10 Best Budget Gaming Laptops 2025 in the UK

The MSI Katana 17 Inch FHD Gaming Laptop is a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers seeking performance without breaking the bank. Equipped with the Intel 13th Gen Core i7-13620H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, this laptop offers robust gaming capabilities, enabling smooth gameplay for most modern titles. The 16GB of RAM is adequate for multitasking and handling demanding applications, while the 1TB SSD provides ample storage space and fast access to data.

The 17.3-inch Full HD display, with a resolution of 1920x1080, delivers clear and vibrant visuals, contributing to an immersive gaming experience. Design-wise, the laptop comes in an attractive Core Black finish with a 99-key 4-zone RGB keyboard, adding a customizable touch for gamers. The inclusion of Cooler Boost 5 technology helps manage heat during intensive gaming sessions, which can be a common issue in gaming laptops.

Weighing only 1kg, this laptop is surprisingly lightweight for its size, making it more portable than many other 17-inch laptops. Battery life might be a limiting factor due to its 53.5 kWh battery, which can be expected to provide modest usage time away from a power source. The build quality seems solid, though some may find the laptop’s design to be on the bulkier side due to its larger screen size. Connectivity options are comprehensive with multiple USB ports and Wi-Fi capability, though there’s only one Ethernet port. This laptop is well-suited for gamers who prioritize performance and screen size on a budget, although those seeking ultra-portability and extended battery life might find some limitations.

The Dell G15 5530 is a solid choice for a budget gaming laptop, offering a strong mix of performance and visuals. It features the latest 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13650HX processor, which handles gaming and multitasking smoothly. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 with 6GB of GDDR6 VRAM provides good graphical power for most modern games and supports ray tracing for better visuals. The 16GB DDR5 RAM ensures fast and responsive gameplay without lag, and the 512GB SSD offers quick load times, although storage might feel a bit tight if you plan to install many large games.

The 15.6-inch Full HD display with a 165Hz refresh rate and NVIDIA G-SYNC technology gives smooth, tear-free visuals suited for competitive gaming. Plus, features like ComfortView Plus help reduce eye strain during long sessions. On the design front, the laptop has a sturdy build with a backlit keyboard and an anti-glare screen, adding to user comfort and usability. Connectivity options are plentiful with multiple USB ports, HDMI, and Bluetooth.

The laptop weighs around 2.8 kg, making it less ideal for frequent travel. The Dell G15 5530 provides a well-balanced package for gamers looking for strong performance and a smooth display experience without breaking the bank, though those needing extra storage or lighter portability might want to consider alternatives.

The Dell G15 5530 is a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers who want dependable performance without overspending. Its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card with 6GB of VRAM supports smooth gameplay and ray tracing for enhanced visuals, which is impressive in this price range. The 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13450HX processor offers enough power for most modern games and multitasking, making it a good fit for casual to moderate gaming sessions. With 16GB of DDR5 RAM, the laptop handles multiple applications smoothly, and the 512GB SSD strikes a balance between speed and storage capacity, although heavy game libraries might require external drives over time.

The 15.6-inch Full HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides clear and fluid visuals, which gamers will appreciate, though its 250 nits brightness is a bit on the lower side, potentially affecting visibility in very bright environments. Build quality feels sturdy enough for everyday use, and the backlit keyboard helps during late-night gaming. Battery life, given the powerful components, will likely be average and may require frequent charging during extended play away from power outlets.

Connectivity options including HDMI and USB ports, plus Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 6 support, offer flexibility for peripherals and online gaming. This Dell laptop delivers strong gaming capabilities at a budget-friendly price, with a few minor compromises typical for this segment, like moderate screen brightness and battery endurance.