Looking for the best gaming laptops without breaking the bank? The reality check hits hard when you realize that gaming laptops come with hefty price tags. Even midrange options can cost upwards of $2,000, and flagship models can soar to $5,000 or more. Who can actually afford these prices?
But don't worry, we've gathered a selection of top-notch
budget gaming laptops to satisfy your gaming needs without emptying your
wallet. In this guide, we're focusing on laptops that are available for $1,000
or less, with a specific emphasis on gaming notebooks that provide exceptional
value.
Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Gen 8: Unbelievably Affordable Gaming
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| Source: Jacob Roach / Digital Trends |
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 defies its budget label, offering
impressive gaming performance. While the Legion series typically falls around
$1,500, you can actually find the latest model for as low as $1,100.
The base configuration includes an AMD Ryzen 5 7645HX CPU and an Nvidia RTX 4050 GPU, along with 512GB of storage and 16GB of DDR5 memory. If you're willing to stretch your budget a bit, you can access an even better setup. For instance, the $1,250 model features an RTX 4060 and Ryzen 7 7745HX.
While there are similarly configured laptops from other brands that might save you around $100, the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 stands out for its quality. It's a bit pricier, but it's built with flagship-like craftsmanship, boasting a fantastic keyboard, minimal body flex, and commendable battery life.
Among the gaming laptops we review, the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 is consistently a top pick across different budgets. The fact that a budget-friendly configuration is available only adds to its appeal. It might not be the cheapest option out there, but the small premium is well worth it.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022): Unbeatable Bargain
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| Source: Digital Trends |
Asus' renowned ROG Zephyrus G14 usually exceeds the budget range. However, the previous year's model is now available at a greatly reduced price. If you manage to snag it on sale, you'll be getting the best gaming laptop deal around.
We're talking about the 2022 edition, specifically the base configuration equipped with a Ryzen 9 6900HS processor and Radeon RX 6700S graphics. It has a retail price of $1,650, but it's commonly found for around $1,100 these days. You might even spot it on sale for as low as $800, and its performance easily surpasses the other options on this list.
The ROG Zephyrus G14 earns its praise due to premium features. It offers more storage space compared to other laptops on this list, boasts a beautiful 120Hz display, and includes features like USB-C charging that are typically reserved for high-end laptops like the Razer Blade 14.
The Zephyrus G14 hits the sweet spot at the right time. While it may not remain available six months from now, for the time being, you won't find a better deal.
Dell G15: Unmatched Value under $800
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| Jacob Roach / Digital Trends |
If you're on a tight budget and in need of a new gaming laptop, the Dell G15 is hard to overlook. Priced at only $730, it boasts a 10-core Intel Core i5-13450HX, an Nvidia RTX 3050, 8GB of memory, and a 256GB SSD. While it may not be a top-tier performer, it offers a solid option for 1080p gaming if you're willing to make some graphical compromises.
Similar to the recommended Lenovo model, the Dell G15 stands out with its superior build quality. Predominantly made of plastic, Dell has maximized the material to provide durability to the G15's structure. It also features a decent cooling solution, preventing excessive noise or heat during intensive usage.
The keyboard outshines what is typically found in this price range. While it may not be the absolute best gaming laptop keyboard, it lacks the mushy feel and sticky keys common in laptops priced around $700.
Although the Dell G15 is excellent in its base configuration, we advise against opting for pricier configurations. The price hike for even slight upgrades is substantial, and there are better and more affordable alternatives available.
Acer Chromebook 516 GE: Budget-Friendly Chromebook Gaming
Aaron Leong
While gaming on Chromebooks still has a ways to go, the Acer Chromebook 516 GE provides a glimpse into the future. As a high-end Chromebook, it offers impressive battery life and an exceptional screen, although peak performance isn't its selling point.
The Chromebook 516 GE isn't designed for intensive gaming. Its Intel Core i5-1240P processor can handle lightweight games from the Google Play Store, but it's primarily meant to be used with cloud gaming services like GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass.
Thanks to the Wi-Fi 6E module, you can run demanding games on the laptop with minimal latency. Don't overlook the display either; even the most basic Chromebooks are capable of cloud gaming, but the outstanding 2,560 x 1,600 screen enhances the experience on the Chromebook 516 GE. Additionally, you can fully utilize the display's 120Hz with apps like GeForce Now.
However, your experience with the Acer Chromebook 516 GE depends on your internet connection. The laptop's wireless connectivity sets you up for success, and if you encounter stutters, you can directly connect it to your router via the Gigabit Ethernet jack.
HP Victus 15: Premier 15-Inch Budget Gaming Laptop
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| Mark Coppock / Digital Trends |
Finding a genuinely affordable gaming laptop is a challenge, but the HP Victus 15 fits the bill. At $800, it comes with an Intel Core i5-13500H, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and an Nvidia RTX 3050 graphics card. While it may not blow you away in every game, it delivers solid performance considering its price.
Other aspects of the laptop are middle-of-the-road, which is typical for this price range. The display is decent, battery life is average, and the webcam is subpar. Fortunately, the keyboard and trackpad perform well, and the build quality is satisfactory.
Beyond gaming, the processor is a winner for other tasks. Although it's not the fastest chip available, it excels at tasks like Adobe Premiere Pro and video transcoding.
Asus ROG Ally: Exceptional Portable Gaming
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| Digital Trends |
Now, here's a unique recommendation – the Asus ROG Ally. While it isn't technically a laptop, it offers a laptop-like experience. Lacking a keyboard and trackpad, it features a small screen, but the ROG Ally essentially combines a laptop with a controller.
It's not the ideal choice for browsing the internet on the go, but it's perfect for gaming on the move. When back at your desk, you can connect a keyboard and mouse, a monitor, and other peripherals using a USB-C hub.
The ROG Ally houses hardware comparable to an efficient gaming laptop chip. Equipped with the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, it features eight Zen 4 cores and AMD's Radeon 780M graphics. Together, they deliver over 60 frames per second at 1080p for most games. However, it's important to note that the ROG Ally isn't as powerful as some of the proper laptops on this list.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it possible to find a gaming laptop for $500?
Finding a gaming laptop for $500 is a challenge. The most affordable gaming laptops usually start around $800, and if you're looking for something that will last, expect to spend around $1,000. However, sales and last-generation models can often provide gaming laptops around $600.
Can a budget laptop handle gaming?
The key requirement for gaming on a budget laptop is a dedicated graphics card. If your laptop has a dedicated GPU, you can likely play games on it, regardless of its price. Integrated graphics found in processors are suitable for light games, but they struggle with more demanding titles.
Are Chromebooks suitable for gaming?
Chromebooks aren't the best choice for gaming due to their limited storage and relatively weak components. Most games aren't compatible with ChromeOS either. However, you can use cloud gaming services like GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass to stream games to Chromebooks efficiently.
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