We know choosing the right gaming laptop isn’t always straightforward. With so many models, specs, and price points to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when you’re trying to balance performance, portability, and price. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best gaming laptops in 2025.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a top-tier budget gaming laptop, a high-performance portable powerhouse, or just a reliable all-rounder for casual play, this guide has everything you need to make the right choice. To help you choose, we’ll break down what to look for in a gaming laptop, highlight how different components impact performance, and walk you through our top gaming laptop recommendations in the UK. Depending on your preferred game type, usage style, and budget, you’ll find options tailored to your needs. In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What makes a good gaming laptop?
- Best gaming laptops by budget and category
- What’s the best gaming laptop for you?
What makes a good gaming laptop?
Before diving into specific models, let’s go over what makes a laptop truly great for gaming. Understanding the key specs will help you pick a machine that suits your needs and lasts you longer, so you can find the best gaming laptops for your budget and playstyle. For more tips, check out our blog post on what to look for in a gaming laptop.
Graphics Card (GPU)
Your GPU, or graphics processing unit, is crucial, it’s responsible for rendering everything you see on screen, from characters and environments to shadows and special effects. It also plays the biggest role in your gaming performance, especially in visually demanding titles. A stronger GPU means higher frame rates, smoother gameplay, and better graphics overall.
In 2025, the best gaming laptops are now built with NVIDIA RTX 5000 series cards or AMD Radeon RX 8000 series GPUs. These deliver real-time ray tracing, DLSS 4.0, and incredibly smooth performance for next-gen titles.
- Best for competitive games: RTX 5060 or 5070 – ideal for high frame rates at 1080p or 1440p.
- Best for open-world and AAA titles: RTX 5080 or 5090.
- Budget-friendly pick: RTX 4050 – great for eSports and lighter AAA games.
Processor (CPU)
Gaming laptops often pair their GPUs with a powerful CPU. The CPU (central processing unit) handles all the general tasks your laptop performs, including game logic, physics, and background processes. A faster CPU means quicker load times, less lag, and better multitasking, which is particularly useful if you’re streaming or running multiple apps alongside your game. Look for 15th or 16th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 8000/9000 series chips.
- Best for eSports and multitasking: Intel Core i7-15600H or Ryzen 9 8945HS.
- Best for casual or budget gaming: Intel Core i5-15500H or Ryzen 7 8840HS.
RAM
RAM (random access memory) allows your laptop to store and quickly access temporary data while gaming. The more RAM you have, the smoother your system can switch between tasks and handle demanding games. It’s especially useful for open-world games, multitasking, or editing clips after a session.
You’ll want at least 16GB of RAM in 2025 for smooth gaming and future-proofing. 8GB is acceptable on a tight budget, but may hold you back with modern titles.
- Standard gaming: 16GB.
- Heavy multitasking or content creation: 32GB.
Storage
Gaming laptops typically use high-speed NVMe SSDs. These offer much faster load times and better overall system performance than older HDDs. Look for at least 512GB of NVMe storage, with expandable options via M.2 slots if you need more space for large game libraries.
- Minimum: 512GB NVMe SSD (256GB is workable with cloud/game streaming).
- Bonus: Additional NVMe slot for future upgrades.
Display
A good display makes a huge difference. The display affects how sharp, smooth, and immersive your games look. Important features include refresh rate (higher is better for fast-paced games), resolution (1080p is standard, 1440p or 4K for sharper visuals), and panel type (IPS and OLED offer better colour and contrast).
A good screen makes every game feel more immersive. Look out for:
- Refresh rate: 144Hz or higher for smooth visuals.
- Resolution: 1080p is standard; 1440p or 4K is available on high-end models.
- Panel type: IPS for better colour, OLED for deep blacks and immersive visuals.
Cooling & Build
Gaming heats things up fast, so a good cooling system is essential to maintain performance. A well-built gaming laptop also lasts longer, stays quieter, and keeps your hands cool during long sessions. Look for laptops with dual-fan cooling, smart airflow design, vapour chambers, and quality thermal materials — especially in thin and light laptops.
Battery Life
Gaming laptops are known for draining batteries quickly, especially during demanding sessions. However, a well-designed machine should still last several hours during lighter tasks like browsing the web or streaming videos. That said, battery life can vary significantly between models. If you’re frequently on the move, it’s worth looking for laptops with power-efficient components and hybrid GPU options that can switch between integrated and dedicated graphics.
While even the best gaming laptops may struggle during heavy gameplay, many now offer between 7–10 hours of battery life under lighter use. As a result, they’re increasingly practical for on-the-go productivity and entertainment between gaming marathons.
Connectivity
A good gaming laptop should have plenty of ports for your accessories. Look for USB-C, HDMI for connecting to monitors, Ethernet for stable online gaming, and a 3.5mm jack for headsets at a minimum. Some laptops also include extras like Thunderbolt 4, mini DisplayPort, or SD card readers for streamers and creators.
Best Gaming Laptops by Budget & Category
Now that you know what makes a great gaming laptop, you can find the best model for your needs. From affordable beasts to ultra-portable rigs, here are our top ASUS and MSI gaming laptop picks for 2025 based on price, use case, and game genre.
Best Budget Gaming Laptops (Under £1,000)
Budget doesn’t mean basic. These laptops deliver strong 1080p performance at a wallet-friendly price, perfect for casual gaming, students, and first-time buyers.
- GPU: RTX 4060
- CPU: Intel Core i7-13620H
- 14” screen, futuristic translucent design, and reliable power in a compact frame.
- Excellent choice for gaming commuters or hybrid workers.
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
- CPU: Intel Core i5-13620H
- Slim and affordable with solid performance for everyday gaming and multitasking.
- Great for students or anyone who needs something portable and powerful under £1,000.
Best Portable Gaming Laptops
Need a machine that’s easy to carry without sacrificing gaming potential? These lightweight models are built for mobility and performance.
ASUS TUF Gaming A14 FA401WV-RG011W
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS
- Compact 14” chassis with military-grade durability and great thermal control.
- Perfect for eSports titles, lighter AAA games, and gaming on the go.
ASUS TUF Gaming A16 FA607NU-RL051W
- GPU: RTX 4050
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7535HS
- Big-screen immersion in a streamlined 16” body with smart cooling and USB-C charging.
- Great for those who want portability with a bit more screen real estate.
Most Powerful Gaming Laptops
These beasts are built for ultra settings, 4K gaming, and demanding creative workloads. Ideal for streamers, content creators, and competitive pros.
MSI Titan 18 HX AI A2XWIG-007UK
- GPU: RTX 5080
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX
- Desktop-level performance, massive 18” display, and top-tier cooling.
- The ultimate choice for high-end gaming and workstation-level tasks.
MSI Raider 18 HX AI A2XWIG-010UK
- GPU: RTX 5080
- CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX
- RGB-packed, UHD+ display, vapour chamber cooling, and immense power under the hood.
- A desktop replacement built for those who want it all.
Best Laptop for Immersive Gaming
For those who want the best visuals — whether you’re into cinematic single-player adventures or creative workflows — these laptops feature stunning displays with high refresh rates and vivid colour.
MSI Vector 16 HX AI A2XWIG-006UK
- GPU: RTX 4080
- CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX
- 240Hz UHD+ screen with vibrant detail and snappy response.
- Ideal for competitive players and creators who demand fluid visuals.
- GPU: RTX 4090
- CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX
- Gorgeous 18” UHD+ panel with a large colour gamut and per-key RGB keyboard.
- Great for AAA titles and multitasking across media or editing tools.
Best Gaming Laptops by Genre
Get the right tool for your favourite type of gameplay—whether you’re building cities, grinding raids, or dominating leaderboards.
eSports / FPS (e.g. Valorant, Apex Legends)
Pick: MSI Katana 15 B13VFK-1819UK
- RTX 4060, i7-13620H, 144Hz display.
- Excellent FPS performance at a budget-friendly price.
Open World / RPGs (e.g. Starfield, Cyberpunk 2077)
Pick: ASUS TUF Gaming A16 FA607PV-RL124W
- RTX 4060, Ryzen 9 7940HX, 144Hz.
- Capable of handling vast open-world environments with high detail.
Simulation / Strategy (e.g. Cities Skylines, FM24)
Pick: MSI Vector 16 HX A14VHG-629UK
- RTX 4080, i7-14650HX, FHD+ screen.
- Ideal for CPU-heavy games and multitasking across large sims.
Indie & Casual (e.g. The Sims, Hades, Stardew Valley)
Pick: MSI Katana 17 B13VEK-015UK
- RTX 4050, i7-13620H, 17.3” screen.
- Great for relaxed gaming with plenty of space to play or stream.
What’s the best gaming laptop for you?
Whether you’re after the best budget gaming laptop, a high-end desktop replacement, or just a good gaming laptop for casual play, there’s never been a better time to buy. Prices are competitive, specs are more powerful than ever, and there are brilliant options for every type of gamer.
The best laptops
| Category | Laptop | Key Specs | Best For | Approx. Price |
| Best Budget | MSI Cyborg 14 A13VF-011UK | RTX 4060, Intel Core i7-13620H, 14” display | Reliable and compact, ideal for every day. | £800–£900 |
| MSI Thin 15 B13VE-2021UK | RTX 4050, i5-13620H, 15.6” display | Budget-friendly everyday gaming | £850–£950 | |
| Best Portable | ASUS TUF Gaming A14 FA401WV-RG011W | RTX 4050, Ryzen 5 7535HS, 14” display | Travel-friendly, hybrid gaming/work use | £1,100–£1,300 |
| ASUS TUF Gaming A16 FA607NU-RL051W | RTX 4050, Ryzen 7 7535HS, 16” display | Balanced portability + performance | £1,200–£1,300 | |
| Most Powerful | MSI Titan 18 HX AI A2XWIG-007UK | RTX 5080, Ultra 9 285HX, 18” UHD+ | Top-tier cooling, 4K gaming, rendering + streaming | £4,200+ |
| MSI Raider 18 HX AI A2XWIG-010UK | RTX 5080, i9-14900HX, vapour chamber cooling | Ultra performance desktop replacement | £4,000+ | |
| Best Displays | MSI Vector 16 HX AI A2XWIG-006UK | RTX 4080, i9-14900HX, 240Hz UHD+ screen | Visual fidelity, QHD competitive gaming | £2,800+ |
| MSI Raider 18 HX A14VIG-473UK | RTX 4090, i9-14900HX, RGB keyboard, 18” display | Immersive large-screen AAA gaming | £3,500+ | |
| eSports / FPS | MSI Katana 15 B13VFK-1819UK | RTX 4060, i7-13620H, 144Hz display | Competitive gaming on a budget | £1,200–£1,400 |
| Open World / RPGs | ASUS TUF Gaming A16 FA607PV-RL124W | RTX 4060, Ryzen 9 7940HX, 144Hz | Vast worlds, demanding open-world titles | £1,400–£1,600 |
| Strategy / Simulation | MSI Vector 16 HX A14VHG-629UK | RTX 4080, i7-14650HX, FHD+ screen | CPU-heavy sims, multitasking & productivity | £2,200–£2,500 |
| Indie / Casual | MSI Katana 17 B13VEK-015UK | RTX 4050, i7-13620H, 17.3” screen | Laid-back gaming, simulation, streaming | £1,100–£1,300 |
Ready to upgrade your setup? Explore our full range of gaming laptops, from budget-friendly options to high-performance rigs. All available with fast UK delivery, expert advice, and flexible payment options. Need help choosing? Contact our team for personalised recommendations, or explore more advice in our blog and knowledge hub.