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Getting a gaming laptop at a sub-$800 price bracket can be a bit tricky as laptop brands expect you to make a few compromises. But you can still get a powerful machine with solid graphics for your favorite games.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve compiled a list of 7 best gaming laptops under $800 to help you select the one that’s right for you.
Before we get to the reviews, let’s quickly go over what specs a gaming laptop should have and some important considerations to keep in mind when buying a budget gaming laptop.
Ready? Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Top 7 Gaming Laptops under $800
Ready to check out our top picks for gaming laptops under $800 and get groovin’? Let’s go.
1. Best Overall: Acer Nitro 5
- CPU: 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5-12500H
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
- Battery: Up to 6 Hours
The Acer Nitro 5 performs well in all our metrics for a sub-800 gaming laptop, i.e. performance, graphics, and portability.
It packs a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor in an all-plastic chassis. This, coupled with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, will run most games at 1080p, medium settings.
The 15.6″ Full HD IPS display offers a 144Hz refresh rate. So you get a smooth and lag-free gameplay.
Games look incredibly lifelike, and I’m particularly impressed with the laptop’s ability to handle graphics-intensive titles with relative ease. You can expect 60+ fps on Hitman 3, Assassin´s Creed Valhalla, and FIFA 2021 and similar titles at medium 1080p settings.
Whether racing down a track in a high-speed chase or battling enemies in a fast-paced shooter, you’re guaranteed a seamless gaming experience. Ethernet E2600 and Wi-Fi 6 ensure the ping is lower so that you can enjoy lag-free online multiplayer games.
I like that the keyboard has RGB backlighting and bouncy keys. Pretty impressive for a budget gaming laptop.
The dual-fan cooling system packs dual intakes and a quad-exhaust port design to keep the laptop at a comfortable temperature, even during extended gaming sessions.
I would prefer more RAM, though. The 8GB RAM Acer offers is sufficient for most tasks but isn’t enough for demanding titles. But the expansion slots make upgrading straightforward.
The affordable price tag, combined with the upgradability of the laptop, makes it an appealing option for gamers on a budget.
Watch our Acer Nitro 5 Review
This YouTube review was created by the Not Just Laptops team. The specs may slightly differ from the laptop in the article.
- What We Like
- Powerful processor
- Decent GPU
- 144Hz refresh rate FHD IPS display
- Wi-Fi 6 for smooth connection
- Effective dual-fan cooling system
- RGB-backlit keyboard
- What We Don’t Like
- 8GB RAM needs upgrade
- All plastic chassis
2. Great Build Quality: Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
- CPU: 3.3GHz AMD Ryzen 5 5600H
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050TI
- Battery: Up to 5 hours
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 certainly deserves attention if you’re looking for a gaming laptop under $800 that combines robust performance and sleek design.
The Ideapad Gaming 3 is powered by AMD Ryzen 5, a Hexa-core powerhouse that can easily handle most CPU-intensive tasks. Add to that the RTX 3050 Ti, and you’ve got an awesome gaming machine (considering the price).
The CPU and GPU combo is one of the best you get for the price. It can tackle demanding games such as The Witcher 3, High on Life, Need for Speed Unbound, and FIFA 23 with high refresh rates at medium settings.
Even though it’s an all-plastic build, it’s pretty sturdy with minimal flex. Unlike your average gaming rigs, this one’s light (weighing 5.1 pounds, it’s lighter than Acer’s Nitro 5 and HP Victus 15).
But if you’re big on portability, your best bet is Acer Aspire 5, which weighs merely 3.97 and offers 10+ hours of battery life.
The laptop’s FHD display is a bit dark for my taste. Its battery life is also underwhelming —- it’s comparable to HP Victus 5 and Acer Nitro 5.
The speakers are impressive. You can hear the vocals and weaponry clearly while you’re immersed in your game.
If you’re okay with somewhat shorter battery life, you should definitely consider this powerful laptop.
- What We Like
- Powerful processor
- Impressive GPU
- Excellent speakers
- Good port selection
- Elegant design
- Minimal flex
- What We Don’t Like
- Dark display
- Sub-par battery life
3. Supercharged RTX Graphics: ASUS TUF F15
- CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i5-11400H
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050
- Battery: Up to 5 hours
The ASUS TUF F15 is a budget gaming laptop that priorotizes solid performance over flashy design. With an 11th gen Intel Core i5 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 (with 4GB dedicated VRAM), it handles graphic-intensive games well.
ASUS TUF F15 lets you run CoD Mordern Warfare 2, Spider-Man Miles Morales, and Need for Speed Unbound lag-free.
I’m not impressed with the 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD, but you can upgrade if you want to play demanding games.
The 144Hz 15.6” Full HD IPS display has a matte finish that minimizes glare. You’ll probably need to squint your eyes if you’re using it in broad daylight. Otherwise, it has good brightness.
What sets the ASUS TUF F15 apart is its MIL-STD-810H military standard durability. MIL-STD-810H means the laptop has been tested against drops, vibration, humidity, and extreme temperatures, making it suitable for gaming on the go.
ASUS TUF F15 offers up to 5 hours of battery which is not bad for a gaming laptop. And while you can hear the cooling fans during CPU intensive tasks (such as gaming), they’re not too loud.
Overall, the ASUS TUF F15 offers a decent performance (suited to casual gamers) and impeccable durability.
- What We Like
- Powerful performance
- Solid GPU
- Good visuals
- Military standard durability
- Good battery life
- Effective cooling fans
- What We Don’t Like
- 8GB of RAM
- Display could be brighter
4. Best from HP: HP Victus 15
- CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i5-12450H
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 1TB SDD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- Battery: Up to 5 hours
It’s pretty neat that HP added 16GB of RAM and 1TB storage (the only laptop on the list), which is more than what you’d expect from a $800 laptop.
HP Victus 15 offers solid performance for a sub-800 gaming laptop thanks to its 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor. Even though the GeForce GTX 1650 isn’t as impressive, it still runs most games at medium settings.
The laptop’s 15.6″ display boasts a 144Hz refresh rate and full HD resolution. This makes for smooth gameplay without lag or ghosting of images. Additionally, the thin bezel design makes the screen appear larger.
Regarding connectivity, the HP Victus 15 performs well with its Wi-Fi 6E and bluetooth combo technology. So you can expect low latency and a smooth and uninterrupted gaming experience.
I find the Victus 15’s all-plastic chassis too flimsy, which is a huge turnoff for people that value durability. For those, I’d recommend going with ASUS TUF F15.
Overall, the HP Victus 15 is well-equipped to handle a variety of games. With its powerful processor, high refresh rate display, and reliable connectivity, you can easily play demanding titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
- What We Like
- Powerful processor
- 144Hz refresh rate and Full HD resolution
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth combo technology
- Variety of ports for peripherals
- 16GB RAM
- Thin-bezel design
- What We Don’t Like
- Not a durable build
- GPU could be better
5. Gaming and Portability: MSI GF63
- CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i5-12450H
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: 8GB ARC A370M
- Battery: Up to 7 hours
The MSI GF63 serves as a versatile gaming laptop under $800 for gaming and daily computing tasks. It is designed to deliver a powerful gaming experience while meeting work or study requirements.
This laptop’s heart is the 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor. The processor stands out for its speed and efficiency, contributing to its excellent performance for gaming, multitasking, or standard everyday tasks.
It consists of a dual fan system and six heat pipes to optimize thermal dissipation. It maintains an optimal temperature for the laptop during intense gaming sessions or while working on resource-heavy tasks.
The 15.6″ display presents a refresh rate of 144Hz, providing a smooth and vibrant gaming experience.
You can expect fast data transfer and system responsiveness thanks to its 512GB SSD. This feature is highly beneficial when loading games or transferring bulky files.
MSI GF63 is notably light and thin for gaming, but where its slim build enhances its portability, its average battery life (less than 7 hours) limits it. So if you prefer a longer unplugged performance, Acer Aspire 5 would be better.
All in all, MSI GF63 is an ideal choice for gamers on the go or individuals who need a high-performance machine that’s easy to carry around.
- What We Like
- Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5
- Decent thermals
- Smooth, vibrant display
- Fast data transfer and system speed
- Slim build
- Good visuals
- What We Don’t Like
- Average battery life
- 8GB RAM may require an upgrade
6. Great Value Slightly Above $800: Lenovo Legion 5
- CPU: 3.3GHz AMD Ryzen 5 5600H
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050TI
- Battery: Up to 5 hours
The Lenovo Legion 5 is an intriguing sub-800 gaming laptop that balances power, performance, and precision.
This laptop has an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor with six high-performance cores. Combined with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series graphics card, this generates rapid frame rates and exceptional graphics even for resource-demanding games like Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla.
Legion’s AI Engine optimizes power distribution between the CPU and GPU to maximize frame rates. I find it helpful in intensive gaming situations, especially for fast-paced online multiplayer games like Fortnite or Call of Duty.
Speaking of gaming, the TrueStrike keyboard, with its 4-Zone RGB backlight, offers impressive control when shooting your enemies in FPS games.
A refresh rate of up to 120 Hz and a response time of less than 3 ms ensure seamless visuals with minimal lag or motion blur. So you can play games like Overwatch or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive lag-free, where timing and reflexes matter.
The battery life is pretty average (5 hours), and so is its FHD display. 8GB RAM is also standard, but often limiting when it comes to high-end games.
Overall, the Lenovo Legion 5 offers a range of features that cater to the demands of modern gaming, making it a potential choice for gamers who value power, precision, and high-quality visuals.
- What We Like
- Powerful processor
- Praise-worthy graphics
- Smart power distribution
- Superb refresh rate and response time.
- Comfortable and precise TrueStrike keyboard.
- Standard FHD display
- What We Don’t Like
- Average battery life
- 8GB RAM is not enough
7. Best for Work and Gaming: Acer Aspire 5
- CPU: 1.7GHz Intel Core i5-1240P
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050
- Battery: Up to 10 hours
The Acer Aspire 5 strikes a balance between performance and aesthetic appeal for students, professionals, and even content creators.
Its 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1240P processor coupled with 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 can run most games at lower settings. It handles demanding tasks effectively, making it a reliable work companion.
Aspire 5 features 8GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, which is more than enough for multitasking and file management. However, for most games, you’ll need to upgrade.
Speaking of which, the laptop offers 10+ hours of unplugged performance (the best on the list). It’s also the lightest laptop on the list, weighing just 3.97 lbs.
The 15.6″ Full HD IPS display is sharp and vibrant. However, the brightness is underwhelming if you ask me. You get ample visual real estate (81.18% screen-to-body ratio), thanks to its thin-bezel design.
The RTX 2050 lets you run games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, Minecraft, and Call of Duty Warzone at high settings with a steady frame rate of over 60fps.
Throttling is not an issue due to Acer’s thoughtful approach to heat management. The dual fans and copper thermal pipes effectively manage heat, preventing overheating during intense work or gaming sessions.
Not all gaming laptops are good for everyday use owing to their poor battery life and portability. But Aspire 5 offers the best of both worlds. While you can find laptops with better gaming performance, you can’t beat Acer Aspire 5 at portability.
- What We Like
- Solid performance
- High screen-to-body ratio
- Effective cooling system
- Comfortable keyboard
- Solid connectivity options
- Great battery life
- What We Don’t Like
- Only 8GB of RAM
- Dim display
Buying Guide for Best Gaming Laptops under $800 in 2023
An 800-dollar gaming laptop requires some compromises here and there, but it can be a great choice for college students who are into casual gaming.
It’s important to understand that these laptops are not really the best choice for professional gamers, but can still get you solid specs for your favorite games — and run them at solid settings.
If you want a full-blown overview of specs to look for in a laptop, check out our comprehensive laptop buying guide.
Set the Right Expectations
The graphics on sub-$800 gaming laptops will handle most games at low-to-mid settings, but that won’t be the case for demanding games like Fortnite, PUBG, Minecraft, and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey at the highest 1080p presets. If you want to play these games at high settings, check our list of best gaming laptops under 1500.
So, you can jump right into the world of the moderately-demanding titles like Star Wars Squadrons, Valorant, and more that can be played at 140+ fps, on high 1080p presets.
You can also play games like Doom Eternal, FIFA 21, Escape from Tarkov, GRID 2019, Overwatch, and League of Legends at medium 1080p settings.
Games like World of Warcraft and Horizon Zero Dawn are compatible with the GTX 1650, and can even run on an integrated Intel Iris Xe.
Look for a Powerful CPU & GPU Combo
Gaming demands higher processing power, so you better look for higher core counts and clock speeds. The 12th gen Intel Core i5 with 2.5GHz clock speed is pretty standard for budget gaming laptops at $800. You can also get Lenovo laptops with AMD Ryzen 5 with better clock speeds, if you prefer Ryzen.
But processing power is not enough. If you want your games to run smoothly at higher frame rates and better resolution, you need to look for a laptop with a decent GPU.
For $800 you can easily get a laptop with a 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 or 3050 that can run most games at 60fps. And if that doesn’t meet your requirements, check out the few laptops with 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050TI.
Ensure Sufficient RAM & SSD
8GB RAM is a standard ballpark for the given price tag, but some laptops — like HP Victus — will still come with 16GB of system memory. Although most games list 8GB RAM as their minimum requirement, the reality is that you’ll need more for smooth gameplay — and would have to upgrade at some point.
Display Needs a Decent Refresh Rate
Full HD (1920×1080) resolution is pretty standard among the gaming laptops nowadays — just like the high refresh rate.
Getting at least 120Hz refresh rate lets you maneuver easily, spot enemies faster, and enjoy fast car chases. Higher rate is good but not crucial — unless you play eSports, in which case you should go for at least 240Hz.
Look for One With an Efficient Cooling System
An efficient cooling system is a must for gaming laptops because of the heat they produce. Without efficient heat dissipation, gamers experience lower frame rates due to thermal throttling — and you don’t want that during intense gaming sessions.
Though most laptop brands claim each new model comes with a great cooling system, it’s best to check what users say — and get a cooling pad.
Don’t Forget Portability and Battery Life
Even though gaming laptops tend to have bulkier build and lower battery life, there are still some that are quite portable.
If you’re mostly playing at a dorm room or home, this won’t matter much. But, if you’re taking your laptop every day to campus or an office, you might want to rethink your choices — and check out lighter models like MSI GF63 or Acer Aspire 5.
FAQs about Gaming Laptops under $800
Is $800 good enough for a gaming laptop?
While we would always recommend going beyond 1000 dollars to get a good gaming laptop, $800 can still get you a respectable machine, best suited for enthusiastic gamers.
While you won’t get the most powerful CPU and GPU combo fo $800, you should aim for Intel Core i5 (11th or 12th gen) and RTX 2050 or 3050 with 4GB VRAM.
Apart from GPU, which is the most important feature to look for in budget gaming laptops?
If you want a budget gaming laptop that can run your favorite games, you must ensure that it has an 11th or 12th gen processor with at least four cores (and 2.5GHz clock speed) to rely on.
A good processor can help you ease the load off GPU while effectively processing NPCs and environments in the case of open-world games.
How important is RAM in budget gaming notebooks?
A sizable chunk of RAM can be extremely useful — get at the very least 8GB RAM, and shoot for 16GB.
For games with maps and non-playing characters, a high-end RAM module can speed up the CPU processes while improving fps values for mid-range games if the GPU isn’t as powerful.
What kind of display is usually available on a budget gaming notebook?
Budget gaming laptops usually feature 1080p panels.
Moreover, several cheap gaming notebooks offer 120Hz or 144Hz, which is great since screens with higher refresh rates offer a smoother gaming experience.
Verdict
If you are in the market for a budget gaming laptop, 800 dollars is a pretty respectable price point to start with. However, you’ll have to make a few compromises, regardless of the brand or the machine you choose.
Here’s a quick overview to make it even easier for you:
- If you are okay with spending a little extra money, the Lenovo Legion 5 offers the best CPU and GPU combo on the list.
- The MSI GF63 is probably the most complete gaming laptop to consider for the given price bracket, with the most portable build.
- Last but not least, budget seekers with relatively moderate gaming expectations can go for the Acer Aspire 5, because of its sleek profile and long-lasting (10+ hours) battery.
We hope you found the perfect gaming companion from our list. If not, you’d definitely find something of value in our best gaming laptops under $1000 list, if you have a flexible budget.
