5 gaming laptops for beginners that come under budget

Dreaming of playing Valorant, Apex Legends, or Roblox smoothly without blowing your budget? You’re in luck. Whether you’re starting out or just want a decent setup for fun, there are gaming laptops that punch above their price tag. Today’s options bring you dedicated GPUs, high refresh displays, and enough RAM/SSD to keep things smooth—all without crossing into premium territory. These machines let you stream, compete, and game with minimal compromises. Grab one now while sales make them even more affordable. Let’s level up your gaming rig without draining your wallet.

The MSI Thin 15 is a well-balanced gaming laptop for beginners. Its Intel 12th Gen i5 and RTX 3050 deliver smooth 1080p gaming at medium to high settings. The 144Hz display enhances fast-paced titles, while the 16GB RAM ensures multitasking without lag. At just 1.86kg, it’s surprisingly portable for a gaming machine. Ideal for students or first-time gamers who want speed and affordability without sacrificing too much performance.

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Customers praise its gaming speed and portability. Many call it an “insane beginner level gaming laptop.” Smooth read/write performance is highlighted, though some wish for better battery backup.

Why choose this product?

Choose the MSI Thin 15 for its lightweight build, solid RTX 3050 graphics, and high refresh screen. It’s an affordable, portable entry point into PC gaming for first-time buyers.

The HP Victus is a budget-friendly option with a sleek design and reliable everyday performance. Powered by Ryzen 5 and Radeon RX 6500M graphics, it handles light to medium gaming well, delivering 45–60 fps on many titles. Its display and build get solid reviews, while the B&O audio adds flair. Performance can be inconsistent depending on the game, but it’s a good fit for casual gamers wanting decent performance and brand reliability.

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Customers like the build quality and display. Many find the battery life decent. Gaming feedback is mixed—some run games well, others report poor fps in demanding titles.

Why choose this product?

Choose the HP Victus for its brand trust, strong design, and reliable daily usage. It’s best for casual gamers seeking affordable entry-level gaming without breaking the bank.

The Acer SmartChoice ALG shines in value and performance. Its Intel 13th Gen i5 processor paired with an RTX 3050 (75W) handles 1080p gaming smoothly, even at high settings. The 144Hz display boosts visuals, and 16GB RAM ensures lag-free multitasking. Customers love its build quality, though note that battery drains fast, fans get loud, and heat can build up. Overall, a strong choice for gamers prioritizing performance over quiet efficiency.

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Customers highlight its solid 1080p gaming performance and sharp display. Many note fast multitasking. However, users report loud fan noise, heat issues, and a battery that drains quickly during gaming.

Why choose this product?

Pick Acer SmartChoice ALG if you want the latest Intel processor, 6GB RTX graphics, and high refresh gaming. It’s performance-focused, perfect for gamers who don’t mind fan noise.

The Acer Nitro V is built for gamers who want speed and smooth visuals. With AMD Ryzen 5 6600H and RTX 3050 graphics, paired with a 165Hz display, it promises responsive gameplay at 1080p. The DDR5 RAM adds future-proof speed. While buyer reviews on Amazon are currently limited, Nitro laptops are known for strong cooling, durable build, and dependable performance. A solid contender for gamers seeking value with modern specs.

What buyers say on Amazon?

Buyer reviews are currently limited, but Acer Nitro laptops generally get praise for cooling efficiency, solid design, and display quality. Expect reliable performance in esports and mid-range AAA titles.

Why choose this product?

Choose the Acer Nitro V for its DDR5 RAM, high refresh display, and Ryzen power. It’s a future-friendly laptop built for smooth 1080p gaming and consistent performance.

The Lenovo LOQ offers reliable build quality and strong beginner performance at a fair price. Powered by a 12th Gen i5 and RTX 2050, it handles popular games well at medium-high settings. The 144Hz display enhances visuals, and its solid design adds confidence. Downsides include poor battery life and mixed sound quality, especially during heavy loads. Still, it’s considered one of the best entry-level gaming laptops in its price range.

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Customers value its build quality and fair pricing. Many call it one of the best laptops for the price. Battery life is a weak point, and sound gets mixed feedback.

Why choose this product?

Choose Lenovo LOQ for its strong build, fair pricing, and reliable gaming performance. It’s an ideal choice for budget gamers who prioritize sturdiness and value over battery life.

Should I pick more RAM or a stronger GPU for gaming?

A stronger GPU impacts gaming performance more than RAM. Go for RTX 3050/2050 laptops first; upgradeable RAM later ensures smoother multitasking and extended laptop life.

Is battery life important in a gaming laptop?

Not really. Gaming laptops are designed for plugged-in use. Prioritize performance, cooling, and display refresh rates over long battery life, since most heavy gaming drains batteries quickly.

Which display refresh rate suits beginners—60Hz, 144Hz, or 165Hz?

144Hz is the sweet spot for smooth visuals in esports and AAA games. Beginners notice a clear improvement over 60Hz, while 165Hz is a bonus, not essential.

Does weight matter while choosing a gaming laptop?

Yes, if you travel often. Lightweight models (under 2kg) like MSI Thin are portable. Heavier laptops (2.3–2.4kg) often pack stronger cooling but reduce mobility.

Factors to consider before buying a gaming laptop for beginners

GPU Power – Choose RTX 3050 or higher for reliable entry-level performance.

RAM – At least 8GB; 16GB future-proofs gaming and multitasking.

Display refresh rate – 144Hz+ ensures smooth gameplay.

Storage – Go for SSD (512GB minimum) for faster load times.

Cooling system – Check reviews for heating and fan noise.

Portability – Weight matters if you carry it daily.

Battery life – Secondary factor; gaming drains batteries quickly.

Disclaimer: Mint has an affiliate marketing partnership, which means we may get some commission on purchases you make through the retailer sites links provided. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, which is free from any bias or marketing pitch. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions. We recommend verifying details with the retailer before making a purchase.