With our carefully picked list of inexpensive Cheap Gaming Laptop Under 1000, explore the world of accessible gaming. As you go on thrilling virtual experiences, maximize your gaming ability without going broke. Our thorough guide features inexpensive computers that offer amazing performance, fluid visuals, and engaging gameplay. We’ve hand-picked the top solutions, from dependable processors to dedicated graphics cards, to make sure you get an excellent gaming experience on a shoestring budget. Explore the world of inexpensive gaming laptops to improve your gaming skills without sacrificing quality or price. Prepare to improve your gaming abilities without breaking the bank!
Cheap Gaming Laptop Under 1000
Without a separate graphics processor (GPU), which is different from the integrated graphics found in most laptops’ primary processor (CPU), a laptop cannot be considered a proper gaming machine. For us—and laptop vendors—that’s the clear-cut boundary between a gamer and a pretender.
Even though this is the case, Intel’s 11th Generation “Tiger Lake” CPUs altered the calculations slightly by introducing noticeably enhanced integrated graphics that have persisted in subsequent generations. According to our tests of integrated graphics, the most recent processors can play several “real” games in modest settings.
However, they ultimately fall well short of a discrete GPU found in a gaming laptop in terms of performance. Due to rising expenses, the traditional $1,000 line that distinguished affordable gaming systems has become a little fuzzier in 2023, but we’ll go over what to look for while staying as near to that amount as we can. Continue reading for a breakdown of our top budget gaming laptops for 2023, all of which have undergone rigorous testing by PCMag, as well as advice on how to choose the ideal laptop for you.
Katana 15 MSI (2023)
Why It Was Selected
One of the greatest prices available for what it delivers is our system’s tested review unit, which costs $1,599. However, its $999 starting configuration will be considerably more enticing if you’re purchasing strictly on a tighter budget. For a little bit more than $1,000, you can have a 12th Generation Intel Core i5 processor and even Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics, which is a hard bargain to top. Even though the build isn’t very impressive, you must always make some sacrifices in the budget tier in order to achieve the best performance for your money.
Who It Is For
This system has a lot of flexibility if you want to spend around $1,000 or a little more because not every system with higher-power components drops its base model to $999. As exciting as a 13th Gen Core i7 and RTX 4070 system is, we wouldn’t call the upgraded model we reviewed inexpensively, but the less powerful setups will be adequate for playing common games while staying within your budget.
| PROS | CONS |
| Important value speedy and reliable performance dependable, quick keyboard | Important value speedy and reliable performance a dependable, quick keyboard |
Nitro 5 (2022, 17-Inch) by Acer
Why It Was Selected
We’re likely to propose an Acer Nitro 5 when someone asks, “Can you recommend a cheap gaming laptop with such-and-such screen size?” For those who want a large display, this 2022 model includes all the benefits of other Nitro 5 models, including a quick AMD Ryzen 7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a GeForce RTX 3060 GPU for engaging 1080p gaming. However, it has the same cons as any 17.3-inch laptops, including being big and hefty (6.6 pounds).
Who It Is For
While neither this Acer nor any other 17.3-inch laptop is best for mobile gamers, gamers who prefer to play at home will like the Wi-Fi 6E and long battery life. Even though Micro Center sells it for $1,199, its build quality isn’t great, but it’s still a good plus-sized option.
| PROS | CONS |
| The gaming experience is supported by a 144Hz display with powerful components and a 1TB SSD. enough battery life | a large footprint 6.6 lb weight |
Chromebook 516 GE from Acer
Why It Was Selected
Budget gamers no longer have to settle for lower-quality PC games operating on entry-level gaming hardware. Cloud-based gaming Chromebooks can play some of the newest games at the highest detail settings, just as they had a powerful desktop GPU at home, when used in conjunction with a cloud gaming service like Nvidia GeForce Now and a quick and reliable internet connection. One of the first of these gaming Chromebooks was the Acer Chromebook 516 GE, which established a high standard for the segment.
Who It Is For
The Acer Chromebook 516 GE is a surprisingly competitive option to a typical low-cost gaming laptop thanks to its numerous ports, stunning 120Hz display, RGB keyboard with anti-ghosting, and excellent game streaming performance with an Intel Core i5-1240P CPU. Consider this gaming Chromebook if you live in a region with plenty of internet access but are unwilling to spend the money on a dedicated gaming laptop.
| PROS | CONS |
| outstanding gaming (and other) performance Strong Chromebook hardware, from processing to storage Numerous port options RGB keyboard with ghost-busting technology stunning 120Hz display | No touch screen Thunderbolt 4 doesn’t have USB-C ports. |
HP Victus 16
Why It Was Selected
The Pavilion Gaming models are replaced by HP’s Victus brand in its crowded consumer lineup. The Victus 16 sports a stylish 144Hz screen that is 16.1 inches diagonally larger than typical 15.6-inch panels, together with a potent Intel Core i7 CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU for consistent 1080p gaming performance. Additionally, a variety of configurations are available, with even the best models being comfortably within reach.
Who It Is For
The Victus 16 lacks biometrics and a Thunderbolt connector, and its touchpad and display hinge feel cheap. However, if you’re a gamer on a tight budget who is determined to have a reasonably high-end CPU, you should look at the HP Victus 16. The somewhat larger screen is merely the cherry on top of a surprisingly inexpensive cake.
| PROS | CONS |
| gaming in 1080p speed Nice 16.1-inch display several setup options | Plastic construction with a flimsy screen hinge and a cheap touchpad One pound too much Inability to use Windows Hello biometrics or a Thunderbolt 4 port illogical undervolting option |
What Kind of Display Should I Purchase for a Budget Gaming Laptop?
When examining a certain gaming laptop’s display panel, you should consider four specifications: the screen size, the native resolution, the refresh rate, and the panel type.
As we previously mentioned, the typical screen size for most gaming laptops priced at roughly $1,000 is 15.6 inches. Beyond just being an economical compromise, this size is a good choice. There are a variety of 16-, 17-, and 18-inch laptops available today, so there are occasions when playing games on the largest laptop screen possible is the best option. Although many of these notebooks weigh six pounds or more, they aren’t as portable, and even the lightest models are sometimes not the most affordable.
Although most 15-inch gaming laptops are much more portable than their larger relatives, they still aren’t suitable for daily travel. Additionally, compared to earlier models, today’s 15-inch gaming rigs are better suitable for use when traveling, that is, when powered by an AC power outlet. Some devices have achieved battery life of six hours or more, but only when used for video playback or routine productivity tasks; using them for games will significantly reduce this time. (For the laptops with the longest battery life, see our selections.)
Cheap Gaming Laptops
Purchase a Low-cost Gaming Laptop from Amazon: This gaming laptop is affordable yet powerful, offering fluid gameplay, passable graphics, a 15.6″ display, dependable performance, and value for your money. Improve your games without becoming bankrupt!