The Best Budget Gaming Laptops of 2024
The Best Budget Gaming Laptops of 2024
If you’re searching for a solid Gaming Laptop that won’t break the bank, we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at the contenders:
- Asus Nitro V15
- Asus 2023 Helios Neo 6
- Asus TUF Gaming F16
- HP Victus
- Lenovo LOQ 15
- MSI Cyborg 14
- MSI Katana 15
Setting the Stage
To qualify for our budget list, each laptop needed to regularly fall under $1,000, either through a low MSRP or frequent sales. We set a maximum MSRP of $1,299 to keep things realistic. This meant we had to pass on some higher-end models that occasionally dip into our price range, but don’t worry—if you spot a great sale, it’s worth snagging.
Performance Breakdown
Performance can vary significantly across models, especially since many come with different configurations. We focused on getting the best versions we could within our budget. The TUF Gaming F16 and Helios Neo 6, both equipped with powerful Intel i7 HX chips, topped the CPU performance charts. However, the Katana performed surprisingly well with its lower-tier H series chip.
In graphics, the fastest configuration was the Katana with its RTX 4070, but since it was out of our price range, we looked at others. The TUF and LOQ performed admirably, especially when considering the power fed to their GPUs.
In gaming tests, particularly with titles like Cyberpunk at 1080p, the TUF and Katana were neck and neck, while the HP Victus struggled significantly.
Awards and Highlights
- Best Performance: Asus TUF Gaming F16 emerged as the top choice for hardcore gamers, closely followed by the Helios Neo 6.
- Quietest Laptop: The Predator Helios Neo 6 was our pick for the quietest gaming laptop. It managed to stay remarkably silent during intense gaming sessions, making it perfect for shared living spaces.
- Best Design: For those who prefer a more understated look, the HP Victus won the “Most Incognito” award thanks to its sleek design and minimal gamer aesthetic.
- Best Keyboard: The Asus TUF claimed this award for its comfortable and solid keyboard experience.
- Most Connected: The Predator Helios Neo 6 also took home the award for the best port selection, making it easy to connect multiple devices.
- Best Display: With a resolution of 1920 x 1200 and excellent color reproduction, the Helios Neo 6 excelled in the display department, providing an immersive gaming experience.
- Lightest Option: If portability is key, the MSI Cyborg 14 won for being the lightest at just 3.6 lbs without its charger.
- Best Battery Life: The Asus TUF Gaming F16 tied for the best battery performance, holding up well in our video playback tests.
Final Recommendations
After all our testing, the Acer Predator Helios Neo 6 was crowned the overall best budget gaming laptop. It stands out with its powerful performance, decent cooling, and reasonable fan noise, making it an excellent choice for gamers.
My personal favorite was the Asus TUF Gaming F16 due to its comfort during extended gaming sessions, smooth performance, and good cooling. It’s a bit on the heavier side but offers a great experience for those primarily using it at a desk.
