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 Alienware M18 R2 Gaming Laptop is a powerhouse with an 18-inch QHD+ display and advanced specifications. It features a robust Intel Core i9-14900HX processor paired with a high-end NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 12 GB GDDR6 graphics card, providing exceptional performance for demanding games. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD, it offers quick boot times and efficient multitasking. These top-tier specs come with a higher price tag, making it less suitable for budget-conscious gamers seeking 'cheap' gaming laptops.

The laptop’s impressive 165Hz refresh rate and anti-glare coating ensure smooth and clear visuals, enhancing the gaming experience. The thermal management system is designed to handle the heat generated during intense gaming sessions, which is crucial for maintaining performance. On the downside, the Alienware M18 R2 is quite heavy at 9.32 pounds and has larger dimensions, making it less portable. Its battery life might also be shorter due to the powerful components.

Additionally, while it offers excellent build quality and a comfortable keyboard, it lacks an optical drive, which might be a limitation for some users. This laptop is best suited for gamers who prioritize performance and are willing to invest in a high-end machine, rather than those seeking an affordable option.

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is a notable gaming laptop for those seeking strong performance at a reasonable price. The standout features include its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, which offers solid graphics performance for gaming, and the Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, providing high-speed processing power. With 16GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe SSD, it ensures smooth multitasking and ample storage for games and media.

The 16-inch QHD 240Hz Nebula Display delivers sharp and vibrant visuals, enhancing the gaming experience with a high refresh rate and excellent color accuracy. The ROG Intelligent Cooling system, featuring liquid metal and a third intake fan, is designed to maintain optimal performance during long gaming sessions. However, the battery life may not be the best for extended use without access to power, given the high-performance components.

The build quality is robust, though the laptop is slightly on the heavier side at 5.5 pounds. The inclusion of Windows 11 and Wi-Fi 6E boosts usability and connectivity. This laptop is ideal for gamers looking for a powerful machine with excellent graphics and processing capabilities, though they should consider the trade-off with battery longevity and portability.