Best gaming laptop under 400

Best Gaming Laptop Under 400 – [Cheap Gaming Laptops 2021]

Laptops are not just for watching movies, creating content, or completing your project but playing games has its own world. Those who are professional gamers must have a beastly laptop to show their opponents that what can they do in-game filed. But not everyone can afford a good gaming laptop with extensive specification and high-end visual effects. Nowadays you don’t need a costly laptop to start your gaming experience but you can show your best with a budget gaming laptop and this is why we have put together a list of best gaming laptops under 400.

For those who are new in the race or just they can’t afford a high spec gaming laptop, we are sharing our research to bring a list of cheap gaming laptops. The list might not contain a classy laptop because the manufacturer has compromised on one feature while investing in others. Based on design, processor, graphics chips and memory, the list is compiled to give a detail description of what a gaming laptop under low budget can offer for our new gaming fellas.

Best Gaming Laptops Under 400 (2021)

  1. HP 15.6 10th Gen
  2. Acer Aspire E 15
  3. Dell Inspiron 15 3567
  4. Acer Aspire 3
  5. HP 15.6 2020
  6. Lenovo IdeaPad Flagship
  7. ASUS VivoBook Max
  8. Lenovo N23
  9. Lenovo IdeaPad 320
  10. Acer Aspire 5

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What to Expect from a Gaming Laptop under 400?

Gaming laptops have their own specifications than the rest of casual laptops like high-end graphics, ultra-fast performance, more room for keeping your data and beastly design but these aren’t cheap to afford. You necessarily don’t need a costly laptop to play games as you can enjoy the good gaming experience with some budget gaming laptops. It’s true that you won’t get some visual effects, without lag performance and you can’t just play high-resolution games but of course, you can play low-quality games for a starter.

Design or Portability which matters the most?

You should not expect an elegant design for a gaming laptop under 400 because manufacturers mostly compromise on the exterior to invest in the internal specs. You might not get the all-aluminum body but the plastic body is also durable and well finished like Dell Inspiron 15 has uncrackable exterior while Lenovo IdeaPad has finished its design so well that you couldn’t feel the difference between metallic and plastic cover. Then it comes to the weight which affects the portability as all gaming laptops are way bulky due to their internal components.

Because a 400 dollars laptop is a cheap laptop, so its lower internal specs make them highly portable because there is no dedicated GPU or a special cooling system. Like Lenovo N23 which has 3.1 lbs while ASUS VivoBook Max has just 2.65 lbs weight which is too good for outdoor use besides only playing games.

How better could be the picture quality?

In gaming laptops, the most important factor in display quality. If you have good internal specifications but the visual effects are not satisfactory then it’s not worth it. As you are not paying for a beastly laptop but an affordable one then the display quality will also be average. The laptops have no FHD or QHD display but sure everyone has HD display that can support 1080 pixels without any interruptions. In such affordable laptops you will get LED or WLED backlit display with anti-glare effects but you can’t get IPS level display with glossy effects. Though the manufacturer has compromised on the display quality they have invested in giving you a wide 15.6-inch screen like most of the listed laptop has. The reason behind the low-quality picture is there is no dedicated GPU that can enhance the picture quality to give you a real feel. Overall, the HD quality picture is better considering a gaming laptop under 400 bucks.

Performance and compatibility without graphic card?

Getting a powerful laptop under such a low price is not possible but sure you can get a decent gaming laptop that has a good performance which lets you play games without any lag. You can’t get a higher tier processor but a budget gaming laptop normally range from Core i3-i5 processor with an integrated graphics chip that gives you the maximum performance of around 3 GHz. Compatibility of your integrated graphics chip with processor is important and low-end processor just can’t take the burden of high benchmark GPU and that’s one reason this laptop lack a discreet GPU, latter being the increase in price.

CPU and built-in graphics chips are so well compatible with each other that they give you a good gaming experience like a professional one. A laptop like Acer Aspire E 15 has Core i3 processor with Intel HD Graphic 620 which are so perfectly integrated that playing Max Payne is seriously epic. Similarly, HP BrightView has AMD Quad Core E2-7110 processor has AMD Radeon R2 graphics chip that let you play Counter-Strike Go even in multiplayer like a beast. That’s not the end of the performance as these cheap laptops offer good virtual memory chips like 8 GB RAM to have a good impact on the performance to give the best at the end.

Also Read:
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Best Gaming Laptop under 400 Reviews

1. HP 15.6 10th Gen

HP 15.6 10th Gen

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HP 15.6 is a perfect low budget gaming laptop that is complete in every sense. From its attractive and sophisticated design to its internal specs having beastly performance when you play games. Thin lid with wide viewing angle over 15.6-inches screen gives you a detailed field when playing “Hitman 2 Silent Assassin”. The 3.75 lbs weight is normal for the best portable gaming laptop which is not so bulky. A good combination of internal specs gives you the high performance to play games and get entertained at every moment.

HP Notebook has fine internal specs under such low price which is more than amazing. The Intel Core i3-1005G1 10th Generation processor lets you play without any lag. The Intel UHD Graphics chip gives you good graphics and let you play Call of Duty without any interruptions. HP Notebook has a WLED backlit touchscreen display that has a native HD resolution of 1366×768. The 8GB RAM gives you enough room for multitasking and 256GB of SSD (Solid state drive) gives you enough processing speed. The technical specification of this best gaming laptop under 400 has maximum performance when high generation processor is backed up by a built-in graphics chip.

HP 15.6 10th Gen has complete connectivity ports over the chassis which includes 1 USB Type-C 3.1, 2 USB 3.1 ports, an HDMI, SD card slot. The DTS studio sound speakers generate good sound while playing games. Though gaming laptops have low battery timing HP Notebook Premium touchscreen laptop gives you 7 hours of battery time under normal use. Overall, HP doesn’t just give you stunning design but the performance is also beastly under the specs it provides.

2. Acer Aspire E 15

Acer Aspire E 15

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Acer Aspire has a stunning design with Black Matte and grey fabric finish over the plastic body. Durable design isn’t the only edge that Acer Aspire has but the internal specs are even better under such low budget. Widescreen, slim lid and a little bit bulky in weight which is 5.27 lbs are normal for a budget laptop. Acer provides you a lot of space for wrist rest at both sides of the trackpad which gives you maximum comfort while playing long hour games. You even get extra compartments for upgrading the memories which are not common in gaming laptops. Acer Aspire E 15 has an elegant design, fast performance and true gaming laptop that will save you a lot of bucks is the best choice you could ever have.

Though the price is low and you couldn’t get a good gaming laptop that has everything perfect but Acer Aspire is one of a kind that can wash out all the rumors with its features. The 7th generation Intel Core i3-7100U processor and Intel HD Graphics 620 chip are fast enough to play Counter-Strike Go even in multiplayer without any interruptions. The 15.6-inches wide screen that has FHD resolution over ComfyView LED-backlit display has stunning visual performance when Acer ColorBlast technology optimizes the color combination nearer to a real image. You will get enough room for your cache building with 4 GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB HDD memory is more than enough to keep your games and entertainment files with no worries about getting low on memory.

Design and Internal specs have their own class but the connectivity ports over the chassis can connect any gadget you have. Ports include 2 USB 3.0, a USB 3.1 Type-C, USB 2.0, HDMI, VGA port, Ethernet port, DVD drive, SD card reader, and combo audio jack. Playing games with comprehensive connectivity options, great visual effects and high performance is just a blessing. Complete keyboard with numeric keys allows you to play long hours of games with comfy and accurate commands. 5 hours of battery with extensive use has put Acer Aspire E 15 on the edge of a good gaming laptop.

3. Dell Inspiron 15 3567

Dell Inspiron 15 3567

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Dell Inspiron 3567 has a sturdy design over the plastic body which is durable and uncrackable over rough use. Smooth black finish over the bezels while the deck and back of the lid have rough spots that give you maximum grip while holding the laptop. When you open the lid, the first things you will notice are the thick bezels around the display and 15-inch widescreen that gives the feel of the gaming laptop. Though the price is low for a gaming laptop Dell Inspiron can play most games without any lag in high performance. Taking down Vikings and mysterious creatures in Elder Scrolls Skyrim V with Dell Inspiron 15 has its own charm. Overall, Dell Inspiron gives you what you pay for.

The 7th Generation Intel Core i3-7130U processor with native 2.7 GHz speed can play games under good graphical resolution. Anti-Glare LED-backlit display gives you HD (1366×768) resolution when backed up by Intel HD Graphics 620. High performance with the processor and graphic chips let you play with ease and no worry to get late on reading the command from you while playing Call of Duty Modern Warfare. Fast 4 GB RAM lets you multitask without any lag and 128GB SSD not only enhances the performance but lets you do every task swiftly. Though glassy HD display is common for best gaming laptops under 400 but TrueLife display gives you a clearer image in Dell Inspiron 15 3567.

Dell Inspiron has a durable and tough design with normal internal specs that deliver best under the price while playing games. Being a best budget gaming laptop, it does not let you down with its connectivity ports, keyboard set and speakers. Ports include 2 USB 3.1, USB 2.0, HDMI, RJ-45 Ethernet port, SD card slot, DVD burner and audio combo jack. Complete keyboard with Numpad ensures ease play while the rough wrist rest might disturb you while playing long hours. 3 hours of extensive use on the battery is not so bad for the best gaming laptop. At last, Wave MaxxAudio delivers the best sound and Dell hasn’t let you down even in speakers.

4. Acer Aspire 3

Acer Aspire 3 laptop

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Acer Aspire 3 s a cheap laptop that gives the best when it comes to productivity. It has sophisticated black brushed finished over the plastic body and texture patterns over the lid bezels and keyboard deck. Amazing internal specs might shock for the price it charges but that’s not enough for Acer Aspire 3 as the rest of the features are more valuable than its price. The 15.6-inch wider screen over the edgy lid bezels and bulky 5.35 lbs weight might not be good for portability but who’s counting for such low price. High performance like best gaming laptop under 400 dollars, Acer Aspire is not only affordable but actually a durable beast for gaming with its reliable internal specs.

Listing the specs under the hood, Acer Aspire 3 has Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor that has a maximum boost up to 3.6 GHz Max Turbo which gives you unimaginable performance while playing Just Cause 2. The 15.6 inches display has FHD resolution of 1920×1080 resolutions and visual quality is enhanced by AMD Radeon Vega 3 Mobile graphics GPU. Furthermore, you get an 8 GB DDR4 RAM which is perfect for giving you best performance when playing Call of Duty Ghost. Though Acer has compromised on display resolution the performance is still rocky with Vega 3 and dual-channel memory. You won’t feel any flimsy gaming experience while having Acer Aspire 3 at your back.

Acer Aspire 3 chassis lack new tech ports but there is plenty of room for the native ports to feel you good. A USB Type-A 3.1 Gen1 , pair of USB 2.0, and an HDMI. A complete keyboard is a nice approach for gamers users while the touchpad is normal for good gaming console. Battery can work up to 9 hours under normal use while on saver mode. Speaker gives fine audio if you are sitting in front of the laptop. Overall, Acer Aspire 3 is a good choice for a gaming laptop if you have not much to spend.

5. HP 15.6 2020

HP 15.6 new

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HP BrightView Laptop is a basic performance laptop that can be used for daily purpose work. If you are a pro gamer then this might not be a good choice but if you are a basic player then it can do a perfect job. Talking about the design, HP BrightView has Matte black brushed finished over the plastic body that gives a shine like metal. A classy touch of strips that are placed from at each side of the touchpad over the palm rest makes the design even more attractive. Overall, the bezels and deck have a chalky finish but the back of the lid has long stripes that give you much of grip while holding. Only the design doesn’t place it among the best gaming laptop under 400 but the internal specs are even better for a budgeted laptop.

The Intel Pentium Gold 6405U processor that has the enough speed, without boost lets you play GTA Vice City like a professional gaming laptop. Intel UHD Graphics 605 graphic chip allows to enhance the visual effect in a more detailed way and gives you maximum performance while playing games. The 15.6-inch display gives you native HD resolution (1366×768) with a wide viewing angle. For a cheap gaming laptop, the 4GB DDR4 RAM is more than enough to give you enough room for multitasking. You will get 128GB SSD (Solid state drive) to keep your files, games backup and your favorite playlist.

Newer HP 15.6 gives a look of a bulky laptop but it only weighs 3.93 lbs which are manageable for a gaming laptop. Ports includes 2 USB Type-A 3.1 Gen1 ports, 1 USB Type-C Gen1 port, an HDMI port, and headphone/microphone combo jack. HP gives you a full-size keyboard with Numpad but no backlit keys option. The touchpad has a multi-touch capability which can give you the same gestures you command. Overall, you can’t get anything better than HP BrightView for the price it charges.

6. Lenovo IdeaPad Flagship

Lenovo Ideapad Flagship 15.6

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Lenovo IdeaPad Flagship gives a look of Lenovo ThinkPad but the only difference is that it’s not a 2-in-1 laptop. Pointy edges over silver finish, this flagship might confuse you with the Aluminum body but actually it’s plastic. Being a low budget laptop, Lenovo has made it with a sophisticated touch to be better. Attractive design, sturdy silver hinges, slim body and weighing 4.84 lbs which is common in best gaming laptops under 400. Lenovo has focused on exterior design but the internal specs are not so satisfactory that can play high rated games. Under normal use and games with low requirements, Lenovo IdeaPad Flagship gives you steady performance without any interruptions.

On opening the lid, you will get a 15.6 LED-backlit display that has HD native resolution of 1366×768 to give you fine picture quality. Under the hood, the AMD A9-9420 Dual-Core processor has 2.9 GHz speed that has performance just like Core i3. Picture quality and performance are backed up by AMD Radeon R5 graphics that give you the exact quality as Intel HD Graphics 620 which is better for a cheap gaming laptop. The shocking feature is 8GB RAM which lets you play Hitman Silent Assassin under high performance without any lag. Beside high virtual memory, Lenovo IdeaPad Flagship gives you 1TB HDD memory, and 256GB of SSD (Solid state drive) which is more than enough for your game backups, movies, and your work data.

Lenovo has managed well than Acer Aspire 3 in giving you the latest ports. I/o ports includes 2 x USB 3.0 ports, 1 USB 2.0 port, an HDMI port, SD card reader, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. Ergonomic keycaps are all over the deck along with Numpad and there is no backlit feature in IdeaPad Flagship. Little space among the keys and smooth touchpad that you won’t feel any difference in moving a finger around the deck or the touchpad. Overall, Lenovo Flagship is one good choice of keeping a budget laptop with good performance and an eye-catching style.

7. ASUS VivoBook Max

ASUS VivoBook Max

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ASUS VivoBook Max is available in stunning different colors that give a classy look. When you get a glance at ASUS VivoBook Max exterior, it gives a feel of aluminum finish but actually it’s not. The Slim budget gaming laptop is covered in sturdy plastic that has a glossy brushed finished with Silver, Brown, Aqua Blue, White and Red color. Thin design with a plastic body and texture-finished over the back of lid makes it even more appealing under such low price. You couldn’t find the best gaming laptop that is highly portable but here ASUS VivoBook Max has just 2.65 lbs weight which makes it kind of a laptop that will always be in your backpack.

The thin design might be the edge but let’s see what ASUS Max offers under the hood. The Intel Pentium Quad Core N3710 processor has a maximum boost up to 2.5 GHz which has an almost equal performance as that of an i3 processor. Intel HD graphic chip provides you good visual effects which can reduce the burden over the processor. ASUS Tru2Life technology not only adjusts the visual frames but also increases the sharpness and contrast to give you a better picture. Wider 15.6-inches LED display that has HD resolution is just the thing any gamer would want. Color optimization might impress you but the Eye Care technology adjust the blue light to decrease Ocular fatigue and gives you long hour play. Additionally, 4GB RAM and 500GB HDD further enhance the speed to the next level which ensures every action just with a single click.

Though the internal specs are not that outstanding you are getting portability, great visual effects, faster memory chips and a variety of connectivity options instead. Over the chassis, ASUS VivoBook Max has USB Type-C 3.0, USB Type-A 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI, mini VGA port, LAN jack, SD card slot, and audio combo jack. Yeah, the sound system is amazing with SonicMaster stereo speakers thanks to ASUS. On the deck, a full-size chiclet keyboard that has not only a comfortable feel but an outstanding response with minimum key travel. Overall, ASUS VivoBook Max is a good choice that will never disappoint you.

8. Lenovo N23 11.6-inches

Lenovo N23 2-in-1 Convertible

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At first look, Lenovo N23 gives a feel like Lenovo Yoga due to 2-in-1 nature but it has its own charm. From playing games to business use, you will never be disappointed. Though you are not investing much so it’s not much powerful as it should be. Easily converted into 4 different modes like Lenovo Yoga but the changes are prominent when you look closely. Floppy plastic body as you can’t get a metallic cover under such low price. Black Matte is well finished over the body and gives a shiny look. Lenovo N23 can be easily converted into all modes over 360° with its strong hinges. A perfect tiny little fella for those who want to play games and enjoy creative professional work with touchscreen laptops.

Listing the internal features of this convertible gaming laptop under 400, Lenovo N23 has Intel Celeron N3060 processor that has 1.6 Ghz speed is enough for playing good games. The Intel HD Graphics 400 chip enhances the visual effect and lets you play like a pro gamer. The tiny 11.6-inch IPS level Anti-Glare Touch display has an HD resolution of 1368×768 which is enhanced with a built-in graphics chip. Multitasking with 4 GB DDR3 RAM and fast processing of files with eMMC 128 GB SSD memory. Though gamers don’t consider the small screen size and convertible laptops if you are in the professional line of work then Lenovo N23 might be a good companion along the way to play games and do your professional work.

The weight is 3.1 lbs due to its small screen size and compact internal specs which makes it highly portable. The design is well-engineered that it can take a lot of bumps on the without getting any crack. The rest of the feature includes a variety of ports which are USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI, Micro SD card reader, and headphone/mic jack. Water-resistant keyboard and the hard deck aren’t just enough to get you on the trip while having Lenovo N23 but the 6 hours battery is just more than enough for such a tiny laptop.

9. Lenovo IdeaPad 320

Lenovo IdeaPad 320 15.6-inches

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Lenovo IdeaPad 320 is an enhanced version of Lenovo IdeaPad Flagship. Sleek design with a smooth finish that has no single unnecessary line over the deck or back of the lid. On the glance, it looks like a professional laptop due to its classy design, sleek body and lightweight nature. The shiny body isn’t actually metal but it’s all plastic. The 15.6-inches widescreen with thick bezels gives you a feel of multimedia while playing Lord of The Rings. Firmly hinges that support the lid and beautifully crafted keyboard deck which is fused with a touchpad that you wouldn’t feel any difference. Overall, Lenovo IdeaPad has its own charm not only with design but high performance under a low budget.

Listing the internal specs of the Lenovo IdeaPad 320, it has Intel Celeron N3350 Dual-Core Processor that allows you to play games with high performance and no lag. The widescreen has LED Backlit Anti-Glare display with native HD resolution of 1366×768 and the visual effects became clearer with Intel HD Graphics 500. The processor that can work like Core i3, HD resolution with built-in graphics chip and crisp visual effects with the LED glassy screen make it the best gaming laptop under 400. Tired of getting stuck while multitasking, then no need to worry with Lenovo IdeaPad 320 because 4GB RAM and 1TB memory is enough to do multitasking and keeping your data, games backup, movies and favorite playlist for a long time.

The design might attract you and the internal specs are normal for a cheap gaming laptop but the connectivity ports have recent technology of Thunderbolt which is good to hear. Ports include 2 USB 3.0, USB Type-C, HDMI, LAN port, Card reader slot, DVD R/W, multi-card reader, and audio combo jack. An ergonomic keyboard that match the requirement of games with Numpad is just another outstanding feature. Dolby Audio speakers give you true vibrant sound while playing games. The touchpad has a multitouch capability that will never miss a single gesture. Overall, Lenovo IdeaPad is a new class that will not let you down under such a low budget.

10. Acer Aspire 5

Acer Aspire 5

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Acer Aspire 5 is one of the most durable laptops that you will ever come across. Hard plastic that is well finished with chalky and texture finished over the deck, bezels, and back of the lid to inspire you. Pointy edges and a little bit are bulky about 5.27 lbs which are normal for the best gaming laptop. Acer has compromised on its design but the internal specs are way better in performance when you compare it with the price. A wide viewing angle with a 15.6-inches display lets you enjoy every corner of the game field while playing Assassin Creed. Stunning visual effects, high performance and more slots for upgrading your memory later make it even more appealing to be your personal gaming console.

Under the hood, Acer Aspire 5 has 7th Generation Dual Intel Core i3-7100U 2.4GHz processor with 2.4 GHz speed which lets you play without any lag or getting late on responding to your command. Intel HD Graphic Chip enhances the visual effects over the WLED Backlit display that has an FHD resolution of 1920x1080p. Acer Tru2Life graphic optimization technology lets you enhance the picture quality to a more real experience. High-end processor and Graphic chips are not the only specs that are worth it but 8 GB DDR4 RAM and 1 TB HDD memory have their own class to add up in high performance. Overall, the internal specs of Acer Aspire 5 are worth paying for.

Complete keyboard with Numpad might inspire you but the comprehensive connection lets you connect any gadget without any interruption. Ports include USB 3.0, 2 USB 2.0, HDMI port, LAN RJ-45 port, SD Card slot, and audio combo jack. 5 hours of long battery life is more than enough for the best laptop for gaming under 400 dollars. Smooth touchpad that allows multi-touch to recognize all form of gestures that Windows support. At last, Acer Aspire 5 isn’t just a bulky, unattractive design laptop but sure it can handle any burden you throw at it.

Conclusion
Gaming laptop sure has a tough competition with gaming PC’s but you have to pay a lot more to get a beastly gaming setup. Those who want to play games but can’t afford a good gaming laptop shouldn’t be disappointed. Nowadays, manufacturers just don’t focus on developing a specific line laptop but instead, they also focus on giving the best combination of specs for new gamers. After thorough research, we have gathered a list of 10 best laptops for gaming under 400 dollars for our new geeks. Good Luck!

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