Best 13 Inch Gaming Laptops for the Money
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Laptops are an excellent tool for getting work done on the go, but sometimes they can be too bulky and heavy to carry around all day.
Thankfully, tons of new models on the market offer a lighter build, longer battery life, and better displays. We’ll explore some of the best 13-inch gaming laptops currently available-each one with its pros and cons.
The 13-inch laptops are in high demand, and they seem to be more popular as time goes on. You can find everything from a budget gaming notebook up to gaming rigs with this screen size! Here is what you should know about them before making your purchase decision:
Budget Notebooks require low spec hardware to work correctly, resulting in poor performance or unstable system crashes, and are unsuitable for running modern games titles. Mid Range laptops tend to have better build quality than their cheaper counterparts but still come at an affordable price point, so there’s no need for many upgrades if something breaks down during use – buy another one cheaply instead. Top Shelf models feature beastly specs matched by fast processors capable of handling demanding software without hesitation while also having graphics cards.
Our article will help you find your perfect laptop by exploring what it is about these devices that makes them so unique.
Best 13 Inch Gaming Laptops | Compared
CLICK on any image to see Reviews and Ratings on Amazon
| Image | Title | Buy | Empire Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook Gaming Laptop | Buy Now | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
 | Dell Inspiron 13 5310 | Buy Now | 4.8 / 5 (Best Value) |
 | Premium Acer Spin 5 13 2 in 1 Laptop | Buy Now | 4.7 / 5 |
 | ASUS ZenBook Flip 13 | Buy Now | 4.7 / 5 |
 | Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 | Buy Now | 4.6 / 5 |
 | 2021 HP Envy Laptop | Buy Now | 4.5 / 5 |
 | Lenovo IdeaPad S540 | Buy Now | 4.4 / 5 |
 | MSI Summit E13 | Buy Now | 4.7 / 5 |
The Best 13 Inch Gaming Laptops for the Money | Reviews
1. Razer Blade Stealth 13 (Best Overall)
- Welcome to a new era of modern computing. The Razer Blade Stealth 13 is lightweight and ultra-thin, with an unbelievably fast 120hz full HD display, born from a legacy of obsessive perfection and hyper-attention to detail. With a sturdy CNC unibody aluminum frame, this laptop is designed for mobility and has a stunning design thats made for everyone.
- This laptop is ready for you, with a blazing-fast Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti 4GB VRAM Graphics card and the latest generation Intel Core i7 Processor 1165g7 CPU! With 16 GB Dual Channel Memory, this will have games running as smooth as butter. And it wont keep you tethered to your desk with its powerful battery that can last a lot longer than the average gaming laptop.
- The laptop features 100% sRGB color space, so even content separated into cameras has true colors - youll never have to strain your eyes or squint just because you want accurate colors on your 13.3-inch screen and excellent refresh rate.
- The Razer Blade Stealth 13 is a light and sleek laptop with power and high specs. Use it to surf the web, edit photos, or watch movies on long flights. The Razer Chroma backlit keyboard and precision touchpad will provide you with smooth typing and precise control for your computing needs. Plus, at just 0.6 thick, its perfect for professional environments where space limitations are tight!
- Featuring four stereo speakers to deliver immersive audio with greater clarity, this slim ultrabook features two Thunderbolt 4 ports and two USB 3.1 ports. Plus, an HD webcam with an intelligent infrared sensor utilizing Windows Hello facial recognition sign-in technology, 16 GB DDR4 RAM, and 512 GB SSD storage.
2. Dell Inspiron 13 5310 (Best Value)
- The Dell Inspiron 13 5310 is a lightweight laptop that offers clear images on its 16:10 QHD display panel due to the lack of blue light. FOR SMOOTHER GAMEPLAY, the NVIDIA GeForce MX450 and CPU handle the graphics by an 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11370H.
- To be productive at work, on a plane, or anywhere else you go, you need a laptop--that the Dell Inspiron 13 5310 has got.
- Its easier to carry thanks to its lightweight design and long battery life. It also underwent rigorous testing for durability and quality assurance, so it runs smoothly without slowing down. And with its dual fans that provide cooling as needed for continuous smooth performance, as well as an ExpressCharge function that recharges your device up to 80% in 60 minutes, you can get back into action fast.
- With a 54-WHr battery, you can get up to 11 hours of battery life before needing to recharge. The ExpressCharge system lets you quickly charge your device with an easy-to-carry 65W Type-C USB power adapter. You can also multitask efficiently without slowing down when you switch between open applications, thanks to the 16GB DDR RAM that comes in this laptops 512MB solid-state drive (SSD).
- Moreover, with the latest WiFi technology onboard, this system is ready to handle any wireless infrastructural change worldwide.
3. Premium Acer Spin 5
- The Acer Spin 5 (PID1520-R36V) is a sleek, lightweight laptop with functionality to match. Elegant metal design and delicately beveled edges make it the perfect device for work or play; meanwhile, its 13.3 Full HD is ideal for anyone looking at big displays on the go without breaking their budget.
- Aside from its eye-catching aesthetic, this slim laptop has powerful capabilities like far more expensive devices in the same segment. Many customers will love a performance when theyre looking to edit media content or take care of business in an efficient manner, for those feeling creative and would like some inspiration as soon as they begin creating their media projects like video, graphics, and photo editing.
- The Acer Spin 5 (PID1520-R36V) comes stocked with an Intel UHD Graphics 620 graphics card. Its 2x2 802.11ac wireless options let you access media content starting within seconds of opening the laptop, thanks to its fast data transfer speeds provided by its built-in Intel Dual Band AC 8265 WiFi module.
- Whether you need a laptop for school, work, or play, the Acer Spin 5 meets your needs. This 8th Generation Intel Quad-Core i7-8565U is designed for multitasking without letting down any of its intended uses. 16 GB RAM and 2 TB SSD will allow the device to run smoothly with graphics-intensive programs and data-intensive software such as databases.
4. ASUS ZenBook Flip UX363EA-AS74T
- Experience life on the go with ASUS ZenBook Flip. The stylish, lightweight, and stunning laptop that you can use anywhere offers fast performance to keep up with your busy lifestyle, all backed by the strong battery life to give you confidence when on the move.
- If portability is what you need in a new laptop, look no further than ASUS ZenBook Flip. And with vibrant colors from its Intel Iris Xe graphics, you can enjoy beautiful Full HD content on this 13.3-inch display when youre relaxing without worrying about fading screen quality.
- The ASUS ZenBook Flip is the ultimate in portability, with its sleek aluminum body weighing in at only 2.87lbs and 0.55 inches thick to guarantee you wont be bothering your back while out on an adventure. Sporting lightning-fast 1TB SSD storage and 16GB LPDDR4X memory for rapid gaming, the ZenBook Flip will take you anywhere without ever leaving that laptop behind!
- The device also features extensive connectivity, including HDMI, Thunderbolt 4 via USB Type C (2), USB Type-A, WWiFi6 (802.11ax), and Bluetooth 5.0 - meaning everyone can stay connected; no matter where they are!
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
- The Surface Laptop 4, powered by up to 70% higher speed and multitasking power than before, plus an AMD Ryzen processor with Microsoft Surface Edition technology, is the laptop for people who want more. More intense graphics gameplay. More pro-level nuances in DOCs. And more overall productivity boosts that let you stretch the limits of your teams creativity without compromising on style or portability.
- Enjoy an immersive visual experience on your MS Surface laptop. The front-facing 720p HD camera provides sharp video and image quality, even in low light conditions, thanks to Omnisonic speakers equipped with Dolby Atmos support. Uncover the design possibilities of this lightweight Windows 10 laptop PC.
6. 2021 HP Envy Laptop 13.3 inch FHD Touchscreen Evo
- The HP Envy Laptop is an innovation from HP with some of the newest technology on the market. Its powerful Intel i7-1165G7 processor can run at up to 4.7 GHz and has a 12MB cache, making it one of the fastest for multitasking between demanding applications like design programs, video games, or HD content editing software.
- The Edge-to-Edge glass covering its 13-inch FHD touchscreen makes it excellent for watching movies or playing your favorite game in crisp HD due to its superb contrast ratio (400 nit screen). The 100% sRGB color definition ensures that pictures are reproduced accurately no matter what youre looking at - which means that youll be able to see every detail in photos taken by friends!
- Powered by Windows 10 Pro, this great laptop features 16GB RAM, letting you multitask like never before! Store all your favorite media on its versatile SSD drive or two terabytes of cloud space via OneDrive. Access it anywhere using the included WWiFi6 connectivity and Bluetooth 5; change between video, music, gaming without worrying about losing performance since its equipped with speedy AC bright pin plugs for added power while plugged in.
- The HP Laptop is a highly portable laptop that suits all your needs. It features an aluminum body, a touch screen display, and the performance you need to do just about anything. Featuring dual speakers by Bang & Olufsen with audio boosted by HP Audio Boost, this laptop gives you high-quality audio on the go!
- Its always easy to log in quickly with a backlit keyboard and biometric fingerprint reader, so what are you waiting for? This device has been built to take multitasking efficiency and compatibility into account, so itll have no issues giving you full enjoyment.
7. Lenovo IdeaPad S540
- Whether you need a high-performance, durable laptop for work or play, the IdeaPad S540 has all of your needs covered. Equipped with Intels latest 10th Gen Processor and Windows 10 Home 64bit Operating system, this stylish non-touchscreen laptop is powered for life.
- The Lenovo IdeaPad S540 is your average thin and light laptop, with the only exception being that it rocks a QHD display. Theres 16GB of RAM that easily handles resource-intensive tasks like video editing or graphic rendering. With features like a 13.3 WVA LCD with LED-backlit QHD (2560 x 1600) Display, IPS 300nits Glossy 100% sRGB, and Solid State Drive up to 512GB NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen3 x4 this laptop delivers all you need for a great price.
- The S540 is an ultra-portable laptop that offers powerful performance with fast WiFi 6 connectivity for next-generation supported speeds. The variety of USB ports allows the user to connect multiple devices at once, while the backlit keyboard will light up your whole surroundings with ease.
8. MSI Summit E13 Flip EVO Professional Laptop
- The MSI Summit E13 is the perfect companion for those on the go yet who need a powerful laptop that can also be used as a tablet. The 13 IPS-Level display offers sharp images and unmatched clarity, while touch screen compatibility allows you to interact with your work directly from the touchscreen. Add to this Intel Iris Xe graphics and an 11th generation Intel Core i7 Mobile Processor running up to 4.8GHz, and you will likely find yourself in every situation covered with its lightweight design and superfast processing power.
- The 180-degree hinge is perfect for streaming or sharing your gameplay with friends without having to be at home.
- As gamers, we understand that high-performance and stable network speeds go hand-in-hand. Thats why the MSI E13 comes with WiFi 6E! This router can deliver speeds up to 4x faster than others on the market, meaning youll never experience lag or latency again with your gaming. The best part about it? Its integrated into this device for no extra charge! Whether youre looking for portability, power, performance, or style - this is your new best friend.
Video: Gaming on a Chromebook?
Buyers Guide
What to look for when buying a 13-inch laptop
When you are looking to buy a new laptop for mostly everyday use or some casual gaming, there are certain things that you should keep in mind. The first thing is how often you will be taking your laptop with you? If you’re always on the road, it’s more important for your computer to be lightweight, but if it stays mostly at home, then a heavier laptop with better-built quality is more important.
If you need to take it with you often, consider one that can last longer on a single battery charge, especially if you will be going quite a distance away from an outlet. An excellent 13-inch gaming laptop should have enough power for everyday use and light gaming without being too bulky or heavy.
A 13″ laptop is just big enough to provide a decent screen size without being too bulky, but most laptops this size are not meant for gaming. However, with the advances in mobile graphics cards by Nvidia and AMD, many laptops on the market offer similar performance to some desktop PCs, but you will pay a lot more for the privilege.
How to choose between Mac and PC laptops
Macs have been a known force in the PC industry for years, but you might be thinking of switching to Windows if you’re not happy with your Macbook. There are some things to consider before making the switch.
First, check what software and applications will work with each operating system. If you have any programs or apps that won’t work with your computer, then you might want to hold off switching over.
Secondly, check the specs to see what Windows laptops are compatible with the software and apps you need/want. You can’t make a PC be like a Macbook; they simply don’t function in the same way. PC users get more than just a computer. They can pick from machines with different screen sizes and resolutions, as well as the option of choosing their own ports types or color scheme for an individualized experience every time!
Lastly, consider whether or not you will be gaming on your laptop. Macs are not the best choice for gamers because their GPUs aren’t good enough to run newer games, so it may be worth holding off on making any purchases until you know what you’re going to do with your new laptop.
If you play a lot of games, you should opt for a Windows-based laptop because Macs are simply not powerful enough to meet the needs of most gamers. Intel Evo badges are designed to give you a more incredible experience and more reliable connections. You won’t have any issues with displays or responsiveness on these laptops, so your worries about poor equipment go away!
Gaming on a PC is better than ever with the latest technology. Not only are they able to support more external devices but also in different forms. This means that gamers can plug anything into your computer, and there will still be no problem running games from it! Macs are the only operating system that doesn’t support hundreds of games on Steam, so if you play video or strategy-type games with your computer, this is important to consider.
Ultimately it’s your choice between Mac and PC laptops, but you should take some time before making any decisions!
Buy on AmazonWhy you should consider getting a Chromebook
If you like to travel and spend a lot of time browsing the internet, then a Chromebook might be the computer for you. They are lightweight and small enough to carry around with you all day without any problems. While they don’t have as many features as other laptops, they’re ideal for people who mostly just need a laptop to run apps like Google Chrome. Chromebooks are also less expensive than other laptops, and they provide adequate performance for your daily tasks without costing too much money.
These laptops may not offer the same software like Windows or Mac-based computers, but you can access most websites and web apps without issues! Some of these include Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Video, which allows you to download their apps and start binge-watching without any problems! In case you’re looking for a laptop that can handle more than just web browsing, then buying a Chromebook might not be the right choice for you.
If you have a tight budget but don’t want to go all out on price, there are some great options for you. However, you should keep in mind that Chromebooks are typically less expensive than other laptops because they don’t have the same features as Windows-based computers. If you plan to use your laptop to create complex documents or work with professional graphics, you should consider spending more money because many of them aren’t good enough to meet these demands.
The best thing about buying computers is that there are always new models coming out! This allows you to get all the latest features and specs the second they’re released. Once you’ve gotten a better idea of what’s available and what you need, it’ll be time to start shopping! You can find great deals online or in your local electronics store.
Buy on AmazonThings to know before buying a laptop online
When purchasing a laptop online, there are a few things you should keep in mind. If you want to return your computer if it doesn’t meet your needs or isn’t what you expected, then the retailer will let you do this as long as it’s within 30 days of purchase. But some retailers may require that the product is in new condition and still have the original packaging.
If you’re worried about a laptop being stolen, many retailers offer a service called “BuySafe.” If your purchase doesn’t come with this feature, then you can request it from the retailer themselves, or they may be able to point you in the direction of one of their partners who does this for them.
You should buy a laptop with this feature because it allows you to protect your purchase from theft or damage. This means if something happens to your computer during shipping, then the retailer will replace it right away. Another benefit of buying a laptop with this service is that they also offer insurance policies! If your computer gets lost, stolen, or damaged during shipping, then you can file a claim.
Buy on AmazonIf you decide to buy your laptop online, there are many things you can do to make sure that it comes in new and perfect condition. First of all, only shop on retailers’ websites that let you return the product if it doesn’t meet your needs. Look for retailers with good reviews on CNET, Epinions, or on other customer review sites. This will help you verify that they are reputable members of the online community.
Remember to research prices at multiple sites before finalizing your purchase so you can get the best deal possible! Also, don’t forget to check out the retailer’s return and exchange policies before you buy.
If you are buying from an online store that isn’t well-known, do ensure you do your due diligence first. Sadly, there are a lot of fake companies who advertise products, and once you send your money, you never hear from them again. Check Better Business Bureau to see how legitimate they are and read customer reviews.
Lastly, are you buying a brand new laptop or a renewed model? It’s sometimes hard to tell, but some retailers upgrade old machines and sell them as new. They should state in the description if it’s renewed or not.
Buy on AmazonCommon mistakes people make when buying a new laptop
If you’re in the market for a new laptop, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with all the options out there. But before you go and spend your money on an expensive model, keep these things in mind:
Not doing your research first: It’s much easier to narrow down what you need if you write down a list of features or a budget. For example, you might need a laptop with specific software or a certain amount of RAM.
Not shopping around for the best price: Retailers always have sales going on, so don’t buy right away until you’ve checked multiple sites and retailers to see who’s offering a better price.
Not making a clear list of all your requirements: This includes the type of processor, amount of RAM, hard drive size, and so on. You may not know precisely what you need, but it’s worth spending time to figure out which features are most important to you.
Not buying with a warranty or service plan: If something happens to your laptop during shipping or if it breaks within the first year, then you’ll have to pay a lot for repairs or a replacement.
Not reading the fine print on extended warranties and insurance policies: In most cases, it’s way cheaper to file a claim yourself than paying extra for an extended warranty plan from the retailer. You can also buy your laptop warranty from third-party companies.
Not buying protection for your purchase: Look for insurance plans like BuySafe or SquareTrade because they’re worth it if something happens to your laptop during shipping or while it’s still in warranty.
“Hidden costs.” Remember that laptop prices don’t include taxes and shipping, so make sure you factor all of this into the price before making a decision.
Not buying the right size: Investing in a lightweight laptop that doesn’t have enough power or storage space can be frustrating because you’ll soon want to upgrade. Make sure your needs align with your budget, so you don’t end up paying for features you don’t need.
“Missing features.” Some laptops are advertised as “gaming laptops” but have lower-than-average RAM or hard drive space. Always check the specs before you buy.
Buy on AmazonTips for taking care of your new computer
Once you get your laptop home, there are a few tips to keep in mind for ensuring it lasts as long as possible:
Don’t leave it running on a soft surface. This will quickly wear out the bottom of your computer and could lead to overheating issues. Try to use it only on a hard flat surface.
Be gentle with the power cord. Most laptop chargers are very fragile, so avoid winding or coiling it too tightly around your computer. Also, don’t let the line get wet because it could break easily.
Don’t use a laptop cooling pad if you don’t need to. Some newer models have dual fans that keep themselves cool but adding an extra metal layer between your computer, and the table can cause overheating. If you’re not playing graphics-intensive games, then don’t bother.
Don’t share your password with others or let anyone use your computer that doesn’t know how to take care of it properly. It’s one thing to allow family members to borrow it for a little bit but make sure you trust anyone who’s borrowing it for an extended period.
Don’t leave it in extreme temperatures for too long. If your laptop is used mainly indoors, then don’t set it on the porch in the winter because cold weather can damage some internal components and cause them to fail. Don’t leave it in a hot car all summer long either.
If you have pets or little kids, always keep the laptop closed and put it on a high shelf where it’s out of reach. Even if your pet doesn’t understand exactly what it is, they may still want to chew on something that sits at human eye level! Also, make sure children never touch any of the inner components because their hands could be dirty.
Don’t use your laptop as a doorstop, cup holder, or weight! If the worst happens and something breaks within the first year, many manufacturers will refuse to replace your computer because accidental damage isn’t covered under warranty.
Suppose you follow all of these tips when you unbox your new laptop next week-congratulations! You just saved yourself a lot of trouble down the line. Now that you have an idea of what to look for in a gaming laptop take another look at these models to see if there are any features you’re missing out on.
Buy on AmazonConclusion
You might be in the market for a new laptop. If so, you’re probably wondering what features to look for and which models are worth your money. From here on out, when you need help deciding between all of the different 13-inch gaming laptops that are available, just come back to this article or contact us with any questions! We’ll make sure you find the right laptop to fit your needs without breaking your budget.
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Best 15 Inch Gaming Laptop | Reviews and Buying Guide
Best 14 Inch Gaming Laptop | Reviews and Buyers Guide
Here are our favorite 15 inch gaming laptops
CLICK any image to see Ratings and Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Title | Buy | Empire Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | Razer Blade 15 Base Gaming Laptop | Buy Now | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
 | Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 | Buy Now | 4.8 / 5 (Best Value) |
 | MSI Stealth 15M Gaming Laptop | Buy Now | 4.7 / 5 |
 | ASUS - ROG Zephyrus 15.6" QHD Gaming Laptop | Buy Now | 4.8 / 5 |
 | Newest Acer Nitro 5 15.6“ FHD Gaming Laptop | Buy Now | 4.7 / 5 |
 | Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop | Buy Now | 4.6 / 5 |
 | 2021 Lenovo Legion 5i Premium Gaming Laptop | Buy Now | 4.5 / 5 |
 | HP Pavilion 2021 15.6" FHD Gaming Laptop Computer | Buy Now | 4.4 / 5 |
 | 2021 Flagship Asus TUF F15 Gaming Laptop 15.6" FHD | Buy Now | 4.3 / 5 |
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