The Best Budget Gaming Laptops – Finding the best budget gaming laptop in 2025 can be surprisingly challenging. Many laptops may look like gaming machines, but end up disappointing with weak performance, dull displays, and fragile build quality. And price alone isn’t enough to determine value—plenty of underpowered laptops cost just as much as solid budget-friendly gaming rigs.
To help you avoid the pitfalls, we consulted multiple expert reviewers and tested several models to identify the best cheap gaming laptops available right now. These options deliver impressive performance for the price and offer real value for gamers working with limited budgets.
1. MSI Cyborg 15 – Best-Looking Budget Gaming Laptop
Specifications
- CPU: Up to Intel Core i7-13620H
- Graphics: Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
- RAM: Up to 32GB DDR5
- Storage: Up to 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
- Screen: 15.6-inch FHD IPS, 144Hz
Overview
The MSI Cyborg 15 stands out for its futuristic, gaming-centric design—an uncommon feature in the budget category. Its semi-transparent chassis, programmable RGB lighting, and unique speckled exterior give it a premium look without increasing the price.
Performance
Starting at just $649, the Cyborg 15 is one of the most affordable gaming laptops on the market. However, the low price comes with limitations. In demanding AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077, even the higher-tier RTX 3050 configuration reached only around 50–60fps at 1080p on high settings during testing. That means you’ll need to manage expectations for graphically intensive titles.
2. Acer Nitro V 15 – Best Mid-Budget 1080p Gaming Experience
Specifications
- CPU: Up to 13th-gen Intel Core i7
- Graphics: Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060
- RAM: Up to 16GB DDR4
- Screen: Up to 15.6-inch FHD IPS, 180Hz
- Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
Overview
Starting at $869.99, the Acer Nitro V 15 offers genuinely strong 1080p gaming performance. Modern games run around 60fps at medium-to-high settings, delivering smooth, enjoyable gameplay. The 15.6-inch IPS display is vibrant, and the high refresh rate—up to 180Hz—ensures fluid motion clarity, especially in fast-paced games.
Performance & Drawbacks
The Nitro V 15 is more understated in design compared to flashier gaming laptops, and it remains relatively portable. However, under heavy loads, the laptop gets loud—and hot. Battery life is average, offering roughly 6.5 hours of video playback and under 2 hours of gaming. Fast charging, however, can refill the battery in just over an hour.
3. Lenovo LOQ Essential 15 – Best Ultra-Budget Gaming Laptop
Specifications
- CPU: Up to Intel Core i7-12650HX
- Graphics: Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050
- RAM: Up to 16GB DDR5 (4800 MHz)
- Screen: 15.6-inch FHD IPS, 144Hz
- Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
Overview
If your priority is spending as little as possible while still being able to play modern games, the Lenovo LOQ Essential 15 Gen 9 is your best pick. Starting at just $569 for an RTX 2050 model, this laptop stretches your budget further than most competitors.
Performance & Limitations
Even the tested RTX 3050 configuration only delivered moderate framerates in demanding games. In Cyberpunk 2077, it averaged 37fps at 1080p on Ultra settings without upscaling. This means the LOQ Essential can handle modern titles, but you’ll need to compromise on graphics settings—especially if you choose the base configuration.
Conclusion
The best budget gaming laptop in 2025 depends on how much performance you need and how much you’re willing to spend. The MSI Cyborg 15 is the coolest-looking option for stylish gamers, the Acer Nitro V 15 offers the best overall 1080p performance for mid-budget buyers, and the Lenovo LOQ Essential 15 is the unbeatable pick for those seeking the lowest possible price without sacrificing playability. With these options, you can enjoy a solid gaming experience without breaking the bank.
