Best Gaming Laptops Under 800 in 2023 – Buying Guide
Gaming has been a beloved pastime for decades, dating back to the 1950s. As technology advances, gaming has become increasingly popular and accessible to a wider audience.
However, with each new system update, gaming devices can become more costly, making it difficult for some to afford. For professional gamers without budget constraints, money is no object when purchasing the latest and greatest devices. But for those new to the gaming world, finding a cost-effective option can be a challenge. This article highlights the “Best gaming laptops under 800” – a list of excellent laptops that provide a fantastic gaming experience without breaking the bank.
Which are the Best Laptops for gaming under $800? Reviews
Those days are gone when you had to spend thousands of dollars to get your hands on a high-performance gaming laptop. Thanks to their powerful hardware and cutting-edge technology, even the “Best gaming laptops under 800” can easily run the latest games. These laptops have the latest Nvidia RTX GPUs, powerful Intel and AMD CPUs, high-refresh-rate displays, and more.
However, finding the right gaming laptop under $800 can be a bit of a challenge. In this price range, you’ll have to make some sacrifices regarding features and visual appeal. But with the right approach, you can find the perfect compromise. By focusing on higher-end hardware over flashy LED lights, you can get a superior gaming laptop that will last you for years. Look no further if you’re looking for a budget-friendly gaming laptop.
This guide has compiled a list of the top 8 “Best gaming laptops under 800” available today, each with the most modern and robust specs you can find for less. You won’t be disappointed with any of them.
What games you’ll be able to play on the best Gaming laptops Under 800?
When buying a gaming laptop, it’s important to consider which games you can play. After all, the whole point of getting a new gaming laptop is to be able to run all your favourite games smoothly. You can check this informative article about How Much RAM Do I Need For Gaming?
To determine which games your new laptop will be able to run, the best approach is to check the minimum system requirements of the games you want to play and compare them to the specifications of the gaming laptop you’re considering. This will give you a clear idea of whether or not your new laptop will be able to handle the games you want to play.
If you’re looking for guidance on which games to play, we’ve tested various popular games on our “Best gaming laptops under 800” recommendations. Some brands that ran smoothly on these laptops include:
- CS: GO and Valorant (High graphics settings)
- GTA V (Medium graphics settings)
- Minecraft (High graphics settings)
- Need For Speed Heat and Forza Horizon 5 (Medium graphics settings)
- Overwatch (High graphics settings)
- PUBG and Fortnite (Medium graphics settings)
But it’s also important to check the minimum system requirements of your desired games and the laptop specs you’re considering for accurate results.
Minimum & Recommended System Requirements
When it comes to gaming laptops under 800 dollars, the key factor to consider is the frame rate that the device will achieve with the given hardware. A laptop with the bare minimum specs may be able to handle mid-range games at 720p settings, maintaining a steady 60 frames per second.
But if you’re looking for a more immersive experience, laptops with higher specifications and extra features can take your gaming to the next level. With these devices, you can enjoy ultra-HD resolutions (1080p) games and achieve frame rates of 100+ FPS on select titles.
Components | Minimum System Requirements | Recommended System Requirements |
---|---|---|
CPU | 8th Gen Intel Core i5 | 9th Gen Intel Core i5 |
RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
Storage | 256GB SSD | 512GB SSD |
Display | 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) | 15.6-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080) |
GPU | 2GB NVIDIA GeForce MX350 | 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 |
Battery | Up to 4 hours | Up to 8 hours |
Experts Reviews of the best gaming laptops under $800
After we’ve looked at the main features that a good gaming laptop has required to enjoy the best performance, let’s review the list of the best gaming laptops under 800 dollars in 2023 that we’ve compiled. So, without further delay, we’ll get right to it.
Award | Design | LAPTOPS | Retailer |
---|---|---|---|
Overall Best Gaming Laptop under $800 | Staff Pick | Check Price | |
Best 17 Inch Gaming Laptop under $800 | Best Pick | Check Price | |
Cheapest Gaming Laptops under 800 | Budget Pick | Check Price | |
Best HP gaming laptops under 800 dollars | Check Price | ||
The Best gaming laptop with Ryzen 5 | Check Price | ||
Best Optimal Gaming Performance Laptop | Check Price | ||
Best 17-inch Gaming Laptop | Check Price | ||
Best Gaming Laptop from Dell under $800 | Check Price |
Acer Nitro 5
Overall Best Gaming Laptop under $800
The Acer Nitro 5 is a budget-friendly gaming powerhouse with impressive hardware and a sleek design for under $800. This 2020 model boasts an AMD Ryzen processor, making it one of the best budget-used options for gamers.
The 15.6-inch Full HD display with a speed of 144Hz and slim bezels provide a visually stunning gaming experience. The latest 10th-generation Intel Core i5 processor and Nvidia RTX3050 Ti GPU with 4GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM offer smooth and lag-free performance.
The keyboard features a red-backlit light effect, and the laptop has a rugged plastic body designed to dissipate heat efficiently. Acer’s CoolBoost technology with twin fans optimizes the cooling system.
The 8GB DDR4 RAM and NVMe PCIe 256GB SSD storage, while not ideal for gaming, are great options for the price. Expandable storage options and DTS-X Ultra audio enhancement make the Acer Nitro 5 one of the best gaming laptops under $800.
Pros
- Backlit Keyboard
- Dedicated Nvidia RTX 3050 GPU
- DTS X Ultra Audio
- Well Managed Thermals
- WiFi 6 Support
Cons
- Lacks RGB Effects
- Average Battery Life
ASUS TUF F17
Best 17 Inch Gaming Laptop under $800
The Asus Tuf F17 is a gaming laptop that offers the best of both worlds – great performance and eye-catching aesthetics. The RGB backlighting on the keyboard is a feature that many gamers crave, and the Tuf F17 delivers that in spades. Despite its budget-friendly price tag of under $800, this laptop packs a punch with its powerful hardware and 1080p display.
The design of the Tuf F17 is sleek and modern, with sharp creases and cooling cutouts that give it a distinct, gaming-inspired look. The TUF logo on the lid and keyboard deck adds an extra flair. However, the build quality may not be as sturdy as some users would like, as the plastic construction and sharp lines can make the laptop feel less dense. Additionally, the screen and chassis have a detectable level of flex.
The keyboard on the Tuf F17 is a standout feature, with tactile keys and a decent amount of travel that makes typing a breeze. The single-zone RGB lighting is a nice touch, and the colours can be customized through the Asus armoury crate software. The trackpad is also large and smooth, with physical clicks for a more consistent experience.
The Tuf F17 has various ports, including HDMI, RJ45 ethernet jack, 2x USB-A 3.2, USB-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The speakers are mounted to the side of the chassis for better audio dispersion. However, the battery life is weak, with an average of 4 hours for casual use and barely over 1 hour for gaming.
The display is also average, with an sRGB coverage of 60% and a refresh rate of 144Hz at 1080p resolution. Despite the weak battery life, the Asus Tuf F17 is a great choice for gamers on a budget. Its RGB keyboard, powerful hardware, and 1080p display make it a top pick for the best gaming laptops under $800.
Its compatibility with the armoury crate software, which allows you to control the different performance profiles of the laptop and configure the RGB lighting, is a bonus.
Pros
- Acceptable Performance
- Bigger Display
- Compelling Processor
- RGB Keyboard
- Upgradable Storage & RAM
Cons
- Pre-Installed Bloatware
- Minor Heating Issues
Lenovo Ideapad L340
Cheapest Gaming Laptops under 800
Searching for the perfect gaming laptop under $800 can be daunting, but the Lenovo Ideapad L340 makes it easy. Weighing in at a lightweight 2.1 kg, this laptop boasts a 15.6-inch IPS full HD screen for a captivating gaming experience.
The keyboard design on the IdeaPad L340 is also a standout feature, with the added convenience of customizable backlit settings for those late-night gaming sessions. Though constructed primarily of plastic, the laptop still exudes a sleek aesthetic, with the only downside being the tendency to collect fingerprints.
For multitasking gamers, the i5 processor on the IdeaPad L340 can handle multiple running programs, such as streaming and gaming, at the same time. And with a battery life of up to 6 hours, you won’t have to interrupt your game to plug in. Overall, the Lenovo Ideapad L340 is a great option for those searching for a powerful gaming machine at an affordable price.
The CPU is well-suited for HD gaming, and the IPS screen presents crisp graphics, though it does lack a memory card reader. But for gamers looking for the Best gaming laptops under 800, the IdeaPad L340 is a great choice.
Pros
Cons
HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop
Best HP gaming laptops under 800 dollars
The HP Pavilion gaming laptop is a versatile machine that packs a punch with powerful hardware. Whether you’re a gamer, a student, or a professional, this laptop has covered you. With a 1080p display, it can handle all modern games with ease.
One of the standout features of the HP Pavilion is its abundance of ports, including four USB 3.2 ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, an HDMI 2.0 port, and a combined headphone and microphone jack. These ports are conveniently located on the sides of the laptop, making it easy to connect all your peripherals without cluttering up your desk.
The IPS panel is a pleasure to look at, with 1920×1080 pixels and short response times that will delight gamers. The Hexa-core CPU, powerful GPU, and dual-channel RAM make this laptop a formidable machine, capable of playing most games on maximum graphics. But perhaps the best feature of the HP Pavilion is its battery life.
With an impressive 8 hours of web browsing at 150 cd/m² of brightness, this laptop is perfect for gamers on the go. And thanks to its quiet operation, you can play your favourite games without disturbing those around you. The HP Pavilion is one of the best gaming laptops under 800 dollars for great battery life.
Pros
- 12GB of RAM
- 9th gen processor
- Advanced thermal layout
- Anti-glare IPS panel
- Long-lasting battery
Cons
- Restricted storage support
Asus VivoBook 15
The Best gaming laptop with Ryzen 5
Are you hunting for a budget-friendly gaming laptop that packs a punch? Look no further than the Asus VivoBook 15, one of the best gaming laptops under 800 dollars available on the market. The updated and upgraded VivoBook 15 offers top-notch specs for its price range, making it a great option for mid-range gaming without lag or slowdown.
One of the standout features of this laptop is its processor, the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U. Despite being a mid-range processor, it still supports SMT technology and can reach speeds of up to 3.7GHz, making it capable of easily handling various games. Additionally, the laptop is equipped with a GTX 1050 GPU with Pascal architecture, which is ideal for running slightly older AAA titles at medium 1080p settings and close to 60fps.
The VivoBook 15 also offers comprehensive multitasking capabilities thanks to its 8GB RAM unit, which can enhance frame rates for certain games if allocated properly. Storage options are also impressive, with a 512GB NVMe-compliant SSD. The 15.6-inch display is a standard feature, with an expected refresh rate of 60Hz and 1080p resolution.
In terms of design, the VivoBook 15 is lightweight and portable, weighing 4.3 pounds. It also offers a variety of ports, including Type-C, Type-A, HDMI, Ethernet, and an SD card reader. The laptop also has a WiFi 5 standard, efficient battery backup that can last up to 6 hours, and quick charging capabilities.
Overall, if you’re looking for the Best gaming laptop with the Ryzen 5 that offers a balance of performance and price, the Asus VivoBook 15 is perfect. It’s one of the best gaming laptops under 800 that you can rely on.
Pros
- Excellent display
- Excellent keyboard
- Nifty and responsive fingerprint reader
- Sizable storage support
- Wide-range of connectivity ports
Cons
- It heats up a bit more than expected
- Strictly suitable for mid-range and entry-level titles
Lenovo Legion 5
Best Optimal Gaming Performance Laptop
The Lenovo Legion 5 is a top contender for the “Best Optimal Gaming Performance Laptop” title under $800. It boasts a sleek design, solid construction, and powerful hardware that can easily run the latest games. This laptop has an AMD Ryzen processor and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti GPU with 4GB of dedicated graphics memory. This laptop can deliver high-end performance at a budget-friendly price.
In addition to its impressive hardware, the Legion 5 offers ample storage space with a 1TB HDD and a 256GB SSD, making it a great option for gamers looking to store a large collection of games. And with 8GB of RAM, multitasking is a breeze.
Not only does this laptop excel in performance, but it also boasts a stylish design that is sure to turn heads. And with a battery life that can keep up with your gaming needs, the Legion 5 is the perfect all-around gaming laptop for those looking for the best gaming laptops under 800 dollars.
Pros
- Decent Display
- Dedicated GTX 1650 GPU
- Very Powerful Processor
Cons
- Lacks RGB Keyboard
- Locked Bios for International Variant
MSI GF75 Thin Gaming Laptop
Best 17-inch Gaming Laptop
The MSI GF75 Thin Gaming Laptop is the perfect choice for a lightweight, slim gaming laptop without compromising performance. With its powerful hardware, it makes its way to the list of the best gaming laptops under $800.
With a 17.3-inch screen, this laptop offers a smooth gaming experience with its 120Hz refresh rate, and the IPS panel boasts high HD resolution. The Intel Core i5-10300H processor, a 10th generation Intel CometLake processor, has a base clock speed of 2.5GHz and can reach up to 4.5GHz, providing 8 threads and 4 cores for handling gaming at 1080p.
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, paired with 4GB of GDDR6 video memory, offers a great gaming performance at an affordable cost of $800. Additionally, the laptop comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD, providing ample memory for all your gaming needs.
The MSI GF75 Thin Gaming Laptop also boasts a variety of I/O ports, including 3 USB Gen1 ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, a USB Type C port, and an HDMI output. It also supports Bluetooth 5.1, Intel WiFi 6 and a per-key RGB keyboard with backlight, providing a sleek gaming aesthetic. This makes it one of the best 17-inch gaming laptops under $800.
Pros
- Bright and big display
- Excellent package at a great price
- The build includes metal surfaces
Cons
- Average battery life
- Connectivity could be better
Dell G3 15 3500 – Dell Gaming Laptop
Best Gaming Laptop from Dell under $800
Looking for a gaming laptop that won’t break the bank? Look no further than the Dell G3 15. This budget-friendly option offers impressive specs and a sleek design, making it one of the best gaming laptops under $800.
One of the standout features of the Dell G3 15 is its design. The laptop boasts a sleek, minimalist look with a distinctive, multi-coloured reflective Dell logo. Despite its slim profile, the laptop is built with durable plastic that can withstand the rigours of gaming.
The keyboard and trackpad are comfortable and responsive, making navigating your games and other programs easy. And, with the Alienware command centre software, you have even more control over your laptop’s performance. The laptop also has a fingerprint reader for easy login and authentication.
When it comes to battery life, the Dell G3 15 delivers. With up to 7 hours of battery life for everyday use and 1-2 hours for gaming, you won’t have to worry about your laptop dying in the middle of a gaming session. And, with various ports, including HDMI, Ethernet, and USB-A, you can easily connect all your gaming peripherals. The only downside of the Dell G3 15 is its display.
The TN panel is dull and doesn’t offer the best colour accuracy, but it does have a 120Hz refresh rate. But, in terms of gaming performance, the Dell G3 15 shines with its powerful GTX 1650ti graphics card, which delivers smooth and responsive gameplay. The Dell G3 15 is a great option for gamers looking for a budget-friendly laptop with solid performance.
Pros
- 120Hz high-quality display
- Powerful processor and graphics card
- Gaming and productivity laptop
Cons
- Color contrast can be inconsistent
How to Get the Best Gaming Laptop Under $800? – Buyers Guide
If you want to ensure that you buy the best gaming laptops under 800, there are a couple of essential things you must be aware of before spending your hard-earned money.
Therefore, with no further delay, we will look at the most crucial aspects to consider before purchasing gaming laptops.
Processor for Gaming laptops under 800USD
For gaming laptops under $800, you will typically find processors from manufacturers such as AMD and Intel. The most common processors you will find in this price range include:
- AMD Ryzen 5: This is a mid-range processor that offers excellent performance for gaming and multitasking. It has 4-6 cores and 8-12 threads, making it capable of running most games on moderate to high settings.
- Intel Core i5 is also a mid-range processor with good gaming and multitasking performance. It has 4 cores and 8 threads, making it capable of running most games on moderate to high settings.
- AMD Ryzen 3: This is an entry-level processor that offers decent performance for gaming and multitasking. It has 2-4 cores and 4-8 threads, making it capable of running most games on low to moderate settings.
- Intel Pentium: This entry-level processor offers decent performance for basic tasks and some light gaming. It has 2 cores and 4 threads.
It’s important to note that a powerful processor alone does not guarantee a good gaming experience. A good gaming laptop requires a dedicated graphics card and enough memory and storage.
Graphics Card
The most common graphics card type for gaming laptops under $800 is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or its variants (such as the GTX 1650 Ti). These cards provide decent performance for gaming at moderate settings and can run most modern games at 1080p resolution.
Some laptops may also feature the AMD Radeon RX 560 or similar cards, offering good performance at this price range. It’s worth noting that a dedicated graphics card is important for gaming, as integrated graphics found on lower-end laptops will not provide adequate performance.
RAM
RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a crucial component in a gaming laptop. It is a temporary storage space for the operating system and applications to use while running. The more RAM a gaming laptop has, the more efficiently it can handle multiple applications and run games at higher settings.
For gaming laptops under $800, 8GB of RAM is the minimum for smooth performance. However, if you want to run the latest games at the highest settings and have multiple applications running simultaneously, 16GB or even 32GB of RAM would be ideal. It is important to note that the RAM should be DDR4, as it is the latest and fastest RAM available in the market. Also, it is recommended to have at least one DIMM slot open for future upgrades.
Display and Resolution
Display and resolution are important factors when purchasing a gaming laptop under $800. The display is the screen on which you will view your games, and resolution refers to the number of pixels on the screen. A higher resolution means a clearer and more detailed image.
A gaming laptop under $800 may have a display with a resolution of 1080p, also known as Full HD, which is the standard resolution for most laptops. This resolution offers a good balance between image quality and performance. Some gaming laptops under $800 may also have a display with a resolution of 720p, which is not as high quality as 1080p but still offers good performance.
Another important factor to consider is the type of display. There are three types of displays commonly found in gaming laptops: TN (Twisted Nematic), IPS (In-Plane Switching), and OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode).
TN displays are typically the most affordable and have fast refresh rates and response times, making them ideal for gaming. However, they tend to have poor colour accuracy and viewing angles.
IPS displays are more expensive than TN displays but offer better colour accuracy and wider viewing angles. They also tend to have slower refresh rates and response times than TN displays.
OLED displays are the most expensive and offer the best colour accuracy and contrast, as well as fast refresh rates and response times. However, they are not as common in gaming laptops under $800. It’s important to consider what type of games you plan to play and your preferences when choosing a display and resolution for your gaming laptop under $800. For example, if you plan to play fast-paced, competitive games, you may want a laptop with a high refresh rate and fast response time. If you plan to play games with beautiful graphics and cinematic cutscenes, you may want a laptop with a high-resolution display and good colour accuracy.
Storage
Another essential aspect to consider is how much storage the gaming laptop has. With a price that is around 800 dollars, you’re looking for the most powerful gaming laptop that comes with an SSD instead of the standard HDD. SSDs offer much faster transfer speeds, and they can significantly minimize the load times when playing games. A 256GB SSD is ideal for this price range and will meet the requirements of most gamers, especially novices.
Another thing to look at to determine is whether the notebook is equipped with the option of expanding storage or not. A majority of gaming laptops have this feature. However, it’s worth looking into. Some laptops have an SSD and an HDD. They are the best models as they offer the best of both. Therefore, taking into consideration the storage type and capacity is essential.
Connectivity and Battery
Connectivity refers to a laptop’s various ports and connectivity options, such as USB ports, HDMI ports, Ethernet ports, and WiFi capabilities. This is important for gaming laptops, as it allows for easy connection to external devices such as gaming controllers, monitors, and storage devices.
Battery life is also important when purchasing a gaming laptop, as gaming can be a power-intensive activity. Look for laptops with larger batteries or those that have been optimized for gaming to ensure that you can play your games for extended periods without needing to plug in. Additionally, consider if the laptop has fast charging capabilities or can be charged over USB.
It’s also essential to check if the laptop has Thunderbolt 3 port or USB Type-C, the latest and fastest ports for charging, data transfer, and video output. Also, some gaming laptops have built-in hotspot capabilities that allow other devices to connect to the internet through the laptop’s WiFi.
For a gaming laptop under $800, you should aim for a laptop with a minimum of 8GB of RAM, a dedicated graphics card, a 1080p display, and at least 6 hours of battery life under moderate usage. It should also have good connectivity options, including USB ports, HDMI, Ethernet, and WiFi, to ensure easy connection to external devices.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard and trackpad are important components of a gaming laptop, as they are the primary input means. A good gaming keyboard should have a comfortable and responsive feel, with well-spaced keys and customizable lighting. The trackpad should also be responsive and have a smooth surface for easy navigation. Some gaming laptops include additional input options such as dedicated keys or a number pad.
When looking for a gaming laptop under $800, it’s important to remember that some features, like the keyboard and trackpad, may not be as high quality as more expensive models. However, options still offer a decent keyboard and trackpad for gaming and other uses. It’s also worth considering whether the laptop includes additional input options such as a touch screen or stylus for more precision control. Some gaming laptops also include a built-in fingerprint reader for security and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
If you’re in the market for affordable gaming laptops 800 dollars is a decent price point for a start. But, you’ll need to make some choices, regardless of the model or brand you select to purchase.
Since you can’t obtain the most effective domain for the price of 800 dollars or more, it’s essential to determine the preferred domains before purchase to make the purchase more effective.
Based on the conclusion that our experts have drawn,
- MSI’s GF75 Thin could be the most comprehensive gaming notebook you could consider for the price range due to Turing-optimized graphics and the 10th Gen processor.
- If you’re happy to spend just a bit of money on a highly efficient gadget, The Lenovo IdeaPad L340 is an excellent option.
- Not to be left out, those who are on a budget and have moderate gaming requirements can be satisfied in Lenovo Legion 5, courtesy of its elegant design and lasting battery.
Award | Design | LAPTOPS | Retailer |
---|---|---|---|
Overall Best Gaming Laptop under $800 | Staff Pick | Check Price | |
Best 17 Inch Gaming Laptop under $800 | Best Pick | Check Price | |
Cheapest Gaming Laptops under 800 | Budget Pick | Check Price | |
Best HP gaming laptops under 800 dollars | Check Price | ||
The Best gaming laptop with Ryzen 5 | Check Price | ||
Best Optimal Gaming Performance Laptop | Check Price | ||
Best 17-inch Gaming Laptop | Check Price | ||
Best Gaming Laptop from Dell under $800 | Check Price |
Is the best gaming laptop under 800 USD worth buying?
Gaming laptops under $800, depending on the user’s needs and preferences, can be worth it. It’s important to consider the specs, features, types of games you want to play and in what settings. If you’re willing to compromise on some aspects, such as resolution or graphics settings, an $800 gaming laptop can still provide a decent gaming experience. Researching and comparing different options is always recommended before making a purchase.
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