It's easy to look at the best gaming laptops and think they're out of your budget. After all, top-end specs like a 4K display can push prices beyond $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 While many sub-$1,000 laptops are marketed as "gaming" options, they often come with outdated specs and poor build quality, making them a risky choice.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 are genuinely capable of running games, starting at $2,000 and scaling down to more affordable options while still providing a premium PC gaming experience. Keep in mind, however, that there are certain features you won't find in budget gaming laptops.
For starters, premium display technologies like OLED and Mini-LED are often sacrificed to keep costs down. When purchasing a gaming laptop directly from a manufacturer's website, opting for a 1080p display is a smart way to reduce the price. Let's face it: you don't really 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 in terms of visual detail.
Also, remember that a budget gaming laptop's GPU, even if it shares a name with a desktop graphics card, won't deliver the same level of performance. Mobile GPUs are designed to be more energy-efficient, which means they typically offer less power. So, while an RTX 4070 Super can handle 1440p gaming on a desktop, you'll want to stick to 1080p on its laptop counterpart.
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's designed to deliver outstanding performance, impressive battery life, and solid specs, making it a great deal.
I was pleasantly surprised by MSI's pricing on this laptop given its specifications. It features a 14th Gen Intel processor with 16 cores and 24 threads for robust multitasking capabilities and a top clock speed of 5.2GHz, which translates to higher frame rates. This pairs well with the RTX 4070 GPU, tailored to keep your frame rate high on its FHD screen. The RTX 4070 excels in mid-range performance and, with DLSS and frame generation support, pushes performance even further.
The system also includes 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, ensuring quick performance even when multitasking and suitable for streaming. It's equipped with a 90Wh battery for all-day use, though you'll want to plug in for the best gaming experience.
The trade-off is its weight. At 5.51lbs and 1.1 inches thick, the Crosshair 16 HX is on the heavier side, more akin to traditional gaming laptops than the slim models popular today. Despite this, it offers exceptional value and performance at its $1,400 price point.
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 less than $1,500, the XPG Xenia 15G is a standout. It boasts a powerful processor, RTX graphics, and fast memory to ensure smooth gameplay, even at high settings. Its value is exceptional, sometimes dipping as low as $1,000.
Despite its affordability, the XPG Xenia 15G doesn't skimp on performance. It features a 14th Gen Core i7 processor that can handle modern games at high settings, and the GeForce RTX 4070 Mobile GPU effortlessly drives its 1080p display. Advanced features like DLSS and Frame Generation help maintain high frame rates.
This laptop is also highly upgradable, with three SSD slots and easily accessible memory slots that can be upgraded to 64GB. This makes it a great long-term investment.
The drawbacks are its weight and battery life. At 4.96lbs, it's not the lightest, and its 53.35Wh battery won't last all day without dimming the screen significantly.
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 choice under $1,000. It features a stellar CPU and GPU combo that delivers great gaming performance on its high-refresh-rate 1200p display. While it has some compromises, its gaming prowess makes up for them.
If performance on a budget is your goal, this is the laptop for you. It's powered by an 8-core Ryzen 8845HS processor and an RTX 4060 graphics card, allowing you to run most games at high settings on its FHD screen. The 16GB of DDR5 memory ensures smooth multitasking, and the 1TB NVMe SSD offers fast load times and ample storage.
Acer achieved this performance by limiting the port selection to two USB-A ports and a single USB Type-C. The 59Wh battery offers around 7 hours of use, which may be optimistic for gaming sessions.
Despite needing to carry the charger, the high frame rates and graphics quality on its 165Hz screen make this laptop an excellent choice for the price.
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 defaultWhile not a traditional laptop, the Steam Deck OLED, which we gave a 9/10, is a fantastic option for mobile PC gaming around $500. Its OLED screen elevates the visual experience, making games look stunning.
The Steam Deck OLED focuses on value rather than raw power. Its popularity ensures a wide library of compatible games, some even featuring dedicated graphics modes. Valve's compatibility ratings on the Steam store help you choose games that will run smoothly.
Running on SteamOS, the user experience is clean and intuitive, though not all games are compatible. If you're not aiming for the latest games at ultra settings, the Steam Deck OLED offers a compelling alternative to pricier gaming laptops. For those willing to spend more, the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go offer newer hardware but lack the 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're after ample memory and storage on a budget, the Gigabyte G6X is a great choice. When I reviewed this laptop, I noted its weight and thickness, but praised its generous RAM and storage, along with solid gaming performance at a reasonable price. If you can handle the extra weight common in budget gaming laptops, this is a robust portable gaming PC.
With 32GB of system memory, it exceeds most laptops in its price range, enabling smooth multitasking and streaming. The 2TB SSD allows for extensive game libraries, and its 16-inch, 165Hz screen offers smooth gameplay with reduced motion blur.
However, the laptop is heavy at 5.64lbs and thicker at 1.13 inches near the hinge. Its screen brightness is also limited to 250 nits, making it less suitable for outdoor use. Despite these drawbacks, its specs offer great value for the price.
Where to Get the Best Cheap Gaming Laptops in the UK
Budget gaming is achievable, and these laptops can help you get there. Most of these options are available in the UK:
### 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 balances components and price effectively. You might not get the latest CPU and graphics card, but you can find models that play modern games without a hefty price tag. Laptops are often chosen over PCs for their space-saving design, portability, and affordability. Consider the laptop's weight and size when choosing.
Finding the right balance is key. Spending a bit more can elevate your gaming experience from medium to max settings. If you're not focused on the latest AAA titles, opting for older tech like DDR4 RAM can save money.
Are budget gaming laptops worth it?
It depends on your gaming needs. For casual gaming and productivity, an entry-level gaming laptop suffices. For more demanding games, you'll need to invest more. The difference between entry-level and premium gaming laptops often lies in CPU generations, RAM speed, and GPU performance.
Should you buy a PC handheld instead?
It's a personal choice, but gaming laptops generally outperform the best PC handhelds. PC handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED or Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme offer portability and convenience at a lower price, but gaming laptops provide versatility and better overall performance. Laptops support a broader game library and are more upgradeable, making them a better long-term investment.
When is the best time to buy a gaming laptop?
Gaming laptops are a significant investment, but you can find great deals during Prime Day, Black Friday, and back-to-school sales in the summer. Check our guide for the best times to buy a laptop for more details.
How much should you spend on a budget gaming laptop?
In 2025, decent gaming laptops start around $1,000. Below that, you might consider non-traditional options like the Steam Deck OLED. When spending under $2,000, compromises are necessary. Focus on the resolution you want to game at and the GPU power needed to support it. A 1080p or 1440p display is ideal for budget gaming, and steer clear of laptops with limited storage like a single 256GB SSD.
Remember, even with a laptop, the best experience is often at a desk. Consider our guide to the best gaming desks and perhaps a laptop cooling pad to enhance performance. Don't forget to check out our favorite gaming chairs for comfort with your new laptop.
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 professional and creative work, but they lag in gaming performance compared to dedicated gaming laptops. Apple's latest silicon is powerful, but gaming laptops are optimized for gaming with powerful GPUs, CPUs, and RAM. MacOS also supports fewer gaming titles than Windows, though Apple is making strides with a porting toolkit and "Game Mode" on MacOS Sonoma. For now, gaming laptops remain the better choice for gamers. See our gaming PC vs. Mac guide for more details.
Gaming laptops vs. Gaming PCs
Gaming laptops offer portability, but gaming PCs are easier to upgrade and repair, providing better value and longevity. Desktop hardware often outperforms laptop equivalents. For a detailed comparison, check our gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops guide.
