7 Best 17 Inch Laptops 2026: Gaming, Work & Budget

The best 17-inch laptop for most people in 2026 is the HP OMEN 17 with a Ryzen AI 7 350 and RTX 5070, because it pairs a sharp 17.3-inch QHD 240Hz screen with enough graphics power for modern games and creative work at a mid-to-upper price. If you care more about weight than gaming, the LG gram Pro 17 is the runner-up: it is one of the lightest 17-inch laptops you can buy and is built around a 2026 Intel Core Ultra 7 355 chip. Below are seven main picks across every budget, five strong alternatives (including 16- and 18-inch options for anyone still deciding on size), a full buying guide and answers to the most common questions.

This guide was updated in October 2026. All picks are based on research into manufacturer specifications, current retail configurations and independent reviews rather than our own use. Some links are affiliate links, which support the site at no extra cost to you.

Top Picks at a Glance

• Best overall: HP OMEN 17 (Ryzen AI 7 350, RTX 5070, QHD 240Hz)
• Best lightweight: LG gram Pro 17 (Core Ultra 7 355)
• Best light laptop with a GPU: LG gram Pro 17 with RTX 5050
• Best value gaming: MSI Cyborg 17 (Core 7 240H, RTX 5060)
• Best budget gaming: Acer Nitro V 17 (RTX 5060)
• Best everyday mid-range: ASUS Vivobook 17 (Core 7 150U)
• Best budget for home and school: HP OmniBook 3 17 (Core Ultra 5 225U)

17-Inch Laptop Comparison Table

1. HP OMEN 17: Best Overall 17-Inch Laptop

HP 2025 Omen 17 Gaming Laptop: Ryzen AI 7 350, NVidia RTX 5070, 17.3" QHD (2560x1440) 240 Hz Display, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD

Included for '7 Best 17 Inch Laptops 2026: Gaming, Work & Budget' as a representative gaming laptop in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

View on Amazon →

Key specs

• Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 (8 cores)
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU, 8GB GDDR7
• Display: 17.3-inch QHD (2560 x 1440), 240Hz
• Memory and storage: 32GB DDR5, 1TB SSD
• Also sold as: Ryzen AI 9 365 with RTX 5060 and a 17.3-inch FHD 144Hz panel

Best for: Anyone who wants a true desktop replacement with a big, fast screen for both games and work. Skip if: You carry your laptop every day; this is a heavy machine built to sit on a desk.

Why we picked it

The OMEN 17 is one of the few current laptops that still uses a classic 17.3-inch panel instead of moving to 16 or 18 inches, and this configuration gets the details right. The QHD resolution makes a real difference at this size: text is crisp, you can fit two windows side by side comfortably, and 240Hz keeps fast-moving games smooth. Based on its GPU tier, the RTX 5070 should handle most current games at 1440p with medium to high settings, with DLSS 4 support helping in demanding titles. Expect those numbers to vary by game and power profile.

The Ryzen AI 7 350 is a modern 8-core chip with a dedicated NPU, so it is ready for Windows AI features and handles multitasking, photo editing and streaming with ease. Compared with the MSI Cyborg 17 below, you are paying more for a sharper, faster screen and a stronger GPU; compared with 18-inch flagships, you are saving a large amount while giving up only the very top tier of performance.

The 32GB of RAM in this configuration means you are unlikely to need an upgrade for years. HP also sells a cheaper RTX 5060 version with an FHD 144Hz screen; if you game mainly in esports titles, that model is a sensible way to save money.

Pros

• Sharp QHD 240Hz panel at a true 17.3-inch size
• RTX 5070 handles 1440p gaming and GPU-accelerated creative apps
• 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD out of the box
• Modern Ryzen AI chip with an NPU

Cons

• Heavy and bulky compared with 16-inch gaming laptops
• Battery life drops sharply when gaming unplugged, as with all laptops in this class

2. LG gram Pro 17: Best Lightweight 17-Inch Laptop

LG gram Pro 17" Light Laptop, Intel Core Ultra 7 355, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD

Included for '7 Best 17 Inch Laptops 2026: Gaming, Work & Budget' as a representative gaming laptop in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

View on Amazon →

Key specs

• Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 355
• Graphics: Integrated Intel graphics
• Memory and storage: 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
• Display: 17-inch 16:10 panel (see listing for resolution of each configuration)
• Weight class: Ultralight for its size

Best for: Professionals, students and travellers who want a huge screen without a heavy bag. Skip if: You need a dedicated GPU for gaming or 3D work.

Why we picked it

The gram line has defined the lightweight 17-inch category for years, and reviewers consistently cite it as the go-to choice for anyone who wants screen space without the bulk of a gaming laptop. Previous gram Pro 17 models came in at around 3.3 pounds with a 90Wh battery, making them lighter than many 15-inch laptops, and the 2026 model continues that thin-and-light focus with Intel’s newer Core Ultra 7 355 chip.

In daily use, that means you can take a 17-inch screen to a coffee shop or a meeting room without feeling it in your shoulder. The 16:10 aspect ratio gives you more vertical space than a standard 16:9 panel, which helps with spreadsheets, documents and code. The Core Ultra 7 355 is built for efficiency, so it should handle Office apps, browsers with dozens of tabs, video calls and light photo editing smoothly while stretching battery life.

Compared with the ASUS Vivobook 17 lower on this list, the gram Pro costs more but is much lighter and uses a newer processor. Compared with the gram Pro 17 RTX version, you give up the dedicated GPU in exchange for a lower price and better battery life. RAM on gram laptops is soldered, so choose 16GB or more at purchase; 32GB versions are also sold.

Pros

• Exceptionally light for a 17-inch laptop
• Efficient 2026 Intel processor for long unplugged sessions
• Tall 16:10 display is great for productivity
• 1TB SSD standard in this configuration

Cons

• Integrated graphics only; not built for gaming
• Soldered RAM cannot be upgraded later

3. LG gram Pro 17 with RTX 5050: Best Light Laptop With a Dedicated GPU

LG gram Pro 17-inch Lightweight Laptop Computer, Intel Evo Edition Powered by Intel Core Ultra7 255H Processor, NVIDIA RTX5050, Windows 11 Home, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Black

Included for '7 Best 17 Inch Laptops 2026: Gaming, Work & Budget' as a representative gaming desktop pc in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

View on Amazon →

Key specs

• Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (Intel Evo Edition)
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050
• Memory and storage: 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
• Display: 17-inch QHD+ 144Hz
• Also sold with: Core Ultra 9 285H

Best for: Creators who travel and want GPU acceleration for video editing or light gaming without a five- or six-pound laptop. Skip if: Gaming is your main goal; the HP OMEN or MSI Cyborg give far more GPU power for the money.

Why we picked it

Most 17-inch laptops with a dedicated GPU are bulky gaming machines. This gram Pro 17 is the exception: it keeps the slim, light chassis and adds an RTX 5050, so you get NVIDIA’s encoders and CUDA support for apps like Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve and Blender, plus enough graphics power for older or lighter games at 1080p-class settings. The QHD+ 144Hz panel is sharper and smoother than the FHD screens on most budget 17-inch models.

The Core Ultra 7 255H is a high-performance H-series chip with an NPU, and its Intel Evo certification means it meets Intel’s targets for responsiveness and battery. Compared with the base gram Pro 17 above, you pay a premium for the GPU. Compared with full gaming laptops, the RTX 5050 sits at the entry level, so expect to lower settings in demanding new games.

Think of it as the premium choice for people who want one laptop for travel, office work and occasional creative projects.

Pros

• Dedicated RTX GPU in a light, thin chassis
• Sharp QHD+ 144Hz display
• Intel Evo platform with strong efficiency

Cons

• RTX 5050 is entry-level for its premium price
• Soldered memory; buy the RAM you need on day one

4. MSI Cyborg 17: Best Value 17-Inch Gaming Laptop

msi Cyborg 17 17.3" FHD 144Hz Gaming Laptop: Intel Core 7-240H, NVIDIA Geforce RTX 5060, 16GB DDR5, 1TB NVMe SSD, Type C, Wi-Fi 6E, Win 11 Home: Translucent Black B2RWFKG-074US

Included for '7 Best 17 Inch Laptops 2026: Gaming, Work & Budget' as a representative gaming laptop in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

View on Amazon →

Key specs

• Processor: Intel Core 7 240H
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU
• Display: 17.3-inch FHD, 144Hz
• Memory and storage: 16GB DDR5, 1TB NVMe SSD
• Connectivity: USB-C, Wi-Fi 6E

Best for: Gamers who want a current-generation RTX 5060 on a 17-inch screen without stepping into premium pricing. Skip if: You want a sharper QHD panel or a premium metal build.

Why we picked it

Several buying guides point to the Cyborg 17 as the 17.3-inch gaming laptop that gives you a current RTX 5060 at the lowest sensible price, and the specs back that up. The RTX 5060 is a big step over older RTX 4050 and 3050 machines that still fill the budget 17-inch category, and it supports DLSS 4 with multi-frame generation. Based on its tier, it should run most modern games at 1080p with high settings, and esports titles at high frame rates that suit the 144Hz screen.

The Core 7 240H is a 10-core H-series processor, which is plenty for gaming and everyday multitasking. MSI also sells the Cyborg 17 with a Core 5 210H for less, or with a Core 9 270H and up to 2TB of storage for more. The 1TB SSD in this configuration is the sweet spot, since modern games regularly take up 100GB or more.

Compared with the HP OMEN 17, you give up the QHD 240Hz display and some GPU power; compared with the Acer Nitro V 17, you get a larger SSD and a known processor. The translucent design is distinctive, but the chassis is mostly plastic.

Pros

• Current-generation RTX 5060 at a mid-range price
• 1TB SSD in this configuration
• Several CPU and storage options

Cons

• FHD resolution looks softer on a 17.3-inch screen
• Plastic build feels less premium

5. Acer Nitro V 17: Best Budget 17-Inch Gaming Laptop

Acer Nitro V 17.3in Gaming Laptop 16GB RAM 512GB SSD RTX 5060 FHD

Included for '7 Best 17 Inch Laptops 2026: Gaming, Work & Budget' as a representative gaming laptop in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

View on Amazon →

Key specs

• Processor: Not listed in this configuration’s title; check the listing before buying
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060
• Display: 17.3-inch FHD
• Memory and storage: 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD

Best for: Gamers on a strict budget who want the biggest screen possible with a current RTX GPU. Skip if: You install lots of large games or need a known, high-end CPU.

Why we picked it

The Nitro V line is Acer’s entry-level gaming range, and the 17.3-inch version is usually one of the most affordable ways to get an RTX 5060 on a large screen. That GPU is the same class as the MSI Cyborg 17’s, so frame rates should be broadly comparable at 1080p in GPU-heavy games. The main trade-offs are the 512GB SSD and the lack of a listed processor in this particular configuration, so check the full spec sheet to confirm which CPU you are getting.

Budget gaming laptops like this make sense for students and first-time PC gamers who mainly play popular titles. Plan to add a second SSD or use external storage if you keep several big games installed at once, and confirm the free M.2 slot in the product documentation.

Compared with the MSI Cyborg 17, the Nitro V 17 usually costs less but has half the storage. Compared with the ASUS Vivobook 17, it costs more but can actually play modern games.

Pros

• One of the lowest-priced ways to get an RTX 5060 at 17 inches
• 16GB RAM is enough for current games
• Large screen for the money

Cons

• 512GB SSD fills up quickly with modern games
• Processor not specified in this configuration’s title

6. ASUS Vivobook 17: Best Everyday 17-Inch Laptop

ASUS Vivobook 17 Laptop - 17.3” FHD Display - Intel® Core™ 7 150U - 16GB RAM - 1TB SSD - Windows 11 Home - Cool Silver - F1704VAP-ES77

Included for '7 Best 17 Inch Laptops 2026: Gaming, Work & Budget' because the listing adds cooling or gel-infused layers, which is the attribute this article compares.

View on Amazon →

Key specs

• Processor: Intel Core 7 150U
• Graphics: Integrated Intel
• Display: 17.3-inch FHD
• Memory and storage: 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
• Model: F1704VAP

Best for: Home offices, families and anyone who wants a large, comfortable screen for documents, video calls and streaming. Skip if: You plan to play modern games or need an ultralight laptop.

Why we picked it

Not everyone who searches for a 17-inch laptop wants a gaming machine. Many people simply want a bigger screen for spreadsheets, online classes or watching shows, and the Vivobook 17 handles that well. The Core 7 150U is a power-efficient chip that is more than enough for office apps and web browsing, and 16GB of RAM with a 1TB SSD is a generous combination at this price.

The 17.3-inch FHD screen is the same resolution as the gaming laptops above, but here it is aimed at comfort rather than speed. The full-size keyboard on 17-inch laptops typically includes a number pad, which is useful for accounting and data entry. Compared with the HP OmniBook 3 17 below, you get double the RAM and a larger SSD. Compared with the LG gram Pro 17, it is heavier and uses an older processor generation, but it costs noticeably less.

Pros

• 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD at a mainstream price
• Large screen for comfortable everyday work
• Efficient U-series processor

Cons

• Integrated graphics limit gaming and video editing
• FHD resolution is basic for the screen size

7. HP OmniBook 3 17: Best Budget 17-Inch Laptop for Home and School

HP OmniBook 3 17.3 inch Laptop PC, FHD Display, Intel Core Ultra 5 225U, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, Intel Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Glacier Silver, 17-dg0099nr

Included for '7 Best 17 Inch Laptops 2026: Gaming, Work & Budget' because the listing lists an explicit depth/thickness, which is the attribute this article compares.

View on Amazon →

Key specs

• Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 225U
• Graphics: Integrated Intel
• Display: 17.3-inch FHD
• Memory and storage: 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD
• Model: 17-dg0099nr

Best for: Students and households who need a reliable big-screen laptop for browsing, schoolwork and streaming. Skip if: You run many apps at once or keep dozens of tabs open; 8GB of RAM will feel tight.

Why we picked it

The OmniBook 3 is HP’s newer mainstream line, and this 17.3-inch model uses a Core Ultra 5 225U from Intel’s newer Core Ultra family, which is a clear step up from the older Core i3 and Ryzen 3 chips found in many bargain 17-inch laptops. For homework, Google Docs, streaming and video calls, it has all the performance most people need.

The main compromise is memory. 8GB of RAM is the minimum we would recommend in 2026, fine for light use but limiting for heavy multitasking. If your budget can stretch a little further, the ASUS Vivobook 17 above doubles the RAM and storage. For a household laptop that lives on a desk or kitchen table, though, the OmniBook 3 17 is a sensible, modern choice.

Pros

• Newer Intel Core Ultra processor at a budget price
• Large FHD screen for schoolwork and streaming
• 512GB SSD is enough for documents and photos

Cons

• 8GB RAM limits multitasking
• Not suitable for gaming or heavy creative work

Also Consider

LG gram Max 17: Best for Business Users

LG gram Max 17 Inch Touchscreen Laptop, Intel Core Ultra 7 355, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, WQXGA IPS Display, WiFi 7, Thunderbolt 4, Backlit KB, AI Copilot+ PC, Lightweight Business Notebook, Windows 11 Pro

Included for '7 Best 17 Inch Laptops 2026: Gaming, Work & Budget' because the listing lists an explicit depth/thickness, which is the attribute this article compares.

View on Amazon →

The 2026 gram Max 17 pairs the Core Ultra 7 355 with 32GB of RAM, a WQXGA touchscreen, Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 4, and ships with Windows 11 Pro as a Copilot+ PC. It suits professionals who want more memory and touch input in the gram’s light design. Trade-off: it costs more than the gram Pro 17 and still has no dedicated GPU.

ASUS TUF Gaming A18: Best Budget 18-Inch Alternative

ASUS 2025 TUF Gaming A18 18” WUXGA 144Hz IPS Laptop 8-Core AMD Ryzen 7 260 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 16GB DDR5 1TB NVMe SSD WiFi AX RJ-45 BT Webcam HDMI2.1 RGB Backlit KB Windows 11 Home w/RE USB

Included for '7 Best 17 Inch Laptops 2026: Gaming, Work & Budget' as a representative gaming laptop in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

View on Amazon →

If you are open to a slightly larger screen, the TUF Gaming A18 offers an 18-inch WUXGA 144Hz panel with a Ryzen 7 260 and RTX 5060, plus 16GB DDR5 and a 1TB SSD. Best for budget gamers who want more screen than 17.3 inches. Trade-off: 18-inch laptops are even heavier and need a bigger bag.

ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2026): Best Flagship Big-Screen Gaming

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 (2026) Gaming Laptop, 18” ROG Nebula HDR 4K 240Hz/3ms, Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080, 32GB DDR5, 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, Wi-Fi 7, Win11 Home, G835LWG-DB96

Included for '7 Best 17 Inch Laptops 2026: Gaming, Work & Budget' as a representative gaming laptop in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

View on Amazon →

For no-compromise performance, the 2026 SCAR 18 combines an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus with an RTX 5080, 32GB DDR5 and an 18-inch ROG Nebula HDR 4K 240Hz display. Best for enthusiasts who want desktop-class gaming in a laptop. Trade-off: flagship pricing and weight.

Razer Blade 18 (2026): Best Premium Build

Razer Blade 18 (2026) Gaming Laptop, RTX 5080, 32GB DDR5, 1TB, Black

Included for '7 Best 17 Inch Laptops 2026: Gaming, Work & Budget' as a representative gaming laptop in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

View on Amazon →

The 2026 Blade 18 offers an RTX 5080, 32GB DDR5 and a 1TB SSD in Razer’s aluminium chassis. Best for buyers who want premium materials and a sleek design with top-tier graphics. Trade-off: it sits at the very top of the price range.

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro): Best 16-Inch Alternative

Apple 2026 MacBook Pro Laptop with Apple M5 Pro chip with 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU: Built for AI, 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 24GB Unified Memory, 1TB SSD, Wi-Fi 7; Space Black

Included for '7 Best 17 Inch Laptops 2026: Gaming, Work & Budget' as a representative gaming laptop in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

View on Amazon →

If you are considering a 16-inch laptop instead, the 2026 MacBook Pro 16 with the M5 Pro chip (18-core CPU, 20-core GPU), 24GB unified memory and a 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is the standout for creative professionals. Best for video, photo and music work on macOS. Trade-off: limited game support compared with Windows laptops.

How We Chose

We started by mapping every 17-inch and 17.3-inch laptop currently sold in the US, then cut anything using older-generation parts, such as RTX 30 and 40 series GPUs or 11th and 12th gen Intel processors, unless it was clearly the only option at a price point. Several competing guides still recommend those older machines; we chose not to.

Our criteria were:

• Current-generation hardware: RTX 50 series graphics, Ryzen AI or Intel Core Ultra and Core 200-series processors where possible.
• Screen quality for the size: Resolution and refresh rate relative to price.
• Portability: Weight class and chassis design.
• Value: RAM and storage for the price tier.
• Coverage of every budget: At least one pick for budget, mid-range, upper-mid and premium buyers.

Sources included manufacturer specification sheets, retail listing specs and independent reviews from established tech publications. These picks are research-based rather than drawn from our own use, and any performance expectations are estimates based on the hardware tier.

17-Inch Laptop Buying Guide

Do you really need 17 inches?

A 17-inch laptop makes sense if it will spend most of its time on a desk or table and you do not have room for an external monitor. If you commute daily, a 16-inch laptop with an external monitor at home is usually the smarter choice. Most 17.3-inch gaming laptops weigh roughly five to seven pounds before the charger, while lightweight models like the LG gram range can come in around half that.

Which resolution should you choose?

FHD (1920 x 1080) is acceptable for everyday work and budget gaming, but text looks noticeably softer on a 17-inch screen than on a 15-inch one. QHD (2560 x 1440) or QHD+ (2560 x 1600) is the sweet spot for this size, giving crisp text and more workspace. For gaming, aim for at least 144Hz; 240Hz is worth paying for if you play competitive shooters and have a GPU to match.

How much GPU do you need?

For 1080p gaming, an RTX 5060 is the sensible floor in 2026. For 1440p on a QHD screen, step up to an RTX 5070 or better. The RTX 5050 is best treated as a creative accelerator and light-gaming GPU. If you never play games or edit video, integrated graphics are fine and will improve battery life.

Processor: H-series or U-series?

H and HX processors, like the Core 7 240H and Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, are built for performance and pair with dedicated GPUs. U-series chips, like the Core 7 150U and Core Ultra 5 225U, focus on efficiency and battery life. AMD’s Ryzen AI chips and Intel’s Core Ultra chips include NPUs for Windows AI features. For general office and school use, a U-series chip is plenty.

How much RAM and storage?

8GB is the bare minimum for light use. 16GB is the right target for most people, including gamers. 32GB is worth it for video editing, large spreadsheets, virtual machines or keeping a laptop for five years or more. For storage, 512GB is enough for documents and a few apps, but gamers should aim for 1TB. Check whether the RAM is soldered before buying; thin laptops like the gram cannot be upgraded later.

Battery life and charging

Gaming laptops with high-power GPUs typically last only a few hours of light use and much less while gaming unplugged. Thin-and-light models with efficient chips can last far longer. Look for USB-C charging support if you want to use a smaller travel charger, and check the battery capacity in watt-hours on the spec sheet; larger numbers generally mean longer runtime within the same class.

17-Inch vs 16-Inch vs 18-Inch: Which Size Is Right?

16-inch laptops are now the most common size for gaming and creative laptops. They usually use 16:10 screens, which give nearly as much vertical space as a 17.3-inch 16:9 screen in a smaller body. If you travel often, a 16-inch model like the MacBook Pro 16 or a 16-inch gaming laptop is easier to live with.

17-inch laptops are best for budget-conscious buyers who want the most screen for the money, and for gamers who want a classic 17.3-inch desktop replacement. They are also the most common size for affordable family laptops with a number pad.

18-inch laptops are where most flagship gaming hardware has moved. If you want an RTX 5080 or 5090 and a high-end display, you will usually find it at 18 inches, as with the ROG Strix SCAR 18 and Razer Blade 18. Expect high prices and significant weight.

In short: choose 16 inches for portability, 17 inches for value and comfort, and 18 inches for maximum performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best 17-inch laptop in 2026?

The HP OMEN 17 with a Ryzen AI 7 350, RTX 5070 and QHD 240Hz screen is the best all-round 17-inch laptop for most buyers. If you want the lightest option and do not need a gaming GPU, the LG gram Pro 17 is the best alternative.

Are 17-inch laptops still being made?

Yes, but there are fewer of them. Many brands have moved to 16- and 18-inch screens. Current 17-inch models include the HP OMEN 17, MSI Cyborg 17, Acer Nitro V 17, ASUS Vivobook 17, HP OmniBook 3 17 and LG’s gram Pro 17 and gram Max 17.

What is the lightest 17-inch laptop?

The LG gram range is the lightest family of 17-inch laptops. Earlier gram Pro 17 models weighed about 3.3 pounds, far lighter than typical 17-inch gaming laptops, and the 2026 models keep the same thin-and-light approach.

Is a 17-inch laptop good for gaming?

Yes. A larger screen is more immersive, and 17-inch chassis often have better cooling than thin 14- and 15-inch laptops. For modern games, look for at least an RTX 5060 and a 144Hz display, as found on the MSI Cyborg 17 and Acer Nitro V 17.

Is a 17-inch laptop too big to carry?

Most 17-inch gaming laptops are heavy for daily carrying and need a large backpack. Lightweight models like the LG gram Pro 17 are much easier to carry. If you commute every day, consider a 16-inch laptop instead.

Should I buy a 16-inch or 17-inch laptop?

Buy a 16-inch laptop if portability matters or you want the widest range of models. Choose a 17-inch laptop if you want the largest screen at a lower price and your laptop will mostly stay on a desk.

How much RAM does a 17-inch laptop need?

16GB is the right amount for most people in 2026, including gamers. 8GB works only for light browsing and schoolwork. Choose 32GB for video editing, heavy multitasking or long-term use, especially on models with soldered memory.

Is QHD worth it on a 17-inch laptop?

Yes, if you can afford it. On a 17-inch screen, QHD makes text and images look much sharper than FHD and gives you more room for windows. For gaming at QHD, pair it with at least an RTX 5070 for smooth frame rates.

Which 17-Inch Laptop Should You Buy?

• You want one laptop for gaming and work: HP OMEN 17 with RTX 5070.
• You travel and want a big screen: LG gram Pro 17.
• You edit video on the go: LG gram Pro 17 with RTX 5050.
• You want the best gaming value: MSI Cyborg 17.
• You are on a tight gaming budget: Acer Nitro V 17.
• You need a family or office laptop: ASUS Vivobook 17.
• You want the lowest sensible price for school: HP OmniBook 3 17.
• You want maximum power and do not mind 18 inches: ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 or Razer Blade 18.

Last updated: October 2026.