:
|
CPU/GPU |
RAM/storage |
Battery (Wh) |
Price |
Release date |
| Lenovo LOQ 15 |
Intel Core i5-13450HX
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
|
12GB DDR5 (4800MHz)
512GB SSD
|
60 |
$799 |
2024 |
| Acer Nitro V 15 |
Intel Core i5-13420H
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (75W)
|
8GB DDR5 (5200MHz)
512GB SSD PCIe NVMe
|
57 |
From $650 |
2024 |
| HP Victus 15 |
Intel Core i5-13420H
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
|
16GB DDR4 (3200MT/s)
512GB SSD
|
52.5 |
From $659 |
2024 |
| Dell G16 |
Intel Core i7-13650HX
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
|
16GB DDR5 (4800MT/s)
1TB SSD
|
86 |
$949 |
2024 |
| Acer Nitro 16 |
AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
|
16GB DDR5 (5600MT/s)
512GB SSD
|
90 |
$999 |
2024 |
| ASUS TUF Gaming A15 |
AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
|
8GB DDR5 (4800MHz)
512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
|
90 |
$899 |
2023 |
| MSI Cyborg 14 |
Intel Core i7-13620H
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
|
16GB DDR5 (5600MHz)
512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
|
53.5 |
$1,099 |
2024 |
Lenovo LOQ 15: Best overall budget gaming PC
- Great budget laptop for 1080p gaming
- Sports some premium features like the MUX Switch and Optimus
- Excellent keyboard
- Sturdy build
- Build and design may not be for everyone
- Basic 1080p display
- Struggles with heavy gaming
- Poor battery life
| Component |
Specification |
| CPU |
Intel Core i5-13450HX |
| GPU |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (105W) |
| RAM |
12GB DDR5 (4800MHz) |
| Storage |
512GB SSD M.2 PCIe Gen4 |
| Screen |
15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) IPS; 144Hz; 330 nits |
| Battery |
60Wh |
| Price |
$799 |
Lenovo’s LOQ series gaming laptops have held a lasting reputation for offering budget gamers some of the best specifications. The LOQ 15 with the RTX 4050 is a great option for budget hunters who want to play at 1080p. The computer has the firepower to play just about any modern game, even the most demanding ones .
Benchmark credit: Gadget Pilipinas
However, you still have to accept the limitations of playing at 1080p, as the computer will struggle with 1440p gaming and ultra-high 1080p graphics settings. You also need to upgrade your SSD to be able to install more games since the included 512GB may be inadequate.
| Reasons to buy |
Reasons to avoid |
- You want the best gaming performance at this price point: The LOQ provides an all-round value for gameplay. It’s portable and features great gaming specs.
- You are okay with 1080p gaming: The RTX 4050 is adequate for 1080p in almost any setting. Since the laptop comes with a 1080p screen, there’s no use selecting 1440p settings.
|
- You want to play in higher settings: The computer may struggle with ultra 1080p and 1440p graphics settings, especially in high-end games.
- You need a longer-lasting battery: The 60Wh battery is inadequate for gameplay at any level and won’t serve well for regular tasks. If you intend to avoid carrying your charger on the go, you must look elsewhere.
|
Lenovo offers various LOQ configurations. That means adding a hundred bucks or more affords you better specifications. For example, you can get a 4060 configuration for $950 to $1,099.
Best entry-level options
Acer Nitro V 15
- Reasonably priced
- Great for 1080p gaming
- Upgradable SSD and RAM
- Not the best keyboard
- Can be quite noisy
- Performance is still limited
| Component |
Specification |
| CPU |
Intel Core i5-13420H |
| GPU |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (75W) |
| RAM |
8GB DDR5 (5200MHz) |
| Storage |
512GB SSD M.2 PCIe Gen4 |
| Screen |
15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) IPS; 144Hz; 275 nits |
| Battery |
57Wh |
| Price |
$650 to $850 |
Acer’s Nitro lineup has always been one of the first series to think about when shopping for budget gaming systems. The Acer Nitro V 15 lives up to that reputation. It’s certainly not the best at producing optimum performance but delivers quite well for its price.
Benchmark credit: Notebookcheck
It’s ideal if you have a restrictive budget but want to enjoy modern games, even if in relatively lower settings. At this price, you should feel good about your purchase.
| Reasons to buy |
Reasons to avoid |
- You have a tight budget: This is one of the best options at entry level since you’ll get NVIDIA’s 40 series instead of a 3050.
- You are getting your first laptop: The Nitro V 15 is ideal if you’re purchasing a laptop as a first-time gamer or for a child.
|
- You need a better audio experience: The computer’s fans can get quite loud during intense gaming, which can ruin audio quality. The speakers are also not powerful enough to overcome the fan noise.
- You want to play more demanding games at higher settings: You may have to look for an option with a higher configuration if you want to play more graphics-intensive games at ultra-high settings in the future.
|
While Acer reserves the Nitro lineup for entry-level gaming, you still have purchase options with the RTX 4060 if you can afford to raise your budget. For those looking for even cheaper bargains, you can get the RTX 4050 configuration for
$700 from Amazon . Systems with older CPU and GPU generations also cost less.
HP Victus 15
- Incredibly well-priced
- Great performance at this price level
- 250 nits is quite dim even at this price point
- Plastic build may not inspire confidence
- Subpar battery life
| Component |
Specification |
| CPU |
Intel Core i5-13420H |
| GPU |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (75W) |
| RAM |
16GB DDR4 (3200MT/s) |
| Storage |
512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD |
| Screen |
15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) IPS; 144Hz; 250 nits |
| Battery |
70Wh |
| Price |
From $650 |
Walmart once ran a sale for the HP Victus 15 (2024) at $500, as evidenced by this Reddit post . However, it’s gone up to $639.19 as of the time of writing, which is still a great price for an RTX 4050. Similar offerings on Amazon make it the cheapest gaming laptop on this list. It’s one of those deals that don’t leave you questioning your purchase decisions down the line. Its 16GB RAM is plenty good for gaming, but you may have to install an extra storage stick to load more games.
Benchmark credit: Notebookcheck
| Reasons to buy |
Reasons to avoid |
- You are shopping for a 1080p gaming laptop: If you’re only looking to game at 1080p, the Victus will serve your needs just fine, as its 144Hz screen is enough to render high frame rates.
- You need an understated computer: The HP Victus 15 is one of those laptops that doesn’t scream “gaming PC.” This design trust makes it ideal if you want to use your system in public without drawing too much attention.
|
- You need a brighter screen: The HP Victus’ 250 nits max brightness falls short of what is needed to game outside. You should look elsewhere if you intend to game in well-lit environments.
- You need a better chassis: Not many budget computers come in ceramic or metallic finishes. However, you could get a better build quality than the Victus if you raise your budget a little.
|
Also, don’t expect the best in terms of speaker quality and fan noise. You may have to invest in headphones for a richer audio experience.
Dell G16 (7630): Best value
- Great value for the price
- Incredible gaming performance
- Brilliant screen
- Mediocre 720p/30fps webcam
- May be too bulky for some
| Component |
Specification |
| CPU |
Intel Core i7-13650HX |
| GPU |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (140W) |
| RAM |
16GB DDR5 (4800MT/s) |
| Storage |
1TB M.2 PCIe Gen4 SSD |
| Screen |
16″, QHD+ (2560×1600) IPS; 240Hz; 300 nits |
| Battery |
86Wh |
| Price |
$949 |
Price is the only reason the Dell G16 is not our overall best budget laptop. However, if you can squeeze out $949 for this laptop, you’ll be getting one of the best deals on the market. Other laptops cut some corners, from RAM and storage size to screen resolution and refresh rate. But not the G16. The configuration has enough firepower to deal with gaming at 1080p and 1440p for most modern titles, even at high settings. Throw in frame generation and DLSS, and you’ll be pushing out frame rates that are worthy of the laptop’s beautiful 240Hz screen.
Benchmark credit: Tom’s Hardware
| Reasons to buy |
Reasons to avoid |
- You want to play at 1080p and some 1440p: The RTX 4060 option can handle 1080p flawlessly and produce relatively decent frame rates at 1440p.
- You want a brilliant screen: Dell offers one of the best screens at this price point. You can render your 1440p games comfortably without the need for an external monitor, and the 240Hz display means you can take full advantage of the 4060.
|
You want something cheaper: Only your budget should legitimately deny you the prospect of snagging this gorgeous deal. |
On top of that, you get great upgrade options with 2 RAM and SSD slots. The SSD slots are modular, as you can use 2230 and 2280 form factors on either side. What’s more, it’s one of the easiest laptops open for upgrades.
Best upgrade potential
Acer Nitro 16
- Great SSD and RAM upgrade options
- Excellent 1080p gaming performance
- Reliable cooling
- Decent battery life
- Not the best build quality
- Prices out gamers with very tight budgets
- Poor speakers
- Sub-par webcam
- Not a portable option
| Component |
Specification |
| CPU |
AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS |
| GPU |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (140W) |
| RAM |
16GB DDR5 (5600MT/s) |
| Storage |
512GB M.2 PCIe Gen4 SSD |
| Screen |
16″ FHD (1920×1200) IPS; 165Hz; 300 nits |
| Battery |
90Wh |
| Price |
$999 |
The Acer Nitro 16 has two M.2 slots and runs a dual-channel RAM configuration. You can expand your memory to 32GB, which is about the most you can get at this price point. However, Acer allows you to add different SSD form factors, as there are extra screws for smaller-sized units. The computer is also one of the easiest to open, which means you don’t need a lot of technical experience to install upgrades. Apart from the system’s upgradability, it’s quite capable of 1080p gaming in any setting. If you can’t afford the 4060 version, you can get the RTX 4050 configuration for $100+ less.
Benchmark credit: PC World
| Reasons to buy |
Reasons to avoid |
- You want to keep your upgrade and repair options open: The Acer Nitro 16 offers two SSD and RAM slots with a high upgrade allowance at this price point. The battery and network card are also quite easy to replace.
- You need great battery life: While not the best battery on a gaming laptop, it’s one of the best at this price range. The MUX switch and lower performance modes can get you up to 9 hours on battery for video playback.
|
- You want a portable computer: While the laptop can fit into some backpacks, it’s one of the heaviest on this list at 2.8 kg without the charger.
- You need a reliable webcam: You either have to invest in an external webcam or go for another computer, as it’s tough to recommend the Nitro 16’s camera.
|
ASUS TUF Gaming A15
- Excellent 1080p and 1440p gaming performance
- Decent upgrade options
- Great build quality
- Good battery life
- The display could be brighter
- 1080p screen may feel limiting with the RTX 4060
- Subpar trackpad
- The initial RAM offering is low
| Component |
Specification |
| CPU |
AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS |
| GPU |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (140W) |
| RAM |
8GB DDR5 (4800MHz) |
| Storage |
512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD |
| Screen |
15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) IPS; 144Hz; 300 nits |
| Battery |
90Wh |
| Price |
$899 |
The ASUS TUF lineup offers some of the most cost-effective laptop offerings for gamers. The TUF A15 with the RTX 4060 is a decent rig for 1080p gameplay at the highest settings and can also pump out respectable frame rates at 1440p.
Benchmark credit: Games Radar
However, you may have to adjust to some of ASUS’s cutbacks for this configuration. 8GB of RAM may be okay for entry-level gaming, but you may have to upgrade to meet the minimum requirements for certain titles like Forespoken and Alan Wake 2.
The good thing is that upgradability is one of the computer’s strongest suits. You can add extra RAM and M.2 SSD sticks to the additional slots under the hood. I also consider it one of the best laptops for students since its battery can last a while on regular day-to-day tasks.
| Reasons to buy |
Reasons to avoid |
- You want to upgrade in the future: Like the Acer Nitro 16, you also get a dual-channel memory configuration and two M.2 SSD slots. However, it lacks extra options for smaller SSD form factors.
- You’re looking for a bargain: While it may be more expensive than other entry-level laptops, the A15 is one of the best value finds. Its current MSRP is cheaper than the Acer Nitro 16 and offers all the basic configurations if you discount RAM size.
|
- You need a brighter screen: The laptop’s 290-nit screen is not a great option if you want to game outdoors.
- You have a 2230 SSD: Your laptop choice shouldn’t force you to buy a new SSD. If you have a 2230 (22 mm wide and 30 mm long), you may not be able to insert it into the TUF A15.
|
MSI Cyborg 14: Best portable option
- Compact and portable budget gaming PC
- Quite pricey for what it offers
- Poor battery life
- Dim display
- Poor speakers
- Poor 4060 performance due to lower TDP
| Component |
Specification |
| CPU |
Intel Core i7-13620H |
| GPU |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (45W) |
| RAM |
16GB DDR5 (5600MHz) |
| Storage |
512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Screen |
14″ FHD (1920×1200) IPS; 144Hz; 250 nits |
| Battery |
53.5Wh |
| Price |
$1,099 |
Small gaming computers are not the cheapest gaming laptops. You need to spend more to go smaller. Cramming hardware into smaller spaces just costs more for manufacturers. That is why the MSI Cyborg 14 is quite the bargain at $1,099. I found options at Best Buy and Amazon ($1,049) at that price, but you may struggle to find it below $1,300 elsewhere.
Don’t let the RTX 4060 fool you. The 45W TDP is a significant drawback that prevents the GPU from producing enough clock speeds to pump out good frame rates. MSI had to scale back on power due to cooling deficiencies and the small form factor.
Benchmark credit: Just Josh
Apart from the performance issue, your upgrade options are also slightly limited. While it has two RAM slots (which is rare for a 14-inch laptop), the size only affords you a single SSD slot.
| Reasons to buy |
Reasons to avoid |
- You need a lightweight PC: The Cyborg 14 is one of the lightest laptops around, weighing about 1.6 kilograms (3.53 pounds).
- You have a small budget: You won’t get many other 14-inch offers like the Cyborg 14 at this price point.
|
- You want more screen real estate: Gaming on a 14″ laptop may be great for mobility, but you could be losing the excitement that comes with larger screens. You might be better off with a 15″ screen if you’re transitioning from a larger display.
- You need battery life: The excitement of using a portable laptop may become sour when you realize you cannot use your computer for too long. While the 53.5Wh battery holds up nicely for its size, you won’t get all-day endurance on regular tasks.
|
You can also consider the Acer Helios Neo 14, which is quite rare to find at this price point. However, Amazon has some offers for just under $1,000 for the RTX 4060 configuration.
How to Choose the Best Budget Gaming Laptop: Buying Tips for Every Part
These are the specifications that should make the difference when finding affordable gaming laptops that fit your budget:
| Component |
Key tips |
Example |
| Processor |
- Pair a mid-range CPU like a recent generation Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 with a modern GPU
- If running simulations and other CPU-intensive games, consider getting an Intel Core i7 or Ryzen 7 instead
- Avoid CPUs that lack integrated graphics
|
Intel Core i5-13500H (or Core i7-13620H) + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 |
| RAM |
- 16GB is the minimum requirement for most modern games, but you can go for 8GB if your budget restricts you
- Ensure your chosen laptop is upgradable
- RAM speed is also a factor you should consider
|
16GB DDR5 RAM; 4600MT/s |
| Storage |
- Faster SSDs improve load times
- 256GB is inadequate if you intend to store multiple games
|
512GB minimum
1TB recommended
|
| Display |
- Look for brighter (from 250 nits) 1080p IPS panels with high refresh rates at the minimum
- Computers with MUX switches are a plus for power efficiency
- Get a QHD screen if you intend to purchase a 4060 GPU and game at 1440p (will cost more)
|
FHD (1920×1080); 144Hz; 300 nits |
| Graphics |
- Focus on your GPU: RTX 3050, 3060, and 4050 video cards are adequate for high-setting 1080p gaming
- You need RTX 4060 and above for comfortable 1440p gaming
- Total GPU power is also critical
|
RTX 4050 (90 to 115W)
RTX 4060 (90 to 130W)
|
| Battery |
Larger batteries will help; however, look out for power optimizations like the inclusion of MUX switches and screen efficiency |
From 60Wh for smaller form factors to 75Wh for bigger systems |
Here’s a snapshot of your buying checklist:
✅ Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7 (13th to 14th gen), and AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 (7000 to 8000 series).
✅ Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, 3060, 4050, or 4060 (the higher total wattage the better).
✅ RAM: From 8GB (16GB is preferred).
✅ Storage: From 512GB.
✅ Display: FHD+ (1920×1080 or 1200); 144Hz; 300 nits.
✅ Battery: 60 to 90Wh, depending on computer size.
Below are some other important factors to consider:
Your budget will determine all the sacrifices you have to make. Drawing a line in the sand will ensure you find something that works for you, even if a slightly better configuration costs a few bucks more.
Focus on the specifications that matter
As mentioned, your GPU is the most important component for gaming. Still, it’s a good idea to make your priorities clear. If you want to play games that rely on heavy CPU calculations, you can go for a higher processor. Other specs like speakers, webcams, keyboards, and ports can take a backseat until you have the important ones figured out.
Consider refurbished laptops
Refurbished laptops are not used and dinged-up computers like people imagine. Yes, they’re pre-owned, but these laptops have been restored to the same standards as brand-new systems through repairs and rigorous testing. As such, it is like getting a new computer. The plus side is that they are cheaper. You can purchase manufacturer-certified refurbished laptops or find deals on sites like Amazon and eBay.
Research and compare prices
There may be multiple laptops that meet your requirements and are within your budget. While you should snag up the best deal you find as soon as possible, take a minute or two to check alternatives for better prices and offerings. For example, a computer at the same price might offer slightly better specs than what you wanted to buy.
What Is a Reasonable Price to Pay for a Budget Gaming Laptop?
Budget gaming laptops are generally classified as computers between $600 and $1,000. I consider any amount within that range reasonable as long as you have the best specifications to show for it.
As you would expect, the upper range gets you better hardware and vice versa. The best value on this list remains the Dell G16 at the time of writing. However, you’ll feel good about other lower-priced laptops if your budget is tight.
| Budget |
Configuration |
Ideal price range |
Expected resolution |
| Entry-level budget |
RTX 3050
Core i5 (13th gen)
Regular 300-nits 1080p IPS panel (144Hz)
512GB storage and 8 to 16GB RAM
Plastic build
|
$600 to $700 |
1080p |
| Budget |
RTX 4050
Core i5 (14th gen) or Core i7 (13th gen)
Regular 300-nits 1080p IPS panel (144Hz)
512GB storage and 8 to 16GB RAM
Plastic build
|
$700 to $850 |
1080p |
| Higher budget/lower mid-range |
RTX 4050 or 4060
Core i5 (14th gen) or Core i7 (13th or 14th gen)
300-nits 1080p IPS panel with MUX switch and other advanced features or QHD screen with advanced features and 240Hz
1TB SSD and 16 to 32GB RAM
Aluminium plus plastic build
|
$850 to $1,000 |
1080p
1440p (RTX 4060)
|
Get the Best Laptop for Your Pocket
While your choices are limited compared to budget gaming desktops , you can still play the latest titles with low funds. Remember that the goal is finding an option that not only fits into your budget but also makes you feel that you spent right. Achieving that requires identifying where priorities lie, from the types of games you intend to play to your preferred form factor and game resolution. Head to the comments section to tell us the laptop you picked!
FAQ
I consider anything below $1,000 reasonable for a gaming laptop. However, you must make peace with your limitations at this price point. While you’ll get some RTX 4060 laptops at this price range, purchasing a QHD (1440p) screen might be a tall order.
Yes. $1,000 is enough to buy a decent gaming computer. However, if you add about $100 more, you could purchase an RTX 4070 laptop during peak sale periods.
I’ve always recommended 16GB of RAM for gaming since it can see you through the most demanding titles. However, people interested in gaming in lower settings can go for entry-level laptops with 8GB of RAM as long as they are open to upgrading in the future.
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