Best Gaming Laptop Under 600: Top Affordable Picks for 2023
Written by: Hrishikesh Pardeshi, Founder at Flexiple, buildd & Remote Tools.
Last updated: Sep 03, 2024
The best gaming laptops under $600 are:
- ASUS TUF Gaming F15
- Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
- Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
- HP 2022 14 HD Laptop
- HP Victus 15.6" Gaming Laptop
- Acer 2023 Cloud Gaming Chromebook 516 GE
- MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-068 15.6" Gaming Laptop
- Gateway 2022 14.1" Ultra Slim Gaming Laptop
- Jumper 14" Laptop
- Jumper Laptop 24GB RAM, 1024GB NVMe SSD, Intel Core i5
Gaming laptops have come a long way in recent years, offering incredible performance and visuals in a portable package.
As a gamer, I know that finding the right gaming PC can be challenging, especially when you're on a budget.
Enter the world of budget gaming laptops, where you can enjoy your favorite games without breaking the bank.
The best gaming laptops under $600 provide a sweet spot between price and performance. These machines are suitable for casual gamers who don't require the highest settings or competitive players on a budget.
They offer a balance of processing power, graphics capabilities, and portability that's hard to beat.
When choosing a gaming laptop under $600, pay attention to important factors, such as the processor, graphics card, display quality, RAM, and storage.
It’s essential to find a laptop with a powerful processor and a dedicated graphics card to run games smoothly. Additionally, consider the display size and resolution, as well as the weight and battery life if you plan to take your gaming on the go.
After considering these factors and spending hours researching various models, I've compiled a list of the best gaming laptops under $600 to help you make an informed decision, and ultimately, enjoy a fantastic gaming experience.
Table of Contents
- Best Gaming Laptops Under $600
- ASUS TUF Gaming F15
- Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
- Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
- HP 2022 14 HD Laptop
- HP Victus 15.6" Gaming Laptop
- Acer 2023 Cloud Gaming Chromebook 516 GE
- MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-068 15.6" Gaming Laptop
- Gateway 2022 14.1" Ultra Slim Gaming Laptop
- Jumper 14" Laptop
- Jumper Laptop 24GB RAM, 1024GB NVMe SSD, Intel Core i5
- Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Gaming Laptops Under $600
I've gathered a list of the best gaming laptops under $600, so you can enjoy immersive gaming experiences without breaking the bank. Check them out below!
ASUS TUF Gaming F15
The ASUS TUF Gaming F15 is a great option for gaming enthusiasts on a tight budget, offering smooth gameplay and solid specs.
Pros
- Supercharged RTX graphics
- Impressive 144Hz Full HD display
- Military-grade durability
Cons
- Limited RAM - has 8GB but upgradable
- No optical drive
- Heavier compared to competitors at 7.75 pounds
I recently got my hands on an ASUS TUF Gaming F15, and I must say, I'm impressed with the performance it delivers for a gaming laptop under $600. Smooth and visually stunning gaming experience thanks to its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics and 144Hz Full HD display.
One thing I noticed was the limited RAM on this model. With 8GB of 3200MHz DDR4 RAM, it may sometimes struggle with multitasking or running demanding games.
However, this can be easily remedied by upgrading the RAM capacity, making it customizable for more powerful gameplay. The laptop's military-grade toughness is a huge selling point, as this device proved to withstand drops, vibrations, and extreme temperatures during my time with it.
The ASUS TUF Gaming F15 comes with a good range of connectivity options, making it versatile for both gaming and work. However, the absence of an optical drive may be inconvenient for some users.
Also, the laptop is relatively heavy, which could be a downside for those who prefer a lightweight device. That being said, the powerful performance and durability outweigh these minor drawbacks. I had a great time playing strategy games on it.
In conclusion, the ASUS TUF Gaming F15 is a solid choice for gamers looking for an affordable yet powerful laptop.
Its supercharged graphics, Full HD display, and customizable features make it a great investment under $600. Just be prepared for the slightly heavier build and the absence of an optical drive.
Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
The Acer Nitro 5 is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable gaming laptop with decent performance.
Pros
- Smooth gameplay with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics
- Full HD IPS display for great visuals
- Decent battery life for a gaming laptop
Cons
- Out-of-the-box performance may require additional upgrades
- Limited storage space with 256GB SSD
- Cooling fans can be a bit noisy
I recently got my hands on the Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop, and I must say it's been a pleasant experience so far. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics allowed me to play my favorite games smoothly, and the 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display provided excellent visuals.
Although the performance right out of the box wasn't the best, with a few upgrades like adding more RAM or additional storage, this laptop could really shine. The 256GB SSD is limiting for gamers who rely on large storage, so keep that in mind.
Another minor drawback is the cooling fans. They can get a bit noisy during intense gaming sessions, but it didn't bother me much. On the plus side, the Acer Cool Boost technology did a good job keeping the temperature in check.
The backlit keyboard is a nice touch, making it easier to game in the dark. Coupled with a decent battery life of up to 8 hours, the Acer Nitro 5 offers a good gaming experience without breaking the bank. Overall, I believe this laptop is a great pick for budget-conscious gamers.
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a solid choice for gamers on a budget, offering great performance and features at an affordable price.
Pros
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 5 processor
- Smooth gaming experience with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
- 120Hz FHD display
Cons
- Limited storage capacity (256GB)
- Average battery life
- Only 8GB RAM (upgrade recommended)
I recently tried out the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 and was quite impressed with its performance, especially considering its price.
The AMD Ryzen 5 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 provide a smooth gaming experience with decent graphics, while the 120Hz FHD display makes gameplay feel even more immersive.
The design is sleek and slim, with a subtle gaming aesthetic. The built-in Lenovo gaming keyboard feels comfortable to use and has a number pad and media controls already included. The 2x2W stereo speakers with Nahimic Audio provide decent sound quality, without the need for external speakers.
However, with only a 256GB NVMe SSD, I found the storage capacity to be somewhat limited, especially for larger games.
Upgrading the RAM is also recommended, as the laptop comes with just 8GB of DDR5 memory out of the box. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a solid choice for those looking for a capable gaming laptop under $600.
HP 2022 14 HD Laptop
I recommend the HP 2022 14 HD Laptop for budget-conscious gamers looking for a solid, entry-level gaming experience.
Pros
- Powerful Intel 11th Gen Core i5-1135G7 processor
- 16GB RAM and 512GB PCIe SSD provide ample storage and smooth performance
- Slim and lightweight design
Cons
- Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics may not support high-end gaming
- HD display has a resolution of only 1366 x 768 pixels
- Limited battery life at around 3.5 hours
When I first used the HP 2022 14 HD Laptop, I was impressed by its sleek design and lightweight build. This laptop weighs just 3.24 pounds, making it easy to carry around whether I'm on the go or just lounging at home. As someone who values portability in a gaming laptop, this was a big plus for me.
The performance of this laptop didn't disappoint either. With an Intel 11th Gen Core i5-1135G7 processor and 16GB of RAM, I was able to smoothly run multiple applications at once without any hiccups.
The 512GB PCIe SSD also meant that I had plenty of storage for games, documents, and media files. However, I did find that the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics struggled with some high-end games, forcing me to lower the settings for a smoother experience.
While gaming, I noticed that the HP True Vision HD Camera didn't deliver the greatest quality during video calls while playing games.
However, the camera shutter is a great feature for privacy-conscious users. The display, while vibrant, is limited to a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels.
This might not offer the sharpest visuals for gaming enthusiasts, but it's adequate for casual gaming and media consumption.
Lastly, the battery life on this laptop is somewhat limited. During my use, it only lasted for about 3.5 hours before needing to be plugged in again.
While not ideal for extended gaming sessions, it's manageable if you have access to an outlet nearby.
Overall, the HP 2022 14 HD Laptop provides a satisfactory gaming experience for those on a budget. If you're looking for a gaming laptop under $600, this is definitely a viable option.
Just keep in mind the limitations of integrated graphics and battery life when making your decision.
HP Victus 15.6" Gaming Laptop
For gamers on a budget, the HP Victus 15.6" gaming laptop provides a solid gaming experience without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Powerful performance with Intel Core i5-12450H processor
- Decent gaming capabilities with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU
- Upgradeable RAM and SSD storage
Cons
- Limited battery life
- Heavier than other laptops in its category
- No touchscreen functionality
I recently got my hands on the HP Victus 15.6" gaming laptop, and I must say it's quite an impressive machine for the price.
The Intel Core i5-12450H processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU offer enough power to run most modern games at decent settings without any hiccups.
The 8GB of RAM and 512GB SSD storage might not be the most generous offerings out there, but I love that they're both upgradeable. So, when I need that extra boost in performance, I can quickly bump things up without much hassle.
One possible downside I noticed is the battery life of the laptop. Even with moderate usage, it required charging more frequently than I would have liked. Additionally, it isn't the lightest laptop on the market, so carrying it around for long periods might be tiring.
Also, it's worth noting that this model doesn't have a touchscreen, which I didn't miss too much during my gaming sessions, but some folks might find it essential in their day-to-day tasks.
In conclusion, despite its minor flaws, the HP Victus 15.6" gaming laptop offers excellent value for money. If you're looking for a low budget laptop and-friendly gaming machine, this could be your ideal pick.
Acer 2023 Cloud Gaming Chromebook 516 GE
The Acer 2023 Cloud Gaming Chromebook offers an affordable yet impressive gaming experience for those on a budget.
Pros
- Smooth performance with 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1240P processor
- Brilliant 16-inch WQXGA 120Hz display
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Limited storage capacity
- Not ideal for high-end gaming
- Frustrating layout of the numeric keypad
When I first tried out the Acer 2023 Cloud Gaming Chromebook 516 GE, I was surprised by the smooth gaming performance it delivered despite being under $600.
The 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1240P processor packs a punch, allowing me to breeze through everyday tasks and enjoy gaming sessions without any lag. I noticed that its performance remains consistent even with multiple browser tabs open and during video streaming.
The display is another strong point of this gaming Chromebook. The 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 120Hz IPS narrow-bezel display provides an immersive visual experience while gaming or watching movies.
Vibrant colors and sharp images make gaming more enjoyable, while the 120Hz refresh rate ensures that even fast-paced action stays clear, keeping me engaged throughout.
A powerful gaming laptop can't be truly great without good battery life, and the Acer 2023 Cloud Gaming Chromebook 516 GE delivers.
I could comfortably play games, work, and watch movies for hours without worrying about recharging it all the time. This is a significant advantage for those who, like me, like to game on the go or need a reliable device for long study sessions.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD storage might fall short if you want to store many games and media files.
Additionally, while this Chromebook performs well with casual gaming and streaming platforms, high-end games are too demanding for it.
Another minor issue I encountered was the numeric keypad's layout. It felt a bit awkward at first, but with some time, I adapted to it just fine.
Overall, the Acer 2023 Cloud Gaming Chromebook 516 GE offers an impressive gaming experience for those on a budget.
With smooth performance, a beautiful display, and an excellent battery life, it's a laptop worth considering for casual gamers and students who want a reliable device without breaking the bank.
MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-068 15.6" Gaming Laptop
As a gamer who values performance and affordability, I recommend the MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-068 for gamers seeking a solid laptop under $600.
Pros
- Excellent performance for the price
- Thin bezel and lightweight design
- Expandable memory up to 64GB
Cons
- May get hot during intense gaming sessions
- Limited storage capacity at 256GB
- Battery life could be better
After using the MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-068, I was impressed by its sleek design and thin bezel. The 15.6" screen offers immersive visuals, and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX1650 graphics card delivers smooth gameplay. The Intel Core i5-9300H processor provides reliable performance, allowing me to enjoy a variety of games without lag.
However, during extended gaming sessions, I noticed that the laptop can get quite hot. To combat this issue, I'd recommend investing in a cooling pad with fans to help dissipate heat.
It's worth noting that the laptop's battery life isn't the longest, so it's best to keep the charger nearby during intense gaming marathons.
One downside to the MSI GF63 Thin is the limited internal storage of 256GB. As a gamer with a growing library of titles, I found myself investing in an external hard drive to accommodate more games.
That said, the laptop's memory can be easily expanded up to 64GB, which is a nice feature for those who want to enhance performance further.
Overall, the MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-068 offers a great balance of performance and affordability, making it a top choice for gamers seeking the best laptop under $600. With a few adjustments to cope with heat and storage limitations, this laptop can deliver an enjoyable gaming experience.
Gateway 2022 14.1" Ultra Slim Gaming Laptop
This laptop is a great budget gaming option with decent performance and stylish design.
Pros
- Powerful Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor
- 16GB RAM and 2TB PCIe SSD storage
- Thin and lightweight build
Cons
- Not optimized for high-end gaming
- Build quality could be improved
- Reports of color discrepancies in orders
I recently had the opportunity to try out the Gateway 2022 14.1" Ultra Slim Gaming Laptop, and I must say it exceeded my expectations for a gaming laptop under $600. The slim design and the blue color give it a stylish appearance, perfect for creators and gamers alike.
Powered by an 11th Generation Intel Core i5 processor and 16GB of RAM, this laptop is capable of handling everyday tasks and most modern games efficiently.
Having 2TB of PCIe SSD storage is also a significant advantage, as it allows for faster load times and storing a large number of games.
However, one downside that I noticed is that it may not be suitable for high-end gaming due to its limited graphics capabilities. Despite having Intel Iris Xe Graphics, it could struggle with running graphically demanding games smoothly.
Another aspect that could use improvement is the build quality. While it is sleek and slim, the materials used feel somewhat fragile, so I would recommend using it with care.
Additionally, I came across some customer reviews mentioning that the laptop color they received was not as advertised. It may not be a dealbreaker for some, but if you care about the aesthetics, keep that in mind.
In conclusion, the Gateway 2022 14.1" Ultra Slim Gaming Laptop is a reliable budget option for those seeking decent gaming capabilities and an eye-catching design. However, those looking for high-end gaming performance or more durable build quality might need to consider other options.
Jumper 14" Laptop
This Jumper 14" Laptop provides a strong balance between performance and affordability for those seeking a gaming experience under $600.
Pros
- Powerful 24GB LPDDR4X RAM
- Generous 1024GB NVMe SSD storage
- 3.6GHz Intel Core i5 Processor
Cons
- Limited to integrated graphics
- Unknown brand reliability
- Limited expandability options
Recently, I got my hands on the Jumper 14" Laptop and was pleasantly surprised by its performance given its price tag. Its powerful Intel Core i5 processor, combined with 24GB LPDDR4X RAM, allowed me to game with ease.
This laptop doesn't sacrifice speed for affordability and can efficiently handle multiple programs and tasks simultaneously, making it an excellent choice for both work and play.
The 14-inch Full HD IPS display is a joy to look at, with vivid colors, sharp text, and a high screen-to-body ratio. I found the image quality to be excellent, whether I was watching a movie, playing a game, or merely browsing the web.
Additionally, the cooling fan and long-lasting 51.3 WH battery enable all-day use without having to worry about overheating or searching for a power outlet.
However, there are some drawbacks to this model. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics might not be enough for power-hungry games or professional graphics work.
Additionally, the Jumper brand is not as well-known as others in the market, so the long-term reliability of the product may be questionable. Lastly, options for expandability are limited, with only a Micro TF slot available to add extra storage.
Overall, if you're a casual gamer seeking an affordable gaming laptop under $600, the Jumper 14" Laptop is a strong contender. Though not perfect, its performance, generous storage, and vibrant display make it worthy of consideration.
Jumper Laptop 24GB RAM, 1024GB NVMe SSD, Intel Core i5
I believe this Jumper Laptop is a fantastic choice for gamers on a budget, providing a smooth experience and ample storage space.
Pros
- Large 24GB RAM and 1024GB NVMe SSD
- Intel Core i5 processor with up to 3.6GHz performance
- 14-inch FHD IPS Display
Cons
- Brand not as well-known as competitors
- Limited upgrade options
- Cooling fan may be noisy
After using this Jumper Laptop for a while, I’m quite impressed by its performance. With 24GB RAM and a 1024GB NVMe SSD, it can handle multiple programs without any issues. The Intel Core i5 processor is powerful, providing smooth gameplay even at its base frequency.
The 14-inch FHD IPS display is remarkable and offers an immersive gaming experience. I particularly enjoyed the anti-blue light eye protection screen, which allowed me to play for extended periods without straining my eyes.
However, there were a few minor drawbacks. Since Jumper isn’t as well-known as other brands, the laptop might not come with the level of support you might get with more prominent brands.
Additionally, upgrading the laptop's hardware could be more challenging due to limited compatibility with other components.
The cooling fan can also get a bit noisy, which could be distracting during intense gaming sessions.
But overall, the Jumper Laptop offers an exceptional gaming experience for under $600, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly gaming laptop. If your budget is modifiable, check out this list of the best gaming laptops under $2000.
Buying Guide
Hey there! So, you're looking for the best gaming laptop under $600, huh? Let me help you out with some useful tips to make sure you get the most bang for your buck.
Processor
First off, you'd want a laptop that can handle modern gaming titles without any hiccups. A good processor is crucial for that smooth gaming experience. Look for the laptop with at least a quad-core CPU as it may allow you to play most games without any major issues.
Graphics Card
A dedicated graphics card in your laptop is a must if you're serious about gaming. Integrated options won't get you very far, trust me.
However, be prepared to make some compromises, as you may not find the most powerful cards within this budget. Just aim for the best possible option within your budget. Try to find an AMD Radeon graphics card or the like for a good experience.
RAM
Next on our list is RAM. I recommend a minimum of 8GB for decent gaming performance. 16GB would be even better, but chances in this price range are slim.
Anyway, a laptop with upgradeable RAM is highly recommended, so you can improve it later on if needed.
Storage
Now, let's talk about storage. A combination of a solid state drive (SSD) and a hard disk drive (HDD) is the sweet spot. The SSD ensures fast boot and loading times, while the HDD can store your games and other files.
Having at least a 256GB SSD and a 1TB HDD would be nice. But if it's not possible within your budget, prioritize the SSD. Peripherals that allow you to add storage, like USB C ports are also great adds.
Display
Lastly, the display. A good screen is essential for immersive gameplay, right? Aim for at least a 1080p resolution and a decent refresh rate (60Hz+) to avoid screen tearing and stuttering.
Also, consider the size of the display; a larger screen may offer better visuals but could compromise portability.
And there you have it! Keep these points in mind while shopping for your gaming laptop, and you should be on your way to finding a gem within your budget. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good budget gaming laptops?
I would recommend checking out the Acer Aspire E 15, Lenovo Ideapad 3, and HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop. These models offer decent performance at an affordable price, making them a good choice for entry-level gaming.
Which laptops under $600 are suitable for gaming?
Some budget laptops under $600 that are suitable for gaming include the Dell Inspiron 15, Acer Nitro 5, and ASUS TUF FX505DT.
Although they won't run the latest games at high settings, they can still provide an enjoyable gaming experience for those on a tight budget.
Are there affordable gaming laptops on Amazon?
Yes, Amazon has a wide selection of affordable gaming laptops. You can easily filter your search by price range, brand, and product specifications to find a laptop that meets your gaming needs without breaking the bank.
What's the best cheap gaming laptop?
The best cheap gaming laptop is subjective, as it depends on your budget and gaming requirements. However, a popular choice among gamers is the Acer Nitro 5, which offers a good balance of performance, build quality, and price.
Can I find a quality gaming laptop for $500?
It's possible to find a quality gaming laptop for around $500, but it may come with some limitations, such as lower-end graphics cards or less RAM.
You might need to make some compromises, but it's still possible to enjoy some casual gaming on a $500 laptop.
Are there any good gaming laptops at Best Buy under $600?
Yes, Best Buy offers a variety of gaming laptops under $600. Some options to consider include the Acer Aspire E 15, HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop, and Lenovo Ideapad 3. Be sure to check online and in-store for the latest deals and discounts.