10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $700 [Powerful Budget Buys]

Finding a capable gaming laptop under $700 that delivers smooth 1080p performance isn’t easy, but it’s definitely possible in 2025. With RTX 30 series GPUs becoming more affordable and 144Hz displays now standard on budget gaming notebooks, you can get genuine gaming performance without breaking the bank.

We’ve tested and reviewed 10 of the best budget gaming laptops available in December 2025, focusing on models that offer RTX 30 series graphics and high refresh rate displays. While a few exceptional models slightly exceed the $700 mark, they’re included for their outstanding value propositions that make them worth the small premium.

Whether you’re a student looking for your first gaming laptop or a casual gamer wanting 1080p performance on a budget, these gaming machines prove you don’t need to spend $1,000+ to enjoy modern games at decent settings.

Quick Comparison of Best Gaming Laptops Under $700

Laptop Model	Key Spec	Best For	Check Price
HP Victus 15.6	RTX 3050 + 32GB RAM	Best Overall Value	Amazon
ASUS TUF Gaming A15	RTX 3050 + 144Hz	Most Durable	Amazon
Acer Nitro V	RTX 4050 + 144Hz	Best GPU Performance	Amazon
MSI GF63 Thin	RTX 3050 + 144Hz	Sleekest Design	Amazon
Lenovo LOQ Essential	RTX 2050 + 144Hz	Best for Esports	Amazon
Acer Swift X	RTX 3050 + Creator Focus	Moderate gaming	Amazon
MSI Thin 15	RTX 4060 + 144Hz	Premium Performance	Amazon
ASUS V16	RTX 3050 + 16″ Display	Larger Screen	Amazon
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3	RTX 3050 Ti	Balanced Gaming	Amazon
Acer Nitro 5	RTX 3060 + MUX Switch	Best Gaming Features	Amazon

How to Choose the Best Budget Gaming Laptop in 2025?

When shopping for gaming laptops under $700, your main priority should be finding the right balance between GPU performance and overall system specs. The RTX 3050 has become the sweet spot for 1080p gaming at this price point, delivering playable frame rates in most modern games at medium to high settings.

Display quality matters just as much as raw performance. A 144Hz refresh rate transforms the gaming experience, making fast-paced games feel more responsive even if you’re not hitting 144 FPS consistently. Look for IPS panels over TN displays for better color accuracy and viewing angles.

Don’t overlook RAM and storage configurations. While 8GB RAM is acceptable for gaming, 16GB provides much better multitasking and future-proofing. Similarly, a fast NVMe SSD dramatically improves load times compared to traditional hard drives. Many budget gaming laptops now include upgrade paths for both components.

Common Budget Gaming Laptop Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake is focusing solely on the GPU while ignoring the CPU. A weak processor will bottleneck even a decent graphics card, especially in CPU-intensive games like strategy titles or open-world games. Look for at least a modern quad-core processor from Intel’s 11th gen or AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series.

Another common error is buying last year’s model just because it’s cheaper. In the rapidly evolving laptop market, newer models often offer significantly better performance per dollar, especially with improved cooling and more efficient architectures.

Finally, don’t ignore thermals and build quality. Cheap gaming laptops that overheat will throttle performance and have shorter lifespans. Look for models with proper cooling solutions and decent build quality, even if it means spending slightly more upfront.

Gaming Laptop Reviews

1. HP Victus 15.6 i5 Gaming Laptop – Best Overall Value Under $700

At $609.99, the HP Victus 15.6 delivers exceptional value that’s hard to beat in the budget gaming laptop market. This configuration includes a generous 32GB of DDR4 RAM and a spacious 1TB SSD, specs you’d typically find in laptops costing $200-300 more.

The Intel Core i5-12450H processor provides solid gaming performance with its 8 cores and 12 threads, easily handling modern games without becoming a bottleneck. Paired with the RTX 3050, you’ll get 60+ FPS in most games at 1080p medium settings, with some titles reaching high settings comfortably.

The 144Hz IPS display delivers smooth visuals with good color reproduction, making both gaming and content consumption enjoyable. HP’s build quality is reliable, and the backlit keyboard feels responsive for gaming sessions. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 and multiple USB ports adds to the overall value proposition.

Where this laptop really shines is in its upgrade-friendly configuration. With 32GB RAM already installed and a 1TB SSD, you won’t need immediate upgrades, saving money in the long run. The only compromise is the RTX 3050’s 4GB VRAM, which might limit performance in the most demanding AAA titles at high settings.

For students or casual gamers who want a machine that can handle both productivity tasks and gaming without breaking the bank, the HP Victus represents the best overall value under $700 in 2025.

2. ASUS TUF Gaming A15 – Most Durable Budget Gaming Laptop

The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 stands out in the budget gaming segment with its military-grade durability and solid performance at $756.97. ASUS has built a reputation for reliable gaming laptops, and the TUF series continues that tradition with robust construction that can handle daily college or work use.

The AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor offers excellent performance-per-watt, often matching or exceeding Intel alternatives while running cooler. Combined with the RTX 3050 graphics card rated at up to 70W TGP, this laptop delivers consistent gaming performance without excessive thermal throttling.

Gaming performance is solid across the board. Expect 70-90 FPS in esports titles like Valorant and CS2, while AAA games typically run at 45-60 FPS on medium to high settings. The 144Hz display makes competitive gaming feel responsive, even when frame rates dip below the maximum refresh rate.

Build quality is where the TUF Gaming A15 truly excels. The military-grade testing ensures it can withstand drops, vibrations, and temperature extremes better than most budget gaming laptops. The RGB backlit keyboard feels premium and includes dedicated gaming features like anti-ghosting.

The main limitation is the 8GB DDR5 RAM, which feels tight for multitasking in 2025. However, the memory is upgradeable, and the DDR5-5600MHz speed provides excellent bandwidth when you do upgrade. The 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD is fast but might fill up quickly with modern games.

3. Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop – Best RTX 4050 Performance

At $791.22, the Acer Nitro V edges slightly above our target budget but delivers significantly better gaming performance with its RTX 4050 graphics card. This represents the newest generation of NVIDIA GPUs, offering better efficiency and performance than the RTX 3050 options.

The Intel Core i5-13420H is a capable gaming processor that won’t bottleneck the RTX 4050. This combination typically delivers 15-25% better performance than RTX 3050 setups, which translates to higher frame rates and the ability to use higher graphics settings in demanding games.

Gaming performance is impressive for this price range. You’ll easily achieve 80+ FPS in competitive games and 55-70 FPS in AAA titles at 1080p high settings. The RTX 4050’s improved architecture also provides better ray tracing performance, making it future-ready for games that implement these features.

The 144Hz IPS display showcases the improved performance well, and Acer’s color calibration is decent for gaming and media consumption. The build quality feels solid for a Nitro series laptop, with good keyboard feedback and reasonable cooling performance under load.

The main drawbacks are the 8GB DDR5 RAM configuration and international shipping costs that push the total price higher. However, the expandable memory slots and NVMe SSD slot provide clear upgrade paths. The RTX 4050’s improved VRAM efficiency also helps offset the RAM limitation compared to older GPUs.

For gamers who want the latest GPU technology and don’t mind spending slightly more for significantly better performance, the Nitro V offers excellent value despite exceeding the strict $700 limit.

4. MSI GF63 Thin Gaming Laptop – Sleekest Budget Design

The MSI GF63 Thin breaks the mold of bulky budget gaming laptops with its sleek aluminum design and thin profile. While pricing varies by seller, this laptop typically falls within budget range and offers a more premium aesthetic than most competitors.

The Intel i5-11400H processor from the 11th generation is still capable for gaming, though not quite as efficient as newer 12th or 13th gen alternatives. However, paired with 16GB DDR4 RAM, it provides smooth multitasking and gaming performance that satisfies most users’ needs.

Gaming performance with the RTX 3050 is solid, delivering playable frame rates in all current games at 1080p. The 144Hz display feels responsive for competitive gaming, and MSI’s color tuning generally provides good visual quality out of the box.

Where this laptop excels is in portability and aesthetics. The thin aluminum construction feels premium and travels well, making it ideal for students or professionals who need gaming capability in a package that doesn’t scream “gamer.” The understated design works in professional environments while still delivering gaming performance.

The trade-offs for the slim design include potentially higher temperatures under sustained load and limited upgrade options compared to thicker gaming laptops. The 512GB NVMe SSD provides good speed but modest capacity for modern games.

Battery life is surprisingly decent for a gaming laptop, making this a good choice for users who need all-day productivity capability alongside gaming performance. The build quality feels more premium than the price suggests, typical of MSI’s attention to design details.

5. Lenovo LOQ Essential 15.6″ – Best for Esports Gaming

The Lenovo LOQ Essential targets competitive gamers who prioritize high refresh rates and consistent frame rates over maximum graphics settings. With its RTX 2050 and 144Hz display, this laptop excels at esports titles where consistent performance matters more than visual fidelity.

The Intel Core i5-12450HX processor provides excellent single-threaded performance, which is crucial for competitive gaming where frame rate consistency trumps raw GPU power. The 8-core configuration also handles streaming and multitasking well, making it suitable for content creators on a budget.

While the RTX 2050 is the least powerful GPU in our roundup, it’s perfectly matched to the laptop’s esports focus. Games like Valorant, CS2, Apex Legends, and Fortnite run at 100+ FPS on high settings, fully utilizing the 144Hz display’s capabilities.

The display quality is particularly noteworthy for competitive gaming. The IPS panel provides excellent response times and color accuracy, while the 144Hz refresh rate gives you a competitive edge in fast-paced games. Lenovo’s calibration work ensures good out-of-box color accuracy.

Build quality follows Lenovo’s reputation for durability, with solid construction that should withstand regular transport. The keyboard provides good tactile feedback for gaming, and the thermal design keeps temperatures reasonable even during extended gaming sessions.

The main limitation is the 8GB DDR5 RAM, which can feel restrictive when running demanding games alongside streaming software or other applications. However, the modern DDR5 specification provides excellent bandwidth, and the memory is user-upgradeable.

6. Acer Swift X Creator Laptop – Best for Content Creation

The Acer Swift X bridges the gap between gaming and content creation, offering a 14-inch form factor with impressive specs for creators who occasionally game. At approximately $902, it exceeds our budget but provides unique value for users needing both capabilities.

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600U processor is optimized for efficiency and sustained performance, making it ideal for content creation tasks like video editing and photo processing. While it’s not the most powerful gaming CPU, it pairs well with the RTX 3050 for 1080p gaming and creative acceleration.

The standout feature is the 14-inch Full HD display with 100% sRGB color coverage and 300 nits brightness. This level of color accuracy is rare in budget laptops and makes the Swift X suitable for photo editing, graphic design, and color-critical work alongside gaming.

Gaming performance is respectable despite the smaller form factor. The RTX 3050 delivers smooth 1080p gaming in most titles, though you might need to adjust settings in the most demanding games. The compact size makes this an excellent travel gaming solution.

Build quality feels premium for the price, with a solid aluminum construction that’s both lightweight at 3.1 lbs and durable. The backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader add convenience, while Wi-Fi 6 ensures fast connectivity for large file transfers.

The main limitation is the 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, which is soldered and non-upgradeable. For creative work, this can become restrictive, though the fast memory and efficient AMD processor help maximize the available capacity.

7. MSI Thin 15 Gaming Laptop – Premium RTX 4060 Performance

The MSI Thin 15 significantly exceeds our $700 budget at $928.33, but it’s included for users willing to stretch their budget for substantially better gaming performance. The RTX 4060 represents a significant step up from RTX 3050 laptops, delivering nearly flagship-level 1080p gaming performance.

The Intel i5-13420H processor from the latest 13th generation provides excellent gaming performance and efficiency. Combined with 16GB DDR4 RAM, this system handles both demanding games and multitasking without compromise, making it suitable for streamers and content creators.

Gaming performance is exceptional for this price range. The RTX 4060 with 8GB VRAM easily achieves 80+ FPS in AAA games at high settings, while competitive titles can reach well over 100 FPS. This performance level provides genuine 1440p gaming capability for less demanding titles.

The 144Hz IPS display showcases the improved performance well, and MSI’s color calibration work ensures good visual quality for both gaming and media consumption. The Hi-Res Audio certification and quality speakers enhance the multimedia experience beyond just visuals.

Build quality is solid for a Thin series laptop, with good keyboard feedback and effective cooling for the powerful components. The inclusion of USB-C and modern connectivity options makes it suitable for professional use alongside gaming.

The main consideration is whether the performance increase justifies the price premium over budget options. For serious gamers who want performance that will last several years, the investment makes sense, but casual users might prefer more budget-focused alternatives.

8. ASUS V16 Gaming Laptop – Best Large Screen Value

The ASUS V16 offers a unique proposition in the budget gaming space with its 16-inch WUXGA display and impressive battery life. At $949.99, it’s above our target budget but provides excellent value for users who prioritize screen real estate and all-day productivity.

The Intel Core 7 240H processor represents Intel’s latest efficiency-focused architecture, delivering 10 cores and 16 threads for excellent multitasking performance. The 5.2 GHz boost clock ensures strong single-threaded performance for gaming and responsive general use.

The 16-inch WUXGA (1920×1200) display provides more vertical space than standard 1080p screens, making it excellent for productivity tasks alongside gaming. The 144Hz refresh rate and 300 nits brightness ensure good gaming performance and outdoor usability.

Gaming performance with the RTX 3050 6GB is solid across the board. The additional VRAM compared to 4GB variants helps with texture quality in demanding games, while the larger screen makes gaming more immersive than typical 15.6-inch alternatives.

Battery life is exceptional for a gaming laptop, with ASUS claiming up to 14 hours of productivity use. This makes the V16 suitable for all-day work or school use, with gaming capability available when needed. The 63Wh battery and efficient processor combination delivers real-world endurance.

The main considerations are the higher price and the potential for the RTX 3050 to feel underpowered for the larger display. However, for users who value screen size, battery life, and build quality over maximum gaming performance, the V16 offers a compelling package.

9. 9. Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 – Solid RTX 3050 Ti Performance

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 offers a compelling balance of performance and value with its RTX 3050 Ti graphics and AMD Ryzen processor combination. While pricing varies by availability, this laptop typically represents excellent value when in stock, delivering solid gaming performance in a reliable package.

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor provides excellent gaming performance with its 6 cores and 12 threads, running at base speeds of 3.3 GHz with boost clocks reaching much higher. This processor is known for excellent efficiency and strong gaming performance, particularly when paired with capable graphics cards.

Gaming performance benefits significantly from the RTX 3050 Ti upgrade over the standard RTX 3050. The additional CUDA cores and higher clock speeds translate to 10-15% better frame rates across most games, pushing performance closer to 70+ FPS in demanding titles at 1080p high settings.

The 120Hz display provides a good middle ground between standard 60Hz and premium 144Hz panels. While not as smooth as 144Hz, the 120Hz refresh rate still delivers noticeably improved gaming responsiveness compared to standard displays, especially in fast-paced competitive games.

Build quality follows Lenovo’s reputation for solid construction and reliable keyboards. The IdeaPad Gaming series strikes a good balance between gaming aesthetics and professional appearance, making it suitable for users who need versatility in different environments.

The main limitations are the 8GB DDR4 RAM configuration and limited availability in some regions. However, the DDR4-3200 memory provides good bandwidth, and most configurations allow for easy memory upgrades to 16GB or 32GB when needed.

Battery life averages around 5 hours for productivity tasks, which is reasonable for a gaming laptop with these specifications. The backlit keyboard adds gaming functionality while maintaining the practical design that makes this laptop suitable for everyday use.

10. Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop – Best Gaming Features

The Acer Nitro 5 represents the most gaming-focused option in our roundup, featuring premium gaming hardware and features typically found in more expensive laptops. While pricing varies by availability, this laptop offers the best pure gaming performance when available at competitive prices.

The Intel Core i7-12700H is a powerful 12th generation processor that won’t bottleneck the RTX 3060 graphics card. This combination delivers performance that approaches entry-level gaming desktop levels, making it suitable for serious gamers who want desktop-replacement capability.

Gaming performance is excellent across all current titles. The RTX 3060 with 6GB VRAM handles 1080p gaming at high to ultra settings in most games, with frame rates typically exceeding 70 FPS in demanding titles. Esports games easily achieve 120+ FPS for competitive advantage.

The inclusion of a MUX switch is rare at this price point and provides a significant performance boost by connecting the display directly to the discrete GPU. This feature alone can improve gaming performance by 10-15% compared to laptops without MUX switches.

The 144Hz display with 3ms response time is optimized for gaming, providing smooth visuals and competitive-level responsiveness. The RGB keyboard adds gaming ambiance and includes anti-ghosting technology for accurate input during intense gaming sessions.

Build quality follows Acer’s gaming laptop tradition, with robust construction and effective cooling for the powerful components. The Killer Wi-Fi 6 networking prioritizes gaming traffic for optimal online gaming performance.

Best Budget Gaming Laptops by Price Range

Best True Under $700: HP Victus 15.6 ($609.99) The only laptop in our roundup that truly fits the sub-$700 criteria while delivering excellent gaming performance. The combination of 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and RTX 3050 provides exceptional value that’s hard to beat.

Best Around $750: ASUS TUF Gaming A15 ($756.97) For users who can stretch slightly above $700, the TUF Gaming A15 offers military-grade durability and solid RTX 3050 performance with excellent build quality and AMD’s efficient Ryzen processor.

Best Performance Under $800: Acer Nitro V ($791.22) The RTX 4050 provides significantly better gaming performance than RTX 3050 alternatives, making this the best choice for users who prioritize frame rates and graphics quality over strict budget adherence.

Best Premium Value: MSI Thin 15 ($928.33) While well above our target budget, the RTX 4060 delivers flagship-level 1080p gaming performance that justifies the price increase for serious gamers planning to keep their laptop for several years.

Specifications Comparison

Model	CPU	GPU	RAM	Storage	Display	Weight	Price
HP Victus 15.6	i5-12450H	RTX 3050	32GB DDR4	1TB SSD	15.6″ 144Hz	Not specified	$609.99
ASUS TUF Gaming A15	Ryzen 5 7535HS	RTX 3050	8GB DDR5	512GB SSD	15.6″ 144Hz	Not specified	$756.97
Acer Nitro V	i5-13420H	RTX 4050	8GB DDR5	512GB SSD	15.6″ 144Hz	Not specified	$791.22
MSI GF63 Thin	i5-11400H	RTX 3050	16GB DDR4	512GB SSD	15.6″ 144Hz	Not specified	Variable
Lenovo LOQ Essential	i5-12450HX	RTX 2050	8GB DDR5	512GB SSD	15.6″ 144Hz	Not specified	Variable
Acer Swift X	Ryzen 5 5600U	RTX 3050	8GB LPDDR4X	512GB SSD	14″ 100% sRGB	3.1 lbs	~$902
MSI Thin 15	i5-13420H	RTX 4060	16GB DDR4	512GB SSD	15.6″ 144Hz	Not specified	$928.33
ASUS V16	Core 7 240H	RTX 3050	16GB DDR5	512GB SSD	16″ 144Hz	Not specified	$949.99
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3	Ryzen 5 5600H	RTX 3050 Ti	8GB DDR4	1TB SSD	512GB SSD	4.96 lbs	Variable
Acer Nitro 5	i7-12700H	RTX 3060	16GB DDR4	512GB SSD	15.6″ 144Hz 3ms	Not specified	Variable

FAQ

What’s the minimum GPU needed for 1080p gaming in 2025?

The RTX 3050 represents the minimum for comfortable 1080p gaming at medium to high settings. While the RTX 2050 can handle esports titles well, the RTX 3050 provides better performance in demanding AAA games and offers some ray tracing capability.

Is 8GB RAM enough for gaming in 2025?

While 8GB RAM can still run most games, 16GB has become the recommended standard for optimal performance. Many new releases benefit from additional memory, and background applications can quickly consume available RAM with only 8GB installed.

RTX 3050 vs RTX 4050 – worth the upgrade?

The RTX 4050 offers approximately 15-25% better performance than the RTX 3050, along with improved efficiency and better ray tracing performance. If the price difference is reasonable (under $100), the RTX 4050 is worth the upgrade.

Do budget gaming laptops overheat?

Modern budget gaming laptops have improved cooling systems, but thermal management varies by manufacturer. Laptops with proper ventilation and quality thermal design can maintain good performance, while cheaper models may throttle under sustained load.

Can gaming laptops be used for work and productivity?

Absolutely. Modern gaming laptops often provide excellent productivity performance due to their powerful processors and ample RAM. The dedicated graphics also accelerate creative applications and video editing tasks.

What’s the difference between 60Hz and 144Hz displays?

A 144Hz display can refresh the image 144 times per second compared to 60 times for standard displays. This results in smoother motion, reduced input lag, and a more responsive gaming experience, especially in competitive games.

Are extended warranties worth it for budget gaming laptops?

Extended warranties can be valuable for gaming laptops due to their complex thermal and electrical systems. However, evaluate the warranty cost against the laptop price and consider the manufacturer’s standard warranty coverage first.

How long do budget gaming laptops typically last?

With proper care, budget gaming laptops typically provide 3-4 years of good performance for current games. Performance in new releases may require reduced settings after 2-3 years, but they remain capable for older titles and esports games longer.

Best laptops for streaming while gaming?

Look for laptops with at least 16GB RAM and modern processors with good multi-threading performance. The Intel i5-12450H or AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS are excellent choices that can handle streaming software alongside gaming.

Can I upgrade budget gaming laptops?

Most gaming laptops allow RAM and storage upgrades, though some ultrabooks have soldered components. Check the specific model’s upgrade options before purchasing, as this can extend the laptop’s useful life significantly.

Final Recommendations

After reviewing these 10 gaming laptops in December 2025, here are my top picks for different user needs:

???? Best Overall Value Under $700: HP Victus 15.6 The exceptional 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD configuration at $609.99 makes this laptop unbeatable for pure value. The RTX 3050 handles all current games comfortably, and the generous memory and storage mean you won’t need upgrades for years.

???? Best Performance: Acer Nitro 5 (when available) The combination of i7-12700H processor, RTX 3060 graphics, and MUX switch delivers desktop-level gaming performance. While pricing varies, this represents the best pure gaming experience in our roundup.

???? Best for Esports: Lenovo LOQ Essential The RTX 2050 might seem weak, but it’s perfectly optimized for competitive gaming. Combined with the excellent 144Hz display and responsive design, this laptop excels where it matters most for competitive players.

????️ Best Build Quality: ASUS TUF Gaming A15 Military-grade durability and ASUS’s reliable construction make this the best choice for users who need a laptop that can withstand daily travel and heavy use while still delivering solid gaming performance.

The budget gaming laptop market in 2025 offers genuine options for different user needs and budgets. Whether you prioritize pure value, maximum performance, or specific features like durability or screen size, there’s a capable gaming laptop that can deliver the 1080p gaming experience you’re looking for without breaking the bank.