Best Cheap Gaming Laptops for 2025

Best Cheap Gaming Laptops for 2025

Gaming doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag. With hardware becoming more efficient and affordable, 2025 is already shaping up to be a great year for budget-conscious gamers. Whether you're into fast-paced FPS titles, immersive RPGs, or competitive esports, there are plenty of budget laptops that deliver solid performance without breaking the bank.

In this guide, we’ll break down what to look for in a budget gaming laptop, followed by our top picks for 2025.

What to Look for in a Budget Gaming Laptop

Before diving into the best models, here are some key features to consider when shopping for a cheap gaming laptop:

1. GPU (Graphics Card)

Even on a budget, a dedicated GPU is essential. Look for laptops with NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX 20/30 series, or AMD Radeon RX 6000 series. Integrated graphics can handle casual games, but for serious gaming, a dedicated GPU is the way to go.

2. Processor (CPU)

For optimal performance, aim for at least an Intel Core i5 (12th Gen or newer) or AMD Ryzen 5 (5000 series or newer). These offer a solid balance of gaming performance and multitasking power.

3. RAM

8GB is the minimum, but 16GB is ideal for modern gaming and future-proofing your setup. Make sure the RAM is upgradeable if you’re starting on a lower spec.

4. Storage

SSD is non-negotiable in 2025. It offers faster load times and better performance. A 512GB SSD is a good starting point, though many budget laptops offer 256GB.

5. Display

A 1080p resolution with a refresh rate of at least 60Hz is standard. Some budget laptops now offer 120Hz or even 144Hz panels, which can make a big difference in fast-paced games.

Top Budget Gaming Laptops for 2025

ERAZER Deputy P60 Gaming Laptop - Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, NVidia RTX 4060, 15.6", 1920x1080 Full HD (144Hz), Windows 11 Home - Backlit Keyboard

MSI Thin 15 B13UC-2623AU 15.6-Inch FHD i7-13620H NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6 4GB RAM Windows 11 Home Gaming Laptop

ERAZER Defender P50 Gaming Laptop - Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, NVidia RTX 4060, 17.3", 1920x1080 Full HD (144Hz), Windows 11 Home - Backlit Keyboard

Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M3 chip: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, 1080p FaceTime HD Camera, Touch ID - Midnight

ERAZER Crawler E30e Gaming Laptop - Intel Core i5, 16GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050, 15.6", 1920x1080 Full HD (60hz), Windows 11 Home - RGB Backlit Keyboard

ERAZER Defender P50 Gaming Laptop - Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, NVidia RTX 4060, 17.3", 1920x1080 Full HD (144Hz), Windows 11 Home - Backlit Keyboard

In conclusion, 2025 is shaping up to be a great year for budget-conscious gamers. With powerful yet affordable machines hitting the market, getting into PC gaming no longer means draining your wallet. The key is knowing where to look—prioritise strong GPU/CPU combos, decent RAM, and a good refresh rate, and you'll be set. The best part? These laptops prove that “cheap” doesn’t have to mean “low quality.” With smart choices, you can enjoy immersive gameplay, reliable build quality, and future-ready features at a fraction of the high-end price. So if you’ve been holding off on upgrading or joining the gaming world, now’s the perfect time to level up—without the high price tag.