Only a few things can be more frustrating than lags and glares during a gaming session. It gives the enemy an edge over you. To make sure this doesn’t happen, you need a gaming laptop with a dedicated graphics card for modern games.
Gaming laptops are specially equipped with the powerful configuration that can handle the high performance required by most PC games. However, these gaming laptops often come at a great cost.
When you are searching for affordable gaming laptops under 800 dollars, certain features immediately comes to mind. This includes processor, memory, and battery life. Notwithstanding that game requirements vary from one game to another, at a fair setting you should be able to enjoy all your favorite games with the best gaming laptops under $800 we have lined up for you.
Related: best gaming laptops under 1500
Review of the best gaming laptops under $800 of 2021
Gaming has become more than a habit. However, this review about the best gaming laptops under $800 made us to have a rethink of what really matters. Hitherto, we never thought it was possible to enjoy AAAA games on a cheap gaming laptop. However, these affordable laptops proved us wrong. Here we go!
Acer Nitro 5 – Best overall
The Acer Nitro 5 got interesting upgrades in 2020 but will still not cost you up to 800 dollars to buy. Probably the most important feature of this gaming machine is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics which is backed by a 4GB dedicated video memory. This gives the Acer Nitro 5 an advanced, fast GPU for a seamless gaming experience.
The 15.6” HD screen resolution gives you a cinema-like viewing experience that allows you to capture the fine details of your game. You can expand this view further using the HDMI output. Gamers with a flair for online multiplayer games will enjoy using the Acer Nitro 5’s built-in HD webcam with stereo microphone to issue commands to their teammates.
That is not all. The Acer Nitro 5 runs on the 8th generation Intel Core i5 mobile processor. This is a processor that is notorious for eight-way processing. This PC also comes with the innovative Intel Turbo Boost technology and smart quad-core. When you combine all these features with a 12GB RAM, you get the best gaming laptop under 800. Placing this laptop on the top of the list was an easy choice to make.
PROS
- High processor speed of 4.0GHz
- Rugged and innovative curved edge design
- HD screen and high resolution
- Dedicated video memory GTX 1050 Ti for fast GPU
CONS
- Lacks DVD/CD drive
- The 7.7 pounds weight is far heavier than some competing brands
- Average battery life of about 5.5 hours
- Storage space of just 256GB
HP Pavilion – Best for variety
When it comes to providing gamers with a large variety of gaming laptops under $800, HP is the undisputable winner. However, we picked the HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop because of its impressive features. First off, it comes with the 8th Generation Intel Core i5 Processor with a speed of up to 4.0GHz for a lag-free gaming experience. The backlit keyboards allows you to keep track of the buttons at night without having to wake everyone up by turning on the room light.
Like Acer Nitro 5, the HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop also boasts of a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti video graphics. This pairs well with the FHD IPS anti-glare display to ensure your eyes doesn’t get irritated during a long gaming session. Even more exciting is the fact that gamers will now have an extended gaming time, thanks to the over 8 hours battery life offered by the HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop.
In terms of memory, the HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop presents you with an amazing 1TB hard drive that allows you to carry more games on your laptop. It also has an 8GB RAM which, sadly, is not upgradable. This is one of the budget gaming laptops of 2021 that is easy to carry around because of its lightweight (5.18 pounds). In addition to being one of the affordable gaming laptops under 800 dollars, the HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop is also compatible with the Windows Mixed Reality headset.
Pros
- Comes with 8th Generation process with speed of up to 4GHz
- Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti video graphics
- Anti-glare screen display combined with thin bezel
- Lightweight makes it easier to carry around
- Up to 8 hours battery life for extended gameplay
- Large storage memory space
Cons
- The RAM cannot be upgraded
- Lacks a built-in DVD writer
Dell G3 – Best Value Gaming Laptop Under 800
If you have 800 dollar budget for a gaming laptop and a few accessories, buying the Dell G3 Gaming Laptop will allow you to save up enough cash to invest in your desired accessories. This gaming laptop strikes the ace in several areas. The first is the incorporation of the 8th Generation Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost and speed of up to 3.9GHz. It also features an 8GB RAM which can be expanded up to 32GB.
With the 128 GB SSD and 1TB hard drive of the Dell G3, you can now bring all your games along. The Dell G3 comes with a WASD backlit that allows you to have a clear view of the keyboard at night. This cheap gaming laptop weighs 5.95 pounds which means you can easily tuck it into your gaming backpack without unduly weighing down your shoulder.
The Dell G3 Gaming Laptop does not skimp on display quality. It boasts of the powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 with a 4GB GDDR5 graphic memory. This means you can enjoy your games at a higher setting for the smooth and crystal-clear details that leads to a more immersive experience. The 15” screen also come with FHD anti-glare features and allows for viewing from a wide angle. The inclusion of dual fans ensures your laptop stays cool throughout your gaming session. With a battery life of over 6 hours you can now stay glued to your game for longer when you are outdoor with your friends.
Pros
- WASD backlit keyboard for better gaming in low-light environment
- Comes with the 8th Generation Intel Core i5
- Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce 1050 video graphics
- Ultra-thin for easier gaming on the go
- Large anti-glare display for a cinema-like-experience
Cons
- Makes use of only 1 processor
- Lacks DVD/CD drive
Asus TUF FX504 – Best built-in Cooling system
One of the factors that can lower the performance of your PC is overheating. The Asus FX504 handles this problem with the inclusion of dual fans. These fans have a 3-speed Overboost. This budget-friendly gaming laptop also has anti-dust tunnels and a design that improves airflow. All these features work together to significantly prolong the lifespan of the FX504 as well as improve your gaming experience. But there is more to the Asus FX504 than meets the eyes.
In terms of performance, it boosts of the 8th Generation Intel Core i7 Processor with a speed of up to 3.9GHz. Asus FX504 also comes with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti which gives a superior gaming performance. Among the best gaming laptop under $800, the Asus FX 504 is one of the lightest, weighing only 5.1 pounds. Interestingly, this budget gaming laptop of 2021 comes with ‘Gears of War 4’ and ‘Age of Empires—Definitive Edition’ preinstalled.
The Asus FX504 also has a 15” HD display which gives you a crystal clear view of all the details of the game. The red-backlit keyboard helps you to stay in control in low light environment. This laptop has an impressive 8GB RAM but falls short on storage memory having 256GB Flash Memory Solid State. The major let down of the Asus FX504 is the low battery life which is roughly 4 hours. However, if you can overlook that, you will have a cheap gaming laptop to show off.
Pros
- One of the lightest budget gaming laptops of 2021
- Dual fans and 3-speed Overboost features that ensures your laptop stays cool
- Innovative anti-dust and self-cleaning features
- Runs on 6 processors which ensures better performance
- Comes with the 8th Generation Intel Core i7 processor
Cons
- Low storage space of only 256GB
- Battery lasts only 4 hours which does not favor long outdoor use
MSI GV62 – Best MSI gaming laptop under 800
If you have a high sense of fashion, the MSI GV62 will easily blend into your taste. This thin and powerful, affordable gaming laptop comes with a brush aluminum chassis which combines with thin bezel to make it super attractive. But there is more to the MSI GV62 than just the design. This gaming laptop also has a great deal to offer in terms of performance. It comes with the Intel Core i5 with up to 4.1GHz speed.
The MSI GV62 also has an amazing display too. It has a 15.6” FHD, IPS-Level display which ensure you don’t miss the thinnest details. The powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is also included. One reason the MSI GV62 stands out among other budget gaming laptops of 2021 is that it has 8GB RAM which can be expanded to 64GB. However, this gaming laptop failed to impress in storage space which maxes at 512GB—not bad but can be better.
The MSI Dragon Center is a feature that comes with MSI GV62 which every gamer would definitely love. This unique feature allows you to optimize your gaming experience by freeing up system memories. It also has an audio boost feature which makes use of a built-in AMP (Audio Power Amplifier) to enhance audio detail by 30%. All these you can enjoy for a longer gaming time with the optimal 7 hours battery life of the MSI GV62.
Pros
- Backlit keyboard for staying in control in environment with poor lighting
- Up to 7 hours of battery life for extended outdoor gaming experience
- Sleek design with a brush aluminum chassis body
- Boasts of the 8th Generation Intel Core processor
- Makes use of 4 processors
- Game boost through the MSI Dragon Center
Cons
- Extremely heavy at 7.6 pounds
- Not too impressive storage space
Lenovo IdeaPad L340 – Best Sound
Quality sound makes games more immersive and enjoyable. When you are looking for affordable gaming laptops under $800 with a great sound output, the Lenovo IdeaPad L340 will easily come at the top of your list. All the IdeaPad L340 has Dolby Audio hardwired into them thereby opening a portal to a new sound dimension. But the Lenovo IdeaPad L340 has more to offer than just immersive sound.
Built into the Lenovo IdeaPad L340 is the 9th Generation Intel Core i5 processor which delivers a super-fast gaming experience when combined with the 8GB DDR4 RAM. Like every modern gaming machine, the Lenovo IdeaPad L340 comes with NVIDIA GeForce video graphics which makes it possible for you to play the hottest titles without a glitch. However, the 512GB storage that comes with this gaming laptop can be inadequate for those who want to carry a large number of games with them.
The Lenovo IdeaPad L340 doubles as a game and work laptop. You can easily switch between two modes ‘Quick’ for gaming and ‘Quiet’ for working depending on what you want to do. It also has a Vintage Eye Care Mode that lowers blue light emission and adjust display color to reduce the strain on your eyes. You also get a colorful blue backlit keyboard to stay on top of your controls in a poorly-lit environment. The Lenovo IdeaPad L340 also helps you to stay discrete with a physical shutter that blinds the webcam. This device has earned its place on the list of the best gaming laptops under $800.
Pros
- Physical shutter that shuts the webcam from the world
- Dolby Audio for an immersive sound
- Vantage Eye Care Mode that lowers eye fatigue and strain
- Backlit keyboard for easy control in poorly-lit environment
- Extremely lightweight at 4.84 pounds
- Up to 9.5 hours of battery life
Cons
- Not too impressive storage memory
- Runs on 1 processor
- Processor speed maxes at 2.4GHz
Further reading:
Best gaming laptop under 600
9 Refurbished gaming laptops
Best cheap gaming laptop under 700
Dell Inspiron 15 – 7567– Best display
The quality of the display of your gaming laptop will generally affect your gaming experience. With the 15.6” FHD widescreen LED backlit display and the thin bezel of the Dell Inspiron 15, you will have a crystal clear view of all your games from a wide angle. It also comes with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti dedicated video graphics for optimal gaming performance. The backlit keyboard also helps you to stay in control in dark areas.
In terms of memory, the Dell Inspiron 15 has 8GB RAM which is comparable to all the other models on our list of the best gaming laptop under $800. However, it has a storage space of only 256GB which is really not impressive for heavy gamers who would like to carry all their titles on their laptops. Again, the Dell Inspiron 15 slips a bit by having a 7th Generation Intel Core i5 processor. However, this processor delivers a speed of up to 3.5 GHz.
Another major drawback of the Dell Inspiron 15 is the weight (6.61). Compared to other budget gaming laptops of 2021 on our list, it is definitely one of the heaviest. If you price display over every other feature on a gaming laptop, the Dell Inspiron 15 is definitely one of the affordable gaming laptops that you will enjoy.
Pros
- Full widescreen HD display
- Backlit keyboard for staying in control in poorly-lit environments
- Runs on 4 processors
- Built-in media reader
Cons
- Low on storage memory
- Heavier than most of the competitors
- Comes with 7th Generation processor
Buying Guide For The Best Gaming Laptop Under 800
The fact that there are lots of cheap gaming laptops under $800 mean you have to pay less attention to the price. You need a laptop that can handle all your favorite titles without lags or glares. To achieve this aim, the gaming laptop must have more than just the minimum requirements for that game. Some of the features you have to look out for when you want to buy a gaming laptop are highlighted below.
Processor
The type and speed of the processor will ultimately determine how smoothly your game would run. The 7th generations of Intel Core i5 processors should be your minimum target—but always aim higher. These processors have proven themselves overtime and can handle AAAA games when paired with the right RAM size. When it comes to processor speed, you should aim for a speed within the range of 2.5 to 4.0. Anything less than that will likely be prone to lags.
Display Resolution
Blurry or grainy display will take the shine off a great game. Even worse, it can cause you to strain your eyes leading to irritation. When you want to buy a budget gaming laptop, make sure it supports HD display (1920 x 1080 pixels).
RAM Size
When your system runs out of memory it will automatically shut down programs. Bet you don’t want that to happen to you when you are in the midst of an important mission. Set your minimum RAM size at 8GB.
Hard Disk Space
Depending on the amount and types of games you have, you should always aim for a gaming laptop that has a fair memory space. We will not limit you to any minimum hard disk space because it all depends on the type of gamer that you are which will determine the amount of games that you would want to carry around at a time. However, heavy gamers should aim for laptops with at least 512GB storage space.
Video Graphics
The NVIDIA GeForce has become almost like a holy grail in gaming video graphics. Therefore, if a gaming laptop lacks this important feature, you have no reason going near it no matter how much affordable it is.
Weight
While the weight of your gaming laptop adds or subtracts nothing from the function, it can affect how you use it. The heavier the laptop the more difficult it would be for you to move it around.
Price
While all the gaming laptops on our list are under $800, some are still far cheaper than the others. If you are planning to get important accessories and won’t mind ditching a few features, going for cheaper gaming laptop will be a smart choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between a gaming laptop and other laptops?
Physically, there is no difference. However, games usually make the computer to work extra hard but gaming laptops have higher hardware features that can handle this extra load.
- Can I use a gaming laptop for work?
Yes. In fact, graphic designers as well as picture and movie editors and animators will benefit a lot from the higher hardware capabilities of gaming laptops.
- Can I carry my gaming laptop to play outdoor?
Yes. Most gaming laptops are light and can fit into a gaming backpack. They also come with batteries that are strong enough to support up to 4 hours of gaming.
- What should I look out for when I want to buy a gaming laptop?
The RAM, screen resolution, video graphics and processor speed are some of the key components you should thoroughly examine before buying a gaming laptop. Make sure they are up to the minimum requirement we highlighted in our buying guide.
- How long does the battery of a gaming laptop last?
This varies depending on the manufacturer and the brand of product you buy. Even among the same manufacturer, the battery life will vary from one product to another. However, you should expect a battery life within the range of 3 to 6 hours.
- Is it possible to buy a cheap gaming laptop that can play AAAA games?
Yes, gaming laptops that abide to our minimum requirement can play any game title. All the laptops on our list of best gaming laptop under $800 can play AAAA titles.
Conclusion
Now you know better. Equipped with a budget of $800 you can get a decent gaming laptop that will play all your favorite titles without glares or lags. Some of them come with powerful batteries that can guarantee long hours of outdoor play. By sticking to our guide, you will definitely find a budget gaming laptop that will offer you most of the benefits that were once peculiar to high-end gaming machines. You are free to scroll through our selection and make your pick.
Further reading:
Best gaming laptop under 1500
Budget gaming laptop under 500 dollars
Cheapest gaming laptop under 200