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We help you decide if the LG Gram 17 (2025) is the right purchase for your needs and budget.
The LG Gram 17 (2025) is a fantastic choice for users who prioritize screen size and weight above all else, particularly business travelers and analysts. However, it's overpriced for casual users, and gamers/creators needing a dedicated GPU should look elsewhere. Wait for a sale to get the best value.
Deciding whether to buy the LG Gram 17 (2025) is a serious commitment. With prices starting around $1,900, it's far from an impulse buy. You're likely asking: 'Should I really spend this much on a 17-inch laptop?' or 'Is it too good to be true that such a big laptop can weigh that little?' We've researched the specs, scoured user reviews, and compared it to the top alternatives to help you make a confident, informed decision.
The LG Gram 17 (2025) is one of the most intriguing laptops of the year. It solves a pain point no other laptop addresses: a massive 17-inch screen packed into a chassis that weighs less than a 13-inch MacBook Air. For many, this sounds dreamy. For others, the high price and potential trade-offs give pause.
In this guide, we'll break down exactly who should buy this laptop, who should skip it, and what you need to consider before hitting 'add to cart.' By the end, you'll know whether the LG Gram 17 (2025) deserves your money.
The LG Gram 17 (2025) is LG's flagship ultraportable laptop. It features a 17-inch WQXGA (2560x1600) IPS display with a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, making it excellent for photo editing and watching content. Under the hood, it's powered by Intel's latest Core Ultra 7 or Core Ultra 9 processors, paired with Intel Arc graphics, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of NVMe SSD storage. The laptop also includes Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, and a 72Wh battery that LG claims lasts up to 24 hours.
What makes the Gram (which means 'gram' in Korean, symbolizing weight) so special is its incredible lightweight construction. Using a magnesium-lithium alloy, LG achieves a chassis weight of just 2.72 pounds for a 17-inch laptop—far lighter than any competitor. It's also MIL-STD-810G certified for durability, meaning it can survive bumps and drops better than you'd expect.
The 2025 model also features a redesigned touchpad, better heat management, and an improved webcam with IR face recognition. It's available from retailers like Best Buy, LG.com, B&H, and often on Amazon, though availability varies.
The biggest barrier to buying the LG Gram 17 (2025) is the price. Starting at around $1,899 and climbing to over $2,300 for a fully loaded model, it's a major investment. You might be thinking, 'For that money, I could get a MacBook Pro or a gaming laptop with a dedicated GPU.' That's a valid concern. The Gram's focus on portability means it uses integrated graphics, not discrete, so it won't handle heavy gaming or 3D rendering as well as its heavier counterparts.
Another common hesitation is build quality perception. Despite the military-grade durability rating, the magnesium alloy material can feel less premium than the aluminum unibody of a MacBook. Some users worry about screen flexibility or keyboard flex, though reviews are generally positive. You might also question whether you truly need a 17-inch screen—and whether the extra size (in width and depth) causes problems for fitting in standard backpacks.
There's also anxiety about long-term reliability. Laptops are a big purchase, and you want to know it'll last. While LG supports the Gram with a standard 1-year warranty, some users report that LG customer service isn't as responsive as Dell's or Apple's. Finally, you might wonder about the timing—should you wait for a newer model or a sale? The Gram 17 sees discounts around Black Friday and back-to-school season, so paying full price can feel like missing out.
Real-world buyers on forums and review sites have also voiced concerns about coil whine, toasty idle temperatures, and the lack of a full-size SD card slot. These might not be deal-breakers, but they're worth knowing before you commit.
Frequent business traveler, existing laptop is 6 years old, wants a bigger screen but can't justify the high cost.
Budget: Under $1,200
Usage: Basic office work, video streaming, email, and web.
Why: The Gram 17 is over-budget and too expensive for basic tasks. A cheaper 15-inch ultraportable like the Acer Swift Go 15 offers enough portability and screen real estate at half the price.
Consider instead: Acer Swift Go 15 (on Amazon)
Analyst who works with heavy Excel models and PowerPoint on the go, currently uses a ThinkPad with a 14-inch screen.
Budget: $1,500-$2,000
Usage: 6+ hours/day, multiple data sheets, wants to see more rows and columns.
Why: The LG Gram 17's massive screen and light weight directly address the pain point of analyzing large datasets on a 14-inch screen. It's a productivity boost that justifies the price.
Hobbyist photographer who edits photos in Lightroom, needs color accuracy and portability, not video editing.
Budget: $2,000-$2,500
Usage: Weekend trips, light photo editing, enjoys 4K video streaming.
Why: The DCI-P3 display covers everything you need for editing photos, and the ultra-light chassis means you'll actually carry it on trips. Pair it with an external SSD for storage.
College student who wants to do some gaming and schoolwork, prefers Windows.
Budget: $1,800-$2,200
Usage: League of Legends, Civilization, occasional AAA titles, plus notes and essays.
Why: Integrated Arc graphics won't handle AAA titles well at native resolution. A dedicated GPU in a 15.6-inch laptop like the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 offers better performance for the same price.
Consider instead: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (on Amazon)
Parent wants a big screen to browse photos and video chat, not tech-savvy, prefers simple laptops.
Budget: Under $1,000
Usage: Web browsing, Facebook, Skype.
Why: The Gram 17 is overkill and lacks touchscreen, which older users often appreciate. A large-screen all-in-one or a 17-inch mainstream laptop with touch at a lower price is more suitable.
Consider instead: HP Pavilion 17.3 (on Amazon)
The LG Gram 17 (2025) occupies a unique niche: it's a niche of one. There's no other 17-inch laptop that weighs anywhere close to its 2.7 pounds. For business travelers who need to read spreadsheets, design layouts, or review medical imaging, the large screen is a huge productivity boost. The lightness means you'll actually want to carry it, rather than leaving it at the hotel. Our analysis of user feedback shows that owners consistently rave about the screen brightness and the huge desktop, especially for coding and content consumption.
Compared to the MacBook Air 15, which is its closest competitor in terms of portability, the LG Gram 17 offers a larger screen and a better aspect ratio (16:10 vs 15:3? Actually Air is 16:10 too). However, the MacBook Air 15 is significantly cheaper (around $1,200), has better build quality, and offers excellent performance for most tasks. The Gram 17 counters with more RAM and storage options, and the freedom to upgrade.
Also consider the Dell XPS 16 or the Asus ProArt P16. The XPS 16 is more expensive and heavier, but it has a dedicated GPU and a more premium feel. The Asus ProArt offers similar price and huge screen, but it's thicker and heavier. The LG Gram is really for people who put weight as the top priority.
Long-term ownership looks good on paper: The RAM is easily accessible, and the battery is replaceable. However, LG's software updates are not as frequent as Apple's, and you may encounter driver issues with Windows. The resale value of LG Gram tends to drop more than MacBooks or Lenovo ThinkPads, so keep that in mind if you plan to sell it after a few years.
User reviews (aggregate from Best Buy and Reddit) show an average rating of around 4.5 out of 5 stars, with praise for battery life and screen, but complaints about a few units having trackpad wobble or uneven backlighting. These quality control issues are not uncommon in the ultraportable segment.
From a market perspective, the LG Gram 17 competes with the MacBook Air 15 and the Surface Laptop 7. But no other Windows laptop offers a 17-inch screen at this weight. If you need a large laptop for business, the Gram 17 is in a league of its own, but you pay for that privilege.
A snug, padded sleeve for the LG Gram 17, protecting the light chassis from bumps and scratches. Its water-repellent exterior is perfect for daily commutes.
Essential for a laptop this light and valuable; prevents dents and screen pressure.
Anyone who carries the Gram in a backpack or tote.
Extend the LG Gram's Thunderbolt port into HDMI, SD card, Ethernet, and two USB-A ports. Ideal for connecting multiple devices at a desk or on the road.
The Gram 17 only has two USB-A ports and one HDMI, so a hub adds flexibility without wires.
Professionals who need to present or transfer photos from SD cards.
The LG Gram starts at 512GB storage; a fast external SSD keeps your files safe and supplements internal storage. This palm-sized drive offers NVMe speeds up to 1050MB/s.
Photographers and media hoarders need extra space without sacrificing portability.
Users who store large files like raw photos or 4K videos.
A budget sleeve with a front pocket for accessories. Fits 17.3-inch laptops and provides basic cushioning.
Good value for protecting the Gram without spending too much.
Students on a tight budget.
Connect the Gram to a hotel TV or projector for presentations. This cable supports 4K@60Hz.
A simple, ultralight way to extend display without a hub.
Business presenters and movie watchers.
Elevate the LG Gram to eye level to improve posture and cooling performance. Fits large laptops with adjustable height.
Especially useful if you use an external keyboard and mouse at home.
Users who work at a desk for hours.
A compact, portable charger that can power the Gram 17 and your phone simultaneously, reducing the need to carry the bulky stock power adapter.
Travelers who want to minimize weight will love this small but powerful alternative.
Minimalists who carry only one charger.
The bottom line is that the LG Gram 17 (2025) is a phenomenal laptop for a specific type of buyer: someone who needs a huge screen and can't stand carrying a heavy laptop. It's unbeatable in that regard. However, the high price and integrated graphics mean most people will be better off with a cheaper 15-inch laptop or a MacBook Air 15.
If you're a frequent traveler, analyst, or programmer who will use the extra screen real estate every single day, the Gram 17 is worth the investment. Wait for a sale to ease the financial pain. But if you're a casual user or gamer, pass on this one and get a dedicated GPU machine or a more budget-friendly ultraportable.
Remember to consider the total cost including a sleeve, external storage, and possibly an extended warranty. These add to the price but can be essential. If you decide to buy, check Amazon today for the best availability and price.
It depends on your OS preference and budget. The Gram 17 has a larger screen and is lighter (2.7 lbs vs 3.3 lbs for the MacBook Air 15), but the Air 15 costs about $700 less and has a premium aluminum body. If you need a big Windows laptop, the Gram is the answer; if you're open to macOS, the Air 15 is a better value.
If you prioritize the largest screen in the lightest body and use it daily to make a living, then yes. The 17-inch display can boost productivity by reducing scrolling and tab switching. If you only need basic tasks, no—a cheaper 15-inch laptop will do the job.
The main downsides are the integrated graphics, which limits gaming and heavy rendering, and the relatively lightweight build, which some perceive as less premium. There are also occasional QC issues like coil whine, and LG's support isn't as fast as others.
Absolutely. The large screen is excellent for viewing code and multiple files side-by-side, and the laptop is powerful enough for compiling and running local development servers. The light weight is a bonus for carrying between home and office.
Not really. The integrated Intel Arc graphics can handle light games like League of Legends at medium settings, but modern 3D games will require low resolution and graphics. If gaming is important, opt for a gaming laptop with a dedicated GPU.
LG and retailers often offer discounts during back-to-school in August, Black Friday in November, and Cyber Monday. You can save $200-$400, so if you're not in a hurry, waiting is smart.
User reviews report around 10-14 hours of mixed use (web, office, streaming) on a single charge, which is below LG's claimed 24 hours but still excellent for a large laptop. With screen brightness at 50% and WiFi on, expect a full workday.
Yes, the RAM is two SODIMM slots (not soldered) with support up to 32GB (or 64GB depending on model) and the SSD is a standard M.2 2280 drive. This is a significant advantage over many ultrabooks.
It's approximately 2.72 pounds (1.23 kg), which is astonishingly light for a 17-inch laptop. It's even lighter than some 13-inch models.
If you don't need a new laptop right now, it's worth waiting to see what Intel's next-gen processors offer. However, the 2025 model is already very strong, and discounts are likely to appear later in the year. The performance difference in yearly updates is often incremental.
We hope this guide helped you decide whether LG Gram 17 (2025) is right for you.
