Best Gaming Laptop Under £300 in the UK: Top Picks for Budget Gamers

 Gaming laptops can be quite pricey, but if you're looking for a good gaming experience without breaking the bank, there are still some affordable options. While £300 might not get you the latest high-end machine, it’s possible to find laptops that can handle casual gaming or older titles with ease. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best gaming laptops under £300 UK, suitable for those on a budget.

What to Look for in a Budget Gaming Laptop

Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand the key features to focus on when choosing a gaming laptop in this price range:



  1. Processor (CPU): Look for at least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3. These processors are not the fastest for gaming but will still handle low-demand games well.
  2. Graphics (GPU): Integrated GPUs like Intel UHD Graphics or AMD Vega will perform best for lighter gaming. Discrete GPUs at this price point are rare, but look out for them in refurbished models.
  3. RAM: Aim for at least 8GB of RAM to ensure smooth multitasking and better game performance.
  4. Storage: A Solid-State Drive (SSD) is preferable over a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD) due to its faster loading times.
  5. Screen: A 1080p screen provides better clarity for gaming, though it might be difficult to find in this budget range.

Top Picks for Best Gaming Laptop Under £300 in the UK

1. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (Intel Core i3)

  • Price: Around £279
  • Specs: Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Intel UHD Graphics
  • Best for: Casual gaming, indie titles, and older AAA games.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers. With an Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB RAM, this laptop can handle games like Minecraft, League of Legends, and CS

without issues. The SSD ensures fast loading times, making it great for day-to-day use as well.

2. HP 14s-dq2511sa

  • Price: Around £299
  • Specs: Intel Pentium Gold, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Intel UHD Graphics
  • Best for: Basic gaming, indie games, and older titles.

Although the HP 14s is powered by a Pentium Gold processor, its 8GB of RAM and SSD storage make it suitable for lighter games like Stardew Valley, The Sims 4, or Fortnite (on lower settings). It also doubles as a great laptop for everyday tasks, such as web browsing and word processing.

3. Acer Aspire 5 (Refurbished)



  • Price: Around £280 (Refurbished)
  • Specs: AMD Ryzen 3, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, AMD Vega 3 Graphics
  • Best for: Light gaming and older or indie titles.

If you don’t mind purchasing a refurbished device, the Acer Aspire 5 is an excellent choice. The AMD Ryzen 3 processor paired with Vega 3 integrated graphics can run many popular games at low to medium settings. The build quality of the Aspire series is also commendable for this price range.

4. ASUS VivoBook 15

  • Price: Around £299
  • Specs: Intel Celeron N4020, 4GB RAM, 128GB eMMC storage, Intel UHD Graphics 600
  • Best for: Older games and emulators.

The ASUS VivoBook 15 is a good choice for gamers who enjoy retro games or emulation. Although the Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM are not ideal for demanding titles, the laptop’s lightweight build and decent battery life make it a versatile machine for gaming on the go. The 15.6-inch screen is also a plus.

5. Chuwi HeroBook Pro

  • Price: Around £239
  • Specs: Intel Celeron N4000, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Intel UHD Graphics 600
  • Best for: Retro gaming, light indie games, and casual use.

The Chuwi HeroBook Pro may not be from a well-known brand, but it offers solid specs for the price. The 8GB of RAM and SSD storage make a noticeable difference in performance, and it can run indie games like Terraria or Undertale quite smoothly. It’s also one of the more affordable options available.

Tips for Maximizing Gaming Performance on a Budget Laptop

  1. Lower Game Settings: On budget laptops, lowering the resolution and graphics settings of your games can significantly improve performance.
  2. Upgrade RAM: If possible, upgrade the RAM to at least 8GB. Many budget laptops come with 4GB, which is often insufficient for smooth gaming.
  3. External GPU (eGPU): Some laptops support eGPUs, allowing you to connect an external graphics card for improved gaming performance. This can be a future upgrade if your laptop has a compatible port.
  4. Optimizing the System: Keep the laptop clean from unnecessary programs and files. Use software tools like CCleaner to clean your system regularly and optimize performance.

Conclusion

Finding a gaming laptop under £300 in the UK can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. While you won't be able to play the latest AAA titles on high settings, these budget laptops can handle casual gaming and older games quite well. For gamers looking to stay within budget, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 and HP 14s are standout choices, offering a good balance between performance and price. Be sure to check out refurbished options as well, as they can provide better specs for the same budget.

With the right expectations and settings, a £300 gaming laptop can still provide hours of fun, especially with the wide range of indie and retro games available today.

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