Selecting a gaming laptop is difficult. We all know that desktops are the kings of PC gaming, but when you require the versatility of a laptop, and you’re doing so on a tight budget, selecting a gaming machine can become even tougher. Most gaming laptops will cost you a pretty penny, and if you want a really nice machine, you could be looking at over a thousand bucks. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the top 9 best gaming laptops you can pick up right now. Whether you are looking for a dedicated gaming laptop, or a more versatile option, this list is bound to have the right choice for your needs and your wallet.
We dedicated a significant amount of time researching for the best and affordable gaming laptops priced below $500 and have outlined them in this list to help out anyone looking for a new and useful mobile machine. While we have undeniably scaled down our options to only include those under $500, topping up a few bucks more can open you up to a whole new package of enhanced features and boosted performance.
This is the reason behind this list also including several great gaming laptops priced below $600 to ensure that your options remain open if you are looking to get the best money value relative to raw performance.
Quick List Review
- 1 Best Value: ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop
- 2 Best Laptop Option: E5-576g-5762 Acer Aspire E 15
- 3 Best Design: Acer Aspire 5 A515-54-51DJ
- 4 Best Under $500 Option: HP 15-db0069wm
- 5 Best 17-Inch Laptop: HP 17.3
- 6 Lenovo IdeaPad 330s
- 7 Dell Inspiron i3583
- 8 Lenovo IdeaPad S145 15.6
- 9 HP Pavilion 15 Touchscreen Laptop
- 10 Lenovo T8TJG Signature Laptop
Best Value: ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop
A recent inclusion to the class of budget laptops, the ASUS VivoBook 15 F512JA-AS34 is a fantastic option to help you work your gaming needs. While it falls slightly short of the provisions needed to allow playing of the latest games, it, however, features good graphics performance and a package of features that make it an incredible budget machine.
First, this machine is equipped with the latest 10th Generation Core i3-1005G1 Intel processor and Intel UHD Graphics all that run alongside a tremendous 8GB RAM plus a 128GB SSD hard drive. What is particularly impressive with this machine is perhaps its 15.6-inch display. Unfortunately, at 1920 x 1080 pixels, its quality is questionable. While its display is sharp, it is however not colorful. It comes with two inbuilt speakers which generate room-filling audio, an impressive battery life spanning to 5 hours, although this would necessitate power-saving practices.
Its 128GB SSD hard drive will help boot your laptop faster although with it being 128GB, it could mean a lower storage for storing your games. Now and then, the laptop industry produces a gadget that defies its low price and this year; the ASUS VivoBook 15 F512JA-AS34 makes it to this list. An ideal definition of punching above its weight, this 15-inch device offers you excellent performance, a sharp 1080p display, remains cool even under a heavy workload, together with decent battery life. Even with several notable drawbacks, the ASUS VivoBook 15 F512JA-AS34 is still an investment worth your buck.
Hardware Specifications |
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Processor: | Intel Core i3-1005G1 (up to 3.4GHz) |
Screen: | 15.6 Inch Full HD Display 1920 x 1080 |
Graphics: | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics |
RAM: | 8GB DDR4 |
Storage: | 128GB SSD |
Weight: | 3.75 lbs |
OS: | Windows 10 in S Mode |
Best Laptop Option: E5-576g-5762 Acer Aspire E 15
Arguably the best gaming laptop in this list, the 15.6-Inch Acer Nitro 5 AN515-42-R5ED is a stunning option to bet your money on for a delightful gaming experience. It is equipped with a modern AMD Radeon RX 560X dedicated graphics card, 8 GB worth of RAM, as well as an AMD Ryzen 5 2500U processor to effectively run all the activities.
The dedicated Radeon RX 560X is a mid-range budget (mobile) GPU by AMD. Although it does not feature an SSD, you could nonetheless speed up this gaming laptop by adding an external or internal SSD. It offers a decent battery life of up to 5 hours as per the manufacturer although heavier games and applications will, of course, drain the battery life quicker.
Despite its package of useful features, this machine, however, comes short when compared to some other high-end options since many of the latest AAA titles will somewhat struggle at ultra settings, but you will be able to play most modern games (games like Red Dead Redemption 2) as long as you’re willing to compromise to lower the graphics settings. Nonetheless, with a 1TB hard drive, a speedy CPU, and a 1080p screen, it is even surprising that it is available at just under $550.
In summary, this exclusive Acer affords you a generous HDD, full-HD screen, together with discrete AMD Radeon RX 560X graphics alongside AMD Ryzen 5 2500U processor CPU. With this machine, you can also enjoy a decent battery life, solid sound, as well as a comfy keyboard. However, it also comes with its own set of setbacks among them a rather heavy chassis, a somewhat dimmer display, not to mentions some particular bloatware which you will not help but delete immediately. Even so, you will be fortunate to spot another notebook which offers you such quality of functionality and performance at such an affordable price.
Hardware Specifications |
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Processor: | AMD Ryzen 5 2500U (up to 3.6 GHz) |
Screen: | 15.6 Inch Full HD Widescreen Display 1920 x 1080 |
Graphics: | Dedicated AMD Radeon RX 560x 4 GB GDDR5 |
RAM: | 8GB DDR4 |
Storage: | 1TB HDD |
Weight: | 5.95 lbs |
OS: | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
Best Design: Acer Aspire 5 A515-54-51DJ
For some time now, ASUS has been known to produce budget laptops boasting powerful specifications, and the latest ASUS VivoBook 15 is no exception. This is a $500 gaming laptop which is purposely designed to offer you a remarkable gaming experience for those with $500 budget.
As a first, it is equipped with a 1080p 15.6 inch anti-glare full HDWide view display, 8GB RAM, 2.1GHz AMD Quad Core r5-3500u processor, not to mention a decent 256 SSD. What is perhaps its only blot is the hard drive as we would generally expect them to have equipped it with a 1TB HDD for ample storage, as well as a relatively faster solid-state drive but at the laptop’s current price, it is undoubtedly too much to ask for.
When it comes to this laptop’s exterior, it features a slate grey finish and is relatively sleeker, more elegant, and stylish compared to other laptops in the market. Furthermore, it boasts some stunning ergonomics that render it quite comfortable to hold.
It is equipped with numerous ports and also boasts an excellent heat exhaust system which subsequently makes it an ideal choice for any gamer or hardcore user. As for the graphics, it comprises impressive AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 integrated graphics. Ultimately, this is a laptop that avails a great package of specifications as well as excellent performance and a stunning design. It is even surprising that all this will only cost you just under $500.
Hardware Specifications |
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Processor: | AMD Quad Core r5-3500u Processor (up to 3.7GHz) |
Screen: | 15.6 Inch Anti-Glare Full HD Wide View Display 1920 x 1080 |
Graphics: | Integrated AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 |
RAM: | 8GB DDR4 |
Storage: | 256GB SSD |
Weight: | 3.50 lbs |
OS: | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
Best Under $500 Option: HP 15-db0069wm
If you are in search of a good gaming laptop within the price range of $500, then you might just go for the HP 15-db0069wm. It is well packed with a wide array of relevant gaming features among them a 1366 x 768 HD 15.6-inch screen which includes BrightView mode to ensure that the screen maintains the vivid colors even if’ you’re in a darkened environment. Nonetheless, since it is of not IPS quality, it has relatively poor viewing angles.
The machine is powered by a modern CPU AMD Ryzen R5-2500U as well as a decent RAM of 8GB. What’s more, the storage aspect also includes a remarkable 1 TB HDD for storing your games and its programs. As for its build quality and design, this laptop comes with an jet black finish. Although its build quality might appear somewhat mediocre, it, however, compensates this with superior specs at an affordable price range of about $500. What’s more, it comes with an integrated Vega8 GPU that facilitates an almost effortless gaming experience even when playing older games like Skyrim at relatively high settings. As a bonus, it might also allow you to play Far Cry 5 at lower settings if you really don’t mind.
Hardware Specifications |
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Processor: | AMD Ryzen 5 2500U (up to 3.60GHz) |
Screen: | Diagonal HD SVA BrightView Micro-edge WLED-backlit Display 1366 x 768 |
Graphics: | Integrated AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics |
RAM: | 8GB DDR4 |
Storage: | 1TB HDD |
Weight: | 4.5 lbs |
OS: | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
Best 17-Inch Laptop: HP 17.3
When it comes to productivity, bigger screens in gaming laptops is essential particularly because it facilitates the use of multiple windows simultaneously or the pinning of different applications to the corners of the screen. One of the best options when it comes to screen size is the HP 17.3. This laptop includes HD 17.3 Inch LED display boasting a 1600 x 900 pixels resolution. It is powered by Intel i5 7th Generation processor which can handle virtually all games and other vital tasks. What’s more, it also includes a solid 8GB RAM and a 1TB HDD for ample storage. It features a sturdy, light, and stunning plastic build, a rather remarkable feature considering its price.
What’s more, the manufacturer has installed the latest Microsoft Operating Software, Windows 10, therefore ensuring that it can be virtually compatible with any PC game of your choice. Lastly, it offers you a rather smooth and enjoyable gaming experience courtesy of the Intel 620 Integrated Graphics.
Just like all other laptops designed by HP, the HP 17.3 is a well-designed option that comes with great usability and ergonomics. This is a good option that affords a proper balance of features at a reasonably low price of around $500.
Hardware Specifications |
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Processor: | Intel Core i5-7200U (up to 3.10GHz) |
Screen: | 17.3 Inch HD Diagonal BrightView WLED-Backlit Display 1600 x 900 |
Graphics: | Integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 |
RAM: | 8GB DDR4 |
Storage: | 1TB HDD |
Weight: | 5.84 lbs |
OS: | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
Other Worth Mentioning Gaming Laptops
Lenovo IdeaPad 330s
From oblivion to a household name, Lenovo has made great strides since it got going with the IdeaPad leading its charge against well-known brands. Initially, the idea of playing present-era games on an IdeaPad would be met with a sneer, but these days Lenovo is vehemently determined not to be outclassed. It went back to the drawing board and turned up the heat to ensure that was a reality and this model does no harm to the company’s cause providing a competitive model with coveted features.
Speaking of which, watch out for a 1TB HDD, 8GB DDR4 RAM and Intel HD 620 graphics which presents a noteworthy integrated GPU for considerable gaming experiences. You can play a handful of older games from between low to medium settings thanks to the i5-8250U processor that can be turbo-busted to 3.4GHz and comes with 16GB Intel Optane memory.
The IdeaPad 330 is in no way an afterthought, regardless of its position on this list, as it gives the big boys a tight race for their money. Impeccable connectivity and a feather-esque build ensure it’s one that means business bettering many of its mid-range counterparts in terms of game-adept accessories and pleasing aesthetics. Like many of its competitors though, it falls short on battery life.
Hardware Specifications |
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Processor: | Intel Core i5-8250U (up to 3.40GHz) |
Screen: | 15.6 Inch HD LED Backlight Display 1366×768 |
Graphics: | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
RAM: | 8GB DDR4 + 16GB Intel Optane Memory |
Storage: | 1TB HDD |
Weight: | 4.8 lbs |
OS: | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
Dell Inspiron i3583
The Dell Inspiron i3583 15.6″ HD Touch-Screen Laptop is an exclusive release by Dell that is purposely designed to cater to all your gaming needs. Besides the assortment of distinct features, it also comes at a remarkably affordable price of around $500.
It comes with a 15.6-inch HD display and better yet, this screen also supports touch function. Nonetheless, this laptop features an all-plastic casing and a solid keyboard which unfortunately is uncomfortable and hard for typing. Even so, this does not discredit the fact that this machine is well-built and can effectively resist your everyday use. When it comes to the overall gaming performance, this laptop is equipped with a 8th Generation Intel Core i3 processor which comes with a RAM of 8GB and SSD of 128GB for faster booting. What’s more, its integrated Intel UHD Graphics allows it to run some of the most popular older PC games at between low and medium settings.
While the Dell Inspiron i3583 15.6″ gaming laptop can come off a typical budget laptop, it is, however, a Windows 10s-installed machine that boasts a 8th Generation processor, fast booting storage and memory, not to mention touch capability all at just about $500.
Hardware Specifications |
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Processor: | Intel Core i3-8145U 2.10 GHz |
Screen: | 15.6 Inch HD Touchscreen Display 1366 x 768 |
Graphics: | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
RAM: | 8GB DDR4 |
Storage: | 128GB SSD |
Weight: | 4.40 lbs |
OS: | Windows 10 in S Mode |
Lenovo IdeaPad S145 15.6
This gadget is pocket-friendly and at the same time assuring its users an exceptional power performance. Lenovo is reputed for producing quality products, and the Lenovo IdeaPad S145 15.6″ is no exception. Besides its notably affordable price, this laptop features an 8GB RAM which is complemented by a further 1TB HDD which affords ample storage space for your data and games.
Moreover, it comes with a 15.6 inch HD display for clear, crisp images as well as an integrated AMD Radeon R4 that enhances the overall gaming experience allowing it to run old games such as Bioshock, Minecraft, and even Star Wars at low settings. Ultimately, if you are looking for an efficient gaming laptop which is not going to make you break the bank, then the Lenovo 320 is an investment worth considering.
In summary, this latest gadget from Lenovo is much more economical and also very powerful laptop for gaming, however, the good part of it is that you can get it with a budget of less than $500.
Hardware Specifications |
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Processor: | AMD A6-9225 (up to 3.0GHz) |
Screen: | 15.6 Inch Diagonal HD SVA WLED-Backlit Display 1366 x 768 |
Graphics: | Integrated AMD Radeon R4 |
RAM: | 8GB DDR4 |
Storage: | 1TB HDD |
Weight: | 4.00 lbs |
OS: | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
HP Pavilion 15 Touchscreen Laptop
For an asking price of about $500, HP has delivered a decent laptop to suit all your gaming needs with their distinct HP Pavilion 15. This laptop boasts a 15.6-inch display as well as decent features such as 8 GB RAM, Intel i5-8250U processor, and a 1TB HDD all which allow it to effectively power and run some relatively demanding programs quite well.
Its Core i5 -8250U Intel processor, combined with an 8GB RAM ensures smooth operation for all your daily computing tasks. Moreover, its 8GB RAM also facilitates smooth multitasking while the additional 1TB HDD offers ample space for storing your games. The Notebook ably supports several basic gaming all thanks to the distinct Intel UHD 620 Graphics and makes the experience even better with some additional features such as the touch-screen support.
To further sweeten the deal, this touch-screen laptop also features IPS panel to allow you to enjoy wide viewing angles with a great addition of full HD display (1920 x 1080 pixels). Overall, this HP Pavilion 15 model by HP allows users to enjoy a remarkably entertaining gaming experience at a relatively affordable price of under $500.
Hardware Specifications |
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Processor: | Intel i5-8250U 1.6GHz (Up To 3.4GHz) |
Screen: | 15.6 Inch FHD Touchscreen Display 1920 x 1080 |
Graphics: | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
RAM: | 8GB DDR4 |
Storage: | 1TB HDD |
Weight: | 4.21 lbs |
OS: | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
Lenovo T8TJG Signature Laptop
The Lenovo T8TJG is yet another cheap gaming laptop from Lenovo. However, unlike other options at its price range, this machine guarantees dominant performance coupled with unique and pleasing aesthetics.
The laptop’s exterior is marked by a polycarbonate surface (dark grey) and a stunningly-finished chassis. The T8TJG comes with an 8GB RAM as well as a 1TB hard drive, therefore, affording you ample storage space for your data and games. What’s more, it is powered by an AMD FX-7500 APU that operates at a 3.30 GHz maximum clock frequency.
Overall, the laptop’s design has a somewhat premium feel and features a smooth texture that adds to the device’s ergonomics. Furthermore, it comes with an energy-efficient 15.6 inch HD screen that offers a decent 1366 x 768 pixels resolution not to mention an integrated AMD Radeon R7 GPU that allows this laptop to handle graphic-intense games effectively. Generally, the Lenovo T8TJG is a fantastic option for budget gamers looking for the best gaming laptops below $500.
Hardware Specifications |
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Processor: | AMD Quad-Core FX-7500 (up to 3.30 GHz) |
Screen: | 15.6 Inch HD LED Display 1366 x 768 |
Graphics: | Integrated AMD Radeon R7 |
RAM: | 8GB DDR3 |
Storage: | 1TB HDD |
Weight: | 5.15 lbs |
OS: | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
In essence, although these reasonably-priced gaming laptops might not necessarily allow you to play some of the newest games on high settings, it, however, does not discredit the fact that they can let you to adequately satisfy your gaming needs without having you dig deep into your pockets. Even so, you would be astonished by how many games both modern and old that you can enjoy with these machines! In fact, these remarkable gaming laptops will effectively allow you to smoothly cruise through some of the most popular games such as Minecraft, Skyrim, as well as DOTA 2 among many other newer titles without breaking a sweat!
Finding the right gaming laptop is hard, especially when you’re doing so on a budget. Five hundred dollars is not a lot of money to put towards a machine that will satisfy your gaming needs. You’ll be able to get the most bang for your buck with any of these nine machines here, though. When determining which laptop is right for you, it really comes down to what you want to do with it. However, if you’re looking for a machine that is feasible for other uses as well, you may find some of the other options more suitable. The choice is yours.