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 find a solid portable PC gaming system without breaking the bank; you just need to know what to look for. While there are many sub-$1,000 laptops labeled as "gaming" laptops, these can be a minefield of shoddy manufacturing, outdated specs, and used gaming laptops.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 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 selected gaming laptops that can actually deliver gaming performance, starting at $2,000 and working my way down to more affordable options that still provide a premium PC gaming experience. However, there are a few features you're unlikely to find in a budget gaming laptop.
Premium display technologies like OLED and Mini-LED are often the first to go when prices are lowered. When purchasing a gaming laptop from a manufacturer's website, opting for a 1080p display is a quick way to reduce costs. And let's be honest: You don't need a 4K display on a gaming laptop, even with the latest GPUs from Nvidia or AMD. Choosing 1440p can save you money without sacrificing much in terms of detail.
Speaking of GPUs, keep in mind 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 use less power to operate on battery, resulting in lower performance. While an RTX 4070 Super can handle solid 1440p gaming in a desktop, you'll want to stick to 1080p gaming with its laptop counterpart.
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 outstanding 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 the price. It's designed to provide outstanding performance, great battery life, and impressive specs, making its price quite reasonable.
I was pleasantly surprised by MSI's affordable pricing for this laptop, which comes with a 14th Gen Intel processor boasting 16 cores and 24 threads for exceptional multitasking performance. It also features a top clock speed of 5.2GHz, which directly translates to higher frames per second.
This pairs perfectly with the RTX 4070 GPU. Combined with its FHD screen, this graphics card and processor combo is tailored to keep your frame rate in the triple digits (in many games). The RTX 4070 is designed to offer great mid-range performance and is often found in gaming laptops with higher resolution screens; 1200p still looks great and is easier to run, allowing the RTX 4070 to shine.
Additionally, since it runs an RTX 40-series GPU, it can leverage DLSS and frame generation to push performance even further. While multi-frame generation is limited to the RTX 50-series, you won't likely need it here due to how well-matched its hardware is.
Its potent component combination doesn't end there. MSI has equipped it with 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD. This system offers snappy performance even while multitasking and is up to the task of streaming if you dream of becoming the next Twitch star. It also comes with a 90Wh battery to keep you running all day (though for the best gaming performance, you should still plan on plugging in).
The trade-off here is weight. At 5.51lbs and 1.1 inches thick, the Crosshair 16 HX leans more towards a traditional gaming laptop than the thin and light designs that are popular lately. Still, in virtually every other way, it outperforms the competition and well earns 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 swap to integrated graphics for improved battery lifeExpandable storage and memoryCONSLimited battery lifeFor less than $1,500, the XPG Xenia 15G is a standout choice. It offers a powerful combination of processor, RTX graphics, and fast memory to ensure your games run smoothly, even with high settings. Factoring in its other features, it delivers impressive value, sometimes dropping as low as $1,000.
Despite its affordability, it doesn't compromise on performance. You get a 14th Gen Core i7 processor that's more than capable of running any modern game at high settings. The real star, however, is the GeForce RTX 4070 Mobile graphics card. This GPU can easily handle 1440p displays, so the 1080p display in the 15G is no challenge. You'll enjoy high frame rates that can be pushed even higher with DLSS and Frame Generation.
This system is also highly upgradable. It features three SSD slots for expanded storage and easily accessible memory slots that can be upgraded to 64GB. It's one of the most upgradeable laptops I've seen this year, making it an even better investment.
The downsides include its weight and battery life. At 4.96lbs, it's not the heaviest, but it's not light either. Its 53.35Wh battery isn't large enough for all-day use without dimming the screen significantly.
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 lifeMaking its debut this year, the Acer Nitro V ANV16-41-R5K2 is the laptop to beat under $1,000. It features a stellar CPU and GPU combination that delivers great gaming performance on its high refresh rate 1200p display. There are some compromises, but its gaming performance more than makes up for these limitations.
This is the laptop for those who prioritize performance on a tight budget. It packs an 8-core Ryzen 8845HS processor, capable of driving the latest games to the full potential of its RTX 4060 graphics card. It's rare to see this combination at this price, but together, they can run most games at high settings on its FHD screen.
Additionally, it comes with 16GB of fast DDR5 memory to ensure smooth multitasking and snappy performance even in the most demanding games. Acer also provides a generous 1TB NVMe SSD, allowing for multiple game installations and quick load times.
To achieve this combination, Acer has limited the port selection to two USB-A ports and a single USB Type-C port at the back. Thankfully, it supports USB 4 for power delivery and video, allowing you to use a smaller GaN charger and USB cable.
However, the 59Wh battery only lasts around 7 hours under light use, which seems optimistic. For gaming on battery power, expect it to last less than an hour.
So, you'll need to carry the charger, but in return, you'll enjoy better frame rates on its 165Hz screen and enhanced graphics. If you're okay with carrying the charger, this laptop is a fantastic choice for the price.
Steam Deck Images
29 Images
4. 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 makes games look better than everCONSNot all games are compatible by defaultI know the Steam Deck OLED isn't technically a laptop, but for just over $500, it's one of the best ways to get into PC gaming on the go. The OLED version brings a significantly upgraded screen to the Steam Deck, making games look better than ever, even without ultra settings.
The Steam Deck OLED isn't about raw power. It's been out for a while and doesn't feature the latest hardware, but in terms of value, it's hard to beat. Its popularity means it has a wide library of games that run well on it. Some games, like Cyberpunk 2077, even have dedicated graphics modes for the Steam Deck. Valve also provides a compatibility rating on most game pages on the Steam store, making it easy to see how well a game should run and any potential issues.
Running on SteamOS, the Steam Deck OLED offers a clean, intuitive user experience designed specifically for it. This feels much more cohesive than most competing PC handhelds, which run Windows and emulate a mouse cursor. However, not every game is compatible, which is worth considering before buying. Still, hundreds of games are compatible, and the list is growing.
If you want to play the latest games at high settings, this might not be the best choice, but that's true for any gaming laptop around this price point. If you're willing to spend a bit more, the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go are excellent alternatives with newer, faster hardware. Neither, however, offers the Steam Deck's beautiful 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 brightnessIf you're looking for ample memory and storage on a budget, the Gigabyte G6X is your best bet. When I reviewed this laptop, I noted that it's not the thinnest or lightest, but it offers plenty of RAM and storage space, along with solid gaming performance at a reasonable cost. If you can handle the extra weight – a common trait among budget gaming laptops – this is a portable gaming PC that won't require upgrades due to multitasking or game downloads.
With 32GB of system memory, it provides more than most gaming laptops in this price range. You can play games with the browser open in the background or stream without the system slowing down. Its 2TB SSD means you can download twice as many games before needing to choose. It also features a slightly larger 16-inch screen running at 165Hz for smooth gameplay with reduced motion blur.
These features do come at a cost. At 5.64lbs and 1.13 inches thick, it's not exactly light or slim. The screen brightness also tops out at 250 nits, making gaming in direct sunlight impossible. However, for indoor use, its specs are hard to beat without spending significantly more, making it a solid 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 it. Fortunately, most laptops on this list are available in the UK. Choose from:
### 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 must offer the right components at the right price. If you're shopping for an affordable gaming laptop, you're unlikely to get the latest CPU and graphics card. However, you might find something close enough to play the latest games without spending a fortune.
Many choose gaming laptops over gaming PCs for their smaller footprint, portability, and affordability. When choosing, consider the laptop's weight and size, as you'll need to carry it around.
Ultimately, it's about finding the right balance. Spending a bit more can move you from playing games on medium settings to max settings. If you're not into the latest AAA titles, you can save money by opting for a laptop with DDR4 RAM instead of DDR5 RAM, for example.
Are budget gaming laptops worth it?
It depends on your needs. If you want to play casual games on the go and use the laptop for productivity, an entry-level gaming laptop is a good choice. For more demanding games, you'll need to spend more. The difference between an entry-level and a great gaming laptop could be a generation jump in CPU, faster RAM, and a dedicated GPU that can handle your games.
Should you buy a PC handheld instead?
It's a matter of personal preference, but when comparing the Steam Deck to a gaming laptop, gaming laptops generally offer better performance.
If you prioritize ultimate portability and convenience, a PC handheld like the Steam Deck OLED or the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is lighter, more compact, and easier to use. PC handhelds can also be cheaper, but gaming laptops offer better value due to their versatility – they can do more than just game. They support a wider gaming library, have more features, and are more powerful overall.
Gaming laptops come in various configurations to suit different needs, such as better graphics, larger displays, or more memory, while PC handhelds are more limited. You can also often upgrade components in a laptop later to improve performance. That's not to say PC handhelds are bad – they're just different from gaming laptops, so your choice depends on your needs.
When is the best time to buy a gaming laptop?
Even the cheaper gaming laptops are expensive, but there are times throughout the year when you can find great deals. Prime Day and Black Friday are the most obvious times, as major gaming laptop brands offer significant sales. Summer is also a good time due to back-to-school sales. Check out our guide to the best times to buy a laptop for more details.
How much should you spend on a budget gaming laptop?
We're in the midst of significant price increases across the PC market, including gaming laptops, PCs, and components. This has impacted what constitutes a budget gaming laptop. Decent gaming laptops with a recent GPU start at around $1,000 and go up from there. Below that, you enter the realm of non-traditional gaming laptops like the Steam Deck OLED – not a gaming laptop, but a portable gaming device that plays PC games, so it's close enough.
When spending less than $2,000 on a new gaming laptop in 2025, you'll need to make compromises, which can be challenging if you're not sure what to look for. Determine the resolution you want to play at and the CPU and GPU power needed to drive that resolution.
For screen resolution, 1080p and some 1440p displays strike a balance between price and GPU performance. It's the best option for a value-oriented gaming laptop. Even if you find a cheap laptop with a 4K panel, the GPU won't be able to run games at that resolution, so prepare for 1080p and some 1440p gaming.
When it comes to storage, avoid laptops with a single solid-state drive. A model with a 256GB SSD barely offers enough space for multiple games, so you might need to opt for a system with a slower, yet more spacious, spinning hard drive.
One more thing: Just because it's a laptop doesn't mean you need to use it on your lap. The best experience is usually at a desk. Check out our guide to the best gaming desks to find one that suits your needs – and perhaps a laptop cooling pad to boost performance – and don't forget to look at our favorite gaming chairs to sit in with your new laptop.
If laptops aren't your speed, check out the best gaming PC deals to save on a tower.### MacBooks vs. Gaming laptops
MacBooks are excellent laptops that excel in many areas, with their powerful Pro models focused on professional and creative use. However, when it comes to gaming, Apple still lags behind. The latest Apple-developed silicon in MacBooks is powerful and graphically capable, but gaming laptops are designed for gaming first and foremost, equipped with powerful GPUs, CPUs, and RAM. There's also more choice in hardware and features with gaming laptops.
While you can play some games on a Mac, one of the biggest drawbacks is MacOS' lack of support for many popular gaming titles, which often run on Windows. Apple has introduced a porting toolkit to bring more PC games to Mac along with “Game Mode” on MacOS Sonoma. Apple is making strides in gaming, but gaming laptops remain superior. See our guide to gaming PC vs. Mac for more information.
Gaming laptops vs. Gaming PCs
Gaming laptops are much more portable than a gaming PC, but there are other differences. A gaming PC is easier to upgrade and repair, while you're often stuck with a laptop's internals. This means desktops offer more value and a longer lifespan before becoming obsolete. Though laptops and PCs may appear to offer the same CPU and GPU, the hardware differs slightly, with PCs generally outperforming laptops. Check out our gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops guide for more details.
