10 Best Cheap Gaming Laptops 2025 in the United States

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2024) is a strong contender in the cheap gaming laptop category, combining decent performance with good features for gamers on a budget. Its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card and Intel Core i7-13650HX processor offer solid gaming capabilities, allowing for smooth performance in many modern titles. The 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a spacious 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD mean multitasking and storage are not issues, giving users plenty of space for games and applications.

The 16” FHD 165Hz display is another highlight, providing vibrant colors and a refresh rate that enhances the gaming experience. With a 100% sRGB rating, it's suitable for casual content creation as well. Additionally, the inclusion of ROG Intelligent Cooling with liquid metal thermal paste helps maintain performance during extended gaming sessions, which is often a concern for laptops.

There are some drawbacks. At 5.51 pounds, it’s relatively heavy for a laptop, which might be a consideration for those looking for portability. The battery life, while adequate, may not last through long gaming sessions without a plug-in, so frequent charging could be necessary. Also, while the laptop performs well for gaming, some users may find that it doesn't handle the most demanding games at maximum settings as effectively as higher-end models.

The Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop presents an appealing option for budget-conscious gamers. It features a robust Intel Core i7-13620H processor and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, which together provide a solid foundation for gaming performance. The 16GB DDR5 RAM and 512GB Gen 4 SSD should ensure fast load times and smooth multitasking, which are crucial for an enjoyable gaming experience. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate offers vibrant visuals and smooth gameplay, enhancing your gaming immersion.

Additionally, the laptop includes WiFi 6 and Gigabit Ethernet, ensuring reliable internet connectivity whether you're at home or in a café. The Thunderbolt 4 port adds versatility for charging and data transfer, and the backlit keyboard is a nice touch for gaming in low-light environments. The dual-fan cooling system is designed to keep temperatures in check during intense gaming sessions. However, the battery life might not be the strongest point, as gaming laptops often face challenges in this area. Weighing 4.66 pounds, the laptop is fairly portable, though some might find it a bit heavy for frequent travel. For gamers on a budget, this laptop offers a balanced mix of performance and features, though it may not match the build quality or battery life of more expensive models.

The MSI Thin 15 Gaming Laptop is a solid choice for gamers on a budget. It features the 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, which is powerful enough for both gaming and multitasking. The standout component is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, which supports ray tracing for realistic lighting effects in games. With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, you can expect smooth performance, and the 512GB NVMe SSD offers fast load times and ample storage for your games and files.

The 15.6-inch FHD display with a 144Hz refresh rate provides a crisp and smooth visual experience, which is crucial for gaming. WiFi 6E ensures fast and reliable internet connectivity, enhancing online gaming experiences. The laptop's build quality is noted as simplistic, which may appeal to those looking for a straightforward design without flashy elements. Cooling performance is critical for gaming laptops, and while specific cooling features aren't detailed, MSI laptops typically incorporate effective cooling systems.

However, the laptop is relatively heavy at 7.39 pounds, which might be a downside for those needing portability. This laptop ranks well in customer reviews, with a 4.3 out of 5 stars rating from 941 ratings, indicating general user satisfaction. If you're seeking a gaming laptop that balances performance and affordability, the MSI Thin 15 is worth considering.