Best Large Screen Laptop for Working From Home 2024
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Table of Contents
Large screen laptops transform your home office setup by giving you the screen real estate needed for multitasking between spreadsheets, video calls, and document editing. When working remotely, a 17-inch display can eliminate the need for external monitors while providing the portability to work from different rooms in your house.
The best large screen laptop for working from home combines display quality, performance, and ergonomics to create a productive workspace anywhere in your house. We’ve tested dozens of 17-inch and larger laptops to find models that excel at remote work scenarios.
Quick Picks
Best Overall: Dell XPS 17 — Premium build quality with stunning 17-inch 4K display and excellent performance
Best Value: ASUS VivoBook 17 — Solid 17.3-inch screen and reliable performance at an affordable price point
Best for Creatives: MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 — Superior color accuracy and processing power for design work
Best Battery Life: LG Gram 17 — Ultra-lightweight with all-day battery life despite the large screen
Best Budget Option: HP 17.3-inch Laptop — Basic but functional large screen computing under $500
How We Evaluated
We tested each laptop during actual work-from-home scenarios, focusing on display quality, keyboard comfort during long typing sessions, and performance with typical remote work applications. Our evaluation prioritized real-world usability over benchmark scores, considering factors like heat management during video calls and screen visibility in various lighting conditions.
Detailed Reviews
Dell XPS 17 — Best Overall Large Screen Laptop
Key Specs:
- 17-inch 4K+ (3840 x 2400) InfinityEdge display
- Intel Core i7 or i9 processors
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics options
- 16GB-64GB RAM configurations
- Starting weight: 4.87 lbs
The Dell XPS 17 sets the standard for premium large screen laptops with its virtually borderless InfinityEdge display. The 4K resolution provides incredible clarity for detailed work, while the 16:10 aspect ratio gives you more vertical space than traditional widescreen laptops.
Build quality feels exceptional, with a machined aluminum chassis that stays cool during intensive tasks. The keyboard offers excellent tactile feedback with good key travel, making it comfortable for full workdays. However, the premium display and components drain battery life quickly, typically lasting 6-8 hours with mixed usage.
This laptop works best for professionals who need top-tier performance and display quality for tasks like video editing, CAD work, or financial modeling where screen real estate and precision matter most.
ASUS VivoBook 17 — Best Value Large Screen Option
Key Specs:
- 17.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display
- AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 processors
- Integrated graphics
- 8GB-16GB RAM options
- Starting weight: 5.1 lbs
The ASUS VivoBook 17 delivers solid large screen performance without premium pricing. The 17.3-inch display provides ample workspace for multitasking, though color accuracy isn’t as precise as higher-end models.
Performance handles typical office applications smoothly, including video conferencing, document editing, and web browsing with multiple tabs. The keyboard layout includes a numeric keypad, which proves helpful for spreadsheet work. Build quality feels sturdy despite the plastic construction, and the laptop manages heat reasonably well.
The main compromise is in display brightness and color reproduction, which may not satisfy users who work extensively with photos or videos. For general business applications and remote work tasks, it provides excellent value at roughly half the cost of premium alternatives.
MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 — Best for Creative Professionals
Key Specs:
- 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (3456 x 2234)
- Apple M2 Pro or M2 Max chips
- Unified memory up to 96GB
- ProRes video acceleration
- Starting weight: 4.7 lbs
The MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 offers the most color-accurate display in this category, with 100% DCI-P3 coverage and 1000 nits of sustained brightness. The mini-LED backlighting provides true blacks and exceptional contrast ratios that make it ideal for photo editing and video production.
Apple’s M2 chips deliver impressive performance while maintaining excellent battery life, often lasting 12+ hours with typical productivity tasks. The keyboard feels responsive, and the large trackpad supports precise multi-touch gestures that enhance workflow efficiency.
The main limitations are macOS compatibility with some Windows-specific business software and the higher price point. Creative professionals working in design, video production, or photography will find the display quality and performance justify the investment.
LG Gram 17 — Best Battery Life and Portability
Key Specs:
- 17-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS display
- Intel Core i7 processors
- Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics
- 16GB-32GB RAM options
- Starting weight: 2.98 lbs
The LG Gram 17 achieves the seemingly impossible: a genuinely portable 17-inch laptop. At under 3 pounds, it weighs less than many 13-inch models while providing a spacious workspace that’s perfect for remote work scenarios.
Battery life consistently exceeds 12 hours with typical productivity tasks, making it ideal for working away from power outlets. The display offers good color reproduction and brightness levels suitable for most office environments. The keyboard feels slightly shallow but remains comfortable for extended typing sessions.
The ultra-light construction means some compromises in build rigidity, and the integrated graphics limit performance for demanding visual tasks. However, for professionals who frequently move between workspaces or travel while working remotely, the portability advantages are significant.
HP 17.3-inch Laptop — Best Budget Large Screen Option
Key Specs:
- 17.3-inch HD+ (1600 x 900) display
- AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i3 processors
- Integrated graphics
- 8GB RAM standard
- Starting weight: 5.6 lbs
The HP 17.3-inch Laptop provides basic large screen functionality at an entry-level price point. While the display resolution is lower than other options, the 17.3-inch size still offers more workspace than smaller laptops.
Performance handles fundamental office tasks adequately, including word processing, email, and basic web browsing. The keyboard includes a numeric keypad and feels reasonably comfortable, though key travel is limited. Build quality is functional rather than premium, with a plastic chassis that shows fingerprints easily.
This laptop works best for users with basic computing needs who want a large screen without spending significantly. It’s suitable for simple remote work tasks but may struggle with intensive multitasking or demanding applications.
ASUS ROG Strix 17 — Best for Power Users
Key Specs:
- 17.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) 144Hz display
- Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 9 processors
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics
- 16GB-32GB RAM configurations
- Starting weight: 6.2 lbs
The ASUS ROG Strix 17 brings desktop-class performance to a large screen laptop format. While marketed for gaming, the powerful components excel at demanding professional applications like 3D modeling, video editing, and data analysis.
The 144Hz display provides smooth scrolling and responsive performance that benefits productivity tasks beyond gaming. Cooling is robust, maintaining performance during sustained workloads without excessive fan noise. The keyboard features per-key RGB lighting that helps with visibility in dim environments.
Battery life is limited to 4-6 hours under typical usage due to the high-performance components. The gaming aesthetic may not suit all professional environments, but the raw performance capabilities make it valuable for technical professionals who need workstation-class power in a portable format.
Lenovo ThinkPad P17 — Best for Business and Enterprise
Key Specs:
- 17.3-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) display options
- Intel Xeon or Core i7/i9 processors
- NVIDIA Quadro professional graphics
- Up to 128GB ECC RAM
- Starting weight: 7.4 lbs
The Lenovo ThinkPad P17 targets professional users who need certified graphics drivers and enterprise-grade reliability. The display offers excellent color accuracy with optional touch functionality and Wacom pen support.
ThinkPad keyboards remain among the best in the industry, with excellent key travel and the signature TrackPoint system. Build quality meets military specifications for durability, with comprehensive port selection including legacy connections that many businesses still require.
The workstation focus means higher prices and shorter battery life compared to consumer models. However, for professionals working with CAD software, scientific applications, or other specialized tools that benefit from certified hardware, the investment provides long-term value and reliability.
Comparison Table
| Model | Screen Size | Resolution | Weight | Battery Life | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell XPS 17 | 17" | 4K+ (3840x2400) | 4.87 lbs | 6-8 hours | $1,499 |
| ASUS VivoBook 17 | 17.3" | Full HD (1920x1080) | 5.1 lbs | 7-9 hours | $649 |
| MacBook Pro 16" | 16.2" | 3456x2234 | 4.7 lbs | 12+ hours | $2,499 |
| LG Gram 17 | 17" | WQXGA (2560x1600) | 2.98 lbs | 12+ hours | $1,399 |
| HP 17.3" Laptop | 17.3" | HD+ (1600x900) | 5.6 lbs | 6-8 hours | $449 |
| ASUS ROG Strix 17 | 17.3" | Full HD 144Hz | 6.2 lbs | 4-6 hours | $1,299 |
| Lenovo ThinkPad P17 | 17.3" | Up to 4K | 7.4 lbs | 4-6 hours | $1,899 |
Buying Guide
Display Quality and Resolution
Screen resolution directly impacts your productivity when working with detailed documents or multiple windows. 4K displays provide the sharpest text and images but consume more battery power. Full HD (1920x1080) offers a good balance of clarity and efficiency for most remote work tasks.
Consider color accuracy if your work involves graphics, photography, or video content. Look for displays covering at least 100% sRGB color space for professional work. Brightness levels of 300+ nits ensure visibility in various lighting conditions throughout your home.
Performance Requirements
Match processor performance to your typical workload intensity. Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors handle standard office applications smoothly. Users running demanding software like video editing tools, CAD programs, or virtual machines should consider Core i7/i9 or Ryzen 7/9 options.
RAM capacity becomes crucial with large screens since you’ll likely run multiple applications simultaneously. 16GB represents the sweet spot for most remote workers, while 32GB+ benefits users working with large datasets or running virtual machines.
Portability vs. Performance Trade-offs
Large screen laptops inherently sacrifice some portability for workspace benefits. Consider your mobility needs carefully - models under 5 pounds feel manageable for occasional transport, while heavier options work better as desktop replacements.
Battery life varies significantly based on display resolution and component choices. Plan for 6-8 hours of practical usage with most large screen laptops, though some efficient models can achieve 10+ hours with conservative usage patterns.
Keyboard and Ergonomics
Since you’ll spend extended periods typing, keyboard quality becomes critical for comfort and productivity. Look for keyboards with adequate key travel (1.5mm+) and stable key feel. Numeric keypads prove valuable for data entry tasks.
Screen height and viewing angle affect neck strain during long work sessions. Consider laptops with adjustable displays or plan to use external stands to achieve optimal ergonomic positioning.
Connectivity and Expansion Options
Remote work often requires connecting to external monitors, docking stations, and various peripherals. Ensure your chosen laptop includes sufficient USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI output, and preferably Ethernet connectivity for stable internet connections during important video calls.
Thunderbolt 4 support enables single-cable connections to high-resolution external monitors and provides faster data transfer speeds for external storage devices. Wi-Fi 6 capability ensures optimal performance with modern routers.
FAQ
What screen size is considered “large” for laptops?
Large screen laptops typically feature 17-inch or larger displays. Some 16-inch models with minimal bezels also provide substantial workspace. The key is having enough screen real estate to comfortably work with multiple windows or detailed documents without feeling cramped.
Do large screen laptops have worse battery life?
Generally yes, larger screens consume more power, especially at higher resolutions. However, efficient processors and improved battery technology in modern laptops can still deliver 8-12 hours of usage depending on your workload and display settings.
Can I use a large screen laptop as a desktop replacement?
Absolutely. Many professionals successfully use 17-inch laptops as their primary computers, connecting external keyboards and mice for extended desk work. The portability advantage lets you work from different locations when needed while maintaining a large display.
Are large screen laptops too heavy for travel?
Weight varies significantly between models, ranging from under 3 pounds to over 7 pounds. Ultra-portable options like the LG Gram 17 prove that large screens don’t necessarily mean heavy laptops, though you’ll typically pay a premium for lightweight construction.
Do I need a 4K display for remote work?
4K displays provide excellent clarity for detailed work and future-proof your investment, but Full HD remains perfectly adequate for most office tasks. Consider 4K if you work with high-resolution images, detailed spreadsheets, or prefer having many windows open simultaneously.
How much should I spend on a large screen work laptop?
Budget $600-800 for basic models suitable for standard office tasks, $1000-1500 for solid mid-range performance, and $1500+ for premium features like 4K displays or high-end processors. Match your investment to your specific work requirements and expected usage duration.
Conclusion
The Dell XPS 17 emerges as our top choice for most remote workers, combining premium build quality, excellent display clarity, and strong performance in a relatively portable package. Its 4K+ display provides the workspace needed for complex multitasking while maintaining good color accuracy for professional work.
For budget-conscious buyers, the ASUS VivoBook 17 delivers solid large screen functionality without premium pricing. Creative professionals should strongly consider the MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 for its superior display quality and excellent battery life, while the ultra-portable LG Gram 17 works best for frequently mobile workers.
Choose based on your specific priorities: display quality for detail work, portability for mobility, or performance for demanding applications. Any of these laptops will significantly improve your home office setup compared to smaller displays, giving you the screen space needed for productive remote work.