10 Best Cheap Gaming Laptops 2025 in the United States

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.

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.

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.