Read on to get the required information regarding the best gaming laptops under $500 as at Unslider, you will only get the best and most frugal recommendations. Also, I have ensured that only new models (gaming laptops launched in 2020 and 2021) are added to the list, based on gaming capabilities, professional expertise, functional specs, and obviously the budget.
Now that I have addressed the elephant in the room, it is important to understand the expectations that you must have from a typical gaming laptop under $500. It doesn’t take an expert to ascertain the fact that a budget gaming notebook is no match to a premium model.
Nevertheless, you can still play several low-end AAA titles at 720p resolution, if you get the priorities in order. Coming to the expectations, most gaming laptops under $500 are supposed to stack Intel Core i3 or Intel Core i5 processors clubbed with Intel HD or Intel UHD integrated graphics. However, if you wait for the perfect deal, you might even get a budget gaming notebook with NVIDIA GeForce MX 150 GPU.
Regardless of the choice, it is important to invest in a laptop for gaming that offers at least 8GB of RAM out of the box or allows upgrades. Storage-wise, you might have to make peace with a 256GB solid-state drive as a budget gaming notebook does require a few compromises.
Getting hold of a 15.6-inch full HD display for the given price range is possible provided you are ready to segregate your preferences, accordingly. Besides, you should aim for a backlit keyboard, even though finding one might be tricky for the given price.
Lastly, if you really want to purchase the best gaming laptop under $500, battery backup has to be one of the priorities.
Best Gaming Laptop under $500: Our Top Pick
TOP PICK
Pressed for time? Fret not, as we have the perfect budget gaming laptop that trounces any other 500-dollar notebook in the market. Lenovo Ideapad 3 is easily the best pick and something that I would recommend to every budget gaming fanatic.
Loaded with a 15-inch Full HD display, Radeon Vega 8 integrated GPU, and an Octa-core processor, the Ideapad 3 isn’t simply the best budget gaming notebook on the list but also a trendsetting professional resource.
More about it in the detailed review segment!
At Unslider, I ensure that each of your diverse requirements and preferences is fulfilled to the highest possible limit, despite this discussion being restricted to the sub-$500 gaming behemoths.
 | BEST OVERALLAcer Aspire 5 | Ryzen 3, 8GB, 256GB, Vega 3 mobile graphics15.6-inch 1080 with 7.5 Hours batteryGig Ethernet support | CHECK PRICE → |
 | BEST WITH 10TH GENLenovo Ideapad 3 | Core i3, 8GB, 256GB SSD, UHD integrated graphics14-inch 1080p8 Hours battery, 10th gen chipset | CHECK PRICE → |
 | LATEST 2021 EDITIONDell Inspiron 15 | Core i3, 8GB, 256GB, UHD graphics15.6-inch 720p, 10 Hours batteryBacklit keyboard | CHECK PRICE → |
 | Acer Aspire E15 | Intel Core i5, 8GB, 256GB SSD, MX 150 GPU, 15.6-inch 1080p15 hours battery, Discrete GPU | CHECK PRICE → |
 | Asus Vivobook 15 | Ryzen R3, 8GB, 128GB, vega 315.6-inch 1080p with 9 Hours batteryErgoLift design | CHECK PRICE → |
 | HP 14 | AMD 3020e, 8GB, 128GB SSD, 64GB eMMC, Radeon graphics14-inch 720p, 10.5 hours batteryAdditional storage space | CHECK PRICE → |
 | Acer Aspire 3 | AMD Ryzen 5, 8GB, 512GB SSD, Vega 815.6-inch 1080p, 8 HoursComfyView screen | CHECK PRICE → |
 | HP Flagship Pavilion | Intel Pentium, 8GB, 128GB SSD, UHD 605 graphics15.6-inch 720p, 12 HoursStereo speakers | CHECK PRICE → |
 | Asus Vivobook F512DA | AMD Ryzen 5, 8GB, 256GB, Vega 815.6-inch 1080p, 8 HoursFingerprint reader | CHECK PRICE → |
 | Lenovo Ideapad Flex | Ryzen 3, 4GB, 256GB, Radeon graphics14-inch 1080p, 9 Hours2-in-1 form factor | CHECK PRICE → |
Minimum Specifications
Note: In the subsequent sections, I have listed out 10 of the best gaming laptops under $500 by comparing them across a minimum specs sheet. Even if you consider purchasing the budget gaming laptop from an offline store, make sure that the minimum specs sheet is adhered to.
- CPU– Intel i3
- RAM – 8GB
- Storage– 128GB SSD
- Display– 14-inch HD
- GPU– Intel UHD graphics
- Battery Life– Up to 6 Hours
- OS– Windows 10
Shun every other gaming laptop under 500 dollars that fails to comply with the aforementioned list!
10 Best Gaming Laptops under $500: Detailed Reviews
Here are the top 10 gaming laptops in the given price range that are expected to serve you well in diverse capacities. Once again, consider these gaming laptops only for entry-level and online gaming, owing to the hardware-specific restrictions:
1. Lenovo Ideapad 3
PROS
- 4MB of high-speed cache memory
- Ryzen 5 chipset
- Durable keyboard
- Light and portable
- Anti-glare screen
CONS
- Lacks Wireless AX support
- No Type-C port
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15-inch FHD
- GPU: Integrated Radeon Vega 8 Graphics
- Battery Life: Up to 8 Hours
The Lenovo Ideapad 3 might not look like a typical gaming laptop but it certainly houses the requisite hardware for managing most casual and online games like a pro. Plus, the feature sets are at par with any mid-range business laptop, thereby allowing you to indulge in activities other than gaming.
Design and Display
When it comes to the structural footprint, Ideapad 3 is all plastic but with cleaner lines and rounded edges. The 3.74-pound notebook is pretty light considering the 14-inch Full HD IPS display on offer. As most budget gaming laptops prefer cutting corners by accommodating 720p screens, the Ideapad continues to impress with its insistence towards 1920 x1080 resolution.
Also, the Lenovo Ideapad 3 offers anti-glare support, which is one of the more reliable features for relentless gamers and professionals. Other design-specific traits include an island-style keyboard, integrated stereo speakers, dedicated card reader, and Type-A ports.
Internals
As far as the system memory is concerned, the Lenovo Ideapad 3 is equipped with 8GB RAM. Storage-wise, you get 256GB of solid-state storage support, which is good enough for booting up the Windows operating system and loading other demanding games in no time.
Productivity
The Ryzen 5 3500U processor is worth investing in, courtesy of the turbo clock frequency that goes up to 3.7GHz. Despite being a core Amd chipset, you can expect the octa-core SoC to be able to handle casual online games without any issue whatsoever.
The Vega 8 graphics support isn’t the usual discrete graphics card and can only handle low-end games. If you still want to play games like Fifa 2020 and Need for Speed, it is advisable to lower the system settings to 720p for avoiding frame drop.
Why purchase?
Consider the Lenovo Ideapad 3 only if you are willing to let go of high-end gaming aspirations. Plus, the 8-hour battery backup adds to the credibility of this otherwise functional gaming laptop, which also makes room for an HDMI port and a headphone jack.
1. Lenovo Ideapad 3
2. Acer Aspire 5
PROS
- Power-efficient Windows 10 S mode
- Sharp IPS screen
- Diverse connectivity suite
- Bundled with Ghost Manta accessories
CONS
- Underpowered processor
- Middling battery life
Review
Acer Aspire 5 is one of the best budget gaming laptops in the market, provided you are willing to invest in an AMD-powered setup. However, I was not just impressed by the processing hardware but also a wide range of functional specs that make it good enough for other professional tasks.
Design and Display
As far as the design-specific elements are concerned, the Acer Aspire 5 comes across as a slim yet durable gaming laptop. While the plastic-clad chassis and metallic accents add to the aesthetics of the Acer Aspire 5, the 15.6-inch screen sitting underneath is also a credible inclusion.
Needless to say, the 1920×1080 resolution, pertaining to the Full HD screen is also a lifesaver as it allows enthusiast gamers to experience the best set of visuals.
Internals
The Acer Aspire 5 brings in 8GB of RAM that is more than capable of handling multi-tab browsing and even the disk caching associated with games and applications. The 8GB DDR4 RAM is perfectly complemented by 256GB of SSD capacity.
The storage space seems to be inadequate for most professionals but is nothing less than an asset for the given price point.
Productivity
The AMD Ryzen 3 3200u chipset isn’t factory-grade but still gets the job done when basic processes and games are concerned. Even though the chipset isn’t powerful enough to handle demanding games like DOTA 2 and more, the dual-core architecture and burst clock speed of up to 3.5GHz ensure basic coverage.
There is also the Radeon Vega 3 mobile graphics coprocessor in play, precisely for managing visual and gaming quality.
Also read: Acer Aspire 5 detailed review
Why to purchase?
I would personally recommend the 3.97-pound Acer Aspire 5 as the go-to gaming laptop under 500 dollars for the excellent backlit keyboard, 7.5 hours of battery life, multiple USB ports, Wi-Fi AC standard with MU-MIMO compatibility, and the Gigabit Ethernet support.
2. Acer Aspire 5
3. Dell Inspiron 15
PROS
- 10th gen processor
- Future-proof notebook
- A decent set of ports
- Excellent screen-to-body ratio
CONS
- Basic resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels
- No Wireless AX support
- CPU: Core i3-1005G1
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch HD
- GPU: Intel UHD
- Battery Life: Up to 10 Hours
If you are looking to purchase a good-looking, budget gaming laptop under 500 dollars, there aren’t many better options as compared to the Dell Inspiron 15. While the hardware and processing power aren’t at par with the best gaming notebook, the Dell Inspiron 15 offers a wide range of functional specs for you to rely on, even for managing a professional workload.
Design and Display
The 4.9-pound Dell Inspiron 15 is one of the better-looking gaming laptops in the market. While the chassis is primarily made of plastic, the metallic accents add to the overall feel and credibility of this gaming laptop.
The screen size, on the other hand, is over 15 inches, which makes it one of the better computing resources for high-end gaming. However, the 1366 x 768 resolution might be slightly underwhelming to games seeking clarity and the highest possible color reproduction levels.
Plus, Dell sweetens the pot for the gamers with anti-glare support and the LED-backlit technology that furthers the power efficiency of the same.
Other structural resources include a host of USB ports, an RJ-45 connector, stereo speakers, and a standard backlit keyboard.
Internals
The Dell Inspiron 15 offers 8GB RAM, which is capable of seeing you through most casual online games. As far as storage support is concerned, there is a 256GB NVMe-compatible solid-state drive in play.
Productivity
Dell makes room for a 10th gen Intel Core i3 processor. The graphics-optimized chipset works in tandem with the UHD graphics coprocessor, which is capable of handling most casual games and online titles without breaking a sweat.
Why to purchase?
The Dell Inspiron 15 might not be the best gaming notebook on the list but it certainly leads the chart in terms of aesthetics. Also, the 10-hour battery life is a reliable computing asset for the given price range
3. Dell Inspiron 15
4. Acer Aspire E15
PROS
- Supports storage and RAM upgrades
- 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor
- Durable keyboard
- Entry-level GPU with decent gaming compatibility
- Excellent battery backup
CONS
- Heavy
- Doesn’t come with Wireless 6 support
- CPU: Intel Core i5
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD
- GPU: 2GB GeForce MX 150
- Battery Life: Up to 15 Hours
Review
The Aspire E15 from Acer deserves a special mention, owing to its resourceful gaming hardware. As a budget gaming laptop, the Aspire E15 is probably the best bet for the given price range, owing to the entry-level graphics card, excellent screen, and upgradeable memory.
Design and Display
The 5.27 pound Aspire E15 isn’t the lightest gaming laptop on the list but it certainly lives up to the portability quotient, courtesy of the thinner form factor. The durable chassis doesn’t trim down on the screen quality and screen size with Acer making room for a 15.6-inch Full HD display.
Surprisingly, there is an IPS panel to rely on, exhibiting a cumulative resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. For gamers though, the widescreen panel makes quite an impression as you can indulge in AAA titles like Call of Duty and Fifa 20 without having to miss out on the critical game-playing details.
If you are interested in the refresh rate, the Aspire E15 promises 60Hz, which is more than adequate for the given price point.
Internals
A sizable portion of RAM is extremely important if you want to play open-world games and pair mods along the way. This is why Acer chooses to feature an 8GB of RAM, which comes with upgradeable support, courtesy of the dual-channel structure.
The 256GB SSD is good enough for booting up the Windows 10 operating system, games, and other resourceful applications.
Productivity
The Intel core i5-8250u processor isn’t the most powerful one around but it can still help you reach turbo clock speeds of up to 3.40GHz. Therefore, you need not worry about the non-playing characters and gaming environments as the quad-core processor ensures decent processing speeds.
The NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics card doesn’t look like much but it is a top-shelf addition if you are looking for the best gaming laptops under $500. The featured GPU comes equipped with 2GB VRAM and performs better as compared to the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950M GPU.
As far as gaming performances are concerned, the MX150 allows you to play Star Wars Squadron at close to 50fps for the medium 1080p resolution. Some of the other compatible games include F1 2020 at 80fps for 720p presets, Valorant at 99.8fps for 1080p presets, BattlefieldV at 69fps for 720p presets, and more.
Why to purchase?
If you are a gamer with a restricted budget, you should immediately purchase the Acer Aspire E15 owing to the exceptional specs sheet, optical DVD drive for running games directly, and an exceptional battery backup that extends close to 15 hours, on a single charge.
Plus, the connectivity suite comprises USB ports, Wi-Fi AC support, and high-speed Bluetooth access. These attributes, along with the exceptional keyboard, allow the gamers to pair controllers and manage games better.
4. Acer Aspire E15
5. Asus Vivobook 15
PROS
- Quad-core processor
- High-speed RAM
- Bezel-less display
- Heat dissipating design
CONS
- Not meant for demanding games
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 3-3200U
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD
- GPU: Vega 3
- Battery Life: Up to 9 Hours
Review
The Vivobook 15 is a trendsetting best gaming laptop under 500 dollars. While you still get hold of a basic AMD chipset and integrated graphics, the zero-throttling approach makes it a good enough choice for most casual games.
Design and Display
The Asus Vivobook 15 features a plastic-clad chassis and weighs a mere 3.5 pounds. The otherwise portable gaming laptop also comes forth with an ErgoLift design, which improves heat dissipation and keyboard usage patterns.
As far as other structural inclusions are concerned, you get a decent set of USB ports, an HDMI port, and a backlit keyboard with an exceptional key travel of up to 1.4mm.
The 15.6-inch 1080p screen is bright and flaunts Nano-edges, which in turn keeps the display-to-body ratio higher, precisely for the more enthusiastic gamers.
Internals
The Vivobook 15 comes equipped with 8GB DDR4 RAM. While this feature speeds up the multi-tasking performances, there is a 128GB SSD storage space on offer, for booting up the S mode Windows 10 operating system in virtually no time.
Productivity
Coming to the processing setup, you get hold of an entry-level R3-3200u chipset from AMD. The Ryzen processor also makes room for the Vega 5 graphics support that takes good care of the visual performances.
Why to purchase?
If you are into functionality and low-end gaming, the Vivobook 15 is a relatable choice, owing to the nifty fingerprint scanner, faster wireless standards, and an extremely portable chassis. The 9-hour battery backup is a cherry on top, which further accentuates the credibility of this gaming laptop.
5. Asus Vivobook 15
6. HP 15
PROS
- An advanced processor that heats up minimally
- Ultra-fast RAM
- Dual storage support
- Enviable aesthetics
- HDMI support
CONS
- Middling screen brightness
- Not meant for demanding games
- CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GBSSD
- Display: 15-inch FHD
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Battery Life: Up to 10.5 Hours
The HP 15, without a doubt, is one of the more competent gaming laptops under $500 in the market, especially for casual gamers. Also, the new breed of processors ensures minimal heat-specific throttling.
Design and Display
Despite flaunting a plastic-based form factor, this 15-inch gaming laptop is pretty durable. Plus, the 3.24-pound notebook also makes room for a sharp screen, with 1920x 1080 pixels as the overall resolution.
Other structural innovations include one USB Type-C and two Type-A ports followed by the standalone HDMI port, SD card reader, headphone combo jack, durable keyboard, HD webcam, dual microphones, and dual speakers.
Internals
The HP 15 comes equipped with 8GB DDR4 RAM, which offers decent coverage to casual online gamers. Storage support is also at par with a mid-range detachable, courtesy of the 256GB SSD storage unit.
Regardless of the storage unit you choose, the Windows 10 operating system and apps load in a heartbeat.
Productivity
The dual-core i5 11th gen processor is capable of reaching a maximum clock speed of up to 2.6GHz. Clubbed with the 4-core Iris xe graphics support, this 14nm chipset is good enough for managing most casual games and professional tasks.
Why to purchase?
Without a doubt, the HP 15 is one of the better-looking gadgets on the list, boasting a free MS Office subscription, reliable casual gaming support, and exceptional wireless standards for accessing faster internet.
6. HP 15
7. Acer Aspire 3
PROS
CONS
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD
- GPU: AMD Radeon Vega 8
- Battery Life: Up to 8 Hours
Review
The Acer Aspire 3 is a sleek and performance-oriented laptop that relies on an excellent display and other functional attributes for being considered as an all-inclusive machine. Needless to say, the processing consortium is at par with any mid-range gaming laptop.
Design and Display
For starters, the Aspire 3 qualifies as a sleek, plastic-specific laptop that is quite durable as compared to some of the comparable notebooks from Dell. The most promising design-specific highlight has to be the cleaner lines followed by a shiny exterior.
Also, if the build quality is a matter of concern, the Aspire 3 comprises two USB 3.2 ports, a USB 2.0 slot, headphone jack, speakers, and a pretty vibrant, 15.6-inch. The existing screen size is readily complemented by the 1080p resolution. Also, the Comfyview technology minimizes the screen glares and makes gaming experiences way more productive.
Internals
Acer accommodates 8GB DDR4 RAM followed by the 512GB SSD storage space. The existing memory allocation is good enough to consider if you seek higher casual gaming throughput and faster boot-ups and minimal app loading times.
Also, the 8GB RAM extends its support to the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U chipset and even speeds up the multi-tab browsing performances.
Productivity
At the core, you have the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U chipset, which is quite a resilient processor when it comes to casual gaming. The SoC even accommodates the AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics processor, which can turn quite a few heads with its casual gaming excellent.
Adding to the productivity quotient is the availability of the Windows 10 Operating System, which presents a pretty intuitive interface for low-end gamers.
Why to purchase?
You can definitely consider purchasing this gaming laptop for its innovative form factor and the availability of a high-speed connectivity suite. Also, the 8-hour battery backup is a reliable and market-moving resource in addition to the Windows 10 OS.
7. Acer Aspire 3
8. HP Flagship Pavilion
PROS
- Power-efficient processor
- Wide-range of functional specs
- High-speed RAM for faster processing
- Excellent battery backup
CONS
- Doesn’t support AAA titles
- CPU: Intel Pentium Processor
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch HD
- GPU: Intel UHD 605
- Battery Life: Up to 12 Hours
Review
Launched recently in 2021, the flagship Pavilion 15 is a complete gaming laptop for someone who would be interested in casual, online games like Solitaire, Minesweeper, and more.
Design and Display
The 3.99-pound laptop is cut above other low-end models, owing to the durable yet aesthetic form factor. Also, the 15.6-inch HD screen deserves a special mention, owing to the SVA technology and the overall resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels.
Not to mention the anti-glare support that allows you to keep screen glares at a fair distance. The WLED-backlit technology associated with the given screen renders it power-efficient.
Other reliable specs include the Type-A, Type-C, HDMI, and other reliable ports followed by the Scarlet Red chassis, precisely on the model that I am reviewing currently.
Internals
This gaming laptop under $500 accommodates 8GB DDR4 RAM. Also, this feature significantly amplifies the processing capabilities of this budget gaming resource. Not to mention the 128GB solid-state drive that is more than capable of storing files, games, and apps with ease.
Productivity
Here is a laptop that features a dual-core Intel Pentium chipset. While the quad-threaded architecture exists for handling casual titles with ease, the UHD graphics support is one of the more reliable variants to invest in.
Why to purchase?
The HP Flagship laptop comes equipped with several functional resources that go beyond gaming. Therefore, if you want to explore holistic professional compatibility, courtesy of a standard keyboard, stereo speakers, HD webcam, and a reliable connectivity suite, this is the best gaming notebook to invest in.
8. HP Flagship Pavilion
9. Asus Vivobook F512DA
PROS
- Reliable processor
- ErgoLift design
- A decent battery backup
- Sizable storage space
- Nifty fingerprint sensor
CONS
- Middling graphics coprocessor
- CPU: AMD R5-3500U
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD
- GPU: Vega 8 graphics
- Battery Life: Up to 8 Hours
Review
If you want a budget gaming notebook that can safeguard your games, media, and images better than others, it is advisable to invest in the Vivobook F512DA.
Design and Display
To be honest, the Vivobook F512DA is more like the Asus Vivobook 15 mentioned previously in this review. Design changes are scant as this gaming laptop adheres to a light and portable chassis that weighs somewhere in the 3.53-pound range.
The 15.6-inch screen is promising and offers exceptional color reproduction levels to enthusiastic gamers. Plus, the narrow bezels add to the quality of the display.
Internals
Asus makes room for the 8GB DDR4 RAM; a feature that readily complements the processor and ensures faster tasks. There is a 256GB solid-state drive on offer for handling the boot-ups pertaining to the Windows 10 operating system and speeding up file loading.
Productivity
The Vivobook F512DA features an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor, which is at least 20 percent more powerful as compared to the Ryzen 3 3200U. Complementing the same is the Vega 8 graphics processor. While you cannot expect the processing setup to see you through the more demanding games, it can hold its own when casual games are concerned.
Why to purchase?
The Vivobook F512DA comprises a backlit keyboard, ErgoLift design, multiple USB ports, and reliable wireless standards, which qualify as the same as a reliable budget gaming notebook.
9. Asus Vivobook F512DA
10. Lenovo Ideapad 3 82KT00AMUS
PROS
- High-speed RAM that clocks at 3200MHz
- Doesn’t heat up at all
- Excellent display
- Webcam with privacy shutter
CONS
- Middling RAM allotment
- Expected better battery life
- CPU: Ryzen 5 5500U
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 14-inch FHD
- GPU: Radeon Vega 7 Graphics
- Battery Life: Up to 9 Hours
The last gadget on the list is the famed Lenovo Ideapad 3 5500U variant that scores additional points in terms of aesthetics and innovation.
Design and Display
The 3.63-pound Ideapad Flex is made of plastic but the metallic undertones stand out, almost significantly. The modular hinges are durable enough and support multi-mode operation.
There is a 14-inch screen in play that assumes an overall resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. However, I was most impressed with the excellent sunlight visibility.
Internals
Despite having 4GB DDR4 RAM to work with, the Ideapad 3 is a reliable performer. Also, there is a 256GB storage module to invest in, preferably for loading the Windows 10 OS in virtually no time.
Productivity
There is a quad-core processor in play that can easily handle light gaming requirements. The Radeon integrated graphics support is pretty handy and can see the gaming laptop through light gaming indulgences.
However, I tested the same with Call of Duty and didn’t experience any lags while I wasn’t multitasking.
Why to purchase?
The Ideapad 3 offers 9 hours of steady battery backup followed by a decent set of ports and wireless standards. Therefore, apart from light gaming, you can even use the same for other professional activities.
10. Lenovo Ideapad 3 82KT00AMUS
Buying Guide: How to Purchase the Best Gaming Laptop under $500
Now that I have enlisted some of the best options for you to pick, you can cross-check the recommendations by taking a closer look at the buying guide:
Processing Power
As a matter of fact, even the best gaming laptops under $500 do not feature Intel core i7 processors. The best you can bargain for is an i5 or i3 processor, depending on the type of compromises you are willing to make.
If you have a little more budget then you can check out the gaming laptops under $600.
Assisting the processor is often 8GB of RAM and you should make it a point to go with at least this allotment, to ensure proper speeds and multitasking performances. Besides, a 256GB storage module is also preferred, especially if you are willing to use each of the allocated 500 dollars.
Graphics Support
If you are invested in demanding games, the best you can get out of the 500-dollar gaming laptop is the MX150 graphics card. While this might seem like a pretty basic offering, the MX150 GPU with 2GB VRAM can handle most dated games and even the new AAA titles like F1 2020 without breaking a sweat.
But the usual case scenario is to go with the Intel HD or UHD graphics cards, which are only good enough for basic online games.
Display Quality
Budget gaming laptops like the ones priced at 500 dollars or less prefer going with HD panels to minimize the price-specific redundancies. However, if you want to amplify your gaming performances and experience, I would recommend 1920 x1080 pixels or Full HD resolution, preferably with anti-glare support.
Portability
Portability shouldn’t be a deal-breaker if you get hold of a heavy yet resourceful notebook. However, if you are more of a casual gamer who prefers using the laptop for work and even on the move, lightness of profile and an extended battery backup should be some of your priorities.
Final Verdict
Overall, each of the mentioned best gaming laptops under $500 is good enough in its own right. However, I would still expect you to read through the reviews in detail to make a more informed call based on the preferences, gaming indulgences, skill levels, aligned professional tasks, and certainly the budget.
In case you are still confused regarding the selections, the Acer Aspire E15 or the Aspire 5 qualifies as the most reliable option for the gamers, owing to the cheap gaming-friendly hardware and a delectable processing consortium.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q1. What’s the best gaming laptop under 500 dollars?
A1. Based on the reviews and personal usage, I would certainly rate the Aspire 5 as the best gaming laptop under 500 dollars. What stands out is the availability of an entry-level yet competent discrete graphics card followed by a full HD screen. -
Q2. Which is the no.1 gaming laptop for the given price range?
A2. If price and affordability are some of your priorities, I would recommend purchasing the Lenovo Ideapad 3. No doubt your gaming indulgences will be restricted due to the lack of a powerful processor, but you will surely get the most out of this laptop and that too at a decent-enough price point that is way under the 500-dollar mark. -
Q3. How important is it to purchase a gaming laptop with upgradeable memory slots?
A3. Gaming laptops under $500 are expected to be pretty basic in terms of storage and system memory. However, if you can research and purchase laptops that comprise upgradeable RAM and storage slots, like the Aspire E15, you can always get hold of additional resources to accommodate more demanding games and processes. -
Q4. How are laptops lacking discrete graphics cards good for gaming?
A4. Laptops with integrated graphics including Intel HD and UHD cards might not be able to run high-end AAA titles but they can be quite a handful if you are more into online games and casual titles. Plus, laptops with integrated graphics cards can still manage the likes of COD, Fifa 20, and other high-end games at the lowest possible resolution. In that case, I would recommend getting a device with a decent screen refresh rate for keeping screen tearing to a minimum.