Can You Play Sims 4 on a Budget Laptop?

Need a laptop to bring your Sims life dreams to reality without spending a fortune? You’re in the right place. TL;DR: Yes, you can run Sims 4 on a budget laptop. But we’re taking it to the limit, squeezing every bit of performance without breaking the bank, so you can build that dream kitchen or finally get that pool, all while keeping gameplay smooth. Let’s go.

ULTRA BUDGET

Let’s be real, if you’re just playing the Sims 4 base game (no mods, no expansions), you don’t need a beast of a machine. An ultra budget laptop can totally handle low/medium settings with no problems! It’s not just for gaming, you might actually get some work done too, between redecorating your Sims’ kitchen for the fifth time.

laptops

Gaming Laptop,15.6 inch Traditional Laptops N4000, Laptop with 8 GB RA...

BUY

laptops

Gaming Laptop,15.6 inch Laptop Computer, Laptops Celeron N5095 Process...

BUY

laptops

Gaming Laptop i5, 16 inch Laptops, Laptop Computer Up to 3.60GHZ,Tradi...

BUY

The KUMNOSAL N4000 is probably the bare minimum but it can run The Sims 4 base game, but don't expect multitasking or mods. The AVENKA UL153 and DUNHOO Y10 are better performers thanks to improved CPUs and more RAM.
If we had to choose one for smooth Sims 4 gameplay, our pick is the DUNHOO Y10. It offers the best balance of price, performance, and storage among the three, perfect for budget-conscious.

NICE BUDGET LAPTOPS

acer Aspire 5

The Acer Aspire 5 15 Slim strikes a sweet balance between performance and portability, making it an ideal choice for casual gamers, students, and everyday users. Powered by the Intel Core i7-1355U and 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, it handles multitasking like a breeze, whether you're editing documents, streaming in 1080p, or juggling multiple Chrome tabs. The 512GB Gen 4 SSD ensures snappy boot times and fast app loading, while the Wi-Fi 6E keeps your connection future-proof and stable.

The 15.6” FHD IPS touchscreen is a solid addition for those who enjoy a bit of interactivity and better viewing angles. Colors are decent and the touch response is smooth, though brightness might fall short in outdoor settings. The Intel Iris Xe Graphics won’t run AAA games on ultra, but for Sims 4, Stardew Valley, or light esports titles, it more than delivers.

Other features like the backlit keyboard and sleek slim profile add polish to the overall package. It’s not a gaming beast, but if you want something lightweight with premium internals and solid everyday usability, the Aspire 5 punches well above its price point.

Key Specifications

• Processor: Intel Core i7-1355U
  Powerful multitasking performance with up to 5.0GHz boost clock.
• Memory & Storage: 16GB LPDDR5 + 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
  Fast boot times and smooth app switching with modern high-speed specs.
• Display: 15.6” Full HD IPS Touchscreen (1920×1080)
  Sharp visuals, vivid color, and touchscreen flexibility in a slim form.
• Build Quality: 0.70" aluminum body with ergonomic hinge
  Sleek and portable design with better airflow and typing comfort.
• Webcam & Audio: 1080p FHD camera + Acer PurifiedVoice
  Enhanced video calls with AI noise reduction and low-light clarity.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.1
  Faster, more stable wireless for gaming and streaming.
• Ports:
  1x USB Type-C (USB4/Thunderbolt 4, Charging, PD up to 65W)
  2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (one with power-off charging)
  1x HDMI 2.1, Headphone Jack, Kensington Lock Slot
• Keyboard: Backlit
  Comfortable typing even in low-light environments.
• Use Case:
  Ideal for students, creators, light gaming (Sims 4 base), and remote work.

Click here to see Acer Aspire 5 on Amazon

Lenovo IdeaPad Laptop

The Lenovo IdeaPad 15.6” with Ryzen 5 5500U is a great value pick for Sims 4 players who want the full experience, mods, expansion packs, and smooth gameplay. The Ryzen 5 CPU (which actually beats Intel’s i7-1185G7 in multicore tasks) handles multitasking effortlessly, so you can run the game alongside browsers or background apps without a hitch. And with 24GB of RAM, even mod-heavy saves won’t slow you down.

You also get a 1TB PCIe SSD, meaning fast load times for both the OS and The Sims 4. Installing large DLCs or mod folders won’t be a problem, and you'll have enough space to store other games or content creation tools too. The FHD display isn’t just clear, it makes building and managing Sims feel more immersive.

Beyond gaming, this IdeaPad is a workhorse for productivity. Long battery life, Wi-Fi 6, and ports like USB-C and HDMI make it easy to take anywhere. It’s not a “gaming laptop” by label, but for under the hood? It checks the boxes for smooth Sims 4 gameplay — even with a dozen expansions installed.

Key Specifications

• Powerful Performance: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor
  Outperforms Intel i7-1185G7 for fast, efficient multitasking.
• Long-lasting Battery: Up to 9 hours
  Stay productive all day without hunting for an outlet.
• Immersive Audio: Dolby Audio
  Crisp, clear sound for gaming, movies, and video calls.
• Ultra-Fast Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6
  Faster, more stable internet for smooth streaming and downloads.
• Included Bundle:
  Laptop + 3-in-1 accessory kit (may ship separately due to package size).

Click here to see Lenovo IdeaPad on Amazon

HP Victus 15

The HP Victus 15 brings serious gaming power without going over budget. With an AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS and dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 GPU, it easily handles The Sims 4 with all DLCs and mods. You can push visuals higher, build big houses, and run heavy CC without freezing or stutter.

With 16GB of fast DDR5 RAM and a 512GB PCIe SSD, your loading times shrink dramatically, and multitasking becomes seamless. Whether you're switching between CAS, build mode, and YouTube tutorials, or downloading mods while playing, the Victus stays snappy. The 144Hz Full HD screen adds even more smoothness to gameplay, making everything feel fluid and responsive.

Extras like the backlit keyboard, Wi-Fi 6 support, and a clean, modern silver design make it perfect for both gaming and productivity. It’s not the cheapest on the list, but if you want a balanced machine that won’t struggle with Sims 4 + custom content and can still run other games well, this is our go-to pick in the upper budget range.

Key Specifications

• Memory & Storage: 16GB high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM, 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD
  Smooth multitasking and fast boot-up with plenty of storage for Sims 4, mods, and DLCs.
• AMD Processor: Ryzen 5 7535HS (Base 3.3 GHz, up to 4.55 GHz, 6 cores, 12 threads)
  Great performance for gaming and heavy mod usage without lag.
• Display & Graphics: 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) 144Hz Anti-Glare + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 (4GB GDDR6)
  Crisp visuals and smooth framerates — ideal for detailed Sims gameplay.
• Tech Specs: USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, RJ-45, headphone/mic combo, Backlit Keyboard with Numeric Keypad & mouse
  All the essential ports with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth combo included.
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home
  Modern UI, better window layout, and solid multi-monitor support.

Click here to see HP Victus 15 on Amazon

BONUS: BEST EXPANSION PACKS SO FAR

Businesses & Hobbies

The Sims 4 Businesses & Hobbies Expansion Pack (PC) lets your Sims become entrepreneurs in the stylish world of Nordhaven—crafting tattoos, molding pottery, and even teaching classes. With new skills—Tattooing and Pottery—custom ticket kiosks, and a clever perk system (Dreamer, Schemer, Neutral), you can transform a house or venue into a thriving small business.

Life & Death

The Sims 4 Life & Death Expansion Pack (PC, EA App) adds soulful new layers to your Sims’ journey build bucket lists, explore the eerie Ravenwood world, and master the ghostly skill of Thanatology. Released October 31, 2024, it introduces funerals, wills, grief stages, and even a Grim Reaper career, blending emotional storytelling with supernatural mechanics.

Lovestruck

The Sims 4 Lovestruck Expansion Pack delivers all the romance your Sims ever wanted—launching on July 25, 2024, it introduces a swanky new city called Ciudad Enamorada where your Sims can swipe through the Cupid’s Corner dating app, plan custom dates, and experience attraction with Turn‑Ons/Turn‑Offs and four romance dynamics. With new traits, a Romance skill path, and charming items like a heart-shaped bed and sexy lounge venues, this pack brings a full love story experience to life.

games

The Sims 4 Businesses & Hobbies Expansion Pack - PC EA App [Online Gam...

BUY

games

The Sims 4 - Life & Death - EA App PC [Online Game Code]

BUY

games

The Sims 4 - Lovestruck - PC [Online Game Code]

BUY

We’ve reached the end of the article, but before you go don’t forget we’ve also got some awesome headset picks to level up your Sim experience even more!

See you in the next article!