10 Best Gaming Laptop Under 1000 – Updated Guide for Gamers 2021

Welcome back to our series of “Budget Gaming Laptops.”

Today, our focus relies on getting the best gaming laptop under $1000 available in 2021.

What could you expect from these gaming machines?

For starters, you’d get a robust CPU chipset (probably the latest Intel Core i7, or AMD Ryzen 7 ones). When it comes to GPUs, you’d find gaming laptops with latest Nvidia or AMD graphics card (Most commonly 1660 Ti or Radeon RX 5600.)

The extra peripherals might range from 8 to 16 GB of DDR4 ram, ample amount of SSD+HDD storage, backlit keyboard, aesthetic gaming design, and Windows 10 operating system.

Wasting no more time, let us move on to the best $1000 gaming laptop reviews in 2021:

Top 10 Best Gaming Laptop Under 1000 – In-Depth Analysis of Budget Gaming Laptops

1. Lenovo Legion 5 – Best Gaming Laptop Under 1000 in 2021

Legion 5 from Lenovo tops our list of the best affordable gaming laptops available at a $1000 budget range. Being backed by a powerful CPU + GPU combo and a sleek aesthetic shape, the gaming laptop ensures playing latest games at a smooth fps rate.

Talking about the first impressions:

Lenovo Legion 5 comes with crystal clear display. Not only that, but there isn’t any compromise on maintaining the sleek and slim look of the machine. The presence of a mechanical-based backlit keyboard also adds to enhance the gaming experience. If you ask me, I’d say that Lenovo has done a splendid job in making one of the best cheap gaming laptops under $1000.

Important Features You Should Know:

First things first, the backing of powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor could not be ignored. It ensures playing games without any flaws, lags, and hang. Along with that, you can run almost every heavy application on the gaming laptop.

Secondly, you’d be getting the services of Nvidia GeForce 1660Ti graphics card. The ample amount of VRAM it offers, allows you to play games like Fortnite, CS: GO, PUBG, and Red Dead Redemption 2 at a smooth fps rate.

I could not stop myself from praising the ultra-wide 15.6” full HD display. The 144Hz refresh rate with a 3MS response time offers extreme clarity and focus at the same time.

Talking of the ram and storage options. The budget gaming laptop has got 16GB DDR4 memory to improve the multitasking interface. For storage, 512GB SSD is installed so that you won’t have to face any problem while storing large gaming files.

Extra peripherals such as USB-C Type ports, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, Heat Pipe cooling system, and backlit keyboard guarantee a comfortable gaming experience. Along with that, Legion 5 also has improved battery timing which works like a charm for gaming enthusiasts.

Also, check the list of best gaming laptops under 1500.

Final Views:

Lenovo Legion 5 with high end gaming performance is absolutely the best gaming laptop deal you are going to get with a $1000 budget. Check it out before it’s too late.

 

2. Acer Nitro 5 – Best $1000 Gaming Laptop with RTX Graphics:

Nvidia with its latest RTX graphics offering Ray-Tracing is the new trend going on in the gaming community. With that said, Acer Nitro 5 is one of the gaming laptops on our list that offers RTX graphics card within a $1000 budget range.

Moreover:

I liked the overall shape and construction which seems pretty much solid. Backlit RGB keyboard is also there to keep you indulged in gaming. With a powerful processor and RTX graphics from Nvidia, Nitro 5 is literally killing all other gaming laptops including the Legion 5 we mentioned above.

Important Specs You Must Know:

First off, I’d want to talk about the availability of Nvidia RTX 2060 graphics card. The Ray-tracing feature, when enabled, offers ultrarealistic gaming experience. I’ve played games like Red Dead Redemption along with CyberPunk 2077 on it with a smooth 60 to 70 fps rate.

On the other hand, Intel Core i7, 9th Gen. CPU chipset makes the laptop’s processing speed as fast as possible. The machine can perform running multiple apps without lagging even for once.

Compared to the Legion 5, Acer Nitro 5 has got a large 17.3” full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time. So, the display interface is better and more appealing.

At last, the 16GB DDR4 ram combined with 256GB SSD enhance the surfing speed. I’ve opened like 20 Chrome tabs on Nitro 5 and it didn’t stutter for once. SSD is low compared to Legion 5, but upgrading options are available.

Final Views:

The Newest Acer Nitro 5 is a blessing in disguise for gamers who want a powerful yet portable gaming machine. It must be a priority for you if you want to play games like PUBG or Apex Legends on Ultra settings.

 

3. HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop – Best Budget Gaming Laptop Under $1000

To be honest, I’m not a fan of HP when it comes to discussing the best gaming laptops under 1000. However, the recent gaming machines it has produced has left me in awe. Taking a close look at the HP Pavilion: It has attracted me in terms of shape, performance, and battery timing.

Adding to that:

The gaming laptop is light in weight and more aesthetic compared to the likes of Legion 5 and Nitro 5. Moreover, it ensures playing all new games like CyberPunk 2077 or Watch Dogs 2 without compromising on the frame rate. The backing of a large display is also there to spice up the gaming environment.

Important Features You Should Know:

First things first, the best HP gaming laptop under 1000 features the latest Intel Core i7, 10th Gen. Hexa-Core processor. Boosting the speed for up to 5GHz, this chipset provides a smooth gaming interface for sure and is an upgrade compared to the Acer Nitro 5.

GTX 1660Ti graphics card from Nvidia is not as powerful as compared to the graphics installed in Nitro 5. However, it’s more than enough to enhance your gaming experience as it runs all latest titles on High to Ultra settings without compromising on the frame rate.

The full HD IPS display with 17.3” size and anti-glare option offers complete focus and an indulged gaming experience. The backing of 16GB DDR4 ram along with 256GB SSD paves way for a smooth gaming and multitasking experience respectively.

Final Views:

The best gaming laptop under 1000, i.e. HP Pavilion is getting all the attention it deserves from the gaming community. Get your hands on it and enjoy an immersive gaming experience with a smooth graphics interface.

 

4. Dell Gaming G3 – Best Gaming Laptop for 1000

How could Dell remain silenced with so much gaming activity going around in its neighborhood? Well, the OG brand has introduced Gaming G3 gaming laptop, which is not as high end as compared to the laptops we discussed above.

However:

It’s capable of offering smooth enough fps rate while running games like Watch Dogs 3, Mafia 3, CyberPunk 2077, Apex Legends, or Sims 4. Adding to that, the shape and body are quite well-constructed. I absolutely loved playing Valorant on G3 as the fps rate was quite balanced along with a realistic graphical interface.

Important Features You Must Know:

Dell gaming laptop is backed by Intel Core i7, 10th Gen. processor for making everything as smooth as possible. No matter if you start a game or a heavy program, the processing speed will never disappoint you.

Nvidia 1650Ti graphics card with 4GB VRAM ensure ultrarealistic gaming experience for sure. Running games like GTA V, Need for Speed 2015, or Fortnite is as easy as eating a piece of cake for this gaming laptop.

The best value gaming laptop is also inclusive of 16GB DDR4 ram for an impeccable multitasking experience. Adding to that, 512GB SSD works like icing on the cake as it allows to store large gaming files, videos, and songs in seconds!

Final Views:

Dell Gaming G3 is a relatively better gaming machine compared to other options available in the market with a $1000 budget. Go get it, if you are a fan of playing games with a proper immersive environment.

 

5. CUK MSI GF65 – Best Thin Gaming Laptop Under 1000

MSI is another emerging gaming brand that has been offering the best affordable gaming laptop deals for quite some time now. If we look at it closely, this brand is specifically targeting ASUS gaming laptops as the gaming machines it produces are extremely thin.

Cutting right to the chase:

I personally loved the sleek and slim shape of the gaming laptop as it enhances portability. On the other hand, the backing of superfast processor with Nvidia graphics ensures a smooth and flawless gaming experience.

Most Important Features You Should Know:

Talking about the display first. The best gaming laptop under 1000 comes with a thin bezel yet a full HD 15.6” display. Adding to that, it has got IPS technology and offers a refresh rate of 120Hz at the same time.

Backed by Intel Core i7, 9th Gen. CPU chipset, and Nvidia GTX 1660Ti graphics card, the gaming interface is simply flawless and lag-free. I’ve tested all the newest titles on this machine and it hasn’t disappointed me up till now.

The 16GB DDR4 ram, 512GB SSD, and backlit keyboard option increases productivity and offers a versatile multitasking experience. The brand also offers a patented thermal cooling solution to keep the device away from getting overheated.

Final Views:

CUK MSI GF65 is a thin budget gaming laptop that you could get in a 1000 dollar range. Consider getting it from Computer Update King Store to avoid any problems or issues.

 

6. 2019 ASUS ROG – Cheap ASUS Gaming Laptop Under 1000

From here on, you’d find a lot of gaming laptops from ASUS as it’s the only gaming brand offering cheap gaming machines at affordable rates. Taking 2019 ASUS Rog into perspective, this powerful gaming laptop is capable of running almost every new title with a smooth frame rate.

Not only that:

But, the laptop has a sleek and lightweight body. The display is ultra-clear along with a backlit keyboard. However, I specifically didn’t like the small keyboard as it lags the NumPad. Other than that, the best gaming laptop under 1000 is perfect from almost every aspect.

Some Important Features:

First off, the fusion of Intel Core i7, 9th gen. processor with Nvidia GTX 1650 graphics card could not be ignored. The laptop allows playing games like Apex Legends, Sims 4, and League of Legends on Ultra settings.

Adding to that, I’d also wanna talk about the immersive 15.6” full HD display that ensures crystal clear graphics. The display offers an indulged gaming experience and keeps your eyes away from extra fatigue respectively.

Last but not the least, the 16GB DDR4 memory with 2666MHz speed ensures a lightning fast multitasking experience. What intrigued me the most was the SSD+HDD combo, which acts as a savior when you have large amount of data to store.

If you are low on budget then you may also check best gaming laptops under 800.

Final Views:

The 2019 ASUS ROG offers a lightning fast gaming interface and improves the overall experience with updated graphics. Check it out before it’s too late.

 

7. MSI GF65 Thin – Best Gaming Laptop Under 900

First off, don’t confuse this variant of GF65 with the one I’ve mentioned above as the specs it has got are different. The best gaming laptop under 900 from MSI has got a durable and sturdy design.

Moreover:

It’s been powered by the newest Intel CPU and Nvidia GPU. Combining the power of these two chipsets with an improved multitasking interface allows GF65 to run new gaming titles without any frame rate dropping issue.

Important Features You Must Know:

Backed by a powerful core i7, 9th gen. CPU chipset along with Nvidia GTX 1660Ti graphics card, the gaming laptop meets the demand of hardcore gamers with ease.

Moreover, 8GB DDR4 ram along with 512GB SSD from MSI is more than enough to handle the storage problems. Multitasking performance is also improved.

Last but not the least, the best gaming laptop under 900 also features a backlit keyboard, USB 3.0 connectivity, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and Windows 10 operating system for a smooth gaming interface.

Final Views:

The Thin MSI GF65 is a perfect alternative for gamers who have a budget close to $900. Check it out before it runs out of stock.

 

8. ASUS TUF VR Ready – Best $1000 Gaming Laptop for the Money

Up next, we have the ASUS TUF VR Ready gaming laptop with some high end specs to improve gaming performance. This gaming laptop is loved by hardcore gamers because the specs it offers are quite rare to find in $1000 budget range.

Starting with some specifics:

The gaming laptop is light in weight and has an attractive design. Not only that, but it can also run almost all latest titles with Ray Tracing feature, thanks to the RTX graphics card installed in it.

Important Technical Features:

Backed by the latest AMD Ryzen 7 processor and Nvidia RTX 2060 graphics, the laptop plays games like CyberPunk 2077, RDR2, GTA V, and Need for Speed Series like a charm.

On the other hand, the laptop is VR ready. Just purchase a separate VR set and enjoy playing games in a virtual environment with the help of ASUS TUF gaming laptop.

Lastly, 8GB DDR4 ram with 512GB SSD and extra features like backlit keyboard, Wireless connectivity, and the installation of Windows allows an immersive gaming experience for sure.

Final Views:

ASUS TUF VR Ready with a portable and lightweight yet powerful gaming performance is another choice you can consider with a $1000 budget.

 

9. ASUS TUF A17 – Gaming Laptop with IPS Display

The second last best gaming laptop under 1000 available on our list comes from ASUS yet again. The brand new A17 has been making the highlights as it ensures running latest games at a smooth fps rate. Plus, the ergonomics are well up to the mark hence providing an ultimate and comfortable gaming experience.

Important Features You Should Know

A17 from ASUS features AMD Ryzen 7 Processor. The presence of Nvidia GTX 1650 adds more spice to meet the cravings of hardcore gamers.

Not only that, but the best affordable gaming laptop also comes with a large 15.6” full HD IPS display. The response time along with refresh rate is well up to the mark to make games as smooth to run as possible.

Finally, I’d also want to talk about the 16 GB DDR4 ram which enhances multitasking and makes Internet surfing convenient. The 1TB HDD + 512GB SSD combo ensures large storage space with immense reading and writing speed.

Final Views:

ASUS A17 gaming laptop is yet another option you can consider, especially if you want a full-fledged portable and lightweight gaming machine.

 

10. Asus ROG Strix G – Cheap Gaming Laptop Under $1000

Finally, we’ll be concluding our review section with the addition of Asus ROG Strix G. This gaming laptop is specifically meant for professional gamers who want to practice playing FPS or multiplayer games like CS: GO, PUBG, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Valorant, etc.

Important Features You Need to Know:

ROG Strix G is powered by the latest Intel Core i7, 9th gen. processor. That said, the backing of Nvidia GTX 1650 is also there to improve the gaming performance accordingly.

Moreover, the best $1000 gaming laptop also features a backlit keyboard, 16GB ram, 1TB superfast SSD, and Windows 10 Home operating system.

Considering all these specs, I can guarantee that this laptop will offer a smooth 60 to 70 frame rate without compromising on the graphics of a new game.

Final Views:

The best $1000 gaming laptop from ASUS should be a priority for those who want to play games regardless of the place they are traveling to.

 

Top 3 Picks:

Based on positive customer feedback and my own experience, the top 3 picks are as follows:

1. Lenovo Legion 5 as it’s the best gaming laptop under 1000 available in 2021.
2. Acer Nitro 5 as it’s the best $1000 gaming laptop with RTX graphics.
3. MSI GF65 Thin if you want the best gaming laptop under 900.

Choosing the Best Budget Gaming Laptop in 2021 – What You Need to Consider?

The buying guide I’m going to talk about consists of some of the features that you should never ignore while purchasing the best gaming laptop under 1000.

Give it a thorough read as follows:

CPU Chipset:

As I’ve been mentioning quite frequently, an efficient CPU chipset will increase the overall speed of your gaming laptop.

Hence, you can not only play latest games without any lags but can also enjoy running heavy programs like Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects.

Now, the question here is that “What kind of CPU chipset should you expect in a $1000 gaming laptop?”

As per my experience, you’d be able to land yourself a gaming rig with AMD Ryzen 7 or Core i7 (9th or 10th Gen.) processor.

Never settle for less than what I’ve mentioned as you’d be wasting your money on such a gaming laptop.

Graphics Card:

If CPU is the brain of a gaming laptop, then Graphics Card or GPU acts as its heart.

Gaming laptop with an advanced GPU will ensure running games on ultra-settings.

Adding to that, you’d also enjoy a smooth fps rate (60 to 70) while playing games like GTA V, CyberPunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, Rocket League, and CS: GO, etc.

In a $1000 budget, you should aim for a gaming laptop with at least an Nvidia GTX 1650 graphics card.

The list I’ve mentioned above also offers laptops with RTX graphics so you can also check them out and make your decision accordingly.

RAM:

Last but not the least, a $1000 budget will easily land you a gaming laptop with 16GB DDR4 memory at a speed of 2666MHz.

Never ignore the random access memory as it improves the overall random speed of the gaming laptop. Besides, it also plays a vital role in enhancing the multitasking experience.

You can also read how to keep your gaming laptop healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What’s the best gaming laptop for under 1000?

Well, I’d go with the latest Acer Nitro 5 as it has got a robust CPU chipset along with Nvidia RTX 2060 graphics card. The ergonomics are kept in mind and the laptop is not bulky at all. Besides, it also provides a long-lasting battery. So, it’s definitely the best value gaming laptop with a price tag of $1000.

2. What is the best gaming laptop under 900?

If you’ve got 900 dollars to spend on a gaming laptop, better go for the MSI GF65 Thin as mentioned above. It features a fast processor, latest Nvidia graphics card, and an intuitive display at the same time. Consider getting it if you are facing budget problems.

3. What laptops are good for gaming and cheap?

A laptop with latest AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel Core i7 processor, Nvidia RTX or GTX graphics, at least 16GB memory, and an SSD + HDD combo is good for gaming and available at a cheap rate at the same time.

Summing Things Up:

So, with this much info about the $1000 gaming laptops, I think you could make a sane decision.

Don’t forget to check out the list I’ve mentioned above as it’s comprised of my 10 hours of research and skimming of thousands of reviews.

Good Luck!!