Find the best laptop for gaming in 2026
To find the best gaming laptop we recommend to focus on these characteristics:
- Graphics card - look for latest offering from Nvidia and AMD, make sure it's discrete and has enough VRAM
- Thermal performance - rule of thumb: opt for thick and heavy laptop as they tend to handle workload better
- Display - 2K display with fast response (1ms) and high refresh rate (120Hz+) is optimal
Best Laptops under £400 for gaming
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" 2020
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Acer Aspire Go 15 AI Ready Laptop | 15.6"
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 15.6-inch FHD IPS display and 1.73kg weight make it a solid, portable option for everyday entertainment. The inclusion of WiFi 6 and an 8-core Intel Core 3 processor provides reliable connectivity and multitasking for basic tasks. This laptop is best for students or home users who prioritize a large screen for streaming and web browsing over high-performance computing or gaming.
ASUS Vivobook Go 14" Star Black
Why we recommend this ▼
Its lightweight 1.3kg chassis and 12-hour battery life make it a highly portable option for basic tasks, powered by an Intel Celeron N4500 processor. The inclusion of Microsoft Copilot provides AI assistance for productivity, differentiating it within the budget segment. This laptop is best for students or commuters who need a simple, portable machine for web browsing, document editing, and note-taking.
Intel DGBook OTVOC Laptop Computer 15.6 inch
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 15.6-inch IPS display offers a large viewing area for media, though it's powered by a modest 2-core Apple Core m3-8100Y processor and integrated Intel UHD Graphics. The 4GB of DDR3 RAM and 128GB SSD provide basic functionality, but its 2.17kg weight makes it less portable than other options. This laptop is best for users needing a simple, large-screen device for basic web browsing and video streaming, not for any demanding tasks.
ASUS 15" 2025 Lightweight
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout 15-inch FHD OLED display offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, paired with a lightweight 2.14kg chassis. The inclusion of a backlit keyboard and comprehensive port selection, including USB-C and HDMI, enhances its practicality for on-the-go use. This laptop is best for students or business users who prioritize a high-quality screen for media consumption and everyday productivity tasks over demanding performance.
ASUS ROG Strix Impact III Gaming Mouse
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 12,000 DPI optical sensor with a class-leading 1% deviation and near-zero click latency from a unique mechanical button-tension system deliver exceptional precision. The 59-gram ultralight design, ROG Paracord, and 100% PTFE feet ensure smooth, fatigue-free movement during long sessions. This mouse is best for competitive FPS gamers who prioritize sensor accuracy and customizable, swappable mechanical switches for a personalized feel.
Crucial Micron
Why we recommend this ▼
Its DDR5 technology offers a 50% data transfer speed increase over DDR4, with on-die ECC for stability and a low 1.1V operating voltage for improved power efficiency. The kit provides more responsive multitasking and faster load times due to its dual independent 32-bit channels per module. This memory is best for users building or upgrading a productivity-focused desktop PC who prioritize system responsiveness and stability over gaming performance.
ASUS TUF Gaming M3 Gen II ultralight 59-gram wired gaming mouse
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout 59-gram ultralight design and IP56 dust/water resistance make it exceptionally durable for its weight class. The 8000 DPI optical sensor and PTFE feet provide precise, smooth tracking for fast-paced gameplay. This mouse is best for right-handed gamers who prioritize a lightweight, resilient tool for long FPS or MOBA sessions.
Lenovo Yoga Tab Series Yoga Tab
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout is the 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM paired with a sharp 11.1-inch 3200x2000 display, delivering smooth multitasking and crisp visuals. The tablet's unique built-in kickstand and high-resolution screen make it exceptionally versatile for media consumption. This device is best for business travelers and commuters who need a portable hub for productivity and streaming.
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless Gaming Mouse- Ultra Lightweight
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout 100-hour battery life and ultra-lightweight 61g design, built with durable 100-million-click switches, make it exceptionally long-lasting and fatigue-resistant. The dual wireless connectivity and precise 26K sensor offer versatile, high-performance tracking for various setups. This mouse is best for students or general users who prioritize marathon battery life and comfortable, all-day use over specialized gaming features.
Samsung Chromebook 14" Galaxy Chromebook Go
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 12-hour battery life and military-grade durability make it a resilient and portable device for daily use. The Chromebook's deep integration with Android phones facilitates seamless file transfers and cross-device control. This laptop is best for students and mobile professionals who prioritize ruggedness and ecosystem connectivity over high-performance computing.
Best Laptops under £800 for gaming
MSI Cyborg 15 15.6'' 144 2023
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15.6" Full HD Arctic Grey 2025
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 8-core AMD 5825U processor and 16GB of RAM provide strong multitasking performance for a budget laptop, while the 15.6-inch IPS touchscreen adds versatility. The inclusion of a backlit keyboard and a full selection of ports, including three USB-A, enhances its practicality for daily use. This device is best for students or home office users who need a responsive, well-equipped laptop for productivity tasks and media consumption.
ASUS TUF Gaming 15.6" ASUSF A15 Gaming Laptop 144Hz
Why we recommend this ▼
Its durable MIL-STD-810H construction and 144Hz IPS display provide a solid, responsive foundation for gaming. The combination of an AMD Ryzen 5 4600H processor and GTX 1650 graphics delivers reliable performance for its class. This laptop is best for budget-conscious gamers seeking a sturdy machine for mainstream esports titles at 1080p.
MALLRACE 15.6"
Why we recommend this ▼
Its AMD Radeon Vega 10 discrete graphics and 16GB of RAM provide solid entry-level gaming performance for its price point. The 15.6-inch IPS display and WiFi 6 connectivity offer a reliable visual and networking foundation for its class. This laptop is best for budget-conscious gamers playing less demanding titles or students needing a versatile machine for light gaming and multitasking.
Lenovo 14" Flex
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 4700U processor provides strong multi-threaded performance for the price, paired with a responsive 512GB NVMe SSD. The 14-inch convertible touchscreen design adds versatility for note-taking or presentations in a portable 1.77kg chassis. This 2-in-1 is best for students or business users who need a capable, flexible laptop for everyday multitasking and media consumption.
Acer Swift Go 14 Laptop | 14" 1920 x 1200 Touch Display | Unlock AI Experiences | 2024
Why we recommend this ▼
Its AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor with dedicated Ryzen AI hardware provides strong performance for AI-assisted tasks in a 1.25kg chassis. The 14-inch 1200p touchscreen offers vivid color and a portable 16:10 aspect ratio, enhancing productivity. This laptop is best for students and professionals who need a responsive, AI-capable system for research, content creation, and everyday multitasking.
Intel 16" NY-08 2026
Why we recommend this ▼
Its AMD 1200 1-core CPU and integrated Intel UHD Graphics are fundamentally mismatched for its "gaming" branding, resulting in a very poor 16/100 gaming score. The 16-inch IPS display and 16GB of RAM make it a basic machine for general tasks, supported by a backlit keyboard. This laptop is best for students needing a large-screen device strictly for web browsing, document editing, and light media consumption.
ASUS ZenBook 14" A14
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 0.98kg weight and Ceraluminum build make it exceptionally strong and portable for a 14-inch laptop. It delivers robust multitasking and up to 32 hours of battery life, powered by a Snapdragon X processor with a 45 TOPS NPU for advanced AI tasks. This laptop is best for frequent travelers and mobile professionals who prioritize all-day battery and a premium, lightweight design over gaming performance.
UHD Graphics 15.6 inch gaming Laptop
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 1.59kg weight and 15.6-inch form factor make it a notably portable laptop for its screen size, aided by a 1024GB SSD. The integrated AMD graphics with 16GB of VRAM is an unusual configuration that provides ample memory for basic creative tasks, not gaming. This machine is best for students or office workers who prioritize extreme portability and large storage over processing power or modern connectivity like WiFi 6.
NAIKLULU 15.6 Inch Laptop Computer,16GB 2025
Why we recommend this ▼
Its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme GPU and 16GB of RAM provide capable performance for its compact 1.6kg frame and 15.6-inch FHD display. The lightweight, 0.8-inch-thick design and fingerprint scanner add practical portability and security. This laptop is best for users prioritizing a portable, all-purpose machine for general productivity and media consumption over demanding gaming.
Dell Inspiron 14" 15 Laptop 15.6 inch
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen and integrated AMD graphics with 48GB VRAM provide solid versatility for basic creative tasks and media consumption. The inclusion of WiFi 6 and a 512GB SSD offers good connectivity and responsiveness for everyday productivity. This laptop is best for students or home users who prioritize a functional touchscreen and reliable performance for web browsing, document editing, and streaming.
Best Laptops under £1,500 for gaming
MSI Thin 15.6 inch 144Hz 2025
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
ASUS TUF F16 16" 2025
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 16-core Intel 14650HX processor and RTX 5050 graphics provide strong performance for gaming and content creation. The 165Hz display and 90Wh battery offer a smooth, long-lasting experience for its price point. This laptop is best for gamers and creators who prioritize raw processing power and a high refresh rate over extreme portability.
Gigabyte Aero 16" X16; 165Hz
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the 16-inch 165Hz IPS display with 100% sRGB coverage, paired with discrete NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 graphics for smooth visuals. The inclusion of a touchscreen and Copilot+ AI features adds a layer of versatility beyond typical gaming laptops. This machine is best for gamers and content creators who prioritize a high-refresh, color-accurate screen and want AI-assisted productivity tools in a portable form factor.
Acer Predator Triton 500 SE Gaming Creator Laptop,16"
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 14-core Intel 12700H processor and RTX 3070 Ti GPU deliver extreme performance for demanding tasks, supported by a robust cooling system. The 16-inch 240Hz display offers exceptional smoothness and color accuracy, enhanced by G-SYNC technology. This laptop is best for competitive gamers and creators who need high frame rates and color precision for fast-paced gaming or video editing.
Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 14" 2K Seashell 2025
Why we recommend this ▼
Its discrete AMD Radeon 860 graphics and 14-inch OLED touchscreen provide vibrant visuals for media consumption. The 70Wh battery and WiFi 7 connectivity support reliable, all-day portable use in a versatile 2-in-1 form factor. This laptop is best for business travelers and entertainment users who prioritize a vivid display and flexible design over raw processing power for intensive development tasks.
Acer Swift 14.5" X 14
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 14.5-inch 2880x1800 OLED display and dedicated GPU deliver vibrant visuals for media consumption, supported by a 76Wh battery for extended use. The 1.5kg magnesium-aluminum chassis offers a premium, portable build that feels more expensive than it is. This laptop is best for students and professionals who prioritize a stunning screen for streaming and everyday tasks, but not for demanding gaming or creative work.
MSI Cyborg 15.6" 2023
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 10-core Intel 13620H CPU and GeForce RTX 4050 graphics deliver solid 1080p gaming performance on its 144Hz IPS display. The inclusion of a touchscreen and a backlit keyboard adds unexpected versatility for a gaming-focused machine. This laptop is best for budget-conscious gamers and students who want a capable machine for esports and schoolwork that also offers a touch interface for casual use.
Alienware Aurora 16 Gaming Laptop AC16250-16"
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 10-core Intel 240H CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 GPU deliver strong performance for gaming at its 120Hz QHD display. The 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB SSD provide a responsive foundation for modern titles and multitasking. This laptop is best for gamers who prioritize raw performance and high refresh rates over extreme portability, given its 2.49kg weight.
Lenovo V 15.6" Series
Why we recommend this ▼
Its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme discrete GPU and 40GB of RAM provide uncommon graphics power and multitasking headroom for a business laptop. The Windows 11 Pro OS and WiFi 6 connectivity make it a practical, modern work machine. This is best for students or professionals who need a versatile laptop for both demanding coursework and entry-level gaming sessions.
AMD 16" 2026 RX16
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor, which delivers strong multi-core performance for its class. The 16-inch IPS display with a 16:10 aspect ratio provides a spacious and color-accurate workspace for its price segment. This laptop is best for budget-conscious gamers and multitaskers who prioritize raw CPU power over top-tier graphics or ultra-portability.
LG gram 14" gram
Why we recommend this ▼
Its standout feature is the Intel Core Ultra 5 processor enabling on-device AI tasks within a remarkably durable, 1.12kg chassis that meets military-grade durability standards. This is paired with exceptional portability from its 72Wh battery, making it ideal for full-day use away from an outlet. It's best for students and mobile professionals who prioritize a featherweight, resilient laptop for productivity and AI-assisted workflows over gaming performance.
KAIGERR 16" 2026
Why we recommend this ▼
Its 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor and integrated Radeon 680M graphics provide strong general performance for a laptop with a 1TB SSD and user-upgradable RAM. The 15.6-inch IPS display and comprehensive port selection, including a full-function USB-C, add to its versatility for daily tasks. This laptop is best for students or office workers who need a reliable machine for productivity, web browsing, and media consumption, but not for demanding gaming.