The Best Gaming Laptop Under $800 - The Power This Budget Provides Will SHOCK YOU! 💪💻
Whether you’re a serious gamer or just dip your toes into the gaming scene from time to time, finding an affordable laptop that can handle today’s high-demand games isn’t as difficult as it may have seemed before.
From Acer to HP’s Pavilion and Lenovo Ideapad, there are some great contenders to help you conquer the gaming world without breaking the bank. Not only do these nifty gaming laptops provide you with fantastic mobility, but they also offer enough power to let you explore a world of exciting gaming while on the go.
In this blog, We'll share with you our top picks laptops that are specifically designed for gaming and have surprisingly good specs like powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards, and ample RAM to provide you with a persistent gaming experience, all below $800!
So, without further ado, let's get started!
1. Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-525P Gaming Laptop - Our Top Pick
The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-525P Gaming Laptop stands out as an exceptional gaming laptop, offering top-notch performance and a spectacular visual experience. It's quickly become our top choice as it's the only one that comes with a new generation i7 processor at such a reasonable price. Plus, it also has the pretty happiest user testimonial.
The laptop sports a 15.6-inch full HD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 3 milliseconds response time, providing a smooth, lag-free gaming experience. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card allows you to play games on high settings without any worries about lags or stutters. The storage capacity comes in the form of a 256GB NVMe SSD, which ensures fast booting times and lightning-fast loading speeds.
Plus, it also has four USB ports (including one Type C port) and HDMI output for easily connecting peripherals like monitors, keyboards, mice, etc. All these fantastic features make this laptop our top pick for the best budget gaming laptop under $800!
Key Specs
- CPU - Intel Core i5-12500H
- Graphics Card - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
- RAM - 8GB DDR4
- Hard Disk Size - 512GB SSD
- Screen Size - 15.6 Inches
- Weight - 5.51 Pounds
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great gaming performance
- Pretty good battery life
- Attractive look
Cons
- Kinda normal build quality
2. ASUS TUF F15 Gaming Laptop - Best High Refresh Rate
Asus laptops are known for their excellent build quality, and the TUF F15 Gaming Laptop is no exception. Under $800, it not only lets you play heavier games in medium settings, but it also offers great performance in everyday tasks such as web browsing, editing documents, and streaming videos. The laptop features a 15.6-inch full HD display with a 3ms response time, ensuring you get smooth visuals while gaming and watching movies.
What's more? It features a high refresh rate of 144Hz that keeps your in-game visuals smooth, so you won't miss a beat! This laptop also includes a full HD display and graphite black finish that inspires confidence while playing, making sure you stand out from the competition.
To ensure gaming stability, the laptop is precisely equipped with 8GB of 3200MHz DDR4 RAM that delivers blistering speeds for seamless multitasking and gaming. Its 83-Blade LCP fans keep it running cool even when pushed to its limits, and multiple heat pipes self-clean to prevent dust buildup.
Key Specs
- Processor - Intel Core i5-11400H
- Graphics Card - GeForce RTX 2050
- RAM - 8GB DDR4
- Hard Disk Size - 512GB SSD
- Screen Size - 15.6 Inches
- Weight - 7.77 pounds
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Higher refresh rate
- Full had display
- Low noise
Cons
- Backlit keys are not so bright
3. Acer Aspire 5 Gaming Laptop Under $800 - Best Slim Design
If you are a casual gamer looking for a gaming laptop that won't ding your wallet, you should consider the ASUS TUF F15 Gaming Laptop. It is well known due to its supreme performance and extensive connectivity, and portability.
It wouldn't take up much of your space, and the best thing is its weight, even less, just over 3 pounds. It is powered by the latest Hexa Core processor that provides incredible power while remaining energy efficient. The 8GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB SSD storage provide ample storage for games and documents, with fast read/write speeds.
The aluminum top cover not only ensures durability but also gives it a premium look and feel. We also like its USB Type-C and HDMI ports, long-lasting battery life of up to 10 hours, and lightweight design that offer exceptional on-the-go performance.
Key Specs
- Processor - AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Hexa-Core
- Graphics Card - AMD Radeon Graphics card
- RAM - 8GB DDR4
- Hard Disk Size - 256GB SSD
- Screen Size - 15.6 Inches
- Weight - 3.88 pounds
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 11 hours of long battery life
- decent gaming performance
- Visibly stunning
Cons
- Not perform well during intense gaming sessions
4. Newest MSI GF63 Premium Gaming Laptop - Backlit Keyboard
MSI GF63 Premium Gaming Laptop has the bonus of being upgradeable. This rugged laptop comes with 16GB RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and lightning-fast load times for your favorite games. The backlit keyboard adds style and functionality, allowing you to comfortably game in any lighting condition.
The MSI GF63 features an IPS-Level 60Hz display which we know is quite lower than the other gaming laptops like Acer and Asus, but it still provides clear visuals with remarkable color accuracy. It is also equipped with a 15.6" FHD 1080p panel, guaranteeing you a crystal-clear image that won’t strain your battery life. On top of that, it can be connected to both ethernet and Wi-Fi networks for seamless streaming and gaming.
Key Specs
- Processor - Intel Quad-Core i5-10300H
- Graphics Card - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- RAM - 16 GB DDR4
- Hard Disk Size - 1 TB SSD
- Screen Size - 15.6 Inches
- Weight - 4.1 pounds
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight
- Run most modern games
- Beautiful look
Cons
- average battery life
5. Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Laptop - Fast Battery Charging
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Laptop has impressive build quality. Not only it works well for gaming enthusiasts, but it also works for side hustle work. It has a 120Hz refresh rate, which is great for better gaming performance, and 8GB RAM will provide flawless and tear-free performance.
The backlit keyboard design is highly responsive and works well at night time too. Its cutting-edge technologies deliver realistic ray-traced graphics and advanced AI features for an immersive gaming experience like never before. With excellent battery life, you can enjoy extended gaming sessions without worrying about running out of power, making it a good gaming laptop among gaming enthusiasts.
Key Specs
- Processor - AMD Ryzen 6000 Series
- Graphics Card - GeForce RTX 30
- RAM - 8 GB DDR5
- Hard Disk Size - 256 SSD
- Screen Size - 15.6 Inches
- Weight - 7.73 pounds
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 40% battery charging in just 15 minutes
- solid gaming performance
- Better cooling system
Cons
- It has a small trackpad
6. MSI GV15 Gaming Laptop - Best For Rigrious Gaming
The MSI GV15 Gaming Laptop is the perfect choice for heavy gaming, including GTA 5, far cry 5, Fortnite, and other high-end games. It is powered with Intel's 11th Gen 6-Core CPU and DDR4 memory with speeds of up to 3200MHz.
With Windows 11 compatibility and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Series Graphics card, you can enjoy a smooth and productive experience. By using Supercharger technology, you can play today's most popular games without any lag and with faster performance.
When gaming, your laptop remains quiet thanks to its fine-tuned cooling system. Plus, the FHD Display ensures crystal-clear visuals at a 144Hz refresh rate. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just looking for a reliable laptop for everyday tasks, the MSI GV15 Gaming Laptop has you covered.
Key Specs
- Processor - Intel Core i5-11400H
- Graphics Card - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- RAM - 8 GB DDR4
- Hard Disk Size - 256 GB SSD
- Screen Size - 15.6 Inches
- Weight - 4.63 pounds
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Powerful laptop
- great battery life
- Comfortable keyboard
Cons
- There is room for improvement in the trackpad's click mechanism
7. Victus by HP 15 Gaming Laptop - Newest 12th Generation
The HP Victus 16 already has Windows 11 installed when you purchase it, so you won't need to manually upgrade it. This means you can focus on gaming instead of spending time and effort updating your operating system.
With lightning-fast loading times of under 10 seconds, this laptop can handle all the latest games like GTA 5 with ease. You'll never have to worry about flimsy screens either; the Victus is designed to be robust and reliable, so you can always count on a great performance.
The 8GB upgradable RAM offers the possibility to customize your laptop if necessary while Bluetooth connectivity allows you to connect compatible devices such as AirPods and Xbox controllers without any hassle. With an ultra-modern design, dependable hardware specs, and more features than ever before, the Victus by HP 15 Gaming Laptop is ready to take your gaming experience to a whole new level.
Key Specs
- Processor - Intel Core i5-12500H
- Graphics Card - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
- RAM - 8GB RAM
- Hard Disk Size - 512 GB SSD
- Screen Size - 15.6 Inches
- Weight - 5.04 pounds
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best laptop for competitive gamers
- Crystal clear image quality
- No lag issue
Cons
- Gaming is hampered by screen wobble
8. Dell Inspiron Gaming Laptop - Durable
If you are seeking the perfect balance of performance and durability, the Dell Inspiron gaming laptop is your go-to choice. Built with sturdy construction, this laptop is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. While the battery may run down moderately fast, it is manageable. In gaming and media consumption, its speaker setup provides more detailed audio, making the overall experience much more enjoyable.
Although performance may not be exceptional from a high FPS gaming point of view, the keyboard is amazing and enjoyable to type on. The keys have a lot of travel and feel satisfying to press. The keyboard layout is also ideal, with consistent spacing between each key, making reaching your highest typing speeds easy.
Key Specs
- Processor - AMD Ryzen 5 3450U
- Graphics Card - AMD Radeon Graphics
- RAM - 16GB DDR4
- Hard Disk Size - 512GB SSD
- Screen Size - 15.6 Inches
- Weight - 6 pounds
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good gaming performance
- Large screen
- Wide port selection
- Durable
Cons
- Keyboard keys are not backlit
9. HP Victus Gaming Laptop - Decent Look
The most impressive feature of this HP Victus laptop is its enormous 2TB hard drive storage and 9ms quick response time, which help you get the most out of your gaming session. The micro-edge, the antiglare display provides clear visuals, while the 15-inch screen size offers an immersive gaming experience.
It features a Wide Vision 720p HD camera with temporal noise reduction, as well as integrated dual array digital microphones for effective communication. For the most demanding playing games, the HP Victus Gaming Laptop is powered by an Intel Core i5-12450H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card.
In addition, the laptop includes a huge variety of ports, including two USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 2 ports, one HDMI port, and an ethernet port for easily connecting peripherals like monitors, keyboards, mice, etc. All these fantastic features make this laptop our top pick for the best budget gaming laptop under $800.
Key Specs
- Processor - Intel Core i5-12450H
- Graphics Card - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- RAM - 8GB DDR4
- Hard Disk Size - 512GB SSD
- Screen Size - 15 Inches
- Weight - 5.3 pounds
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Handle demanding games efficiently
- Excellent build quality
- Not so heavy
Cons
- A bit noisy
10. HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop - Excellent Battery Life
Pretty Amazing Battery Life
11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, smooth and seamless gaming
This HP Pavilion gaming laptop is our last pick. It also has pretty happiest users, and for good reasons. It is equipped with a powerful 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor and an Intel Iris Xe Graphics graphics card, allowing for smooth and seamless gaming experiences.
It's extremely light and among thin gaming laptops. With 8 hours of impressive battery life, you can get through your gaming sessions without worrying about charging. It is a great choice for budget-conscious gamers. It offers decent performance, excellent battery life, and an attractive design at a very affordable price.
Key Specs
- Processor - 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7
- Graphics Card - Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM - 16 GB DDR4
- Hard Disk Size - 512GB SSD
- Screen Size - 15.6 Inches
- Weight - 3.86 pounds
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Long battery life
- Windows 11 compatible
- Faster performance
Cons
- Build quality can be improved
Attention Gamers! Here's What To Look For Before Buying a Gaming Laptop Under $800 👀
Before diving into the world of budget gaming laptops, it's integral to know what key features you should look for to get the best bang for your buck. Here, we'll discuss five crucial aspects. By understanding these factors, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision when purchasing your next gaming laptop.
Processor & Graphics Card
When it comes to gaming, the processor and graphics cards are the heart and soul of your laptop. For a gaming laptop under $800, look for at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, as these offer sufficient performance for most games. We are not talking about the newest solid specs required games, but for most eSports titles and older AAA games like FarCry 5, Fortnite, or even GTA 5 with 70-90 FPS, you will be good to go.
Keep in mind that the higher the processor's clock speed, the better it can handle gaming tasks. On the other hand, the graphics card is equally important, as it determines how well your laptop can render images and handle visually demanding games.
At this price range, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, MSI, ASUS, Gigabyte, and Zotac, are ideal options, providing smooth gameplay for most titles at medium to high settings.
Resolution
At first glance, the screen resolution plays a significant role in your overall gaming experience. A higher resolution means sharper, more precise images, while a lower resolution may result in pixelated or delayed visuals.
For gaming laptops under $800, a Full HD (1920x1080) display is the sweet spot. It offers excellent image quality without putting too much strain on the laptop's hardware. While 4K displays are becoming increasingly popular, they're not common in this budget range and often require more powerful hardware to run games smoothly.
Refresh Rate
Well, the refresh rate, measured in hertz (Hz), indicates how many times the screen updates its image per second. A loftier refresh rate leads to greasier gameplay and reduced motion blur, which can give you a competitive edge in fast-paced games. For gaming laptops under $800, a 60Hz refresh rate is standard.
Hard Drive & RAM
For any gaming laptop, having sufficient storage and memory is paramount. For an under-$800 laptop, aim for at least 8GB of RAM to ensure smooth multitasking and efficient handling of gaming processes. If possible, go for 16GB of RAM for even better performance.
As for storage, a solid-state drive (SSD) is highly recommended over a traditional hard disk drive (HDD). SSDs are quite faster, more enduring, and consume less power. Look for at least a 256GB SSD to store your operating system, games, and other files pretty comfortably. If you require additional storage, consider a laptop with a combination of SSD and HDD or purchase an external hard drive.
Ports & Connectivity
You'll need a decent selection of ports to connect peripherals like gaming mice, keyboards, and headsets. Make sure the laptop has at least a couple of USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 ports, an HDMI port for external displays, and an Ethernet port for stable internet connections. Plus, a USB Type-C port is a generous perk, as it allows for fast data transfer and charging capabilities.
In terms of connectivity, ensure the laptop supports the latest Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6 or 802.11ax) for rapid and steady wireless connections. Bluetooth support is also crucial for hooking wireless peripherals like headsets and controllers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How important is the battery life for a gaming laptop in this price range?
Battery life is essential for gaming laptops, as it allows for extended gaming sessions without being tethered to an outlet. However, gaming laptops under $800 typically have a shorter battery life compared to their more expensive counterparts due to the power-hungry components. Expect 3 to 5 hours of battery life on average, depending on usage.
Is it possible to upgrade the components of a gaming laptop under $800?
Some gaming laptops under $800 may offer limited upgrade options, such as increasing RAM or storage capacity. However, upgrading critical components like the processor or graphics card is usually not feasible, as they are often soldered onto the motherboard. Before purchasing, check the manufacturer's documentation to confirm which components, if any, are upgradeable.
How crucial is the laptop's cooling system when gaming?
A robust cooling system is vital for a decent gaming laptop to prevent overheating and ensure optimal performance. Overheating can cause thermal throttling, which reduces the laptop's performance to maintain safe temperatures and ultimately raise the lag.
Can I use a gaming laptop under $800 for tasks other than gaming?
Normally, gaming laptops under $800 are generally suitable for a wide range of tasks, including productivity, multimedia consumption, side hustle, and even content creation. The powerful processors and dedicated graphics cards found in these laptops provide ample performance for everyday use and can support multiple software pretty well.
Conclusion - $800 Budget Met! 💻💸
All in all, the above-reviewed gaming laptop under $800 has a lot to offer for budget-conscious gamers. These laptops are great for casual and entry-level gamers looking for decent performance without breaking the bank. They offer good processors, better build quality, and efficient cooling systems that deliver a great gaming experience. So, if you plan to buy a gaming laptop and don't have a higher budget, then our list is definitely worth considering.
Thanks for reading!
More Budget Gaming PCs ⬇💸⬇
Ikra S
Ikra S
Ikra S
