Best Budget Gaming Laptops
If you’re in the market for a gaming laptop without breaking the bank, 2024 has some fantastic options. In this article, we’ll walk you through the top 3 budget gaming laptops you should consider, ranked based on performance, value, and overall features. We’ll also cover some models you might want to steer clear of. Let’s dive into the best choices!
1. Lenovo LOQ 15 & 16 (Best Overall)
Starting strong with the Lenovo LOQ 15 and 16, these laptops are easily the best budget gaming laptops of 2024. Offering a sturdy build and premium features that are typically seen in more expensive models, the LOQ series offers incredible value for the price.
Key Features:
- MUX Switch & Advanced Optimus: These features are essential for boosting FPS in games, offering smoother gameplay by optimizing power usage and graphics performance.
- G-Sync Display: A must-have for gamers who want a tear-free experience during fast-paced action sequences.
- RTX 4050 GPU: Paired with the 8-core Zen 4 processor, this combination ensures excellent gaming performance. The RTX 4050 is 38% faster than the RTX 3050, providing an improved gaming experience and supporting frame generation in compatible games.
With an RTX 4050 version priced at around $750 USD, the LOQ is very competitive, especially when compared to other laptops in the same price range. If you’re looking for value and future-proofing, this is the top pick.
There’s also a cheaper version of the LOQ with RTX 3050 graphics. However, the extra $150-$200 for the RTX 4050 is definitely worth it for the significant performance boost.
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2. Acer Nitro 5 (Best for Gamer Aesthetics)
The Acer Nitro 5 has long been a favorite in the budget gaming laptop category, and for good reason. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the LOQ, it’s still a solid choice if you find it on sale for around $750 USD (similar to the LOQ).
Key Features:
- RTX 4050 GPU: Like the LOQ, the Nitro 5 comes with the RTX 4050, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience at this price point.
- MUX Switch: While it doesn’t include the advanced optimus or G-Sync of the LOQ, it still provides better performance in games compared to other laptops without these features.
- Gamer Aesthetic: The Nitro 5 has a more traditional gamer aesthetic, complete with angular designs and bold branding.
The Nitro 5 does have a last-gen processor and lacks some of the newer tech like advanced optimus, but it still delivers solid performance. If the LOQ is unavailable, the Nitro 5 is a great alternative.
3. HP Victus (Best for Budget Conscious Gamers)
HP’s Victus takes the third spot on this list, and for good reason. While it isn’t as premium in build quality as the LOQ or Nitro 5, it offers solid performance, particularly at the entry-level price point.
Key Features:
- RTX 2050 Graphics: For those with a tight budget, the RTX 2050 is a surprisingly good choice. It performs similarly to the RTX 3050 and is often found for as low as $500 USD on sale, making it one of the cheapest entry-level gaming laptops on the market.
- Budget-Friendly: While not as powerful as the RTX 4050 laptops, the RTX 2050 still provides decent performance in games that aren’t as demanding. If you’re limited to a $500 budget, the Victus is a great entry point into the world of gaming laptops.
If you’re willing to stretch your budget a bit further, the RTX 4050 version of the Victus could be considered, though it’s often more expensive than the LOQ or Nitro 5.
What to Avoid: Laptops to Skip
Now that we’ve covered the top 3 best budget gaming laptops, let’s talk about the models you should avoid. It’s essential to make an informed purchase, so don’t fall into the trap of buying a laptop that doesn’t offer the best value.
1. ASUS TUF Series (A15/F15)
While the ASUS TUF series has been a popular choice for budget gamers, right now, it’s hard to justify its price. The TUF A15 with an RTX 2050 GPU and older processors still sells for around $700, which is quite steep considering the newer, better-performing laptops available at the same price, like the LOQ or Nitro 5. For just $50 more, you could get an RTX 4050 laptop, which would outperform the TUF by a large margin.
2. Dell G15/G16
Dell’s G15 and G16 series are marketed as budget gaming laptops, but they’re priced higher than other comparable options in the budget segment. Even with discounts, the RTX 4050 G15 still costs around $900, which is significantly more expensive than the LOQ or Nitro 5, with no notable performance benefits. Dell does have a reputation for better build quality, but at this price, it’s hard to justify.
3. MSI GF63
While the MSI GF63 is one of the cheapest RTX 4050 laptops you’ll find (around $669), it sacrifices build quality. The chassis feels cheap, and the screen quality is subpar, which significantly affects the overall gaming experience. While it will still run games, it’s not a laptop you’ll want to use for long gaming sessions.
Conclusion: Best Budget Gaming Laptops of 2024
To sum up, here are the best budget gaming laptops you can get in 2024:
- Lenovo LOQ 15 & 16 – Best overall, with premium features like MUX switch, G-Sync, and RTX 4050.
- Acer Nitro 5 – Great for gamers who want a traditional aesthetic and a solid performance at an affordable price.
- HP Victus (RTX 2050) – The best option for those on a tighter budget who still want decent gaming performance.
Avoid the ASUS TUF Series, Dell G15/G16, and MSI GF63 unless you find them on deep discounts, as their performance doesn’t justify their higher price tags.
By making an informed choice, you’ll be able to enjoy smooth gaming experiences without overspending! Happy gaming!
