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10 Best Cheap Gaming Laptops 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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.

The 16” FHD 165Hz display is another highlight, providing vibrant colors and a refresh rate that enhances the gaming experience. With a 100% sRGB rating, it's suitable for casual content creation as well. Additionally, the inclusion of ROG Intelligent Cooling with liquid metal thermal paste helps maintain performance during extended gaming sessions, which is often a concern for laptops.

There are some drawbacks. At 5.51 pounds, it’s relatively heavy for a laptop, which might be a consideration for those looking for portability. The battery life, while adequate, may not last through long gaming sessions without a plug-in, so frequent charging could be necessary. Also, while the laptop performs well for gaming, some users may find that it doesn't handle the most demanding games at maximum settings as effectively as higher-end models.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
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.
#2

Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 Gaming Laptop | Intel Core i7-13650HX | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 | 16" WUXGA 1920 x 1200 165Hz G-SYNC Display | 16GB DDR5 | 512GB Gen 4 SSD | Killer Wi-Fi 6E | PHN16-71-76H5

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 Gaming Laptop offers a powerful combination of hardware that is impressive for its price range. Featuring an Intel Core i7-13650HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, this laptop is well-suited for gaming, delivering smooth performance and high frame rates for modern titles. The 16GB DDR5 RAM ensures multitasking capability, while the 512GB Gen 4 SSD provides ample and fast storage, though some users might find the storage capacity limited for larger game libraries.

The 16-inch WUXGA display with a 165Hz refresh rate and NVIDIA G-SYNC support delivers vivid visuals and fluid motion, enhancing the gaming experience. However, the 1920 x 1200 resolution, while decent, could be higher for more immersive gameplay. The build quality of the Helios Neo 16 is robust, and its cooling system, including AeroBlade fans and liquid metal thermal grease, is designed to keep the laptop running efficiently under heavy loads.

On the downside, the laptop weighs 5.73 pounds, which may be on the heavier side for some users looking for portability. Battery life is supported by a 90-Watt Hour battery, but high-performance gaming will likely reduce time away from the charger. Connectivity options are ample with multiple USB ports, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and advanced Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring users can easily connect peripherals and maintain stable internet connections. The customizable RGB backlit keyboard and dedicated software for performance tuning add to the gaming appeal. The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 stands out as a strong contender in the budget-friendly gaming laptop market, balancing performance, display quality, and cooling efficiency with a few trade-offs in portability and storage capacity.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Graphics Card (GPU)
The mobile RTX 3060 delivers nearly equivalent power to a desktop 1070 Ti, running intensive games smoothly.
Display
The bright, crisp IPS screen with good viewing angles enhances the visual experience.
Battery Life
Battery life is decent for daily use, providing 3-4 hours with conservative settings.
Build Quality and Cooling
The cooling system is effective, though fans can get loud during heavy gaming sessions.
#3

Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop | Intel Core i7-13620H Processor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU | 15.6" FHD IPS 144Hz Display | 16GB DDR5 | 512GB Gen 4 SSD | WiFi 6 | Backlit KB | ANV15-51-73B9

The Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop presents an appealing option for budget-conscious gamers. It features a robust Intel Core i7-13620H processor and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, which together provide a solid foundation for gaming performance. The 16GB DDR5 RAM and 512GB Gen 4 SSD should ensure fast load times and smooth multitasking, which are crucial for an enjoyable gaming experience. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate offers vibrant visuals and smooth gameplay, enhancing your gaming immersion.

Additionally, the laptop includes WiFi 6 and Gigabit Ethernet, ensuring reliable internet connectivity whether you're at home or in a café. The Thunderbolt 4 port adds versatility for charging and data transfer, and the backlit keyboard is a nice touch for gaming in low-light environments. The dual-fan cooling system is designed to keep temperatures in check during intense gaming sessions. However, the battery life might not be the strongest point, as gaming laptops often face challenges in this area. Weighing 4.66 pounds, the laptop is fairly portable, though some might find it a bit heavy for frequent travel. For gamers on a budget, this laptop offers a balanced mix of performance and features, though it may not match the build quality or battery life of more expensive models.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Graphics Card (GPU)
The Intel Core i9-13900H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU combo deliver lightning-fast performance, making it ideal for both gaming and productivity.
Processor (CPU)
The Intel Core i9-13900H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU combo deliver lightning-fast performance, making it ideal for both gaming and productivity.
RAM
With 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB Gen 4 SSD, the laptop offers plenty of memory and storage, ensuring quick boot times and rapid loading of games and applications.
Storage
With 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB Gen 4 SSD, the laptop offers plenty of memory and storage, ensuring quick boot times and rapid loading of games and applications.
Display
The 15.6" FHD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate provides crisp visuals and smooth gameplay, enhancing the gaming experience with vibrant colors.
Battery Life
Battery life is decent but not exceptional, a trade-off for the performance it offers.
Build Quality and Cooling
The laptop feels sturdy and well-built, with a sleek and modern design that is surprisingly lightweight for a gaming laptop.

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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