Laptop screens have gotten remarkably larger over the past decade. What used to be considered a massive 17-inch screen is now relatively standard. Now, gamers and creative professionals alike are looking for even bigger and better options to truly take advantage of the portability of a laptop.
In 2023, more manufacturers than ever are pushing the limits of how big laptop screens can get, with some reaching nearly 20 inches diagonally across. These behemoth machines promise immense real estate for your work and play. However, with great size comes great compromises in portability and price.
To help you navigate the ever-growing options for large laptops, we‘ve compiled the definitive list of the 10 biggest laptop screens you can get in 2023. From lightweight 17-inch panels to massive 18-inch 4K displays, there‘s a mega-screen laptop perfect for your needs.
The 10 Largest Laptop Screens of 2023
1. ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 – 18.4"
The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 tops our list with an incredible 18.4-inch 16:10 aspect ratio screen. It doesn‘t stop there either, pairing the giant display with a 2560 x 1600 resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, and mini-LED backlighting with 1,152 zones for deep blacks.
Under the hood, the SCAR 18 is no slouch. It comes equipped with an Intel Core i9-13950HX CPU, up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, 2TB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage, and up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM. This kind of hardware can easily power through games at the SCAR‘s native resolution.
The only downside is that all this tech and displayPACKED into a 0.9-inch thick chassis weighs 12 pounds. The SCAR 18 is not fun to carry around, but if you want the biggest screen possible, it‘s currently untouchable.
Key Specs:
- 18.4" 16:10 QHD+ (2560 x 1600) mini-LED 240Hz display
- Intel Core i9-13950HX CPU
- Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU
- Up to 64GB DDR5 RAM, 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD storage
- Starting Price: $3,499
2. Alienware m18 – 18-inch
Alienware‘s m18 gaming laptop is a very close second to ASUS with its 18-inch display. The 2560 x 1600 resolution and 240Hz refresh rate match the SCAR 18, but with a standard WQHD panel instead of mini-LED backlighting.
Internally, the m18 also packs the latest specs like a 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and RTX 40 series GPUs up to a 4090. It supports up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and up to 4TB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage. Battery capacity is also enormous at 97Whr to power the powerful components.
At 1.1 inches thick, the m18 is still extremely chunky at nearly 10 pounds. But the Alienware lives up to expectations with an exceptionally large screen for AAA gaming on the go.
Key Specs:
- 18" 16:10 QHD (2560 x 1600) 240Hz display
- 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor
- Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU
- Up to 64GB DDR5 RAM, 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD storage
- Starting Price: $2,899
3. MSI Titan GT77 – 17.3"
Moving down just an inch, the MSI Titan GT77 still packs a gorgeous 17.3-inch display with a UHD 4K resolution and mini-LED backlighting with 1,000 nits of brightness. The 120Hz refresh rate combined with NVIDIA G-SYNC will make AAA games shine in 4K.
As expected from MSI‘s Titan gaming laptops, the GT77 doesn‘t compromise on performance either. You get a 13th Gen Intel Core i9 CPU, RTX 40 series GPUs up to a 4090, up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM, and 4TB of PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage. This kind of power can easily sustain high frame rates even when gaming in 4K.
Portability does take a hit at 2.2 inches thick and 12 pounds heavy. However, the GT77 is still within reason for moving between rooms or taking on occasional trips.
Key Specs:
- 17.3" 16:9 UHD (3840 x 2160) mini-LED 120Hz display
- 13th Gen Intel Core i9 CPU
- Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU
- Up to 128GB DDR5 RAM, 4TB PCIe 4.0 SSD storage
- Starting Price: $3,499
4. Acer Predator Helios 500 – 17.3"
The Acer Predator Helios 500 is a bit more affordable at around $2,000 starting, but still pumps out excellent gaming performance from its 17.3-inch display. The 144Hz refresh rate combined with NVIDIA G-SYNC support ensures silky smooth gameplay.
Inside you‘ll find capable components like 11th Gen Intel Core i7/i9 processors and RTX 30 series graphics up to an RTX 3080. 32GB of DDR4 RAM, PCIe SSD storage up to 2TB, and a large 90Wh battery provide great power for the latest games.
At 1.1 inches thick and 10 pounds, the Helios 500 offers a good balance between screen size, performance, and reasonable portability for gaming on the go. Battery life is rated for around 6 hours as well.
Key Specs:
- 17.3" 16:9 FHD (1920 x 1080) 144Hz display
- 11th Gen Intel Core i7/i9 CPU
- Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU
- 32GB DDR4 RAM, 2TB PCIe SSD storage
- Starting Price: $1,849
5. Gigabyte AORUS 17X – 17.3"
Gigabyte‘s AORUS gaming laptops are known for their giant displays, and the 17X is no exception. Its 17.3-inch screen boasts a buttery smooth 300Hz refresh rate, ideal for esports gaming. The panel covers 100% of the Adobe RGB gamut for vivid colors too.
Powering the 17X display is an Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 series GPUs up to a mighty 3080. 32GB of DDR4 RAM, 2TB of PCIe SSD storage, and a 99Wh battery provide excellent performance and decent battery life around 4 hours.
At 1.05 inches thick and weighing 7.28 pounds, the AORUS 17X strikes a nice balance between screen size and portability for gaming on the move. Fans stay quiet thanks to a unique Windforce cooling system as well.
Key Specs:
- 17.3" 16:9 FHD (1920 x 1080) 300Hz display
- Intel Core i7 CPU
- Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU
- 32GB DDR4 RAM, 2TB PCIe SSD storage
- Starting Price: $1,949
6. Razer Blade 17 – 17.3"
The ever popular Razer Blade 17 gaming laptop excels in portability for its screen size. Despite having a 17.3-inch display, the Blade 17 impressively measures just 0.78 inches thick and weighs 6.06 pounds. Compared to other 17-inch models, you‘ll have no problem carrying this around.
Its display quality keeps up with a crisp QHD resolution up to 240Hz refresh rate. NVIDIA G-SYNC support enables buttery smooth gameplay when paired with RTX 30 series graphics up to a 3080 Ti. Processing power comes from 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processors and up to 32GB of RAM.
If you want a highly portable 17-inch gaming laptop, the Razer Blade 17 is an awesome choice that won‘t weigh you down. Battery life is rated for around 5 hours as well.
Key Specs:
- 17.3" 16:9 QHD (2560 x 1440) 240Hz display
- 8th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU
- Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU
- Up to 32GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD storage
- Starting Price: $2,699
7. LG Gram 17 – 17"
The LG Gram 17 offers a nice change of pace if you want a super lightweight laptop with a 17-inch screen. The chassis uses an ultra-thin bezel and magnesium alloy body to slim down to just 0.7 inches thick and 2.98 pounds light. For a 17-inch notebook, the Gram 17 is unbelievably portable.
Internally you‘ll get great performance from 12th Gen Intel Core processors with integrated Xe graphics. The generous 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 1TB NVMe SSD storage ensures great multitasking as well. Battery life is also exceptional at up to 22 hours.
While not built for gaming, the Gram 17‘s vivid 17-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS display provides loads of space for creative work on the move. It covers 99% of DCI-P3 color gamut and 420 nits of brightness.
Key Specs:
- 17" 16:9 WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS display
- 12th Gen Intel Core CPU
- Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics
- 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD storage
- Starting Price: $1,899
8. LG UltraGear 17 – 17"
The LG UltraGear 17 provides excellent value at around $1,300 starting. Its 17-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display clocks an impressive 300Hz refresh rate for buttery smooth gameplay. NVIDIA G-SYNC support reduces screen tearing as well.
Driving the fast display is a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and an RTX 30 series GPU up to an RTX 3080. 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1TB SSD provide great performance for the price. 82Wh battery capacity allows 4+ hours of portable gaming too.
Compared to pricier options, the UltraGear 17 delivers solid 1080p gaming performance from a large 17-inch screen on a budget.
Key Specs:
- 17" 16:9 FHD (1920 x 1080) 300Hz IPS display with G-SYNC
- 10th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU
- Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU
- 16GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD storage
- Starting Price: $1,299
9. Dell XPS 17 – 17"
The Dell XPS 17 brings gorgeous displays and strong performance in a relatively portable chassis. For a 17-inch laptop, its slim 0.77-inch thickness and 4.87 pound weight are impressively compact and easy to carry around.
Screen options range from Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) up to UHD+ (3840 x 2400) resolutions with 100% sRGB and 94% DCI-P3 color gamuts, 500-nit brightness, and 60Hz refresh rates. For productivity and creative work, the XPS 17‘s 17-inch screens look stunning.
Under the hood you‘ll find capable components like 10th/11th Gen Intel Core i7/i9 processors and NVIDIA GTX/RTX graphics up to a 3050 Ti. 32GB of RAM, 2TB PCIe SSD storage, and a 97Wh battery provide great performance.
Key Specs:
- 17" 16:10 FHD+/UHD+ displays up to 3840 x 2400 resolution
- 10th/11th Gen Intel Core i7/i9 CPU
- Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU
- Up to 32GB DDR4 RAM, 2TB PCIe SSD storage
- Starting Price: $1,449
10. HP Omen 17 – 17.3"
HP‘s popular Omen gaming laptops now include a 17-inch model that won‘t break the bank. For around $1,200 starting, you get a vivid 17.3-inch IPS panel at 1920 x 1080 resolution with a speedy 144Hz refresh rate.
NVIDIA G-SYNC support reduces screen tearing for a smooth picture when gaming. Performance holds up nicely with 11th Gen Intel Core i7 CPUs and RTX 30 series graphics up to an RTX 3070 GPU. 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD storage, and a 70Wh battery power the large screen.
For the price, the Omen 17 delivers reliable 1080p gaming performance from its 17.3-inch display in an understated design. It provides a great entry point into big-screen gaming laptops.
Key Specs:
- 17.3" 16:10 FHD (1920 x 1080) 144Hz IPS display with G-SYNC
- 11th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU
- Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 GPU
- 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD storage
- Starting Price: $1,199
Ranking Criteria for the Best Large Screen Laptops
With so many choices for large screen laptops in 2023, we based our top 10 list on a few key criteria most buyers value:
-
Screen Size – The most obvious factor, we focused exclusively on laptops with 17 to 18-inch displays for maximum real estate.
-
Display Quality – Screen resolution, refresh rate, color coverage, and other qualities determine how good the big screen looks.
-
Performance – The laptop needs components like a solid CPU and GPU to power the large display, especially for gaming.
-
Portability – While not ultraportable, the laptop should reasonably transportable for a 17 to 18-inch machine. Weight, thickness, and battery life are considered.
-
Price – Preference is given to large screen laptops that provide strong value without an extremely high cost. But more premium options are included as well.
By evaluating the latest options using these criteria, we feel our list provides the overall best 17 to 18-inch laptop screens available. However, personal priorities may change how you order the list for your needs.
What to Consider When Buying Large Screen Laptops
If you have your eye on a jumbo laptop screen for your next computer, keep the following factors in mind while shopping around:
-
Display Resolution – Get 1920 x 1080 at a minimum for clear details. Gamers will want at least 2560 x 1440 if not 4K resolution.
-
Refresh Rate – Shoot for at least 144Hz refresh rate, or optimally 240Hz and up, to prevent motion blur when gaming or watching video.
-
Color Gamut Coverage – Displays around 90% sRGB or above accurately show colors without washing out.
-
CPU/GPU Performance – Look for at least 11th Gen Core i7 CPU and RTX 3070 GPU or better to support the latest games.
-
RAM/Storage – 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage deliver great performance for multitasking and games.
-
Battery Life – Expect around 5-6 hours of runtime for gaming laptops. But 8 hours or more enables better portability.
-
Weight – Consider a sub-7 pound laptop for frequent travel. 10 pounds or more requires effort to transport.
Prioritizing these factors will ensure you select a large screen laptop that excels in the areas most important to you.
Are Jumbo Laptop Screens Worth It?
Laptops with extra large 17 to 18-inch screens clearly provide benefits, especially for gaming and creative work. But are they ultimately worth the trade offs? Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- Immersive experience for games, movies, photo/video editing
- Can comfortably view multiple windows and tabs side-by-side
- Larger keyboards with numpads for data entry
- Still portable enough to transport around the house or office
Cons
- Less portable for travel due to heavy weight
- Shorter battery life compared to smaller laptops
- Very expensive, especially for top gaming models
- Won‘t fit in some laptop bags; requires a large desk
Weighing the pros and cons will determine if you require a desktop-replacement size laptop versus a more portable 15-inch option. But for gaming enthusiasts, power users, and creators that value screen real estate, big can be beautiful.
Keep an Eye on Foldable Laptops in 2023
Looking ahead, advances in foldable OLED panel technology are bringing larger laptop screens without increasing size. Models like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold let you start with a compact 13-inch device.
But the screen can unfold outward to reach up to 16 inches diagonally across. As the tech improves and gets cheaper, keep foldable laptops on your radar for big screen portability.
The Best Big-Screen Laptops Combine Size and Performance
In conclusion, laptop displays reaching 17, 18, and even 20 inches are now a reality with the right model. This provides unparalleled immersion for PC gaming, creative projects, and productivity work.
Of course, smart shoppers shouldn‘t focus on size alone. The laptop must balance its giant display with strong overall performance, reasonable portability, and decent battery life.
By weighing all considerations, the laptops in our top 10 list offer the best solutions for buyers seeking huge screens without compromising critical features in 2023 and beyond. Just be ready to pay a premium and make room on your desk!