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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 Gaming Laptop, 165Hz Display, NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060, Intel Core i7-13650HX, 16GB DDR5, 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, Wi-Fi 6E, Windows 11, G614JV-AS74

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,218
Graphics Card (GPU)
Processor (CPU)
Display

Most important from
1990 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
The Intel Core i7-13650HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 combo delivers smooth performance at high settings for all tested games.
Processor (CPU)
The Intel Core i7-13650HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 combo delivers smooth performance at high settings for all tested games.
Display
The 16-inch FHD display with a 165Hz refresh rate provides vibrant, crisp visuals and buttery smooth gameplay.
Battery Life
Surprisingly quiet and efficient compared to other gaming laptops, with a much better battery life.
Build Quality and Cooling
The laptop feels premium and sturdy with an excellent cooling system that maintains performance during intense gaming sessions.

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.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,218
Graphics Card (GPU)
Processor (CPU)
Display

Most important from
1990 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
The Intel Core i7-13650HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 combo delivers smooth performance at high settings for all tested games.
Processor (CPU)
The Intel Core i7-13650HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 combo delivers smooth performance at high settings for all tested games.
Display
The 16-inch FHD display with a 165Hz refresh rate provides vibrant, crisp visuals and buttery smooth gameplay.
Battery Life
Surprisingly quiet and efficient compared to other gaming laptops, with a much better battery life.
Build Quality and Cooling
The laptop feels premium and sturdy with an excellent cooling system that maintains performance during intense gaming sessions.
#2

Alienware M18 R2 Gaming Laptop - 18 QHD+ 165Hz 3ms Display, Intel Core i9-14900HX, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 12 GB GDDR6, Windows 11 Home, Onsite Service - Dark Metallic Moon

Rating
9.6
Graphics Card (GPU)
RAM
Display

Most important from
166 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
Despite its powerful specs, the 165Hz display feels a bit slow for a system featuring an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080.
RAM
The Alienware M18 R2 offers exceptional performance with upgraded DDR5 RAM, running stable and smooth even with demanding games like Diablo 4.
Display
Despite its powerful specs, the 165Hz display feels a bit slow for a system featuring an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080.
Build Quality and Cooling
The laptop's build quality is top-notch, with a sleek aesthetic that stands out.

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.

Rating
9.6
Graphics Card (GPU)
RAM
Display

Most important from
166 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
Despite its powerful specs, the 165Hz display feels a bit slow for a system featuring an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080.
RAM
The Alienware M18 R2 offers exceptional performance with upgraded DDR5 RAM, running stable and smooth even with demanding games like Diablo 4.
Display
Despite its powerful specs, the 165Hz display feels a bit slow for a system featuring an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080.
Build Quality and Cooling
The laptop's build quality is top-notch, with a sleek aesthetic that stands out.
#3

ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop, 16” Nebula Display 16:10 QHD 240Hz, GeForce RTX 4060, Intel® Core™ i9-14900HX, 16GB DDR5-5600, 1TB PCIe SSD, Wi-Fi 6E, Windows 11, G614JVR-ES94

Rating
9.4
Graphics Card (GPU)
Processor (CPU)
Storage

Most important from
244 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
This laptop is a powerhouse, boasting an Intel 14900HX CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4080 GPU, making it perfect for gaming.
Processor (CPU)
This laptop is a powerhouse, boasting an Intel 14900HX CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4080 GPU, making it perfect for gaming.
Storage
ASUS outdid themselves with the value of this machine; it's an excellent desktop replacement with ample storage for games.
Display
The vibrant and bright display enhances the gaming experience, even in daylight, and the high refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay.
Build Quality and Cooling
Despite some initial concerns about heat, a cooling pad helps manage the temperature effectively during intense gaming sessions.

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.

Rating
9.4
Graphics Card (GPU)
Processor (CPU)
Storage

Most important from
244 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
This laptop is a powerhouse, boasting an Intel 14900HX CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4080 GPU, making it perfect for gaming.
Processor (CPU)
This laptop is a powerhouse, boasting an Intel 14900HX CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4080 GPU, making it perfect for gaming.
Storage
ASUS outdid themselves with the value of this machine; it's an excellent desktop replacement with ample storage for games.
Display
The vibrant and bright display enhances the gaming experience, even in daylight, and the high refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay.
Build Quality and Cooling
Despite some initial concerns about heat, a cooling pad helps manage the temperature effectively during intense gaming sessions.

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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