Best cheap gaming laptops in 2023: Top budget alternatives

On the lookout for a gaming laptop that won’t break the bank? No need to worry, this list of budget gaming laptops will steer you in the right direction.

Not everyone has the skill to build a powerhouse desktop gaming rig, and some people either lack the space for a full gaming PC setup or need to travel a lot. A laptop is a great solution in these cases and can provide a great gaming experience, even on a budget.

There was a time when users of gaming laptops had to make do with poorer build quality and less powerful components, but thankfully that is no longer the case. Instead, even budget laptop users can enjoy the performance of powerful graphics cards and CPUs, as well as low-glare displays with high refresh rates. It’s possible to get laptop specifications even close to the flagship range, all without making your wallet cry.

A lot of cheap laptops are available on the market right now, so it can be difficult to find the best balance of cost and performance. This guide is here to help, with a list of some of the best budget gaming laptops.

Best cheap gaming laptops for 2023

Content

• Best budget laptop for esports: Acer Nitro 5
• The best-looking budget gaming laptop: Dell G15
• Best budget gaming laptop with a large screen: Asus TUF Gaming F17
• Best entry-level gaming laptop: Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
• Best budget alternative to a cheap gaming laptop: Steam Deck

Best budget laptop for esports: Acer Nitro 5

Key specs

• Processor: Up to 12th-generation Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 6000 series
• GPU: Up to Nvidia RTX 3080 or Nvidia RTX 4060
• RAM: Up to 32GB DDR4
• Screen size: 15.6-inch 144Hz with 1080p resolution or 17.3-inch 165Hz with 1440p resolution
• Refresh rate: 144Hz or 165Hz
• Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
• Operating system: Windows 11
• Connectivity: 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A 3.2, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet Port, 1 x
• Headphone/Mic Jack
• Features: Dual-fan Cooling, NitroSense, dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E

The Acer Nitro 5 is one of the best budget gaming laptops available on the market right now. It is ideal for esports, work, and college lessons as well.

The Nitro 5 is available in both flavors – AMD and Intel. It can be configured with up to 12th-generation Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 6000 series chipsets and up to Nvidia RTX 3080 or Nvidia RTX 4060 for graphics.

Coupled with up to 16GB of RAM and a large 15.6-inch Full HD display with a 144 Hz refresh rate, the Acer Nitro 5 can easily let you play games on the go for a few years. Acer packs a larger 17.3-inch 165Hz with 1440p resolution for the AMD-based configuration.

Since this laptop has multiple variations available, picking the right one could be tricky. We’d, however, suggest you go for the AMD version as not only is it slightly cheaper, but it also has a bigger display and better battery.

The best-looking budget gaming laptop: Dell G15

Dell

Key specs

• Processor: Up to AMD Ryzen 7 5600H
• GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
• RAM: Up to 16GB DDR4
• Screen size: 15.6-inches
• Screen resolution: 1920×1080
• Refresh rate: 165Hz
• Storage: 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2
• Operating system: Windows 11 Home
• Connectivity: 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A 3.2, 2 x USB 2.0 (One with PowerShare), 1 x HDMI, 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet Port, 1 x Headphone/Mic Jack
• Features: Dual speakers with Nahimic 3D Audio, Backlit Keyboard, WiFi6 (802.11ac 2×2) and Bluetooth 5.1, 720P webcam

The Dell G15 offers excellent value as a budget gaming laptop. Priced just below $1,000, this laptop has oodles of power and doesn’t disappoint with its performance.

You can configure this laptop with a combination of AMD Ryzen 7 5600H and 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, which is enough to let you enjoy most AAA gaming titles. If you are a fan of Intel Core chipsets, this gaming laptop is also available with that CPU, too. However, 512GB of onboard storage is an odd limitation.

Apart from a large FHD display that supports a 120 Hz screen refresh rate resulting in buttery smooth graphics, you also get a 10-hour-long battery life. The design of Dell G15 is borrowed from the much costlier Alienware lineup and will attract a budget-conscious gamer.

Best budget gaming laptop with a large screen: Asus TUF Gaming F17

Key specs

• Processor: Up to 12th-generation Intel Core i7
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
• RAM: Up to 24GB DDR4
• Screen size: 17.3-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
• Refresh rate: 144Hz
• Storage: Up to 512GB SSD
• Operating system: Windows 11
• Connectivity: 1x HDMI 2, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support DisplayPort/G-SYNC, 1x RJ45 LAN port, 1x Thunderbolt 4 support DisplayPort, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
• Features: Backlit Chiclet Keyboard 1-Zone RGB, 720P HD camera, Dolby Atmos, AI noise-canceling technology

The Asus TUF Gaming F17 offers a perfect balance of affordability and performance. This is an excellent choice for people looking for a budget gaming laptop and comes with up to 12th-generation Intel Core i7 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050. This combination of CPU and GPU can run most AAA titles without breaking a sweat.

The large 17.3-inch display on this laptop boasts an FHD resolution and a 144 Hz refresh rate to make the graphics look silky and smooth. This large display is not only great for gaming but is also incredibly bright and vivid for watching movies.

The TUF Gaming F17 also has a durable build and is ideal for people looking for a mid-level gaming experience at an affordable price point.

Best entry-level gaming laptop: Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3

Lenovo

Key Specs

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
• RAM: Up to 16 GB DDR4
• Screen size: 15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080)
• Refresh rate: 120Hz
• Storage:1TB HDD + 256GB SSD
• Operating system: Windows 11 Home
• Connectivity: 1x HDMI 2, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 1x RJ45 LAN port, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
• Features: 2 x 2W stereo speakers, 720P HD camera, Nahimic Audio for Gamers

The Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3 laptop is ideal for people who want to try gaming but are wary of spending too much. Priced well below $1000, this laptop is perfect for mid-level gaming.

While it has a 15.6-inch IPS display, it is a perfect gaming size. This display isn’t the brightest in its category and is one serious trade-off you might have to live with. However, it does support a 120 Hz refresh rate offering smooth graphics.

Under the hood is an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H CPU coupled with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 –a reasonably decent combination. While the laptop has 8GB RAM, we’d suggest going for at least 16GB of onboard memory.

Best budget alternative to a cheap gaming laptop: Steam Deck

Dexerto

The Steam Deck is the console you need if all you breathe is gaming. While navigating SteamOS and its quirks could leave first times a bit confused, but fear not. With the backing of the strong Steam community, you’ll be game-ready in no time.

This is a bang for your buck device that offers a remarkable gaming experience even with the latest and greatest AAA games. With price tags starting from just $399, rocketing up to $649 for the high-octane 512GB version, it’s a straight-up game-changer for the avid gamer on the go or chilling at home, or anywhere.

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