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11 Best Gaming Laptop Under $400 of 2023 Reviews | Our Top Picks for the Price

11 Top Picks

4 Reviewers

60 Hours of Research

20 Options Considered

The best gaming laptops under 400 USD are ideal for everyday use. These affordable laptops have become very popular among budget-conscious consumers who are looking for a device that packs many features despite having a relatively low cost. After doing in-depth research, we have come up with a list of some of the best gaming laptops under $400, which can handle some everyday tasks and light gaming. However, if you want a more serious upgrade then we recommend these options.

11 Top Gaming Laptops Under $400

[Best Overall]

This is a high-performance laptop that provides a worthy gaming experience to pro gamers. It has features designed to offer the best gaming experience.

4.9/5

  • It has a durable and long-lasting battery.
  • It has accurate color reproduction.
  • It has two USB 3.0 and mini HDMI input ports.

[Best for the Money]

It allowed me to easily shift from laptop to tablet mode and I really loved it. When I want to turn to tablet mode, I simply remove the keyboard. 

4.7/5

  • The touchscreen interface is easy to use.
  • Its long battery life.
  • The IPS display provides accurate images.

[Best Wide Viewing Angles]

The high screen resolution ensures a clear and quality image display, every time I game, ensuring I distinguish between my partners and enemies easily.

4.7/5

  • The touchscreen interface is easy to use.
  • Its long battery life.
  • The IPS display provides accurate images.

This is a powerful laptop that lets me enjoy many benefits. It has a powerful Intel Celeron N4120 processor that has a maximum frequency of 2.6 GHz. 

4.6/5

  • Long battery life for my convenience.
  • Powerful graphics card
  • Thin and compact design

This is another alternative gaming laptop I found really interesting. The laptop has a standard 15.6 inches screen, ideal for my gaming needs. 

4.5/5

  • Gaming without strain or fatigue
  • The high screen resolution
  • 12GB RAM is enough to eliminate lag

The highlight that people like most is the screen. That is IPS, with this price ~ 310 USD, most laptops have TN screens. The screen here is gorgeous and not too different from a gaming laptop that costs 2-3 times.

4.4/5

  • Battery life can be up to 7.5 hours
  • Laptop Super light with only 4 pounds
  • There is USB 3.1 port for ultra high speed transmission

This model is best suited for students and entertainment lovers. It falls into the category of the new advanced machines that uses the latest 7th generation Intel i3 processor, good connection options, and a full HD display.

4.3/5

  • Great design
  • Impressive overall performance
  • Excellent display

One of the features that make this model stand out is the impressive storage as well as the memory installed. Most PC in the same category will come with a 4GB memory and a 1TB hard disk but will surely hike the price.

4.2/5

  • Very affordable
  • Impressive design
  • Lightweight and compact

For those who are in search for the best gaming laptop less than 400 USD, this 15.6 model by HP comes with high-performing features that draw power from a 7th gen Intel Core i3-7100u to play games smoothly.

4.2/5

  • Touchscreen, making it easy to navigate
  • High performing processor
  • Lightweight and stylish

Installing an i5 processor is a positive statement showing that Dell is committed to providing budget laptops that do not compromise on performance. 

4.1/5

  • Good display
  • Impressive processor
  • Touchscreen for easier navigation

I loved its compact, slim, trendy design as it looked really impressive. It operates on Windows 11 operating system and Intel Celeron N4500 processor. 

4.0/5

  • Rich input connectivity
  • The laptop is portable
  • The high screen resolution ensures a quality image display

Best Gaming Laptops Under 400 Dollars Reviews

[Best Overall]

4.9/5

The 2022 Windows 11 laptop is a high-performance laptop that provides a worthy gaming experience to pro gamers. It has features designed to offer the best gaming experience. For example, I loved ithow this 15-inch laptop gave all the space I needed for gaming. Besides, the laptop supports Windows 11 OS which comes with the latest technologies that enhanced my gaming experience. I actually won so many battles that I could hardly win on my previous PC. 

Features 

  • The laptop has a 15.6-inch screen, giving me enough space to play games.

  • It is a full HD laptop with a screen resolution of 1920×1080 pixels for quality image display.

  • It has the 10th generation intel chip (Gemini Lake Refresh series J4125) with a frequency of up to 2.7GHz for smooth operations.

  • Its processor consists of a 14nm quad-core with fast processing quad-thread for speed.

  • It is preinstalled with Windows 11 Pro for smooth operation and fast processing speed.

  • The laptop has an IPS screen with wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction, enhancing my gaming experience.

  • It has a wide aspect ratio of 16:9 display for a precise display.

  • It has wide sRGB color gamut coverage of up to 100% for a vivid display.

  • It has 8GB RAM and 256GB SATA SSD storage for storing my documents and files.

  • The laptop's fanless design makes it thin, cool, and noiseless.

  • It has a 34.2Wh high-density polymer lithium battery for long battery life.

  • It has two USB 3.0 and mini HDMI input ports.

  • The laptop measures 14.0 x 9.0 x 1.0 inches with a weight of 3.32 lbs.

Pros

  • It has a durable and long battery life.
  • The fanless design makes this laptop noiseless keeping my working environment silent.
  • It has accurate color reproduction.
  • It has enough space enhancing my gaming experience.

Cons

  • The laptop has white when I view it from off-angles.

10.1 Lenovo Chromebook Duet 2-in-1 touch laptop is a 10.3-inch laptop with features designed for an enhanced gaming experience. One thing about this lightweight laptop is that it is affordable. The laptop allowed me to easily shift from laptop to tablet mode and I really loved it. This feature has come in handy several times, especially when I demonstrate or present to an audience. When I want to turn to tablet mode, I simply remove the keyboard. 

Features 

  • It has a screen size of 10.3 inches.
  • The laptop has a high brightness peak of 400 nits allowing me to game in bright conditions.
  • It is a full HD laptop with a screen resolution of 1920 x 1200 for a sharp and accurate image display.
  • It features a touch screen display that allows me to navigate features easily.
  • The laptop features a verified boot that eliminates any risks of virus attacks on my laptop. 
  • It has quality front and rear cameras allowing me to conduct online meetings freely.
  • The long battery life of up to 10 hours of usage is suited for travel.
  • It has an IPS display with accurate color reproduction and wide viewing angles, enhancing my gaming experience.
  • The touchscreen display is compatible with the USI pen.
  • It has aluminum alloy and a sophisticated fabric texture, making it trendy.
  • The laptop measures 9.4 x 6.3 x 0.3 inches and has an average weight of 1.0 lbs.
  • It supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity technologies that let me browse and connect with external devices.

Pros

  • The high contrast ratio lets me game on brighter conditions with less strain.
  • The IPS display provides accurate images.
  • The touchscreen interface is easy to use.
  • It has a long battery life.

Cons

  • It has a limited screen size which may affect my gaming experience.

[Best Wide Viewing Angles]

4.7/5

The BMAX Y13 13.3" 2 in 1 convertible laptop is an ideal budget gaming laptop offering many benefits. The laptop has a 13.3-inch screen, a size I find not bad for gaming, though I love gaming on larger screens. However, the high screen resolution ensures a clear and quality image display, every time I game, ensuring I distinguish between my partners and enemies easily.

Features 

  • The laptop has a 13.3 inches screen.

  • It is a full HD laptop with a screen resolution of 1920x1080 pixels for quality image display.

  • It has an IPS display with accurate color reproduction and wide viewing angles, enhancing my gaming experience.

  • It has a convertible design that lets me switch between the laptop and tablet modes.

  • An Intel N4120 processor powers it with a frequency of 2.6GHz. This processor has four cores and four threads with a 4M Cache.

  • It has an 8GB high-bandwidth DDR4 RAM and 256GB solid-state drive storage for storing my files.

  • The laptop has two USB-C ports, allowing me to transfer data faster, charge devices, and connect with external devices.

  • It supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity technologies.

  • It has an ultra-thin design that makes it portable and stylish.

  • The laptop measures 12.1 x 8.2 x 0.6 inches and has an average weight of 2.80 lbs.

Pros

  • USB-C port facilitates faster data transfer, charging rate, and connection to external devices.
  • I can switch between tablet and laptop modes.
  • Delivers accurate images with wide viewing angles.
  • It is portable hence I can carry it easily.

Cons

  • The laptop has a lower contrast ratio.

TECLAST 15.6-inch laptop computer is a powerful laptop that lets me enjoy many benefits. It has a powerful Intel Celeron N4120 processor that has a maximum frequency of 2.6 GHz. The high processing power allows me to game with other applications running in the background without the laptop lagging. It also has a more robust graphics card (Intel UHD Graphics 600) that produces unique graphics rendering, enhancing my gaming experience.

Features 

  • The laptop has a 15.6-inch screen with enough space for my enhanced gaming experience.
  • It is a full HD laptop with a screen resolution of 1920x1080 pixels for quality image display.
  • It has a powerful graphics card and processor that speeds up the processing speed while delivering quality graphics rendering producing the best visuals.
  • It has 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage for storing my files and handling multiple tasks efficiently.
  • It has a full-size keyboard that makes navigation and controls easy.
  • It has a powerful 38000mWh battery life for up to 8 hours.
  • It runs on Windows 10 operating system with access to a range of features to up my experience and productivity.
  • It has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity support.
  • The laptop supports USB3.0, USB-C, and mini-HDMI input ports for multiple device connections.
  • The laptop measures 14.13 x 9.45 x 0.85 inches and has an average weight of 3.64 lbs.
  • It has a CPU speed of 2.60 GHz, allowing for faster processing of commands and information.

Pros

  • Long battery life for my convenience.
  • Powerful graphics card for efficient graphics rendering.
  • Its thin and compact design makes it lightweight allowing me to carry it easily.
  • The 15.6-inch screen offers enough space for gaming.

Cons

  • The laptop has Windows 10, which may limit me from accessing the latest features and updates on Windows 11.

DERE Laptop Windows 10 15.6" laptop computer is another alternative gaming laptop I found really interesting. The laptop has a standard 15.6 inches screen, ideal for my gaming needs. Besides, it has a full keyboard design with a wide touchpad that is easy to control and navigate while gaming. In addition, the high memory of 12 GB ensures programs and commands run smoothly, with minimal lagging.

Features

  • The gaming laptop has a 15.6-inch screen providing enough space for multitasking and playing my favorite games.
  • It is a full HD laptop with a screen resolution of 1920x1080 pixels for quality image display.
  • It has a powerful graphics card (Intel UHD Graphics Processor) and processor (Intel Celeron N5095 processor) that speeds up the processing speed while delivering quality graphics rendering producing the best visuals.
  • It has 12GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB SSD storage for storing files and handling multiple tasks efficiently.
  • It has a full-size keyboard that makes navigation and controls easy.
  • It has a powerful lithium-ion battery life for up to 8 hours.
  • It runs on Windows 10 operating system with access to a range of features to up my experience and productivity.
  • It has a quality camera that allows me to conduct online meetings.
  • The laptop measures 15.79 x 13.11 x 3.11 inches and has an average weight of 5.59 lbs.
  • It has a CPU speed of 2.90 Hertz, ensuring fast operations.

Pros

  • The high screen resolution ensures a vibrant image display enhancing my gaming experience.
  • The laptop has enough space for gaming without strain or fatigue.
  • Its process is powerful, ensuring fast processing speed.
  • The 12GB RAM is enough to eliminate lag and ensure I have a smooth flow of operations.

Cons

  • The laptop runs on Windows 10, while I would prefer Windows 11.

This laptop won’t disappoint you with lots of great features. It is the most affordable choice among the under $400 gaming laptops. Take a look at the experts who analyze this gaming laptop:

Details of appearance:

The highlight that people like most is the screen. That is IPS, with this price ~ 310 USD, most laptops have TN screens. The screen here is gorgeous and not too different from a gaming laptop that costs 2-3 times. Sounds very good, average keyboard design because some people complain about the backlight, but many don’t need this function very much.

The good thing about the backlit keyboard is that people can see the keys. If you need to watch them while you’re typing, but the backlight will turn off after a few seconds, so if you’re watching a movie, the light on the keyboard won’t bother you.

Comment on configuration:

In terms of specifications, only 4G RAM. However, you can upgrade easily with just a few taps or give it to technical support staff. There are 10 screws on the back, open it and you can add another RAM slot and another hard drive. We recommend upgrading to 8 or 16G and adding another SSD drive as soon as setup is complete as 128G storage will not be enough. For gaming at this price, this is a good option in this price range.

Pros

  • High screen quality to avoid eye pain when playing games
  • AMD graphics card with 3.5GHz speed can play well every game or make graphics
  • There is USB 3.1 port for ultra high speed transmission
  • Battery life can be up to 7.5 hours
  • Laptop Super light with only 4 pounds
  • Using SSD hard drive with data transfer rate up to 400mb in 1 second

Cons

  • Hard drive size is only 128GB and Ram only 4GB to upgrade if used more

If you are looking for a gaming laptop that you can use on a daily basis, then the Acer Aspire E 15 E5-575-33BM is an ideal machine. This model is best suited for students, entertainment lovers, hackintosh and many more. This device falls into the category of the new advanced machines that uses the latest 7th generation Intel i3 processor, good connection options, and a full HD display. Let’s look at some of the features that make it stand out amongst the competitors.

The Acer Aspire E 15 E5-575-33BM is powered by the latest 7th generation Kaby Lake Intel Core i3 that has speeds of 2.GHz and a 3MB L3 cache. This is a far better processor compared to its predecessor that had the sixth generation SkyLake processor. The i3 processor is suitable for everyday computing such as creating business reports for business professionals, listening to music, watching movies, as well as keeping notes as a student. This machine comes with a 4GB RAM, which is expandable to a memory of 16GB. The storage is availed by the 1TB hard drive, which is quite enough for holding all your collections.

The Acer Aspire E 15 E5-575-33BM comes with a 15.6 Full HD display that has a resolution of 1920×1080 pixel. This display is enhanced with the Comfyview technology that reduces the light reflection for better viewing as well as the Acer ColorBlast that creates richer colors. We found the display great, especially when you compare it with other gaming laptops similar to other cheap gaming laptops under 400.

Another impressive feature that makes this device one of the best gaming laptops under 400 USD is the integrated graphics card, the HD Graphic 620. This allows the laptops to handle casual gaming, although it will have a problem handling high demanding games such as Witcher 3 or Doom.

Pros

  • Great design
  • Impressive overall performance
  • Excellent display
  • Worth every penny

Cons

  • Not great for hardcore gamers

The Acer Aspire E 15 I3 is a great choice for individuals who are looking for a high performing laptop that comes at an affordable price. It is hard to find another machine that offers you with better price.

This touch screen laptop under 400 is special. If you are hunting for a great gaming laptop, then this model is very attractive to be sure. With this HP laptop, it will be easy for you to browse the net and other stored media through its 15.6 inch HD WLED-backlit touchscreen display that offers you with bright visuals and simplified navigation. Additionally, this model offers you with high-end features that are hard to find in other gaming laptops at this price range.

One of the features that make this model stand out is the impressive storage as well as the memory installed. Most PC in the same category will come with a 4GB memory and a 1TB hard disk but will surely hike the price. However, this model comes with an 8GB of DDR4 memory and a 1TB hard disk, making it the best bargain when it comes to storage and system memory. In additional, this machine performance is enhanced by the 7th generation Intel i3-7100U processor. This gaming laptop will give you more than enough efficiency when it comes to day-to-day tasks such as opening application, web surfing, typing documents, watching movies, reading emails and much more.

If you are hunting for a budget gaming laptop, the chance is a sleek and stylish design is least of your worry. However, this model creates a balance with its utilitarian style. This PC came with a ridged, dark gray plastic on the top chassis and textured plastic bottom bezel. It is lightweight, weighing about 4.6 pounds and compact size, measuring 0.9 by 15.1 by 10 inches (HWD).

This $400 gaming laptop has a 15.6-inch screen that has a resolution of 1366 by 768 resolution. It is common in the budget gaming laptop category since the price is quite pleasant. However, most people who have already purchased this model are happy about the 10-point touch capability that allows for easy navigation.

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • 7th generation processor
  • Impressive design
  • Lightweight and compact

Cons

  • Display is a bit low

If you are looking for a cheap gaming laptop, but you would still want to get one of the best gaming laptops that comes with innovative features that make it ideal for day-to-day tasks, this is a great choice to consider.

For those who are in search for the best gaming laptop less than 400 USD, this 15.6 model by HP comes with high-performing features that draw power from a 7th gen Intel Core i3-7100u to play games smoothly. These gaming laptops run on Windows 10 meaning you will have no problem with compatibility of the latest games and software. Here are some of the other features that will help you decide whether this is one of the best laptops for you.

HP Touch Screen Laptop Notebook

This $400 gaming laptop comes with a 15.6-inch touchscreen BrightView glossy screen that has great performance when it comes to displaying vivid color in videos and photos. This makes it great to watch videos, play high-resolution games, and edit pictures. It features a typical 1366 by 768 HD resolution. Another great feature that comes with this model is the natural finger touch navigation.

One of the reasons we consider this model as a good choice for gamers is the high performing processor. The 7th Gen Intel Core i3-7100u processor delivers similar performance to the Intel Core i5 laptops. This means that you will have more than enough power to run modern games smoothly. Additionally, this model comes with 8GB, which is great for multitasking.

The design is not only minimalist but also stylish. The machine has a sleek feel so; you do have to worry about it fitting in your backpack. You will also love the full-size keyboard that is comfortable to type on as well as playing games. The touchpad is also conveniently located to your left for more comfort and ease of use.

Pros

  • Decent design
  • Touchscreen, making it easy to navigate
  • Inexpensive
  • High performing processor
  • Lightweight and stylish

Cons

  • A bit few ports, limiting connectivity

This HP laptop is the best gaming laptop for $400 comes with stunning features that are only available only in the higher end laptops that are more expensive. You will love its high performing processor, great display as well as the 8GB memory that makes it not only ideal for handling everyday tasks but also gaming as well.

The Dell Inspiron has remained one of the widely sought after gaming laptops because of its aesthetic value, high processing power, as well as impressive gaming power. With the release of the 2017 edition, the experience has been enhanced. Here are some of the features that make this gaming laptop an all time winner.

Dell Touch-Screen Laptop

One of the features that make this laptop stand out is the Intel Core i5-5200U Dual-Core Processor. Dell is a well-known brand and does not come cheap. Installing an i5 processor is a positive statement showing that Dell is committed to providing budget laptops that do not compromise on performance. The processor has a 3M cache and a speed of 2.2GHz with a turbo boost to 2.7GHz.

Besides coming with a powerful processor, this machine comes with Intel HD Graphics 5500, which will ensure smooth running even when it comes to high demanding games. The gaming laptop also comes with 6 GB DDR3L that is a bit low although you can extend it to 16GB.

This gaming laptop comes with a 15.6-inch touchscreen Truelife LED-Backlit Display, which delivers impressive videos and pictures. This makes it ideal for watching movies, game playing, as well as other day-to-day activities. Additionally, the display has an Energy-efficient LED backlight.

Pros

  • Good display
  • Impressive processor
  • Touchscreen for easier navigation
  • Runs on Windows 10
  • Trusted brand

Cons

  • A bit low memory

This is a popular workhorse among gamers worldwide. Its high-performing processor coupled with the Intel graphics as well as the 6GB memory will make sure there are no lags or any other performance issues, smoothing the gameplay.

4.0/5

Getting a quality gaming laptop below $400 can be challenging, I know that. However, the SGIN laptop is a quality gaming laptop that I got for under $400, providing value for my cash. I loved its compact, slim, trendy design as it looked really impressive. It operates on Windows 11 operating system and Intel Celeron N4500 processor. Besides, its high screen resolution gives me quality images which enhances my quality, enhancing my performance and experience.

Features

  • The gaming laptop has a 15.6-inch screen providing enough space for multitasking and playing my games.

  • It is a full HD laptop with a screen resolution of 1920×1080 offering me a clear and sharp image display.

  • It has 12GB RAM and storage space of 512GB for storing my files and documents. The high storage also helps the laptop respond faster to commands.

  • It operates with Windows 11, offering me the benefits of the latest and up-to-date technologies.

  • It has an Intel Celeron N4500 processor, which is powerful with a speed of 2.8 GHz, ensuring smooth operations.

  • It supports two USB 3.0, one HDMI, and one USB-C input port to connect multiple devices.

  • It features an IPS screen with wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction.

  • The gaming laptop is slim with an average weight of 5.1 lbs, making it portable.

  • It has a 38000 mWh rechargeable battery life that can last 8 hours, making it an ideal option for travel.

  • The gaming laptop measures ‎18.9 x 10.6 x 2.0 inches.

  • It is compatible with Bluetooth 4.2 wireless technology that allows me to wirelessly connect with an external audio device.

Pros

  • IPS screen offers wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction boosting my gaming experience.
  • The high screen resolution ensures a quality image display.
  • The rich input connectivity allows me to connect several devices to my gaming laptop.
  • The laptop is portable.

Cons

  • The laptop's lower contrast ratio may dim the black display to appear gray.

Is a Gaming Laptop Worth it?

Gaming laptops are incredible, and for many people, they're the best way to experience games. Not only are gaming laptops portable, but they can serve double-duty as a work or school PC, and can even stand in for a desktop when connected to an external monitor.

Do Gaming Laptops Last Long?

With proper usage and care, gaming laptops can last for several years. Gaming laptops are designed for high performance and can last for several years with proper usage and care. Most gaming laptops have a lifespan of 3-5 years, but with proper usage and care, they can last much longer.

Gaming Laptops Under $400 – What to Look For?

RAM

Ideally, you’d want a gaming laptop with at least 8GB RAM. This would be great for most games to avoid any lagging. Unfortunately, not many cheap gaming laptops have this feature and it’s easier to find a gaming laptop with 4GB RAM.

CPU

CPU ensures the functionality and longevity of the gaming laptop. For high-tech video games, you need a CPU with multiple processors to keep up with your audio and video feeds. You also need to consider clock speed for a fast and seamless gaming experience.

Storage

If you’re a light to the casual gamer, recommended storage for your gaming laptop is at least 512GB. If you plan on installing a lot of AAA games, go for a gaming laptop with at least 1TB of storage.

Most gaming laptops will allow you to expand your internal storage, but if you’re not comfortable doing so, you can always get an external HDD/SDD.

Final Word on Gaming Laptops Under $400

These gaming laptops under 400 are really worth your consideration. Ensure you go through each of these, compare the features and select the model that fits your needs perfectly. The above computers have the best quality and most reasonable prices, you will not be disappointed. However, there are a number of gaming laptops at a variety of budgets ranging from under $100 to under $700 for a gaming laptop.

FAQs

1. Can gaming laptop be used for normal use?

Yes, just like a regular laptop, a gaming laptop can still absolutely be used for work. In fact, some high-end laptops are so powerful that they're the perfect choice of computer if you do animation or editing.

2. How many hours we can use a gaming laptop continuously?

As long as your battery can support. This may range from 1–2hrs! or even 45mins or less at times, if it is a graphic intensive game because you fan will be consuming that much electricity.

3. Can you leave a gaming laptop on overnight?

This makes it perfectly okay to leave your gaming laptop plugged in while gaming or even downloading large torrent files overnight. Leaving your gaming laptop plugged in also improves gaming performance and allows you to have a more immersive experience.

4. Is it OK to use gaming laptop while charging?

The simple answer is, yes, it is safe to play games on a gaming laptop while charging. In fact, you should be playing games only while the charger is plugged in. Playing GPU-intensive games on battery power damages your gaming laptop in the long run and shortens your battery life.

5. Does gaming reduce laptop battery life?

The effect of gaming on laptop battery life can be significant. Gaming laptops are often equipped with high-end hardware that can drain a battery quickly. Many gamers also keep their laptops plugged in while they play, which can also shorten the battery life.

About Dusan Stanar

I'm the founder of VSS Monitoring. I have been both writing and working in technology in a number of roles for dozens of years and wanted to bring my experience online to make it publicly available. Visit https://www.vssmonitoring.com/about-us/ to read more about myself and the rest of the team.