Top 4 Gaming Laptops under $700: An Advanced Gamer’s Guide

As gaming becomes ever more immersive, every advanced gamer knows the necessity of having powerful hardware. But what if you’re on a budget and want to get the best one for your buck?

It’s an exciting time in the world of affordable gaming laptops. Gaming on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on performance nowadays. But with numerous options available that deliver impressive specs without breaking the bank, it might be a challenging task to choose the best gaming Laptop under $700 as per your needs.

To assist you in this challenging task, we’ll explore the 4 Best gaming laptops under $700 in today’s market that cater to advanced gamers and tech enthusiasts.

How We Selected These 4 Best Gaming Laptops under $700

Selecting the best gaming laptops under a specific price point is no easy task. It involves considering a balance of hardware, build quality, user reviews, and specific gaming requirements.

Here’s a peek behind the curtain on how we shortlisted our top four picks under $700:

1. Market Research: We kick-started our search by scanning the market to identify popular models within the given price range.

We also took note of newly released models, especially those from reputable brands with a history of producing reliable laptops.

2. Hardware Specifications: The heart of any gaming machine is its hardware. We looked for laptops offering the best CPU-GPU combo within the price range, ensuring they are capable of running modern games.

RAM and storage solutions were also considered, ensuring a smooth multitasking experience and quick game load times.

3. Build Quality: A good gaming laptop should withstand extended gaming sessions. We filtered options based on durability, design aesthetics, and user comfort. Additional points were given to those laptops that offered a balance of portability and sturdiness.

4. User Reviews and Feedback: Real-world usage often throws up insights not immediately apparent in spec sheets. We dove into user reviews, focusing on gaming performance, heat management, and overall user satisfaction.

Reviews from professional tech websites and forums were also considered to ensure a balanced viewpoint.

5. Display Quality: A great gaming experience requires a quality display. We considered resolution, refresh rate, and color accuracy. Laptops with higher refresh rates and better color reproduction stood out.

6. Battery Life: While gaming laptops aren’t usually known for extended battery life, those that offered a respectable uptime while gaming were favored.

7. Thermal Management:  Overheating can throttle performance. Laptops with better cooling systems, ventilation designs, and user feedback on heat management got a nod.

8. Price-to-Performance Ratio: Finally, we assessed each laptop’s offering against its price tag. Those providing the most value, especially in terms of gaming performance, rose to the top.

Using this multi-faceted approach, we distilled a wide range of options down to the top four. Each of these laptops brings something unique to the table, ensuring there’s something for every kind of gamer on a budget.

If you are short on time, take a quick look

Best Value for Money: Acer Nitro 5, given its price and solid specs.

Most Performance-Oriented: MSI GV15 Thin, due to its 144Hz refresh rate.

Overall Choice for Advanced Gamers on a Budget: ASUS TUF FX505DT, striking the right balance between performance, durability, and cost.

Our Recommendation for Best Gaming Laptop Under $700

1. Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 Gaming Laptop

Acer doesn’t disappoint with its bold red and black color scheme. The chassis, although primarily plastic, feels sturdy. Its keyboard is backlit with a responsive touchpad, which is a plus for night owls.

Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 comes with 15.6 inches of FHD IPS Display with a 144Hz Ultra refresh rate. The color accuracy could be better, but for this price point, it’s more than adequate for gaming.

With an Intel Core i5 processor clock speed 4.5GHz, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD, most AAA titles run decently at medium settings. You might get around 60fps on games like Fortnite and Apex Legends.

You’ll squeeze out about 5 hours during heavy gaming. Regular use? Expect around 8 hours.

On the other hand for cooling its dual fans do a decent job, though the laptop can get warm during prolonged sessions. The fan noise is manageable. You can also control fan speed with NitroSense software.

Ever been in an intense battle royale match, and your laptop decided to lag? Fear not, for the Nitro 5’s cooling system ensures efficient heat dissipation, letting you game for hours on end without worrying about performance drops. Besides making you look cool in a dim room, the backlit keyboard is a boon during night-time gaming marathons.

Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 has 3 USB ports, HDMI, Ethernet, and a headphone jack. Wi-Fi 6 support ensures speedy online connections.

The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 is a potent choice for gamers, offering a great balance of performance and visuals, packaged in a sleek design. If you’re in the market for a machine that matches your gaming zeal without burning a hole in your pocket, this might be a solid consideration.

Key Specifications

Processor              :        Intel Core i5-10300H 10th Gen

Display Type         :        15.6 inches, 144hz, IPS

Resolution             :        Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)

Graphics Card       :        NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050

Keyboard               :        Red-backlit

Weight                   :        Approx. 5.07 pounds (2.3 kg)

Operating System:        Windows 11

Pros:

• High performance for gaming
• CoolBoost Cooling technology
• Immersive display
• Superb Graphics Quality
• Decent Battery Life
• 144hz Refresh rate

Cons:

• Slightly heavy

---

2. MSI GV15 Thin 11SC-633

Sleek and thin, the MSI GV15 boasts a metallic finish, giving it a more premium feel. The keyboard, with customizable RGB backlighting, is quite the treat.

15.6-inch FHD with a fantastic 144Hz refresh rate – a real treat for gamers.

It’s packed with an Intel Core i5-11400H 6-Core, which can go up to 4.5 GHz, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Graphics, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD. This means smoother gameplay on titles like Overwatch and Destiny 2 on medium-high settings.

Battery backup is around 4 hours during intensive gaming. With casual use, expect around 7 hours.

MSI GV15 Features Cooler Boost technology which is quite efficient, though it can get a tad noisy when pushed to the limit. It has the usual USB ports, HDMI, and even a USB Type-C port. Wi-Fi 6 comes standard.

Let’s delve deeper. How does it translate to real-world gaming? For instance, in fast-paced shooter games like “Call of Duty,” the high refresh rate means no screen tearing. Meanwhile, games like “The Witcher 3” reveal the graphical capabilities of the GTX 1650, displaying crisp and immersive landscapes.

The MSI GV15 Thin 11SC-633 offers an exciting and responsive gaming experience, fit for professional gamers. With some minor adjustments, such as adding a cooling pad, the cons can be easily handled.

If you’re looking for a robust yet elegant gaming laptop, the GV15 Thin could be a wise consideration. It’s like having a powerful sports car that’s dressed in a suit.

Key Specifications

Processor              :        Intel Core i5-11400H 11th Gen

Display Type         :        15.6 inches, 144hz, IPS

Resolution             :        Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)

Graphics Card       :        NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650

Keyboard               :        RGB backlit

Weight                   :        Approx. 4.63 Pounds

Operating System:        Windows 11

Pros:

• High refresh rate for smoother gaming
• Capable GPU for demanding games
• Sleek and lightweight design

Cons:

• May heat up during extended gaming
• Average battery life

---

3. ASUS TUF FX505DT AMD Ryzen 5 R5-3550H

This laptop feels rugged and durable, living up to its ‘TUF’ branding. The RGB backlit keyboard is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The 120Hz refresh rate on the 15.6-inch FHD display guarantees fluid gameplay visuals.

ASUS TUF FX505DT has an AMD Ryzen 5 processor with a clock speed of up to 3.7 GHz, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD. It delivers consistent performance across titles like PUBG and Rainbow Six Siege on medium settings.

Similar to the Nitro 5, expect around 5 hours during intense gaming and up to 8 hours for general tasks.

ASUS TUF FX505DT has Anti-dust cooling system is a highlight, ensuring longevity. It manages to stay relatively quiet even during demanding tasks. It’s packed with standard USB and HDMI ports, with an added bonus of a USB Type-C.

Real-world gaming scenarios reveal the true strength of this device. Play AAA titles or indulge in some fast-paced eSports gaming; this laptop promises smooth gameplay. But it doesn’t just stop at gaming. Its military-grade toughness makes it versatile for travel or work on the go.

The ASUS TUF FX505DT AMD Ryzen 5 R5-3550H is a reliable companion for any gamer seeking solid performance without breaking the bank. While it’s not an ultra-high-end gaming machine, it’s a workhorse, ensuring that you remain in the game.

Key Specifications

Processor              :        AMD Ryzen 5 r5-3550h

Display Type         :        15.6 inches, 120hz, IPS

Resolution             :        Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)

Graphics Card       :        NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650

Keyboard               :        RGB backlit

Weight                   :        Approx. 4.8 Pounds

Operating System:        Windows 10

Pros:

• Strong GPU for smooth gaming
• Cool under pressure with anti-dust cooling
• Durable with military-grade certification
• Great price-to-performance ratio

Cons:

• Average sound quality
• Battery life may not support extended gaming

---

4. Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 AMD Ryzen 5 5600H

Lenovo keeps it simple and elegant. The blue-backlit keyboard and sturdy build make it quite appealing.

15.6-inch FHD display with a max 120Hz refresh rate for a smooth gaming experience.

With an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H clock speed of 3.3 GHz, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD, you’re in for a treat. Expect smooth performance in titles like Call of Duty and Red Dead Redemption 2 on medium settings.

Around 6 hour’s battery backup during gaming but shines with almost 10 hours during regular use.

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 has 5^th–generation thermal engineering that ensures efficient cooling with minimal noise, and along with the usual ports, it offers a rapid charge feature for its power input.

Now, how does all this translate into the gaming battlefield? Imagine playing the latest AAA titles without a hitch in performance. The responsive keyboard is tailor-made for those quick in-game reactions, and the Dolby Audio provides an immersive sound experience.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 AMD Ryzen 5 5600H is a robust choice for gamers. Its combination of strong performance, immersive visuals, and engaging audio, despite minor hiccups like bulkiness and potential heating, makes it an appealing option.

Key Specifications

Processor              :        AMD Ryzen 5 5600H

Display Type         :        15.6 inches, 120hz, IPS

Resolution             :        Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)

Graphics Card       :        NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650

Keyboard               :        White backlit

Weight                   :        Approx. 4.9 Pounds

Operating System:        Windows 10

Pros:

• Smooth gaming experience with NVIDIA GeForce graphics
• 120Hz refresh rate for fluid visuals
• Immersive Dolby Audio
• Effective cooling system

Cons:

• Slightly bulky design
• Can heat up with extreme use

These four laptops each bring something unique to the gaming table, catering to different preferences and needs. From the sleek design of the Acer Nitro 5 to the powerful performance of the ASUS TUF FX505DT, this guide should help you find the perfect gaming companion for under $700. Now it’s time to grab your favorite game and jump into the action! Happy gaming!

---

Buying Guide

Finding the perfect gaming laptop under $700 requires a blend of research and a clear understanding of your gaming needs.

Here are some key factors to consider before purchasing; this will guide you to ensure you make the right choice:

1. Understand Your Gaming Needs:

Casual vs. Hardcore: If you’re into lighter games like ‘Stardew Valley’ or ‘The Sims’, you don’t need as much power. Hardcore gamers playing ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ or ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ will need better specs.

Genre Preferences: Strategy games or MMOs might be more CPU-intensive, while FPS and action games often rely more on the GPU.

2. Essential Hardware:

CPU: At this price point, look for laptops with at least a quad-core processor. AMD’s Ryzen or Intel’s i5 series are solid choices.

GPU: Integrated graphics can manage light gaming, but a dedicated GPU like NVIDIA’s GTX 10-series will significantly boost performance.

RAM: 8GB is a must for gaming. It ensures smooth multitasking and better game performance.

Storage: A Solid-State Drive (SSD) is preferable for quicker load times, even if it’s a smaller 256GB. Some laptops offer a combo of SSD for the OS and HDD for storage.

3. Display Quality:

Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080) should be your baseline for a crisp gaming experience.

Refresh Rate: A higher refresh rate (e.g., 120Hz) offers smoother gameplay, especially for fast-paced games. However, it might be rare at this price point.

Panel Type: IPS panels provide better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to TN panels.

4. Thermal Efficiency:

Overheating not only hampers performance but can also reduce the lifespan of the laptop. Look for:

• Efficient cooling systems.
• Good ventilation and heat sink designs.
• User reviews on thermal performance can be particularly telling.

5. Build & Design:

• Opt for a sturdy build that can handle daily wear and tear.
• Consider weight and portability if you plan on moving your laptop often.
• A backlit keyboard can be beneficial for late-night gaming sessions.

6. Battery Life:

While gaming laptops aren’t known for extended battery life, choosing one that offers at least 4-5 hours under gaming loads can be advantageous.

7. Brand & Post-Purchase Support:

Stick to reputable brands known for good customer service, warranty policies, and consistent software updates.

8. Up gradation:

Even on a budget, consider how future-proof the laptop is. Can you upgrade RAM or storage later? Will it handle games released in the next couple of years?

---

FAQs

1Q. Can I run AAA games on a gaming laptop under $700?

A: Yes, you can. However, you may have to adjust the game settings to medium to achieve smooth gameplay. The performance largely depends on the laptop’s GPU and CPU.

2Q. Is 8GB RAM sufficient for gaming?

A: For most modern titles, 8GB of RAM is the minimum recommended amount. It allows for smooth multitasking and decent game performance.

However, for more RAM-intensive games or if you plan on multitasking heavily, a future upgrade to 16GB might be beneficial.

3Q. Are integrated graphics okay for gaming?

A: Integrated graphics, like Intel’s Iris Xe or AMD’s Vega series, can handle casual games and some modern titles at lower settings. However, for a better gaming experience, a dedicated GPU is preferable.

4Q. How important is an SSD for a gaming laptop?

A: SSDs significantly improve load times for games and the overall responsiveness of the system. It’s beneficial to have an SSD for the OS and frequently played games, even if it’s complemented by a larger HDD for additional storage.

5Q. Can I upgrade components on my budget gaming laptop later?

A: It varies by model. Some laptops allow for RAM and storage upgrades, while others might have soldered components.

It’s crucial to check the laptop’s upgradeability before purchasing if you plan on upgrading in the future.

6Q. How significant is the refresh rate on a gaming display?

A: A higher refresh rate provides smoother gameplay, especially noticeable in fast-paced games. For competitive gamers, a higher refresh rate can offer a slight advantage.

However, at this price point, finding laptops with rates above 60Hz can be challenging.

7Q. Does a gaming laptop under $700 come with good cooling?

A: Cooling efficiency varies among models. While many budget gaming laptops offer decent cooling, it’s essential to look for reviews and feedback regarding the thermal performance of a specific model.

8Q. Do budget gaming laptops have good audio?