It's easy to be intimidated by the high price tags of best gaming laptops, especially when top-end features like a 4K display can push the cost well over $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. The market is flooded with sub-$1,000 "gaming" laptops, but many are riddled with outdated specs, poor build quality, and second-hand units.

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### 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 actually play games, starting at $2,000 and working down to more affordable options while still delivering a premium PC gaming experience. Keep in mind, though, that some features are typically sacrificed in budget gaming laptops.

Premium display technologies like OLED and Mini-LED are often the first to go when aiming for a lower price. When purchasing from a manufacturer's website, opting for a 1080p display can significantly reduce costs. 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 visual detail.

It's also important to note that even if a budget gaming laptop's GPU shares the same name as a desktop graphics card, the performance won't be the same. Mobile GPUs are designed to use less power for battery operation, resulting in lower performance. So, while an RTX 4070 Super might handle 1440p gaming in a desktop PC, you should stick to 1080p gaming on its laptop counterpart.

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 offers a compelling blend of 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 may stretch the definition of "budget," the MSI Crosshair 16 HX delivers exceptional value. It's equipped with a 14th Gen Intel processor boasting 16 cores and 24 threads, ensuring robust multitasking capabilities and a top clock speed of 5.2GHz for higher frame rates.

Paired with an RTX 4070 GPU, this setup is optimized for high frame rates on its FHD screen. The RTX 4070 is well-suited for mid-range performance and can leverage DLSS and frame generation for enhanced gameplay. The laptop also comes with 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, offering quick performance and ample storage for multitasking and streaming. Its 90Wh battery supports all-day use, though for optimal gaming performance, plugging in is recommended.

The trade-off is its weight, at 5.51lbs and a thickness of 1.1 inches, making it less portable than some competitors. Nonetheless, its overall performance and features justify its $1,400 price.

2. XPG Xenia 15G

Best Gaming Laptop Under $1,500

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

0The XPG Xenia 15G combines powerful hardware 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 lifeThe XPG Xenia 15G is a standout choice under $1,500, sometimes available for as low as $1,000. It features a 14th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and an RTX 4070 GPU, ensuring smooth gameplay even at high settings. The 1080p display allows for high frame rates, further enhanced by DLSS and Frame Generation.

This laptop is highly upgradable, with three SSD slots and the ability to increase memory up to 64GB. However, its 4.96lbs weight and 53.35Wh battery life, which limits brightness, are notable downsides.

3. Acer Nitro V ANV16 (2025)

Best Gaming Laptop Under $1,000

### Acer Nitro V ANV16

0The Acer Nitro V ANV16 offers great gaming performance on a budget. 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 a top pick under $1,000, delivering impressive gaming performance with its Ryzen 7 8845HS processor and RTX 4060 GPU. The 165Hz, 1200p display ensures smooth gameplay, and 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD offer robust multitasking and storage.

However, it comes with limited ports and a 59Wh battery, which may not last long during gaming sessions. Despite these trade-offs, it's a solid choice for those prioritizing performance on a tight budget.

4. Steam Deck OLED

Best Gaming Laptop Around $500

### Valve Steam Deck OLED

0The Steam Deck OLED offers an enhanced gaming experience with its OLED screen. 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 around $500. Its OLED screen enhances game visuals, and it runs on SteamOS for a seamless user experience. The device supports a wide library of games, with many optimized specifically for it.

However, not all games are compatible, and it may not run the latest titles at high settings. For those willing to spend more, the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go offer newer hardware but lack the Steam Deck's OLED screen.

5. Gigabyte G6X

Best Gaming Laptop with 32GB of RAM

### Gigabyte Gigabyte G6X

0The Gigabyte G6X offers ample memory and storage for multitasking and gaming. 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 stands out with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD, making it ideal for those needing ample memory and storage. Its 16-inch, 165Hz screen ensures smooth gameplay, though its 5.64lbs weight and low 250-nit brightness are notable drawbacks.

Where to Get the Best Cheap Gaming Laptops in the UK

Budget gaming is achievable, and these options are also 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 strikes the right balance between components and cost. While you may not get the latest CPU and graphics card, you can still enjoy modern games without spending a fortune. Gaming laptops are preferred for their portability and space-saving design, so consider weight and size. A small investment can upgrade your gaming from medium to high settings, and opting for DDR4 RAM over DDR5 can save money if you're not playing the latest AAA titles.

Are budget gaming laptops worth it?

It depends on your needs. For casual gaming and productivity, an entry-level model suffices. For demanding games, you'll need to invest a bit more. The difference often lies in CPU generation, RAM speed, and GPU performance.

Should you buy a PC handheld instead?

It's a personal choice. PC handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED or Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme are lighter and more compact, but gaming laptops offer better value and versatility. Laptops support a broader game library, have more features, and provide superior overall performance. They also allow for upgrades, which handhelds typically do not.

When is the best time to buy a gaming laptop?

The best times to find deals are during Prime Day, Black Friday, and summer back-to-school sales. These periods offer significant discounts on gaming laptops.

How much should you spend on a budget gaming laptop?

With the current market, budget gaming laptops start around $1,000. Below this, you might consider non-traditional options like the Steam Deck OLED. When spending under $2,000, expect to make compromises. Decide on your preferred screen resolution and required CPU/GPU power. A 1080p or 1440p display is the sweet spot for budget gaming. For storage, avoid laptops with just a small SSD; consider models with larger, albeit slower, hard drives.

One more thing: Even with a laptop, using it at a desk enhances your experience. Consider a gaming desk and a laptop cooling pad for better performance, and don't forget a comfortable gaming chair.

If laptops aren't your speed, check out the best gaming PC deals to save on a tower.### MacBooks vs. Gaming laptops

MacBooks excel in many areas but lag in gaming due to limited game support on MacOS. The latest Apple silicon is powerful, but gaming laptops are designed with gaming in mind, offering better GPUs, CPUs, and RAM. They also provide more hardware options and features.

Gaming laptops vs. Gaming PCs

Gaming laptops are more portable than gaming PCs, but desktops are easier to upgrade and repair, offering better performance and longevity. While laptops and PCs may share similar hardware names, desktops typically outperform their laptop counterparts.