Games That Never Stop Improving: Complete List September 2025
What defines a truly exceptional game? It’s not the explosive opening or flashy first impression it’s the rare ability to…
Finding a capable gaming laptop without breaking the bank has become easier in 2025, with manufacturers delivering impressive performance at budget-friendly prices. We’ve tested and reviewed 10 gaming laptops that offer the best value for gamers on a tight budget, with most options staying close to or under the $700 mark.
Whether you’re looking to play the latest AAA titles at 1080p or need a machine that can handle both gaming and everyday tasks, these budget gaming notebooks prove you don’t need to spend $1,500+ for a solid gaming experience. From RTX 4050-powered rigs to reliable RTX 3050 machines, each laptop in our roundup brings something unique to the table.
Our selection focuses on laptops that deliver the best gaming performance per dollar, with most featuring 144Hz displays, modern GPUs, and enough RAM to get you started (though some may benefit from upgrades down the line).
| Laptop Model | Key Spec | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lenovo LOQ Essential | RTX 2050 GPU | Entry Gaming | Amazon |
| ASUS TUF Gaming A15 | RTX 3050 GPU | Balanced Value | Amazon |
| MSI GF63 Thin | RTX 3050 + 16GB RAM | Ready to Game | Amazon |
| HP Pavilion Gaming | GTX 1650 + i5-9300H | Budget Gaming | Amazon |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 | RTX 3050 + 120Hz | Popular Choice | Amazon |
| MSI Thin 15 | RTX 4050 + 16GB RAM | Modern Performance | Amazon |
| HP Victus 15.6 | RTX 3050 + 32GB RAM | Maxed Out Specs | Amazon |
| Acer Nitro V Gaming | RTX 4050 + 165Hz | High Refresh Gaming | Amazon |
| Acer Nitro V 15 | RTX 4050 + 16GB RAM | AMD Performance | Amazon |
| Asus ROG Strix G15 | GTX 1650 Ti + i7 | Premium Build | Amazon |
Shopping for budget gaming laptops requires balancing performance with compromises. The most important component for gaming is the graphics card – look for at least an RTX 3050 or RTX 4050 for modern games at 1080p. Older cards like the GTX 1650 can still handle esports titles and older games well.
RAM is your next consideration. While 8GB is the minimum, 16GB provides much better multitasking and future-proofing. Many budget laptops come with 8GB but offer easy upgrade paths. Don’t overlook display quality either – a 144Hz panel makes a noticeable difference in competitive gaming compared to standard 60Hz screens.
Storage is often where manufacturers cut costs, with many offering just 256GB SSDs. Plan to upgrade or use external storage for larger game libraries. Finally, consider the CPU – modern Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors provide adequate gaming performance without breaking your budget.
Don’t get swayed by flashy RGB lighting over actual performance specs. A laptop with better internals and subdued looks will serve you better long-term. Avoid laptops with only 8GB RAM if you plan to play modern AAA games – the performance difference after upgrading to 16GB is dramatic.
Also, don’t ignore thermal design. Budget laptops often struggle with heat management, so check reviews for temperature and noise levels. Finally, resist the urge to buy last-generation hardware just to save $50-100 – the performance gap between RTX 3050 and RTX 4050 is worth the extra cost.
At $579.49, the Lenovo LOQ Essential represents the most affordable entry point into modern gaming. Powered by an Intel Core i5-12450HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050, this laptop targets gamers who primarily play esports titles and older AAA games.
The RTX 2050 handles games like Valorant, CS2, and League of Legends extremely well at 1080p with high settings. For more demanding titles, you’ll need to drop to medium settings, but the gaming experience remains smooth. The 8GB DDR5 RAM is functional but represents the first upgrade priority.
The 15.6″ FHD IPS display with 144Hz refresh rate is impressive at this price point. The higher refresh rate makes competitive gaming more responsive, giving you an edge in fast-paced matches. The Luna Grey color scheme looks professional enough for work or school use.
While this laptop won’t run Cyberpunk 2077 on ultra settings, it’s perfect for students or casual gamers who want to experience modern gaming without spending a fortune. The build quality feels solid, and Lenovo’s support network is reliable for warranty issues.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 at $649.99 (down from $799.99) offers exceptional value with its combination of AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor and RTX 3050 graphics. This laptop consistently receives praise from users who’ve upgraded the RAM from 8GB to 16GB or 32GB.
Gaming performance is solid across most modern titles. Users report excellent results with Helldivers II, running seamlessly without lag. The RTX 3050 handles 1080p gaming at medium to high settings for most current games, while older titles run at maximum settings effortlessly.
The military-grade toughness (MIL-STD-810H) certification sets this laptop apart from competitors. The build quality feels premium, with 84-blade Arc Flow Fans keeping temperatures manageable during extended gaming sessions. The 144Hz display with Adaptive-Sync technology reduces screen tearing.
One significant advantage is the upgrade potential. The 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD provides fast loading times, while the RAM slots accommodate up to 32GB for future-proofing. Battery life is reasonable for productivity work but expect to stay plugged in during gaming sessions.
The MSI GF63 Thin at $689.00 stands out by including 16GB DDR4 RAM straight out of the box, eliminating the immediate need for upgrades. Combined with the Intel Core i5-11400H and RTX 3050 graphics, this laptop delivers impressive gaming performance right away.
Users consistently praise its ability to run games without difficulty from day one. The RTX 3050 with 4GB GDDR6 memory handles popular titles like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV smoothly. The 144Hz display enhances the gaming experience, making this an excellent choice for MMO enthusiasts.
The aluminum black finish gives the laptop a premium appearance, while the thin profile makes it portable for students or professionals. The 512GB NVMe SSD provides adequate storage for a decent game library, though you might need external storage for extensive collections.
However, battery life is a significant weakness, with some users reporting as little as 2 hours during intensive use. There are also concerning reports of hardware failures, though these seem to affect a small percentage of units. MSI’s customer service track record should be considered when weighing this option.
At $694.99, the HP Pavilion Gaming laptop represents solid value with its Core i5-9300H processor and GTX 1650 graphics. While not the most powerful GPU in our lineup, the GTX 1650 still handles many gaming scenarios effectively, especially esports titles and games from recent years.
This laptop excels as a dual-purpose machine for students who need reliable performance for both gaming and academic work. The build quality is impressive, with a backlit keyboard that’s comfortable for extended typing sessions. The professional appearance won’t look out of place in classroom or office environments.
The GTX 1650 with 4GB VRAM handles older AAA titles and current esports games well at 1080p. Games like Fortnite, Rocket League, and CS2 run smoothly at high settings. More demanding current titles will require medium settings but remain playable.
The main limitations are the 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD, both of which users frequently upgrade. However, the upgrade process is straightforward, and the laptop’s performance improves dramatically with additional memory and storage. The 60Hz display is adequate but not as smooth as higher refresh rate panels.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 at $699.00 has earned its popularity through consistent performance and reliable build quality. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 6600H and RTX 3050, this laptop handles modern gaming admirably while maintaining excellent thermal performance.
Users report flawless performance with demanding titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009), COD Black Ops, and GTA 5 on highest settings. The RTX 3050 provides sufficient power for 1080p gaming at medium to high settings across most current titles. The 120Hz refresh rate display enhances the gaming experience significantly.
The cooling system deserves special mention – this laptop stays remarkably cool under load, which is crucial for sustained gaming performance. The build quality feels solid, and the anti-glare coating on the display reduces eye strain during extended gaming sessions.
The major drawback is the minimal 256GB NVMe storage, which fills up quickly with modern games. GTA 5 alone consumes 142GB, making storage expansion essential. The 8GB DDR5 RAM also benefits from upgrading to 16GB for optimal performance. Some users have reported severe reliability issues, though these appear to be isolated cases.
The MSI Thin 15 at $699.00 brings the powerful RTX 4050 GPU to the budget gaming segment, paired with a 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor. This combination delivers significantly better gaming performance than RTX 3050-based competitors at a similar price point.
The RTX 4050 represents a substantial performance upgrade, handling current AAA titles at 1080p high settings with good frame rates. The 144Hz FHD display takes full advantage of the GPU’s capabilities, delivering smooth gameplay across various genres. The Matrix Display feature allows connection of up to two additional monitors for expanded workspace.
Gaming performance is impressive, with users reporting excellent multitasking capabilities alongside gaming. The 16GB DDR4 RAM comes standard, eliminating immediate upgrade needs. The 512GB NVMe SSD provides adequate storage for several major titles.
The fan management is well-designed, remaining silent during office work but becoming audible under gaming loads. Battery life is decent for productivity tasks but drops significantly during gaming, which is typical for this category. The keyboard backlight is attractive but limited to a single sky blue color.
At $708.98, the HP Victus 15.6 includes remarkable specifications that typically cost much more: 32GB DDR4 RAM and a 1TB SSD alongside the Intel Core i5-12450H and RTX 3050. This laptop eliminates all common upgrade needs immediately.
The massive 32GB RAM allocation allows for exceptional multitasking while gaming. Users can run multiple applications, stream content, and game simultaneously without performance degradation. The 1TB SSD provides ample storage for extensive game libraries without worrying about space management.
Gaming performance with the RTX 3050 remains solid across modern titles, while the generous RAM allocation helps with games that benefit from additional memory. The 144Hz anti-glare IPS panel delivers crisp visuals with reduced eye strain during extended sessions.
The main concerns are thermal management and battery life. Users report the laptop heating up quickly with demanding games and poor battery performance when gaming unplugged. The power adapter also runs very hot, which could be a long-term reliability concern. Sound quality is mediocre, though most gamers use headphones anyway.
The Acer Nitro V Gaming laptop at $749.99 pushes slightly above our target budget but justifies the premium with its RTX 4050 GPU and impressive 165Hz display. The Intel Core i5-13420H processor paired with the RTX 4050 delivers excellent 1080p gaming performance.
The standout feature is the 165Hz IPS display, providing incredibly smooth gameplay that competitive gamers will appreciate. The RTX 4050 can actually utilize this refresh rate in many esports titles and well-optimized games. The display quality is crisp with good color reproduction.
Initial performance with 8GB DDR5 RAM is adequate but improves dramatically with upgrades. Users report transformative performance gains when upgrading to 32GB RAM, enabling smooth multitasking and better performance in memory-intensive games. The 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD provides fast loading times.
The upgrade path is excellent, with support for up to 32GB RAM and additional storage options. The backlit keyboard includes a numeric keypad, which is useful for productivity work. Wi-Fi 6 and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity ensure this laptop remains relevant for years to come.
At $768.00, the Acer Nitro V 15 with AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor offers strong multi-core performance paired with the RTX 4050 GPU. This combination delivers excellent gaming performance while providing efficient power consumption for better battery life during productivity tasks.
The RTX 4050 with 6GB VRAM handles current games very well at 1080p high settings. Users report this laptop easily handling demanding titles without performance issues. The AMD processor provides excellent multi-threading performance for content creation and streaming alongside gaming.
The 16GB DDR5 RAM comes standard, providing adequate memory for most gaming scenarios. The 512GB SSD offers decent storage, though serious gamers will eventually need expansion. The 144Hz IPS display delivers smooth gameplay with good color accuracy.
Build quality includes useful features like DTS X: Ultra audio enhancement and comprehensive port selection including USB-C 3.2. The backlit keyboard provides good typing experience for both gaming and productivity work. However, some users report graphics driver issues causing screen flickering, which may require driver updates or troubleshooting.
The Asus ROG Strix G15 at $772.59 represents the premium option in our budget roundup, featuring an Intel Core i7-10750H processor and distinctive Electro Punk design. While the GTX 1650 Ti graphics card is older generation, the overall build quality and processor power justify consideration.
The Core i7-10750H provides excellent CPU performance for tasks beyond gaming, including content creation, streaming, and productivity work. The six-core processor with hyperthreading handles multitasking exceptionally well. The 144Hz display ensures smooth gameplay when the graphics card can deliver sufficient frame rates.
The ROG Strix series is known for superior build quality, robust cooling systems, and gaming-focused features. The Electro Punk color scheme gives this laptop a unique appearance that stands out from typical black gaming laptops. The keyboard and overall user experience reflect ASUS’s gaming expertise.
However, the GTX 1650 Ti graphics card limits gaming performance compared to RTX 3050 or RTX 4050 options. You’ll need to play current AAA titles at medium or low settings for smooth performance. The 8GB RAM also needs upgrading for optimal gaming experience. Consider this laptop if you prioritize build quality and CPU performance over raw gaming power.
Best Under $600: Lenovo LOQ Essential ($579.49) The RTX 2050 delivers solid esports gaming performance at an unbeatable price. Perfect for students or casual gamers who primarily play competitive titles.
Best $600-$700: ASUS TUF Gaming A15 ($649.99) Military-grade build quality meets RTX 3050 performance. The best balance of durability, performance, and value in our lineup.
Best $700+: MSI Thin 15 ($699.00) The RTX 4050 provides future-proof gaming performance at the budget threshold. Excellent choice for gamers who want modern GPU technology.
Best Overall Value: MSI GF63 Thin ($689.00) Includes 16GB RAM out of the box, eliminating immediate upgrade costs while delivering solid RTX 3050 gaming performance.
| Model | CPU | GPU | RAM | Storage | Display | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lenovo LOQ Essential | i5-12450HX | RTX 2050 | 8GB DDR5 | 512GB SSD | 144Hz FHD | $579.49 |
| ASUS TUF Gaming A15 | Ryzen 5 7535HS | RTX 3050 | 8GB DDR5 | 512GB SSD | 144Hz FHD | $649.99 |
| MSI GF63 Thin | i5-11400H | RTX 3050 | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB SSD | 144Hz FHD | $689.00 |
| HP Pavilion Gaming | i5-9300H | GTX 1650 | 8GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | 60Hz FHD | $694.99 |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 | Ryzen 5 6600H | RTX 3050 | 8GB DDR5 | 256GB SSD | 120Hz FHD | $699.00 |
| MSI Thin 15 | i5-13420H | RTX 4050 | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB SSD | 144Hz FHD | $699.00 |
| HP Victus 15.6 | i5-12450H | RTX 3050 | 32GB DDR4 | 1TB SSD | 144Hz FHD | $708.98 |
| Acer Nitro V Gaming | i5-13420H | RTX 4050 | 8GB DDR5 | 512GB SSD | 165Hz FHD | $749.99 |
| Acer Nitro V 15 | Ryzen 5 7535HS | RTX 4050 | 16GB DDR5 | 512GB SSD | 144Hz FHD | $768.00 |
| Asus ROG Strix G15 | i7-10750H | GTX 1650 Ti | 8GB DDR4 | 512GB SSD | 144Hz FHD | $772.59 |
What’s the minimum GPU needed for gaming under $700 in 2025?
The RTX 3050 is the sweet spot for budget gaming laptops in 2025. It handles 1080p gaming at medium to high settings for most current titles. The GTX 1650 can still work for esports and older games, while RTX 4050 provides the best future-proofing if your budget allows.
Is 8GB RAM enough for gaming laptops under $700?
8GB RAM is functional but limiting for modern gaming. It’s adequate for esports titles and older games, but current AAA games perform much better with 16GB. Most budget laptops allow easy RAM upgrades, making this less of a deal-breaker.
Should I buy a laptop with RTX 4050 or save money with RTX 3050?
If your budget allows, choose RTX 4050. The performance difference is significant – about 15-20% better frame rates and better ray tracing capabilities. However, RTX 3050 still provides solid 1080p gaming performance for budget-conscious buyers.
Do gaming laptops under $700 overheat?
Budget gaming laptops often struggle with thermals, but many in our list handle heat reasonably well. The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 and Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 have particularly good cooling systems. Always game on a hard surface and consider a cooling pad.
What’s the best display refresh rate for budget gaming?
144Hz is the sweet spot for budget gaming laptops. It provides noticeably smoother gameplay compared to 60Hz panels, and most RTX 3050/4050 GPUs can actually utilize the higher refresh rate in many games.
Can these laptops handle video editing and streaming?
Yes, especially models with RTX 4050 GPUs and adequate RAM. The hardware encoding capabilities of modern GPUs help with streaming, while the CPUs handle editing tasks well. Consider models with 16GB+ RAM for serious content creation.
Is it worth buying refurbished gaming laptops under $700?
Refurbished can offer good value, but stick to manufacturer or certified retailer refurbished units. Gaming laptops experience more wear than regular laptops due to heat and intensive use, so warranty coverage is crucial.
What games can these laptops run smoothly?
RTX 3050 laptops handle most esports titles (Valorant, CS2, League of Legends) at high settings with 100+ FPS. Current AAA titles run at medium settings with 60+ FPS. RTX 4050 models can often achieve high settings in current games.
How important is RAM speed for gaming performance?
DDR5 provides modest improvements over DDR4, but the capacity matters more than speed at this price point. 16GB DDR4 outperforms 8GB DDR5 for gaming. Focus on getting enough RAM before worrying about speed.
Should I wait for sales or buy now?
Gaming laptop prices are relatively stable in September 2025. Major sales typically happen during Black Friday, back-to-school season (now), and after new GPU launches. If you need a laptop now, current prices offer good value.
After reviewing these 10 gaming laptops under or near $700 in September 2025, here are our top picks for different needs:
🏆 Best Overall Gaming Laptop: MSI Thin 15 ($699.00) The RTX 4050 GPU provides excellent future-proofing at the $700 price point. With 16GB RAM included and modern performance, it’s the best long-term investment.
💰 Best Value: ASUS TUF Gaming A15 ($649.99) Military-grade build quality, solid RTX 3050 performance, and excellent upgrade potential make this the smart choice for budget-conscious gamers.
🎯 Best for Immediate Gaming: MSI GF63 Thin ($689.00) The included 16GB RAM eliminates upgrade costs, letting you game at full potential immediately. Great for users who want to start gaming right away.
⚡ Best Entry Point: Lenovo LOQ Essential ($579.49) At under $580, this laptop proves you don’t need to spend $700+ for modern gaming. Perfect for esports enthusiasts and casual gamers.
While several laptops in our roundup stretch slightly above $700, they represent excellent value for the additional performance. The gaming laptop market in 2025 offers impressive performance at budget prices, making it an excellent time to upgrade your gaming setup without breaking the bank.
