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10 Best Cheap Gaming Laptops 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop | Intel Core i5-13420H Processor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU | 15.6" FHD IPS 144Hz Display | 8GB DDR5 | 512GB Gen 4 SSD | WiFi 6 | Backlit KB | ANV15-51-51H9

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,446
Graphics Card (GPU)
Processor (CPU)
RAM

Most important from
588 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
Gaming is absolutely fantastic on this laptop, even at the highest settings.
Processor (CPU)
The Intel i5 CPU and RTX 4050 GPU offer very balanced performance, size, and portability.
RAM
Two physical RAM slots and two M.2 storage slots make it perfect for upgrades.
Storage
Two physical RAM slots and two M.2 storage slots make it perfect for upgrades.
Display
The display is bright and clear, with a 144Hz refresh rate that makes gameplay super smooth.
Battery Life
Battery life isn’t the longest, but that’s expected for a gaming laptop.
Build Quality and Cooling
The hardware specs are truly outstanding for the price, with a great screen and nice keyboard and trackpad feel.
#2
10.0 score

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

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.

Rating
10.0
Graphics Card (GPU)
Processor (CPU)
Display

Most important from
834 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.
#3
9.9 score

Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop | Intel Core i7-13620H Processor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU | 15.6" FHD IPS 165Hz Display | 16GB DDR5 | 1TB Gen 4 SSD | Wi-Fi 6 | Backlit KB | ANV15-51-723D

The Acer Nitro V is a strong contender in the budget gaming laptop category thanks to its powerful Intel Core i7-13620H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU. This combination allows for smooth gameplay and decent performance in modern games, supported by 16GB of fast DDR5 RAM and a spacious 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, which helps with quick game load times and ample storage for your games and files. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate is great for gaming, offering clear visuals and fluid motion, which is especially useful in fast-paced games.

Rating
9.9
Graphics Card (GPU)
Processor (CPU)
RAM

Most important from
40 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
The combination of a powerful processor and graphics card handles large loads seamlessly, including gaming and streaming simultaneously.
Processor (CPU)
The combination of a powerful processor and graphics card handles large loads seamlessly, including gaming and streaming simultaneously.
RAM
Perfectly balanced with 16GB RAM, though upgrading to 32GB is a minor enhancement rather than a necessity.
Display
Display size could be larger for improved work productivity, but the overall performance compensates well.
Build Quality and Cooling
Build quality supports daily use as a reliable work machine and a capable gaming device.

Top 10 Best Cheap Gaming Laptops 2025 in the United States

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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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