A laptop has become an absolute must-have in today’s world, regardless of whether you’re a student, gamer, or just about anything else. It’s transformed people’s lives so much that they now feel like a part of them is missing without it. Laptops have countless applications, but in this article, we’re going to focus on the best gaming laptops under $700 and provide you with as much information as possible so that you can choose your machine with confidence.
Gaming has become incredibly popular among people of today’s generation, and gamers are particularly picky when it comes to selecting their laptops since it’s the cornerstone of their interest. When I first started gaming many years ago, there was no one to advise me on the key points to consider before buying a laptop. But now, as a seasoned professional, I’ve been through all the ups and downs and can confidently say that I’m well-versed in these machines.
That’s why I’ve decided to share all the critical factors that need to be considered when purchasing your device. If you have a substantial budget, finding a gaming laptop won’t be challenging, but since you’re on the lookout for an under $700 laptop, you need to be extra cautious when selecting one, as you’ll have to find all those premium features within that low budget.
Don’t worry too much, though, because I’m here to do the hard work for you. As a gamer myself, I’ve compiled a list of the best gaming laptops under $700, taking into account the recommended specifications necessary for a great gaming experience.
What Are the Minimum Requirements for a Laptop to Be Considered the Best Gaming Laptop under $700?
Before we delve into the list of the best gaming laptops under $700, let’s discuss the minimum requirements that a good gaming laptop should have.
CPU
The clock speed is the most important factor for gaming performance. Higher clock speeds mean faster data processing and therefore, faster frame rates. Here are some GOOD CPUs you can find around $700 (in order of power): Core i5-10300H, Core i5-9300H, AMD Ryzen 5 4550H, AMD Ryzen 5 5500H, AMD Ryzen 5 4550H, AMD Ryzen 5 5500H, and AMD Ryzen 5 4550H. Stay away from Core i5 10G51, AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Ryzen 5 4500, and Core i310G51, unless you have a budget of around $550. They are nice but not worth spending $650-$700 on.
GPU
To achieve high frame rates on high or even EPIC settings, you’ll need a dedicated GPU. GPUs such as 940MX, MX150, MX230, MX250, MX350, 1050 (2GB), 1050(3GB), 1050 Ti(2GB), and 1650GTX are all available for under $700. The last three are the most interesting. It’s tough to find a 1650GTX for under $700, but it’s possible depending on the time of year. So if you come across one, grab it and go. You’re more likely to find an MX350 or 1050 for $600-$650, which are fine for playing games at medium and occasionally high settings (depending on the game).
RAM
Laptops that cost more than $550 usually come with 8GB of RAM. Unless it’s a refurbished laptop, you won’t find a laptop with 16GB for less than $700. Dual-routed RAM is more important than having 16GB. Unless you’re playing Warzone, 16GB won’t make a difference.
Storage
All laptops, including those under $400, should come with an SSD, and not just any SSD, but a good SSD like a PCIe NVMe SSD.
Although the type of SSD you choose has no effect on gaming performance, it’s worth spending a little extra on storage because you’re likely to end up with 256GB, which is barely enough for 5 games these days.
Display
You don’t need an IPS display to improve your gaming performance. FHD panels are sufficient, and you’ll find them on almost any laptop with a dedicated GPU.
The question is whether you can find a 120Hz panel for less than $700 (which will make games look x2 smoother), and the answer is no. Even if you increase your budget to $750, finding one would be a miracle.
List Of Best Laptops Under 700$
Lenovo IdeaPad L340 – Overall Best Laptop for Gaming Under $700
- CPU: 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-9300H
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- Battery: Up to 9 hours
You don’t want to miss out on the Lenovo IdeaPad L340. It’s a true diamond in the rough that has struck the perfect balance between functionality and affordability. Even though it might cost a bit more than some of its peers, Lenovo more than makes up for it with some serious processing power, heaps of storage, ample RAM, and a top-of-the-line graphics unit. And the best part? You can snag it all for less than $700!
This laptop comes packed with an Intel Core i5-9300H dual-core processor with a 2.4GHz clock speed, along with a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphic processor that’s sure to elevate your gaming experience. What’s more, the IdeaPad L340 features two modes of operation: a “Quick mode” that’s perfect for gaming, and a “Quiet mode” that lets you use your laptop like a pro workstation.
The Lenovo IdeaPad L340 also boasts 8GB DDR4 RAM and 4GB dedicated graphics memory, so you can enjoy all your favorite games without any lag or glitches. Plus, it’s got a whopping 512GB of SSD storage, which means you can store all your games, files, and other digital goodies without running out of space anytime soon. The laptop boots up and transfers data like lightning thanks to the high-speed SSD, and it comes with a pre-installed version of Windows 10 so you can get started right away.
The 15.6-inch Full HD display is a visual treat with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. The IPS technology ensures that you can view your screen from just about any angle without any issues. And if that’s not enough, the laptop is also energy efficient thanks to the backlit LED technology, which means you can save some cash on your power bill.
To make things even better, the Lenovo IdeaPad L340 features a conventional backlit keyboard that’s perfect for gaming and typing. The keys are nicely spaced and sized, with just the right amount of travel. The touchpad also works seamlessly at all intensity levels, so you can say goodbye to any frustrations that might come with a less-than-stellar touchpad.
Reason to Buy
This gaming laptop boasts a three-cell, 45Wh battery that supposedly offers up to 9 hours of battery life. But let’s keep it real, folks. Gaming activities tend to suck the life out of batteries at a much faster rate than what the claims suggest. So, make sure to use your laptop responsibly to extend its battery life and enjoy your gaming sessions to the fullest!
The Lenovo IdeaPad L340 packs a punch with its solid gaming unit, robust processor, and preloaded software in a user-friendly operating system. And the cherry on top? It’s all available at an unbeatable price point! So, don’t waste any more time, grab the Lenovo IdeaPad L340 while you still can. You won’t regret it!
Acer Nitro 5 – Best Acer Gaming Laptop
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086KJBKDW
- CPU: 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-9300H
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD LED (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- Battery: Up to 8 hours
Introducing the Acer Nitro 5 – a beastly cheap gaming laptop that’ll have you scratching your head in disbelief. With its dedicated boot-specific storage unit and significant enhancements, this model is a party animal that won’t quit. Plus, the upgraded battery is sure to keep you in the game for longer.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the Intel Core i5-9300H CPU, which packs a punch despite not being the biggest beast in the jungle. The 2.4GHz base clocking speed is more than enough to justify the sub-$700 price tag. And with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU and 4GB of VRAM by your side, you’ll be able to take on midrange to high-end games at lower settings like a pro.
Sure, the 8GB RAM is upgradeable and works well with the built-in processor, but what really stands out is the 256GB SSD storage module. It may be a little limited, but it’ll reduce OS loading times like nobody’s business. Of course, we wouldn’t say no to a dual storage module that could hold practically any game, regardless of size.
But wait, there’s more! Despite being a low-cost gaming laptop, the Acer Nitro 5 doesn’t skimp on display quality. The 15.6-inch full HD LED display is bright, crisp, and downright stunning. With a total resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and better viewing angles than you can shake a stick at, you’ll be fully immersed in your gaming experience.
And that’s not all – the Acer Nitro 5 also features an ergonomic and visually pleasing keyboard, along with a touchpad that’s so snappy it’ll leave you speechless. Plus, the respectable HD webcam and powerful, integrated microphone make it the perfect choice for students participating in online lessons. Trust us – this entry-level gaming laptop is the real deal.
Reason to Buy
The Acer Nitro 5 has an enormous battery that can last up to 8 hours without stopping, which is pretty amazing! This bad boy is a powerhouse, and its dual storage unit and best-in-class GPU are definitely the standout features that’ll make your jaw drop.
Asus TUF FX505DD – Best with GTX 1050
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V336VJJ
- CPU: 2.1GHz AMD Ryzen 5 R5-3550H
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: 3GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
- Battery: Up to 5 hours
Asus is coming back strong with a bangin’ lineup featuring a full range of AMD processors and other dependable features that’ll make you go “wow!” The Asus TUF FX505DD is a machine that means business, with specs that are futuristic and comprehensive.
Under the hood, the AMD Ryzen 5 3550H CPU is a powerhouse that can turbo-boost up to 4GHz. Asus is stepping up their game by ditching the NVIDIA GeForce and upgrading to the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 module, which has an impressive 3GB of built-in VRAM that’s sure to impress.
While the device may only support single-channel 8GB RAM, it’s got a 256GB SSD that might seem limited at first, but it’ll give you lightning-fast booting speeds. Plus, it comes pre-installed with Windows 10, so you’re good to go right out of the box.
The 15.6-inch screen on this budget device has a killer resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Thanks to the 6.5mm bezels, the Full HD display boasts a 77% screen-to-chassis ratio that’ll make you feel like you’re living in the future.
But let’s talk about that keyboard section, shall we? Asus has put some serious effort into making sure the backlit keyboard is a joy to use with substantial keystroke durability. The touchpad is also incredibly responsive, and the machine is rounded out by excellent speakers, a useful webcam, and some innovative anti-dust and thermal cooling technology. This is a machine that’s built to impress, folks!
Reason to Buy
This laptop has got a 3-cell battery unit that’ll keep you in the game for up to 5 hours before needing a recharge. And the cherry on top? The battery charges up super fast! So, if you’re on the hunt for a wallet-friendly gaming laptop with a Ryzen 5 CPU, you should definitely check this baby out!
HP Pavilion 15 – Best AMD Ryzen Gaming Laptop Under $700
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P6MRZBG
- CPU: 3GHz AMD Ryzen 5 R5-4600H
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- Battery: Up to 6 hours
If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle some of the most demanding games out there, like Minecraft, Fortnite, World of Warcraft, World of Tanks, and Last Tide, without totally breaking the bank, then the HP Pavilion 15 might just be the answer you’ve been searching for! Now, I know this laptop may not look like it could handle all that, but don’t let its unassuming appearance fool you – it’s actually a quiet and capable performer!
Let’s talk specs, shall we? The AMD Ryzen 5 4600H CPU is an absolute powerhouse, with base clock speeds of up to 3GHz. The discrete NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU is a reliable and predictable performer, with 4GB VRAM support that adds to the gaming relevancy.
This bad boy comes equipped with 8GB of RAM that you can upgrade, so you can easily improve your gaming performance as needed. But here’s the thing – while the 256GB SSD provides plenty of storage space, it can be a bit of a drag on the startup process. Luckily, with Windows 10 running the show, HP has streamlined device interactions to make everything run smoother than a baby’s bottom.
The 15.6-inch Full HD screen is impressive, especially given the price point of this laptop. And get this – the WLED backlit panel uses In-Plane Switching technology for the most advanced and accurate color reproduction. Plus, the Micro-edge display not only boosts the screen-to-chassis ratio but also provides more screen real-estate for an immersive gaming experience.
As expected, HP provides an ergonomic and backlit keyboard that’s an absolute joy to use, with excellent key travel and actuation characteristics. The snappy touchpad works in unison with the keyboard, and for all you video conferencing fans out there, this laptop also features an HD webcam, front-firing acoustic setup, and integrated microphone. Now that’s what I call a laptop that’s built to impress!
Reason to Buy
You might wanna check out the HP Pavilion 15, ’cause it’s definitely more than meets the eye! And let me tell you, this laptop is worth every penny of its $700 price tag if you’re looking for a machine that can truly satisfy your gaming needs!
MSI GF63 Thin – Best Thin Gaming Laptop
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0843JCV17
- CPU: 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-9300H
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- Battery: Up to 8 hours
Get ready to improve your gaming experience with the MSI GF63 Thin – this laptop is an absolute powerhouse that’ll leave you speechless! It’s got everything you need to take your gaming to the next level, from a stunning display to a set of gaming-specific processing components that’ll blow your mind. And let me tell you, if you’re a professional player, this laptop has got practically everything you could ever want!
Under the hood, this laptop features an Intel Core i5-9300H processor that can turbo boost up to a crazy 4.1GHz, making it perfect for demanding games like PUBG, Civilization 6, League of Legends, Overwatch, and more. And the GPU is just as impressive, with a powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 with 4GB of VRAM and a Max-Q layout that’ll make your games run like butter. MSI takes special care to ensure that the CPU and GPU are perfectly matched, so you can rest assured that this laptop is built to handle anything you throw at it.
While the 8GB dual-channel RAM might seem a little underwhelming, don’t worry – you can always upgrade this sector as needed. And the 256GB SSD drive is lightning-fast and provides ample storage, allowing for speedy boot-ups so you can get right into the action. Plus, with the Windows 10 operating system pre-installed, you’re ready to go right out of the box.
Now let’s talk about that display – it’s a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with a total resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, and it’s truly a sight to behold. The 60Hz refresh rate is more than enough for mid-range gamers, and the reduced bezels increase the screen-to-chassis ratio, giving you even more screen real estate to work with.
The gaming keyboard is pretty sweet, with illumination, excellent travel, and actuation levels that’ll make you feel like a pro. And the touchpad is super responsive and makes in-game navigation a breeze. But wait, there’s more – this laptop also comes with top-of-the-line speakers, a standard mic, and an HD webcam for an immersive acoustic experience that’ll blow your mind. Trust me, this laptop is worth every penny!
Reason to Buy
If you’re on the hunt for an affordable gaming laptop that won’t let you down, then this bad boy is definitely worth checking out! I’m talking about a machine with a strong GPU and a battery that just won’t quit – what more could you ask for?!
Dell G3 Gaming Laptop – Best Dell Laptop for Gaming
https://www.amazon.com/Dell-G3-Gaming-Laptop-G3579-5965BLK-PUS/dp/B07C9J1PY6/
- CPU: Intel Core i5-8300H
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- Â Â Â Â GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
- Â Â Â Â Battery Life: Up to 8 hrs
If you’re looking for a gaming laptop that’ll make your gaming life better, then you gotta check out the Dell G3! This baby was made with pro gamers in mind, and it’s packed with all the hardware features you need to run any modern game out there! From the strong, separate GPU to the Anti-Glare LCD technology, every feature has been carefully researched and installed to make this laptop a true gaming powerhouse.
And let’s not forget about the appearance – unlike other gaming laptops under $700, the Dell G3 won’t let you down in the looks department! It’s got a slick black metal finish with a bold blue Dell logo that looks absolutely killer.
Under the hood, this laptop is powered by an 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8300H processor with 8MB cache and turbo up to 3.9GHz – that’s some serious horsepower right there! Plus, with 8GB DDR4 RAM that can be expanded up to 32GB, you’ll never run out of storage space. And the SSD hard drive is lightning fast, so you won’t have to wait around for your games to load.
Speaking of games, the Dell G3 features NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics with 4GB of memory – it can handle even the most demanding high-end video games with ease! And with dual fans, anti-heat, and anti-dust technology, you can be sure that this laptop is built to last.
And don’t even get me started on battery life – this laptop can last up to 7-8 hours for day-to-day tasks, and up to 2-3 hours for gaming sessions. That’s seriously impressive!
So what are you waiting for? If you want a gaming laptop that’ll blow your mind, the Dell G3 is the way to go!
Reason to Buy
You’re gonna love this laptop’s display – it’s a 15.6-inch anti-glare, LED-backlit HD LCD with IPS technology that’s gonna blow your mind! And let me tell you, this display is a real treat for the eyes – you won’t have to worry about any annoying glare, and the visuals are super sharp with a wide-viewing angle that’ll have you hooked in no time. Whether you’re gaming, watching movies, or just browsing the web, this laptop’s display won’t let you down!
Acer Swift 3 – Best Budget Gaming Laptop under $700
- CPU: 3.40GHz Intel Core i5-8250U
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce MX150
- Battery: Up to 11.5 hours
You’re not gonna believe what this Acer laptop can do! Even though it wasn’t marketed as a gaming laptop, it’s actually a secret gaming machine in disguise – this baby can run a ton of 2018 video games like a champ! And Acer didn’t skimp on the upgrades either – they replaced the original GPU with a powerful NVIDIA GeForce MX150 that’ll blow your mind!
But here’s the thing – this laptop isn’t just good for gaming, it’s also a total travel pro. It’s slim, lightweight, and the build quality is out of this world! You won’t believe how much performance you’re getting for the price – it’s seriously impressive. And even though the port choices are pretty standard, you’re not gonna be missing Thunderbolt 3 support at this price point.
Under the hood, you’ve got 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 256-GB SSD, which is pretty darn good for a laptop at this price. And if you need more storage, you can always add an extra HDD hard drive. But let’s talk about the real star of the show – the CPU performance is straight-up mind-blowing! I mean, can you believe you’re getting a Core i5-8250U CPU with a 3.40GHz clock speed for under $700?! It’s seriously insane how much power this thing packs!
Reason to Buy
This bad boy’s got a display that’ll make your eyes pop! It’s brighter than bright, and it won’t make you wanna gouge ’em out. We’re talkin’ a 15.5-inch LED-backlit IPS display with 15.6 Full HD (1920×1080) resolutions, so you can see every pixel in all its glory. The trackpad’s pretty decent, but the Numeric Keyboard is next-level amazing. And when it comes to gaming, this beast has got your back with a GPU that’s got enough juice to keep things running at full speed. Bam!
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 – Best from Lenovo
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600H
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1650
- Battery: Up to 8 hours
Listen up, gaming peeps! Lenovo’s in the house with their Ideapad Gaming 3, and let me tell you, it’s the real deal. We’re talking a sweet 15.6-inch Full HD display that’s got a 120Hz refresh rate and 1920 x 1080p Full HD resolution. That means you’ll see every single pixel like it’s poppin’ right out of the screen!
And check out what’s under the hood: an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H chipset that’s part of the new 5000 Series. This thing’s a six-core powerhouse that can handle AAA games on medium to high settings like it’s nothin’. Plus, it’s based on a 7nm processing node, which means it’s wicked efficient.
Let’s talk speed, baby! This processor’s got a base clock speed of 3.3GHz, but it can rev up to 4.2GHz when you’re really pushin’ it. And don’t even get me started on the GTX 1650 GPU with 4GB video RAM. You can throw anything at this beast, and it’ll take it like a champ.
But wait, there’s more! You’ve got 8GB DDR4 RAM and a standard 256GB SSD drive. And check out that solid body construction and Lenovo’s signature design. This thing’s built like a tank and it’s got extra slots for RAM and storage upgrades if you need ’em.
Now, here’s the deal with heat. This baby’s got some serious thermal detection capabilities, so it usually stays chill during casual gaming seshes. But if you’re goin’ all out, you might run into some temperature issues. But hey, you know what they say: if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the gaming kitchen!
Battery life could be better
Reason to Buy
One of the standout features of this gaming machine is its backlit keyboard. While it may not have multi-color RGB backlighting, it’s still a pretty sweet addition to your overall gaming experience. Plus, you’ll have all the connectivity options you need, including a variety of ports for all your peripherals. And don’t forget about the high-definition webcam up front for all your video conferencing and streaming needs. Best of all, you get all these excellent gaming settings for less than $700.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it vital to have a dedicated graphics card for gaming?
Having a dedicated graphics card is essential for gaming because it provides more Video RAM to the system, which helps with graphics processing and ultimately leads to better gaming performance. A specialized GPU also reduces the reliance on traditional memory and allows for faster data analysis.
What are the best gaming laptops under $700 with a dedicated GPU?
If you’re on the hunt for a gaming laptop with a dedicated GPU that won’t break the bank, we’ve got you covered! Check out the Acer Nitro 5, HP Pavilion, Lenovo Ideapad, and Asus TUF – these bad boys are among the best gaming laptops under $700 with a dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) that’ll blow your mind.
What characteristics should you look for in a gaming laptop under $700?
Alright, listen up all you gaming geeks on a budget – if you want to score a sweet gaming laptop for under $700, you gotta be picky. But don’t worry, we’ve got the lowdown on what to look for.
First things first – you need a powerful GPU with at least 4GB of VRAM to get the job done. That’s the key to unlocking top-notch graphics processing and gaming performance. But that’s just the beginning! You’ll also want a laptop with a better screen refresh rate, a 1080p display, 8GB RAM, and a battery life that lasts at least 5 hours. With these features, you’ll be ready to take on any gaming challenge that comes your way!
So get ready to be selective and keep your eyes peeled for these key features. Trust us, you’ll be able to find a gaming device that delivers the performance you need within your budget.
Why are most gaming laptops larger and thicker than they should be?
did you know that most gaming notebooks, even those on a budget, come with a kickass cooling system? Yeah, that’s right! We’re talkin’ anti-dust hardware, cooling fans, and cooling pipes all working together to keep your device from overheating and melting down during those marathon gaming sessions.
But here’s the catch – all these extra cooling components can add some serious thickness and weight to your device. So while you’ll love having a device that stays nice and cool under pressure, you might have to sacrifice a little bit of portability in the process. But hey, when it comes to gaming, isn’t performance everything? So let’s crank up the heat and get gaming!
FINAL VERDICT
Alright, all you gamers out there – we’ve been hard at work analyzing over 23 different options in the under $700 price range to bring you the best of the best. We’re talking benchmark scores, game-playing, and comparing like crazy to find you the ultimate gaming laptops on the market!
And what did we find? Buckle up, because we’ve got some serious contenders here. If you’re looking to dominate the gaming world in style, the Lenovo IdeaPad L340 is the laptop for you. It’s got all the bells and whistles you need to crush your opponents and look good doing it.
But if you’re more of a chill gamer who still wants a slick and sexy machine, the thin and lightweight Acer Aspire 5 is a solid choice. And if you’re a power user who’s serious about thermal cooling, the Asus TUF FX505DT with NVIDIA GTX 1650 is the one you’ve been dreaming of.
And hey, if you’re feeling flush and want to spend an extra $100, check out our list of gaming laptops under $800 for even more options. With so many great choices, you’re sure to find the perfect gaming laptop to suit your style and budget. So get ready to level up and crush the competition – the gaming world is your oyster!