5 Best Gaming Laptops Under $500 In Mid-2023

I have for many years researched about gaming laptops.

I have been watching YouTube videos about gaming laptops, budget ones and even the most expensive ones.

However, to help people who are looking for the best budget or the $500 gaming laptop, I have now decided to do another round of proper research and bring to you the best of the best gaming laptops out there within this budget range of 500 bucks.

If you find that there’s a laptop that deserves to be on this list, let me know and I’ll make sure to include it to help people have a look at another option.

Because the options in this budget range may be limited, so every model that i can recommend them for $500 is good.

Let’s not wait any longer and get into the list of the best gaming laptops under 500 USD.

---

When looking for the best gaming laptops under $500, consider the following options:

1. Acer Aspire 5: Best overall option with a balance of performance and affordability
2. HP Pavilion 15-dw1053dx: Runner-up with a good balance of price and performance
3. ASUS Vivobook 15: Offers the most storage and is suitable for video editing
4. Lenovo Flex 5: Best for streaming games
5. HP 14 with Ryzen 3: Offers big storage capacity
6. Microsoft Surface Go 2: Best 2-in-1 gaming laptop under $500
7. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet: Best budget gaming laptop under $500

Keep in mind that gaming laptops under $500 may only be able to run games at low settings and may not be upgradable like desktop computers.

These laptops are compromise picks for those on a tight budget, and their performance may not be on par with more expensive gaming laptops.

---

Best Gaming Laptops Under 500 In Mid-2023

Bmax X14 Pro 14.1″ Laptop

With its Ryzen 5 and AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics, Bmax X14 Pro is one of the best $500 gaming laptops you’ll find right now in Mid-2023.

Pros

• The AMD Ryzen 5 processor provides efficient running efficiency, making it suitable for work, online study, and daily games.
• The 512GB SSD provides extremely fast access to all data, videos, or songs, and the 8GB DDR4 ensures smooth performance without waiting.
• The 14.1” FHD IPS display with narrow bezel and AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics up to 1200MHz can perfectly run your favorite games and daily office.

Cons

• The backlit keyboard is edge to edge, which might not be suitable for people who prefer a traditional keyboard.
• The battery life is up to 7 hours, which might not be enough for long gaming sessions or work.
• The laptop weighs 1.3kg, which might not be the lightest option for people who need to carry it around frequently.

The Bmax X14 Pro 14.1″ Laptop is a great budget option for people who need a laptop for work, study, and light gaming.

The AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 8GB DDR4 ensure smooth performance without waiting, and the 512GB SSD provides extremely fast access to all data, videos, or songs.

The 14.1” FHD IPS display with narrow bezel and AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics up to 1200MHz can perfectly run your favorite games and daily office.

However, the backlit keyboard is edge to edge, which might not be suitable for people who prefer a traditional keyboard.

The battery life is up to 7 hours, which might not be enough for long gaming sessions or work.

The laptop weighs 1.3kg, which might not be the lightest option for people who need to carry it around frequently.

If you’re looking for a budget gaming laptop that can handle work and study, the Bmax X14 Pro 14.1″ Laptop might be worth considering.

HP Stream 14in HD SVA Laptop

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle basic gaming, the HP Stream 14in HD SVA Laptop might be worth considering.

Pros

• The anti-glare Energy-efficient WLED screen makes it easy to use the laptop for extended periods without straining your eyes.
• The laptop has a long battery life of up to 11 hours, making it perfect for on-the-go use.
• The HP Webcam with integrated digital microphone is a great feature for video chats and teleconferences.

Cons

• The 64GB eMMC flash memory might not be enough storage for some users, especially if you plan on installing multiple games or programs.
• The Intel UHD Graphics 600 with shared video memory might struggle with more demanding games.
• The laptop’s processing power might not be sufficient for more demanding tasks.

In terms of design, the HP Stream 14in HD SVA Laptop looks sleek and modern with its royal blue color.

The keyboard is standard and comfortable to use, and the stereo speakers provide decent sound quality.

While the laptop’s Intel Celeron N4000 Processor might not be the most powerful, it’s still capable of running basic games and programs.

The 4GB DDR4 RAM ensures that you can run multiple programs without any issues.

Overall, if you’re looking for a laptop that can handle basic gaming and everyday tasks without breaking the bank, the HP Stream 14in HD SVA Laptop is a solid choice.

However, if you need more storage or processing power, you might want to consider a more expensive option.

Bmax Laptop 15.6″

Another Bmax on the list?

Well, it had to be!

Pros

• The Intel 11th Celeron N5095 processor ensures efficient running efficiency, making it ideal for work, online study, or daily games.
• The 12GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB fast SSD provide extremely fast access to all data, videos, or songs, and quick boot-up times, making it easy to run multiple programs at once.
• The 15.6” FHD 1920×1080 IPS display with 3mm Narrow Bezel and Intel UHD Graphics produces bright, saturated, and natural colors in any angle, making it ideal for gaming or streaming.

Cons

• The laptop weighs 1.6kg, which is a bit heavy for a laptop that’s supposed to be portable.
• The battery life is not great, and it needs to be charged every few hours.
• The laptop doesn’t have a disk drive, which might be a dealbreaker for some users.

The Bmax Laptop 15.6″ is a great budget-friendly option for those who are looking for a decent gaming laptop.

The Intel 11th Celeron N5095 processor ensures efficient running efficiency, making it ideal for work, online study, or daily games.

The 12GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB fast SSD provide extremely fast access to all data, videos, or songs, and quick boot-up times, making it easy to run multiple programs at once.

The 15.6” FHD 1920×1080 IPS display with 3mm Narrow Bezel and Intel UHD Graphics produces bright, saturated, and natural colors in any angle, making it ideal for gaming or streaming.

However, the laptop weighs 1.6kg, which is a bit heavy for a laptop that’s supposed to be portable.

The battery life is not great, and it needs to be charged every few hours, which might be a dealbreaker for some users.

Additionally, the laptop doesn’t have a disk drive, which might be an issue for those who prefer to use physical media.

Overall, the Bmax Laptop 15.6″ is a decent budget-friendly option for those who are looking for a gaming laptop that can handle basic tasks.

It comes with a 12-month warranty, worry-free 30-day return, and 7 days/24 hours friendly customer serving, making it a safe investment for those who are on a tight budget.

Acer Aspire 5

The Acer Aspire 5 is considered one of the best laptops under $500 due to its affordable price, decent performance, and robust build.

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Rugged build
• Great keyboard
• Good selection of ports
• Decent performance
• Full HD LED-backlit IPS display

Cons:

• Subpar webcam
• Annoying bloatware comes pre-installed
• Touchpad is a little hard to use
• Not suitable for high-end gaming or video editing

Compared to its previous generations, the 2022 Acer Aspire 5 model features Intel’s 12th-gen CPUs, which provide solid productivity performance.

However, the entry-level price has increased to $650, with no configuration available for less than $500. Despite this, the laptop still offers good value for money, with fast performance for demanding productivity workflows and acceptable performance for its price range.

Microsoft Surface Go 2

The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a solid choice for a laptop under $500.

It offers some improvements over the original Surface Go, including a larger screen and faster CPU options.

The design is similar to its predecessor, but with trimmed-down bezels surrounding the 10.5-inch screen. The Surface Go 2 has better computing performance, longer battery life, and a larger display than the original. The Core m3 model is preferred over the Pentium Gold chip, as it offers better multitasking performance and higher CPU performance.

Pros:

• Affordable price point
• Premium design and kickstand
• Larger screen and faster CPU options
• Longer battery life than the original Surface Go

Cons:

• Underwhelming performance with the Pentium Gold chip
• Limited RAM and storage capacity
• Higher-end models can be expensive

Compared to its previous generations, the Surface Go 2 offers better computing performance, longer battery life, and a larger display than the original Surface Go.

The design is similar, but with trimmed-down bezels surrounding the screen. The Surface Go 2 offers a pricier Core m3 option, which effectively solves many of the limitations of the original Surface Go.

Best Gaming Laptops Under 500 – Buyer’s Guide

When looking for gaming laptops under $500, consider the following factors:

1. GPU: Aim for a mid-range GPU if possible, as it will offer better performance.
2. RAM: Look for laptops with upgradeable RAM, as this can be an area to improve later.
3. Storage: Consider laptops with larger storage capacities or the option to expand storage with an external hard drive.
4. Display: Opt for laptops with Full HD displays for better gaming visuals.
5. Battery life: Check for laptops with decent battery life for longer gaming sessions.
6. Additional features: Look for laptops with backlit keyboards, fingerprint readers, and thin bezels for a better gaming experience.

FAQs About Budget 500 USD Gaming Laptops

FAQs about budget $500 gaming laptops:

Can I Play Games On A $500 Gaming Laptop?

Yes, you can play games on a $500 gaming laptop, but you may have to run them at low settings or lower resolutions and frame rates.

What Are Some Recommended Gaming Laptops Under $500?

Some recommended gaming laptops under $500 include Acer Aspire 5, HP Pavilion 15-dw1053dx, ASUS Vivobook 15, Lenovo Flex 5, and HP 14.

Can I Upgrade The GPU Or CPU On A Budget Gaming Laptop?

Unlike computer towers, laptops generally cannot be upgraded with new GPUs or CPUs, limiting their potential for improvement.

What Should I Consider When Shopping For A Gaming Laptop Under $500?

When shopping for a gaming laptop under $500, consider factors such as the laptop’s processor, integrated GPU, storage capacity, and display quality.

Are There Any 2-In-1 Gaming Laptops Under $500?

Yes, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is an example of a 2-in-1 gaming laptop under $500

Remember that gaming laptops under $500 are often compromise picks, and their performance may not be on par with dedicated gaming laptops that cost more.

However, modern processors with integrated GPUs are becoming more powerful, making it possible to play games on budget laptops.