Best Laptops under $500 for gaming

Best Pick

Dell Inspiron 14" 2K 2-in-1 Ice Blue 2026

54.8 Gaming Score
14" AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS 8GB RAM 512GB SSD AMD Radeon Graphics
View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Dell Latitude 14" 5400 Black 2019

15.8 Gaming Score
14" Intel Core i5 8365U 32GB RAM 512GB SSD Intel UHD Graphics 620
View Details & Prices

Dell 16 inch

14.6 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core 5 120 8GB RAM 512GB SSD AMD Graphics
View Details & Prices

Dell Vostro 15.6" 3530 Carbon Black 2023

10.2 Gaming Score
15.6" Core i3 8GB RAM 512GB SSD
View Details & Prices

Dell Dell 15 15.6" DC15255 Carbon Black 2025

9.4 Gaming Score
15.6" AMD Ryzen 5 7520U 8GB RAM 512GB SSD AMD Radeon 610M
View Details & Prices

Dell Chromebook 11.6" 3100 Black 2025

2.9 Gaming Score
11.6" AMD Ryzen 3 3100 8GB RAM 32GB SSD AMD Intel HD Graphics
View Details & Prices
Dell Chromebook 11.6" 3100 Black 2025 laptop
Price $198
Check Price at Amazon
Also available open box & refurbished:

Dell P 24" P2425E Black, Gray, Multicolor

2.7 Gaming Score
24" 0 0
View Details & Prices

Best Laptops under $1,000 for gaming

Best Pick

Dell 14" LDB04255-A369BLU-PUS Midnight Blue 2025

64.9 Gaming Score
14" AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 16GB RAM 1024GB SSD AMD Radeon 840M
Why we recommend this

The AMD Ryzen AI 7 350’s integrated NPU handles on-device Copilot+ AI tasks, making this 14-inch 1920x1200 touchscreen convertible stand out with 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD. Its 360-degree hinge offers four usage modes, and the military-grade tested chassis adds durability alongside Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. This 1.52kg 2-in-1 suits students needing AI-assisted note-taking and media consumption, not gaming given the basic integrated graphics.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Dell Dell 15 15.6" DC15255 Silver 2026

63 Gaming Score
15.6" AMD Ryzen 7 7730U 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD AMD Radeon Graphics
View Details & Prices

Dell Inspiron 16" 5645 Midnight Blue 2024

62.6 Gaming Score
16" AMD Ryzen 7 8840U 16GB RAM 1024GB SSD AMD Radeon Graphics
Why we recommend this

The Ryzen 7 8840U processor with integrated AI ensures smooth performance and crisp video calls on a 16-inch 16:10 display with Dolby Vision. Military-grade testing, AI noise-reducing microphones, and a mechanical camera shutter deliver dependable security and communication. It suits remote workers and students who prioritize clear virtual meetings and daily productivity, though the 250-nit brightness limits outdoor visibility.

View Details & Prices

Dell Pro 14 Essential 14" PV14255 Carbon Black 2026

58.9 Gaming Score
14" AMD Ryzen 5 220 16GB RAM 512GB SSD AMD Radeon Graphics
View Details & Prices

Dell DC15255 15.6" DC15255 Black

48.4 Gaming Score
15.6" AMD Ryzen 5 7530U 8GB RAM 512GB SSD AMD Radeon Graphics
View Details & Prices

Dell Dell 16 16" Black 2025

39.7 Gaming Score
16" AMD Ryzen 7 250 16GB RAM 1024GB SSD AMD Radeon
View Details & Prices

Dell Latitude 15.6" 5591 2018

38.4 Gaming Score
15.6" Intel Core i5 8GB RAM 256GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce MX130
View Details & Prices

Dell 14 Plus 14" DB14250 Ice Blue

20.8 Gaming Score
14" Intel Core Ultra 7 258V 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD Intel Arc Graphics
View Details & Prices

Dell Pro 14 14" 50XXM

18.9 Gaming Score
14" Intel Core 5 120 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Intel Graphics
Why we recommend this

The Intel Core 5 120U 10-core chip and 16GB DDR5 memory handle multitasking smoothly in a 1.36kg chassis equipped with Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and physical Ethernet. Its 14-inch 1920x1200 16:10 IPS display gives extra vertical workspace for reading, and the backlit keyboard plus Wi-Fi 6E add reliable office utility. This notebook suits students and traveling professionals who need full port selection without carrying dongles.

View Details & Prices

Dell 16 DC Platinum Silver 2025

18.5 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core 5 120 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD Intel Graphics
View Details & Prices

Dell 14 Laptop 14" DC14250 Silver Metal

17 Gaming Score
14" Intel Core 5 120 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Intel Graphics
Why we recommend this

The Intel Core 5 120U 10-core processor and 16GB DDR5 RAM drive a 1.56kg chassis that meets military-grade durability standards and uses adaptive thermals to adjust power based on surface stability. The 14-inch 300-nit anti-glare IPS display pairs with a backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader for secure, comfortable daily productivity. This laptop suits students and remote workers needing a rugged, portable device for note-taking, video calls, and document editing.

View Details & Prices

Dell Pro 16 Plus 16" PB16250 2025

17 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 5 235U 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Intel Graphics
View Details & Prices

Dell Pro 16 16" PC16250 Magnetite 2025

16.6 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core 5 120 16GB RAM 256GB SSD Intel Graphics
View Details & Prices

Dell Inspiron Plus 14" i7441-SX10838BLU-PUS Ice Blue 2024

16.6 Gaming Score
14" Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-64-100 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Snapdragon Qualcomm Adreno
View Details & Prices

Dell LDC 15.6" 15250 Black 2023

16.4 Gaming Score
15.6" Intel Core i7 1355U 64GB RAM 512GB SSD
View Details & Prices

Dell Business Laptop 15.6" Black 2025

16.3 Gaming Score
15.6" Intel Core i7 1355U 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD
View Details & Prices

Best Laptops under $2,000 for gaming

Best Pick

Dell Aurora 16" 16X Aurora Blue 2025

86.8 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX 32GB RAM 2048GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060
Why we recommend this

The 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX and GeForce RTX 5060 with 8GB GDDR7 push buttery 240Hz frame rates on the sharp 2560x1600 panel. A 2TB NVMe SSD, 32GB DDR5 RAM, Wi-Fi 7, and a sturdy RGB-backlit chassis provide fast connectivity and a premium feel at a competitive weight. This laptop best serves video editors slicing through 4K timelines and competitive gamers who demand high refresh detail without sacrificing 5.86-pound portability.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Dell Alienware Alienware 16 Aurora Interstellar Indigo 2025

84 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core 7 240H 32GB RAM 2048GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060
Why we recommend this

The combination of an Intel 7 240H 10-core processor up to 5.2GHz and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 8GB GDDR7 graphics delivers strong 1440p gaming and content creation performance in a 2.58kg chassis. Its 16-inch WQXGA display with 100% sRGB coverage and 120Hz refresh rate offers sharp, color-accurate visuals, complemented by extensive connectivity including Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 7. It’s ideal for gamers and digital creators who need a powerful, upgradable 16-inch laptop and can trade some portability for desktop-level connectivity.

View Details & Prices

Dell Alienware 16 Aurora 16" LAC16250 Interstellar Indigo 2025

84 Gaming Score
16" AMD Ryzen 5 1600 32GB RAM 4096GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060
View Details & Prices

Dell Precision 16" 5690 Titan Gray 2024

69.9 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 32GB RAM 512GB SSD NVIDIA RTX A1000
View Details & Prices

Dell Pro 14 Plus 14" PB14255 Platinum Silver 2025

68.5 Gaming Score
14" AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350 32GB RAM 512GB SSD AMD Radeon 860M
View Details & Prices

Dell Inspiron 15.6" Full HD Touchscreen Black 2025

66.5 Gaming Score
15.6" Intel Core i7 1355U 64GB RAM 2048GB SSD AMD Radeon R7 Series
View Details & Prices

Dell 16" LDB16255-A873BLU-PUS Ice Blue 2025

65.6 Gaming Score
16" AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 32GB RAM 1000GB SSD AMD Radeon 860M
View Details & Prices

Dell Pro 16 Platinum Silver 2025

62.9 Gaming Score
16" AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 16GB RAM 512GB SSD AMD Radeon 860M
View Details & Prices

Dell Pro Plus PB16255 16" Platinum Silver 2025

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

The dedicated AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350 processor with its 50 TOPS NPU and 32GB of DDR5 RAM sets this apart for on-device AI tasks and heavy multitasking. The slim 1.87kg chassis combines an aluminum build with a 16-inch 16:10 display and an 11.9-hour battery, though the 300-nit, 45% NTSC panel limits color-critical work. This notebook is best for business developers and office users who need a portable, AI-capable Windows 11 Pro machine with modern Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.

View Details & Prices

Dell Pro 14 14"

52.2 Gaming Score
14" AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350 16GB RAM 1024GB SSD AMD Radeon
View Details & Prices

Dell Pro 13 Plus 13.3" K7DT3

34.7 Gaming Score
13.3" AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350 32GB RAM 512GB SSD AMD Radeon 860M
View Details & Prices
Dell Pro 13 Plus 13.3" K7DT3 laptop
Price $1,599
Check Price at B&H Photo
Also available open box & refurbished:

Dell Premium 14.5" LDA14250-7667SLV-PUS Platinum 2025

22.8 Gaming Score
14.5" Intel Core Ultra 7 255H 32GB RAM 1000GB SSD Intel Arc
Why we recommend this

Intel Core Ultra 7 255H with a dedicated AI engine and Intel Arc graphics drives a 14.5-inch 3200x2000 OLED 120Hz touchscreen, delivering sharp, fluid visuals for creative tasks. The machined aluminum build with Gorilla Glass 3, variable refresh rate for battery efficiency, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity bolster its premium yet practical design. This laptop is best for entertainment devotees and developers who need a high-resolution OLED display and AI-powered Copilot assistance in a portable 1.72kg package.

View Details & Prices
Dell Premium 14.5" LDA14250-7667SLV-PUS Platinum 2025 laptop
Price $1,890

Dell Dell Plus 16" Plus 2-in-1 Business Midnight Blue 2026

21 Gaming Score
14" Intel Core Ultra 9 288V 32GB RAM 2048GB SSD Intel Arc Graphics
View Details & Prices

Dell 14 Plus 14" DB14250 Ice Blue 2024

20.7 Gaming Score
14" Intel Core Ultra 9 288V 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD Intel Arc Graphics
Why we recommend this

The on-device NPU integrated into its Intel Core Ultra 9 288V chip enables genuine local AI acceleration for tasks like real-time document summarization and email drafting. Its durable aluminum chassis has undergone military-grade testing for reliability, weighing only 1.55kg for a portable 14-inch 2.5K display package. This laptop is best suited for mobile students and developers who require 32GB of RAM for AI-assisted multitasking.

View Details & Prices

Dell Pro 16 Plus 16" Plus 2025

19.6 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 7 268V 32GB RAM 512GB SSD Intel Arc Graphics
View Details & Prices
Dell Pro 16 Plus 16" Plus 2025 laptop
Price $1,903

Dell Pro Max Pro Max 14

19.1 Gaming Score
14" Intel Core Ultra 5 225H 16GB RAM 256GB SSD Intel Arc 130T
View Details & Prices

Premium Laptops for gaming

Best Pick

Dell Area-51 16" Area-51 Liquid Teal 2026

89.8 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core 7 240H 64GB RAM 2048GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080
View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Dell Alienware 18" AA18250 Liquid Teal 2025

84 Gaming Score
18" Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX 64GB RAM 2048GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
View Details & Prices

Dell Pro Max 14" VYX3M Magnetite 2000

80.7 Gaming Score
14" Intel Core Ultra 9 285H 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA RTX PRO 2000
Why we recommend this

An Intel Core Ultra 9 285H 16-core processor pairs with an NVIDIA RTX PRO 2000 (8GB GDDR7) for demanding creative workloads in a 1.83kg, 14-inch chassis. Its anti-glare 1920x1200 display covers 100% sRGB, while Thunderbolt 5, Wi-Fi 7, and an 8MP IR webcam support modern collaboration and connectivity. Best for creators needing portable workstation power for 3D modeling or video editing with reliable on-device AI acceleration.

View Details & Prices
Dell Pro Max 14" VYX3M Magnetite 2000 laptop
Price $4,380

Dell Alienware 16X Aurora Copilot AI Gaming Laptop 16"

78.4 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX 64GB RAM 4096GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070
View Details & Prices

Dell Pro Max 16 Premium 16" XJ2GM Magnetite 2000

77.7 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 7 265H 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA RTX PRO 2000
Why we recommend this

The Intel Core Ultra 7 265H 16-core and NVIDIA RTX PRO 2000 8GB GDDR7 power a 16-inch 120Hz 500-nit 100% DCI-P3 display, ensuring color-accurate, smooth professional visuals. Quad speakers and an 8MP IR webcam boost communication, with Thunderbolt 5 and Wi-Fi 7 for modern connectivity. Scoring just 49.8 for compactness, this bulky workstation suits content creators and CAD designers needing precise color and ISV-certified graphics.

View Details & Prices
Dell Pro Max 16 Premium 16" XJ2GM Magnetite 2000 laptop
Price $4,400

Dell Pro Max 16 Plus 16" 34C7D

77.3 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 7 265HX 32GB RAM 512GB SSD RTX Blackwell
View Details & Prices
Dell Pro Max 16 Plus 16" 34C7D laptop
Price $3,250

Dell Premium 16.3" LDA16250-9308SLV-PUS Platinum 2025

72.6 Gaming Score
16.3" Intel Core Ultra 9 285H 32GB RAM 1000GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060
View Details & Prices

Dell Pro Max 16 16" Pro Max 16

70.4 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 7 265H 32GB RAM 512GB SSD NVIDIA RTX Pro 1000
Why we recommend this

The Intel Core Ultra 7 265H 16-core chip and NVIDIA RTX Pro 1000 8GB GDDR7 GPU provide ISV-certified stability for professional workloads. A 96Wh battery and dual M.2 slots support long workdays and storage expansion, complemented by Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 4. Best suited for engineers and CAD designers performing light 3D modeling, where ISV-certified drivers ensure reliable rendering.

View Details & Prices

Dell Pro Max 18 Plus 18" Pro Max 18 Plus

69.9 Gaming Score
18" Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA RTX PRO P3000 Blackwell
View Details & Prices

Dell Precision 16" 7680 Aluminum Titan Grey 2025

69.2 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core i7 13850HX 64GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA RTX 2000 Ada Generation
View Details & Prices

Dell Pro Max 14 14" YMM7M

68.1 Gaming Score
14" AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 350 (45 W TDP) 32GB RAM 512GB SSD AMD Radeon 860M
Why we recommend this

Its AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350 processor with NPU, 32GB RAM, and integrated Radeon 860M graphics accelerates AI tasks on-device in a 1.79kg chassis. A 72Wh battery, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 7, and a privacy-shutter webcam equip it for mobile, secure workflows. It's best for developers and creators running on-device AI models who need reliable, portable performance.

View Details & Prices

Dell Alienware m17 m17 R3 17.3 inch Lunar Light 2020

58.3 Gaming Score
17.3" Intel Core i7 10750H 16GB RAM 1024GB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070
View Details & Prices

Dell Precision 7000 17.3" 26DYG Aluminum Titan Gray 2023

55.8 Gaming Score
17.3" Core i7 32GB RAM 512GB SSD NVIDIA RTX 2000 Ada Generation
View Details & Prices

Dell Pro 16 16" PC16250 Platinum Silver 2026

20.8 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 7 265U 16GB RAM 512GB SSD AMD Intel Integrated Graphics
View Details & Prices

Dell Pro 16 Plus 16" 8V43M Platinum Silver 2022

20.1 Gaming Score
16" Intel Core Ultra 7 268V 32GB RAM 1024GB SSD Intel Arc Graphics
View Details & Prices
Dell Pro 16 Plus 16" 8V43M Platinum Silver 2022 laptop
Price $2,485
Check Price at Amazon
Also available open box & refurbished:

Dell Pro Rugged 14" RB14250 Black 2025

18.1 Gaming Score
14" Intel Core Ultra 5 135U 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Intel Graphics
View Details & Prices