Best cheap gaming laptop under $1,000 for 2022. How to get a cheap gaming laptop

The A15 offers great performance for a low price, and its WASD keys stay cool enough. Additionally, it has an RGB keyboard and a high refresh rate screen.

Best cheap gaming laptop under 400,000 for 2022

Good entry-level graphics chips mean great performance for less money.

You can find decent gaming laptops ranging from $ 700 to $ 400,000, but good deals tend to disappear quickly due to limited inventory due to a shortage of microprocessors. However, you can still find reliable gaming laptops with AMD or Intel processors, a newer entry-level discrete graphics card, and displays with faster refresh rates.

This means that you are not limited to low definition games on these machines, and you can get an immersive experience by playing games like Fortnite, Minecraft, Apex Legends, CS: GO, and PUBG. It still costs a dime a dozen to get an inexpensive gaming laptop, but thrifty gamers can save even more money if they’re searching for the best cheap laptop deals for a refurbished or open box from the likes of Best Buy, Amazon, Micro Centrum, and Woot .

The recommendations below are based on our reviews and testing, and are designed to help you get the perfect gaming experience on a cheap laptop. And if you want to improve your gaming and work-at-home experience, you can have a look at inexpensive gaming hardware to help you with that. We’ll keep updating this list of the best cheap gaming laptops as you browse for new products. Also, if you need help deciphering what specs to look for on a good cheap gaming laptop, head down the list for buying advice.

Dell G15

Dell has streamlined its G Series gaming laptops from three models to just one – and it’s all for the best. Instead of decoding different functions and the quality differences between them, there is only one case with different configurations with 11th Gen Intel CPU or AMD Ryzen 5000 H series CPU. All processors can be paired with up to 6 GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060, 8 GB DDR4 RAM or 16 GB DDR4 RAM and 256 GB SSD or 512 GB SSD. They’re basically the more budget-friendly version of those from the Alienware department, but they can still play the latest AAA titles. Prices have gone up and down recently due to delivery issues, so if you’re a player on a budget you may have to wait for the best deal. This gaming laptop has eight USB ports and the laptop comes in two colors.

8 GB of RAM is expandable and perfectly supports the built-in processor. However, as with some of the other laptops on the list, the memory module is a bit restrictive, thanks to a 256GB SSD that helps minimize OS load times. However, we would like there to be a double memory module that could store almost any game, regardless of size.

TL; DR – These are the Best Budget Gaming Laptops:

Best Budget Gaming Laptop

Display: 16.1 “FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS 144 Hz | Processor: Intel Core i7-11800H | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 (6 GB GDDR6 VRAM) | RAM: 16 GB DDR4 | Memory: 512 GB NVMe SSD | Weight: 5.11 pounds | Size: 14.54 “x 9.76″ x 0.91”

The HP OMEN 16 is a powerful gaming laptop at an incredibly attractive price of 400,200. It provides the perfect balance of CPU and graphics performance. And thanks to the high-quality components inside, you won’t pay too much for one part of your system that will be constantly sniffed by another. It also has several improvements from the OMEN 15 model, including longer battery life and a slightly larger screen.

The internal Intel Core i7-11800H processor provides the high performance and instant responsiveness you need for solid 1080p gaming. There is also an impressive 144 Hz display and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU. Thanks to this, you will be able to enjoy the game in 1080p resolution at high speeds without having to change the graphics settings. With a comfortable four-zone RGB keyboard, USB 4 and Thunderbolt 4 connections, and a Wi-Fi 6 connection, all you need is a mouse and perhaps a headset to start enjoying your favorite games.

HP Victus 16

Best Ultra Cheap Gaming Laptop

Display: 16.1 “FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS | Processor: Intel Core i5-11400H | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 (4 GB GDDR6 VRAM) | RAM: 8 GB DDR4 | Storage: 256 GB NVMe SSD | Weight: 5.44 pounds | Size: 14.57 “x 10.24″ x 0.93”

It’s hard to believe that everything you can get for less than $ 650 with the HP Victus 16. This system comes with some really solid gaming hardware. It comes with an Nvidia RTX 3050, which is enough to play games in Full HD on a 1080p display. This GPU is paired with a decent Intel Core i5-11400H CPU to help keep your games fairly well, especially when you realize how little you’re paying for it all.

The HP Victus 16 comes with 8 GB of RAM, which may be lighter, but can be relatively easily upgraded to 32 GB if needed. The system also runs on an NVMe SSD drive instead of a HDD or SATA SSD, which is to be expected at this budget price, resulting in higher-than-expected performance. A larger 16.1-inch screen, a backlit keyboard with an integrated numeric keypad, and an improved cooling system are some of the additional benefits of this incredibly affordable laptop that lets you play anywhere.

For the best gaming experience on an inexpensive gaming laptop, you want to make sure you have the most affordable graphics power right from the start as it can’t be upgraded afterwards, unlike memory or storage.

How to choose a cheap gaming laptop

Laptops are complex machines, so you need to think carefully when purchasing one, especially when purchasing a dedicated gaming laptop. Here are the key things to pay attention to and consider before hitting the buy button.

Graphics card

For gaming, the graphics card is a critical component of a laptop as it does most of the work while you play the game.

Better graphics card = better performance (more frames per second), so as a rule, get the best graphics card you can afford.

There’s plenty to choose from from both Nvidia and AMD, but don’t expect too much from a cheap gaming laptop. Probably the GeForce GTX model, although you can get something like the RTX 2060/3060 if you have more to spend and thus get ray tracing.

Typically, these will be laptop versions of the same full desktop adapters. Not all are created equal as some devices contain lower wattage versions of the cards – it used to be labeled Max-Q for Nvidia, but the company has removed that system now, so sometimes you’ll have to delve into the specs or read reviews to know exactly what’s inside.

One of the pitfalls you want to avoid is integrated graphics where the GPU is just part of the main CPU. While they may be decent enough for gaming if you buy the right CPU, they aren’t suited to demanding gaming performance, so it’s unlikely we’ll have one here.

Processor

While the GPU does most of the grunt, it’s still important to get a powerful gaming CPU – and if you want to use your laptop for work when you’re not gaming.

Right now, AMD is king of the castle with its Ryzen processors, but Intel-based laptops are still good if you find a model you especially like.

According to your graphics cards, get the best you can find and check out our full reviews in our benchmarks to see how well they perform.

Read our guide to buying processors for more information.

Screens

In the market for cheap gaming laptops, you are unlikely to find a 4K screen resolution or even Quad HD. However, Full HD is fine for laptop display sizes, and modest resolution will help you get high FPS even though you don’t have the most powerful components.

Note the high refresh rate as many inexpensive gaming laptops offer either 120Hz or 144Hz – at least twice the traditional 60Hz refresh rate for smooth motion and higher potential frames per second. Not only does it look better, it can give you an edge over other players.

These displays, however, tend to be a bit of a disappointment when it comes to areas of performance like color. This is just part of the sacrifice in purchasing a cheaper gaming laptop.

Memory and storage

it’s easy to forget these two when the CPU and graphics card are the heroes. Unfortunately, this means that this could be an area where laptop manufacturers are making subtle cost reductions that you may not notice. For example, RAM may be slower speed, or be single-channel rather than dual-channel.

This is an acceptable way to achieve these budget pricing to some extent, but check the specs of the specific model you are purchasing.

There’s plenty to choose from from both Nvidia and AMD, but don’t expect too much from a cheap gaming laptop. Probably the GeForce GTX model, although you can get something like the RTX 2060/3060 if you have more to spend and thus get ray tracing.

HP Victus 16 (16-d0097nr)

When it comes to the HP Victus 16, you get a lot of money for your money. The 16-inch 1080p display has a high refresh rate of 144 Hz, the keyboard is surprisingly comfortable, and the configuration options are extensive. While the GeForce RTX 3050Ti GPU in the laptop is on the lower tier, it still delivers solid performance for 1080p gaming. In addition, the subtle design makes it the right choice for both work and play.

We tested a top-tier configuration, which is still relatively affordable at 400,250. However, as we mentioned in our review, these models can drop down to $ 730. The cheaper models use the older GTX 1650 GPUs that do not support DLSS and Ray Tracing. With that being said, these laptops should still provide decent gaming performance at lower graphics settings.

Asus ROG Strix G15 Advantage Edition

Asus ROG Strix G15 Advanced Edition is a laptop fully equipped with AMD that provides fast processor and graphics performance at a reasonable price. Includes AMD Ryzen 5900HX processor, AMD Radeon RX 6800M graphics processor (with 12 GB GDDR6 memory), 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD memory. According to our review, the GPU “does not outperform the more powerful RTX 3080 laptops, but is a worthy competitor to conventional gaming tasks.” No wonder the Strix G15 is one chunky machine, measuring 28mm at its thickest part. While the extra thickness allows more space for cooling elements, it is not very portable. That said, as long as you don’t plan on taking this laptop everywhere you go, it’s a powerful gaming platform that is well worth the money.

We understand that the 400 650 price tag is not “cheap” in the traditional sense, but this all-AMD laptop costs significantly less than comparable laptops in terms of power. If you look at Best Buy or the Nvidia website for 3,080 machines, they cost anywhere from $ 3,500,200 to $ 3,000.

Acer introduces the much-improved Acer Nitro 5 to the event as an affordable gaming laptop with a dedicated storage unit. The battery has also undergone a metamorphosis compared to its predecessor.

Cheaper, less powerful

This model is identical to the AN515-44-R99Q but has an Intel quad-core processor instead of an AMD six-core processor. We recommend if an AMD model is unavailable or cheaper.

Buying Options

Recommended configuration

Editor:	AMD Ryzen 5 4600H or Intel Core i5-10300H	Screen:	15.6 inch 1920 × 1080 60Hz
Graphics:	Nvidia GTX 1650 with 4 GB VRAM	Libra:	4.8 lbs
Memory:	8 GB	Dimensions:	14.3 by 10 by 0.9 inches
Storage:	256 GB SSD	Battery Life Tested:	6 hours

If you want the cheapest laptop that can play games decently, get the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R99Q or AN515-55-53AG. Due to the weaker graphics, Nitro 5 cannot play the absolute newest, most demanding games as effectively as our top picks, and it does not support VR, but is powerful enough to play older games or less demanding modern titles for the next few years. Nitro 5 is cool enough without blowing the fans up, has a responsive keyboard and trackpad, and is easy to update. But compared to our top pick, the Nitro 5 has a dimmable screen with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. It also has less space for games and loads of bloatware.

Everything we recommend

Our pick

Asus TUF Gaming A15 (TUF506IU-ES74)

The best cheap gaming laptop

The A15 offers great performance for a low price, and its WASD keys stay cool enough. Additionally, it has an RGB keyboard and a high refresh rate screen.

Buying Options

* At the time of publication, the price was 400,000 .

Runner-up

HP Omen 15 (en0029nr)

It has an AMD processor and an AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics processor. The backlit keyboard and gray casing make it a sleek and modern laptop. The ErgoLift design improves the typing position, making long gaming sessions more comfortable.

Best Battery Life: Asus TUF FX505DT

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 R5-3550H 2.1 GHz
• RAM: 8 GB
• Memory: 256 GB
• Display: 15.6 inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)
• GPU: 4 GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
• Battery: up to 10 hours

Asus’s TUF series is best known for its usefulness in targeting enthusiastic and professional gamers. However, the Asus TUF FX505DT is a budget gaming notebook that has to say the least of high performance.

CPU and GPU

This model offers the excellent Ryzen 5 R5-3550H processor with an AMD processor with a basic clock frequency of 2.1 GHz. Moreover, this SoC has a 12nm architecture which makes it more efficient compared to some Intel Core i5 laptops. On the other hand, the graphics are handled by the GeForce GTX 1650 graphics processor and support for 4 GB of VRAM.

RAM and storage

Built-in 8 GB RAM memory further enhances processing efficiency. Be it photo editing, video editing or 3D modeling, this machine can do it all. On top of that, Asus comes with a 256GB SSD memory unit which is jealously fast and speeds up the boot process. As for the operating system, Asus offers a reliable Windows 10 Home Edition.

Display

This device provides an excellent display with a screen diagonal of 15.6 inches at the forefront. The IPS panel offers excellent viewing angles thanks to the overall resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Most importantly, the GPU and the display in consistency have a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is quite enough for the casual gamer.

Keyboard and peripherals

The keyboard of this model has 20 million years of advanced durability of key presses. The RGB backlit HyperStrike keyboard works in tandem with a responsive touchpad! Other utility specs include a handy webcam, a decent speaker array (for a better music experience), and advanced and top-notch anti-dust cleaning technology.

Design and ports

ASUS boasts a rugged chassis built to military standards. In addition, the dual fan design further enhances the structural reliability of the device while preventing it from overheating. In terms of connectivity, the device has structured ports in USB 3.1, 2.0, HDMI 2.0 and more, and then Wi-Fi 5 for faster relays.

SenseMI processor technology provides the perfect balance between power and battery life. Therefore, the battery module provides up to 10 hours of continuous backup, with moderate use. Overall, this Asus TUF gaming device is affordable enough, but still has an excellent thermal cooling design and a more than a decent processor.

CPU and GPU must be in perfect sync. You’ll want a laptop with a dedicated graphics card. On top of that, your device needs to have a decent amount of RAM, VRAM, and storage capacity. Finally, the product must have an ergonomic keyboard, enough ports and a responsive touchpad to facilitate hassle-free navigation.

Best gaming laptop for under $500 : first look

HP Pavilion Gaming 15 (Intel 15-9300H, Nvidia GTX 1050)

While every laptop on this list can highly qualify as an inexpensive gaming laptop, the HP Pavilion is one of the more expensive in the price range. It has a 15.6 inch FHD IPS screen. It has one of the most interesting designs, it is black with a green HP logo. The keyboard is backlit and has green key edges.

It uses the Windows 10 operating system and has an average battery life of six hours. It uses an Intel Core i5-9300H processor and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 graphics processor, which are great for gaming.

This cheap gaming laptop has a backlit keyboard which also includes a numeric keypad. Its hard drive size is 256 GB and it is a particularly lightweight gaming laptop.

ASUS F512DA-EB51 VivoBook 15 Thin And Light Laptop

The Asus F512DA-EB51 VivoBook is an affordable gaming laptop with Windows 10 Home operating system. Asus is a popular brand of laptops, this model has a 15.6 inch Full HD display.

It has an AMD processor and an AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics processor. The backlit keyboard and gray casing make it a sleek and modern laptop. The ErgoLift design improves the typing position, making long gaming sessions more comfortable.

It is light and easy to transport. With 8GB of RAM and speed, and 256GB of storage, it’s an overall great choice.

Asus TUF FX505DT

The Asus TUF FX505DT is the most expensive gaming laptop we’ve covered in this article, however it’s certainly great value for money. Everything is black and uses a backlit keyboard.

Asus runs on the Windows 10 Home operating system and is equipped with the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics processor. The processor is an AMD Ryzen 5 3550H quad-core processor.

It has a computer memory of 8 GB, and a screen diagonal of 15.6 inches with an FHD display. The Asus TUF uses DTS surround sound and has a 256GB hard drive.

Lenovo IdeaPad L340

The Lenovo IdeaPad L340 gaming laptop has a 15.6 inch Full HD display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. Everything is black and the keyboard buttons have blue edges that add color.

It has the Windows 10 operating system and has 8 GB of computer memory. Lenovo uses the 9th generation Intel Core i5-9300HF mobile processor. The graphics card is Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650.

Weighing in at just 6.93 pounds, it’s quite light. It has a 256GB SSD and is made by a popular laptop brand.

Things to Consider When Buying A Gaming Laptop Under $500

Each of the following considerations should be considered when purchasing a gaming laptop under $ 500. If you’re looking for a more general list of issues that apply to gaming laptops of any budget, check out the “Things to Consider” section of our Best Gaming Laptops page.

Realistic Expectations Of Gaming Performance

The unfortunate reality is that once you hit a budget of $ 500 for a gaming laptop, you likely won’t get good FPS performance on even moderately demanding games. Most gaming laptops under $ 500 will come with integrated graphics (i.e part of the CPU) instead of a separate, dedicated GPU, so you can’t expect the same level of performance.

Older games may run at decent frames per second on medium-high settings, but for anything new, unless it’s low-end (e.g map-based strategy games like Crusader Kings III), you’ll usually have to spend more money. Our top gaming laptops for less than 400,000 guides might be your best bet. Alternatively, if mobility isn’t that big of a priority for you, we suggest looking at desktop machines like our $ 700 self-built gaming PC or a pre-built gaming PC for under $ 800. Ultimately, you’ll almost always get at least 50% more performance from a desktop computer for the same price as a laptop, as the power and cooling limitations of a laptop’s case greatly restrict performance.

Consider A Refurbished Laptop

We do not usually recommend products refurbished on WePC: although they are usually worth considering, there is a general assumption that you will almost always be able to get any product we recommend refurbished for less money (unless it is new or of course), so replace them all would be redundant. We review brand new products – you decide whether you want to buy them or not!

Nonetheless, as below $ 500 budgets, the framerate performance of laptops is severely limited, we find it sometimes worthwhile to suggest a strange refurbished model for less than $ 500 (which would be sold brand new above that price range), just to do that, to illustrate the fact that maybe you could be a better option here.

We also advise you to check out our top gaming laptops under $ 600, $ 700, and $ 800 for the guides and see if you can find some of the options listed there at refurbished prices. Remember that a refurbished gaming laptop rarely comes with a warranty or any other benefit that can be obtained from a brand new model.

Maximum Refresh Rate

At the time of this writing, 120Hz gaming laptops are nonexistent on budgets under $ 500 (unless refilled, of course). 60 Hz is the norm in this price range, providing an effective 60 FPS performance in games. With FPS so low, we couldn’t recommend laptops like this for competing gaming, although for slower RPGs, strategy games, and adventure games where response time isn’t an issue you’ll be fine, although overall experience a bit more jerky and less addictive. If that’s not for you, you’ll unfortunately have to spend more money (or buy a used laptop).

Resolution

For $ 500 or less, you’ll be limited to 1920 x 1080 resolution for whatever gaming laptop you decide to go with. If you want 1,440p or more, you’ll have to spend at least 400,000 and possibly more. Nevertheless, it won’t be a particularly serious drawback for many – 1080p is still the perfect resolution for competing gamers, and if your gaming laptop is 15 inches or smaller in size, it could be argued that the higher-resolution screen is worth the money at all (unless you also use them for visual workstation workstation).