Looking for a budget gaming laptop that doesn’t break the bank? You’re in luck! While premium gaming laptops with 4K displays and top-tier GPUs can easily cost over $4,000, you can snag a solid portable gaming system for significantly less. All it takes is knowing what to prioritize and where to shop.
Be cautious when browsing sub-$1,000 laptops labeled as “gaming” systems. Many of these are riddled with outdated specs, poor build quality, or refurbished components. Instead, focus on laptops that deliver real performance without straining your wallet. Starting at $2,000 and moving downward, I’ve curated a list of budget gaming laptops that provide a premium experience at a fraction of the cost.
Before diving in, remember that some high-end features, like OLED or Mini-LED displays, may not be available at lower price points. Similarly, mobile GPUs, even those sharing names with their desktop counterparts, won’t match desktop performance due to power consumption constraints. Expect great 1080p gaming but temper expectations for 4K experiences.
Best Budget Gaming Laptops for 2025
MSI Crosshair 16 HX
**Our Top Pick**
With its impressive specs and wallet-friendly price, the MSI Crosshair 16 HX is a standout in the budget gaming category. Priced at $1,400, it offers incredible value for its performance.
Key Features:
- Display: 16" (1920 x 1200) 165Hz
- CPU: Intel Core i7-14650HX
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070
- RAM: 16GB DDR5 5,600MHz
- Storage: 1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
- Weight: 5.51 lbs
- Dimensions: 14.13" x 10.49" x 1.1"
The Crosshair 16 HX boasts a 14th Gen Intel processor with 16 cores and 24 threads, delivering blistering multitasking performance. Paired with an RTX 4070 GPU, this setup ensures smooth gameplay even at high settings. Its 165Hz display and 1TB SSD make it ideal for both gaming and productivity.
While it’s slightly bulkier than ultraportables, its robust performance and competitive pricing justify its weight. If you’re okay with a bit of extra heft, this laptop is a fantastic deal.
XPG Xenia 15G
**Great Performance on a Limited Budget**
For under $1,500, the XPG Xenia 15G delivers exceptional value with its powerful Intel Core i7-14700HX and RTX 4070 GPU combination.
Key Features:
- Display: 15.6” FHD (1920 x 1080) 144Hz
- CPU: Intel Core i7-14700HX
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070
- RAM: 16GB DDR5 5,600MHz
- Storage: 1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
- Weight: 4.96 lbs
- Dimensions: 14.21" x 9.77" x 0.98"
This laptop is highly upgradeable, featuring three SSD slots and expandable RAM up to 64GB. Despite its affordability, it maintains strong performance across the board. The 144Hz display ensures smooth visuals, and its sleek design keeps the weight manageable.
However, be mindful of its limited battery life and somewhat heavier-than-average weight when packed with its AC adapter. Still, for its price point, the XPG Xenia 15G is a standout choice.
Acer Nitro V ANV16
**Best Gaming Laptop Under $1,000**
At just $999, the Acer Nitro V ANV16 is a phenomenal budget gaming laptop that punches above its weight class.
Key Features:
- Display: 16" (1920 x 1200), 165Hz
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
- RAM: 16GB DDR5 3,200MHz
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- Weight: 5.51 lbs
- Dimensions: 14.21" x 10.19" x 0.98 ~1.13"
Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and RTX 4060 GPU, this laptop handles modern games admirably. Its 165Hz display adds to the immersive experience, though its port selection is limited. Battery life is modest, so plan on carrying the charger for extended gaming sessions.
Still, for under $1,000, the Acer Nitro V ANV16 is an unbeatable value. It strikes a great balance between performance and affordability.
Steam Deck OLED
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**Best Gaming Laptop Around $500**
Though technically not a traditional laptop, the Steam Deck OLED is an excellent alternative for those seeking portability and affordability.
Key Features:
- Display: 7.4" (1280 x 800), 90Hz, OLED
- CPU: AMD Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz
- GPU: AMD 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.6GHz
- RAM: 16 GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
- Weight: 1.41 lbs
