Once you enter the gaming world, you’ll see that everything revolves around gaming hardware.
Although gaming laptops are popular nowadays, most of them are pretty expensive.
After plenty of research and considering the alternatives, we have put together what we consider to be the best gaming laptops under $500 in 2023.

Inexpensive gaming laptops are a great option for those who are looking to get into gaming but don’t want to spend a fortune. There are plenty of great options out there that won’t break the bank and can still provide a great gaming experience.
How we chose the best gaming laptops under $500?
10 Top Picks
3 Reviewers
40 Hours of Research
50 Considered
As someone who has a deep-seated love for gaming and extensive experience writing about computers, I understand the importance of finding a high-quality gaming laptop that won’t break the bank. That’s why I’ve dedicated my time to researching and testing various options to determine the best gaming laptops under $500.
To make my selections, I relied on a combination of expert reviews and consumer feedback. I also considered the hardware and features that are available at this price point to ensure that my picks offered the best value for the money.
Ultimately, I chose these laptops based on their performance, reliability, and overall satisfaction from users. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, these budget-friendly options will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Acer Aspire 5 3200U – Best Gaming Laptop Under $500
- Dell Inspiron 15.6 -7200U – Best Performance
- HP Flagship 15.6 – Best of HP
- Dell Inspiron 15.6 – Best for Minecraft
- 2018 HP 7200U – Most Affordable Under 500
- Acer Aspire 5 8265U – Optimum Performance For $500
- 2018 Dell Inspiron 15 5000 – Best of Dell
- Acer Aspire E 15 – Best Battery Life
- 2019 Newest HP 8250U – Best For Fortnite & Apex Legends
- Lenovo 15.6 – Excellent Graphics Performance
Top 10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $500
Whether or not you are a PC gamer, you probably hear about gaming laptops. They’re different from regular laptops because they don’t only have advanced hardware for a laptop but also cool features that make gaming easier and more fun (even when you’re not playing on it).
So, if you’re interested in getting a gaming laptop but want to save money, here are some of the best cheap gaming laptops for under 500 dollars.
ALSO CONSIDER: Best gaming laptops under $600
This list has been compiled by looking at various factors, including performance, weight, display quality, battery life, and price. The below table contains a complete summary of our findings for each laptop.
The gaming industry is one of the biggest in the world.
Not too long ago, people would have to pay a considerable sum of money to get a decent gaming machine.
The reasons are debatable.
Some might argue the lack of competition, and some think it was due to the lack of technological advancements.
Anyhow, luckily for us, this is no longer the case.
The best gaming laptops under $500: Reviews & Recommendations
So without any further ado, let us get right into it.

Acer Aspire 5 3200U - Best of Acer
- Powerful Processing
- Up to 7.5 hours of battery life
- Enjoy games in their full glory with Full HD resolution
CPU and GPU
The CPU and the GPU are two essential things for gaming performance. It’s not made for light gaming with the Acer Aspire 5. The AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Dual-Core Processor gives enough power to handle all your high-end games, making it the best Ryzen laptop for under $500.
Furthermore, the AMD Radeon Vega 3 Mobile Graphics allows you to enjoy games at a higher frame rate and great visuals.
Apart from gaming, these are good enough for processor-intensive video and photo editing tasks.

Storage and RAM
The Acer Aspire 5 comes with DDR4 4GB RAM and 128GB PCIe NVMe SSD. This is for the base model, which is around $350. However, you can always upgrade these later as they are both upgradeable.
128GB solid-state drive might be a bit less, considering you play many games, and the RAM would be good enough to run games at low to medium settings with a reasonable frame rate.
Keyboard and Display
This entry-level gaming laptop has a full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. The 15.6-inch IPS Display provides the gamer with crisp image quality so that you can take gaming to another level.
The keyboard is backlit to provide the precision you need, even in complete darkness. You also get up to 7 hours of battery life!

Related Guide: Best keyboard for gamers
Connectivity and Warranty
This budget laptop comes with a USB 3.1, a couple of USB 2.0, and an HDMI port. These are not extraordinary, but they do get the job done. You don’t get any USB Type-C port, so that’s a bummer. Moreover, you get a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty with it.
What makes it The best gaming laptop under $500?
Acer Aspire 5 3200U is powerful & portable, which makes it one of the best gaming laptops under $500 price range. It comes with excellent ergonomics making it easy to hold.
To sum it all up, you get a pretty good deal with the Acer Aspire 5 comes with Windows 10 Home operating system and costs around $350, especially if you are a beginner.
If you’re in the market for a cost-effective gaming laptop, the Acer Aspire 5 3200U is a great option to consider. This laptop offers solid performance and features at a budget-friendly price. You can enjoy all the benefits of a gaming laptop without breaking the bank. So if you want to get the most bang for your buck, the Acer Aspire 5 3200U is definitely worth considering.
BONUS: It also supports Dual-Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi.
Acer Aspire 5 3200U Technical Specifications
Brand | Acer |
Model Name | Aspire 5 |
Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
Color | Silver |
Hard Disk Size | 128 GB |
CPU Model | Ryzen 3 3200U |
Ram Memory Installed Size | 4 GB |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
Graphics Card Description | Integrated |
Graphics Coprocessor | AMD Radeon Vega 3 |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
WiFi | 802.11ac |
Keyboard | Backlit |
Battery Life | Up to 7.5 hours |
Operating System in S Mode | Yes |
Maximum Power Supply Wattage | 65 Watts |
- Great value on money.
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor.
- Considerably powerful.
- Good battery timings.
- Portability.
- No USB Type-C port.
- Average build quality.

Dell Inspiron 15.6 -7200U - Best Performance
- Blazing-fast, smooth video streaming and seamless gaming
- Adequate storage and RAM
- Excellent speakers.
- Runs your desktop and mobile apps ultra-smoothly
CPU and GPU
The Dell Inspiron 15.6-inch laptop is mechanized by the 7th generation Intel Core i5-7200U dual-core processor. This laptop comes with Intel HD Graphics 620 integrated graphics to give gamers extraordinary gaming performance. It is good enough to run popular games like Fortnite and Apex Legends at a reasonable frame rate.
Storage and RAM
This gaming machine comes with DDR4 8GB RAM and a 256 GB solid-state drive. Most popular games have a minimum RAM of around 6-8 GB. Therefore, you would be good with this laptop, considering it has 8GB RAM.
Moreover, a 256 GB hard drive is adequate for gaming. You might need an upgrade after some time, though.
Keyboard and Display
Although this budget laptop comes with thick bezels, it does have a beautiful 15.6-inch 1366×768 True-life HD display. It does not have a backlit keyboard and is traditional in style. The image quality is excellent, and the battery timing is over 6-7 hours.
Connectivity and Warranty
Regarding connectivity, this laptop comes with a couple of USB 3.0 ports, a USB 2.0 port, and an HDMI port. It has excellent Bluetooth connectivity and a headphone jack, as well!
For your convenience, Dell provides buyers with a year-long warranty with a pre-installed Windows 10 Home operating system.
Apart from no dedicated graphics card, it is an excellent laptop with commendable specifications and a low price of just about $400.
Finding a gaming laptop for less than $500 can be difficult, but it is not impossible. With some careful shopping and smart decisions, you can find a great gaming laptop like the Dell Inspiron 15.6 -7200U that won’t break the bank. This laptop offers excellent gaming performance at a budget-friendly price. So, if you’re looking for a gaming laptop that won’t break the bank, the Dell Inspiron 15.6 -7200U is definitely worth considering.
Dell Inspiron 15.6 -7200U Technical Specifications
Brand | Dell |
Series | Dell I3567 |
Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
Color | Black |
Hard Disk Size | 256 GB |
CPU Model | 80486DX2 |
Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Card Description | Integrated |
Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
Bluetooth | 4.0 |
Optical Drive | None |
Processor | 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7200U |
Memory Type | DDR4 |
Storage Type | SSD |
Screen Resolution | 1366 x 768 |
HDMI Port | Yes |
Battery | 4-cell lithium-ion |
Dimensions | 0.9″ Thin, 5.07 lbs |
- Excellent speakers.
- Adequate storage and RAM.
- No backlit keyboard.
- No dedicated graphics card.

HP Flagship 15.6 - Best of HP
- Enjoy your movies, games and photos in stunning clarity.
- Intel Core i3 processor offers better performance than previous chips
- Superb battery performance.
CPU and GPU
The HP Flagship does complete justice to the “flagship” in its name, thanks to the 7th Gen Intel Core i3-7100U processor. It allows the laptop to support heavy games and runs them smoothly.
The graphic card is something that you might need to consider upgrading. It comes with the integrated Intel HD Graphics 620, which might support low to medium-end games at a fair frame rate.
But for anything extra, you are looking forward to a couple of hundred dollars more for a sound graphics card.
Storage and RAM
The HP Flagship comes with a traditional hard drive rather than a super-fast SSD. This laptop version has a 1TB HDD, which is good enough for games but is outdated technology. However, it still has 8 GB DDR4 RAM, which is the recommended memory for most, if not all, games.
Keyboard and Display
This touchscreen laptop comes with a regular keyboard but a 15.6-inch screen HD WLED-backlit display which is a touchscreen too.
You can use the mouse pad or touch the screen directly to give commands to the laptop. It can come in handy (pun intended) while playing games too!
Connectivity and Warranty
Surprisingly, the HP Flagship still comes with a SuperMulti DVD burner, which is rare. In addition, you get a dual USB 2.0 port, a USB 3.0, and a multi-format SD card slot. Moreover, the 1-year exclusive warranty is a plus too!
The specs are good enough to run games. It does have a DVD Burner too, which is relatively uncommon. The lack of an SSD and a decent graphics card is a significant drawback for a gaming laptop that costs over $400.
In conclusion, the HP Flagship 15.6 is a great option for those looking for gaming laptops on a tight budget. It offers strong performance and a sleek design, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to get into the world of gaming without breaking the bank. Overall, it’s a great value for the price and definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a new gaming laptop.
HP Flagship 15.6 Technical Specifications
Brand | HP |
Series | 15-ay191ms |
Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
CPU Model | Core i3 |
Ram Memory | 8 GB |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Card Description | Integrated |
Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
CPU Speed | 2.4 GHz |
Touchscreen Display | Yes (15.6″ HD WLED-backlit) |
Processor | 7th Gen Intel Core i3-7100U |
DVD burner | Yes (SuperMulti) |
HDMI | Yes |
Webcam | Yes (HD) |
Bluetooth | Yes (4.0) |
Audio | DTS Studio Sound |
USB ports | 1 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0 |
Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n |
SD Slot | Yes (Multi-format) |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home 64-bits |
- Excellent speakers.
- Superb battery performance.
- Windows 10 operating system.
- No SSD.
- Lack of a decent graphic card.

Dell Inspiron 15.6 - Best for Minecraft
- Fully flexible with the 360-degree hinge
- Perfect for multitasking
- HD touch screen display with a resolution of 1366 x 768
- Wide connectivity
CPU and GPU
This model of the Dell Inspiron series is a complete package. It comes integrated with the Intel Core 7th Gen i5-7200U 2.5GHz dual-core processor, which jumps to 3.1GHz with Turbo Boost.
It is good enough for gaming or any other task. It quickly renders and exports large files and works like a charm.
The only problem is that it still comes with Intel HD Graphics 620 rather than a dedicated graphics card for gaming. You might have to consider that before getting one.
Storage and RAM
This laptop does not compromise on it as far as these are concerned. It has a decent-sized 256 GB SSD, which is reasonably priced and up-to-date.
Moreover, the 8 GB RAM meets the minimum threshold for enjoying new games at a reasonable frame rate. You also have the option to upgrade when you feel like it.
Keyboard and Display
The Dell Inspiron 15.6-inch laptop comes with a traditional keyboard. There is nothing fancy about it. However, it has a 15.6-inch HD display with a screen resolution of 1366 x 768. The best part is that it is a touch screen with a 360-degree hinge, which allows you to fold it. Therefore, it is a 2-in-1 laptop.
Connectivity and Warranty
This laptop has dual USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, a mic-in/headphone-out audio jack, an HDMI port, and wireless b/g/n Bluetooth 4.0. The warranty is not surprising. You get the standard 1-year manufacturer’s warranty with Windows 10 Home operating system.
This laptop is an excellent option due to its practicality. It has all the necessary gaming components except for a sound graphics card, but the 360-degree hinge design adds to the device’s ergonomics.
Dell Inspiron 15.6 is an excellent combination of portability and performance, so it is one of the best gaming laptops in the price range of $500.
In conclusion, the Dell Inspiron 15.6 is a fantastic option for gamers who are looking for a high-performance laptop that won’t break the bank. It has all the features you need for seamless gaming, including a powerful processor, dedicated graphics card, and fast storage options.
Dell Inspiron 15.6 Technical Specifications
Brand | Dell |
Series | Dell-i5-256GB-SSD |
Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
Color | Black |
Hard Disk Size | 256 GB |
CPU Model | Core i5 |
Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
Operating System | Windows 1 Home |
Card Description | Integrated |
Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
- Fully flexible with the 360-degree hinge.
- Perfect for multitasking.
- The display is not very bright.
- Ordinary sounding speakers.

2018 HP 7200U - Most Affordable Under 500
- Turbo Boost Included
- Wide connectivity
- Large HDD
- A lot of options for external connections, including a card reader.
CPU and GPU
The HP 7200U comes with the typical Intel Core i5-7200U 2.50 GHz processor. The Turbo Boost technology can boost the clock frequency from 2.50 GHz to a whopping 3.10 GHz.
Performance-wise, the CPU does a reasonably good job. However, the conventional Intel HD Graphics 620 is where you would probably need an immediate upgrade. This graphic card is not bad but is not good enough to run high-end games smoothly at a higher frame rate.
Storage and RAM
This gaming laptop has an 8GB DDR4 SDRAM, which is quick and powerful. It is perfect for premium games with medium graphics, if not more.
However, it does not have an SSD. It still comes with the old 2TB HDD. It is ample storage, but the transfer speeds are nowhere as fast as that of an SSD.
Keyboard and Display
The laptops’ keys are comfortable and do not make much noise. These are the traditional membrane keys, but they feel premium. However, the keyboard is not backlit.
As far as the screen size is concerned, it comes with a 15.6-inch HD WLED-backlit touchscreen. It has a resolution of 1366 x 768 and supports a 10-finger multitouch. Therefore, multitouch would never be a problem with this laptop.
Connectivity and Warranty
The HP 7200U has several connectivity options. It comes with a dual USB 3.1 Generation 1 port, a single USB 2.0, one HDMI port, an RJ-45, and a headphone-out/microphone-in jack.
Moreover, it also has a multi-format card reader and a DVD writer. It also comes with the standard 1-year warranty. It also supports 5Ghz WiFi.
Related Guide: Best gaming routers in 2023
Therefore, for just around $500, you get an excellent touchscreen laptop with external connectivity options. In conclusion, the 2018 HP 7200U is a top contender for the title of best gaming laptop under $500. Its strong performance and impressive specs make it an excellent choice for gamers on a budget.
In conclusion, the 2018 HP 7200U is a great gaming laptop for a frugal gamer. It offers strong performance and reliable hardware at a budget-friendly price. If you’re looking to get into PC gaming without breaking the bank, this laptop is definitely worth considering.
2018 HP 7200U Technical Specifications
Brand | HP |
Series | 15t |
Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
Color | Silver |
Hard Disk Size | 2 TB |
CPU Model | Core i5 |
Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Card Description | Integrated |
Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
- Wide connectivity.
- Large HDD.
- Windows 10.
- No dedicated graphics card.
- The keyboard is not backlit.

Acer Aspire 5 8265U - Optimum Performance For $500
- Excellent value on money
- Fingerprint scanner and USB Type-C connector
- Powerful Processor
- Great Battery Life
CPU and GPU
Unlike the previous laptops mentioned in the article, the Acer Aspire 5 8265U is powered by the 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8265U processor. It is comparatively more powerful and effective. It helps to load applications faster and keep them running smoothly.

The only shortfall in this laptop is the Intel UHD Graphics 620. It is not optimized for hardcore gamers but gets the job done at a mediocre level or light gaming.
Storage and RAM
This laptop comes with a newer generation CPU with a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD. It is better and faster than the standard SATA SSDs and has a credible capacity. The 8GB DDR4 memory is similar to the other budget gaming laptops for under 500 dollars and more than enough to enjoy your favorite games.
Keyboard and Display
The Acer Aspire 5 8265U has a similar backlit keyboard to Acer Aspire 5 3200U. It is comfortable to use and has a premium finish to it.
However, the screen has a 15.6-inch full HD IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and thin bezels.
It also has a battery time of over 9 hours which is excellent considering that a similar laptop lasts for around 6-7 hours at this price range.
Connectivity and Warranty
This laptop comes with a USB 3.1 (Type-C) port, dual USB 3.1 ports, one USB 2.0 port, and an HDMI port that supports HDCP. Moreover, it also has a fingerprint scanner for added protection and works very well with Windows 10 Home. The warranty is identical to the Acer Aspire 5 3200U with a 1-year guarantee.
If you want some additional specifications and an improved processor compared to the Acer Aspire 5 3200U, this laptop is what you need. The best part is, it costs just under the price range of $500!
In conclusion, the Acer Aspire 5 8265U is a great choice for a budget-conscious gamer. It offers solid performance for a relatively low price, making it one of the best cheap gaming laptops on the market. If you’re looking to get into gaming without breaking the bank, the Acer Aspire 5 is definitely worth considering.
Acer Aspire 5 8265U Technical Specifications
Brand | Acer |
Series | A515-54-51DJ |
Screen Size | 15.6 inches |
Color | Silver |
Hard Disk Size | 256 GB |
CPU Model | Core i5 |
Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
Special Feature | fashionable laptop, slim FHD |
Card Description | Integrated |
- Excellent value on money.
- Fingerprint scanner and USB Type-C connector.
- Powerful processor and great battery life.
- Comes with the standard Intel UHD Graphics 620.

2018 Dell Inspiron 15 5000 - Best of Dell
- Impressive performance
- Extraordinary speakers
- Processor 26% faster in overall performance
- Powerful laptop with sufficient connectivity
CPU and GPU
Similar to the more high-end performance laptops, the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 comes with an 8th Gen Intel Quad Core i5-8250U processor.
This updated processor beats its predecessor, i7-7500U, with an average 26% increase in overall performance.
Despite being a powerful laptop, it still comes with the Intel Integrated 620 Graphics. Therefore, you’re looking forward to spending more cash on a better graphics card for extreme gaming.
Storage and RAM
This powerful gaming laptop comes with an 8GB DDR4 SDRAM. It is good enough to run reasonably smooth games like Fortnite, PUBG, and Apex Legends. Moreover, there is enough storage, as this version has a 1TB hard drive. Although the capacity might be huge, it is still not nearly as good as an SSD.
Keyboard and Display
The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 comes with a Backlit Keyboard, a treat for gamers. The keys are soft and smooth and have the perfect distance for gamers to travel comfortably.
The display is more than just good for gaming. Although it is not an IPS display, the 15.6-inch screen True-life LED full HD display does wonders. In addition to it being clear and vivid, it is also a touchscreen with support for multitouch.
Connectivity and Warranty
The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 features USB 3.1 ports, a USB 2.0, an HDMI port, and Bluetooth 4.2.
Moreover, the stereo speakers sound exceptionally well, and you have a headphone jack if you want to connect an external speaker or earplugs. It has the standard 1-year official warranty as well!
Overall, for just over the $500 price range, you get a powerful laptop with sufficient connectivity.
If you are looking for better options, you should check out our guide on gaming laptops in the $1200 price range.
In conclusion, the 2018 Dell Inspiron 15 5000 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers looking for an affordable gaming laptop. It offers strong performance and a solid build quality, making it a great value for its price. Overall, this laptop is a great choice for those who want to enjoy all the benefits of a gaming laptop without breaking the bank.
2018 Dell Inspiron 15 5000 Technical Specifications
Brand | Dell |
Series | Dell Inspiron 5000 |
Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
Color | Silver or Matte Gray |
Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
CPU Model | Intel Core i5 |
Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Card Description | Integrated |
Graphics Coprocessor | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
- Impressive performance.
- Extraordinary speakers.
- A bit dim screen.
- Traditional HDD and graphics card.

Acer Aspire E 15 - Best Battery Life
- Very affordable
- Exceptional value on money
- Lag-free computing for everyday gaming
- Great battery life of over 13 hours
CPU and GPU
The Acer Aspire E 15 features the 8th gen Intel Core i3 processor, allowing lag-free computing for everyday gaming. The 8th generation; can handle games pretty well and allow smooth gameplay without any glitches.
The Intel HD 620 GPU can run games like Dota 2 and CS: GO at 60 FPS, while it can also run AAA games but at a significantly lower frame rate!
Storage and RAM
This budget gaming laptop comes with 6GB dual-channel RAM, making it feel speedy and handling the gaming load. It is 2 GB less than most other budget laptops mentioned, but this one costs much less. It also comes with a 1TB HDD.
However, if you have a few more bucks, you can get a 256 GB or a 512 GB SSD version. You can always upgrade these by accessing the compartment underneath the laptop.
Keyboard and Display
Similar to the other more expensive laptops, the Acer Aspire E 15 comes with a standard keyboard. It has soft clicks and low noise and contains the Numpad too. However, talking about screen size is a 15.6-inch full HD widescreen display, and it has thick bezels that can be a bummer.
The best thing about this laptop is its all-day battery life. It lasts over 13 hours after a single complete charge which is shockingly good.
Connectivity and Warranty
The Acer Aspire E15 has one USB 3.1 Type C port (which supports ultra-fast data transfer), dual USB 3.0 ports, a single USB 2.0 port, and an HDMI Port with HDCP support. Oh, it has a headphone jack too! Similar to the other Acer Aspire models, this affordable package also has a 1-year official warranty.
It is safe to say that the Acer Aspire E15 is one of the most affordable & cheap gaming laptops that you can get right now.
In conclusion, the Acer Aspire E 15 is among the best gaming laptops under $500. It offers solid performance and a variety of features for its price range. Additionally, the Acer Aspire E 15 is a top choice among budget-conscious gamers looking for an affordable yet reliable gaming laptop. Overall, it is an excellent value for its price.
Acer Aspire E15 Technical Specifications
Brand | Acer |
Series | Aspire E series |
Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
Color | Obsidian Black |
Hard Disk Size | 1000 GB |
CPU Model | Core i3 |
Ram Memory Installed | 6 GB |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
Card Description | Integrated |
Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
- Very affordable.
- Exceptional value on money.
- There is a need for a better graphics card.
- Performance may decrease over time with updates.
- Not ideal for high-end games.

2019 Newest HP 8250U - Best For Fortnite & Apex Legends
- Premium build quality with a sleek design
- Touch screen with great speakers
- Performs exceptionally well while gaming
- Decent 10 hours of battery life.
CPU and GPU
The HP 8250U comes equipped with the Intel Core i5-8250U quad-core processor, which is efficient and dynamic. It allows you to play processor-intensive games smoothly and at a faster pace.
In support, it features the Intel UHD 620 integrated graphics processor to allow games to be played at a higher framerate. However, it is still not as good as other dedicated graphic cards.
Storage and RAM
This cheap gaming laptop has the standard 8GB DDR4 RAM found in laptops at a similar price bracket. It is good enough for everyday gaming, but it performs exceptionally well while gaming.
It also has a 128GB SSD for storing all your data. Although it has the SSD rather than the HDD, this version has just 128 gigs of storage which is pretty low, especially for gaming. You might have to spend a bit to get more significant capacity.
Keyboard and Display
The keycaps on the keyboard have a premium finish, which feels incredibly comfortable. However, there is nothing extraordinary about it. Similarly, the HP 8250 comes with a 15.6-inch full HD display with a resolution of 1366 x 768. Besides, it is a touchscreen laptop with moderate bezels all around.
Connectivity and Warranty
For connectivity, this cheap gaming laptop comes with a USB 2.0 port, a USB 3.0 port, a DVD drive, an SD card reader, a headphone jack, an HDMI port, and a LAN port for a stable connection. Also, similar to other HP products, you get a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer.
For around $500, you get a premium high-performance gaming laptop that can handle most of your games at a reasonable frame rate.
The 2019 Newest HP 8250U is the best laptop for Fortnite, Apex Legends, and other high-performance games. The built quality is also sturdy, making it one of the best laptops for gaming and school.
For more options, you can also check our new guide on the best Fortnite gaming laptop under 500.
2019 Newest HP 8250U Technical Specifications
Brand | HP |
Series | 15-DA0002DX |
Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
Hard Disk Size | 128 GB |
CPU Model | Core i5 2.3 GHz |
RAM Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
Card Description | Integrated |
Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
CPU Speed | 1.6 GHz |
- Premium build quality with a sleek design.
- Touch screen with great speakers.
- Intel UHD Graphics 620.
- Low SSD storage.
- Common graphics card

Lenovo 15.6 - Excellent Graphics Performance
- Excellent gaming experience with a high frame rate
- Enough RAM to handle most processor-intensive games
- Crisp image quality and Dolby Audio
- Dedicated AMD Radeon R7 graphics card.
CPU and GPU
The Lenovo 15.6-inch laptop is an all-rounder for the CPU and the GPU. It is powered by the AMD FX-7500 2.10 GHz Quad-Core processor, up to 3.30 GHz with Turbo Boost.
Moreover, it has a dedicated AMD Radeon R7 graphics card. Combining both, an excellent gaming experience with a high frame rate and medium to high settings is inevitable.
Storage and RAM
Although it has a 1TB HDD, it still comes with 8GB DDR3 SDRAM. Therefore, you might need to switch to an SSD as these have about ten times higher transfer speeds, if not more, than the traditional HDD. On the other hand, the RAM is enough to handle most of your processor-intensive games.
Keyboard and Display
Lenovo 15.6 has a similar keyboard to all the other cheap gaming laptops but without the backlight mentioned in the article. As far as the screen size is concerned, it has a 15.6-inch HD LED Display and a pixel density of 1366 x 768. The crisp image quality and Dolby Audio are perfect for a gamer.
Connectivity and Warranty
This laptop has a USB 3.0 port, dual USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI port, VGA, a headphone output/microphone combo, and a 2-in-1 card reader. Like all the other laptops, it has a year-long warranty.
Therefore, for a bit under $500, Lenovo 15.6 becomes a competitive option, thanks to the dedicated graphics card, overall performance, and the Windows 10 operating system. That’s why it’s listed on our most affordable gaming laptops list.
Features like these make Lenovo 15.6 one of the best gaming laptops under $500, offering a good balance of performance and affordability.
Lenovo 15.6 Technical Specifications
Brand | Lenovo |
Series | Lenovo-15.6 |
Screen Size | 15.6 inches |
Color | Black |
Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
CPU Model | AMD A Series |
Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Card Description | Dedicated |
Graphics Coprocessor | AMD Radeon R7 |
- Dedicated graphics card.
- Elegant design.
- Poor battery life of just around 5 hours.
- The keyboard is not backlit.
best gaming laptops under $500
Buyers Guide
When it comes to choosing the best gaming laptop under $500, there are a few essential things to remember.
From considering the processor and graphics card to ensuring sufficient storage and memory, it’s crucial to carefully consider your options to get the best value for your money.
By following these key factors, you can find a reliable and powerful gaming laptop that fits your budget and meets your gaming needs.

Processor
The processor is the most crucial part of any computing system. It determines how fast your computer will process data. It can significantly impact how smoothly your games run and how well you can play.
Therefore, looking at the processor before spending your money on a laptop is necessary. Generally, most high-end games recommend at least the Core-i5 processor to handle the games properly.
However, it does not mean you can not play games with an older processor. You still can, but the experience will not be as good as core i5.
In a $500 budget, this is more or less what you will find in most laptops. Any newer version would cost you way more. Hence, you must choose the fastest processor within your budget.
If you need a more serious gaming machine and can’t spend more than $500, you’d better get the best prebuilt gaming PC under $500.
Graphics Card
The graphics card is the next most important thing determining your gameplay experience. You need a dedicated graphics card to enjoy smoother gameplay with a higher framerate to make it buttery smooth.
Typically, you get an Integrated Graphics unit on a budget like this one. However, you can still find laptops that offer better graphics cards. Therefore, a graphics card and the RAM combined will determine your games’ smoothness.
Modern 3D games require an excellent dedicated graphics card to enjoy games in high settings.
Picking the right graphic card for the gaming laptop is hard, so ensure you keep a decent graphics card at the top of your priority list. NVIDIA or AMD graphic cards are enough for today’s most popular games.
RAM
The third most important thing is the RAM of a computer. The greater the RAM, the more data a computer can store while playing games and load it up faster. It prevents the gameplay from feeling laggy and glitchy.
How Much Ram Do I Need in My Gaming Laptop?
Check out HP Tech Takes, which has covered all its topics.
While choosing the best gaming laptop under $500, you will see that most laptops offer 8 GB of RAM. This is the bare minimum requirement in 2023. Anything low would hurt your gaming experience. Also, DDR4 RAM is better than the older ones, so ensure you get one.
Display and Resolution
Another significant factor that you need to keep in mind before buying a laptop is the display and resolution. A screen with a brighter display and more vivid colors would make the experience much more enjoyable.
Similarly, you could see a crisper image with a greater pixel density. It can also assist you in gaming, where colors help you, for instance, in determining enemies.
Plus, an HD screen will have a far more significant impact on how good your favorite games look.
Moreover, you can also find touchscreen laptops within the same budget. However, although it is a personal preference, I would still not recommend getting one, as a touch screen is not as functional in professional gaming. It also decreases the overall display quality.
Storage
The capacity and the type of storage that comes with the laptop are also something you need to consider. After all, the high-end games in 2023 are anywhere between 50-100 GB. Some even go over 100 GB.
Therefore, you need sufficient capacity to store all these games and other personal data on your laptop.
Next, you need to see what type of storage comes with the laptop. It is highly recommended that you choose a laptop with an SSD rather than an HDD, as these have higher transfer rates and can make the loading times considerably faster.
Nevertheless, if you choose an SSD, you need at least 256 GB of storage. On the other hand, if you select an HDD, you need at least 500 GB of storage. These are because you only play a few games.
Connectivity and Battery
The last significant thing you need to consider is the connectivity options with the laptop and battery time. It would be best if you had a laptop with good options for connectivity, especially one that comes with a USB Type-C port, as it is becoming the standard now.
Ethernet port, HDMI port, and SD card reader are other ports that you might have to look into.
ALSO CONSIDER: What is the best ethernet cable for gaming and streaming?
Next, you need a laptop that has decent battery life. You don’t plug in the laptop every couple of hours as it is very inconvenient and kills the purpose of the laptop if you have to stay at a place and have it plugged in. Anything over 3 hours of gaming would be good enough at this price bracket.
Is a Gaming Laptop Under $500 worth it?
Of course, cheap laptops can be a gamble. If you’re unfamiliar with the price point, 500 USD is a meager budget for a gaming laptop.
As with most things, you usually get what you pay for. I assume that most of you reading this article are looking for a laptop to play newer games with medium to high settings at a decent frame rate. At 500 USD, these will be some challenging expectations to fill.
Most laptops on this list will do the job if you’re a student and want a cheap gaming laptop under $500.
Note: There are plenty of good gaming laptops that are also capable of managing heavy games:
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gaming laptop under $500?
The Acer Aspire 5 3200U is the best-performing laptop under 500 on our list by a considerable margin, with a decent and relatively customizable build, an excellent keyboard and trackpad, and a good feature set, which includes plenty of ports.
Considering these qualities, the purchase price is more than reasonable since its processor is usually found in laptops that cost more than $500.
How good is a $500 gaming laptop?
When looking for a cheap laptop, it is tempting to buy anything under $500 and then expect it to be able to play all of the latest games, but this is not the case.
When buying a laptop with a budget under $500, you must be realistic about your expectations and know what you will get. If you play the latest AAA games at 1080p and medium settings, you will need around a $1000 or above laptop.
What is a good budget laptop for gaming?
A good budget laptop for gaming is more about striking the right balance between performance and price. After this, you’ve got to consider the future: how easy will it be to upgrade, and how long can you continue using it without a noticeable performance gap? How much is that cost upfront versus overtime? It’s a lot to consider.
Can you run games without a dedicated graphics card?
Yes. You can run games without a dedicated graphics card but at lower settings and frame rates.
How to upgrade RAM and storage on a laptop?
The procedure can be different for different laptops. However, the general method is to open the compartment beneath the laptop and replace or add the parts you want. Make sure you do not damage the laptop in the process.
What are the best-refurbished gaming laptops under $500?
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R19L has a 15.6″ full HP IPS display and an AMD Ryzen 3 3200 Dual CPU. It has an AMD Radeon Vega 3 Mobile Processor. It uses 4GB of memory and runs on Windows 10. These features make it one of the best-refurbished options in the 500 dollars range.
Final thoughts on the Best gaming laptops under $500
With this list of the best gaming laptops under 500 dollars, make sure you get the most suitable among them and have the best gaming experience of your life!
You should let us know which one you picked in the comments below and share this article with your friends on social media.

The Acer Aspire 5 earns its place at the top spot of the best laptops under $500 page due to its strong h Gen Coreperformance, bright 10 display and long battery life, all for an affordable price. Although the Aspire 5 is much thinner than its sibling, the Aspire E 15, the Aspire 5 boasts enough room for a battery that lasts nearly 9 hours on a charge.
I ready have Macbook pro 2017 late edition but wanna switch on Windows again. My Husband has recommended me Lenovo 15.6. Would it be a good choice for me in office and home use?
It would be great to find a 144 hz laptop under 500 Or, I will have to go up to 800 !
i think this model Acer Aspire 5 3200U would be a really great choice for my recent graduated son to gift him on his birthday.
Here’s the cold hard honest truth: you’re not going to find a great gaming laptop under $400. If you need a more serious gaming machine and you can’t spend more than $400, you’d be much better off getting a gaming desktop. If you absolutely need a laptop that will serve you well for gaming, though, you’re going to want to spend a little more.
I ready have Macbook pro 2018 late editions but wanna switch on Windows again. My Husband has recommended me Lenovo 17.6. Would it be a good choice for me in office and home use? what did you think?
It really depends on what is your purpose with that laptop, if it is for work, Macbook is great, or is it for gaming? Go for windows!
just received my Acer Aspire E 15 ordered yesterday for my son’s new year gift.