
Finding the best gaming laptops under $700 doesn’t mean settling for poor performance. In October 2025, budget-conscious gamers have access to impressive RTX 30-series and RTX 20-series graphics cards that deliver solid 1080p gaming experiences. After evaluating dozens of gaming notebooks in this price range, we’ve identified 10 outstanding options that prove you don’t need to spend $1,500+ for enjoyable gaming.
These affordable gaming laptops feature dedicated graphics cards from NVIDIA, fast refresh displays, and modern processors that handle today’s popular games at respectable frame rates. Whether you’re into competitive esports titles or AAA adventures, there’s a gaming machine here that’ll fit your budget and performance needs.
Laptop Model | Key Spec | Price | Best For | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSI GF63 Thin Gaming | RTX 3050 4GB | $594.00 | Budget 1080p Gaming | Amazon |
Acer Nitro V Gaming | RTX 3050 6GB | $736.99 | Upgraded VRAM | Amazon |
MSI Thin 15 B13VE | RTX 4050 6GB | $639.49 | Latest GPU Tech | Amazon |
HP Victus 15 Gaming | RTX 2050 4GB | $610.00 | AMD Performance | Amazon |
Lenovo LOQ Essential | RTX 2050 4GB | $639.99 | Balanced Build | Amazon |
ASUS TUF Gaming A15 | RTX 3050 4GB | $734.00 | Military-Grade Build | Amazon |
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 | RTX 3050 4GB | $699.99 | Compact Gaming | Amazon |
Acer Chromebook Spin 714 | Iris Xe Graphics | $699.00 | Cloud Gaming | Amazon |
ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED | Iris Xe Graphics | $649.99 | Creative Gaming | Amazon |
Acer Swift Go 14 | Radeon 780M | $813.00 | AMD APU Gaming | Amazon |
Shopping for budget gaming laptops requires balancing performance expectations with realistic pricing. The $700 price point typically gets you entry-level dedicated graphics like the RTX 3050, RTX 2050, or strong integrated options like AMD’s Radeon 780M.
GPU Priority: Your graphics card matters most for gaming performance. RTX 3050 and newer RTX 4050 cards handle 1080p gaming at medium-high settings in most titles. The RTX 2050, while older, still delivers playable frame rates for esports and lighter games. AMD’s latest integrated graphics have also become surprisingly capable for casual gaming.
Display Quality: Look for at least 120Hz refresh rates – many budget gaming laptops now offer 144Hz panels. Higher refresh rates make competitive games feel more responsive and reduce motion blur. Full HD (1920×1080) remains the sweet spot for this price range.
Future-Proofing Considerations: 16GB RAM is becoming essential as games demand more memory. Many laptops in this range start with 8GB but allow upgrades. Storage-wise, prioritize SSDs over traditional hard drives for faster game loading times.
Thermal Management: Budget laptops often compromise on cooling. Look for models with dual fans and heat pipes. Gaming laptops that run too hot will throttle performance and feel uncomfortable during long sessions.
Ignoring the GPU Generation: Not all RTX cards are equal. The RTX 4050 significantly outperforms the RTX 3050, while the RTX 3050 beats the RTX 2050. Check generation numbers, not just the RTX branding.
Focusing Only on CPU: While important, the graphics card determines gaming performance more than the processor. An i5 with RTX 3050 will outgame an i7 with integrated graphics.
Skipping Reviews: Some budget models have serious thermal issues or build quality problems. User reviews reveal real-world problems that specs sheets don’t show.
Forgetting About Upgradability: Some laptops have soldered RAM that can’t be upgraded. If you’re starting with 8GB, ensure you can add more later.
At $594, the MSI GF63 Thin delivers exceptional value for budget-conscious gamers. The Intel i5-11400H processor paired with NVIDIA’s RTX 3050 4GB graphics card handles modern games at 1080p with medium to high settings. Popular titles like Fortnite, Valorant, and Rocket League run smoothly at the laptop’s native 144Hz refresh rate.
The 16GB DDR4 RAM configuration eliminates the upgrade headache that plagues many budget gaming laptops, while the 512GB NVMe SSD provides ample storage for your game library. The backlit keyboard enhances the gaming experience during evening sessions, and Wi-Fi 6 support ensures low-latency online gaming.
Build quality feels solid for the price point, though the plastic construction won’t win any premium awards. The 144Hz display produces decent colors for gaming, though content creators might find it lacking for professional work. Battery life during gaming sessions hovers around 3-4 hours, typical for this category.
Where this laptop excels is pure gaming value. The RTX 3050 consistently delivers 60+ FPS in esports titles and 45-60 FPS in AAA games with optimized settings. For under $600, you’re getting dedicated gaming performance that would have cost twice as much just a few years ago.
The renewed Acer Nitro V stands out with its RTX 3050 6GB graphics card, offering 50% more VRAM than the standard 4GB version. This extra memory proves valuable in texture-heavy games and provides better future-proofing as games become more demanding. At $654.99, it’s one of the most affordable ways to get 6GB of dedicated graphics memory.
The 13th-generation Intel i5-13420H processor represents current-gen performance, delivering improved efficiency over older chips. Combined with 16GB DDR5 RAM, this laptop handles multitasking between games and streaming software without stuttering. The 512GB SSD provides fast boot times and quick game loading.
Display quality impresses with its 144Hz IPS panel offering better color accuracy and viewing angles than TN alternatives. The higher refresh rate makes competitive shooters feel more responsive, while the IPS technology delivers consistent colors across different viewing positions.
As a renewed product, you’re getting excellent value on hardware that’s been professionally refurbished. Amazon’s return policy provides peace of mind, though cosmetic imperfections are possible. The laptop includes modern connectivity with Thunderbolt 3 USB-C, HDMI 2.1, and Gigabit Ethernet for competitive gaming setups.
Gaming performance exceeds expectations thanks to the 6GB VRAM buffer. Games like Call of Duty and Cyberpunk 2077 maintain higher texture settings without stuttering, providing a noticeably better visual experience than 4GB alternatives.
The MSI Thin 15 brings cutting-edge RTX 4050 graphics to the sub-$700 market at $639.49. This latest-generation GPU delivers approximately 15-20% better performance than the RTX 3050, with improved efficiency and features like DLSS 3 Frame Generation in supported games. The 6GB VRAM ensures smooth performance at higher texture settings.
Intel’s i5-13420H processor represents the latest 13th-generation architecture, providing excellent single-threaded performance for gaming while maintaining efficiency. The 16GB DDR4 RAM configuration handles modern games comfortably, though DDR5 would have been preferred at this price point.
The 144Hz display combines with the powerful GPU to deliver smooth gaming in competitive titles. Games like Valorant and Counter-Strike achieve well over 100 FPS, taking full advantage of the high refresh rate. More demanding titles like Horizon Zero Dawn run comfortably at 60+ FPS with optimized settings.
Wi-Fi 6E support provides the fastest wireless connectivity available, reducing latency in online games when connected to compatible routers. The 512GB NVMe SSD offers sufficient storage for a core game library, with fast loading times that minimize waiting between matches.
Build quality feels solid despite the “Thin” branding, with adequate cooling for the RTX 4050’s heat output. The laptop maintains reasonable temperatures during extended gaming sessions, though fan noise becomes noticeable under heavy load. For the price, you’re getting the most modern gaming technology available in this budget range.
The HP Victus 15 at $610 combines AMD’s efficient Ryzen 5 7535HS processor with NVIDIA’s RTX 2050 graphics for solid budget gaming performance. The AMD processor often outperforms Intel alternatives in multi-threaded workloads while maintaining competitive gaming performance and better battery efficiency.
The RTX 2050, while not the newest GPU, still delivers respectable 1080p gaming performance in most titles. Esports games run exceptionally well, often exceeding 100 FPS in Fortnite, League of Legends, and Valorant. More demanding AAA games require medium settings to maintain 60 FPS, but the experience remains enjoyable.
The 16GB DDR5 RAM configuration future-proofs the laptop for upcoming games that demand more memory. DDR5’s faster speeds also benefit the integrated graphics when the discrete GPU isn’t needed, improving efficiency during light usage. The 512GB PCIe SSD provides fast storage performance for game loading times.
HP’s build quality impresses at this price point, with a backlit keyboard that enhances gaming in darker environments. The 144Hz display delivers smooth motion in fast-paced games, while the variety of ports including HDMI 2.1 and RJ-45 Ethernet support external gaming setups.
The laptop offers excellent value for gamers who also need productivity performance. The Ryzen processor handles content creation, streaming, and multitasking better than many Intel alternatives at this price. Battery life during light usage extends longer than typical gaming laptops, making it versatile for school or work use.
The Lenovo LOQ Essential at $639.99 provides a well-balanced gaming configuration with Intel’s i5-12450HX processor and RTX 2050 graphics. This combination delivers consistent performance across different game genres, from competitive esports to single-player adventures. The 16GB DDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking between games and other applications.
Intel’s 12th-generation i5-12450HX features improved architecture that benefits both gaming and productivity tasks. The processor’s higher boost clocks help maintain steady frame rates in CPU-intensive games, while the efficiency cores handle background tasks without impacting gaming performance.
The RTX 2050 graphics card, while entry-level, proves capable for 1080p gaming at medium settings in most modern titles. Competitive games like CS2, Valorant, and Rocket League easily achieve 100+ FPS, making full use of the 144Hz display. Single-player games require some settings adjustment but remain visually appealing.
Lenovo’s build quality shines through practical design choices like a full-size keyboard with comfortable key travel for gaming sessions. The laptop includes essential gaming ports like USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet, though it lacks the RGB lighting found on more expensive gaming notebooks.
The 512GB SSD storage provides adequate space for several AAA games plus your operating system and applications. Loading times feel snappy compared to traditional hard drives, reducing waiting between game levels. The LOQ Essential offers reliable performance without flashy aesthetics, appealing to gamers who prioritize function over form.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 at $735 pushes the budget slightly but delivers exceptional build quality with MIL-STD-810H durability certification. This military-grade testing ensures the laptop withstands drops, vibration, humidity, and temperature extremes better than typical budget gaming laptops. For students or gamers who travel frequently, this durability proves invaluable.
AMD’s Ryzen 5 7535HS processor provides excellent gaming performance while maintaining good battery efficiency during non-gaming tasks. The chip’s integrated graphics also help extend battery life when the RTX 3050 isn’t needed. Combined with 8GB DDR5-5600 RAM, the system handles modern games smoothly, though a RAM upgrade to 16GB would improve future performance.
The RTX 3050 graphics card delivers solid 1080p gaming performance in most current titles. Competitive games achieve high frame rates that fully utilize the 144Hz display, while demanding AAA games run comfortably at medium-high settings. The GPU’s 4GB VRAM handles current games well but may limit future longevity.
ASUS includes thoughtful gaming features like a dedicated GPU mode switch and comprehensive cooling with multiple heat pipes. The keyboard offers good tactile feedback for gaming, while the display provides accurate colors for both gaming and content consumption. Wi-Fi 6 connectivity ensures low-latency online gaming.
The TUF series balances performance with longevity, making it ideal for users who plan to keep their gaming laptop for several years. The robust construction and reliable components justify the slight premium over other options in this roundup.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 at $699.99 offers RTX 3050 gaming performance in a more compact and subtle design compared to aggressive-looking gaming laptops. The AMD Ryzen 5 6600H processor delivers solid gaming performance while maintaining excellent efficiency, making this laptop suitable for both gaming and productivity tasks.
The RTX 3050 graphics card handles 1080p gaming effectively, with competitive titles achieving 80-120 FPS depending on settings. More demanding games require medium settings to maintain smooth 60 FPS performance, but the visual quality remains satisfying. The 4GB VRAM proves adequate for current games, though future titles may require lower texture settings.
The 120Hz display, while lower than some competitors’ 144Hz panels, still provides noticeably smoother gaming compared to standard 60Hz screens. The faster refresh rate benefits competitive gaming where every frame matters for reaction times. Color accuracy meets gaming standards, though creative professionals might prefer higher-end displays.
Starting with 8GB DDR5 RAM and 256GB storage represents the laptop’s main compromises for the price point. Both components are upgradeable, making this an excellent platform for users who plan to add more memory and storage later. The smaller initial SSD capacity means you’ll need to manage game installations carefully.
Lenovo’s design approach appeals to users who want gaming performance without flashy aesthetics. The laptop works equally well in professional environments and gaming setups. The compact build makes it more portable than bulkier gaming laptops while still delivering dedicated graphics performance.
The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 at $699 represents a different approach to budget gaming through cloud gaming services like Google Stadia, GeForce Now, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. The Intel i5-1335U processor with Iris Xe graphics provides enough local performance for light gaming while excelling at streaming high-end games from the cloud.
Chrome OS optimizes the experience for web-based gaming and cloud services. The laptop’s Wi-Fi 6E connectivity ensures minimal latency when streaming games, while the 14-inch WUXGA touchscreen adds versatility for different gaming genres. The higher resolution (1920×1200) provides sharper visuals than standard 1080p displays.
Local gaming performance from the Iris Xe graphics handles indie games, older titles, and light esports games effectively. Newer AAA games require cloud streaming, but services like GeForce Now provide access to high-end GPU performance without the hardware cost. This approach offers more gaming flexibility than traditional budget laptops with limited discrete graphics.
The 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB PCIe SSD configuration suits Chrome OS well, though storage feels limited for users who download many local applications. The laptop’s convertible design with touchscreen functionality adds value for productivity and entertainment beyond gaming.
Battery life significantly exceeds traditional gaming laptops, often reaching 8-10 hours of mixed use. This makes the Chromebook ideal for students or professionals who want gaming capability without sacrificing all-day portability. The approach works best for users with reliable high-speed internet connections.
The ASUS ZenBook 14 OLED at $649.99 targets users who want gaming capability alongside serious creative work. The stunning 14-inch OLED display delivers perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and incredibly vivid colors that make games look spectacular. While the Intel Iris Xe graphics limit gaming to lighter titles and older games, the visual quality exceeds any traditional gaming laptop display.
Intel’s Core Ultra 5 125H represents the latest processor architecture with 14 cores, providing excellent performance for both gaming and creative applications. The chip’s efficiency improvements deliver better battery life than previous generations while maintaining strong performance in productivity tasks.
Gaming performance focuses on esports titles, indie games, and older AAA games that run well on integrated graphics. Current demanding games require cloud gaming services to achieve playable performance. However, the OLED display makes streaming games look incredible, often better than local rendering on budget dedicated GPUs.
The 8GB LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB SSD configuration provides adequate performance for most users, though the soldered RAM limits future upgrades. The professional design makes this laptop suitable for business environments where traditional gaming aesthetics would be inappropriate.
This laptop excels for users who prioritize display quality and versatility over raw gaming performance. Content creators, photographers, and designers will appreciate the OLED panel’s accuracy, while casual gamers can enjoy beautiful visuals in compatible titles. The premium build quality and professional appearance justify the focus on integrated graphics.
The renewed Acer Swift Go 14 at $813.00 showcases AMD’s latest APU technology with the Ryzen 7 8845HS and integrated Radeon 780M graphics. This combination represents the strongest integrated graphics performance available, often matching or exceeding older discrete GPUs like the GTX 1650. The 16GB LPDDR5X RAM maximizes the APU’s gaming potential by providing ample high-speed memory.
AMD’s Radeon 780M integrated graphics surprise with their gaming capability, handling popular esports titles at 1080p with medium-high settings. Games like Fortnite, Valorant, and Rocket League achieve 60-90 FPS, while more demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 require lower settings but remain playable at 30-45 FPS.
The generous 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD provides exceptional storage for a laptop in this price range, eliminating the common compromise of limited storage space. Fast loading times enhance the gaming experience, while the abundant capacity accommodates large game libraries without constant management.
As a renewed product, you’re getting premium specifications at a significant discount compared to new pricing. The laptop’s thin and light design makes it highly portable, while the touchscreen adds versatility for different usage scenarios. Battery life significantly exceeds traditional gaming laptops, often reaching 8+ hours of productivity use.
The Swift Go 14 appeals to users who want decent gaming performance alongside excellent productivity capabilities. The professional aesthetics work in business environments, while the integrated graphics provide enough performance for casual to moderate gaming needs without dedicated GPU power consumption.
Best Under $600: MSI GF63 Thin Gaming Laptop ($595) The MSI GF63 delivers the most gaming performance per dollar with its RTX 3050 graphics and 16GB RAM configuration. It’s the clear choice for maximum gaming value.
Best $600-$650: MSI Thin 15 B13VE ($654.95) The RTX 4050 graphics provide the latest GPU architecture with improved efficiency and DLSS 3 support, making it worth the small premium over RTX 3050 alternatives.
Best $650-$700: HP Victus 15 Gaming Laptop ($610) or Acer Swift Go 14 ($699.99) Choose the HP Victus for traditional dedicated graphics gaming, or the Acer Swift Go for strong APU performance with better portability and battery life.
Best Premium Pick: ASUS TUF Gaming A15 ($735) While slightly over budget, the military-grade durability and solid build quality provide excellent long-term value for users who prioritize reliability.
Model | CPU | GPU | RAM | Storage | Display | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSI GF63 Thin | i5-11400H | RTX 3050 4GB | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB SSD | 15.6″ 144Hz | $595 |
Acer Nitro V | i5-13420H | RTX 3050 6GB | 16GB DDR5 | 512GB SSD | 15.6″ 144Hz | $655 |
MSI Thin 15 | i5-13420H | RTX 4050 6GB | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB SSD | 15.6″ 144Hz | $655 |
HP Victus 15 | R5 7535HS | RTX 2050 4GB | 16GB DDR5 | 512GB SSD | 15.6″ 144Hz | $610 |
Lenovo LOQ | i5-12450HX | RTX 2050 4GB | 16GB DDR5 | 512GB SSD | 15.6″ 144Hz | $640 |
ASUS TUF A15 | R5 7535HS | RTX 3050 4GB | 8GB DDR5 | 512GB SSD | 15.6″ 144Hz | $735 |
Lenovo IdeaPad | R5 6600H | RTX 3050 4GB | 8GB DDR5 | 256GB SSD | 15.6″ 120Hz | $700 |
Acer Chromebook | i5-1335U | Iris Xe | 8GB LPDDR4X | 128GB SSD | 14″ Touch | $699 |
ASUS ZenBook | Ultra 5 125H | Iris Xe | 8GB LPDDR5 | 512GB SSD | 14″ OLED | $650 |
Acer Swift Go | R7 8845HS | Radeon 780M | 16GB LPDDR5X | 1TB SSD | 14″ Touch | $700 |
The RTX 2050 represents the minimum for comfortable 1080p gaming in modern titles. It handles esports games excellently and AAA games at medium settings. RTX 3050 and RTX 4050 provide better performance and longevity.
While 8GB can run most current games, 16GB is becoming the standard for optimal performance. Many titles now recommend 16GB, and having extra RAM prevents stuttering when multitasking during gaming sessions.
The RTX 4050 offers 15–20% better performance, improved efficiency, and DLSS 3 support. If the price difference is minimal (under $50), the RTX 4050 provides better future-proofing.
Budget gaming laptops often have basic cooling systems that can get warm under load. Look for models with dual fans and heat pipes. Thermal throttling usually prevents damage but may reduce performance during extended gaming sessions.
Most gaming laptops allow RAM and storage upgrades, but some ultrabooks have soldered components. Check specifications before buying if upgrades are important to your future plans.
144Hz displays provide noticeably smoother gaming compared to 60Hz screens. 120Hz is acceptable, while anything higher than 144Hz offers diminishing returns at this price point and performance level.
Renewed laptops can offer excellent value, especially from reputable sellers like Amazon. They’re professionally restored with return policies but may show minor cosmetic wear. Check seller ratings and return policies.
Both Intel and AMD offer excellent gaming performance in this price range. AMD typically provides better multi-threaded performance and battery efficiency, while Intel often has slight single-threaded advantages. Choose based on overall laptop value.
With proper care, budget gaming laptops typically provide 3–5 years of useful gaming performance. Newer games will require lower settings over time, but the hardware remains functional for older titles and productivity tasks.
Laptops with 16GB RAM and modern processors can handle basic streaming to platforms like Twitch or Discord. More intensive streaming with multiple overlays may require closing background applications or reducing game settings.
After reviewing these 10 gaming laptops under $700 in October 2025, here are my top picks for different needs:
Best Overall Gaming Laptop: MSI GF63 Thin Gaming Laptop ($595) The combination of RTX 3050 graphics, 16GB RAM, and 144Hz display at under $600 represents unbeatable gaming value. This laptop delivers solid 1080p performance without breaking the budget.
Best Value for Latest Tech: MSI Thin 15 B13VE ($655) The RTX 4050 graphics and current-generation processor provide the most modern gaming technology at this price point. DLSS 3 support and improved efficiency make it worth the small premium.
Best for Students: HP Victus 15 Gaming Laptop ($610) AMD’s efficient processor provides excellent gaming performance with better battery life for non-gaming tasks. The balanced specifications work well for both schoolwork and gaming.
Best Alternative Approach: Acer Swift Go 14 ($700) For users open to integrated graphics gaming, the Radeon 780M provides surprising performance in a portable, professional package with outstanding battery life.
Budget gaming in 2025 offers more options than ever before. Whether you prioritize raw performance, latest features, or versatile portability, there’s a gaming laptop here that’ll deliver excellent value for your gaming adventures.
Prices and availability updated October 2025. Check current pricing as deals may vary.