10 Affordable Gaming Laptops That Will Still Be Powerful in 2025

If you’re looking for a Budget Gaming Laptop but your wallet is saying, “Please don’t hurt me,” don’t worry, I have a list of 10 budget gaming laptops that could be your saviour. They’re affordable, offer solid performance, and are definitely perfect for those who want to game without having to sell a kidney.

Why Are Low-Budget Gaming Laptops Still Worth Choosing?

Many people say, “Cheap laptops won’t be good for gaming.” But don’t be mistaken. Technology is getting crazier now, with many entry-level laptops offering sufficient performance for popular games like Valorant, Genshin Impact, and even GTA V.

The Benefits of Choosing a Low-Budget Gaming Laptop

Save money, stay mentally safe.
Upgrade your RAM/SSD for even better performance.
Perfect for students, freelancers, or casual gamers.
A wide selection of well-known brands is available at affordable prices.

10 Recommended Gaming Laptops on a Low Budget (Cheap But Awesome)

Below is a list of 10 budget gaming laptops that I, you, we, and you might consider. All are optimised for light to medium gaming, and some are even capable of handling AAA games at low settings.

1. Acer Aspire 5 (varian Ryzen 5)

CPU: Low-power Ryzen 5 series — good multi-core performance for eSports games and multitasking.
GPU: Integrated Vega / integrated iGPU — sufficient for light to medium gaming on low to medium settings.
RAM: Typically 8GB from the factory — prioritise upgrading to 16GB if you want to be safer.
Storage: NVMe SSD (enables fast boot and game loading) — check for available slots for additional upgrades.
Screen: 14–15.6″ FHD — suitable for mobility, standard contrast.
Cooling: Modest cooling — ideal for normal use; don’t push it too long without additional cooling.
Pros: Thin, light, value for money. Cons: Not for high-setting AAA games; the integrated GPU limits graphics performance.
Target user: Students/college students/casual gamers who need a balance between work and play.

Click for more details: Acer Aspire 5

2. Lenovo V14 (variant Ryzen 3)

CPU: Entry-level Ryzen 3 — sufficient for light eSports gaming and daily activities.
GPU: Integrated — suitable for light games (MOBA, eSports).
RAM: Typically 4–8GB — upgrading is highly recommended.
Storage: HDD/SSD, depending on SKU — choose an SSD for a more responsive experience.
Build: Basic design, standard build quality.
Pros: Very affordable price and sufficient battery life for daily use.
Cons: Limited performance for modern games; mediocre display and speakers.
Target user: Users who require a multifunctional laptop on a tight budget.

3. ASUS Vivobook M415 (Ryzen 5)

CPU: Powerful Ryzen 5 for its class — good for eSports gaming and light editing.
GPU: Integrated Vega — capable of running many competitive titles at decent frame rates.
RAM: 8GB is common; upgrade slots are available on many models.
Storage: NVMe SSD; additional slots are available.
Design: Stylish, thin, perfect for those who want to stand out.
Pros: Strong CPU performance, adequate ports.
Cons: Thermal throttling may occur if used for extended periods.
Target user: Students/light creators + casual gamers who want a cool design.

Click for more details: ASUS Vivobook M415.

4. HP 14 (Ryzen 5)

CPU: Ryzen 5 — reliable performance for multitasking.
GPU: Integrated — okay for light gaming, don’t expect smooth AAA games.
RAM & Storage: Standard setup: 8GB + SSD; check upgrade options.
Mobility: Lightweight, suitable for campus/office use.
Pros: Balance between performance and portability.
Cons: Average cooling and speakers.
Target user: Hybrid work and casual gaming users.

5. Infinix InBook X3

CPU: Low-power series (low-end Intel/Ryzen) — power efficient but still capable of light gaming.
GPU: Integrated — suitable for 2D/low-spec gaming.
RAM: 8GB in most variants; upgrades may be limited in some SKUs.
Storage: Usually SSD; I/O performance is sufficient for light multitasking.
Battery: Generally long-lasting, suitable for mobility.
Pros: Most affordable, lightweight.
Cons: Build and thermals aren’t as robust as mainstream brands; performance is limited for heavy gaming.
Target user: Users prioritise price and mobility.

6. Axioo Pongo 15 (variant with GTX)

GPU: GTX 1650 (if available) — provides the ability to play AAA games at low to medium settings.
RAM: 8–16GB is ideal; ensure there is an upgrade slot.
Storage: SSD + possible secondary HDD/SSD slot. Display: 15.6″ FHD is more comfortable for gaming.
Pros: Discrete GPU at an affordable price — great value for budget gamers.
Cons: Build and after-sales service need to be checked; cooling needs attention.
Target user: Gamers on a tight budget who want to play AAA games at moderate settings.
CPU: Typically an Intel i5 or equivalent — sufficient for light to medium gaming.

Click for more details: Axioo Pongo 15

7. Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (used, GTX 1650)

CPU/GPU: Ryzen/i5 + GTX 1650 combo — solid gaming performance for a second-hand price.
Used condition: Check battery health, temperatures, and physical condition.
Upgrades: RAM and storage are often easy to upgrade.
Cooling: Standard gaming cooling system — check fans and thermal paste.
Pros: High gaming performance at a relatively low price if you buy a good used one.
Cons: Risk of wear and tear; warranty may be limited.
Target user: Performance seekers on a tight budget who are comfortable buying second-hand.

8. ASUS TUF FX505 (used)

Durability: The TUF series is known for its durability—great for intense use.
GPU: GTX series (1050/1650), depending on the unit—still relevant for many games.
Thermal: The cooler design is solid for its class; check the fans and ventilation.
Keyboard: Generally comfortable for gaming (better key travel).
Pros: Solid build, good gaming performance at a second-hand price.
Cons: Heavier weight; less compact design.
Target user: Gamers who need a powerful laptop and don’t mind carrying a little more weight.

9. Acer Nitro 5 (i5 Gen 9, used)

Performance: An i5 with a discrete GPU in a used model can still run many AAA titles at low to medium settings.
Cooling: The Nitro series is known for its efficient cooling system — make sure it’s still working optimally.
Upgradability: Generally easy to upgrade RAM/SSD.
Pros: Good value for a budget gaming laptop.
Cons: The age of the unit can impact battery life and fan noise.
Target user: Users who want solid gaming performance with a second-hand budget.

Click for more details: Acer Nitro 5

10. HP Pavilion Gaming (GTX 1650)

GPU: GTX 1650 — sweet spot for 1080p gaming at medium settings.
CPU: i5/Ryzen 5, depending on SKU — balanced for gaming and productivity.
Display & Input: 15.6″ FHD display + comfortable keyboard for long sessions.
Ports: Typically comprehensive (HDMI, USB, Ethernet) — supports external setups.
Pros: Reliable gaming performance for a mid-entry price.
Cons: Less aggressive design than premium gaming series; moderate weight.
Target user: Gamers who want a complete setup without breaking the bank.

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Tips for Choosing a Gaming Laptop on a Low Budget

1. Prioritise a Ryzen 5 or i5

Processor at least for powerful multitasking and light to medium gaming.

2. Ensure it has an SSD

A laptop without an SSD is like being hungry but not given food-it’s still alive, but not happy.

3. Check the Upgrade Features

This makes it easier to upgrade RAM/SSD in the future.

4. Look for Real Reviews on YouTube

So you know the actual performance, not just the specs.

FAQ

Q1. Can a cheap laptop be used for gaming?

Absolutely! As long as you choose the right processor and have an SSD installed.

Q2. Do you need a dedicated GPU?

Not always. Many Ryzen 5000 series APUs are already powerful enough for eSports gaming.

Q3. Is it safe to buy a second-hand laptop?

It’s safe if you check the physical, keyboard, battery, and temperature.

Q4. What is the minimum budget for a gaming laptop?

Starting from IDR 5 million is enough for casual gaming.

10 Affordable Gaming Laptops That Will Still Be Powerful in 2025

Why Are Low-Budget Gaming Laptops Still Worth Choosing?

The Benefits of Choosing a Low-Budget Gaming Laptop