It's easy to assume that the best gaming laptops are out of reach due to their high prices, especially with top-tier features like a 4K display pushing costs over $4,000. However, you don't need to break the bank to enjoy solid portable PC gaming. You just need to know what to look for. While there are many sub-$1,000 laptops labeled as "gaming" laptops, navigating this space can be tricky due to outdated specs and shoddy manufacturing.
TL; DR – These Are the Best Budget Gaming Laptops:
Our Top Pick### MSI Crosshair 16 HX
3See it at Best Buy
Great 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 carefully selected gaming laptops that deliver genuine gaming performance, starting at $2,000 and scaling down to more budget-friendly options that still provide a premium PC gaming experience. Keep in mind, though, that there are certain features you might not find in a budget gaming laptop.
High-end display technologies like OLED and Mini-LED are often the first casualties of a lower price point. When purchasing from a manufacturer's website, opting for a 1080p display can significantly reduce costs. Truth be told, you don't need a 4K display on a gaming laptop, even with the latest GPUs from Nvidia or AMD. Choosing a 1440p screen saves money without sacrificing much in terms of visible detail.
It's also crucial to understand that a budget gaming laptop's GPU, even if it shares the same name as a desktop graphics card, won't deliver the same performance. Mobile GPUs are designed to consume less power, which inherently limits their performance compared to their desktop counterparts. So, while an RTX 4070 Super might handle 1440p gaming on a PC, you'll want to stick to 1080p gaming on the laptop version.
Additional contributions by Georgie Peru, Danielle Abraham, and Jacqueline Thomas
MSI Crosshair 16 (2025)
Best Budget Gaming Laptop
Our Top Pick### MSI Crosshair 16 HX
0The MSI Crosshair 16 HX strikes the perfect balance between 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 bulkyAt $1,400, the MSI Crosshair 16 HX may push the boundaries of "budget," but it's a remarkable value for its specifications. It's engineered for superior performance, impressive battery life, and overall excellent specs, justifying its cost.
The inclusion of a 14th Gen Intel processor with 16 cores and 24 threads ensures robust multitasking capabilities, boasting a top clock speed of 5.2GHz for higher frame rates. Coupled with an RTX 4070 GPU, this setup is perfectly matched with its FHD screen to maintain frame rates in the triple digits across many games. The RTX 4070 excels in mid-range performance and is often seen in higher-resolution setups; here, it shines at 1200p.
The RTX 40-series GPU also supports DLSS and frame generation, further enhancing performance. The laptop comes equipped with 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, ensuring swift multitasking and even streaming capabilities. Additionally, a 90Wh battery supports all-day use, though optimal gaming requires it to be plugged in.
The trade-off is its weight. At 5.51lbs and 1.1 inches thick, the Crosshair 16 HX leans towards traditional gaming laptop dimensions. Yet, it outshines competitors in nearly every aspect, justifying its price.
2. XPG Xenia 15G
Best Gaming Laptop Under $1,500
Great performance on a limited budget### XPG Xenia 15G
0This laptop offers a powerful CPU and GPU combination 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 lifeFor under $1,500, the XPG Xenia 15G is a standout choice. It boasts a formidable processor and RTX graphics, coupled with fast memory, ensuring smooth gameplay even at high settings. Its value is exceptional, especially when its price occasionally drops to $1,000.
Despite its affordability, performance isn't compromised. The 14th Gen Core i7 processor handles modern games effortlessly, while the GeForce RTX 4070 Mobile GPU excels at driving 1080p displays with high frame rates, enhanced by DLSS and Frame Generation.
The Xenia 15G also offers significant upgrade potential, with three SSD slots and memory expandable up to 64GB. However, its weight and battery life are notable downsides. At 4.96lbs, it's not the lightest, and its 53.35Wh battery struggles to last a full day without dimming the screen.
Acer Nitro V ANV16 (2025)
Best Gaming Laptop Under $1,000
### Acer Nitro V ANV16
0This laptop packs a potent CPU and GPU combo that matches perfectly with its FHD, 165Hz screen. 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, launched this year, sets the standard for gaming laptops under $1,000. It features a powerful Ryzen 8845HS processor and RTX 4060 GPU, delivering top-notch gaming performance on a high refresh rate 1200p display. While it makes some concessions, its gaming prowess is undeniable.
This laptop is ideal for those prioritizing performance on a tight budget. The 8-core Ryzen processor and RTX 4060 GPU allow for high settings on its FHD screen. It's complemented by 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, supporting multiple apps and quick game loading.
Acer cut costs by limiting ports to two USB-A and one USB Type-C, but the USB 4 protocol supports power delivery and video, allowing for a smaller GaN charger. The 59Wh battery offers around 7 hours of use, though gaming drains it much faster, necessitating the charger's constant presence.
Steam Deck Images
29 Images
4. Steam Deck OLED
Best Gaming Laptop Around $500
### Valve Steam Deck OLED
0Thanks to its stunning OLED screen, the Steam Deck OLED is a must-have. 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 defaultThough not a traditional laptop, the Steam Deck OLED, with a 9/10 rating, offers an incredible entry into portable PC gaming for just over $500. Its OLED screen elevates the gaming experience, making games look spectacular even at lower settings.
The Steam Deck isn't about raw power but value. Its extensive game library, including titles with dedicated modes like Cyberpunk 2077, and Valve's compatibility ratings, make it user-friendly. Running on SteamOS, it provides a streamlined experience, though not all games are compatible.
If you're after the latest games at high settings, consider spending more on alternatives like the ROG Ally X or Lenovo Legion Go, which boast newer hardware but lack the Steam Deck's OLED screen.
Gigabyte G6X 9KG – Photos
15 Images
5. Gigabyte G6X
Best Gaming Laptop with 32GB of RAM
### Gigabyte Gigabyte G6X
0It's a bit heavy, but its memory and storage are unmatched. 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 is your go-to if you need ample memory and storage on a budget. My review highlighted its bulkiness but praised its robust RAM and storage capacities, delivering solid gaming performance at a reasonable price. If you can handle the extra weight, this laptop won't force upgrades due to multitasking or game storage issues.
With 32GB of system memory, you can run games with background apps open or stream without performance hiccups. The 2TB SSD allows for twice the game storage compared to competitors. Its 16-inch, 165Hz screen ensures smooth gameplay with reduced motion blur.
However, it's heavy at 5.64lbs and thick at 1.13 inches. The screen brightness tops out at 250 nits, unsuitable for outdoor gaming. For indoor use, its specs are unmatched in this price range, making it a solid choice.
Where to Get the Best Cheap Gaming Laptops in the UK
Gaming on a budget is achievable, and these laptops can help you reach your goals. Fortunately, most of these options are available in the UK. Here are your choices:
### 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 balances the right components at the right price. You likely won't find the latest CPU and graphics card, but you can get close enough to play recent games without breaking the bank.
Laptops are favored over PCs for their space-saving design, portability, and sometimes lower cost. When choosing, consider the weight and size you're willing to carry. Spending a bit more can move you from medium to max game settings. If you're not into the latest 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 suffices. For more demanding games, you'll need to invest more. The difference between entry-level and high-end can be a CPU generation, faster RAM, and a dedicated GPU.
Should you buy a PC handheld instead?
It's a matter of preference. Gaming laptops generally outperform the best PC handhelds, like the Steam Deck OLED or Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, in terms of raw power and versatility. Handhelds offer ultimate portability and can be cheaper, but laptops support a broader gaming library and are more upgradeable.
When is the best time to buy a gaming laptop?
The best times to find deals on gaming laptops are during Prime Day, Black Friday, and summer back-to-school sales. These periods offer significant discounts from major brands.
How much should you spend on a budget gaming laptop?
In 2025, budget gaming laptops with recent GPUs start around $1,000. Below that, consider non-traditional options like the Steam Deck OLED. When spending less than $2,000, compromises are necessary. Focus on the resolution you want to game at and the required GPU power.
For value, 1080p and some 1440p displays are ideal. Even if you find a cheap laptop with a 4K panel, the GPU won't support that resolution, so 1080p and 1440p gaming are your best bets. Avoid laptops with only a 256GB SSD; a larger storage option is essential for multiple game installations.
Remember, the best laptop experience often comes at a desk. Consider our guide to the best gaming desks, laptop cooling pads, and gaming chairs to enhance your setup.
If laptops aren't your thing, explore the best gaming PC deals for savings on a tower.### MacBooks vs. Gaming laptops
MacBooks are excellent for many tasks, especially with their powerful Pro models, but they lag behind in gaming. Apple's latest silicon is capable, but gaming laptops prioritize gaming with powerful GPUs, CPUs, and RAM. There's also more variety in gaming laptop hardware and features.
While some games on a Mac are playable, MacOS lacks support for many popular titles. Apple has introduced a porting toolkit and "Game Mode" in MacOS Sonoma, but gaming laptops remain superior. For more info, see our gaming PC vs. Mac guide.
Gaming laptops vs. Gaming PCs
Gaming laptops offer more portability than gaming PCs, but PCs are easier to upgrade and repair, offering better value and longevity. Though laptops and PCs might share similar components, PCs typically outperform laptops. For more details, check our gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops guide.
