Hey, Minecraft enthusiast if you are looking for a new laptop. My laptop buying guide features the best cheap laptops that can run Minecraft java smoothly 2023. And the good news for you, for playing Minecraft you do not need an expensive laptop. You will find loads of good cheap laptops that will offer a seamless gaming experience without lag.
Based on the system requirements, testing, and many years of experience I have hand-selected seven of the best budget laptops for Minecraft gamers. Each laptop is packed with gaming features that are more than capable of handling Minecraft at the highest settings and they won’t break the bank. So without further ado, let’s dive in!
What Are The Best Cheap Laptops For Minecraft?
The best budget laptops for Minecraft include, the Acer Nitro 5, Acer Aspire, the popular ASUS Tuf Dash. While the Lenovo Ideapad gaming is an excellent choice with a powerful GPU. But, which model you choose will depend on what other PC games you want play. Plus, what other tasks you plan to use your new laptop for.
Best Cheap Laptops to Play Minecraft
- Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop – Best Overall
- ASUS TUF Gaming 15 – Budget Gaming Laptop
- Lenovo Ideapad Gaming – Best Without GPU
- ASUS VivoBook 15 – Best Laptop Under $500
- HP Pavilion 15 – Best Laptop Display
- HP 14-inch Laptop – Best 14-inch Laptop
- Acer Aspire 3 – Best Laptop Under $300
So what makes a good laptop for Minecraft? Well, a good laptop for Minecraft will have 8GB of RAM and a speedy Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, plus, a 256GB SSD. A laptop with these specs will give you enough computing power to enjoy smooth performance. When running Minecraft Java, or Minecraft Bedrock.
As for graphics, Minecraft is not graphically intensive video game. So you don’t need a high-end discrete GPU. Unless you want to play the Minecraft ray tracing edition. In this case, I recommend choosing a laptop with at least an NVidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card. With an RTX 3050 GPU at your disposal you would have yourself a suitable laptop for Minecraft.
With all that in mind, keep reading to see my comprehensive list of the best budget laptops for Minecraft 2023. These laptops are all available to buy right now.
More Helpful Content: Before we go any further, you may want to check out the best laptops for Minecraft under $300 in 2023. Perfect for Casual Gamers.
Acer Nitro 5 Laptop (Best Budget RTX Graphics)
The Acer Nitro 5 budget laptop is one of the best cheap gaming laptops for Minecraft gamers. Featuring a budget friendly NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti laptop graphics card and a relatively powerful processor, the Intel Core i5-10300H CPU, and would make an excellent choice.
With the Acer Nitro 5 you have 8GB of memory, which is more than enough memory to ensure smooth multi-tasking capabilities. You can run several apps together without experiencing issues with system speed. You also get a decent size 512GB SSD, so plenty storage for storing your Minecraft worlds and is ample storage space for most casual users and gamers.
With this Acer Nitro 5 laptop there are two M.2 SSD slots, so you can add a 2nd solid state drive. Or install a hard drive into the 2.5″ hard drive bay. What’s more, the Acer Nitro gaming laptop has a 15.6-inch FHD display with 144 Hz refresh rate, which I found to be bright.
The Acer Nitro 5 is a top-end budget gaming laptop, with powerful specs and a speedy display
- Powerful Hardware
- Speedy 144Hz Display
- M.2 SSD Storage Slots
- 2.5″ Hard Drive Bay
On top of those laptop specs, you can enjoy the flashy RGB backlit keyboard which has highlighted WASD keys, allowing you to set the keyboard colours to match your gaming setup. This feature, I found to be quite impressive considering the budget price tag. This Acer Nitro 5 also features the latest Bluetooth 5.2 and Intel’s Wi-Fi 6 technology.
In summary, the Acer Nitro 5 is one of the best gaming laptops under $800. A solid budget laptop with good upgrade options and decent NVidia graphics. So, if you decide to run Minecraft Ray-Tracing or add loads of Minecraft mods you will enjoy great performance.
What We Like
- Ease of Upgradeability
- Good Cooling and Fan System
- Cool RGB Backlit Keyboard
- 144Hz Refresh Rate Display
- Good Budget Graphics
- Good Port Selection
What We Don’t Like
- Plastic Chassis – Most laptops at this price point have this build
- Mediocre Trackpad
ASUS TUF 15 (Best Cheap Gaming laptop)
The ASUS TUF 15 is an excellent budget gaming laptop, ONE I recently tested, and can confirm this laptop is an incredible machine that can handle games like Minecraft with ease. In terms of specs, ASUS TUF 15 features an NVidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, and a blazing-fast Intel Core i5 10300H processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. These specs are more than you would need to enjoy smooth performance in your Minecraft gameplay experience.
I bought the ASUS TUF laptop to complete my daughter’s setup for playing Minecraft (see image above). According to her, the ASUS laptop is a delight to use, catering to both her gaming needs and schoolwork.
When I tested the ASUS TUF 15, this not so slim gaming laptop has a sleek black design and hexagon pattern across the back of the laptop ensures a futuristic feel. One of the first things I noticed is the military-grade materials, but the outer chassis is mostly plastic. Yet, you will find most budget gaming laptops have some type of plastic material in the build.
What’s more, I found that the Wi-Fi technology delivers fast internet speeds and as of yet I have not suffered any downtime. The display is also impressive, this ASUS TUF 15 model has a bright 144Hz Full HD display, and will make your games and images will look great.
The ASUS TUF is a good-looking affordable laptop that offers good performance with a bright display
- Good Graphics Card
- Colourful 144Hz Display
- M.2 SSD Storage Slots
- Nice Tactile Keyboard
As for the cooling system, I consider it to be worthy. I also found the software installed to control fans speed is easy to use. And the thermal system features a self-cleaning fan system with dual fans, and anti-dust technology. And does ensure good thermal performance.
After testing the ASUS TUF 15, I passed the laptop over to my daughter, who uses the laptop to play video games like Minecraft, The Sims 4, and South park. And so far, she has enjoyed smooth performance and is one of the best laptops for school work and movie watching.
Overall, the ASUS TUF 15 is a good cheap laptop for Minecraft and one that should be on your radar, especially if you want a slim gaming laptop to last for a good few years. One that is easy to upgrade and has a dedicated GPU along with a fast Intel processor.
What We Like
- Military Grade Materials
- Nice RGB Tactile Keyboard
- Bright 144Hz Display
- Windows 11 Features
- Fast Gaming Intel CPU
- Good Thermal System
- Good Battery Life
What We Don’t Like
- Noisy Cooling System
- Older GTX Graphics Card
- Plastic Chassis
More Helpful Content: The ASUS TUF budget laptop also features in our list of the best cheap laptops for Sims 4 gamers, we value the device that much.
Lenovo Ideapad 5 (Best With Integrated Graphics)
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 5 is a powerful and affordable laptop, perfect for low-level gaming, especially for Minecraft. The laptop is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5625U processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB NVMe SSD, providing plenty of storage space to store all your Minecraft worlds. And will offer smooth performance and ensure fast gameplay.
Another key feature of this budget Lenovo laptop is the 15.6″ FHD touchscreen display, which allows you to experience gaming in stunning high definition. The touchscreen feature makes it easy to interact and control your games, enhancing your gaming experience.
Lenovo Ideapad 5 would make the ideal slim gaming laptop for beginners with integrated graphics
- Superb AMD Ryzen 5 CPU
- FHD Touchscreen Display
- Masses of Memory
- 512GB NVMe SSD
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming laptop also features a fingerprint reader, backlit keyboard, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. Additionally, the built-in webcam, is perfect for video calls and streaming video games with your friends. In terms of I/O, the IdeaPad 5 has an HDMI port for connecting an external display, and several USB ports for connecting gaming accessories.
Another benefit is the affordability of this powerful, slim gaming laptop from Lenovo. Despite being packed with gaming features, the IdeaPad is relatively cheap compared to other budget options. I consider it one of the best laptops for gaming beginners.
In conclusion, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is an excellent budget notebook for Minecraft gamers who want a reliable machine. It features a powerful AMD processor, ample RAM and storage, and a touchscreen display, all of which provide an affordable high-quality gaming experience.
What We Like
- Good AMD Radeon Graphics
- Speedy AMD Ryzen Processor
- FHD Camera, Dual Microphone
- Backlit Storm Gey Keyboard
- No Lag In Minecraft Java
- Improved Battery Life
What We Don’t Like
- Not the fastest Display
- Limited Port Selection
- Not Good For AAA Games
ASUS VivoBook 15 (Best Laptop Under $500)
The ASUS VivoBook is a powerful thin and sleek laptop featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 processor with integrated AMD Vega graphics. This PC hardware combination ensures smooth gameplay when running Minecraft at 1080p resolution.
Additionally, the ASUS VivoBook boasts 8GB of RAM and a spacious 512GB SSD, providing ample storage for Minecraft Java and the Bedrock edition. And are excellent budget-friendly laptops for Roblox and Minecraft gaming enthusiasts.
The ASUS budget laptop would just scrape through with its limited specs but really nice display.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600H CPU
- Beautiful 14″ Display
- Windows 11 Features
- 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD
Running on the Windows 11 operating system, the ASUS VivoBook benefits from performance optimization and improved battery life. While the 15″ display offers a crisp 1080p resolution. While the built-in stereo speakers delivers high-quality audio, enhancing the overall gaming experience. The integrated webcam also makes it ideal for video calls.
In summary, the ASUS VivoBook is an outstanding choice for Minecraft gamers seeking an affordable 14-inch laptop and is equally suitable for everyday tasks and schoolwork. With its AMD Radeon integrated graphics, speedy SSD, and other gaming features, it delivers a satisfying experience at a budget-friendly price.
What We Like
- Good AMD Radeon Graphics
- Speedy AMD Ryzen Processor
- 14-inch WUXGA Touchscreen
- Nice Backlit Chiclet Keyboard
- Windows 11 Gaming Features
- Excellent Battery Life
What We Don’t Like
- Smaller Display Size
- Limited Port Selection
HP Pavilion 15 (Best AMD Ryzen 7 Laptop)
The HP Pavilion 15 is an affordable laptop that offers good performance for gamers who do not want to spend big. With this model you have the power of an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor with speeds of up to 4.3Ghz with impressive AMD Radeon integrated graphics.
On top of the fast processing speeds there is 16GB DDR4 RAM and a 512GB PCle NVMe M.2 solid state drive. So plenty of memory and storage with room to add another SSD for improved responsiveness. With these specs, this HP Pavilion is more than adequate for playing less demanding video games with toned-down low to medium settings.
The HP Pavilion 15 offers budget gaming for a reasonable price, lacks a dedicated GPU
- Superb AMD Ryzen 7 CPU
- Extremely Portable Laptop
- 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- Backlit Keyboard With Numberpad
What also impresses me with the HP Pavilion is the bright Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Touchscreen display that brings an impressive 82% screen-to-body ratio meaning more screen space. It also features the latest Intel Wi-Fi 6 and Gigabit Ethernet and Bluetooth 5.0.
For online chats you have a HD camera (720p) with dual microphones so will not only deliver on video calls through Facebook your voice will be hear loud and clear. Considering this is an affordable gaming laptop it has a nice and responsive full-size backlit keyboard.
Overall, for gamers looking for a powerful but cheap laptop for playing Minecraft look no further than this 15.6-inch HP Pavilion, it is a great all-rounder that will tick all the boxes for most casual users.
What We Like
- Full HD Touch Screen Display
- Superb AMD Ryzen 7 Processor
- Wi-Fi 6 and Gigabit Ethernet
- Plenty of M.2 SSD Storage
- Offers Hours of Battery Life
- Solid Build Materials
- Good Audio Speakers
What We Don’t Like
- No Dedicated Graphics
- HP Laptops Tend To Have Bloatware You have to Remove
HP Pavilion x360 Convertible 14-inch Laptop
The HP Pavilion x360 14-inch convertible laptop, is a powerful and versatile computing device that’s perfect for gaming, particularly for playing Minecraft. The HP laptop boasts a thin, sleek and modern design with a premium build quality. The brushed aluminum finish gives the HP computer a professional appearance, and suitable for both gaming and school tasks.
One of the standout features is the performance capabilities. Powered by an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor and equipped with 8GB of RAM, so can effortlessly handle multitasking and resource-intensive applications. Moreover, the HP Pavilion x360’s keyboard features customizable backlighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
The HP Pavilion 14 is a convertible laptop, which is portable, lightweight, but lacks a dedicated GPU
- Good Iris Xe Graphics
- Suitable for Productivity Tasks
- Good RAM & SSD Storage
- Brushed Aluminum Finish
The laptop’s 14-inch Full HD IPS display with a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080. Minecraft’s blocky world looks will crisp and detailed, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the game. Also with anti-glare, to reduce reflections, great for long gaming sessions.
With a spacious 256GB SSD, this thin and light HP laptop offers fast storage and quick loading times. Minecraft, with its frequent world loading and chunk rendering, benefits greatly from the SSD’s speed. You can expect minimal lag and instant access to your game world.
While more powerful gaming laptops typically consume a lot of power, the HP x360 manages to maintain a decent battery life. We found the Bang & Olufsen-tuned speakers deliver surprisingly good audio quality. In terms of connectivity: you can connect your best gaming laptop accessories, with I/O ports like, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and an SD card reader.
Overall, the HP pavilion x360 convertible laptop is an excellent choice for light gaming enthusiasts, with powerful hardware, a nice display, and thoughtful design make it a well-rounded device. Whether you’re building massive structures, or experimenting with Minecraft mods, the HP Pavilion x360 laptop will provide a smooth and enjoyable laptop experience.
What We Like
- Decent Full HD Display
- Excellent Intel Xe Graphics
- Good Covertible Design
- Premium Build Materials
- Bang & Olufsen Speakers
What We Don’t Like
- No Dedicated Graphics Card
- HP Laptops Tend To Have Bloatware You May Have to Remove
Acer Aspire 3 Slim (Best laptop Under $300)
The Acer Aspire 3 slim laptop is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a reliable yet cheap laptop for Minecraft under $300. With its 15.6″ Full HD IPS display, you can enjoy vibrant visuals while watching movies, or browsing the web. The Acer Aspire 3 is powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Quad-Core CPU, which provides smooth performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, and light multitasking. The AMD Radeon Graphics chip will ensure an enjoyable visual experience and provide smooth graphics.
The Acer Aspire 3 light laptop, strikes a balance between affordability and performance.
- Decent Gaming Performance
- Simple and Sturdy Build
- Good Amount of RAM
- Speedy Thin & Light Laptop
Another feature is the 8GB LPDDR5 RAM, offers for smooth multitasking. While the 128GB NVMe SSD is not massive, an NVMe SSD will provide quick boot-up times. However, you may find yourself using cloud storage solutions if you want to use the device for school work.
Additionally, the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 ensures fast and reliable internet connectivity, allowing you to stay connected to your Minecraft worlds. The Acer Aspire 3 slim laptop comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Home in S Mode, which provides a streamlined experience. While in S Mode, you can only download apps from the Microsoft Store. However, if you prefer to install apps from other sources, you can easily switch out of S Mode.
Overall, the Acer Aspire 3 is a slim and light laptop, and a solid choice for gamers on a tight budget. You get, decent performance, a clear display, and fast storage. While the laptop may not be suitable for heavy gaming, the device does provide good value for money.
What We Like
- Good Selection of Ports
- Provides Decent Battery Life
- Capable AMD Graphics
- Affordable Price Tag
What We Don’t Like
- No Dedicated GPU
- Windows S Mode
- Limited 8GB RAM
How to Choose the Best Laptop for Minecraft, Things To Consider
Users looking for a cheap laptop to play Minecraft on, there are a few things you should consider. Whether you want the best Minecraft gaming laptops or prefer a cheaper laptop that can still run Minecraft smoothly. You need to look out for the following.
Here you will find the recommended system requirements for Minecraft. Choosing a laptop that meets or exceeds these specs will ensure a smooth performance. Devices that meet the minimum specs can expect to experience issues if other apps are running in the background.
Minimum Minecraft Laptop Specs
| Hardware | Laptop Specs |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| RAM (Memory) | 4 GB RAM |
| STORAGE (SSD & HDD) | 256 GB SSD |
| PROCESSOR (CPU) | Intel Celeron J4125 | AMD FX-4100 |
| VIDEO CARD (GPU) | Intel HD Graphics 600 | AMD Radeon R5 |
| DIRECTX | DirectX 12 |
Recommended Minecraft Laptop Specs
| Hardware | Laptop Specs |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 or Windows 11 |
| RAM (Memory) | 8 GB RAM |
| STORAGE (SSD & HDD) | 512 GB SSD |
| PROCESSOR (CPU) | Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 3000 Series |
| VIDEO CARD (GPU) | NVidia GeForce 1050 or AMD Radeon 5300 |
| DIRECTX | DirectX 12 |
Processor (CPU)
The processor is one of the most crucial components to consider when selecting a laptop for playing video games, especially Minecraft. Look for a laptop that features at least an Intel Core i3 or equivalent AMD processor to ensure smooth gameplay.
A dual-core processor is the minimum requirement, but for faster system speeds and better multitasking, it’s recommended to go for a quad-core processor. With a quad-core processor, you can run more apps and programs without slowing down the laptop.
Memory (RAM)
To ensure a smooth gaming experience, Minecraft requires a minimum of 4GB of RAM. But it can also run with only 2GB of RAM. However, for a better gaming experience, it’s recommended to choose a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM.
Most budget-friendly laptops suitable for this type of video game will come with 8GB of RAM installed. A laptop with 8GB RAM is more than enough to meet the requirements for Minecraft.
Storage (Hard Drive)
You can choose between a traditional hard disk drive (cheaper) or a faster solid-state drive (SSD) when it comes to storage space. A regular hard drive is cheaper, but slower. If you’re looking for the best performance possible, then go for a laptop with an SSD as the primary storage option.
Choose a budget laptop with at least a 256GB SSD, or even better, a 512GB SSD. Also, check if it has M.2 slots. This will mean you can add a 2nd SSD for improved responsiveness.
Graphics Card (GPU)
While Minecraft can be played on integrated graphics, dedicated graphics cards will offer a better gaming experience. A dedicated GPU with at least 2GB of VRAM is more than enough.
Also, integrated graphics like the Intel HD Graphics or the AMD Radeon Vega are sufficient. However, if you plan to play more demanding games, then you should opt for an affordable laptop with a dedicated GPU, such as an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 or above.
To experience ray tracing in Minecraft, you will need an NVIDIA RTX graphics card, such as an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 or an NVIDIA RTX 3050Ti. These are considered great budget graphics cards and will allow you to run all Minecraft versions smoothly.
Display Size Matters
The display size is another critical factor to consider when selecting a laptop to run Minecraft. A Full HD (1920 x 1080) display is the most commonly used resolution for gamers. A 15-inch screen size is ideal as it provides enough screen real estate to enjoy all the action.
Battery Life Matters
Most affordable laptops in this price range offer 3 to 5 hours of battery power on a single charge. However, this can vary depending on the settings you use. For example, if you’re watching YouTube videos and browsing the web, expect a longer battery life.
If you’re planning on playing games, expect your battery to drain faster. It’s always best to connect the laptop to an AC outlet when gaming to enjoy the best performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much RAM Do I Need For Minecraft?
The minimum amount of RAM for Minecraft is 2GB. However, 4GB or more would offer a much smoother experience. With 8GB RAM, you can run other programmes while playing Minecraft. Like recording software or listening to music, without experiencing your laptop computer slowing down.
What Is The Best Graphics Card For Minecraft?
The best graphics cards for playing Minecraft are the budget-friendly NVidia GeForce RTX 3050 or RTX 3050 Ti. They can handle most games in medium settings and are relatively affordable. But most importantly, they will help you run Minecraft Java Edition, Minecraft Dungeons, and the Ray Tracing version now available in Minecraft for Windows.
Can You Play Minecraft On A Laptop?
If the laptop meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements. You can play Minecraft Java Edition on a laptop. The computer must have 4GB of RAM, a 128GB SSD, and an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 or better. If anything less, the game will not load. If it does, you will experience lag.
What Is The Best Processor For Minecraft?
The best processor for Minecraft would depend on your other needs. However, an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5 CPUs are considered good options for gaming. You can also run Minecraft with something lower, like a dual-core Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD.
Is A Gaming Laptop Good For Minecraft?
A gaming laptop would be superb for playing Minecraft. That said, unless you plan to run more demanding games, you do not need the most powerful specs for Minecraft to run smoothly. Good-budget gaming laptops include the Acer Nitro 5 and the ASUS TUF 15.
Is Minecraft with Ray Tracing Free?
Minecraft with Ray Tracing and Physically Based Rendering (PBR) is free if you already have Minecraft downloaded. But your will need a dedicated NVidia GeForce RTX graphics card to meet the recommended system requirements.
What Is The Cheapest Laptop That Can Run Minecraft?
The cheapest laptops for Minecraft would be the Dell Inspiron 15, the HP EliteBook, Acer Swift or the HP Pavilion 15. These are great laptops that will meet all your gaming needs. Each laptop would meet the system requirements for Minecraft.
Is Minecraft Free On A Laptop?
Minecraft is not free to play on a laptop unless you play it within your browser. However, you can download Minecraft from the Microsoft Store for a small fee. Be careful because if you get it from somewhere else, you could end up paying more money. Also, ensure you purchase the game from a reputable supplier.
Your Laptop, Can It Play Minecraft?
For gamers who already own a laptop and are wondering ‘Can it play Minecraft’. Most modern laptops can run Minecraft smoothly. It must have 4GB of RAM, and an Intel Celeron J4125 or AMD FX-4100 processor and these processors will come with integrated graphics suitable for playing Minecraft.
Conclusion
Crazy to think this game is over ten years old, with 150 million gamers globally. Minecraft has especially helped my young son, who sometimes struggles in life. So I believe having the right tools is essential, including the best budget laptops that can run Minecraft smoothly.
Just to recap, the best cheap gaming laptop for Minecraft is the Acer Nitro 5. While the ASUS TUF 15 is also a great laptop. For a budget-friendly options the Lenovo Ideapad 5, HP Pavilion 15-inch laptops or the HP Pavilion x360 are good for everyday tasks.
