Looking for the best gaming laptop under 500 dollars? You’ve come to the right place. In 2024, numerous budget-friendly options can deliver a decent gaming experience without breaking the bank. With the demand for affordable gaming laptops on the rise, it’s important to do your research and select the right model that meets your gaming needs. This guide will explore the top 10 gaming laptops under $500 available on Amazon and provide you with a detailed buying guide.
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SAINTDISE 15.6" Laptop Computer - Quad-Core N95 Processor (Up to 3.4GHz) Gaming Laptop 16GB DDR4... | $239.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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16" Purple Gaming Laptop 12G LPDDR5 RAM 1TB NVMe SSD Alder Lake N95 CP, 2K FHD(1920 * 1200) IPS... | $469.90 | Buy on Amazon | |
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NIAKUN 16 Inch Laptop Computer | Gaming Laptop | 16GB RAM 1TB SSD | N100 Processor | FHD 1920 * 1200... | $399.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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FUNYET 16 Inch Laptop Computer, Gaming Laptop, 8GB RAM 256GB SSD, Intel 12th Gen N95 Processor(up to... | $319.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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FUNYET 14 Inch Laptop Computer, Gaming Laptop, 16GB RAM 512GB SSD, Intel Celeron N5095 Processors,... | $299.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop | 15.6" Full HD IPS Display | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core... | $299.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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ICE COOREL Gaming Laptop Cooling Pad with 8 Cooling Fans, Laptop Fan Cooler Pad for 15-17.3 Inch,... | $35.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Lenovo - Legion 17” Armored Backpack – Gaming Laptop Bag – Double Layered Protection –... | $70.39 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Lenovo Legion Active 17-inch Gaming Backpack - Black - Laptop Compartment - Durable & Water... | $41.59 | Buy on Amazon | |
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KeiBn Upgraded Gaming Laptop Cooler Pad with 9 Quiet RGB Fans, Cooling Pad for 15.6-17.3 Inch... | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Buying Guide for Gaming Laptops Under $500
When looking for the best gaming laptop under 500 dollars, there are several essential factors to consider. Here’s a breakdown of what you should look for:
Performance
The heart of any gaming laptop is its performance. Look for laptops that have at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen processor. Additionally, a dedicated graphics card like NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon is essential for a smooth gaming experience. While it may be difficult to find high-end graphics cards in this price range, aim for laptops with entry-level dedicated graphics.
RAM
At least 8GB of RAM is recommended for gaming laptops. This ensures that you can multitask effectively and run games smoothly. Any laptop below this might struggle with newer games and multitasking efficiently.
Storage
While budget laptops typically come with HDDs, try to look for models that offer SSDs or a combination of SSD and HDD. SSDs offer faster load times and performance improvements. A minimum of 256GB SSD would be ideal.
Display
A full HD (1920×1080) display is essential for an enjoyable gaming experience. Look for panels that provide good color accuracy and decent viewing angles to enhance your gaming visuals.
Build Quality and Design
A laptop with a sturdy design can withstand the wear and tear of gaming. Additionally, consider the weight, battery life, and portability, especially if you plan on taking the device out often.
Connectivity
Multiple USB ports, HDMI output, and the latest Wi-Fi standards are important for gaming peripherals, external displays, and stable internet connections.
Top 10 Gaming Laptops Under $500
1. Acer Aspire 5
The Acer Aspire 5 is arguably one of the best gaming laptops under $500. It comes equipped with AMD Ryzen 5, alongside 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. The integrated Radeon graphics make casual gaming feasible, allowing you to enjoy titles like Fortnite and Valorant smoothly.
The laptop features a 15.6-inch Full HD display, which is vibrant and clear. Battery life is reasonable, making it suitable for portable gaming. However, it lacks a dedicated GPU, which can limit performance in more demanding titles.
- Do What You Do With Exceptional Performance: The 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor goes beyond performance to let your PC do even more at once. And Intel UHD graphics distribute performance where you need it most. With 16GB LPDDR5 memory and 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage—the Aspire 5 is made to do it all.
- Clear and Comfortable Viewing: Experience crisp, lifelike colors and sharp details on the 15.6” FHD IPS touch display. You have more space to work thanks to narrow bezels. Equipped with Acer’s suite of visual technologies for dynamic color optimization and viewing comfort.
- The Design: The slim 0.71" body give the Aspire 5 a premium feel and appearance. An ergonomic hinge design lifts the body of Aspire 5 and tilts the keyboard for comfortable typing, improved cooling and a better sound experience.
- Smooth Operator: Make light work of your daily tasks, with a full line-up of features to elevate your day-to-day—like a 720p webcam and an air inlet keyboard.
- Internal Specifications: 16GB LPDDR5 memory; 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD to store your files and media; Windows 11 Home
2. Lenovo Ideapad 3
For students and casual gamers alike, the Lenovo Ideapad 3 stands out with its Intel Core i3 11th generation, which combines decent performance with efficiency. With 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage, users can run multiple programs simultaneously without any major lags.
The 15.6-inch display offers good resolution, while its sleek design makes it easy to carry. Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics allow for light gaming, but it won’t run the latest AAA games effectively. Still, it’s a worthy choice for this price category.
- 【Memory & Storage】Memory is 12GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. Hard Drive is 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive which allows to fast bootup and data transfer
- 【Processor】 Intel Core i3-1115G4 3.00 GHz 2 Cores Processor (6MB Cache, up to 4.10 GHz), Intel UHD Graphics
- 【Screen】15.6" HD TouchScreen (1366 x 768) Display
- 【Ports】2 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A 3.2, 1 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo, 1 x SD Card Reader, Wireless-AC (Wi-Fi 5) and Bluetooth Combo
- 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home, 64 bit
3. HP Pavilion x360
If you are looking for versatility, the HP Pavilion x360 is a 2-in-1 laptop that offers a touchscreen interface, which can be handy for casual productivity and entertainment. It features Intel Core i3, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD—the trade-off for the convertible design being less storage space.
The touchscreen is responsive, and the café-style keyboard is comfortable for long use. While it may not run demanding games smoothly, it can handle casual titles and less resource-intensive games.
- FULL HD TOUCH DISPLAY - Intuitive touchscreen technology lets you control your PC right from the vibrant 1920 x 1080 screen, plus be entertained any way you choose with this PC’s 360-degree design
- INTEL CORE PROCESSOR - Offering more than just a performance score, this 13th Generation Intel Core i3-1315U processor advances real-world computing and delivers more ultra-efficient multi-tasking
- INTEL UHD GRAPHICS - Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite games
- STORAGE AND MEMORY - Get up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive with 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage; and enjoy higher bandwidth and boosted performance with 8 GB DDR4 RAM memory
- GET A FRESH PERSPECTIVE WITH WINDOWS 11 HOME - From a rejuvenated Start menu, to new ways to connect to your favorite people, news, games, and content—Windows 11 is the place to think, express, and create in a natural way
4. Dell Inspiron 15
The Dell Inspiron 15 is known for its robust build quality and a good balance between productivity and gaming tasks. It boasts an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The Dell support community is also helpful for troubleshooting common issues.
The laptop’s 15.6-inch Full HD display enhances viewing experiences, while its Radeon graphics provide capabilities for light gaming. It might struggle with high-performance demands, but it’s a reliable choice for most users.
![Dell Inspiron 15 3000 3520 Business Laptop Computer[Windows 11 Pro], 15.6'' FHD Touchscreen, 11th Gen Intel Quad-Core i5-1135G7, 16GB RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, Numeric Keypad, Wi-Fi, Webcam, HDMI, Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51O3nNfyJPL.jpg)
- 【15.6" Full HD Touchscreen】The 1920 x 1080 resolution boasts impressive color and clarity. IPS technology for wide viewing angles. Energy-efficient LED backlight. Designed with tiny rubber feet and bumpers on the hinge that keep it from skidding and provide additional stability.
- 【11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor】Ultra-low-voltage platform. Quad-core, eight-way processing provides maximum high-efficiency power to go. Your always-ready experience starts as soon as you open your device. Turn on, boot-up, and log-in quickly.
- 【16GB DDR4 RAM + 1TB PCIe SSD】16GB RAM can smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once. A 1TB NVMe PCIe solid slate drive that leaves the power at your fingertips with the fastest data transfers currently available.
- 【Easy-to-use Technology】Long-lasting battery and express charge capability, to keep going for longer. Comes with Express Charge capabilities that minimize the time you spend tethered to an outlet and will recharge your battery 80% in 60 minutes. Built-in media reader for simple photo transfer.
- 【Windows 11 Professional】Experience the most secure Windows ever built with fast boot times, increased responsiveness, and added protection against phishing and malware. Plus, you can switch out of S mode.
5. Lenovo IdeaPad L340
The Lenovo IdeaPad L340 offers a balanced combination of gaming and work performance. Powered by a 9th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, it supports modern games and applications with good speed.
The graphics performance comes from the integrated Intel UHD Graphics, which is adequate for entry-level gaming. Its discrete design is appealing, making it a solid all-rounder laptop for gaming and daily usage.
- A new dimension of gaming performance awaits - with 9th-generation Intel Core i5 processors, the IdeaPad L340 gaming has the power you need to outshoot, outrun, and outsmart anyone. Includes 8GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD
- Take it to the next level - With the latest NVIDIA GeForce Graphics behind you, you can tame the hottest titles with faster, smoother, and more power-efficient gameplay. Plus, the 15.6-Inch screen delivers a stunning full HD IPS Display with 1920 x 1080 resolution
- A portal to a new sound dimension - hardwired into every Idea Pad L340 gaming is advanced Dopoundsy audio technology. Take your mobile gaming experience to another dimension and have a real blast along the way
- Control your own fate - Game in 'quick' Mode or work in 'quiet' Mode. It's your call with a simple function setting that lets you shift gears between modes, instantly.
- Final product may vary slightly from image
6. ASUS VivoBook 15
The ASUS VivoBook 15 carries a sleek aesthetic and lightweight design. With an AMD Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD, it provides reliable performance for casual gaming. Its integrated Vega graphics handle games like Minecraft or League of Legends pretty well.
The 15.6-inch Full HD display offers vibrant colors and sharpness that will enhance your gaming experience. However, it does have heating issues during prolonged game sessions, so keep that in mind.
- 15.6” NANOEDGE DISPLAY — Super slim bezel design with a smooth 60Hz refresh rate, vibrant 45% NTSC color gamut and 250-nit sustained brightness
- AMD Ryzen 5 7520U PROCESSOR — Designed for thin laptops, this processor gives you fast performance for browsing and light gaming with longer battery life with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
- 8GB MEMORY + 512GB STORAGE — Faster memory that smoothly runs multiple applications at once with supersized storage for files, documents and more
- WI-FI 5 AND BLUETOOTH 5.1 — Seamlessly and quickly connect your devices
- SOUND BY SONICMASTER — Crisp, multi-dimensional sound with built-in speakers and an array microphone
7. Acer Swift 3
Acer Swift 3 is primarily aimed at students and professionals but does offer adequate performance for light gaming. An Intel Core i5, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD make it a capable machine. The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics support casual gaming but aren’t designed for demanding titles.
The Swift 3 excels in battery life, providing up to 12 hours of usage on a single charge, making it a great choice for those who need a laptop on-the-go.
- Get high performance, responsiveness and long battery life with the Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor - up to 4.7GHz, 4 cores, 8 threads, 12MB Intel Smart Cache
- 14" Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Widescreen LED-backlit 100% sRGB Display | Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 8GB Onboard LPDDR4X Memory and 256GB NVMe SSD
- 1 - USB Type-C Port USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps) DisplayPort over USB Type-C, Thunderbolt 4 & USB Charging | 1 - USB 3.2 Gen 1 port (featuring power-off charging) | 1 - USB 2.0 port | 1 - HDMI port
- Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 | Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution | Up to 16 Hours Battery Life
8. HP 15-dy2021nr
The HP 15-dy2021nr has an Intel Core i5 processor and comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD storage, allowing for smooth multitasking and general usage. The display is vibrant and sharp, enhancing your gaming visuals.
Integrated Intel UHD graphics facilitate easy gameplay for older or less demanding games. While new AAA titles will not perform well, this laptop makes a good choice for casual gamers or those looking to play indie titles.
- TAKE IT ANYWHERE – With its thin and light design, 6.5 millimeter micro-edge bezel display, and 82% screen to body ratio, you can take this PC anywhere and see more of what you love (1).
- REVOLUTIONARY ENTERTAINMENT – Enjoy ultra-wide viewing angles and seamlessly perform multi-monitor set-ups with a 15.6-inch, Full HD, IPS, micro-edge, and anti-glare display (2).
- IMPRESSIVE GRAPHICS – The Intel Iris Xe Graphics gives you a new level of performance with crisp, stunning visuals, plus the convenience of a thin and light laptop (3).
- UNSTOPPABLE PERFORMANCE – Get things done fast with the 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, which delivers instant responsiveness and best-in-class connectivity (4).
- MEMORY AND STORAGE – Get up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive with 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage and experience improved multitasking with higher bandwidth thanks to 8 GB of RAM (5).
9. ASUS L410
If you are on a tighter budget, the ASUS L410 has its benefits. Though not initially designed for gaming, it does feature an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 64GB eMMC storage. While it’s not geared for heavy gaming, light gaming is possible on less demanding titles.
However, this laptop’s limitations in RAM and storage are significant. It’s best suited for casual browsing and lightweight tasks, so only consider it for very light gaming options.
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- Efficient Intel Celeron N4020 Processor (4M Cache, up to 2.8 GHz)
- 14” Full HD (1920x1080) Display
- 64GB eMMC Flash Storage and 4GB DDR4 RAM
- Windows 10 in S mode with One Year Microsoft 365 Personal included
10. Gateway 15.6" Laptop
The Gateway 15.6” Laptop is a less conventional option that boasts an AMD Ryzen 5, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD. It’s stylish in design and supports light gaming with integrated Radeon graphics.
The larger display enhances gaming and entertainment experiences. With decent performance levels, it’s a great all-rounder for both office work and casual gaming need, although it may struggle with the latest gaming titles.
- Windows 11; AMD ryzen 7 3700u processor with radeon rx vega 10 graphics (2.3ghz base, up to 4.0ghz)
- 15.6in fhd (1920 x 1080) ips; built in fingerprint scanner (Windows hello); built in stereo speakers tuned by thx audio; wifi + bluetooth 4.2
- 16gb ram; 1tb ssd drive; precision touchpad; hd webcam; Intel hd graphics; long lasting battery; built in microphone
- Micro sd slot (up to 512 gb) x 1; hdmi output x 1; usb type-c (charge + data transfer) x 1; usb 3.0 x 2; kensington lock
Conclusion
Finding the best gaming laptop under 500 dollars may seem challenging, but 2024 brings numerous affordable options that provide decent performance for casual gaming and everyday tasks. Whether you prioritize portability, graphics, or display quality, the listed laptops cater to various needs while ensuring that you stay within budget.
Be sure to consider the buying guide factors to select the best best gaming laptop under 500 dollars tailored to your specific requirements. Happy gaming!
Last update on 2024-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | votechriscarrillo.com is a participant in the Amazon Associate program and will earn from qualifying purchases.