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Are you looking for the best budget gaming laptops of 2025? You’re in luck. Gaming doesn’t have to come at a cost, and in 2025, there are several great budget choices available that provide amazing performance without wiping you out financially. Whether you are new to gaming or looking for a solid upgrade, you can get an excellent gaming experience without spending the whole budget.
This is a step-by-step guide to the best budget gaming laptops this year, and you will be able to improve your game without overspending.
Why the Best Budget Gaming Laptops Matter
When purchasing the best budget gaming laptops, you seek out a laptop that offers reliable performance without the unnecessary extras. The best budget gaming laptop should have a great GPU, fast processor, decent display, and cooling that assists in keeping everything stable over long play sessions.
Choosing the best budget gaming laptops means you do not have to sacrifice quality for the price. If you love playing Fortnite, Valorant, or AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring, the right budget laptop could really make a difference to your gaming experience. Budget laptops also make perfect sense for students, streamers, or anyone who wants a utility laptop without paying over budget limit.
Quick Comparison
| Laptop | CPU | GPU | Display | RAM | Storage | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer Nitro V 15 | i5-13420H | RTX 4050 | 15.6″, 144Hz | 16GB | 512GB SSD | $743.99 |
| MSI Cyborg 15 | i7-12650H | RTX 4060 | 15.6″, 144Hz | 32GB | 1TB SSD | $1,099.99 |
| Lenovo LOQ 15 | Ryzen 7 7840HS | RTX 4050 | 15.6″, 144Hz | 16GB | 512GB SSD | $839.90 |
| Dell G16 (7630) | i7-13th Gen | RTX 4060 | 16″, 240Hz | 16GB | 1TB SSD | $1,498.90 |
Let us see the top 5 budget gaming laptops of 2025, perfect for any gamer.
Top 5 Best Budget Gaming Laptops for 2025
These are the best budget gaming laptops of 2025 that provide excellent value and performance without draining your wallet.
Prices listed for these gaming laptops include both the original MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) and the current price on Amazon. In some cases, the Amazon price may be higher than the MSRP. This difference can be due to a variety of factors such as tariffs, increased demand, component costs, and supply chain issues. We’ve included the most up-to-date pricing to help you make an informed decision before buying.
1. Acer Nitro V 15 – Budget Gaming Power
- Beyond Performance: Empower your gaming and creativity with the Nitro V 15, combining a 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H pr…
- More Games. More Fun. Windows is the GOAT of gaming. We have more game titles than any other OS. Windows has more triple…
- Power That Plays Harder. Windows offers more games titles you can’t get on a Mac*. Designed for speed, impressive app pe…
One of the top budget gaming laptops of 2025, the Acer Nitro V 15 provides top-shelf gaming performance on a budget. With a price of around $649.99 (MSRP), it comes with an Intel Core i5-13420H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics processor, perfect for 1080p gaming and competitive esports.
Pros
- Spectacular 10-hour battery, perfect for gamers on the move
- Robust port cluster for more connectivity
- Great entry-level performance without compromising too much
Cons
- Limited 512GB SSD storage; may need an upgrade
- Basic display quality, though still decent for the price
Key Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i5-13420H (4 Performance Cores + 4 Efficiency Cores, up to 4.6 GHz)
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU (6GB GDDR6, 75W TGP)
- Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080), 144Hz, IPS
- RAM: 8GB or 16GB DDR5 4800MHz (Upgradeable up to 32GB)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe Gen4 SSD (Expandable)
- Battery Life: Approximately 5–6 hours under normal usage
- Weight: Approximately 2.11 kg (4.7 lbs)
Gaming Performance (1080p, High/Ultra Settings)
| Game Title | Settings & DLSS | Average FPS |
|---|---|---|
| Valorant | Highest | 260+ FPS |
| GTA V | Very High | 130 FPS |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | Ultra + DLSS | 85 FPS |
| Fortnite | Epic + DLSS | 100 FPS |
| Apex Legends | High | 110 FPS |
| CS2 (Counter-Strike 2) | Max | 220+ FPS |
| PUBG: Battlegrounds | Ultra | 95 FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Favor Quality | 65 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | High + DLSS Quality | ~60 FPS |
| Elden Ring | Max | 55 FPS |
| Spider-Man: Miles Morales | Very High (RT Off) | 65 FPS |
| The Witcher 3 (Next-Gen) | Ultra | ~78 FPS |
CPU & Productivity Benchmarks
| Benchmark | Score / Time |
|---|---|
| Cinebench R15 Multi | ~1640 points |
| 4K Video Rendering | ~38 minutes |
| 1080p Video Rendering | ~6 minutes |
The Acer Nitro V, featuring the i5-13420H processor and RTX 4050 GPU, delivers impressive 1080p gaming performance, often exceeding 60 FPS on high to ultra settings. Its efficient thermal management keeps temperatures below 80°C during gaming sessions. While the base model includes 8GB RAM, upgrading to 16GB or 32GB is recommended for optimal performance in gaming and productivity tasks.
2. MSI Cyborg 15 – Sleek Design with Strong Performance
- 【High Speed DDR5 RAM And Enormous Space】32GB high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser t…
- 【Processor】Intel Core i7-12650H Processor (10-cores/16-threads, 24MB cache, 1.7 GHz Base Clock, up to 4.7 GHz max boost)…
- 【Tech Specs】2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x RJ-45, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone/microphone combo jack; Backlit …
The MSI Cyborg 15 is another candidate for the top budget gaming laptops of 2025, especially if you’re looking for a futuristic look with decent gaming performance. Equipped with a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 and an RTX 4060 GPU, this laptop offers smooth performance of modern games at 1080p. At a price of around $799.99 (MSRP), it is a decent value.
Pros
- Futuristic design that stands out
- Strong 1080p gaming performance, perfect for competitive play
- Responsive keyboard for better control during intense gaming sessions
Cons
- Average 7-hour battery life, which could be better for long gaming sessions
Key Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i7-12650H (10 cores: 6 Performance + 4 Efficiency, up to 4.7 GHz)
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU (8GB GDDR6)
- Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080), 144Hz, G-SYNC
- RAM: 16GB DDR5 4800MHz (Upgradeable up to 32GB)
- Storage: 1TB NVMe Gen4 SSD (Expandable)
- Battery Life: Approximately 4–5 hours under normal usage
- Weight: Approximately 2.0 kg (4.4 lbs)
Gaming Performance Benchmarks (1080p)
| Game Title | Settings & DLSS | Average FPS |
|---|---|---|
| Valorant | Highest | 260+ FPS |
| GTA V | Very High | 130 FPS |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | Ultra + DLSS | 85 FPS |
| Fortnite | Epic + DLSS | 100 FPS |
| Apex Legends | High | 110 FPS |
| CS2 (Counter-Strike 2) | Max | 220+ FPS |
| PUBG: Battlegrounds | Ultra | 95 FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Ultra | 65 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | High + DLSS Quality | ~60 FPS |
| Elden Ring | Max | 55 FPS |
| Spider-Man: Miles Morales | Very High (RT Off) | 65 FPS |
| The Witcher 3 (Next-Gen) | Ultra | ~78 FPS |
CPU & Productivity Benchmarks
| Benchmark | Score / Time |
|---|---|
| Cinebench R15 Multi-Core | ~12,500 points |
| Geekbench 6 Multi-Core | ~9,000 points |
| PCMark 10 | ~6,500 points |
| Blender (Classroom Render) | ~400 seconds |
The MSI Cyborg 15, featuring the i7-12650H processor and RTX 4060 GPU, delivers strong 1080p gaming performance, often exceeding 60 FPS on high to ultra settings. It’s well-suited for gamers who also require a machine capable of handling productivity tasks. While the battery life is modest, the laptop offers a compelling balance between performance and affordability.
3. Lenovo LOQ 15 – Excellent Performance at an Affordable Price
The Lenovo LOQ 15 is one of the rising stars in the best budget gaming laptops segment. It starts at $799.99, (MSRP) and features an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor and an RTX 4050 graphics card, which gives great performance for gaming, productivity, and content creation.
Pros
- Smooth typing experience, ideal for work and play
- Great gaming performance for casual and heavy games
- Robust build considering the price
Cons
- All-plastic build, which does not feel as expensive as some options
- Basic 1080p display, but good enough for most games
Key Specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS (8 cores / 16 threads, up to 5.1 GHz)
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU (6GB GDDR6, TGP up to 95W)
- Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080), 144Hz, IPS
- RAM: 8GB DDR5 5600MHz (Upgradeable to 16GB or 32GB)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (Expandable)
- Battery Life: Approximately 4–5 hours under normal usage
- Weight: Approximately 2.4 kg (5.3 lbs)
Gaming Performance Benchmarks (1080p)
| Game Title | Settings & DLSS | Average FPS |
|---|---|---|
| Valorant | Highest | 260+ FPS |
| GTA V | Very High | 130 FPS |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | Ultra + DLSS | 85 FPS |
| Fortnite | Epic + DLSS | 100 FPS |
| Apex Legends | High | 110 FPS |
| CS2 (Counter-Strike 2) | Max | 220+ FPS |
| PUBG: Battlegrounds | Ultra | 95 FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Ultra | 65 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | High + DLSS Quality | ~60 FPS |
| Elden Ring | Max | 55 FPS |
| Spider-Man: Miles Morales | Very High (RT Off) | 65 FPS |
| The Witcher 3 (Next-Gen) | Ultra | ~78 FPS |
CPU & Productivity Benchmarks
| Benchmark | Score / Time |
|---|---|
| Cinebench R23 Multi-Core | ~16,456 points |
| Cinebench R23 Single-Core | ~1,796 points |
| Geekbench 6 Multi-Core | ~9,000 points |
| PCMark 10 | ~6,500 points |
| Blender (Classroom Render) | ~400 seconds |
The Lenovo LOQ 15APH8, featuring the AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor and RTX 4050 GPU, offers robust performance for both gaming and productivity tasks. Its high refresh rate display and upgradable components make it a versatile choice for gamers and professionals alike. However, potential buyers should note the modest battery life and consider upgrading the RAM for optimal performance.
4. Dell G16 (7630) – Larger Screen, Larger Experience
- Memory Performance: Boost your gaming performance with 16GB of LPDDR5x integrated memory. Enjoy faster load times, smoot…
- Remarkably Fast Refresh Rates Fast reaction times on the 240Hz VRR displays lets you play without a lag.
- 13th Generation Intel Processors: Combined with the latest powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX Graphics to support the most grap…
If you prefer a larger display, the Dell G16 7630 also features a stunning 16-inch QHD+ display with a 240Hz refresh rate, which is perfect for gamers who look forward to seeing visuals and performance. Under $1,000 (MSRP), this laptop offers premium on a budget.
Pros
- 240Hz QHD+ display for extremely smooth visuals during fast-paced games
- Mechanical keyboard for an improved typing experience
- High-performance ability that supports AAA games well
Cons
- Broader than competitors, hence less portable
- 720p webcam is not suitable for video calls or streaming
Key Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i9-13900HX (24 cores, up to 5.4 GHz)
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (8GB GDDR6, 140W TGP)
- Display: 16″ QHD+ (2560 x 1600), 240Hz refresh rate
- RAM: 16GB DDR5
- Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Price: Approximately $1,299 USD
Gaming Performance Benchmarks (1080p)
| Game Title | Settings & DLSS | Average FPS |
|---|---|---|
| Valorant | Highest | 300+ FPS |
| GTA V | Very High | 160 FPS |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | Ultra + DLSS | 120 FPS |
| Fortnite | Epic + DLSS | 140 FPS |
| Apex Legends | High | 150 FPS |
| CS2 (Counter-Strike 2) | Max | 250+ FPS |
| PUBG: Battlegrounds | Ultra | 110 FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Ultra | 80 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | High + DLSS Quality | ~75 FPS |
| Elden Ring | Max | 70 FPS |
| Spider-Man: Miles Morales | Very High (RT Off) | 85 FPS |
| The Witcher 3 (Next-Gen) | Ultra | ~90 FPS |
CPU & Productivity Benchmarks
| Benchmark | Score / Time |
|---|---|
| Cinebench R23 Multi-Core | ~17,000 points |
| Geekbench 6 Multi-Core | ~11,500 points |
| PCMark 10 | ~7,500 points |
| Blender (Classroom Render) | ~350 seconds |
The Dell G16 7630 offers exceptional performance for both gaming and productivity tasks. Equipped with the Intel Core i9-13900HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, it delivers high frame rates across various titles, making it suitable for demanding applications. The 16″ QHD+ display with a 240Hz refresh rate enhances the gaming experience, while the ample storage and memory support multitasking and content creation. Priced competitively, the G16 7630 stands out as a powerful option in the gaming laptop market.
5. MSI Katana A15 AI – Future-Proof Gaming Power
- AMD Ryzen 8040 Series processors: Deliver premium experiences with trusted performance, incredible battery life, and per…
- Simplistic Design: Enjoy the latest generation of Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs. *MSI recommends Windows 11 Pr…
- Beyond Fast: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 powered by the Ada architecture unleashes the full glory of ray tracing, which …
For anyone wanting to future-proof their gaming computer, the MSI Katana A15 AI comes with specs that can be as high as an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS and an RTX 4070 GPU, giving you top performance for the newest game titles. At a cost of around $899.99, this laptop is great for gamers in need of some extra oomph.
Pros
- Has high-end configurations available, so you’ll be ready for intense titles
- Good gaming performance for 1080p and 1440p
- Superb cooling system to enable lag-free gaming
Cons
- Slightly weak plastic casing
- Loose hinges in some models
Key Specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS (8 cores, up to 5.1 GHz)
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU (8GB GDDR6)
- Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080), 144Hz IPS-level panel
- RAM: 32GB DDR5
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Cooling: Cooler Boost 5 technology
- Weight: Approximately 2.25 kg (4.96 lbs)
- Price: Approximately $879.99 USD
Gaming Performance Benchmarks (1080p)
| Game Title | Settings & DLSS | Average FPS |
|---|---|---|
| Valorant | High | 300+ FPS |
| GTA V | Very High | 160 FPS |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | Ultra + DLSS | 120 FPS |
| Fortnite | Epic + DLSS | 140 FPS |
| Apex Legends | High | 150 FPS |
| CS2 (Counter-Strike 2) | Max | 250+ FPS |
| PUBG: Battlegrounds | Ultra | 110 FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | High | 80 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | High + DLSS Quality | ~75 FPS |
| Elden Ring | Max | 70 FPS |
| Spider-Man: Miles Morales | Very High (RT Off) | 85 FPS |
| The Witcher 3 (Next-Gen) | Ultra | ~90 FPS |
CPU & Productivity Benchmarks
| Benchmark | Score / Time |
|---|---|
| Cinebench R23 Multi-Core | ~16,000 points |
| Geekbench 6 Multi-Core | ~9,500 points |
| PCMark 10 | ~6,800 points |
| Blender (Classroom Render) | ~380 seconds |
The MSI Katana A15 AI offers excellent performance for both gaming and productivity tasks. Equipped with the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, it delivers high frame rates in demanding games and handles multitasking efficiently. The 15.6″ Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, while the 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB NVMe SSD provide ample memory and storage. Priced at approximately $879.99 USD, it offers strong value for gamers seeking a powerful and affordable gaming laptop.
What to Look for in the Best Budget Gaming Laptops
In purchasing the best budget gaming laptops, some factors will play a huge role. Check what to see here:
- Graphics Card (GPU): Opt for an RTX 4050 or RTX 4060 or higher to offer silky smooth 1080p gaming.
- Processor (CPU): An up-to-date Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 is best to offer the needed performance.
- Display: Provide at least a 120Hz refresh rate for best visuals.
- Storage: 512GB SSD minimum; scale up if you’re going to stockpile loads of games.
- Battery Life: Have 6-8 hours if you wish to game on the go.
- Cooling: Excellent thermal management will prevent your laptop from overheating and crashing during load.
These features will assist you in gaining maximum value out of your budget gaming laptop at the cost of sacrificing as little quality as possible.
FAQs
What’s the minimum GPU I should look for in a budget gaming laptop?
For budget gaming laptops, aim for a dedicated GPU like the RTX 4050 or RTX 4060. These GPUs provide a good balance between price and performance, ensuring smooth 1080p gaming. Lower-end options like the GTX 1650 or RTX 3050 can also offer decent performance for less demanding games, but for future-proofing and demanding titles, it’s better to go with a newer, more powerful GPU.
Are budget gaming laptops good for streaming and content creation?
Yes! Many budget gaming laptops offer enough processing power and memory for light streaming and content creation. Look for a laptop with a strong processor (like Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7), a decent GPU, and at least 16GB of RAM for smoother streaming and editing. For more advanced content creation, you might need to look at higher-end laptops, but budget models like the MSI Cyborg 15 or Lenovo LOQ 15 can get the job done for basic tasks.
How long do budget gaming laptops last?
With proper care, a budget gaming laptop can last anywhere from 3 to 5 years, depending on its specs and how well you maintain it. For longevity, look for a laptop with upgradeable RAM or storage, so you can improve performance as needed. While they may not handle the most demanding games on ultra settings for years to come, they will still provide solid performance for a good amount of time before needing an upgrade.
Can I run AAA games on a budget gaming laptop?
Yes, many budget gaming laptops are equipped with powerful GPUs like the RTX 4050 or RTX 4060, which can handle modern AAA games at medium to high settings. However, if you’re aiming for ultra settings or 4K gaming, you might need to invest in a more powerful machine. For most gamers, a budget gaming laptop will provide a smooth gaming experience for titles like Fortnite, Valorant, and even some AAA games at 1080p resolution.
Final Thoughts
It has never been easier to get the best budget gaming laptop in 2025. Due to competitive prices and enhanced technology, there are numerous affordable alternatives available that provide great performance.
No matter whether you opt for the Acer Nitro V 15 for its affordability, the MSI Cyborg 15 for its slim profile, or the Dell G16 for its beautiful display, you’re in for a laptop that will take your gaming to the next level.
If you must future-proof your gaming computer, the MSI Katana A15 AI provides excellent specs for today’s and future games. But if you are a beginner gamer, the Acer Nitro V 15 is value and performance for the price.
No matter your gaming style or budget, there’s something for you here that will enable you to become a part of your favorite worlds without breaking the bank. Ready to find your match made in heaven? Check out the full list of the best budget gaming laptops of 2025 and bring your gaming to the next level!
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