The Best Budget Gaming Laptops Right Now

If you're eyeing the best gaming laptops, it's easy to assume they're out of reach due to their hefty price tags. High-end specs like a 4K display can easily cost upwards of $4,000 today. However, you can snag a reliable portable gaming system without breaking the bank—just know what to look for. While there are numerous sub-$1,000 laptops labeled as "gaming" laptops, many are riddled with poor manufacturing, outdated specs, or used models.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Budget Gaming Laptops:

• 1. MSI Crosshair 16 HX: Our Top Pick
• 2. XPG Xenia 15G: Great Performance on a Limited Budget
• 3. Acer Nitro V ANV16: Best Under $1,000
• 4. Valve Steam Deck OLED: Best Around $500
• 5. Gigabyte G6X: Best with 32GB of RAM

Looking for the ultimate gaming experience without overspending? I’ve picked out laptops that deliver premium gaming performance starting at $2,000 and moving downward, focusing on systems that strike the perfect balance between affordability and top-tier performance. Keep in mind, though, you might not find premium features like OLED or Mini-LED displays in budget models.

Lower-priced gaming laptops often downgrade to 1080p displays to cut costs, and honestly, you don’t need a 4K display for gaming. Opting for 1440p strikes the perfect balance, ensuring crisp visuals without sacrificing performance.

Also, remember that mobile GPUs, even if they share the same name as their desktop counterparts, won’t match their performance. Mobile GPUs consume less power due to battery constraints, resulting in reduced performance. For instance, an RTX 4070 Super delivers strong 1440p performance on a PC but expect to cap it at 1080p on a laptop.

*Additional contributions by Georgie Peru, Danielle Abraham, and Jacqueline Thomas.*

1. MSI Crosshair 16 (2025)

Best Budget Gaming Laptop

Our top pick for budget gamers is the MSI Crosshair 16 HX. Priced at $1,400, it offers incredible value for its specs. Featuring a 14th Gen Intel Core i7-14650HX processor, an RTX 4070 GPU, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD, it’s an absolute powerhouse. Despite its bulkier design at 5.51 pounds and 1.1 inches thick, it delivers excellent performance, great battery life, and a fantastic price-to-performance ratio.

The Intel Core i7 processor boasts 16 cores and 24 threads, with a max clock speed of 5.2GHz, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming. Paired with the RTX 4070, it handles 1080p gaming with ease, delivering triple-digit frame rates in many titles. Its 165Hz 1920x1200 display ensures smooth visuals, and the laptop supports advanced features like DLSS and Frame Generation for even better performance.

Other highlights include a 90Wh battery for extended gaming sessions, though you’ll still want to plug in during intense gameplay. Its weight and thickness might be a downside for some users, but its overall performance justifies the price tag.

2. XPG Xenia 15G

Best Gaming Laptop Under $1,500

Offering great performance at a lower price point, the XPG Xenia 15G is another standout. With an Intel Core i7-14700HX processor and an RTX 4070 GPU, it delivers impressive gaming capabilities. It’s highly upgradeable, featuring three SSD slots and support for up to 64GB of RAM, making it a wise investment for the future.

At 4.96 pounds and with a 53.35Wh battery, it’s not the lightest or longest-lasting option, but its affordability and performance make it a strong contender. Its 144Hz 1920x1080 display ensures smooth visuals, and the ability to switch to integrated graphics boosts battery life when needed.

3. Acer Nitro V ANV16 (2025)

Best Gaming Laptop Under $1,000

For under $1,000, the Acer Nitro V ANV16 is a steal. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor and an RTX 4060 GPU, it delivers strong gaming performance on its 165Hz 1920x1200 display. With 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD, it’s well-suited for both gaming and general use.

However, it sacrifices some port selection and has a disappointing battery life of around 7 hours. Still, its gaming performance makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers.

4. Valve Steam Deck