Top 4 Budget Gaming Laptops to Check Out in 2025

If you’re hunting for a cheap gaming laptop, there are some decent picks in 2025 that won’t break the bank, especially if you’re keeping it under $1,000. Here’s what’s worth checking out based on what’s hot right now.

Acer Nitro V 15

Usually goes for $700-$800. It’s a solid starter option with an NVIDIA RTX 3050 or 4050 GPU, an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 chip, 8GB of RAM (you can add more later), and a 512GB SSD.

The 15.6-inch 1080p screen runs at 144Hz, which is nice for fast games. It’s not a powerhouse, but it’ll run stuff like Fortnite or older big-name games fine on medium settings. Battery dies quick, so keep it plugged in while playing.

MSI Katana A15 AI

Sits around $900-$1,000. A bit better for gamers on a budget, it’s got options like an RTX 4050 or 4060 GPU, an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD.

The 15.6-inch 144Hz FHD screen is good, though it’s built with plastic, so it’s not super fancy. Works great for 1080p gaming and can handle newer games if you tweak the settings a bit.

Lenovo LOQ 15

You’ll find it for $800-$950. Comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 or 7, an RTX 3050 or 4050 GPU, 12-16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The 15.6-inch 1080p 144Hz display is smooth enough for chill gaming. It’s a tough, basic choice that does the job well, especially if you snag it on sale.

ASUS TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition

Drops to $900-$1,000 now that it’s older. This all-AMD setup has a Ryzen 7 7735HS and Radeon RX 7600S GPU, plus a 16-inch 165Hz FHD+ screen, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It’s solid for 1080p gaming and easy to upgrade, though the storage might feel small for today’s huge games.

Extra tips

Hit up spots like Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart for the best prices—sales can knock these down even more. Aim for at least an RTX 4050 or something similar to keep 2025 games running smooth at 1080p. 16GB of RAM is the sweet spot (or get one you can boost later), and 512GB SSDs are normal but fill up fast—maybe grab an external drive too. These won’t handle crazy ray tracing or 1440p, but they’re perfect if you just want solid 1080p gaming without spending a ton.