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10 Best Budget Gaming Laptops 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop, 165Hz Display, NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060, Intel Core i7-13650HX, 16GB DDR5, 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, Wi-Fi 6E, Windows 11, G614JV-AS74

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,326
Graphics Card (GPU)
Processor (CPU)
Display

Most important from
1954 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
The Intel Core i7-13650HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 combo is a beast! Every game runs smoothly at high settings.
Processor (CPU)
The Intel Core i7-13650HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 combo is a beast! Every game runs smoothly at high settings.
Display
The 16-inch, 16:10 FHD display with a 165Hz refresh rate is a game-changer. The visuals are buttery smooth, vibrant, and crisp.
Battery Life
The battery life is much better than expected for a gaming laptop.
Build Quality and Cooling
The cooling system is excellent, keeping the machine cool even during intense gaming sessions.

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) is designed for budget-conscious gamers who don't want to compromise on performance. With its powerful Intel Core i7-13650HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, it’s well-equipped to handle modern games at decent settings. The 16GB of DDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking, while the 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD provides ample storage and fast load times.

One of the standout features is the 16-inch FHD display with a refresh rate of 165Hz, which makes for a fluid gaming experience. The color accuracy, supported by 100% sRGB and Pantone Validation, is also a plus for gamers looking to enjoy visually rich titles.

Cooling is another strength, thanks to ASUS's ROG Intelligent Cooling technology, which includes liquid metal on the CPU and an additional intake fan. This setup allows the laptop to maintain performance during longer gaming sessions without overheating. However, at approximately 5.51 pounds, the Strix G16 is relatively heavy for a laptop, which could make portability an issue for those who travel frequently. The battery life, while decent, may not last through extended gaming sessions, especially when the performance settings are pushed to the max. Additionally, while it has good specs for gaming, it might not perform as well on very demanding titles compared to higher-end models.

The inclusion of a 90-day Xbox Game Pass is a great bonus for gamers looking to explore new titles. The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is a solid choice for budget gamers seeking strong performance and good display quality, with some trade-offs in weight and battery life.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,326
Graphics Card (GPU)
Processor (CPU)
Display

Most important from
1954 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
The Intel Core i7-13650HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 combo is a beast! Every game runs smoothly at high settings.
Processor (CPU)
The Intel Core i7-13650HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 combo is a beast! Every game runs smoothly at high settings.
Display
The 16-inch, 16:10 FHD display with a 165Hz refresh rate is a game-changer. The visuals are buttery smooth, vibrant, and crisp.
Battery Life
The battery life is much better than expected for a gaming laptop.
Build Quality and Cooling
The cooling system is excellent, keeping the machine cool even during intense gaming sessions.
#2

Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop | Intel Core i5-13420H Processor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU | 15.6" FHD IPS 144Hz Display | 8GB DDR5 | 512GB Gen 4 SSD | WiFi 6 | Backlit KB | ANV15-51-51H9

Rating
9.6
Graphics Card (GPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
1220 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
The graphics are impressive, and games run smoothly even on higher settings.
RAM
Two physical RAM slots and two M.2 storage slots make it perfect for upgrades.
Storage
Two physical RAM slots and two M.2 storage slots make it perfect for upgrades.
Display
The display is bright and clear, with a 144Hz refresh rate making gameplay super smooth.
Battery Life
Battery life isn’t the longest, but that’s expected for a gaming laptop.
Build Quality and Cooling
The hardware specs are outstanding for the price, with great screen quality, comfortable keyboard and trackpad, and efficient cooling.

The Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop is a solid choice for budget gamers, offering a range of features that cater to gaming needs without breaking the bank. It is equipped with a 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU, which together provide good performance for gaming and creative tasks. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth and vibrant visuals, enhancing the gaming experience.

With 8GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB Gen 4 SSD, it offers decent multitasking capabilities and quick load times, though some users might find 8GB of RAM limiting for more demanding applications and games that require higher memory. The storage capacity should be adequate for most users, but expansion options could be a consideration for those with extensive game libraries. The addition of WiFi 6 and Gigabit Ethernet ensures fast and stable internet connectivity, which is crucial for online gaming. The laptop also features a backlit keyboard, which is a nice touch for gaming in low-light environments.

The Thunderbolt 4 port offers versatile connectivity options for power charging, data transfer, and video display. In terms of cooling, the dual-fan system and effective exhaust setup help maintain optimal temperatures during intense gaming sessions. Heavy gaming will likely require frequent charging due to battery life concerns. The build quality is robust, though the laptop weighs 4.66 lbs, which might be on the heavier side for some users. For communication, Acer's AI-powered PurifiedView and PurifiedVoice technologies enhance sound clarity, making it easier to communicate during multiplayer gaming. The NitroSense utility app allows users to customize their gaming setup, adjusting fan speeds and lighting as needed. The Acer Nitro V offers strong performance and features for budget-conscious gamers, with some minor limitations in RAM and weight.

Rating
9.6
Graphics Card (GPU)
RAM
Storage

Most important from
1220 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
The graphics are impressive, and games run smoothly even on higher settings.
RAM
Two physical RAM slots and two M.2 storage slots make it perfect for upgrades.
Storage
Two physical RAM slots and two M.2 storage slots make it perfect for upgrades.
Display
The display is bright and clear, with a 144Hz refresh rate making gameplay super smooth.
Battery Life
Battery life isn’t the longest, but that’s expected for a gaming laptop.
Build Quality and Cooling
The hardware specs are outstanding for the price, with great screen quality, comfortable keyboard and trackpad, and efficient cooling.
#3

HP Victus 15.6 i5 Gaming Laptop, 15.6" FHD 1920*1080 144Hz, Intel Core i5-12450H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Backlit KB, Touchpad, SD Card Reader, Webcam, HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, W11 H, Blue

Rating
9.3
Graphics Card (GPU)
Battery Life
Build Quality and Cooling

Most important from
291 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
The laptop runs games very well without any FPS drop and handles multiple tabs without slowing down.
Battery Life
Battery life could be better, but it's expected during gaming sessions.
Build Quality and Cooling
Sturdy build quality with a great design and an impressive keyboard feel.

The HP Victus 15.6 i5 Gaming Laptop packs a punch with impressive specifications for budget gaming. It features an Intel Core i5-12450H processor, which with its 8 cores and turbo boost capability, should handle most gaming and multitasking needs efficiently. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card is a solid choice for gamers looking for a dedicated GPU, providing decent performance for many modern titles at reasonable settings. With 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, users will benefit from smooth operation across multiple applications and quick loading times for games and data.

The laptop's 15.6” FHD display with a 144Hz refresh rate is another strong point, ensuring fluid visuals during fast-paced gaming. The anti-glare IPS panel improves viewing angles, making it comfortable for long gaming sessions. Additionally, it supports Wi-Fi 6, ensuring stable and fast internet connectivity—a must for online gaming.

On the downside, while the laptop's build quality is acceptable, it may not be as robust as higher-end models, so care is needed to avoid wear and tear. The battery life, typical for gaming laptops, may also be shorter during intensive use, which means you might want to keep it plugged in for longer gaming sessions. Additionally, it weighs about 5.06 pounds, making it less portable compared to lighter options in the market. The HP Victus 15.6 i5 Gaming Laptop serves well for casual to mid-level gamers on a budget, balancing performance, speed, and a decent display. However, those who prioritize portability or extended battery life might need to consider other choices.

Rating
9.3
Graphics Card (GPU)
Battery Life
Build Quality and Cooling

Most important from
291 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
The laptop runs games very well without any FPS drop and handles multiple tabs without slowing down.
Battery Life
Battery life could be better, but it's expected during gaming sessions.
Build Quality and Cooling
Sturdy build quality with a great design and an impressive keyboard feel.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget Gaming Laptops

When it comes to picking a budget gaming laptop, it's important to balance performance, build quality, and features to get the best value for your money. Gaming laptops in this category are designed to provide a good gaming experience without breaking the bank. To make an informed decision, you need to understand the key specifications that impact gaming performance and overall usability. Here are the key specs you should consider and how to navigate them to find the best fit for your needs.
Graphics Card (GPU)The graphics card, or GPU, is crucial for gaming performance as it handles rendering images, videos, and animations. In budget gaming laptops, you'll typically find entry-level to mid-range GPUs. Entry-level GPUs are suitable for less demanding games and lower settings, while mid-range GPUs can handle more demanding games at medium to high settings. If you plan to play modern AAA games, aim for a mid-range GPU to ensure smoother gameplay.
Processor (CPU)The processor, or CPU, is the brain of your laptop and affects overall performance, including gaming. Budget gaming laptops usually come with mid-range CPUs, which are sufficient for most gaming needs. Look for at least a quad-core processor, as it can handle multitasking and gaming more efficiently. If you plan to use your laptop for other tasks like video editing or streaming, a more powerful CPU will be beneficial.
RAMRAM, or Random Access Memory, is important for multitasking and running games smoothly. For budget gaming laptops, 8GB of RAM is the minimum you should consider, as it allows for decent performance in most games. However, 16GB of RAM is preferable if you want to future-proof your laptop and ensure better performance in more demanding games and applications.
StorageStorage affects how much space you have for games, applications, and files. Budget gaming laptops often come with either HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) or SSDs (Solid State Drives). SSDs are faster and improve loading times, which can enhance your gaming experience. A combination of a smaller SSD (for the operating system and frequently played games) and a larger HDD (for additional storage) is a good balance. Aim for at least 256GB of SSD storage if possible.
DisplayThe display quality impacts your gaming experience significantly. Look for a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution, which is standard for budget gaming laptops and provides clear and sharp visuals. Additionally, consider the refresh rate; a higher refresh rate (like 120Hz or 144Hz) can make gameplay smoother and more responsive. If you play fast-paced games, a higher refresh rate is beneficial.
Battery LifeBattery life is important if you plan to use your laptop on the go. Gaming laptops generally have shorter battery life due to their powerful components. In budget gaming laptops, expect around 4-6 hours of battery life during regular use, but significantly less during gaming. If portability is a priority, look for models with better battery efficiency or consider carrying a charger with you.
Build Quality and CoolingBuild quality affects the durability and longevity of your laptop. Budget gaming laptops may use more plastic, but look for models with good build quality and sturdy construction. Cooling is also crucial, as gaming generates a lot of heat. Effective cooling solutions, like multiple fans and good ventilation, help maintain performance and prevent overheating. Check reviews for feedback on build quality and cooling performance.

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