best 17 inch laptop under 1000

Best 17-Inch Laptop Under $1000 for Great Performance

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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If you're looking for the best 17-inch laptop under $1000, you've come to the right place. Getting a powerful and reliable laptop doesn't have to be an expensive venture. We've handpicked the best 17-inch laptops that will serve you for decades to come.

These laptops will also allow you to multi-task as much as you want without falling apart. One of the things you'll notice about these best laptops is their good performance.

Are 17-Inch Laptops Worth It?

Yes. The best 17-inch laptops under $1000 allow you to carry out various functions with one affordable and reliable device. You can use your laptop for business, gaming, programming, school work, and more. In addition, these best 17-inch laptops under $1000 offer you a large screen size and good performance.

We'll look at the best laptops in the market, and you'll see why they're a great deal. You'll be able to get the highest configuration machine without having to dig too deep into your pockets.

Which is the best 17 inch laptop under $1000?

Let's now look at the best 17-inch laptops in the market.

1. HP 17 Laptop – 11th Gen Intel Core i3, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD

I ran this HP 17 through its paces, and for everyday stuff, it held up like a champ. The massive 17.3-inch display gave me plenty of screen real estate, and the 32GB RAM meant I could juggle a bunch of tasks without a single hiccup. The 1TB SSD made everything snappy—no waiting around for apps to load. Even the design felt sleek for a laptop this size, and the built-in webcam? Solid for video calls.

But, let’s be real. The HD+ resolution was a bit of a letdown, especially on a screen this big—things just didn’t look as crisp as they could. And while the Intel Core i3 was fine for casual use, it tapped out when I pushed it with heavier tasks. If all you need is a reliable laptop for basic work, browsing, and streaming, this is a safe bet. But power users? You might want to keep scrolling.

Pros:

  • Huge screen
  • Zippy storage
  • Great multitasking

Cons:

  • Display isn’t the sharpest
  • Processor struggles under pressure

2. HP 17 Laptop – Intel Quad Core i3, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD

This HP 17 held its own for everyday use. The 16GB RAM kept things running smoothly, and the 1TB SSD meant I didn’t have to play musical chairs with my files. The anti-glare display was a nice touch—no more fighting screen glare in bright rooms. Battery life? Decent enough for a full day of light work, and Windows 11 Pro threw in some extra productivity features.

Where it stumbled was with demanding tasks. The Intel Core i3 processor handled basic stuff fine, but once I asked it to do more, it started dragging its feet. The screen resolution? It did the job, but if you’re picky about sharp visuals, you might feel underwhelmed. If you’re after a solid everyday machine, this one works. Just don’t expect miracles

Pros:

  • Handles multitasking well
  • Spacious storage
  • Anti-glare screen

Cons:

  • Processor isn’t built for heavy lifting
  • Display lacks crispness

3. IJKKJI 17-inch Laptop – Intel Celeron, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD

I took this 17-inch IJKKJI laptop for a spin, and for a budget option, it had some pleasant surprises. The Full HD display was sharper than expected, which made streaming and browsing enjoyable. It’s lightweight for its size, so moving it around was a breeze. The Intel Celeron processor got through basic tasks without fuss—web browsing, document editing, and the occasional video call were all smooth.

But let’s not sugarcoat it—this thing isn’t built for power users. The 8GB RAM was fine for light work, but throw too much at it, and you’ll feel the slowdown. The build quality also felt a bit flimsy, making me wonder how long it’ll hold up. If you just need a simple laptop for everyday tasks, it’s not a bad choice. But if you’re looking for something that can handle more than the basics, keep looking.

Pros:

  • Sharp display
  • Lightweight
  • Does fine with casual use

Cons:

  • Struggles with multitasking
  • Build quality feels a bit cheap

4. HP 17 Touchscreen Laptop – Intel Pentium N200, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD

This HP 17 touchscreen model had a few tricks up its sleeve. The touchscreen itself was smooth and responsive, making navigation feel effortless. With 32GB RAM, it had no trouble juggling multiple tasks, and the 1TB SSD meant I never worried about running out of space. WiFi 6 kept my internet connection rock solid, and the included stylus was a fun little bonus for quick notes and creative work.

Now, onto the weak spots. The Intel Pentium processor was serviceable for basic tasks, but the second I tried running multiple apps, it started lagging. The HD+ resolution? Not exactly mind-blowing—on a touchscreen laptop, I expected something sharper. If you want a touchscreen with plenty of RAM and storage, it’s a decent pick. Just don’t expect lightning-fast performance.

Pros:

  • Touchscreen
  • Fast storage
  • Plenty of RAM

Cons:

  • Weak processor
  • Display could be better

5. HP 17 Laptop – AMD Ryzen 5, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD

.This HP 17 was a standout in the performance department. The AMD Ryzen 5 processor handled everything I threw at it—multiple apps, streaming, work projects—you name it. The Full HD display was a huge upgrade over lower-resolution models, making everything look crisp. With 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, I never felt any slowdown, and storage was more than enough. Battery life also held up well, lasting a good chunk of the day.

The trade-offs? It’s a bit on the bulky side, so if you’re looking for something ultra-portable, this isn’t it. Also, when it’s working hard, the fan can get loud. Not a dealbreaker, but worth mentioning. If you want solid performance without spending a fortune, this is a strong choice.

Pros:

  • Powerful performance
  • Sharp display
  • Great storage and RAM

Cons:

  • A bit bulky
  • Fan gets loud under load

What Should You Consider When Getting 17-inch Laptops Under $1000?

1. Display

An important aspect when choosing the best 17-inch laptop under $1000 is the HD display. This matters no matter the type of laptop you're buying. You want a laptop that has impressive clarity for your activities. Whether you are watching a movie, working on photos, editing videos, or doing anything else, you want to be able to enjoy the experience.

We've selected all the laptops that have good displays. In addition to having a good or decent battery life, ensure that you can view and enjoy high-quality images. Having a good graphics processor is an essential factor. Most of the best options are AMD and Nvidia, which have fantastic performance.

You can go through the product descriptions to see which one works for you. Can also choose based on what you're used to.

2. Storage Capacity

The storage capacity of your laptop is essential, especially if you cannot access the internet easily. Today, most of our stuff is on the cloud. However, storage can also affect how your 17-inch laptop performs. For example, if you get low storage and end up storing more data than expected, your processor may start slowing down.

Most of the 17-inch laptops under $1000 we've selected today have decent storage capacity. Some have impressive storage. Therefore, choose the laptop that has a good balance between storage capacity and the features you want.

3. Operating System

This is another important aspect. You can choose to upgrade your previous OS or continue with the one you had. Windows is often the most common operating system. However, there are others which are just as good or better depending on what you want.

Ensure that you are comfortable with the operating system you choose. If you decide to choose a different one from the one you are used to, ensure that you have an expert or someone who can guide you through it.

Let's look at some of the common ones.

a). Windows 10

This is one of the most commonly used operating systems we have today. It is easy to use, maneuver and comes with your assistant: Cortana. In addition, you can use voice search and handle tasks without touching your keyboard.

You can also install several softwares like Microsoft Office and more to help you through your day. You can also go with previous versions of Windows, such as Windows 8 or Windows 7. Nonetheless, you can get Windows 10 at a reasonable price like the options above.

b). Chrome OS

This is the operating system that's used in all Chromebooks. Since 2011, Google has provided us with these business laptops that do a great job of increasing productivity. In addition, all these laptops are affordable and have a good build quality.

If you work on the internet and want smooth access, you can get one of these laptops. Chrome OS allows you to navigate the Chrome world with ease quickly. The one downside of this amazing laptop is that you need a powerful internet connection to use it well.

c). Apple Mac OS Catalina

It goes without saying that we're talking about Apple here. So if you are an Apple person, this is the operating system for you. The overall performance of this OS is top-notch. So if you get your hands on an Apple computer or laptop, you can use this OS.

The great thing about Apple Mac OS Catalina is the privacy. If you have concerns with your privacy and want something that will give you a sure bet, this is it. However, if you are not a good fan of Apple, you can still choose another operating system and protect your data.

4. CPU

The Central Processing Unit is said to be the brain of your computer. Even the cheapest laptop must have a good CPU to run correctly. If you have a powerful CPU, you'll have a better performance. Examples of good CPUs include Intel 10th Gen, Intel Core i9, Intel Core i7, and Intel Core i5.

Let's look at some of the best ones in the market.

a). Intel 10th Gen

Intel 10th Gen is the best when it comes to visuals. So if you work in an area with a lot of visuals like graphic design or video editing, this CPU processor will come in very handy. This is especially true for Intel 10th Gen Ice Lake.

There are two branches of the Intel 10th Gen processor: Intel 10th Gen Ice Lake and Comet Lake. These processors come complete with built-in Iris Plus graphics. These are preferred when you are streaming movies or gaming.

Therefore, if you want powerful gaming performance, for one of these. Intel 10th Gen Ice Lake is powered by a 10-nanometer chip. On the other hand, Comet Lake is powered by a 14 nanometer, making the particular laptop very powerful.

If you are not interested in the gaming industry and want something for work or school, this is a better option. However, for high-end gaming, consider Ice Lake.

b). Intel Core i9

This is another powerful CPU. As an upgrade to the generation Intel Core i7, you can expect it in professional laptops. Other laptops also have this CPU and do great even for student laptops. If it's too much for you or unnecessary, you can opt for the Intel Core i5 or the Intel Core i7.

5. Intended Purpose

What you will do with your laptop determines the type of laptop you get. If you are doing some heavy work, you'll need a laptop that gives you good performance. If you are working in the dark most of the time, try a machine with a backlit keyboard.

All the features that the laptop comes with should complement your work. A good battery life, good screen resolution, and a solid-state drive are some of the features to look out for. Faster data access speed, Intel turbo boost technology, HD webcam, and an SD card reader are other features you can consider.

You can read through our reviews to see which one serves you best.

6. Connectivity

In addition to good battery life, a reliable solid-state drive, massive storage space, full HD display, integrated Intel UHD graphics, and more, you need to be able to access other devices. This is where the ports and connectivity come into play.

For example, an HDMI output and several USB ports are essential. Ensure you read through the review details to get all information about the ports for the laptop. If you need to store important digital data, ensure that the port is available.

An audio jack is a necessity whether you are buying a Dell laptop or any other laptop. A good HD display is also essential. You may need an SD card port if you plan on using an SD card. You can also use a reliable USB port to transfer documents.

Bluetooth and WiFi are also important, especially if you do remote work. For example, if you are using projectors, ensure that you can connect them to your laptop.

7. Brand

Some people are loyal to the brands they use. If you are one of these people, you can continue with the brand if they have a 17-inch laptop. However, if the brand you're loyal to doesn't have the features you want, you can choose another one.

Some features like HD display, long battery life, and fingerprint reader are standard in other brands. So if you want the best gaming laptop but the brand you love doesn't have one, feel free to choose another one.

Ensure that the brand you choose comes with a good warranty.

8. RAM

The RAM of your laptop affects the performance of your laptop. When the RAM is higher, the performance is better. So if you want a laptop to use for movies, writing, surfing the internet, enjoying the HD display, and other light activities, 8GB RAM should do.

On the other hand, if you or anyone else plans to run other heavy software like 3D modeling or other programming softwares, getting 16GB RAM is a better choice. Combined with about 256GB of storage space, you'll be able to run just about any software you wish.

If you want to run some high-quality videos or games, ensure you choose a laptop with sufficient RAM.

Frequently Asked Questions About 17-Inch Laptops Under $1000

1. Is a 17-inch laptop better than a 15-inch laptop?

Yes, if the 17-inch laptop has a higher resolution and more specs, that gives you a higher performance. In addition, the larger screen gives 17-inch laptops an advantage because they have more features. However, if you are comparing a 15-inch laptop that has better specs and features, it will be the better option.

2. Is a 17-inch laptop good for college?

Yes. Especially if you are running heavy programs that require a powerful performance, getting one of the laptops above is a great idea. On the other hand, even if you aren't performing heavy tasks, you can still get one of these machines.

If you are doing any technical courses like software engineering, web development, and so on, we recommend our first pick above. This is because all our picks above are reliable, lightweight, and have good performance.

3. How long does a laptop last?

A good laptop can last for more than six years. Depending on how well you maintain it, your laptop can serve you even longer. For example, hard drives can go for about six years and the battery about two before you have to replace it. Other components and features like the processor and RAM can go for a decade-plus if well maintained. 

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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