The Best Cheap Gaming Laptops for 2026

The Best Cheap Gaming Laptops We've Tested for 2026 | PCMag

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p~*:not(#readMore,#trust-badge,#commerce-group)]:!hidden" x-data="{ readMore: false }" :class="{ '[&>p:first-of-type~*:not(#readMore)]:!block': readMore }"> What separates a true gaming laptop from the rest? It starts with a dedicated graphics processing unit (GPU), the laptop equivalent of a desktop graphics card. That requirement sets a floor on pricing: current-generation gaming laptops rarely dip below $800. Still, not everyone needs a maxed-out rig built for enthusiasts. Today’s market offers more capable, reasonably priced options than ever before. We've been testing gaming laptops for decades, evaluating them for performance, usability, and value, separating the deals from the duds through our rigorous, repeatable tests in productivity and gaming benchmarks. Our current top budget-friendly gaming laptop pick is the MSI Katana 15 HX, but we've gathered more options for various priorities and budgets. Below our recommendations, check out our comprehensive buying guide for everything you need to know to get the best machine for your money. Read More

Our Top Tested Picks

div:nth-of-type(n+11)]:hidden" :class="{ '[&>div:nth-of-type(n+11)]:!flex': showMore }"> Best Budget Gaming Laptop for Most Buyers MSI Katana 15 HX $1,109.99 at Walmart See It Bottom Line Editors' Choice 4.0 Excellent this.$refs.template.innerHTML, onCreate: (instance) => this.tippyInstance = instance, onShow: (instance) => { this.escapeHandler = (e) => { if (e.key === 'Escape') instance.hide(); }; window.addEventListener('keydown', this.escapeHandler); }, onHide: (instance) => { if (this.escapeHandler) { window.removeEventListener('keydown', this.escapeHandler); this.escapeHandler = null; } }, onMount: (instance) => { const closeBtn = instance.popper.querySelector('[data-tooltip-close]'); if (closeBtn) closeBtn.addEventListener('click', () => instance.hide()); }, }; }, }">   What Our Ratings Mean 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies. Powered by Nvidia’s entry-level GeForce RTX 5050, MSI's Katana 15 HX delivers smooth 60fps gaming with or without DLSS 4. Despite a few compromises, it's a winning recipe for budget gamers. Jump To See More Details product_name }} Review" x-track-ga-click>MSI Katana 15 HX Review Pros li]:leading-normal"> Capable everyday productivity performance RTX 5050 stands up to demanding games with DLSS 4 Comfortable keyboard with RGB lighting Varied connectivity Cons li]:leading-normal">