Best Gaming Laptops Under $500 – Top 10 Picks in 2022

I know that you are here to find the best gaming laptops under 500 and I’ve got some good news for you in this regard. But let me elaborate something here.

500 bucks aren’t generally enough to land you a really good gaming laptop. With great research however, I have dug out a few laptops with sophisticated design, ample amount of storage, and a vivid display. Other important factors in choosing a gaming laptop are the processor speed and wider display. Hence we have located some laptops that, you could easily enjoy playing multiple FPS or MMO games on, in this price range.

Well, I’ve got you covered in these tough times as I’ve already carved off a list of some of the top-rated affordable gaming machines. You’d surely make a wise decision by going through this list of the best gaming laptops very thoroughly. Read closely as you browse through these gaming laptop deals under $500!

If you have a somewhat higher budget, then please also check best gaming laptop under 700.

Take a look as follows:

 Which is the Best $500 Gaming Laptop in 2022?

1. ASUS VivoBook 15.6″ – Best Gaming Laptop Under $500

I’ve already mentioned above that you won’t be getting premium specs from a cheap gaming laptop. But ASUS VivoBook is here to meet all your demands within an extremely affordable price tag. Yeah, you heard it right. This gaming machine is specifically designed to play all latest games, be it PUBG or Fortnite on medium to high specs without any worries.  You can game with style and all the ergonomics while utilizing it. Apart from that, even with such an affordable budget, ASUS has managed to include all important features in this laptop which is simply astounding. If I were to describe this laptop in one word, it would be simply MARVELOUS!

Now coming towards some main features, one of the best gaming laptops under 500 is backed by a powerful and superfast core i5, 11th gen. processor. This CPU easily manages to offer optimal performance to the laptop so that you can easily play all the games without any lag or glitches.

Besides, the presence of Intel Iris Xe Graphics makes a big difference. This graphics card enables you to play games like PUBG, Fortnite, Tekken 7, CS:GO, and Need For Speed series on an average 50 to 60 fps rate. Considering how affordable this machine is, this feature is simply exceptional.

ASUS VivoBook laptop also has an ample amount of RAM along with improved storage space. 8GB of RAM along with a 128GB of SSD improves multitasking and allows gamers to store large gaming files and setups on this laptop with ease.

Lastly, there is no compromise from ASUS on the overall durability and ergonomics of the laptop. In this regard, the laptop is made from premium materials. Plus, the keyboard is extremely responsive to a better gaming experience.

You can also check best gaming laptop under 600.

Final Views:

ASUS VivoBook is something I’d put all my money on. With all the premium features and qualities, this gaming beast should be a priority for you especially if you are low on budget.

 

2. MSI GF63 Gaming – Best Overall  Laptop Under $500

No matter how tight your budget  MSI offers something on which you can rely without any other thought.

Though the price is somewhat over the $500, it comes with an excellent quality, dedicated graphics card by NVIDIA, the GTX 1650. And in this 500 dollar budget, the GF63 offers the best equipment for the gaming lovers.

GF63 comes with a thin and slim body. Hence, it’s compact and portable enough to be carried around from one place to another without any hassle. Besides, with the specs that this laptop offers, playing games like Minecraft, League of Legends, and Need for Speed – Most Wanted are easily playable with a normal fps rate.

Coming towards some important features, one of the best gaming laptops under 500 has been powered by 10th gen. Intel i5 processor. Mind you that this processor is extremely fast and it helps the laptop to run almost all heavy programs without causing any lag.

In addition to that, what intrigued me the most about MSI GF63 is its vivid display. The 15.6″ full HD screen already enhances your gaming experience. Besides, it also helps you to remain concentrated on the game you are playing for a long time.

Excellent RAM/storage of 8GB/256GB means that you can enjoy different multitasking activities with this laptop easily.

Is your budget is limited? Don’t worry here is the best gaming laptops under 400 for you.

Final Views:

MSI GF63, though a little above 500 bucks, offers the best graphics card in this group. Hence the gamers would love it if they could go slightly above their 500 dollar budget.

 

3. ASUS VivoBook F510QA – Best Cheap Gaming Laptop under 500

I often get complaints from my gamer friends that they are unable to look at the screen of the laptop continuously. It’s a fact that with typical laptops, eye problems like weak eyesight and eye-strain becomes a new norm. However, Asus VivoBook F510QA is there to eliminate all these problems for the gamers and that too within an affordable budget. One of the thinnest gaming laptops comes with a special antiglare display to ensure a long-lasting gaming experience. So, all in all, within a 500-dollar budget, you’d be getting a laptop that can be utilized for a long time without jeopardizing the health of your eyes at all.

Now, mentioned some notable features, one of the best laptops for Sims 4 under $500 comes with a 15.6″ full HD and antiglare display. It won’t add any burden on your eyes even if you are playing a game for more than 5 hours.

Besides, the presence of AMD A12, quad-core processor also spices up the things pretty much well. You’d be able to play multiple games such as Minecraft or Sims 4 without any lagging issues.

One thing that is quite noticeable within Asus VivoBook is that it comes with an integrated AMD Radeon R7 graphics card. So, you’d be enjoying a smooth gaming interface while playing FPS or MMO games.

Finally, the laptop is compact and portable at the same time. It has a lightweight, sleek, and slim body. So, you can easily carry it around from one place to another without any worries.

You may also check best gaming laptops under 300 in a very low budget.

Final Views:

VivoBook from Asus has gained the attention of many low-budget gamers. The features and specs it offers are on par with many premium gaming machines. So, better get it before it’s too late.

 

4. CHUWI CoreBook XPro – Best New Brand Gaming Laptop Under $500

CoreBook XPro from CHUWI is a real power punch packed in this laptop’s hardware, which meet the demands of gamers within a low-budget price range. Having said that, this laptop has got a stylish look and it gives an aesthetic vibe to the gamers respectively. Apart from that, the specifications are powerful. I mean, I’ve tested this laptop with multiple games i.e. CS:GO, PUBGM, GTA IV, and Need for Speed – Rivals. As per my experiments, the laptop performed exceptionally well. I was getting an fps rate of around 30 to 40 on all the games that I mentioned above. So, the laptop is pretty much ideal for those who are suffering from low budget issues and that’s the main reason it’s already trending among the gaming community.

First things first, one of the best gaming laptops under 500 comes with a powerful Intel Core i5 processor, 8th gen. processor. The CPU works like a charm and increases the overall performance of the laptop at the same time.

One other thing that is quite noticeable regarding CoreBook XPro laptop is that it comes with an 8GB of RAM. The ultrafast speed offered by this RAM is perfect for playing latest games without any lag or glitches.

CoreBook XPro has added Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 card in this gaming laptop to maintain a smoother gaming experience. That’s the main reason you’d be getting almost 30 to 40 fps on latest AAA titled games.

What matters the most, in the end, about this laptop is that it is equipped with a 512GB SSD storage. The solid-state drive is fast enough to store large gaming files and reduce loading screens as well.

You can also see the list of best laptop under 600 for all daily life usage.

Final Views:

CoreBook XPro by CHUWI is a beast when it comes to playing games, running heavy applications, or multitasking. I’d suggest you to purchase it especially if you’ve got around $510 in your pocket. A 12-month post purchase warranty is a real sweetener to put you at ease buying this gaming machine.

 

5. HP 15.6″  – Best HP Gaming Laptop under $500

The HP 15.6″ has a better performance rate when it comes to gaming and multitasking. That being said, one of the best HP laptops for gaming has got a sleek design.

Along with that, what I liked the most in this laptop is the presence of an extra-large display. It ensures an optimal gaming performance and helps you to utilize multiple apps at the same time. On the other hand, you won’t have any issues while playing games like CS:GO, PUBGM, or GTA IV on medium to high settings. Considering this quality, it’s fair enough to say that HP has made a place right in the heart of gamers who are facing low budget issues.

Talking about the first notable feature, HP laptop is backed up by a powerful Intel i5 processor to ensure a smooth gaming and multitasking experience. It allows gamers to enjoy super-fast loading screens while gaming.

In addition to that, the presence of 8GB DDR4 RAM also has an impact on the overall performance of laptop. It enhances the random memory to ensure a better multitasking experience. Multitasking is easy with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage.

 

Final Views:

Even with some minor tweaks, you can enjoy the class and aesthetics of playing different games on HP 15.6″ laptop.

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.

 Get things done fast with the 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, which delivers instant responsiveness and best-in-class connectivity 

 

6.  Lenovo IdeaPad S145 – Best Budget Gaming Laptop under $500

If I had to describe IdeaPad S145 in my own words, I’s say that it’s a gaming delight within an affordable budget. Yeah, you got it right. Lenovo has made sure that this laptop can easily play almost all latest games with an improved fps rate. Therefore, some powerful specs are included within the laptop to ensure an indulging gaming experience. As for the overall design, it’s simple and sleek. However, I liked the placement of keyboard along with the softness of keys. All in all, it’s yet another option that you can consider well within a $500 budget for a great gaming experience.

Stating the main features, the presence of an integrated AMD Radeon graphics ensure a smooth gaming experience. There won’t be any lag or bottle necking problems even if you are playing graphically optimized games.

Additionally, one of the best laptops under 500 comes with 8GB DDR4 memory running at around 2133 MHz speed. It’s more than enough to support heavy games like CS:GO or PUBG.

Last but not the least, along with a powerful AMD A9 processor, the laptop also has a 1TB storage space option. So, storing large gaming files on this laptop won’t be a problem for you.

Final Views:

Lenovo IdeaPad S145 offers a good opportunity to enjoy HD gaming at an affordable rate. Some minor cons are there but they could easily be ignored with proper care and maintenance.

 

7. ASUS VivoBook 15 – Best Beginners Gaming Laptop under $500

VivoBook 15 is a ditto copy of Apple MacBook Pro when it comes to the overall design, shape, and body of the laptop. Imagine getting a laptop that has a shape similar to Apple MacBook pro within a $500 budget. Sounds amazing, isn’t it? Well, the spice doesn’t just end here. VivoBook 15 won’t disappoint you when it comes to running multiple popular games. Having said that, I’ve tried Project IGI, GTA Vice City, GTA IV, and CS:GO on this laptop and it didn’t disappoint me. The battery, however, was not so long-lasting and it’s normal considering how affordable and thin this laptop is.

The presence of a 10th gen, core i3-1005G1 processor ensures super-fast performance and allows you to run heavy applications and programs as well.

Besides, what I adored the most in one of the best gaming laptops under 500 is the presence of an extra-large, full HD, and thin-bezel display. It allows you to get indulged in a particular game for a long time.

Lastly, you’d surely love the combo of 8GB DDR4 ram along with a 128GB SSD for improved overall performance. Although the SSD storage is less, it could be utilized to reduce the loading time while playing games.

Also, check here super fast speed best laptops for AutoCAD machines.

Final Views:

I’d suggest y’all gamers to get this awesome gaming laptop as soon as possible as it’s already getting out of stock. So, hurry up before the stock ends.

 

8. 2020 Lenovo Flex 5 – Best Expandable Gaming Laptop under $500

The main reason I’ve listed so many laptops from Lenovo is that it’s the only brand that seems to care enough for all types of gamers. Not everyone can afford a $2000 gaming rid and Lenovo knows it very well. So, the 202 Lenovo Flex 5 model, is a perennial favorite with gamers offering optimal specs to play latest games without spending a lot of money. Don’t believe me? Take a look at the features I’ve mentioned below:

Lenovo gaming laptop is backed by a powerful Intel i7 processor which is much faster than AMD A9 and helps to increase the overall efficiency of the laptop as well.

Besides, the availability of dedicated graphics card along with Windows 10 operating system ensures a smooth gaming experience. Windows 10 can also be utilized to enjoy better updates from Microsoft monthly.

Final Views:

Consider getting Lenovo Flex 5 if you are unable to find an affordable laptop that can play most of the FPS games at an improved fps rate.

 

9. ASUS ZenBook – Best Newest Model Gaming Laptop under $500

I know the pain ruthlessness and angriness when you are playing your favorite online game and suddenly the battery timing runs out. Well, if you don’t want to go through this agonizing pain, then you must consider getting ASUS ZenBook as it offers powerful specs along with a long-lasting battery respectively.

The first important feature you need to know regarding the best budget gaming laptop is that it is powered by AMD Ryzen 5 six-core processor for a fast gaming experience.

The availability of a dedicated graphics card, on the other hand, also prove to be crucial for playing games like GTA IV, CS:GO, PUBG, Minecraft, and Sims 4. You could easily play latest games on 30 to 40 fps rate which is not bad considering how affordable the laptop is.

Final Views:

ASUS ZenBook is great for gaming. I got up to 200 fps on Fortnite and Call of Duty, which was a pleasant surprise for a small laptop.Battery life of 5-7 hours of gaming is quite reasonable too. So, I’d recommend you to get it if you wish to buy a 500 dollar laptop with a dedicated NVIDIA graphics card.

 

10.  Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Pro – Best Display Gaming Laptop under $500

We’d be ending our discussion of the best gaming laptops under 500 with the newest IdeaPad as introduced by Lenovo in 2022, the IdeaPad 5i Pro. This laptop is also based on some powerful features and qualities to facilitate a perfect gaming experience for gamers. Besides, it has got a large, QHD display at the same time. Images displayed on a QHD monitor will be sharper, better defined and more detailed than even an FHD.  Hence, playing Minecraft and Sims 4 or any other game becomes more fun and entertaining at the same time.

With the availability of a quad-core Intel i5 processor, you can easily run multiple games without any lagging or screen freezing issues at high speeds.

Finally, the laptop is equipped with a dedicated graphics card by NVIDIA for a better gaming experience. Besides, the presence of 8GB DDR4 ram along with 512GB SSD also ensures a better user interface from a gaming point of view.

Final Views:

Get the  newest Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Pro if you want to enjoy a relentless gaming experience at an extremely reasonable price of around $500 !

 

Tip: You can also read how to build the perfect gaming laptop setup.

Top 3 Recommendations:

Based on my personal experiments and reviews from customers, the top 3 picks are as follows:

1. MSI GF63 as it’s the best gaming laptop under 500 with some great processor and graphics specs, if you are bold enough to buy a lesser-known brand. It offers the top quality NVIDIA graphics card in this price range.
2. Lenovo Flex 5 as it’s a gaming beast when it comes to gaming and multitasking. Moreover it is supported by superfasr Core i7 processor, as well as a dedicated NVIDIA graphics card.
3. ASUS ZenBook as it’s already a personal favorite for those ASUS lovers! The combination of fast Ryzen 5 processor and NVIDIA graphics card is a great combo for gamers!

 Choosing the Best Gaming Laptop under $500- Buying Guide for 2022

Now that you have gone through all of these laptops, you need to finalize one for yourself while keeping in view your requirements. You need to make sure that the laptop that you are getting for you has all the features that are required by the games that you are going to play on it. Following are some of the basic features that you are supposed to consider while deciding on a gaming laptop;

GPU or a CPU:

Most high-end games work better with a GPU rather than a CPU because they are built to support heavy software and 2D oand 3D graphics. But, if you are planning on playing lighter games such as GTA Vice City or ones that do not require heavy features, you can do just fine with a CPU. To learn more about GPU visit this !

Storage:

Get yourself more than enough storage if you want to have a lag-free experience. Your performance in the game and our game’s performance depends a lot on the RAM and SSD of your laptop. So a minimum of 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage is a must for a good gaming laptop under 500 bucks!

Laptop Battery:

The longer the battery life of a laptop, the lesser you will have to worry about your laptop running out on you. The longer a laptop can go without charge, the longer you can use it outside, for example, while traveling or while outside in a park or a hotel.

Resolution:

Now, you do not need to go for a very high-resolution laptop like 4K, etc., you can get a good gaming display on laptops that have screens supporting 1080p resolution.

Refresh Rate:

The higher the refresh rate, the better your game quality and the better control you have over it. A refresh rate of 60Hz is more than enough for many gamers and will surely be more than enough for you since you are looking for a gaming laptop under a tight budget.

Backlit Keyboards:

Backlit keyboards come in very handy. This is because gamers usually prefer playing while having lights off in their rooms to better focus on the screen and this is where backlit keyboards come in.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I get an SSD or an HDD?

SSD is an upgrade over the standard HDD. An SSD is lighter in weight and sleek in design as compared to an HDD. This enables the gaming laptop to have a larger memory as well as be slimmer in design at the same time.

2. What matters the most in a gaming laptop?

The most important aspect of a gaming laptop is its graphics card. However recent developments in addition to the introduction of GPU have made this a bit more complicated. Since the performance of a GPU depends a lot on the cooling of the system, you need to know what wattage the graphics card uses and what kind of a chassis is covering it.

3. Are branded laptops better?

No, bigger and more famous brands charge more for their brand name and logo on their products. This means that you might be paying more for a laptop with features that you will be easily able to find in a cheaper, lesser-known brand.

Summarizing Things Up:

Well, I’d be saying goodbye to all my fellow gamers now as I’m done with listing down some of the best gaming laptops under 500. Now, it’s your turn not to let me down. You can do so by choosing the best laptop from the list I’ve mentioned above.

Good Luck!!