Gone are the days when you have to spend more than $1000 to buy a good gaming laptop; today’s market is full of every budget segment laptop. You can get a decent laptop for a fantastic price, today we will be reviewing the best gaming laptop under 800 dollars.
Best Overall
- Processor: Intel i5+8300H
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti
- Memory: 8GB DDR4
Premium Pick
- Processor: Intel i7-8750H
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1650
- Memory: 8GB DDR4
Budget Pick
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1050
- Memory: 8GB DDR4
To choose a gaming laptop that can fulfill your needs without burning your pocket, consider several factors while buying a gaming laptop.
The first and foremost step is to decide how much you want to spend on a gaming laptop because the laptops’ prices vary with the specifications and model. When you fixate your mind onto one particular budget segment, it narrows down the list of options and helps you choose the most suitable laptop as per your needs.
If you are looking for the best gaming laptop under 800 dollars, then there are several options available. In this section, we are going to talk about the top gaming laptops available today. Let’s move on to the individual reviews.
1. HP Pavilion – Best Gaming Laptop Under 800 Dollars
HP released its Pavilion gaming laptop in 2018, which was widely popular. Since then, they have made some tweaks to this model, and the results are quite impressive. The laptop comes with an i5 8300H processor paired with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (4 GB GDDR5). The RAM on this device is at 8 GB from the box, about the storage units it holds a 1 TB 5400 RPM SATA HDD and 128 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD.
The display on this device is at a peak brightness of 280 Nits at 60 FPS. It means that this laptop is not ideal for a content creator but is super sufficient for a budget gamer. About the dimensions, it comes in at 15.6-inch FHD IPS anti-glare micro-edge WLED backlit at 1920x 1080p with a 144 Hz refresh rate.
HP kept the built of this laptop like its original version. The laptop is made of matt plastic with a reflective “HP” logo in green. It also houses a 720p webcam with works with no flaws in indoor conditions for a budget laptop. The keyboards are backlit, so there are no issues concerning those departments. The essential travel might be a little too little for some users.
Our Pick
HP has put some serious thought into making this laptop. If you are looking for a quality laptop that you would not want to replace for the next couple of years, this could be one of the most suitable options.
On the connectivity option, it has HDMI 1.4, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-A, USB type-C 3.1, RJ 4, 3.5 mm headphone/ microphone jack, and the charging port on the right side of the laptop. On the right side, it houses 2 x USB 3.1 type-A and a memory card reader. The trackpad on this laptop is nice and wide. Combine it with the Windows precision driver tracker, and this all you would need if you are not using the mouse while gaming.
Related: Best Gaming Laptop under $700
The air intake vents are made a bit larger for active cooling, and the laptop seems to be doing well in the cooling department for a gaming laptop. The fan noise is barely noticeable under normal usage, and at its peak, it is still tranquil. There is no option to manage the fan speeds manually, but that does not affect this device’s performance.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Good ports selection
- Option for upgradable chipsets
- Value for money
Cons
- No thunderbolt connection
- Not so rigid build quality
2. MSI GL-63 – Premium Gaming Laptop
MSI, a company known for its gaming laptops, has some budget laptops for conventional buyers. The MSI GL 63 comes with the i7 8750H with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 (4 GB). It comes with 8 GB RAM, and for the storage department, it holds a 256 GB NVMe SDD (SATA 3). Unfortunately, there is no HDD on this device.
The build of the laptop is value for money. It is made of hard plastic, and the hinge is quite firm, which means that you will need two hands to open the device. The keyboard on this laptop is backlit with a number pad, which is a bonus. There seems to be no flex in the keyboard, but that is not the case with the laptop’s display part. There is no windows precision driver on the trackpad, so that is a concern for this device.
Our Premium Pick
MSI has put out many great gaming laptops, but this is a performance laptop than a hardcore gaming laptop. If you are looking for a good laptop for content creation that can perform to a reasonable extent in gaming, then this is the laptop you need.
The display of the laptop is of 15.6-inch FHD comprehensive view NTSC color, anti-glare screen. The bezel on the device is quite noticeable on all sides. The webcam is placed in its usual position thanks to its bezels. The display resolution maxes out 1920 x 1080p with 120 Hz of maximum brightness, this is not the most exceptional quality display out there for 2020, but there is nothing to complain about it.
It provides a lot of connectivity ports for its users. It has a LAN port, HDMI 1.4, mini display port, USB 3.1 Type-A, USB 3 type-C, mic, and an audio jack on the left side of the device. On the right side, it holds an SD card reader slot, 2 x USB 3.1 Type-A, and the power adaptor connection port. The laptop also has a vent opening on each side and vents on the back and bottom for active cooling. Two fans help with cooling, so you don’t have to worry about overheating.
Pros
- Gamer design
- Good ventilation
- Build quality
- Connectivity option
Cons
- No HDD
- Bezels are too big
- High power consumption
3. Asus Vivobook K570ZD – Budget Gaming Laptop under 800 dollar
Asus has managed to make a gaming laptop look more of a classy laptop in terms of its looks with this laptop. The Asus Vivobook K570ZD has an AMD Ryzen 5 Quad-core 2500U processor. It features NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 2GB graphics card.
As for the display, it has a peak resolution of 1920 x 1080p IPS display. ASAS tweaked the software on this laptop to work hand in hand with the excellent hardware they provide to give up vivid colors out of its display. They have put enough work on the keyboard, as well. This laptop has a backlit keyboard with ambient light control for maximum optimization.
Our Budget Pick
Like the price, this is also a mid-performing laptop. If you are looking for a laptop with it all and are someone who does not overclock their device, this would be the perfect choice for you.
The connectivity option on this device is also great. It holds 1 x USB 3.0 Type-C, 1 x USB 3.0 type-A and 2 x USB 2.0 ports. It also has an HDMI, RJ 45, micro SD slot, and an audio jack for multiple user interactions.
The storage on this device is a bit too low for its price, with just 256 GB of DDR4 mechanical storage. The entire system runs on 8 GB of RAM that the user can upgrade if needed. This laptop does not include an optical drive, which is a setback.
Related: Great Laptops under $400
For its loss in the storage, this makes upon its performance and battery life. Asus claims this laptop gets up to 60% charge in just less than 50 min. The battery life is also longer than any mid-range laptop. So, you don’t need to worry about having the charging adaptor with you at all times.
Pros
- Classy design
- Better battery
- Metal alloy body
- Fingerprint scanner
Cons
- Lower graphics
- Attracts a lot of fingerprints on its surface
4. MSI GF63
MSI, as a brand, has something for every gaming laptop user. The MSI GF 63 is one of their mid-range laptops that gives its users maximum value for money. The laptop comes with the Intel Core i5 8300H processor. It also holds an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 MQ 4 GB graphics card.
The display on this unit is 15.6 inches and has a maximum resolution 1920 x 1080p IPS display at 60 Hz FPS. The display can achieve a maximum brightness of 256.7 Nits, which makes the viewing even better. The screen to display ratio is at 16:9. This ratio makes sure that the display is surrounded by as little bezel as possible. The keyboard on this laptop is backlit, so there are no complaints in that aspect.
Also Great
MSI is known for its gaming units. It is one proper midrange gaming laptop for a company known for its history with gaming laptops. So, if you are looking for a genuine midrange gaming laptop and nothing else, there is no better choice.
The build on this laptop is not so sturdy due to being made out of plastic. There are flexes on the top display portion and the keyboard, but that does not affect the user by any means. The laptop is well designed with its battery at the front of the unit, making it easy to open with just one finger.
For connections, it has a power input and a USB 3.1 type-A on the left. Towards the right, it has headphones and microphone jacks, 2 x USB 3.1 type-A, 1 x USB Type-C, and an Ethernet port. The HDMI port is on the back of the device. Like the MSI GF 63, it has the same cooling systems and vent chamber for better heat reduction.
Pros
- Gamer design
- Good cooling solution
- The display is on point
- Great for long gaming sessions
Cons
- Low storage
- No thunderbolt connectivity
5. ASUS VivoBook S
The ASUS VivoBook-S is one of Asus’s top products that the brand had launched in 2018. Since then, it has been a favorite gaming laptop for many people who have a budget of $800. It has competitively rivaled other laptops like the Dell XPS 15 9570 and the Acer Nitro 5.
The performance and build quality of this laptop are the two parameters that set it apart from many others in the market. The laptop is slim and not very heavy. It has a lightweight feel and looks premium. The bezels are thin, and that is why you get an immersive viewing experience.
Though ASUS managed to bring in so much into this laptop, the lack of a dedicated high performing graphics card makes it less likely to be seen as a gaming laptop. Once you upgrade the GPU, then it might be easy to perform high-end games on this laptop.
The ASUS VivoBook-S sports a 15.6 inches Full-HD 1920×1080 screen that is well-calibrated. The colors are punchy, the contrast is well balanced, and you can quickly get excellent viewing angles because of high pixel density. The LED-Backlit screen is covered with a Nano-coating that is comfortable for your eyes.
The CPU specs of the laptop are also impressive. It is powered by the 8th-generation Intel Core i5-7200U (2.9GHz) Dual-core processor and 8GB DDR4 RAM. The 1TB of HDD offers ample space for gamers to store all their data easily. You will also find the Nvidia GeForce MXan5 GPU, which supports heavy gaming and high graphic settings.
Considering all that, the ASUS VivoBook-S can easily be a great pick you can consider when buying the best gaming laptop under 800 dollars.
Pros
- Lightweight and very comfortable to carry
- Available in several attractive colors
- Good and efficient hardware specs
- Bright and punchy display
Cons
- Does not have an SD card reader
- The speakers are not loud
6. Acer Aspire 7
The Acer Aspire 7 is one of the top competitors in the most affordable gaming laptop segment under $800. It is an all-rounder when it comes to multitasking and gaming. It is equipped with a 15.6-inch Full-HD+ screen that helps to provide a mesmerizing experience while gaming on it.
The laptop comes completely under a matte black finish that looks aggressive yet sophisticated. The back and the top are solid metal, and the sides and bottom are plastic. The build quality is reliable and feels premium to hold. The Gigabit Ethernet port, HDMI, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1, and the USB jack 2.0 are the different connectivity options available.
The Acer Aspire 7 is a good looking and well-built laptop that promises to deliver excellent gaming performance. It has a reliable battery backup and fantastic sound quality.
The 15.6 inches screen supports 1920×1080 pixels, which is why the colors and saturation levels are bright and comfortable to view. You will also be impressed by the Acer True Harmony Sound System. Though the screen has a slower response rate, you will get used to it over time.
The Acer Aspire 7 is powered by the 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and high-performance NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti. Gaming on high and ultra-graphics is not an issue on this device. The 8GB DDR4 also supports flawless multitasking without any lag over the user interface. For storing your games and other data, you will have 1TB of storage, which is more than enough, in our opinion.
Pros
- Excellent and premium build quality
- High-performance GTX GPU
- Ample storage and sound system
- Comfortable and rich screen quality
Cons
- The screen has a slow response rate
- The battery longevity is mediocre
7. Asus ZenBook 13
Just because you are looking for a reliable gaming laptop does not mean you will have to spend a fortune. Look at the Asus ZenBook 13, which offers such amazing specifications at around $800. It is probably one of the most aesthetic and modern looking laptops on this list.
Asus has worked a lot on the laptop’s design, and you can see that by checking out the calm and subtle finish of the device. It has an ocean blue aluminum frame body that is solid and made of metal. But that makes it an actual fingerprint magnet. The screen has thin bezels as you would expect, and hence you will get an immersive display. However, weighing 2.8 pounds, the ZenBook 13 weighs slightly more than other competitors.
Undoubtedly, one of the greatest-looking laptops in this list, the Asus ZenBook 13 has a top-notch screen quality with excellent viewing angles. The processor and RAM of the device are perfectly balanced, but the laptop lacks a dedicated gaming GPU, which is disappointing.
The laptop has room for an HDMI 1.4 port, a single microSD card slot, one USB 3.1 port, and one USB Type-C port. But it misses out on the Thunderbolt 3.0 port. The 13.3-inch, 1920 x 1080, glossy panel display on the laptop seems good on paper, but in real life, we thought it was a bit dimmer than we expected. That doesn’t take away the fact that the screen is brilliantly calibrated. The colors are punchy, contrasts are sharp, and you can detect every detail that you see on the screen. The screen was able to score 115 percent of the sRGB spectrum, which is quite decent but not the best.
Under the hood, you get an Intel Core i5-8265U processor coupled with 8GB of RAM that provides significant power to the users. Gamers can efficiently run high-end games without too many hassles, and running games on high graphics is easy. We also detected the premium Intel UHD 620 GPU graphics inside the laptop, which is not the most immeasurable in this segment but certainly not the worse. In terms of battery life, the ZenBook 13 is undoubtedly the winner on this list. The laptop ran for almost 11.5 hours before the battery drained out completely.
So, if you can set aside the cons and look at the brighter aspects, the Asus ZenBook 13 is an excellent buy for those who want to game and multitask.
Pros
- Sleek and sophisticated design
- Fantastic battery life
- Good processing power and speed
Cons
- The GPU is not the most suitable for gaming
- The display is a bit dull
8. Dell Inspiron i5577
If you want to both play and work simultaneously, nothing can get better than the Dell Inspiron i5577 around a price of $800. The body of the laptop is all plastic, as you would expect from a budget device. However, the sides are finished with a metal polish that gives a premium feel to it. The design is slim and aesthetic, which will attract a lot of users who want good looks.
The 15.6-inch screen on the Dell Inspiron i5577 is an IPS panel and sports Full-HD Plus display that offers mesmerizing viewing angles. The Anti-glare coating helps to game and work in dim light also. In terms of connectivity, the laptop has most of the ports you would expect but the DisplayPort. We think that is quite a drawback in 2020.
Powered by some up-to-date hardware components, the Dell Inspiron i5577 can help you play high-end games easily. Its long battery life and big 15.6 inches screen keep it ahead from its competitors in the $800 segment.
Under the all-plastic built body, the laptop is powered by the Intel Core i7-7700HQ CPU, 8GB of memory, and 4GB of Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 1050. The specs are quite amazing if you want to game more frequently, and they will offer you a satisfying experience even at high graphics. With 7.5 hours of battery life, the laptop will support most of your gaming needs exceptionally well.
So, the Dell Inspiron i5577 is an all-rounder when it comes to both gaming and multitasking.
Pros
- Full-HD plus display
- Impressive sound quality
- Battery backup is long-lasting
- Hardware specs are goo
Cons
- The body is made of plastic
- No DisplayPort
9. Acer Aspire E
Acer has some of the most budget-oriented gaming devices around the $800 mark. The Acer Aspire E15 is one of them. The design of this laptop is not going to impress a lot of people in 2020. It has thick bezels, a comparatively small screen, and is quite heavy. The laptop is made of plastic, and the overall body has a matte black finish. But the brushed metal sides make it look premium.
The device sports an extensive collection of ports that include a USB-3.1 Type-C port, an Ethernet port, a VGA input, an HDMI port, two USB 3.0 ports, a Kensington lock, the USB 2.0 port, and an 8X DVD-RW double-layer drive. The 15-inch display is quite sharp and produces accurate colors. The screen is not very bright and not the greatest in the segment but is comfortable to view. The 1920×1080 panel offers sharp detailing and brilliant contrast that is impressive.
A wide variety of connectivity ports and huge storage space are the main USP of the Acer Aspire E15. The battery backup is nice & the processor integrated into it is powerful as well.
Integrated with an 8th Gen Intel Core i3-8130U CPU and 6GB of RAM, the E15 is a reliable device in terms of performance. It also has 1TB of storage to store all your data and files. For gaming, you only have the Intel UHD Graphics 620 GPU, which is not the most suitable for running the latest games, but still, you can play a few in medium settings without too much lag and stutters.
With a decent battery life of 8 hours and 35 mins, the Acer Aspire E15 can easily support your tasks.
Pros
- Good 1920x1080 screen display
- Impressive sound quality
- Decent battery life
- Brilliant for multitasking
Cons
- Not the best for heavy gamers
- Design is dated
10 Acer Nitro 5
Getting a good gaming laptop under $800 is not an impossible task anymore in today’s time. Thanks to devices like the Acer Nitro 5. Our last product on the list, but certainly not the least, the Nitro 5 offers an incredible value and performance. At the same time, users believe that it makes a good competitor in the race for the best gaming laptop under 800 dollars.
The laptop has a stunning exterior appearance, which makes it look appealing. The matte black finish looks fantastic and stunning, which makes it more appealing. The brilliant crimson red hinge contrasts well with the overall design of the laptop. Despite being a budget-oriented laptop, the Acer Nitro 5, the design looks absolutely premium.
Easily one of the most powerful gaming laptop in the $800 segment, the Acer Nitro 5 can run the latest games without any hassles. It has a massive 17.3-inch display and brilliant sound quality, which makes way for immersive gaming.
The Kensington lock, an RJ45 Ethernet port, an HDMI 2.0 slot, a USB-C port, and two USB 3.0 Type-A ports are the connectivity options. The 17.3-inch, 1920 x 1080 LCD is massive and offers a fantastic IPS immersive display. However, the bezels are quite thick, and therefore, the aesthetics are not modern but manageable. The preinstalled Waves Maxx Audio software offers brilliant sound quality, and therefore, your games become more interesting to listen to.
The 2.4GHz Core i5-9550H processor backs the Acer Nitro 5 and also supported by Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 1650 GPU. The 8GB RAM is fantastic to offer you seamless multitasking. Despite being heavily powered by massive physical specs, the battery levels are quite decent. The laptop can hold up to 5.5-6 hours of charge and inspire constant gaming, so you will have no problem playing games for long hours.
Summing it up, the Acer Nitro 5 is an excellent device for gaming and running all the latest games. It has impressive specifications that will ensure you get excellent gaming performance always.
Pros
- Big 17.3-inch Full-HD display
- Impressive GPU and processor
- Robust exterior build quality
- Good battery backup
- Good battery backup
Cons
- The aesthetics are dated
- The laptop is quite heavy
What to Look for When Buying a Gaming Laptop?
As gaming has become the mainstream for the root of entertainment, almost all the age groups, people have moved towards dedicated gaming laptops from various brands, including Razerblade, MSI, Acer, Aspire, and more. But the main problem arises when gaming enthusiasts are trying to find the right laptop at the perfect price. Therefore, to make this guide comprehensive, you can consider something while buying the best gaming laptop under 800 dollars.
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
A graphics card is a specialized circuit designed for enhancing visual by transmitting the signal to the monitor. It should be at the top of your priority list when buying the gaming laptop. If you are considering gaming as a profession, you would require at least a 4GB video memory.
Every game is different; hence, you need a different configuration. For example, games like CSGO runs at 60FPS while you can’t expect the same to happen with PUBG. Therefore if your goal is 100+FPS, then choose GTX 1090 for visualization without any disruption. In some laptops, these graphic cards are integrated, but if you want to upgrade, choose laptops with an option for extension.
CPU and RAM
It is most evident that CPU and RAM go hand-in-hand in controlling the overall capabilities and processing system. The RAM store almost all the information temporarily; therefore, CPU functions efficiently. Therefore when choosing a laptop, make sure you are getting right at the RAM processor. The most advanced version will include U-series and H-series. For gaming, H-series is the most preferred version. Also, never choose laptops below i5 and at the maximum, try getting 6th generation and more.
However, RAM always has an option to upgrade based on future needs. Consider you are buying NVidia GeForce GTX 1050, which is featured with 8GB DDR4 RAM. But when you choose graphics cards more than 1050, it falls under intense gaming, which requires 16GB DDR4 RAM from Hyper X, which is recommended.
Display
The fact that among all hardware configurations, display plays a crucial role. Especially with the gaming laptop, there are numerous options from which you can choose. There are three essential aspects to consider while buying the display: Refresh rates, Quality, and technology regard to visualization. For gaming purposes, choose only diagonal HD or FHD with the refresh rate of 144HZ and anti-glare technology. There are touch screen displays for gaming too. But their battery life is not standard, and obviously, they will be prone to damages.
Final Words
While these are three essential things you might have to consider while purchasing the gaming laptop, there are many more such as design, screen size, price, battery life, brand, etc. If you’re looking forward to buying the best gaming laptop under 800 dollars, you can consider buying the laptops mentioned above.
Gaming laptops are something that is most spoken about in the past couple of years. They have evolved from being just as a gaming laptop to be more of a performing laptop with over the top gaming features. Even though gaming laptops are sold at a higher price, there are many options available at the midrange as well. These mid-range laptops are something that provides excellent performance with content creation and day to day usage with near peak gaming experience. 2018-2020 has been the most significant time to be alive for all the tech enthusiasts as we have seen lots of growth and innovations that have come up and has been made accessible for everyone at an affordable price point.
The $800 gaming laptop segment is occupied by impressive devices that help you to game with a satisfying experience. Make sure to take a look at the products that we have mentioned on this list of best gaming laptop under 800 dollars because we believe these devices offer the most value for money performance and service.
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