5 Best Cheap Gaming Laptops You Can Buy in 2024

Finding a laptop that strikes the perfect balance between performance and price can be a real challenge, especially when you’re on a budget. But fret not. If you’re searching for the best cheap gaming laptops, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best budget gaming laptops on the market that deliver smooth performance without burning a hole in your wallet. Whether you’re an aspiring gamer or a seasoned veteran looking for an affordable upgrade, this list covers the best cheap gaming laptops on the market. So, let’s get to it.

But first, you might want to check out the following:

• Crave a large display? Check out these budget 17-inch gaming laptops under $1500.
• On the move? Check out these lightweight laptops with RTX graphics.
• Love Valorant? Check out these affordable gaming laptops for Valorant.

1. HP Victus 15

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050
• RAM: 16GB DDR5
• Storage: 512GB SSD

The HP Victus 15 strikes a fantastic balance between affordability and capability. This sleek and lightweight laptop boasts a stylish design that blends seamlessly into diverse settings, making it an ideal choice for students and on-the-go gamers. There are also plenty of ports on board, including a full-sized SD card reader, making the laptop suitable for creative users, too.

Its 15.6-inch display with a high refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay, while the thermal management system keeps the laptop cool even during intense gaming sessions. Under the hood, the AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor delivers efficient performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming. Add to that, the NVIDIA RTX 2050 graphics card tackles popular titles at moderate settings, offering smooth visuals without compromising battery life.

Why you should buy: One of the most affordable gaming laptops with enough power for casual gaming and creative use cases.

2. Acer Nitro 5

• CPU: Intel Core i5-12500H
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
• RAM: 8GB DDR4
• Storage: 512GB SSD

The laptop is powered by the Intel Core i5-12500H, a processor known for its high core count, which makes it a godsend for buyers working on several tasks simultaneously. As such, the Nitro 5 is as adept at running complex simulations as it is at providing a smooth gaming experience. Add to that, the RTX 3050 graphics delivers smooth visuals at high settings for AAA titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Far Cry 6.

This laptop boasts a vibrant display with a 144Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth visuals, perfect for fast-paced action games. As for thermals, the Nitro 5 features dual fans as well as dual intakes for cooling, while also allowing users to manually adjust the fan profiles to ensure the laptop operates at optimal temperature. Also, while the 12th-gen i5 processor should suffice for most users, you can upgrade to the 13th-gen variant for a couple of extra bucks, too.

Why you should buy: If you prioritize raw processing power and a good cooling solution for gaming on a budget, the Acer Nitro 5 stands out as a compelling choice.

3. Lenovo LOQ 15APH8

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
• RAM: 16GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB SSD

The AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor delivers exceptional performance, handling demanding games and creative tasks effortlessly. It’s coupled with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card which boasts cutting-edge architecture. It overturns stunning visuals and supports ray tracing for next-generation gaming experiences. Add to that, you can spend a bit more to upgrade to the RTX 4060 GPU with 8GB of VRAM too.

Other than that, the laptop also features a premium aluminum chassis, along with its advanced thermal design. As noted in our review of the laptop, the LOQ offers exceptionally great cooling, allowing you to game for extended sessions without any issues. There’s also a 1TB SSD on board to easily accommodate your massive games library along with other media.

Alternatively, you can also opt for the ASUS TUF Gaming A15. While its Ryzen 7 7735HS CPU is comparatively underpowered, the laptop comes with the RTX 4050 GPU with a whopping 140W max TGP. Couple that with an NVIDIA G-Sync panel, the A15 promises tear-free gaming at a similar price tag.

Why you should buy: The Lenovo LOQ 15APH8 caters to gamers who crave the latest technology and future-proof performance for demanding games and creative workflows on a budget.

4. MSI Cyborg 15

• CPU: Intel Core i7-12650H
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
• RAM: 32GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB SSD

As noted in our review of the MSI Cyborg 15, despite featuring a single fan setup, the laptop manages to keep temps in check – all while featuring powerful hardware like the Intel Core i7-12650H and the NVIDIA Geforce RTX 4060 GPU. The combination delivers stunning visuals and smooth gameplay even in the most demanding titles.

What’s more, the laptop comes with a whopping 32GB of DDR5 RAM, allowing it to power through demanding games and multitask effortlessly. The 144Hz refresh rate display is utilized to its full potential, allowing you to enjoy both visually appealing and fast-paced games without any issues.

Why you should buy: If you prioritize absolute performance and a premium gaming experience with support for multitasking, the MSI Cyborg 15 caters to your needs perfectly.

5. GIGABYTE AORUS 7

• CPU: Intel Core i5-12500H
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
• RAM: 16GB DDR5
• Storage: 512GB SSD

The AORUS 7 is powered by the Intel Core i5-12500H processor, a chip that balances power and efficiency. Paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, the AORUS 7 can deliver excellent gaming performance, supporting the latest gaming titles at high settings with smooth frame rates. There’s also a three-zone RGB keyboard, unlike most other options that offer a single-zone keyboard.

What sets the GIGABYTE AORUS 7 apart from its peers is its impressive 17.3-inch Thin Bezel Display, boasting a 360Hz refresh rate and 100 percent sRGB color gamut. This high refresh rate is a game-changer for eSports gamers, as it can significantly improve reaction times and gameplay precision.

Why you should buy: With its 360Hz massive display, the GIGABYTE AORUS 7 hits the sweet spot for eSports gamers seeking high performance at an affordable price.

Enjoy Gaming on These Cheap Yet Powerful Laptops

Those were our picks for the best cheap gaming laptops you can buy right now. Each of these laptops offers a unique set of features tailored to different types of gamers and computing needs. Whether you prioritize raw performance, durability, or a balance of gaming and productivity capabilities, there’s an option here that’s likely to meet your requirements.