Top Affordable Gaming Laptops in 2023

It's easy to look at the best gaming laptops and think they're out of reach, especially when some top-end models boast features like a 4K display and come with a price tag of over $4,000. However, you don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy a robust portable PC gaming experience. The market is filled with sub-$1,000 laptops labeled as "gaming" options, but navigating through the sea of subpar builds, outdated specs, and second-hand options can be daunting.

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 that still provide a premium PC gaming experience. However, there are certain features you might have to forgo when shopping for a budget gaming laptop.

High-end display technologies like OLED and Mini-LED are often the first to be sacrificed to keep costs down. When purchasing directly from a manufacturer's website, opting for a 1080p display can significantly reduce the price. In reality, you don't necessarily need a 4K display for gaming on a laptop, even with the latest GPUs from Nvidia or AMD. Choosing a 1440p screen can save you money without sacrificing much in terms of visual quality.

Moreover, don't expect the same performance from a mobile GPU as you would from its desktop counterpart. Mobile GPUs are designed to be more power-efficient to operate on battery, which inherently means they deliver less performance. For example, while an RTX 4070 Super can excel at 1440p gaming on a PC, you'll want to stick to 1080p on a laptop version to maintain smooth gameplay.

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. It delivers outstanding performance, commendable battery life, and impressive specs, justifying its reasonable price point.

I was pleasantly surprised by MSI's pricing strategy for this laptop, considering its high-end components. It features a 14th Gen Intel processor with 16 cores and 24 threads, perfect for multitasking, and a top clock speed of 5.2GHz, which directly boosts frame rates.

Paired with an RTX 4070 GPU, the laptop is designed to maintain high frame rates on its FHD screen. The RTX 4070 excels in mid-range performance and can handle higher resolutions, making the 1200p screen an ideal choice for smooth gameplay.

Additionally, it supports DLSS and frame generation, enhancing performance further. The laptop also includes 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, ensuring quick multitasking and streaming capabilities, supported by a 90Wh battery for extended use.

The trade-off is its weight, at 5.51lbs and a thickness of 1.1 inches, making it more akin to a traditional gaming laptop than the latest slim designs. Despite this, its overall performance and value make it a standout choice at $1,400.

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 option. It combines a powerful processor, RTX graphics, and fast memory to ensure smooth gameplay even at high settings. Its value is exceptional, especially when its price occasionally dips to $1,000.

Despite its affordability, the Xenia 15G doesn't compromise on performance. It features a 14th Gen Core i7 processor that can handle modern games with ease. The GeForce RTX 4070 Mobile GPU effortlessly drives 1440p displays, making the 1080p screen a perfect match for high frame rates, further boosted by DLSS and Frame Generation.

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

The main drawbacks are its weight at 4.96lbs and limited battery life, with a 53.35Wh battery that struggles to last a day without dimming the screen.

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 choice for gaming on a tight budget. It features a strong Ryzen 8845HS processor and RTX 4060 GPU, delivering excellent gaming performance on its high-refresh-rate 1200p display. Despite some compromises, its performance is a significant advantage.

This laptop is ideal for those prioritizing performance on a budget. The 8-core Ryzen processor and RTX 4060 GPU can handle most games at high settings on the FHD screen. It also comes with 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, ensuring fast performance and ample storage.

To achieve this, Acer reduced the port selection to two USB-A and one USB Type-C, though the latter supports USB 4 for power delivery and video output.

The 59Wh battery provides about 7 hours of life under light use, but gaming on battery power will drain it quickly. Carrying the charger is necessary but worth it for the enhanced frame rates and graphics performance on the 165Hz screen.

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 entry point for portable PC gaming just above $500. Its OLED screen significantly enhances the visual experience, making games look stunning without needing ultra settings.

The Steam Deck OLED focuses on value rather than raw power. Its extensive game library, including specific modes for titles like Cyberpunk 2077, and Valve's compatibility ratings make it user-friendly. Running on SteamOS, it offers a seamless experience tailored for the device.

However, not all games are compatible out of the box, which is something to consider. For those wanting to play the latest games at high settings, alternatives like the ROG Ally X or Lenovo Legion Go, with newer hardware, might be more suitable, 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. Though not the lightest or thinnest, it offers 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample game storage. Its 16-inch, 165Hz screen delivers smooth gameplay.

The trade-off is its weight at 5.64lbs and lower screen brightness at 250 nits, which limits outdoor use. For indoor gaming, its specs are hard to beat at this price point.

Where to Get the Best Cheap Gaming Laptops in the UK

Gaming on a budget is achievable, and these laptops can help you get there. Many of these options 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 strikes the perfect balance between components and price. While you might not get the latest CPU and graphics card, you can find models close enough to play recent games without breaking the bank.

Gaming laptops are often chosen for their portability and space-saving design. It's important to consider the laptop's weight and size if you plan on carrying it around.

Finding the right balance is key. Spending a bit more can elevate your gaming experience from medium to high settings. If you're not into the latest AAA titles, you can opt for older components like DDR4 RAM to save money.

Are budget gaming laptops worth it?

It depends on your gaming 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 high-end gaming laptops often lies in the CPU, RAM, and GPU.

Should you buy a PC handheld instead?

It's a matter of preference. Gaming laptops generally outperform best PC handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED or Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme in terms of overall performance. Handhelds offer greater portability and convenience but are less versatile than laptops, which can handle a wider range of tasks and games.

When is the best time to buy a gaming laptop?

Major sales events like Prime Day and Black Friday offer the best deals on gaming laptops. Summer sales during back-to-school season also provide opportunities for savings.

How much should you spend on a budget gaming laptop?

In 2025, a decent gaming laptop with a recent GPU starts around $1,000. Below that, options like the Steam Deck OLED offer portable gaming, though they aren't traditional laptops. When spending less than $2,000, you'll need to make compromises. Focus on the desired screen resolution and necessary CPU and GPU power.

For budget-friendly gaming, 1080p and some 1440p displays offer the best value. Even if you find a laptop with a 4K screen, the GPU might not support gaming at that resolution, so 1080p and 1440p are practical choices.

Storage is another consideration; avoid laptops with just a small SSD. A 256GB SSD might not hold many games, so consider models with larger, albeit slower, HDDs.

Remember, the best experience with a laptop often involves using it at a desk. Consider investing in a gaming desk and perhaps a laptop cooling pad to enhance your setup. Also, don't overlook the importance of a comfortable gaming chair.

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 for professional and creative tasks, but they lag behind gaming laptops in gaming performance. While Apple's latest silicon chips are powerful, gaming laptops are designed with gaming in mind, featuring robust GPUs, CPUs, and RAM. Additionally, many popular games are not supported on MacOS.

Gaming laptops vs. Gaming PCs

Gaming laptops offer portability that gaming PCs cannot match. However, desktops are easier to upgrade and repair, offering better performance and longevity. While laptops and PCs may share similar components, desktops typically outperform their mobile counterparts.