My Top 9 Budget Gaming Laptops for 2024 | Best Picks

Looking for the best gaming laptop without spending a lot? Technology moves fast, making choices hard. But don't worry, our experts have found the top gaming laptops for 2024. They fit different budgets and needs¹.

Our team has tested over 1,800 laptops for 15 years. We picked top brands like MSI, Razer, Lenovo, and Acer¹. These laptops are great for gaming at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. They use the latest AMD and Intel CPUs¹.

Looking for a top gaming laptop? Check out the Razer Blade 14¹. Or maybe you want something more affordable like the MSI Katana 15¹. We also have the Origin EON 16SL for those who want a custom-built powerhouse¹.

The Acer Nitro 16 is our top pick for those on a budget¹. For those who want a laptop to replace their desktop, the MSI Titan 18 HX is the best choice¹.

Explore our selection to find the perfect laptop for your gaming needs. With powerful AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 - 4070, plus up to 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage, these laptops offer amazing performance and immersion¹.

Key Takeaways

• Extensive 15-year expertise in testing and reviewing over 1,800 laptops
• Curated selection of best gaming laptops for 2024 from top brands like MSI, Razer, Lenovo, and Acer
• Models optimized for gaming at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K resolutions with AMD and Intel CPUs
• Standout options include the Razer Blade 14, MSI Katana 15, and Origin EON 16SL
• Affordable midrange and desktop replacement gaming laptops also featured

1. Acer Nitro V 15 (ANV15-51-59MT)

The Acer Nitro V 15 (ANV15-51-59MT) is a great pick for gamers on a budget. It costs only $849.99 and has a powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU and an Intel 13th Gen Core i5 processor. This combo makes it perfect for playing games at 1080p². It also has a full HD 144Hz display, lots of storage, and great battery life for its price².

Pros and Cons

The Acer Nitro V 15 (ANV15-51-59MT) is a great mix of performance and price. Here are the pros and cons of this budget gaming laptop:

• Pros:
  • It starts at just $699.99, making it very affordable³
  • It has a strong Nvidia RTX 4050 GPU and Intel 13th Gen Core i5 processor for 1080p gaming²
  • It's lightweight at 4.66 pounds and has a compact size²
  • The 1080p, 144Hz display ensures smooth gameplay²
  • It has many ports like USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet⁴
  • It has good battery life for its price
• Cons:
  • It only has 8GB of memory, which might slow down multitasking and some tasks²
  • The colors and brightness are just okay³
  • The plastic body might not feel as premium as more expensive models

The Acer Nitro V 15 (ANV15-51-59MT) is a top choice for budget gamers. It offers great performance, portability, and value. This makes it a standout in the entry-level gaming laptop market²⁴³.

2. MSI Cyborg 15 (2023)

The MSI Cyborg 15 (2023) is a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly gaming laptop⁵. It costs $999 and offers good performance for its price⁶.

This laptop has a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU⁶. This means you can play games smoothly at 1080p resolution⁶. It also has a strong build and good battery life, making it a great value⁶.

Pros

• Affordable price point of $999⁵
• Capable 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU⁶
• Decent 1080p gaming performance at high settings⁶
• Sturdy build quality and respectable battery life⁶

Cons

• The 144Hz display, while capable, may not be the best in its class⁶
• Lacks a fingerprint reader for added security⁶
• Limited customization options compared to some competitors⁶

The MSI Cyborg 15 (2023) is a great mix of affordability and performance. It's perfect for budget-conscious gamers looking for a reliable and affordable gaming laptop⁵⁶.

If you want an even cheaper option, the Acer Nitro V 15 (ANV15-51-59MT) is just $799.99⁵. Or, the Lenovo LOQ 15 is a good AMD Ryzen choice for $949.99⁵.

"The MSI Cyborg 15 delivers a fine balance of just what you need in its price class, providing a decent 1080p gaming experience with modern entry-level components."

Whether you're a casual gamer or need a budget-friendly high-performance laptop, the MSI Cyborg 15 (2023) is a top choice in the best budget gaming laptops category⁵⁷⁶.

Model	Price	CPU	GPU	Display	RAM	Storage
MSI Cyborg 15 (2023)	$999	Intel Core i7-13620H	Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050	15.6-inch, 1080p, 144Hz	16GB	512GB SSD

⁵⁷⁶

3. Lenovo LOQ 15

Pros and Cons

The Lenovo LOQ 15 series is perfect for budget-conscious gamers. It offers AMD-powered laptops⁸ at great prices. The base model costs $949 and has a powerful AMD Ryzen 5 7000-series processor⁹. For more power, you can upgrade to a Ryzen 7 chip.

The laptop's plastic body might not look fancy, but it's a good trade for the price⁸. You can often find the LOQ 15 on sale, making it a great deal for those looking for cost-effective Ryzen-based gaming machines⁸.

Inside, the Lenovo LOQ 15 has great hardware for its price⁸. It has a 15.6-inch FHD display that refreshes at up to 144Hz, perfect for smooth gaming⁸. It also comes with NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3050 or 4050 graphic cards, and up to 16GB of DDR4 memory⁸.

The Lenovo LOQ 16 series has a bigger 16-inch QHD display that refreshes at up to 165Hz, enhancing your gaming⁸. These laptops have NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 or 4060 graphic cards and up to 32GB of DDR4 memory⁸.

All Lenovo LOQ gaming laptops have a big 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD for lots of storage⁸. Lenovo's commitment to quality and affordability is clear in the LOQ series, making them great for both casual and professional gamers⁸¹⁰.

"The Lenovo LOQ 15 (2023) offers incredible value, delivering a smooth and immersive gaming experience at an affordable price point."

Rtings.com says the Lenovo LOQ 15 (2023) is the best cheap gaming laptop¹⁰. It's praised for its gaming performance, storage, and overall serviceability. Its variety of display options, from 60Hz to 165Hz, make it a top pick for budget-friendly gaming rigs with Ryzen¹⁰.

In summary, the Lenovo LOQ 15 and 16 series are great for those on a budget⁸¹⁰⁹. They offer great performance and value for best budget AMD gaming laptops and affordable AMD-powered laptops fans⁸¹⁰⁹.

4. Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 8

The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 8 is a top pick for those looking for a budget gaming laptop with high-end features. It costs about $1,300 and packs a punch with an Intel Core i7-13620H processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU¹¹. The 2560 x 1600 display with a 165Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gaming. Plus, its design and battery life are great too¹¹.

Pros and Cons

The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 8 shines with its affordable gaming rigs with premium components¹². It offers loyalty savings, double and triple rewards points, and exclusive web-only deals, making it a great choice for gamers on a budget¹². The laptop also has a high-quality display, strong hardware, and a sleek design, offering great value for its price.

However, its all-plastic build might not be what everyone wants for a premium feel¹¹. But, this is a fair trade-off for its cost-effective gaming notebooks with advanced specs and performance¹³.

"The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 8 is the best esports machine for under $1,500, offering a 2560 x 1600 screen that goes up to 165 Hz."

In summary, the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 8 is a great pick for budget-friendly laptops for serious gamers who desire a powerful and feature-rich gaming experience without spending a lot¹¹. With its standout specs, display, and value, it's a strong contender in the gaming laptops under $1500 category¹³.

5. Acer Predator Helios Neo 16

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 is a great choice for budget gaming laptops. It has a 16-inch screen and costs between $1,200 and $1,700. This makes it a good mix of performance and value¹⁴.

This laptop is powered by an Intel Core i5-13500HX processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU. It can handle many games well¹⁵. The 16-inch display has a 1920 x 1200 resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, and G-Sync support. This means you get smooth and great-looking games¹⁵.

Pros

• Larger 16-inch display for an immersive gaming experience
• Solid performance with Intel Core i5-13500HX and RTX 4050 GPU
• Affordable pricing compared to larger 17- and 18-inch gaming laptops
• Smooth 165Hz display with G-Sync support

Cons

• Runs relatively hot, with chassis temperatures reaching up to 145°F¹⁴
• Limited battery life, with under 2 hours reported on balanced settings¹⁴
• Tradeoffs in performance and usability at higher price points¹⁴

For those on a budget but want a big screen, the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 is a good pick. It combines performance, features, and value. It's bigger than 15-inch laptops but smaller than 17- and 18-inch ones¹⁶.

6. Asus TUF Gaming F17 (2022)

For those on a budget but wanting a big gaming experience, the Asus TUF Gaming F17 (2022) is a great choice¹⁷. It has a 17-inch screen, bigger than the usual 15-inch or 16-inch models. This means you get a more immersive view for games and movies¹⁸.

Pros

• Generous 17.3-inch IPS display with a 1080p resolution and 144Hz refresh rate
• Equipped with an Intel Core i5-11400H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU, delivering solid 1080p gaming performance
• ¹⁸ Relatively affordable price point, starting at $899.99 and available for as low as $699.99 at the time of writing
• ¹⁹ Extensive connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and USB Type-C with power delivery
• ¹⁹ Supports NVIDIA Advanced Optimus and MUX switch for improved gaming performance and efficiency

Cons

• ¹⁷ Limited storage capacity, with the base model featuring a 512GB solid-state drive
• ¹⁷ Memory is capped at 8GB, which may not be enough for heavy games or multitasking
• ¹⁹ Display only covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color space, not ideal for color-critical work
• ¹⁸ It's heavier than some other budget gaming laptops, weighing 5.73 pounds

The Asus TUF Gaming F17 (2022) is a solid choice for budget gaming. It focuses on a big screen rather than the newest tech¹⁸. With its 17-inch display, good performance, and affordable price, it's great for those wanting a big gaming experience without spending a lot¹⁷. It may not have the latest specs, but it offers a good mix of features and value. This makes it a strong pick among the best budget gaming laptops with big¹⁹¹⁷¹⁸.

7. MSI Katana 15 (2023)

If you're a gamer on a budget, the MSI Katana 15 (2023) is a great choice. It costs just $999 for the basic model. This laptop combines strong performance with great value²⁰.

Pros and Cons

The MSI Katana 15 stands out for its customizable options. You can pick from 12th and 13th Generation Intel Core processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 series graphics, like the RTX 4050, 4060, and 4070 GPUs²⁰. This flexibility lets you match the laptop to your gaming needs and budget²⁰.

This laptop also has plenty of storage and memory. The basic model has 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe solid-state drive²⁰. The 15.6-inch display has a Full HD resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth gaming²⁰.

The MSI Katana 15 has a good range of ports. You'll find USB ports, a USB-C port, an HDMI 2.1 port, a Gigabit Ethernet jack, and a headset jack²⁰. It also has a fast Wi-Fi 6 adapter for quick internet connections²⁰.

The laptop's keyboard is great for typing, offering good travel and quick keys²⁰. It also has a strong cooling system that passed the 3DMark's Time Spy stress test²⁰.

Even though the MSI Katana 15 performs well for its price, it has some downsides. Its battery life might not last as long as pricier laptops, and it doesn't have advanced display features²¹.

Overall, the MSI Katana 15 (2023) is a budget-friendly gaming laptop that offers strong 1080p performance¹. It's perfect for gamers who want a customizable and powerful machine without spending a lot. Its flexible setup, plenty of storage, and good cooling make it a top pick in the affordable gaming laptop market.

8. Acer Nitro 16

The Acer Nitro 16 is a great choice for those on a budget. It's packed with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU and an AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS processor. This makes it a top pick for affordable laptops with modern hardware.

This laptop stands out with its 1920 x 1200, 165Hz display that supports G-Sync. It's perfect for cost-effective gaming notebooks with cutting-edge specs. The display is super bright and shows colors accurately, making games look great²².

Pros and Cons

• Value-packed gaming machines with up-to-date parts: For just $999, the Acer Nitro 16 comes with an RTX 4050 GPU, Ryzen 5 7640HS CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD²²²³²⁴.
• Bright and color-accurate display: The 1920 x 1200, 165Hz panel with G-Sync support is great for gaming. It's super bright and shows colors well²².
• Budget-friendly gaming laptops with current-generation technology: It has the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processor and NVIDIA RTX 40-series graphics. This makes it a great choice for cost-effective gaming notebooks with cutting-edge specs²²²³.
• Limited storage and RAM: The base model has only 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. This might not be enough for everyone²²²³.
• Somewhat heavy design: At 5.95 lbs (2.70 kg), it's not the lightest best budget gaming laptops with latest components around²⁴.

The Acer Nitro 16 is a great pick for those looking for value-packed gaming machines with up-to-date parts. It offers great performance and features at a good price. Its display is bright and shows colors well, making it a top choice in the budget-friendly gaming laptops with current-generation technology market.

9. MSI Katana 15

The MSI Katana 15 is a top pick for those looking for budget gaming laptops with strong performance. It costs $999.99 and comes with an Intel Core i7-13620H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU. This combo ensures great 1080p gaming performance²⁵.

Customers love the MSI Katana 15, giving it a 4.6 average rating from 31 reviews. They praise its battery life, speed, and display. In fact, 90% of reviewers say they would recommend this cost-effective gaming notebook with capable hardware²⁵.

The laptop's 144Hz refresh rate makes it perfect for esports fans and gamers who want a smooth experience. It also has 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. This makes it a value-packed gaming machine that punches above its weight²⁵.

However, the laptop can get warm during long gaming sessions. To keep it cool, using a cooling pad is advised. Despite this, the MSI Katana 15 is a budget-friendly option that offers great performance and is highly praised by reviewers²⁵.

Pros and Cons

• Strong 1080p gaming performance with RTX 4050 GPU
• Excellent 144Hz refresh rate display for smooth gameplay
• Good value with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage
• Affordable price point at $999.99
• Potential for getting warm during extended use, cooling pad recommended

The MSI Katana 15 is a great choice for gamers on a budget. It offers solid 1080p gaming with its powerful hardware and high-refresh-rate display. Plus, it has plenty of storage, making it a great deal in the budget gaming laptop market²⁵²⁶.

Conclusion

Finding the best budget gaming laptops 2024 means making smart choices. You won't get the highest quality at super low prices. But, there are many affordable options that can deliver a great gaming experience without costing too much²⁷.

The top affordable gaming notebooks in this guide have different levels of performance and prices. They suit various budgets and tastes. Whether you want the best value, the most power in a budget laptop, or a big screen and customization, you'll find something here²⁸.

Looking at each model's pros and cons helps you pick the best cost-effective portable gaming solutions for you. With many value-packed gaming machines under $1000, you can have fun gaming without spending a lot²⁹.

FAQ

What are the best budget gaming laptops for 2024?

For 2024, top budget gaming laptops include the Acer Nitro V 15, MSI Cyborg 15, and Lenovo LOQ 15. Also, the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 8, Acer Predator Helios Neo 16, and Asus TUF Gaming F17 (2022) are great choices. Don't forget the MSI Katana 15 (2023) and Acer Nitro 16. These laptops offer great performance, features, and prices for different budgets and tastes.

What are the key considerations when buying a budget gaming laptop?

When searching for a budget gaming laptop, focus on performance, features, and value. Look for a balance between the processor, graphics card, display, and storage that fits your budget. By weighing the pros and cons, you can find the best budget gaming laptop for your needs and gaming style.

Can you find a good gaming laptop for under $1,000?

Absolutely, you can find great gaming laptops for under $1,000. The Acer Nitro V 15, MSI Cyborg 15, and Lenovo LOQ 15 are good options. They offer modern specs and can handle 1080p gaming well. These laptops are a smart choice for those on a budget.

What are the benefits of choosing a budget gaming laptop over a more expensive model?

Choosing a budget gaming laptop means getting a laptop that's affordable and offers great value. It makes PC gaming more accessible. These laptops balance performance and cost, letting more people enjoy gaming without spending a lot. They may not have the highest-end components, but they still offer a great gaming experience for 1080p.

Are there any trade-offs with budget gaming laptops compared to high-end models?

Yes, budget gaming laptops might have less powerful components, lower-quality displays, and less premium materials. They might also have shorter battery life. But, it's about finding the right mix of features and performance that suits your budget and gaming needs. The laptops in this guide aim to offer the best value by minimizing these trade-offs.

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