10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $500 [March, 2023 ]

Are you tired of constantly settling for subpar gaming experiences on your current laptop? Have you been searching for a gaming laptop that won’t break the bank? Look no further!

As a passionate laptop researcher, who spends his days watching laptop videos on Youtube and staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest in the world of laptops, Umar brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.

With an extensive understanding of the industry and a passion for gaming, Umar has made it his mission to find the best gaming laptops under $500 for those who want to indulge in his favorite games without sacrificing quality for cost.

In this post, Umar shares his findings, introducing you to the 10 best gaming laptops under $500, showcasing his impressive capabilities, and establishing his authority in the laptop industry.

Get ready to step up your gaming game and find the perfect laptop for your budget, as Umar guides you through the world of budget-friendly gaming laptops.

Best Gaming Laptops Under 500 Dollars

The HP 14-inch Laptop is a great option for anyone looking for a portable and powerful device that can keep up with their daily needs.

With its AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Mobile Processor and AMD Radeon Graphics this laptop is capable of handling basic tasks such as web browsing and document processing as well as more demanding tasks like playing games.

The 14-inch Full HD display is also a great feature providing crystal-clear visuals and vibrant image quality for an immersive viewing experience.

One of the standout features of this laptop is its long-lasting battery life which allows you to stay productive and entertained from anywhere.

With up to 9 hours and 45 minutes of battery life you can work or play for extended periods of time without needing to plug in.

Additionally the HP Fast Charge Technology allows you to quickly recharge your device taking it from 0 to 50% charge in approximately 45 minutes.

The HP 14-inch Laptop also comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage which provides a significant boost in performance compared to traditional hard drives.

This makes it easy to save all of your photos videos and documents while also getting faster performance.

The device also comes with Windows 11 Home and an HP 1-year limited hardware warranty so you can work confidently with the new and innovative operating system.

Another great feature of this laptop is the Wi-Fi 6 (1×2) and Bluetooth 5 combo which makes for a smoother wireless experience.

The HP True Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual-array digital microphones is also a great feature allowing you to stay in contact with your colleagues and administrators remotely.

The laptop also has custom-tuned speakers providing exceptional stereo quality for an immersive audio experience.

The HP 14-inch Laptop is also environmentally friendly being ENERGY STAR certified and EPEAT Silver registered which helps to reduce your carbon footprint.

Pros:

  • Powerful AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Mobile Processor and AMD Radeon Graphics
  • 14-inch Full HD display with micro-edge bezel and anti-glare screen
  • Long-lasting battery life with HP Fast Charge Technology
  • 8GB of RAM and 256GB of PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage
  • Windows 11 Home and HP 1-year limited hardware warranty
  • Wi-Fi 6 (1×2) and Bluetooth 5 combo
  • HP True Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual-array digital microphones
  • Custom-tuned speakers
  • Environmentally friendly

Cons:

  • Integrated GPU not ideal for gaming
  • Battery life when on load is around 3-4hrs of work
  • Some users may find the device to be too expensive

The 2022 Newest Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is a top-of-the-line traditional laptop computer from Acer that is packed with features to help you stay productive and connected.

With its 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core Processor 8 GB DDR4 RAM and 256 GB SSD this laptop is perfect for anyone looking for a powerful versatile machine that can handle anything you throw at it.

One of the standout features of this laptop is its display.

The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display offers crisp clear images and vibrant colors making it perfect for watching videos playing games or working on projects.

The display is also backlit which means you can use it in any lighting condition and still see everything clearly.

Another great feature of this laptop is its processor.

The AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core Processor offers a base frequency of 2.10GHz and a maximum boost clock of 3.50GHz making it incredibly fast and responsive.

The processor also has 4 cores and 4MB of cache which means you can run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once without any lag.

The laptop also comes with 8GB of high-bandwidth RAM which means you can smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once.

The hard drive is upgraded to 256 GB Solid State Drive which allows for fast bootup and data transfer.

This laptop also comes with Windows 11 Home 64-bit English 1 USB 3.1 (Type-C) Gen 1 port (up to 5 Gbps) 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Port (one with Power-off Charging) 1 USB 2.0 Port & 1 HDMI Port with HDCP Support HD Camera Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX201 802.11ax Backlit Keyboard Fingerprint Reader Up to 8 Hours Battery Life and Amazon Alexa.

In addition this laptop comes with a Microfiber Cloth which is a great addition for keeping your laptop clean and looking new.

Overall the 2022 Newest Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful versatile laptop that can handle anything you throw at it.

Pros:

  • 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display offers crisp clear images and vibrant colors
  • AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core Processor is fast and responsive
  • 8 GB DDR4 RAM allows for smooth multitasking
  • 256 GB SSD provides fast bootup and data transfer
  • Windows 11 operating system
  • Amazon Alexa
  • Backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader for added security

Cons:

  • Windows 10 S installed which may limit certain options and customizations
  • Boot manager has BIOS locked down preventing booting from USB
  • May require additional time to clean off pre-installed software

The ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop is a powerful and versatile machine that is perfect for small businesses students and professionals who need a reliable and efficient laptop for their daily tasks.

With a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080) 4-way NanoEdge bezel display and an 88% screen-to-body ratio this laptop offers stunning visuals and a wide viewing angle making it ideal for streaming web browsing and video conferencing.

Powered by the latest 10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 CPU (4M Cache up to 3.4 GHz) and 8 GB DDR4 RAM this laptop is capable of handling multiple tasks and applications with ease.

The 128 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD provides lightning-fast boot times and plenty of storage space for your documents photos and videos.

The ergonomic backlit keyboard with fingerprint sensor is a great feature that makes logging into your laptop a breeze.

The exclusive Ergolift design provides an improved typing position and a comfortable typing experience.

The laptop is also compatible with Google Classroom so you can run Google Classroom on Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer 11.

The Windows 10 Home in S Mode is a great feature that provides an extra layer of security and performance.

S Mode blocks malware and requires way less Windows updates than regular Windows making it ideal for those who want a more secure and stable operating system.

You can easily exit S Mode and upgrade to Windows 10 Pro via the Windows Store.

Overall the ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and efficient laptop for their daily tasks.

It offers powerful performance a stunning display and a comfortable typing experience.

Pros:

  • Powerful performance with the latest 10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 CPU
  • Stunning 15.6-inch Full HD display with an 88% screen-to-body ratio
  • Ergonomic backlit keyboard with fingerprint sensor
  • Windows 10 Home in S Mode provides an extra layer of security and performance
  • Compatible with Google Classroom

Cons:

  • Windows 10 S Mode may not be ideal for gamers or those who need special programs
  • Some users may not prefer the design and style of the laptop
  • Some users may find the price a bit high compared to other laptops in the same category

The Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is a sleek and stylish laptop that offers a lot of features for a great price.

It comes with a 15.6 inch Full HD LED Non-Touch WVA Display an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 256GB SSD.

The UHD Graphics and Windows 11 Home make this laptop perfect for everyday use.

One of the standout features of this laptop is its design.

The three-side narrow bezel enhances views while still fitting in your bag.

The lift hinge also raises the device to an ergonomic angle providing a more comfortable typing angle.

Additionally the laptop is designed to last through regular use with tiny rubber feet and bumpers on the hinge that keep it from skidding and provide additional stability when on hard surfaces.

Another great feature of this laptop is the Dell ComfortView Low Blue Light Software.

This solution helps reduce harmful blue light emissions and optimizes eye comfort over extended periods of screen time.

Additionally the laptop is made from post-consumer recycled plastics making it environmentally friendly and sustainable.

However some Amazon users have noted that the laptop shipped with Windows 10 Home installed not Windows 11 Home as stated in the product description.

Additionally some users have had issues with the screen hinge tension with one user noting that they had to adjust the tension to make it easier to open with one hand.

Overall the Dell Inspiron 15 3511 is a great laptop that offers a lot of features for a great price.

It has a sleek design great performance and a lot of features that make it perfect for everyday use.

However some users have noted that the laptop shipped with Windows 10 Home installed instead of Windows 11 Home and some users have had issues with the screen hinge tension.

Pros:

  • Sleek design
  • Great performance
  • Dell ComfortView Low Blue Light Software
  • Made from post-consumer recycled plastics

Cons:

  • Laptop shipped with Windows 10 Home installed instead of Windows 11 Home
  • Some users have had issues with the screen hinge tension

The Lenovo Ideapad 3i is a great laptop for both business and student use.

It comes equipped with an 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor which can reach speeds of up to 4.1GHz 8GB of RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD.

This combination of specs ensures that the laptop can handle multitasking running multiple programs and browser tabs at once and smoothly running games and photo and video editing applications.

One of the standout features of this laptop is its solid-state drive.

The 512GB NVMe SSD provides fast and reliable performance allowing for seamless multitasking and reducing the time it takes to load applications and files.

Additionally the 8GB of DDR4 RAM ensures that the laptop can handle daily office use running office software and communication programs with ease.

The Ideapad 3i also comes with a variety of ports including a power connector HDMI USB 2.0 and 3.2 Gen 1 Type A a headphone/microphone combo jack and a card reader.

The laptop also has a fingerprint reader for added security WiFi 5 and a webcam.

It runs on Windows 11 Home in S mode but you can easily switch to regular Windows 11 by following the instructions provided in the product description.

One potential downside of this laptop is the battery life.

Some reviewers have noted that the battery life is not as robust as they would like with only a couple of hours of life before needing a recharge.

However this may not be an issue for those who typically use the laptop while plugged in.

Overall the Lenovo Ideapad 3i is a great laptop for those looking for a solid option for business and student use.

It offers a powerful processor ample RAM and storage and a variety of ports all at an affordable price point.

Pros:

  • 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor for efficient multitasking
  • 8GB of RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD for fast and reliable performance
  • Fingerprint reader for added security
  • Variety of ports for connecting peripherals

Cons:

  • Battery life is not as robust as some users would like

The 2022 Dell Inspiron 14 5000 2 in 1 Laptop is a versatile and portable option for those in need of a new computer.

With its 14″ HD Touchscreen 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD this laptop is perfect for running multiple applications and browsing the internet with ease.

The laptop also features a backlit keyboard webcam HDMI port and Windows 10 S operating system.

Additionally it comes in a sleek silver color and has the option to upgrade to 16GB RAM and larger SSD storage options.

However some users have reported issues with the quality of the screen and touch screen.

One customer even reported overheating and constant fan running after just six months of use.

Pros:

  • Versatile 2 in 1 design
  • Fast processor and ample RAM for multitasking
  • Backlit keyboard and webcam included
  • Upgrade options for RAM and SSD storage

Cons:

  • Poor screen and touch screen quality
  • Overheating and constant fan running issues

The HP Notebook 15-dy1008CA is a 15.6” HD laptop that is powered by an Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor and 8GB of RAM.

It also has a 256GB SSD and runs on Windows 10.

One of the main things customers like about this laptop is its speed and good graphics.

It is easy to use and understand the startup instructions making it a great option for those who are not as computer literate.

However some customers have had issues with the touch screen feature not working and have not received assistance on how to make it work.

Another thing customers have noted is that the keyboard does not have backlighting which may be a downside for some.

Additionally some customers have mentioned that the graphics are a bit washed out looking.

On the other hand some customers have found the HP Notebook 15-dy1008CA to be a great option for those looking for a light and efficient laptop.

The separate number pad on the keyboard is a great feature for those who need to input numerical data.

Overall the HP Notebook 15-dy1008CA is a great option for those looking for a fast and efficient laptop.

However some customers have had issues with the touch screen feature not working and the graphics being a bit washed out.

Pros:

  • Fast and efficient
  • Good graphics
  • Easy to use and understand startup instructions

Cons:

  • Touch screen feature not working
  • Keyboard does not have backlighting
  • Graphics are a bit washed out looking

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Laptop is a great option for those looking for a reliable and affordable computer.

With its 15.6″ FHD Anti-Glare Display Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor Intel UHD Graphics 8GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB PCIe SSD this laptop is perfect for everyday use.

The Fingerprint Reader and Camera privacy shutter provide added security and privacy for the user.

One of the standout features of this laptop is its storage and RAM.

With 8GB of high-bandwidth RAM the IdeaPad 3i is able to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs at once.

The 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive allows for faster bootup and data transfer making it a great option for students or professionals who need to access large files quickly.

The 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) 220nits Anti-glare Display is another great feature of this laptop.

The anti-glare technology reduces glare and reflections making it easy to use in any lighting conditions.

The display also has a high resolution making it perfect for streaming video or working on graphic design projects.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Laptop also comes with the latest operating system Windows 11.

The setup process is easy and seamless and users can easily add their Microsoft account to the computer.

Overall the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Laptop is a great option for those looking for a reliable and affordable computer.

However there are a few drawbacks to consider.

Some Amazon reviews note that the listing states the laptop has a touch screen but it actually does not.

Additionally the screen has light bleed which can affect the contrast and color of the display.

The ram is also soldered in so it is not upgradeable.

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • 8GB of high-bandwidth RAM
  • 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive
  • 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) 220nits Anti-glare Display
  • Fingerprint Reader and Camera privacy shutter
  • Windows 11 operating system

Cons:

  • Listed as having a touch screen but it does not
  • Light bleed in the screen
  • Soldered in ram not upgradeable

The Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R3UB is a powerful and sleek notebook that is perfect for productivity and multitasking.

It features a 15.6″ Full HD IPS display with a screen-to-body ratio of 82.58% and a 16:9 aspect ratio providing you with a stunning visual experience.

The notebook is powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core Mobile Processor which delivers desktop-class performance and amazing battery life.

The notebook comes with 4GB DDR4 on-board memory which can be expanded to 8GB DDR4 (1 slot available) and 128GB NVMe solid-state drive storage (1 hard drive bay available) to store your files and media.

The notebook also features a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint reader for added security and convenience.

The notebook also comes with Acer’s Purified.Voice technology which enhances digital signal processing to cancel out background noise improve speech accuracy and far-field pickup making calls clearer and talking to Alexa easier than before.

The notebook also comes with Alexa Show Mode which allows you to use your PC as a full-screen interactive experience that features rich visuals and lets you talk to Alexa from across the room.

The notebook also comes with Windows 11 Home in S mode which comes with advanced security features built right in like protections against phishing and malicious software so you don’t have to think twice when navigating to a new webpage or downloading an app.

Pros:

  • Powerful productivity with AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core Mobile Processor
  • Stunning 15.6″ Full HD IPS display
  • Backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader for added security and convenience
  • Acer’s Purified.Voice technology for clearer calls and easy Alexa access
  • Windows 11 Home in S mode with advanced security features

Cons:

  • No port for SD cards
  • No touch screen
  • Limited to running apps available only in the Microsoft Store
  • Notable lack of volume in speakers
  • Power supplied through a proprietary Acer plug not through a USB-C port

The Dell Inspiron 15.6-inch HD Touchscreen Laptop PC (2018 Model) is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly laptop with plenty of storage and multitasking capabilities.

With a 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7200U Dual-Core mobile processor Intel HD Graphics 620 and 8GB of system memory this laptop can handle advanced multitasking with ease.

One of the key features of this laptop is its 2TB hard drive providing ample storage space for all of your files and documents.

The 15.6-inch HD 1366×768 touch screen also provides hands-on control making it easy to navigate and use.

Additionally the built-in HD webcam with microphone allows for easy video conferencing and chatting.

In terms of connectivity the Dell Inspiron 15.6-inch HD Touchscreen Laptop PC (2018 Model) has a Bluetooth 4.0 interface that syncs with compatible devices 2x USB 3.0 ports and 1x USB 2.0 port.

It also has a built-in HDMI port and SD card slot for easy connectivity to external devices.

One downside of this laptop is that it does not have a backlit keyboard which can make typing in low-light conditions difficult.

Additionally some users have reported that the laptop can be slow out of the box and require tweaking to improve performance.

Overall the Dell Inspiron 15.6-inch HD Touchscreen Laptop PC (2018 Model) is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly laptop with plenty of storage and multitasking capabilities.

Pros:

  • 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7200U Dual-Core mobile processor
  • 8GB system memory for advanced multitasking
  • 2TB hard drive for ample storage space
  • 15.6-inch HD 1366×768 touch screen for hands-on control
  • Built-in HD webcam with microphone
  • Bluetooth 4.0 interface syncs with compatible devices
  • 2x USB 3.0 ports 1x USB 2.0 port
  • Built-in HDMI port and SD card slot for easy connectivity to external devices

Cons:

  • Does not have a backlit keyboard
  • Can be slow out of the box and require tweaking to improve performance

Best Gaming Laptops Under 500 Buyer’s Guide

If you’re looking for a gaming laptop on a budget you might be tempted to look for the best gaming laptops under $500.

After all it’s the perfect price range for those with limited resources.

However there’s a lot more to consider when shopping for gaming laptops in this price range than just the price.

You need to consider the specs the brand and other features that will make your gaming experience enjoyable.

Consider the Processor

The processor is the most important component of any laptop and should be one of the main things you look at when buying a gaming laptop.

The processor is responsible for the speed at which your laptop will be able to run games.

As such it’s important to make sure you choose the right processor so that your laptop can handle the games you want to play.

When buying gaming laptops under $500 you should look for laptops with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 processors.

These processors are capable of running most modern games and can handle intensive gaming sessions without any trouble.

Look for Dedicated Graphics

Another important factor to consider is the graphics card.

The graphics card is responsible for displaying the visuals in the games you want to play.

An integrated graphics card is usually sufficient for most basic games but if you’re looking to play more advanced games you’ll need to look for laptops that have dedicated graphics cards.

When shopping for gaming laptops under $500 you should look for laptops with dedicated graphics cards such as Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 GTX 1060 or higher.

These graphics cards will be able to handle more demanding games giving you a better overall gaming experience.

Check the RAM and Storage

RAM or random access memory is another important factor to consider when looking for gaming laptops under $500.

RAM is responsible for the speed of loading and running games.

The more RAM a laptop has the faster it will be able to run games.

When shopping for gaming laptops under $500 you should look for laptops with at least 8GB of RAM.

Storage is also an important factor to consider.

The more storage a laptop has the more games you’ll be able to store and play.

Most gaming laptops under $500 will have at least 256GB of storage which should be enough for most gamers.

However if you’re looking to store more games you should look for laptops with 512GB or 1TB of storage.

Look for a Good Display

The display is also an important factor to consider when shopping for gaming laptops under $500.

The display is responsible for displaying the visuals of the games you want to play.

Look for laptops with full HD (1920 x 1080) displays.

This will give you the best possible visuals and the most immersive gaming experience.

Choose the Right Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard and touchpad are two other important factors to consider when shopping for gaming laptops under $500.

The keyboard should be comfortable to type on and have good tactile feedback.

Look for laptops with backlit keyboards and larger keycaps.

The touchpad should be responsive and have good gesture recognition.

Battery Life Matters

Battery life is another important factor to consider when shopping for gaming laptops under $500.

Look for laptops with at least 6 hours of battery life.

This will ensure that you can play games for long periods of time without having to worry about running out of battery power.

Look for Additional Features

When shopping for gaming laptops under $500 you should also look for additional features such as cooling systems audio systems and webcam capabilities.

These features will help to enhance your gaming experience and make it more enjoyable.

Know Where to Look

When shopping for gaming laptops under $500 you should take the time to shop around and compare prices.

There are many different retailers that sell gaming laptops in this price range so it’s important to take the time to find the best deals.

Be sure to look for coupons discounts and other offers that can help you save money on a gaming laptop.

FAQs On Best Gaming Laptops Under 500

Can A 500-Dollar Gaming Laptop Run Fortnite?

Yes a gaming laptop that costs roughly around $500 can definitely run a PC game like Fortnite.

However you may have to lower the settings a bit somewhere between medium to high with 720p resolution to be able to get playable fps.

How Much Should I Expect To Pay For A Gaming Laptop Under 500?

You can find a decent gaming laptop under $500 if you shop around.

Most of these laptops will have slower processor speeds and limited graphics capabilities but they will still be able to run most modern games.

You can usually expect to get a laptop with an Intel Core i3 processor 4GB of RAM and a 256GB hard drive for around $500 or less.

Are There Any Gaming Laptops With Dedicated Graphics Cards For Under 500 Bucks?

Yes there are some gaming laptops with dedicated graphics cards for under $500.

These laptops will still be on the lower end of the price range but they will have the power to run some more advanced games with higher graphics settings.

Look for laptops with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 or GTX 1060 graphics cards for the best performance.

What Is The Best Type Of Processor To Look For In A Gaming Laptop Under 500?

The best processor to look for in a gaming laptop under $500 is an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor.

These processors are powerful enough to handle most modern games with ease.

If you’re looking for the highest performance then you should look for a laptop with an Intel Core i7 processor.

Should I Look For A Laptop With A Larger Screen Size?

Generally speaking a larger screen size is always better for gaming.

Look for a laptop with a 15-inch or larger display for the best gaming experience.

A larger display will also provide more space for multitasking and lets you enjoy the visuals of your favorite games to the fullest.

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