Finding a high-quality gaming laptop without breaking the bank might seem daunting, especially with premium models boasting features like 4K displays costing over $4,000. However, affordable options exist that deliver solid gaming performance if you know what to prioritize. While many sub-$1,000 laptops are marketed as "gaming" machines, they often suffer from outdated components or poor build quality.

Quick Picks: Top Budget Gaming Laptops

Top Choice

MSI Crosshair 16 HX

See it at Best Buy Strong Value for Budget Gamers

XPG Xenia 15G

See it at Newegg

Acer Nitro V ANV16

See it at Newegg

Valve Steam Deck OLED

See it at Amazon See it at Valve

Gigabyte G6X

See it at Amazon

I selected gaming laptops that offer real gaming capability, starting at $2,000 and moving downward, focusing on models that balance affordability with premium performance. Be aware that budget gaming laptops often lack high-end features like OLED or Mini-LED displays.

High-end display technologies, such as OLED or Mini-LED, are typically absent in budget models. Choosing a 1080p display over a 4K one when purchasing from a manufacturer’s website can significantly reduce costs. Honestly, a 4K display isn’t essential for gaming laptops, even with the latest Nvidia or AMD GPUs. A 1440p display strikes a great balance, saving money while maintaining visual clarity.

Keep in mind that a budget gaming laptop’s GPU, even if it shares a name with a desktop graphics card, won’t match its performance. Mobile GPUs are designed for lower power consumption due to battery constraints, resulting in reduced performance. For instance, while an RTX 4070 Super excels at 1440p on a desktop, its laptop counterpart is better suited for 1080p gaming.

Contributions by Georgie Peru, Danielle Abraham, and Jacqueline Thomas

What’s the minimum price for solid performance in a budget gaming laptop?

Under $500 Under $1,000 Between $1,000 - $1,500 $1,500 and up I’d rather have a desktop gaming PC

Answer See Results

1. MSI Crosshair 16 HX (2025)

Top Budget Gaming Laptop

Top Choice

MSI Crosshair 16 HX

Great performance meets affordability in this MSI gaming laptop. See it at Best Buy

Product Specifications Display: 16" (1920 x 1200) 165Hz CPU: Intel Core i7-14650HX GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 RAM: 16GB DDR5 5,600MHz Storage: 1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD Weight: 5.51 pounds Dimensions: 14.13″ x 10.49″ x 1.1″

PROS Powerful RTX 4070 GPU 14th Gen Intel processor Ample memory and storage Great value CONS Somewhat bulky

At $1,400, the MSI Crosshair 16 HX might push the “budget” label, but its value is undeniable. It delivers exceptional performance, solid battery life, and impressive specs, making its price feel like a steal.

I was amazed at how MSI kept this laptop affordable despite its robust features. It sports a 14th Gen Intel processor with 16 cores and 24 threads, perfect for multitasking and delivering up to 5.2GHz for higher frame rates.

Paired with an RTX 4070 GPU and a Full HD display, this laptop ensures triple-digit frame rates in many games. The RTX 4070 shines at 1200p, a resolution that looks sharp without overtaxing the GPU, and supports DLSS and frame generation for enhanced performance.

Beyond that, it includes 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, ensuring quick load times and smooth multitasking, even for streaming. Its 90Wh battery supports all-day use, though gaming performance is best when plugged in.

The downside? At 5.51 pounds and 1.1 inches thick, it’s heavier and bulkier than slimmer modern laptops. Still, its performance and features make it a standout at this price.

2. XPG Xenia 15G

Top Gaming Laptop Under $1,500

Strong Value for Budget Gamers

XPG Xenia 15G

This laptop delivers a potent CPU-GPU combo for high-performance gaming. See it at Newegg

Product Specifications Display: 15.6” FHD (1920 x 1080) 144Hz CPU: Intel Core i7-14700HX GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 RAM: 16GB DDR5 5,600MHz Storage: 1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD Weight: 4.96 pounds Dimensions: 14.21″ x 9.77″ x 0.98″

PROS High-performance CPU and GPU Switchable integrated graphics for better battery life Expandable storage and memory CONS Limited battery life

Priced under $1,500, the XPG Xenia 15G offers incredible value with its powerful processor, RTX graphics, and fast memory, ensuring smooth gameplay even at high settings. It occasionally dips to $1,000, making it an even better deal.

Despite its price, it doesn’t skimp on performance. The 14th Gen Core i7 processor handles modern games effortlessly, while the RTX 4070 GPU powers through 1080p gaming with ease, supporting DLSS and Frame Generation for higher frame rates.

It’s also highly upgradable, with three SSD slots and support for up to 64GB of RAM. This makes it a smart long-term investment for gamers.

Drawbacks include its 4.96-pound weight and modest 53.35Wh battery, which struggles to last a full day. Still, for the price, its performance is hard to beat.

3. Acer Nitro V ANV16 (2025)

Top Gaming Laptop Under $1,000

Acer Nitro V ANV16

This laptop combines a strong CPU and GPU with a high-refresh-rate FHD display. See it at Newegg

Product Specifications Display: 16" (1,920 x 1,200), 165Hz CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 RAM: 16GB DDR5 3,200MHz Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD Weight: 5.51 pounds

PROS Affordable price Great for gaming and daily use Full-size RGB keyboard CONS Limited port selection Short battery life

The Acer Nitro V ANV16-41-R5K2 shines as the best sub-$1,000 gaming laptop, offering a powerful CPU-GPU combo and a 1200p, 165Hz display. While it has some compromises, its gaming performance is exceptional for the price.

Prioritizing performance, it features an 8-core Ryzen 7 8845HS processor and RTX 4060 GPU, capable of running modern games at high settings on its FHD display. The 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB NVMe SSD ensure fast multitasking and ample storage.

To hit this price, Acer cut back on ports, offering just two USB-A and one USB-C port (supporting USB 4 for power delivery and video). Its 59Wh battery lasts about 7 hours, but gaming drains it quickly.

Carrying its charger is a must, but the trade-off is stellar frame rates and graphics quality. For budget-conscious gamers, this is a fantastic choice.

Steam Deck Images

29 Images

4. Valve Steam Deck OLED

Top Gaming Device Around $500

Valve Steam Deck OLED

Its vibrant OLED screen makes this the ultimate Steam Deck for portable gaming. See it at Amazon See it at Valve

Product Specifications Display: 7.4" (1280 x 800), 90Hz, OLED CPU: AMD Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz GPU: AMD 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.6GHz RAM: 16 GB LPDDR5 Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD, 1TB NVMe SSD Weight: 1.41 pounds Dimensions: 11.7″ x 4.6″ x 1.9″

PROS Highly portable Easy setup and use Stunning OLED display CONS Not all games are compatible

Yes, the Steam Deck OLED isn’t a traditional laptop, but at just over $500, it’s a fantastic portable PC gaming option, earning a 9/10 in our review. Its OLED display enhances visuals, making games look stunning even without max settings.

It’s not about raw power—its older hardware can’t compete with the latest laptops—but its value is unmatched. A vast game library, with many titles optimized for the Steam Deck, and Valve’s compatibility ratings simplify game selection.

Running SteamOS, it offers a seamless, console-like experience, unlike Windows-based handhelds. While not all games are compatible, the supported library is extensive and growing.

For high-end gaming, look elsewhere, but for budget-friendly portable gaming, the Steam Deck OLED excels. Alternatives like the ROG Ally X or Lenovo Legion Go offer newer hardware but lack the OLED display.

Gigabyte G6X 9KG – Photos

15 Images

5. Gigabyte G6X

Top Gaming Laptop with 32GB RAM

Gigabyte G6X

A bit heavy, but its memory and storage are unbeatable. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications Display: 16” FHD (1,920 x 1,080) 165Hz CPU: Intel Core i7-13650HX GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 RAM: 32GB DDR5 Storage: 2TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD Weight: 5.64 pounds Dimensions: 14.21″ x 10.19″ x 0.98 ~1.13″

PROS Abundant memory and storage Large, fast display CONS Heavy to carry Low screen brightness

For gamers needing ample memory and storage on a budget, the Gigabyte G6X is a top pick. While not the lightest, its 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD, paired with solid gaming performance, make it a great value, as noted in our review.

With 32GB of RAM, it handles multitasking and streaming effortlessly. The 2TB SSD allows for a large game library, and its 16-inch, 165Hz display ensures smooth, clear visuals.

At 5.64 pounds and up to 1.13 inches thick, it’s bulky, and its 250-nit screen struggles in bright light. Still, its specs make it a strong contender for indoor gaming.

Where to Find Affordable Gaming Laptops in the UK

Gaming on a budget is achievable, and most laptops listed here are available in the UK. Check out these options:

HP Omen 16

Top Budget Gaming Laptop £1,029.00 at Currys PC World

HP Victus

Affordable Gaming Laptop £899.99 at Amazon

Dell G15

Top AMD-Powered Budget Laptop £749.00 at Amazon

Lenovo Legion 5i

Top 17-inch Budget Gaming Laptop £799.00 at Lenovo

Asus TUF Dash 15

Top Everyday Budget Gaming Laptop £799.00 at Currys PC World

Acer Predator Triton 300

Top 144Hz Budget Gaming Laptop £949.99 at Currys PC World

Budget Gaming Laptop FAQ

What defines a great budget gaming laptop?

A top budget gaming laptop offers the right components at an affordable price. You may not get the latest CPU or GPU, but you can still play modern games without spending a fortune. Portability, size, and weight are key considerations, as laptops are more compact and often cheaper than gaming PCs.

Balancing performance and cost is crucial. Spending slightly more can boost you from medium to max settings, but if you’re not chasing AAA titles, opting for DDR4 RAM over DDR5 can save money.

Are budget gaming laptops worth it?

It depends on your needs. For casual gaming and productivity, an entry-level gaming laptop works well. For demanding games, you’ll need to spend more for a newer CPU, better RAM, and a capable GPU.

Should you choose a PC handheld instead?

It’s a matter of preference. Gaming laptops outperform handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED or Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme in raw power and versatility, supporting a broader game library and more features. However, handhelds are lighter, more compact, and often cheaper, ideal for portability.

When’s the best time to buy a gaming laptop?

Great deals appear during Prime Day, Black Friday, and back-to-school sales in summer. Check our guide on the best times to buy a laptop for more details.

How much should you spend on a budget gaming laptop?

With rising PC prices, decent gaming laptops start around $1,000. Below that, you’re looking at devices like the Steam Deck OLED, which isn’t a traditional laptop but offers portable PC gaming. For sub-$2,000 laptops, expect compromises. Focus on your target resolution (1080p or 1440p) and ensure the GPU and CPU can handle it. Avoid laptops with minimal storage, like a 256GB SSD, as they fill up quickly.

Laptops perform best at a desk, not your lap. Consider a gaming desk, cooling pad, or gaming chair to enhance your setup. For non-laptop options, explore the best gaming PC deals.

MacBooks vs. Gaming Laptops

MacBooks excel for creative and professional tasks, but gaming laptops are built for gaming with superior GPUs, CPUs, and RAM. MacOS lacks support for many popular games, though Apple’s porting toolkit and Game Mode in macOS Sonoma are improving compatibility. Gaming laptops remain the better choice for gamers.

Gaming Laptops vs. Gaming PCs

Gaming laptops offer portability, but gaming PCs are easier to upgrade and repair, offering better value and longevity. PCs also deliver superior performance despite similar CPU and GPU names. See our gaming PCs vs. laptops guide for more details.