It's easy to be intimidated by the best gaming laptops on the market, especially when top-end features like a 4K display can push prices upwards of $4,000. However, you don't need to break the bank to enjoy a solid portable PC gaming experience. You just need to know what to look for. While many sub-$1,000 laptops are labeled as "gaming" laptops, they often come with outdated specs and questionable build quality, making them a risky choice.
TL; DR – These Are the Best Budget Gaming Laptops:
Our Top Pick### MSI Crosshair 16 HX
3See it at Best Buy
Great performance on a limited budget### XPG Xenia 15G
0See it at Newegg
### Acer Nitro V ANV16
0See it at Newegg
### Valve Steam Deck OLED
1See it at AmazonSee it at Valve
### Gigabyte Gigabyte G6X
0See it at AmazonI've selected gaming laptops that can truly handle gaming, starting at $2,000 and scaling down to more budget-friendly options that still provide a premium PC gaming experience. Keep in mind, though, that certain features are typically sacrificed in budget models.
High-end display technologies like OLED and Mini-LED are often the first to go when prices are cut. Opting for a 1080p screen when purchasing from a manufacturer's website is a smart way to reduce costs. Let's face it: you don't need a 4K display on a gaming laptop, even with the latest GPUs from Nvidia or AMD. Choosing 1440p can save you money without much loss in visual detail.
Also, remember that just because a budget gaming laptop shares a GPU name with its desktop counterpart, it doesn't mean you'll get the same performance. Mobile GPUs are designed to be more power-efficient, which often results in reduced performance. So, while an RTX 4070 Super can handle 1440p gaming on a PC, you'll want to stick to 1080p on its laptop version.
Additional contributions by Georgie Peru, Danielle Abraham, and Jacqueline Thomas
MSI Crosshair 16 (2025)
Best Budget Gaming Laptop
Our Top Pick### MSI Crosshair 16 HX
0Price meets performance with this fantastic gaming laptop from MSI. See it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsDisplay16" (1920 x 1200) 165Hz CPUIntel Core i7-14650HXGPUNvidia GeForce RTX 4070RAM16GB DDR5 5,600MHzStorage1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSDWeight5.51 poundsDimensions14.13″ x 10.49″ x 1.1″PROSRTX 4070 GPU14th Gen Intel processorPlenty of memory and storageExcellent valueCONSA bit bulkyWhile $1,400 might stretch the definition of "budget," the MSI Crosshair 16 HX offers incredible value for the price. It delivers top-notch performance, impressive battery life, and a suite of robust specifications, justifying its cost.
I was pleasantly surprised by MSI's affordable pricing for such a well-equipped laptop. It features a 14th Gen Intel processor with 16 cores and 24 threads, ensuring smooth multitasking. Its top clock speed of 5.2GHz translates directly to higher frame rates.
Paired with the RTX 4070 GPU, this setup is designed to maintain high frame rates on its FHD screen. The RTX 4070 is typically found in higher-resolution systems, but at 1200p, it performs exceptionally well, delivering smooth gameplay. Additionally, it supports DLSS and frame generation, enhancing performance further.
The laptop also comes with 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, offering swift performance even during multitasking and streaming. It includes a 90Wh battery for all-day use, though like most gaming laptops, it's best to stay plugged in for optimal performance.
The trade-off is its weight. At 5.51lbs and 1.1 inches thick, it's more akin to a traditional gaming laptop than the slim designs currently popular. However, in almost every other aspect, it outperforms its competitors and is well worth its $1,400 price.
2. XPG Xenia 15G
Best Gaming Laptop Under $1,500
Great performance on a limited budget### XPG Xenia 15G
0This laptop offers a powerful CPU and GPU combination for high-performance gaming.See it at NeweggProduct SpecificationsDisplay15.6” FHD (1920 x 1080) 144Hz CPUIntel Core i7-14700HXGPUNvidia GeForce RTX 4070RAM16GB DDR5 5,600MHzStorage1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSDWeight4.96 poundsDimensions14.21″ x 9.77″ x 0.98″PROSHigh performance CPU and graphicsCan swap to integrated graphics for improved battery lifeExpandable storage and memoryCONSLimited battery lifeFor under $1,500, the XPG Xenia 15G is a top choice. It boasts a strong processor, RTX graphics, and fast memory, ensuring smooth gameplay even at high settings. At times, it can be found for as low as $1,000, making it an excellent value.
Despite its budget-friendly price, it doesn't compromise on performance. The 14th Gen Core i7 processor handles modern games effortlessly, while the GeForce RTX 4070 Mobile GPU easily drives its 1080p display, allowing for high frame rates with features like DLSS and Frame Generation.
The Xenia 15G is also highly upgradable, with three SSD slots and memory that can be expanded to 64GB. This makes it a wise long-term investment.
However, its weight and battery life are notable drawbacks. At 4.96lbs, it's not the lightest, and its 53.35Wh battery won't last a full day without dimming the screen.
Acer Nitro V ANV16 (2025)
Best Gaming Laptop Under $1,000
### Acer Nitro V ANV16
0This laptop packs a potent CPU and GPU combo that matches perfectly with its FHD, 165Hz screen.See it at NeweggProduct SpecificationsDisplay16" (1,920 x 1,200), 165HzCPUAMD Ryzen 7 8845HSGPUNvidia GeForce RTX 4060RAM16GB DDR5 3,200MHz Storage1TB NVMeSSDWeight5.51 poundsPROSWell-pricedVery capable for gaming and use as a daily driverFull-size RGB keyboardCONSLimited port selectionDisappointing battery lifeThe Acer Nitro V ANV16-41-R5K2 is the top pick under $1,000. It offers a powerful CPU and GPU combination that maximizes gaming performance on its high-refresh-rate 1200p display. While there are compromises, its performance is well worth the cost.
If performance is your priority on a budget, this laptop is the way to go. The 8-core Ryzen 8845HS processor, paired with the RTX 4060 GPU, allows for high settings on most games.
It also comes with 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, ensuring smooth multitasking and quick load times. To achieve this performance at this price, Acer limited the port selection to two USB-A and one USB Type-C.
Battery life is another compromise, with a 59Wh battery rated for 7 hours of use, though gaming on battery will drain it much faster. Despite this, the high frame rates and graphics make it a compelling choice if you're willing to carry the charger.
Steam Deck Images
29 Images
4. Steam Deck OLED
Best Gaming Laptop Around $500
### Valve Steam Deck OLED
0Thanks to its stunning OLED screen, this is the Steam Deck to buy.See it at AmazonSee it at ValveProduct SpecificationsDisplay7.4" (1280 x 800), 90Hz, OLEDCPUAMD Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHzGPUAMD 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.6GHzRAM16 GB LPDDR5Storage512GB NVMe SSD, 1TB NVMe SSDWeight1.41 poundsDimensions11.7″ x 4.6″ x 1.9″PROSExtremely portableEasy to set up and useBeautiful OLED screen makes games look better than everCONSNot all games are compatible by defaultThe Steam Deck OLED, despite not being a laptop, is an excellent entry point into mobile PC gaming for just over $500. Its OLED screen elevates the gaming experience, even without maxing out settings.
The Steam Deck OLED prioritizes portability and value over raw power. Its extensive game library, including titles optimized for the Steam Deck, and Valve's compatibility ratings make it user-friendly. Running on SteamOS, it offers a streamlined experience compared to other handhelds that run Windows.
While it may not run the latest games at high settings, it's a great choice for its price range. For those willing to spend more, the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go provide newer hardware, but lack the Steam Deck's OLED screen.
Gigabyte G6X 9KG – Photos
15 Images
5. Gigabyte G6X
Best Gaming Laptop with 32GB of RAM
### Gigabyte Gigabyte G6X
0It's a touch heavy, but its memory and storage can't be beat.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsDisplay16” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) 165HzCPUIntel Core i7-13650HXGPUNvidia GeForce RTX 4060RAM32GB DDR5Storage2TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSDWeight5.64 poundsDimensions14.21″ x 10.19″ x 0.98 ~1.13″PROSLots of memory and storageLarge, fast screenCONSHeavy to carryLow brightnessIf you need ample memory and storage on a budget, the Gigabyte G6X is the way to go. It may not be the lightest or thinnest, but it offers 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage, along with solid gaming performance at a reasonable price.
With 32GB of RAM, you can game and multitask without slowdowns. The 2TB SSD allows for a large game library with fast load times. Its 16-inch, 165Hz screen ensures smooth gameplay.
However, it's heavy at 5.64lbs and thicker at 1.13 inches near the hinge. The screen brightness is also limited to 250 nits, making outdoor gaming challenging. Despite these drawbacks, its specs offer great value for indoor gaming.
Where to Get the Best Cheap Gaming Laptops in the UK
Gaming on a budget is achievable with these laptops, and most are available in the UK. Here are your options:
### HP Omen 16
8Best Budget Gaming Laptop£1,029.00 at Currys PC World
### HP Victus
13Best Cheap Gaming Laptop£899.99 at Amazon
### Dell G15
9Best Cheap AMD-Powered Gaming Laptop£749.00 at Amazon
### Lenovo Legion 5i
23Best Budget 17-inch Gaming Laptop£799.00 at Lenovo
### Asus TUF Dash 15
2Best Cheap Everyday Gaming Laptop£799.00 at Currys PC World
### Acer Predator Triton 300
10Best Budget 144Hz Gaming Laptop£949.99 at Currys PC WorldBudget Gaming Laptop FAQ
What makes a great budget gaming laptop?
A great budget gaming laptop strikes the right balance between performance and price. While you might not get the latest CPU and graphics card, you can still find models that run recent games well without breaking the bank.
Gaming laptops are often chosen over PCs for their portability and smaller footprint. Consider the laptop's size and weight, as these factors impact portability. Spending a bit more can enhance your gaming experience from medium to high settings. If you're not focused on the latest AAA titles, you can save money by choosing a laptop with DDR4 RAM instead of DDR5.
Are budget gaming laptops worth it?
It depends on your needs. For casual gaming and productivity, an entry-level gaming laptop suffices. For more demanding games, you'll need to invest a bit more. The difference can be significant, often involving a generation jump in CPU, better RAM, and a dedicated GPU.
Should you buy a PC handheld instead?
The choice between a PC handheld and a gaming laptop depends on your preferences. While gaming laptops offer better overall performance, PC handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED or Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme are more portable and user-friendly. However, gaming laptops provide more versatility and support for a wider game library.
When is the best time to buy a gaming laptop?
The best times to find gaming laptop deals are during Prime Day, Black Friday, and summer back-to-school sales. These periods offer significant discounts from major brands.
How much should you spend on a budget gaming laptop?
With rising prices in the PC market, budget gaming laptops start around $1,000. Below this, you might consider non-traditional options like the Steam Deck OLED. When spending less than $2,000, you'll need to make compromises. Focus on the desired screen resolution and necessary GPU and CPU power.
For screen resolution, 1080p or 1440p is the sweet spot for budget gaming. Even if a 4K display is available at a low price, the GPU won't handle it well. For storage, avoid laptops with only a small SSD; aim for at least 512GB to accommodate multiple games.
One more thing: Using a laptop at a desk rather than on your lap can enhance your experience. Consider our guide to the best gaming desks and perhaps a laptop cooling pad for better performance. Also, check out our favorite gaming chairs for comfort.
If laptops aren't your speed, check out the best gaming PC deals to save on a tower.### MacBooks vs. Gaming laptops
MacBooks are excellent for many tasks, especially creative work with their powerful Pro models. However, they lag behind in gaming due to limited game support on MacOS. Apple's latest silicon is powerful, but gaming laptops are designed with gaming in mind, offering more hardware options and better performance.
While some games on a Mac are playable, the lack of support for many popular titles is a major drawback. Apple is making efforts to improve gaming on Mac, but gaming laptops remain the better choice for now. See our guide to gaming PC vs. Mac for more details.
Gaming laptops vs. Gaming PCs
Gaming laptops offer portability that gaming PCs lack. However, PCs are easier to upgrade and repair, providing better value and longevity. Though laptops and PCs may share similar specs, PCs generally offer superior performance. Check out our gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops guide for more information.
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