Once used for official purposes only, laptops today are looked up for several uses, including gaming, sports and conferences. Especially when it comes to gaming, people often look for laptops that deliver a smooth gaming experience without any lag. If you are a gamer with stringent budgets, finding a gaming laptop under $300 is a tough challenge for you.
To ease you with your ideal choice for the best gaming laptops, we have curated a highly researched list of gaming laptops. Although these laptops offer great performance, few of them are restricted to older games.
If you want to play the latest games, we recommend you refer to our buying guide for the best gaming laptops under $750 with dedicated graphics. You cannot grab a 1080p with 60fps laptop in this price range, but the satisfactory performance of gaming laptops under $30 for older games is a good reason to buy one.
Let’s have a quick glance at the comparative table for 9 best gaming laptops under $300
1.HP 14 Inch AMD Ryzen 3
Key Specifications
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Graphics Coprocessor: AMD Radeon Vega 3
- Hardware Interface: Bluetooth, Solid State Drive, HDMI
- Screen Size: 14 Inches
- Computer Memory Size: 4 GB
- CPU Speed: 2.48 GHz
This laptop comes in an intense ash grey color that looks stylish. Weighing only 3.2 pounds, this laptop is easy to carry, especially during travels. With a 14 inch full HD BrightView display, it supports 1366X768 resolution. Equipped with AMD 2.48 GHz-3.5 GHz Ryzen 3 2300u processor, it delivers excellent performance. The product comes with a RAM of 4GB and internal memory of 128 GB. It is wifi and Bluetooth-enabled laptop with ample memory, SDHC card and thumb drives.
This laptop uses AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics to ensure no stuttering or tearing while intense gaming sessions. Lithium-ion batteries as a power source last up to 8 hours without any break. If you are wondering about the webcam, it uses an HP TrueVision HD Camera with considerable clarity. This laptop also comes with inbuilt stereo speakers and a microphone to help you with excellent audio quality. As for connectivity, there is one HDMI 1.4b slot and two USB, Type A, 3.1 Gen ports. It is also equipped with a multi-format SD card reader and a 3.1 Gen Type C USB port for quick & easy data transfer.
2.Lenovo IdeaPad 3
Key Specifications
- Operating System: Windows 10 S
- Graphics Coprocessor: AMD Radeon Vega 3
- Hardware Interface: Bluetooth, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
- CPU Model Manufacturer: AMD
- RAM Type: DDR4 SDRAM
This laptop offers a big 15.6 screen size with a dimension of 14.26 x 9.98 x 0.78 inches (LWH) to ensure a real-life gaming experience. The narrow screen bezel doesn’t distract while gaming and provides a hassle-free experience. Supporting Bluetooth and 802.11 ac wireless connection, you would love the online gameplay with Lenovo IdeaPad 3. With a 2.6 GHz Ryzen 3 3250u AMD processor, it comes with AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics processor for enhanced performance.
The upgradable 128 SSD storage will help you store most of the games and media. This feature makes it better than the HP Intel Celeron N4020 being priced in the same range. Since the operating system comes with the S mode enabled, it suits perfectly for a child. With 4 GB RAM, playing the all-time favorites conventional games is not an issue, but it is certainly not capable of the latest games.
3.Acer Aspire 5
Key Specifications
- Operating System: Windows 10 S
- Graphics Coprocessor: AMD Radeon Vega 3
- Hardware Interface: USB, HDMI
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
- CPU Speed: 3.52 GHz
- RAM Type: DDR4 SDRAM
The Acer Aspire comes with a 15.6″ full HD, IPS screen size with thinner bezels to ensure fantastic screen size. With 4GB RAM and 128 GB flash memory, it is perfect for student assignments and light to moderate gaming. As it weighs 3.97 pounds, it is capable of on-the-go sessions. It would easily fit in a regular backpack, so carrying it won’t be an issue.
With AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Mobile Processor, you can play old-school games without facing lags or tearing. The Acer Aspire 5 also comes with a Li-polymer battery that can last up to 7.5 hours to provide a non-stop gaming experience. Connectivity options as two USB 2.0, one USB 3.1 gen one and one HDMI port are satisfactory. Users will also get an Ethernet (RJ-45 port), Bluetooth 4.0, and 802.11ac Wireless connection using MIMO technology. What impresses us the most about this laptop is its 1920 x 1080 display resolution at such a low budget, which is available with its precedents on our list.
4.HP Stream 14-cb187nr
Key Specifications
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Graphics Coprocessor: Intel UHD Graphics 600
- Hardware Interface: USB 3.1 Type A, Bluetooth 4.0, HDMI, USB 2.0, 802.11 b/g/n
- Screen Size: 14 Inches
- RAM Type: DDR4 SDRAM
- CPU Speed: 1.1 GHz
This 14- inch multi-colored laptop weighs only 2.8 pounds and is highly portable. It is powered by Li-battery, to use continuously for almost 14 hours. The device comes with a standard 4GB RAM. It uses Dual-Core, Intel(R) Celeron(R) N4000 Processor for quick multitasking and lag-free gaming experience. However, when compared with AMD Radeon Vega 3, its performance is quite limited. Even with certain limitations, the HP Stream is still a bang on bucks deal as a budgeted gaming laptop.
HP Stream is perfect for online gaming as it comes with a powerful 802.11 ac Wifi antenna and 4.2 Bluetooth. However, you require an additional drive for storing multiple games. You get 1-year free Office 365 and 1 TB Onedrive storage as a special deal. eMMC 64 GB storage is a bit disappointing, as most of the other options come with a faster storage drive.
5.2020 Lenovo IdeaPad
Key Specifications
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Graphics Coprocessor: AMD Radeon R4
- Hardware Interface: USB, HDMI, Headphone, Media Card
- Screen Size: 14 Inches
- CPU Speed: 1.6 GHz
- RAM Type: DDR4 SDRAM
Lenovo Ideapad comes with a beautiful and sleek design. It boasts a 14″ display with 1366×768 full HD resolution. With its AMD A6-9220e dual-core processor, your operations will be rapid as the laptop offers excellent scope for multitasking. Housing a 4GB DDR4 RAM, you get a 64GB flash memory, which is not your typical solid-state drive but eMMC.
Like the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, this piece offers a great range of both wired and wireless connectivity. You get 2 USB 3.0 and one HDMI connection port. Using 802.11 ac wireless LAN, you will encounter no issues with the internet connection, so online gaming is a cakewalk. With all these great features, there are also some drawbacks you will need to consider before buying this device.
Judging from the price-for-value angle and ability to cover your basic gaming and work needs, it can replace Dell Inspiron 15 3000, which costs higher for similar features.
6.Dell Inspiron 15 3000
Key Specifications
- Operating System: Windows 10 S
- Graphics Coprocessor: Intel UHD
- Hardware Interface: Bluetooth
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
- CPU Speed: 2.80 GHz
- RAM Type: DDR4 SDRAM
Dell is undoubtedly one of the most prominent brands out there. If you want to go for a reliable laptop that falls within budget, this product is perfect for you. This black accent piece offers a full HD, 15.6″ display with 1366×768 resolution. In addition to this, it also has an anti-glare screen with a thin bezel to refrain you from distractions. With 802.11ac wifi and Bluetooth, it also has a comprehensive set of options for ports and slots, including one each for HDMI 1.4, 2.0 Gen USB, RJ45, and two ports for Type A 3.2 Gen USB.
You get a 2.0 stereo speaker for HD sound quality to upgrade your experience with classic games. Coming to storage and memory, it has 4GB RAM and 128 GB solid-state drive. The Intel UHD Graphics 600 suits most casual games and can run them smoothly at low graphic settings. Despite the wide display, the laptop hardly weighs 1.7 kgs making it highly portable.
7.Fusion5 14.1inch
Key Specifications
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
- Graphics Coprocessor: Intel HD Graphics 500
- Hardware Interface: Bluetooth, HDMI, Mini HDMI
- Screen Size: 14.1 Inches
- RAM/Memory: 4 GB DDR4
With a screen size of 14.1 inches, this laptop uses Intel HD Graphics 500 processing unit. It offers a display resolution of 1920×1080 HD to enhance the user’s viewing experience. Not only it weighs only 1.2 kgs, but it also has a standard dimension of 12.68 x 8.5 x 0.55 inches, which would allow you to fit it in a compact backpack. It comes with 3.0 USB and HDMI connectivity. You can also use Chromecast to connect it to your TV. Li-ion battery with a life of 8 hours gets quickly charged within 2 hours.
The full-sized keyboard is highly responsive to the touch and offers a smooth experience. With 4GB RAM, it has 64 GB storage which could pose some problems initially. But you can use a micro SD card or up to 1TB HDD as extended memory for better performance. Lastly, the 5Ghz wifi lets you download content at a brilliant speed and works perfectly with the windows ten professional version. Hence, if browser-based gaming is your thing, Fusion 5 is one of the top budget-friendly choices for you.
8.ASUS VivoBook 15
Key Specifications
- Operating System: Windows 10 S
- Graphics Coprocessor: Intel UHD Graphics
- Hardware Interface: USB, Lightning, HDMI
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
- CPU Speed: 3.4 GHz
- RAM Type: DDR4 SDRAM
The slate grey Asus VivoBook features a 15.6″ screen size with an FHD display and 83% screen-to-body ratio. The display resolution of 1920 x 1080 delivers an enhanced viewing experience. It comes with Windows 10 S operating system along with an option to disable S mode anytime. The keyboard has a backlit mechanism for comfortable gaming in darker environments. It is ergonomically designed with 1.4mm key travel. Intel Core i3 processor in this laptop makes your operations smoother and glitch-free.
For connectivity, you get USB C, USB 2.0(2), USB 3.0 A-type(2), HDMI, Micro SD card reader, and audio combo jack ports and slots. The RAM provided is standard as 4GB with 128 GB solid-state drive storage. Though playing games released post-2016 is not a great idea, you can add drive space to revamp this laptop for a dedicated gaming experience. With all these attractive features, you also get 802.11ac wi-fi and Bluetooth for wireless connection. Though the device is on a heavier side with an almost 4-pound weight, its comfortable design makes up for it.
9.HP Intel Celeron N4020
Key Specifications
- Operating System: Windows 10 S
- Graphics Coprocessor: Intel UHD Graphics 600
- Hardware Interface: MicroSD, USB, HDMI, Headphone, Bluetooth 5
- Screen Size: 14 Inches
- CPU Speed: 1.10 GHz
- RAM Type: DDR4 SDRAM
HP Intel Celeron N4020 is one of the newest HP models and is appropriate for professional and regular use. Its 14″ screen is wide enough for a hassle-free viewing and gaming experience, and the 6.5 mm micro-edge HD display adds to the feature. The laptop uses Intel N4020 dual-core processor for low power consumption. The long 9-hour battery life withstands continuous and uninterrupted light to moderate gaming sessions. It also comes with pre-installed Windows 10S like all the other laptops on our list.
It proposes 4GB RAM and 64 GB eMMC flash storage to install /use external memory like the HP stream. With a 12.76″ x 8.86″ x 0.71 “dimension, it weighs moderately at 3.24 lbs. The connectivity option like USB type C, A, HDMI ports with micro SD card slot, and microphone/headphone combo jack is at par with other laptops on our list.
| HP 14 Inch AMD Ryzen 3 | Lenovo IdeaPad 3 | Acer Aspire 5 | HP Stream | 2020 Lenovo IdeaPad | Dell Inspiron 15 3000 | Fusion5 14.1inch | ASUS VivoBook 15 | HP Intel Celeron N4020 | |
| Display | 14 inches LED | 15.6 inches LED | 15.6 inches LED | 14 inches LED | 14 inches LCD | 15.6 inches LED | 14.1" 1920*1080 Full HD IPS | 15.6 inches LED | 14 inches |
| Operating system | Windows 10 | Windows 10 S | Windows 10 S | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 | Windows 10 S | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 S | Windows 10 S |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 3 3200U 2.6GHz | AMD Ryzen 3 3250U | AMD Ryzen 3 3200U | 1.1 GHz celeron_n | 1.6 GHz amd_a_series | 1.6 GHz amd_a_series | Intel HD Graphics 500 | 3.4 GHz core_i3 | Intel Dual Core Celeron N4020 processor |
| GPU | AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics | AMD Radeon Vega 3 | AMD Radeon Vega 3 | Intel UHD Graphics 600 | AMD Radeon R4 | AMD Radeon R4 | Intel UHD Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 600 | |
| Memory | 4 GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM | 4 GB DDR4 | 4GB DDR4 Memory | 4 GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM | 4 GB DDR4 | 4 GB DDR4 | 4 GB DDR4 | 4GB DDR4 RAM | 4GB DDR4 |
How to find best cheap laptops – Buying Guide
When you have a limited budget of $300, there are so many aspects which you need to consider to find the best laptop. The advancement in technology has made available cheap laptops with satisfactory performance.
When you are on a lookout for the best gaming laptops under $300, here are some of the important factors which you should consider:
Specs
Core i5 CPU is crucial for decent performance. A laptop with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD is a good choice for gamers to start. Do not settle anything less than 1080p to avoid excessive strain after long gaming hours.
If you are looking for discreet graphics and a good-performing GPU, you should consider buying one of the best laptops for under $1200.
GPU
GPU helps in creating images which are an integral part of gaming. Only a laptop with a dedicated GPU can deliver expected performance without much lag. You cannot upgrade GPU on your laptop. Most of the games are GPU-dependent. Hence you should consider buying a laptop with GTX 1650 or RX 5500MGPU as an entry-level player.
Budget
A poor multi-tasker or low-performing CPU is not a good choice for gamers. As you have a limited budget of $300, you cannot expect an exceptional-performing laptop. But most of these laptops are equipped to deliver satisfactory performance for older games.
Battery
Any laptop with less than 6-7 hours of battery life is not a good choice for on-the-go players. If you can stick to a desk or a homebody, high battery life is not a big issue for you.
Keyboard
A backlit keyboard comforts with an immersive gaming experience. A stiff or mushy keyboard not only kills the fun but also makes the task tedious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a $300 laptop good for gaming?
Yes, with diligent research, you can appropriately get a gaming laptop for under $300. But most of these laptops are ideal for playing older game versions. Know about the best gaming laptops under $300 by referring to our detailed review guide below.
If you want to play newer game versions, we recommend you to consider our buying guides for best gaming laptops under $750 and best gaming laptops under $1200.
What makes a good gaming laptop?
A dedicated Graphic chip (GPU), RAM and processor are the three main aspects that define a good gaming laptop.
Conclusion
Determine your requirements before buying a gaming laptop. Windows OS with 4GB RAM and considerable memory space is good for medium gaming. Chromebooks are the best options for faster android gaming. They also offer free online storage facilities.
High-performance ratio, good battery life, and impressive display are crucial factors that help you decide the best gaming laptop on a budget. Our list of best gaming laptops under $300 has laptops that stand out on some specific features to suit your preferences.