Gaming laptops that won’t break the bank are evolving fast. In 2025, gamers on a budget can find machines that deliver smooth gameplay at competitive settings—all while remaining within an affordable price range, typically between £650 and £1000 on Amazon.co.uk.
In this article, we explore the top Best Budget Gaming Laptops of 2025, providing detailed specifications, benchmark results, and insights from both customers and experts to help you make an informed choice.
Here are our top 5 recommendations in year 2025!
#5 MSI Katana 17
Specifications & Design:
- Display: 17.3-inch FHD (1920×1080) with a 144Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Intel Core i5-12450H
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
- Memory & Storage: 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- Weight: 2.5 kg
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours
Performance & Gaming Benchmarks:
The MSI Katana 17 is designed for gamers who prefer a larger, more immersive display. Detailed benchmarks and real-world gaming tests reveal:
In games like Rocket League and Fortnite, testers report smooth frame rates averaging 55–60 FPS on medium settings. The larger display also enhances multi-monitor setups and desktop use.
In more graphically intensive games such as Cyberpunk 2077 on lower settings and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the RTX 3050 struggles a bit more, with FPS averages ranging from 40 to 50. This is due to its older generation architecture, which can result in occasional dips during graphically dense scenes.
Benchmarks indicate that, although the extra display real estate aids in passive cooling, prolonged gaming sessions push internal temperatures into the higher range. This can lead to transient performance throttling in extreme cases, which has been noted by several reviewers on tech forums.
User & Expert Feedback:
Customers on Amazon.co.uk appreciate its large display and ample storage, making it ideal for casual gaming and media consumption. However, some note that it may struggle with the latest AAA games at maximum settings.
Pros and Cons:
- Pros:
- The expansive Full HD IPS screen with a 144Hz refresh rate offers smooth visuals, enhancing gaming and multimedia experiences.
- Equipped with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD, the laptop provides sufficient memory for multitasking and ample storage for games and applications.
- The dual-fan cooling solution maintains comfortable temperatures during extended gaming sessions, preventing significant thermal throttling.
- Cons:
- The display covers approximately 61% of the sRGB color gamut and has a maximum brightness of 250 nits, which may result in less vibrant colors and reduced visibility in brightly lit environments.
- With a battery life of up to 6 hours under typical usage, the laptop may require frequent charging during extended use, especially when gaming.
- Weighing around 2.6 kg, the laptop is relatively heavy, which might affect portability for users who travel frequently.
- Rating: 7/10
- Intel 12th Gen Corei5-12450H
- GeForceRTX 3050, GDDR6 6GB
- 1TB PCIe SSD
#4 MSI Thin GF63
Specifications & Design:
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920×1080) with a 144Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Intel Core i5-12450H
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GDDR6
- Memory & Storage: 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe PCIe SSD
- Weight: 3.46 kg
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours
Performance & Gaming Benchmarks:
The MSI Thin GF63 offers improved performance and enhanced portability. Its detailed benchmarks and tests show:
In popular games such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Call of Duty, the laptop averages 65–75 FPS on high settings at 1080p. The RTX 4050 consistently delivers rapid frame rendering, making it ideal for action-packed sequences.
Under intense gaming conditions, some testing demonstrated a minor dip in performance after prolonged sessions; however, its advanced cooling solution quickly recovers FPS levels. PCMag measurements indicate steady performance across varying load conditions.
The combination of a fast Intel Core i5 and high-refresh display translates into minimal input lag, with game load times kept short by the 512GB SSD, although storage may fill up quickly with larger modern titles.
User & Expert Feedback:
Amazon.co.uk reviewers praise its portability and powerful performance, with PCMag noting its capability on higher settings, though with slight thermal challenges during extended loads.
Pros and Cons:
- Pros:
- PowerfuIt handles popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Far Cry New Dawn at medium to high settings smoothly, making it suitable for both casual and competitive gamers.
- The 15.6-inch Full HD display boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, providing smooth visuals and reducing motion blur during fast-paced gaming sessions.
- Weighing approximately 2.4 kg, the laptop is relatively lightweight for a gaming laptop, enhancing portability for users who travel frequently or attend LAN parties.
- Cons:
- The MSI Thin GF63’s battery performance is modest, lasting around 5 hours under typical usage scenarios and less than 3 hours during gaming sessions.
- The cooling fans can be loud, and the heat may cause discomfort during extended use.
- While the display offers a high refresh rate, its brightness peaks at around 244 nits, and it covers approximately 60% of the sRGB color gamut.
- Rating: 8/10
- Intel Core i5-12450H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GDDR6
- Cooler Boost to get 10 Percent quietr and 10 Percent cooler
- 144Hz refresh rate panel
#3 Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-57Y8
Specifications & Design:
- Display: 15.6″ FHD 144Hz IPS
- Processor: Intel Core i5-12500H
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
- Memory & Storage: 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Weight: 2.4 kg
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
Performance & Gaming Benchmarks:
The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-57Y8 is engineered for robust performance and sustained gaming:
In testing with titles such as Apex Legends and Battlefield V, average frame rates on high settings typically reach 75–80 FPS, ensuring responsiveness in fast-paced scenarios.
Reviews (for example, by PCMag) consistently mention that Acer’s CoolBoost technology enables better thermal management, allowing the RTX 3050 Ti and the i7-12500H to maintain peak performance during extended gaming marathons.
Synthetic tests (such as 3DMark Time Spy) indicate that the Nitro 5 performs near the upper limits of its class, with minimal lag and stable operating temperatures even when switching quickly between graphically intensive scenes and menu loads.
User & Expert Feedback:
Amazon.co.uk users frequently highlight its strong performance combined with effective cooling, while expert reviews commend its ability to handle high settings despite a slightly older CPU generation.
Pros and Cons:
- Pros:
- Equipped with an Intel Core i5-12500H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU, the Nitro 5 delivers commendable performance for 1080p gaming.
- The laptop features a robust cooling mechanism with dual fans and Acer’s CoolBoost technology.
- The Nitro 5 offers user-friendly upgrade options, including two SODIMM RAM slots and additional storage bays.
- Cons:
- The Nitro 5’s battery performance is modest, lasting around 3 hours and 40 minutes under typical usage scenarios.
- Weighing approximately 2.4 kg, the laptop is slightly heavier than some of its counterparts, potentially affecting portability for users who travel frequently.
- While the 15.6″ FHD 144Hz IPS display provides smooth visuals, its brightness peaks at around 282 nits, which may be insufficient in brightly lit environments or outdoor settings.
- Rating: 8.5/10
- Take your game to the next level with the 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor. Get immersive and competitive performance fo…
- RTX, It’s On: The latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti (4GB dedicated GDDR6 VRAM) is powered by award-winning architecture …
- Picture-Perfect. Furiously Fast: With the sharp visuals of a 15.6” Full HD IPS display with a lightning-quick 144Hz refr…
#2 Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9
Specifications & Design:
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920×1080) with a 144Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Intel Core i5-12450HX
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
- Memory & Storage: 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- Weight: 2.38 kg
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
Performance & Gaming Benchmarks:
The Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9 stands out for its blend of cutting-edge components and reliable performance:
During testing on demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 (with graphical settings adjusted for balance), the LOQ 15 consistently averages mid-70s FPS. This indicates that the RTX 3050 manages graphically intense scenes well when paired with the Core i5.
Extensive benchmarks reveal low input latency and excellent frame consistency, which is critical during fast-paced gaming. Video benchmarks capture smooth transitions, even in open-world games with rapidly changing scenes.
Thermal imaging tests reveal that the LOQ 15 maintains stable temperatures over prolonged sessions, with only occasional minor throttling. Reviews from PCMag underscore that the cooling solution, while basic, meets the needs of most gamers without compromising FPS.
User & Expert Feedback:
Customers on Amazon.co.uk praise its latest-generation performance and competitive pricing. Tom’s Hardware also highlights its value for current AAA titles, with minor reservations regarding the 1TB SSD storage.
Pros and Cons:
- Pros:
- Equipped with 24GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD, this laptop offers ample memory for multitasking and sufficient storage for a sizable game library or creative projects.
- The combination of an Intel Core i5-12450HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU allows for smooth gameplay at 1080p resolution
- The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display boasts a 144Hz refresh rate and covers 100% of the sRGB color gamut, providing vibrant visuals and smooth motion, which is beneficial for both gaming and content creation.
- Cons:
- While the color reproduction is commendable, the screen’s brightness peaks at around 295 nits, which may be insufficient in brightly lit environments or outdoor settings.
- Weighing approximately 2.38 kg, the laptop is slightly heavier than some of its counterparts, potentially affecting portability for users who travel frequently.
- During intensive gaming sessions, certain areas around the keyboard can become noticeably warm.
- Rating: 9/10
- Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9 in Luna Grey offers a clean, minimalist 15-inch design that’s 4% slimmer than the previous model for a…
- Immerse yourself in gaming with a 15.6 inch 16:9 display, coupled with 3-side narrow bezel. Full HD resolution, 144Hz re…
- Simplify your gaming and study experience with Lenovo AI Engine+ with LA1 AI chip. Activate Balance Mode in Lenovo Vanta…
1. ASUS TUF A15
Specifications & Design:
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080), 144Hz IPS
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS (6 cores / 12 threads, up to 4.55 GHz)
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (4GB GDDR6)
- Memory & Storage: 16GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB PCIe SSD
- Weight: Approximately 2.3 kg
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours
Performance & Gaming Benchmarks:
The ASUS TUF A15 FA506NC offers commendable gaming performance for its price point:
The laptop scores around 14,714 in 3DMark Fire Strike and 6,130 in Time Spy, indicating solid performance for mid-range gaming laptops.
In games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the laptop achieves approximately 73–82 FPS on high settings at 1080p resolution. For titles such as Apex Legends, users can expect smooth gameplay with frame rates exceeding 100 FPS, taking full advantage of the 144Hz display.
User & Expert Feedback:
Users on Amazon.co.uk rave about its ability to handle demanding games and appreciate the premium feel of its display and mechanical keyboard. PCGamer and other reviews consistently note its performance superiority, despite its slightly bulkier build.
Pros and Cons:
- Pros:
- Outstanding gaming performance with 85–90 FPS in demanding AAA titles.
- Immersive 16-inch QHD+ 165Hz display with vibrant visuals and low input lag.
- Premium mechanical keyboard and ample 1TB SSD storage.
- Cons:
- Bulky design reduces portability for on-the-go gamers.
- Higher price point within the budget segment.
- Average battery life (around 6 hours) under heavy gaming loads.
- Rating: 9.5/10
- Powered by AMD’s Ryzen 5-7535HS Processor
- Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Graphics
- 15.6″ Full HD 144Hz Display
Comperative Table
| Model | Processor | GPU | RAM | Storage | Display | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSI Katana 17 | Intel i5-12450H | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 | 16GB | 1TB SSD | 17.3″ FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz | 7/10 |
| MSI Thin GF63 | Intel i5-12450H | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 | 16GB | 512GB SSD | 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz | 8/10 |
| Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 | Intel i5-12500H | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti | 16GB | 512GB SSD | 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz | 8.5/10 |
| Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9 | Intel i5-12450HX | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 | 24GB | 1TB SSD | 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz | 9/10 |
| ASUS TUF A15 | AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 | 16GB | 512GB SSD | 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) 144Hz | 9/10 |
Conclusion
In 2025, budget gaming laptops have significantly improved, offering gamers on a budget the ability to enjoy modern titles without compromising performance. Here’s a quick summary of our top recommendations:
- ASUS TUF A15: Combines a powerful AMD Ryzen processor with the reliable RTX 3050 GPU, delivering excellent gaming performance and value for money.
- Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9: Offers a substantial 24GB RAM and robust GPU, ensuring smooth gameplay and multitasking capabilities, making it a strong contender in the mid-range budget segment.
- Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-57Y8: Strikes a good balance between performance and affordability, suitable for gamers seeking reliable performance without breaking the bank.
- MSI Thin GF63: Provides enhanced portability and solid performance, ideal for gamers who need a balance between mobility and gaming capabilities.
- MSI Katana 17: Features a large display and ample storage, suitable for casual gaming and media consumption, though it may struggle with the latest AAA games at maximum settings.
When selecting a gaming laptop, consider your specific gaming needs, desired portability, and budget constraints. Each of these best budget gaming laptops of 2025 offers unique strengths to cater to different preferences.
For a comprehensive understanding of laptop specifications and how they influence performance, consider exploring our detailed Laptop Specs Guide.
For more detailed insights and personalized recommendations, explore our comprehensive Laptop Buying Guide to make an informed decision tailored to your gaming needs and budget.