Best 17-Inch Gaming Laptops of 2025

Why Choose a 17-Inch Gaming Laptop?

Before diving into specific models, let's explore why you might want to consider a 17-inch or 18-inch gaming laptop in the first place.

Immersive Gaming Experience

The most obvious benefit of a large-screen laptop is the significantly more immersive gaming experience. The extra screen real estate makes games more engaging and allows you to spot details you might miss on a smaller display. This is particularly important in competitive games where spotting an enemy quickly can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

At 17 inches and above, you're getting much closer to a desktop monitor experience while maintaining the ability to fold up your system and take it with you. Many models now feature high-resolution displays (QHD or 4K) with excellent colour accuracy, making everything from sprawling open worlds to intense first-person shooters look stunning.

Desktop-Class Performance

Modern 17-inch gaming laptops pack enough power to rival many gaming desktops. With the latest Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen AI processors, coupled with NVIDIA's RTX 40-series GPUs (and soon the RTX 50-series), these machines can handle demanding games at high settings and framerates.

The larger chassis also allows for more robust cooling systems, which means these powerful components can operate at higher sustained performance levels than what's possible in smaller laptops. This translates to better framerates and lower temperatures during extended gaming sessions.

Expandability and Connectivity

Another advantage of larger laptops is their superior expandability options. Most 17-inch gaming laptops include more ports than their smaller counterparts, giving you greater flexibility when connecting peripherals. Many models also offer easy access to internal components for upgrading RAM and storage.

The additional connectivity typically includes multiple USB Type-A ports, USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, Ethernet, and dedicated audio jacks. This makes these laptops excellent hub devices when connected to external monitors and peripherals at a desk.

Comfortable Keyboard and Trackpad

The extra space in a 17-inch chassis allows manufacturers to include full-size keyboards with number pads and more generously sized trackpads. This makes these laptops more comfortable for everyday use, not just gaming. Some premium models even feature mechanical keyboards with per-key RGB lighting for a truly customisable experience.

LG Gram Pro 17 - Best Lightweight Option

Specifications:

• CPU: Intel Core i7-1360P (12 cores, up to 5.0GHz)
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (4GB GDDR6)
• RAM: 16GB DDR5 (soldered)
• Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD
• Display: 17-inch, WQXGA (2560 x 1600), 144Hz IPS
• Weight: 1.45kg
• Battery Life: Approximately 14-18 hours

The LG Gram Pro 17 breaks the mold of what a 17-inch laptop should be. While most large-screen laptops are heavy and bulky, the Gram Pro 17 weighs an astonishingly light 1.45kg—less than many 13-inch ultrabooks. This makes it by far the most portable option in our roundup and arguably the only true "laptop" rather than "desktop replacement" in the 17-inch category.

Despite its ultralight design, the Gram Pro 17 doesn't compromise on display quality. Its 17-inch WQXGA screen offers sharp visuals with a 16:10 aspect ratio that provides more vertical space for productivity tasks. The 144Hz refresh rate is a nice bonus for gaming, though the RTX 3050 GPU isn't powerful enough to take full advantage of it in most modern titles at native resolution.

Performance is a mixed bag compared to the other laptops in this roundup. The Intel Core i7-1360P is a capable processor for productivity tasks and light to moderate gaming, but it can't match the raw power of the HX-series chips in our other picks. Similarly, the NVIDIA RTX 3050 can handle esports titles and older AAA games well, but will require lower settings for the latest demanding games.

Where the Gram Pro 17 truly excels is in battery life. With up to 18 hours of use possible on a single charge, it outlasts every other laptop in this category by a significant margin. This makes it ideal for users who need a large screen but actually want to use their laptop away from a power outlet.

Build quality is generally good, though the ultralight magnesium alloy chassis does exhibit some flex under pressure. The keyboard is comfortable with decent key travel, and the large touchpad is responsive and accurate.

Pros:

• Incredibly lightweight for a 17-inch laptop
• Outstanding battery life
• Excellent display with 16:10 aspect ratio
• Good keyboard and touchpad
• MIL-STD-810H durability certification

Cons:

• Less powerful than gaming-focused competitors
• Some chassis flex due to ultralight design
• Limited GPU performance for demanding games
• Relatively expensive for the hardware specifications

Razer Blade 18 - Best Build Quality

Specifications:

• CPU: Intel Core i9-13950HX (24 cores, up to 5.5GHz)
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 (16GB GDDR6)
• RAM: 32GB DDR5 (expandable to 64GB)
• Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD (expandable)
• Display: 18-inch, QHD+ (2560 x 1600), 240Hz IPS
• Weight: 3.1kg
• Battery Life: Approximately 4-5 hours

Razer has built a reputation for creating gaming laptops with exceptional build quality and a refined, minimalist aesthetic. The Blade 18 continues this tradition, offering desktop-class gaming performance in a sleek, CNC-machined aluminium chassis that could easily be mistaken for a professional workstation.

The anodised aluminium unibody design gives the Blade 18 unmatched rigidity and a premium feel that stands out among gaming laptops. While still heavy at 3.1kg, it's more portable than many competitors thanks to its relatively slim profile and solid construction.

The 18-inch QHD+ display is a highlight, offering crisp visuals with excellent colour accuracy. With a 240Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time, it's well-suited for both fast-paced gaming and content creation work. The display also features a matte finish that reduces glare and reflections.

Performance is on par with other high-end gaming laptops, with the Intel Core i9-13950HX and RTX 4090 combination capable of handling any game you throw at it. Razer's vapour chamber cooling system does a good job of managing thermals, though the laptop can still get warm during intensive tasks.

The keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience with per-key RGB lighting customisable through Razer's Synapse software. The large glass touchpad is precise and responsive, ranking among the best in Windows laptops.

Connectivity is comprehensive, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, HDMI 2.1, SD card reader, and Ethernet. The Blade 18 also features a 5MP webcam with Windows Hello support, making it suitable for video conferencing.

Battery life is average for a high-performance gaming laptop at 4-5 hours of light use, but this is expected given the powerful components inside. As with other laptops in this category, you'll want to stay near a power outlet for gaming.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality with premium materials
• Sleek, professional design
• Excellent display with 240Hz refresh rate
• Comfortable keyboard and precise touchpad
• Comprehensive connectivity options

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Gets warm under load
• Average battery life
• Limited upgradeability for some components

Lenovo Legion Pro 7i - Best Value for Money

Specifications:

• CPU: Intel Core i9-13900HX (24 cores, up to 5.4GHz)
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 (12GB GDDR6)
• RAM: 32GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
• Display: 16-inch, QHD+ (2560 x 1600), 240Hz IPS
• Weight: 2.8kg
• Battery Life: Approximately 5-6 hours

While technically a 16-inch laptop rather than a true 17-inch model, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i deserves a spot on this list for its exceptional value proposition and performance that rivals larger machines. Its 16-inch QHD+ display offers nearly the same screen real estate as some 17-inch models thanks to its 16:10 aspect ratio and thin bezels.

The Legion Pro 7i delivers outstanding gaming performance with its Intel Core i9-13900HX processor and NVIDIA RTX 4080 GPU, capable of running AAA titles at high framerates even at native resolution. What's particularly impressive is that Lenovo achieves this level of performance at a price point several hundred pounds below similarly-specced competitors.

Lenovo's Legion Coldfront 4.0 cooling system is highly effective, using a dual-fan setup with liquid metal thermal compound and multiple heat pipes to keep temperatures in check. This allows the laptop to maintain high performance levels over extended gaming sessions without excessive thermal throttling.

Build quality is impressive, with a solid aluminium and plastic construction that feels durable. The design is relatively understated for a gaming laptop, with customisable RGB lighting limited to the keyboard and a subtle Legion logo on the lid.

The keyboard is comfortable with good key travel and a full numpad, making it suitable for both gaming and productivity work. The precision touchpad is reasonably sized and accurate, though most gamers will likely connect an external mouse.

Connectivity is comprehensive, including multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI, Ethernet, and a headphone jack. The laptop also features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 for fast wireless connectivity.

Battery life is decent for a gaming laptop of this calibre, with around 5-6 hours of light use possible on a single charge. The included 300W power adapter can quickly recharge the battery when needed.

Pros:

• Excellent performance at a competitive price
• Quality QHD+ display with 240Hz refresh rate
• Effective cooling system
• Good keyboard and connectivity options
• Relatively understated design

Cons:

• Not a true 17-inch laptop
• Can get loud under heavy load
• Slightly bulky compared to some competitors
• Limited RGB lighting customisation

Acer Predator Helios 18 - Best Cooling System

Specifications:

• CPU: Intel Core i9-13900HX (24 cores, up to 5.4GHz)
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 (12GB GDDR6)
• RAM: 32GB DDR5
• Storage: 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
• Display: 18-inch, QHD+ (2560 x 1600), 240Hz IPS
• Weight: 3.25kg
• Battery Life: Approximately 3-4 hours

The Acer Predator Helios 18 stands out for its exceptional thermal management system, which is crucial for maintaining peak performance in a high-powered gaming laptop. Acer's 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D technology uses metal fans with specially designed blades that increase airflow by up to 55% compared to conventional fans, while also reducing noise.

This cooling prowess allows the Intel Core i9-13900HX and RTX 4080 to perform consistently well even during extended gaming sessions. The Helios 18 also features Acer's PredatorSense software, which allows users to monitor and adjust fan speeds, overclock the GPU, and customise performance profiles for different games.

The 18-inch QHD+ display is bright and colour-accurate, with a fast 240Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time that ensures smooth visuals in fast-paced games. It also supports NVIDIA G-Sync to eliminate screen tearing.

Design-wise, the Predator Helios 18 embraces its gaming identity with an aggressive aesthetic featuring angular lines and RGB lighting. The build quality is solid, with a combination of metal and high-quality plastic materials that feel durable. The keyboard includes per-key RGB lighting and a numeric keypad, with good key travel for comfortable typing and gaming.

Connectivity is abundant, with multiple USB-A ports, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, mini DisplayPort, Ethernet, and a headphone jack. The laptop also features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast wireless connectivity.

Battery life is on the shorter side at approximately 3-4 hours of light use, which is expected given the powerful components and focus on gaming performance. As with other high-performance gaming laptops, you'll want to stay connected to power when gaming.

Pros:

• Outstanding thermal management system
• Strong gaming performance
• High-quality display with G-Sync
• Comprehensive connectivity options
• Good customisation through PredatorSense software

Cons:

• Aggressive gamer aesthetic may not appeal to everyone
• Relatively short battery life
• Bulky and heavy
• Fans can get loud at maximum speed

How to Choose the Right 17-Inch Gaming Laptop

Selecting the perfect 17-inch gaming laptop requires considering several important factors beyond just raw performance numbers. Here's what to keep in mind when making your decision:

Display Quality and Refresh Rate

The display is arguably the most important aspect of any gaming laptop, as it's your window into the gaming world. For 17-inch gaming laptops, look for:

• Resolution: At minimum, choose a Full HD (1920 x 1080) display, though QHD (2560 x 1440) or higher is preferable for a screen this size
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz should be the baseline, with 240Hz or higher providing smoother motion for competitive gaming
• Response Time: Lower is better, with 3ms or below being ideal to minimise ghosting
• Panel Technology: IPS panels offer better colour accuracy and viewing angles, while Mini LED provides better contrast
• Colour Accuracy: Look for coverage of 100% sRGB at minimum, with DCI-P3 coverage being important for content creation

Performance Components

The core components determine how well your laptop will run games, both now and in the future:

• CPU: Intel Core i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9 processors provide the best gaming performance
• GPU: For 1080p gaming, an RTX 4060 or higher is recommended; for QHD or 4K, aim for an RTX 4080 or 4090
• RAM: 16GB is the minimum for modern gaming, with 32GB being ideal for future-proofing
• Storage: Look for at least 1TB of fast NVMe SSD storage; multiple drives or expansion slots are a bonus

Cooling System

Large gaming laptops pack powerful components that generate significant heat. An effective cooling solution is essential for:

• Maintaining peak performance during extended gaming sessions
• Preventing thermal throttling that reduces performance
• Keeping surface temperatures comfortable for use
• Minimising fan noise during operation

Look for features like multiple fans, numerous heat pipes, liquid metal thermal compounds, and vapour chamber cooling in higher-end models.

Build Quality and Portability

While 17-inch laptops are never going to be ultraportable, there are still considerable differences in weight and build quality:

• Premium models typically use aluminium or magnesium alloy chassis for durability
• Weight ranges from about 2.5kg to over 4kg for the most powerful models
• Consider the power brick size and weight, which can add another 0.5-1kg to your carrying load
• Check for MIL-STD certification if durability is a concern

Battery Life and Power

Gaming laptops are notorious for poor battery life, but some models perform much better than others:

• Expect 2-3 hours of gaming on battery at most, even with the best models
• For productivity use, battery life can range from 3-18 hours depending on the model
• Consider power adapter wattage – higher-powered GPUs require larger power bricks
• Look for fast charging features to minimise downtime

Keyboard and Input

You'll be spending a lot of time using the keyboard, so it should be comfortable and responsive:

• Mechanical keyboards or those with good tactile feedback are ideal for gaming
• Per-key RGB lighting allows for customisation and helps identify key functions
• Consider key travel distance and actuation force based on your preferences
• A good touchpad is important for times when you can't use an external mouse

Connectivity

Abundant port selection is one of the advantages of larger laptops:

• Look for multiple USB-A and USB-C/Thunderbolt ports
• HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort support high-refresh external monitors
• Ethernet provides the most stable connection for online gaming
• SD card readers are useful for content creators
• Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.x ensure fast wireless connectivity

Tips for Maximising Your 17-Inch Gaming Laptop Experience

Once you've chosen your perfect 17-inch gaming laptop, here are some tips to get the most out of it:

Cooling and Performance

• Invest in a quality cooling pad to improve airflow and reduce temperatures
• Regularly clean dust from air intake and exhaust vents using compressed air
• Repaste the CPU and GPU with high-quality thermal paste after the warranty expires
• Update drivers regularly, especially GPU drivers for the latest game optimisations
• Use performance monitoring software to check temperatures and adjust settings accordingly

Display Optimisation

• Calibrate your display for better colour accuracy using Windows built-in tools or dedicated calibration hardware
• Match your game resolution to your display's native resolution when possible
• Enable G-Sync or FreeSync if your laptop supports it
• Adjust refresh rate settings in Windows to ensure you're getting the full benefit of high-refresh displays
• Consider using DLSS or FSR in supported games to improve performance without sacrificing visual quality

Battery and Power Management

• Create custom power plans for different scenarios (gaming, productivity, battery saving)
• Disable unnecessary background processes when gaming on battery
• Lower the display brightness to extend battery life when needed
• Consider carrying a power bank that's compatible with your laptop for emergency charging
• Use sleep mode instead of shutdown for quick access while preserving battery

Ergonomics and Comfort

• Position the laptop at eye level when possible to reduce neck strain
• Use an external keyboard and mouse for extended gaming sessions
• Take regular breaks to prevent eye strain and repetitive stress injuries
• Consider a laptop stand to improve airflow and ergonomics
• Use blue light filtering (Windows Night Light or third-party apps) to reduce eye strain during night gaming

Final Thoughts

The world of 17-inch gaming laptops has never been more exciting or competitive. These powerful machines continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in a portable form factor, bringing desktop-class gaming performance to a (somewhat) portable package.

Whether you prioritise raw performance with the MSI Titan 18 HX, appreciate the premium design of the Alienware m18 R2, value display quality with the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18, need true portability with the LG Gram Pro 17, desire the excellent build quality of the Razer Blade 18, seek value with the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i, or want the best cooling solution in the Acer Predator Helios 18, there's a 17-inch gaming laptop to match your specific needs and preferences.

While these laptops come at a premium price compared to smaller models or desktop systems, they offer the unique combination of power, display size, and portability that many gamers find worth the investment. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even better performance, display quality, and battery life from future generations of these impressive machines.