10 Best Gaming Laptop Cheaps 2025 in the United States

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is a solid choice for gamers looking for a more affordable gaming laptop. Its powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13650HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU provide excellent performance for gaming and other demanding tasks. With 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, it offers speedy multitasking and ample storage for games and files. The 16-inch FHD display with a 165Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth and immersive visual experience, which is essential for fast-paced gaming.

Additionally, the laptop's ROG Intelligent Cooling system, featuring Thermal Grizzly’s Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal and a third intake fan, helps maintain optimal performance during long gaming sessions. However, there are some drawbacks. The laptop is relatively heavy at 5.51 pounds, which may not be ideal for frequent travelers. While the 1366 x 768 screen resolution is lower than some competitors, it still provides a decent visual experience. Battery life may not be the best, considering the high-performance components, so keep the charger handy for extended gaming sessions.

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is well-suited for gamers who need strong performance and good value for money. The included 90-day Xbox Game Pass is a nice bonus, offering access to a wide variety of games to enjoy right away.

The Alienware M18 R2 is a powerful gaming laptop designed for serious gamers who want top-tier performance. It packs a strong Intel Core i9-14900HX processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card, making it capable of handling the latest and most demanding games smoothly. With 32GB of fast DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD, it offers plenty of speed and storage for games and applications, with the option to add even more storage if needed. The 18-inch QHD+ display delivers sharp and vibrant visuals at a fast 165Hz refresh rate, providing smooth and immersive gameplay with good color accuracy.

Cooling is thoughtfully addressed with advanced thermal materials to keep the laptop from overheating during long gaming sessions. Build quality is solid, featuring a sleek 'Dark Metallic Moon' design, a comfortable keyboard with optional mechanical switches, and a large touchpad. However, this laptop is quite large and heavy at over 9 pounds, making it less portable than smaller gaming laptops. Battery life is not highlighted, which is typical for high-performance gaming laptops and suggests it might need frequent charging during heavy use.

Although it is not a budget option, the Alienware M18 R2 offers excellent value for gamers who want a desktop-level experience on a laptop. It may be less suitable for casual or budget-conscious gamers looking for a lighter or more affordable machine.

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 is a strong choice for gamers who want solid performance without stepping into ultra-premium price ranges. It packs a powerful 14th Gen Intel Core i9-14900HX processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, which can handle most modern games smoothly at high settings. With 16GB of fast DDR5 memory and a roomy 1TB PCIe SSD, multitasking and storing games is hassle-free. The 16-inch Nebula display stands out with a sharp QHD resolution, a fast 240Hz refresh rate, and accurate colors thanks to 100% DCI-P3 and Pantone validation — great for immersive visuals. Cooling is addressed well with advanced features like liquid metal on the CPU and an extra intake fan, helping the laptop stay cool during extended gaming sessions. The MUX switch also boosts gaming performance by allowing the GPU to send frames directly to the display.

Battery life might be average given the high-end hardware, so expect to game mostly while plugged in. At around 5.5 pounds, it’s moderately portable but not ultra-light. Build quality is sturdy with a sleek Eclipse Gray finish. This laptop is best suited for gamers who want a high-refresh QHD screen and strong performance for AAA games without going into the most expensive tier. However, if you prioritize extremely long battery life or ultra-lightweight design, there might be better options out there.