Dreaming of epic gaming adventures but worried about your wallet? We get it. The world of gaming laptops can feel like a maze, especially when you’re trying to find a powerful machine without spending a fortune. It’s tough to know which ones will actually run your favorite games smoothly and which ones will leave you with frustrating lag and low graphics.
You want to dive into new worlds, conquer challenges, and experience the thrill of victory, but finding a gaming laptop for under $700 feels like searching for a hidden treasure. You might be wondering if it’s even possible to get a good gaming experience at this price point. Is it a myth, or can you actually find a fantastic rig without breaking the bank?
This post is your map to that treasure! We’re going to cut through the confusion and show you exactly what to look for. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear idea of the best gaming laptops you can snag for under $700, along with tips on how to make the smartest choice for your needs. Get ready to level up your gaming setup without emptying your pockets!
Our Top 5 Gaming Laptop Under 700 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Gaming Laptop Under 700 Detailed Reviews
1. NIMO 15.6″ Light-Gaming-Laptop
Rating: 9.3/10
The NIMO 15.6″ Light-Gaming-Laptop packs a punch with its powerful AMD Ryzen 7 Pro processor and generous 32GB of RAM, making it a fantastic choice for both demanding work and casual gaming. Its sleek design and thoughtful features, like a backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader, add to its appeal for users who need a reliable and versatile machine.
What We Like:
- Powerful Performance: The 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U processor handles tough tasks with ease, offering desktop-level power on the go.
- Speedy Storage and Memory: With 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD, multitasking is smooth, and loading times are super fast.
- Fast Charging: The 100W Type-C charger juices up the laptop quickly, perfect for busy days and travel.
- Great Display: The 15.6″ FHD IPS screen shows clear, vibrant images with its anti-glare finish.
- User-Friendly Security: The fingerprint reader allows for quick and secure logins, keeping your data safe.
- Comfortable Typing: The backlit keyboard makes typing easy in any lighting situation.
- Reliable Support: A 2-year warranty and U.S. quality assurance give you peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- “Light-Gaming” Label: While capable, it’s important to manage expectations for demanding AAA titles; it’s better suited for lighter gaming or esports.
- Availability: As a niche product, availability might be limited at times.
Overall, the NIMO laptop offers a compelling package of performance, features, and reliability, making it a solid contender for anyone seeking a capable and well-built portable computer.
2. HP Victus 15.6 inch FHD 144Hz Gaming Laptop Intel Core i5-13420H NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 6GB – 16GB DDR4 512GB SSD Mica Silver (2024)
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to level up your gaming with the HP Victus 15.6-inch FHD 144Hz Gaming Laptop. This sleek Mica Silver machine packs a punch with its powerful Intel Core i5 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card. Experience smooth gameplay thanks to the super-fast 144Hz display. With 16GB of RAM and a speedy 512GB SSD, loading times are a thing of the past. It also comes with Windows 11 Home, so you’re ready to go right out of the box.
What We Like:
- The 144Hz refresh rate makes games look incredibly smooth and fluid.
- The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card handles modern games with ease, delivering great visuals.
- 16GB of RAM means you can multitask and run demanding games without slowdowns.
- The 512GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD provides super-fast boot times and game loading.
- The IPS micro-edge anti-glare display offers clear and vibrant images from different angles.
- The 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor is powerful enough for gaming and other tasks.
What Could Be Improved:
- While good, the RTX 4050 might not be the absolute top-tier for the most demanding games at max settings.
- The 512GB SSD could fill up quickly if you install a lot of large games.
- Some users might prefer a more premium build material than standard plastic.
This HP Victus laptop offers a fantastic balance of performance and features for its price point. It’s a solid choice for gamers looking for an upgrade without breaking the bank.
3. msi Thin A15 15.6″ 144Hz FHD Gaming Laptop
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to level up your gaming with the msi Thin A15! This laptop packs a punch with its speedy AMD Ryzen 5 processor and the awesome NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card. Its 15.6-inch Full HD screen refreshes at a super-smooth 144Hz, making every game look fantastic. Plus, with 8GB of DDR5 RAM and a speedy 512GB SSD, you’ll load games and apps in a flash. It also comes with a bonus 2TB USB drive and GaLiMu for extra storage and software.
What We Like:
- The 144Hz Full HD screen makes games look incredibly smooth.
- The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card handles modern games with ease.
- The AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor is fast and efficient for gaming and multitasking.
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 offer super-fast and reliable wireless connections.
- The backlit keyboard is great for gaming in dim lighting.
- It includes a generous 2TB USB drive for extra game storage.
What Could Be Improved:
- 8GB of RAM might be a bit tight for some of the newest, most demanding games.
- The 512GB SSD could fill up quickly with a large game library.
This msi Thin A15 is a solid choice for gamers looking for a good balance of performance and price. You’ll enjoy smooth gameplay and fast loading times without breaking the bank.
4. HP Victus 15 Gaming Laptop
Rating: 8.7/10
Unleash your gaming potential with the HP Victus 15 Gaming Laptop. This powerful machine boasts a vibrant 15.6″ FHD 144Hz display, bringing your games to life with smooth visuals. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor and 16GB of DDR5 RAM, it handles demanding games and multitasking with ease. The 512GB SSD ensures quick boot-ups and fast loading times. Plus, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics card delivers impressive gaming performance. Windows 11 Home comes pre-installed, offering a slick and user-friendly experience.
What We Like:
- The 144Hz FHD display makes games look super smooth.
- 16GB of DDR5 RAM helps run lots of apps at once without slowing down.
- The AMD Ryzen 5 processor is fast and powerful for gaming and other tasks.
- The 512GB SSD means your laptop starts up and loads games really quickly.
- Wi-Fi 6 provides a fast and stable internet connection for online gaming.
- The backlit keyboard is great for gaming in dim light.
What Could Be Improved:
- The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 is a capable card, but higher-end GPUs offer even better performance for the newest games.
- While 512GB is a good start, serious gamers might want more storage for a large game library.
This HP Victus 15 is a fantastic option for gamers looking for a balance of performance and value. It offers a solid gaming experience that will keep you immersed in your favorite titles.
5. Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop
Rating: 9.3/10
The Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop, model ANV15-52-76NK, packs a punch for gamers and creators alike. It features a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card. This laptop is designed to handle demanding tasks and provide a smooth gaming experience.
What We Like:
- The Intel Core i7-13620H processor handles multiple tasks with ease. You can play, record, and stream games while also editing videos or photos.
- The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU offers amazing graphics, making games look incredibly real. DLSS 3.5 uses AI to improve ray tracing for even better visuals.
- The 15.6-inch Full HD display with a 165Hz refresh rate provides sharp images and smooth motion, perfect for fast-paced games.
- It comes with 16GB of DDR5 memory and a speedy 1TB Gen 4 SSD for quick loading times.
- Wi-Fi 6 and Killer Ethernet ensure a fast and stable internet connection for online gaming.
- The cooling system with dual fans keeps the laptop from overheating during intense sessions.
- AI-powered Acer PurifiedView and PurifiedVoice improve video and audio quality for clear communication.
- It has a variety of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, for easy connection of accessories.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 1TB SSD is fast, some users might want more storage space for a large game library.
- The laptop’s design, while futuristic, might not appeal to everyone.
Overall, the Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop is a strong contender for anyone seeking a powerful and feature-rich machine for gaming and more.
Your Guide to Gaming Laptops Under $700
Are you dreaming of epic gaming adventures but your wallet is feeling a little light? Don’t worry! You can still find a solid gaming laptop for under $700. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a gaming laptop, a few things really matter.
- Graphics Card (GPU): This is the most important part for gaming. It makes the game look good. For under $700, look for NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or something similar.
- Processor (CPU): This is the brain of the laptop. A good CPU helps games run smoothly. Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors are great choices.
- RAM: This is like the laptop’s short-term memory. You need enough RAM so games don’t slow down. Aim for at least 8GB of RAM. 16GB is even better if you can find it.
- Storage: Games take up a lot of space. A Solid State Drive (SSD) is much faster than a Hard Disk Drive (HDD). This means games load quicker. Look for at least a 256GB SSD.
- Display: The screen makes a big difference. A 15.6-inch screen is common. A refresh rate of 120Hz is nice because it makes motion look smoother.
Important Materials
Most gaming laptops in this price range use plastic. This helps keep the cost down. Some might have a little bit of metal in the lid or keyboard deck. While metal feels fancier, good quality plastic is perfectly fine for a budget gaming laptop. The important thing is that it feels sturdy and not flimsy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a gaming laptop better?
- Cooling System: Gaming makes laptops hot. A good cooling system with fans prevents the laptop from getting too warm and slowing down.
- Keyboard: A comfortable keyboard with good key travel is important for long gaming sessions. Backlighting is a nice bonus.
- Build Quality: Even with plastic, some laptops are built better than others. Look for reviews that talk about how sturdy the laptop feels.
What can make a gaming laptop less good?
- Screen Glare: A glossy screen can reflect light and make it hard to see. A matte screen is usually better for gaming.
- Poor Cooling: If a laptop overheats easily, it can’t perform well.
- Cheap Components: Some budget laptops might cut corners on parts like speakers or webcams.
User Experience and Use Cases
A gaming laptop under $700 is perfect for playing many popular games at medium settings. You can enjoy titles like Fortnite, Valorant, and Minecraft with good frame rates. It’s also great for schoolwork, browsing the internet, and watching videos.
Can I play the newest, most demanding games?
You can play newer games, but you might need to turn down the graphics settings to get smooth gameplay. For the absolute newest and most graphically intense games on high settings, you would typically need a more expensive laptop.
Is it good for streaming or video editing?
For basic streaming or simple video editing, it can work. However, for complex projects or high-quality streaming, a more powerful machine would be better. The processor and RAM are key here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Gaming Laptops Under $700
Q: What’s the most important part of a gaming laptop?
A: The graphics card (GPU) is the most important part for gaming. It makes the game look good and run smoothly.
Q: How much RAM do I need?
A: Aim for at least 8GB of RAM. 16GB is even better if you can find it in your budget.
Q: Should I get an SSD or an HDD?
A: An SSD (Solid State Drive) is much faster than an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). This means your games and laptop will load quicker.
Q: What kind of processor is good?
A: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors are great choices for gaming laptops under $700.
Q: Will a laptop under $700 feel cheap?
A: Many use plastic, but good quality plastic can still feel sturdy. Look for reviews about build quality.
Q: Can I play all games on this laptop?
A: You can play many games, but you might need to lower the graphics settings for newer or more demanding games.
Q: What about the screen? Should I worry about it?
A: A 15.6-inch screen is common. A higher refresh rate (like 120Hz) makes motion look smoother. Try to avoid screens with too much glare.
Q: How important is the cooling system?
A: Very important! Good cooling prevents the laptop from getting too hot and slowing down during long gaming sessions.
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM or storage later?
A: Often, yes. Many budget gaming laptops allow you to upgrade RAM and storage, which can extend their lifespan.
Q: Is a gaming laptop under $700 good for everyday use?
A: Yes, it’s great for everyday tasks like browsing, watching videos, and schoolwork, in addition to gaming.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.