Best Gaming Laptop Under $700 In December 2024 [45 Games Tested]

Looking for the best gaming laptop under $700? You're in the right place. With seemingly endless options on the market, it can feel somewhat overwhelming to find a machine within your budget that doesn't compromise on power and performance.

We understand that you want a piece of tech that's not only economical but also robust enough to run your favorite games smoothly.

We've done all the hard work for you, researching and testing different models in this price range. Our goal is to guide you through an array of options, sparing you from wading through pages of specs and reviews.

10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $700 In 2024

1. Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3

Priced at just $658, this is a laptop that truly stuns you with its capabilities and features in a budget-friendly package.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 comes baked with some pretty exciting specs. A Ryzen 5 5600H CPU powers it, backed by an NVIDIA GTX 1650 Graphics card, which guarantees smooth performance even during intense gaming sessions. The bright and vibrant colors of the games pop quite excellently on its sizeable 15.6" FHD screen.

This gaming beast comes fortified with ‎8GB DDR4 RAM and an impressive storage space consisting of a swift operating 256GB SSD. Its varieties of ports, such as HDMI, USB-C, and RJ45 Ethernet, alongside an audio port, make connecting peripherals incredibly easy. What's more? It weighs just ‎‎6.89 pounds, making it portable for folks who travel regularly.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 has proven to be a system that does far more than your average gaming laptop should do within this budget range.

I had no difficulties working on documents, taking Zoom calls, or juggling through emailing tasks while maintaining my usual rounds of online games.

The beautiful screen enhances every moment spent on activities as mundane as checking emails or as thrilling as raiding dungeons in World Of Warcraft!

That being said, though, after several months into using this laptop for work while traveling around in December last year, I hit a snag: the blue screen of death. In simple terms, the laptop started to fail - displaying 'CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED' on power up, rendering it unusable.

Lenovo's Support tried their hand at fixing it (which involved replacing the system’s motherboard) but to no avail. But with another repair job still in line, we might see a turnaround in this issue.

Our Verdict

Despite the hiccup encountered with Lenovo’s support and repair, this laptop has proved its worth in other aspects.

The fast loading time, beautiful screen, and decent battery life for both working and gaming make the experience worthwhile.

Pros And Cons

Overall, I would say that if you're scouting for a one-size-fits-all laptop that strikes an interesting balance between work and play yet stays within budget boundaries, then my experience recommends giving the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 a shot.

2. HP Victus

Setting foot in the realm of affordable gaming laptops, the HP Victus does an impressive job of balancing both performance and cost.

Although this beast can't have all the features adorning the high-end models, it makes up for it with its robust spec lineup and an exceedingly comfortable price point.

Priced at just over $700, the HP Victus sports a magnificent FHD display that gives satisfactory brightness for your regular usage. Under the hood, it is powered by the i5-12450H processor complemented with NVIDIA GTX 1650 GPU.

This dynamo combination ensures smooth and swift processing, whether I'm multitasking or taking on heavy-duty tasks like video editing or gaming.

The Victus boasts 16GB DDR4 RAM and a massive 1TB SSD storage—quite a luxury at this price range—which permits me to frivolously store games without worrying about running out of space any soon.

Thanks to its ample memory, I’ve also got enough capacity to run various applications concurrently without confronting lags or stutters.

It comes with an array of ports, including 2 USB Type-A slots, a SuperSpeed USB Type-C port, a headset jack, an HDMI port, an RJ-45 port, and a media card reader as well - ensuring I don't lack connection possibilities when I need them.

One notable appeal of this HP's creation is its audio. Equipped with 2x2w B&O dual speakers, it provides crystal clear sound that enhances my multimedia experience. Despite weighing 5.06 pounds - not your typical lightweight laptop - I find it quite manageable for short travels or shifting around the room.

During my usage time, I admired how quiet this laptop was even under extreme workloads—undoubtedly an attractive feature for those who hate fan noises disrupting their work or game concentration. The overall performance was solid; although it is far from an exquisite gaming machine, it certainly does a commendable job for someone looking for a decent powerhouse within a limited budget.

However, the HP Victus isn’t without its quirks. A significant downside I experienced was an unexpected screen blackout during the initial boot-up period. This necessitated several hard resets and troubleshooting steps but failed to deliver promising results. This inconvenience disrupted my schedule extensively and left a bitter taste about the laptop's reliability.

Our Verdict

Finally, despite the hiccup faced initially, I feel that the HP Victus is an interesting candidate in the realm of affordable gaming laptops. Boasting potent processing power, generous storage options, and great interfaces— it brings compelling features to meet your mid-range laptop cravings.

Pros and cons

3. Acer Nitro 5

After unboxing and spending some quality time with the Acer Nitro 5, I have a good amount to say about this laptop. With a price tag of $715, it lies just slightly above our designated range, but trust me when I say it's worth every penny.

Upon seeing this laptop for the first time, I noticed that the Acer Nitro 5 has a cool design that gives off a clearly gaming-inspired vibe. At 15.6", its FHD screen size is great for gamers who need to see all the intricacies of their game world.

This tough utility is powered by an Intel Core i5-12500H processor paired with an NVIDIA RTX 3050 graphic card.

Let me tell you, this combo makes for quite a powerhouse! This became apparent when I ran games like WoW and Fallout on this machine - never have I seen such impeccable performance!

The gameplay was smooth and stunning at an average of 90 fps medium/high settings. This machine could easily compete with a GTX 1070 or possibly even edge towards a desktop version of the 1660ti.

Now let’s talk about RAM - coming out of the box with an impressive 8GB DDR4 RAM, Acer Nitro takes no shortcuts in serving up power where it counts! And if you're hesitant about storage space, don't be - there is a 512GB SSD ready to house all your games and even more room to expand at any time!

One feature that deserves mention is Acer Nitro's range of ports: It offers twice as many USB ports as some competitors, not to mention an HDMI port for your secondary monitor needs.

Despite being heavy enough not to slide off your lap (weighing in at around 5.51 pounds) the laptop's speakers pack quite a punch – their lively sounds create an immersive environment that will leave you amazed!

Of course, not everything about it was as gleaming. During my time with it, I encountered some hiccups. Though it wasn't a dealbreaker for me, the system did freeze on me a few times, and the colors were somewhat lackluster compared to other units in this price range.

Our Verdict

Overall, though, the Acer Nitro 5 offers tremendous value for its cost. It's an excellent option for heavyweight gamers who are budget-conscious but aren't willing to skimp on their gaming experience.

Pros and cons

4. MSI Prestige 14 

Coming in under our budget at $649, the MSI Prestige 14 is a high performer that flies slightly under the radar. It has something to offer every type of gamer, from casual to hardcore. Here's an in-depth look into my experience with this machine:

This compact device offers a vibrant 14.0" FHD screen that's more than capable of delivering shocked expressions as you navigate through your treacherous cyber journeys.

The laptop is powered by an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, which hits the sweet spot between power and efficiency.

When it comes to graphics, the laptop packs in the Intel Iris Xe damsel. It may not be a dedicated graphics card beast, but it smoothly handles less-intensive games and transmits immersive visuals, keeping me hooked to my gaming saga.

The MSI Prestige 14 boasts of a decent-sized RAM capacity with 16GB DDR4. This feature lets me multitask seamlessly as I shift from battling demonic hordes in the game to opening multiple tabs and running applications on the side.

I fell for this device for two reasons: affordability and storage! Space will not be an issue with its humongous storage capacity of 512GB SSD, which is super-fast when it comes to reading or writing data.

Now, let’s talk about portability; The Prestige 14 weighs only 3.57 pounds, making it light enough for all those sofa-to-desk movements while juggling between work and play!

An assortment of useful ports are presented - including two Type-C ports with PD charging (life savers during long gaming sessions!), a Type-A USB2.0 port, a Micro SD Card Reader, and even a Mic-in/Headphone-out Combo Jack – catering to all connectivity needs.

And don’t forget about sound – the dual speakers offering clear audio quality create an immersive environment during gameplay or binge-watching your favorite shows!

However, I noticed that despite all it offers, the laptop falls short in a couple of areas. Particularly, it lacks a dedicated graphics card, which could've fueled a more powerful performance for the intense gaming sessions. That said, this won’t be much of a setback for gamers engaged in less graphic-heavy games.

Our Verdict

The MSI Prestige 14 makes a significant impact, especially considering its price point. It's not the definitive gaming behemoth; however, it is an excellent companion for casual gamers or anyone seeking a powerful daily workhorse under $700.

Pros and cons

5. Lenovo IdeaPad Thin and Light

If you're in the market for a budget-friendly gaming laptop that still packs some serious punch, meet the Lenovo IdeaPad Thin and Light. Priced perfectly at $699, I found it to be an absolute steal, considering all its impressive features.

The first thing that grabbed my attention was its sleek design. Oh yeah, it lives up to its name - thin and light. Weighing only 3.74 pounds, this laptop is a dream come true for anyone who treasures portability.

Let's dive into the heart of this machine - the AMD Ryzen 5 5500U CPU. Paired with a whopping 20GB DDR4 RAM, managing multiple heavy-weight processes was a breeze for me.

Whether exploring immersive worlds in graphic-heavy games or juggling between multiple software applications, this powerhouse didn't show any signs of slowdown.

The performance is impressively complemented by AMD Radeon Graphics that make every game visually stunning on its spacious 15.6" FHD screen. From high-action sequences to picturesque landscapes, I could enjoy every detail - crisp and vibrant.

For storage, the laptop comes with an ample 512GB SSD capacity that not only meets my gaming needs but also stores my mass of photos, videos and software without any issue. Moreover, these quick loading times? Butter-smooth transitions? They are all thanks to this speedy SSD storage.

My experience of connectivity was top-notch, too! With 1 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, an AC smart pin and HDMI 1.4b port infantry at disposal - hooking external devices was seamless.

Ever had your game's mood spoiled by subpar audio? Thanks to its two speakers each packing 1.5W power (Yes! A total of decent-enough 3W sound.), my gaming scenario was never deprived of immersive audio experiences. The cherry on top is the combo jack for headphone-mic needs.

Our Verdict

To wrap it up, if you're looking for high-performance gaming on a budget, the Lenovo IdeaPad Thin and Light is a top contender to consider.

Of course, no laptop is perfect, and I'm not saying this one doesn't have its flaws. I believe its power-packed features overshadow a few minor shortcomings it might have.

Pros and cons

6. MSI Katana GF66

MSI always does an excellent job of balancing style, performance, and price, and the Katana GF66 is no exception. I've had such a splendid time with my personal experience using this laptop for gaming, streaming, and even some work-related tasks with the excellent specifications it boasts.

The very first thing that caught my eye was the vibrant 15.6" FHD display. Let me tell you: playing games on this thing is a visual joy! The details are vibrant and crisp with great color accuracy, which adds to the overall immersion in-game.

At the heart of the MSI Katana GF66 operates an Intel Core i5-11400H CPU. Paired with that is NVIDIA's RTX 3050 graphics card.

From my time playing various graphic-intensive games, this marriage of processing power and graphics gives you a fantastic gaming experience without any stutters or lag issues.

With 8GB DDR4 RAM to boot, multitasking was smooth as silk for me, whether it was switching between heavy-duty applications or having 20 tabs open on Chrome!

Plus, 512GB SSD storage meant super-fast load times for all apps and hefty games - a feature hard-core gamers like myself deeply appreciate.

I found numerous ports extremely handy - 3x USB-A 3.2 ports, a USB-C port, HDMI port for extended display needs, RJ-45 Ethernet for wired internet connection when Wi-Fi just isn't cutting it out (we've all been there), and two audio ports. All these ensure that you are well-equipped to handle all peripheral demands comfortably.

MSI also fitted in two powerful speakers delivering clear audio quality while weighing in at a respectable ‎4.10 pounds - perfect when carrying around in your backpack frequently as I do!

But no device is without its drawbacks -- just nitpicking here but I feel like I would have appreciated more if there were more USB-C ports, and sometimes the laptop can get a bit warm with prolonged heavy usage.

After spending some time with the MSI Katana GF66, I find it to be a fantastic gaming device in its price range. It neatly packages power, portability, and value - all important aspects as per my book.

Our Verdict

MSI Katana GF66 delivers a well-rounded performance at a decent price bracket. It's not perfect, but by no means is it far from it either. If you're after an economically sound gaming laptop that also caters to your other computing needs efficiently, I can safely say that the MSI Katana GF66 is worth considering!

Pros and cons

7. HP Pavilion x360

At first glance, the HP Pavilion x360 might seem like a touch off-budget, with its price hovering around $508. But believe me, it offers so much that makes it worth a closer look. Combine a 14" FHD screen for crystal clear images with the substantial computing power of an Intel Core i5-1135G7 CPU, and you're already ahead.

And let's not forget the smoothness provided by 8GB DDR4 RAM and a lightning-fast 256GB SSD storage capacity. When I first got this gem in my hands last September, it instantly ticked most boxes on my list and took its place as one of my all-time favorite laptops…a sleek black keyboard included.

The integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics shines through for gamers like me. It was like I was in the game myself - talk about immersive experiences!

Considering ports: This laptop has quite a lineup with two SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate, one USB Type-C -10Gbps signaling rate (USB Power Delivery, DisplayPort 1.4, HP Sleep and Charge), one RJ-45 ethernet port when wireless won't do, headphone/microphone combo and one HDMI 2.0 port for big-screen enjoyment or presentations on the go.

Although I liked the sound from its dual speaker system that delivers punchy audio at full volume thanks to its combined power output of 2 x 2W, what truly caught my attention was its multi-format SD media card reader, which came in handy more times than I expected.

No product is perfect, and so isn’t this one either: internal temperature control could use some revamping; while streaming on Twitch or working on graphically demanding tasks, I found that the fan gets really hot to touch, which might cause discomfort for some users.

The keyboard, though, is one feature where I believe the HP Pavilion x360 could use some improvement - a backlit version would have added extra elegance, as other users had also attested to.

Battery life, although not the standout hallmark of this model, still manages to eke out about 2 to 3 hours when not pushed to the limit. It's adequate for most outings but certainly won't break any records in an endurance race.

Our Verdict

The HP Pavilion x360 presents a solid option for those seeking affordability without sacrificing performance or features. While it has room for improvement regarding battery life and an upgradeable keyboard, these points do not overshadow its sterling qualities.

Pros and cons

If you're in the market for a well-rounded laptop that offers value far beyond its price tag in October 2024, then the HP Pavilion x360 comes highly recommended.

8. HP Pavilion 15

In my quest to find the perfect gaming laptop under $700, I've journeyed through a myriad of options. Let me share some astounding revelations about one of those from the tech giant HP. The HP Pavilion 15 daringly stands out in this economical price range with an impressive combination of spectacular specifications and peerless performance.

When I spotted the 15.6" Full HD screen of the Pavilion, I was instantly drawn to its crisp and vibrant display, breathing fresh life into all my games with exceptional detail clarity.

The brain behind this operation is none other than the pulse-pounding power of an Intel Core i7-1255U CPU, adeptly backed by the robust Intel Iris Xe graphics that allow for immersive gameplay with zero lags or stutters.

I can't emphasize enough how crucial speed is when it comes to gaming - be it loading times or swift reactions in a fast-paced multiplayer slugfest. With an ample 16GB DDR4 RAM coupled with a colossal 1TB SSD storage, suffice it to say that speed was never an issue on the Pavilion.

One essential aspect often overlooked in laptops is the connectivity options on offer—rightfully attending to this, this model retrofits my obsolescence concerns with various up-to-date ports such as 2 x USB Type-A, a sharp-eyed HDMI 2.1, conveniently accessible AC smart pin, future-proofing USB Type-C port as well as a versatile 3.5 mm Combo Audio port.

Another undervalued aspect is weight - after all, nobody wants to lug around a hefty machine! At around ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎3.86 pounds, carrying Pavilion 15 feels like carrying around Air; it does add immensely to its portability quotient.

Immersion is a vital part of any gaming experience, and the HP Pavilion 15 comes out blazing with its dual 2 x 2W Speakers, delivering a dynamic sound experience that remains resonant even at higher volumes.

Our Verdict

In the end, the HP Pavilion 15 emerges as a sophisticated soldier in the field of compact gaming laptops, with just a few minor quirks. The powerful tech innards wiggle their way into an enticingly affordable package that's tough to overlook.

If comfort, performance, and value for money top your list of priorities in a gaming laptop - this one's for you.

Pros and cons

9. ASUS Zenbook

When it comes to affordable gaming laptops, it's hard for me to pass over the ASUS Zenbook. Retailing at a modest price of $597, this particular model is one that proves you don't need to break your bank to enjoy high-quality gaming performance.

When I first took a look at the laptop, I was pretty impressed with its lightweight design. Weighing in at 2.87 pounds and featuring a sleek and trim profile, the TUF takes portability to another level. The 14" FHD screen might be smaller than some other models out there, but for someone like me who's always on the go, it's perfect in every way.

Underneath its sturdy shell lies an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor coupled with an NVIDIA MX450 graphics card. Now let me tell you - this combo packs a punch! Whether it was pulling an all-nighter on my favorite RPGs or running high-performance apps for work, the ASUS Zenbook handled everything without breaking a sweat.

Of course, as with any piece of tech machinery, some areas needed improvement. One issue I faced was the laptop's boot-up time after a few months of heavy usage; it wasn't always as swift as I'd have preferred. But hey! It's essential to remember that even with stellar specifications like these at this low price point, compromises have been made somewhere - and overall functionality isn’t hindered too much.

I also can't help but mention its tuneable audio system (2 x 2W speakers). It added quite an edge when playing games or watching movies with immersive sound effects. When paired with a good set of headphones – it’s almost like you’re right there in the battlefield!

Let's not forget about its wide range of ports, too! The USB and HDMI ports allowed me flexibility whether I was preparing for presentations or gaming sessions on larger screens. The micro SD card reader? A bonus for someone like me who likes to play around with photography in my downtime.

Also, based on my experience, I would take the negative reviews with a grain of salt. Yes, I had boot-up issues, but after sending it back for factory service, all should be working fine.

Our Verdict

So here's the deal: If you’re looking for an affordable gaming laptop that gets the job done (and then some more!), consider Zenbook. Are there minor hiccups? Sure. But they are far outweighed by its performance capabilities and value-for-money proposition.

Pros and cons

10. Acer Swift 3 

The Acer Swift 3 has been quite a fascinating device to work with this past month. What caught my eye at first was the price point - at just $549! Sure, I could hardly resist such a bargain.

But let's delve deeper into its specs and understand if this laptop truly towers above all others within this budget range.

Showcasing a 14" Full HD display, the Acer Swift 3 doesn't fall short when it comes to visual allure. It's not every day you come across a laptop in this price range that offers clear and vibrant display output like this one does.

As for its CPU, it sports an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, which means top-notch performance across all tasks – be it casual browsing or hardcore gaming.

By pairing this with Intel Iris Xe graphics, Acer ensures the device is not limited to everyday computing only.

The RAM of the laptop is 8GB LPDDR4X, providing optimal speed and multitasking ability, while its storage stands at a decent 256GB SSD — plenty of room for files and games.

In terms of connectivity options, Acer hasn’t shied away from going big in their offerings, including a single USB Type-C port that also supports DisplayPort over USB Type-C and Thunderbolt-4 alongside USB charging functions.

There’s also a USB-2 and HDMI port,t making sure you’re pretty much covered for most peripherals.

Now let's talk about the speakers- I've had experience with other models where I wasn't exactly impressed by the speaker quality, but in this case? The ‎2W x 2 speakers gave me quite an enjoyable audio experience during my test run with them!

Weighing just 2.65 pounds, it’s compact enough to be comfortably carried around, too, without feeling burdened.

Our Verdict

To be honest, the entire experience was a pretty smooth one. Yes, there was that slightly intimidating moment when I first booted up the laptop, and the screen remained pitch black for about 2 minutes before finally lighting up with the initial welcome setup screen of Windows.

But after that minor glitch, it’s been an amazingly swift ride with super-fast booting times and quiet operations unless I’m running video editing programs.

The recycled plastic exterior texture appealed to my eco-friendly side and set it apart from many other models in the market.

Yes, there has been a slight hiccup where the backlight under the space bar key doesn’t seem to work optimally, and I've also noticed that the brightness doesn't quite match up to a few of my other devices.

But, overall - considering its extreme affordability yet high performance - I would highly recommend this laptop!

Pros and cons

Things To Consider While Buying The Best Gaming Laptop Under $700

CPU

The processor is the heart of any laptop, and this is especially true for gaming laptops. A good processor will be able to handle the most demanding games without any lag or slowdown. You can choose at least an Intel Core i3 or i5 processor or an AMD Ryzen series processor.

GPU

The graphics processing unit (GPU) is responsible for rendering the images on your screen. A good GPU will be able to handle even the most demanding games with ease. It is also great for smooth and realistic graphics. You can choose at least an Nvidia or AMD Radeon GPU.

RAM

Random Access Memory (RAM) is important for any laptop, but it is especially important for gaming laptops. This is because games tend to use a lot of RAM. A good amount of RAM will allow you to run multiple programs and games at the same time without any slowdown. At least 8GB of RAM is recommended. But if you get 16GB, it will future-proof your laptop.

Storage

Storage is another important factor to consider when choosing a gaming laptop under $700. This is because games tend to take up a lot of space. A good amount of storage will allow you to store all your games and other programs without any issues.

A minimum of 250GB of storage is recommended, but if you can get 500GB, it will be better. An SSD is also a good option for storage as it is faster than an HDD. However, if you can't afford SSD then HDD is also fine.

Display

The display is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a gaming laptop under $700. This is because you want a laptop that has a good-quality display. A good-quality display will allow you to enjoy your games and other programs to the fullest. A minimum of 1080p is recommended.

Ports

Ports are important for any laptop, but they are especially important for gaming laptops. This is because you will need to connect your gaming laptop to other devices such as a mouse, keyboard, and controller. A minimum of three USB ports is recommended.

Connectivity

Connectivity is important for any laptop, but it is especially important for gaming laptops. This is because you will need to connect your gaming laptop to the internet in order to play online games.

A minimum of 802.11ac Wi-Fi is recommended. This is used for internet connectivity. You also make sure that it has Bluetooth so that you can connect your wireless devices.

Battery life

You will want to make sure that the laptop has good battery life. This is because you don't want to be tethered to a power outlet while gaming. A minimum of five hours in a single charge is recommended. But if you can get six or more hours, it will be better. 

Portability

The last thing to consider is the portability of the laptop to be. If you are going to be carrying it around with you often, then you will want a lighter laptop. If you are going to be using the laptop primarily at home, then weight and size are not as important. You can get a larger laptop with a higher-end graphics card.

Price

Of course, the most important thing to consider is the price. You want to find a laptop that has all of the features that you want without breaking the bank. The best gaming laptop under $700 is one that has a high-resolution display, a fast processor, and enough storage for your games and other files.

Conclusion

We discuss the best gaming laptops under $700 in this article. They all have great features and very good performance. You can buy any of these laptops according to your needs and budget.

So, Here is our list of the best gaming laptops under $700. You can buy any of these laptops according to your needs and budget. We hope that this article helps you in choosing the best gaming laptop for you.

If you have any doubts or queries, feel free to ask us in the comment section below. We will be happy to help you out.