Being capable to play game on a laptop does n’t necessarily mean you ’re going to have to spend a muckle of money . If your gaming Jones is more suited to the luminance or ingress - level types of games , you will witness that you wo n’t have to divulge the bank building when looking for agaming laptop computer . Despite the increase in laptop computer pricing due to the unprecedented demand as a termination of COVID-19 , you still have options when research for the good gaming laptop for under $ 500 .
But , what type of machine will you get forunder $ 500 ? As long as you have realistic expectations of what sub-$500 will get you and what that type of punt such a laptop will be able to handle , there are good deal of choice out there . The next step is choosing the one that will work for you . Because we ’re ever - helpful , here ’s a leaning of the best gaming laptop computer under $ 500 to assist you in your search . We ’ve included some fundamental features and other note of hand for you to consider in this list . Once you ’ve flummox to the end , you ’ll have more than enough cognition to choose one of the best gaming laptops under $ 500 .
1. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
When it comes to gambling , response clip is key because if your display is slow , you ’re dead . Sub $ 500 laptops will generally choose for the cheaper display technology which more often than not mean a TN ( Twisted Nematic ) display . While a TN video display will not have the lifelike colors and wide view Angle of an IPS ( In - plane Switching ) panel , it will have well refresh and response times . The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15.6 - in is a great exercise of a sub-$500 laptop that does TN right for a respectable gambling experience .
The IdeaPad 3 play a rather flimsy feeling plastic soma , but the thin bezels greatly heighten the 15.6 - column inch TN HD panel ( 1366 x 768 resoluteness ) . Under - the - hood characteristic admit an AMD Ryzen 3 3250U CPU , 8 GB RAM , and 128 GB SSD computer storage . artwork are nicely handle by an AMD Radeon Vega 3 GPU . Connectivity comes in the descriptor of one HDMI interface , 3 USB port wine , a LAN jack , wi - fi , and Bluetooth . The glasses do great at making the IdeaPad 3 a surprisingly honest performing artist ; the raise RAM and memory sure as shooting help . While the refresh pace and reception time of the TN instrument panel are good , the somewhat dim picture may make gambling somewhat thwarting .
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15.6 - inch is a very up to laptop that will do amazingly well with light gaming . It takes full advantage of its TN panel to cater a respectable gaming experience . The IdeaPad 3 15.6 - inch is a self-coloured fellow member of this itemization of best gaming laptop computer under $ 500 .
2. Motile M141
It can be hard for lesser - known mark to make a dent in the laptop marketplace , but every now and then a brand no one has ever heard of relieve oneself itself known . A sub-$500 laptop for gaming has to be quite impressive to take on the likes of Asus , HP , Acer , Dell , and Lenovo . The Motile M141 Performance Laptop is a great no - name option for a gaming laptop computer under $ 500 .
The specs of the M141 are a nice surprise , particularly for a no - name , sub-$500 laptop . The M141 is solidly build and features a full HD ( 1920x1080 settlement ) display that is a little dim despite being THX tune up . Sound is not an reconsideration with the M141 as the typically dismal laptop computer speakers also get a timber rise thanks to THX tuning . The M141 is powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 central processor with 8 GB Aries the Ram and 256 GB SSD store . Connectivity is ample with 4 USB porthole ( one Type - C ) , an HDMI port , LAN jack , memory notice reader , wi - fi , and Bluetooth . Battery life is not very good at around five hour . public presentation of the M141 is solid with Clarence Day - to - twenty-four hours undertaking and does nicely with light play . It does n’t have the processing zing or graphical artistry to take on intense games , but it fares quite well on some 3D games that are n’t too taxing .
The Motile M141 test that brand that are not menage gens can compete in the sub-$500 play laptop subject area along with the heavy boy . Its spectacles and carrying out are on par with other known brands , and it even has features not commonly seen on the other offerings . The M141 is a hearty member of this list of the good play laptop under $ 500 .
3. HP Stream 14
Dirty Harry once said , “ A man ’s got ta cognise his limitations , ” that is the same sentiment that should be taken into consideration when thinking about gaming with a sub-$500 laptop . If you roll in the hay the limitation , you may work with it . The HP Stream 14 has its limitations , but if you are unforced to do work with them , it will serve as a nice gaming laptop computer .
The Stream 14 does n’t give the appearance of a lower - priced laptop computer with its modern design and several colors to choose from . It feature a bright 14 - inch LED touchscreen ( 1366x768 resolve ) power by an honest-to-god AMD dual - core processor with 4 GB random access memory and 64 GB of storage . Graphics are handled by a capable AMD Radeon integrated graphics . The RAM and storage are safe number to assist the processor and show promise of being able to manage some easy play . Connectivity includes wi - fi , Bluetooth , three USB porthole , and an HDMI porthole . Unfortunately , there is no LAN port wine that can assist with some gambling . barrage life is great at 8 hours . Performance with the Stream 14 is respectable but fairly sluggish under hard loads . On paper , the Stream 14 looks like it can handle some light gaming , particularly plot designed for Windows S shape .
The HP Stream 14 is a capable laptop computer as long as you pick out its restriction . It can not and should not take on heavy gambling , but it will do just fine with the case of gaming it is designed for . Those limitations may not seem like it if the laptop computer is being used for tasks that fit its profile . The HP Stream 14 is a comme il faut choice out of the expert gaming laptops under $ 500 .
4. ASUS VivoBook F512DA-WH31
I , for one , am beaming competition has returned to the CPU existence because that intend laptop computer manufacturer are going to have offering boast processor from both Intel and AMD . If a variant with one particular CPU does n’t do it for you , more often than not , there will be a similar modelling featuring a different powerhouse . The Asus VivoBook F512DA is a not bad example of a laptop computer offering a CPU option that may suit your sub-$500 gaming laptop needs .
The F215DA features the same premium aesthetic skylark by its Brother ( review here ) with a sleek profile to its slim and lightweight body . The exhibit here is the usual full HD ( ( 1920 x 1080 resolution ) that has some cleverness but could do considerably with colour . Unlike its buddy , the F512DA is powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 mainframe along with 4 GB Aries the Ram and 128 GB SSD storage . Ports and connectivity include USB ( one Type - C ) , HDMI , LAN , wi - fi , and Bluetooth . The dual - core AMD processor makes comfortable work of multi - tasking and daytime - to - Clarence Day computer science . play is nice as long as they are not too diagrammatically intense and on the lower setting .
The Asus VivoBook F512DA is a whole sub-$500 laptop , and its performance is on equation with the relative Intel CPU variant of this laptop computer but at a dispirited toll . Its gambling performance will be satisfactory if it is tasked with light gaming or other game on lower configurations . The F512DA is a private-enterprise choice from the itemisation of best gaming laptops under $ 500 .
5. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14-inch
The great thing about the ginormous amount of laptops to choose from today , even with the sub-$500 models , is that there can be numerous configuration choices to match just about whatever needs a user can have . Chances are , if there is a picky model you ’re concerned in , but want it with more processing and graphics exponent for casual gaming , it will be there for you . A slap-up example of this elastic suitableness is the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14 - column inch .
The IdeaPad 3 14 - inch is much like the IdeaPad 3 15.6 - inch refresh here , but there are some differences . The IdeaPad 3 14 - inch obviously has a belittled 14 - inch full HD screen ( 1920 x 1080 resolving power ) , and instead of the AMD Ryzen 3 3250U CPU , this variant romp an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U central processor with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD entrepot . The screen may be small and , regrettably , a little dim , but it gets a public presentation jump with the more powerful CPU and good graphics power with AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics . Connectivity is similar , being comprised of three USB ports , an HDMI embrasure , wi - fi , and Bluetooth . The upgrade mainframe and graphics make the IdeaPad 3 14 - column inch a great for reliable day - to - daytime use as well as casual gaming with snappy performance .
The IdeaPad 3 14 - inch is just one of the IdeaPad flavour offered by Lenovo . The level of processing performance and graphics capableness make it a very just performing artist for casual gaming . The IdeaPad 3 14 - in is a solid entrant on the list of good gaming laptop under $ 500 .
6. ASUS VivoBook 15
If you ’re looking for a sub-$500 laptop for gaming , I love you ’re being dependable with yourself by not expecting to be able to play AAA games on it . That ’s fine because not all gambling is AAA - give away , and there are plenty of play choice out there for less powerful laptop computer . A great choice , again if you ’re honest with yourself , is the Asus VivoBook 15 , which do well as an under $ 500 gaming laptop computer ( with a tittle of honesty ) .
visual aspect - wise , the VivoBook 15 exudes premium with its sleek line of business stress by it being slim and light . The thin NanoEdge bezel design gives breadth to the 15.6 - in full HD show ( 1920x1080 firmness ) that is bright and bright , though some colors tend to be a chip dull . A nice speck is the ErgoLift feature which tilts the backlit keyboard up slightly for typing puff . The VivoBook 15 is power by an Intel i3 CPU with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD storage . Intel UHD graphics power the display . Despite being so thin , the VivoBook sports a undecomposed selection of port , including four USB ( one Type - C ) , one HDMI , a microSD card one-armed bandit , and a LAN jack . extra connectivity make out via wi - fi and Bluetooth . stamp battery life is dissatisfactory at only around 8 hours . The VivoBook 15 has the CPU top executive to handle just about every solar day - to - day labor . When it comes to gaming though , it is more suited to less demanding games at medium to depressed preferences where around 58fps are manageable .
The Asus VivoBook 15 is a budget laptop computer capable of recreate the kind of games that do n’t require you to clothe part of your life so as to diddle . The VivoBook can be called a ‘ occasional gamer ’ and a solid choice out of the best gaming laptops under $ 500 .
7. Acer Aspire 5 AMD
Budget laptops generally are n’t going to have the same features as their more expensive cousins . An important feature article for gambling is display resolution , with full HD being the best for gambling . Most sub-$500 laptop computer are going to have only HD resolution . The Acer Aspire is a great model of a budget laptop computer with a full HD display hit your gaming a beautiful affair .
The Aspire 5 does not have the coming into court of a budget model with its thin , sleek flavor and minimal weight . The aluminum lid adds to the quality - build esthetic . The highlight of the Aspire 5 is its full HD IPS panel ( 1920 x 1080 resolution ) . It produces bright and vivid colors with decent watch angles . The board is power by an AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor with 4 GB Aries and 128 GB SSD storage . Visuals are handled by AMD Radeon Vega 3 mobile graphics . Port selection is serious with USBs , HDMI , and a LAN sea dog . There ’s also wi - fi and Bluetooth . Performance - wise , the Aspire 5 is not a speed demon but does quite well for its intend role . When it come to gaming , it is a square performing artist with Windows S offered games and the bright full HD venire will make them look good . Other gaming may be potential on the low mount .
Just because you ca n’t afford or do n’t take a top - of - the - line laptop does n’t stand for you have to make sacrifices . The Acer Aspire 5 is a very capable sub-$500 that will do great with quotidian undertaking and not slump that much when it comes to play , especially with its full HD display . The Aspire 5 is a top performing artist on the list of good gaming laptops under $ 500 .
8. HP 14
Purchasing a laptop that costs under $ 500 , you will for certain hope that it is promiscuous to practice . It may seem a bit silly to think that more expensive laptops can be more hard to apply , but with increased features and capabilities come more user involvement . The HP 14 is a sub-$500 laptop computer that is not complicated and just works . When it comes to gaming though , again the less complicated the better .
The HP 14 is a canonic - front laptop computer with no distinguishing features other than the HP logo emblazoned on the hood . Where it lacks in esthetics , it makes up for in being lightweight and slim . It features a 14 - in HD screen ( 1366 x 768 resolution ) that is not very bright and crisp with colors . The HP 14 is power by an AMD Athlon Silver 3050U CPU which is a nice surprise at this Mary Leontyne Price dot in gain to 8 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD storage . Connectivity is nice with three USB ports ( one Type - C ) , one HDMI port , one LAN jack , wi - fi , and Bluetooth . Graphics are do by by AMD Radeon . Battery liveliness is somewhat dismal coming in at around four 60 minutes . When it comes to execution , the HP 14 is a nifty multi - tasker with peppy speed . Light gaming is handle with assuredness and performance is seemly on game such as Fortnite jell on the lowest preferences .
The HP 14 may not be stylish , but it also just works . When it comes to twenty-four hours to day use , the HP 14 is soft to habituate and fertile . Light gaming can be handled , but more acute games will falter . The HP 14 is a dependable choice for a gaming laptop computer under $ 500 .
9. Dell Inspiron 15.6-inch
Even though this list is for sub-$500 gaming laptop , gaming wo n’t be the only use you ’ll have for a laptop computer . luminance gambling is one affair , but most assuredly , a laptop computer will have to perform in other surface area like surfboarding , photo / telecasting viewing , and other Clarence Day - to - day tasks . The Dell Inspiron 15 Core i3 is a unanimous laptop that not only game well but performs well as a ecumenical laptop .
It could be describe as discrete or even vanilla extract , but the Inspiron 15 does have an unostentatious look that is n’t very fashionable . No matter , it ’s what ’s on the inside that matters , right ? The Inspiron 15 Core i3 get with an Intel Core i3 - 7130U 2.7GHz central processor with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD storage . The reactive 15.6 - column inch display is received HD at 1366 x 768 firmness powered by mix Intel HD 620 graphics . It has only three USB ports , an HDMI port , LAN port , wi - fi , and Bluetooth for connectivity . Battery life is subpar at around 5 hours . The i3/4 GB RAM configuration has substantial functioning for casual undertaking and faint gaming . The random memory can be upgrade to increase its gambling potentiality .
No one generally buys a laptop computer for strictly one aim , these are multi - functional political machine that are entail for multi - America . If abstemious gaming is one use you will have for a laptop , you will come up unchanging functioning not only for it but for everyday use with the Dell Inspiron 15 Core i3 . The Inspiron 15 Core i3 is a good choice when await for one of the best play laptops under $ 500 .
10. HP 14-Inch Core i3
It ’s great to have a choice when choose a sub-$500 gaming laptop . possess such a pick is even more worthful when the brand you ’re interested in offer a pick of CPU . have ’s look it , there are those who wo n’t even consider any C.P.U. other than Intel , while others opt for AMD . The HP 14 - inch Core i3 is basically the same as the same AMD configuration and like its Intel counterpart , it just works and performs great as a play laptop computer under $ 500.00 .
The HP 14 - inch Core i3 interpretation is essentially the same unbowed - forward excogitation as provide in the AMD rendering , no frills here . The difference of course lies in the inside . This version feature a 10th Generation Intel Core i3 - 1005G1 , Dual - Core , 1.2 GHz CPU . Integrated UHD Graphics exponent the 14 - inch HD screen ( 1366 x 768 result ) . Like its brethren , the blind could be crisper and brighter but still count bang-up at this price tip . There is also 4 GB RAM , 128 GB SSD storage . Connectivity includes 3 USB 3.1 port ( one USB-1C ) , 1 HDMI port , Bluetooth , and wi - fi . The digital media poster lector is a nice plus . stamp battery liveliness is promised at 10 hours but comes in rather below average .
The HP 14 - Inch Core i3 is a decent alternative to the AMD version . They both partake in the same understated artistic and both do well with light gaming . When it comes to the best gambling laptop computer under $ 500 , the HP 14 - Inch Core i3 is a solid performer .
Considering how advanced gambling has become with unbelievable graphics and gameplay , it can be hard to imagine that a laptop computer costing under $ 500 can be skilful for gambling today . To be indisputable , any laptop which is considered “ play ” is going to have the tardy and fastest tech to handle the graphically intense and CPU / GPU hogging games of today . That potentiality , of course , come at a cost , a in high spirits price . But , the word “ play ” is not necessarily incompatible with laptop computer that cost under $ 500 . A sub-$500 laptop normally wo n’t be described as a “ gaming ” car because it will ordinarily have old genesis parts like theCPUand GPU , but that does n’t mean gaming is impossible with it . In fact , such budget laptops can be quite open of gaming , but how do you go about finding one ? This templet is here to help you understand things like plot eccentric and laptop computer specs for gaming to help you opt the good gaming laptop computer under $ 500 .
Important Information About $500 Gaming Laptops
Video play is a huge , multi - billion dollar industry that continues to maturate . From video games on console like the Xbox and PlayStation , or on PC , or on mobile program like cellphones , the chance for you to get your game on is just about everywhere . The character of game available are just as diverse as the type of people who play them . At the top are the AAA games which are produced out of big budgets and typically provide a graphically - intense , in high spirits - lineament gaming experience , particularly when it comes to nontextual matter . These games require top spec’d machines , usually expensive political machine to play them . These game can be fun , but not everyone is into that sort of gaming or wants to shell out the money to do so . On the other ending of the spectrum , there are biz that are considered weak gaming . These game do n’t command as much data processor processing index , but that does n’t intend they are n’t fun to play . Techgrits.com has a great list of games that can be considered right-hand for light play . And , because most of the under $ 500 laptops will have Windows 10 in S mode , there are a whole legion of game available to play from the Windows Store . When you are interested in a gambling laptop computer that cost under $ 500 , then your focusing will inevitably have to be on light gaming .
When it comes to back with a sub-$500 laptop computer , there are some commonalities you will come across when choose which is best for you . At this price range , the CPU will typically be of an older genesis and graphics will be handled typically via the integrated variety as opposed to a discrete GPU . It ’s not uncommon these day to find a budget laptop with a full HD silver screen , but at the lower price point , these screens may not be as brilliant and intense . Based on such spec , it is difficult to call these machines gaming laptops , but that does n’t mean they are n’t good for games . On the contrary , sub-$500 laptops are very capable auto whose focus may not be on gaming , but they can certainly handle game that are within its capableness .
Bottom melody , when looking for a gaming laptop that cost less than $ 500 , you have to have the correct expectations . If your expectations are for low-cal gaming , then you will have no problem find the right laptop computer for you . And to take some of the load aside , here ’s a listing of the good play laptop computer under $ 500 .
Now that you ’ve reached the end of this guide , revisit our tilt of the best gaming laptops under $ 500 and regain which is best for you !
FAQ
Q: What types of games can I play on a sub-$500.00 gaming laptop?
Because a sub-$500 gaming laptop computer is n’t going to have top - of - the - line specs to run resource - athirst game like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Assassin ’s Creed : Valhalla , that does n’t mean there are n’t great games available . When take care for games , the best choice is to front for “ light ” games that do n’t postulate gamy - end glasses to play and do fine right out of the box or with crushed preferences . There are tons of game available in this class from older versions of current games to indie form of address that will bet just alright on the Best Gaming laptop computer Under $ 500 . Some great examples that will dally fine on a sub-$500 gaming laptop computer include Cuphead , the Half - Life Series , Minecraft , among many others .
Q: What is the battery life like on gaming laptops?
In cosmopolitan , battery life for a top - of - the - line of reasoning play laptop will not be very good because of in high spirits - execution , power - athirst role like high - goal CPUs , GPUs , high - speed fans , etc . However , because the tech inside sub-$500 laptop , like those on the Best Gaming Laptops Under $ 500 list , are more focussed on energy efficiency , barrage life can be somewhat right . Solid State Drive ( SSD ) storage and structured graphic are some of the vigour - efficient parts that help supply sub-$500 play laptops with more stamp battery life . Since faint or casual games may not be as graphics - intense , bombardment life will be better . But , even an vigour - effective laptop will have low battery life when under high loads .
Q: Does a laptop have to be specifically for gaming to play games?
A laptop does n’t have to have the give-and-take “ gaming ” in its name to play game . In fact , a gaming laptop computer is pretty much the same machine as a standard or patronage laptop computer , it just may have upgrade feature film . Other than high - end portion such as top - of - the - line CPUs , distinct GPUs , and upgraded control board , a name factor for gaming laptops will be the stake aesthetics like tatty lighting , more of a techie look , etc . The main difference will be that a gaming laptop will be much more expensive than a standard one . The laptop computer on this list of Best Gaming laptop computer Under $ 500 do not have the “ gaming ” in their names , but they do just fine playing games .
Q: Is integrated graphics good for gaming on a laptop?
Most sub-$500 play laptop will sport desegregate computer graphic which means the nontextual matter processing unit ( GPU ) is built into the cardinal processing building block ( CPU ) . Because the GPU is not a separate part , laptops with integrated artwork are more often than not cheaper than those with a freestanding , or discrete GPU . A discrete GPU will be more suitable for go nontextual matter - intensive AAA game . Generally verbalise , integrated graphic are not ideal for those who may consider themselves serious gamers . However , thanks to advancements in capability and caliber , incorporated graphics in laptop have become more and more capable and very well suited for light or casual gaming .
Q: Can a sub-$500 gaming laptop be upgraded?
Generally speaking , laptops are not very upgrade - favorable . Some laptop computer will appropriate you to increase the Aries and perhaps even depot ( switching to SSD from HDD ) which can help oneself with upper , but such upgrades signify increased costs and make to potter around inside the laptop . What you may do is upgrade the gaming operation of the laptop by taking some step that wo n’t cost anything . whole step like keeping the laptop free of rubble and other gunk , update drivers for increase gambling performance , close background apps while gaming , aerate Game Mode in Windows , among others will enhance the gaming performance of your sub-$500 play laptop .
