WIRED highlights three relatively lower-priced gaming laptops as notable options despite a sharp rise in budget gaming-laptop prices.

– Lenovo LOQ 15: Named the best overall value, with RTX 5060 graphics, a 144 Hz full-HD display and a reported price from $1,200; it is praised for performance and screen quality but can become loud under load.
– MSI Cyborg A15: Presented as the cheapest model still worth considering, listed from $999 with 512 GB storage.
– Alienware 15 Gaming Laptop: Chosen as the nicest budget-oriented option, listed at $1,200 with RTX 5050 graphics.