Top 11 Best Gaming Laptops Under $500

It can be costly to purchase the newest and fastest gaming laptop because of the high-performance components that go into their building.

A gaming machine that costs three times as much as the best home console available is something that only some can afford. This is satisfied by inexpensive gaming laptops.

You can buy a cheap gaming laptop that will run current games at the lowest possible resolution for less than $500; the game menus will allow you to adjust this.

Yet, when it comes to playing or imitating games that were revolutionary decades ago, these laptops are surprisingly dependable.

On low-cost gaming laptops, sandbox games like Roblox and Minecraft are also top-rated because of their simple graphics.

These models from manufacturers like ASUS, Acer, Lenovo, and others are among the best affordable gaming laptops under $500.

List of Top 11 Best Gaming Laptop Under $500

Listed below are some of the best gaming laptops under $500:

Dell Inspiron 15 35¹¹

Offering a respectable blend of performance and utility, the Dell Inspiron 15 35¹¹ is a multipurpose laptop.

Its Intel processor ensures effective multitasking and efficient computing. The 15.6-inch display is suitable for both work and play because it presents bright images.

Owing to its sleek design and roomy storage options, the laptop’s portability is enhanced while allowing users to store a wide variety of files.

The comfortable typing experience on the keyboard boosts productivity. There are USB ports, HDMI, and additional connectivity options available.

Because it aims to meet a range of computing needs, whether for work or play, the Inspiron 15 3511 is a trustworthy choice in the mid-range laptop market.

Pros

• Providing consistent performance for routine tasks. 

• Provides a range of storage options, with SSDs enabling quicker access to data.

• It provides numerous wireless configurations and ports for adaptable connectivity.

Cons

• The battery’s lifespan might be shorter than some users would like, and its performance might differ.

HP Notebook 15-dy1008CA

With frequent computer use in mind, the versatile HP Notebook 15-dy1008CA is built to last.

This laptop can efficiently and responsively handle a wide range of tasks, from productivity to entertainment, thanks to its Intel Core i5 processor.

Its 15.6-inch diagonal HD display offers crisp visuals and a captivating viewing experience to users.

With 256GB SSD of storage space, the laptop offers plenty of room for data and fast system responsiveness.

It is the perfect partner for daily computing needs because of its extended battery life, which guarantees continuous use without the need for frequent recharging.

Features, performance, and portability are all combined in the HP Notebook 15-dy1008CA to meet a range of user needs.  

Pros

• Ideal for light productivity and daily tasks. 

• It is perfect for use on the go because of its fashionable and lightweight design.

• It might offer a sufficient battery life, depending on usage.

Cons

• The display is more complex and vivid than more expensive options.

Acer Aspire 3 A314–23P-R3QA

Families looking for the best possible performance and productivity will love the lightweight and fashionable Aspire 3 laptop, which comes with the newest AMD Ryzen 5 7520U Processor with Radeon Graphics.

Bright colours and fine details abound on the 14.0′′ Full HD IPS display with thin bezels.

The HD front-facing camera, 512GB NVMe solid-state drive storage, and Acer’s TNR technology for high-quality low-light photography complete the laptop’s features.

Moreover, it has 8GB of LPDDR5 onboard memory.

During online meetings, Acer PurifiedVoice technology with AI Noise Reduction mutes background noise, allowing for clear communication.

Wi-Fi 6 and 1×1 MIMO technologies guarantee a solid and consistent wireless signal.

Longer, more productive work sessions without the need for electricity are made possible by the updated thermal system.

Pros

• Excellent performance in the majority of games.

• Long-lasting battery.

• Thin and lightweight design. 

Cons

• Plastic chassis. 

Acer Aspire 5 A515–56–347N Slim Laptop

This potent 11th-generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 dual-core processor has a maximum frequency of 4.1GHz thanks to Turbo Boost Technology.

Slim bezels and an 82.58% screen-to-body ratio characterise this 15-inch Full HD IPS screen. 

RVoice technology for improved pickup range and digital signal processing. Integration with Alexa to facilitate voice commands.

S mode on Windows 11 Home with enhanced security features. An ergonomically shaped hinge ensures better cooling and comfortable typing. Storage for 128GB NVMe solid-state drives and 8GB DDR4 RAM. 

Pros

• A low price. 
• Excellent performance in the majority of games. 
• Long-lasting battery. 

Cons

• Only 8GB of RAM. 

IdeaPad 1i Laptop by Lenovo

The IdeaPad 1i laptop from Lenovo is a reasonably priced device that is ideal for daily use.

Because of its small and light design, it offers portability without compromising functionality.

With its Intel processor, the laptop offers a good mix of speed and power efficiency for everyday tasks. 

Upgraded to a 15.6′′ Full HD screen with webcam and microphone, 640GB SSD storage, Intel Pentium Silver N6000 processor with Intel UHD Graphics, 20GB RAM for multitasking, and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, as well as USB Type-A connectivity options. Included in S Mode with Windows 11 Home.

Pros

• A reasonable cost. 
• Long-lasting battery.
• Thin and lightweight design. 

Cons

• Only 4GB of RAM

ASUS VivoBook Thin and Light Laptop

With 512GB of SSD storage, 8GB of RAM, and a quad-core Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, the feature-rich 15.6-inch ASUS VivoBook Thin and Light Laptop is packed with power.

Additionally, an integrated graphics card called Intel Iris Xe is included.

The ASUS VivoBook Thin and Light Laptop is a stylish and lightweight computing option that blends performance and a thin design.

Its lightweight chassis makes it the perfect choice for users who never stop moving. 

The laptop is suitable for both work and play due to its powerful internals and bright display.

For those looking for a laptop that strikes a balance between design and functionality, the VivoBook is a compelling option due to its thin profile and impressive specs.

Pros

• Reasonable cost. 
• Good in the majority of games. 
• Extended battery life. 

Cons

• Only 8GB of RAM

Auusda A23 15 inches 

The Auusda A23 boasts 512GB SSD storage and 16GB RAM, with the option to upgrade to 2TB SSD and 1TB microSD.

With four cores, four threads, a 4M cache, and Intel UHD Graphics, it boasts a quick 11th generation Intel Celeron N5095 processor. 

For entertainment and video editing, the 15.6′′ FHD IPS LCD screen is perfect.

Its features include a backlit keyboard, fingerprint unlocking, and several interfaces for connectivity, including USB 3.0 x2, Mini HDMI, MicroSD card interface, audio 3.5mm jack port, and DC charging port.

Its long-lasting 34200mWh battery life, FCC and UL certification, and free replacement after two years are all included with this sturdy aluminium alloy device. 

Pros

• Extended battery life. 
• Excellent performance in the majority of games. 
• Reasonable price. 

Cons

• Unknown brand. 
• Plastic chassis. 
• Pricing. 

ANMESC AN-X17 15 inches

A quad-core Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD power the 15.6-inch gaming laptop ANMESC AN-X17.

It also comes with Nvidia’s dedicated 4GB GDDR6 graphics card, the GeForce RTX 1650.

Another feature that the AN-X17 emphasises is connectivity, with a range of ports available for easy peripheral integration. 

Designed to provide a flexible computing experience in a small package, this laptop can be used by both content consumers and professionals who are always on the go.

With an ultra-thin casing, the laptop weighs 1.83 kg and boasts an advanced 38000WH rechargeable battery that can last up to 8 hours.

For businesses, offices, or students, ANMESC is the best option because it comes with a 1 -year limited warranty and can be used for both play and daily work.

Pros

• Good in the majority of games. 
• It includes 16GB RAM. 
• It has a metal body. 

Cons

• Short battery life. 
• Pricing. 

HP Victus 15 Gaming Laptop

For those who enjoy gaming casually or competitively, the powerful and affordable HP Victus 15 Gaming Laptop is an excellent choice.

It is a compelling device, sporting an AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor, 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics. 

The laptop additionally sports a webcam, a backlit keyboard, and a 15.6-inch FHD 144Hz display.

The dual fans and vapour chamber cooling system of the Victus 15 laptop keep it cool even during extended gaming sessions.

You can now play for hours without having to worry about performance problems or overheating. 

Pros

• Powerful visuals and processor
• Gorgeous 144 Hz display
• Lots of RAM and storage
• Webcam

Cons

• No dedicated graphics card

Maxbook BMAX X14 Pro

With its elegant appearance and brisk AMD Ryzen 5 Processor, the BMax X14 Pro breaks convention. Together with a backlit keyboard, it has a large 512 GB SSD and a 1080p IPS display.

It may not be perfect, but its attractive metal profile and dependable performance set it apart from rival models that cost about the same. 

It offers a seamless computer experience. Professionals who are constantly on the go will find it ideal due to its lightweight design and slim profile.

In addition to having a sturdy construction and lots of storage, the laptop is a dependable option for a variety of tasks.

Pros

• Seamless multitasking and effective performance.

• Extended battery life

• It offers an extra security layer for convenient and safe access.

Cons

• Depending on how it is configured, there may not be enough storage and you will need to find other ways to expand.

Acer Nitro 5 AN515-42-R5ED

Outstanding performance and affordability characterise the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-42-R5ED gaming laptop.

It provides seamless gaming experiences due to its AMD Ryzen processor and Radeon RX graphics.

A backlit keyboard improves gaming in a variety of lighting conditions, and the laptop’s 15.6-inch Full HD display offers vivid visuals.

It serves gamers looking for performance and price harmony with plenty of storage and a strong cooling system.

Many gamers on a tight budget choose the Nitro 5, due to its sturdy hardware and elegant design.

Pros

• Full HD Screen
• Backlit keyboard

Cons

• Thick Bezels

Things to Consider About Before Purchasing

Take into account these crucial factors before purchasing a $500 gaming laptop. Among them are:

Performance

One important consideration is performance. Consider the specifications if you want a laptop that can play the most demanding games.

Choose a laptop with a strong processor and a top-notch graphics card. Additionally, confirm the laptop’s RAM and storage capacity.

Portability

Portability is an important consideration if you intend to take your gaming laptop with you wherever you go.

Some gaming laptops are bulkier and heavier than others, but some are lighter and more portable. Take into account how important portability is to you and how frequently you travel with your laptop.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Many games and apps require RAM to function properly. For a gaming laptop under $500, it is advised to have at least 8GB of RAM.

But for optimal performance, choose 16GB. Additionally, keep in mind that DDR4 RAM operates faster and more efficiently than DDR3 RAM.

Remember that if necessary, you can always replace your RAM later.

Therefore, while thinking about the RAM on a gaming laptop, take future upgrades into account.  

Storage

Considerations regarding storage are important when choosing a gaming laptop under $500.

First, choosing between a solid-state drive (SSD) and a conventional hard drive is crucial when it comes to storage.

An SSD would be ideal for faster loading times and better overall performance.

A gaming laptop should ideally have at least 256GB of storage space, so keep that in mind as well.

Processor Core and Generation

The processor, the brains of your laptop, is critical to how games function.

When examining processors, take note of their core count; higher numbers correspond to better multitasking performance.

Remember to consider the processor’s generation as well; newer processors typically have better performance.

For a low-cost gaming laptop, the Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 would be excellent options.

Conclusion

For budget-conscious gamers, every laptop in this list is a solid choice. Some of them are superior to others, though.

The Bmax X15 Plus and the ANMESC AN-X17 are your best bets if you want the best performance possible.

If budget is a concern, the ASUS VivoBook Thin and Light Laptop and the Acer Aspire 5 A515–45-R74Z Slim Laptop are great options.

In the end, your budget and personal needs will determine which laptop is best for you.

Think about the kinds of games you want to play and how much power you require.

Additionally, consider how significant other aspects—like battery life, portability, and display quality—are to you.

FAQs

Q1. How much time does a laptop last for gaming?

A laptop should last you about five years if you take care of it properly. Y

ou should upgrade before your system fails. The lifespan of a top-tier gaming laptop is four to six years.

Q2. What is essential for a gaming laptop?

When buying a gaming laptop, the three things you should focus on are a powerful graphics card, a processor that can support the card, and performance-driven RAM.

The greatest thing to do is search for a balance because these elements work well together to provide you with an enjoyable gaming experience overall.

Q3. For gaming, how much SSD space is needed?

You must purchase an SSD with a minimum storage capacity of 500GB because games’ installation sizes are consuming more storage than ever before.

Naturally, this depends on your budget, but if you go with greater capacity, you’ll be less likely to need an upgrade later on.