The Rise of Budget Gaming Laptops

In recent years, gaming laptops have become more accessible, allowing gamers to enjoy high-quality experiences without breaking the bank. Finding the best budget gaming laptop under $700 is crucial for those who want to balance performance with cost. This blog will explore options that deliver solid performance for an affordable price.

Gaming laptops don’t always have to break the bank. If you’re on a tight budget but still want a solid gaming experience, there are plenty of options under $700 that can handle popular titles like Fortnite, GTA V, Valorant, and even newer games at medium settings.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

Top 5 Best Budget Gaming Laptops Under $700
Key Features to Look For
Performance Expectations
Buying Tips

Key Features to Consider

When searching for a budget gaming laptop, focus on critical specs that support gaming performance. Look for a laptop that features a decent processor—ideally an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5—as these will ensure your games run smoothly. Additionally, a dedicated graphics card, such as the NVIDIA GTX 1650, is essential for rendering graphics effectively. Finally, pay attention to RAM; 8GB is often the sweet spot for gaming.

Top Budget Options Under $700

1. HP Victus 15

Why it stands out:

• Frequently crowned as the best overall budget gaming laptop under $700 — TechRadar’s “best gaming pick”

• Commonly configured with an Intel Core i5-12450H or Ryzen 5 7535HS + RTX 3050 or RTX 4050, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB–1 TB SSD, and a 144 Hz FHD display

• Offers a solid frame rate experience at 1080p in modern games.

• Great value in gaming deals—for instance, Amazon saw it drop to ~$489 recently.

• Reddit users call it “about the best I could find for you within that price range,” though with a caveat to upgrade RAM for better performance.

Considerations: Display quality isn’t top-tier; battery life is modest, but upgrades (RAM/SSD) are accessible and affordable.

2. Acer Nitro 5

Why it’s a strong contender:

• Often recommended for its balance of specs, cooling, and value. Available with i5-12500H + RTX 3050 (or Ti), 144 Hz FHD, and up to 16 GB RAM.

• Experts note that even RTX 3050 Ti versions occasionally fall under the $700 mark, giving you better GPU power for the price.

• Featured among top Amazon deals: e.g. Nitro V models with RTX 2050 dropped to ~$599–699.

• Reddit feedback: enduring and reliable, with some configurations offering RTX 4050 + 16 GB DDR5 RAM—great for casual gaming.

Considerations: Can run hot; battery life is average; some models ship with 8 GB RAM and may benefit from upgrades.

3. Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3

Why it’s noteworthy:

• Powered by Ryzen 5 6600H + RTX 3050, this model delivers excellent 1080p and productivity performance.

• Offers strong CPU performance and smooth visuals via a 120 Hz FHD IPS display.

• A Reddit user praised its Ryzen 5 CPU as “one of the best in your budget,” citing its value and performance.

Considerations: Often comes with only 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD—so plan for expansion if needed.

4. MSI Thin GF63 / Pulse GL66

Why it’s on the radar:

• MSI Thin GF63: sleek 144 Hz display, Core i5 + RTX 2050 or RTX 3050, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD—all around ~$600.

• Pulse GL66: Intel Core i5-11400H + RTX 3050, 144 Hz screen—strong choice for under $700.

Considerations: Older GPU, weaker thermals, and battery restrictions limit long-haul gaming, but still solid entry-level picks.

Real-World Input from Reddit

“This HP Victus is about the best I could find for you within that price range. The screen isn’t very good, but the CPU is pretty strong and you got 1TB of storage.”
Reddit

“If you can push your budget slightly I would recommend a Acer Nitro 5 … RTX 4050 with Ryzen 5 and 16 GB DDR5 RAM is very good for casual gaming.”
Reddit+1

This aligns with our expert-backed picks: HP Victus for immediate value; Acer Nitro 5 for slightly higher spec headroom.

Quick Comparison Table

Buying Tips

1. Prioritize GPU—even an RTX 3050 handles most modern games at medium settings.

2. Upgrade RAM—8 GB is minimal; 16 GB significantly improves multitasking and longevity.

3. Check for Deals—prices fluctuate; Amazon and other retailers often dip heavily during sales.

4. Plan for Cooling—internal fans help, but consider a cooling pad if gaming long sessions.

Watch Before You Buy

Check out this video overview of top picks under $700:

It covers models like MSI GF63, Acer Nitro 5, ASUS TUF G16, and more—great visual breakdowns and comparison.

Curated Product Suggestions

I tracked a few current models that match the budget and specs profile:

• HP Victus 15 Gaming Laptop – Excellent price-to-performance, roomy storage, and easy upgrade path.

• Acer Nitro 5 AN515‑58 – Solid build with strong thermal design and a gaming-grade GPU.

One standout option is the Acer Aspire 5, which offers a great balance of performance and affordability. With its Ryzen CPU and GTX graphics, it provides excellent playability for most games. Another excellent choice is the HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop, which features a sleek design and solid components that cater to gamers’ needs. Both of these laptops fall under the $700 mark, making them ideal for budget-conscious gamers seeking a reliable gaming laptop.

In conclusion, the best budget gaming laptops under $700 can significantly enhance your gaming experience without sacrificing quality. By considering essential features and exploring models like the Acer Aspire 5 and HP Pavilion, you can find a reliable device that meets your gaming demands.

FAQ’S

Is 700 good for a gaming laptop?

A \$700 gaming laptop can handle casual and some AAA games at low to medium settings, but performance will be limited. For better future-proofing and higher settings, a \$900–\$1200 budget is recommended.

Which laptop can run GTA 5 smoothly?