The most effective low-cost gaming laptop computer beneath 500 USD in 2022
Up to date: Nov 18, 2022 11:41 am
The finest gaming laptop computer beneath $500 is only a click on away, and with the best Black Friday gaming laptop deals already coming in, there’s by no means been a greater time to get one.
Not like a few of the best gaming laptops under $2500, or a few of the best gaming laptops under $1500, at this value vary, you’ll be one thing that’s extra tailor-made in direction of much less heavy-duty gaming.
Meaning you could be lacking out on a few of the newest graphics playing cards, processors, shows, and extra – however don’t let that put you off, as there are many choices on the market that ship the products for all the preferred video games.
Every of the 5 finances gaming laptops listed has completely different strengths and weaknesses, in addition to completely different retail costs. Our critiques concentrate on specs comparable to GPU, CPU, reminiscence, and show that can assist you determine between them.
So let’s dive in and take a look at a few of the finest finances gaming laptops available on the market right this moment.
Laptop computer offers are stay! Get enormous financial savings on gaming laptops on the Lenovo Store, Best Buy, HP, or Amazon in 2022, together with:
- Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i Gen 7 – 15″ 120Hz FHD, Intel i5-12500H, RTX 3050 Ti, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD + 3 months XBOX Game Pass –
$1,134.99now $709.99 - Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (2022) 15.6″ FHD 120Hz – AMD Ryzen 5 6600H, RTX 3050, 8GB DDR5 RAM, 256GB SSD – was
$899.99now $699.99 - Acer Nitro 5, Intel Core i7-11800H, RTX 3050 Ti –
$999.99$839.99 - HP Pavilion 16.2″, Intel Core i5, GTX 1660 Ti –
$999.99699.99
* READ NOW: Black Friday gaming laptop deals 2022 *
Is the perfect gaming laptop computer beneath 500 USD price shopping for?
When on the lookout for the perfect gaming laptop computer beneath 500 USD, one wants to concentrate on the assorted restrictions that such a finances places in your accessible choices. At this pricing, you actually are solely going to have the ability to grow old and weaker {hardware} with entry-level gaming efficiency, although for those who’re solely going to be taking part in older, much less demanding video games, this is probably not an issue. These are actually low-cost gaming laptops, and arguably stretch the definition of what constitutes a ‘gaming laptop computer’ fairly a bit.
We recommend you’ve a fast skim by way of our Issues to contemplate when shopping for a gaming laptop computer beneath $500 part under to get a fast overview of the market on this value bracket so you may make your best option.
Greatest gaming laptop computer beneath $500: our prime picks
01
Editor’s alternative
The most effective finances gaming laptop computer for $500 from HP
HP Pavilion Gaming 15 (Intel 15-9300H, Nvidia GTX 1050)
02
Runner up
Virtually the perfect low-cost gaming laptop computer for $500
ASUS F512DA-EB51 VivoBook 15 Skinny And Mild Laptop computer
03
Additionally think about
A finances gaming laptop computer from Dell with Vega 8 iGPU
Dell Inspiron 15 5000
Issues to Contemplate When Shopping for A Gaming Laptop computer Beneath $500
Every of the under concerns ought to be taken under consideration when searching for a gaming laptop computer beneath $500 particularly. In case you are on the lookout for a extra common record of concerns that apply to gaming laptops of any finances, check out the ‘Issues To Contemplate’ part of our best gaming laptops web page.
Sensible expectations of gaming efficiency
The unlucky actuality is that if you attain budgets of $500 for a gaming laptop computer, you’re unlikely to get good FPS efficiency on even reasonably demanding video games. Most gaming laptops beneath $500 will include built-in graphics (i.e. a part of the CPU) as a substitute of a separate, devoted GPU, so you’ll be able to’t anticipate the identical degree of efficiency.
Older games may run on first rate Frames Per Second on medium-high settings, however for something new, until it has low necessities (e.g. map-based technique video games like Crusader Kings III), you’ll typically have to fork out more cash. Our best gaming laptops for under $1,000 information could also be your finest port of name. Alternatively, if mobility isn’t that large a precedence for you, we’d counsel desktop machines comparable to our $700 self-build gaming PC, or pre-build gaming PC for under $800. Finally you’ll practically at all times get at the very least 50% extra efficiency out of a desktop machine for a similar value as you’d from a laptop computer, as the ability and cooling restrictions of the laptop computer chassis restrict efficiency considerably.
Contemplate a refurbished gaming laptop computer beneath 500 USD
Sometimes, we don’t really suggest refurbished merchandise on WePC: though they’re often price contemplating, there’s a common assumption you’ll virtually at all times have the ability to get any product we suggest in a refurbished state for much less cash (until it’s model new after all) so to record all of them could be redundant. We evaluate merchandise model new – we go away it as much as you to determine if you wish to get them second-hand or not!
Nonetheless, as under budgets of $500 the FPS efficiency of laptops is severely restricted, we predict it’s often price suggesting the odd refurbished mannequin for beneath $500 (that might retail for model new above this value vary), simply for example the very fact it might be the higher choice right here.
We might additionally advise our Greatest Gaming Laptops beneath $600, $700, and $800 guides and seeing if you will discover a few of the choices listed there at refurbished costs. Keep in mind {that a} refurbished gaming laptop computer will not often include a guaranty or the opposite such advantages you’d get with a model new mannequin.
Most refresh price
On the time of writing, 120Hz gaming laptops are non-existent at budgets under $500 (until you go refurbished after all). 60Hz is the norm at this value vary, capping you at an efficient 60 FPS efficiency in video games. At such low Frames Per Second we couldn’t suggest such laptops for aggressive gaming use, although for slower-paced RPGs, technique video games, and journey video games the place response time isn’t an issue then you can be OK, although you will discover the general expertise a bit extra janky and fewer immersive. If this isn’t for you then you definately’ll have to spend more cash, sadly (or purchase a second-hand laptop computer).
Decision
At $500 or much less, you’re going to be capped at 1920 x 1080 decision for whichever gaming laptop you determine to go together with. If you’d like 1440p or above you’ll have to spend at the very least $1,000, and certain extra. Nonetheless, for a lot of this gained’t be a very main disadvantage – 1080p continues to be the best decision for aggressive avid gamers, and in case your gaming laptop computer is 15” inch or smaller in measurement then it’s debatable as as to if a better decision display is even well worth the cash (until you’re additionally utilizing it for visible workstation makes use of maybe).
Arduous drive & RAM
You might be unlikely to get a gaming laptop computer for beneath $500 with an HDD or SSD bigger than 256 GB, although the odd 512 GB SSD mannequin might often seem on this web page. At WePC we think about 256 GB to be too small to be sensible for almost all of avid gamers, with many new PC video games needing over 50 GB of disk house, to not point out the house taken up by the OS and different bits of software program functions the typical laptop computer consumer wants. We’d at all times counsel, the place attainable, to improve any 256 GB SSD to 512 GB or above, or to complement it with a further inside or exterior SSD or HDD.
Equally for reminiscence: you’ll not discover RAM specs above 8GB on this value vary as normal and we virtually at all times suggest upgrading this to at the very least 16GB the place attainable.
Colour replication
Even at budgets of $500 you’ll be able to nonetheless get a sufficiently good colour gamut for those who’re solely taking part in video games. Should you’re trying to do some gentle design work alongside your gaming, nevertheless, you’re unlikely to seek out 100% sRGB replication in laptop computer shows on this value vary, and colour accuracy gained’t be as much as scratch both. If you’d like a gaming laptop computer able to such dual-use, you’ll must spend significantly more cash to get an acceptable show.
Greatest low-cost gaming laptop computer beneath 500 USD for 2022: in-depth evaluate
HP Pavilion Gaming 15 (Intel 15-9300H, Nvidia GTX 1050)
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 3GB GDDR5
15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Widescreen LED-backlit Show
Execs
-
Good Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 for the value -
Good AMD Ryzen 5 3550H CPU for the value
On the prime of our record is the HP Pavilion 15-ec0000na. This laptop computer not solely comes geared up with an AMD 2nd Era Ryzen 5 3550H Quad-core processor, which is notably extra highly effective than another choices on this record, it secures the highest spot because of coming with the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card. This devoted GPU is the perfect you’ll be able to at the moment hope for on this value vary for a model new gaming laptop computer, most of our different alternatives right here coming with built-in (iGPU) graphics. This machine ought to have the ability to play most older / less-demanding video games at low to middling graphical settings with out its efficiency struggling an excessive amount of.
We are saying “this value vary” however admittedly this HP Pavilion laptop 15 is often exterior of the finances for this information at full value, nevertheless, we’ve seen it discounted inside its vary. Finally this choice illustrates what you will get for those who stretch your finances a bit of larger.
The 60Hz 15.6” FHD IPS display isn’t something to write down dwelling about, however is about the perfect you’ll get on this value bracket. The exhausting drive is the usual 256GB sized SSD that the majority choices right here come geared up with, and we’d advise supplementing this with an exterior exhausting drive, or upgrading to a bigger SSD for those who don’t thoughts shedding your guarantee. The identical may be mentioned for the 8GB of DDR4 RAM (we’d counsel upping it to 16GB).
Weight clever the laptop computer is among the heavier on this record, although it’s nonetheless a transportable machine at 5lbs. Lastly, the keyboard of the laptop computer is backlit and the general design has a level of understated fashion that makes it appropriate for a office laptop computer as nicely.
ASUS F512DA-EB51 VivoBook 15 Skinny And Mild Laptop computer
Execs
-
Respectable Radeon Vega 8 Built-in graphics for the value -
Respectable AMD Ryzen 5 3500U for the value -
Light-weight and slimline
This Asus F512DA-EB51 VivoBook packs an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Quad Core CPU and an AMD RX Vega 8 graphics card. Though these core parts don’t match the ability of our prime decide, they’re nothing to be sniffed at, and are the primary purpose this configuration of the Vivobook achieves runner-up place.
The opposite main optimistic on this laptop computer’s favour is its light-weight and total design aesthetic. At 3.50lbs it’s the lightest on this record by some margin, to not point out probably the most slimline, and has the perfect typing ergonomics on its backlit keyboard. Usually, the Vivobook is the perfect choice right here by way of a modern workplace laptop computer that may do some gentle undemanding gaming, though it doesn’t include an SD card reader, which some might discover to be a notable disadvantage.
It options an AMD CPU and AMD Radeon Vega 8 GPU. With a backlit keyboard and slate grey design, it is a modern and fashionable laptop computer. Its ErgoLift design improves typing place, which is able to make lengthy gaming periods extra comfy.
The 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage are normal at this value level, and we’d think about upgrading them if it’s an choice (guarantee permitting) or at the very least supplementing the SSD with an exterior HDD. The 1080p 60Hz show isn’t sensible however it’s the perfect you’ll get for this value.
Dell Inspiron 15 5000
Execs
-
Respectable Radeon Vega 8 Built-in graphics for the value -
1TB HDD along with 256 SSD
Cons
-
Ryzen 5 2500U CPU could possibly be higher -
Thick bezels
The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 comes packing with an AMD Ryzen 5 2500U CPU and Radeon Vega 8 graphics. While not as spectacular as a few of the dearer laptops on this record, these parts nonetheless permit for respectable FPS efficiency on comparatively non-demanding titles comparable to Dota 2, League of Legends, Rocket League or Crusader Kings 3 and so forth.
The 8GB of RAM is under superb however fairly normal for this value vary, although we’d suggest upgrading it if attainable. The 256GB SSD is prohibitively small for avid gamers, although once more, not shocking on this value bracket, nevertheless, the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 has an ace up its sleeve within the type of a further 1TB HDD which you’ll be able to put your non-competitive video games and miscellaneous information on, to maximise the free house on the SSD for gaming – a welcome addition.
All-in-all it is a strong mid-range choice inside this finances value vary.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3
AMD Ryzen 5 2500U / 3500U
Execs
-
Respectable Radeon Vega 8 Built-in graphics for the value -
Light-weight -
Ryzen 5 3500U CPU choice is superior
Cons
-
Ryzen 5 2500U CPU could possibly be higher -
solely 256GB SSD storage
This specific Lenovo IdeaPad from 2020 is available in with very comparable specs to the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 listed above, and for a really comparable value.
The laptop computer typically comes specced with AMD Radeon Vega 8 built-in graphics alongside an AMD Ryzen 5 2500U CPU. The laptop computer has the usual 8GB of RAM you’d anticipate for this value vary in addition to a 15.6” 60Hz 1080p show. It’s barely lighter than the Dell mannequin however typically comparable in dimensions and ergonomics in addition to this.
The main distinction comes down to 2 elements: display bezels and disk house. The show of this Lenovo machine is superior to the Dell in that it has a lot narrower Bezels, permitting for a extra immersive gaming expertise, to not point out when watching movies or different multimedia content material. Not like the Dell nevertheless, the IdeaPad is restricted to its 256GB SSD solely, so you could wish to think about an enlargement to this, with both a bigger SSD improve or an exterior HDD. Nevertheless, if you will discover the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U CPU model for round $500 then that is IdeaPad 3 the superior alternative.
Finally that is one other strong low-range laptop computer that ought to have the ability to deal with much less demanding technique and MOBA titles on the low-medium settings while producing strong FPS.
Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R19L
AMD Radeon Vega 3 Cell Graphics
15.6-Inch Full HD Show
1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, 2 USB 2.0 ports & 1 HDMI port with HDCP help
Execs
-
Low cost -
Significantly light-weight and slimline
Cons
-
Pretty weak CPU and built-in graphics -
Solely 4GB RAM -
Solely 128GB SSD
Our remaining choice, the Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R19L, is a real finances gaming laptop computer decide. At this value degree you shouldn’t anticipate to have the ability to play something apart from notably undemanding video games (e.g. Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite on low settings) and get an FPS that might make it price your time. If these are the one type of video games you’re more likely to play although, and you’re after one thing grime low-cost, then this laptop computer could possibly be best for you.
The Aspire makes use of an AMD Ryzen 3 3200 Twin CPU and has an AMD Radeon Vega 3 Cell Processor. One of many main drawbacks of the machine is that comes with a reminiscence measurement of solely 4GB DDR4 RAM, which is able to severely hamper your capacity to have many tabs open in your net browser, by no means thoughts have a number of applications operating concurrently. Equally, the SSD is a mere 128GB, which is about 25% of what you’d really need on an honest gaming laptop computer. We might undoubtedly, undoubtedly advise upgrading each of those options to have any type of first rate expertise with this machine, although this may most likely have an effect on your guarantee.
In its favor although, the battery lifetime of this Acer Aspire 5 is the perfect of any choice on this information, lasting round 7 hours of regular, non-gaming use. At 3.97lb it’s the second lightest choice right here, and is comparatively slimline in its dimensions as well. The 60Hz 1080p IPS show is about on par with the opposite alternatives right here.
Steadily Requested Questions on gaming laptops beneath $500
What is an effective finances laptop computer for gaming?
What constitutes a ‘finances’ laptop computer shouldn’t be a clear-cut definition, although typically we’d say something under $1,000 suits the invoice. See our guides on the perfect gaming laptops beneath $800, $700, $600 and $500 to see which laptops we at the moment suggest inside these respective costs ranges.
What’s the most cost-effective gaming laptop computer?
Gaming laptops for lower than $500 exist and are marketed as such, although it’s debatable how appropriate for gaming they really are. Finally it is determined by what video games you wish to play and at what degree of graphical settings. If you wish to play the newest AAA FPS video games on medium settings at first rate FPS then you will want to pay $1,000 on the very least. In case you are concerned with older titles, or in much less graphically demanding video games (indie and/or technique video games for instance), then you definately might be able to get away with paying as little as $500, $600, or $700.
How good is a $500 gaming laptop computer?
The fact is that for $500 the standard of the gaming laptop computer you’re more likely to get goes to be pretty sub-par. You can not anticipate to have the ability to play any of the newest video games at something apart from the bottom graphical settings, and even then, if the sport is especially demanding, a laptop computer at this value will possible battle. Our recommendation could be to save lots of up and purchase a gaming laptop computer for at the very least $1,000 or, if portability shouldn’t be your fundamental precedence, decide up a prebuilt desktop gaming PC for $500 or $800.
Can a 500 greenback laptop computer run Fortnite?
A 500 greenback laptop computer can nearly run Fortnite, however to not a quick sufficient FPS the place you’ll really take pleasure in taking part in it. Essentially the most highly effective choice on this web page has {hardware} akin to the Fortnite system requirements for desktop PCs, however you’ve to keep in mind that laptop computer {hardware} is much less highly effective, even when the CPU and GPU have the identical mannequin identify. We might advise shopping for an 800 dollar gaming laptop at minimal to run Fortnite, or higher but, take a look at our best Fortnite laptop information for a full vary of choices.
What’s the finest gaming laptop computer beneath $500?
The HP Pavilion 15-dk0010na is the perfect total gaming laptop computer at the moment for these working on a $500 finances in our opinion, although this assumes you will get one at a reduction to the same old value. In any other case, the ASUS F512DA-EB51 VivoBook 15 is the most suitable choice. That being mentioned, each choice on our record has its positives and negatives, relying in your particular priorities, wants and budgets.
Is 4GB RAM good for gaming?
4GB shouldn’t be a ample quantity of RAM to run nearly all of video games, even these which are barely older. Even when it will probably run the sport, the probabilities are it can hamper the efficiency considerably, and your enjoyment of the expertise. We might suggest upgrading to at the very least a minimal of 8GB of RAM, and ideally, 16GB the place attainable.
A few of our different gaming laptop computer articles
In-depth laptop computer critiques
‘Better of’ model guides
‘Better of’ value guides
Closing Phrase
This has been our best gaming laptop beneath 500 USD information for 2022. Every low-cost gaming laptop computer chosen on this article is among the finest choices at the moment accessible for gaming on this value vary, although we undoubtedly suggest testing the gaming laptop computer guides that cowl completely different value ranges beneath Customized Gaming PC within the prime bar of this web page, together with the best gaming laptop under $600 and best gaming laptop under $700 guides.
While these are the 5 finest gaming laptops for $500 round in the intervening time, if it’s not important so that you can have a cell gaming gadget, you could wish to think about the additional energy you will get for a similar cash from a desktop PC and take a look at our best gaming PC under $500 construct web page, and our best prebuilt gaming PC under $500 information for those who don’t fancy placing your personal one collectively.
If there’s a specific finances gaming laptop computer you assume ought to be included on this information that isn’t, please do go away us a remark within the part under.
