Today’s gaming is different from what it was ten years ago. The games are more demanding and difficult, the graphics are more lifelike, and the overall gaming experience is more immersive.
If you take gaming seriously, you’ll need a laptop that can handle the demands of today’s games.
However, getting a strong gaming laptop doesn’t have to break the bank. In actuality, there are lots of options that can let you play your favorite games without spending a fortune.
You’ve come to the best place if you’re seeking a gaming laptop that will elevate your gaming experience without breaking the bank.
This article will examine the best gaming laptops you can buy for under $400 in 2023.
What are the Benefits of Gaming Laptops?
A Laptop is an ideal computer if you enjoy playing video games. With the freedom to purchase from any digital store and get steep savings, you may pick from a huge selection of games, from indie developers to AAA titles.
Should you use a gaming laptop, though? Laptops made exclusively for gamers may include higher-end components than those available in conventional business laptops. You might be tempted to get one so you can play games while you’re on the go.
Let us examine some of the benefits of a gaming laptop
Not Limited by the Game Type
You aren’t constrained by the games you can play because gaming laptops have strong hardware.
Typically, low-end laptops are only suitable for playing simple games, while a powerful gaming laptop can deal with any current, hardware-intensive releases.
Every Component in a Single Device
A separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse are not required. If the laptop has speakers and a microphone, you might not even need to buy a headset.
Also, your device comes with everything you need, which saves you money and time searching for accessories. It also implies that you can contact the laptop maker and have them fix the problem if something goes wrong while you’re still covered under warranty.
Convenient Gaming
The ability to take your gaming wherever you go is maybe the main advantage of a gaming laptop. Mobile gaming can help pass the time if you travel frequently, but it won’t fully satisfy your gaming appetite.
With a gaming laptop, you can purchase all the most recent releases via websites like Steam and GOG and stay current on the action wherever you are.
Elegant Design
Typically, a gaming laptop has a distinct aesthetic: a slick color, an RGB keyboard, and a distinctive form.
Gaming laptops are unquestionably gorgeous, in contrast to regular laptops that occasionally treat design as an afterthought.
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How to Choose the Best Gaming Laptops | Buying Guide
The moment is right for people to get their hands on laptops that are capable of gaming since the activity is slowly moving beyond the realm of nerdy hobbies.
When considering getting a laptop for gaming, what then should you look out for?
Performance: Look for the ideal combination of strength and efficiency
1. Processor
The processor should be the first thing to consider. The most recent gaming laptops can run even the most demanding games thanks to continually developing laptop CPUs.
However, since you might want to use your gaming laptop for business as well, such performance doesn’t have to come at the expense of battery efficiency.
The optimal processor would be an Intel Core i5 or i7 model.
Although NVIDIA and AMD GPUs are not as frequently found in the best gaming laptops under $400, you might be able to locate a few models that do. Make sure to select a laptop with an NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti or an AMD RX 560 if you want the finest potential gaming experience.
2. SSD Storage
For a laptop to run smoothly, in addition to the processor, it must have SSD storage. SSD storage has gained a lot of popularity recently thanks to its lightning-fast loading and transfer rates, particularly for gaming computers.
A few years ago, it was uncommon to find SSD storage in mid-range laptops, but happily, things have changed significantly and it is now simple to find a laptop with a solid-state drive at an affordable price.
For a huge game library, you can choose a combination of SSD and HDD, but make sure you have at least 1TB of storage available for your media files and games.
3. RAM
Your game should function flawlessly and without any hiccups or glitches. Only if your gaming laptop has adequate memory is this feasible.
A gaming laptop with at least 4GB of RAM is ideal. 8GB of RAM would be excellent if you want to enjoy a satisfying gaming experience.
Display: Resolution, Type, Size, and Refresh Rate
The laptop screen is effectively a window into your gaming universe, therefore it must provide a sharp, clear image. The screen size is one of the first things you must choose when it comes to displays.
The majority of gaming laptop displays are 15 inches, but some even go up to 17 inches. Although the laptop’s 15-inch display increases portability, the larger panel provides a greater level of immersion. This decision will need to be made based on your needs.
Keyboard
While buying a gaming laptop, it is important to check out certain aspects of the keyboard. If the keyboard is not up to par, you will eventually have to use an external keyboard to play games or even for long typing sessions, which is not an ideal situation.
To make sure that you get a good gaming experience, ensure that the keyboard on the laptop offers good key travel, and features like actuation (force applied for a press), anti-ghosting, and n-key rollover.
With anti-ghosting, you will be able to press multiple keys in games and all of them will register, while the n-key rollover ensures all keys are registered independently.
Also, you should look for a laptop that has backlit keys to make sure your late-night gaming sessions are not hindered. You can also go for keyboards that offer RGB lighting if you want your laptop to stand out.
Battery Life
The battery life of high-end gaming laptops is typically not a strong point. However, gaming laptops now have better battery life than before thanks to recent advancements in processor architecture.
For instance, the CPU core of the AMD RyzenTM 6000 series CPUs can offer much greater power consumption efficiency. The implication of this is that if you are not using the laptop for gaming, the battery life will be durable.
Ports
When selecting a gaming laptop, ports are another crucial aspect to take into account. You will have more alternatives for attaching external devices if there are more ports. An HDMI port, Mini DisplayPort, and at least three USB ports are desirable on a laptop.
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Portability
If you intend to purchase a gaming laptop, you should consider the system’s portability.
It is always advised to go with a laptop that is not only compact but also thin. This guarantees that it will fit into anything and won’t be too cumbersome to carry.
Price
Of course, cost should also be taken into account. Ensure that you are receiving the best value for your money feasible.
Fortunately, there are a lot of the best gaming laptops available for less than $400. Just be sure to pick one with the specs and features you require.
15 Best Gaming Laptops Under $400 in 2022
There are currently more gaming laptops available than ever before because of the popularity of gaming as a pastime. The good news is that if you know where to look, you can also get some excellent offers.
We’ll examine 15 of the best gaming laptops under $400 for 2022 in this article.
1. ASUS VivoBook 15
Features
- Brand: ASUS
- Series: VivoBook 15
- CPU Model: Core 13
- RAM: 8GB
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Screen Size: 15.6 inch
The ASUS VivoBook 15 is not like other gaming laptops, which are typically big and unsightly.
According to our analysis, it will be the top thin, cheap gaming laptop in 2022! The ASUS Vivobook 15 won’t let you down, especially if you’re searching for a snappy laptop with excellent multitasking capability.
The 10th Gen. Core 13 CPU inside the Asus VivoBook ensures swift and fluid operation. Even though the Vivobook 15 is the thinnest gaming laptop, Asus generously gives it a 15.6″ full HD 1080p vivid display that is abundant and vibrant.
Last but not least, we love that most Asus laptops come with a one-year damage protection warranty. They provide excellent customer service for both repairs and technical issues.
Pros
- Vivid images
- Substantial Full HD display
- Cheapest and thinnest gaming laptop
- Strong Core 13 10th Generation Processor
- Guaranteed Damage Protection
- 8GB DDR4 RAM
Cons
- Touchpad and mouse problems
- Silent speakers
- Battery life is short
2. Lenovo Chromebook C330
Features
- Brand: Lenovo
- Series: IdeaPad C330
- CPU Model: MediaTek_MT8127
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: Chrome 0S
- Screen Size: 11.6 inch
Are you seeking a laptop that is both functional and reasonably priced? Get the Lenovo Chromebook C330 2-in-1!
This incredibly portable laptop boasts a convertible design that makes it simple to carry around. What could be better than playing games whenever and whenever you want?
Also, you can play games on a Chromebook, including Roblox, Friday Night Funkin, GTA, and NFS-Underground, so don’t think it means you can’t play such games. This is one of the Best Gaming Laptops Under $400.
We adore that it is convertible as well. The keyboard can be disassembled to create a tablet.
Pros
- Convertible
- It can be taken apart to create a tablet
- High-performance touchscreen
- Affordable
- DDR4 Memory 46B
Cons
- Battery life is short.
- Not the best for challenging games
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3. Acer Aspire 5
Features
- Brand: Acer
- Series: A515-43-R19L
- CPU Model: Ryzen 3 3200U
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: Windows 10S
- Screen Size:15.6 Inches
The Acer Aspire 5 is one of the best low-cost gaming laptops available. It’s lightweight, uncomplicated, and stylish, making it the ideal portable gaming laptop.
Acer Aspire is the pinnacle of laptops in terms of specifications. Because of its AMD Ryzen 3 processor, it can run demanding apps more quickly than a standard laptop.
The new AMD Radeon 3 graphics card in the Acer Aspire 5 ensures a fluid gaming experience. Need for Speed, GTA IV, and the PUBGM emulator can all be run with ease on medium to high settings.
Pros
- Dependable and robust design
- Tiny and transportable
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 3 processor
- Radeon 3 GPU by AMD
- Ergonomic
Cons
- Heating problems
- Battery life is short
4. HP 14-Inch AMD Ryzen 3
Features
- Brand: HP
- Hard Disk Size: 128 GB
- CPU Model: Ryzen 3 3200
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Screen Size: 14 Inches
Are you a new player with a limited gaming budget? The solution is the HP 14″!
Even though they are quite affordable, the HP 14″ specifications are impressive. In actuality, there are no problems playing the majority of AAA games on medium to high settings.
Additionally, the 4GB DDR4 RAM and 128GB SSD ensure the most responsive gaming experience possible! Project IGI, GTA, NFS, Counter-Strike, and Call of Duty can all be played without any issues.
And to top it all off, the graphics are amazing! The 14-inch HD screen guarantees a glitch-free visual experience.
Pros
- Intel GPU integrated
- Strong processor
- The full HD 14-inch display
- Ideal for novices
- A comfortable keyboard
- Lightweight
Cons
- Freezing and crashing problems
- Overheating
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5. Lenovo 130S-11IGM
Features
- Brand: Lenovo
- Series: Lenovo Ideapad
- CPU Model: Celeron
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Screen Size:11.6 Inches
Your priority should be ergonomics, especially if you want extended gaming sessions! That is what the Lenovo 130S-11IGM can provide for you. This is one of the Best Gaming Laptops Under $400.
We adore how portable and light this IdeaPad notebook is, weighing only 2.5 pounds. With a thickness of just 0.7 inches, it is small enough to fit in your satchel or backpack for regular travel.
The good news? When it comes to battery life, the Lenovo 130S is a powerhouse. Most gamers can play for 8 to 10 hours on just their batteries.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Terrific for travel (lightweight, thin)
- In-built Windows 10
- Long-lasting battery
- Availability of several ports
Cons
- Poor FPS
- Dim Display
- Upgrades are challenging
6. Acer Chromebook Spin 713
Features
- Brand: Acer
- Series: Chromebook Spin 713
- CPU Model: ModelCore i3-10110U
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 13.5 Inches
The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is the most effective Chrome OS laptop now on the market for less than $400.
The charger is an easy-to-carry 2-in-1 convertible that folds up into a little compact and doesn’t take up much space, so you won’t have to worry about bringing it with you.
On a single charge, the battery can power more than 12 hours of video playback and web browsing.
Pros
- Long-lasting battery
- Quality Display
- Doesn’t heat up easily
Cons
- Applications that use DirectX are incompatible
- No resync of the variable
7. HP Stream 14-inch Laptop
Features
- Brand: HP
- Series: Stream Laptop
- CPU Model: Celeron M
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Screen Size: 14 Inches
The HP Stream 14-inch Laptop is another HP laptop that is quickly gaining favor in the gaming field.
Its inclusion of Windows 10 Home in S Mode, the ideal operating system for gaming, is the primary factor in its appeal. Additionally, it is one of the few laptops having this OS at such a low cost. This is one of the Best Gaming Laptops Under $400.
League of Legends, Dota 2, and Rocket League are some examples of games that work best on this laptop because they don’t demand a lot of graphic processing power. It’s a nice option for people who want to play older games that don’t require as much technology.
Pros
- An ideal choice for players on a limited budget
- Running Minecraft at its highest settings
- Affordable
- Simplicity and modernity
Cons
- Noisy fans
- A short battery life
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8. Asus VivoBook Flip 14
Features
- Brand: ASUS
- Series: VivoBook Flip 14
- CPU Model: Celeron N
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: Windows 10 S
- Screen Size: 14 Inches
ASUS is renowned for producing computer hardware that is very tiny and skinny. However, some of its laptops even perform better than an Apple MacBook in terms of both quality and cost.
Even though the VivoBook Flip 14 is not the ASUS flagship model, it is still one of the best gaming laptops available for less than $400.
The design of the VivoBook Flip 14 is something you’ll notice right away. The 0.8-inch thickness and 3.3-pound weight of the laptop make it incredibly portable.
Pros
- Stunning graphics on a big HD screen
- Among the most compact gaming laptops
- A fingerprint scanner on a touchscreen
- Battery life is excellent
Cons
- Slow HDD boot-up times
- 6 GB RAM
9. Dell i3552-3240BLK
Features
- Brand: Dell
- Series: Inspiron 15 3000
- CPU Model: Pentium
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
One of the newest additions to a group of inexpensive laptops that are fully capable of carrying out regular administrative and gaming chores is the Dell i3552-3240BLK.
This laptop is perfect for casual gaming in addition to activities like web browsing, streaming music, video, and other work-related activities.
The Dell i3552-3240BLK is finished in matte black and has a chic appearance. Additionally, the laptop’s surface has been texturized to give users a pleasant tactile experience.
Pros
- Contains a Quad-Core Intel Pentium N3700 processor.
- Incredible connectivity possibilities
- High storage capacity
- Clear and concise images
Cons
- Low battery life
- Unsuitable for frequent use
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10. Lenovo IdeaPad S145
Features
- Brand: Lenovo
- Series: IdeaPad
- CPU Model: AMD A Series
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
The design of the Lenovo IdeaPad S145 is strikingly similar to that of the more expensive ThinkPad laptops.
It is entirely constructed of plastic, has a construction that appears to be robust, and should be more durable than is required for the average user.
Due to its straightforward, uncluttered design, lack of gaming-related decorations, and all-black color scheme, it is one of the most attractive laptops.
Pros
- Fantastic GPU
- Good SSD storage
- Affordable
Cons
- Average CPU
- Poor battery life
11. Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook (13″)
Features
- Brand: Lenovo
- Series: Flex 5i Chromebook
- CPU Model: Core 13
- RAM: 8 GB
- Operating System: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 13.3 Inches
The Flex 5i is a fantastic Chromebook because it performs quickly, has a great keyboard and trackpad, is small and light, and has a brilliant, bright 1080p touchscreen.
When it comes to the tasks that most people use laptops for, such as online browsing (even with a lot of tabs open), video chats, working on documents and spreadsheets, watching movies, and gaming, this Chromebook outperforms Windows machines.
In addition, the Flex 5i is free of bloatware which makes inexpensive Windows choices less portable and slower.
Pros
- Long-lasting battery
- Excellent keyboard and trackpad
- High storage capacity
Cons
- Not for frequent use
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12. Samsung Chromebook 4
Features
- Brand: SAMSUNG
- Series: Chromebook 4+
- CPU Model: Celeron N3450
- RAM: 6 GB
- Operating System: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
The Samsung Chromebook 4 is unquestionably a Chromebook to take into consideration if you’re searching for one that’s ideal for gaming.
The Samsung Chromebook 4 series does include an Intel UHD Graphics 600 chip, despite the lack of a separate graphics card. You can do this to take advantage of some light gaming and video streaming. Additionally, Chrome OS is preinstalled on the laptop.
Pros
- Fast processor
- Sleek and fashionable design
- Several ports
- Long-lasting battery
- Cooling components
Cons
- Slow refresh rates
13. HP Pavilion X360 2-IN-1 11.6″
Features
- Brand: HP
- Series: Pavilion X360
- CPU Model: Pentium
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Screen Size: 11.6 Inches
Its portability is one of the biggest reasons why this is one of the best gaming laptops under $400. It is only 0.7 inches thick and 3.77 pounds in weight. This makes it simple to transport wherever you go.
Therefore, the HP Pavilion x360 is undoubtedly an excellent 2-in-1 gaming laptop that you should take into consideration.
Pros
- It has cooling components
- Lightweight
- 128GB SSD
Cons
- Only one USB type-C port
- Short battery life
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14. 2021 HP 15.6″
Features
- Brand: HP
- Series: Thin Laptop
- CPU Model: Celeron
- RAM: 8 GB
- Operating System: Windows 10 Sekunda
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
The 2021 HP 15.6-inch HD laptop is another cheap sub-$400 laptop that might be suitable for light gaming.
The screen size of the HP laptop is 15.6 inches. You will be able to see the games properly thanks to the appropriate size for a cheap gaming laptop.
One feature of this HP laptop that you’ll like is that Windows 10 is already pre-installed on it. With this operating system, you have access to a wide range of software and games.
Pros
- 128GB SSD
- Good battery life
Cons
- Poor graphics
15. Dell Inspiron 3583 15′
Features
- Brand: Dell
- Series: Inspiron
- CPU Model: Celeron N4020
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
A fantastic all-arounder that can also be utilized for gaming is the Dell Inspiron 3583. It is equipped with 4GB RAM, an Intel Celeron N4020 CPU, and a 128GB solid-state drive. It also boasts a 15.6-inch LED-backlit display with a 1366 x 768-pixel resolution.
One feature of this Dell laptop that you’ll particularly enjoy is that Windows 10 is already pre-installed on it. You can access a wide variety of software and games thanks to this. The laptop also boasts a backlit keyboard, which is excellent for gaming in dim lighting.
Pros
- It has pre-installed antivirus
- It has a good backlit keyboard
Cons
- Low storage capacity
- It weighs about 4.4 pounds which is quite heavy than most gaming laptops
FAQs on Best Gaming Laptops Under $400
Where can you buy gaming laptops for under $400?
What is the best brand of gaming laptops?
For gaming, how much RAM do I need?
How durable are gaming laptops?
Conclusion
It’s not necessary to spend a lot of money to be able to game while on the go. Even when you’re away from home, you can still play your favorite games with the appropriate laptop.
Also, you have a wide range of possibilities with a $400 budget. You can discover the finest gaming laptop for your needs if you only remember the points we listed above.
References
- pcwebopaedia.com – Best Gaming Laptops Under $400
- leaguefeed.net – Top 7 Best Gaming Laptops Under $400
- laptops reviews.com- Best gaming laptops under $400 [Expert Recommendations]
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