With gaming laptops becoming more powerful each year, there’s no need to spend thousands of dollars to enjoy a quality gaming experience. The best budget gaming laptops of 2024 deliver impressive graphics, smooth frame rates, and solid build quality—all at a price that won’t hurt your wallet. Whether you’re a student, a casual gamer, or just someone looking to enjoy AAA games on a budget, this guide covers the top affordable gaming laptops you should consider.
Gaming on a Budget: The Best Affordable Gaming Laptops of 2024
Looking for powerful gaming performance without breaking the bank? Our guide to the best budget gaming laptops of 2024 highlights top picks that balance performance, graphics, and affordability. Whether you’re a casual gamer or looking to dive into more demanding titles, these laptops offer great value without compromising on gameplay.
Hannah Sinclair
Credit: Unsplash
Article contents
1. Acer Nitro 5 (2024 Model)
The Acer Nitro 5 is a popular choice among budget-conscious gamers, offering solid performance and graphics capabilities with its RTX 3050 GPU. Known for its upgradability and reliable build, the Nitro 5 is a well-rounded laptop that provides great value, although its bulkier design and moderate battery life may be drawbacks for those prioritizing portability.
Acer Nitro 5 (2024 Model)
The Acer Nitro 5 continues to be a favorite among budget gamers thanks to its reliable performance and solid build. This year’s model features an RTX 3050, delivering smooth frame rates for popular titles like Fortnite and Valorant. With upgradable RAM and storage options, it’s a great starting point that allows for future customization.
Performance
Design
Battery life
Value for money
Who's it for?
Gamers looking for a well-rounded, budget-friendly option with good performance and upgrade potential
What's it cost?
Approximately $800–$1,000
What we like?
Strong performance for the price, especially with RTX 3050 graphics, and upgradable hardware for future-proofing.
What we don't?
Moderate battery life and a somewhat bulky build make it less portable
2. Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
Compact and affordable, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is designed for gamers looking for a lightweight laptop that still delivers 1080p gaming performance. Its AMD Ryzen processor and NVIDIA GTX or RTX options make it capable of running many popular games smoothly, though its limited storage and lower-end graphics make it best suited for entry-level gaming.
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
Lenovo’s IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a compact, affordable laptop that still packs a punch for 1080p gaming. Equipped with AMD Ryzen and NVIDIA graphics options, it’s ideal for light to moderate gaming on a budget. Although storage is on the smaller side, this laptop remains a reliable option for anyone looking to game without going overboard on spending.
Performance
Design
Battery life
Value for money
Who's it for?
Gamers who want an affordable, compact laptop for 1080p gaming with reliable performance.
What's it cost?
Approximately $700–$950.
What we like?
Lightweight design and decent performance for 1080p gaming at a budget price.
What we don't?
Limited storage capacity and lower-end graphics options restrict high-end gaming potential.
3. HP Victus 15
The HP Victus 15 offers a great balance of affordability and gaming power, featuring efficient cooling and a sturdy build for longer gaming sessions. Equipped with options for either GTX or RTX graphics, it’s a versatile choice for gamers who want reliable performance on a budget, though its heavier design may not be ideal for frequent travel.
HP Victus 15
The HP Victus 15 strikes an excellent balance between affordability and gaming capability. With a choice between GTX and RTX graphics cards, it’s versatile for gaming and light creative work. The cooling system on the Victus is particularly good for a budget device, making it ideal for extended gaming sessions.
Performance
Design
Battery life
Value for money
Who's it for?
Gamers on a budget who want a balanced laptop with decent graphics and efficient cooling.
What's it cost?
Approximately $750–$1,000.
What we like?
Effective cooling system and solid build quality for extended gaming sessions.
What we don't?
Heavier design and mid-range graphics performance compared to others in its class.
4. ASUS TUF Gaming F15
Built with durability in mind, the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 is a tough, reliable gaming laptop that can handle more demanding games thanks to its optional RTX 3060 GPU. Its military-grade build quality makes it an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize durability and don’t mind a slightly bulkier design, though it does sit at the higher end of the budget category.
ASUS TUF Gaming F15
The ASUS TUF Gaming F15 is built to last, with military-grade durability and a solid frame that’s ideal for travel or long gaming sessions. The inclusion of an RTX 3060 in some models gives it a performance edge over other budget options, especially in visually demanding games.
Performance
Design
Battery life
Value for money
Who's it for?
Gamers who prioritize durability and are looking for a powerful budget-friendly laptop that can handle more demanding titles.
What's it cost?
Approximately $900–$1,200.
What we like?
High-quality build with military-grade durability, plus optional RTX 3060 graphics for enhanced performance.
What we don't?
Slightly higher price point within the “budget” range and bulky design.
5. Dell G15
The Dell G15 is a straightforward gaming laptop with a simple design and reliable performance, making it ideal for gamers who want a fuss-free device. While it’s equipped with mid-range graphics and lower storage, the G15 provides dependable gameplay at an affordable price, particularly suited to entry-level gamers who don’t need high-end features.
Dell G15
The ASUS TUF Gaming F15 is built to last, with military-grade durability and a solid frame that’s ideal for travel or long gaming sessions. The inclusion of an RTX 3060 in some models gives it a performance edge over other budget options, especially in visually demanding games.
Performance
Design
Battery life
Value for money
Who's it for?
Entry-level gamers looking for a straightforward gaming laptop with reliable, no-frills performance.
What's it cost?
Approximately $850–$1,050.
What we like?
Simple design, good performance for essential gaming, and generally reliable build quality.
What we don't?
Lower storage capacity and mid-range graphics that limit it to moderate gaming.
Conclusion
The best budget gaming laptops of 2024 prove that you don’t need a high-end rig to enjoy a solid gaming experience. Each of these laptops offers unique advantages for gamers on a budget, from the powerful graphics of the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 to the portability of the MSI GF63 Thin. Whether you’re diving into online matches or exploring open-world games, these affordable gaming laptops deliver dependable performance without overspending.
Hannah Sinclair
Tech & Home Specialist
Hannah has a knack for reviewing smart home technology, merging practicality with innovation. Her articles help UK homeowners discover gadgets to improve efficiency and modernize their living spaces.
