17 inch laptops are on a league of their own. Laptops in this size category, especially the powerful ones, come close to being a desktop replacement. Sure, they aren’t highly portable, but they sure do pack a good performance which you can rely on for entertainment as well as work. The large-sized chassis design of 17 inch laptops works to their advantage in several ways, including more room for better thermal management, more upgradability options, and offering a spacious viewing room.
What’s more interesting to know is that 17 inch laptops are available at various price points. Whether you want to stick to a limited budget or are looking for a premium model that’s equipped with everything you need to get your work done, there is no shortage of options. The models we have included in this list of 11 best 17 inch laptops in 2020 differ in terms of hardware configuration, overall performance, price, design, and usage.
Minimum Requirements for Buying Best 17 inch Laptops in 2020
To further help you make an informed decision in choosing the right 17 inch laptop, we have prepared a list of minimum hardware requirements which you can refer below:
- CPU: For even the most lightweight requirement, a core i3 CPU is a must-have. Core i5, core i7, and core i9 are good for work-related requirements.
- GPU: A discrete GPU with dedicated video memory will deliver the graphics processing performance required for high-resolution video and photo editing, live streaming to social media and other online platforms, gaming, CAD designing, and other graphically-demanding tasks. Integrated graphics chipset suffices for lightweight requirements.
- RAM: Given the fact that many modern apps and software use a significant amount of RAM for seamless performance, 8 GB RAM capacity is a must-have. 16 GB RAM capacity and higher offers more multitasking bandwidth.
- Storage: SDDs have faster read and write speeds than HDDs. A minimum of 128 GB SSD storage is a must-have for fast performance requirements. Additional HDD storage will help open up more storage capacity.
- External connectivity: Ports for external connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 3 port, USB Type C port, USB Type A ports, HDMI port, mini display port, and SD card reader help open up plenty of customization options.
Review of best 17 inch laptops of 2020
2020 HP Envy 17T – best overall
There is a lot that laptop brands can do when it comes to offering the best user experience in a 17 inch laptop. HP, with its Envy 17T laptop, seems to have nailed ‘the quintessential 17 inch laptop offering.’ The model packs a powerful computing performance that’s further complemented by a host of utilitarian features. As one of the best 17 inch laptops in 2020, HP Envy 17T helps you make the most out of the investment that you make on it.
the quintessential 17 inch laptop
Inside its 17 inch chassis, HP Envy 17T houses a 10th generation Intel i7 4 core CPU that delivers a base computing power of 1.8 GHz. The CPU’s 4.9 GHz of overclocking performance, combined with NVIDIA GeForce MX 250 2 GB DDR5 GPU, helps you crush even the most intensive work-related tasks such as using analytical tools, running marketing campaigns, using software testing tools, and managing complex datasets. Apart from the fast computing performance of the laptop, a whopping 32 GB DDR4 RAM also helps increase your productivity by making it easy for you to seamlessly switch between multiple software, apps, browser tabs, and files. This laptop also features a powerful combo of 1 TB SSD and 1 TB HDD storage capacity.
The viewing experience on 2020 HP Envy 17T is on par with its superior computing performance. The laptop’s 17.3 inch full HD touchscreen display offers good viewing angles and improves accessibility as well. The inclusion of an optical drive exceeds expectations. External connectivity options in this laptop include three USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type A ports, one USB 3.1 Type C Gen 1 port, one SD card reader, one HDMI port, one ethernet port, and one headphone/mic jack.
Pros:
- Powerful hardware configuration
- Inclusion of an optical drive
- Backlit full-sized keyboard
- Good wireless connectivity performance
- Dedicated fingerprint reader
Cons:
- Weight is on the heavier side
- Can run a bit noisy under heavy loads
- Average battery backup
2020 Dell Inspiron 17 3793 – best performance
Getting your hands on one of the best 17 inch laptops under $1000 is very possible in the current laptop market as most laptop brands heavily prioritize the non-premium market segment. Dell is a good example of this. The brand, with its mid-range 17 inch laptops, including 2020 Dell Inspiron 17 3793, makes it possible for you to access a powerful computing performance without breaking the bank.
all-things entertainment and work
2020 Dell Inspiron 17 3793 powers you for all your entertainment and work-related requirements with its 10th generation Intel i5 4 core processor. With its computing performance numbers ranging from a base 1.0 GHz to all the way up to 3.6 GHz, the CPU helps you work on large-sized spreadsheets, edit documents, create reports and presentations, and use coding and analytical tools without breaking a sweat. Dell has paired the CPU with a mid-level Intel UHD Graphics integrated graphics chipset. Multitasking is a seamless experience on this laptop, thanks to its 16 GB DDR4 RAM. On the memory front, this model includes a combo of 512 GB SSD and 1 TB HDD storage.
Users get to enjoy good viewing angles on the 17.3 inch full HD display of 2020 Dell Inspiron 17 3793. Although not the highest-quality materials, the chassis of this model has a sturdy build. Also, the ergonomic layout of the keyboard, together with a wide palm-resting area, helps improve the typing experience. Two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type A ports, one USB 2.0 Type A port, one ethernet port, one SD card reader, one HDMI port, and one headphone/mic jack offer external connectivity options in this model.
Pros:
- Powerful overall performance
- Optical drive included
- Good boot-up speed
- Good wireless connectivity performance
- Rugged chassis build
Cons:
- Limited selection of ports
- Can heat up to certain levels during intensive usage
- Average display quality
ASUS TUF Gaming FX705GM – best value
ASUS has been long popular in delivering one of the best values in gaming laptops. This is true with TUF Gaming FX705GM as it is with the brand’s other gaming laptops. It is safe to say that this model is one of the best 17 inch gaming laptops in terms of affordability. This model does not fail to give a tough competition to other gaming laptops in the 17 inch territory by balancing powerful gaming performance with affordability.
one of the best value 17 inch gaming laptops
ASUS TUF Gaming FX705GM uses an 8th generation Intel i7 4 core CPU to help you play The Witcher series, Half-Life series, Doom series, Fortnite, and other modern PC games without any performance lag. The CPU’s base performance clocks at 2.2 GHz and overclocking performance maxes out at 4.1 GHz. The laptop’s gaming performance strength also lies on the graphics front as it uses a powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 GPU that has 3 GB DDR5 dedicated memory. If you want to run a couple of programs in the background while playing your favorite game, the 16 GB DDR4 RAM of this laptop will not let you down. Also, you can store all your favorite games and quickly load them with the laptop’s 512 GB SSD storage.
ASUS TUF Gaming FX705GM has a 17.3 inch full HD display. Similar to other modern gaming laptops, the display of this model has a thin bezel design which opens up a spacious viewing room. This laptop stands out in the crowd in terms of gaming-themed aesthetics with its unique look. The unique layout of the keyboard, in combination with red RGB backlighting, makes this laptop look like a modern gaming machine. In terms of external connectivity, this model includes three USB 3 Type A ports, one ethernet port, one HDMI port, and one headphone/mic jack.
Pros:
- Good overall gaming performance
- Upgradable RAM and storage
- Good SSD storage speed
- Good thermal management
- The display has good color accuracy
Cons:
- Average battery backup
- No USB Type C or Thunderbolt 3 port
- No SD card reader
- Chassis is slightly bulky
2020 HP 17.3 – optical drive included
For college, a premium laptop can be overkill while an entry-level model can be underkill. If finding the right balance between performance and price seems challenging to you, it isn’t. As one of the best budget 17 inch laptops, 2020 HP 17.3 is an unmistakable choice, both for college and work. Whether you are a college student who needs a reliable laptop to take notes and create reports or are a working professional/freelancer who wants to stick to a limited budget for a work laptop, you cannot go wrong with this model.
reliable performance on a budget
2020 HP 17.3 comes equipped with an 8th generation Intel i5 4 core CPU that helps you edit documents, create reports and presentations, take notes, browse the internet, and stream online content with its computing performance that ranges from a base 1.6 GHz to 3.9 GHz of overclocking speed. This laptop scores a mid-level ranking on the graphics processing department with its Intel HD 620 integrated graphics chipset. One of the significant upgrades that HP has made in refreshing this model is increasing the RAM capacity to 16 GB to offer more multitasking bandwidth. Also, the laptop’s 256 GB SSD storage makes it easy for you to load your work-related essentials and all your favorite entertainment content in no time.
This model comes with a 17.3 inch HD display. HP has made smart use of the laptop’s 17 inch chassis size by including an optical drive. This model also delivers excellent audio performance with DTS Studio Sound integration. Ports included in this laptop are one USB 2.0 Type A port, two USB 3.0 Type A ports, one ethernet port, one HDMI port, one SD card reader, and one headphone/mic jack.
Pros:
- Good CPU performance
- Optical drive included
- DTS audio technology improves audio performance
- 16 GB DDR4 RAM capacity is good for the price
- Good wireless connectivity performance
Cons:
- No USB Type C port
- No backlighting on the keyboard
- Display doesn’t have a thin bezel design
GIGABYTE AERO 17 – powerful graphics
It is a fact that how creative and productive you are in your work has got a lot to do with the computer that you use. With a powerful 17 inch laptop, like the GIGABYTE AERO 17, bringing all your creative ideas to life and meeting client deadlines becomes easier. This model helps you get all of your work done with its powerful hardware configuration that’s packed in a considerably sleek 17 inch chassis.
push the boundaries of your creativity & productivity
GIGABYTE AERO 17 helps both professionals and gamers enjoy the best of computing performance with its 8th generation Intel i7 6 core processor that clocks a base computing performance of 2.6 GHz and can overclock up to 4.5 GHz. From using software testing, coding, and analytical tools to editing complex documents and spreadsheets, the CPU is calibrated to deliver unfailing performance through and through. Although not primarily a gaming laptop, this model certainly helps you enjoy mid-level gaming with its NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti GPU. 8 GB DDR4 RAM comes standard in this model. With two RAM channels available, you can max out the RAM capacity to 64 GB. Similarly, the 256 GB SSD storage capacity that’s made available in this model can be upgraded.
To put GIGABYTE AERO 17 in the category of one of the best large screen laptops would do it total justice. It’s 17.3 ultra HD display helps you enjoy an immersive viewing experience with superior color correction and a well-calibrated contrast ratio. Also, the thin bezel design of the display works wonders in opening up a spacious viewing room. This model also features a robust suite of ports, including three USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type A ports, one Thunderbolt 3 port, one USB 3.1 Type C port, one ethernet port, one SD card reader, one HDMI port, one mic jack, and one headphone jack.
Pros:
- Powerful computing and graphics processing performance
- Upgradable RAM and storage
- Dedicated fingerprint reader
- Full-sized RGB keyboard
- Good selection of ports
Cons:
- Can run a bit noisy during intensive usage
- The display uses a lot of power
- AI software may not be useful for everybody
2019 Lenovo L340 – best storage
Lenovo doesn’t hold back in offering the best-in-class performance in the premium laptop segment. However, the brand also knows how to nail an affordable offering with its models like the 2019 Lenovo L340-17. By packing just the right amount of performance, this laptop meets your entertainment and work-related requirements without having you to spend much.
pleasing performance backed by good battery life
2019 Lenovo L340-17 gets its base 2.1 GHz of computing performance from its AMD Ryzen 5 CPU. With an overclocking performance of 3.7 GHz, the CPU crushes most entertainment and work-related tasks such as streaming online content, streaming to Twitch and social media, editing spreadsheets and documents, creating reports and presentations, and using different types of tools. An integrated AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics chipset joins the CPU in helping this laptop deliver a mid-level graphics processing performance. 16 GB DDR4 RAM makes it easy for you to use multiple applications, software, and open multiple files without any performance stutters. For storage, this model includes 1 TB HDD storage capacity.
Although being one of the most affordable and cheap 17 inch laptops, 2019 Lenovo L340-17 makes no compromises in terms of viewing experience with its 17.3 inch HD display. Unlike many regular 17 inch laptops, the display of this model has a 180° rotation which contributes to its overall versatility. Lenovo has also included an optical drive in this model. Ports that offer external connectivity options in this laptop include one USB 3.0 Gen 1 Type C port, two USB 3.0 Type A ports, one ethernet port, one HDMI port, and one headphone/mic jack.
Pros:
- Good overall performance
- Upgradable storage
- Good display performance
- Optical drive included
- Ergonomic keyboard layout
Cons:
- Non-upgradable RAM
- No SD card reader
- Average build quality
- Average audio performance
LG Gram 17 inch – best lightweight laptop
Exploring your laptop options in the 17 inch chassis size territory conventionally means making compromises on the portability side of things. However, few 17 inch laptops like the LG Gram 17 inch make it possible for you to achieve a good balance between powerful performance and portability in the 17 inch form factor.
unmatched portability in the 17 inch size department
LG Gram 17 holds its own in the computing performance department with its beefy 10th generation Intel i7 4 core processor. The CPU’s base frequency clocks at 1.3 GHz and overclocking performance at 3.9 GHz. Together with Intel Iris Plus integrated graphics chipset, the CPU helps you efficiently complete all your work-related tasks without any performance compromises. A powerful combination of 16 GB DDR4 RAM and 1 TB SSD storage capacity also works to your efficiency and productivity advantage. If your work changes over time and requires you to have more multitasking bandwidth, you can increase the RAM capacity to 32 GB.
LG Gram 17 is one of the thinnest 17 inch laptopsaround as it has a sleek and lightweight body design. The thin bezel 17 inch Quad HD display of the laptop further complements its overall sleek look. Also, the power button of this laptop is equipped with a fingerprint reader, a good utilitarian move by Lenovo. For external connectivity options, this laptop includes three USB 3 Type A ports, one Thunderbolt 3 port, one SD card reader, one HDMI port, and one headphone/mic jack
Pros:
- Powerful CPU
- Upgradable RAM
- DTS X Ultra improves audio performance
- Good battery backup
- One of the lightest 17 inch laptop chassis
Cons:
- No ethernet port
- No optical drive
- Can heat a bit during intensive usage
- Average charging speed
Razer Blade Pro 17 – best for gaming
The experience of playing games on a large screen laptop is unlike any other, especially with ultra-powerful models like the Razer Blade Pro 17. This model packs more gaming power than its 15 inch and 13 inch counterparts. But it’s more than just gaming performance that makes this laptop worth the choice, it also has got to do with the superior durability and upgradability option it offers.
gaming performance pushed beyond boundaries
Under its sleek chassis, Razer Blade Pro 17 packs a 9th generation Intel i7 6 core CPU that has been calibrated to deliver a base computing performance that clocks at 2.6 GHz. With Intel Turbo Boost technology, the CPU churns out a monstrous 4.5 GHz of overclocking performance which helps you enjoy modern PC games such as Fortnite, The Witcher series, Doom series, Forza Horizon 4, and others. The powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max Q GPU works in conjunction with the CPU to ensure consistent graphics processing performance. This model is configured with 16 GB DDR4 RAM along with the option to max out the RAM capacity to 64 GB. Storing all your favorite games, and entertainment and work-related essentials become easy with the laptop’s whopping 1 TB SSD storage which also includes the upgradability option.
Razer Blade Pro 17 gives a tough competition to other 17 inch 4K laptops in the display department with its stunning 17.3 inch ultra HD 4K display. The display stands out with vibrant colors and 120 Hz refresh rate. One USB 3 Type C port, one Thunderbolt 3 port, three USB 3.2 Type A ports, one ethernet port, one SD card reader, one HDMI port, and one headphone/mic jack provide external connectivity options in this laptop.
Pros:
- Powerful CPU and GPU gaming performance
- Upgradable RAM and storage
- RBG keyboard
- IR sensor included
- High-quality display and chassis
Cons:
- Weight is on the heavier side
- Can heat up during extensive gaming
- No full-sized keyboard layout despite 17 inch chassis size
ASUS ProArt StudioBook Pro 17 – best combo of RAM & storage
Getting all your work done with utmost efficiency becomes easier when you have a laptop that’s configured with the right work-focused performance. One such laptop is the ASUS ProArt StudioBook Pro 17. This model, with its powerful performance, does not fail to exceed expectations as a perfect desktop replacement.
the creativity powerhouse
ASUS ProArt StudioBook Pro 17 gives a strong competition to even some of the top 17 inch laptops with its 9th generation Intel i7 6 core CPU that runs at a base frequency of 2.6 GHz and can deliver 4.5 GHz of max computing power. Together with NVIDIA Quadro RTX 3000 6 GB DDR6 GPU, the CPU can help you edit and render videos in high-resolution, work on CAD projects, live stream to social media and other online platforms, and work on other work-related tasks. This model exceeds expectations in the multitasking department with its whopping 64 GB DDR4 RAM. Equally fascinating is this laptop’s 2 TB SSD storage capacity which helps you store all your entertainment and work-related essentials in a segregated and organized way.
ASUS ProArt StudioBook Pro 17 has earned good ratings in several 17 inch laptop reviews for its 17 inch ultra HD display. The display helps ensure that you don’t go short on all the visual cues you need to efficiently get your work done. Like other ASUS laptops, this model includes a multifunctioning touchpad. Ports included in this laptop are three USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type A ports, one Thunderbolt 3 port, one SD card reader, one HDMI port, and one headphone/mic jack.
Pros:
- Powerful CPU and GPU
- A powerful combination of 64 GB RAM and 2 TB SSD storage
- Stunning display
- Sonic Master technology improves audio performance
- Dedicated fingerprint reader
Cons:
- No ethernet port
- No full-sized keyboard layout despite the 17 inch footprint
- Can run a bit hot under heavy loads
FAQs
1) Are 17 inch laptops worth it?
Yes, 17 inch laptops are totally worth the choice if powerful performance and spacious viewing experience are two of your topmost priorities. Although 17 inch laptops aren’t as portable as 13 or 14 inch laptops, some of the lightweight models such as LG gram 17 inch and ASUS ProArt StudioBook Pro 17 are sure to make it easy for you to take your work with you everywhere you go.
2) Is 17 inch too big for a laptop?
If you are looking forward to buying a powerful 17 inch laptop as a desktop replacement, it isn’t. The large-sized display of 17 inch laptops eliminates visual clutters which helps you get the most out of entertainment. The spacious viewing experience also works wonders in improving your efficiency and productivity.
3) Do 17 inch laptops have better cooling?
In all actuality, yes. To look from a practical perspective, internal components in 17 inch laptops aren’t as cramped as in 15, 14, or 13 inch laptops. This facilitates better airflow which, in turn, improves cooling performance.
4) Which is the best 17 inch laptop to buy?
That totally depends on whether you have lightweight or heavyweight requirements. For lightweight requirements, 2020 Dell Inspiron 17 3793, 2020 HP 17.3, and 2019 Lenovo L340 are some of the best 17 inch laptops to choose in 2020. For heavyweight requirements, you cannot go wrong with 2020 HP Envy 17T, GIGABYTE AERO 17, Razer Blade Pro 17, and ASUS ProArt StudioBook Pro 17.
5) Should I get a 15 inch or a 17 inch laptop?
Laptops in both 15 inch and 17 inch chassis size territory are available with lightweight as well as heavyweight hardware configuration. So, the main trade-off is between portability and viewing room. If you prioritize portability over viewing room, a 15 inch laptop is the right choice for you. However, if you want a spacious viewing room more than portability, you cannot go wrong with a 17 inch laptop.
6) What is the largest screen size for a laptop?
17.3 inch laptops are currently the largest in terms of screen size. If you want a spacious viewing room for entertainment and/or work, you can connect your laptop to a large-sized external display using the HDMI port, Thunderbolt 3 port, or USB Type C port that supports display connectivity.
Conclusion
When exploring 17 inch laptops for your primary requirement, we recommend considering other factors too. For example, if you want a 17 inch laptop for spacious viewing experience, you might as well look for a model that has good audio performance that works in sync with the immersive viewing experience that the display offers. Similarly, if you want to get your hands on a 17 inch laptop for uncompromised utility, it’s a good step to choose a model with an ergonomic, full-size keyboard and highly-responsive touchpad and/or touchscreen.