10 Best Cheap Gaming Laptops 2025 in the United States

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.

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.

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.