Can You Game Smoothly on a Laptop That Costs Less Than $700?

The market for gaming laptops has changed over the past few years. 

The size of the global gaming laptop market stood at USD 12.21 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow to USD 12.93 billion in 2025. 

Currently, customers across the world are switching from desktops to gaming laptops because of portability and competitive features. A few years ago, smooth gaming on a laptop cost over $1000. But no longer in 2025. You can find affordable laptops with powerful graphics and speedy processors for under $700.

These laptops won’t play all games on ultra settings, but many will play popular games like Fortnite, Minecraft, Valorant, and GTA V.

The actual question is, can you really have smooth gameplay on these computers for a low price? The short answer is yes, but only if you pick smart.

Read on in depth as we will dissect it step by step and guide you through what you can expect from a laptop priced under $700.

What Makes a Laptop Good for Gaming

Before purchasing a gaming laptop, it is essential to be aware of the key components required for gaming. Not all laptops with large screens and big names are capable of playing games. The best budget gaming laptop requires the perfect combination of speed, memory, and graphics.

Important Components Affecting Gaming Speed

Here is what to look for while selecting a gaming laptop:

• Graphics card (GPU): This is the most critical component for gaming. A laptop with NVIDIA GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon 610M is suitable for most casual gaming.

• CPU (Processor): Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 is a good option for budget laptops.

• RAM: You need at least 8 GB RAM for smooth play. For games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Call of Duty that require more memory.

• Storage: SSD (Solid State Drive) loads your games quickly. Opt for at least 256 GB SSD.

Together, all these deliver a smooth and quick gaming experience. That’s what every gamer desires, even on a limited budget.

Can You Find the Best Budget Gaming Laptop Under $700?

Yes, you can. In fact, most premium brands now have models under $700 that are perfect for gaming. They might not have the best display or construction, but they provide good performance for the cost.

You can look at models such as:

• Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 9, 
• Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3

These laptops play games such as Apex Legends, Dota 2, and Rocket League at 60+ FPS with medium settings. That is above and beyond enough for average and even hardcore gamers.

The best budget gaming laptop doesn’t require LEDs or ultra-thin bodies. It simply needs to play your games without lag.

How to Keep a Budget Gaming Laptop Running Smooth

Step one: purchasing a budget gaming laptop. 

Step two: Maintaining it. 

Small actions could lead to better and more improved performance.

Bright Ideas to Improve Performance

Following are some tips that would ensure your gaming is seamless:

• Disable background applications while gaming.
• Utilize the performance mode in Windows settings.
• Keep your laptop cool with a cooling pad or natural air circulation.
• Update the graphics drivers periodically.
• Clean vent dust monthly.

These little steps avoid lag and overheating. Even the cheapest laptop will feel fast and enjoyable if you treat it well.

What Games Can You Play Under This Budget?

A sub-$700 laptop won’t play every game at ultra settings, but it’ll play plenty of popular games. The secret is to play wisely and lower your graphics settings.

You can play these games lag-free:

• Fortnite (medium to high graphics)
• Minecraft (even with mod support)
• League of Legends
• Valorant
• GTA V (on normal graphics)
• CS: GO
• Rocket League

Even very recent games like Elden Ring or Starfield can be played on low graphics if the laptop is equipped with a good GPU and sufficient RAM. You don’t have to spend $2,000 to game today. You just need one that’s well-balanced.

Best Features to Look For in Budget Gaming Laptops

Not all affordable laptops are gaming-friendly. You need to search beyond the cost. A careful shopper is aware of what aspects are most important.

Look for these features:

• Using a backlit keyboard at midnight to play games.

• A refresh rate of 120 Hz results in better graphics.

• Support for Wi-Fi 6 allows for smooth online gaming.

• Good battery life (minimum 5 hours).

Even the best budget gaming laptop should be strong inside and out. You don’t want a device that breaks or lags after a few months.

Final Thoughts

So, can you enjoy smooth gaming on a laptop under $700? Yes, you can. You just need to pick the right one, check what really matters, and take care of it. Games like Fortnite and GTA V can run well without spending too much.

The best budget gaming laptop gives you good speed, strong performance, and lots of fun. You don’t have to spend all your money to enjoy gaming. 

Just choose smart and know what you need. That’s all it takes. You don’t need to spend your piggy bank to enjoy the games you like. All you need is a smart choice and a clear plan or vision.