Budget pick
Best Gaming Laptop Under $700: Entry-Level Gaming Done Right
Under $700, gaming laptops become possible but tightly compromised. You can play popular esports titles smoothly and many older or lighter games well, but new demanding releases require lower settings. Knowing where the money goes helps you avoid machines that look like gaming laptops but cannot actually game.
What $700 realistically buys
Expect an entry-level dedicated GPU, a mid-range processor, 8-16 GB of RAM, a 512 GB SSD and a 1080p screen, often at 120-144 Hz. Deals on previous-generation models sometimes bring stronger GPUs into this range.
Games and settings to expect
Esports titles like competitive shooters and MOBAs run at high frame rates on medium-to-high settings. Many single-player games from recent years run well at medium settings in 1080p. Newly released demanding games may need low settings, upscaling features or reduced frame-rate targets.
Pros: what this budget gets right
- Dedicated graphics: far more capable than integrated graphics for gaming.
- High-refresh screens: smoother motion in competitive games.
- Upgradable parts: many models allow adding RAM and a second SSD.
Cons: where gaming laptops at this price cut corners
- Limited VRAM: entry GPUs struggle with high texture settings in new games.
- Screens: often dim with narrow colour coverage.
- Cooling and noise: fans can be loud under load.
- Single-channel RAM: some models ship with one memory stick, reducing performance.
How this tier differs from under $1,000
Our gaming laptops under $1,000 guide covers the next tier, where stronger GPUs, better cooling and higher-quality screens deliver noticeably higher frame rates in demanding games. If you mostly play esports titles, the $700 tier is enough. If you want new AAA releases at medium-high settings, the extra money matters. If portability is not essential, our gaming laptop vs mini PC comparison shows another route.
Upgrade tips
Adding a second RAM stick to enable dual-channel memory and installing a larger SSD are inexpensive upgrades that improve performance and longevity.
Verdict: when to stretch or save
Choose a laptop in this tier for esports and lighter games. Stretch to $1,000 for demanding new releases or a better screen and cooling.
Want the full checklist, price tiers and FAQs? Read our gaming laptops buying guide.