7 Budget-friendly gaming laptops with good performance

Discover the best budget-friendly gaming laptops that deliver impressive performance without emptying your wallet. Find out which models offer the perfect balance of power, features, and affordability for an unforgettable gaming experience.

With technology advancing rapidly, affordable gaming laptops now pack a serious punch, capable of handling the latest titles with impressive graphics and smooth gameplay. In this article, we delve into the world of budget-friendly gaming laptops, exploring the top contenders that offer an excellent balance of power, features, and affordability. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a competitive enthusiast, there’s a perfect laptop out there waiting for you.

At a glance

1. Gigabyte Aorus 15 – Best Budget Gaming Laptop Overall under $1,500.
2. Asus TUF A15 – Great choice under $800, known for its durability and performance.
3. MSI Thin GF63 – Offers solid gaming performance under $1,000.
4. Acer Nitro 17 – An excellent budget gaming laptop with a larger screen under $1,200.
5. Lenovo Legion 5 – Known for its superb 1080p gaming experience under $1,200.
6. MSI Bravo 15 – A lightweight option for gamers on the go under $1,000.
7. Acer Chromebook 516 GE – A gaming Chromebook for casual gamers under $700.

These laptops have been recognized for their balance between cost and performance, making them suitable choices for gamers looking to maximize their budget.

What is a Gaming Laptop?

A gaming laptop is a high-performance portable computer designed specifically to handle the demands of modern video games. Unlike standard laptops, which are built for general use and productivity, gaming laptops prioritize delivering the best gaming experience possible. They are equipped with powerful hardware, advanced cooling systems, and features tailored to gamers’ needs.

Best budget-friendly gaming laptops

Gigabyte Aorus 15

The Gigabyte Aorus 15 is a powerhouse, boasting a 13th-Gen Intel Core i7 and Nvidia’s RTX 4070 mobile GPU. Its performance in gaming is stellar, handling most modern titles with ease. The high-refresh-rate display ensures smooth visuals, and the mechanical keyboard is a joy to use. However, its design might not appeal to everyone, and it’s relatively heavy. The battery life is decent for a gaming laptop, but don’t expect it to last all day.

GIGABYTE AORUS 15: 15.6″ 16:9 Thin Bezel QHD 2560×1440 165Hz, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR6, Intel Core i7-13700H, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, Win11 Home (AORUS 15 BKF-73US754SH)

Asus TUF A15

Asus TUF A15 strikes a fine balance between cost and performance. It’s a robust machine with new AMD processors and a solid 1080p gaming capability. The battery life is impressive, but the fans can get noisy under load. The design is functional but lacks flair, which might deter some users looking for a more stylish gaming laptop.

ASUS TUF Gaming A15 (2024) Gaming Laptop, 15.6” FHD 144Hz Display, NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2050, AMD Ryzen™ 5 7535HS, 8GB DDR5, 512GB PCIe® Gen4 NVMe™ SSD, Wi-Fi 6, Windows 11, FA506NF-ES51

MSI Thin GF63

The MSI Thin GF63 offers commendable gaming performance at its price point. It has a sturdy build and a responsive keyboard, making it a good choice for gamers on a budget. However, the battery life is average, and the laptop comes with some pre-installed bloatware. Additionally, the charging cable design could obstruct one of the USB ports, which is a minor inconvenience.

MSI Thin GF63 15.6″ 144Hz Gaming Laptop: 12th Gen Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, 16GB DDR4, 512GB NVMe SSD, Type-C, Cooler Boost 5, Win11 Home: Black 12VE-066US

Acer Nitro 17

The Acer Nitro 17 is an affordable option for those seeking 1440p gaming. It features a long battery life and a variety of ports. However, the keyboard and speakers leave something to be desired, and the laptop’s size can be cumbersome for those who value portability.

Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop | AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS Octa-Core CPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU | 17.3″ FHD 165Hz IPS Display | 16GB DDR5 | 1TB Gen 4 SSD | Wi-Fi 6E | RGB Backlit KB | AN17-41-R8N5

Lenovo Legion 5

The Lenovo Legion 5 is known for its excellent 1080p gaming experience and superb thermal performance. It has a high-quality keyboard and a subtle design that’s packed with ports. On the downside, the display is not the most vibrant, and the laptop is heavier and thicker than some of its competitors.

Lenovo Legion 5 Gaming Laptop 15.6″ WQHD IPS 165Hz 350nits 100% sRGB AMD Octa-Core Ryzen 7 7735HS 32GB RAM 1TB SSD GeForce RTX 4060 8GB USB-C Backlit Rapid Charge Win11 Gray + HDMI Cable

MSI Bravo 15

The MSI Bravo 15 is a solid 1080p gaming performer with a high-refresh display. It’s powered by a potent Ryzen 4000 series processor and offers good battery life. However, the keyboard is single-color, and the CPU can run hot, which may affect performance during extended gaming sessions.

MSI Bravo 15 15.6″ 144Hz Gaming Laptop: AMD Ryzen R7-5800H, RX 5500M, 16GB, 512GB NVMe SSD, Win11 (B5DD-244)

Acer Chromebook 516 GE

The Acer Chromebook 516 GE is a unique entry in the gaming laptop market, designed specifically for cloud-based gaming. It has a 120Hz display and a comfortable keyboard, but its performance is heavily dependent on your internet connection. While it’s a good value buy, the SSD is slow, and the lack of VRR support might be a dealbreaker for some gamers.

Acer Chromebook 516 GE Cloud Gaming Laptop | 16.0″ WQXGA 2560×1600 100% sRGB 120Hz IPS | Intel Core i5-1240P | 16GB LPDDR4X | 256GB Gen 4 SSD | Wi-Fi 6E | RGB Backlit KB | Chrome OS | CBG516-1H-53TD

Considerations When Choosing a Gaming Laptop

When selecting a gaming laptop, there are several important considerations to keep in mind to ensure you get the best possible gaming experience. Here’s what you should look for:

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU):

The GPU is the most crucial component for gaming. Look for laptops with Nvidia GeForce RTX or AMD Radeon RX series GPUs for optimal performance.

Central Processing Unit (CPU):

A powerful CPU is essential for running games smoothly. Consider laptops with the latest Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processors1.

Memory (RAM):

Aim for at least 16GB of RAM for gaming, but more is better if you plan to run other applications simultaneously.

Storage:

SSDs offer faster load times and better performance than traditional HDDs. Look for at least 512GB of storage, or consider laptops with additional slots for expansion.

Display:

A higher refresh rate (120Hz or more) and lower response time will result in smoother gameplay. Resolution is also important, with 1080p being the standard, but 4K displays are becoming more common.

Build Quality and Form Factor:

Durability is important for a device that may be frequently moved. Also, consider the laptop’s weight and size if portability is a priority for you.

Keyboard and Input:

A comfortable keyboard with good key travel and responsiveness can enhance your gaming experience. Backlit keys and macro support are also beneficial.

Cooling System:

Gaming laptops generate a lot of heat, so a robust cooling system is essential to prevent throttling and maintain performance.

Battery Life:

Gaming laptops typically have shorter battery life due to their powerful components. Consider how important battery life is to your usage patterns.

Ports and Connectivity:

Ensure the laptop has enough ports for your peripherals, such as USB, HDMI, and Ethernet, and supports the latest wireless standards.

Upgradeability:

Some gaming laptops allow you to upgrade components like RAM and storage, which can extend the lifespan of your device.

Brand and Warranty:

Choose a reputable brand and check the warranty terms. Good customer support can be invaluable for high-end devices like gaming laptops.

By carefully considering these factors, you can find a gaming laptop that not only fits your gaming needs but also offers the best balance between performance, portability, and price.