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Surfing the net in search of the best laptops for gaming under 500 can be time-consuming, stressful, and sometimes mentally draining, to say the least. Luckily for you, we have gone through all that and more to bring a quick and comprehensive list of seven of the best laptops for gaming, including our number one. For us, the best laptop for gaming under s budget-friendly prices of less than 500 dollars is the ✅Asus Vivobook 15.
Best laptops for gaming under 500 Comparison Table
Tap the images to buy the best laptops for gaming under 500 dollars on Amazon.
| product | image | specification |
|---|---|---|
| ASUS VIVOBOOK 15 |   | CPU- Intel Core i3-1005G1 GPU-NVIDIA OPERATING SYSTEM-Windows 10S SCREEN SIZE-15.6 inches STORAGE-512GB SSD+1 TB HDD. BATTERY-up to 6 hours |
| ACER ASPIRE 5 |   | CPU- AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Dual-Core GPU-NVIDIA or AMD OPERATING SYSTEM-windows 10 SCREEN SIZE-15.6 STORAGE-1TB SSD and 2TB HDD BATTERY-up to 7 hours |
| DELL INSPIRON 15 3000 |   | CPU- Intel Celeron Processor GPU-Intel HD Graphics 610 OPERATING SYSTEM- Windows 10 SCREEN SIZE-15.6 inches STORAGE-1TB BATTERY-up to 7 hours |
| Acer aspire 3 |   | CPU- Intel or AMD GPU- AMD radeon R5 OPERATING SYSTEM-Windows 10 SCREEN SIZE-14 inches STORAGE-128GB SSD BATTERY- up to 6 hours |
| Lenovo Ideapad 3 15.6 |   | CPU- AMD Ryzen 3 3250U GPU-AMD Radeon Vega 3 OPERATING SYSTEM-Windows 10S SCREEN SIZE-15.6 inches STORAGE-128G SSD BATTERY- up tp 4 hours |
| HP 14-Cf0014dx |   | CPU- Core i3-7100U GPU-Intel HD OPERATING SYSTEM-windows 10 SCREEN SIZE-14 inches STORAGE-128 GB SSD BATTERY- up to 13 hours |
| Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 13 |   | CPU- Intel Celeron P4500 GPU-Intel intergrated graphics OPERATING SYSTEM- Chrome OS SCREEN SIZE-13.3 inches STORAGE-flash memory BATTERY- up to 10 hours |
Best Laptops for Gaming Under 500 Dollars
The world of gaming has advanced over the years.
Considering we once had gaming consoles like sega-mega drive, Nintendo, and a few more.
Some years back, these were the best gaming consoles, but now we have much better and advanced consoles.
Likewise, laptop manufacturers have continued to advance and upgrade specifications to meet the demands of the gaming world.
But not everyone can afford the cost that comes with such high and advanced laptops.
Fortunately for you, there are lesser options that can offer you a good gaming experience.
Cold truth- gaming laptops are usually more expensive and above 500.
So for a good gaming experience, 800 should get you a truly advanced gaming laptop.
Be that it may, it doesn’t discredit our list of the best laptops for gaming under 500.
Moreover, if you stick to games that can run on gaming laptops under 500, the likes of battlefield 4, Bioshock infinite, just to name a few, you would have nothing to worry about.
Why you might ask?.
Firstly, more advanced/high-end games demand strong graphics processors.
Many or most of the gaming laptops under 500 do not have such powerful graphics processors.
Even though some will run such games, it will only give you subpar graphics, a poor refresh rate, and a lot that would make you want to toss your laptop in the trash.
Furthermore, it would have a poor refresh rate, resulting in a slow game loading and refreshing pages.
Nevertheless, to get the best laptops for gaming under 500, here are some distinct features to look out for.
FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN THE BEST LAPTOPS FOR GAMING UNDER 500
GRAPHICS
For graphics, the best in the game are NVIDIA and AMD Ryzen.
No one wants to have their 3D game looking like 1D.
Poor graphics could easily be a disadvantage for online competitors, as some details might not be clearly seen or seen on time.
Thereby resulting in an upper hand for your opponent.
The aim of good graphics in games is to give you an immersive feel.
Overall, good graphics ensure a more immersive and realistic gaming experience.
REFRESH RATE
Now let’s look at the refresh rate.
Refresh rate is simply the number of times per second your display screen can draw an image.
In other words, if you have a refresh rate of 60Hz, it means your screen draws an image of 60Hz per second.
However, your refresh rate isn’t the only factor that ensures a smooth gaming experience.
It works together with your CPU and GPU to eventually give you that smooth gaming experience.
This is so because the CPU and GPU must produce refresh rates at the same rate your display screen does.
For instance, you have your GPU producing refresh rate at 30Hz frames per second, but your screen display is at 60Hz.
Your screen would end up producing at 30Hz.
Not only will that mean 60Hz isn’t properly utilized, but it also would mean the graphics will not be up to standard.
BATTERY LIFE
And finally, let us look at battery life.
We all know you need a good battery to play games on your laptop to your satisfaction.
Therefore, a good and budget-friendly gaming laptop under 500 dollars should have an average battery life of up to 5 hours.
BENEFITS OF GETTING THE BEST LAPTOP FOR GAMING UNDER 500
Let’s face it, gaming is a global language, and as much has become a bridge to break cultural/regional boundaries.
A lot of people connect online from different locations and play games.
Thus, gaming ends up being the tool to connect with friends all over the world via the net.
Gamers also benefit from a good gaming laptop.
A good number of people these days now play games online while others watch.
Some review games online, while others criticize their worse games online via YouTube.
Whatever you chose, know so many people would be waiting to stream your videos or live videos online.
And if handled well, one can monetize their platform and make good money through the games they play online.
Furthermore, gamers and none gamers can benefit from the graphics you would get from a good gaming laptop.
This can happen when they decide to switch to video editing or see a movie or two.
The visuals would be high quality.
And finally, a gaming laptop under 500 or above would always offer impressive CPU, GPU, good screen refresh rate, and battery-dependent laptop.
Once all these boxes are ticked.
You will always have an advantage in the number of things your laptop can do for you.
SOME WORD FOR YOU
A gaming laptop is not just for gamers only.
Whether you are into high-end games or low-end games, or maybe you occasionally play games, a gaming laptop would still deliver you high-performance.
No matter what you choose to do with it.
With that being said, here are the 7 best laptops for gaming under 500 dollars
7 Favorites For The Best Laptops For Gaming Under 500 Dollars
1. ASUS VIVOBOOK 15 Best Laptop For Gaming Under 500
Thin and light, the Asus vivobook is still as beautiful as ever.
Do not let its lightweight deceive you.
There’s more to it than meets the eye.
FEATURES
DESIGN
The edges of the lid are designed with the new frameless four-sided Nanoedge display boasting of 5.7 mm bezel.
Thereby resulting in wider angles for your gaming pleasure.
It also features four different finishes to compliment your style.
Furthermore, it uses the impressive ergo lift hinge mechanism.
In addition to that, it has an HD camera fitted at the top.
So you can take your gaming LIVE.
DISPLAY
You really wouldn’t find anything better than a 15.6-inch screen and a screen-to-body ratio of 88% for a gaming laptop under 500.
But wait, there’s more a sturdy full-sized backlit keyboard that lets you game in the dark.
You would think it can’t get any better, but it does.
Spend less time trying to remember your password as it also features a fingerprint sensor.
But it does not stop there.
The ASUS brand adds a few comfortability features to this laptop to improve your overall experience, whether you’re gaming or not.
It comes with an ergonomic keyboard and an exclusive Egrolift design for a more comfortable typing position.
PROCESSOR/ STORAGE
The CPU uses the latest Intel Intel Core i3-1005G1 while NVIDIA provides the graphics.
In addition to that, it comes with dual storage for the hard drive.
It combines 512GB SSD+1 TB HDD.
As a result, giving you a lot of storage to save stages of games you have completed/ accomplished.
WEIGHT
Once again, it’s lightweight as it weighs 3.5 pounds.
BATTERY
The battery offers 60% fast charging in 49 minutes and up to 6 hours when in use.
CONNECTIVITY
Although it doesn’t have WI-FI 6, your connectivity won’t be slowed down by its WI-FI 5 either.
It also features several ports, letting you plug in devices with two USB 2.0 Type-A and more.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
Looking for an excellent laptop with a good display screen plus a powerful CPU and GPU for light gaming?
You should be looking in this direction.
PROS
- It is lightweight.
- Also, it has enough port selection.
- The laptop is quite affordable.
CONS
● Average battery life.
● Muffled sounds.
OUR WORD
You may not get a better gaming laptop for the price.
You can get it now on Amazon via the image link above.
2. ACER ASPIRE 5 Best Laptop For Gaming Under 500
There is a lot to be excited about with the Acer aspire 5, in addition to its affordability.
FEATURES
DESIGN
Firstly, this laptop is beautifully designed in silver-aluminum chassis and available in a range of colors.
It is also equipped with a touchpad and fingerprint reader.
DISPLAY
It comes with a 15.6-inch display screen and has a screen-to-body ratio of 81.61%.
Even with its lack of touchscreen, it still offers a bright screen display.
It also features a screen resolution of 1920*1080, a LED-backlit keyboard, a number pad to the right-hand side of the keyboard, and in-plane switching technology(IPS).
What’s more, Acer added to this slim beauty the Acer color intelligence ™️, a trademark feature of the Acer brand.
Finally, it has a refresh rate of 60 Hz.
PROCESSOR/STORAGE
Acer Aspire 5 packs a lot of power with Intel or AMD for CPU and graphics NVIDIA or AMD for the processor.
That should be enough to support the 60Hz refresh rate for your gaming pleasure.
Equally important is the storage of 1TB SSD and 2TB HDD, while an 8GB RAM covers short-term memory.
WEIGHT
It weighs 4.2 pounds.
BATTERY
You can get up to 7 hours of battery life.
CONNECTIVITY
It comes with wireless WI-FI 6.
In addition to its WI-FI 6 is a total of four USB ports.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
If you love Acer branded products, this is the one for you.
PROS
- Sleek and light.
- Bright 15-inch display.
- Strong Battery.
CONS
● No touchscreen.
● Subpar build.
OUR WORD
Although it is a bit costly, the screen resolution and high performance make it worth the buy.
You can get it now on Amazon via the image link above.
3. DELL INSPIRON 15 3000
The Dell Inspiron 3000 doesn’t have much to catch the eye’s on the outside.
But come closer, and you would have a lot to say about this laptop.
FEATURES
DESIGN
Dell brings to you the Dell Inspiron covered in a simple black chassis.
It does not give you much to look at on the outside.
However, come a little closer, you will find out you can game with this anywhere.
It runs Windows 10 OS.
DISPLAY
See more on the display screen standing at 15.6 inches with its narrow two-sided borders.
Although it falls a little short in screen resolution of 1366* 768 pixels, which is a bit lower than the previous laptops.
Nevertheless, it would not limit your gaming, but graphics might not look crisp and clear.
The keyboard has a number pad attached to it on the right-hand side.
The keys are sturdy, but the key-travel distance is a bit short.
PROCESSOR/ STORAGE
Dell 3000 gets its graphics from Intel HD Graphics( standard Celeron and Pentium).
500GB covers for hard storage with room for an upgrade to as much as 1TB.
Finally, it has 4GB RAM, also upgradeable to an 8GM RAM.
WEIGHT
It weighs 4.7 lbs
BATTERY
You can get up to 7 hours with constant web browsing.
CONNECTIVITY
It has a USB 3.0, an HDMI port.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
You can get this if you are on a tight budget.
PROS
- Good battery life.
- Strong build quality.
CONS
- Slow hard drive.
- Dim display.
OUR WORD
It may not be the best Dell product. Nevertheless, it offers impressive features for a gaming laptop under 500 dollars.
You can get it now on Amazon via the image link above.
4. Acer aspire 3
The clamshell laptop.
FEATURES
DESIGN
This laptop is designed with a bent bottom, thicker at the part closer to the hinge.
However, as you slide your hands down, it becomes lighter.
It also has a slim design to fit into any part of your backpack, plus an ergo lift hinge creating additional airflow from underneath.
DISPLAY
It is fully rich in a colorful display, with its narrow borders giving you a wider angle for gaming, streaming, and more.
Acer also included the Acer Bluelight shield feature.
Thereby protecting your eyes from harmful blue light.
In addition to that is a screen size display of 14 inches.
STORAGE/PROCESSOR
It uses the latest Intel or AMD and has up to 16GB of storage space for the RAM.
It also comes with plenty of storage of 1TB SSD and up to 2TB HDD at your disposal. Therefore, you can work, play and many more are more than possible.
WEIGHT
It weighs 4.6lbs.
BATTERY
The Acer Aspire 3 can give you up to six hours.
CONNECTIVITY
It has a few ports on the right side: microphone/headphone combo jack, two USB 2.0 ports, DC power socket.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
If you love Acer laptops, you should love this.
PROS
- Enough storage.
- Lightweight.
- Good screen display.
CONS
● A fewer number of ports.
● Average battery life.
OUR WORD
If you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford the Acer Aspire 5, this should work well for your gaming needs.
You can get it now on Amazon via the image link above.
5. Lenovo Ideapad 3 15.6
This is also one of the best laptops for gaming under 500 dollars.
FEATURES
DESIGN
Firstly, it is designed with a protective finish and rubber detailing at the bottom to guard against wear and tear.
Similarly, it features thin narrow bezels, to give you a cleaner design and a better display area.
This would also give you more room to see a graphical display of your best games.
It also has a variety of colors to choose from in a glossy or textured finish.
DISPLAY
The Lenovo Ideapad stands at a screen size of 15.6 inches offering an antiglare display in HD and FHD.
In addition to that is a screen resolution of 1920*1080 with a refresh rate of 60Hz.
Also, because the sound is equally as crucial as display while you game, the Lenovo Ideapad lets you hear every sound with crystal clear Dolby audio.
GRAPHICS/ STORAGE
In addition to that, it features the ever-popular AMD Ryzen 5 2500U processor with Vega 8 integrated graphics, and it is powered by Windows 10 home.
For storage, it uses a solid-state drive (SSD) 128GB in the Hard drive department and a lot of short-term memory storage with 8GB RAM available.
WEIGHT
Furthermore, it pulls in its weight at 4.07 pounds.
BATTERY
It offers an average battery life of up to 4 hours.
CONNECTIVITY
For connectivity, you can easily connect to devices with WI-FI 6 on offer and Bluetooth 5.0.
Also, it has ports to plug in your devices including, USB 3.1, HDMI, and a micro SD card reader.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
The minimum gaming recommendation on the Ideapad is Sims 4.
With that being said, this will pass for light gamers.
PROS
- Wide angles.
- Good pixel response time.
- Comfortable keyboard.
CONS
● No full HD.
OUR WORD
It an impressive laptop best suited for light gaming.
You can get it now on Amazon via the image link above.
6. HP 14-Cf0014dx best laptops for gaming under 500
HP brings you the budget-friendly Cf0014dx
FEATURES
DESIGN
Designed in a silver chassis with a webcam at the top, which records videos at 720p HD.
DISPLAY
This laptop’s display is one inch below other laptops on this list at 14 inches, and there’s no touchscreen.
Also, it offers a screen resolution of 1366*768 and has a diagonal HD SVA BrightView micro-edge WLED-backlit.
STORAGE/ PROCESSOR
Furthermore, the CPU is powered by a seventh-generation Intel Core i3- 7100U.
Likewise, the graphics are provided by Intel HD 620.
Also, it has a 125GB SSD for the hard drive and 8GB RAM.
WEIGHT
It weighs 3.1 pounds.
BATTERY
It offers up to 4 hours of battery life.
CONNECTIVITY
A combination of WI-FI and Bluetooth 5 gives you the ability to connect wirelessly to multiple devices.
Also, it has one USB 3.1 Type-C, one USB 2.0, and a microSD card reader.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
This is for those who would mind screen resolution while they game.
PROS
● Good battery life.
● Solid graphics.
CONS
● Poor screen ratio.
OUR WORD
With a 14 inch screen, you can still enjoy your games as long as they are low-end games.
You can get it now on Amazon via the image link above.
7. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 13″
If you love convertible laptops, then you’ll find this to be one of the best gaming laptops under 500 dollars for your gaming needs.
You can switch easily from laptop mode to tablet mode.
FEATURES
DESIGN
It’s a beautiful 2 in 1 laptop built with a solid metal chassis.
You can game or watch movies in tablet mode with the 360° degrees hinge.
Another reason to love this laptop is its clicky but sturdy keyboard.
DISPLAY
Although the screen display size stands at 13 inches, making it the laptop with the smallest screen on this list.
It has a screen resolution of1920*1080.
STORAGE/ PROCESSOR
Intel Core i3-10110U runs the CPU while the GPU is Intel UHD.
It offers 4GB RAM/64GB ROM and 8GB RAM/128 GB ROM; depending on your budget, you can get any storage options.
WEIGHT
It weighs 2.7 pounds.
BATTERY
The battery can give you up to 5-6 hours.
CONNECTIVITY
A USB Type-A port, a USB Type-C port, and a headset jack can be found on the left side.
On the right, a micro SD card reader, a Kensington lock slot, and another USB port can be found.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS?
If you like a 2 in 1, you can get this.
PROS
- Touchscreen with stylus support.
- Sound keyboard.
- Affordable.
CONS
● Average battery life.
● Subpar performance.
OUR WORD
At 13 inch it could be seen as a small screen for gaming, but the screen resolution and graphics can make up for that.
You can get it now on Amazon via the image link above.
Final Verdict On The Best Laptop For Gaming Under 500
If you’re on a tight budget and you need a gaming laptop to enjoy a light gaming experience, then you’ll find any of these laptops on this list quite suitable.
Nevertheless, our number remains the ✅Asus Vivobook 15.
You can get it now on Amazon via the link above.
