Best Gaming Laptops Under 400 – 10 Top Picks in 2023

When it comes to gaming let’s discuss the best gaming laptops under 400 in 2023!

Laptops are always regarded as the successors to PCs as they are easier to use and more convenient to carry around. That being said, if you need one of the best gaming laptops under 400 for this year, then I’ve got something interesting for you in this price range..

However, I won’t raise your expectations too high from a gaming laptop under 400, as most laptops would be limited to 4GB of RAM and 128GB SSD storage. You’d of course be able to play some old AAA and some modern games from 2012 to 2015 easily with a laptop that can be purchase around that price point.

So, now coming towards the main topic, I’ve compiled a list of top 10 best gaming laptops under $400 for you to make a wise decision. Scroll through this list and head towards the review section for better assessment respectively.

If you have an even lower budget, then you may also check best gaming laptops under 300.

Have a look as follows:

Top 10 Gaming Laptops Under $400

1. Acer Aspire 5 – Best Gaming Laptop Under 400 in 2023

While Acer Nitro is a more well-reputed but more expensive gaming laptop, another Acer brand, namely Aspire 5, without any doubt, offers great value in the market with an extremely affordable budget. All low-budget gamers must pay high regard to the brand as it has made gaming easier for them. That being said, I bought this laptop a year ago as I was already low on budget. Up till now, investing in it was one of the best decisions I’ve had ever made. The laptop, up till now is running at an optimal performance that I didn’t expect at all. Well, the first expressions are simple, smooth, and sleek. This laptop isn’t bulky or weighty at all. It’s a perfect portable gaming machine for the gamers who’ve got no more than 400 bucks to spend. Long story short, Acer Aspire 5 should be the ultimate winner whenever we talk about the best budget gaming laptops.

Now coming towards some serious discussion, Acer gaming laptop has been powered by Intel’s 11th generation i3 processor which is fast enough to run heavy applications. It can also load the games faster than other typical laptops.

In addition to that, what I liked the most about this laptop is the upgradation of random access memory. The presence of a 4GB DDR4 RAM is, thus more than enough to help you in multitasking. You can easily play games, run songs in background, or do any other activity without any problem.

The discussion doesn’t end here. Acer Aspire 5 is also equipped with updated Intel Integrated graphics to ensure a smoother gaming experience. Games like PUBGM Emulator, GTA IV, and Need For Speed – The RUN are, thus easy playable on medium to high settings. Since Aspire 5 has a bigger screen than other competitor laptops in this group, the gaming world would of course love it!

Last but not the least, there is no compromise on the overall durability of the laptop. I’ve been using it for one year and so far the laptop is working just perfect for me. That’s one of the main reasons I hold this laptop in high regard.

You can also check multi purpose best laptop under 400 in your budget.

Final Views: 

Acer Aspire 5 is hands down the best option among gaming laptop available in the market. I’d urge all the low-budget gamers to get this powerful computing machine as soon as possible or it might get out of stock anytime soon.

 

2. ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 – Thinnest Gaming Laptop Under 400

ASUS is a brand that is famous for introducing thin, sleek, and slim computing machines. That being said, some of its laptops even beat the class of an Apple MacBook in an affordable budget. Well, the laptop we are about to discuss goes by the name as VivoBook Flip 14 and it’s the thinnest laptop available in 2023 within a 400$ budget. Yeah, you heard it right. With exceptional gaming and multitasking capabilities, the overall design of this laptop is extra thin and that’s the beauty of Asus VivoBook Flip 14. Apart from that, you’d find an updated CPU plus GPU combination along with an ample amount of memory and storage at the same time. This laptop is, thus perfect from every angle regardless of the price it has got.

Talking about some main features, one of the best gaming laptops under 400 is equipped with a efficient Intel Celeron processor. This processor is responsible for maintaining the overall performance of the laptop. You can, thus enjoy a fast and smooth gaming experience at the same time.

On the other hand, what intrigued me the most regarding VivoBook Flip 14 is that it has a large 14″ HD 768p display. It enhances the gaming performance and helps you to enjoy vivid graphics of games at the same time.

The presence of Intel UHD graphics card along with an 4GB DDR4 RAM ensures a smooth and fast gaming experience. Games like Minecraft, Fortnite, PUBGM, and Counter Strike Global Offensive can easily be played on this laptop.

Last but not the least, ASUS offers a one-year Microsoft 365 free subscription. So, this lightweight 2-in-1 convertible laptop with a touchscreen is the best thinnest laptop for gaming.

If you have slightly higher budget, then you may also check best gaming laptops under 500.

Final Views: 

One of the best gaming laptops under 400, i.e. Asus VivoBook Flip 14 is an ultimate choice for gamers who are already facing low budget issues. So, I’d recommend you to check it out before it’s too late.

 

3. HP 14″ HD – With Windows 10 Operating System:

You’d see many best budget gaming laptops from HP here in this article because HP is the only brand that seems to be prioritizing the needs of beginner gamers. In this regard, this laptop from HP is just a perfect option for someone who wants to start gaming from scratch. As far as I’m concerned, it has got an ample amount of qualities to run many AAA titles on medium to high settings without causing any issue. On the other hand, the design and construction is also on par with other laptop brands such as Acer and Asus. As for the price, HP gaming laptop is available in no more than 400 bucks. It’s a complete bargain for a beginner or low-budget gamers respectively.

First things first, the best budget laptop under 400 comes with Windows 10 operating system. Keep in mind that this OS is perfect for running all latest games without causing any issue.

On the other hand, the presence of AMD Ryzen 3 processor also spice up the things pretty much well for beginner games. It enhances the overall performance and reduces the loading time for heavy games at the same time.

The combination of 4GB DDR4 RAM along with a 128GB super-fast SSD ensures a smooth and responsive gaming experience. That being said, the laptop can easily play games like GTA Vice City, Project IGI, and Minecraft on medium to high settings. Games like NFS – The Run, and Counter Strike are also playable.

Lastly, a 14″ full HD display makes it easier for you to focus on the game you are playing. It can easily render the graphics smoothly to allow you to play games without any glitches.

Also, check the best gaming laptop under 600.

Final Views: 

HP 14″ gaming laptop is on par with the gaming beasts that we discussed above. On the other hand, it’s lightweight, portable, and compact at the same time. So, I’d be suggesting you to get your hands on this computing machine as soon as possible.

 

4. HP 14 inch Latest Laptop – Best Laptop for Minecraft Under $400

Another laptop from HP that is getting extremely popular among the gaming community is the latest 2021 HP 14 inch. Sounds interesting right? Well, it is for sure. The brand new laptop comes with all latest specifications to ensure a smooth, fast, and lag-free gaming experience. Apart from that, the overall shape and body is lightweight and portable enough to be carried around from one place to another. Games like Minecraft, PUBGM, and GTA IV can easily be played on this laptop with a better fps rate. That’s one of the reasons many low-budget gamers are praising this ultimate gaming beast from HP.

As far as the main specs are concerned, with 8GB of RAM , one of the best gaming laptops under 400 is powered by AMD Radeon Vega 3 graphics card, The graphics card is powerful enough to play Minecraft and other free world games on high settings. And for an added mere 40 bucks you can get a 256GB SSD hard disk drive instead of the standard 128GB.

Besides, the backing of AMD 3020e processor is just exceptional. It enhances the overall performance and reduces the loading time especially when you are playing heavier games.

Last but not the least, what matters the most about this gaming laptop is that it comes with a touchscreen interface. That said, the touchscreen is responsive enough to enjoy multitasking and other activities at the same time.

You can also check best gaming laptop under 700 for fast performance.

Final Views: 

The touchscreen laptop from HP is indeed a treat for those who are looking for a gaming laptop with exceptional performance. It’s a recommended choice especially when you’ve got only around $400 to spend in 2023.

 

5. Newest 2020 HP – With 10th Gen Processor:

The newest 2020 laptop has been introduced in the market by adding some advanced features and specs to it within an affordable budget. This gaming laptop under 400 has got a slim and sleek design. It’s portable enough to be carried around from one place to another easily. Apart from that, what I like the most about this laptop is that it remains responsive even if you are using it for a long time. There won’t be any lagging or glitch issues as far as you are taking good care of it. So, long story short, it’s yet another budget option available that can be considered if you are not content with the laptops I’ve mentioned above.

Breaking down the main qualities, one of the best HP gaming laptops comes with a powerful 10th gen. core i3 processor. It speeds up the performance and efficiency of the laptop so that it can run games smoothly.

Besides, the presence of 4GB DDR4 memory along with a 128GB SSD helps you to utilize this laptop in multitasking. You can enjoy playing games, surfing internet, or playing songs in the background with this computing machine conveniently.

Lastly, the presence of a genuine Windows 10 operating system makes it easier for gamers to play new games on low to medium settings easily. You’d surely enjoy the likes of Minecraft, GTA IV, Need For Speed – Rivals on this laptop with an average fps rate of 40.

Final Views: 

HP has made better improvements in its latest 2020 laptop to ensure an optimal gaming performance and so far it hasn’t disappointed me at all. I’d suggest y’all to check this awesome gaming machine before it’s too late.

 

6. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 – Best 2-in-1 Laptop Under $400

Want to play games on an extremely compact gadget within an affordable budget? This demand of yours is met by none other than Lenovo Flex 5 that portrays a convertible design. Yeah, you heard it right. One of the best 2-in-1 laptops under $400 can be utilized for playing games such as GTA Vice City and Project IGI along with NFS-Underground. Other than that, what I liked the most about this laptop is that it can easily be carried around from one place to another without any worries. All in all, it’s a perfect option for those gaming freaks who want to play games all day long even if they are on the move.

Talking of the operating system first, this compact gaming laptop comes with Chrome operating system. Although the features that this OS offers are limited, it’s comparatively easier to use and access.

In addition to that, the laptop comes with convertible design. You can disassemble it to make the laptop, a full-fledged tablet. Mind you that the touch interface is extremely responsive to ensure a perfect surfing experience.

Finally, the integrated graphics card from Intel along with a super fast processor and 4GB DDR4 memory allows a smooth and responsive gaming experience. It’s thus a perfect option and an affordable laptop for students, as well as being a good gaming laptop.

Final Views: 

Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is an option to be considered if you need a budget laptop below $400 with solid gaming specs. Get it before it runs out of stock.

 

7. HP Stream – With Ergonomic Keyboard

Another modern laptop for gaming from HP that is already gaining the attention of amateur gamers is HP Stream. This model comes with some updated features and specs to ensure a fast and smooth gaming experience, in addition of everyday use. Besides, the reason I love it is that it comes with an ergonomic keyboard. It was easier for me to use the keys while playing FPS games like PUBGM or Minecraft. Regardless of that, one of the most affordable laptops is compact and portable enough to be carried around from one place to another easily. That’s one of the reasons many gamers are loving it.

First things first, the best gaming laptop has been powered by AMD Dual-Core A4 processor which is equivalent to an Intel Core i5 processor easily. You can, thus play multiple games on the laptop without any glitches or lagging issues.

Lastly, the laptop from HP comes with a 4GB DDR4 memory. Along with that it also offers an ample amount of storage in the form of 128GB SSD. You can, thus utilize the storage to download and install large game files without any worries.

Final Views: 

HP Stream laptop is causing havoc among the gaming community even in 2023. Better consider getting this gaming beast if you are already low on budget, and wish to play older as well as the newer games.

 

8. ASUS VivoBook L203MA – Ultra-Thin Gaming Laptop:

Another masterpiece from ASUS in the form of VivoBook L203MA is available for sale in 2023 at an extremely reasonable rate. Yeah, you got it right. This laptop will cost you no more than 300 bucks and I’m not even kidding at all. Talking of the specifications and features, they are a bit mediocre as the price is too low. However, even with these specs, you can play all games that were released between 2000 to 2015. So, it’s a bargain for the gamers and students who need a bit of enjoyment and entertainment whenever they get extra time.

The laptop, first of all, has been backed by a super fast Intel Celeron N4000 processor for overall good performance. In this way, you’d be able to play multiple games on it without any issues.

Apart from that, the availability of a full HD display along with 4GB DDR4 ram enhances the gaming experience to new bounds. That’s one of the reasons many gamers like this laptop, not just for light gaming but for daily tasks as well at very reasonable price.

You may also check best laptops for engineering students.

Final Views: 

ASUS VivoBook L203MA is another notable laptop that should be a priority for you especially if you’ve got a budget of around 300 bucks. Yes among the 10, this ASUS machine can also be ranked as one of best cheap gaming laptops.

 

9. Lenovo 130S-11IGM – With Office 365:

The second last gaming laptop on our list is from Lenovo and the reason I’ve listed it is because I liked its ergonomics the most. To be honest, the laptop is too lightweight, portable, and compact at the same time. Besides, it offers some powerful specs and features at the same time. So, beginners who want to start gaming from scratch by playing some old-fashioned game can easily invest in getting this laptop without any other single thought.

Talking of the main features, the best gaming laptop under 400 comes with Intel Celeron processor for a fast gaming interface.

Besides, the backing of integrated Intel HD graphics card ensures a smooth gaming performance as you can play games like GTA Vice City and Project IGI on it easily.

Final Views: 

Lenovo gaming laptop among others is a gadget with mediocre specs; however, it’s an option that must be considered by beginner gamers.

 

10.  Lenovo IdeaPad 3 – With Intel i3 Processor:

We’ll be wrapping up our journey of best gaming laptops under 400 with  Lenovo IdeaPad 3. This gaming laptop is powered up by a super fast 10th generation Intel core i3 processor along with an integrated graphics card to ensure a smooth gaming experience. Besides, it also has a compact and portable body so that you can utilize it even if you are on the move.

Talking of the main features, the best cheap gaming laptop under 400 comes with an A9 AMD processor to ensure a super fast gaming performance.

On the other hand, the availability of 4GB DDR4 memory along with 128GB SSD also allows gamers to utilize this gaming machine for multitasking as well as for storing large gaming files.

Have you more budget? Then check best gaming laptop under 2000.

Final Views: 

Get the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 as soon as possible or you’ll regret your decision for a long time.

 

Tip: You can also read 10 ways to improve your gaming laptop performance.

Top 3 Recommendations: 

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

1. Acer Aspire 5 as it’s the best gaming laptop you are going to get within a 400-dollar budget.
2. Asus VivoBook Flip 14 if you need a thin gaming laptop under 400.
3. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 as it’s the best convertible gaming laptop in 2023.

Buying Guide: What to Expect from a $400 Gaming Laptop?

Now that you know what type of laptop you can get for under $400, you need to decide what specifications it should have. You need to have a set of conditions or requirements which a laptop must fulfill for you to choose it.

Memory:

The laptop that you decide to get yourself should have enough memory or RAM to support your game without any kind of lag or choppiness. If you want to have a good gaming experience, you need to have sufficient RAM available.

Weight:

The entire reason that you buy a laptop for gaming instead of a PC or console is portability. If your laptop is heavy, it would be hard for you to carry it around with you. So, you need to get yourself a laptop that is not a burden for you when you have to carry it around. On the other hand, if you don’t plan on moving your laptop around a lot, you can go for a heavier laptop as it might be cheaper than a lighter one.

The Right Size:

Laptops come in several sizes ranging from 11 to 18 inches in terms of their display size. So, you need to decide which sized laptop will better suit you and your portability requirements.

Keyboard and Touchpad:

Every laptop comes with a touchpad and a keyboard. You need to decide early on if your game or games require a separate mouse and a keyboard or not.

Specs:

You need to keep in mind that you are under a tight budget, so you may have to compromise for some aspects of your gaming laptop. You might have to get a laptop from a lower generation or a laptop with a lower frame rate, resolution, etc.

Battery Life:

Even on a tight budget, do not compensate for the battery life of your laptop. This is so that you engage in your games without worrying about having to charge your laptop after every game.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best gaming laptop under 400?

Acer Aspire 5 is the only viable option in the market that costs less than $400. It’s backed by a mobile AMD Ryzen 3 processor. Moreover, the 4GB DDR4 memory also ensures fast speed and processing accordingly. As per my experience, it could easily play games like PUBG Mobile, GTA V, and some titles of Need for Speed.

Apart from that, you could also consider getting Asus VivoBook Flip 14 as it comes with an Intel Celeron processor and is backed by 4GB RAM. These two laptops are perfect when it comes to budget gaming in 2023.

2. What is the cheapest gaming laptop?

Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 may not be the cheapest gaming laptops under $400 in the market. But with a full HD display of 1920×1080 pixels, and its 2-in-1 character, one can expect to play most of the newer games on it, such as GTA Vice City and Project IGI along with NFS-Underground.

3. Are gaming laptops worth it?

Yeah, expensive ones are absolutely worth every penny you spend on them. However, I’m not a big fan of budget gaming laptops. Yeah, such laptops would ensure portability, but the overall specs are bang average. You could, in fact, expect a $1000 gaming laptop to perform on par with a $500 PC. However, a PC won’t offer you the luxury of portability, so there’s that issue too. Overall, I think that laptops that start from $600 and above are worth trying and could offer a solid gaming experience as well.

4. Can I use a regular laptop for gaming?

The main difference between a gaming laptop and a regular laptop is that a gaming laptop provides a larger range and quality of features specifically targeted towards playing games. Now, you can play games on a regular laptop provided that it supports the requirements, but a gaming laptop will enhance your experience by several times due to its better features and aspects.

5. What if I don’t need a keyboard on the laptop?

Many companies offer custom laptops for users, but in my opinion, it will not be worth it. This is because a keyboard is essential hardware of a computer and even if you don’t require it for your games, you will need it for other functions.

6. Which one is better, an SSD or an HDD?

SSD can be considered as an upgrade over the standard HDD. Compared to the HDD, an SSD is lighter in weight and sleek in design. This allows the laptop to have a larger memory as well as be slimmer in design at the same time.

Some Last Words: 

That would be all regarding the best gaming machines under 400. I hope that you’d make a wise and smart decision by reading all the reviews mentioned above quite thoroughly. Get a cheap gaming laptop right now and enjoy your quarantine days while playing your favorite games at home.