Top Budget Gaming Laptops of 2023

When it comes to gaming, the allure of high-end gaming laptops with features like 4K displays can be tempting, yet daunting due to their steep prices, often exceeding $4,000. However, achieving a satisfying portable PC gaming experience doesn't require breaking the bank. You just need to know where to look. While many sub-$1,000 "gaming" laptops exist, they often come with outdated specs, poor manufacturing, or are pre-owned, making them less than ideal choices.

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### AcerNitro 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 truly deliver on gaming performance, starting at around $2,000 and scaling down to more budget-friendly options that still offer a premium gaming experience. Keep in mind, however, that budget gaming laptops may lack some high-end features.

For instance, premium display technologies like OLED and Mini-LED often get cut from budget models. Opting for a 1080p screen when purchasing directly from a manufacturer's website is a straightforward way to reduce costs. Moreover, you don't necessarily need a 4K display for gaming laptops, even with the latest GPUs from Nvidia or AMD. A 1440p screen provides a good balance between cost and visual quality.

Another key point is that mobile GPUs, despite sharing names with their desktop counterparts, perform differently due to their lower power consumption requirements. For example, while an RTX 4070 Super in a desktop can handle 1440p gaming comfortably, its laptop version is best suited for 1080p to maintain optimal performance.

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 exceptional value for money. This laptop is engineered to deliver robust performance, impressive battery life, and compelling specs, justifying its reasonable price tag.

I was pleasantly surprised by MSI's pricing strategy for this powerhouse. The laptop is equipped with a 14th Gen Intel processor boasting 16 cores and 24 threads, ideal for multitasking. With a top clock speed of 5.2GHz, it ensures higher frames per second in games.

The RTX 4070 GPU complements this setup perfectly. Coupled with its FHD screen, this combination is designed to maintain high frame rates in many games. The RTX 4070, typically found in higher-resolution setups, performs exceptionally well at 1200p, allowing for smoother gameplay. Additionally, the RTX 40-series GPU supports DLSS and frame generation, further enhancing performance.

The system also comes with 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a 1TB NVMe SSD, ensuring quick load times and smooth multitasking, making it suitable for streaming too. The 90Wh battery supports prolonged use, though for gaming, staying plugged in is recommended.

The trade-off is its weight at 5.51lbs and thickness at 1.1 inches, making it less portable. However, its performance and value far outweigh these minor drawbacks, making 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 stands out as a top choice. It boasts a potent processor and RTX graphics, ensuring smooth gameplay even at high settings. The value is unbeatable, especially when it occasionally drops to around $1,000.

Despite its affordability, the XPG Xenia 15G doesn't compromise on performance. It features a 14th Gen Core i7 processor and a GeForce RTX 4070 Mobile GPU, capable of driving 1440p displays with ease. At 1080p, you can expect high frame rates, further boosted by features like DLSS and Frame Generation.

This laptop is also highly upgradable, with three SSD slots and easily accessible memory slots up to 64GB. This makes it a solid long-term investment.

However, it's not without its downsides. At 4.96lbs, it's not the lightest, and its 53.35Wh battery struggles to last a full day, especially with high brightness settings.

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 pick under $1,000 this year. It features a strong CPU and GPU pairing that delivers excellent gaming performance on its high-refresh-rate 1200p display. While it makes some compromises, its gaming capabilities more than make up for them.

If you prioritize performance on a budget, this is the laptop for you. It's powered by an 8-core Ryzen 8845HS processor and an RTX 4060 GPU, allowing you to run modern games at high settings on its FHD screen. The 16GB of DDR5 memory ensures smooth multitasking and the 1TB NVMe SSD provides ample storage and fast loading times.

To keep costs down, Acer reduced the port selection to two USB-A and one USB Type-C. The USB 4 protocol allows for power delivery and video output, enabling the use of a smaller GaN charger.

The 59Wh battery offers only about 7 hours of use, which can drop significantly during gaming sessions. However, the trade-off is higher frame rates and better graphics, making this a strong choice for those willing 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 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 gaming experience.

The Steam Deck OLED prioritizes value over raw power. Its hardware may not be the latest, but its popularity ensures a vast library of compatible games. Valve's compatibility ratings on Steam make it easy to check game performance.

Running on SteamOS, it offers a streamlined and intuitive user experience, unlike other PC handhelds that run Windows. However, not all games are compatible, which is a consideration. Yet, with hundreds of supported games, it's a growing ecosystem.

For those needing top-tier performance, alternatives like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go are available, but they don't match the Steam Deck's OLED display.

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 brightnessFor those needing ample memory and storage on a budget, the Gigabyte G6X is a compelling option. In my review of this laptop, I noted its bulkiness but praised its generous 32GB of RAM and 2TB SSD, offering robust gaming performance at a reasonable price.

The 32GB of system memory allows for seamless multitasking and streaming, while the 2TB SSD means you can store plenty of games. Its 16-inch screen runs at 165Hz, ensuring smooth gameplay.

However, it weighs 5.64lbs and is thicker at 1.13 inches, which may be cumbersome. Its screen brightness is limited to 250 nits, making it less suitable for outdoor use. Yet, for indoor gaming, its specs are hard to beat at this price point.

Where to Get the Best Cheap Gaming Laptops in the UK

Achieving budget-friendly gaming is certainly possible with these laptops, and most 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 strikes a balance between performance and price. While it might not feature the latest CPU and graphics card, it should be capable of running modern games without costing a fortune.

Gamers often choose laptops for their portability and space-saving design, but it's crucial to consider factors like weight and size. Spending a bit more can upgrade you from medium to max settings, while opting for older tech like DDR4 RAM can save money if you're not focused on the latest AAA titles.

Are budget gaming laptops worth it?

Budget gaming laptops are worthwhile depending on your needs. For casual gaming and productivity, entry-level models suffice. For more demanding games, you'll need to invest more. The difference often lies in CPU generations, RAM speed, and the presence of a dedicated GPU.

Should you buy a PC handheld instead?

Choosing between a PC handheld and a gaming laptop depends on your preferences. While gaming laptops offer superior performance, PC handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED or Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme provide ultimate portability and convenience. Handhelds can be cheaper, but laptops offer more versatility and upgradability.

When is the best time to buy a gaming laptop?

The best times to buy gaming laptops at a discount are during Prime Day, Black Friday, and back-to-school sales in the summer. These periods offer significant savings on gaming laptop brands.

How much should you spend on a budget gaming laptop?

In 2025, budget gaming laptops start around $1,000, with options like the Steam Deck OLED providing a cost-effective alternative for portable gaming. When spending under $2,000, compromises are necessary. Focus on your desired screen resolution and the power needed to support it. 1080p and some 1440p displays offer the best value, while storage should be considered to ensure enough space for multiple games.

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

If laptops aren't your thing, explore the best gaming PC deals for savings on a tower.### MacBooks vs. Gaming laptops

MacBooks are excellent for professional and creative tasks, but they lag behind in gaming. Apple's latest silicon chips are powerful, yet the gaming ecosystem on MacOS is limited compared to Windows-based gaming laptops. While Apple is making efforts to improve gaming on Mac with tools like the porting toolkit and Game Mode on MacOS Sonoma, gaming laptops remain the superior choice for gamers.

Gaming laptops vs. Gaming PCs

Gaming laptops offer unmatched portability compared to gaming PCs, but desktops are easier to upgrade and repair, offering better performance and longevity. While laptops and PCs might share similar components, desktops generally outperform their portable counterparts. For more details, see our gaming PCs vs. gaming laptops guide.