Best Affordable MSI Gaming Laptop – Reliable Power for Gamers on a Budget
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Last Updated: July 30, 2025
Gaming on a budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for outdated graphics or clunky design—especially with MSI’s lineup of entry-to-midrange gaming laptops. Whether you’re a student jumping into esports, a casual gamer modding Sims 4, or someone balancing work and play, MSI offers some of the best price-to-performance options out there.
One thing that stands out across the board is how MSI finds ways to pack real GPU power into lower price points without sacrificing usability. We’ve also covered a range of other great models in our best gaming laptops guide — a simple 3-model roundup covering budget, mid-range, and premium picks.
Check Price & Availability
View on Amazon – MSI Katana 15 (i7, RTX 4070, 144Hz)
View on Amazon – MSI Bravo 15 (Ryzen 7, RX6550M, 2TB SSD)
View on Amazon – MSI Thin GF63 (i5, RTX 2050, 144Hz)
Performance in Everyday Tasks
Each of these laptops can handle modern games—but the difference comes down to what else you want to do while gaming.
The Katana 15 is the most powerful option here. With a 13th Gen Intel i7 and RTX 4070, it’s a strong pick for gamers who also edit videos or stream content. You’ll get smooth performance even with heavy games and apps running side by side.
The Bravo 15 gives you solid multitasking support, thanks to its 8-core Ryzen 7 processor. It’s a great choice for mid-tier gaming and everyday use, and the large 2TB SSD means you won’t constantly worry about running out of space.
The Thin GF63 keeps things light and affordable. With an i5 CPU and RTX 2050, it works well for casual gaming and general productivity—just don’t expect it to crush demanding titles. Still, it’s fast enough for games like Fortnite or The Sims 4 with moderate settings.
Portability & Build Quality
If you’re carrying your laptop around often, weight and build quality start to matter.
The Thin GF63 is the most portable of the bunch. It’s lightweight, has a clean design, and fits easily in a backpack. A smart pick if you’re gaming on campus or switching workspaces throughout the day.
The Bravo 15 strikes a good balance. It’s a bit heavier but has a durable, practical build with a subtle gamer look that doesn’t scream RGB.
The Katana 15 is chunkier, and you’ll feel that extra weight. But that bulk helps with cooling and performance—so it makes sense if you’re gaming mostly at a desk.
Display, Battery Life & Usability
All three laptops come with a 15.6-inch Full HD display at 144Hz, which keeps motion smooth during gaming or video playback.
The Katana 15 offers slightly better brightness and color quality, which is helpful if you’re also editing media or using reshade filters in-game.
The Bravo 15 holds its own for everyday use, and most users find it comfortable for both gaming and work.
The GF63’s display is decent, but a little dim in bright settings. It’s fine for indoor use and casual games, but not ideal if you need high color accuracy or brightness.
As for battery life, none of these are meant for all-day unplugged use. The GF63 squeezes out the most thanks to its lower-power components, but gaming will still drain it fast.
Value for Money Compared to Alternatives
For the price, each of these laptops brings something worthwhile.
At around $1,500, the Katana 15 gets you into RTX 4070 territory—which is rare at this price. It’s a smart choice if you want serious graphics power without crossing into ultra-premium pricing.
The Bravo 15, priced around $1,000, delivers strong multitasking, capable gaming, and loads of storage. That’s a great combo if you’re juggling school, work, and games on the same machine.
The Thin GF63, around $770, is clearly built for entry-level use—but it’s still more powerful than many laptops in its price range. It’s best for gamers who want portability and a real GPU without spending over $800.
MSI Katana 15 – Mid-Range Gaming Power with RTX 4070
If you want max performance at a “still-affordable” price point, the MSI Katana 15 delivers. With RTX 4070 graphics, 16GB of RAM, and strong thermal design, it’s great for AAA titles, streaming, and editing. It’s a bit bulky, but worth it for the power inside.
MSI Bravo 15 – Balanced Specs with Room to Store Everything
The MSI Bravo 15 hits the sweet spot for many users. With a Ryzen 7 processor, RX6550M graphics, and a 2TB SSD, it handles gaming, multitasking, and storage needs without breaking the $1,000 mark. It’s a practical pick for budget-conscious power users.
MSI Thin GF63 – Lightweight and Budget-Friendly
For casual gamers or students, the MSI Thin GF63 offers a lightweight build and enough GPU power to run popular games smoothly. It’s not built for ultra settings, but it keeps things snappy and responsive for day-to-day tasks and lighter titles.
Conclusion
If you want a reliable, affordable gaming laptop that doesn’t feel like a compromise, the Katana 15 is a strong pick for power-hungry gamers. The Bravo 15 brings balance and storage at a great mid-range price, while the Thin GF63 is ideal for students or casual users who want to keep things light and affordable.
