PCMag's top budget gaming laptop pick for 2026, delivering smooth 60fps gaming with DLSS 4 support via the RTX 5050. A strong recipe for budget gamers who want current-gen silicon without breaking the bank.
Powered by Nvidia's entry-level GeForce RTX 5050, MSI's Katana 15 HX delivers smooth 60fps gaming with or without DLSS 4. Despite a few compromises, it's a winning recipe for budget gamers.
Our current top budget-friendly gaming laptop pick is the MSI Katana 15 HX
Regularly drops to $629-$699, making it the rare gaming laptop with RTX 5050 graphics at a genuinely budget price. Strong 1080p performance, 180Hz display, and solid thermals make it the go-to pick for tight budgets.
The RTX 5060 version regularly hits $960 at Best Buy, a massive performance jump over RTX 5050 machines for not much more money. WIRED called it the best gaming laptop under $1,000, and the community agrees.
Dropped to $631 during Black Friday sales, one of the cheapest ways to get a dedicated gaming GPU in a laptop. The RTX 4050, 144Hz screen, and improved RAM make it a solid entry-level pick for casual gamers.
Dropped to $599 during Black Friday, the cheapest entry point into Nvidia's RTX 50-series. PCMag also recommends it as an affordable 1080p option with long battery life and plenty of ports.
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