In 2025, budget gaming laptops offer impressive performance without breaking the bank, making them ideal for students, casual gamers, and those looking to balance work and play. Equipped with powerful processors, dedicated GPUs, and high-refresh-rate displays, these laptops deliver smooth gameplay for popular titles like Fortnite, Valorant, and Cyberpunk 2077. With prices under $1,000, they provide excellent value for gamers on a budget.
This guide focuses on gaming laptops that combine affordability with robust performance, portability, and modern features like fast SSDs and efficient cooling. We’ve selected models with strong CPUs, GPUs capable of 1080p gaming, and displays with at least 144Hz refresh rates. From the powerful Acer Nitro V to the versatile HP Victus 15, our picks cater to diverse gaming needs while keeping costs low. Check out our detailed breakdown below!
At a Glance: Best Budget Gaming Laptops
| Product Name | Key Features | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|
| Acer Nitro V | i7-13620H, RTX 4050, 144Hz FHD | High-performance 1080p gaming |
| MSI Thin 15 | i5-13420H, RTX 4050, 144Hz FHD | Portable, budget-friendly gaming |
| ASUS TUF Gaming A15 | Ryzen 5 7535HS, GTX 1650, 144Hz | Balanced gaming and productivity |
| HP Victus 15 | Ryzen 5 5600H, RTX 3050, 144Hz | Casual gaming, affordability |
| HP Victus 15.6 i5 | i5-12450H, RTX 3050, 144Hz FHD | Everyday gaming, compact design |
Best Budget Gaming Laptops 2025
🥇 1. Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop
Use Case / Strength: The Acer Nitro V is a powerhouse for budget gamers, offering a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13620H and NVIDIA RTX 4050 for smooth 1080p gaming. Its 144Hz display ensures fluid visuals, making it ideal for competitive and immersive titles.
- Powerful Performance: Intel Core i7-13620H with 10 cores and RTX 4050 for high-fidelity gaming.
- Smooth Display: 15.6-inch FHD display with 144Hz refresh rate for lag-free visuals.
- Fast Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD for quick load times and ample storage.
- Advanced Cooling: Dual-fan cooling system keeps performance stable during long sessions.
- Modern Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Thunderbolt 4 for fast internet and peripheral support.
🥈 2. MSI Thin 15 15.6” Gaming Laptop
Use Case / Strength: The MSI Thin 15 is a lightweight, budget-friendly option for gamers who value portability. Its Intel Core i5-13420H and RTX 4050 deliver solid 1080p performance, perfect for students or travelers.
- Portable Design: Slim 0.85-inch profile and 4.1 lbs for easy transport.
- Capable Performance: Intel Core i5-13420H with RTX 4050 for smooth gaming at 1080p.
- High-Refresh Display: 15.6-inch FHD display with 144Hz for crisp, fluid visuals.
- Fast Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD for quick game loading and multitasking.
- Customizable Keyboard: RGB backlit keyboard with MSI Center for personalization.
🥉 3. ASUS TUF Gaming A15
Use Case / Strength: The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 balances gaming and productivity with its AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS and GTX 1650. It’s a durable, reliable choice for casual gamers and students needing a versatile laptop.
- Solid Performance: AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS with NVIDIA GTX 1650 for 1080p gaming.
- Vivid Display: 15.6-inch FHD display with 144Hz and 100% sRGB for vibrant visuals.
- Durable Build: Military-grade toughness for long-lasting reliability.
- Fast Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD for quick boot-ups and game loading.
- Advanced Cooling: Dual fans and anti-dust technology for sustained performance.
🏅 4. HP Victus 15 Gaming Laptop
Use Case / Strength: The HP Victus 15 is an affordable option for casual gamers, powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H and RTX 3050. Its 144Hz display and compact design make it great for budget-conscious students.
- Capable Performance: AMD Ryzen 5 5600H with RTX 3050 for smooth 1080p gaming.
- Smooth Display: 15.6-inch FHD display with 144Hz for fluid gameplay.
- Fast Storage: 512GB SSD for quick load times and multitasking.
- Backlit Keyboard: Full-size backlit keyboard for gaming in low-light settings.
- Modern Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for fast, stable connections.
🏅 5. HP Victus 15.6 i5 Gaming Laptop
Use Case / Strength: The HP Victus 15.6 i5 is a versatile budget laptop with an Intel Core i5-12450H and RTX 3050, ideal for casual gaming and schoolwork. Its compact design suits students with limited space.
- Balanced Performance: Intel Core i5-12450H with RTX 3050 for 1080p gaming and multitasking.
- High-Refresh Display: 15.6-inch FHD display with 144Hz for smooth visuals.
- Fast Storage: 512GB SSD for quick game loading and file access.
- Compact Design: Sleek, lightweight build for easy portability in backpacks.
- Enhanced Cooling: Optimized thermal design for reliable performance during gaming.
Final Verdict: Which Budget Gaming Laptop is Your Best Pick?
| Product | Best For |
|---|---|
| Acer Nitro V | Gamers seeking high-performance 1080p gaming on a budget. |
| MSI Thin 15 | Students and travelers needing a portable gaming laptop. |
| ASUS TUF Gaming A15 | Casual gamers wanting durability and balanced performance. |
| HP Victus 15 | Budget-conscious gamers prioritizing affordability. |
| HP Victus 15.6 i5 | Students needing a compact, versatile gaming laptop. |
Note: For optimal gaming, ensure your laptop has at least 16GB RAM (upgradable on most models) and update GPU drivers regularly. These laptops support popular titles at medium to high settings, but heavy AAA games may require tweaking for best performance.
