- 9.40/10 1. Premium pick: Acer Nitro 5
- 9.20/10 2. Editors choice: Lenovo Ideapad L340
- 9.00/10 3. Best value: Acer Swift 3
- 9.40/10 4. HP - Pavilion
- 9.40/10 5. Lenovo Legion 5
- 7.80/10 6. Dell G3
- 9.20/10 7. MSI GF63
It's not always easy to find a good gaming laptop amid the wide variety of options from different brands.
A limited budget makes finding a good machine even more challenging.
While looking for great processors and high-performance graphics, the chosen device shouldn't heat up and should last a long time with just one battery charge.
Many high-performance gaming machines meet these requirements. Plus, they won't break the bank.
Here are the best budget gaming laptops available today.
1. Acer Nitro 5
The Acer Nitro 5 boasts Intel's 9th generation Intel Core i5-9300H processor, so you can expect how powerful it could be. Graphics-intensive video games run more smoothly on NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics with 4GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM. With a display of 15.6 inches wide and a resolution of 1920x1080, you will be able to have the best possible gaming experience.
As you play, Acer Cool Boost technology with twin fans and dual exhaust ports will keep your device cool and calm. Therefore it's recommended for gamers who enjoy long sessions.
It's not just the deep and rich sounds that keep you on your toes, but with tactical keys having a travel distance of just 1.6mm, the backlit keyboard makes gameplay even more enjoyable.
- Acer Cool Boost technology
- Full HD IPS Display
- 9th-Gen Intel Core i5 Processor
- Brand: Acer
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- CPU: Intel Core i5-9300H
- Memory: 8GB
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Battery: 8 hours
- Ports: 1x USB 3.1 Type C Gen 1, 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1x USB 2.0, 1x HDMI 2.0
- Camera: HD Webcam
- Display [Size, Resolution]: 15.6-inch, 1920x1080
- Weight: 5.07lbs
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- Dimension: 14.31 x 10.04 x 0.96 inches
- Speakers: Waves MaxxAudio
- Good battery life of 8 hours
- Wide display
- Alexa integration
- Fairly heavy
2. Lenovo Ideapad L340
A brushed chassis and a blue-backlit keyboard make the Lenovo Ideapad a competitor of ASUS and Acer laptops. One thing that differentiates this machine from other brands is its modest price and sturdy design. Furthermore, its 512 GB storage capacity allows you to download heavy games with hefty file size and the 8GB RAM enables it to run multiple games simultaneously.
Thus, a high storage and memory mix is key to maximizing efficiency. Additionally, two USB ports along with HDMI, type-C, and Ethernet ports allow you to connect headphones and other gaming accessories simultaneously.
With Dolby audio technology, the laptop delivers crystal clear sound without generating echo, allowing you to stream live video more effectively.
Read More- Steadfast graphics unit
- Eye-care mode
- Quiet mode for working
- Jaw-dropping Dolby audio
- Brand: Lenovo
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- CPU: Intel Core i5-9300H
- Memory: 8GB
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Battery: 9 Hours
- Ports: 2x USB 3.0
- Camera: HD 720p
- Display [Size, Resolution]: 15.6-inch, 1920x1080
- Weight: 4.84lbs
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- Dimension: 14.29 x 10.02 x 0.94 inches
- Speakers: Dopoundsy audio technology
- Best for long gaming sessions
- No heating issues
- Wide display with enhanced visuals
- Display doesn't support 4K resolution
3. Acer Swift 3
The Swift 3 laptop from Acer is a lightweight gaming laptop. The AMD GPU is optimized for gaming at 60 frames per second. 512 GB of storage provides enough space for dozens of games, so installing a new one doesn't require removing your old one first.
This machine extracts all heat away from its bottom and is pretty good at exhausting heat to cool the system. This piece is ideal for gamers who enjoy high-resolution video games since standard PCs tend to overheat during those games.
Besides being ideal for casual gamers who want more portability, this laptop can also be used for photo and video editing thanks to its high-quality display.
Read More- IPS LED-backlit display
- Acer Purified Voice with two integrated microphones
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- 11.5 hours of battery life
- Brand: Acer
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 4700U Octa-Core
- Memory: 8GB
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Battery: 11.5 Hours
- Ports: 1x USB Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x DisplayPort, 1x USB, 1x USB 3. 2 Gen 1 [featuring power-off charging], 1x USB 2.0, 1x HDMI
- Camera: Integral HD webcam
- Display [Size, Resolution]: 14-inch, 1920x1080
- Weight: 2.65lbs
- GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics
- Dimension: 12.73 x 8.62 x 0.63 inches
- Speakers: Acer Purified Voice
- Model: SF314-42-R9YN
- Powerful processor
- Relatively cheap
- Light-weight
- Integrated HD webcam for dual-player games
- The sound quality isn't good
4. HP - Pavilion
In your search for the best gaming laptop, you can save a little money if you choose an HP Pavilion model with an AMD Ryzen 5 4600H processor. The processor is a solid choice when paired with the high-quality Nvidia GPU to deliver a fast framerate essential for a good gaming experience. For most hardcore gamers, battery life is the primary concern. Unfortunately, it does not offer as much running time as the other products, therefore it's most suited to casual gamers. Using this laptop while playing games or watching online videos will last less than 6.5 hours. However, its overall performance is responsive, which helps it be efficient for lightweight gaming and general office-based tasks. With a 60Hz display, it offers frame rates of up to 60 frames per second.
Read More- Audio boost dual speakers
- HD webcam with wide vision
- Wireless Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- AMD Ryzen 10th Gen processor
- Brand: HP
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
- Memory: 8GB
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Battery: 6.5 hours
- Ports: 1x USB Type-C, 1x USB SuperSpeed, 1x HDMI
- Camera: Not Provided
- Display [Size, Resolution]: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080
- Weight: 4.4lbs
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- Dimension: 20.3 x 12 x 2.6 inches
- Speakers: Not Provided
- Suitable for multi-tasking
- Includes SD card ports
- 15.6-inch Full HD Micro-edge display
- Low Battery Life
5. Lenovo Legion 5
The Legion 5 with a six-core CPU is another versatile gaming laptop with a relatively higher price than some other gaming laptops. Nevertheless, this laptop features an anti-glare display that others don't. With a short response time, this display will help you stand out from the crowd.
As well as having a high level of performance, AMD processors are beneficial for exclusive games and are quick to respond and help your machine stand out from its competitors. Additionally, with a larger thermal headroom, you can play demanding games without worrying about overheating.
Furthermore, the enhanced audio quality with Dolby Atmos speakers and InstantGo technology booting up your system in seconds will make you fall in love with this budget-friendly gaming laptop.
Read More- InstantGo technology
- IPS anti-glare display
- Dolby Atmos speakers
- Kensington Security Slot
- Brand: Lenovo
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- CPU: AMD 6-Core Ryzen 5 4600H
- Memory: 8GB
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Battery: Not Provided
- Ports: 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x power connector, 1x Ethernet [RJ-45], 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 [Always On], 1x headphone / microphone combo jack [3.5mm], 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1
- Camera: 720p HD with Privacy Shutter
- Display [Size, Resolution]: 15.6-inch, 1920x1080
- Weight: 4.4lbs
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti 4GB GDDR6
- Dimension: 14.3 x 10.22 x 0.94 inches
- Speakers: High Definition [HD] Audio, Realtek ALC3287 codec
- More control on privacy
- High-quality webcam
- Quick charging time
- Noisy fans
6. Dell G3
With its 8th gen Core i5 processor, this Dell G3 laptop offers up to 40 percent faster multi-threaded performance than the average gaming laptop. Furthermore, its ample 1TB storage capacity provides ample space to store and install your games without difficulty. You can also expect 50 percent faster graphics performance with the GTX 1050, which means you'll enjoy playing racing or shooting games.
However, dont expect it to last longer than 6.5 hours. Aside from that, the laptop includes two 50mm fans and two heat pipes to keep your system cool. Heat pipes are used to eliminate the heat, and fans prevent the internal system from overheating. However, while playing games, it can be very noisy.
Overall, if you're looking for an affordable gaming laptop with powerful speakers and the potential to upgrade in the future, the Dell G3 laptop is a great choice.
Read More- 8MB Smart cache
- HD integral webcam
- Powerful stereo speakers
- Brand: Dell
- Storage: 1TB HDD
- CPU: Intel Quad Core i5-8300H up to 4.0GHz
- Memory: 8GB
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home 64-Bit
- Battery: 6.5 hours
- Ports: 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2, 2x SuperSpeed USB 3.1 Type-A, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x Combo Headphone/Microphone Jack, 1x RJ-45
- Camera: Built-in HD Webcam
- Display [Size, Resolution]: 15.6-inch, 1920x1080
- Weight: 5.57lbs
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX Ti 1050 4 GB GDDR5 SDRAM
- Dimension: 15.0 x 10.2 x 0.9 inches
- Speakers: MaxxAudio Pro [Stereo speakers]
- Upgradable RAM
- LED-backlit for playing games in the dark
- Wide display
- Very Noisy
7. MSI GF63
MSI's GF63 thin laptop is explicitly tailored for casual gamers who don't want to spend thousands of dollars. With this machine's ultra-thin design and 15.6-inch FHD display, you will enjoy a seamless gaming experience. Furthermore, the Intel Core i5-9300H processor coupled with 8GB RAM allows it to support most mid-range games.
With a GeForce GTX NVidia graphics card, you can enjoy exceptional visuals while playing games on an energy-efficient laptop. Due to its resolution of 1920x1080, its GPU promises to provide the best visual experience from a 1080p laptop.
Thanks to the Lithium Polymer battery, you can play video games continuously for approximately seven hours. Furthermore, its enthusiastic cooler boost five technology prevents the system from overheating, making it an ideal machine for playing graphics-intensive games.
- Up to 7 hours of battery life for long gaming sessions
- Dedicated thermals ensure extreme performance
- Carefully constructed design
- Brand: MSI
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- CPU: Intel Core i5-8300H
- Memory: 8GB
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Battery: 7 hours
- Ports: 4x USB 3.0
- Camera: HD 720p
- Display [Size, Resolution]: 15.6-inch, 1920x1080
- Weight: 7.48lbs
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- Dimension: 14.13 x 9.99 x 0.85 inches
- Speakers: NAHIMIC 3 NEXT LEVEL AUDIO
- Crimson backlit keyboard
- Provides high-definition gaming experience
- Substantial battery life
- Heavy in weight
FAQ
Q: Is 500 Dollar Gaming Laptop Worth It?
Playing demanding games on a $500 machine won't be ideal. The GPU may not be high enough to give you the best visuals. The processor and RAM won't be high-end and you can't expect it to last for long gaming sessions. Furthermore, low-budget gaming laptops are prone to heating issues. To get a reliable machine, pump up your budget.
Q: Which Brand Is Best For Gaming Laptops?
While there are many budget gaming laptop brands, not all of them will offer the same level of performance at an affordable cost. One of the most reliable and high-performance budget gaming brands is Acer.
Q: How Much RAM Do I Need For Gaming?
In general, 8GB RAM is sufficient for a laptop with a good processor. If you want your gaming machine to be able to run high graphics-intensive games without much difficulty, upgrading it to 16GB will be worth it.
However, you should also carefully choose your GPU, processor and check your machine's heat efficiency before deciding which laptop is best for you.
Q: Do Gaming Laptops Overheat Much?
A gaming laptop is usually equipped with a performance processor and a dedicated graphics card. When playing graphics-intensive video games, these components produce too much heat, which can cause gaming laptops to overheat.
Most manufacturers indeed install dedicated cooling systems, but there are times when the heat being emitted by the laptop outweighs the heat being released from it. No matter how much money you spend on your gaming laptop, you expect it to heat up occasionally.
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