Best Gaming Laptops Under $500 In December 2024 [Tested 52+ Games]

Are you in the market for a new gaming laptop? If so, you may wonder how much you need to spend to get a good one. Luckily, there are some incredible options available for under $500!

This blog post will examine 10 best gaming laptops under $500. We'll cover everything from portability to performance so that you can find the perfect machine for your needs.

So whether you're a budget-conscious gamer or just looking for a backup laptop, read on for some great recommendations!

The 10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $500 In 2024

This article lists some of the best gaming laptops for 2024 on a budget of $500 or less. These machines have features and enough power to get you through your favorite games.

1. ASUS VivoBook

Best cheap gaming laptop under $500

Performance

The ASUS VivoBook has an 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor that delivers powerful performance for running games or apps.

The base clock speed is 3GHz, but it can be boosted up to 4.1GHz. This will help you run your favorite games at higher frame rates. The CPU is paired with Intel UHD Graphics, which gives you decent visuals for most games.

Build Quality and Design

The ASUS VivoBook is made up of high-quality materials. It can withstand daily use and should last you a long time.

The design of this laptop is sleek and modern, which adds to its appeal. The hinges also feel strong, so you don’t have to worry about them failing you.

Thermals and Battery Life

The thermals of this laptop are impressive, as it can keep its temperatures under control even when gaming for hours. The fans don't get too loud either, so you won't be bothered by them while gaming.

It has decent battery life, lasting up to 8 hours on a single charge. This is more than enough for most gamers. Hence, you can use it for gaming without worrying about running out of juice.

Memory

This laptop has 20GB DDR4 RAM, which is enough for gaming. This will let you run multiple programs or games simultaneously without any issues. The DDR4 RAM also ensures faster loading, making your gaming experience more enjoyable.

The laptop also has a 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 solid-state drive, providing plenty of storage space for all your files and games. Hence, you won't have to worry about deleting your games or files.

Display

The display on the ASUS VivoBook is a 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 aspect ratio IPS-level panel with a LED backlit and 250nits brightness.

It also has a 45% NTSC color gamut and a glossy finish, which gives you vibrant colors and vivid visuals for gaming or watching movies.

The laptop also supports touch so you can use it for more precise input. The IPS panel also provides excellent viewing angles, so you won't have to worry about the shifting colors and contrast when viewing it from different angles.

Keyboard and Trackpad

This laptop has Full-Size Chiclet Keyboard with a Num key. It has a 1.4mm key travel, so you can type comfortably for hours, which makes it great for gaming or typing up documents. It has a fingerprint, which makes logging in faster.

The trackpad is responsive and supports multi-finger gestures, making it suitable for roaming the game map or accessing different menus.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

The ASUS VivoBook comes with a wide range of ports. It has 1x USB 3.2 Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Type-A, 2x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x HDMI port, 1x MicroSD media card reader and a headphone/microphone combination jack for your audio needs. This should provide you with enough ports to connect all your peripherals.

The USB Type-C port also supports charging, so you don't have to carry around a separate charger if you want to use your laptop on the go. The USB type-A ports help you connect your wired peripherals.

The HDMI port allows you to connect an external monitor for a better display. It has a microSD card reader, which lets you transfer data quickly. Lastly, the headphone jack lets you plug in headphones for a more immersive gaming experience.

This laptop comes with a variety of connectivity options. It has dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth for wireless connections. Wi-Fi provides a better range and faster download speeds to enjoy lag-free gaming. Bluetooth is fantastic for connecting wireless peripherals, such as gaming controllers.

The laptop has two 2W speakers that provide clear and loud audio. The sound quality is better than most laptops in this price range, which makes it great for watching movies or playing games.

Size and Weight

The ASUS VivoBook dimension is 14.17 x 9.25 x 0.78 inches. It weighs 3.97 pounds. This laptop is lightweight and easy to carry around. The thin frame also makes it suitable for bringing in a backpack or a messenger bag.

Camera and Microphone

The ASUS VivoBook has a 720P VGA Camera with Dual Array Microphones for video conferencing and chatting. The camera captures clear images, so you won't have to worry about it appearing grainy or pixelated in your video calls. The microphone is decent enough to pick up your voice clearly without distortions.

Pricing and Availability

The ASUS VivoBook is available on Amazon for $499. It's an affordable laptop, considering all the features it offers and its excellent performance. Moreover, it's a fantastic choice for gamers on a budget.

Upgradability Options

The ASUS VivoBook is upgradable but will require you to open the bottom panel. It has RAM slots for expanding the memory and a single M.2 slot for adding storage device. But you don't need to upgrade anything immediately, as the laptop has 20GB RAM and 512GB SSD, which is plenty for most users.

2. HP 14

Best AMD Ryzen gaming laptop under $500

Performance

The AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor powers the HP 14. It has base clock speeds of 2.1GHz and boosts clock speeds up to 4GHz, which is great for everyday tasks like web browsing or productivity tasks.

It also provides enough power for light gaming and video streaming. Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics handles the graphics to run some older games with playable frame rates at medium settings.

Build Quality and Design

This laptop is made of aluminum but still looks premium with its sleek finish and micro-edge bezel display. .

It can take some rigors due to its metal chassis and durable construction. The hinges are firm and open up to 180 degrees, making it easier to access the ports.

Thermals and Battery Life

The thermals on the HP 14 are great, thanks to its dual fan system. It keeps the laptop cool while providing enough power for light gaming or video editing. The fans don't get too loud either, which is great when you're doing work or streaming your favorite shows.

This laptop offers excellent battery life. It can last up to nine hours on a single charge, more than enough for an entire workday or a day of streaming video. Its fast charging feature can juice the battery from 0 to 50% in just 45 minutes.

Memory

This laptop has 8GB DDR4 3200MHz SDRAM. It allows your laptop to perform tasks quickly, which is terrific if you're a multitasker. The 3200MHz SDRAM also helps the laptop run more smoothly. It has a 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 solid-state drive (SSD).

It provides lightning-fast transfer speeds and helps reduce boot-up times. It's perfect for gamers who need quick game loading times or for anyone who needs to access files quickly.

Display

The 14-inch display has a resolution of 1920x1080 and features an anti-glare panel that reduces eye strain when gaming or watching movies.

The micro-edge bezel modernizes the laptop while providing enough room for ports. Moreover, the IPS panel offers wide viewing angles and accurate colors.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The HP 14 has a full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad. It has soft-touch keys, making it easy to type for long periods without fatigue. The keys have a decent amount of travel, which is significant for typing.

The trackpad is also excellent, and it features Windows Precision drivers. It supports all the standard Windows gestures like two-finger scrolling, pinch-to-zoom, and more.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

This laptop comes with a decent selection of ports. It has one USB Type-C port, one USB Type-A port, one HDMI port, and an SD media card reader. It also has a headphone/mic combo jack for connecting headsets or other audio devices.

The USB Type-C helps you connect to various peripherals, while the USB Type-A port allows you to connect your mouse or other devices. The HDMI port also lets you connect your laptop to an external monitor.

It has an SD card reader, which can transfer photos or videos from your camera.

This machine has Wi-Fi 6, which is the latest generation wireless technology. It offers up to three times faster transfer speeds and a better range than the previous Wi-Fi 5 protocol, allowing you to stream movies or games without lag.

It also has Bluetooth 5 for connecting wireless devices like headphones or mice.

It has two 4 dual speakers that provide decent sound quality. They're loud enough to fill a small room and produce clear audio without much distortion.

They provide decent sound quality, but if you're looking for more immersive sound, you should get a good pair of headphones or external speakers.

Size and Weight

This laptop has a slim design and weighs just 3.24 pounds. It's light enough to carry around with you, and its thin frame makes it easy to slip into a backpack or messenger bag.

The dimension of this laptop is ‎12.76 x 8.86 x 0.71 inches, which makes it a convenient size to carry around.

Camera and Microphone

This machine has an HP True Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual-array digital microphones.

The camera is excellent for video conferencing or taking photos. The dual-array digital microphones provide clear sound, even in noisy environments.

Pricing and Availability

The HP 14 is available to purchase online and in retail stores. It's priced at $392, which is worth the investment.

Moreover, you can buy it from HP's online store or Amazon. It is a budget-conscious laptop that provides excellent performance and features for the price.

Upgradability Options

The HP 14 is upgradable, so you can add more RAM or storage if needed. It has one M.2 slot for an SSD, so you can replace it with a larger capacity drive if you need more storage.

It also has one RAM slot that can hold up to 8GB of memory. The upgradability options make this laptop wonderful for users who want to keep their laptops running smoothly for years to come.

Our Verdict

The HP 14 is an excellent laptop for gamers on a budget. It has a great display and soft-touch keys, making it comfortable to use all day. It also comes with decent connectivity options and upgradability features, which you don't usually get at this price range.

The HP 14 is an excellent choice if you're looking for a budget gaming laptop that won't break the bank.

3. Acer Aspire 5

Best Overall gaming laptop under $500

Performance

The Acer Aspire 5 is powered by AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Hexa-Core Mobile Processor. It has a base clock speed of 2.1GHz, with a Precision Boost of up to 4GHz. This processor can easily handle all your gaming needs and provide a smooth gaming experience.

It has AMD Radeon Graphics to provide decent visuals for your games. Hence, you won't have to worry about the graphics being too low for some games.

Build Quality and Design

This laptop is made up of aluminum. It can take minor drops and bumps, so you don't have to worry about damaging it.

The hinges are solid and sturdy, holding the screen firmly in place. The design is simple yet stylish, with a black chassis and gold accents.

Thermals and Battery Life

The Acer Aspire 5 has a great cooling system to cool the laptop during heavy workloads. It also features Acer CoolBoost technology, which increases cooling speed by 10% and provides extra heat dissipation when needed.

This is awesome for gamers with long gaming sessions, ensuring your laptop doesn't overheat quickly. It has decent battery life. It can last up to nine hours of continuous usage, which is pretty impressive for a gaming laptop in this price range.

Memory

The Acer Aspire 5 comes with 8GB DDR4 RAM. This will let you open multiple tabs and applications without lag or stuttering.

It has 256GB of SSD. This allows you to store games, music, and other files without worrying about reaching the storage limit. The SSD also ensures that the laptop boots up quickly and the applications open faster.

Display

The Acer Aspire 5 has a 15.6" Full HD widescreen LED-backlit IPS Display. The display produces vibrant and crisp visuals, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want an immersive gaming experience.

The resolution is 1920 x 1080, which is ideal for gaming. The LED-backlit IPS display ensures wide viewing angles and better color accuracy.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The Acer Aspire 5 has a Backlit Keyboard with decent key travel. The backlit helps you to see in dark or dimly lit areas, making it easy to type. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, with a decent response time.

The trackpad is smooth and responsive, with accurate tracking. It does have multi-touch gestures for scrolling, zooming, etc., which makes navigating on this laptop a breeze. It also has a fingerprint reader, allowing you to keep your data secure.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

The Acer Aspire 5 has one USB Type-C port, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (one with Power-off Charging), one USB 2.0 port, an HDMI 2.0 port with HDCP support, RJ-45, and a headphone jack. This ensures you can connect multiple peripherals to your laptop without hassle.

The USB Type-C port is excellent for connecting your monitor or other devices. The HDMI port allows you to join this laptop to an external display, making it a fantastic choice for gamers who want more screen real estate.

The USB Type-A port supports power-off charging, which allows you to charge your peripherals when the laptop is turned off. The RJ-45 port helps you to connect your laptop to a wired network, while the headphone jack allows you to enjoy an outstanding audio experience.

This laptop has a Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5 connectivity. This allows you to connect to any compatible device and enjoy fast internet speeds.

The Wi-Fi 6 ensures the connection is stable, even when several devices are connected simultaneously. Bluetooth allows you to connect your wireless gaming headset or other peripherals easily.

It has two stereo speakers, which provide decent sound quality. The audio is apparent but doesn't get too loud when playing games or watching movies.

Size and Weight

The Acer Aspire 5 is relatively lightweight for a gaming laptop. It weighs about 3.88 pounds, which makes it easy to carry around. The dimensions are 14.31 x 9.86 x 0.71 inches, making it compact and stylish.

Camera and Microphone

The Acer Aspire 5 comes with a 720p HD webcam and microphone. The camera is fantastic for video conferencing or streaming, providing clear and crisp visuals. The microphone does an excellent job of capturing your voice without any distortion.

Pricing and Availability

The Acer Aspire 5 is one of the best gaming laptops under $500. It offers decent specs for its price point and is perfect for gamers on a budget. It is available from most major retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy.

Upgradability Options

The Acer Aspire 5 RAM is not upgradable, as it only has 8GB of RAM. However, you can upgrade the storage, as it comes with a 256GB SSD. You can also add an extra HDD for more storage space if required. Moreover, the 8GB RAM is enough for gaming, so you won't need to upgrade it.

Our Verdict

The Acer Aspire 5 is one of the best gaming laptops under $500. It offers excellent specs for its price point, such as a 1080p IPS display, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD. The CPU and GPU are powerful enough for gaming, and the upgradability options make it an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their storage.

The only downside is that the RAM is not upgradable, but 8GB should be enough for most gamers. Overall, this laptop is worth considering if you want a budget gaming laptop.

4. HP Laptop

Best Intel gaming laptop under $500

Performance

The HP laptop is powered by an 11th Generation Intel Core i5 processor. It has a base clock speed of 2.4GHz, but can be boosted up to 4.2GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology. This ensures you have enough power to run games and other applications without stuttering.

This laptop has Intel Iris Xe Graphics, which allows you to play some games at low to medium settings. It can also handle some video editing tasks, making it a splendid choice for those who are into content creation.

Build Quality and Design

The HP laptop is made of high-quality materials, making it durable and long-lasting. It has a sleek design with a silver finish. Moreover, the hinges are strong, allowing you to open and close the laptop without issues.

Thermals and Battery Life

The HP laptop has excellent thermals thanks to the dual-fan design. This ensures that your laptop stays cool even when running resource-intensive applications or games. It is also relatively quiet, so you don’t have to worry about distracting fan noise.

It has a 3-cell, 41 Wh Li-ion battery. It can provide up to nine hours of battery life on a single charge. This makes it perfect for those who need to use their laptops while out and about. Its fast charging capabilities can quickly charge the laptop from 0% to 50% in just 45 minutes.

Memory

The HP laptop comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, which should be sufficient for most users. This ensures that you have enough RAM for multitasking and running memory-intensive applications.

It has a 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, which is fast enough to load games quickly. This makes it great for gamers who don’t want to wait long for their games to load.

Display

The HP laptop has a 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS display with micro-edge, anti-glare, and 250 nits brightness. This makes it superb for watching movies or playing games in full HD resolution.

The vibrant colors and viewing angles are excellent, making this a splendid choice for those who want an immersive visual experience. The anti-glare coating also helps reduce eye strain, making it great for long gaming sessions.

Keyboard and Trackpad

This laptop has a full-size keyboard. It has a comfortable typing experience with good key travel and response. Hence, you can type for extended periods without any issues.

The trackpad, on the other hand, is smooth and responsive. Its multi-touch gestures support makes navigating through different windows and applications a breeze.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

The HP laptop has all the necessary ports. It has a SuperSpeed USB Type-C port, two SuperSpeed USB Type-A ports, one HDMI 1.4b port, one AC smart pin, one headphone/microphone combo, and one multi-format SD media card reader. Hence, you can easily connect a variety of peripherals to your laptop.

The USB Type-C port is handy as it supports high-speed data transfer and fast charging. The laptop also has a microSD card slot, further expanding the storage.

The USB Type-A ports are also helpful as they will enable you to connect various peripherals, such as external hard drives and gaming controllers.

It has an HDMI port which allows you to hook your laptop to an external monitor. Lastly, the headphone jack allows you to plug in your headphones or speakers.

This laptop has the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for a reliable connection. Wi-Fi is the latest standard which offers faster speeds, wider coverage, and improved battery efficiency.

Bluetooth is an excellent choice for connecting wireless peripherals such as keyboards and gaming controllers. It is also helpful if you want to use external audio devices such as headphones or speakers.

It has dual speakers, which produce decent sound quality. The audio is clear and loud enough for a pleasant listening experience, although it might not be suitable in large rooms.

Size and Weight

The dimension of this laptop is ‎14.11 x 9.53 x 0.71 inches. It weighs 3.75 pounds, making it lightweight and easy to carry around. This makes it superb for those needing a portable laptop for gaming or work.

Camera and Microphone

This laptop has a TrueVision HD camera with dual-array digital microphones. The resolution of the camera is 1280 x 720. This makes it fantastic for video conferencing and other communication needs.

The camera can produce precise images in low light settings, making it great for capturing pictures or recording videos. The microphone is also good, allowing for clear audio recordings.

Pricing and Availability

The HP laptop is priced at $449, making it one of the best gaming laptops under $500. It is available from various retailers, such as Amazon or official HP websites. This makes it easy to find the laptop in stock and at an affordable price.

Upgradability Options

The HP laptop is upgradable in several ways. You can upgrade the RAM and storage, allowing you to get improved performance out of your laptop. It has two SO-DIMM slots for DDR4 RAM and one M.2 slot for a PCIe NVMe SSD.

Our Verdict

The HP laptop is an attractive option for those seeking an affordable gaming laptop. It has a good display, a comfortable keyboard, and ports. The quality of audio is decent, and the webcam is great for video conferencing.

Lastly, it’s upgradable, allowing you to get improved performance from your laptop. These features make this laptop one of the best gaming laptops under 500 dollars.

5. Lenovo Ideapad 3i

Best budget gaming laptop under $500

Performance

An 11th Gen Intel Core i3 1115G4 processor powers the Lenovo Ideapad 3i. It has a base speed of 3GHz and a turbo speed of up to 4.1GHz, making it outstanding for anything you might need to do, whether gaming or work.

Intel UHD Graphics handles the graphics. It gives reasonable frame rates in most games, allowing you to enjoy a smooth gaming experience.

Build Quality and Design

The Lenovo Ideapad 3i has a sleek and stylish design. It has a thin profile makes it great for taking with you on the go.

The laptop is well-built and feels sturdy in your hands. It can handle bumps and knocks without any problems. The hinges are strong and hold the lid in place firmly.

Thermals and Battery Life

The Lenovo Ideapad 3i has good thermals. It runs cool even under heavy load, making it superb for gaming or other intensive tasks.

The fan is quiet and doesn’t get too loud, which makes it suitable for use in a library or office environment.

It has decent battery life. It can last up to six hours on a single charge, which is great for everyday use.

Memory

The Lenovo Ideapad 3i has 8GB of DDR4 RAM and 512GB of M.2 NVMe SSD storage. This makes it great for multitasking and storing your data. The fast storage allows you to load applications quickly and access large files without lag.

The 2400MHz DDR4 memory also makes it fantastic for multitasking, allowing you to switch between applications without hiccups.

Display

The Lenovo Ideapad 3i has a 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-glare display. The bright and clear display makes gaming or editing photos and videos splendid.

It also has good viewing angles, allowing you to view the display from any angle without suffering from too much distortion. The anti-glare coating makes it great for use in well-lit environments. It also protects your eyes from harmful blue light.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The Lenovo Ideapad 3i has a chiclet-style keyboard. The keys are tactile and have good travel, making them significant for typing or gaming.

It has Numpad, which is awesome for those who need to use it frequently. The trackpad is smooth and responsive, allowing you to navigate the interface quickly and accurately.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

The Lenovo Ideapad 3i has a wide range of I/O. It has 1 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, and a media card reader. Therefore, it is ideal for connecting to external devices or transferring data.

The USB Type-C port lets you charge your laptop quickly and transfer data quickly. The HDMI port lets you connect your laptop to an external display for a better viewing experience.

It has a media card reader, which makes it great for transferring data from your camera or smartphone. Moreover, the headphone jack lets you connect your headphones for a better gaming experience.

This laptop has Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which provides fast and reliable connections. It also supports Bluetooth 5.0, allowing you to pair compatible devices quickly.

It has two 1.5 W speakers with Dolby Audio, giving you excellent sound quality while gaming or watching movies. The sound is loud and clear, making it fantastic for entertaining. The bass is also good, allowing you to enjoy the full range of sound.

Size and Weight

The Lenovo Ideapad 3i is slim and lightweight. It measures 14.26 x 9.98 x 0.78 inches and weighs only 4.7 pounds, making it great for taking on the go whether you’re going for tournament gaming sessions or a business trip.

Furthermore, its convenient, lightweight profile makes it ideal even in the tightest spots, like an airplane seat.

Camera and Microphone

The Lenovo Ideapad 3i has a 720p HD webcam and dual-array microphones. The webcam provides good image quality, allowing you to communicate with friends or family without problems. The microphone also offers clear audio so your voice can be heard using video chat services.

Pricing and Availability

The Lenovo Ideapad 3i retails for $434, which is very budget-friendly for a gaming laptop. It’s available from major online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy and brick-and-mortar stores like Walmart and Target.

Upgradability Options

The Lenovo Ideapad 3i is upgradeable. Hence, you can upgrade it to meet your growing needs without buying a new laptop. You can upgrade the RAM and the storage so your laptop runs more efficiently and stores more data.

Our Verdict

The Lenovo Ideapad 3i has powerful hardware, a great display, and good I/O, making it great for gaming and work. The upgradability options make it future-proof, allowing you to upgrade your laptop as your needs grow.

Boasting an abundance of RAM and storage, this device is perfect for those who excel at multitasking. Moreover, the webcam and dual-array microphones provide good image and audio quality, ideal for video conferencing.

The price point is also budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice if you’re looking for a gaming laptop under $500. It's one of the best laptops in its class.

6. Acer Swift 3

Best Performance gaming laptop under $500

Performance

The Acer Swift 3 has an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U Octa-Core Processor. The base clock speed is 1.8GHz and can be boosted up to 4.3GHz. This will let you run demanding applications as well as games smoothly.

The CPU is paired with AMD Radeon Graphics. This graphics is designed to accelerate graphics rendering and provide outstanding performance for gaming. It also lets you run video-intensive tasks such as photo and video editing.

Build Quality and Design

The laptop is made from aluminum alloy with metal chassis giving it an elegant look and feels sure to turn heads. It can withstand daily wear and tear.

The laptop also has a sleek design, with narrow bezels that give it an immersive viewing experience. The hinges are also strong whether you are typing. It doesn't wobble.

Thermals and Battery Life

The Acer Swift 3 has a cooling system to keep the laptop from getting too hot. The fans are quiet and won’t be noticeable when you’re gaming or performing other tasks.

The venting system is adequate to keep the laptop running at peak performance for long periods. This laptop has a great battery that gives you up to ten hours of usage on a single charge.

This is an ideal solution for long gaming sessions or travels where no power outlets are accessible. Its 30 minutes charge gives you four hours of video playback or web browsing. Hence, you can rely on its battery life to get the job done.

Memory

This machine has 8GB LPDDR4X onboard memory, allowing you to run everyday tasks such as web browsing, watching movies, and playing games without worrying about lagging or low performance. It has a 512GB NVMe solid-state drive, handling heavy multitasking.

The NVMe storage is also faster than traditional hard drives, making it great for storing high-resolution photos, videos, or large files without sacrificing speed.

Display

The Acer Swift 3 has a 14” full HD widescreen LED-backlit display with an 85.73% screen-to-body ratio and narrow bezels. The display also comes with 100% sRGB colors, allowing you to enjoy rich colors when watching movies or playing games.

The LED-backlit display also helps conserve power, giving you longer battery life. It has a 16:9 aspect ratio and narrow bezels, giving it an immersive viewing experience.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The Acer Swift 3 has a comfortable backlit keyboard with good travel and spacing. The keys are quiet when typing, so you won’t disturb anyone while working or playing games. It has a fingerprint reader for extra security and data protection.

It has a trackpad, which supports multi-finger gestures. The trackpad is responsive and accurate, making navigating the laptop easy.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

The Acer Swift 3 has a variety of ports. It has USB 3.2 Type-C (DisplayPort and USB charging), two - USB 3.2 Gen 1 (one Power-off Charging), HDMI 2.0 with HDCP support, a headphone/microphone-in jack, and DC-in for AC adapter. Hence, you can connect various devices to the laptop without worrying about compatibility issues.

The USB Type-C helps you to connect your laptop to an external monitor or projector. The HDMI port is excellent for attaching the laptop to a TV or large monitor.

Lastly, the headphone/microphone-in jack lets you use your favorite headphones or microphone if needed.

This machine has Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Dual-Band 2x2 MU-MIMO, and Bluetooth 5.2 for wirelessly connecting to the internet or other devices. Wi-Fi 6 provides faster speeds and a better range than previous generations, making it great for streaming videos or gaming online.

Bluetooth lets you connect your favorite wireless peripherals like mice, keyboards, and headsets. It has two 2-watt speakers that give you incredible sound. The audio is clear and detailed without any distortion.

It has DTS:X Ultra technology, which provides the best sound quality when listening to music or watching movies.

Size and Weight

The Acer Swift 3 is one of the lightest gaming laptops under $500. It weighs just 2.62 pounds, making it great for traveling with you or commuting.

Its dimension is 12.71 x 0.63 x 8.35 inches, which makes the laptop look slim and sleek, making it easier to fit into tight spaces such as a backpack or laptop bag.

Camera and Microphone

This laptop has an HD webcam supporting super high dynamic range imaging (SHDR), which captures more details in shadows and highlights. The webcam also supports background blur for a professional-looking video.

It has two digital microphones that can pick up sound from up to feet away, making it perfect for streaming or holding video conferences.

Pricing and Availability

The Acer Swift 3 price is $539. So you can get it now from Amazon or other major retailers. It's a great choice if you're looking for an affordable laptop that can run games and everyday tasks without breaking the bank.

Upgradability Options

The Acer Swift 3 is not upgradeable. The RAM and storage are not upgradeable, so you're stuck with the 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD it comes with. However, these specs should be enough for most people looking for a gaming laptop under $500.

Our Verdict

The Acer Swift 3 is among the lightest and most affordable gaming laptops. It has a fabulous display, a comfortable keyboard, powerful speakers, and plenty of I/O ports for connecting devices.

The Wi-Fi 6 connectivity ensures you get blazing-fast speeds when streaming or gaming online. Plus, it's lightweight and slim for better portability. If you're looking for an affordable gaming laptop, the Acer Swift 3 should be on your list.

7. Dell Inspiron 15

Best i5 gaming laptop under $500

Performance

An 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor powers the Dell Inspiron 15. The base clock speed of this processor is 2.4GHz, and it can boost up to 4.2GHz. This makes it an outstanding choice for multitasking and content creation.

It also comes with Intel UHD Graphics. This will let you run 3D graphics-intensive games like Fortnite and Apex Legends.

Build Quality and Design

The Dell Inspiron 15 has a simple yet classy design. It's made of high-quality materials, which makes it durable and long-lasting. This laptop comes in black, which gives it a modern look. Moreover, it has a nice and smooth finish that makes it comfortable.

Thermals and Battery Life

The Dell Inspiron 15 has good thermals, so it won't overheat while you're gaming. It also has an internal cooling fan that helps keep the laptop cool even under heavy loads and when software grows more demanding.

It will be able to maintain its performance. It has a 3-Cell Battery, 41WHr (Integrated). This is enough to last up to six hours of web surfing and video streaming. So you can use your laptop for a whole day without worrying about recharging it.

Memory

The Dell Inspiron 15 has 8GB of DDR4 2666MHz memory and 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive. This is a fabulous combination for gaming, as you won't have to worry about the laptop lagging or stuttering while running games.

The SSD also helps with faster loading times so that you can get right into the action quicker. The 2666MHz RAM also ensures smoother multitasking performance.

Display

The Dell Inspiron 15 has a 15.6-inch FHD Anti-Glare LED Backlight Touch Narrow Border WVA Display. This is a beautiful display for gaming, as it offers incredible visuals and clarity. The IPS technology also allows you to enjoy vivid colors and wide viewing angles.

The resolution of 1920 x 1080 provides you with sharp visuals and plenty of screen real estate for multitasking. The anti-glare coating helps reduce reflections so that you can game even in bright environments.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The Dell Inspiron 15 has a full-size keyboard with soft-touch keys, which make it comfortable to use. The keys are spill-resistant so that accidental spills won't damage them.

It has spacious keys and a spacious trackpad with multi-gesture support. This makes it easier to navigate around your laptop, as well as access features like zoom, rotate, scroll, and more.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

The Dell Inspiron 15 comes with plenty of ports. It has two USB Type-A, one USB Type-A, one HDMI Out, and one headphone/microphone combination jack for connecting devices to your laptop. It also has an SD card slot for expanding storage capacity or transferring files.

The USB Type-A helps you connect to various devices, while the HDMI Out allows you to share audio and video signals to an external monitor or TV.

The headphone/microphone combo jack also comes in handy for connecting audio devices like headphones or speakers. The SD card slot is great for transferring files or expanding storage capacity.

This machine has 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The 802.11ac Wi-Fi provides faster data transfer speeds and better signal range to stay connected to the internet anywhere. Bluetooth connectivity lets you connect devices like mice or headsets wirelessly.

It has two 2Wx2 speakers, so you can enjoy good sound quality while gaming. The stereo speakers deliver loud and clear audio with minimal distortion.

Size and Weight

The Dell Inspiron 15 measures 14.11" L x 9.27" W x 0.74" H inches and weighs 3.82 pounds, making it a fantastic option for those who often carry their laptop around.

Moreover, it's slim and lightweight, so you won't have to worry about taking up too much space in your bag.

Camera and Microphone

This laptop has a 720p HD camera with a single-integrated microphone. The HD camera lets you video call with friends and family, while the integrated microphone helps reduce background noise. It gives 30FPS video recording so that you can record high-quality videos.

Pricing and Availability

The Dell Inspiron 15 gaming laptop is available for $499 on Amazon. The price makes it an excellent option for those looking for an affordable yet powerful laptop to play games on. It is also available on the official Dell website.

Upgradability Options

The Dell Inspiron 15 is upgradable, so you can customize it to suit your needs. You can upgrade the RAM and the SSD.

Our Verdict

The Dell Inspiron 15 is a powerfully versatile laptop with plenty of features. It has a great display and I/O ports for connecting devices and a comfortable keyboard and trackpad for easy navigation.

The laptop also offers upgradability options and good sound quality. Plus, the price tag of under $500 makes it an ideal choice for those on a budget. If you're searching for a gaming laptop on a budget with all the bells and whistles, look no further than the Dell Inspiron 15.

8. Lenovo IdeaPad 5

Best lightweight gaming laptop under $500

Performance

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 4700U processor, which a base clock speed is 2GHz and a maximum boost clock speed of up to 4.1GHz. It has 8 cores, 8 threads, and 8MB of cache memory, which helps you multitask efficiently and quickly during gaming.

This laptop has AMD Radeon Graphics, which ensures it runs influential games at better image quality and image modification effects in the game.

Build Quality and Design

The IdeaPad 5 has an all-metal chassis with a stylish and modern design, making it look quite premium. It is robust enough to take a few bumps and bruises. The hinges are sturdy, and it doesn't wobble whether you use them on your lap or a table.

Thermals and Battery Life

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 has a unique cooling system, which helps keep the laptop cool during heavy gaming or multitasking sessions. It also has air vents on the sides and bottom to dissipate heat efficiently.

It has a decent battery life of up to eight hours, so you can stay productive without plugging in the charger. It has Quick Charge 2.0 technology, which lets you charge the laptop quickly. It gives you three hours of battery life with just 15 minutes of charging.

Memory

This machine has 8GB of DDR4 3200MHz memory. This allows your stored data and programs to be accessed quickly and efficiently. It also lets you do graphic design and other activities that require a lot of RAM and are memory-intensive without lags or slowdowns.

In addition, it also has 512GB PCIe SSD storage capacity, which helps in storing your data quickly and securely.

Display

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 has a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS touchscreen display with narrow borders and an anti-glare coating.

The 300 nits brightness ensures you have incredible visuals even in bright conditions, and the narrow bezels around the screen offer an immersive viewing experience.

The anti-glare coating reduces eye strain, making it comfortable for long gaming sessions.

Keyboard and Trackpad

This machine has white backlit keyboards with a full-size layout and well-spaced keys. The keys are backlit, so you can easily find the right one in dark environments. The keys are tactile and responsive, so you can type quickly and accurately.

It also has fingerprint readers, which adds an extra layer of security. It features a large touchpad with multi-touch gesture support, which helps in easy navigation and control.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 comes with various ports that offer good connectivity options. It has two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB-C Gen 1 port for power delivery and displays port, an HDMI port, an SD card reader, and a headphone/mic combo jack. These ports allow you to connect various peripherals and accessories with ease.

The USB Type-A helps you to connect your gaming peripherals and other external devices like a mouse, keyboard, and storage drives.

The USB Type-C port is used for power delivery and display connection, so you can quickly charge the laptop or connect it to an external monitor. The HDMI port helps you connect larger displays or HDTVs with the laptop, while the SD card reader allows you to transfer data from digital cameras, phones, and other devices.

The headphone/mic combo jack lets you connect a headset or earphones with a mic for gaming sessions or calls.

This laptop has 802.11AX Wi-Fi 6 (2 x 2) Bluetooth 5.1. The Wi-Fi 6 ensures faster download speeds and more reliable connections, while Bluetooth 5.1 helps connect various compatible devices without wires.

It has two stereo speakers with Dolby Audio technology, which provides excellent sound quality for movies and music. The audio is loud and clear, so you can experience great sound while playing games or watching a movie.

Size and Weight

The dimension of this laptop is 14.04” x 9.17” x .78”, which make it very compact and lightweight. It weighs around ‎3.74 pounds, making it even easier to carry around whether you’re on the go or moving it around in your house.

Camera and Microphone

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 has a 720p HD camera with a privacy shutter and microphone. The camera has a resolution of 1280 x 720 and gives you decent video quality for video calls and meetings.

The privacy shutter allows you to protect your privacy by disabling the camera when it’s not in use. The microphone provides clear audio for video and voice calls, ensuring that people on the other side can hear you properly.

Pricing and Availability

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is priced at $469 and is available at various online retailers. It offers excellent value for the money. Hence, you can purchase it from Amazon or the official Lenovo store and deliver it to your doorstep.

Upgradability Options

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 RAM is not upgradable because it soldered DDR4 RAM, which is soldered to the motherboard. However, it has one M.2 slot for a PCIe NVMe SSD, so you can replace the existing SSD with a larger one if you need more storage.

Moreover, it comes with different variants so you can purchase it according to your budget and needs.

Our Verdict

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is a fabulous choice. It offers good performance, an attractive design, and has enough ports to connect all your peripherals. Furthermore, it has good speakers and a backlit keyboard, making it suitable for gamers.

It has plenty of RAM as well as storage. The display is large enough, and the webcam has a privacy shutter. It is lightweight, making it easy to carry around.

Overall, this laptop is an excellent value for its price tag. If you’re looking for a gaming laptop under $500, this one should be on your list.

9. HP Pavilion 17

Best 17-inches gaming laptop under $500

Performance

The Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor powers the HP Pavilion 17 laptop with Intel UHD Graphics. The processor base frequency is 3GHz, but it can go up to 4.1GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology.

This can handle anything you throw at it, from simple tasks to more intensive gaming. It also allows you to run software programs and applications, stream movies and shows, and even edit photos and videos.

Build Quality and Design

The laptop has a solid build quality and a sleek design. It has an attractive brushed finish on the lid, and the bezels around the display are thin. It can take a bit of wear and tear, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged easily. The hinges are strong so that they can open and close without issues.

Thermals and Battery Life

The HP Pavilion 17 laptop has a cooling system that helps keep the temperature in check. It has two fans at the bottom, effectively dissipating heat from the components.

The laptop also has an internal thermal sensor that measures the temperature and adjusts fan speed accordingly. This ensures that the laptop stays cool even during intense gaming sessions.

The laptop offers decent battery life. It has a 3-cell, 41 Wh Li-ion, lasting up to 8 hours on a single charge. This is good enough for casual browsing, light multimedia usage, or games such as Minecraft and League of Legends.

Memory

The HP Pavilion 17 has 16GB of DDR4 RAM and 256GB of PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage. The RAM is enough for multitasking, and the storage is suitable for storing your media files and games.

The DDR4 RAM is faster than the regular DDR3 RAM, so that you can get improved performance. The SSD gives you quick boot-up times, so you don’t have to wait for your laptop to start.

Display

The laptop has a 17.3-inch diagonal, HD+ (1600 x 900), anti-glare display with 220 nits brightness and 60% NTSC color gamut. The display is ample for gaming and entertainment, offering decent visuals and good viewing angles.

The colors are accurate, but the contrast could be better. It has an anti-glare coating, which helps reduce reflections from the screen.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The keyboard on the HP Pavilion 17 is comfortable to type on. It has 1.2mm of key travel, which makes it feel responsive and accurate when typing.

The key feed is consistent, and the keys have a good grip. There is no backlighting on the keyboard, but it has a smooth finish which looks nice.

The trackpad is responsive and accurate. It supports all Windows 10 gestures, so you can easily do pinch-to-zoom or two-finger scrolling.

The trackpad's surface is smooth, so your fingers can move quickly. It has dedicated left and right-clicks buttons, which make it easier to use.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

The HP Pavilion 17 has all the necessary ports and connections. It has two SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate, one USB 2.0 Type-A port, one HDMI 1.4b port, one RJ-45 port, one AC smart pin, one headphone/microphone combo, and one SD media card reader.

The USB Type-A lets you connect peripherals and accessories to your laptop, while USB 2.0 can charge devices.

The HDMI port enables you to connect an external display to your laptop, while the RJ-45 allows you to connect to a wired internet connection.

The AC smart pin connects power supply cords, and the headphone/microphone combo lets you attach audio devices to your laptop.

This laptop comes with 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. The Wi-Fi is fast and reliable so that you can enjoy smooth gaming sessions without any lags or drops in connection. Bluetooth allows you to connect peripherals and accessories like a mouse or keyboard.

It has two speakers at the bottom, sufficient for casual gaming and other multimedia activities. The audio quality is decent, with clear mids and highs. The bass could be better, but it’s not bad, either.

Size and Weight

The HP Pavilion 17 is very compact and lightweight. It weighs 4.6 pounds, so it’s easy to carry around. The laptop measures 16.33 x 10.72 x 0.93 inches, which is relatively small compared to other 17-inch laptops on the market.

Camera and Microphone

This laptop has an HP True Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual-array digital microphones.

The camera is good enough for video conferencing and taking photos. The microphone is decent, so you don’t have to worry about your voice being muffled during calls or recordings.

Pricing and Availability

The HP Pavilion 17 is available from HP’s official website, Amazon, and other retailers. It retails for around $472, making it one of the best gaming laptops for under $500.

Hence, if you’re looking for a good laptop that can play games and does other tasks, the HP Pavilion 17 is worth considering.

Upgradability Options

The HP Pavilion 17 has upgradability options. You can upgrade the RAM and storage of this laptop easily. The RAM can be upgraded to 32GB, while the storage can be upgraded to 2TB.

Our Verdict

The HP Pavilion 17 is an excellent laptop for gaming, thanks to the powerful processor. The display gets reasonably bright and has decent viewing angles and accurate colors. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the trackpad is responsive.

You also get all the necessary ports and connections, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The audio quality is decent, and the camera and microphone are suitable for video conferencing.

The only downside is the display resolution, but it’s still good enough for casual gaming. It has all the features necessary to satisfy your gaming needs without breaking your budget.

10. Lenovo Touchscreen IdeaPad

Best 12GB RAM gaming laptop under $500

Performance

The 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor powers the Lenovo IdeaPad. This processor is clocked at 3GHz, but it can boost up to 4.1GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, allowing you to run most games without any issues.

Intel UHD Graphics handles the graphics. It renders games smoothly and also will enable you to enjoy casual gaming. The graphics are also suitable for displaying multimedia content. Hence, the performance of this laptop is excellent for its price.

Build Quality and Design

This laptop is made up of high-quality materials, which gives it an appealing design. It has a brushed aluminum finish, which makes it look premium. The hinges are strong, and the display is secured firmly.

Thermals and Battery Life

This laptop has good thermals management, thanks to the dual-fan cooling system. The fans are quiet and keep the laptop cool even under heavy loads, whether you’re gaming or running multiple programs.

It has good battery life. It can last up to 8 hours on a single charge, which is excellent for gaming. You can also expect the battery to last through the day if you’re watching movies or doing other tasks that require less power.

Memory

This laptop has 12GB of RAM, which allows you to run multiple programs simultaneously without lag. In addition, it has a 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, which provides blazing-fast storage speeds.

Hence, you can store all your games, music, movies, or other data without issues. The DDR4 memory also provides a decent boost in performance.

Display

The Lenovo IdeaPad comes with a 15.6-inch FHD IPS Anti-Glare Touchscreen display. It has 300 nits of brightness, which is good enough for gaming.

The anti-glare coating reduces the amount of light reflecting off the surface, allowing you to enjoy your games without any issues.

The IPS panel also provides good viewing angles to enjoy it from any angle. It has a touchscreen feature, which makes it more convenient to use.

Keyboard and Trackpad

This laptop has chiclet keys on the keyboard. The keys have good travel and require minimal press effort, making them comfortable to type on.

In addition, the trackpad is responsive and supports multi-finger gestures. It also has a fingerprint reader for secure authentication purposes.

I/O, Connectivity, and Speakers

The Lenovo IdeaPad has all the necessary I/O ports, including 1 x USB Type-C, 1 x USB 3.1, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone + Mic Combo Jack, and 1 x Multi-Format SD Media Card Reader. So you can connect your peripherals and other devices without any issues.

The USB Type-C helps you to connect the laptop easily with an external monitor or transfer data at a fast speed. The HDMI port is also useful for connecting it to an external display.

It has a headphones mic combo jack, which is good for gaming or enjoying multimedia content. Lastly, the multi-format SD media card reader makes transferring data from an SD card convenient.

This machine has Wi-Fi 802.11AC, which provides a fast internet connection. It also supports Bluetooth 5.1, so you can easily connect it to other wireless devices like a mouse or keyboard.

It has two 1.5W Dolby Audio speakers, which are loud and have good clarity. The stereo effect is also good enough for gaming or watching movies.

Size and Weight

This laptop has a slim profile and weighs just 3.64 pounds, which makes it very easy to carry around. It is also less bulky than most of the gaming laptops available. The dimension of this laptop is 14.14 x 9.31 x 0.78 inches.

Camera and Microphone

The Lenovo IdeaPad has a 720p HD webcam with a microphone, which is helpful for video conferencing or streaming. The quality of the camera and mic is decent enough for regular use.

The camera has Privacy Shutter that covers the webcam when not in use.

Pricing and Availability

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Laptop is available on the official website of Lenovo. It can also be found on Amazon. It is priced at $479, so it is budget-friendly.

Upgradability Options

This laptop is upgradable, so you can upgrade the RAM and storage if you want to. It also comes in different configuration options, so you can choose the one that suits your needs.

Our Verdict

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Laptop is powerful. It has a good processor, decent RAM and storage, a touchscreen display, and other features that make it suitable for gaming or media consumption.

It has a good amount of RAM as well as storage. The battery life is also decent. It has all the necessary I/O ports. So, if you are looking for a budget-friendly gaming laptop, it is priced reasonably at $479 and can easily handle most gaming needs. We highly recommend this laptop for working from home!

Buying Guide: The Best Gaming Laptops Under $500

CPU

The Central Processing Unit (CPU), or processor, is the heart of any computer. It's responsible for interpreting and executing instructions from software programs. The faster the CPU, the better your laptop will perform when it comes to gaming. Look for a model, at least an Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen series processor.

GPU

The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) renders the graphics in games. It handles the intensive calculations needed to generate modern games' colorful and detailed visuals. We recommend getting at least an Intel Iris xe or AMD Radeon GPU for the best gaming performance.

RAM

Random-Access Memory (RAM) is a type of computer memory that stores data temporarily while the laptop is in use. The more RAM your laptop has, the faster it can run applications and games. We recommend at least 8GB of RAM or more for gaming laptops.

Storage

Storage is the type of memory that stores your data permanently, even when the laptop isn't in use. You'll want a laptop with enough storage for all your games and applications.

An SSD drive offers the best performance, but you can choose an HDD with higher storage capacity. We recommend a 512GB hard drive or a 128GB solid-state drive.

Display

The display is the central part of your laptop you will be interacting with, so ensuring it looks good is essential. It should be bright, color accurate, and have a good viewing angle. Look for a laptop with a full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution or higher for the best visuals.

Ports

The ports are essential for connecting to external devices, such as monitors or gaming controllers. Make sure the laptop you choose has enough ports for all your needs. The most common ports are USB-C, USB-A, or Audio Jacks.

Connectivity

A laptop's wireless connection is just as important as its other features. Ensure the laptop you choose has a reliable Wi-Fi connection to play games without lag or interruption.

Bluetooth connectivity is also helpful for connecting to gaming controllers and other accessories. We recommend at least Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Bluetooth 5.0 for the best performance.

Portability

If you're looking for a laptop to take with you on the go, portability should be one of your top considerations. Look for a laptop that has a slim design and lightweight chassis. This will make it easier to carry around and use traveling or at different locations.

Battery Life

Battery life is an essential factor to consider when buying a laptop. Gaming laptops can be quite power-hungry and may not last very long between charges. We recommend getting one with at least six hours of battery life or more for gaming.

Price

Last but certainly not least is the price. As this blog post focuses on gaming laptops under $500, you want to get the most bang for your buck. Look for a laptop with the best features that fit your budget.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect gaming laptop for a tight budget can be daunting. But it doesn't have to be! With this guide, you should know exactly what to look for when searching for your ideal gaming laptop under $500.

The 10 laptops discussed in this article are all outstanding options that provide excellent performance and features while being budget-friendly.

Whether you prefer a lightweight laptop or one with plenty of RAM, these PCs can all handle the latest games and applications.

Happy shopping!