The Best Budget Gaming Laptops of 2026: Affordable and with Discrete Graphics
December 11, 2025
In 2026, budget gaming laptops no longer feel like a compromise. With the right choice, you can get a device with a dedicated graphics card, a modern processor, and solid build quality without overpaying for the brand or extra RGB. Most of these models can handle popular games on medium or even high settings. The main focus is on balanced hardware and a price that stays within the budget segment.
1. HP 250 G10
HP 250 G10 is an entry level laptop often chosen by those who need a work tool without stretching the budget. It is not positioned as a gaming device, but the integrated graphics are enough to run simple games or older titles. The matte screen makes it comfortable to use even in daylight, and the body stays light enough for daily carrying.
Overall, this laptop suits users who spend most of their time in a browser, office apps, or watching videos, but occasionally launch something lightweight from the gaming side. It comes without a preinstalled operating system, so manual installation may be required. The laptop runs quietly and stays stable, which is important for everyday use.
Key points:
Integrated graphics suitable for light gaming
Matte display is comfortable in different lighting conditions
Backlit keyboard with a number pad
Quiet system operation
Supplied without an operating system
Specifications:
Processor: Intel Core i5-1334U
Graphics: integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: SSD 512 GB
Display: IPS, resolution 1920x1080, 60 Hz
2. ASUS VivoBook 16X K3604VA
ASUS VivoBook 16X K3604VA is aimed at users who value a large screen and overall versatility. It does not have a gaming GPU, but the integrated solution handles light tasks and undemanding games well.
This model is especially suitable for everyday use, studying, and multimedia. The keyboard is full size with soft backlighting, and the body remains fairly thin despite the screen size. While it is not a classic gaming laptop, it can still be seen as a universal device for day to day use with the option to play less demanding titles.
Key points:
Matte panel without glare
Charging via USB Type-C
Handles multitasking without overheating
Full size keyboard with backlight
Specifications:
Processor: Intel Core i5-1335U
Graphics: integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: SSD 512 GB
Display: IPS, resolution 1920x1200, 60 Hz
3. HP 15-fd1089ua
HP 15-fd1089ua is an entry level laptop for daily use that can also handle light gaming and multimedia tasks. It is not designed for demanding projects, but it manages office work, browsing, video, and some simple games without issues. Integrated graphics are a compromise, but this also improves energy efficiency.
This model is worth considering if you want an affordable device with a comfortable keyboard and a modern display. The body is plastic but looks nice, and charging is done through Type-C.
Key points:
Integrated graphics suitable for basic tasks
Matte screen with good brightness
Backlit keyboard with number pad
USB Type-C charging
No preinstalled operating system
Specifications:
Processor: Intel Core 3 100U
Graphics: integrated Intel UHD Graphics
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: SSD 512 GB
Display: IPS, resolution 1920x1080, 60 Hz
4. HP 15-fd0107ua
HP 15-fd0107ua is an affordable laptop with modern hardware that handles typical office tasks as well as older games or simple 3D apps. The model features an IPS screen with Full HD resolution and a fairly spacious SSD, which speeds up system and app loading.
It is a good fit for users who do not work with heavy graphics but want a stable and quiet laptop for all purpose use. A solid option for home tasks, remote work, or studying, especially if a comfortable keyboard and wide screen matter.
Key points:
Decent performance for an affordable price
Good viewing angles on the display
Suitable for remote work and studying
Quiet cooling system
Specifications:
Processor: Intel Core i3-1315U
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: SSD 512 GB
Display: IPS, resolution 1920x1080, 60 Hz
5. HP 15-fd1080ua
HP 15-fd1080ua is a practical laptop for everyday use. It is equipped with an energy efficient Intel Core i5 processor that provides stable performance for office apps, browsing, and multimedia. The integrated graphics allow you to run simple games and handle basic visual content. The matte IPS display with 300 nits of brightness makes it comfortable to use in any lighting.
This laptop is a good fit for those looking for a balanced device for work, studying, and light gaming. The keyboard includes a number pad and backlighting, making typing in the evening more comfortable. The device is supplied without a preinstalled operating system, which can be a plus for users who prefer to set up the system themselves.
Key points:
Matte screen with good brightness
Integrated graphics suitable for basic tasks and simple games
Backlit keyboard with number pad
Modern design and lightweight body
Supplied without a preinstalled operating system
Specifications:
Processor: Intel Core i5 120U
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: SSD 512 GB
Display: IPS, resolution 1920x1080, 60 Hz
6. HP 15-fd1032ua
HP 15-fd1032ua is a laptop designed for everyday tasks and light gaming. It combines basic performance from the Intel Core processor and integrated graphics, which are enough for simple games and work apps. The matte screen helps reduce glare, and the IPS panel keeps the image stable at different angles.
The body comes in a light color, and the keyboard features backlighting and a number pad, which is convenient for frequent typing. The model is supplied without a preinstalled operating system, so setup can be adjusted to personal preferences. This laptop suits those who need a versatile device for studying, work, and content viewing.
Key points:
Screen with matte coating and IPS panel
Backlit keyboard with number pad
Moderate performance for simple games
No preinstalled operating system
Specifications:
Processor: Intel Core 5 120U
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: SSD 512 GB
Display: IPS, resolution 1920x1080, 60 Hz
7. Dell Vostro 3530
Dell Vostro 3530 is a practical device suitable for users who need a laptop for work, studying, and occasional light gaming. The Intel Core processor and integrated graphics handle typical daily workloads such as office programs, browsing, and multimedia. The anti glare coating on the screen makes it comfortable to use in different lighting conditions.
The body is made of clean, minimalistic aluminum that looks neat and offers some protection from minor damage. The set of ports includes everything needed for connecting accessories and external monitors. This model suits users who prefer a calm design and stable system behavior during daily work.
Key points:
Aluminum body with a clean design
Anti glare screen coating
Suitable for work tasks and light gaming
Moderate port selection for peripherals
Specifications:
Processor: Intel Core i5-1335U
Graphics: integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: SSD 512 GB
Display: IPS, resolution 1920x1080, 120 Hz
8. Dell Latitude 3540
Dell Latitude 3540 is focused on practical use where reliability and predictable system behavior matter. The matte screen helps when working in bright environments, and the body is made in a simple, clean style without unnecessary accents. The energy efficient processor handles everyday office tasks, studying, and multimedia scenarios with confidence.
This model is often chosen by users who need a work tool with Windows already installed. The integrated graphics are suitable for light gaming and video playback, and the cooling system stays fairly quiet. The memory capacity is enough for basic multitasking, although the laptop is not meant for heavy workloads.
Key points:
Matte display is comfortable in bright light
Comes with Windows 11 Pro
Integrated graphics suitable for light gaming
Minimalistic, practical design
Good for office work, studying, and multimedia tasks
Specifications:
Processor: Intel Core i5-1235U
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: SSD 256 GB
Display: WVA, 1920x1080, 60 Hz
9. Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G6 ABP
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G6 ABP is suitable for users who often work with multiple windows and prefer a larger display. It uses a widescreen IPS panel with increased vertical resolution, which is convenient for documents, spreadsheets, and graphics. The processor provides enough performance for multitasking and moderate gaming loads.
This laptop fits well in both work and home environments. USB Type-C ports support video output and charging, and the fingerprint scanner adds convenience and security. The operating system is not preinstalled, giving you the freedom to choose your software environment.
Key points:
Support for DisplayPort and Power Delivery
Fingerprint scanner
No preinstalled operating system
Specifications:
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7530U
Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: SSD 512 GB
Display: IPS, resolution 1920x1200, 60 Hz
11. Acer Aspire 5 A515-57-59NG
Acer Aspire 5 A515-57-59NG is chosen by users who need a versatile laptop for studying, work, and day to day use. It comes with an Intel Core i5 processor and 32 GB of RAM, which ensures smooth performance in office software, browsing, email, and multimedia. The matte display makes long viewing sessions more comfortable, reducing glare, while the body remains reasonably compact.
This laptop is not positioned as a gaming device, but the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics handle basic tasks, including video playback, light photo editing, and undemanding games. It is often selected by those who value reliability, stability, and solid performance without unnecessary extras.
Key points:
Versatile laptop for home, office, and studying
Matte display reduces eye strain
Integrated graphics handle basic multimedia
Support for Wi-Fi 6 and USB Type-C
Suitable for multitasking
Specifications:
Processor: Intel Core i5-12450H
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 48EU
RAM: 32 GB
Storage: SSD 512 GB
Display: IPS, resolution 1920x1080, 60 Hz
Conclusion
Finding an affordable laptop that can handle games is not the easiest task, especially if you do not want to pay extra for features you will not use. In 2026, the budget segment still offers options that cover basic gaming needs: running Dota 2, CS:GO, or older titles without stuttering. The key is to understand the limitations and not expect the impossible from integrated graphics.
People usually choose these laptops not for high FPS but for balance. Something that allows you to work, study, and play a little without charging every couple of hours. A decent display, modern ports, quiet operation - this is enough for most scenarios. And when you want something more serious, you can always connect an external monitor or a gamepad to get a bit more enjoyment out of simple hardware.