- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Best Budget
- Best Cheap
- Best Cheap Chromebook
- Notable Mentions
- Recent Updates
- All Reviews
- Comments
Shopping for a gaming laptop can be challenging, as gaming is a demanding task with many requirements. First and foremost, you need to look for a system with a powerful CPU, a dedicated GPU, and a good cooling system to reach high, consistent frame rates. You'll also want a laptop with a high-quality display to see a clear image in fast-paced games, a comfortable keyboard that won't cause fatigue on long gaming sessions, and a fast SSD to reduce loading times. These things add up, making gaming laptops far more expensive than your typical thin, light ultraportables. That said, good budget options are available, costing around $1,000 or less. Below is a list of a few we've tested to get you started. The list is short for now but will grow as we review more laptops.
We've tested over 150 laptops, and below, you'll find our recommendations for the best budget gaming laptops and the best cheap gaming laptops. You can also check out our recommendations for the best budget and cheap laptops, the best budget and cheap laptops for students, and the best gaming laptops. If you want to learn more about how we test laptops or our review process, check out this article, where we give you a quick rundown of each step from the moment we purchase the laptop to the final published review.
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Best Budget Gaming Laptop
Gaming8.7Portability5.5Variable Refresh RateFreeSyncTyping Quality8.5Storage Drive Performance9.4Thermals And Noise6.8Serviceability8.1The MSI Katana A15 AI (2024) is the best budget gaming laptop we've tested. This 15-inch model is a great option if you just want something affordable that can handle AAA games but don't care too much about other aspects like build quality. It's available with an AMD Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 9 CPU and various NVIDIA GPUs, from an RTX 4050 to 4070, so you can choose based on your budget. There are two display options: a 144Hz FHD and a 165Hz QHD panel. The latter will offer a superior visual experience, as its faster response time results in a cleaner image with less ghosting in fast-moving scenes. You'll have to pair it with the RTX 4070 GPU to get the most out of it, though, as the lower-end GPUs will struggle to push high frame rates at the QHD resolution.
As mentioned, there are a few compromises when it comes to the build quality and overall user experience, which is fairly typical for budget-friendly models. The laptop's plastic chassis flexes in certain areas, especially the display, and the hinges feel a bit loose. Additionally, this model generates significant heat under load, with the center of the keyboard reaching 49 °C (119 °F). While there's no Ethernet port, you do get Wi-Fi 6E; just make sure you have a router that also supports Wi-Fi 6E or 7 to benefit from the increased speeds and lower latency.
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Best Cheap Gaming Laptop
Gaming8.6Portability6.1Variable Refresh RateFreeSyncTyping Quality8.0Storage Drive Performance9.2Thermals And Noise5.9Serviceability8.4The best cheap gaming laptop we've tested is the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition (2023). This 16-inch all-AMD system pushes high frame rates in demanding AAA games, giving you a smooth and immersive gaming experience. It's usually more expensive, but since it has been on the market for a little over a year now, prices have decreased considerably. The base configuration costs around $1,000 USD; you get a Ryzen 7 7735HS CPU, a Radeon RX 7600S GPU, a 165Hz FHD display, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Faster configurations are available if you're willing to pay more. Both the 165Hz FHD and the more costly 240Hz QHD panel support variable refresh rate to reduce screen tearing.
This laptop feels sturdy and provides easy access to the internals for repairs and upgrades. There are two storage drive slots—upping storage capacity will probably be necessary since 512GB (or even 1TB) isn't a lot these days. You can also replace the wireless adapter, as the existing module only supports Wi-Fi 6. Ports include four USBs (two As and two Cs), a true HDMI 2.1, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and an Ethernet port. Thermal throttling isn't a problem, but the laptop gets hot and loud. Unfortunately, this is a rather bulky laptop, so it isn't the best for on-the-go use, and the battery lasts only a little over an hour when gaming.
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Best Cheap Gaming Chromebook
Gaming5.1Portability7.9Variable Refresh RateNoTyping Quality8.0Storage Drive Performance5.7Thermals And Noise8.8Serviceability5.8The best gaming Chromebook we've tested is the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2024). Unlike our picks above, this device runs Chrome OS, a lightweight operating system designed mainly for web browsing, light productivity, and media consumption. You can play mobile games from the Google Play Store, but those don't always run properly, as their titles are made for smartphones and tablets, with many lacking keyboard, mouse, or controller support. This is a cloud gaming device, meaning it relies on services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW, which does all the processing on its servers and streams the image to your device. The laptop comes with a three-month trial of GeForce NOW—you can continue to play for free after the trial period, but you'll have to pay if you want the best experience with higher frame rates and longer play sessions.
This laptop feels pretty sturdy for the price, and it's relatively portable for a 16-inch device. Its 120Hz QHD+ display's response time is a bit slow but still better than what you would get on most productivity laptops, so there isn't much ghosting in fast-moving scenes. You'll need a solid internet connection to get the best cloud gaming experience, and thankfully, this device has Wi-Fi 6E and an Ethernet port. As for battery life, you can get around five hours of runtime when playing a locally stored game, but you can likely get more when playing cloud games.
Notable Mentions
- Acer Nitro V 16 (2024):
The Acer Nitro V 16 (2024) is a good alternative to the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition (2023) if you prefer a model with an NVIDIA GPU. It won't always push higher frame rates than the ASUS, as gaming performance depends on the configuration and the games you play. However, NVIDIA's upscaling (DLSS) and Frame Generation generally work better than AMD's implementation. Unfortunately, it has fewer ports and is harder to find.
See our review
Recent Updates
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Verified that all picks are still valid and available. No change in recommendations.
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No change in recommendations, as all picks are still valid and available. Small text changes for conciseness and clarity.
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Replaced the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition (2023) with the MSI Katana A15 AI (2024) because the MSI has better performance. Replaced the Lenovo LOQ 15 (2023) with the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition (2023) because the Lenovo laptop is no longer available, and the ASUS has come down in price. Added the Acer Nitro V 16 (2024) as a Notable Mention.
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Replaced the Acer Chromebook 516 GE (2022) with the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2024) because the 2022 model is discontinued.
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Aug 06, 2024 : Small text changes for clarity and conciseness. No change in recommendations.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best budget gaming laptops and cheap gaming laptops you can get. In addition to the test results, we factor in the price (a more affordable laptop wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no laptops that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you prefer to make your own decision, here's the list of all of our laptop reviews. Most laptops are available in various configurations, and the table only shows the results of the model we tested, so it's best to see the full review for information about other variants.
Recommended Articles
Comments
Best Budget And Cheap Gaming Laptops: Main Discussion
What do you think of our picks? Let us know below.
Looking for a personalized buying recommendation from the RTINGS.com experts? Insiders have direct access to buying advice on our insider forum.
- 21010
Please remove Sony XM4 from the list and replace it with Sony WH-H900N. I don’t really understand how can you mention XM4 when you clearly mention in your comparison that the H900N is better. https://www.rtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/sony-wh-1000xm4-wireless-vs-sony-wh-h900n-h-ear-on-2-wireless/16490/617?usage=19&threshold=0.10 XM4 (by RTINGS) The Sony WH-1000XM4 have okay bass accuracy. The response is boosted, resulting in an intense thump, punch, and boom that’s suitable for genres like EDM and hip-hop. In songs like ‘King Kunta’ by Kendrick Lamar, the boosted low-bass makes the mix overly rumbly and boomy, which muddies the vocals in the chorus. H900N (by RTINGS) The Sony H900N have an excellent bass. LFE (low-frequency extension) is at 10Hz, which is great. Low-bass, responsible for the thump and rumble common to bass-heavy music, mid-bass responsible for punch, and high-bass responsible for warmth are all within 1.5dB of our neutral target. Overall, the bass of the Sony is deep, well-balanced, and punchy, without sounding boomy or muddy. I had both. Had it because I’m returning the XM4 because it’s unenjoyable after the H900N. Mainly the bass, but overall.
Hi there,
There are a couple of things worth mentioning as to why the Sony WH-1000XM4 are the pick here and not the Sony WH-H900N. First and most notably, the Sony WH-H900N were discontinued years ago; we try not to recommend products that people can’t purchase. Even though the XM4 have been replaced by the XM5, they’re still available on the market, and can sometimes be found at a discount.
Second, we look into more than bass accuracy to inform our recommendations. Elements like comfort, build quality, and stability all factor into whether a pair of over-ears will be suitable for working out. Some people also prefer to have noise cancelling to block out gym noise, which the XM4 excel at compared to the H900N.
Third, sound is subjective. Some people may prefer one sound profile over another, bass included. Some people will enjoy the XM4’s very bassy sound as it can help make high BPM tracks seem more intense. However, both headphones can be adjusted using their companion app’s graphic EQ and presets.
I hope this helps give more of an insight into how we select our picks. That said, if you’re happy with your H900N, then that’s all that matters for your use! 🙂
- 21010
Please remove Sony XM4 from the list and replace it with Sony WH-H900N. I don’t really understand how can you mention XM4 when you clearly mention in your comparison that the H900N is better.
XM4 (by RTINGS) The Sony WH-1000XM4 have okay bass accuracy. The response is boosted, resulting in an intense thump, punch, and boom that’s suitable for genres like EDM and hip-hop. In songs like ‘King Kunta’ by Kendrick Lamar, the boosted low-bass makes the mix overly rumbly and boomy, which muddies the vocals in the chorus.
H900N (by RTINGS) The Sony H900N have an excellent bass. LFE (low-frequency extension) is at 10Hz, which is great. Low-bass, responsible for the thump and rumble common to bass-heavy music, mid-bass responsible for punch, and high-bass responsible for warmth are all within 1.5dB of our neutral target. Overall, the bass of the Sony is deep, well-balanced, and punchy, without sounding boomy or muddy.
I had both. Had it because I’m returning the XM4 because it’s unenjoyable after the H900N. Mainly the bass, but overall.
Update: Replaced the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless with the newer Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless, which offer an improved battery life and virtual surround sound.
What do you think of these changes? Let us know
- 32120
so i have the sony xm4. They specifically are not sweat proof. They have a known problem where the ANC microphone causes a very loud feedback noise in the ear, which is because the microphone on the main speaker gets damaged by moisture. The same is true of the sony XM5 which has specific guidance about not wearing in the rain, with wet hands, while sweating etc. As my XM4 are basically unuseable (if i want to retain my hearing), i need some new over-ear headphones that will not get damaged by exercise, and came across this article. But the article seems to have been written without any reference to whether the headphones are suitable for exercise which is a bit disappointing as RTings is generally great!
Update: Added the Beats Studio Pro Wireless to Notable Mentions.
What do you think of these changes? Let us know
- 21010
The Beats Studio Pro just came out on July 19, 2023. They are the successor to the Beats Studio3 Wireless. Have you tested and reviewed these versions? If so, when do you plan to release the results? And do the Beats Studio Pro stack up against the Beats Studio3 Wireless, and improve upon them? I’m about to buy a pair, but would love to read a Rtings review and see how they stack up against the Beats Studio 3 Wireless! 😁 Thanks!
I think you may have found this thread already, but yes we did buy them and you can track the review status here. Hope this helps :)
- 21010
Please remove Sony XM4 from the list and replace it with Sony WH-H900N. I don’t really understand how can you mention XM4 when you clearly mention in your comparison that the H900N is better. https://www.rtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/sony-wh-1000xm4-wireless-vs-sony-wh-h900n-h-ear-on-2-wireless/16490/617?usage=19&threshold=0.10 XM4 (by RTINGS) The Sony WH-1000XM4 have okay bass accuracy. The response is boosted, resulting in an intense thump, punch, and boom that’s suitable for genres like EDM and hip-hop. In songs like ‘King Kunta’ by Kendrick Lamar, the boosted low-bass makes the mix overly rumbly and boomy, which muddies the vocals in the chorus. H900N (by RTINGS) The Sony H900N have an excellent bass. LFE (low-frequency extension) is at 10Hz, which is great. Low-bass, responsible for the thump and rumble common to bass-heavy music, mid-bass responsible for punch, and high-bass responsible for warmth are all within 1.5dB of our neutral target. Overall, the bass of the Sony is deep, well-balanced, and punchy, without sounding boomy or muddy. I had both. Had it because I’m returning the XM4 because it’s unenjoyable after the H900N. Mainly the bass, but overall.
Hi there,
There are a couple of things worth mentioning as to why the Sony WH-1000XM4 are the pick here and not the Sony WH-H900N. First and most notably, the Sony WH-H900N were discontinued years ago; we try not to recommend products that people can’t purchase. Even though the XM4 have been replaced by the XM5, they’re still available on the market, and can sometimes be found at a discount.
Second, we look into more than bass accuracy to inform our recommendations. Elements like comfort, build quality, and stability all factor into whether a pair of over-ears will be suitable for working out. Some people also prefer to have noise cancelling to block out gym noise, which the XM4 excel at compared to the H900N.
Third, sound is subjective. Some people may prefer one sound profile over another, bass included. Some people will enjoy the XM4’s very bassy sound as it can help make high BPM tracks seem more intense. However, both headphones can be adjusted using their companion app’s graphic EQ and presets.
I hope this helps give more of an insight into how we select our picks. That said, if you’re happy with your H900N, then that’s all that matters for your use! 🙂
- 21010
Please remove Sony XM4 from the list and replace it with Sony WH-H900N. I don’t really understand how can you mention XM4 when you clearly mention in your comparison that the H900N is better.
XM4 (by RTINGS) The Sony WH-1000XM4 have okay bass accuracy. The response is boosted, resulting in an intense thump, punch, and boom that’s suitable for genres like EDM and hip-hop. In songs like ‘King Kunta’ by Kendrick Lamar, the boosted low-bass makes the mix overly rumbly and boomy, which muddies the vocals in the chorus.
H900N (by RTINGS) The Sony H900N have an excellent bass. LFE (low-frequency extension) is at 10Hz, which is great. Low-bass, responsible for the thump and rumble common to bass-heavy music, mid-bass responsible for punch, and high-bass responsible for warmth are all within 1.5dB of our neutral target. Overall, the bass of the Sony is deep, well-balanced, and punchy, without sounding boomy or muddy.
I had both. Had it because I’m returning the XM4 because it’s unenjoyable after the H900N. Mainly the bass, but overall.
Update: Replaced the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless with the newer Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless, which offer an improved battery life and virtual surround sound.
What do you think of these changes? Let us know
- 32120
so i have the sony xm4. They specifically are not sweat proof. They have a known problem where the ANC microphone causes a very loud feedback noise in the ear, which is because the microphone on the main speaker gets damaged by moisture. The same is true of the sony XM5 which has specific guidance about not wearing in the rain, with wet hands, while sweating etc. As my XM4 are basically unuseable (if i want to retain my hearing), i need some new over-ear headphones that will not get damaged by exercise, and came across this article. But the article seems to have been written without any reference to whether the headphones are suitable for exercise which is a bit disappointing as RTings is generally great!
Update: Added the Beats Studio Pro Wireless to Notable Mentions.
What do you think of these changes? Let us know
- 21010
The Beats Studio Pro just came out on July 19, 2023. They are the successor to the Beats Studio3 Wireless. Have you tested and reviewed these versions? If so, when do you plan to release the results? And do the Beats Studio Pro stack up against the Beats Studio3 Wireless, and improve upon them? I’m about to buy a pair, but would love to read a Rtings review and see how they stack up against the Beats Studio 3 Wireless! 😁 Thanks!
I think you may have found this thread already, but yes we did buy them and you can track the review status here. Hope this helps :)