Best 17" to 18" Gaming Laptops in the $700–$2100 Range (2025 Comparison Guide)
Looking for a big-screen gaming laptop that doesn’t break the bank? This 2025 guide compares the best 17-inch and 18-inch gaming laptops between $700 and $2100, with a quick table, pros & cons, and a buyer’s checklist. All picks are mobile & desktop friendly for smooth reading.
Quick Comparison: 17"–18" Gaming Laptops (2025)
| Model | Screen | Price* | Processor | GPU | RAM | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS TUF A17 | 17.3" | $899–$1,299 | Ryzen 7 | RTX 4060 | 16GB | Budget gaming |
| MSI Katana 17 | 17.3" | $1,099–$1,599 | Core i7 (13th Gen) | RTX 4070 | 32GB | Mid-range AAA |
| HP Omen 17 | 17.3" | $1,399–$1,899 | Core i7 | RTX 4070 | 16GB | Balanced use |
| Alienware m18 | 18" | $1,899–$2,099 | Core i9 | RTX 4070/4080 | 32GB | Hardcore gaming |
| ASUS ROG Strix G18 | 18" | $1,799–$2,099 | Core i9 | RTX 4080 | 32GB | eSports & streaming |
*Prices fluctuate by retailer and configuration.
Top Picks — Detailed Reviews
ASUS TUF Gaming A17 (17.3") — Best Budget Pick
- Price: $899–$1,299
- CPU/GPU: AMD Ryzen 7 + RTX 4060
- Memory & Storage: 16GB RAM / 1TB SSD
- Why it’s great: Affordable, durable (military-grade), dependable 1080p performance.
- Great value under $1,000
- Solid cooling for the class
- Room to upgrade RAM/SSD
- Plastic-heavy build
- Display brightness is average
MSI Katana 17 (17.3") — Mid-Range Performance
- Price: $1,099–$1,599
- CPU/GPU: Intel Core i7 (13th Gen) + RTX 4070
- Memory & Storage: 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD
- Why it’s great: Strong 1440p performance at a fair price.
- Smooth gameplay with RTX 4070
- Modern thin-bezel design
- Good keyboard feel
- Average battery life
- Speakers could be louder
HP Omen 17 (17.3") — Balanced All-Rounder
- Price: $1,399–$1,899
- CPU/GPU: Intel Core i7 + RTX 4070
- Display: QHD 165Hz panel
- Why it’s great: Excellent cooling and clean design for gaming + productivity.
- Reliable thermals
- Good color accuracy
- USB-C & Thunderbolt on many configs
- Heavier than rivals
- Premium configs get pricey
Alienware m18 (18") — Premium Power
- Price: $1,899–$2,099
- CPU/GPU: Intel Core i9 + RTX 4070/4080
- Memory: 32GB RAM
- Why it’s great: Desktop-class performance with excellent cooling + RGB.
- Top-tier performance
- High refresh displays available
- Premium build quality
- Bulky and heavy
- On the expensive side
ASUS ROG Strix G18 (18") — Best for eSports & Streaming
- Price: $1,799–$2,099
- CPU/GPU: Intel Core i9 + RTX 4080
- Display: 18" QHD+ 240Hz
- Why it’s great: Ultra-smooth visuals and high-end GPU for competitive play.
- Top refresh rate panel options
- Excellent performance for streaming
- ROG cooling + software suite
- Premium pricing
- Can be loud under load
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a 17–18" Gaming Laptop
- Budget: $700–$1,200 (starter), $1,300–$1,700 (balanced), $1,800–$2,100 (premium).
- GPU: RTX 4060 for 1080p/1440p, RTX 4070–4080 for high refresh or 4K-ready.
- Display: Aim for 144Hz+; QHD/QHD+ panels look sharper on 17–18".
- Cooling: Bigger chassis usually cool better; check fan design.
- Upgrades: Prefer dual RAM slots and additional M.2 bay.
- Ports: USB-C/Thunderbolt, HDMI 2.1, and Ethernet are useful.
- Weight & Battery: Expect 6–9 lbs; gaming battery life is typically 1.5–3 hrs.
FAQs
Are there any 17–18" gaming laptops under $1000?
Yes. Configurations of the ASUS TUF A17 often drop under $1,000 during sales, offering RTX 4060 performance and a 17.3" panel.
Is 18 inches too big to carry daily?
18" laptops like the Alienware m18 and ROG Strix G18 can weigh around 8–9 lbs. They’re great desktop replacements but less ideal for frequent commuting.
What refresh rate should I get?
A 144Hz panel is the baseline for smooth gameplay. Competitive players may prefer 165–240Hz on QHD/QHD+ panels, especially in 18" models.
Disclosure: Links marked “Check Price” may be affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Post a Comment