These laptops offer great performance for their price point and are perfect for gamers who are just starting out or looking for an affordable option. Check out our top picks below.
Acer Nitro V – Best Entry-Level Gaming Laptop
The Acer Nitro V is a strong budget-friendly pick if you want solid gaming performance without overspending. With a 13th-Gen Intel Core i5-13420H and RTX 4050, it handles modern games and creative workloads smoothly. The 15.6″ 144Hz Full HD display looks great, and Acer’s dual-fan cooling keeps temps under control during long sessions.
Pros
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Strong performance for the price (i5-13420H + RTX 4050)
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144Hz display is vibrant and smooth
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Reliable cooling with dual fans
Cons
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Weak battery life (under 2 hours off charger)
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Keyboard isn’t ideal for long sessions
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Bulkier and heavier than some competitors
Bottom Line:
If you’re shopping entry-level, the Nitro V delivers excellent value with its performance and display—just expect to keep it plugged in and don’t prioritize portability.
MSI GV15 – Solid Budget Gaming Laptop
The MSI GV15 is a great choice if you want entry-level gaming performance at a friendly price. With an 11th-Gen Intel 6-core CPU and GTX 1650 graphics, it handles everyday gaming and productivity smoothly. The 15.6″ Full HD 144Hz display adds crisp, responsive gameplay.
Pros
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Smooth performance from the 11th-Gen Intel 6-core processor
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GTX 1650 delivers reliable 1080p gaming
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144Hz display offers fast, fluid visuals
Cons
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Runs hot—cooling pad recommended
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Not lightweight
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Weak battery life; best used plugged in
Bottom Line:
The MSI GV15 is fast, dependable, and great for 1080p gaming on a budget—just expect some heat and keep it near an outlet.
Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-347N Slim Laptop
If you’re shopping at the lowest price bracket, the Acer Aspire 5 offers reliable performance with an 11th-Gen Intel i3 and a crisp 15.6″ Full HD IPS display. It’s slim, lightweight, and great for everyday tasks with light gaming mixed in.
Pros
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Snappy performance from 11th-Gen Intel i3
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Sharp Full HD IPS display
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Lightweight with ergonomic hinge and good cooling
Cons
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Only 128GB SSD storage
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Integrated graphics limit gaming performance
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Windows 11 S Mode may be restrictive
Bottom Line:
A strong budget pick for light gaming and everyday use—best for casual players or students.
ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop
The ROG Strix G16 steps into “premium entry-level” territory with a powerful Intel i7-13650HX and RTX 4060, plus a fast 165Hz 16″ display. It’s built for high performance and smooth visuals.
Pros
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Excellent performance (i7 + RTX 4060 @ 140W)
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16GB DDR5 + 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD for fast multitasking
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165Hz FHD panel with 100% sRGB
Cons
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Heavier and less portable
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Average battery life
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Higher price compared to typical entry-level laptops
Bottom Line:
A great choice if you want high-end performance without jumping to full premium pricing—just not ideal for portability.
Acer Aspire 3 A314-36P-35UU Slim Laptop
A small, lightweight option with solid productivity and light-gaming capability, powered by the Intel Core i3-N305 and a crisp 14″ Full HD IPS touchscreen.
Pros
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Good performance for light gaming + productivity
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Sharp touchscreen IPS display
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Thin and lightweight
Cons
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No dedicated GPU
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Battery life is just okay
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Windows 11 S Mode may limit apps
Bottom Line:
Great for casual gaming, travel, students, and everyday use—just not ideal for demanding titles.
