Top Affordable Gaming Laptops Currently

It's easy to look at the best gaming laptops and think they're out of reach, especially when top-end features like a 4K display can push prices well over $4,000. However, you don't need to spend a fortune to get a solid portable PC gaming system. You just need to know what to look for. While there are plenty of sub-$1,000 laptops marketed as "gaming" options, many of these can be disappointing due to outdated specs, poor build quality, or being refurbished models.

TL; DR – These Are the Best Budget Gaming Laptops:

Our Top Pick### MSI Crosshair 16 HX

3See it at Best BuyGreat performance on a limited budget### XPG Xenia 15G

0See it at Newegg### AcerNitro 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 handpicked gaming laptops that can truly enhance your gaming experience, starting at $2,000 and scaling down to more affordable options that still offer a premium PC gaming experience. Keep in mind, however, that certain premium features like OLED and Mini-LED displays are often sacrificed in budget models. When purchasing from a manufacturer's site, opting for a 1080p display can significantly reduce the cost. And honestly, you don't need a 4K display on a gaming laptop, even with the latest GPUs from Nvidia or AMD. Choosing a 1440p screen can save you money without sacrificing much detail.

Speaking of GPUs, remember that a laptop's graphics card, even if named the same as a desktop version, won't deliver the same performance due to power constraints. For example, while an RTX 4070 Super can handle 1440p gaming on a desktop, its laptop counterpart is better suited for 1080p gaming.

Additional contributions by Georgie Peru, Danielle Abraham, and Jacqueline Thomas

1. MSI Crosshair 16 (2025)

Best Budget Gaming Laptop

Our Top Pick### MSI Crosshair 16 HX

0The MSI Crosshair 16 HX strikes an excellent balance between price and performance. 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 outstanding value. It's equipped with a 14th Gen Intel processor featuring 16 cores and 24 threads, perfect for multitasking. Its top clock speed of 5.2GHz ensures high frame rates, and when paired with an RTX 4070 GPU, it delivers smooth gameplay on its FHD screen. The RTX 4070 also supports DLSS and frame generation for enhanced performance. With 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, it's ready for multitasking and streaming. The trade-off is its weight at 5.51lbs, making it more of a traditional gaming laptop than a slim model.

2. XPG Xenia 15G

Best Gaming Laptop Under $1,500

Great performance on a limited budget### XPG Xenia 15G

0The XPG Xenia 15G offers high-performance gaming at a reasonable price. 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 less than $1,500, the XPG Xenia 15G is a fantastic choice. It boasts a 14th Gen Core i7 processor and an RTX 4070 Mobile GPU, capable of running modern games at high settings. Its 1080p display is no challenge for the GPU, ensuring high frame rates even with DLSS and Frame Generation. The laptop is also upgradeable, with three SSD slots and memory expandable up to 64GB. However, its 53.35Wh battery life may require you to carry the charger for extended use.

3. Acer Nitro V ANV16 (2025)

Best Gaming Laptop Under $1,000

### Acer Nitro V ANV16

0The Acer Nitro V ANV16-41-R5K2 offers impressive gaming performance at a budget-friendly price. 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 choice for gamers on a tight budget. With an 8-core Ryzen 8845HS processor and an RTX 4060 GPU, it delivers solid performance on its 1200p display. The laptop also features 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD. However, its port selection is limited, and the 59Wh battery life is short, especially under gaming loads.

Steam Deck Images

29 Images4. Steam Deck OLED

Best Gaming Laptop Around $500

### Valve Steam Deck OLED

0The Steam Deck OLED offers a beautiful screen and portable gaming at a budget price. 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 defaultWhile not a laptop, the Steam Deck OLED is an excellent choice for portable gaming under $500. Its OLED screen enhances the visual experience, and it runs SteamOS for a streamlined user interface. Although it doesn't have the latest hardware, its popularity ensures a wide library of compatible games. Be aware, however, that not all games are compatible out of the box. If you're after the latest high-settings gaming, consider spending a bit more on alternatives like the ROG Ally X or Lenovo Legion Go, though they lack the Steam Deck's OLED display.

Gigabyte G6X 9KG – Photos

15 Images5. Gigabyte G6X

Best Gaming Laptop with 32GB of RAM

### Gigabyte Gigabyte G6X

0The Gigabyte G6X offers ample memory and storage for budget-conscious gamers. 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 brightnessThe Gigabyte G6X is ideal for those needing lots of memory and storage on a budget. With 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD, it's perfect for multitasking and storing numerous games. The 16-inch, 165Hz screen offers smooth gameplay, though it's heavy at 5.64lbs and its screen brightness tops out at 250 nits, making it less ideal for outdoor use.

Where to Get the Best Cheap Gaming Laptops in the UK

Gaming on a budget is entirely feasible, and these laptops make it easier. Most are available in the UK as well:

### 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 offers the right components at an affordable price. While you might not get the latest CPU and graphics card, you can still find models that run the latest games well. Gaming laptops are often chosen for their portability and smaller footprint compared to gaming PCs. It's important to consider the laptop's weight and size if you plan to carry it around. The key is finding the right balance; spending a bit more can move you from medium to high settings in games. If you're not focused on the latest AAA titles, you can save by opting for older components like DDR4 RAM.

Are budget gaming laptops worth it?

The value of a budget gaming laptop depends on your needs. For casual gaming and productivity, an entry-level model can suffice. For more demanding games, you'll need to invest a bit more. The difference between entry-level and top-tier gaming laptops often lies in CPU generation, RAM speed, and GPU performance.

Should you buy a PC handheld instead?

The choice between a gaming laptop and a PC handheld like the Steam Deck OLED or Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme depends on your preferences. PC handhelds are lighter and more portable, often cheaper, but gaming laptops offer more versatility and power. They support a broader game library and are generally more powerful, with the added benefit of upgradability.

When is the best time to buy a gaming laptop?

The best times to find deals on gaming laptops are during Prime Day, Black Friday, and back-to-school sales in the summer. These periods often feature significant discounts from major brands.

How much should you spend on a budget gaming laptop?

With the current market trends, a decent gaming laptop with a recent GPU starts at around $1,000. Budget options below this often require compromises, such as opting for devices like the Steam Deck OLED. When spending less than $2,000, focus on what resolution and performance you need. A 1080p or 1440p display is usually the best choice for budget gaming, and ensure you have sufficient storage to accommodate your games.

One more thing: Even with a laptop, the best gaming experience is often at a desk. Consider investing in a gaming desk and perhaps a laptop cooling pad to enhance your setup. And don't forget to check out our favorite gaming chairs for comfort during long gaming sessions.

If laptops aren't your thing, explore the best gaming PC deals for a tower setup.### MacBooks vs. Gaming laptops

MacBooks are excellent for many tasks, especially with their powerful Pro models, but they're not yet ideal for gaming. Apple's latest silicon is capable, but gaming laptops are designed with gaming in mind, featuring powerful GPUs, CPUs, and RAM. There's also more variety in gaming laptop hardware and features. While some games can be played on a Mac, MacOS lacks support for many popular gaming titles. Apple is improving its gaming capabilities, but gaming laptops remain the top choice for now.

Gaming laptops vs. Gaming PCs

Gaming laptops offer portability but come with limitations compared to gaming PCs. Desktops are easier to upgrade and repair, offer better performance for the price, and have a longer lifespan. Although laptops and PCs may share similar specs, desktops generally outperform laptops in gaming scenarios.