Check out the top gaming laptops on a budget in PC Labs. We’ve tried many new models with GeForce and Radeon, and we provide expert tips for great deals on powerful gaming laptops.
Here is The List Of Best Budget Gaming Laptop
MSI Cyborg 15 (2023)
Best Budget Gaming Laptop for Most Buyers
Why We Chose This:
For just $999, the MSI Cyborg 15 stands out in its category. It cleverly combines the latest entry-level parts to deliver strong 1080p gaming. Its drawbacks are few considering the price. With a 13th Gen Core i7 CPU and Nvidia RTX 4050 GPU, it’s not the absolute best, but these cutting-edge components ensure smooth high-setting gaming. The build is sturdy, and the battery life is decent.
PROS
- $999 price in our Core i7/RTX 4050 test unit
- Able to play at the highest 1080p settings
- Peppy processor for the money
- Decent build for a budget gaming rig
CONS
- RTX 4050 GPU didn’t wow versus RTX 3060s
- Display is dim and disappointing
- Sharp chassis edge can dig into wrists during typing
Acer Nitro 5 (2022, 15.6-Inch, 12th Gen Core)
Best Gaming Laptop for the Very Tightest Budgets
Why We Chose It:
We’ve long favored Acer’s Nitro 5 budget gaming laptops (obviously, there are two more on this list). The 15.6-inch model is just $899.99, and frankly, for 60-plus frames per second (fps), a slightly higher budget is advisable. Yet, this laptop’s 12th Generation Intel Core i5 CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU work well for its 1080p, 144Hz screen. It offers numerous ports in a pleasantly subtle design (meaning it’s not covered in flashy red and black, like too many gaming setups).
PROS
- Low price
- Steady mainstream gaming performance with 12th Gen CPU and GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
- 144Hz display
- Good port selection
CONS
- Core i5 CPU and 512GB of storage are somewhat limited for gaming
- Middling build quality
- Falls short of 60fps in most scenarios
GET IT NOW
MSI Katana 15 (2023)
Best Configurable Budget Gaming Laptop
Why We Chose It:
Our reviewed unit of this system, priced at $1,599, offers exceptional value for what it provides. However, if your budget is tighter, the $999 starting option becomes more appealing. For a bit over $1,000, you can get a 12th Generation Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics—a hard-to-beat deal. In the budget category, some compromises are inevitable—the build isn’t remarkable. Still, aiming for the utmost performance for your money is a compelling choice.
PROS
- Serious value
- Fast and stable performance
- Consistent, snappy keyboard
CONS
- Dismal display
- Brief battery life
- Underwhelming design
GET IT NOW
Acer Nitro 5 (2022, 17-Inch)
Best Budget Gaming Laptop With a Giant Screen
Why We Chose It:
Whenever someone asks for a budget gaming laptop recommendation with a specific screen size, we’re likely to suggest an Acer Nitro 5. While this 2022 model shares the downsides of all 17.3-inch laptops—it’s bulky and weighs 6.6 pounds—for those seeking a large display, it mirrors the strengths of other Nitro 5 variants. It features a spirited AMD Ryzen 7 CPU, 16GB RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, ensuring lively 1080p gaming.
PROS
- Capable components for high-refresh-rate gaming
- 144Hz display and 1TB SSD support the gaming experience
- Good battery life
CONS
- Big footprint
- 6.6-pound weight
Asus TUF Gaming F17 (2022)
A Solid Alternative to the Acer Nitro 5 (2022, 17-Inch)
Why We Chose It:
We appreciate more budget-friendly laptops beyond Acer’s Nitro 5 series. Among the 17.3-inch options, the Asus TUF Gaming F17 presents an enticing choice with a similarly impressive 144Hz screen. It offers slightly less memory and storage, and its Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 provides a modestly lower gaming performance. Nevertheless, the Asus comes at a significantly lower price—well below $1,000, to be exact.
PROS
- Affordable price
- Competent mainstream gaming performance
- Large 144Hz display
- Good connectivity
- Upgradable RAM and storage
CONS
- Previous-generation Intel CPU and 8GB memory limit performance
- Cheap-feeling plastic design
- Thick and hefty, with brief battery life
GET IT NOW
Acer Chromebook 516 GE
Best Gaming Chromebook
Why We Chose It:
Budget-conscious gamers are no longer restricted to basic gaming hardware offering trimmed-down versions of their beloved PC games. Cloud-streaming gaming Chromebooks, coupled with a cloud gaming service such as Nvidia GeForce Now and a reliable, fast internet connection, have the capacity to run contemporary games with top-tier graphics settings—emulating the performance of a powerful desktop GPU. The Acer Chromebook 516 GE stands among the initial offerings in this gaming Chromebook niche, establishing an impressive standard for this subcategory.
PROS
- Superb performance in gaming (and everything else)
- Powerful hardware for a Chromebook, from processing to storage
- Rich port selection
- RGB keyboard with anti-ghosting tech
- Gorgeous 120Hz display
CONS
- No touch screen
- USB-C ports aren’t Thunderbolt 4
GET IT NOW
HP Victus 16
Best Gaming Laptop for CPU Power on the Cheap
Why We Chose It:
HP’s Victus brand takes the place of the Pavilion Gaming models in its extensive consumer range. The Victus 16 showcases a stylish 144Hz display that’s slightly larger than standard 15.6-inch screens (measuring 16.1 inches diagonally). It also boasts a lively Intel Core i7 CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, ensuring consistent 1080p gaming capabilities. The laptop offers a variety of configurations, and even the highest-tier models are priced within a comfortable affordability range.
ROS
- Speedy 1080p gaming
- Attractive 16.1-inch screen
- Numerous configuration choices
CONS
- Plastic build with weak screen hinge and chintzy touchpad
- A pound overweight
- No Thunderbolt 4 port
- No Windows Hello biometrics
- Bizarre undervolting option
GET IT NOW
