The finest gaming laptops combine portability and power to deliver top-notch PC gaming wherever you are. The 2024 generation of computers is making its way onto store shelves. They occupy the 16- and 18-inch form factors that were first launched the previous year, with a significant emphasis on screen upgrades in addition to small internal improvements from Intel’s 14th generation processors. While some are focusing more on portability with slimline designs than pure performance, others have new AI functions built right in. Therefore, there is a huge range of devices available these days, and we are sorting through them all to identify the finest of the best.
Comparing the best budget gaming laptops of 2024
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 is currently the greatest gaming laptop of 2024, but several of our top picks strike a mix between price and raw power. That means that some of these top models will just perform better than what their price tag indicates, without using the most powerful graphics cards or packing tons of RAM. Why pay for an all-singing rig if you don’t need one?
Finding the right budget gaming laptop in 2024 depends on what features are most important to you. Here’s a comparison of three of the top contenders to help you decide:
1. Asus TUF A15
Pros:
- Excellent price-performance value
- Solid build quality
- Wide range of configurations with AMD Ryzen processors and Nvidia RTX 30 or 40 series graphics options
- Excellent keyboard for both gaming and typing
Cons:
- A bit bulky and heavy
- Display can be a bit on the dimmer side compared to some competitors
Price: Starting at $1200
Who it’s for: Casual gamers or those on a tight budget who prioritize performance over aesthetics.
2. MSI Katana 15
Pros:
- Very affordable price tag
- Latest 13th gen Intel Core processors and Nvidia RTX 4050 graphics for the price range
- Relatively thin and lightweight design
Cons:
- Battery life isn’t the greatest
- Keyboard may feel a little cheap
- Lower quality display compared to some competitors
Price: Starting at $1000
Who it’s for: Value-conscious gamers who prioritize portability and the newest processors over top-of-the-line graphics or fancy features.
3. Acer Nitro 5
Pros:
- Well-rounded performance for the price
- Offers a good balance between processing power and graphics with various configurations
- Some configurations feature a 144Hz refresh rate display for smoother gameplay
Cons:
- Build quality can feel a bit cheap
- Can get loud under heavy load
- Battery life isn’t the most impressive
Price: Starting at $809
Who it’s for: Casual gamers who want a balance of affordability, performance, and some higher-end features like a high refresh rate display.
We’ve tested a variety of gaming laptops to identify the best models available, evaluating design and thermal efficiency, performance in relation to specifications, and overall value for money. We put every machine through a battery of performance tests, and we spend a lot of time living, playing, and working with the machines we review. You can read our comprehensive guide to see exactly how we test gaming laptops.
Without a specialized graphics processor (GPU), as opposed to integrated graphics that are typically included in the primary processor (CPU) of laptops, no laptop can be considered a proper gaming machine. For both laptop vendors and ourselves, there’s a clear distinction between a pretender and a gamer.
While this is accurate, IGPs can now dependably run games at respectable settings because of Intel’s most recent Core Ultra CPUs and their Intel Arc integrated graphics. Will this affect the math involved in choosing a cheap gaming laptop? Read More: Samsung Galaxy S24 Review and Best Note-Taking Apps for all classes of people
Since there’s still a significant difference between it and an Intel Arc IGP, most of you will still want a gaming laptop with at least the lowest-end dedicated GPU. Despite the fact that prices are growing and the traditional $1,000 boundary that delineated affordable gaming systems has become less distinct, we’ll outline what to look for while staying as close to that amount as we can. Continue reading for a summary of the top 2024 budget gaming laptops that PCMag has put through its rigorous testing process, as well as a buying guide that will help you get the laptop that’s suitable for you.
