Skip to content
LaptopChooser
Compare laptops

Budget Gaming Laptops Under £1,200

Gaming laptops under £1,200. Compare the graphics card and its power limit first, then memory and the screen.

We earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases made through our links, at no extra cost to you. This never affects our specs. How we make money.

11 laptops

Choosing a budget gaming laptop

Every gaming laptop here is under £1,200. At this price the aim is smooth 1080p gaming, and the graphics card decides how well you get there. Compare the card first, then its graphics power (TGP): a well-powered RTX 5050 can match a starved RTX 5060.

Budget gaming laptops save money on the screen, build and battery. Look for a 144 Hz or faster screen, since a 60 Hz screen wastes a good graphics card. 16 GB of memory is the minimum for new games; if a laptop has 8 GB, check that it has a free slot to add more.

Storage fills up fast with games, so 1 TB is worth paying for, or check for a second storage slot.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good budget gaming laptop?

Look for an RTX 5050 or 5060 with a high graphics power, 16 GB of memory, 512 GB or more of storage and a 144 Hz screen. Those four specs matter more than the brand.

Can a cheap gaming laptop run modern games?

Yes, at 1080p with medium to high settings in most games. The most demanding new games may need lower settings or upscaling such as DLSS.

Is 8 GB of RAM enough for gaming?

Not for new games, which can use more than 8 GB on their own. Choose 16 GB, or a laptop with a free memory slot so you can add more.

Will these laptops always be under £1,200?

Prices change often, so a laptop can move above or below £1,200. Check the current price on Amazon.