It can be challenging to get a Best Gaming laptop under 400$. The majority of laptops within this budgetary range are Chromebooks, which are excellent choices for essential functions such as text editing, online browsing, and video playback.
Professionals, particularly those who must run standard Windows x86 applications, may find them insufficiently solid or adaptable. You may find some Windows laptops even if you don’t mind forgoing features such as a brighter display or biometric login.
Selecting a nice laptop that costs $400 or less might be extremely difficult. Getting a decent gaming device on such a tight budget is complex. Our list of the greatest gaming laptops under $400 includes models suitable for light gaming and particular daily work.
But if you’re looking for a more substantial upgrade, these are the things we suggest.
5 Best Gaming Laptops Under 400$
Investing in a gaming laptop might be worthwhile regardless of your experience level. Here are several things to consider before making a purchase, though. Make sure you need a gaming laptop before anything else.
If your desktop computer can handle all your gaming needs, you may not even need a laptop. Likewise, if your gaming needs are limited to casual games or you lack the funds for a high-end gaming laptop, you could be better suited with a standard laptop or tablet.
However, a gaming laptop is a terrific option if you’re willing to pay a little extra for the finest possible gaming experience.
1: Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Gaming Laptop: Our Top Pick
When searching for a gaming laptop for around $400, casual gamers might consider the Lenovo IdeaPad 3. Considering the budget, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3’s capabilities are rather impressive. A 15.6″ HD touchscreen and an 11th generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor power it.
Despite lacking a specialized graphics card, it could easily handle daily work and casual gaming.
Key Specifications
- Lenovo IdeaPad 3
- 128GB Hard disk size
- 12GB RAM
- Windows 10 OS
- Integrated graphics card
- Intel UHD graphics
- Intel Corei3 CPU model
- 3 GHz CPU speed
Key Features
Smooth multitasking is ensured by the laptop’s 12GB DDR4 RAM. Users find it beneficial to use many applications at once. Though it isn’t intended for intense gaming, don’t expect this laptop’s newest AAA games to operate at high graphic settings.
The range of ports this laptop has is one feature that has drawn attention from customers. It has a multi-format SD media card reader, a combo audio jack, and a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A. For easy connectivity, it also supports Bluetooth and wireless AC Wi-Fi 6.
The lack of a backlit keyboard, which would have facilitated low-light typing, is the sole flaw with this Lenovo IdeaPad 3. Furthermore, keep the charger close because the battery lasts only about 6 hours on a single charge.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a fantastic choice for casual gaming and daily usage if you’re on a tight budget and need a dependable gaming laptop under 400.
2: ASUS VivoBook FHD 1080p Gaming Laptop: Best Performance
This laptop is an Intel Core i3-1115G4 11th Generation model. When you need it, Intel Turbo Boost Technology dynamically provides additional power. Its 14-inch Full HD Display, with a 1920 x 1080 resolution and native 1080p compatibility, allows you to see your favorite HD movies and games in stunning clarity and color.
Key Specifications
- ASUS VivoBook
- 14 inches screen size
- 256GB hard disk size
- 8GB RAM Memory
- Core i3 CPU model
- Windows 11 OS
- Backlit keyboard
- Intel UHD Graphics
- 4.1 GHz memory speed
Key Features
This sub-$400 gaming laptop has an excellent feature set, outstanding performance, and a great design. Thanks to its lightweight frame and thin bezels, it is the most outstanding premium model. A comfy keyboard and backlit keys are two other benefits of this laptop.
It has a storage SSD, substantial RAM, and the newest CPU. A laptop in this price range can hardly be found with more functionality. There are disadvantages to this strategy, of course. One area that needs improvement is the poor display. Still, this is usually a fair compromise unless you’re ready to pay more than $400.
3: Acer Aspire 5 Slim Gaming Laptop: Sleek Design
You won’t be disappointed by this laptop’s many fantastic features. This one is the most reasonably priced option among the gaming laptops, around $400. View the professionals’ analysis of this gaming laptop.
The screen is the feature that most people enjoy. That’s IPS; most laptops cost about $310 and have TN screens. Beautiful screen here, not too unlike a gaming laptop that costs two or three times as much. Although some users complain about the illumination, many don’t need it. Thus, the keyboard design sounds excellent overall.
Key Specifications
- Acer Aspire 5
- 15.6 inches screen size
- 128GB hard disk size
- 4GB RAM
- Windows 10 Home
- Backlit keyboard
- Integrated graphics card
- Ryzen 3 3200U CPU model
- 16:9 Aspect ratio
Key Features
The lighted keyboard has the benefit of allowing people to see the keys. If you need to view them while typing, the backlight will go out in seconds. Therefore, the light on the keyboard won’t bother you if you’re watching a movie.
There is just 4GB of RAM in terms of specs. On the other hand, you may easily upgrade with a few taps or assign it to the technical support team. A second RAM slot and hard drive can be added by unscrewing ten screws on the back.
Once everything is set up, we advise increasing storage to 8 or 16G and adding another SSD disc, as 128G will not be sufficient. This is a good option for gaming at this price point.
4: Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3 Gaming Laptop: Touchscreen
For those looking for a gaming laptop that is both versatile and affordable, the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3 is an excellent choice. Its total performance and versatility will leave you highly impressed. Thanks to its exceptional responsiveness, it is simple to swipe through menus and play games on the 11.6″ HD touchscreen.
Not to be overlooked is the Flex 3’s battery life. Before requiring a recharge, you can use it for up to ten hours. Enjoying your favorite series on Netflix or playing games while on the fly is possible with this.
Key Specifications
- Lenovo Flex 3-11
- 32GB hard disk size
- 4GB RAM
- Chrome OS
- HD Audio
- Integrated graphics card
- Media Tek MT8125 CPU model
- 11.6 inches screen size
- 2400 MHz memory speed
- 10 hours average battery life
Key Features
The lightweight and portable nature of the laptop is one feature that stuck out—it’s perfect for taking to a friend’s place for game sessions. Although it may not be to everyone’s taste, the 3.6-inch screen is big enough.
Its 32GB eMMC flash memory is a drawback for the Chromebook Flex 3. You may thus have less space on your device for installed apps and games. Nevertheless, cloud storage solutions alleviate this worry.
Furthermore, since not all games are compatible with the Chrome OS, the selection of games you may play on the tablet may be limited. This laptop is not meant to run more graphically demanding games but is best suited for recreational gaming.
The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3 is an excellent choice for individuals seeking more casual gaming experiences at under $400 for a gaming laptop. However, this gadget might not be the most excellent choice if you’re an avid gamer or need a lot of storage.
5: HP Notebook Touchscreen Premium Laptop: 7th Gen Processor
This sub-$400 touchscreen laptop is unique. This device is undoubtedly quite attractive if you’re looking for a decent laptop for gaming. With its 15.6-inch HD touchscreen display that provides vivid images and easy navigation, this HP laptop makes it simple to browse the internet and other stored material.
Furthermore, this model gives you access to premium features that are difficult to get in other gaming laptops within this price range.
Key Specifications
- HP Notebook 2UE58UA
- 15.6 inches screen size
- 1000 GB Hard disk size
- 8GB RAM
- Windows 10 OS
- Integrated graphics card
- Integrated graphics card
- Intel HD Graphics 620 Coprocessor
- 2.4GHz CPU speed
- 2133 MHz memory speed
Key Features
The remarkable storage and installed RAM are two characteristics that set this model apart from others. A 1TB hard drive and 4GB of RAM are standard on most PCs in the same class, although they will cost more.
However, this model is the best value in terms of storage and system memory since it includes a 1TB hard drive and 8GB of DDR4 memory. The 7th generation Intel i3-7100U processor further improves this machine’s performance.
Your everyday duties, such as launching applications, browsing the web, typing papers, watching movies, reading emails, and much more, will be completed with more than enough efficiency with this gaming laptop.
If looking for a cheap gaming laptop, one should not worry too much about a sleek and stylish design. However, the practical design of this model achieves equilibrium. The top chassis of this PC was made of ridged, dark grey plastic, and the bottom bezel was made of textured plastic.
With a resolution of 1366 by 768 pixels, the 15.6-inch screen on this $400 gaming laptop is sharp. Its reasonable price makes it popular among gaming laptops on a budget. The majority of buyers, however, are pleased with the model’s 10-point touch capability, which makes navigating simple.
Is it Worth Buying a $400 Gaming Laptop?
Gaming laptops are excellent and the finest way for many people to play games. In addition to being portable, gaming laptops can also be used for business or education, and when coupled with an external monitor, they can even replace a desktop computer.
Gamers’ laptops can endure for several years if used correctly and maintained. A gaming laptop should be used and maintained properly to ensure it performs at a high level for several years.
Proper use and maintenance ensure a $400 gaming laptop can survive much longer than the typical three to five years.
Critical Considerations to Choose the Best Gaming Laptop Under 400
A few essential things to consider when searching for the best gaming laptop under $400.
Laptop Performance
Smooth gaming performance is the most crucial factor to consider when selecting a laptop for gaming. Examining the CPU and graphics card is required for this. Most laptops in this price range probably have AMD Ryzen 3 or 5 alternatives in addition to Intel Core i3 or i5 CPUs.
The latest AAA games won’t run well on integrated graphics, such as AMD Radeon Vega or Intel UHD, but they should be adequate for light gaming.
RAM
Most contemporary games require a minimum of 4 GB of RAM. To solve multiple jobs at once, you should also consider RAM quantity. Your computer should have at least 8 GB of RAM if you want it to function efficiently and multitask effortlessly.
Display Size
The 11-inch laptops aren’t the best choice if you’re buying one for gaming. Selecting 15- or 17-inch computers is preferable. They will improve the quality of your gaming experience and offer a reasonably huge picture.
Although they may cost more, higher-resolution screens are necessary for sharp, clear images. If you want superior color reproduction and viewing angles, look for screens with an IPS panel.
Battery Life
Having a respectable battery life might help when playing games on the go. While gaming can quickly deplete the battery, look for laptops with a minimum of 5 to 6 hours of battery life.
Final Words
The top five gaming laptops under $400 listed for you are below. We hope you found what you needed. In addition to being reasonably priced and accessible, these laptops are robust and tailored to meet your demands.
A decent gaming laptop can be had for less than $400 and will perform better than the typical low-cost laptop from five years ago. You won’t be dissatisfied with the PCs listed above; they are of the highest quality at the most affordable costs. But plenty of gaming laptops under $400 are available for a range of price points.
