Best cheap gaming laptop deals

MSI Vector 16 gaming laptop on an abstract pink background
(Image credit: MSI)

We're well into 2026 now, and the RAMpocalypse is forcing prices of all kinds of tech ever higher. But, we've still been able to scour the online shelves looking for gaming laptop deals that we would stand by—and there are definitely some major discounts still to be found for the discerning shopper.

The gaming laptop is a special thing after all. A device packing desktop-level gaming performance into a machine that's a fraction of the size. Of course, this does come with some compromises, including the cooling necessary to maintain high frame rates in the latest games—in short, they can be real loud—but the main thing is they're often so much more expensive than an equivalent desktop gaming PC. Which is why we're here to deliver you the best gaming laptop deals to help save a buck or three.



Below, we've curated a selection of the best budget-friendly gaming laptop deals we've spotted online. Remember that this list isn't exhaustive, but these are the gaming laptop deals we believe are worth your money. And check back regularly because the best gaming laptops tend to fly off the shelves when they go on sale. And if you've decided you're more into getting yourself a desktop bargain, we've compiled a list of the best cheap gaming PC deals, too.

Quick links

💻 RTX 5060 - Lenovo LOQ 15 | $1,000 @ Best Buy
💻 RTX 5070 - Lenovo Legion 5i | $1,450 @ Walmart
💻 RTX 5070 Ti - Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI | $1,550 @ Best Buy
💻 RTX 5080 - MSI Vector 16 HX AI | $2,099 @ Newegg

Under $1,000

Acer Nitro V 16 AI | RTX 5050
Save $119.01
Acer Nitro V 16 AI | RTX 5050: was $899 now $779.99 at Walmart
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This is a fairly appealing price for a capable 16-inch gaming laptop with a modern GPU. Sure, it's an RTX 5050, which needs to be affordable to be worthwhile, but this Acer Nitro V 16 AI is certainly that. It has a good screen for the money, too: a 180 Hz, 1200p IPS. Oh, and while the storage capacity isn't great, there's space for another drive under the hood.

Key specs: RTX 5050 | Ryzen 5 240 | 16-inch | 1200p | 180 Hz | 16 GB DDR5 | 512 GB SSD

Price check: Newegg $969

Lenovo LOQ | RTX 5060
Lenovo LOQ | RTX 5060: $999.99 at Best Buy
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Budget gaming laptops deals are not great right now, indeed finding one RTX 5060 laptop deal below the $1,000 mark has been a trial. But here we are, with a Lenovo LOQ machine with a decent 115 W GPU, speedy 1080p screen, and the now miserably familiar memory/storage combo of a 512 GB SSD and 16 GB RAM. The memory side wouldn't be too bad if it wasn't for the fact it's single channel, but in our review that didn't actually harm gaming performance.

Key specs: Ryzen 7 250 | RTX 5060 | 15-inch | 144 Hz | 512 GB SSD | 16 GB DDR5

$1,000–$1,500

Lenovo Legion 5 | RTX 5060
Lenovo Legion 5 | RTX 5060: $1,116.35 at Amazon
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While the 115 W RTX 5060 will need some DLSS help to make the most of its 1600p panel, this is still a great selection of components for the cash—although I'd like to see a bigger SSD. Still, at least it's an easy upgrade. Lenovo makes some excellent gaming laptops, and this one delivers serious bang for your buck—although it has jumped in price slightly in recent months.

Key specs: RTX 5060 | Ryzen 7 260 | 15.1-inch | 1600p | 165 Hz | 16 GB DDR5 | 512 GB SSD

Price check: Lenovo $1,199.99

Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI | RTX 5060
Save $380
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI | RTX 5060: was $1,599.99 now $1,219.99 at Best Buy
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This is a lot to pay for an RTX 5060 gaming laptop, but once you take into account the fact you're getting an honest-to-goodness 240 Hz OLED panel thrown into the bargain, this deal makes a lot more sense. Being a 1600p display, the 115 W RTX 5060 mobile here will need some DLSS and MFG help to make the most of it at native res, but this is still a slim and sleek machine with a very high desirability factor.

Key specs: RTX 5060 | Core Ultra 9 275HX | 16-inch | 1600p | 240 Hz OLED | 16 GB DDR5 | 1 TB SSD

Price check: Newegg $1,681.24

Asus TUF F16 | RTX 5070
Asus TUF F16 | RTX 5070: $1,382 at Newegg
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This Asus TUF machine has supposedly been tested to meet a "military grade" standard. Forget about all that, though, because it has a well-balanced specs sheet. With a 115 W RTX 5070, a 16-core (eight Performance, eight efficient) Intel chip, and a decently-quick 1200p screen, it's a pretty good deal for the money. Asus has improved the chassis design of its TUF range in recent years, so despite being sturdy, it's not a bad looking lappy either.

Key specs: RTX 5070 | Core i7 14650HX | 16-inch | 16-inch | 1200p | 165 Hz | 16 GB DDR5 | 1 TB SSD

Lenovo Legion 5 | RTX 5070
Save $250
Lenovo Legion 5 | RTX 5070: was $1,699.99 now $1,449.99 at Walmart
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This Legion machine gets you on the OLED train for less cash than most non-OLED RTX 5070 gaming laptops I'm finding at the moment, although it has risen in price recently. It's well-specced in general, too, with an extremely powerful Intel chip at its heart and a 1 TB SSD. It's a shame about the 16 GB of RAM—but it's still plenty to get gaming with, and given the state of memory pricing at the moment, it's about the best you can hope for at this sort of price.

Key specs: RTX 5070 | Core i9 14900HX | 15.1-inch | 1600p | 165 Hz | 16 GB DDR5 | 1 TB SSD

Price check: Best Buy $1,499.99 (Core Ultra 9 275HX)

Asus ROG Strix G16 | RTX 5070
Save $250.99
Asus ROG Strix G16 | RTX 5070: was $1,749.99 now $1,499 at Walmart
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This is a very powerful gaming laptop for the money. First, you get that RTX 5070 mobile GPU, which is a very capable chip for a 1920 x 1200 resolution, especially with a 115 W TGP. And second, you get a 16-core, 32-thread AMD processor which is a mobile beast. Throw in 16 GB DDR5-5600 and a 1 TB SSD and you've got a lot of hardware for a very decent price.

Key specs: Ryzen 9 8940HX | RTX 5070 @ 115 W | 16 GB DDR5-5600 | 1 TB SSD | 16-inch | 1200p | 165 Hz

$1,500+

Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI | RTX 5070 Ti
Save $350
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S AI | RTX 5070 Ti: was $1,899.99 now $1,549.99 at Best Buy
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This 16-inch lappy is relatively slim and sleek, being one of Acer's S-line models, which is all the more surprising given the hardware nestled inside. It's got a 1600p 240 Hz OLED display, which is kept fed by a 24-core Intel chip and a 115 W RTX 5070 Ti. Those are some pretty mega components, and you even get 32 GB of DDR5 in the middle of the RAMpocalypse. Luxury!

Key specs: RTX 5070 Ti | Core Ultra 9 275HX | 16-inch | 1600p | 240 Hz OLED | 32 GB DDR5 | 1 TB SSD

MSI Vector 16 HX AI | RTX 5080 (175 W)
Save $400.99
MSI Vector 16 HX AI | RTX 5080 (175 W): was $2,499.99 now $2,099 at Newegg
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This Vector is still one of the cheapest RTX 5080 gaming laptop you can find right now, even if it has jumped in price recently. Our Dave reviewed the Vector 16 HX AI last year and likes the value proposition you get when you take into account that mega GPU, although it is a bit of a hairdryer on full whack. Still, stick it in Balanced mode and the noise is much more reasonable, and it still performs about as well as the other RTX 5080 machines we've tested. Which is to say, very well indeed.

Key specs: RTX 5080 | Core Ultra 9 275 HX | 16-inch | 1600p | 240 Hz | 16 GB DDR5 | 1 TB SSD

Price check: Best Buy $2,399.99 | Walmart $2,429

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 | RTX 5070 Ti (115 W)
Save $530
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 | RTX 5070 Ti (115 W): was $2,629.99 now $2,099.99 at Best Buy
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If you're wondering what an RTX 5070 Ti laptop is doing here at this price, know that this is an Asus G16. It's slim, stylish, and very portable—and this one's got a slew of specs that make it worth considering, even if it does range above the $2000 mark. While the GPU has a 115 W limit, it should still be very punchy at a 1600p resolution, and you're getting a fabulous 240 Hz OLED panel for your money, too. 32 GB of RAM and a beefy Intel CPU seals the deal rather nicely. It's still pricey, sure, but this lappy is a very desirable thing at this sort of spec, even if the fan curves make it a bit antisocial under duress.

Key specs: RTX 5070 Ti | Core Ultra 9 285 HX | 16-inch | 1600p | 240 Hz OLED | 32 GB DDR5 | 1 TB SSD

Handheld gaming PCs

Lenovo Legion Go | Z1 Extreme
Lenovo Legion Go | Z1 Extreme: $749.99 at Lenovo USA
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The Legion Go is a whole lot of screen and controller for a handheld, featuring a glorious 144 Hz touchscreen and the ability to take the controllers off like a Nintendo Switch. It's also pretty powerful, too, thanks to its Z1 Extreme processor.

Key specs: Ryzen Z1 Extreme | 9-inch | 1600p | 144 Hz | 16 GB LPDDR5x | 1 TB SSD

Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS | Ryzen Z1 Extreme
Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS | Ryzen Z1 Extreme: $899.99 at Best Buy
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Our best gaming handheld pick is a truly excellent machine. The lightweight Steam OS integration in combination with its Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU means it's surprisingly powerful, all while being extremely comfortable to use and remarkably well-equipped. While you can find the Z2 Go version for cheaper, this is the one you want.

Key specs: Ryzen Z1 Extreme | 8-inch screen | 32 GB RAM | 1 TB SSD

Price check: Lenovo $1,099.99

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X | Z2 Extreme
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X | Z2 Extreme: $999.99 at Best Buy
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It is a borderline ludicrous amount of cash to drop on a gaming handheld really, but the ROG Xbox Ally X is a truly great device. I thought the design ridiculous until I had my review unit in-hand. It's super comfortable to use, the new library makes Windows usable, and the Z2 Extreme chip is powerful. Could do with a bit of a discount, but this is the cheapest you'll find it today.

Key specs: Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme | 7-inch | 1080p | 120 Hz | 24 GB LPDDR5x-8000 | 1 TB SSD

RTX 5060 laptops

RTX 5070 laptops

RTX 5080 laptops

AMD Strix Point laptops

UK gaming laptop deals

Acer Nitro V15 | RTX 5060
Save £50
Acer Nitro V15 | RTX 5060: was £899.99 now £849.99 at Amazon
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This little Nitro might not have all the bells and whistles of fancier machines, but it's certainly got everything you need to get gaming. The RTX 5060 at its heart has a 75 W power limit, which is a little on the tight side, but paired with a 1080p screen should do just fine. The CPU is a neat and tidy little 10-core model (six Performance, eight Efficient) and it's got 16 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD, which are both good amounts. For the money, it's near impossible to do better right now.

Key specs: RTX 5060 | Core i7 13620H | 15.6-inch | 1080p | 165 Hz | 16 GB DDR5 | 1 TB SSD

Gigabyte A16 | RTX 5060
Gigabyte A16 | RTX 5060: £1,099.99 at Amazon
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We reviewed this laptop very recently, and found it to be good—with one primary caveat. The 85 W RTX 5060 at its core isn't the fastest variant you'll find, thanks to the 85 W power limit. However, the A16 has an excellent chassis design, a decently fast screen, and a great smattering of budget components that still make it a desirable thing.

Key specs: RTX 5060 | Core i7 13620H | 15.6-inch | 1200p | 165 Hz | 16 GB DDR5 | 1 TB SSD

Price check: Scan £1099.99

Gigabyte  A16 | RTX 5070
Save £100
Gigabyte A16 | RTX 5070: was £1,399 now £1,299 at Currys
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While this Gigabyte lappy has a relatively low-power variant of the RTX 5070 at an 85 W TGP, the fact that it's also been equipped with an easy-on-the-GPU 1200p screen stacks the odds in its favour. We've already reviewed the RTX 5060 version and called it good—if a little underpowered, thanks to that entry-level GPU. This one? Much more like it for the cash.

Key specs: RTX 5070 | Ryzen 7 260 | 1-inch | 1200p | 165 Hz | 16 GB DDR5 | 1 TB SSD

Price check: Amazon £1,499.99 (OOS)

Asus TUF A16 | RTX 5070
Save £220
Asus TUF A16 | RTX 5070: was £1,699.99 now £1,479.99 at Amazon
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This Asus TUF A16 is a particular favourite of mine, as it's a powerful machine that often turns up with a discount. This one's got an older—yet still very beefy—16-core, 32-thread AMD CPU, a 115 W RTX 5070, and 32 GB of DDR5. Sure, it's only got a 1200p display, but that's the sweet spot for keeping your frame rates high without too much DLSS help, and your digital adventures should look lovely regardless.

Key specs: RTX 5070 | Ryzen 9 7940HX | 16-inch | 1200p | 165 Hz | 16 GB DDR5 | 1 TB SSD

Lenovo Legion 5i | RTX 5070
Lenovo Legion 5i | RTX 5070: £1,549.01 at lenovo.com
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The Lenovo Legion 5i is often on discount, but even at full price it's a fantastic deal. This model is still one of the cheaper RTX 5070 gaming laptops you'll find in the UK right now from a major manufacturer, and one that's worth some serious consideration. It's got a speedy Intel chip, a 115 W variant of Nvidia's mid-tier mobile GPU, and a proper 1 TB SSD, making it quite the catch. We love a Lenovo lappy, and this one makes a whole lot of sense.

Key specs: RTX 5070 | Core i7 13650HX | 15.3-inch | 1200p | 165 Hz | 16 GB DDR5 | 1 TB SSD

Acer Nitro 16 AI | RTX 5070 Ti
Acer Nitro 16 AI | RTX 5070 Ti: £1,679.99 at Scan
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Although the RTX 5070 Ti here has had its wings clipped slightly with a 115 W TGP, it should thrash any RTX 5070-equipped lappy in the gaming benchmarks with very little issue. Plus, it's been combined with an eight-core, 16-thread CPU with plenty of get up and go, a 180 Hz 1600p screen, and a proper 1 TB SSD. I'd like to see some more RAM, but it's darn expensive to buy on its own right now, so bear that in mind if you're thinking of an upgrade.

Key specs: RTX 5070 Ti | Ryzen AI 7 350 | 16-inch | 1600p | 180 Hz | 16 GB DDR5 | 1 TB SSD

Price check: Amazon £1,749.99 (32 GB variant)

MSI Vector 16 HX AI | RTX 5070 Ti
Save £150
MSI Vector 16 HX AI | RTX 5070 Ti: was £1,899.98 now £1,749.98 at Scan
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We've been very impressed by the RTX 5080 version of this particular laptop for the value proposition it provides, and the RTX 5070 Ti variant is no slouch, either. While many RTX 50-series lappys are still priced into the stratosphere, this 16-inch machine is a fantastic price for the components you end up receiving. That's apart from the SSD, unfortunately, which is far too small. Still, sticking a 1 TB drive in a laptop is one of the easier hardware tasks you can perform, and the rest of the components are pretty stellar for the cash, even if the price has risen recently.

Key specs: RTX 5070 Ti | Core Ultra 7 255HX | 16-inch | 1600p | 240 Hz | 16 GB DDR5 | 512 GB SSD

Price check: Amazon £2,799

MSI Vector 16 HX AI 16 | RTX 5080
Save £500
MSI Vector 16 HX AI 16 | RTX 5080: was £2,799 now £2,299 at Currys
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RTX 5080 machines are still eye-wateringly expensive for the most part, but we're big fans of this Vector lappy, especially because of the price. It might not have the prettiest chassis, but it's as fast as a very, very fast thing for a fair bit cheaper than most of the competition—with a speedy 240 Hz IPS panel thrown into the bargain, too. That makes it a genuine value proposition in a laptop market filled with extremely pricey equivalents. It's a smart buy, no doubt, although I'd stick a touch more RAM in it—if you can find some for anything less than silly money.

Key specs: RTX 5080 | Core Ultra 9 275HX | 16-inch | 1600p | 240 Hz | 16 GB DDR5 | 1 TB SSD

Price check: Overclockers UK $2,699.99

Below, you'll find laptop deals from across the web that our specialized deal widget has sniffed out.

Q&A

Dave James
Editor-in-Chief, Hardware

Dave has been gaming since the days of Zaxxon and Lady Bug on the Colecovision, and code books for the Commodore Vic 20 (Death Race 2000!). He built his first gaming PC at the tender age of 16, and finally finished bug-fixing the Cyrix-based system around a year later. When he dropped it out of the window. He first started writing for Official PlayStation Magazine and Xbox World many decades ago, then moved onto PC Format full-time, then PC Gamer, TechRadar, and T3 among others. Now he's back, writing about the nightmarish graphics card market, CPUs with more cores than sense, gaming laptops hotter than the sun, and SSDs more capacious than a Cybertruck.

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