Looking for the best gaming laptop under 500 dollars? You’ve come to the right place. In 2024, numerous budget-friendly options can deliver a decent gaming experience without breaking the bank. With the demand for affordable gaming laptops on the rise, it’s important to do your research and select the right model that meets your gaming needs. This guide will explore the top 10 gaming laptops under $500 available on Amazon and provide you with a detailed buying guide.
- Powerful Performance: The Laptop equipped with high-efficiency Quad-Core Alder Lake-N95 processor, 6MB cache, 4 cores and 4 threads, delivering an unmatched level of performance, whether for work or play.
- 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Multitasking: Boasting 16GB RAM and a 512GB high-speed SSD, this laptop effortlessly manages multiple programs simultaneously, can meet the smooth experience of most people's daily work, study and entertainment. Expandable to up to 1TB Via SSD(can be installed on the bottom of the laptop), you can upgrade your own SSD with zero compromise.
- 15.6 inch Display: This 15.6 inch laptop computer immerse yourself in stunning visuals with the 1920 x 1080 IPS FHD display,comfortable visual experience. The laptop's dual stereo speakers and 720p front-facing camera enable hassle-free communication, making it easy to have high-quality conversations up close and personal with family and friends.
- Multiple Interfaces: The notebook is equipped with 3xUSB 3.0,HDMI, headphone jack, DC jack. Stay linked with 2.4G/5G WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2.. Full-size numeric keyboard and Backlit keyboards, fingerprint recognition ensure a stylish and secure experience. The laptop body weighs only 1.5 kg and is only 2 cm thick, making it easy to carry around .
- Extra Long Battery Life: This laptop is equipped with a 5000mAh rechargeable battery, which provides ultra-long operation and reduces recharge time,this laptop is your ideal travel companion. It comes with a smart cooling fan that ensures continuous operation and minimizes noise so you can focus on work or entertainment.
- 【Alder Lake N95 Processor】Intel 12th-gen Alder Lake N95 CPU (4C4T, up to 3.4GHz), with powerful multi-core design, performance is much higher than Pentium N5030 and Celeron N5095.Advanced manufacturing process technology and Intel UHD Graphics 1.2GHz, which is critical for applications such as gaming, graphic design and video editing.
- 【12GB RAM Storage Space】12GB 4800MHz LPDDR5 memory with optional configurations -256GB/512GB/1TB M.2 NVMe SSD, meeting the needs of users who want to store large amounts of data, applications and media files.Micro SD card support up to 512GB.You'll have plenty of space to handle all kinds of computing tasks with ease.
- 【16" Immersive Visuals】 The 16-inch laptop features a 4mm thin-bezel display (up to 92% screen ratio) with a 16:10 aspect ratio, 1920x1200 resolution with high pixel density makes images sharper,providing users with an immersive look and feel during the viewing, gaming or creative design process.
- 【Stylish Design】Weighing only 3.7 pounds and 0.59 inches thin, this laptop's extreme thin and light appearance is ideal for mobile work and entertainment.The 180° flat hinge and mini stand on the back make it easy to share content or collaborate with friends.
- 【Rich and High-quality Scalability】 Paired with the Full-size numeric 7 Colors Backlit keyboards,fingerprint recognition, USB 3.0 × 2, headphone jack, DC jack, Micro SD card slot, and mini HDMI. Enjoy higher speeds with 2.4G/5G WiFi and BT4.2, Powered by a 5000 mAh battery, this laptop is your ideal travel companion. (Note: The first row of keys on the top of the computer need to press the FN key at the same time to work!)
- Unmatched Performance: Powered by an 12th generation Celeron N95 processor with 4 cores and 4 threads, this laptop ensures seamless operations at speeds of up to 3.4 GHz, delivering an unmatched level of performance, whether for work or play.
- Upgraded Battery: We received a lot of feedback from our customers about the short battery life, so we upgraded the battery. The capacity of the battery has been increased from 5000mAh to 6000mAh, and the battery life has been increased from 5 hours to 6 hours.
- Immersive Full HD Display: Experience stunning visuals on the 16 inch FHD IPS display with a 1920x1200 resolution. The 0.2 inch micro bezel and an impressive 90% screen-to-body ratio guarantee an immersive and visually captivating viewing experience.
- Ultra-Portable Design: Weighing only 3.5 pounds and with a sleek 0.8 inch thickness, this laptop is designed for life on the go. Enjoy unparalleled mobility without sacrificing screen size or performance, allowing you to carry your world wherever you venture.
- Backlit Keyboard and Fingerprint Unlocking: The ergonomic backlit keyboard with comfortable key stroke allows you to quickly express your thoughts. Fingerprint unlocking quickly opens and secures your device.
- Purposeful Design: Travel with ease and look great doing it with the Aspire's 3 thin, light design.
- Ready-to-Go Performance: The Aspire 3 is ready-to-go with the latest AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Processor with Radeon Graphics—ideal for the entire family, with performance and productivity at the core.
- Visibly Stunning: Experience sharp details and crisp colors on the 15.6" Full HD IPS display with 16:9 aspect ratio and narrow bezels.
- Internal Specifications: 8GB LPDDR5 Onboard Memory; 128GB NVMe solid-state drive storage to store your files and media
- The HD front-facing camera uses Acer’s TNR (Temporal Noise Reduction) technology for high-quality imagery in low-light conditions. Acer PurifiedVoice technology with AI Noise Reduction filters out any extra sound for clear communication over online meetings.
- Eight Super Cooling Fans: The newest 8-core laptop cooling pad can efficiently cool your laptop down, this laptop cooler has the air vent in the top and bottom of the case, you can set different modes for the cooling fans.
- Ergonomic Comfort: The gaming laptop cooling pad provides 6 heights adjustment to choose.You can adjust the suitable angle by your needs to relieve the fatigue of the back and neck effectively.
- LCD Display: The LCD of K10 cooler pad readout shows your current fan speed.simple and intuitive.you can easily control the RGB lights and fan speed by touching the buttons.
- Ten RGB Light Modes: The RGB lights of the cooling laptop pad are pretty and it has many lighting options which can get you cool game atmosphere.
- Whisper Quiet: The 8 fans of the laptop cooling stand are all added with capacitor components to reduce working noise. the gaming laptop cooler is almost quiet enough not to notice even on max setting.
- Spacious interior - the dedicated PC compartment fits gaming laptops up to a whopping 17. 3". Perfectly placed pockets provide quick access to your tools when you need them
- Unbeatable durability - Protect your favorite gear with an ultra-tough, high-density EVA molded front shield lined with water-resistant PU fabric
- Unwavering comfort - This laptop backpack comes equipped with back padding, ventilation, and adjustable shoulder and chest straps that provide comfort that never quits
- Sleek style - With its neat and sleek design, the Legion 17" Armored backpack II beautifully combines gaming performance with style that fits any situation
- Dedicated gear storage - separate pockets designed to hold your keyboard and palm rest, mouse, headphones, water bottle, and more
- The Legion Active Gaming Backpack has a spacious multi-function compartment to effortlessly stores a 17” laptop or a gaming keyboard
- Easy access front pockets make grabbing your gadgets easy, while the water bottle pocket and multi-functional accessory storage give you a place for everything
- This gaming backpack's waterproof cap and base are made of coated recycled PET materials for added durability and green-powered gaming
- The Legion Active Gaming Backpack's well-padded backrest and adjustable padded shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry wherever you go
- Travel-ready luggage trolley strap on this laptop backpack makes airport trips stress-free
- 9 Super Cooling Fans: The newest 9-core laptop cooling pad can efficiently cool your laptop down, this laptop cooler has the air vent in the top and bottom of the case, you can set different modes for the cooling fans.
- Ergonomic comfort: The gaming laptop cooling pad provides 7 heights adjustment to choose.You can adjust the suitable angle by your needs to relieve the fatigue of the back and neck effectively.
- LCD Display: The LCD of KeiBn cooler pad readout shows your current fan speed.simple and intuitive.you can easily control the RGB lights and fan speed by touching the buttons.
- 10 RGB Light Modes: The RGB lights of the cooling laptop pad are pretty and it has many lighting options which can get you cool game atmosphere.
- Whisper Quiet: The 9 fans of the laptop cooling stand are all added with capacitor components to reduce working noise. the gaming laptop cooler is almost quiet enough not to notice even on max setting.
Buying Guide for Gaming Laptops Under $500
When looking for the best gaming laptop under 500 dollars, there are several essential factors to consider. Here’s a breakdown of what you should look for:
Performance
The heart of any gaming laptop is its performance. Look for laptops that have at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen processor. Additionally, a dedicated graphics card like NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon is essential for a smooth gaming experience. While it may be difficult to find high-end graphics cards in this price range, aim for laptops with entry-level dedicated graphics.
RAM
At least 8GB of RAM is recommended for gaming laptops. This ensures that you can multitask effectively and run games smoothly. Any laptop below this might struggle with newer games and multitasking efficiently.
Storage
While budget laptops typically come with HDDs, try to look for models that offer SSDs or a combination of SSD and HDD. SSDs offer faster load times and performance improvements. A minimum of 256GB SSD would be ideal.
Display
A full HD (1920×1080) display is essential for an enjoyable gaming experience. Look for panels that provide good color accuracy and decent viewing angles to enhance your gaming visuals.
Build Quality and Design
A laptop with a sturdy design can withstand the wear and tear of gaming. Additionally, consider the weight, battery life, and portability, especially if you plan on taking the device out often.
Connectivity
Multiple USB ports, HDMI output, and the latest Wi-Fi standards are important for gaming peripherals, external displays, and stable internet connections.
Top 10 Gaming Laptops Under $500
1. Acer Aspire 5
The Acer Aspire 5 is arguably one of the best gaming laptops under $500. It comes equipped with AMD Ryzen 5, alongside 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. The integrated Radeon graphics make casual gaming feasible, allowing you to enjoy titles like Fortnite and Valorant smoothly.
The laptop features a 15.6-inch Full HD display, which is vibrant and clear. Battery life is reasonable, making it suitable for portable gaming. However, it lacks a dedicated GPU, which can limit performance in more demanding titles.
- Do What You Do With Exceptional Performance: The Intel Core i7-1355U processor goes beyond performance to let your PC do even more at once. And with 16GB onboard LPDDR5 memory and 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage—the Aspire 5 is made to do it all.
- Clear and Comfortable Viewing: Experience crisp, lifelike colors and sharp details on the 15.6” FHD IPS touch display. You have more space to work thanks to narrow bezels. Equipped with Acer’s suite of visual technologies for dynamic color optimization and viewing comfort.
- The Design: The slim 0.70" body and aluminum top cover give the Aspire 5 a premium feel and appearance. An ergonomic hinge design lifts the body of Aspire 5 and tilts the backlit keyboard for comfortable typing, improved cooling and a better sound experience.
- Smooth Operator: Make light work of your daily tasks, with a full line-up of features to elevate your day-to-day—like a 1080p webcam, an air inlet keyboard, and Steel Gray aluminum cover.
- Internal Specifications: 16GB LPDDR5 memory; 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD to store your files and media; Windows 11 Home
2. Lenovo Ideapad 3
For students and casual gamers alike, the Lenovo Ideapad 3 stands out with its Intel Core i3 11th generation, which combines decent performance with efficiency. With 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage, users can run multiple programs simultaneously without any major lags.
The 15.6-inch display offers good resolution, while its sleek design makes it easy to carry. Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics allow for light gaming, but it won’t run the latest AAA games effectively. Still, it’s a worthy choice for this price category.
- 【Memory & Storage】Memory is 8GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. Hard Drive is 256GB PCIe Solid State Drive which allows to fast bootup and data transfer
- 【Processor】11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 Dual-Core 3.0GHz Processor (6MB Intel Smart Cache, up to 4.10GHz) Intel UHD Graphics
- 【Screen】15.6" HD Touchscreen (1366 x 768) Display
- 【Ports】2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Combination Audio Jack, 1 x Multi-format SD Media Card Reader, Wireless-AC Wi-Fi 5 + Bluetooth Combo
- 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home
3. HP Pavilion x360
If you are looking for versatility, the HP Pavilion x360 is a 2-in-1 laptop that offers a touchscreen interface, which can be handy for casual productivity and entertainment. It features Intel Core i3, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD—the trade-off for the convertible design being less storage space.
The touchscreen is responsive, and the café-style keyboard is comfortable for long use. While it may not run demanding games smoothly, it can handle casual titles and less resource-intensive games.
- Operating system: Windows 11 Home From a rejuvenated Start menu, to new ways to connect to your favorite people, news, games, and content—Windows 11 is the place to think, express, and create in a natural way.
- Display: 14.0-inch diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080), multitouch-enabled, IPS, edge-to-edge glass, microedge Crystal-clear visuals with 178-degree wide-viewing angles.
- Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U 12th Gen Intel Core processor distributes performance where you need it the most — saving you time and increasing your ability to do the things you actually want.
- Memory: 8 GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM (2 X 4 GB) Substantial high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once.
- Internal storage: 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD Get up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive
4. Dell Inspiron 15
The Dell Inspiron 15 is known for its robust build quality and a good balance between productivity and gaming tasks. It boasts an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The Dell support community is also helpful for troubleshooting common issues.
The laptop’s 15.6-inch Full HD display enhances viewing experiences, while its Radeon graphics provide capabilities for light gaming. It might struggle with high-performance demands, but it’s a reliable choice for most users.
- 【Blazing-Fast 10-Core Performance】Power through multitasking, business software, and heavy student projects effortlessly with the Intel 10-Core i5-1334U processor—outperforming the i7-1250U. This reliable Dell laptop computer delivers smoother, lag-free performance than many traditional laptop computers, handling all your daily and demanding tasks with ease.
- 【Portable 15.6" FHD Touchscreen Immersion】Enjoy crisp, anti-glare visuals on the micro-edge FHD touch display of this Dell laptop. Its slim, lightweight design makes it the perfect portable laptop for school, travel, and daily use—far more convenient than bulkier traditional laptop computers, ideal for engaging presentations, casual gaming, or on-the-go video editing.
- 【Productivity on the Go】With a upgraded 32GB RAM & 1TB PCIe SSD. This laptop computer offers ample storage for files, media, and apps. Its energy-efficient design ensures all-day battery life, supporting productivity anywhere. Whether you're a student or professional, this device is a top laptop for college students and beyond.
- 【Next-Gen Connectivity & AI Efficiency】Stay connected with ultra-fast WiFi 6 on this smart business laptop and boost workflow with built-in Copilot AI—perfect for group projects, task management, and modern business needs. Unlike outdated traditional laptop computers, this Dell laptop keeps you efficient and ahead of the curve.
- 【Ready-to-Use Windows 11 Pro】Start working instantly with pre-installed, secure Windows 11 Pro on this Dell laptop computer. Combining robust performance that outshines basic laptops and everyday portability missing from bulky traditional laptop computers, it’s a versatile laptop for video editing, studying, and professional work—built for reliability you can count on.
5. Lenovo IdeaPad L340
The Lenovo IdeaPad L340 offers a balanced combination of gaming and work performance. Powered by a 9th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, it supports modern games and applications with good speed.
The graphics performance comes from the integrated Intel UHD Graphics, which is adequate for entry-level gaming. Its discrete design is appealing, making it a solid all-rounder laptop for gaming and daily usage.
- A new dimension of gaming performance awaits - with 9th-generation Intel Core i5 processors, the IdeaPad L340 gaming has the power you need to outshoot, outrun, and outsmart anyone. Includes 8GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD
- Take it to the next level - With the latest NVIDIA GeForce Graphics behind you, you can tame the hottest titles with faster, smoother, and more power-efficient gameplay. Plus, the 15.6-Inch screen delivers a stunning full HD IPS Display with 1920 x 1080 resolution
- A portal to a new sound dimension - hardwired into every Idea Pad L340 gaming is advanced Dopoundsy audio technology. Take your mobile gaming experience to another dimension and have a real blast along the way
- Control your own fate - Game in 'quick' Mode or work in 'quiet' Mode. It's your call with a simple function setting that lets you shift gears between modes, instantly.
- Final product may vary slightly from image
6. ASUS VivoBook 15
The ASUS VivoBook 15 carries a sleek aesthetic and lightweight design. With an AMD Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD, it provides reliable performance for casual gaming. Its integrated Vega graphics handle games like Minecraft or League of Legends pretty well.
The 15.6-inch Full HD display offers vibrant colors and sharpness that will enhance your gaming experience. However, it does have heating issues during prolonged game sessions, so keep that in mind.
- Microsoft Copilot Make complex tasks simple. Get answers, generate images, summarize texts, and more! Unleash your creativity with the power of intelligent assistance
- Stunning 15.6-inch FHD Touch Display Indulge in stunning visuals in breathtaking 1920 x 1080 resolution (16:9) and a 250-nit sustained brightness with vivid colors and a smooth 60Hz refresh rate
- Fast Intel Core i5-1334U Processor With the latest platform technologies for everyday applications, fast connectivity and performance optimization, the Intel Core i5-1334U processor enables casual gaming, creation and productivity
- Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics Powerful integrated graphics for all your everyday needs from day to night
- Multitask Effortlessly with 16GB Of Memory And 512GB Of Storage Experience lightning-fast performance and speedy multitasking, whether you're gaming, editing, or browsing. Save files quickly and store vast amounts of data. With extensive storage and advanced communication power, PCIe 3.0 SSDs perform well for everyday applications, multiple servers, daily backups, and more
7. Acer Swift 3
Acer Swift 3 is primarily aimed at students and professionals but does offer adequate performance for light gaming. An Intel Core i5, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD make it a capable machine. The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics support casual gaming but aren’t designed for demanding titles.
The Swift 3 excels in battery life, providing up to 12 hours of usage on a single charge, making it a great choice for those who need a laptop on-the-go.
- Get high performance, responsiveness and long battery life with the Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor - up to 4.7GHz, 4 cores, 8 threads, 12MB Intel Smart Cache
- 14" Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Widescreen LED-backlit 100% sRGB Display | Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 16GB Onboard LPDDR4X Memory and 512GB NVMe SSD
- 1 - USB Type-C Port USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps) DisplayPort over USB Type-C, Thunderbolt 4 & USB Charging | 2 - USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (one featuring power-off charging) | 1 - HDMI 2.0 Port with HDCP Support
- Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX201 | Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution | Up to 16 Hours Battery Life
8. HP 15-dy2021nr
The HP 15-dy2021nr has an Intel Core i5 processor and comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD storage, allowing for smooth multitasking and general usage. The display is vibrant and sharp, enhancing your gaming visuals.
Integrated Intel UHD graphics facilitate easy gameplay for older or less demanding games. While new AAA titles will not perform well, this laptop makes a good choice for casual gamers or those looking to play indie titles.
- TAKE IT ANYWHERE – With its thin and light design, 6.5 millimeter micro-edge bezel display, and 82% screen to body ratio, you can take this PC anywhere and see more of what you love (1).
- REVOLUTIONARY ENTERTAINMENT – Enjoy ultra-wide viewing angles and seamlessly perform multi-monitor set-ups with a 15.6-inch, Full HD, IPS, micro-edge, and anti-glare display (2).
- IMPRESSIVE GRAPHICS – The Intel Iris Xe Graphics gives you a new level of performance with crisp, stunning visuals, plus the convenience of a thin and light laptop (3).
- UNSTOPPABLE PERFORMANCE – Get things done fast with the 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, which delivers instant responsiveness and best-in-class connectivity (4).
- MEMORY AND STORAGE – Get up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive with 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage and experience improved multitasking with higher bandwidth thanks to 8 GB of RAM (5).
9. ASUS L410
If you are on a tighter budget, the ASUS L410 has its benefits. Though not initially designed for gaming, it does feature an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 64GB eMMC storage. While it’s not geared for heavy gaming, light gaming is possible on less demanding titles.
However, this laptop’s limitations in RAM and storage are significant. It’s best suited for casual browsing and lightweight tasks, so only consider it for very light gaming options.
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- Efficient Intel Celeron N4020 Processor (4M Cache, up to 2.8 GHz)
- 14” Full HD (1920x1080) Display
- 64GB eMMC Flash Storage and 4GB DDR4 RAM
- Windows 10 in S mode with One Year Microsoft 365 Personal included
10. Gateway 15.6" Laptop
The Gateway 15.6” Laptop is a less conventional option that boasts an AMD Ryzen 5, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD. It’s stylish in design and supports light gaming with integrated Radeon graphics.
The larger display enhances gaming and entertainment experiences. With decent performance levels, it’s a great all-rounder for both office work and casual gaming need, although it may struggle with the latest gaming titles.
- Windows 11; AMD ryzen 7 3700u processor with radeon rx vega 10 graphics (2.3ghz base, up to 4.0ghz)
- 15.6in fhd (1920 x 1080) ips; built in fingerprint scanner (Windows hello); built in stereo speakers tuned by thx audio; wifi + bluetooth 4.2
- 16gb ram; 1tb ssd drive; precision touchpad; hd webcam; Intel hd graphics; long lasting battery; built in microphone
- Micro sd slot (up to 512 gb) x 1; hdmi output x 1; usb type-c (charge + data transfer) x 1; usb 3.0 x 2; kensington lock
Conclusion
Finding the best gaming laptop under 500 dollars may seem challenging, but 2024 brings numerous affordable options that provide decent performance for casual gaming and everyday tasks. Whether you prioritize portability, graphics, or display quality, the listed laptops cater to various needs while ensuring that you stay within budget.
Be sure to consider the buying guide factors to select the best best gaming laptop under 500 dollars tailored to your specific requirements. Happy gaming!
Last update on 2025-12-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | hishecozy.com is a participant in the Amazon Associate program and will earn from qualifying purchases.
