Top Affordable Gaming Laptops of 2023

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the best gaming laptops on the market, especially when top-end models with features like 4K displays can cost over $4,000. However, you don't need to break the bank to enjoy a solid portable PC gaming experience; you just need to know what to look for. While many sub-$1,000 laptops are labeled as "gaming" laptops, they often come with outdated specs, poor build quality, or are used gaming laptops, making them less than ideal.

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 deliver a satisfying gaming experience, starting at $2,000 and working my way down to more budget-friendly options, all while ensuring a premium PC gaming experience. However, there are certain features you might need to compromise on with a budget gaming laptop.

Premium display technologies like OLED and Mini-LED are typically the first to go when aiming for a lower price. Purchasing a gaming laptop directly from the manufacturer's website and opting for a 1080p display is a cost-effective way to save money. In reality, a 4K display isn't necessary for gaming laptops, even if you're using the latest GPUs from Nvidia or AMD. Choosing a 1440p display can save you money while still offering a high-quality visual experience.

It's also important to note that mobile GPUs, despite sharing names with their desktop counterparts, won't deliver the same performance. Due to their need to operate on battery power, mobile GPUs consume less power and thus offer reduced performance. For instance, while an RTX 4070 Super in a gaming PC can handle 1440p gaming, its laptop version is better suited for 1080p gaming.

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

0This MSI gaming laptop strikes a perfect balance between price and performance. 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 bulkyAt $1,400, the MSI Crosshair 16 HX might stretch the definition of "budget," but it offers exceptional value for its features. Designed for high performance, great battery life, and impressive specs, it justifies its price point.

I was pleasantly surprised by MSI's affordable pricing for such robust hardware. It boasts a 14th Gen Intel processor with 16 cores and 24 threads, perfect for multitasking. With a top clock speed of 5.2GHz, it ensures higher frames per second in games.

Paired with an RTX 4070 GPU, this setup is optimized for high frame rates on its FHD screen. The RTX 4070 is well-suited for mid-range performance, and running at 1200p allows it to perform at its best. Additionally, with DLSS and frame generation capabilities, it can further enhance your gaming experience.

The laptop also features 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, ensuring quick performance even during multitasking or streaming. It's equipped with a 90Wh battery for extended use, although gaming performance is best when plugged in.

The trade-off is its weight, at 5.51lbs, and thickness of 1.1 inches. It's more of a traditional gaming laptop, but its 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 under $1,500, the XPG Xenia 15G is an impressive option. It delivers a strong combination of processor, RTX graphics, and fast memory, ensuring smooth gameplay even at high settings. Its value is remarkable, especially when it can be found for as low as $1,000.

Despite its budget-friendly price, it doesn't compromise on performance. It features a 14th Gen Core i7 processor capable of running modern games at high settings. The star of the show is the GeForce RTX 4070 Mobile GPU, which can easily handle 1440p displays, making the 1080p screen a breeze. Advanced features like DLSS and Frame Generation can push frame rates even higher.

The Xenia 15G is also highly upgradable with three SSD slots and easily accessible memory slots, allowing for up to 64GB of RAM. This makes it a wise long-term investment.

Its main drawbacks are its weight and battery life. At 4.96lbs, it's not the lightest, and the 53.35Wh battery isn't sufficient for a full day of use at high brightness.

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 under $1,000. It features a powerful CPU and GPU combination that delivers excellent gaming performance on its high refresh rate 1200p display. While it makes some compromises, its gaming capabilities are outstanding.

If performance is your priority and you're on a tight budget, this is the laptop for you. It includes an 8-core Ryzen 8845HS processor and an RTX 4060 GPU, a rare combination at this price point, allowing you to run most games at high settings on its FHD screen.

It also comes with 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, ensuring smooth multitasking and quick load times. However, to achieve this, Acer has limited the port selection to two USB-A ports and one USB Type-C.

The battery life is another compromise, with a 59Wh battery that lasts around 7 hours under optimal conditions. For gaming, you'll need to keep it plugged in, but this ensures better frame rates and graphics performance on its 165Hz screen.

Steam Deck Images

29 Images4. Steam Deck OLED

Best Gaming Laptop Around $500

### Valve Steam Deck OLED

0Thanks to its stunning 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 not a traditional laptop, the Steam Deck OLED, rated 9/10 in our review, is an excellent choice for portable PC gaming just above $500. Its OLED screen significantly enhances the visual quality of games.

The Steam Deck OLED focuses on value rather than raw power. Its popularity ensures a wide library of compatible games, some with specific graphics modes for the Steam Deck. Valve's compatibility ratings on the Steam store help you understand how well games will run.

Running on SteamOS, it offers a seamless user experience tailored for the Steam Deck, though not all games are compatible. If you're looking for high settings on the latest games, consider alternatives like the ROG Ally X or Lenovo Legion Go, but 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 bit heavy, but its memory and storage are unbeatable. 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. In my review of this laptop, I noted its weight and thickness but praised its generous RAM and storage, along with solid gaming performance at a reasonable price. If you can handle the extra weight, this laptop offers robust multitasking and gaming capabilities.

With 32GB of system memory, it outperforms most gaming laptops in its price range, allowing for smooth gameplay and multitasking. The 2TB SSD provides ample space for numerous games, and its 16-inch, 165Hz screen ensures smooth visuals.

However, it's heavier at 5.64lbs and thicker at 1.13 inches, and its screen brightness is limited to 250 nits, making it unsuitable for outdoor use. For indoor gaming, its specs make it a compelling choice without a significant price increase.

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. Most of the laptops listed 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 balances performance and price. While you might not get the latest CPU and graphics card, you can find models that allow you to play recent games without spending a fortune. Gaming laptops are often chosen for their portability and affordability compared to gaming PCs. Consider the laptop's weight and size, as these factors impact portability.

Finding the right balance is key. Spending a bit more can upgrade your gaming experience from medium to high settings. If you're not focused on the latest AAA titles, you can save by opting for DDR4 RAM instead of DDR5.

Are budget gaming laptops worth it?

It depends on your needs. For casual gaming and productivity, an entry-level gaming laptop can suffice. For more demanding games, you'll need to invest more. The difference between entry-level and high-end gaming laptops often lies in CPU generation, RAM speed, and GPU capabilities.

Should you buy a PC handheld instead?

It's a matter of preference. While comparing the Steam Deck to a gaming laptop, gaming laptops generally offer better performance. PC handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED or Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme are lighter and more convenient, and often cheaper, but gaming laptops provide more versatility and power. They support a broader game library and are more upgradeable.

When is the best time to buy a gaming laptop?

The best times to find deals on gaming laptops are during Prime Day, Black Friday, and back-to-school sales in the summer. For more details, check our guide on the best times to buy a laptop.

How much should you spend on a budget gaming laptop?

In 2025, budget gaming laptops with recent GPUs start around $1,000. Below this, you might consider non-traditional options like the Steam Deck OLED. When spending less than $2,000, you'll need to make compromises. Focus on the desired screen resolution and the necessary CPU and GPU power. A 1080p or 1440p display is ideal for value-oriented gaming. Avoid laptops with only a 256GB SSD, as they may not offer enough storage for multiple games.

One more thing: Even though it's called a laptop, the best experience is often 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 for comfort.

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 many tasks, especially with their powerful Pro models, but they lag in gaming. Apple's latest silicon is powerful, but gaming laptops are designed specifically for gaming, with robust GPUs, CPUs, and RAM. They also offer more hardware and feature options.

While you can play some games on a Mac, MacOS lacks support for many popular gaming titles. Apple has introduced a porting toolkit to bring more PC games to Mac and "Game Mode" on MacOS Sonoma, but gaming laptops remain the better choice for gaming. See our guide to gaming PC vs. Mac for more information.

Gaming laptops vs. Gaming PCs

Gaming laptops are more portable than gaming PCs, but desktops are easier to upgrade and repair, offering better value and longevity. Although laptops and PCs may share similar CPU and GPU names, desktops generally outperform laptops. For more details, check out our gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops guide.