The Best Budget Gaming Laptop

What to consider when buying:

- Budget: Determine your price range and stick to it. Don't overspend if you can't afford it.
- Processor: A powerful processor is essential for gaming. Look for at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5.
- Graphics card: A dedicated graphics card is necessary for smooth gameplay. Aim for at least an Nvidia GTX 1050 or AMD Radeon RX 560.
- RAM: At least 8GB of RAM is ideal, although 16GB is recommended for more demanding games.
- Storage: A solid-state drive (SSD) is faster than a traditional hard drive and will improve loading times. Aim for at least 256GB of storage.
- Display: Look for a 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080) display with a high refresh rate (at least 120Hz) for smoother gameplay.
- Battery life: Consider the expected battery life when not plugged in, especially if you plan on using it for gaming on-the-go.
- Portability: If you plan on bringing your laptop with you frequently, consider the weight and overall portability of the laptop.

Winner: Acer Nitro 5 AN515-54-5812

‍

Buy Now on Amazon

- Ratings: 4.5/5 stars (994 ratings) on Amazon, 4.4/5 stars (114 ratings) on Best Buy
- Price: $699.99 retail
- Specs: Intel Core i5-9300H processor, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD, 15.6" Full HD IPS display (1920 x 1080, 144Hz)
- Recommended for: Gamers on a budget who want a good mix of performance and affordability.

Runner-up: Dell G5 15 SE

‍

Buy Now on Amazon

- Ratings: 4.3/5 stars (247 ratings) on Amazon, 4.2/5 stars (80 ratings) on Dell's website
- Price: $849.99 retail
- Specs: AMD Ryzen 5 4600H processor, AMD Radeon RX 5600M graphics card, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, 15.6" Full HD IPS display (1920 x 1080, 144Hz)
- Recommended for: Gamers who want a powerful AMD-based laptop at a reasonable price point.

Also great: ASUS TUF Gaming A15 FA506IH-AS53

‍

Buy Now on Amazon

- Ratings: 4.1/5 stars (115 ratings) on Amazon, 4.4/5 stars (15 ratings) on BH Photo
- Price: $899.99 retail
- Specs: AMD Ryzen 5 4600H processor, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, 15.6" Full HD IPS display (1920 x 1080, 60Hz)
- Recommended for: Gamers who prioritize storage space and want a laptop with a solid build quality.