Gaming can be a fun pastime, but a regular laptop won’t do if you want to play more resource-hungry games. Beyond a good processor, you also need an external graphics card that can support the type of applications that you want to run.
While there are many gaming laptops out there, most of them will set you back over a grand. Finding a worthy model on a tiny budget is truly challenging.
If you don’t want to waste time comparing models and specs, check out our ranking for the best gaming laptops under $700.
- Best Overall: Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
- Best for Intel Aficionados: MSI Thin GF63 Gaming Laptop
- Best 17.3”: ASUS TUF Gaming A17
- Best for Simple Games: HP Victus Gaming Laptop
- Best Budget-Friendly: HP 2022 14” Laptop
Best Overall: Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 512GB PCIe SSD
- 120Hz Refresh Rate
- FHD IPS display
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is the best gaming laptop under $700 for graphically-demanding games.
Its main advantage is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, which is powerful enough to run games like Forespoken, God of War, and Call of Duty. The GPU even supports games in 4K resolution if you want to use the laptop with a 4K gaming monitor, even though this option only works if you reduce the frames per second.
GPU aside, the laptop also has a worthy CPU. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 6000-Series processor that can handle realistic ray-tracing graphics and some AI features. Somewhat disappointing is the fact that the laptop only comes with 8GB of RAM. The internal storage is also rather low at only 256GB. You can upgrade both the RAM and the SSD, though.
Other than that, this machine is a good option for gaming and other demanding tasks. The Wi-Fi signal is solid, boot times are fast, and gaming feels right.
Check out the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 on Amazon here.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU can run graphically-demanding games and apps. | The 8GB of RAM is insufficient for some games. |
| This laptop’s processor can provide ray-tracing and AI enhancements. | |
| You can upgrade most internal components, including the RAM and the SSD. |
Best for Intel Aficionados: MSI Thin GF63 Gaming Laptop
- Intel Core i5-12450H GeForce RTX 2050
- 15.6" FHD 144Hz
- 8GB DDR4
- 512GB NVMe SSD
- Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Cooler Boost 5
- Windows 11 Home
- Black
If you like Intel processors and don’t mind sacrificing the graphics card, the MSI Thin GF63 is one of the best budget gaming laptops you can find.
This laptop comes with a 12th-generation Intel Core i5 that can handle high frames per second regardless of the game you’re playing. The display’s refresh rate of 144Hz also ensures smooth transitions during fast-moving scenes, while the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 GPU can run most games, including God of War and Rainbow Six Siege.
Sure, the GPU isn’t the best out there, and it will likely become too old in a couple of years, but you can always upgrade it.
Like the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3, this laptop has 8GB of RAM, but it comes with 512GB of internal storage. The downside is that the disk space is not expandable, and cooling leaves a lot to be desired. As long as you don’t mind investing in a cooling pad, this laptop is a good choice though.
You can find MSI Thin GF63 on Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The 12th-generation Intel Core i5 processor can power demanding apps and games. | This laptop’s cooling isn’t the best, but you can supplement it with a cooling pad. |
| The GPU can handle most games, including some graphically demanding ones, and it can be upgraded. | |
| A refresh rate of 144Hz makes this laptop ideal for racing and combat games. |
Best 17.3” Laptop: ASUS TUF Gaming A17
- 17.3" 144Hz FHD IPS display
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
- GeForce GTX 1650
- 8GB DDR4
- 512GB PCIe SSD
- RGB keyboard
- Windows 11 Home
- Bonfire Black
The ASUS TUF Gaming A17 is an excellent choice for those who play simple or retro games but would like a big screen.
Its main highlight is the 17.3-inch display that increases the amount of detail you can see. Paired with a refresh rate of 144Hz, the laptop provides excellent visuals and smooth transitions during fast-moving scenes.
We also like the self-cleaning design, excellent cooling, and various operation modes that optimize cooling based on the task. However, you shouldn’t expect a stellar processor or the newest graphics card. In fact, you’ll have to settle for an AMD Ryzen 5 4600H CPU and a GeForce RTX 1650 GPU.
These components will limit the types of games you can play. While they support games from a few years back, the latest editions or new releases might not run as smoothly. On the bright side, this is one of the few gaming laptops that can hold a charge for more than five hours, so that’s something to consider if you travel a lot.
Find ASUS TUF Gaming A17 on Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This is one of the best budget gaming laptops if you want a big screen. | The processor and graphics card are rather outdated. |
| A refresh rate of 144Hz ensures a smooth transition between scenes. | |
| The battery lasts for seven to eight hours when performing general tasks and around five hours while gaming. |
Best for Simple Games: HP Victus Gaming Laptop
- 15.6-inch FHD display
- 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12450H
- NVIDIA GTX 1650 GPU
- 512GB SSD
- 8GB DDR4 RAM
With a 12th-generation Core i5 processor but an older graphics card, the 2022 HP Victus is the perfect option for fans of simpler games.
For under $700, the model comes with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. For slightly over $700, you can get 16GB of RAM, while the SSD is available in a 1TB version, albeit that model is more expensive.
Regarding the gaming features, this laptop comes with a GeForce RTX 1650 graphics card. However, it has a better processor than the ASUS TUF Gaming A17, so you can upgrade the GPU and use the laptop longer. In its current configuration, it can run games like Far Cry 5 or The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
The laptop’s main downside is the battery life. You can’t expect it to hold a charge for more than a couple of hours in gaming mode, so make sure to have the charger nearby.
Check out HP Victus on Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The 12th-generation Intel processor supports most games and apps. | The battery drains pretty fast, especially when using the gaming mode. |
| While the graphics card is not the best out there, it is upgradeable. | |
| Various models offer up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage. |
Best Budget-Friendly: HP 2022 14” Laptop
- 14" FHD IPS display
- AMD Ryzen 3-3250U
- 32GB RAM
- 1TB PCIe SSD
- AMD Radeon Graphics
- True Vision HD camera
- Wi-Fi 5
- Bluetooth
- Windows 11
- Silver
- 32GB Snow Bell USB card
Ideal for gamers on a really low budget, the HP 2022 14” Laptop delivers 32GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage for under $500.
Sure, at this price, you can’t expect the latest components. This laptop comes with an AMD Ryzen 3 3250U processor that can handle most tasks but could lag or stutter when playing resource-hungry games.
Its greatest drawback is the integrated graphics card — an AMD Radeon — that isn’t upgradable. However, the system can handle casual gaming as long as you use the lowest graphical settings or play simpler games.
Despite its poorer performance, we particularly like the model’s compact size. With a 14-inch screen, this laptop is small and light enough for frequent travelers.
Have a look at the HP 2022 14” Laptop on Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This is one of the most affordable laptops to use for casual gaming and general purposes. | It comes with an integrated graphics card that can’t be upgraded. |
| At 14-inch diagonally, the laptop is compact and lightweight. | |
| It offers 32GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage. |
©Lukmanazis/Shutterstock.com
How to Pick the Best Gaming Laptop Under $700: Step-by-Step
When choosing a budget gaming laptop, there are five main considerations for most buyers.
- Performance
- Display
- Keyboard
- Portability
- Price
Let’s see how each of these factors can affect your decision-making.
Performance
There are two essential components to consider as far as performance is concerned: the graphics card and the processor. The GPU is typically the most important component in a gaming computer, as most games are GPU-bound.
However, when it comes to budget gaming laptops, the component that makes or breaks the deal is the processor. In most laptops, an external graphics card can be upgraded, but you can’t upgrade the CPU. So, if you have to decide between the latest generation GPU or CPU, choose the latter.
Display
Most gaming laptops nowadays have IPS panels that provide good contrast and clear visuals, but you have to choose the right resolution and refresh rate. For most games, an FHD resolution is ideal. Cheaper gaming laptops might have a lower resolution, though, so you should decide if that’s something you can compromise on.
Regarding the refresh rate, opt for at least 144Hz if your games have fast-moving scenes (e.g., combat and racing games). Otherwise, a lower refresh rate could work.
Keyboard
Mechanical keyboards are the best choice for pro gaming, but you’re unlikely to find a cheap gaming laptop with a mechanical keyboard. However, you should aim to buy a laptop with at least a backlit keyboard that has customizable keys.
Portability
Laptops are designed to be portable, but one factor that can limit portability is the battery life. If you want to play anywhere but don’t feel like carrying a power supply with you, make sure the laptop’s battery lasts for at least five hours in gaming mode.
Other factors that can impact portability are the physical size and weight of the laptop. It isn’t hard to imagine that a 17.3-inch laptop is a lot bigger and heavier than a 14-inch model.
Price
Lastly, when choosing a budget gaming laptop, one of the main deciding factors is the price. Because gaming computers use expensive components, it is nearly impossible to find a gaming laptop in the under $700 price range that sports the latest CPU and GPU. Most of the options that are worth your while will set you back over $600.
If your budget is lower, you’ll have to settle for an integrated graphics card and an older processor.
What to Know Before Buying a Gaming Laptop Under $700
Most gaming laptops under $700 are at least one year old. Often, their components are not powerful enough to support the newest games, but some of the best models in this category can handle games released in 2022.
Before buying a budget gaming laptop, you should also consider which components you can upgrade. Most models come with external GPUs that are upgradable, and you can also upgrade the RAM in most cases. However, the internal storage may or may not be expandable, so you should consider whether you want to use an external drive or buy a laptop with a larger-capacity SSD.
Another thing to know before buying is that most budget gaming laptops won’t be able to handle graphically demanding games at full performance. In most cases, you’ll have to lower the resolutions to increase the frames per second or vice versa.
Using a Gaming Laptop Under $700: What It’s Like
Using a gaming laptop under $700 is more similar to using a high-end general-purpose laptop than a high-performance gaming computer. The older components in these systems rarely support the newest games and apps, but you can upgrade some of them to improve performance.
However, if you’re a casual gamer on a tight budget, these models might suit your needs. Just remember, if you have to choose between a better processor and a better GPU, you should pick the former. External GPUs can be replaced, but you’ll be stuck to the processor your system comes with.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©La Famiglia/Shutterstock.com.
