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10 Best Cheap 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 (2025) Gaming Laptop, 16” ROG Nebula Display 16:10 2.5K 240Hz/3ms, NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5070 Ti GPU, Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 275HX Processor, 32GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, Wi-Fi 7, Win11 Home

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,257
Graphics Card (GPU)
Processor (CPU)
RAM

Most important from
223 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
Delivers fast, powerful performance that handles the latest games on high settings with ease.
Processor (CPU)
The Intel i9 processor runs hot, but effective undervolting can significantly reduce temperatures and fan noise without much performance loss.
RAM
Upgradability is a strong point, with confirmed support for expanding RAM up to 64GB and adding a second SSD.
Storage
Upgradability is a strong point, with confirmed support for expanding RAM up to 64GB and adding a second SSD.
Display
Display quality is sharp and bright, enhancing gaming visuals, though some users prefer a slightly smaller screen size.
Battery Life
Battery life is limited during gaming, offering around 45 minutes of playtime unplugged, which may be inconvenient for portable use.
Build Quality and Cooling
The Intel i9 processor runs hot, but effective undervolting can significantly reduce temperatures and fan noise without much performance loss.

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025) is a powerful gaming laptop that offers high-end features, which is somewhat rare in the 'cheap gaming laptop' category. It is equipped with a strong Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU, ensuring smooth gameplay and good graphics performance for modern games. With 32GB of fast DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD, it provides plenty of memory and storage to keep your games and files running quickly without lag.

The 16-inch ROG Nebula display with a 2.5K resolution and 240Hz refresh rate makes gaming visuals sharp and fluid, reducing motion blur during fast action. Cooling is well-managed thanks to advanced technology like a vapor chamber and tri-fan system, which helps prevent overheating during long gaming sessions. The laptop weighs about 6 pounds, which is on the heavier side for portability.

The build quality feels premium with features like a customizable RGB light bar, but the price may be higher than typical 'cheap' gaming laptops, making this model ideal for gamers who want strong performance without moving into more expensive high-end options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,257
Graphics Card (GPU)
Processor (CPU)
RAM

Most important from
223 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
Delivers fast, powerful performance that handles the latest games on high settings with ease.
Processor (CPU)
The Intel i9 processor runs hot, but effective undervolting can significantly reduce temperatures and fan noise without much performance loss.
RAM
Upgradability is a strong point, with confirmed support for expanding RAM up to 64GB and adding a second SSD.
Storage
Upgradability is a strong point, with confirmed support for expanding RAM up to 64GB and adding a second SSD.
Display
Display quality is sharp and bright, enhancing gaming visuals, though some users prefer a slightly smaller screen size.
Battery Life
Battery life is limited during gaming, offering around 45 minutes of playtime unplugged, which may be inconvenient for portable use.
Build Quality and Cooling
The Intel i9 processor runs hot, but effective undervolting can significantly reduce temperatures and fan noise without much performance loss.
#2

ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025) Gaming Laptop, 16” FHD+ 16:10 165Hz/3ms Display, NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5060 Laptop GPU, Intel® Core™ i7 Processor 14650HX, 16GB DDR5, 1TB Gen 4 SSD, Wi-Fi 7, Windows 11 Home

Rating
9.4
Processor (CPU)
Build Quality and Cooling
Graphics Card (GPU)

Most important from
223 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The laptop delivers a significant performance boost over older models, making everyday tasks and gaming noticeably smoother.
Build Quality and Cooling
The build quality stands out, especially with a tool-less design that allows easy access to RAM, storage, and battery upgrades.
Graphics Card (GPU)
Gaming runs exceptionally well, providing a seamless experience even with demanding titles like Warzone.
RAM
16GB of RAM is sufficient for most uses, but upgrading to 32GB can better future-proof the system.
Display
Portability combined with the option to connect to external gaming monitors offers great flexibility for mobile and desktop setups.

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025) is a strong choice for gamers looking for good power without breaking the bank. It features a fast Intel Core i7 14650HX processor and a solid NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 GPU, which together can handle most modern games smoothly. The 16GB of DDR5 memory is ample for multitasking and gaming, while the 1TB Gen 4 SSD offers fast game loading and plenty of storage for a large game library.

The 16-inch FHD+ display with a 165Hz refresh rate provides sharp and fluid visuals, making gameplay feel responsive and enjoyable. The screen also has reduced glare for comfortable long sessions. Cooling is a standout here, with advanced tech like a vapor chamber, tri-fan setup, and liquid metal on the chipset, which helps keep temperatures down and performance steady during heavy gaming. While the laptop weighs about 5.8 pounds, which is a bit on the heavier side, it’s expected given the hardware and cooling system.

The build quality is solid, and the customizable RGB lighting adds a nice touch for gamers who want some style. This laptop is well suited for gamers who want good performance and a quality display at a reasonable price but don’t mind a slightly heavier device.

Rating
9.4
Processor (CPU)
Build Quality and Cooling
Graphics Card (GPU)

Most important from
223 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The laptop delivers a significant performance boost over older models, making everyday tasks and gaming noticeably smoother.
Build Quality and Cooling
The build quality stands out, especially with a tool-less design that allows easy access to RAM, storage, and battery upgrades.
Graphics Card (GPU)
Gaming runs exceptionally well, providing a seamless experience even with demanding titles like Warzone.
RAM
16GB of RAM is sufficient for most uses, but upgrading to 32GB can better future-proof the system.
Display
Portability combined with the option to connect to external gaming monitors offers great flexibility for mobile and desktop setups.
#3

Lenovo Legion Pro 7i – Gaming Laptop - Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 275HX – 16" 2.5K WQXGA OLED Display – 240Hz Refresh Rate – GeForce RTX™ 5070 Ti GPU – 32 GB Memory – 1 TB Storage – 3-month PC GamePass

Rating
8.8
Graphics Card (GPU)
Processor (CPU)
Storage

Most important from
29 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i delivers staggering performance, effortlessly handling the most demanding modern games with fluid, high frame rates that fully leverage its powerful hardware.
Processor (CPU)
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i delivers staggering performance, effortlessly handling the most demanding modern games with fluid, high frame rates that fully leverage its powerful hardware.
Storage
Build quality feels premium with a solid aluminum chassis and blazing-fast storage, though the plastic trackpad stands out as a minor compromise that doesn’t impact serious users who prefer an external mouse.
Display
The 16-inch 2.5K OLED display captivates with vibrant colors, infinite contrast, and a silky-smooth 240Hz refresh rate, elevating both gaming and content creation experiences to a new level.
Battery Life
Battery life falls short of expectations, lasting about an hour under typical use rather than the advertised four, making it necessary to stay near a power source during heavy workloads.
Build Quality and Cooling
Thermal management impresses with effective cooling that keeps the laptop warm but comfortable to the touch, even under heavy loads, allowing extended high-performance use without overheating.

The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i stands out as a powerful gaming laptop with a strong focus on performance and visual quality. It features an advanced Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor with 24 cores, which handles gaming and content creation smoothly. Paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU, it offers excellent graphics performance, delivering sharp visuals and smooth gameplay even in demanding AAA and esports titles. The laptop comes with a generous 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and a fast 1 TB SSD, ensuring quick load times and ample space for games and files.

The 16-inch 2.5K OLED display is a highlight, offering vibrant colors, deep contrasts, and a very smooth 240Hz refresh rate, which is ideal for fast-paced gaming. Cooling is well-managed through Lenovo’s Coldfront Vapor system, which uses vapor chamber technology and quiet fans to keep temperatures down and maintain performance without overheating.

Battery life is decent for a gaming laptop, supported by a large 99.9Wh battery and rapid charging, though heavy gaming will still require staying near a power source. The laptop is fairly slim and portable for its power but weighs around 5.65 pounds, which might feel a bit heavy for frequent travel. It also includes a 3-month PC Game Pass subscription, adding value for gamers wanting immediate access to a variety of titles. The Legion Pro 7i offers high-end specs usually seen in more expensive models, which may make it pricier than entry-level gaming laptops, but it is a strong contender for gamers seeking top-tier performance, rich visuals, and excellent cooling in a versatile package.

Rating
8.8
Graphics Card (GPU)
Processor (CPU)
Storage

Most important from
29 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i delivers staggering performance, effortlessly handling the most demanding modern games with fluid, high frame rates that fully leverage its powerful hardware.
Processor (CPU)
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i delivers staggering performance, effortlessly handling the most demanding modern games with fluid, high frame rates that fully leverage its powerful hardware.
Storage
Build quality feels premium with a solid aluminum chassis and blazing-fast storage, though the plastic trackpad stands out as a minor compromise that doesn’t impact serious users who prefer an external mouse.
Display
The 16-inch 2.5K OLED display captivates with vibrant colors, infinite contrast, and a silky-smooth 240Hz refresh rate, elevating both gaming and content creation experiences to a new level.
Battery Life
Battery life falls short of expectations, lasting about an hour under typical use rather than the advertised four, making it necessary to stay near a power source during heavy workloads.
Build Quality and Cooling
Thermal management impresses with effective cooling that keeps the laptop warm but comfortable to the touch, even under heavy loads, allowing extended high-performance use without overheating.

Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Gaming Laptops

Choosing a gaming laptop can be a daunting task, especially if you're on a budget. The key is to find a balance between performance and cost, ensuring that you get the best gaming experience without breaking the bank. Here are some important specifications to consider when selecting a gaming laptop, along with explanations to help you understand their significance and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Graphics Card (GPU)The graphics card, or GPU, is one of the most critical components for gaming. It handles rendering images, videos, and animations, making your games look and run smoothly. For budget gaming laptops, look for GPUs from reputable brands like NVIDIA or AMD. Entry-level GPUs like the NVIDIA GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 560X are good starting points for casual gaming. If you plan to play more demanding games, consider mid-range options like the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti. Your choice should depend on the types of games you play and the level of graphical detail you desire.
Processor (CPU)The processor, or CPU, is the brain of your laptop, handling all the instructions from your software and games. For gaming, a multi-core processor is essential. Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 are good budget-friendly options that offer solid performance for most games. If you can stretch your budget a bit, an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 will provide better performance for more demanding games and multitasking. Consider the types of games you play and whether you also use your laptop for other tasks like video editing or streaming.
RAMRAM, or Random Access Memory, is crucial for gaming as it allows your laptop to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and load game data quickly. For budget gaming laptops, 8GB of RAM is the minimum you should consider, as it will be sufficient for most games. However, if you can afford it, 16GB of RAM is ideal for a smoother gaming experience and future-proofing your laptop. Think about the games you play and whether you run other applications in the background while gaming.
StorageStorage affects how much space you have for games, applications, and files, as well as how quickly your laptop can access this data. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are faster than traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and can significantly reduce game load times. For budget gaming laptops, a combination of a smaller SSD (128GB or 256GB) for your operating system and frequently played games, along with a larger HDD (1TB) for additional storage, is a good compromise. Consider how many games you plan to install and whether you need extra space for other files.
DisplayThe display is where you see all the action, so it's important to choose one that enhances your gaming experience. Look for a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution, which is standard for budget gaming laptops and provides clear and sharp visuals. Refresh rate is also important; a 60Hz display is common, but if you can find a 120Hz or 144Hz display within your budget, it will offer smoother gameplay. Consider the size of the screen as well; 15.6 inches is a good balance between portability and immersive gaming, but if you prefer a larger screen, 17 inches might be better.
Battery LifeGaming laptops are known for consuming a lot of power, which can affect battery life. While gaming, expect shorter battery life, typically around 2-4 hours. If you plan to use your laptop for other tasks on the go, look for one with a longer battery life when not gaming, ideally 6-8 hours. Keep in mind that gaming performance is best when plugged in, so battery life may be less critical if you mostly game near a power outlet. Consider how often you'll be gaming away from a power source and whether you need longer battery life for other activities.
Build Quality and CoolingBuild quality and cooling are important for the longevity and performance of your gaming laptop. A well-built laptop with a sturdy chassis will withstand the rigors of gaming and travel. Effective cooling systems, including multiple fans and good ventilation, are essential to prevent overheating during extended gaming sessions. Look for laptops with good reviews on build quality and cooling performance. Consider how often you move your laptop around and how long your gaming sessions typically last.

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