10 Best 17-inch Laptops – 2021
TOP PICK 
BEST DEAL
Model
BLW's Score
97
96
94
93
92
MSRP
$2,499.00
Price not available
Price not available
$1,399.95
$2,144.99
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i7-7700HQ 2.8 GHz (3.8 GHz Turbo Boost)
Intel Core i7-9750H (2.6 - 4.5 GHz)
Intel Core i7-9750H (6 Cores)
Intel Core i7-8750H (3.9 GHz Turbo Boost)
Intel Core i7-8750H
RAM
16GB DDR4
64GB DDR4
64GB DDR4
8GB DDR4
16GB DDR4
Hard Disk
128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
2TB SSD + 2TB HDD
2TB SSD + 2TB HDD
128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
1TB SSD
Display
17.3" QHD (2560x1440) 120Hz G-Sync
17.3" FHD 240Hz (1920 x 1080)
17.3" FHD (1920 x 1080) 144Hz
17.3" FHD (1920×1080)
17.3" FHD (1920x1080) 144Hz G-Sync
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070
NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080
OS
Windows 10
Windows 10
Windows 10
Windows 10
Windows 10 Pro
Weight
9.7 pounds
6.3 lbs
5.75 pounds
7.2 pounds
5.95 pounds
Battery Life
6 hours
3 hours
4 hours
6 hours
2 hours
TOP PICK
BLW's Score
97
MSRP
$2,499.00
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i7-7700HQ 2.8 GHz (3.8 GHz Turbo Boost)
RAM
16GB DDR4
Hard Disk
128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
Display
17.3" QHD (2560x1440) 120Hz G-Sync
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060
OS
Windows 10
Weight
9.7 pounds
Battery Life
6 hours
Model
BLW's Score
96
MSRP
Price not available
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i7-9750H (2.6 - 4.5 GHz)
RAM
64GB DDR4
Hard Disk
2TB SSD + 2TB HDD
Display
17.3" FHD 240Hz (1920 x 1080)
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070
OS
Windows 10
Weight
6.3 lbs
Battery Life
3 hours
Model
BLW's Score
94
MSRP
Price not available
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i7-9750H (6 Cores)
RAM
64GB DDR4
Hard Disk
2TB SSD + 2TB HDD
Display
17.3" FHD (1920 x 1080) 144Hz
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070
OS
Windows 10
Weight
5.75 pounds
Battery Life
4 hours
BEST DEAL
Model
BLW's Score
93
MSRP
$1,399.95
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i7-8750H (3.9 GHz Turbo Boost)
RAM
8GB DDR4
Hard Disk
128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
Display
17.3" FHD (1920×1080)
Graphics
NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti
OS
Windows 10
Weight
7.2 pounds
Battery Life
6 hours
Model
BLW's Score
92
MSRP
$2,144.99
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i7-8750H
RAM
16GB DDR4
Hard Disk
1TB SSD
Display
17.3" FHD (1920x1080) 144Hz G-Sync
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080
OS
Windows 10 Pro
Weight
5.95 pounds
Battery Life
2 hours
Our comparison table only shows our top 5 picks. You can find the other recommendations within this article.
Much comparison have been drawn in between the traditional desktop and its replacement model with both sides having equally weighty arguments in their favour.
But the latest 17 inch laptops hope to end this battle once and for all by packing in everything that the desktop mode could offer without losing out on the portability frontier either which had always been the main USP drawing in more and more customers away from the desktop market.
These 17 inch beauties are a toast amongst two types of laptop buyers. First group consists of users who wish to replicate the desktop experience in their portable friend. Although no laptop can match up to the upgradability and expandability of a big tower desktop, certain 17 inch models do provide options for upgrading the onboard storage and RAM.
With full sized keyboards and giant screens. These 17 inch beauties surely score top rank in the comfort department of the notebook segment.
Factors To Consider
The second group is made up of gaming enthusiasts who derive their gaming prowess from speedy CPU’s and dedicated graphics card to engage in the ultimate gaming experience which in most of the cases augment virtual reality.
If the sleek hybrids are the sports cars, then these beefy mammoths can surely be treated as the SUV powerhouse.
Usually words such as beefy and portable repel each other. Packing in so much within a sleek build is surely a tough job to accomplish. Usually weighing more than six pounds, these brawny techies cannot be carried with just two fingers but a proper laptop bag can surely accommodate it with much ease.
Compared to their slimmer brother and sisters these bulky ones do not have a long drawn battery life which makes it imperative to stay close to the charging plug at all times.
And just in case if you are thinking that these heavyweights will carry an equally heavy price tag then the below $700 price of selected models will surely serve as a breather to your depleting pocket money.
One of the foremost reasons of people going gaga over these curvy beauties is its associated easy on eye viewing which in most cases come with Full HD resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. However it’s rare to come across touch based 17 inch offerings.
Matte screens are also much popular in this laptop line as opposed to the glossy screen of their smaller sized counterparts.
Our Top Picks for Best 17-inch Laptops
1. Alienware AW17R4-7345SLV-PUS
Specs:
- Intel Core i7-7700HQ Processor
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 GPU
Alienware makes a fullscape display of its trademark angular design with its latest 17 inch gaming bundle. The laptop designers have not made much changes to their gunmetal grey spaceship look over the past few years and not that we are complaining either.
The Alienware model brings along the perfect admixture of power with its sharp angles and a classy aura with its soft touch plastic and solid aluminium built. The lid comes embossed with the Alienware logo and once you lift it up you are bound to be welcomed with a gigantic 17.3 inch display, black soft-touch deck, Tobii eye-tracking camera and a full keyboard having an exclusive number pad as well as macro keys.
In case you are not a big fan of monochrome hues, then the touchpad, keyboard, side light strips as well as the Alienware logo can be illuminated with customizable RGB’s. One of the biggest draw of the Alienware series is its wide array of ports which give extensive options for expansion.
Right side houses just a solo USB 3.0 port along with some vents whereas the left side brings along a bevy of connectivity options in the form of a Noble lock slot, a USB 3.0 port, a USB Type-C port supporting upto 10Gbps of data transfer speed and microphone and headphone jack.
The back side comes embedded with a mini DisplayPort, an Ethernet jack, a Thunderbolt 3 port, HDMI output slot, jack for establishing connection with the Alienware Graphics Amp and a power jack.
The full HD anti-glare coated panel is designed specifically to deliver excellency powered by 300 nits of brightness, 4ms response time and wide viewing angles. Alienware’s tactile styled keyboard has a travel time of 2.2mm and follows up every keystroke with rapid response.
The upgraded design makes room for a magnificent speaker box which ensures optimum gaming experience with rich booming audio. Backing on NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070, the Alienware model paves the way for mind-boggling virtual reality which passes Vive Optimized and Oculus Ready certifications with flying colours.
Read Related Article: Alienware vs Razer
2. ASUS ROG STRIX GL703VD
Specs:
- Intel Core i7-9750H Processor
- 64GB DDR4 RAM
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 GPU
The powerful new ASUS ROG STRIX III is the ultimate beast who can take on even the most demanding games and walk away with flying colors. Its black brushed metal cover with ambient lighting radiates an aura of sophistication which can keep its calm even during the most excruciating gaming marathons.
The latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX2070 graphics card and 9th generation Intel Core i7-9750U hexa-core processor boost up the system performance and the whopping 64GB of fast DDR4 2400MHz memory will handle high-end gaming with ease.
Weighing at 6.3 lbs this 1” thick desktop replacement makes it a favorite not only among gamers but even the general users who wish to have the backing of a fire powered tech baby.
Its 17.3 inch full HD display housing the brilliant Wide view panel supporting up to 178 degrees of viewing angle hikes up the screen brightness by 50% in comparison to its contemporaries and offers a sRGB color range of 100%. The 240Hz refresh rate is among the best and results in very smooth graphics and animation.
The ASUS AURA RGB Gaming Keyboard comes with a control software and the backlight feature so that you can add requisite touches of customization to your gaming style. The backlighting is divided among four different zones which can be synchronized harmoniously or configured independently. Features such as n-key rollover and anti-ghosting adds a dash of precision to input along with a key travel of 0.25mm.
With 20 million keystroke durability, this tough keyboard can resist even the extremes of handling which comes as a brownie point during gaming hauls. The ASUS ROG STRIX Scar III promises an end-to-end musical extravaganza with its onboard speakers having built-in amplifier technology which pumps up the beat by 200% more.
Dual fans and multiple heat pipes employed as a direct effect of its intelligent thermal design maximize the GPU and CPU performance thus paving the path for more stability. The Scar III is equipped with three USB 3.0 slots, one USB 3.1 (Type-C) slot, one USB 2.0 slot, one HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, headphone/Mic jack, and a RJ45 LAN port.
3. MSI GE75 Raider
Specs:
- Intel Core i7-9750H Processor
- 64GB DDR4 RAM
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070
This 17″ laptop from MSI is a real powerhouse. It’s a very capable gaming rig that could easily replace a desktop system.
This model has been upgraded by the well-known Computer Upgrade Kings (CUK). It’s powered by a 9th generation Intel Core i7-9750H processor with 6 cores. The CPU is based on a power-efficient microarchitecture which accentuates the performance velocity in comparison to previous generations with carefully laid out silicone optimizations.
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 GPU will provide plenty of graphics processing power for most applications, including hard-core gaming. The laptop will also support up to two 4K external monitors for when you aren’t mobile.
Its 17.3 inch Full HD screen with state-of-art features such as Anti-Glare and Wide View Angle delights with a stunning resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. The 94% NTSC Panel brings home a large color gamut so that the laptop can deliver even the minutest of details in an extraordinary manner.
One of the basic necessities of gaming computers are a high quality audio system so that you can immerse deep into the sci-fi world alongside your gaming protagonist. The MSI Dominator does not disappoint with the Nahimic audio enhancer software which boost up the sound quality to provide you with the ultimate gaming bliss.
This laptop ships with Windows 10 and is a great choice for applications ranging from gaming to engineering design.
4. Dell Inspiron G3
Specs:
- Intel Core i7-8750H Processor
- 8GB DDR4 RAM
- NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti
Dell is popular for its versatility in bringing something new to the table. They were the industry pioneers to adopt the Kaby Lake processors.
Thus it is very obvious to keep great expectations from its 17.3 inch gaming laptop which aims to be the ultimate desktop replacement which can cater to everything from your work to gaming needs.
Initially it stuns with the VR-Ready 17.3 inch Full HD display which can entangle you in its magical extravaganza by creating an immersive experience which will be hard to let go.
With more than two million pixels, the Full HD LED-backlit screen accentuates the multimedia experience by two times much to the delight of avid gamers.
Its True Color feature paves the path for colour fidelity and visual clarity which imparts a virtual reality tag to onscreen movie viewing.
Users can adjust the vibrancy, colour temperature and tone of the display to compensate for the lighting adequacy such as incandescent or fluorescent. It’s 10 key numberpad makes working with spreadsheets as easy as a cakewalk.
The equally large touchpad assists in scrolling, pointing and zooming into document with much precision. If you thought that standard laptops were nowhere close to professional audio systems then the Dell Gaming Inspiron powered by Waves MaxxAudio stands as the perfect prototype to break this school of thought.
The sturdy hinge feels tight and in place even after opening and closing the lid for 20000 times. The NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti GPU is known for lightning quick rendering and provides the virtual reality (VR) features of the laptop.
To pack all these features into a laptop that’s just under 1″ thin is quite an achievement. Add a very respectable battery life of 6 hours and you have an amazing laptop, whether for business computing or taking some off to relax and play the latest games.
5. ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX701
Specs:
- Intel Core i7-8750H Processor
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 GPU
Aren’t we all inquisitive about what the future has in store for us? Well whether or not we get to see the glance of the future, the swanky new ASUS ROG Zephyrus S surely takes us miles ahead with its killer looks which simply can’t be matched up by any of its contemporaries.
This is a great looking laptop. It’s think (less than 1″), sleek and almost has a stealthy feel to it, which is surprising given the size.
Once you lift the lid, you will be spellbound seeing its spectacular 17.3 inch display in Full-HD mode. The slim bezels leave nothing to distract you from an immersive game experience.
The 144Hz refresh rates make animations smooth as silk, while the 1920×1080 display is stunning with a burst of colors which paints the screen like a vibrant kaleidoscope.
Empowered by its 144Hz 3ms Pantone validated FHD display, the Zephyrus maintains its magnificent contrast and superb image quality even when viewed from extreme angles. Accurate colour reproduction and excellent response time come as a direct effect of the IPS-Type panel.
This Pantone-calibrated NVIDIA G-SYNC display technology enhances smooth gaming experience by eliminating visual tearing, minimising perceived shutter and avoiding lag. Powered by Pascal, the GeForce GTX 10-series graphics cards enhances the system performance by three times for breakthrough VR experiences and new gaming technologies.
The backlit keyboard having anti-ghosting keys ensure correct interpretation and instantaneous reproduction of commands even when 30 keys are pressed simultaneously. Its ergonomically designed keys having a travel time of 2.5mm brings along greater accuracy and the illumination aids in continuing with work even in dark surroundings.
This ASUS laptop provides nice connectivity options with five USB 3.0 ports. It also includes extra fans and Asus’ proprietary active aerodynamic system to keep the system temperatures down.
An interesting feature of this laptop is the detachable webcam. It’s a high resolution, high frame rate (60 fps) camera that can positioned anywhere you’d like for the perfect viewing angle. The camera includes a beamforming microphone array to be sure you are heard clearly wherever the camera is located.
Gameplay performance is largely affected by storage speed and the ASUS model does not disappoint with a RAID0 PCIe NVMe SSD Hyper Drive which multiplies gains by four times over SATA-based drives. The MLC NAND used by ROG HyperDrive increases endurance and improves write performance even when the workload becomes heavy.
While it’s the highest priced laptop in our list, this is a powerful 17″ laptop that will meet the needs of almost any application, gaming or business. However, if you need long battery life you should consider other options.
6. Acer Aspire 5
Specs:
- Intel Core i7-8550U Processor
- 8GB DDR4 RAM
- NVIDIA GeForce MX150
Do you need a serious computing device, not some flashy gamer rig that will serve as a space heater with a short battery life?
That’s exactly where the Acer Aspire 5 comes in. It brings along the power of the reliable computing workhorse combined with its executive styled looks. Its ribbed black plastic body is adorned with a simple silver Acer logo.
However, this laptop has the power to play most games without a problem when you need a break from work. The 8th generation i7 processor and NVIDIA dedicated GPU will serve that purpose well. Battery life is respectable at 7 hours.
Its 17.3 inch HD+ screen having an LED-backlit display has a widescreen format that’s great for viewing and editing documents. Its HD quality webcam aids in Skype chat with crisp and lag-free picture quality.
If you like to listen to music while working, the high-quality audio system has a unique speaker system with a bass response that will surprise and delight you. Four built-in speakers which can be fine-tuned using Acer TrueHarmony Plus and Dolby Audio Premium technology delivers a wide array of bass, limits audio distortion and pumps up the volume so that your games and movies spring to life.
Wireless connectivity is established through 802.11ac Wi-Fi which can boost up the performance by three times ushering in lightning-fast speed and super reliability to everything from streaming live videos to online gaming.
Wired connectivity frontal is looked after by one USB Type-C port supporting Thunderbolt 3 paving support for dual 4K video output and speeds up to 10Gbps simultaneously, two USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports one of which can be used for power-off USB charging and a HDMI connection.
7. ASUS VivoBook F705MA
Specs:
- Intel Pentium Silver N5000 Processor
- 8GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB HDD
For the budget-oriented, this ASUS VivoBook F705MA will be worth considering. It’s a solid performer with decent battery life.
Weighing only 4.6 and less than 1″ thick, this ultra-portable VivoBook can fit in snugly inside your backpack or messenger bag. So whether it is a roadside café or those long and boring flight routines, the ASUS will have your covered as a never ending entertainment powerhouse.
Its built-in microphones are designed especially to shield away noise and external interferences so that you get clear vocals even while sitting in the college back desk alongside a group of noisy chattering friends.
Its chiclet styled gaming keyboard comes with an alluring red backlight offering travel distance of 1.6mm which is a bliss for those tired fingers even if you put them to work round the clock.
The laptop comes fitted with a standard 8GB of DDR4 RAM which which is sufficient for everyday computing tasks like document editing, emails or streaming video. The reversible state-of-art Type-C display port promises lightning fast data transfers at the speed of 10Gbps. For example, if you have a 2GB movie file to transfer, the task will be completed within just two seconds leaving you with a lot of time to ponder over other movie options.
Its mini DisplayPort can be used for hooking up the machine to a larger display screen to complete the immersive gaming experience. Its Hyper Cool Duo-Copper cooling system makes use of dual fans and several heat pipes to impart independent cooling solutions to both the CPU and GPU.
This unique design helps maintain the system cool even during those extensive gaming marathons.
8. MSI GP73 Leopard
Specs:
- Intel Core i7-8750H Processor
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- NVIDIA GTX 1060 GPU
MSI – the brand name is enough to send ripples down the spine of gaming aficionados. Since years, MSI has been launching extraordinary gaming machines each of which aim to propel the complete gaming experience a notch higher.
In line with its immense market goodwill and tradition of serving wholesome technological beasts it gifts us yet again with the GP73 Leopard model which is the ultimate console transforming all your gaming whims into an extraordinary reality.
In spite of housing tremendous power and potential, the MSI model stands out as a slim and sexy offering which is just over an inch thin.
Weighing at 6 pounds, the GP73 is portable enough for being carried around in college in case you wish to win over your dream girl by showcasing those suave gaming skills.
The NTSC color panel enhances the screen vibrancy by paving the path for color accuracy so that each and every hue stands out in deep contrast to the other. Games spring to life as you immerse yourself in this delightful larger than life journey.
The dedicated GeForce GTX 1060 GPU boosts up the system performance by 60% over the 960M GPU which was a top draw in previous models. This is great for performance but can sometimes lead to heat build up.
However the GP73 users can put worries to rest with its Cooler Boost technology which puts to use 6-7 heat pipes for upholding system performance and preventing throttle so that your gaming drive can continue its dream run.
The Nahimic 2 Audio Enhancement feature works in smooth sync with the virtual 3.1 surround sound to maximize your immersive 3D experience by reducing external noise so that your attention does not divert from the ultimate gaming goal of reaching record figures. Its Audio Boost design also enhances intricate sound detailing by 30%.
The backlit multicolor (RGB) keyboard of this gaming monster having an ergonomic design surprises with a travel time of 1.9mm which brings along tactile feedback and better response. The Mechanical-level Shielding solution imparts a solid feel to this MSI keyboard which can stand even the roughest of handlings.
9. Acer Predator 17 Gaming Laptop
Specs:
- Intel Core i7-7700HQ Processor
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
Red and black serve as the ultimate killer combo which oozes out sex appeal and out-and-out persona from every angle. The Acer Predator 17 model is also build with reddish undertones which stands out in stark contrast to the black chassis having geometric cuts and weaves a mysterious mesh all around.
If drool worthy frame rates serve as your calling card, then the Acer Predator 17 G9-793-78CM gaming laptop will surely fit your bill.
Designed for those having an unquenchable need for speed, this gaming monster brings together the ultimate brawn in the form of super powerful 6th Gen Intel Core i7-6700HQ processor and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphic card having 8 GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM.
Driven by the brand new NVIDIA Pascal architecture, the G9-793-78CM can take you to the platonic world of virtual reality. Its 17.3 inch Full HD display based on NVIDIA G-SYNC technology paints the screen in vibrant masterstrokes which are delightful to watch.
In case you are worried about the laptop getting heated during those intense gaming marathons, then the Acer Predator 17 with its advanced cooling capabilities will surely come in as a breather.
Its Predator FrostCore enhances the system performance without hiking up the device heat and the Dust Defender technology banks on alternating airflow directions and acts as a guard against building up dust.
Wi-Fi and Ethernet join hands in this evolutionary device to bring home high speed attack wherein you can earmark bandwidth usage against applications for gaining from the optimum utility.
The ProZone keyboard of the Predator having programmable micro profiles and four customizable backlight zones serves as the milestone for accuracy.
Acer breaks its own record with mind boggling audio powered by its SoundPound technology which works with two subwoofers, four speakers and Dolby Audio surround sound to create scintillating music for your eardrums.
The Predator 17 is the perfect gaming console from every inch with a wide array of customisable profiles, macro programmable keys and adjustable lighting controls.
10. Dell Inspiron 7000
Specs:
- Intel Core i7-7500U Processor
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- NVIDIA GeForce 940 MX
The 2-in-1 Dell beast having a dark-gray aluminium hue has for long been in the wish list of tech nerds for whom size plays the calling card.
Once you lift the lid, the giant 17.3 inch screen is sure to mesmerize you. The in-built 360 degree hinge helps in swinging between tablet, laptop, display and tent modes.
However, in spite of having enough surface area, the Inspiron model does not bring along any significant difference in the port segment when compared to fellow 13 and 15 inch models. There is an HDMI slot, a USB Type-C port with DisplayPort, a headphone/microphone combo jack and a USB 3.0 port in the left.
The right hemisphere houses an SD card reader, a USB 2.0 port, power button, Noble lock slot and a volume rocker. The easy to use keyboard having auto backlit feature makes sure that work doesn’t get perturbed due to illumination issues.
Its 1920×1080 HD IPS display manages to shoot pretty vivid imagery as long as the brightness level is kept at its maximum level. With wide viewing angles, the Inspiron promises top-notch contrast and colour accuracy which makes the images spring to life.
The precision touchpad is big enough to let your fingers play around while you engage in pinch-to-zoom, two-finger scrolling and similar Windows precision gestures. Powered by 4-Cell Lithium-Ion battery, the system manages to maintain its cool even while performing demanding tasks.
Conclusion
Starting out from the small notebooks to the bulky 17 inch ones, every category brings along its own set of advantages and disadvantages to the table. You need to take the final call in sync with your requirement to be served with the best possible option.
For example if you are a student who uses his laptop for just basic MS Word function then a 13 inch screen is more than sufficient for you. However since its launch, the 17 inch category has been subject to much adulteration which is quite obvious given the immense functionality it packs in.
Whether this popularity is here to stay or not can only be understood when the right time comes. But as of now, it surely is in the spotlight.
Resources
About the Author Marcus
Marcus has a graduate degree in computer engineering and has many years of experience in cutting-edge technology research and development in both startups and Fortune 500 corporations. In his free time, he enjoys RTS gaming.
