Laptops meant for gaming have colorful designs, powerful hardware, and they are specifically made to deliver a great gaming experience. The main components that run games on a laptop are the video card and the processor. Gaming produces a lot of heat, which makes it necessary to have a powerful processor and a cooling system. It is therefore advisable to go for a basic model and spend more on the processor and video card.
In order to ensure a decent gaming experience, you similarly need to consider good graphic cards such as ATOM and Nvidia or AMD Radeon, 4 to 8 GB Graphics memory. Gaming laptops tend to be rather expensive. However, it is possible to find cheap laptops that go for about $300, although the user may not enjoy the luxury of playing all aggressive and high-end games.
Before purchasing a laptop, you should carry out extensive research to warrant that you get the optimum value for the money spent. Here are some of the best cheap gaming laptops under 300 bucks that we think are the best.
If I were to choose a $300 gaming laptop for myself, I would go with Vivobook or Inspiron 3000
I spent several hours picking the best gaming laptop in the price range of $250 to $600. Before writing this article, I read multiple reviews online, searched through Reddit and watched a handful of youtube videos. In essence, I tried to list down the best ones that I thought are suitable for gaming. Most of these laptops feature a dedicated graphics card and a good processor. If you have any questions or feedback, let me know them in the comment section at the end of this article.
1. Dell Inspiration 14″ 3000 – Made for Gamers
This is a good gaming laptop, and by choosing to purchase it, you will have the best value for your money. It is also made to be very portable and stylish. Therefore, gamers can carry it around for school and work. This laptop has a good processor of 10th Intel Core i5-1035G4 at 1.10GHz (4 Cores, up to 3.7GHz, 6MB Cache. It has a 128GB M.2 PCle NVMe Solid State Drive and an Intel Iris Plus Graphics with shared graphics memory. This graphic card is dedicated. As a result, it can play many games of high quality. Examples of these games are Skyrim, Rust, and Blizzard games. To make things better, It has a memory of 4 GB 26666 MHz DDR4 and a display of 14.0-inch HD (1366 by 768) Anti-Glare LED-Backlit Non-touch Display. Other than that, it has a height of 0.78”-0.83”/2, a depth of 9.52” and a width of 13.35”. It has a weight of 3.77 lbs. It has a 3-Cell, 42 WHr, Integrated battery, and nine ports and slots.
This laptop has my 5/5 rating, best in every aspect
Main Features
- i5 Processor (10th Gen)
- 4GB RAM
- 128GB PCIe SSD
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics
- Not Full HD Screen
Pros
The laptop has the ability to run many games at high quality; it has a good battery life and runs fast. It has a reliable i5 processor. Other than that, it is adequately strong for streaming games with the help of its Iris Plug graphics.
Cons
The speakers for this laptop normally crackle when turned pat 70, and it has no backlight keyboard. Also, 128GB SSD is not at all enough, you should go with an external hard drive. A simple SATA HDD will do the job.t
There are different versions of this laptop and most of the online reviews are based on the previous versions like 2018 or so. Only assess this model based on the latest reviews (the reviews on Amazon are very new)
2. Acer Aspire 5 Slim (Model A515-43-R19L) – Has Rave Reviews
This is another good laptop that you should consider purchasing. It has an AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Dual-Core Processor with a speed of 2.6GHz and a precision boost of 3.5GHz. It has two built-in Stereo speakers, Acer purified, AMD Radeon Vega 3 Mobile Graphics, 15.6” Full HD widescreen LED-backlit IPS Display and 4GB DDR4 Memory. Similarly, it has good voice technology with two inbuilt microphones, an HD Webcam (1280 by 720), 802.11 ac WiFi featuring 2 by 2 mimo technology. This laptop has a backlit keyboard, a Lithium-Ion Battery of up to 7.5 hours battery life, and a weight of 3.97 lbs. You can play different games such as fortnight and Overwatch with this laptop.
Aspire 5 is one of the most popular gaming laptops under $300, the reviews are largely positive
Main Features
- Ryzen 3 3200U Processor
- 4GB RAM
- 128GB PCIe SSD
- AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics Card
- Full HD Screen
- Backlit Keyboard
Pros
You should go for this laptop because it has a nice look and backlit keyboard that makes gaming interesting. It also has a large 1080p display, which is essential in gaming. Other than that, you should opt for it because it has a decent graphics processor that can easily play games like Minecraft (probably this is the best laptop for playing games like Minecraft, CS Go, etc which are not so demanding). All these good qualities yet at an affordable price.
Cons
The only bad side of this laptop is that it lacks a cooling system and adequately powerful to run games that have relatively high graphics. Just like the previous laptop, 128GB SSD is nothing, you should get an external HDD.
3. ASUS VivoBook (Model F510QA)
This laptop is quite thinner and lighter compared to others in this paper. It is because of its ultra-narrow 0.3’’ NanoEdge bezel that gives it an amazing 80% screen to body. It weighs 3.7 lbs, has a 0.7” profile, and it fits a full-size 15.6’’ FHD WideView display into a 14’’ frame. It is as compact as an ultrabook and has great power abilities. It is very fast and has exceptional performance. The laptop also has grand visual optimization technology that offers visuals for all sorts of content. In addition, the ASUS Tru2Life video technology makes the video appear remarkable and clear. The laptop has an AMD Quad-Core A12-9720P Processor with AMD Radeon R7 graphics and 4GB DDR4 RAM. The graphics are good and can be said to be dedicated. It also has an ultra-fast dual-band Wi-Fi 5. This laptop has the ability to play games such as Rocket League, CS Go, NFS run, and GTA 5 (at lowest settings).
I would go with this laptop because of its R7 Graphics & HD Display
Main Features
- Full HD Display
- AMD Quad-Core A12-9720P CPU
- AMD Radeon R7 Graphics Card
- 4GB RAM
- 128 GB SATA SSD
- Fingerprint Sensor
Pros
You should consider this laptop because it has a WideView display, which is an advantage to gamers. Also, its Tru2Life video technology makes the video appear amazing, which is the exact experience that gamers seek. Lastly, it has an AMD R7 graphic card 4 GB RAM that is good for gaming, in fact, it is the best after Iris Plus.
Cons
The laptop has a comparatively low battery life and easily runs hot while gaming. In addition, it is not capable of playing most of the latest AAA games, such as PUGB. Also, when using 720p resolution, it can run many games but at low settings. 128GB SSD isn’t enough, you will have to consider an external hard drive.
If you have some time, please check out my review on Asus Vivobook S14 that has a screen in the place of the mousepad. It is one of my favorite laptops.
4. Lenovo IdeaPad 330S
One of the reasons you should opt for IdeaPad 330S is because of its amazing look and aesthetics. Equipped with an 8th Gen Intel Core i3-8130U mobile processor, the IdeaPad 330S is quite fast too. Besides, it gives HD quality computing because of its smart dual-core four-way processing performance. When you come to the display, it is also quite amazing. It has a 15.6’’display: Typical 1366 by 768 HD resolution. Similarly, the laptop has an Intel UHD graphics 620. These on-processor graphics have a shared video graphic memory that displays high-quality images. It is capable of running games like World of Warships, Rift, and World of Tanks.
The only reason to buy this laptop is its look, I would skip this if I want to play demanding games
Main Features
- Not Full HD Display
- Intel Core i3 Processor
- Intel HD Graphics 620
- 4GB RAM
- 128 GB SSD
Pros
It is cheap. It is also has a fast and fun speed that is vital for a gaming laptop. It has a beautiful design and is perfect for business purposes with light gaming.
Cons
The graphics card is somehow unsatisfactory for a good gaming laptop, and it has low-quality video playback. Another significant disadvantage of this laptop is that it can’t run games like Apex Legends, Fortnite, GTA V, PUGB, Minecraft which demand more processing power.
5. HP 14″ Laptop (Model 7RP94VA)
This laptop is not the best for gaming, but it is also not as bad. It has a 10th Gen Intel 1.2 GHz Intel Core i5 processor and has a 4GB SDRAM. In addition, it has Microsoft Windows 10, HD Audio with stereo speakers 802.11 ac, both wireless and Bluetooth, and a backlit keyboard. It has an Intel UHD graphics coprocessor. The graphics are not dedicated, but it can support a variety of games. Some of the games it can run are Darkest Dungeon and into the Breach.
With i5 processor & 1080p screen, this one is better for gamers than the last one
Main Features
- Full HD Display
- Intel Core i5 Processor
- Intel UHD Graphics Card
- 4GB RAM
- 128 GB SATA SSD
- Backlit Keyboard
Pros
It has a leveled-out contrast, a glossy screen with 1920 by 1080 resolution that gives a magnificent viewing experience when playing games. Equally, this laptop is capable of staying cool even while it is being used continuously to play games. Other than that, it is light hence portable, and it is very fast due to the i5 processor.
Cons
The display of the laptop is not colorful, and its battery life is not desirable. It is also a significant disadvantage that its graphics are not dedicated. Similarly, it gets loud sometimes, and it is generally not ideal for gaming. 128GB SSD is not sufficient, you will require an external hard disk.
The price of the laptop was slightly over $300 while writing this post. If that’s more than your budget, skip this laptop.
6. Dell Inspiron 11″ 3000 2 in 1 Laptop
For a small budget like $300, I am likely to go for this gaming laptop. Inspiron 11 3000 is one of the best touch screen laptops under 300 dollars. It has 11.6 inch display with 1366 by 768 resolution, an LED-Backlit Touch Display with an AMD R5 shared video memory that is efficient for playing games. The graphics are good for gaming. Similarly, it has an AMD Dual Core A9 9420e 2.6 GHz to ensure maximum speed while gaming. Other than that, it has 500GB Serial ATA hard drive that provides ample space to store quality games. Besides, it has a 4GB system memory for high-level multi-tasking extensive high bandwidth RAM that empowers it effortlessly run games and other activities simultaneously.
2 in 1 touch display & Raedon R5 are enough reasons for me to buy this laptop
Main Features
- AMD A9-9420e Processor
- AMD Radeon R5 Graphics Card
- 4GB RAM
- 500 GB HDD
- No Full HD Display
- 2 in 1 Touch Display
Pros
This laptop has an LED-Backlit touch display with an AMD R5 shared video memory that is awesome for such a cheap gaming laptop. It has a high speed essential for gaming, has adequate storage (500GB) for great games. The fact it is touchscreen also makes playing games easy and thrilling. Lastly, it has an incredible battery life.
Cons
It has an average battery life and has a rather small display. It is not capable of running games like Minecraft, Fortnight, PUGB, GTA V, and Apex Legends. Additionally, it only allows for slight image editing or gaming.
7. Lenovo Ideapad 3 Laptop with AMD Ryzen
This also is a recommendable gaming laptop. It has a 14″ inch display with Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, and WLED Backlight Display. Also, it has AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics. Although it is not the best, it is good enough to play most of the games. In addition, it has an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and 256GB SSD. It has a Windows 10 Home operating System
This is one of the highest rated gaming laptops that is priced under $500
Main Features
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Processor
- AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics
- 8GB RAM
- 256 GB SSD
- FHD display with narrow bezel
Pros
This laptop has adequate memory for gaming and running video graphics. Its processor equally has a high speed that makes gaming a smooth ride without freezing or crashing. The display is top-notch. Besides, the rating of the laptop is great on Amazon.
Cons
The storage in the system is a bit less. You might have to consider adding an external hard drive.
8. HP 14 Laptop with Radeon Vega 3 Graphics
This laptop from HP is also one of the best-looking laptops on this list. It looks super slim and portable, a perfect option for frequent business travelers who loves to play games once in a while.
The laptop has 4GB RAM, 128 GB SSD, It also has a 14-inch screen with a 1366 by 768 resolution. Besides, the laptop features AMD Ryzen 3 processor which is not bad at all. With AMD Radeon Vega 3 graphics card, you would be able to play many games including Baldur’s Gate, Planescape Torment, Fallout (low graphics), etc.
Main Features
- 14-inch Display
- AMD Ryzen 3 Processor
- AMD Radeon Vega 3
- 4 GB RAM
- 128 GB SSD
Pros
The processor and the graphics card seem decent enough to play many mid-sized games
Cons
It has a fairly small display, which can make gaming boring. Also, the storage is very less. You may need an external hard disk.
9. Newest Lenovo IdeaPad S145 Notebook
This cheap gaming laptop is good for you because of the following aspects. The screen has a 15.6” diagonal HD with a resolution of 1366 by 768. The IdeaPad S145 has an AMD A6-9225 Dual-core processor, a massive 1TB HDD, and an 8GB DDR4 RAM. It features an AMD Radeon R4 Graphics which lets you play games like DOTA 2, Skyrim and Football Manager in medium settings and Fortnite in low settings.
8GB RAM and 1TB HDD? This laptop is a steal deal
Main Features
- AMD A6-9225 Dual-core Processor
- AMD Radeon R4 Graphics
- 8GB RAM
- 1TB HDD
- No Full HD Display
Pros
Its high speed and great resolution that enable it to play games efficiently, it is portable and has a compact design. The laptop features an 8GB RAM and 1TB HDD which is impressive.
Cons
The battery backup of the laptop could be a bit lower
10. Dell Latitude E6520 i7 Laptop
Latitude E6520 is one of the highest-rated among the cheap gaming laptops. It has an Intel Core i7 2.2 GHz, 500 GB HDD AND 8 GB RAM. And you know what’s amazing about this particular laptop? It has an NVIDIA Quadro NVS 4200M graphics card, which is quite remarkable for gaming purposes. This warrants an incredible gaming experience. Other than it has a Windows 10 operating system. So, if I were you, I would definitely go for this option. One can play games like Anno 2070, Assassin’s Creed iii and iv, Call of Duty Black Ops, and Cod Modern Warfare 2, among others.
This particular version is discontinued but there are a few other versions, check here
Main Features
- Intel Core i7 Processor
- Nvidia NVS 4200M Graphics Card
- 8GB RAM
- 240 GB SSD
- No Full HD Display
Pros
With the i7 processor and Nvidia 4200M graphics, this laptop has everything needed for gaming. The laptop has a high screen resolution that practically displays images. This is advantageous for gamers. Additionally, Nvidia’s Optimus technology warrants uninterrupted switching. The large memory also makes it possible to store large and high-quality games effectively.
Cons
This laptop is Renewed that means it is a refurbished model. This is a deal-breaker for many people. But considering the positive reviews on Amazon, you can probably go with this. Also, the laptop is fairly heavy, which limits its portability.
Takeaways
There are a number of cheap gaming laptops that are around or less than $300. They all vary in various aspects. It is, therefore, important for a gamer to conduct adequate and quality research on these laptops so as to identify the best option. By selecting the best option, one will end up purchasing a good quality gaming laptop at the value of his or her money. From the above analysis, It is clear that a good gaming laptop should have the latest and most powerful graphics. Another significant factor to always consider is the processor speed, display, and the memory of the laptop. The bigger the display of the screen, the better.
Again, if I were to choose one for myself, I would go with Inspiron 3000 or Vivobook. The former is definitely one of the best gaming laptops under $300 in every aspect, be it performance, look or specifications.
This post is last updated on Jan 22, 2021
