Are you looking for a great gaming laptop but don't want to spend a fortune?
Check out our list of the best gaming laptops under $1,000 in 2023.
These laptops offer good performance, solid graphics, and features that will run the latest games. Here are our top picks for the best overall, best value, best battery life, best budget option, and more.
What you should look for in a budget gaming laptop
When you're looking for a budget gaming laptop, you should look for good performance, solid graphics, and storage that will run the latest games. You might have to make some compromises, such as lower battery life or a smaller screen, but you can still get a great gaming experience without breaking the bank. Look for a laptop with a good graphics card such as the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 or the AMD Radeon RX 5600M.
You should also look for a processor with good performance, such as an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5. RAM is also important, and you should aim for at least 8GB, but 16GB is better. Storage is another consideration, and an SSD is preferable to a hard drive, although you might have to settle for a smaller SSD in a budget laptop.
What to Expect From the Best Gaming Laptops Under $1,000
When looking for a budget gaming laptop, you should expect good performance, solid graphics, and storage that will run the latest games. You might have to make some compromises, such as lower battery life or a smaller screen, but you can still get a great gaming experience without breaking the bank.
When shopping for a gaming laptop under $1000, it's important to consider the processor, graphics card, RAM, storage, display, and battery life. The processor is the heart of the laptop and should be powerful enough to run the latest games. The graphics card should also be powerful enough to handle the latest games.
RAM and storage are important for multitasking and storing games, so look for at least 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The display should have a good resolution and a good refresh rate for a smooth gaming experience. Finally, battery life is important for gaming on the go, so look for laptops with at least 6 hours of battery life.
Best overall: Acer Swift X
The Acer Swift X is a great overall gaming laptop that offers good performance with an AMD Ryzen 7 5800U processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU. It has a 14-inch 1080p display, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The build quality is solid, and the price point is reasonable.
Reasons to buy:
Great performance with an AMD Ryzen 7 5800U processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU
Solid build quality
Reasonable price
Reasons to avoid:
Battery life is not the best at around 7 hours
Best games for this computer:
Cyberpunk 2077: Cyberpunk 2077 is an action role-playing game set in a dystopian future where players take on the role of V, a mercenary who navigates a world of megacorporations, cyber-enhanced humans, and street gangs. The game features a mix of first-person combat, open-world exploration, and player choice that affects the story.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Assassin's Creed Valhalla is an action role-playing game set in 9th-century Norway and England. Players take on the role of Eivor, a Viking raider who leads their clan through raids and battles against rival kingdoms. The game features a mix of stealth, exploration, and combat as players uncover the mysteries behind the Hidden Ones and the Isu.
Apex Legends: Apex Legends is a free-to-play battle royale game where players form teams of three to compete against each other on a large map. Each player chooses from a variety of unique characters, called Legends, with their own abilities and playstyles. The game features fast-paced combat, team strategy, and various gameplay modes, including ranked matches and limited-time events.
Best value: Acer Nitro 5
The Acer Nitro 5 is a great value gaming laptop that comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU. It has a 15.6-inch 1080p display, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The build quality is good, and the price point is very reasonable.
Reasons to buy:
Great value with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU
Good build quality
Very reasonable price
Reasons to avoid:
Battery life is not the best at around 6 hours
Best games for this computer:
Doom Eternal: Doom Eternal is a first-person shooter game where players take on the role of the Doom Slayer, a legendary demon killer who travels between dimensions to battle against the forces of Hell. The game features intense, fast-paced combat against a variety of enemies using an arsenal of weapons and abilities. The game also includes exploration and platforming elements, with hidden secrets to uncover and upgrades to unlock.
Grand Theft Auto V: Grand Theft Auto V is an action-adventure game set in the fictional city of Los Santos, based in Los Angeles. The game features a single-player campaign where players take on the roles of three different characters with intertwining storylines, as well as a vast open world with various side activities and missions. The game also includes an online multiplayer mode where players can team up with others to complete heists, races, and other challenges.
Dead Space Standard: Experience the horror classic Dead Space, fully rebuilt to immerse you in a terrifying sci-fi survival journey. As engineer Isaac Clarke, unravel the chilling mystery aboard the USG Ishimura while searching for your lost partner, Nicole. Face relentless Necromorphs and your own crumbling sanity in this suspenseful, atmospheric adventure with enhanced visuals, audio, and gameplay.
Best battery life: HP Envy 14
The HP Envy 14 offers the best battery life among our picks with up to 12 hours of use. It also has an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor and an Nvidia GeForce MX450 GPU. It has a 14-inch 1080p display, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The build quality is solid, and the price point is reasonable.
Reasons to buy:
Excellent battery life of up to 12 hours
Solid build quality
Reasonable price
Reasons to avoid:
The graphics card is not the most powerful
Best games for this computer:
Civilization VI: Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game where players lead a civilization from ancient times to the modern era. The game features a mix of city-building, resource management, and diplomacy, with the ultimate goal of achieving cultural, scientific, or military victory over other civilizations. The game also includes various historical figures and events, as well as randomized maps and scenarios for replayability.
Overwatch: Overwatch is a team-based first-person shooter game where players choose from a variety of heroes, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. Players then team up to complete objectives, such as capturing points or pushing payloads, while battling against the other team. The game also features a variety of game modes, including competitive matches and limited-time events, as well as a deep backstory and lore.
World of Warcraft: World of Warcraft is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game set in the fantasy world of Azeroth. Players create a character from a variety of races and classes, and then embark on quests, battle against enemies, and interact with other players in a persistent online world. The game features various expansions that add new content, including new areas, dungeons, and raids, as well as new player races and classes. The game also includes a rich storyline and lore that has evolved over the game's long history.
Best budget option: HP Victus 15
The HP Victus 15 is a great budget gaming laptop with good performance, an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor, and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU. It has a 15.6-inch 1080p display, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The build quality is good, and the price point is very reasonable.
Reasons to buy:
Great budget option with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU
Good build quality
Very reasonable price
Reasons to avoid:
Battery life is not the best at around 6 hours
Best games for this computer:
Call of Duty Modern Warfare: Call of Duty Modern Warfare is a first-person shooter game that features a single-player campaign and various multiplayer modes. The game's story follows a fictional conflict between the United States and Russia, while the multiplayer modes include classic game modes such as team deathmatch and domination, as well as a battle royale mode called Warzone. The game also features a variety of weapons, customization options, and in-game challenges and events.
Fortnite: Fortnite is a free-to-play battle royale game where players compete against each other on a large map, either solo or in teams. The game features a unique building system that allows players to construct structures such as walls and ramps for defense or traversal. The game also includes various limited-time events, such as seasonal content and collaborations with other franchises. The game's art style is cartoony and vibrant, with a focus on customization and cosmetic items.
Rainbow Six Siege: Rainbow Six Siege is a team-based tactical shooter game where players take on the roles of operators, each with their own unique gadgets and abilities. Players then team up to complete objectives, such as rescuing hostages or defusing bombs, while battling against the other team. The game also includes various game modes, including a single-player training mode and a ranked multiplayer mode for competitive play. The game's focus is on strategy and communication, with destructible environments and a variety of gadgets that can be used for offense or defense.
If you’re able to stretch your budget: HP Victus 16
If you're able to spend a bit more, the HP Victus 16 offers a great screen with a 16.1-inch 144Hz 1080p display. It also has an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU. It has 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, and the build quality is solid. The price point is a bit higher than some of the other laptops on our list, but it's worth it if you want a larger screen and a higher refresh rate.
Reasons to buy:
Great screen with a 16.1-inch 144Hz 1080p display
Good performance with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU
Solid build quality
Reasons to avoid:
Battery life is not the best at around 6 hours
Best games for this computer:
Red Dead Redemption 2: Red Dead Redemption 2 is an action-adventure game set in the Wild West in the late 1800s. Players take on the role of Arthur Morgan, a member of a gang of outlaws who are on the run from the law. The game features a large open world with a variety of environments and wildlife to explore, as well as a mix of missions and side activities. The game also includes a morality system that affects the story, as well as a deep and emotional narrative that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the end of the Wild West era.
Far Cry 5: Far Cry 5 is a first-person shooter game set in the fictional Hope County, Montana, where players take on the role of a deputy who must confront a religious cult that has taken over the county. The game features a large open world with a variety of vehicles, weapons, and gadgets to use, as well as a mix of missions and side activities. The game's story explores themes of cults, religion, and politics, and includes multiple endings based on player choices.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order - Immerse yourself in a galaxy-spanning adventure with this 3rd person action-adventure game from Respawn Entertainment. Play as a Jedi Padawan who survived Order 66 and embark on a quest to rebuild the Jedi Order. Master powerful Force abilities and iconic lightsaber combat as you outwit the Empire and its deadly Inquisitors. Discover familiar Star Wars locales and characters, while uncovering the secrets of a long-extinct civilization in a gripping, authentic story that tests your survival instincts and Jedi prowess.
Best for ray-tracing: Acer Predator Triton 300 SE
The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE is an excellent option if you want to experience ray-tracing in your games. It has an Intel Core i7-11375H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU. It has a 14-inch 1080p display, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The build quality is solid, and the price point is reasonable for a laptop with ray-tracing capabilities.
Reasons to buy:
Great for ray-tracing with an Intel Core i7-11375H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU
Solid build quality
Reasonable price point for a laptop with ray-tracing capabilities
Reasons to avoid:
Battery life is not the best at around 7 hours
Best games for this computer:
Assassin's Creed Odyssey: Assassin's Creed Odyssey is an action role-playing game set in ancient Greece. Players take on the role of either Alexios or Kassandra, a Spartan mercenary who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving the gods and the fate of the Greek world. The game features a mix of open-world exploration, combat, and player choice, with a variety of quests and side activities to complete. The game also includes a skill tree and various weapons and abilities to unlock.
Far Cry 6: Dive into the thrilling world of Yara, a tropical paradise engulfed in a modern-day guerrilla revolution. Battle the ruthless dictator Antón Castillo and his son Diego as they seek to restore Yara's former glory. Join the resistance as a guerrilla fighter and ignite a fiery uprising to overthrow their oppressive regime in this action-packed adventure.
Battlefield V: Battlefield V is a first-person shooter game set during World War II. The game features a single-player campaign and various multiplayer modes, including classic modes such as conquest and team deathmatch, as well as a battle royale mode called Firestorm. The game also includes various vehicles, weapons, and gadgets to use, as well as destructible environments and squad-based gameplay. The game's multiplayer is focused on large-scale battles and team strategy, with a variety of maps and challenges to complete.
Best CPU performance: Asus ROG Strix G15 Advantage Edition
The Asus ROG Strix G15 Advantage Edition offers great CPU performance with an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor. It also has an AMD Radeon RX 6800M GPU, a 15.6-inch 1080p display with a 165Hz refresh rate, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The build quality is solid, and the price point is reasonable for a laptop with this level of performance.
Reasons to buy:
Great CPU performance with an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor
Good GPU performance with an AMD Radeon RX 6800M GPU
Solid build quality
Reasons to avoid:
Battery life is not the best at around 6 hours
Best games for this computer:
The Sims 4 High School Years - Embrace the ups and downs of teenage life with this expansion pack for The Sims 4. Experience iconic moments like prom, pranks, and self-discovery as you navigate friendships, rivalries, and extracurricular events. Attend classes, interact with teachers, and even earn money as a style influencer or streamer. Make the most of your high school years before graduation arrives! *Requires The Sims 4 (sold separately) and all game updates.
Need for Speed Unbound Standard - Dominate the streets in the latest high-octane racing adventure from Criterion Games. Conquer The Grand, Lakeshore's ultimate street racing challenge, and make your mark on the scene. Customize your rides, flaunt your unique style, and immerse yourself in a vibrant global soundtrack. Enjoy separate single and multiplayer campaigns for hours of thrilling, adrenaline-fueled action in this electrifying addition to the Need for Speed franchise.
Star Wars Battlefront II Celebration Edition - Immerse yourself in the ultimate Star Wars battle experience with the Celebration Edition! This edition includes the base game, all past and future free updates, and a wealth of customization content, including over 150 cosmetic appearances, 170 emotes, and victory poses. Celebrate two years of free updates, explore three iconic Star Wars eras, and engage in massive multiplayer battles alongside a thriving community. With content inspired by Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the Celebration Edition offers the most complete Star Wars Battlefront II experience for fans and newcomers alike. Unleash your inner hero, villain, or elite trooper, and live out your Star Wars fantasies on the battlefront.
Best Gaming Laptops Under $1,000: Bottom Line
The best gaming laptops under $1,000 offer good performance, solid graphics, and storage that will run the latest games.
Our top picks include the Acer Swift X for the best overall, the Acer Nitro 5 for the best value, the HP Envy 14 for the best battery life, the HP Victus 15 for the best budget option, the HP Victus 16 for a larger screen and higher refresh rate, the Acer Predator Triton 300 SE for ray-tracing capabilities, and the Asus ROG Strix G15 Advantage Edition for great CPU performance.
FAQ
Q: Can you play the latest games on a budget gaming laptop?
A: Yes, you can play the latest games on a budget gaming laptop, although you might have to compromise on graphics settings and frame rates. Look for a laptop with a good graphics card, processor, and RAM, and storage that can handle the latest games.
Q: What is the difference between a gaming laptop and a regular laptop?
A: A gaming laptop is designed specifically for playing games and has a better graphics card, processor, and RAM than a regular laptop. It also has features such as a high refresh rate display and improved cooling to handle the demands of gaming.
Q: Can you upgrade a budget gaming laptop?
A: It depends on the laptop, but many budget gaming laptops allow for some upgrades, such as adding more RAM or swapping out the storage for a larger SSD. However, some components such as the graphics card might not be upgradeable.
Q: Is it worth it to spend more on a gaming laptop?
A: It depends on your needs and budget. If you're a serious gamer who wants to play the latest games at the highest settings and frame rates, then it might be worth it to spend more on a gaming laptop with better components. However, if you're a casual gamer who wants to play games in medium settings, then a budget gaming laptop should be sufficient.
Q: How much RAM should a gaming laptop have?
A: Most gaming laptops in the $1,000 price range come with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most games. However, if you plan to run multiple applications or more demanding games, you may want to consider getting a laptop with 16GB of RAM.
Q: Can I find a good gaming laptop for under $500?
A: While it may be challenging to find a high-performance gaming laptop under $500, there are some budget options available. The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i and Acer Aspire 5 are two options worth considering in this price range.
Q: What resolution should I look for in a gaming laptop?
A: For gaming, a 1080p resolution is generally sufficient, and most gaming laptops in the $1,000 price range come with this resolution. However, some laptops offer higher resolutions, such as 1440p or even 4K, which can provide more detail and better visuals.
Q: How much SSD storage do I need in a gaming laptop?
A: For most gaming laptops, 256GB or 512GB of SSD storage should be sufficient. However, if you plan to install many games or other large files, you may want to consider getting a laptop with 1TB of storage or more.
Q: What is a good refresh rate for a gaming laptop?
A: A refresh rate of 144Hz or higher is ideal for gaming, as it can provide a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. Some gaming laptops in the $1,000 price range, such as the 5, offer a 144Hz refresh rate.
Q: What is the best laptop to buy for general use?
A: If you're looking for a laptop for general use, such as browsing the web or doing office work, you may not need a gaming laptop. Some good options for general use include the Apple MacBook Air, the Microsoft Surface Laptop, and the HP Pavilion.