The Best $500 Gaming Laptop For 2024

William Shatner By, William Shatner
Updated
Acer Aspire 5 A515-45-R74Z Slim Laptop
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Acer Aspire 5 A515-45-R74Z Slim Laptop

The Acer Aspire 5 is an excellent budget option for most people because of its low price, respectable performance, and sturdy structure. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" Laptop

Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 with Ryzen5 3500U processor is a fantastic budget laptop for those who want to get the best CPU/graphics performance at a reasonable price. Read Review

3. Best Lightweight: ASUS VivoBook F512 Thin and Lightweight Laptop

That's exactly what Asus aimed for with the Asus VivoBook 15 F512DA-EB51, a well-balanced model that's now sweeping the market. Read Review

4. Best 15.6-inch Laptop: Dell Inspiron 15.6 Inch HD Touchscreen Flagship High Performance Laptop

The Dell Inspiron 15.6 laptop makes a great gaming laptop. It is packed with amazing features. The screen is large enough to be carried around and enjoy large viewing. Read Review

5. Best Bang For The Buck: 2019 HP 14“ Laptop (14-CF0012DX)

The HP laptop offers a 14-inch HD display with clear images, and video conferencing is supported by the built-in camera and microphone. Read Review

Gaming laptops are computers specifically made for gaming. As video games have grown in popularity, so have gaming laptops, prioritizing graphics processing power over all else.

This guide will pick the best $500 gaming laptop on the market. While each laptop performs slightly, they can all run a wide range of games, allowing everyone from casual gamers to severe gamers to acquire a good setup on a budget.

You can still buy a laptop in this budget range that will let you play games like League of Legends, Dota 2, Minecraft,  Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Hearthstone.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Acer Aspire 5 A515-45-R74Z Slim Laptop
Our Score:
9.8
Acer

It is an excellent value for the price. Many of the features are not available in higher-end notebooks. This includes the Ryzen5500U CPU with its Vega 7 graphics, 8GB RAM instead of 4GB, 256GB SATA, Full-HD IPS display, and a Backlit keyboard. It is also easily accessible.

Although this isn't Intel's quickest integrated graphics choice, it is a significant improvement over the Intel UHD graphics present in most 10th-generation Intel Core devices.

TOP Choice #2 Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" Laptop
Our Score:
9.7
Lenovo

You will get a great laptop at a reasonable price. It has a great spec sheet including AMD Ryzen 5 3500u processor with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD.

For the price, the display quality is outstanding. It was amazing to be able to run CPU-intensive games on such a low-cost laptop. The overall performance was excellent with no noticeable lag or excessive heat.

TOP Choice #3 ASUS VivoBook F512 Thin and Lightweight Laptop
Our Score:
9.5
ASUS

This ASUS VivoBook 15 F512DA-EB51 demonstrates that a stylish design and cutting-edge technology aren't just for high-end laptops. This gorgeous piece of technology is genuinely one-of-a-kind, inspired by Asus' more expensive ZenBook S. It features the company's unique ErgoLift hinge, which bends the keyboard for comfortable typing.

As if the luxury appearance wasn't enough, this new VivoBook 15 comes in a variety of hues, including a stunning translucent silver and coral crush.

This laptop surpasses entry-level components to provide consumers with a well-rounded system. This laptop can perform more work than many of its competitor thanks to its Ryzen 5 CPU and 8GB of RAM. For some consumers, the HD panel may be a disappointment, but it delivers a lot of punch for the price.

5 2019 HP 14“ Laptop (14-CF0012DX)
Our Score:
9.3
HP

The HP 14-inch laptop has a 14-inch screen and is highly portable. Although the Intel Pentium Gold CPU means you won't be able to play this newest high-end game, this HD 14-inch panel offers a better DPI (Dots Per Inch) than many of the other laptops on the market.

6 Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop
Our Score:
9.2
Lenovo

This Lenovo Ideapad L340 (81LK00HDUS) meets all of the requirements for a low-cost gaming laptop. It pushes considerably over the average 60fps level in real-world benchmarks when tested with a Core i5-9300H quad-core CPU and 4GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, resulting in a smooth gaming experience.

The MSI GF63 Gaming Laptop should point out how well it's adapted to be not just the finest laptop for Sims 4 and has one of the best laptops for casual gaming in general. Even if you don't intend to use it for gaming, it functions well as a school or work laptop, with all the connections you'll need to get the most out of it. If you'd instead look at other possibilities, check out our list of the best gaming laptops.

8 2019 ASUS VivoBook F510QA
Our Score:
8.8
ASUS

One must expect to make some concessions with such a low price, and the Asus Vivobook is no exception. While consumers will be pleased to learn that the item has a Full HD display, certain compromises must be made. Having said that, the laptop is attractive and convenient to transport.

  • The IdeaPad 3 14-inch laptop has 4-side narrow bezels that let you see more of the FHD (1920 x 1080) screen for wider viewing angles and less clutter
  • Quieter and cooler with intelligent thermals, plus you can calibrate performance with Q-control, with 3 modes to match your performance needs
  • 【Processor】AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core Processor (Base Frequency at 2.10GHz, Up to 3.50GHz at Maximum Boost Clock, 4 Cores, 4MB Cache, 4 Threads)| Radeon Vega 6 Graphics
  • 【Included in the package】Bundled with Microfiber Cloth
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

How Can You Determine Which best $500 gaming laptop Here Fulfills Your Requirement?

Often buyers are reluctant to buy best $500 gaming laptop. When considering a large purchase, certain things should be examined. Our knowledge and experience of best $500 gaming laptop will help in making the best options.

The top picks will cover several of the most noticeable things now available on the market and handle a few of the commonly asked questions:

  • What are the most popular product lines these days?
  • What are the user benefits of the product?
  • What is the name of the place for everyone to ask for help?
  • Do you think it's a good idea to spend your time and money on this purchase?
  • What is the most effective method for clients to discover the ideal solution?

Especially with the ubiquity of commerce websites, market forums, user ratings, and reviews, best $500 gaming laptop have become one of the most important and valuable information sources available on the internet today.

In accordance with the quality that has been subjected to technical accreditation, they have been implemented. Keep in mind the following:

Operating System

You must first determine which OS (operating system) is best for your needs before you start looking at laptops. You can determine what hardware you require by thinking about the software that you use and which operating system it runs.

Understanding Processor Names (CPUs)

After you have an idea of what operating system you prefer and the software that you will be using, it is possible to determine the hardware requirements you need. We recommend starting with the processor. Also known as the chip, or simply the CPU.
Two companies make laptop processors, Intel and AMD.

Webcams And Hinges

A webcam should be included on every laptop. There are some laptops that do not have a webcam in 2021. Most webcams still have 720p resolution, particularly oner laptops. This is fine for those who don't use it often, however, Zoom has become a common way of life and you may be more comfortable with a 1080p webcam.

Form Factor

The term "form factor" refers to the physical size and configuration of a computer in computing. A laptop's form factor is obviously different from a desktop computer. What form factor suits your requirements best? The clamshell design factor is the most common for laptops. They are rectangular in shape and open to 90 degrees.

Hard Drive

Your data will be stored on your hard drive. This is the file cabinet that you keep next to your desk. Although solid-state drives (SSD) are the most popular choice, some laptops with lower budgets use spinning drives.
If you have the funds, consider an SSD drive. It should be at least 256 gigabytes. SSDs perform faster than older standards like SATA, particularly if you use NVMe. This allows data to be transferred from the drive quickly.

Processing Power

We recommend a laptop that has an Intel Core i5 8th-generation processor or higher if you are a common user and use a web browser, Microsoft Office Suite, or photo editing software. This would look something like "Intel Core i5-8350U".
An Intel i7 chips is a great upgrade that will improve the performance of your computer. You'll have to consider your requirements and balance the extra power with a shorter battery life. For example, a gaming laptop would require an i7 or i9 chip. However, an i3 and i5 are fine for more demanding tasks.

Battery Life

People buy a laptop because they want to be mobile. The battery is an essential component of a laptop. It is not a good idea to have your laptop plugged into a wall or to worry about the battery dying and preventing you from being able to continue working. It doesn't matter what battery quality you have, there are many factors that can cause your battery to drain quicker, such as the size of the RAM and how frequently the processor is used.

Graphics Card

Although all laptops have graphics cards, some are integrated into the motherboard along with the processor. This is called "integrated graphics", and it's fine for most people. It will be possible to view HD movies, as well as play casual games with no problem.

RAM

More is better! Your laptop's random-access memory (or RAM) is used to store data, while your processor processes it. Consider RAM your desk. Your desk should have enough space for all the items you are working on. Things will fall from your desk and it won't be possible to work on them. The same goes for RAM. If you don't have enough, you will not be able open more tabs in your browser or complete compiling your video. Your laptop may freeze and require a restart.
For the most part, 8 gigabytes should suffice for Windows users. However upgrading to 16GB will increase your computer's performance and be a requirement for gamers. Before you purchase RAM, make sure it is properly soldered to your motherboard. It is impossible to replace the RAM if it has been soldered.

Ports

The CPU, RAM and hard drives will all have the greatest impact on the performance of your computer. However, it is important to consider the number and type of ports available on your machine. The various methods of connecting things to your laptop's computer, such as USB devices and charging them, are called ports.
At least one USB-C and at most one USB-A are required, as well as a microphone/headset connector. You should also consider USB-C charging and an SD reader.

FAQs

What's The Best Laptop For Home, Travel, Or Both?

Many people's work habits were affected by the pandemic. People who used laptops to travel frequently may find that these ultra-portable devices are no longer suitable for home work. You might prefer a larger display and more power to play games than a long-lasting battery.
Consider a 15.6 inch laptop or bigger if you plan to use your laptop for work and do not need to move it around much.
Travel with a 13- or 14 inch laptop or two in one is the best option. These laptops are the most lightweight and compact, but they still provide excellent battery life.

Which Laptops Last The Longest?

A good laptop should last between three and five years depending on the type of notebook you purchase. An ultrabook or business notebook, as well as a MacBook, will last longer and feel better than an inexpensive laptop under $500 with only a plastic body and basic processing. A laptop you use primarily around your home will last longer than one you take with you on trips. It is easier to add more storage and memory to business laptops and photo editing laptops to prolong their life expectancy. Gaming laptops will be more worn than any other types of laptops, as new 3D gaming apps are becoming increasingly demanding.

Which Laptop Is Best For Gaming Or Creating?

Any laptop can be used to create and play games. However, the component of the laptop will determine the content and speed with which it is played and created.
You don't require a gaming laptop to play casual web-based games.
You will need more money to buy discrete graphics such as Nvidia's RTX 30 series GPUs.
Gaming screens should have a 120Hz refresh rate or higher to make games run smoothly. Displays that can display 100% of the sRGB colour space are ideal for content creation.

Which Is Better, MacOS Or Windows?

Personal preference and financial budget will determine which laptop is best for you.
There are many software options between them, so you shouldn't have to choose one. A Windows laptop has the advantage of gaming.
MacOS can also be used more easily and safely than Windows. This is especially true for those who need their computer to do the work.

Do I Need A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)?

To create images on your computer's screen, graphics cards are used in conjunction with the CPU. Many desktops have integrated graphics units (IGU) These units are very simple and will handle basic tasks. They are not sufficient to handle games and other complex computing. Many gamers opt for IGUs with dedicated gaming hardware. It improves performance as well as portability.

Are Chromebooks Worth It?

They are indeed, but not suitable for all users. Google Chrome OS, which Google launched 10 years ago, has made a lot of progress. Chromebooks are laptops running on Chrome OS that can be used for web browsing or mobile applications. These laptops are simple to use, secure and affordable. They can only run Windows and Mac software natively.

How Much RAM Do I Need?

For most users, we recommend at least 8GB. This should suffice for most web browsing tasks, spreadsheet editing, occasional photo and video editing, as well as basic web browsing. If you use Adobe Photoshop and Premiere regularly, play 3D drafting or work in app or web development, you might consider upgrading to 16GB. You can not add more memory to laptops after they are purchased. This usually costs $100 to $200.

When new data becomes available, we routinely adjust the list of best $500 gaming laptop. Please do regularly visit our website for the most up-to-date news.

If you have any questions or difficulties with best $500 gaming laptop, please do not hesitate to contact us. We'll try our best to do everything we can to assist you if you ask!


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About William Shatner

William Shatner

William Shatner is a writer and editor who has worked in the audio equipment, computer, and projector industries. He also enjoys repairing and modifying audio equipment, and he has a particular interest in projectors. William is a critical thinker and problem solver, and he takes great pride in his work. He currently serves as the freelance editor of The Audio Insights.