It's easy to look at the best gaming laptops and think you'll never be able to afford them. After all, some top-end specs, like a 4K display, can easily cost upwards of $4,000 these days. However, you can get a solid portable PC gaming system without shelling out thousands of dollars; you just need to know what to look for. While there are many sub-$1,000 laptops out there labeled as "gaming" laptops, these can be a minefield of shoddy manufacturing, outdated specs, and used gaming laptops.

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 selected gaming laptops that can genuinely play games, starting at $2,000 and working my way down, focusing on devices that are more affordable than top-end laptops but still deliver a premium PC gaming experience. Just keep in mind that there are a few things you're probably not going to find in a budget gaming laptop.

Premium display technologies like OLED and Mini-LED are often the first to be sacrificed to keep costs down. When purchasing a gaming laptop from a manufacturer's website, opting for a 1080p display is a quick way to reduce the price. Let's be honest: you don't really need a 4K display on a gaming laptop, even if you're investing in one of Nvidia or AMD's latest GPUs. Choosing a 1440p screen can save you money without sacrificing much noticeable detail.

Speaking of GPUs, it's important to understand that just because a budget gaming laptop has a GPU with the same name as a desktop graphics card, you won't get the same level of performance. Mobile GPUs are designed to consume less power due to their battery-operated nature, and thus typically deliver less performance. So, while an RTX 4070 Super can deliver solid 1440p gaming performance in a gaming PC, you should limit yourself to 1080p gaming with the laptop version.

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 bulkyWhile $1,400 might stretch the definition of "budget," the MSI Crosshair 16 HX offers fantastic value for what you're getting. It's designed to provide outstanding performance, great battery life, and impressive specs, making its asking price quite reasonable.

I was pleasantly surprised by MSI's affordable pricing for this laptop given its capabilities. It features a 14th Gen Intel processor with 16 cores and 24 threads for exceptional multitasking performance, and a top clock speed of 5.2GHz, which translates to more frames per second.

Combined with its RTX 4070 GPU, this laptop is perfectly suited to maintain high frame rates on its FHD screen. The RTX 4070 is designed for excellent mid-range performance and shines with the 1200p display, which is easier to run. Additionally, the RTX 40-series GPU can leverage DLSS and frame generation to boost performance further, though multi-frame generation is limited to the RTX 50-series.

The laptop also includes 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, ensuring snappy performance and the ability to stream if you're aspiring to be a Twitch star. It comes with a 90Wh battery for all-day use, though for optimal gaming performance, it's best to stay plugged in.

The trade-off is its weight, at 5.51lbs, and thickness at 1.1 inches. It leans more towards a traditional gaming laptop than the sleek designs currently in vogue. Nonetheless, it excels in almost every other aspect and justifies its $1,400 price point.

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 switch to integrated graphics for better battery lifeExpandable storage and memoryCONSLimited battery lifeFor under $1,500, the XPG Xenia 15G is a top choice. It offers a powerful combination of processor, RTX graphics, and fast memory to ensure smooth gameplay, even with high graphics settings. Its value is impressive, especially when its price sometimes drops to as low as $1,000.

Despite its affordability, the Xenia 15G doesn't compromise on performance. It boasts a 14th Gen Core i7 processor capable of running any modern game at high settings. The star, however, is the GeForce RTX 4070 Mobile graphics card, which can easily handle 1440p displays, making the 1080p screen a breeze. You can crank up the graphics and still enjoy high frame rates, enhanced by DLSS and Frame Generation.

The system is also highly upgradable with three SSD slots and memory expandable to 64GB. This makes it a wise long-term investment.

The downsides include its weight at 4.96lbs and limited battery life. Its 53.35Wh battery won't last a full day without dimming the screen significantly.

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 perfectly matches 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 daily useFull-size RGB keyboardCONSLimited port selectionDisappointing battery lifeThe Acer Nitro V ANV16-41-R5K2, debuting this year, is the top choice under $1,000. It features a stellar CPU and GPU combination, delivering great gaming performance on its high refresh rate 1200p display. While there are some compromises, its gaming prowess makes up for its limitations.

Choose this laptop if performance is your priority and you're on a tight budget. It includes an 8-core Ryzen 8845HS processor and an RTX 4060 graphics card, a rare combination at this price. You can run most games at high settings on its FHD screen.

It also comes with 16GB of fast DDR5 memory for multitasking and a 1TB NVMe SSD for quick game loading and ample storage.

To achieve this price point, Acer reduced the port selection to two USB-A ports and one USB Type-C. However, it supports the USB 4 protocol, allowing you to use a smaller GaN charger.

The 59Wh battery offers only about 7 hours of use, which is optimistic. For gaming, it will likely drain in less than an hour, so carrying the charger is a must. But with the charger, you'll enjoy better frame rates and graphics on its 165Hz screen.

Steam Deck Images

29 Images4. Steam Deck OLED

Best Gaming Laptop Around $500

### Valve Steam Deck OLED

0Thanks to its stunning 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 enhances game visualsCONSNot all games are compatible by defaultWhile not a traditional laptop, the Steam Deck OLED, which we rated 9/10, is one of the best options for portable PC gaming for just over $500. Its OLED screen significantly enhances game visuals, even without ultra settings.

The Steam Deck OLED isn't about raw power; it's about value. It has a broad library of games optimized for it, some with specific graphics modes. Valve's compatibility ratings on the Steam store help you gauge how well games will run.

Running SteamOS, the Steam Deck offers a streamlined, intuitive user experience. However, not all games are compatible, so consider this before buying. Despite this, hundreds of games are supported, and the list is growing.

If you're after high settings for the latest games, this might not be your choice, but it's competitive with other gaming laptops at this price. For a bit more, consider the ROG Ally X or Lenovo Legion Go for newer hardware, 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 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 brightnessIf you need ample memory and storage on a budget, the Gigabyte G6X is the choice. In my review, I noted its heft but praised its generous RAM and storage, and solid gaming performance at a reasonable cost. If you can handle the extra weight, this laptop offers robust multitasking and game storage capabilities.

With 32GB of RAM, you can game while keeping other applications open or stream without slowdowns. A 2TB SSD allows you to store twice as many games as most budget laptops. Its 16-inch, 165Hz screen ensures smooth gameplay with reduced motion blur.

However, it weighs 5.64lbs and is thicker at 1.13 inches. Its screen brightness tops out at 250 nits, unsuitable for outdoor use. For indoor gaming, its specs are hard to beat without spending significantly more, making it a strong recommendation.

Where to Get the Best Cheap Gaming Laptops in the UK

Gaming on a budget is definitely possible, and these laptops will help you achieve that. Most of the laptops listed 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 offers the right components at a competitive price. While you may not get the latest CPU and graphics card, you can find something close enough to play modern games without spending a fortune.

Gaming laptops are often preferred over gaming PCs for their portability, space efficiency, and affordability. Consider the weight and size when choosing a laptop.

Finding the right balance is key. Spending a bit more can upgrade your gaming from medium to max settings. For less demanding games, you can save by choosing DDR4 RAM over DDR5.

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 premium gaming laptops can be a CPU generation jump, faster RAM, and a dedicated GPU.

Should you buy a PC handheld instead?

It's a matter of preference. While gaming laptops generally outperform PC handhelds, handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED or Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme offer superior portability and convenience. Handhelds may be cheaper, but laptops provide better value with their versatility and broader gaming library. Laptops also offer upgrade options.

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. Check our guide for the best times to buy a laptop.

How much should you spend on a budget gaming laptop?

In 2025, decent gaming laptops with recent GPUs start around $1,000. Below that, options like the Steam Deck OLED are non-traditional but effective. When spending under $2,000, you'll need to make compromises. Focus on your desired resolution and required CPU/GPU power.

For screen resolution, 1080p and some 1440p displays offer a good balance between price and performance. Avoid laptops with only a 256GB SSD; opt for those with larger storage or a combination of SSD and HDD.

Remember, using a laptop at a desk can enhance your experience. Consider our guide to the best gaming desks, laptop cooling pads, and gaming chairs to optimize your setup.

If laptops aren't your thing, explore the best gaming PC deals for tower options.### MacBooks vs. Gaming laptops

MacBooks excel in many areas, but for gaming, they're not yet on par with dedicated gaming laptops. While Apple's latest silicon is powerful, gaming laptops prioritize gaming with robust GPUs, CPUs, and RAM. They also offer more hardware and feature choices.

MacBooks struggle with game compatibility due to MacOS, though Apple is making strides with porting tools and Game Mode. For now, gaming laptops are superior. 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 better performance and longevity. While laptops and PCs may share CPU and GPU names, desktops typically outperform laptops. Check our gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops guide for more insights.