Are you a budget-conscious gamer looking for a high-performance gaming laptop? Look no further! In this guide, we’ll be sharing the best gaming laptops that you can find for under $400. We’ll go over the specs and features of each option, as well as their pros and cons. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade, we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why a gaming laptop under $400 is a good option
- Top Picks for Gaming Laptops Under $400
- Comparison of the top gaming laptops under $400
- How to Choose the Right Gaming Laptop for Your Needs
- The pros and cons of gaming laptops under $400
- Frequently Asked Questions about gaming laptops under $400
- Tips for Maintaining Your Gaming Laptop
- Other budget-friendly alternatives to gaming laptops under $400
- How to upgrade and improve performance of gaming laptops under $400
- Where to find the best deals on gaming laptops under $400
- Conclusion
Introduction: Why a gaming laptop under $400 is a good option
In the past, getting a gaming laptop meant breaking the bank. However, with advancements in technology and the rise of budget-friendly options, you can now get a high-performance gaming laptop for under $400. These budget-friendly options may not have all the bells and whistles of a higher-end laptop, but they can still provide a great gaming experience.
Top Picks for Gaming Laptops Under $400
Here are our top picks for gaming laptops under $400:
- Option 1: Acer Aspire 5
- Option 2: HP Stream 11
- Option 3: Lenovo IdeaPad 3
We’ll go over the specs, features, and pros and cons of each option in more detail.

Brand | Acer |
Model Name | Aspire 5 Gaming |
Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
Colour | Gray |
CPU Model | Core i5 |
RAM Memory Installed Size | 16 GB |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
Special Feature | Aluminum Top Cover, Wi-Fi 6, Elevated Design, Thunderbolt 4 |
Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 |
Comparison of the top gaming laptops under $400
- Acer Aspire 5: This laptop is powered by an AMD A9-9420 processor and has 4GB of RAM.
- It also comes with a 15.6-inch HD display and a 128GB SSD. It’s a great option for budget-conscious gamers who are looking for a larger display.
- HP Stream 11: This laptop is powered by an Intel Celeron N4000 processor and has 4GB of RAM. It also comes with an 11.6-inch HD display and a 64GB eMMC. It’s a great option for those who prioritize portability and a smaller display.
- Lenovo IdeaPad 3: This laptop is powered by an AMD A6-9225 processor and has 4GB of RAM. It also comes with a 15.6-inch HD display and a 128GB SSD. It’s a great option for those who prioritize storage space.
How to Choose the Right Gaming Laptop for Your Needs
When choosing a gaming laptop under $400, it’s important to consider your needs and preferences. Do you prioritize portability? Or do you prefer a larger display? Do you need more storage space? These are some of the questions you should ask yourself when making your decision.

Brand | HP |
Series | Stream 11 |
Screen Size | 11.6 Inches |
Colour | Diamond White |
Hard Disk Size | 64 GB |
CPU Model | Celeron |
RAM Memory Installed Size | 4 GB |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
Special Feature | Portable, Anti Glare Screen, Webcam, Micro-Edge Display, Thin |
Graphics Card Description | Integrated |
The pros and cons of gaming laptops under $400
- Pros:
- Affordable price
- High-performance for budget-friendly options
- Advancements in technology
- Cons:
- Limited features and specs compared to higher-end laptops
- Lower-quality graphics
Frequently Asked Questions about gaming laptops under $400
Will a gaming laptop under $400 run games smoothly?
While the performance may not be as smooth as a higher-end laptop, budget-friendly gaming laptops can still run games at a playable frame rate.
What are the best budget-friendly gaming laptops?
Some popular options include the Acer Aspire 5, HP Stream 11, and Lenovo IdeaPad 3.
Can a gaming laptop under $400 be upgraded for better performance?
While the options for upgrades may be limited, there are still ways to improve performance on a gaming laptop under $400 such as adding more RAM, or getting an SSD drive.

Brand | Lenovo |
Model Name | IdeaPad Gaming 3 15IHU6 |
Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
Colour | Shadow Black |
CPU Model | Core i5 |
RAM Memory Installed Size | 16 GB |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
Special Feature | Anti Glare Screen |
Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6, Boost Clock 1500 / 1740MHz, TGP 90W |
Tips for Maintaining Your Gaming Laptop
- Cleaning: Make sure to keep the laptop clean to improve performance and extend the life of the device
- Overheating: Be aware of the temperature of the laptop during usage and take necessary precautions to avoid overheating
- Battery: Optimize battery usage by adjusting settings, such as screen brightness and disabling unnecessary apps.
Other budget-friendly alternatives to gaming laptops under $400
- Gaming desktops: A budget-friendly gaming desktop can be built for a similar price as a gaming laptop under $400, and typically offer more upgrades options for better performance.
- Gaming consoles: Popular gaming consoles such as the Xbox and PlayStation can be found for budget-friendly prices and also provide a great gaming experience.
How to upgrade and improve performance of gaming laptops under $400
- Adding more RAM: Adding more RAM can improve performance and help the laptop run more smoothly
- Getting an SSD drive: Replacing the traditional HDD with an SSD can greatly improve performance and speed up the laptop
Where to find the best deals on gaming laptops under $400
- Online retailers: Websites like Amazon and Newegg often have great deals on budget-friendly gaming laptops
- Manufacturer website: Check the manufacturer’s website for deals and discounts on gaming laptops
- Refurbished laptops: Buying a refurbished laptop can save a lot of money and still provide a great performance.
Conclusion
There are many great options for gaming laptops that are budget-friendly, specifically for those looking for a gaming laptop for $400 or less.
While the options may not have all the bells and whistles of a higher-end laptop, they can still provide a high-performance gaming experience.
We hope this guide has helped you find the perfect gaming laptop that fits your needs and budget.

As a computer nerd, I spend my days reviewing laptops and computers for various companies. I’m passionate about my work and enjoy helping people find the perfect device for their needs. I also happen to be really funny, which makes working with people a breeze.I grew up in San Francisco and quickly became a tech enthusiast. I loved how technology had the potential to change the world and how it was constantly evolving. I also loved spending time on my laptop or computer, tinkering with new programs or exploring different websites.I firmly believe that anyone can be successful if they work hard and are passionate about their goals. If you’re looking for a hard worker who is funny and loves computers, feel free to contact me!