Top Affordable Gaming Laptops of 2023

It's easy to look at the best gaming laptops and think you'll never be able to afford them. After all, some top-end specs, like a 4K display, can easily cost upwards of $4,000 these days. However, you can find a solid portable PC gaming system without spending thousands of dollars; you just need to know what to look for. While there are many sub-$1,000 laptops out there that are labeled as "gaming" laptops, navigating through them can be challenging due to issues like shoddy manufacturing, outdated specs, and used gaming laptops.

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 selected gaming laptops that can actually play games, starting at $2,000 and working my way down, focusing on devices that are more affordable than top-end laptops but still deliver a premium PC gaming experience. Keep in mind, there are a few features you're likely not going to find in a budget gaming laptop.

Premium display technologies like OLED and Mini-LED are often the first to be compromised with a lower price tag. When buying a gaming laptop from a manufacturer's website, opting for a 1080p display is the quickest way to reduce costs. And let's be honest: You really don't need a 4K display on a gaming laptop, even with the latest GPUs from Nvidia or AMD. Choosing a 1440p display will save you money without significantly sacrificing detail.

Moreover, just because a budget gaming laptop has a GPU with the same name as a desktop graphics card, it doesn't mean you'll get the same performance. Mobile GPUs use less power to operate on battery, resulting in lower performance. So, while an RTX 4070 Super can deliver solid 1440p gaming performance in a gaming PC, you should limit yourself to 1080p gaming with the laptop version.

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 a fantastic value for what you get. Designed to deliver outstanding performance, great battery life, and impressive specs, its price is quite reasonable for the package.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that MSI priced this laptop affordably, given its specs. It includes a 14th Gen Intel processor with 16 cores and 24 threads for robust multitasking performance, reaching a top clock speed of 5.2GHz, which directly translates to more frames per second.

This pairs perfectly with its RTX 4070 GPU. On its FHD screen, this graphics card and processor combo is optimized to maintain frame rates in the triple digits in many games. The RTX 4070 is tailored to offer excellent mid-range performance, and at 1200p, it performs exceptionally well.

Additionally, with its RTX 40-series GPU, it supports DLSS and frame generation to push performance even further. While multi-frame generation is limited to the RTX 50-series, you won't likely need it here, given how well-matched the hardware is.

The potent component combination extends to 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD. This system ensures snappy performance during multitasking and is suitable for streaming if you aspire to become the next Twitch star. It also comes with a 90Wh battery for all-day use, although for the best gaming performance, you should plug in as with any gaming laptop.

The trade-off is weight. At 5.51lbs, the Crosshair 16 HX isn't light and is somewhat bulky at 1.1 inches thick. It leans more towards a traditional gaming laptop rather than the slim designs popular today. However, in almost every other aspect, it outperforms the competition and justifies 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 less than $1,500, the XPG Xenia 15G stands out. It combines a powerful processor, RTX graphics, and fast memory to ensure smooth gameplay, even with high settings. Considering its features, it offers an impressive value that often exceeds expectations, sometimes dropping to as low as $1,000.

Despite its affordability, it doesn't skimp on performance. The 14th Gen Core i7 processor can handle any modern game at high graphics settings. The GeForce RTX 4070 Mobile graphics card is the star, capable of driving 1440p displays effortlessly, so the 1080p display in the 15G poses no challenge. You can crank up the graphics and still enjoy high frame rates, further enhanced by DLSS and Frame Generation.

This system is also highly upgradeable. It features three SSD slots for expanding storage, and the memory can be upgraded to 64GB through accessible slots. It's one of the most upgrade-friendly laptops I've seen this year, enhancing its long-term value.

The main downsides are its weight and battery life. At 4.96lbs, it's not the heaviest gaming laptop, but it's not the lightest either. Coupled with its AC adapter, it adds considerable weight to your bag. Its 53.35Wh battery won't last the whole 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 lifeMaking its debut this year, the Acer Nitro V ANV16-41-R5K2 is the standout under $1,000. It features a stellar CPU and GPU combination, delivering great gaming performance on its high-refresh-rate 1200p display. While there are some compromises, its gaming prowess more than compensates.

If performance is your top priority and you're on a tight budget, this is the laptop for you. It boasts an 8-core Ryzen 8845HS processor that fully leverages the RTX 4060 graphics card. Such a combination is rare at this price, but together, they ensure you can run most games at high settings on its FHD screen.

Additionally, it comes with 16GB of fast DDR5 memory, ensuring you can multitask with snappy performance and avoid bottlenecks in even the most demanding games. Acer has also included a 1TB NVMe SSD for quick loading times and ample storage for multiple games.

To achieve this, Acer reduced the port selection, offering only two USB-A ports and a single USB Type-C at the back. Thankfully, it supports USB 4 for power delivery and video, allowing you to use a smaller GaN charger and matching USB cable.

However, the battery life is limited. With a 59Wh battery, Acer estimates about 7 hours of uptime, which may be optimistic. If you game on battery power, expect it to run out in under an hour.

You'll need to carry the charger, but in return, you'll enjoy higher frame rates on its 165Hz screen and better graphics. If you're okay with carrying the charging brick, this laptop is an excellent choice for the price.

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 defaultThe Steam Deck OLED, which we rated a 9/10, isn't a laptop, but for just over $500, it's one of the best ways to get into portable PC gaming. The OLED version significantly enhances the screen, making games look better than ever, even without ultra settings.

The Steam Deck OLED isn't about raw power. While it's not the latest hardware, its value is hard to beat. Its popularity ensures a wide library of compatible games, with some titles like Cyberpunk 2077 offering dedicated graphics modes for the Steam Deck. Valve's compatibility ratings on the Steam store help you determine how well games will run and what issues you might face.

Running on SteamOS, the Steam Deck offers a seamless user experience tailored specifically for its hardware. It's more unified and intuitive than other PC handhelds running Windows. However, not every game is compatible, which is something to consider before buying. Nonetheless, hundreds of games are supported, and the list keeps growing.

If you're after the latest games at high settings, this may not be the best choice, but that's true for any gaming laptop at this price. If you're willing to spend a bit more, the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go offer newer hardware, though without the Steam Deck's beautiful 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 brightnessIf you need ample memory and storage on a budget, the Gigabyte G6X is your answer. In my review, I noted its weight but praised its generous RAM and storage, along with solid gaming performance at a reasonable price. If you can handle the extra weight – a common issue with budget gaming laptops – this laptop won't force you to upgrade due to multitasking or storage limitations.

With 32GB of system memory, it offers more than most gaming laptops in its price range. You can game with a browser open or stream without performance lag. A 2TB SSD allows you to store twice as many games as most competitors in this budget range. It also features a 16-inch screen running at 165Hz for smooth gameplay with reduced motion blur.

However, these features come with trade-offs. It weighs 5.64lbs and is thicker at 1.13 inches near the hinge. The screen brightness is only 250 nits, making outdoor gaming challenging. For indoor use, its specs are hard to beat without spending significantly more, making it a strong recommendation.

Where to Get the Best Cheap Gaming Laptops in the UK

It's definitely possible to game on a budget, and these laptops will help you achieve that. Fortunately, most of the laptops listed here are available for purchase in the UK. Here are some options:

### 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. If you're looking for an affordable option, you won't get the latest CPU and graphics card. However, you might find a laptop close enough to run the latest games without breaking the bank.

Many prefer gaming laptops over PCs for their space-saving design, portability, and affordability. Consider the laptop's weight and size, as you'll need to carry it around.

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

Are budget gaming laptops worth it?

It depends on your needs. If you want to play casual games and use the laptop for productivity, an entry-level gaming laptop is suitable. For more demanding games, you'll need to spend more. The difference between an entry-level and a great gaming laptop often lies in the CPU generation, RAM speed, and a dedicated GPU that can handle your games.

Should you buy a PC handheld instead?

It's a matter of preference, but gaming laptops generally offer better performance than the best PC handhelds. If you prioritize portability and convenience, a PC handheld like the Steam Deck OLED or Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is lighter and more compact. They can also be cheaper, but gaming laptops provide better value due to their versatility and broader game support.

Gaming laptops offer various configurations to meet your needs, whether it's better graphics, a larger display, or more memory. They're also often upgradable. PC handhelds, while excellent for portability, are more limited in features and upgradability.

When is the best time to buy a gaming laptop?

Gaming laptops can be expensive, but you can find great deals during Prime Day, Black Friday, and back-to-school sales in the summer. Check out our guide on the best times to buy a laptop for more details.

How much should you spend on a budget gaming laptop?

With the current price increases across the PC market, a decent gaming laptop with a recent GPU starts at around $1,000. Below that, you might consider non-traditional options like the Steam Deck OLED, which isn't a laptop but offers portable PC gaming.

When spending less than $2,000 on a new gaming laptop in 2025, you'll need to make compromises. Determine the resolution you want to play at and the necessary CPU and GPU power. For value-oriented gaming laptops, 1080p and some 1440p displays are ideal. Even if you find a laptop with a 4K panel, the GPU might not support gaming at that resolution, so prepare for 1080p or 1440p gaming.

For storage, avoid laptops with only a small SSD. A 256GB SSD is barely enough for multiple games, so consider models with larger SSDs or additional hard drives.

One more thing: Just because it's a laptop doesn't mean you need to use it on your lap. The best experience is often at a desk. Consider our guide to the best gaming desks and perhaps a laptop cooling pad for better performance. And don't forget our favorite gaming chairs to enhance your setup.

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 aimed at professionals and creatives. However, for gaming, they're not yet on par with dedicated gaming laptops, which prioritize gaming performance with robust GPUs, CPUs, and RAM. Gaming laptops also offer more hardware and feature choices.

While you can play some games on a Mac, MacOS lacks support for many popular gaming titles that run on Windows. Apple is making strides with its porting toolkit and "Game Mode" on MacOS Sonoma, but gaming laptops still dominate in this area. See our guide on gaming PCs vs. Macs for more information.

Gaming laptops vs. Gaming PCs

Gaming laptops are more portable than gaming PCs but have their differences. Gaming PCs are easier to upgrade and repair, offering better performance and longer lifespans. Though laptops and PCs may share similar CPU and GPU names, the performance in PCs is typically superior. Check out our guide on gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops for more details.