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10 Best and Cheapest Gaming Laptops Under $100 for 2026
In 2026, gaming laptops have become an essential tool for both casual gamers and professional esports players alike. Choosing the best and cheapest gaming laptops can make a significant difference in your gaming experience. With so many options available on Amazon, identifying the top contenders can be overwhelming. This article will provide an in-depth review of the best and cheapest gaming laptops that offer excellent performance without breaking the bank.
1. Acer Nitro 5 AN515-57-53E5
Best for: Budget-friendly gamers looking for strong performance
The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-57-53E5 delivers exceptional value for its price, making it one of the best and cheapest gaming laptops on the market. It features an Intel Core i5-11400H processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, making it suitable for playing most modern games at medium settings. The 15.6-inch Full HD display showcases vibrant colors and sharp details, which enhances the gaming experience.
Additionally, the Nitro 5 includes 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD, providing ample speed and storage for your favorite titles. The laptop’s design is gamer-centric, featuring a backlit keyboard and efficient cooling technology.
Pros:
- Excellent performance-per-dollar ratio
- Backlit keyboard and solid build quality
- Good selection of ports
Cons:
- Average battery life
- Limited storage capacity might require an upgrade
- Compatible with Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55, AN515-56, AN515-57, AN515-45, AN515-44, AN517-54, AN517-53, AN517-52, AN517-41 and Predator Helios 300 PH315-54 PH315-53 PH317-53 Series.
- NOTE*: There are TWO edition (5V / 12V) of this Series, NOT fits for AN515-41|42|43|46|51|52|53|54|58, AN517-51 and PH315-52 PH315-51 Series.
- CPU Fan Part Number(s): 23.Q7KN2.001, 23.QB9N2.001, DC28000QDF0, FMAQ DFS5K223052836, NS85C55-19L13; GPU Fan Part Number(s): 23.Q7KN2.002, 23.QB9N2.002, DC28000QEF0, DFS531005PL0T, NS85C51-19L08
- Direct Current: DC 5V / 0.5A, 2.5W; Power Connection: 4-pin 4-Wires Wire-to-board, attaches to your existing heatsink.
- Each Pack come with: 1x CPU Cooling Fan, 1x GPU Cooling Fan, 2x Thermal Greases.
2. ASUS TUF Gaming FX505DT
Best for: Gamers needing durability and performance
The ASUS TUF Gaming FX505DT stands out with its robust design and powerful components. Housed in a military-grade chassis, this laptop can withstand rough usage. It sports a Ryzen 5 3550H CPU and GTX 1650 graphics card, delivering smooth gameplay even in graphically demanding titles. The 15.6-inch IPS display provides wide viewing angles, making it great for multiplayer gaming sessions.
With 8 GB of RAM and 512 GB SSD storage, this laptop ensures faster loading times and efficient multitasking capabilities, ideal for gamers who like to stream or run multiple applications simultaneously.
Pros:
- Durable military-grade design
- Excellent thermal management
- Ample SSD storage
Cons:
- Heavier than some competitors
- Battery life could be improved
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 4GB graphics (base: 1395MHz, Boost: 1560MHz, TDP: 50W)
- Quad-core AMD Ryzen 5 r5-3550h processor
- 256GB NVMe SSD | 8GB DDR4 RAM | Windows 10 Home
- Gigabit wave 2 Wi-Fi 5 (802.11AC)
- Dual fans with anti-dust technology | RGB backlit Keyboard rated for 20-million keystroke durability
3. Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
Best for: Stylish gamers who appreciate aesthetics
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a visually appealing gaming laptop that combines aesthetics with performance. With an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU, it can handle a variety of games with ease. Its 15.6-inch Full HD display provides immersive visuals, enhanced by a refresh rate of 120Hz, reducing motion blur during fast-paced gaming.
The laptop comes equipped with 8 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD, providing enough power for most gaming needs. It also includes a full-sized keyboard with customizable RGB lighting, adding a personal touch to your gaming setup.
Pros:
- Sleek and modern design
- High refresh rate for smoother gaming
- Customizable RGB keyboard
Cons:
- Speakers are not the best
- Limited upgradability
- Designed to make short work of everyday tasks, including schoolwork and light gaming, this laptop features an Intel Celeron N4500 processor (2C, 4MB Cache, Up to 2.8GHz).
- See the beauty of the world from the comfort of your laptop through the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) Anti-glare display with a razor-thin frame. Whether it's an orchestra or an action movie, become fully immersed in any world with the help of the in-built stereo speakers and the signature Dolbt Audio technology to experience multichannel sound with the excess studio speakers. The HD 720p with Privacy Shutter webcam provides high quality video calls, virtual meetings and online interactions.
- 16GB DDR4 Memory seamlessly tackle resource-intensive tasks, smoothly run multiple applications simultaneously, and enjoy lightning-fast responsiveness that keeps you in the flow. 1TB PCIe SSD benefit from lightning-fast storage with a large capacity, allowing you to store a vast collection of files, applications, and multimedia content.
- Comprehensive connectivity options including Wi-Fi 6, 802.11ax 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless networking; 1x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, 1x HDMI 1.4b, 1x Ethernet (RJ-45), 1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm), 1x Power connector.
- Customers enjoy the V15 G2 15.6" FHD Laptop for its budget-friendly price, lightweight design, and user-friendly interface. It is suitable for basic tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and watching videos.
4. Dell G3 15 3500
Best for: Reliable performance in a professional look
The Dell G3 15 3500 strikes a balance between gaming and professional use. It features an Intel Core i5-10300H processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti, making it capable of handling demanding games as well as productivity tasks. The laptop’s 15.6-inch FHD panel ensures a clear and bright display for games and videos alike.
With 8 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD, the Dell G3 offers decent multitasking capabilities. Its battery performance is also commendable, allowing for extended gaming sessions without frequent recharges.
Pros:
- Professional-looking design
- Good battery life
- Solid performance across applications
Cons:
- Not as lightweight as some competitors
- Average audio quality
- Anti- Glare LED Backlit FHD Display
- 120Hz Refresh Rate 250 nits WVA
- 802.11ac 1x1 WiFi
- 8GB DDR4 RAM supports up to 16 GB, 2 x 8 GB, DDR4, 2933 MHz, SODIMM, ECC, dual-channel
5. HP Pavilion Gaming 15
Best for: Versatile usage in gaming and multimedia
The HP Pavilion Gaming 15 is a versatile laptop that caters to both gamers and multimedia enthusiasts. Featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor and NVIDIA GTX 1650 graphics card, this laptop can tackle a wide range of games. The device comes with a 15.6-inch Full HD display, providing stunning visuals for both gaming and movies.
With 8 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD, users will experience fast loading times and smooth multitasking. Its sleek design with a touch of green RGB backlighting contributes to both aesthetic and immersive gaming sessions.
Pros:
- Great performance for gaming and multimedia
- Attractive design
- Customizable backlighting
Cons:
- Average battery life
- Design may not appeal to all users
- Processor Manufacturer: Intel
- Processor Type: Core i5
- Processor Generation: 9th Gen
- Processor Model: i5-9300H
- Processor Speed: 2.40 GHz
6. MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-614
Best for: Lightweight gaming without sacrificing power
The MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-614 is designed to be a lightweight gaming laptop that doesn’t compromise on performance. Featuring a 9th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and GTX 1650 graphics, this laptop is capable of running most games smoothly. The 15.6-inch Full HD display enhances the visual experience, providing entertaining visuals and rich colors.
In terms of memory and storage, it comes with 8 GB RAM and a 512 GB NVMe SSD, offering faster speeds for both gaming and content creation. The laptop’s sleek design allows for easy portability, making it a perfect companion for gamers on the go.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and portable
- Fast SSD storage
- Good cooling system
Cons:
- Battery life could be better
- Limited upgrade options
- Some models have very similar naming but are totally different. Match your model exactly to ensure compatibility. Works with MSI GF63 THIN 9SC-614
- Video Connector Pins: 30 (must match your current screen or won't work)
- Resolution: 1920x1080
- Screen Size And Finish: 15.6" Matte
- Lifetime Warranty + Free premium quality tools & double sided tape
7. Gigabyte A5 K1
Best for: High-performance gaming on a budget
The Gigabyte A5 K1 is an excellent option for budget-conscious gamers seeking high performance. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 5,600HS processor and GTX 1660 Ti graphics card, the A5 K1 allows for comfortable gaming at higher settings. The 15.6-inch IPS display provides sharp visuals and good color accuracy, enhancing your gaming experience.
With 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD, this laptop stands out for multitasking capabilities and storage capacity. An added perk is the customizable keyboard and quality audio, making it well-suited for immersive gaming sessions.
Pros:
- Exceptional performance for the price
- Great keyboard and audio quality
- Rich display colors
Cons:
- Bulky design
- Decent but not excellent thermal performance
8. Razer Blade Stealth 13
Best for: Compact gaming and creative work
The Razer Blade Stealth 13 is a compact gaming laptop aimed at gamers who also need a capable machine for creative tasks. This ultra-portable laptop packs an Intel Core i7-1165G7 and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q, allowing it to download and run intensive games smoothly. The 13.3-inch OLED display brings vibrant colors and sharp imagery to life.
With 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD, multitasking becomes effortless. Its sleek aluminum chassis embodies the traditional Razer design ethos—minimalistic yet stunningly sophisticated.
Pros:
- Ultra-portable with a premium design
- Excellent OLED display
- Great for both gaming and creative work
Cons:
- Expensive for its class
- Limited port selection
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- Designed for mobility: Ultra-thin, light and incredibly durable with a cnc unibody aluminum frame and long battery life.
- 120hz full HD thin bezel display: Super-fast 120hz full HD display that enables smooth visuals in games, with 100% sRGB color space.
- Razer chroma keyboard and precision touchpad: keyboard featuring single-zone rgb lighting with 16.8 million color options, and a precision glass touchpad.
- Complete connectivity — Includes thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, wireless AX, HD webcam utilizing windows hello, and 4-array mics.
9. Lenovo Legion 5
Best for: All-around gaming laptop with great specs
The Lenovo Legion 5 is considered one of the best and cheapest gaming laptops thanks to its robust performance and stylish design. Featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, this laptop is perfect for both gaming and creative work. The expansive 15.6-inch Full HD screen boasts a refresh rate of 165Hz, delivering smoother visuals in fast-paced scenarios.
With 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD, the Legion 5 can handle multitasking and large game libraries without breaking a sweat. The ergonomic keyboard and ample connectivity make it an excellent choice for serious gamers.
Pros:
- Great performance and value for money
- High refresh rate display
- Good build quality
Cons:
- Weight may be an issue for some
- Average battery life
- 【Instant Gratification】The Lenovo Legion 5 15AHP10 gives you instant high performance, rapid boot, and fast game loading with the AMD Ryzen 7 260 processor — 8 cores, 16 threads, 3.8GHz base and up to 5.1GHz boost. Enjoy seamless multitasking and vibrant visuals on the 165Hz WQXGA display, ready for both gaming and creative work right out of the box.
- 【Processor & Operating System】AMD Ryzen 7 260 Processor (8 cores, 16 threads, 3.8GHz base, up to 5.1GHz boost, 8MB L2 / 16MB L3 cache) & Windows 11 Pro
- 【Display】15.1" WQXGA OLED display (2560 x 1600), glossy, HDR True Black 600, 500 nits brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, 165Hz refresh rate, low blue light for eye comfort.
- 【Graphics】NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR7
- 【Tech Specs】2x USB-A (USB 5Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 1), 1x USB-A (USB 5Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 1), Always On, 1x USB-C (USB 10Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 2), with USB PD 65–100W and DisplayPort 2.1, 1x USB-C (USB4 40Gbps), with DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.1 (up to 8K@60Hz), 1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm), 1x Ethernet (RJ-45), 1x Power connector, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be 2x2), Bluetooth 5.4
10. Dell G15 5515
Best for: Fresh gamers wanting a reliable system
The Dell G15 5515 is an excellent entry-level gaming laptop perfectly suited to newer gamers. Featuring a Ryzen 7 5800H processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti, it provides competent performance for its category. The 15.6-inch FHD display with anti-glare technology makes it comfortable to use for extended gaming sessions.
With 8 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD, it offers ample storage and multitasking capabilities, while its sleek design ensures that it looks great in any gaming setup.
Pros:
- Great performance for the price
- Anti-glare display
- Stylish and modern design
Cons:
- Limited upgrade options
- Heavier than expected
- The manufacturer seal has been opened to meet the advertised specs. Professional service installation included
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600H Processor 3.3 GHz (19 MB SmartCache, Max Turbo Frequency 4.2 GHz); processing provides maximum high-efficiency power to go
- 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 120Hz 250 nits WVA Anti- Glare LED Backlit Narrow Border Display, Non-Touch. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6 dedicated Graphics VR Ready
- 64GB DDR4-3200MHz Memory for full-power multitasking; 1TB PCIe SSD; Save files fast and store more data with massive amounts of storage and advanced communication power, PCI-e SSDs are great for major gaming applications, daily backups and more
- Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 (2x2) 802.11ax (2.4 & 5 GHz) + Bluetooth 5.1 + Gigabit Ethernet; 2x USB 2.0 (1x with PowerShare), 1x USB 3.1 Type-C DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, 1x Audio Combo Jack; 720P WebCam, 4-zone RGB keyboard
By carefully considering the features of each of these models, gamers can find a laptop that meets their needs while staying within budget. Whether you’re a casual gamer or looking to dive into competitive play, the best and cheapest gaming laptops from Amazon provide a fantastic array of choices.
Buying Guide: Best and Cheapest Gaming Laptops
When searching for the best and cheapest gaming laptops, it’s essential to balance performance, price, and features. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
1. Define Your Budget
- Set a Maximum Price: Determine how much you’re willing to spend. Most budget gaming laptops range from $500 to $1000.
- Consider Future Upgrades: Some laptops offer upgrade options (like RAM or storage), which can extend the laptop’s lifespan.
2. Understand Gaming Requirements
- Game Genres: Casual gamers may only need basic specs, but if you plan on playing AAA titles, ensure the laptop meets those requirements.
- Performance vs. Appearance: Some games prioritize graphics while others need more CPU power. Consider what’s important for your gaming experience.
3. Key Specifications
- Processor (CPU): Look for at least an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5. Higher models (i7/Ryzen 7) are better for demanding games.
- Graphics Card (GPU): Aim for dedicated graphics (such as NVIDIA GTX/RTX or AMD Radeon). For budget options, models with GTX 1650 or RX 5500M perform well.
- RAM: A minimum of 8GB is standard for gaming. 16GB is more future-proof for new titles.
- Storage: SSDs are faster than HDDs, significantly improving load times. A combination of SSD for the OS and HDD for storage is ideal.
4. Display Quality
- Resolution: 1080p (Full HD) is the standard for gaming. Higher resolutions (like 1440p) are better but may raise prices.
- Refresh Rate: A higher refresh rate (120Hz or 144Hz) provides a smoother gaming experience, especially in fast-paced games.
5. Keyboard and Design
- Keys and Layout: Look for comfortable, well-spaced keys, preferably with some sort of backlighting.
- Build Quality: A sturdy build can endure transport and frequent use.
6. Battery Life
- Gaming laptops often compromise on battery life for performance. Look for models that balance both, but most will require charging during intense gaming sessions.
7. Cooling System
- Effective cooling is crucial for maintaining performance during extended gaming sessions. Ensure the laptop has a robust cooling design (look for models with multiple fans).
8. Brand and Warranty
- Reputation: Brands like ASUS, Acer, Dell, and Lenovo often offer reliable budget gaming laptops.
- Warranty: A solid warranty or customer support is invaluable, especially for laptop repairs.
9. Where to Buy
- Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Newegg, or Best Buy often have deals.
- Refurbished Models: Consider buying refurbished laptops from reputable sellers for significant savings.
- Seasonal Sales: Take advantage of holiday sales, back-to-school discounts, or Black Friday deals.
10. Recommended Models (as of 2023)
- Acer Nitro 5: Solid performance, great thermal management, and often priced under $800.
- Lenovo Legion 5: Known for its excellent keyboard and performance, usually around $900.
- ASUS TUF Gaming A15: Durable design and good specs for around $700.
- HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop: Strikes a balance between performance and aesthetics, typically under $700.
- Dell G3 15: Reliable performance and build quality, often found in the $800 range.
Conclusion
Finding the best and cheapest gaming laptop involves careful consideration of your gaming needs against your budget. Focus on essential specifications like CPU, GPU, and RAM, without sacrificing too much on display quality and portability. Research multiple models and be patient for the right deal to ensure you get the most bang for your buck. Happy gaming!
