Finding a good gaming laptop under $600 isn’t a myth. But then, you need to play your cards right to get one that fits in, rather perfectly. As a budget-minded gamer, the first step towards getting a sub-$600 gaming laptop is to tone down your expectations.
Still willing to find a good gaming laptop under $600!
As a matter of fact, at this price, you can only find a laptop that is good enough for MOBA games and First Person Shooters like Minecraft, Overwatch, and more. Also, you can expect close to 50fps, in terms of frame rates, and that too with beaten-down settings.
But then, an average user who is new to this space can hardly identify the finest gaming notebooks under $600. As this price point isn’t conducive for gaming, most manufacturers hardly launch relevant laptops with loaded graphics-centric hardware and a massive chunk of system memory.
Even if you end up finding a gaming laptop with a dedicated graphics card and at least 8GB system memory, the price point might exceed $600 by a significant margin.
At the processing front, the given price range is a good fit for an Intel Core i3-1005G1, i5-1035G1, or a Ryzen 3 chipset. While these chipsets might not be good enough for demanding games like Crysis and Witcher 3, they can manage decent frame rates for the likes of Dota 2, Counter-Strike, and more. Also, if you look hard, you can get hold of 8GB RAM, 256GB storage units, FHD IPS or TN panels, and even an entry-level GPU like the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050.
Even though an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 is out of the question for 600 dollars, But if you can add $90 more to your budget, Lenovo Ideapad 3 will be a stellar deal. Anyways, you want to buy a gaming laptop, which you should let you play your favourite games. I would still try to bring certain options, if and when they are available in the market as a part of any affordable deal.
Best Gaming Laptop under $600: Our Top Pick
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
The refurbished Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 takes the topmost position on the list, courtesy of the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, AMD Ryzen 5 processor, durable chassis, and high-speed chunk of system memory. Plus, you also get access to a decent storage unit, which furthers the credibility of this exceptional gaming notebook.
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5600H Processor
RAM: 8GB Storage: 256GB SSD
Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
Display: 15.6-inch Full HD
Battery-Life: Up to 8-Hours
Check latest price at Amazon
Also, I would keep a close eye on the secondary attributes, including the battery life, availability of USB ports, design, and even the connectivity suite for connecting better to online gaming platforms. Therefore, keep reading on and let us help you find the best gaming laptop under $600 that actually fits the bill.
Minimum Specifications List
Note: You cannot randomly go about looking for gaming laptops under $600. In case you really want to purchase one, consider this specification list to be the bare minimum. The specs mentioned here wouldn’t give you the best gaming experience but would still ensure decent frame rates for the likes of SIMS 4, Dota 2, and more.
Do not purchase a laptop if you cannot find at least these specifications for the given price range!
10 Best Gaming Laptops under $600 Enlisted
Here is a list of the best gaming laptops that you can purchase for less than 600 dollars, without having to leave the comfort of your home:
1. Lenovo Ideapad 3
PROS
- Fast processor
- Efficient integrated GPU
- Light
- Excellent screen refresh rate
CONS
- Predictable design
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600H
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
- Battery Life: Up to 8 Hours
Review
The Ideapad 3 might feature at the end of this list but it promises a lot of value to users searching for a reliable gaming laptop. Most importantly, it features an AMD processor, making you keep a close eye on issues related to overheating.
Design and Display
The Ideapad 3 looks like a standard plastic slab with metallic undertones restricted to the top lid. But then, despite all that plastic Lenovo manages to keep the heft well within the 3.5-pound mark. However, one of the major contributors towards the restricted form factor is the 15.6-inch Full HD display
While this is quite a reliable feature for gamers on the move, Lenovo cleverly brings in the TN panel to enhance the basic refresh rate of the screen for a more seasoned gaming experience. Besides, you also get access to a standard keyboard, USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, an HDMI slot, and a standard connectivity suite.
Internals
The 8GB RAM is a reliable computing feature that helps you manage most games with ease. Storage-wise, the Ideapad 3 only manages to get you access to 256GB of solid-state storage space, which is good enough for loading apps and the Windows 10 operating system in virtually no time.
Productivity
As far as the processing setup is concerned, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600H is a reliable chipset with the GeForce GTX 1650 integrated GPU being the best option for budget gamers. Also, as compared to an Intel processor and UHD graphics coprocessor, the AMD-powered setup can pave the way for improved FPS.
Plus, the Ideapad 3 promises 8 hours of backup, making it one of the more reliable gaming laptops in the given range.
2. Acer Aspire 5 (Intel Model)
PROS
- 11th gen processor
- Reliable integrated GPU
- High-speed RAM
- Glare-free screen
CONS
- Middling storage space
- Subpar battery backup
- CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD
- GPU: Iris Xe Graphics
- Battery Life: Up to 5 Hours
Review
The Intel-powered Aspire 5 from Acer performs better than the AMD-variant owing to improved heat dissipation and the existence of a better equipped 11th gen processor. Also, the existing graphics support is good enough for the likes of LOL, CS: GO, and DOTA 2.
Design and Display
The Aspire 5 is a durable yet aesthetic laptop that weighs slightly less than the 4-pound mark. However, it is the metallic top-lid that impresses me the most. The display, on the other hand, is restricted to 15.6 inches.
The Full HD IPS display is bright and also comprises anti-glare support for helping games get the best possible gaming experience. Other physically inclusive, yet demanding specs range from a backlit keyboard, a wide range of USB ports, and a decent thermal design.
Internals
This variant of the Aspire 5 still manages to fit in an 8GB RAM, which works in tandem with the 256GB solid-state drive. The existing storage space is good enough for loading and booting up the OS and games with ease.
Productivity
The 11th generation Intel Core i5 processor demands respect. Plus, the Iris Xe graphics support lends requisite support to the games mentioned above, provided you are willing to tone down the setting. Overall, the Intel-powered Aspire 5 is a reliable gaming laptop under $600 provided you are willing to ignore the restrictive, 5-hour battery backup.
3. HP 15
PROS
- Performance-oriented processor
- Massive storage
- Stellar display
- Durable yet light
CONS
- Lacks touchscreen support
- Not always available for under $600
- CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7
- RAM- 8 GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6” inch FHD
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Battery Life: Up to 10 Hours
Review
The HP 15 might look like a strange laptop recommendation for gamers but it certainly makes sense if you are more interested in speeds and storage support. Also, this is one of the better-looking gaming laptops under, provided aesthetic presence is one of the priorities.
Design and Display
At close to 4 pounds, the HP 15 is quite a portable and light-weighted laptop. Also, the plastic-clad chassis looks premium and flaunts cleaner edges and an embellished HP logo. The 15.6”-inch Full HD display is bright, sharp, and boasts exceptional viewing angles.
However, I was impressed with the excellent sunlight visibility, which allows you to play games even on the move.
Internals
The HP 15 is a loaded gaming laptop, featuring 8GB DDR4 RAM for improved disk caching and gaming. But then, it is the dual-storage module that steals the show with HP making way for a 256GB SSD for the apps, games, static files, and professional projects.
Productivity
The Intel Core i5-9300H chipset is a common sight on this list. However, for the Pavilion 15, it works even better, as the cooling setup readily complements the processing firepower. Plus, there is an Intel Iris Xe Graphics for taking care of casual games like Dota 2 and CS.
Overall, the HP 15 is one of the better gaming laptops under $600, courtesy of the 10-hour battery backup and excellent storage space.
4. Acer Aspire 5
PROS
- Brilliant aesthetics
- Powerful AMD Processor
- A decent set of ports
- Stellar display
- Sizable storage
CONS
- Middling battery backup
- Lacks Wi-Fi 6 support
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD
- GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics
- Battery Life: Up to 7.5 Hours
Review
The AMD-powered Acer Aspire 5 is no pushover when budget gaming laptops are concerned. While I was most impressed with the competent AMD processor, which is a hefty increment over the AMD Quad-core R5 chipset, the integrated graphics support also deserves additional mentions.
Design and Display
At 3.97 pounds, the Acer Aspire 5 is moderately portable. The premium aesthetics extend beyond the lightweight chassis, with the metallic accents sitting pretty onto the lid. Other structural integrations include competent speakers, a backlit keyboard, and a wide range of ports, including the HDMI, Type-C, and more.
Internals
As it is a gaming laptop, you can expect 8GB of high-speed RAM on the Aspire 5. I was also happy with the 256GB SSD storage space that is more than capable of loading games and booting up the OS in virtually no time.
Productivity
The Ryzen 7 is an extremely competent chipset, in case you want to manage demanding games with decent frame rates. The 5500U processor is ably assisted by the AMD Radeon Graphics coprocessor, which allows you to indulge in games like Fifa 21, without dumbing down the settings considerably.
The innovative Acer Aspire 5 is therefore one of the more inclusive gaming laptops for users who don’t mind relying on a powerful chipset for handling most casual and demanding AAA titles.
5. Acer Nitro AN5
PROS
- One of the best GPUs for the price
- High-end GPU
- Excellent screen refresh rate of 144Hz
- Massive storage space
- Durable
CONS
- Refurbished comes with a 90-day amazon warranty
- The i5-10300H variant is also available but at a higher price
- CPU: Intel i5-9300H
- RAM: 8GBStorage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD
- GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics
- Battery Life: Up to 8 Hours
Review
The first product on the list is a top-shelf refurbished gaming laptop that packs in a high-end graphics card and an otherwise impactful specs sheet. As it is next to impossible to grab something as powerful as the Nitro 5 for the given price, you need to make a quick purchase and get the same delivered, till the stocks last.
Design and Display
The Nitro 5 from Acer is rugged, durable, and weighs close to the 5-pound mark. The build quality is impressive and you wouldn’t even notice the spanning plastic, courtesy of the metallic accents. As far as the display is concerned, the 15.6 Full HD screen is sharp and perfect for gaming.
Also, you need not ruminate over the retouched tag as the 1920 x 1080 screen is one of the best resources to invest in, as a gamer. Plus, the Comfyview technology, or rather the anti-glare support allows you to play most games, without having to stress out the eyes.
Internals
As far as the memory allocation is concerned, you get 8GB RAM for handling most games with ease. Storage support isn’t a matter of concern as Acer brings in the ultra-fast, NVMe-Compatible 512GB SSD module. The solid-state storage drive ensures that games, apps, and the Windows 10 OS load faster than expected.
Productivity
The Nitro 5 comes equipped with a future-proof, 9th generation Intel Core i5 processor. The Intel Core i5-9300H SoC is one of the fastest that you can get for this price tag. As it is a quad-core chipset, most games are handled with ease, courtesy of the maximum turbo clock speed of 4.1GHz.
Graphics support is offered by the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, which is based on the Turing architecture and allows you to handle some of the most demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, PUBG, and more at low 720p settings.
Plus, this gaming laptop under $600 also comes equipped with several professionally aligned features, including the MaxxAudio speakers, dual-band wireless support, Gig Ethernet compatibility, and a standard backlit keyboard.
Also, Acer brings in a wide range of USB ports for running games and apps directly from the data drives. Overall, if you are serious about gaming and looking for a laptop that can actually handle the more demanding ones, the refurbished Acer Nitro 5 is the best possible option.
Also read: Acer Nitro 5 Full Review in detail.
6. Dell Inspiron 15 3000
PROS
- Touchscreen display
- Massive storage space
- High-speed 8GB DDR4 RAM
- Fast processor
CONS
- Heavy
- 8th gen chipset isn’t future-proof
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 3250U
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD
- GPU: Integrated Radeon
- Battery Life: Up to 9 Hours
Review
You cannot expect every budget gaming laptop to offer the best gaming experience. Therefore, you should keep an open mind and consider investing in a gaming laptop under $600 that offers excellent value for money and this is where Dell Inspiron 15 3000 comes into the mix as a formidable option.
Design and Display
When it comes to the form factor, the Dell Inspiron 15 is primarily plastic, albeit with selective metallic accents. The 4.80-pound notebook is also a durable selection; provided you want to invest in something that can take a hit.
The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS screen is immersive and surprisingly offers touchscreen support. The 1080p screen promises sharper viewing angles and even offers an exceptional gaming experience, in case you are primarily invested in FPS titles.
Internals
With 16GB DDR4 RAM, system memory allocation is hardly an issue for this gaming laptop. However, I was most impressed by the 1TB SSD, which is a rarity in modern-day touchscreen laptops. The SSD storage space is more than exceptional and capable of booting up the Windows 10 OS at a decent speed.
Productivity
The AMD Ryzen 3 3250U processor ensures that you get decent output while playing demanding games, as compared to the 7th generation Intel chipsets. Also, the integrated Radeon GPU makes way for acceptable gaming performances.
Other market beating features include Maxxaudio speakers, dual-band wireless support, HD webcam, Type-A and HDMI ports, and a decent enough battery backup that goes up to 9 hours. All these attributes qualify the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 as one of the more holistic notebooks on the list.
7. Asus VivoBook F512
PROS
- Excellent build quality
- Decent battery backup
- AMD quad-core R5 processor is powerful enough
- Full HD IPS screen for added brightness
- Stacks in a card reader
CONS
- Middling storage space
- USB 2.0 port is excruciatingly slow
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD
- GPU: Radeon Vega 8 graphics
- Battery Life: Up to 7 Hours
Review
The Vivobook F512 isn’t an out-and-out gaming notebook. Instead, it is more of a makeshift arrangement to consider, if you are only looking to play certain MOBA and FPS titles. However, if you seek portability and physical inclusivity, Vivobook 15 is certainly a standout performer.
Design and Display
This 3.53-pound gaming laptop under $600 is nothing short of an aesthetic marvel. With hardened plastic and metallic undertones taking care of the structural presence, this notebook is pretty solid and worth carrying around the globe.
Also, the ErgoLift design exists, which adds to the physical presence and heat-dissipating abilities of this budget gaming laptop. Coming to the display, the 15.6-inch Full HD screen is worth investing in, more so with the excellent screen-to-chassis ratio and NanoEdge paneling.
Internals
You get hold of 8GB DDR4 RAM, which is a decent inclusion, considering the cache and disk-specific requirements of most online and offline games. The 128GB SSD storage space is middling, to say the least, but ensures the fastest boot-ups for the Windows 10 OS.
Productivity
The AMD Ryzen quad-core R5 3500U isn’t the most investing processor in play but it can hold its own when low-end gaming, non-playing characters, and gaming environments are to be processed. The maximum clock speed of up to 3.6GHz is one of the more reliable features to look for in this regard.
As far as the integrated graphics support is concerned, the AMD Radeon Vega 8 doesn’t make you miss an entry-level GPU as it can handle the likes of Counter-Strike and Dota 2 without breaking a sweat.
Overall, the Asus Vivobook 15 is one of the more complete gaming laptops. However, if you are a professional junkie, you would also be able to make use of the backlit keyboard, diverse set of USB and HDMI ports, high-speed internet, and the nifty fingerprint scanner.
Plus, the 7-hour battery backup furthers the portability quotient of this budget gaming laptop.
8. Acer Aspire E 15
PROS
- Durable build quality
- LED-backlit display is bright
- Dual-channel RAM module
- Massive battery life
- Can play games directly from a DVD
CONS
- Heavy
- Not future-proof
- CPU: Intel Core i5-8250U
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD
- GPU: Intel UHD graphics
- Battery Life: Up to 15 Hours
Review
As a regular gamer, you might be interested in laptops with excellent battery life. This is why I am actively recommending the Acer Aspire E15 as the machine of interest. Also, the structure is akin to any high-end business laptop.
Design and Display
The Aspire E15 is your typical plastic-made laptop that features a pretty dated design and an all-important DVD drive. Most importantly, this isn’t as portable as you might think with the heft reaching up to 5.27 pounds.
The 15.6-inch FHD panel is worth investing in, especially if you want to experience widescreen gaming at its best. Other structural attributes include Acer True Harmony speakers, a standard keyboard with decent travel, and an excellent collection of USB and HDMI ports.
Internals
Despite featuring 8GB of RAM, I was most happy with the dual-channel architecture that is expected to allow memory upgrades. The 256GB solid-state drive is also a necessary inclusion but I was expecting at least 512GB for storing most games and apps with ease.
Productivity
The Aspire E15 comes with a standard i5 processor that works in tandem with the Intel UHD 620 graphics co-processor. Also, the 8th gen Intel Core processor features the maximum turbo clock speed of up to 3.4GHz, which is still good enough for most MOBA games.
However, it is the 15-hour battery backup that steals the show, thereby qualifying the Aspire E15 as one of the more reliable gaming laptops for the given price point.
9. Asus Vivobook K570ZD
PROS
- Sophisticated design
- Excellent battery life
- Mid-range GPU
- Excellent visual quality
CONS
- Middling storage space
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS
- GPU: 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
- Battery Life: Up to 9 Hours
Review
This variant of the Vivobook might come at a slightly incremental price point but you can always add it to the watch list for getting hold of a deal, if and when possible. Also, as these budget gaming laptops aren’t known for the dedicated graphics card, the Vivobook K570ZD holds a special position on the list, courtesy of the class-leading GTX 1050 GPU.
Design and Display
This plastic-clad gaming laptop comes in black and makes way for a durable backlit keyboard, sonic master speakers, wide range of ports, including the USB Type-A, 2.0, and HDMI, fingerprint scanner, and sharper edges. The 4.32-pound laptop doesn’t cut corners when screen quality is concerned about making room for an expansive, full HD IPS display.
The 15.6-inch screen, therefore, adds to the gaming experience and takes visual quality to the next level.
Internals
The 8GB RAM is an integral aspect of this notebook. Also, as it stacks in a dedicated GPU, Asus readily cuts some storage corners by packing in a basic 256GB solid-state unit. However, it is still one of the fastest SSD units in the retail space.
Productivity
The Ryzen 5 quad-core r5 3500U chipset is worth investing in, courtesy of the minimal throttling and the ability to manage most gaming environments and NPCs with ease. However, it is the availability of the GTX 1050 graphics card and 2GB VRAM that calls the shots when mid-range and entry-level gaming at high settings are concerned.
Also, the 9-hour battery backup validates its position on the list, more so with the inventive fast charging support.
10. Asus TUF FX505DD
PROS
- Sharp display
- Discrete GPU
- VR ready interface and Oculus compatibility
- Fast storage
CONS
- Heavy
- Low storage support
- CPU: Ryzen 5
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD
- GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
- Battery Life: Up to 5 Hours
Review
You might not be able to procure the Asus TUF FX505DD for the 600-dollar price point right now but if you wait for the seasonal deals, this VR-ready gaming laptop might not be a lot hard to procure.
Design and Display
As a 5.93-pound gaming laptop, the Asus TUF FX505DD is pretty thick and promises excellent durability. The 15.6-inch Full HD display is sharp and promises a wide-angle viewing experience, a feature that might come in handy for gamers.
Internals
Asus offers 8GB of RAM and even promises 256GB of storage coverage, via SSD support. However, I was surprised to see the excellent file and game loading speeds pertaining to the storage module.
Productivity
Most casual and entry-level games can be efficiently handled by the AMD-powered processing setup, comprising the Ryzen 5 processor. However, it is the inclusion of the GTX 1050 that makes all the difference, allowing you to play most games with perfection.
Not just that, Asus makes room for several functional specs, including the backlit keyboard, wide range of USB ports, and a 5-hour battery backup.
Buying Guide: Pointers to look for
Although each of these gaming laptop variants can be considered, here are some of the pointers you must take into consideration for getting the most out of the purchase:
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q1. What is the best gaming laptop under 600 dollars?
A1. Despite being a refurbished unit, the Nitro 5 from Acer is the finest gaming laptop that you can purchase for less than 600 dollars. What impresses me the most is the availability of the GTX 1650 graphics card and the 4GB VRAM for managing gaming textures like a pro. -
Q2. Which is the no.1 gaming laptop on this list?
A2. If you aren’t looking for a refurbished model and are only interested in a new gaming laptop under $600, my vote goes to the Asus Vivobook K570ZD. Given the exceptional GTX 1050 GPU and 2GB VRAM, this gaming laptop is at par with any other mid-range notebook on the list. -
Q3. What is the best laptop for under $600?
A3. I understand that you must be more interested in gaming laptops but it is still important to consider inclusiveness for the given price point. Therefore, if the overall presence and professional performance are also some of your priorities, I would recommend purchasing the Inspiron 15 5000, more so for the massive storage and the decent battery life. -
Q4. Should I opt for Intel or AMD power gaming laptops?
A4. You should check out our article on Intel vs AMD gaming laptops. But then, now you are already here, you can always invest in the Aspire 5 with the Vega 3 processor, for handling Counter-Strike, Dota 2, and similar games at 50fps.