Best Gaming Laptops Under 500
Our experts used the PerfectRec decision engine to comb through our laptop database and find the best gaming laptops under 500 available in 2023. Here are our top picks.
Our criteria for the best gaming laptops under 500:
- Operating System: We limited the search to Windows laptops since there are more games available than on Mac.
- Usage: We focused on gaming laptops.
- Budget: We chose a small budget of $500, which should cover an entry level, budget gaming laptop on sale.
The 10 best Gaming Laptops Under 500
Flex 5 14
The Lenovo Flex 5 is a product of Lenovo, a reputable manufacturer in the computer industry. It runs on the Windows 11 Home operating system, offering users an updated and user-friendly interface. The laptop weighs 3.42 lbs and measures 12.3'' x 8.9" x 0.7'', making it a fairly portable option for individuals on the go. This laptop might be a good fit for users who value flexibility and interactivity, thanks to its touch screen feature.
On the performance side, the Lenovo Flex 5 is powered by a Ryzen 5 5500U processor, accompanied by Vega 7 graphics. This combination is likely to handle a variety of tasks, ranging from document editing to multimedia consumption. The laptop is fitted with 16GB of RAM, which should facilitate smooth multitasking, and it offers 512GB of storage space for files and applications. It's worth noting, however, that there are no additional slots for expanding the RAM, though there is one slot available for storage expansion.
The laptop sports a 14" screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, using IPS display technology. The laptop includes two USB Type-A ports and one USB-C port, the latter of which can be used for charging the device. It also has two display output ports for connecting to external screens. The battery life is quite impressive, reportedly lasting up to 11.5 hours on a single charge, and the battery capacity is 52.5 Wh.
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IdeaPad Gaming 3
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a laptop equipped with Windows 11 Home as its operating system. With dimensions of 14.2'' x 9.9'' x 0.95'' and a weight of 4.96 lbs, it offers a balance between portability and functionality. The laptop also includes a number pad for added convenience.
In terms of performance, the IdeaPad Gaming 3 relies on a Ryzen 5 5600H processor and GTX 1650 graphics. The laptop has 8 GB of RAM, expandable through its two RAM slots. Storage-wise, it comes with a 256 GB SSD and has an open storage slot for future upgrades.
The display features a 15.6" IPS screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a refresh rate of 120Hz. It has two USB Type-A ports, one USB-C port, one display output, and an Ethernet port. The battery life is estimated at 6 hours, and the battery capacity is 45 Wh.
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IdeaPad 3 14"
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a Windows 11 Home laptop, with a weight of 3.1 lbs and dimensions of 12.8'' x 8.5'' x 0.78''. It's a practical option for everyday tasks like creating documents or browsing the internet.
This laptop uses a Ryzen 5 5500U processor and includes Vega 7 graphics. It has 8 GB of RAM, which helps with multitasking, and 256 GB of storage for your files. There is one slot each for additional RAM and storage if needed.
The IdeaPad 3 features a 14" IPS screen with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. It has 2 USB Type-A ports and 1 USB-C port for peripherals. The battery is rated to last for 10 hours under typical use, and has a capacity of 45 Wh.
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Swift 3
The Acer Swift 3 runs on Windows 10 Home and has a weight of 2.65 lbs, making it a portable option for various users.
This laptop is equipped with an i5-1135G7 processor, offering moderate performance for general tasks. It comes with 8 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. However, there are no RAM slots for expansion and only one storage slot for potential upgrades.
The 14-inch display features an IPS panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The screen has a 60Hz refresh rate but lacks touchscreen capabilities. The Swift 3 has 2 USB Type-A and 2 USB-C ports, with USB-C charging and Thunderbolt support, but does not include an Ethernet port. The battery life is estimated at 12 hours, with a 48 Wh battery capacity.
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IdeaPad 3 17"
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3, equipped with a 17.3-inch display and a Ryzen 5 processor, is a laptop designed for those who prefer a larger screen for work or entertainment purposes. Running on Windows 11 Home, the laptop offers a user-friendly experience and weighs 4.49 lbs, making it slightly heavier compared to other models. The IdeaPad 3 does come with a number pad, which can be useful for users who frequently work with numerical data.
In terms of performance, the IdeaPad 3 houses a Ryzen 5 5625U processor, 8 GB of RAM, and Vega 7 integrated graphics, providing users with adequate power for everyday tasks such as browsing, document editing, and light multimedia work. The laptop includes 512 GB of storage, offering ample space for files and applications. It should be noted that there is one RAM slot and one storage slot available for potential future upgrades.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 features a 17.3-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a 16:9 aspect ratio, providing users with a reasonably clear and comfortable viewing experience. For connectivity, the laptop is equipped with 2 USB Type-A ports, 1 USB-C port with charging capabilities, and 2 display outputs. While it does not support Thunderbolt or Ethernet, it still offers a range of options for peripheral devices. The battery life is estimated at 9 hours, with a 45 Wh battery capacity, allowing users to work for extended periods without needing to recharge frequently.
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