Gaming laptops have become essential tools for players who want high-performance computing without the need for a desktop setup. Modern gaming laptops combine powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards, high-refresh displays, and fast storage, allowing users to enjoy smooth gameplay, quick load times, and detailed visuals. From competitive esports to casual gaming, there are models available to suit a wide range of requirements and budgets. Refurbished options also provide a way to access high-end performance at a reduced price.
Portable Gaming Laptops for On-the-Go Play
For players who need mobility without sacrificing performance, laptops like the HP OMEN with Intel Core i7, 24GB of RAM, and an RTX 5060 GPU provide a strong balance of power and portability. This model comes with a HyperX wireless mouse and backpack, making it suitable for gaming on the move. Similarly, the MSI Katana 15, equipped with a Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and an RTX 4060 GPU, delivers smooth visuals and responsive gameplay on its 15.6-inch 144Hz display, catering to both gamers and content creators who need a compact yet capable machine.
HP OMEN Series
HP OMEN i7, 24GB RAM, RTX 5060, 1TB SSD
Portable and powerful, ideal for gaming on the go. Includes a HyperX wireless mouse and backpack.
Price: £1349.98
HP Victus i5, 16GB RAM, RTX 4050, 512GB SSD
Balanced performance for gaming and multitasking. Comes with a HyperX mouse and mat.
Price: £749.98
Refurbished HP OMEN 16, AMD Ryzen 7, 16GB RAM, RTX 3060, 1TB SSD
Cost-effective option with QHD 144Hz display and ray tracing graphics.
Price: £881.21
High-End Gaming Laptops for Maximum Performance
Players looking for top-tier performance can consider models such as the MSI Vector 16 or the Medion ERAZER Major 16. The MSI Vector 16 features an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and an NVIDIA RTX 4080 GPU, making it capable of handling 4K gaming and demanding creative tasks. Medion’s ERAZER Major 16, with its Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU and RTX 5070 Ti GPU, offers similar high-end performance, ensuring smooth multitasking and immersive graphics for next-generation games. Larger laptops, such as the Stormforce ExoBook 16 with 64GB RAM and RTX 5080 GPU, are also available for gamers who require both massive storage and extreme processing power.
MSI Gaming Laptops
MSI Katana 15, Intel i7, 16GB RAM, RTX 4060, 144Hz 15.6” Display
Suitable for gamers and content creators, offering smooth visuals and responsive performance.
Price: £949.00
MSI Vector 16, Intel i7, 16GB RAM, RTX 4080, 16” 144Hz Display
High-end gaming with 4K-ready GPU performance. Includes free MSI backpack.
Price: £1567.97
MSI Vector 17, Intel Core Ultra 9, 32GB RAM, RTX 5070 Ti, 17” Display
Designed for professional workloads and immersive gaming.
Price: £2099.00
Stormforce Laptops
Stormforce ExoBook 16, Intel Core Ultra 9, 32GB RAM, RTX 5080, 16” QHD+ Display
High-fidelity graphics with G-SYNC and next-gen wireless speeds.
Price: £2549.00
Stormforce ExoBook 16, Intel Core Ultra 9, 32GB RAM, RTX 5090, 16” QHD+ Display
Premium gaming laptop with ultra-responsive visuals.
Price: £3199.97
Stormforce ExoBook 16, Intel Core Ultra 9, 64GB RAM, RTX 5080, 16” 240Hz Display
Designed for extensive multitasking and massive game libraries.
Price: £2749.97
Mid-Range Options for Balanced Performance
Mid-range gaming laptops provide a combination of performance and affordability. The Medion ERAZER Deputy 15 with Intel i7, 16GB RAM, and RTX 5060 GPU delivers reliable gaming performance and a 2-year warranty for added peace of mind. Acer’s Nitro V15 and ASUS TUF A16 offer similar specifications, with Intel or AMD processors, RTX 5060 graphics, and high-refresh-rate displays for smooth gameplay, making them suitable for gamers who want strong visuals and multitasking capabilities without the premium price.
Medion ERAZER Series
Medion ERAZER Deputy 15, Intel i7, 16GB RAM, RTX 5060, 15.6” 144Hz Display
Reliable gaming performance with a 2-year warranty.
Price: £999.97
Medion ERAZER Major 16, Intel Core Ultra 9, 32GB RAM, RTX 5070 Ti, 16” Display
Ultra-premium model for next-gen gaming and content creation.
Price: £1849.97
Medion ERAZER Beast 16 X1 Ultimate, Intel Core Ultra 9, 32GB RAM, RTX 5090, 16” MiniLED Display
Top-tier performance for 4K and VR gaming with extensive storage.
Price: £3099.97
Medion ERAZER Crawler E30, Intel i5, 16GB RAM, RTX 3050, 15.6” 144Hz Display
Entry-level option with smooth gameplay and WiFi 6 support.
Price: £674.97
ASUS and Acer Options
ASUS TUF A16, AMD Ryzen 9, 16GB RAM, RTX 5060, 16” 165Hz Display
High-speed gaming with lifelike ray-traced graphics.
Price: £1349.97
Acer Nitro V15, Intel i7, 16GB RAM, RTX 5060, 15.6” 165Hz Display
Balanced gaming laptop with fast load times and smooth visuals.
Price: £999.97
Entry-Level and Refurbished Gaming Laptops
For those on a tighter budget, refurbished models and entry-level gaming laptops are effective options. The HP OMEN 16 N0002NA, featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, 16GB RAM, and RTX 3060 graphics, delivers QHD visuals and smooth performance at a lower cost. Similarly, the MSI Cyborg 14 provides Intel i7 performance, an RTX 4060 GPU, and a 14-inch 144Hz display, offering compact portability without sacrificing essential gaming capabilities.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Gaming Laptop
When selecting a gaming laptop, specifications such as the processor, graphics card, RAM, and display refresh rate are critical. Intel Core i7, i9, and AMD Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 9 processors provide the necessary speed for gaming and multitasking, while NVIDIA GeForce RTX and AMD Radeon GPUs deliver high frame rates and detailed visuals. RAM size is also important; 16GB or 32GB ensures smooth operation during gaming, streaming, and content creation. Display size impacts both portability and immersion, with 15-inch models balancing convenience and performance, while 16- and 17-inch laptops offer larger, more immersive screens.
Brands like ASUS ROG, MSI, Razer, Acer Predator, and Lenovo Legion specialize in high-performance gaming laptops, while student-oriented laptops provide a blend of affordability and power for work and play. Refurbished laptops and ongoing sales allow gamers to access advanced hardware at lower prices, making it easier to choose a laptop that meets both performance and budget requirements.
Make sure to check out our articles on best gaming gadgets in 2025:
Best Apple Products for Gaming
Best Nintendo Switch Accessories
Best Gaming Androids (phones)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best processor for a gaming laptop?
Intel Core i7 and i9 processors, as well as AMD Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9, offer the speed and efficiency needed for smooth gameplay and multitasking. These processors can handle modern games and demanding applications with minimal slowdown.
Which graphics card is recommended for gaming laptops?
NVIDIA GeForce RTX series and AMD Radeon GPUs provide high-quality visuals and frame rates. For 1080p gaming, mid-range cards like RTX 4050 or 4060 are sufficient, while RTX 4080, 5070 Ti, or 5090 GPUs are better for 4K or high-demand gaming.
How much RAM is needed for gaming laptops?
Most modern games run efficiently on 16GB of RAM, which also supports streaming and multitasking. 32GB or higher is recommended for content creation or running multiple demanding applications simultaneously.
Are refurbished gaming laptops reliable?
Refurbished gaming laptops can provide excellent performance at a lower cost. Reputable sellers test and certify these devices, ensuring they meet performance and reliability standards comparable to new models.
Does screen size matter for gaming laptops?
Yes, screen size affects both immersion and portability. 15-inch laptops offer a balance of mobility and performance, while 16- and 17-inch models provide larger displays for more immersive gameplay.
Can these laptops handle content creation along with gaming?
Many of the higher-end models, such as those with Intel Core Ultra 9 processors or RTX 4080 and above GPUs, are well-suited for video editing, 3D rendering, and other creative tasks, in addition to gaming.
