Top Affordable Gaming Laptops of 2023

It's easy to feel overwhelmed when you see the best gaming laptops with high-end features like a 4K display, often priced at over $4,000. However, you don't need to break the bank to enjoy a robust portable PC gaming experience. You just need to know what to look for. While the market is flooded with sub-$1,000 "gaming" laptops, many of these can be disappointing due to poor manufacturing, outdated specs, or being second-hand.

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 carefully selected gaming laptops that can genuinely enhance your gaming experience, starting at $2,000 and scaling down to more affordable options while still providing a premium PC gaming experience. However, there are certain features you might not find in budget gaming laptops.

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

It's also important to understand that mobile GPUs, despite sharing names with their desktop counterparts, offer different performance levels. They are designed to consume less power, which means they typically deliver less performance. For example, while an RTX 4070 Super in a desktop can handle solid 1440p gaming, the laptop version will perform better at 1080p.

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 exceptional value for its price. It's designed to deliver outstanding performance, impressive battery life, and overall superior specs, making its price tag quite reasonable.

I was pleasantly surprised by MSI's affordability with this laptop, which comes equipped with a 14th Gen Intel processor featuring 16 cores and 24 threads, perfect for multitasking. It boasts a top clock speed of 5.2GHz, directly translating to higher frame rates.

Paired with the RTX 4070 GPU, this combination is optimized to maintain triple-digit frame rates in many games, especially with its FHD screen. The RTX 4070 is typically found in laptops with higher resolution displays, but at 1200p, it performs exceptionally well, allowing for smoother gameplay.

Additionally, it leverages DLSS and frame generation, features of the RTX 40-series GPU, to push performance even further. While multi-frame generation is reserved for the RTX 50-series, it's not necessary here due to the well-matched hardware.

The laptop also includes 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, ensuring snappy performance even during multitasking and streaming. It's powered by a 90Wh battery, though for optimal gaming performance, you'll want to keep it plugged in.

The trade-off is its weight at 5.51lbs and its thickness of 1.1 inches, making it more akin to a traditional gaming laptop. However, in nearly every other aspect, it outperforms its competitors, justifying 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 under $1,500, the XPG Xenia 15G is a standout choice. It delivers a potent combination of processor, RTX graphics, and fast memory, ensuring smooth gameplay even at high settings. With its price sometimes dropping as low as $1,000, it offers exceptional value.

Despite its affordability, it doesn't compromise on performance. It features a 14th Gen Core i7 processor capable of running modern games at high graphics settings. The GeForce RTX 4070 Mobile GPU can easily drive a 1440p display, making the 1080p display in the 15G no challenge. You'll enjoy high frame rates, enhanced by features like DLSS and Frame Generation.

This laptop is also highly upgradable, with three SSD slots and memory expandable to 64GB, making it a wise long-term investment.

The main drawbacks are its weight and battery life. At 4.96lbs, it's not the heaviest but certainly not the lightest. 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 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, debuting this year, is the top choice under $1,000. It combines an excellent CPU and GPU to deliver robust gaming performance on its high refresh rate 1200p display. While there are some compromises, its gaming capabilities make up for any limitations.

This laptop is ideal if gaming performance is your priority and you're on a tight budget. It features an 8-core Ryzen 8845HS processor that, alongside the RTX 4060 graphics card, can run most games at high settings on its FHD screen.

It also includes 16GB of fast DDR5 memory for multitasking and a 1TB NVMe SSD for quick load times and ample storage.

To keep costs down, Acer limited the port selection to two USB-A ports and one USB Type-C. However, the USB Type-C supports USB 4, allowing for power delivery and video, so you can use a smaller GaN charger.

The battery life is limited to around 7 hours, which is optimistic. Gaming on battery will drain it quickly, necessitating the use of its charger, which is bulky. However, this trade-off allows for better frame rates and graphics on its 165Hz screen, making it a compelling option at this price point.

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 the Steam Deck OLED isn't technically a laptop, it's an excellent choice for portable PC gaming around $500. It features an upgraded OLED screen that enhances the visual quality of games without needing ultra settings.

The Steam Deck OLED focuses on value rather than raw power. It has a wide library of games optimized for its hardware, with some titles even offering specific graphics modes for the Steam Deck. Valve's compatibility rating on the Steam store helps you understand how well a game will run.

Running on SteamOS, it offers a seamless user experience tailored for the Steam Deck, making it more intuitive than many PC handhelds that run Windows. However, not all games are compatible, which is worth considering before buying. With hundreds of compatible games and a growing list, it remains a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers.

If you need the latest games at high settings, consider spending more on 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 the go-to choice for those seeking ample memory and storage on a budget. In my review of this laptop, I noted its weight and thickness but praised its generous RAM and storage, as well as its solid gaming performance at a reasonable price. If you can handle the extra weight, this laptop ensures you won't need to upgrade soon due to multitasking or storage constraints.

With 32GB of system memory, it outperforms many gaming laptops in its price range, allowing for smooth gameplay even with background applications running. Its 2TB SSD provides ample space for multiple games, and its 16-inch, 165Hz screen offers smooth visuals.

However, it's on the heavier side at 5.64lbs and thicker at 1.13 inches near the hinge. The screen brightness is also limited to 250 nits, unsuitable for outdoor use. For indoor gaming, its specs offer great value without a significant price hike.

Where to Get the Best Cheap Gaming Laptops in the UK

Gaming on a budget is achievable, and these laptops make it easier. Most of these options are also available in the UK, offering great value for money:

### 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 strikes the right balance between components and price. While you might not get the latest CPU and graphics card, you can find something capable of running the latest games without spending a fortune.

Gaming laptops are preferred for their portability and often lower cost compared to gaming PCs. When choosing, consider the laptop's size and weight, as these can affect portability.

The key is finding the right balance. Spending a bit more can elevate your gaming experience from medium to max settings. For those not focused on the latest AAA titles, opting for DDR4 RAM instead of 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 is sufficient. For more demanding games, you'll need to invest a bit more. The difference between an entry-level and a great gaming laptop often lies in the CPU generation, RAM speed, and the presence of a dedicated GPU.

Should you buy a PC handheld instead?

This depends on your preferences. When comparing the Steam Deck to a gaming laptop, gaming laptops typically offer superior performance.

PC handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED or Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme are more portable and often cheaper. However, gaming laptops provide better value due to their versatility, supporting a broader game library and offering more features and power.

Gaming laptops can be customized to meet specific needs, such as better graphics or more memory, and are often upgradable. PC handhelds, while excellent for portability, have limitations in these areas.

When is the best time to buy a gaming laptop?

The best times to buy gaming laptops are during major sales events like Prime Day and Black Friday, where you can find significant discounts. Summer also offers back-to-school deals. For more details, refer to our guide on the best times to buy a laptop.

How much should you spend on a budget gaming laptop?

In 2025, a decent gaming laptop with a recent GPU starts at around $1,000. Below this, options like the Steam Deck OLED offer portable gaming but aren't traditional laptops.

When spending less than $2,000, you'll need to make compromises. Determine your desired resolution and the necessary CPU and GPU power. A 1080p or 1440p display is ideal for a budget gaming laptop, as higher resolutions may not be supported by the GPU.

For storage, avoid laptops with only a small SSD. A 256GB SSD might not be enough for multiple games, so consider models with larger or additional storage options.

One more thing: Remember, the best way to use a gaming laptop is at a desk. Consider our guide to the best gaming desks and perhaps a laptop cooling pad to enhance performance. Don't forget to check out our favorite gaming chairs to complement your new setup.

If laptops aren't your thing, explore our best gaming PC deals to find savings on a tower.### MacBooks vs. Gaming laptops

MacBooks are excellent for many tasks, particularly with their powerful Pro models suited for professional and creative work. However, they lag in gaming performance compared to dedicated gaming laptops, which come equipped with robust GPUs, CPUs, and RAM designed for gaming.

While some games can be played on a Mac, MacOS lacks support for many popular gaming titles, which are predominantly designed for Windows. Apple has introduced tools to bring more PC games to Mac and added "Game Mode" on MacOS Sonoma, but gaming laptops still lead in this arena. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on gaming PC vs. Mac.

Gaming laptops vs. Gaming PCs

Gaming laptops offer portability that gaming PCs can't match. However, gaming PCs are easier to upgrade and repair, offering better value and a longer lifespan. Though laptops and PCs may share similar specs, desktops generally provide superior performance. For more details, check out our gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops guide.