In 2024, there are more options than ever for gaming. Consoles and desktop PCs are popular, but they tie you down to one place due to their power requirements.
For the best combination of power and portability, a dedicated gaming laptop is the ideal choice. These laptops can handle all the big and exciting games you love, and they are easy to carry around, lasting for a few hours without needing to be plugged in.
Some of the most well-known gaming laptops can be quite expensive, costing over $1000/£15,00 for top-of-the-line models. However, you don’t have to spend that much to get a great gaming laptop. There are excellent options available for around half that price or even less. While you might need to make some compromises, you can still enjoy a fantastic gaming experience without breaking the bank.
In this article, we will introduce you to six of the best cheap gaming laptops you can buy in 2024.
Best Budget Gaming Laptops 2024
1. Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop (2024) – Best overall
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Nitro 5 is budget-friendly, making it accessible to gamers on a budget. | Some find the build quality less premium due to plastic construction. |
| It offers various display choices, including higher refresh rates. | The laptop is not as portable as some other models. |
| The laptop has an efficient cooling system to prevent overheating. | The keyboard and trackpad might not be as comfortable or responsive as higher-end laptops. |
| Users can easily upgrade RAM and storage. | The display might not have the best color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| It offers good gaming performance for popular games. | Battery life is limited during gaming sessions. |
Price at Amazon 949$
The Acer Nitro 5 is a budget-friendly gaming laptop that punches well above its weight class when it comes to performance. Equipped with a 9th or 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor or AMD Ryzen processor, paired with powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX graphics, the Nitro 5 ensures a smooth and immersive gaming experience. Its 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display delivers vibrant visuals and wide viewing angles, although it comes with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The laptop’s design exudes a gaming vibe with its red accents and angular chassis, while the backlit keyboard with customizable lighting enhances the overall gaming experience. Heat management is well-taken-care-of by the dual-fan cooling system and CoolBoost technology, ensuring the laptop stays cool even during intense gaming sessions. The Acer Nitro 5 is an ideal choice for gamers on a budget who seek a reliable machine capable of handling modern games without breaking the bank.
Specifications:
- Processor: 9th or 10th Gen Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen processor
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX graphics
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with 60Hz refresh rate
- Storage: Up to 1TB SSD or 1TB HDD, with options for dual storage
- RAM: Up to 16GB DDR4 RAM, expandable up to 32GB
- Keyboard: Backlit keyboard with customizable lighting
- Cooling: Dual-fan cooling system with CoolBoost technology
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, multiple USB ports, HDMI, Ethernet port
- Audio: Acer TrueHarmony and Waves MaxxAudio technology
- Weight: Starting from around 5.07 pounds (2.3 kg)
- Dimensions: 14.31 x 10.04 x 0.94 inches (363.4 x 255 x 23.9 mm)
2. Lenovo Legion Y540 – Best in Price
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful performance with high-end components. | Limited battery life, typical for gaming laptops. |
| Sturdy build quality for long-lasting durability. | Limited customization options for RGB lighting and aesthetics. |
| Excellent display options with high refresh rates. | Limited customization options for RGB lighting and aesthetics. |
| Sleek and modern design suitable for professional settings. | Can get loud and warm under heavy gaming loads. |
Lenovo Legion Y540 Amazon Price 1199$
The Lenovo Legion Y540 is a gaming laptop that strikes an impressive balance between performance, design, and affordability. Sporting a 9th or 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX graphics, this laptop delivers exceptional gaming performance for both casual gamers and enthusiasts. Its 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display comes with options for refresh rates up to 144Hz, ensuring smooth and immersive visuals during gameplay. The Y540’s sleek design with minimalist Legion branding allows it to blend seamlessly in professional environments, making it a versatile choice for work and play. However, users should note that the laptop’s battery life is relatively limited, as is common with gaming laptops. Additionally, under heavy gaming loads, the fans can get loud and the laptop may become warm, but this is a trade-off for the powerful performance it offers.
Specifications:
- Processor: 9th or 10th Gen Intel Core i7
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD IPS with up to 144Hz refresh rate
- Storage: Up to 1TB SSD or 1TB HDD, with options for dual storage
- RAM: Up to 32GB DDR4 RAM
- Keyboard: Full-sized backlit keyboard with optional RGB lighting
- Cooling: Dual-channel thermal system with improved airflow
- Connectivity: Multiple USB ports, HDMI, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- Weight: Starting from around 5.1 pounds (2.3 kg)
- Dimensions: 14.2 x 10.5 x 1.02 inches (361.42 x 267 x 25.9 mm)
3. Asus TUF Gaming A15 (2024) – Best overall
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great 1080p gaming performance | No fingerprint sensor or face unlock |
| Solid design | CPU could be more powerful |
| Good range of ports | Not the brightest display |
| Impressive battery life |
Asus TUF Gaming A15 Price at Amazon 1149$
The 2023 TUF Gaming A15 hasn’t changed much, but it’s still the best budget gaming laptop you can get. It delivers excellent gaming performance with AMD’s Ryzen 7 7735HS and Nvidia’s RTX 4060, making 1080p gaming smooth and enjoyable. Even though the CPU isn’t top-tier, it handles AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Far Cry: New Dawn, and Rainbow Six Siege with ease.
Surprisingly, the battery life is impressive, offering around two hours of gaming or nearly nine hours of regular use. With a good selection of ports and an affordable price, it’s a laptop worth considering. Just keep in mind that there’s no fingerprint sensor or face unlock, and the display is slightly dim. Overall, if you’re okay with entering a password or PIN, this is still the go-to choice for an affordable gaming laptop.
here is the list of specifications for the Asus TUF Gaming A15:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 processor (latest generation at the time of release)
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX graphics (specific model depends on the configuration)
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display
- Refresh Rate: Optional high refresh rate options (e.g., 144Hz or 240Hz)
- RAM: Up to 32GB DDR4 RAM
- Storage: Various storage options, including SSD and HDD
- Keyboard: Full-sized keyboard with RGB lighting or single-zone backlighting
- Battery: Battery capacity may vary depending on the specific model and usage conditions
- Ports: Multiple USB ports (Type-A and Type-C), HDMI output, 3.5mm audio jack, RJ-45 Ethernet port, SD card reader (availability may vary)
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ac or 802.11ax), Bluetooth
- Weight: Weight may vary depending on the configuration and additional features
- Operating System: Windows 10 (at the time of release) or potentially Windows 11 (if released after the Windows 11 launch)
4. Dell G5 15 -Best Value Money
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Solid build quality and durability. | May have limited battery life during gaming sessions. |
| Backlit keyboard for gaming in low-light conditions. | Depending on the configuration, it may get expensive when adding higher-end components. |
| Upgradeability for RAM and storage. | Heavier and bulkier compared to some ultraportable laptops. |
| Ample storage options, including SSDs for faster loading times. | |
| Decent cooling system for handling intensive tasks. | |
| Full HD display for crisp visuals. |
Dell G5 15 Price at Amazon 999
The Dell G5 15 is a powerful gaming laptop that offers excellent performance without breaking the bank. Equipped with either a 9th or 10th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX graphics, this laptop can handle modern games with ease. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display delivers sharp visuals and vibrant colors, enhancing the gaming experience. With up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM and various storage options, including SSD and HDD, the G5 15 ensures smooth multitasking and quick loading times. The laptop’s backlit keyboard adds a gaming flair and allows for comfortable gameplay even in low-light environments. Additionally, the dual-fan cooling system efficiently dissipates heat during intense gaming sessions, helping to maintain optimal performance. Overall, the Dell G5 15 offers a compelling gaming experience at a competitive price point, making it a great choice for gamers looking for a budget-friendly option.
Specifications:
- Processor: 9th or 10th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display
- Storage: Up to 1TB SSD or 1TB HDD, with options for dual storage
- RAM: Up to 32GB DDR4 RAM
- Keyboard: Full-sized backlit keyboard with customizable lighting
- Cooling: Dual-fan cooling system
- Connectivity: Multiple USB ports, HDMI, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- Weight: Starting from around 5.9 pounds (2.68 kg)
- Dimensions: 14.4 x 10 x 0.95 inches (365.5 x 254 x 24.5 mm)
As for the price, it can vary depending on the specific configuration and the region you’re in. Generally, the Dell G5 15’s price range starts from approximately $800 for the base models, and it can go up to $1,500 or more for higher-end configurations with RTX graphics and increased storage and RAM. However, it’s essential to check Dell’s official website or authorized retailers for the most up-to-date pricing information and deals available in your area.
5. HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop -Best Average Price
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable price, making it budget-friendly. | Average battery life, requiring frequent charging. |
| Some models offer upgrade options for RAM and storage. | Display limitations in terms of color accuracy and viewing angles. |
| Good connectivity with a variety of ports. | Thermal issues during intense gaming sessions. |
| Stylish and modern design. | Build quality might feel less sturdy due to plastic components. |
| Satisfactory gaming performance for mainstream games. |
HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop Price at Amazon $699
The HP Pavilion Gaming is a budget-friendly gaming laptop that offers decent gaming performance at an affordable price. Powered by a range of AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processors and NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX graphics, this laptop can handle popular games and provide smooth gameplay experiences. The 15.6-inch Full HD display delivers crisp visuals, making gaming and multimedia consumption enjoyable. With up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM and various storage options, including SSD and HDD, the Pavilion Gaming offers sufficient memory and fast loading times for games and applications. The laptop’s backlit keyboard adds a gaming touch, allowing gamers to play comfortably in dimly lit environments. Additionally, the laptop’s cooling system helps maintain optimal performance during extended gaming sessions. While it may not have the most premium build or the highest-end components, the HP Pavilion Gaming is a solid entry-level gaming laptop that provides excellent value for gamers on a budget.
Specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processors
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD display
- Storage: Up to 1TB SSD or 1TB HDD, with options for dual storage
- RAM: Up to 16GB DDR4 RAM
- Keyboard: Full-sized backlit keyboard
- Cooling: Efficient cooling system
- Connectivity: Multiple USB ports, HDMI, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- Weight: Starting from around 4.92 pounds (2.23 kg)
- Dimensions: 14.17 x 10.08 x 0.92 inches (360 x 256 x 23.5 mm)
As for the price, the HP Pavilion Gaming’s cost varies depending on the specific configuration and the region of purchase. Generally, the price for the base models starts at around $600 to $800, while higher-end configurations with RTX graphics and more memory can reach around $1,000 or more. However, prices are subject to change based on market conditions and available promotions. For the most up-to-date pricing information and deals, it’s best to check HP’s official website or reputable retailers in your area. Overall, the HP Pavilion Gaming is a solid choice for gamers looking to get into PC gaming without breaking the bank.
6. MSI GF63 Thin (2022) – Best design
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressively affordable | Can’t handle most AAA games |
| Great keyboard | Display and battery life could be better |
| Decent gaming performance | Many rivals are faster |
| Relatively thin and light |
MSI GF63 Thin Price at Amazon $750
If you’re looking for a gaming laptop that’s easy to carry around, the latest GF63 Thin from MSI is a fantastic choice. It’s a 15.6-inch device that’s remarkably thin and lightweight at just 0.5 inches thick and 1.86 kilograms.
Unlike many lighter laptops, this one doesn’t compromise on performance. It comes with an Nvidia RTX 3050 graphics card and 12th-gen Intel CPUs, making it capable of handling most mid-range games with ease. However, it might struggle with more demanding titles.
The GF63 Thin also boasts a good selection of ports and a great keyboard, making it suitable for everyday use as your main laptop. The Full HD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate is decent, although not as impressive as we hoped. Additionally, the battery life is just average.
Considering its affordable price, the GF63 Thin is definitely worth considering. However, depending on your specific needs, there might be other options on the market that are a better fit for you.
here’s a short specification list for the MSI GF63 Thin gaming laptop:
- Processor: 10th or 11th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 processor
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, GTX 1650 Ti, GTX 1660 Ti, or RTX 3050
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate
- Memory (RAM): 8GB or 16GB DDR4 RAM
- Storage: 256GB or 512GB NVMe SSD
- Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11
- Keyboard: Full-sized backlit keyboard
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth
- Ports: Multiple USB ports, HDMI, Ethernet, 3.5mm audio jack, etc.
- Audio: Nahimic 3 Audio Enhancer