
Not Just Laptops is supported by readers like you. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
So, you’re on the market for a great laptop that can run games and won’t break the bank? The good news is that there has never been a wider choice of budget options. Manufacturers have realized the potential in this niche, which is why you can find several dozen new laptops under $500.
But which one is the right gaming setup and which is the right for you? Well, sorry to burst your bubble early on, but some compromises will have to be made at this price point. Still, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to play your favorite games.
To show you what’s possible, we’ve put together a list of the best cheap gaming laptops under $500.
In addition to the devices themselves, our team put together a short buying guide. Consult it and then start checking out specific devices. We are confident that you’ll be able to find a suitable option for your favorite game. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask us!
Table of Contents
Buying Guide for Gaming Laptops Under $500
While we always look for multiple solutions, we realize that everyone has different preferences. The Acer Aspire 3 may be our favorite, but it’s quite possible that you have different needs.
That’s why we wanted to create a short and easy-to-understand buying guide. Before you put some money aside, think about the things below.
What kind of games will you play on your new laptop?
There’s nothing worse than spending money on a gaming laptop under $500, only to realize it can’t run your favorite game. Check the developer/publisher’s website for the most accurate spec requirements.
Even though you might be content with playing with the minimum specs, we would advise you to adhere to the recommended ones. This way, you can avoid lags and crashes.
What features to look for in a gaming notebook for under $500?
Like all PCs, good cheap gaming laptops are a collection of various specs and features. Since you’re on a budget, it’s unrealistic to expect the latest and greatest hardware. Instead, you have to curb your expectations, and most importantly – prioritize.
Just as we said previously, no two gamers have the same needs and desires. If you’re unsure what to look for, here’s our list of all the essential specs a gaming laptop under $500 can have:
1. Display
Don’t expect a 4K display at this price point. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a laptop with a good 15-inch screen. HD and FHD quality are pretty standard nowadays, so don’t settle for less.
2. RAM
Yes, RAM is great for multitasking, but you don’t necessarily need 16GB or 32GB for entry and mid-spec gaming. Most modern gaming laptops under $500 come with upgradeable RAM.
If you plan on using the device for work or studying, later on, you can upgrade the RAM kit without any issues. So we recommend putting a higher emphasis on something you can’t upgrade, like display or CPU.
3. Graphics Card
A GPU is one of the main selling points of the gaming laptop. In this price range, it’s not realistic to expect a dedicated GPU that is needed to run AAA games. But you can get a laptop with AMD Radeon Vega or Intel UHD integrated graphics.
These GPUs are enough to run entry- and mid-spec games such as Minecraft, Fortnite, Roblox, LoL, WoW, etc.
4. CPU
For gaming on a budget, make sure the laptop you are planning to buy meets at least the minimum processor speed (given in GHz) of the game you want to play.
5. Keyboard
If you mainly play at home you can always get a more comfortable external keyboard. In this case, you can compromise on the laptop’s keyboard.
Keep in mind that some laptops have backlit keyboards at this price range but most do not. If this is important to you be sure to look for a backlit keyboard in the specs.
6. Battery
In our mind laptops without dedicated GPUs are not “real” gaming laptops, more like laptops that can be used for gaming. As you may be aware that’s true for all laptops under $500. The good news is, however, that these laptops in general have better battery lives than actual gaming laptops.
Don’t forget though that 8-10 hours battery life used for gaming quickly becomes only 2-3 hours. We may be stating the obvious here, but in most cases, you’ll be close to a plug, so for most people battery life is not as important.
7. Storage
Even in this price range, an SSD is a must. However, even 1TB is out of the question. SSDs may be more expensive than HDDs, but they’re much faster and more efficient. So, even 128GB or 256GB should be decent.
And besides, storage upgrade options exist in most gaming laptops under $500. You can get a larger SSD and simply replace it. Better yet, get a USB stick or external storage.
Methodology: How We Selected These Laptops
Our list started from a pool of just below a hundred devices under $500. From the get-go, we focused on laptops for light and mid-range gaming that have the best GPU-CPU combination. That’s why we wanted to find a combination that ensures stability and provides consistent performance. AMD Radeon Vega or Intel UHD graphics were a must, though.
After narrowing the playing field a bit, we analyzed our proprietary data about best-selling laptops. We also paid close attention to devices that were released in late 2021. More often than not, the newer laptops have the best specs or price-to-performance ratio.
Once we had about 15 contenders, it was time to see what laptop owners shared about their experience. And we were able to get a lot of quality info.
This led to just 10 laptops left from our initial pool. Sure, the number may be decent in a vacuum, but at Laptops251 we only want to provide the best of the best. That’s why we felt our job wasn’t done yet.
The final phase of our selection process involved lots of additional research. It involved Geekbench scores at first, but we wanted to be sure that the laptop in our final list was compatible with at least of the most popular low- to mid-spec games (Fortnite, League of Legends, DOTA 2, Minecraft, Roblox, and CS:GO).
Later, we put our findings together and compared the devices. And poof, that’s how we got to the stellar six you see above!
Top 7 Gaming Laptops Under $500
Here are the best of the best when it comes to good cheap gaming laptops. You may not be able to run AAA games or perform any heavy-duty tasks since these laptops don’t have dedicated GPUs.
Despite this, we believe these devices have what it takes to be your daily gaming rig for games like Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite, etc. The laptops are listed from best to worst in terms of specs, but we’ve also included what each device is best for. Sounds good? Let’s begin.
1. Best Overall: Acer Aspire 3
When it comes to gaming on a budget, the Acer Aspire 3 offers an affordable option without compromising performance. Let’s explore its key specifications and see why it could be a suitable choice for your gaming needs.
Reliable Gaming Performance: Powered by a 2.8GHz AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor, the Acer Aspire 3 provides reliable performance for gaming. While it may not handle the most demanding games at high settings, it offers decent performance for casual and older titles.
Smooth Gameplay: With 8GB DDR5 RAM, this laptop provides sufficient memory for smooth gameplay. You can enjoy most games without experiencing significant lag or performance issues, ensuring an enjoyable gaming experience.
Fast and Spacious Storage: The Acer Aspire 3 features a 512GB SSD (Solid-State Drive), providing both speed and ample storage capacity. This allows for quick game loading times and ensures you have enough space for your favorite games.
Crisp Visuals: The 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) display on the Acer Aspire 3 delivers crisp visuals, enhancing your gaming experience. While it may not be the largest display, it still offers good image quality for immersive gameplay.
Decent Graphics Performance: Equipped with an integrated Radeon 610M GPU, the Acer Aspire 3 provides basic graphics performance for gaming. While it may not handle the latest AAA titles at high graphics settings, it can run older games and less demanding titles smoothly.
The Acer Aspire 3 is an affordable gaming laptop under $500 that offers reliable performance for casual and older games. With its decent processing power, sufficient RAM, fast SSD storage, and crisp visuals, it provides an enjoyable gaming experience without breaking the bank.
While it may not handle the latest and most demanding games, it’s a suitable choice for budget-conscious gamers. If you’re looking for an affordable gaming laptop that delivers decent performance, the Acer Aspire 3 is worth considering.
- What We Like
- Affordable price
- Reliable gaming performance
- Sufficient RAM
- Fast and spacious SSD storage
- Crisp visuals
- What We Don’t Like
- Limited graphics performance
- Relatively smaller display size
2. Best RAM & Storage: Lenovo Ideapad 3
Are you on the lookout for a budget-friendly touchscreen laptop that offers decent performance and versatility? Look no further than the Lenovo Ideapad 3. With a 3GHz Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, 12GB DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB SSD, this laptop is designed to handle your everyday computing needs.
Let’s explore its features and find out why it’s a solid choice for budget-conscious users.
Reliable Performance: Powered by a 3GHz Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, the Lenovo Ideapad 3 ensures reliable performance for everyday computing tasks. Whether you’re browsing the web, streaming videos, or working on office applications, this laptop can handle your needs efficiently.
Plenty of Memory: With 12GB DDR4 RAM, the Ideapad 3 provides ample memory for smooth multitasking. You can switch between multiple applications seamlessly and experience minimal slowdowns, even with several programs running simultaneously.
Fast and Spacious Storage: Equipped with a 512GB SSD, this laptop offers fast boot times and quick access to your files. The SSD also provides sufficient storage space for your documents, media files, and software installations, ensuring a snappy and efficient user experience.
Touchscreen Display: Featuring a 15.6-inch HD Touch display with a resolution of 1366 x 768, the Ideapad 3 offers the convenience of touch interaction. Whether you’re navigating through applications, zooming in on images, or using touch-based software, the touchscreen functionality enhances your overall user experience.
Integrated Graphics: The integrated Intel UHD Graphics on the Ideapad 3 deliver satisfactory visuals for everyday use. While it may not excel in graphics-intensive tasks or gaming, it handles multimedia playback and light photo editing with ease.
If you’re searching for a budget-friendly touchscreen laptop that offers reliable performance and versatility, the Lenovo Ideapad 3 is an excellent choice. Its 3GHz Intel Core i3 processor, 12GB DDR4 RAM, and 512GB SSD ensure efficient multitasking and quick access to your files. The touchscreen display adds convenience and enhances your user experience.
While it may not excel in graphics-intensive tasks or gaming, the Ideapad 3 caters to the needs of budget-conscious users who prioritize reliable everyday performance.
- What We Like
- Affordable price point
- Smooth performance for everyday tasks
- Ample memory for multitasking
- Fast and spacious SSD storage
- Touchscreen display for convenient interaction
- What We Don’t Like
- Limited graphics performance
- Relatively lower resolution display
3. Thin and Portable: HP 14
Looking for a lightweight laptop that combines portability with performance for your everyday computing needs? The HP 14 is a reliable choice that offers a balance of power and mobility.
With a 2.1GHz AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and a 256GB SSD, this laptop ensures smooth multitasking and quick access to your files. Let’s delve into its features and discover why it’s a great option for on-the-go users.
Efficient Performance: The HP 14 is equipped with a 2.1GHz AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor, providing efficient performance for your everyday computing tasks. Whether you’re working on documents, browsing the web, or streaming media content, this laptop delivers reliable performance without any significant slowdowns.
Optimal Multitasking: With 8GB DDR4 RAM, the HP 14 offers enough memory to handle multitasking with ease. You can effortlessly switch between applications, work on multiple documents simultaneously, and enjoy smooth performance without experiencing noticeable lag.
Fast and Responsive Storage: The laptop features a 256GB SSD, ensuring fast boot times and responsive file access. The SSD provides ample space to store your important files, documents, and media, while delivering faster data transfer rates compared to traditional hard drives.
Crisp Full HD Display: Featuring a 14-inch FHD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, the HP 14 delivers crisp and vibrant visuals. Whether you’re editing photos, watching videos, or working on creative projects, the FHD display ensures a satisfying viewing experience with accurate colors and sharp details.
Integrated Graphics: The HP 14 comes with integrated Radeon 448SP graphics, which offer decent visual performance for everyday tasks, multimedia playback, and light photo editing. While it may not excel in graphics-intensive applications or gaming, it provides a satisfactory experience for regular users.
The HP 14 is a lightweight and portable laptop that delivers efficient performance and a crisp Full HD display for everyday computing needs. With its AMD Ryzen 5 processor, ample RAM, and fast SSD storage, it ensures smooth multitasking and quick access to your files.
While its storage capacity may be limited, the laptop’s portability and reliable performance make it a suitable choice for on-the-go users who prioritize convenience and productivity.
- What We Like
- Lightweight and portable
- Efficient performance for everyday tasks
- Sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking
- Fast and responsive SSD storage
- Crisp Full HD display
- What We Don’t Like
- Limited storage capacity (256GB)
- Moderate graphics performance for demanding tasks or gaming
4. Best Convertible Slightly over $500: HP Pavilion x360



If you’re in search of a versatile laptop that seamlessly transitions between work and entertainment, the HP Pavilion x360 is an excellent choice. Packed with a 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and a 256GB SSD, this 2-in-1 laptop offers a perfect balance of performance and convenience.
Let’s explore its features and understand why it’s a reliable companion for both productivity and entertainment.
Flexible Design: The HP Pavilion x360 features a 360-degree hinge, allowing you to switch between laptop, tablet, tent, and stand modes effortlessly. This versatile design offers the flexibility to adapt to various usage scenarios, making it ideal for work, presentations, multimedia consumption, and creative tasks.
Efficient Performance: Equipped with a 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, the HP Pavilion x360 delivers efficient performance for everyday tasks. Whether you’re working on spreadsheets, browsing the web, or streaming content, this laptop ensures smooth operation and responsive performance.
Sufficient Memory: With 8GB DDR4 RAM, the HP Pavilion x360 offers enough memory to handle multitasking with ease. You can seamlessly switch between multiple applications, work on documents, and enjoy lag-free performance without compromising efficiency.
Fast and Responsive Storage: The laptop comes with a 256GB SSD, ensuring fast boot times and quick access to your files. The SSD storage not only provides ample space to store your documents and media but also significantly improves the overall system responsiveness.
Vibrant Full HD Display: Featuring a 14-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, the HP Pavilion x360 delivers vibrant visuals with crisp details. Whether you’re editing photos, watching movies, or browsing through your favorite websites, the FHD display ensures an immersive viewing experience.
Integrated Graphics: The HP Pavilion x360 is equipped with integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, offering improved visual performance for multimedia tasks and light photo editing. While it may not excel in demanding gaming or graphics-intensive applications, it provides a satisfactory experience for everyday use.
The HP Pavilion x360 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that strikes a balance between productivity and entertainment. With its flexible design, efficient processor, ample RAM, and fast SSD storage, it offers a seamless user experience for work and multimedia tasks.
While the storage capacity may be limited, the laptop’s portability, reliable performance, and vibrant Full HD display make it a reliable choice for users who value versatility and convenience in their computing devices.
- What We Like
- Versatile 2-in-1 design
- Efficient performance for everyday tasks
- Sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking
- Fast and responsive SSD storage
- Vibrant Full HD display
- What We Don’t Like
- Limited storage capacity (256GB)
- Moderate graphics performance for demanding tasks or gaming
5. Newest Aspire 5 Slim: Acer Aspire 5



The Acer Aspire 5 is a dependable laptop that combines performance, portability, and affordability. Powered by a 3GHz Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor and equipped with 8GB DDR4 RAM and a spacious 512GB SSD, this laptop offers a smooth and efficient computing experience. Let’s delve into its features and understand why it’s an excellent choice for everyday tasks.
Powerful Performance: With its Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, the Acer Aspire 5 delivers reliable performance for your daily computing needs. Whether you’re working on documents, browsing the web, or streaming media, this laptop ensures smooth multitasking and responsive operation.
Ample Memory and Storage: Featuring 8GB DDR4 RAM, the Acer Aspire 5 provides sufficient memory to handle multiple applications and tasks simultaneously.
You can switch between programs effortlessly, work with large files, and enjoy a seamless computing experience. Additionally, the generous 512GB SSD offers ample storage space for your files, ensuring quick access and faster boot times.
Vibrant Full HD Display: The Acer Aspire 5 boasts a 15.6-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. Whether you’re watching movies, editing photos, or working on creative projects, the vibrant display delivers crisp visuals and accurate colors, enhancing your viewing experience.
Portable and Lightweight: Weighing just 3.64 lbs, the Acer Aspire 5 is designed with portability in mind. Its slim and lightweight form factor allows you to carry it effortlessly wherever you go, making it an ideal companion for students, professionals, or anyone on the move.
Long-lasting Battery Life: The laptop’s battery life is impressive, offering up to 8 hours of usage on a single charge. This extended battery life ensures that you can stay productive, entertained, or connected throughout the day without constantly worrying about finding a power outlet.
The Acer Aspire 5 is a reliable and portable laptop that excels at everyday computing tasks. With its powerful processor, ample RAM, and spacious SSD storage, it offers a smooth and responsive user experience.
The vibrant Full HD display enhances your visual enjoyment, while the lightweight design ensures easy portability. While it may not be suitable for demanding tasks or gaming due to its integrated graphics, the Acer Aspire 5 is an excellent choice for students, professionals, or anyone seeking an affordable and reliable laptop for their daily computing needs.
- What We Like
- Performance for everyday computing
- Ample RAM
- Spacious SSD
- Vibrant Full HD
- Portable and lightweight design
- What We Don’t Like
- Integrated graphics
6. Best 15″ Laptop Under $500 from Dell: Dell Inspiron 15
The Dell Inspiron 15 is a compact and efficient laptop that combines reliable performance, portability, and affordability. Powered by a 3GHz Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor and equipped with 8GB DDR4 RAM and a fast 128GB SSD, this laptop offers a smooth and responsive computing experience. Let’s explore its features and discover why it’s an excellent choice for everyday tasks.
Efficient Performance: With its Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, the Dell Inspiron 15 delivers efficient performance for everyday computing needs. Whether you’re working on documents, browsing the web, or streaming media, this laptop ensures smooth multitasking and responsive operation.
Sufficient Memory and Storage: Featuring 8GB DDR4 RAM, the Dell Inspiron 15 provides enough memory to handle multiple applications and tasks simultaneously. You can switch between programs seamlessly, work on large files, and enjoy a smooth computing experience. The 128GB SSD offers fast storage, allowing quick boot times and snappy file access.
Crisp Full HD Display: The Dell Inspiron 15 features a 15.6-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. Whether you’re watching movies, editing photos, or working on creative projects, the crisp display offers immersive visuals and vivid colors, enhancing your multimedia experience.
Compact and Lightweight: Weighing just 3.82 lbs, the Dell Inspiron 15 is designed for portability. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, making it suitable for students, professionals, or frequent travelers who require a portable computing companion.
Decent Battery Life: The laptop offers a battery life of up to 7 hours, ensuring you can stay productive and entertained throughout the day without constantly needing to recharge. This reliable battery performance allows you to work or enjoy multimedia content even when you’re on the go.
The Dell Inspiron 15 is a compact and efficient laptop that excels at handling everyday computing tasks. With its capable processor, sufficient RAM, and fast SSD storage, it delivers smooth and responsive performance.
The crisp Full HD display enhances your multimedia experience, while the compact and lightweight design ensures easy portability.
While the limited storage capacity and integrated graphics may pose limitations, the Dell Inspiron 15 remains a solid choice for students, professionals, or anyone in need of a reliable and affordable laptop for their daily computing needs.
- What We Like
- Efficient performance
- Ample RAM
- Fast SSD
- Crisp Full HD display
- Compact and lightweight
- What We Don’t Like
- Limited storage
- Integrated graphics
7. Great Build Quality: Lenovo V14
The Lenovo V14 is a lightweight and versatile laptop that combines efficient performance, portability, and reliability. Powered by a 2.1GHz AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor and equipped with 8GB DDR4 RAM and a fast 256GB SSD, this laptop offers a seamless computing experience for everyday productivity.
Let’s explore its features and discover why it’s a great choice for your computing needs.
Efficient Performance: With its AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor, the Lenovo V14 delivers efficient performance for smooth multitasking and everyday computing tasks. Whether you’re working on documents, browsing the web, or running productivity applications, this laptop ensures responsive operation and reliable performance.
Sufficient Memory and Storage: Featuring 8GB DDR4 RAM, the Lenovo V14 provides ample memory for multitasking and handling multiple applications simultaneously. You can switch between tasks effortlessly and experience smooth performance. The 256GB SSD storage allows fast boot times, quick file transfers, and ample space for your files and documents.
Crisp Full HD Display: The Lenovo V14 boasts a 14-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. Whether you’re working on spreadsheets, watching videos, or editing photos, the crisp and vibrant display ensures clear visuals and enhances your overall viewing experience.
Lightweight and Portable: Weighing just 3.3 lbs, the Lenovo V14 is designed with portability in mind. Its lightweight and compact form factor make it ideal for on-the-go productivity. Carry it effortlessly in your backpack or bag and stay productive wherever you are.
Long Battery Life: The laptop offers a battery life of up to 8 hours, allowing you to work or enjoy entertainment without frequently needing to recharge. This extended battery life ensures uninterrupted productivity and entertainment, whether you’re in the office, classroom, or on the move.
The Lenovo V14 is a lightweight and versatile laptop that offers efficient performance and portability for everyday productivity. With its capable processor, ample RAM, and fast SSD storage, it ensures smooth multitasking and quick access to your files.
The crisp Full HD display enhances your visual experience, while its lightweight design makes it easy to carry around.
While the integrated graphics and smaller storage capacity may have limitations, the Lenovo V14 remains a reliable choice for students, professionals, and anyone seeking a lightweight and versatile laptop for their everyday computing needs.
- What We Like
- Efficient performance for everyday tasks
- Sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking
- Fast SSD storage
- Crisp Full HD display
- Lightweight and portable design
- What We Don’t Like
- Integrated graphics
- Relatively small storage
FAQs about Gaming Laptops Under $500
Are there any gaming laptops under $500 with a dedicated graphics card?
Unfortunately, no. Dedicated graphics cards require much more power and cooling, so putting them into a gaming laptop under $500 is not feasible. That’s why most manufacturers go with integrated GPUs. Radeon Vega and Intel UHD are the best choices when you’re on the lookout for a budget gaming laptop.
Are integrated graphic cards good for gaming?
Yes, to a certain degree? They can never be as strong as dedicated graphics cards. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t play older titles or even a new game on low graphics settings. Because gaming is your primary need, you should prioritize GPU quality while shopping.
Are budget gaming notebooks good enough for AAA games?
No. Sadly, budget gaming notebooks are rarely good enough to run AAA games. There might be a couple of games that you can theoretically run on low settings, but it’s not a guarantee.
What kind of games can I play on a gaming laptop under $500?
Verdict
The market for gaming laptops under $500 has never been bigger, so there’s a lot to choose from. Overall, we think the Acer Aspire 3 is the best of the bunch.
Thanks to its strong processor, it can easily run the most popular low- and mid-spec games. However, HP 14 is also a good machine if you want to play Fortnite and Minecraft. The Vega 6 graphics and a Ryzen 3 5000 series CPU make it a great option for under $500.
On the flip side, the Lenovo Ideapad 3 is a great choice if you want lots of RAM straight away. It also features Intel UHD graphics and is highly rated by experts and users alike.
For those of you that want a multi-purpose gaming laptop, the Gateway is a great, but unexpected option for both school and gaming. Whether it’s remote classes or a couple of DOTA 2 matches, it gets the job done.
What’s your favorite gaming laptop under $500? Have you used any of these devices? Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments below.

