Until recently, 17-inch was the best screen you could find on laptops. (CES 2023 announced 18″ laptops earlier this year.) This display size makes things larger than life, offering enviable detail and finesse to art projects, official collaborations, and gameplay.
The superior specs of many of these computers make them expensive. However, leading manufacturers like HP and ASUS have worked on producing budget-friendly options.
9 Best 17-inch Laptop 2023: Our Thoughts, Picks & FAQs
We reviewed some of the best options in this category, divided into types of users and requirements.
Best 17-inch Laptop: Dell XPS 17
We love the Dell XPS 17 to bits, despite its steep price tag of $3,549.00. This laptop is an out-and-out winner, with a rapid-fire Intel Core i9 processor, 32GB RAM, RTX 4070 graphics, and Waves Nx 3D audio. From business professionals to multimedia artists – many can benefit from the UHD+ display with its stupendous 93.7% screen-to-body ratio and 100% Adobe RGB color. Another considerable triumph for Dell is its neat provision of different modes based on performance needs.
Despite the large screen, it is a compact device with a chassis akin to a 15-inch laptop. The backlit keyboard also ups your productivity with its user-friendly design.
Best 17-inch Laptop: HP Envy 17
- Value-for-money performance
- Cost-effective
- Multiple connectivity options
- Good webcam with auto framing
- Portable with a rapid-charging battery
- Not enough for ardent gameplay
- The screen resolution options are limited
- Battery life is low
HP’s ever-reliable and performance-oriented repertoire has some worthwhile 17-inch options. The HP Envy 17 is capable of adequate power for work and play with an Intel Core i7 CPU, 16 GB RAM, and a 512 GB SSD.
The FHD touch display renders colors accurately (100% sRGB). On the flipside, it only has integrated Intel Iris graphics, which can limit your multimedia experiences during gaming. The company attempts to balance flickering through a specialized dimming technology. It also uses Bang & Olufsen audio for superior auditory output.
HP webcams are usually quite good, and this one has additional options like auto framing, superior noise reduction, and a privacy shutter. This PC also offers convenient storage, sharing, and connectivity with HP QuickDrop, Wi-Fi 6E, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports. The battery backup is average at about 8-11 hours, but rapid charging and a lightweight build bring up portability.
17-inch Budget Gaming: ASUS ROG Strix G17
There’s little competition to the ASUS ROG Strix G17 in delivering engaging but affordable gameplay. This model offers a 17.3″ QHD display with a fantastic 240Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and 100% DCI-P3 color.
You can experience top-notch performance during gaming with the RTX 4060 GPU, AMD Ryzen 9 processor, and 16GB RAM. ASUS provides a MUX Switch to boost things further. Fortunately, the company steps up the heat management (liquid metal) to ensure you can play uninterrupted.
We saved the best for the last: this stunning PC can be yours at $1,769.99.
Best 17-inch Gaming Laptop: ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17
We recommend the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 if you can go the extra mile for victories in the arena. It is not even remotely cheap at $3,499.00, but this 17.3″ laptop truly performs. It runs on an AMD Ryzen 9 processor, RTX 4090 graphics, and 32GB of RAM.
The QHD screen with 100% DCI-P3 color changes blazingly fast during dynamic gaming, thanks to a 240Hz refresh rate and a 3ms response time. A MUX Switch is convenient to give you a leg up at difficult moments.
17-inch Creator Laptop: MSI Stealth 17 Studio
A 17″ screen is excellent for creative endeavors like content creation, design, animation, and simulation. One of the choicest picks in this space is the MSI Stealth 17 Studio, at $3,999.00. It stands out for mega specifications: an Intel Core i9, RTX 4090, 64GB RAM, and a 2TB SSD. It has a crowd-pleasing 240Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 color, and smooth Dynaudio sound.
MSI deserves accolades for offering decent battery backup for this space (99.9Whr) and an excellent heat dissipation system (Cooler Boost).
Best 17-inch Workstation: Dell Precision 7780
- Ideal for professional environments and workplaces
- Very easy to upgrade
- High-res and accurate display
- Customized offerings for security, productivity, and collaboration
- Very steep pricing
- Can face thermal management concerns
The Dell Precision series is a fine choice for professionals who need that extra space (and power) to give their best. An Intel Core i5 runs this machine, with 16GB RAM and Intel UHD Graphics. It delivers 99% DCI-P3 color with a brightness of 500 nits.
The Precision 7780 shines in the multiple features tailored to work environments, like a fingerprint reader and a privacy camera shutter. It also offers a user-customizable cooling system. At $2,829.00, it is not extravagant when weighed against its offerings.
17-inch Value for Money: HP laptop 17
No surprises here! HP has always prioritized consumer value. The HP laptop 17 ($599.99) uses an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU, 16GB RAM, an FHD display, and integrated Radeon graphics to deliver an exciting value proposition for users who love their space. This 17.3″ laptop uses a lift-hinge for flexibility and charges quickly (50% charge in 45 minutes.)
17-inch Laptop Under $1000: ASUS Vivobook 17
There’s lovely news for those who thought 17″ laptops must cost over $1000. The ASUS Vivobook 17 just about meets this criterion at $999.99.
It gets powered by an Intel Core i9 CPU, 16GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD. Despite the affordability, it remains a satisfying machine, delivering quick charging and an immersive screen-to-body ratio of 86%.
ASUS also emphasizes user privacy. Patrons can benefit from features like a webcam shutter and fingerprint reader while using it for business. Plus, the military-standard build grants it mobility for travel-focused lifestyles.
Cheap 17-inch Laptop Under $500: HP laptop 17t
Turn to the HP laptop 17t if you need to cut it ultra-cheap. It has basic specs: Intel N200, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD. But then, it is incredibly affordable at only $329.99.
The narrow-bezel display has an 84% screen-to-body ratio – quite impressive for anyone who values multimedia content.
FAQs
What specs should you seek in 17″ computers?
The answer depends on your needs and available cash. Several 17″ laptops are high-end, offering Intel Core i7 or i9 CPUs, RTX 40 Series graphics, and 16GB or 32GB of RAM. However, that’s not to say you cannot find cheaper options with lower specifications. We recommend not compromising on anything less than an Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The preferred screen resolution is QHD (or an FHD, at the least).
You will need meatier specs for gaming, video editing, and animation. We also swear by a discrete graphics card for gamers and multimedia creators. Integrated graphics are alright for standard computing but inadequate for graphics-intensive work.
Can 17″ laptops offer portability?
17-inch PCs aren’t as portable as 15″ or 14″ ones – but you knew that. Most devices weigh around 6lbs and can be unwieldy to carry around. Some options, like the Acer Aspire 5 with its hinge-based design, are better at mobility than others.
A 15″ device gets viewed as a golden mean between performance and mobility. It has higher specs than 13″ versions but travels well. However, even if you find a 15″ laptop with specs similar to a pricey 17″ one, thermals might suffer. It is hard to accommodate a powerful GPU in a thin chassis.
Which screen resolution works best for 17″ machines?
The standard resolution for budget-friendly devices is FHD (1080p). It is a decent choice for anyone focusing on college assignments, business, or everyday computing. A higher resolution like QHD or 4K is better for those who must perform multimedia editing or play AAA games. It is also a good idea for multi-tasking on simultaneous applications.
We recommend considering the other components in the laptop before upping the screen resolution. For example, discrete graphics and a competent heat dissipation mechanism become essential. The price will also go up considerably for higher screen resolutions.
We covered all the necessities on 17″ laptops for anyone leaning toward this impressive form factor. Watch this space for the latest developments and new launches in this category.
