- By Prateek Levi
- Fri, 31 Oct 2025 05:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ray tracing, DLSS 3, and AI-based enhancements have trickled down to mid-range options, making premium graphics and smooth frame rates accessible to pretty much anyone. And with DDR5 memory, efficient cooling solutions, and high-refresh-rate screens now standard, the best budget gaming laptops you can buy today offer an unprecedented blend of speed, style, and value compared to what was available just a few years ago.
If you're ready to upgrade or buy your first gaming machine, here are five laptops that hit the perfect mix of performance and price.
1. HP Omen 16 - Premium Design, Balanced Power
HP's Omen 16 is a great choice for those seeking a healthy mix of style and substance; it uses Intel's 13th Gen Core i5-13420H CPU combined with an Nvidia RTX 4050 GPU, making it good enough for competitive gaming and resource-intensive work. It has a 16.1-inch Full HD display with a smooth refresh rate of 144 Hz. 16GB DDR5 RAM and a 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD mean fast boot times and snappy multitasking. Additionally, it houses a backlit keyboard, an anti-glare panel, and a sleek Shadow Black casing. Even though priced at ₹1,01,817, it sells below ₹1 lakh often enough with offers that make it a great pick for gamers who want it all. ---
2. Lenovo LOQ 15 — Raw Power Meets Reliability
Muscle is what the Lenovo LOQ 15 is all about. Packing a 13th Generation Intel Core i7-13650HX and an RTX 4050 GPU, it crushes modern titles and multitasking with ease. The 15.6-inch FHD screen comes with a 144 Hz refresh rate, full sRGB coverage, and G-SYNC support—just perfect for gamers and content creators. Lenovo's Hyper Chamber cooling system keeps things running cool under load, while Nahimic 3D audio and military-grade durability make it as tough as it is immersive. Priced at around ₹94,990, this powerhouse is built to last.
3. HP Victus 16 — Performance with Everyday Practicality
And the Victus 16 from HP, a value-driven performer, continues to impress. It’s powered by the Intel Core i7-13620H 13th generation and RTX 4050 GPU; it comes with 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD. Also, there is a 15.6-inch FHD IPS panel with a 144 Hz refresh rate that ensures smooth visuals. You will also love the DTS:X Ultra audio, noise-reduction webcam, and up to 70 Wh battery support with fast charging for extended use beyond game sessions. Featuring an eco-friendly build and comfortable keyboard, it's suitable for both gamers and pros. Available on Amazon for ₹76,190, it's among the most well-rounded options in this lineup. ---
The ASUS Gaming V16 proves that you don't necessarily have to sacrifice aesthetics or portability for good in-game performance. Driven by an Intel Core i5-12450H and RTX 4050, this efficiently runs modern titles with ease, without crossing the 2 kg threshold. The 16-inch display is the perfect size for a screen while keeping weight at bay, and 16GB DDR5 RAM ensures multitasking will be a breeze. Moreover, the backlit chiclet keyboard exudes elegance, making this laptop perfect for work, travel, and gaming. At a starting price of ₹84,990, it is quite the value-for-money all-rounder.
5. Gigabyte G6 — For Gamers and Creators Alike
With the Gigabyte G6, the line separating a gaming laptop from a creator laptop has just been blurred. Powered by a 13th-generation Intel Core i7-13620H and RTX 4050 GPU, this laptop easily pulls off great gaming, editing, and rendering. The 16-inch FHD+ (WUXGA) display with up to 165 Hz refresh rates provides ultra-smooth gameplay. Extensive ports and strong thermal management, meanwhile, speak to content creators and streamers. Priced at ₹83,999, the G6 packs in one of the best performance and productivity combos under ₹1 lakh.
What to Look for When Buying a Gaming Laptop in 2025
GPU First: Nvidia RTX 4050 is now the sweet spot for 1080p ultra gaming with ray tracing and DLSS 3. If possible, look for RTX 4060 models for even better frame rates.
CPU & Cooling: The Intel Core i5 or i7 13th generation is complemented by an efficient cooling system for sustained performance over time.
Display: A 144 Hz panel should be a minimum for smooth gameplay, while WUXGA options will give richer colours.
ALSO READ: New WhatsApp Update Lets You Lock Backups with Fingerprint Or Face ID
Memory & Storage: Future-proof your setup with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD. --- The Bottom Line Whether you're after the refined aesthetics of the HP Omen, the raw strength of the Lenovo LOQ, or the versatile power of the Gigabyte G6, it all boils down to one thing: 2025 gaming really doesn't have to break the bank. These laptops prove that affordability and performance can finally go hand in hand.