Best Gaming PCs Under $1500 in 2026: Top Budget Picks for High-Performance Gaming

Gaming on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing performance—welcome to our 2025 roundup of the best gaming PCs under $1500.

In a world where AAA titles demand more from your hardware, these machines pack the latest Intel 14th/15th-gen CPUs, AMD Ryzen 7000/9000-series processors, and NVIDIA RTX 40-series GPUs to handle ray tracing, DLSS, and high frame rates at 1080p or even 1440p. Whether you're diving into Cyberpunk 2077 or competing in Valorant, a sub-$1500 PC lets budget-conscious gamers get pro-level play without the premium price tag of custom builds or high-end towers.

We curated this list based on real-world benchmarks, thermals, upgradability, build quality, and user reviews from sites like Amazon, Newegg, and PCMag. Prioritizing value, we focused on prebuilts with at least 16GB RAM, 1TB SSDs, and solid cooling—covering entry-level 1080p beasts to versatile 1440p contenders. From established brands like CyberPowerPC to value-packed alternatives like Skytech, there's a rig for every setup, whether you're a first-time builder or a streamer on a shoestring.

Expect diversity: our Top Pick crushes all-around gaming, Budget Pick maximizes savings, Editor's Choice offers unique flair, and specialized options target compact desks or AMD fans—all ready to ship in 2025.