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 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.

The Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop offers a solid combination of features ideal for budget-conscious gamers. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS octa-core processor, it delivers strong performance for gaming and multitasking. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, with DLSS 3.5 technology, ensures high-quality graphics and smooth gameplay, making it highly suitable for modern games. The 16GB of DDR5 RAM and the 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD provide ample memory and fast storage for games and applications, ensuring quick load times and smooth performance.

The 16-inch WUXGA IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate enhances the visual experience with vibrant colors and fluid motion, which is great for fast-paced games. However, the screen resolution is 1920 x 1200, which is slightly less than full HD but still decent for gaming. Battery life is typically a concern with gaming laptops, and this model's performance in that area might not be exceptional due to the powerful hardware. The dual-fan quad-intake and quad-exhaust cooling system is a strong point, preventing overheating during intense gaming sessions.

Build quality is sturdy but at 5.51 pounds, it is a bit on the heavier side, so portability might be slightly compromised. Connectivity options are robust, with Wi-Fi 6E, multiple USB ports, HDMI, and Ethernet, ensuring you can stay connected in various environments. Features like the backlit keyboard, Windows 11 Home OS, and the AI-powered Copilot add to the usability and convenience. Potential buyers should consider the trade-offs between performance and battery life, and the slightly heavier build.