Finding the best cheap gaming laptops can be difficult, but they can deliver good performance while remaining within your budget. Yet difficulty does not equivalent to impossibility. There are many important things to keep in mind when looking for the most suitable and cheap gaming laptops as they come in a variety of sizes, specs, and designs.
As a result, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best options, all of which have undergone extensive testing to ensure their performance and quality. Even though the most recent laptops with the most powerful components might be out of your price range, you can still find a cheap gaming laptop with the last generation’s specs that is still more than capable for a fair price. Since playing video games is a costly hobby, it can quickly cost a lot of money with all the games and accessories.
We bring you the ultimate guide to buying cheap gaming laptops in 2023!
What to Consider while Purchasing a Cheap Gaming Laptop?
In terms of screen resolution, 1080p and certain 1440p displays strike the ideal balance between cost and necessary GPU power. For a cheap gaming laptop that prioritizes value, it is truly the only choice. Prepare yourself for 1080p and some 1440p gaming even if you manage to get a cheap laptop with a high-quality 4K panel because the GPU inside won’t be able to run games at that resolution.
Try to avoid laptops with a single solid-state drive when it comes to storage. You may have to settle for a machine with a slower, but somewhat roomier, spinning hard drive because even a model with a 256GB SSD barely has room to have many games installed and available.
How to Choose the Best Budget Gaming Laptops in 2023?
Budget gaming laptops need to be affordable, so we limited the models on the list to those that were at or less $1,000. These notebooks are sold on well-known online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart and come from well-known manufacturers.
Because integrated graphics are insufficient for graphically demanding games, a powerful discrete graphics card was also required for inclusion in the list. Some laptop manufacturers specifically make them for gamers, thus they typically add features like gaming hotkeys and neon-backlit keyboards.
Here is the list of the best budget and cheap gaming laptops in 2023 with specs and details:
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 – Best Budget and Cheap Gaming Laptop Overall
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 is still the finest of the best, although it isn’t nearly as fresh and shiny. Although the Asus “Republic of Gamers” brand has created some outstanding cheap gaming laptops (you’ll see a couple more if you scroll down), this is the big favorite.
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 is the best cheap gaming laptop that can easily run all the newest games thanks to a powerful AMD Ryzen processor, a choice of Nvidia RTX 3000 GPU, a brilliant screen, and an all-around fantastic design. During our extensive testing, its battery life was also legendary, lasting around eight to nine hours, which puts it on par with the tough Asus TUF Dash F15.
Specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800HS
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 – 3080
- Screen and Display: 6 inches, 2560 x 1440 QHD Display
- RAM: 32GB RAM
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Battery: up to 9 hours 27 minutes
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i – Cheap Gaming Laptop with High performance
The RTX 4080 mobile GPU in the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i makes it one of the most potent and cheap gaming laptops you’ve examined thus far. When you put it through its paces, it offered outstanding gaming performance, easily passing all of our graphics-based benchmark tests, and coming very close to matching the results for the Alienware Aurora R15 gaming PC. With games like Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered looking their finest, this level of power also transfers to gameplay performance.
Because of its extremely ridiculous 16-inch WQXGA, 240Hz, 500nits display, we found that the refresh rate was sufficient for expert gamers when we put it through a gaming test. The screen is quite bright and has high-definition quality. It also has an RGB-lit keyboard and a great assortment of ports.
Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i9-13900HX
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 12GB GDDR6
- Screen and Display: 16 inches, 2560 x 1600 IPS Display
- RAM: 32GB RAM
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Battery: up to 7 hours
Dell G5 15 SE (2020) – Cheap Gaming Laptop with Helpful Software
Because of its incredible CPU performance, fantastic battery life, and bright 15.6-inch display, the Dell G5 15 SE (2020) is a fantastic mainstream and cheap gaming laptop. The machine consistently outperformed the competition thanks to its AMD processor. The laptop’s battery life, which lasted over 7 hours, was also impressive. You’ve got a winner on your hands if you add an AMD graphics card that can compete with the most demanding AAA games.
The laptop also offers a very comfortable keyboard and a monitor that is both bright and vivid. You like the hood’s iridescent silver paint job and the generous number of ports that allow you to connect all of your necessary accessories. One of the best cheap gaming laptops you can buy for the money is the Dell G5 15 SE (2020).
Specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen R7 4800H
- Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 5600M
- Screen and Display: 6 inches, 1920 x 1080, 144Hz Display
- RAM: 16GB RAM
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Battery: up to 7 hours
Acer Nitro 5 – Cheap Gaming Laptop for Beginners
The Acer Nitro 5 model has a few nice upgrades over earlier Nitro 5 iterations that utilized Intel Core i5 processors. With an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card and an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, you’ll be able to play any games save those with the highest graphics requirements. You can access the internet more quickly thanks to Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, and DTS: X audio produces richer, more immersive audio without the use of headphones.
Moreover, it has better heat dissipation than earlier models. The Acer Nitro 5 boasts twin cooling fans and four vents to suck waste heat away from fragile components and enable your laptop to function at optimal temperatures for a longer period than other gaming laptops, which may require a cooling pad to maintain optimal performance. You may play your favorite games all night long without worrying about plugging anything in thanks to the 8-hour battery life.
Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
- Screen and Display: 6 inches, 1920 x 1080, Full HD Display
- RAM: 16GB RAM
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Battery: up to 8 hours
HP Omen – Cheap Gaming Laptop for Customization
One of the most affordable cheap gaming laptops available right now is the HP Omen base model, which is a reliable machine with top-notch components like the GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card. You can later update the laptop yourself to take advantage of cheaper parts, or you can choose from a range of additional reasonably priced upgrades like 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.
Also, this laptop has Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity for faster internet speeds and more reliable wireless connections to peripherals like headsets and mice, thus you won’t have to worry about your mouse disconnecting in the middle of a game or your team losing communication.
Specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 6600H
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 – 3080
- Screen and Display: 1 inch, 1920 x 1080 FHD Display
- RAM: 16GB RAM
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Battery: up to 9 hours
Asus TUF Gaming FX705 – Cheap Gaming Laptop with Vivid Display
The TUF Gaming FX705 is an option for anyone seeking a sizable, midrange, yet affordable cheap gaming laptop. The 17.3-inch, 144-Hz display on the FX705 is vibrant and detailed, while the GTX 1060 GPU and Core i7 CPU offer top-notch all-around performance. The laptop also boasts a lot of connections, a comfy keyboard with programmable lighting, and a remarkable battery life of over 6 hours for a gaming laptop at any price range.
The laptop’s 17.3-inch, 1920 x 1080, 144Hz refresh rate display left us incredibly impressed. The laptop not only produced very smooth frames, but it is also vibrant and bright. It’s fantastic for gaming and viewing movies. Overall, the Asus TUF Gaming FX705 is a reliable midrange gaming laptop that provides outstanding performance at a fair price.
Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i5-8300H
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 1050 Ti
- Screen and Display: 6 inches, 1920 x 1080, Full HD Display
- RAM: 8GB RAM
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Storage: 128GB SSD, 1Tb HDD
- Battery: up to 6 hours
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 – Cheap Gaming Laptop with Solid Gaming Display
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a low-cost cheap gaming laptop with respectable performance provided by its RTX 3050 GPU, but some users may be turned off by the poor display. This laptop is for you if you don’t care about how vivid your colors are or how bright your screen can go, especially if you’re content to play games at medium graphics settings.
If that sounds harsh, remember that it is under $800, making it a good option for individuals who are first and foremost trying to save money. The IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a near-perfect example of a “budget gaming laptop,” but you’re seriously sacrificing performance and visual fidelity to save money.
Specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 6600H
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050
- Screen and Display: 6 inches, 1920 x 1080 FHD Display
- RAM: 16GB RAM
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Battery: up to 9 hours
Corsair Voyager a1600 – Cheap Gaming Laptop with the best AMD-Powered Processor
Last August was Corsair’s first foray into the gaming laptop market and must admit that customers are impressed with the product. The Corsair Voyager a1600 is a unique laptop, with features like its large, gorgeous 16:10 screen and a bar of touch buttons (plus a small LCD panel) above the keyboard.
Its keyboard is fantastic as well; it makes use of Cherry MX Ultra-Low Profile mechanical key switches, which are uncommon in gaming laptops and have an amazing gaming feel. With the outstanding Radeon RX 6800M graphics card and the potent Ryzen 9 6900HS processor, this gaming laptop is also entirely AMD-powered.
Specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS
- Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 6800M
- Screen and Display: 16 inches, 2560 x 1600, 240Hz Display
- RAM: 32GB RAM
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Battery: up to 6 hours
HP Gaming Pavilion 15-dk0046nr – Cheap Gaming Laptop with Stellar performance and Excellent Battery
The HP Gaming Pavilion 15-dk0046nr is a stylish, somewhat portable entry-level gaming laptop with a potent Intel Core i7 processor, Nvidia GeForce Graphics, a responsive SSD, and excellent battery life. The laptop’s features, power, and durability earned it a spot on our list of the best inexpensive gaming laptops under $1,000.
Just because Pavilion 15 is an inexpensive system doesn’t mean you should disregard it. The notebook can play games with good frame rates because it has very powerful specs. Yet with a battery life of about 6 hours, it has plenty of stamina. Even while gaming, it maintains a respectable level of coolness.
Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
- Screen and Display: 6 inches, 1920 x 1080, Full HD Display
- RAM: 12GB RAM
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Battery: up to 6 hours
Legion Slim 7 Gen 7 – Cheap Gaming Laptop with High Resolution
With its 16-inch IPS display, the Legion Slim 7 Gen 7 has little trouble utilizing quick frame rates in Full HD. With a 16:10 aspect ratio, you get a little bit more vertical resolution than 1080p, but your games will run at 165Hz, and FreeSync compatibility gets rid of annoying screen tearing and stuttering. Although not particularly hair-raising, the Radeon RX 6600S graphics will coexist peacefully with the Ryzen 7 processor and display while maintaining those frame rates.
Specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 6800H
- Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 6600S
- Screen and Display: 16 inches, 1920 x 1200, IPS Display
- RAM: 16GB RAM
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Battery: up to 6 hours
Final Remarks
There are many great options available when it comes to finding the best cheap gaming laptop to buy. While some may have limitations in terms of processing power or graphics capabilities, there are still many excellent laptops that can provide a solid gaming experience without breaking the bank.
It’s important to carefully consider your needs and budget when choosing a cheap gaming laptop and to look for features like a dedicated graphics card, ample storage space, and a comfortable keyboard and display. With the right combination of features and affordability, you can find a gaming laptop that will provide hours of entertainment and immersive gameplay.
Read Also: How to Take Care of Your Laptop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some FAQs related to cheap gaming laptops:
Q – Will a gaming laptop last 5 years?
Performance-wise, a good gaming laptop should last five years or so. Choose a laptop that performs as well as or better than a console. The GPU has the biggest impact on a gaming laptop’s lifespan.
Q – How good does the display need to be in a gaming laptop?
You’re hardly going to get a 4K or even QHD screen resolution in a budget gaming laptop. Yet, Full HD is adequate for the majority of computers, and the modest resolution will enable you to achieve quick frame rates even in the absence of the most potent hardware.
Q – Can games damage my laptop?
Another issue that frequently comes up is if gaming harms the machines it runs on. Can a desktop or laptop become harmed over time if a game makes it run hard? Generally speaking, the response is clear, no.
Q – What processor for future gaming in 2023?
The Core i9-13900K is Intel’s fastest gaming CPU, and while it isn’t quite as fast as AMD’s Ryzen 9 5900X3D, it is faster than the other Ryzen 7000 series processors and has a better-balanced performance profile.
Q – Which GPU is the best for gaming laptops?
We suggest Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 3060 Ti if you’re looking for the best 1080p and 1440p gaming GPU in terms of pricing, performance, and features. If you can locate one, the $399 MSRP Founders Edition card we tested offers outstanding value, but many independent sellers also provide reliable RTX 3060 Ti cards that they have created.
Q – What other things should a gaming laptop have?
The keyboard is likely the next most crucial component after the GPU, CPU, memory, storage, and screen. Ensure that using it is simple and comfortable.
Instead of using the trackpad, you’ll probably want to connect a controller or put in a gaming mouse.
It’s also important to keep in mind that low-cost laptops may offer a few advantages over expensive models, mostly because of their thicker chassis. Connectivity is typically preferred over more expensive options because of the more space for ports provided by the chunkier design.
Q – Does gaming harms laptop battery?
It’s entirely safe to leave it plugged in, and when playing games, it works best to leave it powered by the mains. Don’t worry about the battery becoming damaged. A laptop battery cannot be overcharged or damaged.
Q – How much RAM does a gaming laptop needs?
The majority of games advocate using 16GB of RAM, which will significantly improve performance above 8 GB. Applications can be executed in the background without interfering with gameplay.
Q – Are budget gaming laptops worth it?
When it comes to gaming laptops, the term “cheap” is quite ambiguous. But, I made an effort to keep my selections on this list at or below $1,000. If you’re ready to give up some features, such as high frame rates or a high refresh rate, you can still buy a worthwhile system, even though they probably won’t blow you away when it comes to things like storage.
Q – Which gaming laptop brand is best?
For our money, the Razer and Asus laptops are neck-and-neck for the best gaming laptop. We especially like the sleek, fashionable Blade series of laptops from Razer since they have a matte black gaming MacBook appearance.
