When it comes to gaming laptops, many envision high-end machines equipped with the latest graphics cards and processors, often accompanied by a steep price tag. However, finding a budget gaming laptop that enables you to enjoy the latest AAA titles without overspending is entirely possible. If you’re on the hunt for the best budget gaming laptop, you’ve found the right resource. Our recommendations are all priced at $1,250 or less, allowing for an immersive gaming experience without breaking the bank. Each option features speedy SSDs, dedicated graphics cards, and generous screen sizes—essential elements for any budget gaming laptop investment.
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Best budget gaming laptops for 2025
What is a budget gaming laptop?
While high-end gaming notebooks like the Razer Blade 18 can cost around $5,000, our focus here is on budget gaming laptops priced under $1,000. Historically, finding a gaming laptop that delivered decent performance within this price range was challenging, but recent reductions in PC costs have changed that landscape.
By moving up to systems priced between $1,000 and $2,000, you enter the mid-range category, which falls outside the scope of this guide. Nevertheless, it’s beneficial to watch for sales that may bring higher-end models below $1,000. For a broader look at what to consider in costlier systems, don’t forget to check out our guide to the best gaming laptops.
Are cheap gaming laptops worth it?
If you’re budget-conscious and have realistic expectations, cheap gaming laptops can be a worthwhile investment. These models generally feature Intel and AMD’s latest (though not top-tier) CPUs and entry-level GPUs like the NVIDIA RTX 3050. Most budget laptops are equipped with FHD screens that support refresh rates of 120Hz or higher, guaranteeing smooth frame rates while gaming. Notably, Dell’s G16, currently available at a discount of $900, stands out with its 16-inch quad HD+ display.
That said, many budget gaming laptops tend to compromise on specifications such as RAM and storage space. We advise aiming for at least 16GB of RAM and the storage capacity of a minimum of 512GB SSD. Modern games require a significant amount of memory, and they also tend to be large in size, which makes fitting everything alongside Windows 11 on a 256GB SSD quite challenging. You might be tempted to grab an ultra-cheap gaming laptop deal from retailers like Walmart or Best Buy, but it may not be worth it if it only comes with 8GB of RAM or limited SSD space.
In terms of build quality, expect more plastic components compared to metal in budget gaming machines. However, the recommended budget gaming laptops should still be robust enough to last for several years. Be prepared for these affordable systems to be heavier and bulkier than mid-range and premium models, and they often lack competitive Wi-Fi and connectivity options. Battery life can also be an issue, even among the priciest gaming laptops, which can struggle to last long on a single charge.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/best-budget-gaming-laptop-130004199.html?src=rss
