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 ASUS TUF Gaming A15 offers a well-rounded package for budget-conscious gamers. It comes with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 GPU and an AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor, providing good performance for most modern games. The 8GB of DDR5 RAM and 512GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD ensure decent multitasking capabilities and quick load times, though some users may find the 8GB RAM limiting for more demanding tasks or future-proofing.

The 15.6-inch FHD display with a 144Hz refresh rate delivers smooth visuals, especially beneficial for fast-paced games, and the Adaptive-Sync technology helps reduce lag and screen tearing. The laptop's cooling system with dual 84-blade Arc Flow Fans is designed to handle high-power tasks quietly, which is great for prolonged gaming sessions. Additionally, its MIL-STD-810H certification promises durability against drops, vibration, humidity, and extreme temperatures, making it a rugged choice for users who need a sturdy device.

However, the battery life may be a concern for those who plan to use the laptop away from power sources for extended periods. At 7.9 pounds, it's also on the heavier side, which might be less convenient for portability. Users who prioritize build quality, a reliable cooling system, and a high-refresh-rate display will find this laptop a good fit, although those who need more RAM or lighter weight might need to look elsewhere.

The Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop offers solid gaming performance for those on a budget. It comes equipped with an Intel Core i5-13420H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, providing a good balance between performance and power efficiency for gaming and creative tasks. The 15.6-inch Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth and vibrant visuals, which is particularly beneficial for fast-paced games.

However, the 8GB of DDR5 RAM might be limiting for some high-demanding games and multitasking, though it can handle most casual and mid-tier gaming needs. Storage is ample with a 512GB Gen 4 SSD allowing for quick load times and sufficient space for games and applications. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 and Thunderbolt 4 adds modern connectivity options, ensuring fast internet and versatile port usage.

The laptop's build quality is decent, and it features a dual-fan cooling system that helps maintain performance during intense gaming sessions. Battery life is typical for gaming laptops and might require frequent recharging during extended use. The backlit keyboard adds a nice touch for gaming in low-light environments. The Acer Nitro V is a capable, affordable choice for gamers who need a balance of performance and modern features without breaking the bank. However, users should consider upgrading the RAM for more intensive gaming or multitasking scenarios.