In the world of gaming, enthusiasts often strive for the latest and most powerful machines. However, not everyone can afford to splurge on a high-end gaming laptop. That’s where budget-friendly gaming laptops come to the rescue, offering a more affordable entry into the gaming world. While these laptops may not deliver the highest resolutions and frame rates, they are surprisingly reliable for playing contemporary and classic games, as well as popular sandbox titles like Roblox and Minecraft.
Want to know the best of everything? Check out Top 10 Best Gaming Monitors in 2023, then Top 10 Best Video Games of the Year 2023, followed by Top 5 Sites That Allow Users to Download Mods For Computer Games, and Satisfying Mobile Games 2023.
5 Things To Check When Selecting Best Gaming Laptop Under 500$
When shopping for a gaming laptop under $500, there are essential factors to keep in mind to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Graphics: Integrated graphics cards are common in laptops in this price range. While they can’t be swapped out like dedicated graphics cards, they are more budget-friendly and energy-efficient. You may need to adjust graphics settings for newer games to avoid lag.
RAM: Opt for at least 8 GB of RAM to ensure smooth multitasking and fewer frame rate issues.
CPU: While speedy processors are ideal, budget gaming laptops may not offer super-fast CPUs. Running only one program at a time during gaming can help compensate for this limitation.
Storage: Storage space may be limited, so consider higher storage options, preferably with SSD storage for faster load times. You can also expand storage with an external hard drive.
How We Evaluated
To identify the best gaming laptops under $500, we consulted experts and considered user ratings, reviews, and bestselling options from trusted retailers. Our selection is based on reliability, budget-friendliness, and the ability to run most games, even if at lower settings. These laptops offer an accessible entry point for gamers looking to balance budget and performance, making gaming more inclusive and affordable.
Top 5 Best Gaming Laptop Under 500$
1. Acer Aspire 5 Slim
Price: $480 at Amazon
Advantages: Comprehensive feature set, impressive performance, highly responsive keyboard, ample storage capacity.
Drawbacks: Subpar webcam quality, average battery life.
Acer’s Aspire 5 Slim is a versatile laptop that can handle everyday tasks and low-resolution gaming with ease. It features a 15.6-inch full HD display, delivering crisp imagery for an immersive gaming experience. With 20 GB of RAM and a generous 512 GB of storage, this laptop excels at multitasking and offers ample space for your games.
One notable feature is the built-in fingerprint reader, providing an added layer of security. Critics praise the Aspire 5 Slim for its surprising competence and quad-core CPU, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers.
2. HP Pavilion 15-dw1053dx
Price: $469 at Amazon (33% Off)
Advantages: Quad-core CPU, generous storage, capable graphics card, reliable battery performance.
Drawbacks: Lacks full HD resolution.
The HP Pavilion 15-dw1053dx offers a quad-core processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a spacious 1 TB of integrated storage. While its graphics processing relies on the Intel UHD 600, it can handle games like Counter-Strike: Source and League of Legends smoothly. Users appreciate its quick boot times, external display compatibility, and excellent battery life, although the resolution falls short of full HD.
3. HP Notebook 15-dy1008CA
Price: $375 at Amazon
Advantages: Spacious keyboard
Drawbacks: Sluggish processing, absence of full HD resolution.
For gamers on a tight budget, the HP Notebook 15-dy1008CA is an affordable option. Priced at under $400, it features 256 GB of storage, 8 GB of RAM, and a numeric keypad for convenient gaming inputs. While it may not be the fastest laptop on the list, it can run smaller and less demanding games, making it suitable for classic gaming experiences. Keep in mind that its display resolution is less than full HD.
4. ASUS Vivobook 15
Price: $629 at Amazon
Advantages: Swift processing speeds, versatile specifications, extensive storage space.
Drawbacks: Inadequate battery life
The ASUS Vivobook 15 offers a whopping 1 TB of storage, making it an ideal choice for gamers with extensive game libraries. With a CPU speed of up to 4.10 GHz and 12 GB of RAM, it delivers fast performance and multitasking capabilities. Critics and users alike praise its speed, versatility, and thin bezel, which maximizes the 15.6-inch screen’s real estate.
5. Dell Inspiron 15 3511
Price: $505 at Amazon
Advantages: Superb display quality, user-friendly touch screen, robust processing power.
Drawbacks: Subpar battery life
If you prefer touch screen interaction, the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is an excellent choice. Powered by an Intel Core i5-1035G1 quad-core processor, it offers quick speeds and robust performance for multitasking and light gaming. The full HD anti-glare screen provides crisp visuals, and the touch screen enhances usability. While it excels in many aspects, its battery life may require you to stay plugged in during intensive work or gaming sessions.
