The 3 Best 17-Inch and Larger Laptops of 2023

Roomy screens offer plenty of space to get work done

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

You’ll certainly notice the difference of a large screen in a 17-inch laptop. Most offer extra hardware and screen real estate, yet stay compact and portable enough to take on the go. We've researched and tested these larger laptops to help you narrow down your search.

Best Overall

Dell XPS 17

Dell XPS 17

Amazon

What We Like
  • Large, stunning screen despite relatively compact size

  • High-end graphics and performance

  • Impressive sound quality

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

  • No Ethernet or USB-A ports

The 2020 iteration of Dell’s XPS 17 embodies everything you’d expect to find in a high-end large-screen laptop. You can get its gorgeous 17-inch display in up to 3840x2400 pixels (slightly larger than 4K resolution), which is excellent for multitasking and movies. Surrounding the screen are barely-there bezels, just enough to fit in a camera at the top.

The result is that the XPS 17 feels the size of a 15-inch laptop—perhaps even smaller. Its base configuration starts at 0.77x14.74 by 9.76 inches and 4.65 pounds, and it gets a little on the heavy side once you add extra features, but it’s definitely lightweight and sturdily built enough to tote around.

The XPS 17’s backlit keyboard feels satisfying and comfortable enough to use for a full workday; and the trackpad is huge and responsive. Speakers on either side of the keyboard pump out impressively strong sound from two 1.5-watt tweeters and two 2.5-watt woofers. The only thing missing is a number pad.

The slim profile leaves enough room for four USB-C ports and an SD card slot on the sides, but there are no HDMI, Ethernet, or full-size USB-A ports like there are on other larger laptops. However, Dell does include an adapter for those inputs.

You can build out the XPS 17 with an Intel Core i9-10885H processor, 64GB of RAM, and a 2TB Solid State Drive. This means smooth sailing with just about anything you throw at it, including multimedia and graphics work. It’s not designed to be a true gaming laptop, but the XPS 17 can still hit solid framerates with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q. If you’re fine with its premium price tag, you get a real powerhouse, inside and out.

Size: 0.77 x 14.74 x 9.76 inches | Screen resolution: 3840x2400 | Processor: Intel Core i9-10885H | RAM: 64GB | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q | Storage: 2TB SSD

Best Lightweight

LG Gram 17

4.2
LG Gram 17

Amazon

What We Like
  • Amazingly light for the size

  • Large, bright screen

  • Impressive battery life

What We Don't Like
  • No discrete graphics card

  • On the pricey side

Most people don't usually think of 17-inch laptops as small and lightweight, but that’s exactly what the LG Gram 17 manages to accomplish.

Narrow bezels around its beautiful 2560x1600-pixel display give it the footprint illusion of a 15-inch laptop, and its 2.98-pound weight puts it in a class usually reserved for smaller ultra portable laptops.

This model offers a lengthy battery life of 17 hours, with a sharp and vivid display for watching movies and staying productive. It provides a full selection of inputs, including a USB-C port, three USB-A ports, an HDMI output, and a microSD card slot.

The LG Gram 17 does leave off a discrete graphics card to help keep the machine light but that makes it less equipped for gaming and heavy graphics work. In terms of performance, though, the 1.3GHz 10th-generation Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB RAM, and generous 1TB of storage is tough to beat.

This version also updates the LG Gram 17’s design with an improved touchpad and a backlit keyboard adjusted to be more comfortable to type on.

Size: 15x10.3x0.7 inches | Screen resolution: 2560 x 1600 | Processor: Intel Core i7-1065G7 | RAM: 16GB | GPU: None | Storage: 1TB SSD

Tested by Lifewire

Despite the slim frame, the LG Gram 17 still manages a fair amount of connectivity with a solid selection of ports. Because the LG Gram 17 is more ready to work than game, productivity is definitely where this laptop shines. — Jonno Hill, Product Tester

LG Gram 17

Lifewire / Jonno Hill

Best Budget

HP 17-X116DX

HP 17-X116DX

Amazon

HP’s 17-X116DX computer doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles of higher-priced laptops but the budget-friendly price makes it an outstanding choice if you're seeking solid performance.

Inside the PC is a 2.5GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 1TB 5400rpm hard drive, 8GB of RAM and a DVD/CD burner. The non-backlit keyboard includes a number pad that’s soft and comfortable. The 17.3-inch 1600 x 900 resolution display includes high-quality imagery while offering energy efficiency to help maximize overall battery life.

The 5.7-pound weight of the HP is fairly standard for the 17-inch price point, but it measures less than an inch in overall thickness. The addition of a lone USB 3.1 port adds support for high-speed, third-party data devices, including ultrafast data transfer speeds. An HDMI port also adds connectivity options to a larger display or monitor.

Size: 15.71 x 10.2 x 0.76 inches | Screen resolution: 1600 x 900 | Processor: Intel Core i5-7200U | RAM: 8GB | GPU: None | Storage: 1TB HDD

Final Verdict

Our top pick, the Dell XPS 17 (view at Amazon) is easily the best all-around 17-inch laptop and will be the best fit for most people, whether you want a machine for gaming or work. If you're specifically looking for a great folding 2-in-1, Dell’s Inspiron 7000 (view at Dell) may be more your speed.

What to Look For in a 17-Inch Laptop

Operating System

While it’s pretty easy to adjust to a new operating system these days, most people prefer to stick to what they’re familiar with. Both Windows and Mac operating systems have their merits—with Macs being more intuitive and design-friendly and Windows being more secure and business-savvy—but the choice is a personal one.

HP Envy 17t

Lifewire / Jonno Hill

Processor

If you need a PC that can handle heavy-duty work, pay close attention to its processor, or CPU. AMD’s CPUs tend to be a bit cheaper. If money is no obstacle, look at the number of cores it has. More cores equal a faster and more efficient processor and the high-end options out there pack up to eight cores.

Display

On a 17-inch laptop or bigger, displays can be truly dazzling, with wide-viewing angles and brilliant backlit colors. Depending on your needs, there are touch and non-touch options. Resolution can vary, with the most impressive screens measuring around 1920x1080 pixels.

FAQ
  • What is the best Dell 17-inch laptop?

    If you're in the market for the best large Dell laptop, the Dell XPS 17 is one of the best you can get. Released in 2020, the 17-inch laptop features a 3840x2400 display with thin bezels. It looks beautiful, with plenty of space for productivity and multitasking. Despite its large size, the laptop is still lightweight and sturdy enough to carry around. The keyboard is backlit and comfortable, making it ideal for work.

  • What is the best 17-inch gaming laptop?

    For gamers, you won't be led astray with the Dell Alienware 17 R3. It's one of the strongest gaming laptops of this size, featuring an Intel Core i7 processor, Nvidia GTX 1070 GPU and 1TB hard drive. The large 1440p screen is crisp and pairs with 2.1 stereo speakers for immersive gaming. The keyboard is responsive and durable with a reinforced steel backplate that can support up to 10 million keystrokes. Battery life is also solid despite the power-hungry specs.

  • What is the best 17-inch laptop under $1000?

    If you want a big laptop without breaking the bank, we're partial to the 17-inch HP 17-X116DX. It will run you just $750 despite the large 17.3-inch screen. It's a budget-friendly option for those whose needs are browsing and productivity. It features a 2.5GHz Core i5 processor, 1TB hard drive, 8GB RAM, and has a 1600x900 display. The resolution isn't the highest for graphics, but it does help lengthen the battery life. Despite its large size, the laptop is less than an inch thick, and it features a USB 3.1 and HDMI port, giving you additional connectivity options for monitors and accessories.

LG Gram 17

Lifewire / Jonno Hill

About Our Trusted Experts

Anton Galang is a Lifewire writer and reviewer who began working in tech journalism with PC Magazine in 2007. He has covered laptops of all sizes and shapes, along with countless other types of consumer electronics. 

Jonno Hill has a background in design and video production, but his love of tech dates back to middle school when he built his first computer. He has tested a wide array of laptops, desktops, tablets, and other products for Lifewire.

Was this page helpful?