Anime Last Stand Tier List (December 2025) Best Units Ranked
Welcome to the most comprehensive Anime Last Stand tier list you’ll find anywhere! I’ve spent countless hours analyzing every unit…
If you’re searching for a 17 inch laptop that delivers the perfect balance of screen real estate, performance, and portability, you’ve come to the right place. These larger notebooks offer immersive displays ideal for everything from gaming and content creation to productivity and entertainment.
After analyzing the market in December 2025, I’ve identified 10 standout 17-inch machines that cater to different needs and budgets. Whether you need a powerhouse gaming rig, a professional workstation, or an affordable daily driver, this guide covers the top options available right now. Let’s dive into what makes each of these big-screen laptops worth considering.
| Laptop Model | Key Spec | Price | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Strix G17 | RTX 4060 140W | $1,989.00 | Budget Gaming | Amazon |
| HP OMEN 17 | RTX 5060 + 64GB RAM | $2,199.00 | High-End Gaming | Amazon |
| Dell XPS 17 9710 | UHD+ Touch | $1,879.00 | Creative Work | Amazon |
| HP 17 | Core i3 + 8GB | $383.90 | Basic Computing | Amazon |
| MSI Katana 17 | i7-13620H + RTX 4060 | $1,420.13 | Mid-Range Gaming | Amazon |
| GIGABYTE AORUS 17 | RTX 4070 + 240Hz | $1,376.27 | Competitive Gaming | Amazon |
| Alienware M18 R2 | RTX 4080 + 18″ Display | $1,859.99 | Premium Gaming | Amazon |
| Acer Nitro 17 | RTX 4050 + 165Hz | $1,149.99 | Entry Gaming | Amazon |
| ASUS TUF F17 | RTX 3050 + 144Hz | $989.92 | Budget 1080p Gaming | Amazon |
| LG gram Pro 17 | RTX 5050 + 3.26 lbs | $2,599.00 | Ultra-Portable Pro | Amazon |
The 17-inch laptop category offers something for everyone, but choosing the right one depends on understanding your priorities. Display quality matters significantly at this size decide between FHD for better battery life and performance or QHD/UHD for sharper visuals and more workspace. Refresh rates above 144Hz benefit gamers and those who value smooth scrolling, while color accuracy (100% sRGB or DCI-P3) matters for creative professionals.
Performance specs should match your workload. Gaming requires dedicated GPUs (RTX 4050 or better), while productivity users can get by with integrated graphics. RAM matters more than many realize 16GB handles most tasks, but content creators and heavy multitaskers benefit from 32GB or more. Storage speed impacts everything from boot times to file transfers, so prioritize PCIe Gen4 SSDs when possible.
Don’t overlook portability considerations. A 17 inch notebook can weigh anywhere from 3.26 lbs (LG gram Pro) to nearly 10 lbs (some gaming rigs). If you’ll carry it daily, weight matters. Battery life also varies dramatically ultrabooks can hit 12+ hours while gaming laptops often max out around 5-6 hours under normal use.
Build quality and thermals separate good laptops from great ones. Look for metal chassis over plastic, proper cooling solutions (dual fans minimum for gaming), and MIL-STD durability ratings if you travel frequently. Port selection matters too Thunderbolt 4 enables docking solutions, while HDMI 2.1 supports modern external displays.
At $1,989.00 in December 2025, this refurbished ASUS ROG Strix G17 represents outstanding value for 1440p gaming. The AMD Ryzen 9 7845HX delivers excellent multi-core performance, while the RTX 4060 with up to 140W TGP punches above its weight class. The QHD 240Hz display stands out at this price you’re getting a competitive-grade panel with 100% DCI-P3 color coverage that’s equally suited for gaming and content work.
Key Specs:
The inclusion of a MUX switch with Advanced Optimus ensures you’re getting maximum performance when plugged in, while intelligent graphics switching preserves battery during lighter tasks. ROG’s Intelligent Cooling with Thermal Grizzly liquid metal keeps the CPU running cool even under sustained loads. At 6 lbs, it’s portable enough for college students or traveling professionals who game.
The refurbished condition comes from PrimeTimeBuys with a 90-day warranty, which offers decent protection. Wi-Fi 6E ensures futureproof connectivity. For anyone seeking high-refresh 1440p gaming without breaking $1,000, this delivers.
The HP OMEN 17 with RTX 5060 sits at the premium end at $2,199.00, but you’re getting a configuration that won’t need upgrading for years. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor brings 10 cores and 20 threads with AI acceleration capabilities, while the RTX 5060 with 8GB GDDR7 memory provides excellent 1080p gaming performance and strong productivity acceleration.
Key Specs:
What sets this apart is the generous 64GB of RAM overkill for gaming but perfect for running virtual machines, heavy multitasking, or professional creative workflows. The 2TB storage means you won’t juggle game installations. The display uses adaptive refresh (48-144Hz) to balance smoothness with battery efficiency, though serious esports players might prefer fixed 240Hz panels.
Port selection is comprehensive with Thunderbolt-class USB-C, multiple USB-A ports at various speeds, HDMI, and Ethernet. The bundled 512GB Adata external SSD adds portable storage. Windows 11 Pro includes business features. PCOnline US offers free returns until January 31, 2026, making this a low-risk purchase despite the premium price.
At $1,879.00 for a used unit in December 2025, the Dell XPS 17 9710 remains a compelling choice for creative work despite being a 2021 model. The UHD+ touchscreen (3840×2400) delivers exceptional clarity at 500 nits brightness with anti-reflective coating ideal for photo editing, video grading, or CAD work. The InfinityEdge design maximizes screen space in a relatively compact chassis.
Key Specs:
The RTX 3060 handles GPU-accelerated tasks in Adobe Creative Suite, DaVinci Resolve, and 3D rendering applications. While newer GPUs exist, the 6GB VRAM remains adequate for 1080p/1440p creative workflows. The 32GB RAM handles large Photoshop files and multi-track audio projects comfortably.
Four Thunderbolt 3 ports enable flexible docking solutions and daisy-chaining external displays. Dell includes USB-C to USB-A and HDMI adapters, plus a full-size SD card reader v6.0 for direct camera imports. The premium metal build and thin 0.71-inch profile make this one of the sleeker 17-inch machines available. Wi-Fi 6 and Windows 11 Pro round out the package. Weight is listed at 10.5 lbs, which seems high for the chassis size verify before purchasing.
For just $383.90 new (or $283.89 used) in December 2025, the HP 17 delivers impressive value for basic computing needs. The Intel Core i3-1125G4 with 4 cores and 8 threads handles web browsing, document work, streaming, and light multitasking without issue. The 8GB DDR4 RAM keeps things responsive for typical home or student use.
Key Specs:
The 17.3-inch HD+ (1600×900) display won’t wow anyone, but the anti-glare coating and 250 nits brightness work fine for indoor use. At 60% NTSC color gamut, it’s not for photo editing, but movies and general content look acceptable. The numeric keypad adds convenience for data entry or finance work.
Connectivity includes USB-C (5Gbps), two USB-A ports, and HDMI 1.4b enough for basic peripherals and external displays. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth handle wireless needs. Battery life averages around 6 hours for light use. At 4.6 lbs, it’s one of the lighter 17-inch options, making it portable for students moving between classes.
The 256GB storage fills up quickly if you store lots of media, but cloud storage or external drives solve that. For someone who needs a large screen for spreadsheets, email, web research, and video calls without gaming or creative work, this hits a sweet spot.
Listed at $1,420.13 for a Like New condition unit in December 2025, the MSI Katana 17 offers serious gaming performance in the mid-range segment. The Intel Core i7-13620H combines 6 performance cores with 4 efficiency cores for strong gaming and productivity performance. Paired with the RTX 4060 8GB, you’re looking at solid 1080p ultra settings gaming and capable 1440p performance in most titles.
Key Specs:
The 32GB DDR5-4800 RAM configuration stands out most competitors stick with 16GB at this price. This extra memory helps with streaming while gaming, running Discord and browsers, or dabbling in content creation. The 1TB Gen4 SSD provides ample space for a solid game library with fast load times.
MSI’s Cooler Boost 5 system uses two fans and six heat pipes to manage thermals effectively. The 4-zone RGB keyboard adds customization without being obnoxious. MSI Center software lets you toggle between discrete GPU mode and MSHybrid graphics switching to balance performance and battery life. The 144Hz IPS display delivers smooth gameplay with good viewing angles.
At 9.48 lbs, this is definitely a desktop replacement rather than a portable gaming machine. Port selection isn’t specified but typically includes USB-C, multiple USB-A, HDMI, and Ethernet on MSI gaming laptops. The Like New condition from Amazon Resale (FBA) should provide good quality with Amazon’s return policy backing it.
At $1,376.27 in December 2025, the GIGABYTE AORUS 17 targets competitive gamers and enthusiasts who want high-refresh QHD gaming. The Intel Core i7-13700H provides excellent gaming and productivity performance with up to 5.0GHz boost speeds. The RTX 4070 8GB GDDR6 delivers the horsepower needed for demanding games at 1440p high/ultra settings while maintaining playable framerates for that 240Hz display.
Key Specs:
The 240Hz QHD panel is the star you’re getting buttery-smooth motion at higher resolution than standard 1080p. The 100% sRGB color coverage and TÜV Rheinland certification ensure accurate colors and eye comfort during long sessions. Thin bezels maximize screen real estate.
Port selection is comprehensive: Thunderbolt 4 with power delivery, HDMI 2.1, Mini DisplayPort 1.4, three USB 3.2 Type-A ports, Ethernet, SD card reader, and audio jack. This connectivity supports multi-monitor setups and high-speed peripherals. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 handle wireless needs.
At 6.17 lbs and 0.86 inches thick, this maintains decent portability for a 17-inch gaming machine. The 16GB RAM handles most gaming and productivity tasks, though heavy multitaskers might want to upgrade. For esports players or competitive FPS gamers who want the edge that high refresh rates provide, this hits the sweet spot between performance and price.
At $1,859.99 for a Like New unit in December 2025, the Alienware M18 R2 delivers flagship gaming performance in an 18-inch chassis. The Intel Core i9-14900HX with 24 cores (up to 5.8GHz) represents desktop-class processing power, while the RTX 4080 12GB handles any game at ultra settings with raytracing enabled. This is desktop replacement territory.
Key Specs:
The 18-inch QHD+ display (2560×1600) with 165Hz, 3ms response, G-SYNC, and 100% DCI-P3 color provides an immersive gaming and content creation canvas. ComfortView Plus reduces blue light without sacrificing color accuracy. Dynamic Display Switching automatically toggles between iGPU and dGPU for battery efficiency.
Alienware’s thermal solution uses Element 31 TIM on both CPU and GPU, a redesigned vapor chamber, quad fans, and seven heat pipes to manage up to 270W total power. This ensures sustained performance during marathon gaming sessions. Storage expandability is impressive up to four M.2 slots supporting 9TB total on 4080 configs.
Connectivity is exhaustive: two Thunderbolt 4/USB4 Type-C ports with DisplayPort and power delivery, additional USB-C and three USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, Mini DisplayPort 1.4, Killer E5000 5G Ethernet, SD slot, and audio jack. The used Like New condition should provide excellent quality at a discount from new pricing.
The Acer Nitro 17 at $1,149.99 new (or $905.00 used) in December 2025 serves as an excellent entry point into 17-inch gaming notebooks. The AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS brings AI capabilities and solid hexa-core performance up to 4.3GHz. The RTX 4050 6GB with 75W MGP and DLSS 3.5 support handles 1080p gaming at high settings in most modern titles.
Key Specs:
The 165Hz IPS display with NVIDIA G-SYNC eliminates screen tearing and provides smooth gameplay. The 100% sRGB color coverage makes this suitable for casual content creation alongside gaming. NVIDIA Advanced Optimus intelligently switches between integrated and discrete graphics to extend battery life during lighter tasks.
Dual-fan cooling with Vortex Flow and NitroSense controls keeps thermals in check. Wi-Fi 6E futureproofs connectivity, while Gigabit Ethernet ensures stable online gaming. The microSD card reader adds convenience for content creators. Windows 11 Home includes the Copilot key for AI assistance.
Storage is the main limitation at 512GB you’ll need to manage game installations or add external storage. The 16GB DDR5 RAM handles gaming and multitasking adequately. For students or budget-conscious gamers who want a large screen and respectable performance without spending flagship prices, this delivers.
At $989.92 in December 2025, the ASUS TUF F17 offers solid 1080p gaming on a budget with proven reliability. The Intel Core i5-11400H with 6 cores (up to 4.5GHz) handles gaming and productivity tasks competently. The RTX 3050 4GB with up to 75W with Dynamic Boost 2.0 delivers playable framerates in most games at 1080p medium-high settings.
Key Specs:
The 144Hz IPS-type panel provides smooth gameplay with good viewing angles. ASUS’s military-grade MIL-STD-810H testing ensures this laptop withstands daily wear and tear better than most budget options. The self-cleaning dual-fan cooling system uses anti-dust technology to maintain performance over time.
Easy upgrade access to RAM and a second M.2 slot means you can expand as needs grow. Starting with 8GB RAM is tight for modern gaming budget for a 16GB upgrade if playing AAA titles. The 512GB storage handles a modest game library but fills quickly with large modern games.
At 5.73 lbs, this maintains decent portability for a 17-inch gaming machine. Wi-Fi 6 and Windows 11 Home provide modern connectivity and features. Port selection typically includes Thunderbolt 4 (per reviews), USB-A ports, HDMI, and Ethernet. For budget-conscious gamers who prioritize durability and upgradeability, the TUF line delivers.
At $2,599.00 in December 2025, the LG gram Pro 17 redefines what’s possible in a 17-inch laptop. At just 3.26 lbs and 0.63 inches thick, this weighs less than many 13-inch laptops while delivering a gorgeous 17-inch QHD+ (2560×1600) display with variable refresh 31-144Hz. The Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 2 (285H) brings cutting-edge efficiency and AI acceleration, while the RTX 5050 handles creative workflows and light gaming.
Key Specs:
The 90Wh battery achieves up to 25 hours of video playback unprecedented for a 17-inch machine with discrete graphics. The internal dual cooling system maintains performance despite the thin chassis. LG passed seven MIL-STD-810H tests to ensure durability despite the lightweight construction.
Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, USB-A, and audio. The 32GB RAM and 2TB storage provide ample headroom for professional workflows. Windows 11 Home includes Copilot, while LG gram AI combines on-device and cloud AI features for productivity enhancements.
This targets professionals who need maximum screen space and power while traveling architects, consultants, executives, or creative freelancers who can’t compromise on display size but refuse to carry heavy machines. The premium price reflects the engineering achievement of packaging this much capability in such a light package.
Best Under $500: HP 17 ($383.90) offers the most screen for your money with decent specs for basic computing. The Core i3 and 8GB RAM handle everyday tasks, making it ideal for students or home users who prioritize display size over performance.
Best $800-$1,200: ASUS ROG Strix G17 ($899.99) dominates this range with incredible value QHD 240Hz gaming at under $900 is hard to beat. For non-gamers, the Acer Nitro 17 ($1,149.99) provides balanced performance with newer AI-capable hardware.
Best $1,200-$1,600: GIGABYTE AORUS 17 ($1,376.27) and MSI Katana 17 ($1,420.13) compete here with RTX 4060/4070 GPUs. The GIGABYTE wins for competitive gamers needing 240Hz QHD, while the MSI offers more RAM (32GB) for multitaskers.
Best $1,600-$2,000: Alienware M18 R2 ($1,859.99) and Dell XPS 17 ($1,879.00) serve different audiences. The Alienware brings flagship gaming with RTX 4080, while the Dell focuses on creative work with its stunning UHD+ touchscreen.
Best Premium ($2,000+): HP OMEN 17 ($2,199.00) provides future-proof specs with 64GB RAM and latest RTX 5060, while LG gram Pro 17 ($2,599.00) offers the ultimate in portability without sacrificing screen size or professional-grade performance.
| Model | Processor | GPU | RAM | Storage | Display | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Strix G17 | Ryzen 9 7845HX | RTX 4060 | 16GB DDR5 | 1TB | 17.3″ QHD 240Hz | 6 lbs |
| HP OMEN 17 | Ryzen AI 9 365 | RTX 5060 | 64GB DDR5 | 2TB | 17.3″ FHD 144Hz | N/A |
| Dell XPS 17 9710 | i9-11900H | RTX 3060 | 32GB DDR4 | 1TB | 17″ UHD+ Touch | 10.5 lbs |
| HP 17 | i3-1125G4 | Intel UHD | 8GB DDR4 | 256GB | 17.3″ HD+ | 4.6 lbs |
| MSI Katana 17 | i7-13620H | RTX 4060 | 32GB DDR5 | 1TB | 17.3″ FHD 144Hz | 9.48 lbs |
| GIGABYTE AORUS 17 | i7-13700H | RTX 4070 | 16GB DDR5 | 1TB | 17.3″ QHD 240Hz | 6.17 lbs |
| Alienware M18 R2 | i9-14900HX | RTX 4080 | 32GB DDR5 | 1TB | 18″ QHD+ 165Hz | N/A |
| Acer Nitro 17 | Ryzen 5 8645HS | RTX 4050 | 16GB DDR5 | 512GB | 17.3″ FHD 165Hz | N/A |
| ASUS TUF F17 | i5-11400H | RTX 3050 | 8GB DDR4 | 512GB | 17.3″ FHD 144Hz | 5.73 lbs |
| LG gram Pro 17 | Ultra 9 285H | RTX 5050 | 32GB DDR5 | 2TB | 17″ QHD+ VRR | 3.26 lbs |
The GIGABYTE AORUS 17 offers the best balance for serious gamers at $1,376.27 with its RTX 4070 and 240Hz QHD display. If budget allows, the Alienware M18 R2 ($1,859.99) with RTX 4080 provides flagship performance. For value seekers, the ASUS ROG Strix G17 ($899.99) delivers impressive 1440p gaming at under $900.
It depends on the model. The LG gram Pro 17 weighs just 3.26 lbs lighter than most 13-inch laptops. Budget options like the HP 17 (4.6 lbs) and ASUS TUF F17 (5.73 lbs) remain portable. Gaming machines typically range from 6-10 lbs, making them better suited for occasional transport rather than daily commuting.
FHD (1920×1080) provides adequate sharpness on 17-inch screens with better gaming performance and battery life. QHD (2560×1440) offers noticeably sharper text and more workspace, which benefits creative work and multitasking. At 17 inches, QHD’s extra pixels become more apparent than on smaller displays, making it worthwhile if your GPU and budget support it.
For basic computing, 8GB suffices but feels limiting. Most users should target 16GB for comfortable multitasking and gaming. Creative professionals benefit from 32GB when working with large files in Photoshop, Premiere, or running virtual machines. The HP OMEN 17’s 64GB configuration is overkill for most but future-proofs heavy workloads.
Absolutely. Models like the Alienware M18 R2 and HP OMEN 17 deliver desktop-class performance with the flexibility to relocate. Multiple display outputs let you connect external monitors for workstation setups. The main tradeoffs are upgradeability (desktops offer easier GPU swaps) and potential thermal constraints during sustained heavy loads.
Most gaming-focused 17-inch notebooks achieve 4-6 hours with mixed use when not gaming. The LG gram Pro 17 is an outlier at up to 25 hours thanks to its efficiency-focused design. Expect 1-3 hours during actual gaming on battery power, which is why most gamers keep these plugged in during sessions.
The ASUS ROG Strix G17 refurbished at $899.99 offers exceptional value with 90-day warranty. The MSI Katana 17 and Alienware M18 R2 listed as “Like New” through Amazon provide good deals with return protection. Used models like the Dell XPS 17 9710 work well if you prioritize display quality over cutting-edge specs. Always verify warranty coverage and seller reputation.
For competitive FPS games, 240Hz panels like on the GIGABYTE AORUS 17 and ASUS ROG Strix G17 provide maximum responsiveness. Most gamers find 144-165Hz (Acer Nitro 17, ASUS TUF F17) perfectly smooth and easier to drive with mid-range GPUs. Casual gamers can get by with 60Hz, but 120Hz+ feels significantly better once you experience it.
They excel for students who prioritize screen real estate for research, writing, and entertainment over portability. The HP 17 ($383.90) fits tight budgets, while the LG gram Pro 17 solves the weight problem for students who carry laptops daily. Engineering and creative students benefit from models with discrete GPUs like the Acer Nitro 17 for CAD or design software.
Essential ports include USB-C (preferably Thunderbolt 4 for docking), multiple USB-A ports, HDMI for external displays, and Ethernet for stable connections. Creative professionals should prioritize SD card readers (Dell XPS 17, GIGABYTE AORUS 17). Gaming laptops benefit from dedicated DisplayPort outputs. The Dell XPS 17’s four Thunderbolt 3 ports offer maximum flexibility for pro setups.
Most models allow RAM and storage upgrades. The ASUS TUF F17 explicitly offers easy upgrade access to both. The Alienware M18 R2 supports up to four M.2 drives for massive storage expansion. Budget models like the HP 17 typically have accessible panels for DIY upgrades. Always check specific model documentation before purchasing if upgradeability matters.
The Dell XPS 17 9710 combines a color-accurate UHD+ display with RTX 3060 GPU acceleration and 32GB RAM for timeline scrubbing in Premiere and DaVinci Resolve. The HP OMEN 17 with RTX 5060 and 64GB RAM handles 4K editing with room for complex effects stacks. Budget-conscious editors can manage with the MSI Katana 17’s RTX 4060 and 32GB RAM for 1080p/1440p projects.
After reviewing these 10 exceptional 17 inch laptops in December 2025, here are my top picks for different users:
🏆 Best Overall 17 Inch Laptop: GIGABYTE AORUS 17 – The combination of RTX 4070 performance, stunning 240Hz QHD display, and comprehensive connectivity at $1,376.27 makes this the most well-rounded option for gamers and power users who want high-refresh 1440p gaming without extreme pricing.
💰 Best Value: ASUS ROG Strix G17 – At $899.99, you’re getting a QHD 240Hz display with DCI-P3 color, Ryzen 9 processor, RTX 4060 with 140W TGP, and quality thermal management. This refurbished unit offers flagship-level features at mid-range pricing.
🎯 Best for Professionals: Dell XPS 17 9710 – The breathtaking UHD+ touchscreen, premium build, four Thunderbolt 3 ports, and 32GB RAM make this ideal for creative professionals who demand color accuracy and connectivity. At $1,879.00 used, it still delivers serious value.
🪶 Best Ultra-Portable: LG gram Pro 17 – Weighing just 3.26 lbs with a 17-inch QHD+ display, this defies conventional laptop design. The Intel Core Ultra 9, RTX 5050, and 25-hour battery life create the ultimate mobile workstation for professionals who travel frequently.
🎮 Best Budget Gaming: Acer Nitro 17 – At $1,149.99 new (or $905.00 used), this delivers modern RTX 4050 performance with DLSS 3.5, 165Hz G-SYNC display, and AI-capable Ryzen processor. It’s the smart entry point into serious 17-inch gaming.
💼 Best Basic Computing: HP 17 – For just $383.90, you get a large 17.3-inch screen, adequate Core i3 performance for everyday tasks, and lightweight 4.6-lb design. Perfect for students, seniors, or anyone who needs big-screen computing on a budget.
The 17-inch laptop category offers remarkable diversity in December 2025, from ultra-light productivity machines to desktop-replacement gaming behemoths. Choose based on your primary use case whether that’s competitive gaming, creative work, casual computing, or professional portability. All these models represent solid value in their respective segments, giving you confidence in whatever direction you go.
