Talk to anyone with a gaming PC, and they’ll rant and rave about it’s the best way to game. However, the one thing that’s maybe not as effectively communicated is how expensive it can get to get to that level. It’s also a little overwhelming if you decide you want to build a unit yourself. This is why it often makes sense to reach for a pre-built system.
A gaming laptop is an excellent choice for a pre-built because you get a little more value by having something that’s a portable powerhouse. You can always spring for a gaming monitor or other accessories later, but you’re getting a lot of great value in one streamlined package. However, not all laptops are cheap either, but you can still find a lot of power in some entry-level units.
To help make the process of finding a cheap gaming laptop easier, we’ve rounded up eight of the best value gaming laptops on the market. However, value is a bit of a misnomer, as PC gaming is inherently more expensive than just getting a console. Nevertheless, if you’re looking to get into the space without paying the price of a used car, start here — our selects for the best cheap gaming laptops below.
1. Dell Gaming G3 3500 Gaming Laptop
Dell’s gaming line of laptops is positioned as more of a cost-effective product than their Alienware line but still manages to provide a fantastic entry-level gaming laptop for those who are looking to do some gaming. The G3 is the lower tier of the line but still manages to pack a punch with a 15.6 screen with a 2.5 GHz core i5 processor, 8 GB or Fram, and a GeForce GTX 1650 Ti. About six pounds, it’s a little heavier than the best laptops out there, but not overwhelmingly so. Additionally, the screen features a 120Hz refresh rate to keep your images sharp and clear.
Buy: Dell Gaming G3 3500 Gaming Laptop $754.98
2. MSI GF75 Raider Gaming Laptop
MSI’s GF75 Raider gaming laptop sits right at the $1,000 mark but provides quite a powerful package for that price. With a 17.3″ screen, 16GB of Ram, 512GM SSD memory, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 TI, you’re getting the best possible setup available for the price. Additional features worth mentioning include the 144Hz display, overclocking abilities, a backlit keyboard, and a 720p HD webcam that’s handy for when you want to do some gameplay streaming.
Buy: MSI GF75 Raider Gaming Laptop $999.00
3. ASUS TUF A15 Gaming Laptop
Those looking for an AMD-based CPU will want to give the ASUS TUF A15 gaming laptop a spin. The TUF line is constructed to provide military-grade durability, making it a truly great laptop to take on the go. The included 1650 provides solid graphic output, while the previously mentioned AMD Ryzen 4000 series CPU provides serious work to push your graphical fidelity to the limit. Additionally, the laptop can be opened at the bottom to allow you to upgrade your RAM and even add two additional SSDs if you want to push past what’s already included in the unit.
Buy: ASUS TUF A15 Gaming Laptop $959.00
4. Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
We’ve covered a few of Acer’s higher-end gaming laptops on SPY before and have always walked away impressed with what the brand can do. That’s certainly the case with their Nitro 5 model, which includes a 9th Generation Intel Core i5 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, 15″ screen, and plenty of ports for all your accessories. The four-zone RBG keyboard is super responsive thanks to its 1.6mm travel distance and includes built-in 10-key functionality. Plus, the DTS: X sound delivers quite the quality audio experience in case you don’t have a swanky gaming headset yet.
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Buy: Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop $969.00
5. Lenovo Legion 5 Gaming Laptop
Powered by AMD’s Ryzen 5 4000 series CPU, the Lenovo Legion 5 gaming laptop manages to provide a powerhouse unit that’s highly portable so you can game on the go with ease. The overall weight is slightly over five pounds, making it easy to toss into a laptop and take it with you. Under the hood is a GeForce GTX 1660, making it the best graphics card on this list, along with 8GB of Ram and a 512GB SSD. The impressive 15.6″ screen with a 120Hz display will render those graphics extremely well, making this is a must-have unit for graphics-obsessed gamers.
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Buy: Lenovo Legion 5 Gaming Laptop $949.00
6. HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop
HP’s Pavilion gaming laptop is super helpful in its product detailing, letting you know that it has the minimum specs required to run a handful of the most popular games around including Overwatch, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and more thanks to its GeForce 1650, Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of ram, and its 256 SSD. Additionally, the dual-fan system ensures the laptop doesn’t get too warm while the full HD 17″ screen renders your games nicely.
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Buy: HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop $949.99
7. ASUS TUF FX505FGT Gaming Laptop
Brand new for 2021, the ASUS TUF FX505FGT features a really thin screen bezel to provide the most screen possible. The refresh rate on that screen clocks in at 144Hz to give the best possible experience. One of the key draws of the 505 is the revamped keyboard which incorporates the brand’s HyperStrike technology that boasts higher accuracy and improved ergonomics thanks to a desktop-inspired design. All that is wrapped up in the brand’s signature TUF outter shell that’s capable of withstanding all kinds of day-to-day issues.
Related: The Best Gaming Mouse
Buy: ASUS TUF FX505FGT Gaming Laptop $1,069.00
8. Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop
Razer made their name by crafting extremely quality gaming accessories, and they’ve applied that same level of smarts to their cheap gaming laptop series. The Blade 15 is furnished with an Intel i7 processor to provide quality performance and features a GeForce 1660, making it extremely powerful. The 120Hz, 15.6″ screen allows for immersive gaming, while the CNC unibody frame makes for a light and sturdy laptop. Additionally, the included webcam, Bluetooth connective, and overall green accents work to tie the overall Razer branding together into one awe-inspiring product.
Buy: Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop $1,199.99
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