Best Budget Gaming Laptops Under $1000 - Top Picks 2025 For Low Input Lag
Budget gaming laptops have come a long way. Just a few years ago, finding a powerful, low-latency gaming laptop under $1000 was nearly impossible. But thanks to advances in hardware and optimization, budget-friendly gaming laptops now offer high refresh rate displays, fast processors, and dedicated GPUs without costing a fortune.
However, not all budget gaming laptops are created equal. A true gaming machine needs more than just decent specs—it requires low input lag, smooth frame rates, and reliable thermal performance to keep up with fast-paced gameplay. Whether you’re diving into competitive FPS matches, running esports titles, or enjoying open-world adventures, your laptop shouldn’t hold you back.
At inputdelay.com, we’ve tested and researched the best gaming laptops under $1000 for 2025, focusing on response times, refresh rates, GPU power, and real-world gaming performance. Our goal is to help you find a laptop that balances speed, efficiency, and value without sacrificing performance or input responsiveness.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best budget gaming laptops available right now, covering entry-level RTX GPUs, high refresh rate screens, and optimized systems that give you a competitive edge without breaking the bank.
Let’s find the perfect budget gaming laptop for your setup! 🎮💻
Updated: March 15, 2025
Finding the Best Budget Gaming Laptop for Low Input Lag
Acer Nitro 5 – Best Overall Cheap Gaming Laptop
✅ Pros:
✔ Intel Core i5-12500H / Ryzen 5 6600H
✔ NVIDIA RTX 3050 (4GB)
✔ 144Hz Full HD Display
✔ Good cooling system
❌ Cons:
✘ 256GB SSD is small (upgrade recommended)
The Acer Nitro 5 is one of the best budget gaming laptops available. With a 144Hz display, RTX 3050 GPU, and a solid Intel Core i5 / Ryzen 5 processor, it delivers great gaming performance for its price.
It’s perfect for playing eSports titles like Fortnite, Valorant, and Call of Duty: Warzone on medium to high settings.
✅ Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link).
Lenovo Legion 5 – Best Performance
✅ Pros:
✔ AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS
✔ NVIDIA RTX 4060 (8GB)
✔ 165Hz Full HD Display
✔ Solid build quality
❌ Cons:
✘ Slightly high price, but worth it
The Lenovo Legion 5 offers high-end performance. With an RTX 4060 GPU and a 165Hz display, this laptop is excellent for AAA gaming and competitive eSports.
If you’re looking for the best performance at the lowest possible price, this is the one to get.
✅ Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link).
HP Victus 15 – Best Budget Pick
✅ Pros:
✔ Intel Core i5-12450H / Ryzen 5 5600H
✔ NVIDIA GTX 1650 (4GB)
✔ 144Hz Display
✔ Affordable price
❌ Cons:
✘ GTX 1650 is an older GPU
✘ Plastic build quality
The HP Victus 15 is the cheapest gaming laptop that still delivers decent gaming performance. While the GTX 1650 is outdated, it’s still capable of playing games like Minecraft, GTA V, and League of Legends smoothly.
✅ Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link).
ASUS TUF Gaming A15 – Best Durability & Battery Life
✅ Pros:
✔ AMD Ryzen 7 6800H
✔ NVIDIA RTX 4050 (6GB)
✔ 144Hz Display
✔ Military-grade durability
❌ Cons:
✘ Slightly heavier than other laptops
The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 is a rugged and durable gaming laptop with an RTX 4050 GPU. It offers solid battery life, a high refresh rate display, and great cooling performance.
If you want a gaming laptop that lasts, this is a great pick!
✅ Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link).
Which Cheap Gaming Laptop Should You Buy?
Here’s a quick summary by inputdelay.com :
| Laptop | Best For | CPU | GPU | Display | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer Nitro 5 | Best Overall | Intel i5-12500H | RTX 3050 | 144Hz FHD | Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link) |
| Lenovo Legion 5 | Best Performance | Ryzen 7 7735HS | RTX 4060 | 165Hz FHD | Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link) |
| HP Victus 15 | Best Budget Pick | Intel i5-12450H | GTX 1650 | 144Hz FHD | Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link) |
| ASUS TUF A15 | Best Durability | Ryzen 7 6800H | RTX 4050 | 144Hz FHD | Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link) |
Acer Nitro 5
Best For: Best Overall
CPU: Intel i5-12500H
GPU: RTX 3050
Display: 144Hz FHD
Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link)Lenovo Legion 5
Best For: Best Performance
CPU: Ryzen 7 7735HS
GPU: RTX 4060
Display: 165Hz FHD
Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link)HP Victus 15
Best For: Best Budget Pick
CPU: Intel i5-12450H
GPU: GTX 1650
Display: 144Hz FHD
Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link)ASUS TUF A15
Best For: Best Durability
CPU: Ryzen 7 6800H
GPU: RTX 4050
Display: 144Hz FHD
Check Price on Amazon* (Affiliate-Link)Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the best cheap gaming laptop, the Acer Nitro 5 is a great overall choice. If you want more power, go for the Lenovo Legion 5 with an RTX 4060. For a super affordable option, the HP Victus 15 is your best bet.
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