Best Affordable Gaming Laptops

Find Your Perfect Gaming Laptop

Welcome, noble warriors of the digital realm! If you’re a gamer, you know the importance of having the right hardware. The difference between a smooth, immersive experience and one riddled with lag and poor graphics can often be attributed to the quality of your gaming laptop. 

But what if we told you that you don’t have to break the bank to get your hands on a high-performance laptop that can take your gaming to new heights? If your current rig can’t keep up with the ruthless battlegrounds of modern gaming and you’re hunting for some top budget gaming laptops, you’re in for a treat!

Let’s dive in!

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15

The Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 is like a wild party in the world of gaming laptops, offering great performance that’s worth its price. It’s super powerful with a 12th-gen Core i9 12900H, the RTX 3070 Ti GPU, and a massive 32GB of DDR5 RAM. It has a bright and clear 15.6-inch screen with a super-fast 240Hz refresh rate that makes playing games a lot more fun.

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15

This laptop is loud and proud about being for gaming with its flashy lights and cool design. Sure, it’s a little big, but that also means it has a great cooling system and top-notch speakers. The keyboard is okay, nothing mind-blowing, and the touchpad is big and easy to use.

Its battery lasts a decent amount of time, which is pretty good for a gaming laptop. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a high-end gaming experience. 

Tip: Battery life may not be great on gaming laptops, so consider using it primarily while plugged in to avoid interruptions during gameplay.

  • CPU: Intel Core i9 12900H (6 Performance cores, 8 Efficiency cores)
  • RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800
  • GPU: Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti
  • Screen: 15.6-inch LCD, 16:9, 1440p with 240Hz refresh rate
  • Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
  • Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5G Ethernet
  • Battery size: 90Wh
  • 256GB storage
  • Ports: Two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A, One USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C, one Thunderbolt 4 (with power delivery), full HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, headset jack, DC-in

HP Victus 15.6’ Gaming Laptop

This is one of the best gaming laptops under $1,000. The HP Victus 15 does a great job in the more affordable gaming laptop market, offering a lot of value for your money. While most low-cost gaming laptops often compromise on performance, this one doesn’t. It has an Intel Core i5-12450H CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU, which lets you play many modern games at medium to high settings.

Its 15.6-inch screen has a smooth 144Hz refresh rate, although the colors and brightness could be better. The laptop also has plenty of ports and the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connections. 

HP Victus

But remember, the GTX 1650 graphics card might struggle with more demanding games, meaning you may need to adjust some settings for the best gameplay. The laptop’s design is simple and blends in anywhere easily. The keyboard is decent for typing, and while the touchpad could be more noticeable, it responds well to touch. 

Note: Don’t expect top-of-the-line performance from an affordable gaming laptop, but they should still be able to handle most games at medium to high settings.

To make it even more affordable, you can use multiple ‘Buy now, Pay Later’ offers online! Getting your hands on a high-performance gaming laptop has never been simpler.

  • CPU: Intel Core i5-12450H
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 (4GB GDDR6) 1,515 Mhz Boost Clock
  • Memory: 8GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM
  • Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • Display: 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080, 144Hz IPS
  • Ports: USB Type-C, 2x USB Type-A, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet Port, Micro SD 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Camera: 720p Webcam

Razer Blade 15

This one is a bit pricey, but ticks off all the boxes. Experience the thrill of premium gaming now, worry about the cost later! With multiple companies offering BNPL services, owning a top-tier gaming laptop is just a click away.

The Razer Blade 15 epitomizes luxury in the gaming laptop sector with its unmatched build quality, impressive performance, and a price to match. Its minimalist design and sturdy aluminum chassis remain largely unchanged from previous models, but with tweaks such as larger keycaps and a backlit logo. 

Razer Blade 15

It also has a large glass trackpad, lots of ports, and a 1080p webcam, making it one of the best gaming laptops with good value. Even though the 15.6-inch screen isn’t super bright, it’s still a good size and resolution. The Blade 15 is super powerful with the latest 12th-gen Intel H-series CPUs and Nvidia RTX 30-series GPUs, providing great gaming performance all around.

  • 15.6-inch 240Hz QHD display
  • 12th-gen Intel H-series CPUs and Nvidia RTX 30-series GPUs
  • Two M.2 slots, one populated out of the box
  • 2 USB-C ports (one with Thunderbolt 4), three USB-A ports, HDMI, headphone jack, and a full-size SD card reader
  • Larger keycaps and Razer’s signature per-key Chroma lighting

ASUS ROG Zephyrus 16

Next on this list of gaming laptops for budget-conscious gamers is the 2023 Asus ROG Zephyrus M16. It is an impressive mid-range gaming laptop that offers considerable value for its price point. Its standout feature is its gorgeous QHD+ Mini LED display, which offers a high refresh rate and excellent color accuracy. 

Equipped with the latest Intel Core i9 and Nvidia RTX 4070, this laptop delivers commendable performance, making it an excellent choice for gamers and creative professionals alike.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus 16
  • CPU: Intel Core i9-13900H
  • RAM: 32GB DDR5 
  • GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070
  • Display: 16-inch QHD+ (2560×1600), Mini-LED, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, 16:10 ratio, 240 Hz refresh rate, 3ms response rate, Pantone Validated, MUX Switch and Advanced Optimus, G-sync
  • Storage: 1TB SSD
  • Ports: 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort and Power Delivery), Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, 3.5 mm combo audio jack

A Quick Buyers Guide

Gaming laptops can be expensive, but there are affordable options available that still offer good performance. Be sure to research reviews and benchmarks before making a purchase to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

Gaming laptops typically have higher specs than regular laptops, including dedicated graphics cards and powerful processors. 

The best affordable gaming laptops offer a balance of performance and price, with prices typically ranging from $800 to $1,500. Some popular brands for affordable gaming laptops include Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo and MSI. 

Key features to look for in an affordable gaming laptop include: 

  • Processor: Look for a laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor and dedicated graphics card (such as Nvidia GeForce or AMD Radeon).
  • RAM: Consider the amount of RAM and storage space you need for your gaming needs. 8GB of RAM (ideally 16GB and a solid-state drive (SSD) are recommended.
  • Display: Some budget gaming laptops may have lower quality displays, so look for one with at least a Full HD resolution (1920×1080) and IPS technology for better viewing angles. A high refresh rate (at least 60Hz) and resolution (1080p or higher) are ideal for gaming.
  • Storage: An SSD (solid-state drive) will provide faster load times and better overall performance than a traditional hard drive.
  • Cooling system: Gaming laptops can get hot, so make sure the laptop has adequate cooling to prevent overheating.
  • Battery life: Gaming laptops typically have shorter battery life due to their powerful components, but aim for at least 4 hours of battery life if you plan on using it unplugged frequently. 
  • Price range: There are affordable gaming laptops available in the $700-$1,500 range that offer decent specs and performance. However, more expensive models may offer even better performance and features.
  • Screen size: This is also important – most gamers prefer screens that are at least 15 inches diagonally. 
  • Connectivity: Check the laptop’s ports and connectivity options. Look for multiple USB ports (preferably USB 3.0 or higher), an HDMI or DisplayPort for external displays, and an Ethernet port for reliable online gaming.
  • Keyboard and Trackpad: Your interaction with the game is via the keyboard and trackpad. Ensure they are comfortable, responsive, and, if possible, customizable. The key travel and backlighting of the keyboard and the precision of the trackpad significantly affect your gaming experience.

This was a round of some of the best affordable gaming laptop options you can buy. Ready to level up your gaming but not your spending? Take advantage of the many “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) plans online, which make it easy for you to own the gaming laptop you’ve always wanted.

Your BNPL Options For Affordable Gaming Laptops

LutherSales

Selecting the right Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) service may seem like a significant choice, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s important to opt for a reputable and dependable company, and LutherSales, with over 50 years of experience, has earned an outstanding reputation. Their service is distinguished by its simplicity, affordability, and welcoming nature. They have been a trusted ally for consumers, offering budget-friendly plans and a wide variety of products, from simple to hi-tech.

We have found their service to be user-friendly, with easy and generous approvals for applicants. LutherSales is our top pick, considering their long-standing presence in the financial industry and their extensive selection of items. Among the many BNPL companies, LutherSales stands out due to their approachable credit terms and their helpful team. We believe they are the ideal choice to help anyone realize their gaming aspirations.

Pros

Flexible credit plans with extended pay off times
A review of your credit history isn’t necessary
A quick application process
In-house customer service
A vast array of big brands and quality products

Cons

Requires proof of employment of at least a year
Out of stock occasionally


Afterpay

Considering alternative choices? Afterpay is a popular selection among individuals seeking a convenient payment solution. They offer a decent range of portable air conditioners, albeit their credit requirements might be slightly stricter compared to other options. The good news is that Afterpay can assist you in acquiring a high-quality portable air conditioner without straining your budget. It’s worth noting that they do not charge interest or fees, unless a payment is missed.

This practical approach makes it an attractive method to purchase your preferred air conditioner. With a respectable track record of helping customers obtain desired items, Afterpay is a dependable option for those considering a buy now, pay later service. While their options may be more limited, it’s worth giving it some consideration.

Pros

No interest on your loan unless you miss a payment
No credit history report check
Instant approval

Cons

Interest as high as 25% can be charged in case of late payment
A limited choice of repayment schedules
Many major stores are do not allow the use of Afterpay


MDG Finance

MDG Finance stands out as a prominent player in the world of flexible payment options. They prioritize offering their clients credit solutions that are friendly to their budgets. With MDG, customers can enjoy a spending limit of up to $3,000, granting them access to a wide selection of their favorite brands. The best part is the freedom to pay later through manageable plans.

However, it’s important to note that MDG Finance does have higher interest rates compared to many competitors. If you prefer a top-notch service without additional fees, this aspect may be a bit discouraging. Nevertheless, when considering the overall benefits, MDG Finance remains a viable option worth considering. They are dedicated to making financial matters a little easier on your wallet.

Pros

Relatively flexible repayment plan
Credit limits up to $3000
Low installment payments that fit your budget

Cons

Many reported delays in product deliveries
Some high interest rates on products


FlexShopper

If you’re seeking a unique Buy Now Pay Later service, consider exploring Flexshopper. They offer a distinctive feature of rent-to-own options for their customers. Typically, their payment plans span a duration of 12 months or less. While some individuals may find the shorter payment time frame a bit fast-paced, it can be an ideal way for others to quickly pay off their air conditioner. Flexshopper provides a decent range of products to choose from, and getting started with them is a hassle-free process.

It’s important to note, however, that they have lower credit limits and require weekly payments to avoid any additional fees. This might raise concerns for some people, especially if unexpected situations arise and a payment cannot be made. Nonetheless, for many individuals, Flexshopper presents a convenient alternative in the realm of Buy Now Pay Later services. Take a closer look – they might just offer what you’ve been searching for!

Pros

Affordable weekly payments, as low as $4 for some items
A credit spending limit of up to $2,500

Cons

You are limited to items only on the FlexShopper website
The longer you extend your payments, the more you end up paying

BNPL Central is advertiser-supported: we may earn compensation from the products and offers mentioned in this article. However, any expressed opinions are our own and are not influenced by any compensation offered or taken. Read our full disclosure here.