Best Laptops under $500 for gaming

Best Pick

Dell Inspiron 14" 2K 2-in-1

56.2 Gaming Score
14" AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS 8GB RAM 512GB SSD AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
Why we recommend this

It stands out with its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme discrete GPU and 6-core 8640HS CPU, offering solid gaming performance in a 2-in-1 form factor with a responsive touchscreen. Its 14-inch 2K display and backlit keyboard enhance its versatility for both work and play. This laptop is best for students or casual gamers who need a single, portable device for both productivity and light gaming sessions.

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Great Alternatives

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Dell 15.6" Carbon Black 2023

39.2 Gaming Score
15.6" AMD Ryzen 7 7730U 16GB RAM 1000GB SSD AMD Radeon
Why we recommend this

Its AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor and ergonomic lifted hinge design provide capable everyday performance and comfortable typing. The inclusion of a full numeric keypad and three USB-A ports offers strong utility for data entry and connectivity. This laptop is best for students or office workers who prioritize practical productivity features and a comfortable keyboard over high-end media consumption.

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Dell 15.6" Carbon Black 2023 laptop
Price $500

Dell Latitude 5400 14" Black

16.8 Gaming Score
14" Intel Core i5 8365U 32GB RAM 512GB SSD Intel UHD Graphics 620
Why we recommend this

Its 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD provide ample power for multitasking and storage in a compact 1.45kg chassis with a touchscreen. The durable build and Windows 11 Pro make it a reliable, secure choice for business environments. This laptop is best for students or professionals who need a highly portable, well-equipped machine for office applications and light productivity tasks.

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Dell Latitude 5400 14" Black laptop
Price $469

Dell 16 DC 16 DC Personal 2025

16.3 Gaming Score
16" AMD Ryzen 3 1200 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD Intel Graphics
Why we recommend this

Its 32GB of DDR5 RAM and 10-core AMD 1200 processor provide ample power for multitasking and development work, supported by a large 1TB SSD. The 16-inch touchscreen IPS display and WiFi 6 connectivity make it a versatile machine for media consumption and general productivity. This laptop is best for developers or power users who need substantial memory for virtual machines and coding environments, but not for graphics-intensive tasks.

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Dell 15 15 Laptop DC15255-15.6-inch

9.9 Gaming Score
15.6" AMD Ryzen 5 7520U 8GB RAM 512GB SSD AMD Radeon Graphics 610M
Why we recommend this

Its 120Hz refresh rate display provides a smooth experience for everyday tasks, while the 512GB SSD offers quick boot times and ample storage for documents and media. The 1.90kg weight and 15.6-inch size make it a reasonably portable option for carrying between classes or meetings. This laptop is best for students or remote workers who prioritize a fluid screen for browsing and basic productivity over high-performance gaming or creative work.

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Dell XPS US

2.6 Gaming Score
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Dell Chromebook 11.6"

2.2 Gaming Score
11.6" Intel Processor N150 8GB RAM 64GB SSD Intel Graphics
Why we recommend this

Its 8GB of DDR5 RAM and WiFi 6E connectivity provide a responsive foundation for web-based tasks, despite its modest Intel N-series processor. The 11.6-inch form factor and 1.43kg weight make it a highly portable option for carrying between classes or meetings. This Chromebook is best for students or business users who need a durable, lightweight device strictly for cloud applications and online work.

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Best Laptops under $1,000 for gaming

Best Pick

Dell Plus 14" 2K 2-in-1 Midnight Blue 2025

70 Gaming Score
14" AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 16GB RAM 1000GB SSD AMD Radeon 840
Why we recommend this

Its discrete AMD Radeon 860 graphics and 8-core processor provide solid performance for a 14-inch touchscreen laptop. The 1TB SSD and 16GB of RAM offer good multitasking headroom in a portable form factor. This model is best for students or general users who need a capable, all-around Windows machine for everyday tasks and light gaming.

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Dell Inspiron 15.6" Anti-Glare Touchscreen Laptop,AMD

68.7 Gaming Score
15.6" AMD Ryzen 7 7730U 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD AMD Radeon
Why we recommend this

Its AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor and 32GB of RAM provide substantial power for multitasking and creative applications, supported by a discrete AMD Radeon GPU. The 15.6-inch anti-glare touchscreen is a practical feature for direct interaction and comfortable long-term viewing, enhanced by the included 7-in-1 docking station set. This laptop is best for office workers and students who need a versatile, well-equipped machine for productivity, light content creation, and video calls.

Dell 14" Midnight Blue 2025

61.5 Gaming Score
14" AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series AI 5 340 16GB RAM 512GB SSD AMD Radeon 840M
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 processor, enabling on-device Copilot+ AI experiences like Recall and Studio Effects. The 2-in-1 design offers four versatile modes and is built with durable, military-grade materials for reliability. This laptop is best for students or hybrid workers who need a portable, AI-capable device for note-taking, video calls, and light multitasking.

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Dell Precision

60.8 Gaming Score
15.6" Intel Core i5 11500H 32GB RAM 512GB SSD NVIDIA T600
Dell Precision laptop
Price $608
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Also available open box & refurbished:

Dell Pro Essential 14"

60.6 Gaming Score
14" AMD Ryzen 5 220 16GB RAM 512GB SSD AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
Why we recommend this

Its discrete AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme GPU and 6-core AMD 220 processor provide solid performance for its class, housed in a carbon black plastic chassis. The 14-inch FHD+ anti-glare display and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity offer a practical, focused user experience. This notebook is best for budget-conscious users who need a capable machine for general productivity and light gaming.

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Dell 15 Laptop 15 Laptop DC15250-15.6-inch

16 Gaming Score
15.6" Intel Core i7 1355U 16GB RAM 512GB SSD
Why we recommend this

Its 10-core Intel 1355U processor and 16GB of DDR5 RAM deliver strong multitasking performance for the price, complemented by a smooth 120Hz display. The 1.65kg chassis and backlit keyboard enhance its portability and usability for on-the-go work. This laptop is best for students and office workers who need a responsive, everyday machine for productivity and media consumption, not for gaming or graphics-intensive tasks.

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Dell Vostro 13 5390

8.5 Gaming Score
1920" Intel Core i7 8565U 8GB RAM 0 NVIDIA GeForce MX250
Why we recommend this

Its 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8565U processor and dedicated NVIDIA MX250 graphics provide solid performance for general tasks in a compact 13.3-inch form factor. The inclusion of a fast PCIe NVMe SSD and modern ports like USB-C ensures quick responsiveness and good connectivity. This laptop is best for business users or students who need a portable, capable machine for office applications, web browsing, and light multimedia, but not for gaming.

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Dell Chromebook 11.6" 3120 Multi-Touch 2-in-1

1.7 Gaming Score
11.6" Intel Celeron 4GB RAM 64GB SSD
Why we recommend this

Its compact 11.6-inch multi-touch 2-in-1 design and durable build make it a highly portable and resilient device for basic tasks. The 42Wh battery provides all-day runtime for web browsing and document work, supported by efficient Chrome OS. This Chromebook is best for elementary or middle school students needing a simple, rugged laptop for online learning and basic applications.

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Best Laptops under $2,000 for gaming

Best Pick

Dell Alienware 16" Alienware 16 Aurora

75.9 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core 7 240H 16GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050
Why we recommend this

Its Intel 240H CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 graphics provide solid performance for gaming at its 2560x1600 resolution, though its 5.68kg weight makes it a stationary desktop replacement. The 96Wh battery offers decent runtime, but its primary strength is reliable connectivity with WiFi 7 and an HDMI 2.1 port. This laptop is best for gamers who prioritize consistent frame rates at home over portability.

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Dell Pro Plus PB14255 14" Clamshell

71.8 Gaming Score
14" AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350 32GB RAM 512GB SSD AMD Radeon 860
Why we recommend this

Its discrete AMD Radeon 860 GPU and 32GB of DDR5 RAM provide substantial power for a compact 1.56kg machine, supported by modern WiFi 7 connectivity. The 14-inch IPS display offers solid productivity in a portable form factor, making it easy to carry. This laptop is best for developers and light gamers who need strong performance in a highly portable package.

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Dell Pro Plus PB14255 14" Clamshell laptop
Price $1,953

Dell Plus 16" 2K Ice Blue 2025

71.2 Gaming Score
16" AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 32GB RAM 1000GB SSD AMD Radeon 860
Why we recommend this

Its AMD Ryzen AI 350 processor and discrete Radeon 860M GPU provide dedicated hardware for on-device AI tasks like image generation and the Copilot+ Recall feature. The 16-inch 16:10 touchscreen and military-grade build quality offer a durable, expansive canvas for multitasking. This laptop is best for data analysts and developers who need a robust Windows platform for running local AI models and managing complex workflows.

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Dell Inspiron 16 5630 Laptop 2023 16”

65.5 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core i7 1360P 16GB RAM 4096GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050
Why we recommend this

Its 16-inch WQXGA display and discrete NVIDIA RTX 2050 graphics provide a solid foundation for media consumption and light creative work. The substantial 4TB SSD and Thunderbolt connectivity offer excellent storage and fast data transfer for its class. This laptop is best for students or home users who prioritize a large, high-resolution screen for entertainment and everyday multitasking over portability.

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Dell 16" Anodized Titan Gray, Gray

64 Gaming Score
16" Core Ultra 7 32GB RAM 512GB SSD NVIDIA RTX A1000
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor paired with an NVIDIA RTX A1000 GPU, delivering strong performance for professional applications. The 16-inch IPS display offers a 500-nit anti-glare screen, and the inclusion of a dedicated Copilot key provides direct AI assistance. This laptop is best for engineering professionals and 3D modelers who require reliable workstation graphics and AI-accelerated computing in a portable form factor.

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Dell 16" Anodized Titan Gray, Gray laptop
Price $1,800

Dell Precision 16" 5690

61.3 Gaming Score
16" AMD Ryzen 3 1200 32GB RAM 512GB SSD NVIDIA RTX A1000
Why we recommend this

Its Intel Core Ultra 7 165H processor and NVIDIA RTX A1000 GPU provide strong performance for demanding engineering and 3D modeling tasks. The 16-inch IPS display and robust build quality make it a reliable mobile workstation. This laptop is best for CAD designers and engineers who need certified professional graphics for complex simulations and renders.

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Dell Precision 16" 5690 laptop
Price $1,466

Dell Latitude 5000 5591 15.6" LCD

40.2 Gaming Score
15.6" Intel Core i5 8GB RAM 256GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce MX130
Dell Latitude 5000 5591 15.6" LCD laptop
Price $991

Dell Pro Max 14" Pro Max 14

19.1 Gaming Score
14" Intel Core Ultra 5 225H 16GB RAM 256GB SSD Intel Arc Graphics
Why we recommend this

Its integrated Intel Arc graphics with 16GB of VRAM provide a notable boost for creative tasks, while its 72Wh battery supports extended use. The 14-inch form factor and 1.83kg weight make it a highly portable Windows 11 Pro machine for on-the-go work. This laptop is best for students or business users who need capable integrated graphics for light photo editing or data visualization, not for gaming.

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Dell XPS 13 13.4” 2K Graphite 2024

9.8 Gaming Score
13.4" Intel Core Ultra 7 256V 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Intel Arc Graphics
Why we recommend this

Its lightweight CNC aluminum build and Intel Core Ultra processor with integrated Arc graphics are specifically engineered for AI tasks like live transcription and image generation. The 13.4-inch 120Hz display and tuned quad-speaker system provide a premium multimedia experience in a portable 1.23kg package. This laptop is best for students and professionals who prioritize on-device AI features for productivity and content creation over gaming performance.

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Premium Laptops for gaming

Best Pick

Dell Alienware Alienware 16X Aurora Copilot AI Gaming Laptop 16"

84 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX 64GB RAM 4096GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the powerful Intel Ultra 9 275HX 24-core processor paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, delivering top-tier performance for demanding tasks. The laptop is uniquely configured with upgraded 64GB of RAM and 4TB of storage right from the seller, adding immediate value. This machine is best for competitive gamers and content creators who need maximum multi-core CPU power for high-framerate gaming or 3D rendering workloads.

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Dell Pro Max Plus MB16250 16"

77 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX 64GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA RTX PRO 3000
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the powerful NVIDIA RTX PRO 3000 Blackwell GPU with 12GB of GDDR7 VRAM, paired with a 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX CPU and 64GB of DDR5 RAM for demanding computational loads. The 96Wh battery and 16-inch 120Hz display support extended, fluid work sessions, though its 2.55kg weight limits portability. This notebook is best for developers and engineers running complex simulations, AI model training, or compiling large codebases.

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Dell Premium Premium 16" Platinum 2025

74.7 Gaming Score
16.3" Intel Core Ultra 9 285H 32GB RAM 1000GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060
Why we recommend this

Its 16-core Intel Core Ultra 9 285H and RTX 5060 graphics provide exceptional power for demanding creative applications like 3D rendering and 4K video editing. The 16-inch 4K OLED touchscreen with a 120Hz variable refresh rate offers a stunning and responsive visual workspace. This laptop is best for professional content creators and designers who need a high-performance, large-screen workstation with a premium aluminum build.

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Dell Premium 16 Premium 16.3" Platinum

73.9 Gaming Score
16.3" Intel Core Ultra 7 255H 32GB RAM 1000GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the vivid 16.3" 4K OLED touchscreen paired with an RTX 5050 GPU, making it ideal for color-accurate video editing and 3D rendering. The machined aluminum chassis offers a premium, durable build without excessive weight. This laptop is best for professional content creators who need a high-resolution, color-critical display for editing and design work.

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Dell 16" Pro Max 16 Plus

71.7 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 7 265HX 32GB RAM 512GB SSD RTX Blackwell
Why we recommend this

Its discrete RTX Blackwell GPU and 20-core Intel 265HX CPU deliver strong performance for demanding tasks. The 16-inch 120Hz display and 96Wh battery support extended, smooth workflows. This notebook is best for 3D artists and engineers who need mobile workstation power for rendering and simulation.

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Dell 16" Pro Max 16 Plus laptop
Price $3,250

Dell Precision 7680 16"

70.2 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core i9 13950HX 64GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA RTX 3500 Ada
Why we recommend this

Its 24-core Intel i9-13950HX CPU and NVIDIA RTX 3500 Ada 12GB GPU deliver exceptional power for demanding computational and 3D rendering tasks. The 64GB of RAM and advanced thermal design support sustained performance under heavy, multi-threaded workloads. This workstation is best for engineers and architects running complex simulations or CAD software that require maximum CPU cores and professional-grade graphics.

Dell Pro Max 14" Pro Max 14 Black

21.3 Gaming Score
14" Intel Core Ultra 7 265H 32GB RAM 512GB SSD Intel Arc Graphics
Why we recommend this

Its standout is the 32GB of RAM paired with a 13-core Intel 265H CPU, making it a capable multitasking machine in a 1.83kg chassis. The inclusion of WiFi 7 and Windows 11 Pro offers strong connectivity and professional features for the price. This laptop is best for developers and business users who prioritize future-proofed hardware and ample memory for coding environments over high-end graphics performance.

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Dell Pro Max 14" Pro Max 14 Black laptop
Price $2,471
Check Price at B&H Photo
Also available open box & refurbished:

Dell Latitude 16" 7650 BTX

18.3 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 7 165U 32GB RAM 512GB SSD Intel Graphics
Why we recommend this

Its 32GB of DDR5 RAM and Intel Core Ultra 7-165U processor provide ample power for multitasking and development workloads. The inclusion of WiFi 7 and a Thunderbolt port offers excellent future-proof connectivity for a business laptop. This machine is best for enterprise developers and IT professionals who prioritize system memory and modern I/O over high-performance graphics.

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