Top Budget Gaming Laptops of 2023

It's easy to assume that best gaming laptops are out of reach financially, especially when top-tier features like a 4K display can cost upwards of $4,000. However, you don't need to break the bank to enjoy a solid portable PC gaming experience. You just need to know what to look for. The market is flooded with sub-$1,000 laptops claiming to be "gaming" laptops, but these can often be disappointing due to outdated specs, poor build quality, or being pre-owned.

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

Our Top Pick### MSI Crosshair 16 HX

3See it at Best BuyGreat 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 handpicked gaming laptops that can truly handle gaming, starting at $2,000 and scaling down to more budget-friendly options while still delivering a premium PC gaming experience. Be aware, though, that there are certain features you won't find in budget gaming laptops.

High-end display technologies like OLED and Mini-LED are typically the first to go when prices are cut. Opting for a 1080p display when buying from a manufacturer's website is a quick way to reduce costs. Honestly, you don't need a 4K display on a gaming laptop, even with the latest GPUs from Nvidia or AMD. Choosing a 1440p screen will save you money without significantly sacrificing detail.

It's also important to note that a budget gaming laptop's GPU might share a name with a desktop graphics card, but performance won't be the same. Mobile GPUs are designed to consume less power, resulting in reduced performance. For instance, while an RTX 4070 Super offers solid 1440p gaming on a desktop, its laptop counterpart is best suited for 1080p gaming.

Additional contributions by Georgie Peru, Danielle Abraham, and Jacqueline Thomas

1. MSI Crosshair 16 (2025)

Best Budget Gaming Laptop

Our Top Pick### MSI Crosshair 16 HX

0Price meets performance with this fantastic gaming laptop from MSI. 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 stretches the definition of "budget," but it offers exceptional value for the specs it includes. It's designed to deliver strong performance, impressive battery life, and overall robust specifications, making its price quite reasonable.

I was pleasantly surprised by MSI's affordable pricing for such a well-equipped laptop. It features a 14th Gen Intel processor with 16 cores and 24 threads for excellent multitasking capabilities and a top clock speed of 5.2GHz, which translates to higher frame rates.

Paired with an RTX 4070 GPU, this combination is optimized for high frame rates, especially on its FHD screen. The RTX 4070 excels at mid-range performance and is often paired with higher resolution screens, but here, the 1200p resolution allows it to perform at its best.

Additionally, the RTX 40-series GPU supports DLSS and frame generation, boosting performance even further. While multi-frame generation is exclusive to the RTX 50-series, it's unnecessary here given the hardware synergy.

The laptop also includes 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, ensuring swift performance and ample storage for gaming and streaming. A 90Wh battery keeps you powered throughout the day, though for optimal gaming performance, plugging in is recommended, as with most gaming laptops.

The trade-off is its weight at 5.51lbs and thickness at 1.1 inches, making it more of a traditional gaming laptop than the sleek, lightweight models in vogue. Nonetheless, its performance justifies its $1,400 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 unbeatable. It combines a powerful processor, RTX graphics, and fast memory to deliver smooth gameplay even at high settings. Its value often exceeds expectations, sometimes dropping to as low as $1,000.

Despite its affordability, it doesn't compromise on performance. The 14th Gen Core i7 processor handles modern games with ease, while the GeForce RTX 4070 Mobile GPU effortlessly drives a 1440p display, making the 1080p screen a breeze. You can crank up the graphics and still achieve high frame rates, enhanced by DLSS and Frame Generation.

This laptop is remarkably upgradeable, featuring three SSD slots and memory expandable to 64GB. It's one of the most upgradable laptops I've seen this year, making it an excellent investment.

The main drawbacks are its weight at 4.96lbs and limited battery life. The 53.35Wh battery won't last a full day, especially with high brightness settings.

3. 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 is the top pick under $1,000, offering a stellar CPU and GPU combo for great gaming performance on its high refresh rate 1200p display. While there are some compromises, its gaming prowess makes up for them.

This laptop is ideal if performance is your priority on a tight budget. The 8-core Ryzen 8845HS processor and RTX 4060 graphics card allow you to run the latest games at high settings on its FHD screen.

It also features 16GB of fast DDR5 memory, ensuring smooth multitasking without bottlenecks in demanding games. The 1TB NVMe SSD provides ample storage and fast load times.

Acer trimmed the port selection to achieve this performance, offering only two USB-A ports and one USB Type-C. The USB 4 protocol supports power delivery and video, allowing you to use a smaller charger.

The 59Wh battery offers around 7 hours of uptime, though gaming will drain it much faster. Carrying the charger is necessary, but it ensures better frame rates and graphics on the 165Hz screen, making this laptop a great choice for the price.

Steam Deck Images

29 Images4. Steam Deck OLED

Best Gaming Laptop Around $500

### Valve Steam Deck OLED

0Thanks to its sweet, sweet OLED screen, this is the Steam Deck to buy.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 defaultWhile not technically a laptop, the Steam Deck OLED is an excellent entry point into portable PC gaming for just over $500. Its OLED screen significantly enhances the gaming experience, even without ultra settings.

The Steam Deck OLED prioritizes value over raw power. It may not have the latest hardware, but its extensive game library and Valve's compatibility ratings make it user-friendly. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 have dedicated Steam Deck modes, and SteamOS provides a seamless user experience.

However, not all games are compatible, so consider this before purchasing. If you're looking for high settings on the latest games, consider alternatives like the ROG Ally X or Lenovo Legion Go, though they lack the Steam Deck's OLED screen.

Gigabyte G6X 9KG – Photos

15 Images5. Gigabyte G6X

Best Gaming Laptop with 32GB of RAM

### Gigabyte Gigabyte G6X

0It's a touch heavy, but its memory and storage can't be beat.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 ideal for those seeking ample memory and storage on a budget. My review highlighted its weight but praised its RAM, storage, and gaming performance at a reasonable price. If you can handle the extra weight, this laptop won't force you to upgrade due to multitasking or storage constraints.

With 32GB of system memory, it outperforms most laptops in its price range, enabling smooth gameplay and streaming. The 2TB SSD allows for extensive game libraries and fast load times. Its 16-inch, 165Hz screen ensures smooth gameplay with minimal motion blur.

However, it weighs 5.64lbs and is thicker at 1.13 inches, and its screen brightness is only 250 nits, making it unsuitable for outdoor use. For indoor gaming, its specs are unmatched at this price point.

Where to Get the Best Cheap Gaming Laptops in the UK

Gaming on a budget is achievable with these laptops, many of which are available in the UK:

### 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 an affordable price. You might not get the latest CPU and graphics card, but you can find something close enough to play modern games without spending a fortune.

Gamers often choose laptops for their portability and affordability over gaming PCs. It's crucial to consider the laptop's weight and size when deciding.

Finding the right balance is key. Spending a bit more can upgrade you from medium to high settings. If you're not into the latest AAA titles, you can save by opting for DDR4 RAM instead of DDR5.

Are budget gaming laptops worth it?

It depends on your needs. For casual gaming and productivity, an entry-level gaming laptop is sufficient. For more demanding games, you'll need to invest more. The difference between entry-level and great gaming laptops often lies in the CPU, RAM, and GPU.

Should you buy a PC handheld instead?

It's a personal choice, but gaming laptops generally offer better performance than the best PC handhelds. Handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED and Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme are more portable and convenient but less versatile and powerful than laptops. Laptops support a wider game library and are more upgradeable.

When is the best time to buy a gaming laptop?

Gaming laptops can be expensive, but you can find great deals during Prime Day, Black Friday, and back-to-school sales in the summer. See 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 prices across the PC market, a decent gaming laptop with a recent GPU starts at around $1,000. Budget options below this often include non-traditional gaming devices like the Steam Deck OLED.

When spending under $2,000, you'll need to make compromises. Consider the desired screen resolution and required CPU and GPU power. 1080p and some 1440p displays offer the best balance between price and performance. Avoid laptops with only a 256GB SSD; a larger, slower hard drive might be necessary for more storage.

One more thing: Don't use your laptop on your lap; a desk setup is better. Check out our guide to the best gaming desks and consider a laptop cooling pad for enhanced performance. Also, explore our favorite gaming chairs for a comfortable setup.

If laptops aren't your thing, check out the best gaming PC deals to save on a tower.### MacBooks vs. Gaming laptops

MacBooks are great for professional and creative work, but they lag in gaming. Apple's silicon is powerful, but gaming laptops are designed for gaming with robust GPUs, CPUs, and RAM. Gaming laptops also offer more hardware and feature options.

While you can play some games on a Mac, MacOS lacks support for many popular gaming titles. Apple is making strides with a porting toolkit and "Game Mode" on MacOS Sonoma, but gaming laptops still dominate. See our gaming PC vs. Mac guide for more details.

Gaming laptops vs. Gaming PCs

Gaming laptops are more portable than gaming PCs, but desktops are easier to upgrade and repair, offering more value and longevity. Desktop hardware typically outperforms laptop equivalents. For more information, see our gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops guide.