Top Affordable Gaming Laptops in 2023

When you think about the best gaming laptops, it's easy to get discouraged by the hefty price tags. Some top-end models with features like a 4K display can soar well over $4,000. However, you don't need to break the bank to enjoy portable PC gaming. You can find a solid gaming laptop for much less; you just need to know what to prioritize. While there are numerous sub-$1,000 options labeled as "gaming" laptops, these often come with pitfalls such as subpar build quality, outdated specifications, or even being used gaming laptops.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 carefully selected gaming laptops that can truly enhance your gaming experience, starting at $2,000 and gradually moving to more budget-friendly options, all while ensuring they deliver a premium PC gaming experience. However, there are certain features you might have to compromise on when opting for a budget gaming laptop.

High-end display technologies like OLED and Mini-LED are often the first to go when aiming for a lower price point. Purchasing a gaming laptop directly from a manufacturer's website and opting for a 1080p display is a quick way to reduce costs. Truthfully, a 4K display might be overkill for gaming laptops, even with the latest Nvidia or AMD GPUs. Choosing a 1440p screen can save you money without sacrificing much visual quality.

It's also important to understand that a laptop's GPU, even if it shares the same name as a desktop graphics card, won't offer the same performance level. Mobile GPUs are designed to use less power to operate on battery, resulting in reduced performance. So, while an RTX 4070 Super can handle 1440p gaming on a desktop, you'll likely want to stick to 1080p gaming with its laptop counterpart.

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 tremendous value. It's engineered for exceptional performance, commendable battery life, and impressive specifications, justifying its price.

I was pleasantly surprised by MSI's decision to keep this laptop affordable despite its powerful components. It features a 14th Gen Intel processor with 16 cores and 24 threads, ideal for multitasking, and a top clock speed of 5.2GHz, which translates to higher frame rates.

Paired with the RTX 4070 GPU, this laptop is optimized for high frame rates, especially on its FHD screen. The RTX 4070 is typically found in laptops with higher resolution displays, but here it excels at 1200p, ensuring smooth gameplay. Additionally, the RTX 40-series GPU supports DLSS and frame generation, further boosting performance.

The laptop also includes 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, providing fast and efficient multitasking and streaming capabilities. A 90Wh battery keeps you going all day, though for optimal gaming, it's best to plug in.

The trade-off is its weight and size. At 5.51lbs and 1.1 inches thick, it's not the most portable option. However, its performance and value make it an outstanding 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 lifeThe XPG Xenia 15G stands out as an exceptional choice under $1,500. It delivers a robust blend of processing power, RTX graphics, and swift memory, ensuring your games run smoothly at high settings. At times, you can even find it for as low as $1,000, making it an incredible value.

Despite its affordability, it doesn't skimp on performance. The 14th Gen Core i7 processor handles modern games with ease, while the GeForce RTX 4070 Mobile GPU effortlessly drives 1440p displays, making the 1080p screen a breeze. Advanced features like DLSS and Frame Generation can further enhance frame rates.

This laptop is also remarkably upgradeable, with three SSD slots and memory expandable to 64GB. This makes it a wise long-term investment.

The drawbacks are its weight and battery life. At 4.96lbs, it's not the lightest, and its 53.35Wh battery won't last a full 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 contender under $1,000. It offers a powerful combination of CPU and GPU, delivering great gaming performance on its high refresh rate 1200p display. While it has some limitations, its gaming prowess makes it a strong choice.

This laptop is ideal if performance is your priority and you're on a tight budget. The 8-core Ryzen 8845HS processor and RTX 4060 graphics card work together to run most games at high settings on its FHD screen.

It also features 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, ensuring smooth multitasking and quick load times. However, Acer has reduced the port selection to keep costs down, offering only two USB-A ports and one USB Type-C.

Battery life is another area where compromises were made, with a 59Wh battery rated for about 7 hours of use. For gaming, expect less than an hour on battery power, so you'll need to carry the charger.

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 defaultThe Steam Deck OLED, rated 9/10 in our review, isn't a traditional laptop, but it's an excellent choice for portable PC gaming for just over $500. Its OLED screen significantly enhances the visual experience, even without maxing out game settings.

The Steam Deck OLED focuses on value rather than sheer power. Its popularity ensures a vast library of compatible games, some with dedicated Steam Deck modes. Valve's compatibility ratings on the Steam store help you gauge game performance before purchase.

Running on SteamOS, it offers a seamless user experience tailored for handheld gaming, though not all games are compatible. If you're looking for the latest games at high settings, consider spending more on alternatives like the ROG Ally X or Lenovo Legion Go, but they won't match 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 your go-to if you need ample memory and storage on a budget. In my review of this laptop, I noted its heft but praised its generous RAM and storage, offering strong gaming performance at a reasonable price. It's a solid choice if you can handle the extra weight typical of budget gaming laptops.

With 32GB of RAM, multitasking and streaming are seamless, and a 2TB SSD means you can store a large game library. The 16-inch screen runs at 165Hz, ensuring smooth gameplay.

However, it's heavy at 5.64lbs and thicker at 1.13 inches near the hinge. The screen brightness caps at 250 nits, making it unsuitable for outdoor use. For indoor gaming, its specs offer excellent value.

Where to Get the Best Cheap Gaming Laptops in the UK

Gaming on a budget is entirely feasible with these laptops. Most are available for purchase 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 cost and performance. While you might not get the latest CPU and graphics card, you can still find a capable machine that runs modern games without breaking the bank.

Laptops are often chosen over gaming PCs for their portability and smaller footprint, so consider the laptop's size and weight. Balancing your budget can mean the difference between playing games on medium versus max settings. If you're not focused on the latest AAA titles, opting for DDR4 RAM instead of DDR5 can save money.

Are budget gaming laptops worth it?

It depends on your needs. For casual gaming and productivity, an entry-level gaming laptop suffices. For more demanding games, you'll need to invest a bit more. The difference often lies in CPU generations, RAM speed, and the presence of a dedicated GPU.

Should you buy a PC handheld instead?

It's a personal choice, but gaming laptops generally outperform the best PC handhelds. If portability is key, devices like the Steam Deck OLED or Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme are lighter and more convenient. However, gaming laptops offer greater versatility and support a broader game library.

When is the best time to buy a gaming laptop?

The best times for deals are Prime Day, Black Friday, and back-to-school sales in the summer. Check our guide on the best times to buy a laptop for more details.

How much should you spend on a budget gaming laptop?

In 2025, budget gaming laptops with recent GPUs start around $1,000. Below that, options like the Steam Deck OLED offer portable gaming. For budget-conscious buyers, consider 1080p or 1440p displays and avoid laptops with only a single small SSD.

One more thing: Even with a laptop, the best experience often comes at a desk. Consider our guide to the best gaming desks and laptop cooling pads for optimal performance, and don't forget to check out our favorite gaming chairs.

If laptops aren't your speed, check out the best gaming PC deals to save on a tower.### MacBooks vs. Gaming laptops

MacBooks are powerful for professional and creative tasks, but they lag in gaming. While Apple's latest silicon is impressive, gaming laptops are designed for gaming with powerful GPUs, CPUs, and RAM. MacBooks also struggle with game support due to their focus on MacOS, though Apple is improving this. See our gaming PC vs. Mac guide for more.

Gaming laptops vs. Gaming PCs

Gaming laptops offer portability, but gaming PCs are easier to upgrade and generally provide better performance for the price. While components may share names, desktop versions outperform their laptop counterparts. For more details, check our gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops guide.