If you just started gaming or are on a limited budget, this article is for you. It is not easy, but possible to identify relevant gaming laptops in the sub $700 price segment. Although scaling up your budget is always an option, precisely to get hold of more RAM, VRAM, and a better CPU and GPU combination. However, if you’re looking for the best possible specs in the $700 price range then keep reading. Our post has 8 reliable options (performance-wise) that you want to consider.
Selecting the perfect laptop for gaming requires extensive research. Although you can always purchase high-end devices with 16GB RAM or a CPU like Intel i7 or Intel i9, affordability could be an issue that needs to be taken care of. Unlike a pricey computer that covers all bases, a $700 gaming laptop does make a few compromises to accommodate different levels of gaming firepower.
Therefore, before purchasing, put together your preferences to find out the specs you’ll need for your next laptop. To make this easy see our minimum and recommended specs table below.
As obvious as it may seem, the $700-level budget will not get you gaming machines that feature a high-end display or massive chunks of RAM, powerful CPU/GPU combination.
Do not worry; I am here to help you and compiled a list of top gaming laptops under $700.These laptops not only provide you with high-ended games playing but are perfectly packed for business uses.
And while purchasing a budget gaming laptop under $700, it would be wise to refrain from comparing these with big players in the market.
Top Picks:
- MSI GF63 THIN 9SCX-005 15. 6″ FHD Gaming Laptop Intel Core i5-9300H GTX1650 8GB 256GB NVMe SSD Win10
- Asus TUF FX505DT 15.6-inch FHD Gaming Laptop, AMD Quad Core Ryzen 5 3550H, Nvidia Geforce GTX 1650 4GB Graphics, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB Solid State Drive, RGB Backlit Keyboard, Windows 10 Home, Black
- Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop, 15.6 Inch FHD (1920 X 1080) IPS Display, Intel Core i5-9300H Processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB Nvme SSD, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, Windows 10, 81LK00HDUS, Black
- ASUS – FX505DD 15.6″ Gaming Laptop – AMD Ryzen 5 – 8GB Memory – NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 – 256GB Solid State Drive – Black
- Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop, 9th Gen Intel Core i5-9300H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, 15.6″ Full HD IPS Display, 8GB DDR4, 256GB NVMe SSD, Wi-Fi 6, Backlit Keyboard, Alexa Built-in, AN515-54-5812
Best 5 Gaming Laptops Under $700
1. MSI GF63
MSI makes exceptional gaming laptops, and the MSI GF63 Thin also lives up to the brand hype. Be it an excellent display or a set of gaming-intensive processing components. This model has almost everything for a professional gamer.
To start with, this laptop starts with a powerful Intel Core i5-9300H processor that can turbo boost up to 4.1GHz when playing demanding titles like PUBG, Civilization 6, League of Legends, Overwatch, and more. On the other hand, the GPU is exceptional, with MSI packing in the resourceful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 with 4GB of VRAM and the Max-Q layout. As the CPU and GPU are non-upgradeable options, MSI puts special care in pairing these processing components to perfection.
The 8GB dual-channel RAM might look slightly underwhelming, but you can always boost this department by upgrading the same at any point in time. The 256GB SSD unit stores plenty and also makes way for faster boot-ups. Windows 10 OS is featured right out of the box.
Key Features
- 15 6″ FHD (1920*1080) IPS-Level 60Hz 45%NTSC Thin Bezel NVIDIA GeForce GTX1650 [Max-Q] 4G GDDR5
- Core i5-9300H 2 4 – 4 1GHz Intel 9560 Jefferson Peak (2×2 802 11 ac)
- 256GB NVMe SSD 8GB (8G*1)DDR4 2666MHz 2 Sockets Max Memory 64GB
- USB 3 2 Gen1 Type C *1 USB 3 2 Gen1 *3,720p HD Webcam
- Win 10 Multi-language Speakers 2W*2 3 cell (51Whr) Li-Polymer 150W
Technical Specifications
Display Size | 15.6 Inches |
Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
Processor | 2.4 apple_ci5 |
RAM | 8 DDR4 |
Memory Speed | 2666 MHz |
Hard Drive | 256 GB Flash Memory Solid State |
Graphics Coprocessor | Nvidia GTX 1650 |
Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
Card Description | Dedicated |
Graphics Card Ram Size | 1 GB |
Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 4 |
Average Battery Life (in hours) | 1 days |
National Stock Number | GF63005 |
Pros
- Stellar display
- Powerful battery
- Excellent keyboard
- Upgradeable RAM
- Excellent cooling support
- Excellent GPU with ample VRAM support
Cons
- Heavyweight (7.58 pounds)
Recommendations
It features a decent gaming keyboard with backlighting support, exceptional travel, and decent levels of actuation. The touchpad is equally responsive and facilitates in-game navigation, provided you aren’t using an external mouse. This computer also packs the best value speakers for a more immersive acoustic experience while playing intense games, followed by a standard mic and an HD webcam.Overall, this is a more than decent-budget gaming laptop with a powerful GPU and a long-lasting battery at the helm.
2. Asus TUF FX505DT
The TUF series from Asus is best known for its utility in targeting enthusiastic and professional gamers. However, the Asus TUF FX505DT is a budget-oriented gaming notebook that is performance heavy, to say the least. This model brings forth the excellent AMD-powered Ryzen 5 R5-3550H processor with a base clock speed of 2.1GHz. Moreover, this SoC features the 12nm architecture, making it more efficient compared to some of the Intel Core i5 laptops. On the other hand, the graphics are handled by the GeForce GTX 1650 GPU and 4GB of VRAM support.
The 8GB built-in RAM further enhances processing performances. Be it photo editing, video editing, or 3D modeling, this machine can do it all. Besides that, Asus features a 256GB SSD storage unit that is enviously fast and speeds up the booting process. In terms of the operating system, Asus features the dependable Windows 10 Home Edition. This device brings forth an excellent display with a 15.6-inch screen at the helm. The IPS panel boasts excellent viewing angles courtesy of the overall resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Most importantly, the GPU and display panel, in cohesion, feature a standard refresh rate of 60Hz, which is enough for a regular gamer.
Key Features
- AMD Ryzen 5 2.1 gigahertz
- Solid State Drive Capacity 256 gigabytes
- System Memory (RAM)Info 8 gigabytes
- Graphics NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
- Backlit Keyboard No touch screen
Technical Specifications
Display Size | 15.6 Inches |
Screen Resolution | 1920×1080 |
Standing screen display size | 15.6 Inches |
Screen Resolution | 1920×1080 |
Max Screen Resolution | FHD Display Pixels |
Processor | 2.1 GHz amd_r_series |
RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
Hard Drive | 256 GB SSD |
Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 |
Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
Pros
- Excellent 12nm processor
- 120Hz screen refresh rate
- Decent battery module
- Noteworthy keyboard
- Efficient anti-dust and thermal cooling system
- Immersive audio with surround sound
Cons
- Heavy chassis
- Underwhelming storage
Recommendations
The SenseMI processor technology strikes the perfect balance between power and battery life. Therefore, the battery module offers up to 10 hours of steady backup, upon moderate usage. Overall, this Asus TUF gaming device is affordable enough but still packs an excellent thermal cooling design and a more than a decent processor.
3. Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop
Lenovo finds the perfect balance between utility and price in the IdeaPad L340. While the price is slightly on the higher side, Lenovo easily compensates with sufficient processing power, storage, RAM, and a solid graphic unit to bring a reliable gaming laptop for around $700. The synergy of an 8GB DDR4 RAM and 4GB dedicated graphics memory delivers a pleasant gaming experience. This is one of the very few devices of the segment that comes with 512GB of SSD storage. The existing SSD keeps the boot-ups and data transfers fast. An installed version of Windows 10 comes as a part of the laptop.
This gaming laptop comes with a three-cell, 45Wh battery claiming backup of up to 9 hours. Gaming activities drain batteries much sooner than they claim, and optimal usage is necessary to improve battery life. Lenovo IdeaPad L340 packs a reliable gaming unit with a powerful processor and some preloaded software in a user-friendly operating system to make it a steal at the current price tag.
Key Features
- A new dimension of gaming performance awaits – with 9th-generation Intel Core i5 processors, the IdeaPad L340 gaming has the power you need to outshoot, outrun, and outsmart anyone. Includes 8GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD
- Take it to the next level – With the latest NVIDIA GeForce Graphics behind you, you can tame the hottest titles with faster, smoother, and more power-efficient gameplay. Plus, the 15.6-Inch screen delivers a stunning full HD IPS Display with 1920 x 1080 resolution
- A portal to a new sound dimension – hardwired into every Idea Pad L340 gaming is advanced Dopoundsy audio technology. Take your mobile gaming experience to another dimension and have a real blast along the way
- Control your own fate – Game in ‘quick’ Mode or work in ‘quiet’ Mode. It’s your call with a simple function setting that lets you shift gears between modes, instantly.
- Final product may vary slightly from image
Technical Specifications
Display Size | 15.6 Inches |
Screen Resolution | 1600×1200 pixels |
Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
Processor | 2.4 GHz core_i5 |
RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
Memory Speed | 2400 MHz |
Hard Drive | 512 GB Flash Memory Solid State |
Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce |
Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
Card Description | Dedicated |
Graphics Card Ram Size | 4 GB |
Wireless Type | Bluetooth |
Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
Average Battery Life (in hours) | 9 Hours |
Pros
- Webcam privacy shutter
- TPM chip for better security
- Gamer-friendly backlit keyboard
- High-performance graphics card
- 512GB of SSD storage
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Sounds bulky
Recommendations
The Ideapad comes with a standard backlit keyboard for a better writing and gaming experience. The keys are optimally sized and spaced with an optimum key travel. The touchpad follows the classic design and operates smoothly at different levels of sensitivity.
4. ASUS TUF – FX505DD 15.6″ Gaming Laptop
Asus is back again with an entire AMD processing conglomerate and a host of other dependable attributes. The Asus TUF FX505DD is a skilled and powerful machine, best distinguishable by the detailed and futuristic specs sheet. In terms of display, this inexpensive device brings forth a 15.6-inch screen with 1920 x 1080 pixels at the helm. The Full HD display offers a 77 percent screen-to-chassis ratio courtesy of the thinner, 6.5mm bezels.
The processing performance is duly taken care of by the AMD Ryzen 5 3550H CPU that can Turbo Boost at 4GHz. Asus finally ditches the NVIDIA GeForce and packs in the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 module to go with the chipset featuring the 14nm architecture. Most importantly, you also get 3GB of built-in VRAM support. The single-channel 8GB RAM support is worth taking note of. Asus stacks in a 256GB SSD unit in terms of storage, which might feel restrictive but features exceptional booting speeds. On this device, you get Windows 10 as the pre-existing OS.
Key Features
- AMD Quad Core Ryzen 5 3550H Processor (2.1Ghz, up to 3.7Ghz)
- 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Nvidia Geforce GTX 1650 4GB Graphics
- 15.6-inch FHD (1920×1080) Display, Windows 10 Home 64 bit
- RGB Backlit Keyboard, 1×USB Type-A 2.0, 2×USB Type-A 3.1
- DTS surround sound, Wifi 802.11ac + Bluetooth 5.0
Technical Specifications
Display Size | 15.6 Inches |
Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
Processor | 2.1 GHz amd_r_series |
RAM | 8 GB |
Hard Drive | 256 GB flash_memory_solid_state |
Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 |
Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
Card Description | Dedicated |
Pros
- Brilliant display
- Innovative keyboard
- Excellent AMD processor
- Decent graphics processor with sizeable VRAM
Cons
- Middling battery
- The design feels mostly plastic
Recommendations
Asus doesn’t compromise a tad bit in the keyboard department with the machine packing in a backlit unit followed by extensive keystroke durability. The touchpad is extremely responsive and coupled with brilliant speakers, a handy webcam, and a structural innovation involving the anti-dust and thermal cooling technology.
5. Acer Nitro 5
The Nitro 5 from Acer is rugged, durable, and weighs close to the 5-pound mark. The build quality is impressive and you wouldn’t even notice the spanning plastic, courtesy of the metallic accents. As far as the display is concerned, the 15.6 Full HD screen is sharp and perfect for gaming.
Also, you need not ruminate over the retouched tag as the 1920 x 1080 screen is one of the best resources to invest in, as a gamer. Plus, the Comfyview technology, or rather the anti-glare support allows you to play most games, without having to stress out the eyes.
Key Features
- 9th Generation Intel Core i5-9300H Processor (Up to 4.1 GHz)
- LAN: 10, 100, 1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 port); Wireless: Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX200 802.11ax
- 8GB DDR4 2666MHz Memory; 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD (2 x PCIe M.2 slots – 1 slot open for easy upgrades) and 1 – Available hard drive bay
- 15.6” Full HD Widescreen IPS LED-backlit display; NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Graphics with 4 GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM
- Backlit keyboard; Acer Cool Boost technology with twin fans and dual exhaust ports
Technical Specifications
Display Size | 15.6 Inches |
Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
Processor | 4.1 GHz core_i5 |
RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
Memory Speed | 4.1 GHz |
Hard Drive | 256 GB Flash Memory Solid State |
Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 |
Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
Card Description | Dedicated |
Wireless Type | 801.11ac |
Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
Average Battery Life (in hours) | 8 Hours |
Pros
- Durable
- High-end GPU
- Massive storage space
- Dual fan for better cooling
- One of the best GPUs for the price
- Excellent screen refresh rate of 144Hz
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Not the most recent core i5
- Disappointing storage space
Recommendations
This gaming laptop under $700 also comes equipped with several professionally aligned features, including the MaxxAudio speakers, dual-band wireless support, Gig Ethernet compatibility, and a standard backlit keyboard. Acer brings in a wide range of USB ports for running games and apps directly from the data drives. Overall, if you are serious about gaming and looking for a laptop that can actually handle the more demanding ones, the refurbished Acer Nitro 5 is the best possible option.
Final Verdict
So have you completed your planning yet? If not and if you are still indecisive, then this list of the gaming laptops is sure to help you a lot. With the best in class features and the stupendous configuration, these gaming beauties are sure to help you a long way for gaming as well as other purposes too.
So, if you are just crazy about gaming or are a beginner in the gaming world, and you need a splendid laptop; then do consider this as an awe-inspiring investment and nothing less. With the storage, memory, dedicated graphic card, latest processor, sound quality, and crystal clear display, the laptop will definitely increase your experience. The lightweight laptop with enhanced battery life gives you easy mobility.
To end, to list down the gaming laptops under $700 is not easy. With the market flooded with so many options, the competition is bottle-necked. But still, brands like Acer, HP, and Lenovo have proved to be the ultimate gaming laptop designers. With this, if you are still confused, look through our buying guide and find the one that matches your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is PC or laptop better for gaming?
Even today, with laptops getting better, a PC is still the best way to get the ultimate gaming performance. Graphics cards in PCs are still faster than equivalent chips in laptops (even though some graphics cores do feature in both PCs and laptops), and there are clear reasons why graphics cards in PCs retain a lead.
2. Is $700 expensive for a laptop?
The Average Cost of a Laptop. Again, the average cost of a new laptop is between $600 and $700. Sure, you miss out on some luxury features. But you’re in full view of efficient Chromebooks, powerful Ultrabooks and tech-heavy multimedia machines.
3. Does a gaming laptop last long?
The short answer is that a good mid-range gaming laptop will last 3-4 years. For high-end models, it could serve you 4-6 years. In terms of its physical components, you can expect up to 10 years’ worth of service. But chances are your gaming laptop won’t be able to keep up with all the software updates by then.
4. How expensive is a gaming laptop?
Budget gaming laptops start at around $750 and can go up to about $1,250. For that, you get a system that can play games at full HD resolution (1080p) with the settings turned down in most titles, or at maximum quality settings in simpler games. Storage may be a hard drive, or a modest-capacity solid-state drive (SSD).
5. What’s wrong with gaming laptops?
Gaming Laptops Don’t Have the Best Battery Life. Gaming laptops require powerful and demanding components, namely their CPU and GPU, to run games as best as they can. However, the more powerful a component gets, the more energy it requires, hence the shorter the battery life of a gaming laptop.