The convention that has been around in the PC gaming world for quite some time is that the pricier the computer, the better performance you’ll get. There is no denying to this fact as high-range gaming laptops that are available at a higher price point pack the best-in-class hardware configuration. However, powerful hardware configuration options aren’t just reserved for range-topping models as affordable gaming laptops to deliver impressive gaming performance that will help you smoothly run all your favorite games.
What’s most interesting to know is that there is not just one but several laptop brands that offer high performing gaming laptops at an affordable price tag. In this list of 10 best gaming laptops under $1000, you will not find yourself short on budget gaming laptops that come as a great value with a mighty performance.
Minimum requirements for best budget gaming laptops under $1000 of 2021
The gaming laptops that we have included in this list meet all the minimum gaming hardware requirement which we have listed below:
- CPU: Core i5 CPU is the minimum requirement for good gaming performance. Core i7 CPU comes as an added advantage.
- RAM: A minimum of 8 GB DDR4 RAM will help you enjoy lag-free gaming performance and multitasking.
- GPU: A dedicated GPU is an absolute necessity for high gaming performance, especially when playing graphically-demanding games such as Far Cry 5, Hitman 2, and Forza Horizon 4.
- Storage: Both SSD and HDD storage are important. A minimum of 128 GB storage and 500 GB HDD storage capacity will help you store all your favorite games on your laptop.
- External connectivity options: Thunderbolt 3 port, mini display port, USB ports, HDMI port, and SD card reader will help you set up a rig that best suits your gaming requirements.
Review of Best Budget Gaming Laptops under $1000 of 2021
Acer Nitro 5 – Best Overall
If there is one of the main factors that Acer is synonymous with, it’s affordability. The brand has proved time and again that getting your hands on a high performing laptop doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to shell out a high budget. Acer Nitro 5 is one of the best gaming laptops under the $1000 price point and one of the cheapest that you can get your hands on. With mid-range pricing, this laptop delivers more than what you pay for.
power-packed gaming performance in a budget
For delivering a powerful gaming experience, Acer Nitro 5 uses an 8th generation Intel i5 4 core processor. The CPU’s 2.3 GHz of base computing power can easily take on lightweight to mid-level games, while its 4.0 GHz of overclocking speed helps you blaze through high-level, computing-intensive games.
Handling intensive graphics requirements that high-level PC games demand doesn’t come as a challenge to Acer Nitro 5 as its NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti GPU with 4 GB of DDR5 memory cranks all the graphics processing performance that’s needed. 8 GB DDR4 RAM of this laptop helps you open several programs in the background while immersing yourself in lag-free gaming. And out of what you least expect from an affordable gaming laptop, this model comes with 256 GB SSD storage space.
Although a budget offering in the gaming territory, nothing feels cheap in Acer Nitro 5 in terms of build quality and overall aesthetics. The RGB lighting in the keyboard and trackpad work wonders in elevating your gaming spirit. The 15.6 inch full HD display lets you immerse yourself in your gameplay.
This model’s chassis houses two fans dedicated each for CPU and GPU. Which the Nitrosense performance management system, you can boost the fans’ operation speed to avoid stutters in performance when gaming at full potential. One USB 3.1 Type C port, one USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, one HDMI port, one ethernet port, one SD card reader, and one headphone/mic jack provide external connectivity options in this laptop.
Pros:
- Power-packed gaming performance
- Good thermal management
- RGB lighting
- Hardware performance and management software included
- Gaming-themed aesthetics
Cons:
- Weight is a bit heavy
- Not the best display resolution
- Not the best battery backup
2019 HP Omen 15 – Best budget gaming laptop under 1000
Just like the way other laptop brands have a specific gaming laptop lineup, HP has dedicated their Omen lineup for gaming models. HP is known to come off as a strong competitor in the budget pricing segment, and this fact isn’t less true with its 2019 Omen 15. As this laptop covers all grounds, including powerful CPU performance and GPU performance, high bandwidth RAM, and plentiful storage, it certainly deserves a good spot among some of the best gaming laptops under $1000.
balanced hardware configuration for powerful gaming
Powering 2019 HP Omen 5 is a 9th generation Intel i5 4 core processor that helps you enjoy lag-free gaming with its base 2.4 GHz computing performance. With Turbo Boost, the CPU can crank up to 4.1 GHz of max speed which helps this laptop effortlessly handle resource-intensive games.
This laptop’s strength also lies in its powerful graphics processing performance which its NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU with 4 GB DDR5 memory delivers. For high bandwidth multitasking such as gaming while downloading files in the background, a 12 GB DDR4 RAM is there to back you up. Also, you are sure not to go short in storing all your gaming essentials as this model packs a combo of 128 GB is the storage and 1 TB HDD storage.
2019 HP Omen 15 comes with a 15.6 inch full HD display which looks modern with its thin-bezel design. Just like Acer Nitro 5, this laptop features a full-sized, red backlit keyboard. Together with the gaming-focused aesthetics, the keyboard’s RGB lighting helps you channel your inner gamer. For external connectivity options, this model includes three USB 3.1 gen one ports, one USB 3.1 Type C Gen 1 port, one mini display port, one HDMI port, one SD card reader, one ethernet port, and one headphone/mic jack.
Pros:
- 12 GB RAM and 1 TB HDD storage in mid-range pricing for competitive advantage
- Good CPU and GPU performance for running most current games
- Good sound quality
- Backlit keyboard
- Good external connectivity options
Cons:
- Decent battery backup
- Not the best display resolution
- Slightly bulky chassis
- Weight is relatively heavy
Dell G5 – Best value for money
Dell has been straightforward over the years with their G series gaming laptop in terms of packing the right performance that matters for a true gaming experience. Just like its predecessors, Dell G5 doesn’t pack a lot of bells and whistles and that’s completely justifiable considering the price tag that it comes with. However, it does not fail to hold its own in the mid-range gaming performance territory with a marriage of powerful hardware components.
gaming performance that matters
As one of the value for money gaming laptops under $1000, Dell G5 uses an 8th generation Intel i5 4 core processor to deliver up to 4 GHz of overclocking computing power that’s needed to rip through high-end, resource-intensive PC games such as Far Cry 5, Assassin’s Creed series, Fortnite and Stellaris. Coming on par with the CPU’s performance is the laptop’s NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti GPU that has 4 GB of dedicated DDR5 memory.
Seamless multitasking on this laptop is made possible by its 8 GB DDR4 RAM. Dell has made no compromises in this model’s storage department by including a duo of 128 GB SSD storage and 1 TB HDD storage space which you can use to store everything you need for enjoying a proper gaming experience.
Dell G5 separates itself from the rest of the pack with its one-of-a-kind aesthetic appeal. The gaming design language of this model bears a significant resemblance to that of several Alienware gaming laptops. This model also comes with a good selection of ports, including one Thunderbolt 3 port, three USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type A ports, one HDMI port, one ethernet port, one SD card reader, and one headphone/mic jack.
Also, one important feature of this laptop that often gets missed out is the front-firing placement of the speakers which helps create an immersive and punchy audio experience.
Pros:
- Powerful CPU and GPU performance
- Good thermal management with dual fan cooling and large air vents
- MaxxAudio Pro enhances audio
- High-quality chassis build
- Backlighting feature on the keyboard
Cons:
- Not the highest display resolution
- HDD isn’t the fastest
- Body bulk adds to its weight
- Not the best multi-threaded CPU performance
Dell G3 15 – Best entry level gaming laptop
Just like the Dell G5, Dell G3 15 packs a punch in the low price point that it is available at with a high gaming performance that its well-balanced hardware configuration delivers. The fact that Dell managed to avoid cutting corners in this model makes it one of the best cheap gaming laptops in 2021 that you can get your hands on. The most unique feature of this laptop that sets it apart from other models is the non-gaming look that makes it well-suited for everyday use as well.
the right fit for gaming and everyday usage
Dell G3 15 houses an 8th generation Intel i5 4 core processor in its chiseled chassis. The CPU, with its capability to crank up to 3.9 GHz of overclocking power with Intel Turbo Boost, helps you get the most out of your gaming, entertainment, and work requirements.
The laptop’s NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 GPU with 4 GB DDR5 dedicated memory works wonders in complementing the overall performance of the CPU. You are sure not to face any lag or frame drops even when playing the most graphic-intensive games. Seamless multitasking is supported by its 8 GB DDR4 RAM. Despite being one of the cheapest gaming laptops in this list, it adds good value in the storage department with a combo of 128 GB SSD storage and 1 TB HDD storage capacity.
Although not the latest 2021 model, Dell G3 15 comes loaded with Windows 10 which eases gaming as well as work experience. Like other mid-range gaming laptops, this model comes with a 15.6 inch full HD display that offers a good viewing experience with a wide viewing angle. The backlighting feature of the keyboard helps you game in low light settings as well. For external connectivity options, this laptop includes two USB 3.1 Type A ports, one USB 2.0 port, one ethernet port, one HDMI port, one SD card reader, and one headphone/mic jack.
Pros:
- Good CPU and GPU performance
- RAM upgradable up to 32 GB
- Relatively sleek body design measuring at 22.7 mm thick
- HDMI port supports 60 Hz 4 output
- Dual fan cooling system
Cons:
- Not the highest display resolution
- Average battery backup
- HDD performance is not the fastest
- Comes with several pre-installed programs
- Fans run a bit loud during extensive gaming
MSI GF63 – Best MSI gaming laptop under 1000
Several large players like Dell, HP, and Acer have gained a strong foothold in the affordable/low price segment by offering some of the best budget gaming laptops that pack just the right amount of hardware power. MSI has followed suit and this can be seen in a couple of the brand’s laptops, including the MSI GF63. Compared to its predecessors, this model brings more power to the table which helps you blaze through even the most intensive PC games.
a premium offering in a non-premium pricing
MSI GF63 delivers a seamless gaming experience with its 9th generation Intel i5 4 core CPU which can easily take on mid-level gaming and lightweight usage with its 2.4 GHz of base computing power. For effortlessly executing high-end games, the CPU can overclock to up to 4.1 GHz. For high-end graphics processing performance that’s needed for running the latest games, the laptop uses its NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti GPU that has 4GB DDR5 dedicated memory.
The laptop’s chassis comes equipped with 8 GB DDR4 RAM which can be upgraded up to 64 GB. For storage, this model comes with 512 GB of SSD storage space which helps complement the overall computing speed of the CPU with its quick read and write capabilities. With the addition of a performance management program called Dragon Center, tweaking and optimizing performance to best suit your gaming requirements becomes easy.
MSI GF63 has a pleasant viewing experience which its 15.6 inch full HD display offers. The thin bezel design of the display opens up more viewing room in the 15.6 inch footprint.
Compared to other affordable, mid-range gaming laptops, this model has a premium look and feel which its brushed aluminum chassis and backlit keyboard offers. Also, this model gives some of the best budget gaming laptops a run for the money in the connectivity department with a robust suite of ports. The ports included are one USB 3.2 Type C Gen 1 ports, three USB 3.2 Type A Gen 1 ports. One HDMI port, one ethernet port, one headphone jack, and one mic jack.
Pros:
- Lag-free GPU performance
- Excellent thermal management
- High-quality brushed aluminum build
- Relatively lightweight chassis
- Good performance optimization system
Cons:
- Not the best SSD performance
- Not the highest display resolution
- Average battery backup
- Run a bit noisy under heavy loads
ASUS TUF – Best cheap gaming laptop
Packing a powerful performance at an affordable price point is not new for ASUS as the brand has been focused on the mid-tier laptop segment since inception. The brand has proved before that affordable gaming laptop can suffice for offering a good gaming experience, ASUS TUF bears testimony to this. All the important features of this laptop, including a powerful CPU and GPU performance, a large viewing real estate, and high-quality and balanced audio work together to offer an immersive gaming experience.
a sweet surprise for average gamers
Powering ASUS TUF with a reliable computing performance that well-suited for mid-level gaming is an AMD Ryzen 4 core processor that can crank a peak computing power of up to 3.7 GHz.
Together with AMD Radeon RX560X, the CPU helps this laptop effortlessly run games such as Skyrim and L4D. An 8 GB DDR4 RAM joins the core computing unit of this laptop to help you enjoy seamless, lag-free multitasking. Loading all your favorite games in no time becomes easy wit the laptop’s 512 GB SSD storage. The dual-fan cooling system of this model has been integrated with an anti-dust technology that works to maintain consistency of the cooling performance.
One of the important areas where ASUS TUF adds immense value is the viewing experience. Although the chassis of this laptop has a 15.6 inch profile, it offers 17 inches of screen real estate which is made possible by the full HD display’s nano bezel design. The model’s backlit keyboard has a customized layout that is designed to improve the ergonomics required for a comfortable gaming experience. Two USB 3.1 Gen Type A ports, one USB 2.0 port, one HDMI port, one ethernet port, and one headphone/mic jack provide external connectivity options on this laptop.
Pros:
- Good GPU performance
- Good thermal management
- Sleek and high-quality chassis
- Gaming-focused keyboard backlighting and layout
- A large 17.3 inch display
- High-performing cooling fans with anti-dust technology
Cons:
- Drivers and settings need to be updated to 2021 versions after purchase
- Runs considerably loud under heavy loads
- Not the best battery backup
- Heats up during intensive gaming
Lenovo IdeaPad L340 – Best cooling systems
Lenovo is one of the few brands that have been successful in offering good value in both premium range and affordable pricing segment with its laptops. While its ThinkPad lineup is aimed at the higher spectrum of the laptop market, its IdeaPad lineup meets powerful performance demands at the low price segment of the laptop market. Lenovo IdeaPad L340 has been designed to help gamers get the best out of budget gaming experience.
hardwired for powerful gaming
Lenovo IdeaPad L340 works for your gaming victory favor with its 9th generation Intel i5 4 core processor. The CPU delivers 2.4 GHz of base computing power and 4.1 GHz of peak performance speed. Apart from delivering a well-calibrated CPU performance, the laptop deserves the moniker of one of the best value gaming laptops with a notably impressive graphics processing performance that its NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU delivers.
Multitasking performance of this laptop that its 8 GB DDR4 RAM delivers has a mid-tier positioning, and that’s totally justifiable considering the price point that it’s available at. And just like other affordable gaming laptops, this model comes with 512 GB SSD storage space. This model comes with two performance modes, Quick and Quiet. The Quick mode supercharges the core computing units for delivering a high-end performance while the Quiet mode optimizes performance for delivering an energy-efficient performance.
Viewing experience in Lenovo IdeaPad L340 is standard as it has a 15.6 inch full HD display. Thankfully, the thin visual design of the display opens up more viewing room and contributes to an overall modern aesthetic appeal of the laptop.
The audio experience in this laptop is enhanced by Dolby audio technology which works great in offering an immersive gaming experience. For external connectivity, Lenovo IdeaPad L340 includes one USB 3.0 Type C port, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type A ports, one HDMI port, one ethernet port, and one headphone/mic jack.
Pros:
- Powerful CPU and GPU performance suited for gaming and everyday usage
- Good cooling system performance
- Upgradable RAM and SSD
- Fairly sleek chassis
- Full-sized backlit keyboard
- Two distinct performance modes
Cons:
- Not the best viewing experience
- Average battery backup
- Runs a bit hot during intensive gaming
- RAM and SSD upgradability is not the easiest
- Average build quality
MSI Alpha 15 – Best budget gaming laptop
Alpha 15 is another MSI laptop that makes its way to this list. MSI has made some great decisions in configuring the hardware of this laptop so as to make sure that it’s affordable positioning isn’t compromised. For example, a configuration of full AMD-specced hardware along with the integration of features such as Freesync helps this model gives a tough competition to even some of the best entry-level gaming laptops.
realistic and powerful gaming experience
AMD Ryzen 7 CPU helps MSI Alpha 15 smoothly run mid-level games with 2.3 GHz of base computing power. When required, the CPU can overclock up to 4 GHz of computing performance speed. The CPU is paired with AMD Radeon RX 5500M GPU which offers a mid-tier graphics processing performance.
The duo of 8 GB DDR4 RAM and 512 GB SSD storage space help this laptop deliver a seemingly impressive multitasking, booting, and program-loading speed. Just like other high-range MSI gaming laptops, this model features a good thermal management system that boasts of 2 separate fans and 7 heating pipes that cool the CPU and GPU even under the most intensive and heavy loads.
MSI Alpha 15’s 15.6 inch full HD display may seem a mid-range offering, however, it’s stunning 120 Hz of refresh rate helps ensure high clarity and color accuracy which, in turn, improves your gaming experience. Moreover, the integration of AMD FreeSync technology helps the display make the most out of the graphics processing performance that its GPU delivers. Another interesting highlight is the RGB gaming keyboard which allows customization of RGB lighting for each key. MSI Alpha 15 also comes with a host of ports, including one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C port, three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one mini display port, one HDMI port, one ethernet port, one SD card reader, one headphone jack, and one microphone jack.
Pros:
- FreeSynce integration with GPU delivers a good graphics processing performance
- Large-sized vents for better airflow
- Comfortable-to-use keyboard
- Bright display
- Good selection of ports
- Lightweight build
Cons:
- Runs a bit noisy under heavy loads
- SSD is not the easiest to upgrade
- Highest GPU performance is best achieved through 16 GB RAM upgrade
- Drivers need to be updated to 2021 versions
HP Pavillion Power 15 – another best cheap gaming laptop
HP, for the longest time, has held its ground as a strong contender in the mid-range laptop pricing game. Sure, the brand has a good number of premium laptops to offer. However, it does not shy away from packing a powerful performance in its affordable laptops, especially gaming laptops. HP Pavilion Power 15 does not perform like range-topping gaming laptops, but it sure does come close with its beefy hardware configuration that’s not common in many mid-tier gaming laptops.
an uncompromised gaming powerhouse
HP Pavilion Power 15 gives a tough competition to even some of the top budget gaming laptops in the CPU performance department with its 7th generation Intel i7 4 core processor. The 2.8 GHz of these computing power and 3.8 GHz of overclocking performance of the CPU adds value in helping you run even the latest games at medium to high settings without any performance compromises.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 GPU with 2 GB DDR five dedicated memory joins the CPU in helping this laptop take on graphically intensive games without issues such as frame drops and stutters. The high graphics processing performance of the GPU also helps you enjoy a lag-free resource when connecting external HD monitors. The laptop’s 8 GB DDR4 RAM suffices for mid-level multitasking performance. You can upgrade the RAM to up to 16 GB with an extra RAM slot that’s made available. Also, no compromises have been made in the storage department as this laptop comes with a combo of 128 GB SSD storage and 1 TB HDD storage.
HP Pavilion Power 15’s strength also lies in its 15.6 inch full HD IPS display that offers a seemingly impressive viewing experience with superior clarity and color accuracy that is combined with wide viewing angles. The full-sized layout and backlighting feature of the keyboard helps improve accessibility as well as gaming experience. For external connectivity options, this laptop includes one USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type C port, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type A ports, one HDMI port, one ethernet port, one SD card reader, and one headphone/mic jack.
Pros:
- Core i7 CPU for high performance
- Good GPU performance
- Easy RAM and SSD/HDD upgradability
- Good battery backup even during intensive usage
- Comfortable backlit keyboard with good keys travel
Cons:
- Runs a bit noisy under heavy loads
- Heats up during intensive gaming
- Not the most comfortable trackpad
ASUS ROG G531GT – Best bang for your buck gaming laptop
ASUS ROG gaming laptops hold their own in the gaming territory with unmatched performance and accessibility. Gaming laptops under the brand’s ROG series also stand out from the crowd with one of the best-looking gaming-seemed aesthetics. ASUS ROG G531GT is one of the quintessential ROG laptops that are positioned in the mid-range, affordable pricing segment. This model carries the gaming spirit of other ROG models and doesn’t fail to set new standards of performance and aesthetics in the mid-tier market.
more power, better gameplay
A 9th generation Intel i7 processor with 6 core architecture makes ASUS ROG G531GT the best bang for your buck for a gaming laptop that’s under the $1000 price tag. And just as what you would expect from a 9th generation core i7 CPU, The overclocking performance reaches up to 4.5 GHz which helps this laptop smoothly run CPU-intensive games such as Total War, Civilisation 5 and 6, and Stellaris.
The powerful CPU is paired with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU which has 4 GB of dedicated DDR5 memory. Although this laptop comes equipped with 8 GB DDR4 RAM, you can upgrade it to up to 32GB. An addition of 512 GB of SSD storage space comes as a sweet surprise in this model. The dual cooling fans work great in cooling the core computing units and maintaining consistency in performance even during intensive usages.
ASUS ROG G531GT offers a good viewing experience with its 15.6 inch full HD display that undoubtedly has one of the best-looking designs. The one-of-a-kind gaming-themed keyboard of this laptop doesn’t fail to garner attention. And the RGB backlighting feature adds more appeal to the overall look of the keyboard. An RGB lighting strip on the bottom panel of the laptop also contributes to the overall gaming-themed aesthetics. Three USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type A ports, one ethernet port, one HDMI port, and one headphone/mic jack offer external connectivity options on this laptop.
Pros:
- High-performing core i7 CPU
- Hard plastic chassis build doesn’t feel cheap in any way
- Easy RAM upgradability
- Good thermal management
- One of the best-looking gaming-themed aesthetics
Cons:
- No webcam and SD card reader
- No Thunderbolt 3 port
- Not the most comfortable keyboard
FAQs
1) What is the cheapest gaming laptop?
Models that we have included in this list, including Acer Nitro 5, Dell G5, and ASUS TUF. Are undoubtedly some of the best gaming laptops under $1000 price point. Although being some of the cheapest models, these laptops do not have performance compromises which, otherwise, can be underkill for mid to high-level gaming requirements.
2) Are cheap gaming laptops good?
Gaming laptops such as ASUS ROG G531GT, MSI Alpha 15, and HP Pavillion Power 15 that are cheap and affordable in comparison to premium models deliver a seemingly impressive gaming performance which can suffice for mid-level gaming requirements.
3) Are gaming laptops good for everyday use?
Yes, gaming laptops, both affordable and range-topping models, are good for everyday usages such as working on spreadsheets, doing web-based research, streaming videos, creating presentations, and storing personal documents and files.
Conclusion
To wrap up our list of the 10 best gaming laptops under $1000, we would like to underline the importance of customizing your laptop in order to achieve the performance that best suits your gaming requirements. This includes upgrading RAM and storage, using external controllers (gaming mouse, gaming keyboard, and wireless gamepads) and cooling stand, and regularly updating settings and drivers.