The Secret to Finding the Best Gaming Laptop Under 700 in 2024
Gaming is a great way to unwind and relax, but more than a regular laptop may be needed if you’re looking to play more demanding games. You need a laptop with a good processor and an external graphics card that can handle the applications you want to run. While many gaming laptops are available, most are expensive. Finding a best gaming laptop under 700 USD can be daunting.
We’ve got you covered if you want to spend fewer hours comparing models and specifications. We’ve compiled a list of the best gaming laptops under $700 to meet your needs. These laptops are excellent for playing some of the most popular games on the go without breaking the bank.
Best Gaming Laptops Under $700 – Top 8 Products Reviewed and Compared
Are you a gaming enthusiast who wants to enjoy the latest games without breaking the bank? Do you want to join the 67% of adults and 76% of kids under 18 in the U.S. who play video games regularly? Or are you curious about gaming and want to explore it with a decent laptop?
This post is for you if you answered yes to any of these questions. I will guide you through the essential factors you need to look for in a budget gaming laptop under 700. You will also discover the best laptops in this category, with their features, pros, cons, ratings, and reviews. Plus, I will give you a handy comparison table and a detailed buying guide to help you make the right choice.
But before we dive in, remember that prices and deals may vary depending on when and where you buy your laptop. Ready to find your perfect gaming laptop under 700? Let’s go!
Is The Best Gaming Laptop Under 700 USD Worth Buying?
Finding the best gaming laptop under 700 dollars can be challenging, as you need to balance your budget with your gaming needs. Many gaming laptops are on the market, but not all can deliver the performance and quality you want.
If you are okay with playing older games or compromising on graphics, $700 may be enough. But you should rethink your budget to enjoy the latest and most demanding games with high settings.
To help you make an informed decision, we have prepared a guide on Things to consider when buying a gaming laptop for less than $700. Before we dive into the detailed review, we will give you a quick overview of the factors you must consider when shopping for gaming laptops in this price range.
Comparison of Best Gaming Laptop Under 700
Acer Swift 3
The Acer Swift 3 is an ultra-portable laptop under 700 that has won many awards. It has an octa-core AMD 7 CPU and integrated Radeon Graphics that can run casual games smoothly. For more challenging games, you can lower the settings and resolution or use a cloud gaming service to get more graphics power.
This laptop is made for business, so it doesn’t have an Ethernet port, RGB backlight, or advanced cooling systems. But it has a sleek, lightweight design that is easy to carry around. Thanks to the Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, it also has good connectivity and power. The fingerprint reader makes it easy to unlock the laptop without typing.
The Acer Swift 3 is a good option for casual and mobile gamers who want to save money.
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Gamer-friendly backlit keyboard
- High-performance graphics card
- TPM chip for better security
- Webcam privacy shutter
Cons
- Sounds bulky
MSI GF63 Thin 15. 6″ FHD Gaming Laptop
This laptop has a distinctive look with an excellent red backlight keyboard, an anti-ghost key, a silver lining, and a dragon logo showing its gaming spirit.
The MSI GF 63 has a quad-core Intel Core i5-10300H processor, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card with 4 GB video memory, and 8 GB of speedy DDR4 RAM. These components can handle most games smoothly. The laptop also has 256 GB SSD storage, the minimum you need for gaming.
The MSI GF 63 has some drawbacks, though. The screen is only 60 Hz, which could be more impressive for gaming. The CPU could also be better, even though the Intel Core i5-10300H can reach 4.5 GHz at its peak. The battery life is decent, with around 7 hours on average, which is better than some budget gaming laptops and pricier ones.
The MSI GF 63 is a good choice for a gaming laptop under 700 if you are not looking for the best gaming experience.
Pros
- Excellent cooling support
- Excellent GPU with ample VRAM support
- Excellent keyboard
- Powerful battery
- Stellar display
- Upgradeable RAM
Cons
- Heavyweight (7.58 pounds)
Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
Acer Nitro 5 is a gaming laptop that offers a lot of bang for your buck. It has a powerful 12-core Intel Core i5-12500H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card with 4 GB VRAM. This pair can quickly run the latest games, thanks to the 512 GB of storage and 16 GB of fast DDR4 memory.
This gaming beast also has a 15.6-inch display with a 144-Hz refresh rate, which makes the gameplay smooth and crisp. It also has a dual-fan cooling system and a red-backlit keyboard, adding to the gaming vibe.
Acer Nitro 5 also has an Intel Killer E2600 Ethernet Controller and a Killer Wi-Fi 6 that will give you an edge over opponents. They will prioritize your gaming streams to reduce lag and ensure a fast and smooth gaming experience.
The only things that could have improved this gaming laptop are a fingerprint reader and a longer battery life, but there are other focuses of gaming laptops.
Pros
- Beautiful display
- Decent battery
- Powerful CPU
- Powerful GPU
Cons
- Middling speakers
- Heavier form factor
Dell G3 Gaming Laptop
Dell’s entry into the world of budget gaming Dell G3, a budget gaming device Dell G3 has an impressive variety of features. Dell’s gaming platform is based upon the power of processing, accompanied by a battery unit that is priced competitively.
The 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor is an impressive addition with an initial clock rate of 2.3GHz. Additionally, Dell also features the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-series GPU that includes 1050 and is further boosted with 4GB of VRAM. Thus, the laptop can handle moderate and casual gaming without lags, but it is somewhat difficult to run graphics-intensive games.
As you would expect, this notebook has 8GB of RAM. It is followed by 256GB of SSD storage. Windows 10 Home edition is the operating system that is already in use. This version should be able to play games such as the WOW.
The 15.6-inch screen gives you an outstanding gaming and visual experience. The thrill is enhanced through the IPS backlit panel, which provides anti-glare technology to reduce eye strain.
Dell’s distinctive design is supported by the sturdy backlit keyboard and the gesture-supporting integrated touchpad. Likely, you’ll also have a good selection of speakers, HD cameras, smart microphones, and nifty cooling technology to count on.
The layout for cooling thermally of this gadget is distinguished by the large size of the fans, which have less noise and superior energy dissipative capabilities.
This laptop is beautifully designed and weighs just 5.95 pounds, and is an ideal choice for gamers who travel. For port management, the manufacturer is generously adding USB 3.0 and other outputs that are functional to the mix. Dual-Band Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity are a bit redundant, but they’re essential additions.
Dell presents the 56Whr battery unit, which can power the device for about 6 hours with moderate gaming. The specs document for this machine isn’t the most up-to-date and updated. However, the device is solid and suitable for gamers who are a bit nerdy.
Pros
- Decent graphics support
- Sizeable storage unit
- Durable keyboard
Cons
- Display feels dim
- Overheating issue
Lenovo IdeaPad 3
If you want the best budget gaming laptop that won’t break the bank, check out the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3. This laptop has a powerful AMD Ryzen 5 6600H processor with six cores, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphic card with 4 GB VRAM, and the newest DDR5 memory. This setup can run most of the current games at a high resolution. You can also enjoy a fast and stable gaming experience with the Wi-Fi 6 and the Ethernet connection.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 has a 15.6-inch FHD screen with a high refresh rate (120 Hz), delivering smooth gameplay. The color accuracy could be more impressive (45% NTSC coverage), but it is acceptable for this price range.
The laptop also has Lenovo’s signature gaming keyboard with a cool RGB backlight, a number pad, and media controls. This keyboard will make you feel like a pro gamer. The laptop also has a quad-vent system that keeps it calm and quiet.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 does not have any significant flaws for its price. The battery life is decent, with up to 10 hours on a single charge. The laptop could use more memory and advanced gaming features, but those are optional. The laptop does not have a full HD webcam or a fingerprint reader, but those are not standard features for gaming laptops.
Pros
- Decent Performance
- Easy Upgradability
- High Refresh Rate Display
- Multi-Color Backlit Keyboard
- Refined Processing Power
Cons
- Some Heating Issues
- Average Battery Life
ASUS TUF Gaming HD Laptop
The ASUS TUF Gaming A17 is a gaming laptop that gives you a lot of value for your money. It has a GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card with 4 GB video RAM, a hexa-core AMD Ryzen 5 processor with 12 threads, and an 11 MB cache. These components, along with the 512 GB SSD storage and 8 GB of fast DDR4 RAM, deliver a solid gaming performance for a budget.
The screen is another highlight of this laptop. It is a 17-inch FHD IPS panel with a high refresh rate and good color accuracy (144 Hz refresh rate, 62.5% sRGB color gamut).
You can also connect your devices and external monitor easily with the wide range of ports. If the Wi-Fi 5 is insufficient, you can use the Ethernet port to connect to the network.
This gaming laptop has self-cleaning dual fans and multiple heat pipes that keep it calm and quiet. It also has an RGB backlit keyboard that adds to the gaming atmosphere. The laptop has a military-graded chassis that makes it durable and sturdy.
The battery life is decent, with up to 6 hours on a single charge. However, this is for video playback. Gaming will drain the battery faster. The ASUS TUF Gaming A17 is among the best choices for a gaming laptop under 700.
Pros
- Additional Slot For RAM
- Anti-Dust Cooling System
- Display With 120Hz Refresh Rate
- Enough Storage Space
Cons
- No Optical Drive
HP Victus (15.6″)
The HP Victus 15 is a budget gaming laptop with many similarities to the Acer Nitro 5. However, the HP Victus has a GeForce GTX 1650 GPU, which makes it less potent than the Acer Nitro 5.
The HP Victus still has a lot to offer, though. It has an octa-core Intel 5 CPU, 16 GB of fast DDR4 memory, and a 144-Hz FHD screen that can handle most games smoothly.
The laptop also has ample storage space for video games (1 TB SSD) and a variety of ports to connect your devices and accessories.
The battery life could be more impressive, though. The 3-cell 52 Wh battery can only last for up to 7 hours of video playback on a single charge. Gaming will drain it faster. The HP Victus 15 could have been better with an NVIDIA RTX GPU and more advanced gaming features, but it is still a good choice for a low price.
Pros
- Extended Connectivity
- Impressive Design
- Solid Performance
- Upgradable Storage
Cons
- Could Have deserved a high-end GPU
- Battery life could have been better
ASUS Zenbook 14 Laptop
The ASUS Zenbook 14 is a budget laptop for gaming under 700 with a dedicated GeForce graphics card. The GeForce MX450 can handle light gaming and casual video editing with ease. The ASUS Zenbook also has a hexa-core AMD 5 CPU and 8 GB of fast DDR4 memory that can satisfy casual gamers.
This laptop is designed for creativity, so look for something other than fancy gaming features. But you will get a sturdy backlit keyboard, a lot of fast SSD storage for your games, and a wide range of ports, including USB, HDMI, and Micro SD card reader.
The ASUS Zenbook is a reliable budget laptop for casual gaming and content creation.
Pros
- Excellent AMD processor
- Brilliant display
- Innovative keyboard
Cons
- GPU could be better
Don’t Buy a Gaming Laptop Until You Read This: The Definitive Guide to the Best Gaming Laptops under 700
It is important to consider the following factors if you are considering buying gaming laptops under $700:
Maximum refresh rate
After $700 and up, it’s a little more difficult to find gaming laptops with 120Hz refresh rates, and 144Hz gaming laptops are scarce (though not impossible to find). While 120Hz+ displays are standard on laptops that cost less than $700, they typically compromise other aspects like the CPU or GPU.
The most popular refresh rate available for less than $700 is 60Hz which isn’t suitable for shooters who are competitive and fast-paced 60FPS is the max that will place you at a significant disadvantage.
However, the perceived difference is less apparent with a more high refresh rate (between the 320Hz and 240Hz range, for example); the distinction between 120Hz and 60Hz is both day and night. 100Hz laptops, when you can find these (they are rare), are a decent choice, especially for online shooters.
However, we would not advise you to go with a laptop running 60Hz in the case of this type of game you enjoy. For single-player RPGs or strategy games, 60Hz is sufficient to play on laptops on a budget.
Resolution
There isn’t a gaming laptop with resolutions exceeding 1920 x 1080 at a few hundred dollars over this price. 1080p is the resolution that most athletes who play high-speed online shooters play at regardless; likely, this will not be too an issue for many gamers.
Processor
It is the processor that’s the most crucial component of every laptop. When you perform many tasks, like gaming, it gets more crucial. Therefore, a fast processor is essential for every gaming laptop. For instance, for $700, you can purchase an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 chipset.
We suggest a 9th generation Intel of i5 and AMD Ryzen 3000 series. The best part is that every laptop we’ve reviewed meets this criteria’s requirements. This means that you don’t have to be concerned about it. You can pick any of the laptops listed in terms of CPU involved.
Graphics Card
The name also knows a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) of Graphics Card, which is essential to consider before purchasing a gaming laptop. As you may have guessed, gaming is a very graphic-intensive job.
Therefore, a gaming laptop typically relies on a GPU to handle gaming data. Most gaming laptops come with an integrated GPU, and there’s no exemption in our selection.
We recommend that you should choose GTX 1650. GTX 1650 graphics to meet the requirements of gaming. However, there is a more advanced version, called GTX 1650 Ti, which is marginally more robust than the regular version. Therefore, you should consider the more recent version to enjoy superior gaming performance.
RAM & Storage
The Random Acess Memory or RAM also plays a significant role in the processing of gaming data. Therefore, it is essential to have the proper amount of RAM for smooth operation. Most gaming laptops priced under 700 dollars have 8GB RAM, which is enough. However, if there’s an option to expand, upgrade the RAM to a minimum of 16GB.
We don’t have many options with more RAM because of the limited budget. Beyond RAM storage, storage is another factor to think about. It is a great way to store important gaming and data files. A minimum of 256GB SSD storage is recommended for this cost range. However, more storage is always more efficient. This is probably the least feasible choice you can make.
Gaming performance is a real-time expectation.
The portability benefits of laptops and the engineering challenges involved in putting powerful components in the chassis of laptops and then chilling them means that you’ll typically have to pay 50% more for laptops than a desktop computer to get the same frame rates (FPS) on-game.
It’s a sad fact that when you get the price of 700 dollars for a gaming laptop, you can’t expect the best performance in the most demanding games. Gaming laptops at this price can be used for playing older games with higher settings or the latest games with lower settings.
It is not uncommon to have no issues playing non-demanding strategy games such as Crusader Kings III, even though they’re brand new games. If you require more than this on your computer, we would suggest investing more (take a look at our best gaming laptops for under $1,000) or considering a desktop PC you can build yourself for $700 or a prebuilt computer for under $800.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
After looking through 23 different options available in the price bracket, this list was compiled. We looked at various benchmarks, played various games, and, after looking at all of them and deciding on the eight top gaming laptops under $700. Additionally, the choice is up to the consumer.
- The Lenovo IdeaPad is the absolute top option for those who love to play.
- Suppose you are genuine user looking for a laptop with a top thermal cooling system, the Asus TUF featuring NVIDIA GTX 1650 GPU is the best laptop you can buy.
- Looking to boost the budget to $100, look through the collection of the best gaming laptops under $800.
- If you’re in the market for laptops that support medium- to low-end gaming yet are stylish choices. The sleek Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is recommended.
Final Verdict
Have you chosen the best gaming laptop under 700 for yourself? The options we’ve found perfect for your gaming needs are previously mentioned. From the most stylish design to offering the most efficient performance battery, you can pick the features you prefer among them.
The basic specs on the laptops above include 8GB of RAM and at least 256GB of storage, which may be enough to start with. For those who want to be the best, you could easily purchase one of the HP Pavilion 15-ec1010nr or Acer Nitro 5 because you can upgrade the storage and RAM as necessary.
Additionally, all other laptops are similarly excellent and ideal for novices too. Just write down the specifications that you would like to have and then filter out those compatible with. If you’re stuck and cannot select one on your own, please leave us your questions in the comment section, and we’ll respond to you.
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