The Best Budget Gaming Laptops Under $700: Affordable Gaming Power

Let’s face it: gaming is awesome, but gaming rigs can be pricey. The good news is, you don’t have to shell out a fortune to experience the thrill of virtual worlds. Powerful gaming laptops are becoming more affordable than ever, and that opens up a whole new world of possibilities for budget-conscious gamers like you (and me!).

Now, I know what you’re thinking: Can I really get a decent gaming laptop for under $700? The answer is a resounding YES! But with so many options out there, finding the perfect balance of performance, features, and value can feel like navigating a labyrinth.

That’s where we come in. We’ve spent countless hours researching, testing, and comparing the latest budget gaming laptops to bring you the definitive guide. Whether you’re a casual gamer looking to dive into some esports or a student who wants a laptop that can handle both homework and late-night raids, we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll unveil our top picks for the best gaming laptops under $700, share a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed decision, and answer all your burning questions about gaming on a budget. Get ready to level up your gaming experience without emptying your wallet!

Top Picks: Best Gaming Laptops Under $700 That Deliver the Goods

Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-55E2

Description: The Acer Nitro 5 is a well-rounded gaming laptop that offers a great balance of performance, features, and value. It’s perfect for casual gamers and students who need a laptop that can handle both work and play.

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 15IAH7

Description: The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a budget-friendly gaming laptop that doesn’t skimp on performance. It’s powered by a Ryzen 5 6600H processor and an RTX 3050 graphics card, making it capable of handling most modern games on medium to high settings.

HP Victus 15-fb0028dx

Description: The HP Victus 15 is a solid all-arounder that strikes a good balance between price and performance. Its AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card can handle most modern games at reasonable settings, making it a great choice for budget-conscious gamers.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Budget Gaming Laptop

Choosing the right gaming laptop under $700 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding a few key components, you can make an informed decision that fits your needs and budget. Let’s break it down:

1. Processor (CPU): The Brains of the Operation

• What to Look For:
  • Intel Core i5: Excellent for multitasking and gaming. Consider models with 11th or 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processors for the best performance in this price range.
  • AMD Ryzen 5: Offers comparable performance to Intel’s i5 at a competitive price. Look for laptops with Ryzen 5 5600H or newer processors.
• Why It Matters: A good CPU ensures smooth gameplay, quick loading times, and the ability to run other applications while gaming.

2. Graphics Card (GPU): Your Ticket to Immersive Visuals

• What to Look For:
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050: A great entry-level GPU capable of handling most modern games on medium settings.
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650: A slightly older but still capable option for budget gaming.
• Why It Matters: The GPU is the heart of your gaming experience. It’s responsible for rendering graphics, effects, and visuals that make your games come to life.

3. Memory (RAM): Fuel for Your Games

• What to Look For:
  • 8GB RAM (Minimum): Essential for modern gaming, but can be limiting for multitasking.
  • 16GB RAM (Ideal): Allows for smoother gameplay, multitasking, and better performance in demanding titles.
• Why It Matters: RAM is like short-term memory for your laptop. It stores game data, allowing for faster loading times and smoother gameplay.

4. Storage: Speed vs. Space

• What to Look For: Prioritize a solid-state drive (SSD) over a hard disk drive (HDD). A 512GB SSD is a good starting point for most gamers.
• Why It Matters: SSDs offer significantly faster loading times, making your games launch and levels load much quicker than HDDs.

5. Display: Size and Smoothness

• What to Look For:
  • 15.6-inch or 17.3-inch display: Choose the size that best suits your preferences.
  • 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rate: A higher refresh rate means smoother motion, which is especially important in fast-paced games.
• Why It Matters: A good display enhances immersion and makes gameplay more enjoyable.

6. Battery Life: Manage Your Expectations

• What to Look For: Gaming laptops are notorious for having shorter battery life. Aim for at least 4-5 hours of light use.
• Why It Matters: While most serious gaming is done plugged in, battery life is still important for portability and occasional on-the-go gaming.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check out customer reviews online to get real-world insights into the performance and quality of budget gaming laptops before you buy!

Tips for Maximizing Your Gaming Experience on a Budget

While a $700 gaming laptop won’t rival a high-end rig, there are plenty of ways to squeeze out every ounce of performance and enjoyment. Here are some tips to level up your gaming experience without breaking the bank:

1. Optimize Game Settings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the graphics settings in your games. Lowering the resolution, texture quality, and shadows can significantly improve performance without sacrificing too much visual fidelity.
2. Consider an External Monitor: While your laptop’s screen might be sufficient, a larger external monitor can be a game-changer. Look for affordable options with high refresh rates (120Hz or 144Hz) and good response times for a smoother, more immersive gaming experience.
3. Invest in a Cooling Pad: Gaming laptops tend to run hot, especially under heavy load. A cooling pad can help regulate temperatures, prevent overheating, and extend the lifespan of your laptop. There are plenty of affordable cooling pads available that can make a big difference.
4. Update Your Drivers: Make sure your graphics drivers and other system drivers are up-to-date. Manufacturers often release updates that can improve performance and stability, especially for newer games.
5. Close Background Applications: When gaming, close any unnecessary applications running in the background. This frees up system resources, allowing your laptop to dedicate more power to the game.
6. Use Game Boosting Software: Many gaming laptops come with pre-installed software that can optimize your system for gaming. Utilize these tools to prioritize game performance and minimize background processes.
7. Play Free-to-Play or Indie Games: There are countless fantastic games available that are either free to play or very affordable. Explore the vast libraries of free-to-play titles like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Warframe, or discover hidden gems in the indie game scene.
8. Look for Game Sales and Bundles: Keep an eye out for sales on digital distribution platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. You can often find great deals on popular games, allowing you to stretch your gaming budget further.

Bonus Tip: If you’re a student or educator, check for educational discounts on software and hardware. Some companies offer special pricing for students, which can save you money on your gaming laptop or games.