9 Best laptops for graphic design: (2023 Guide & Reviews)

Last Updated on September 14, 2023 by Sharon Advik

In 2023, what will be the top laptops for graphic design?

The great laptops you’ll find on this platform can assist you with your graphic design work, so let me help.

While graphic design laptops must have robust enough hardware to run the essential programs, this does not require them to be prohibitively expensive.

Some incredibly powerful laptops can aid you in your graphic design work.

Still, given the current state of the economy, not everyone can afford to spend a lot of money on a laptop.

For this reason, I’ve included more affordable options in this guide.

Please take a look.

Which are the Best laptops for graphic design?

Here are my recommended top 9 Best laptops for graphic design:-

MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021): (best Laptop for graphic design)

I have to work on a laptop all the time.

I always have my Laptop with me because I work as a freelance graphic designer and professional photographer.

Because I frequently use design software like “Adobe Shop” and “Illustrator,” my Chromebook has become somewhat dated and worn out.

Recently, I’ve been using it for this.

The old updates had expired, and it had begun acting strangely, so I needed a new one.

The “MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021)” exceeded my expectations regarding price, reviews, features, and updating the expiration date, so after doing some research, I chose it.

I’m happy overall and have been satisfied with almost every aspect of the machine.

I bought this Laptop primarily for its gorgeous 16-inch touchscreen, which I was thrilled to have because it would give my designs a clear, sharp display.

Features:

Hard drive/ SSD/ SSHD:

This Laptop has 512 GB of stunning SSD.

With 256 GB SSDs, some users will be content.

Most people will discover, however, that they have one or more pastimes that consume more resources than they initially thought.

Choosing a 512 GB SSD over a 256 GB model is typically preferable to future-proof my computer usage.

Display/ Battery/ WIFI/ USB port:

I picked it because of its 18-hour battery life and dependable, prompt Wi-Fi connection.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro has four Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports, just like the 15-inch models.

It also includes a headphone jack.

On either side, there are two Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports.

Graphic chip/ Processor:

It has AMD Radeon Pro 5500M and Intel Core i9-9980HK, which offer me up to 4 teraflops of single-precision floating-point performance.

Its gorgeous processor outperforms current CPUs in speed and intelligence thanks to its increased multi-threading capability and improved power efficiency.

Conclusion:

People who require a little more strength, like graphic designers and artists, can easily find it here.

A memory card slot and an excellent selection of ports, including HDMI, have been added by Apple.

That quickly makes this the top Laptop for graphic design, in our opinion.

It is the best Laptop for graphic designers.

Pros
  • Processor: Intel Core i9-9980HK
  • Screen Size: 16 inches
  • RAM (as Tested): 32 GB
  • Boot Drive Type: SSD
  • Screen Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
  • Wireless Networking: 802.11ac, Bluetooth
  • Graphics Memory: 8 GB
  • Graphics Processor: AMD Radeon Pro 5500M
  • Weight: 4.3 lbs
  • Tested Battery Life (Hours: Minutes): 18:40
Cons
  • Obtrusive camera notch
  • Heavy

Razer Blade 17 (2022): (best laptops for graphic design and animation)

My sister, who is majoring in fine arts, approached me.

Her college gave her a project that required her to make an animation.

She was running late for her date because her Laptop was broken.

Being already late, she wanted to finish her work as soon as possible.

She begged me to grant her access to my Laptop so she could start working on the creation of her project.

She had to create some eye-catching college flexes and logos.

Because I use this Laptop for graphic design, she thought it would be plenty for her needs.

My “Razer Blade 17 (2022)” moved her deeply.

Its stunning large screen and sturdy internals, including a potent processor, storage, and memory, helped her develop her animation.

Because it can handle complex animation scenes with numerous effects and graphics, in my opinion, it is the Laptop for graphic design and animation.

Features:

RAM/ ROM:

I believe it is the unsurpassed Laptop for those who advise at least 16GB.

Its 16 is so reliable and provides a user with a decent workspace.

It ensures running all the programs smoothly and allows users like me to multitask without getting interrupted by any issues.

Display/ Battery/ WIFI/ USB port:

My Laptop’s wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, wifie 6E, and IEEE 802.11 make this Laptop a “FLASH.”

Three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and two Thunderbolt 4TM ports are on this Laptop (USB 3.2 Gen 2) Nvidia GPU output via Type-C with Power Delivery and Display Port 1.4.

Graphic chip/ Processor:

For a quick editing experience or animation work, its processor can process a large amount of data.

Its processor gives me faster performance and lets me finish my work conveniently.

I don’t feel any trouble with its gorgeous processor as I think it is everything I need in my Laptop.

Pros
  • Runs cooler and relatively quietly
  • Fantastic keyboard layout and size
  • Excellent performance
Cons
  • USB-C charging limited to 54W

Acer Predator Helios 300: (best laptops for graphic design under 1000)

A friend and I met in a cafe.

We shared an extended period.

His boss gave him a three-month vacation.

He claimed to be idling at home.

He asked me to suggest a fun activity he could do at home.

I advised him to study graphic design principles because they are instrumental in the current technological era.

I advised him to purchase a top-notch laptop to develop his knowledge of visual design principles.

I suggested the “Acer Predator Helios 300,” one of the best laptops for graphic design under $1,000, after he said he would look for something affordable.

He called me two weeks after purchasing this Laptop to tell me how much he loved it.

He uses this Laptop’s gorgeous screen to view his designs because it has lovely resolutions and can easily support a wider color gamut thanks to its high resolution.

Features:

Hard drive/ SSD/ SSHD:

Storage on it is SSD.

I observe it can share data at rates of up to 500 MB/s.

For portable electronics or small laptops, this is a prolonged speed.

Therefore, it suffices for graphic designers’ everyday tasks.

RAM/ ROM:

I found it has enough RAM (16 GB) for your kids.

This RAM enables designers to engage in their tasks very effortlessly.

They can smoothly complete and edit their projects without slowing your laptop down.

Display/ Battery/ WIFI/ USB port:

The system supports swift Bluetooth and 802.11ax (wifi 6), the most recent version of the wireless standard.

Two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, an Ethernet jack, an audio jack, and a security lock slot are on the Laptop’s left side.

Thunderbolt 4, mini DisplayPort, and HDMI ports are joined by a third USB-A port on the right, and the AC adapter is plugged in at the back, which makes things very handy for the users.

I feel seven hours of battery is average.

Graphic chip/ Processor:

Its Intel Core i7-11800H processor is accompanied by Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060, which performs the best in graphic design.

Moreover, it allows users like me to play between different work sessions to refresh.

Conclusion:

This”Acer Predator Helios 300″ Laptop is a good option if you’re looking for a cheap laptop for graphic design.

It is well-made and has an Intel Core i7-11800H processor.

It is portable and has a battery life of just over 7 hours.

However insignificant, it is enough, especially considering the cost.

It is for sure one of the best laptops for graphic design under $1000

Click this link to buy:

Pros
  • Processor: Intel Core i7-11800H
  • Processor Speed: 2.3 GHz
  • RAM (as Tested): 16 GB
  • Boot Drive Type: SSD
  • Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested): 512 GB
  • Screen Size: 15.6 inches
  • Screen Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
  • Graphics Processor: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
  • Graphics Memory: 6 GB
  • Wireless Networking: 802.11ax (wifi 6)
  • Tested Battery Life (Hours: Minutes): 7:11
  • Weight: 4.8 lbs
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Cons
  • Only one free 2.5-inch slot available
  • No USB-C Gen 2 or Thunderbolt support

MSI GF76 Katana: (best laptops for graphic design and gaming)

Wargames are a huge hobby for my son.

I wonder how expert he is at video games whenever I see him playing “World of Warships,” “War Thunder,” and other titles.

While happy for him, I was worried about his excessive gaming time.

He is already 16, so I wanted him to learn some skills.

So I reasoned, why not also teach him some graphic design skills?

I piqued his interest by promising him the MSI GF76 Katana, the best gaming Laptop if he agreed to study graphic design.

In this way, he could also enjoy using his Laptop for gaming.

He enthusiastically agreed to the deal.

His Laptop was a gift from me.

This Laptop is excellent for graphic design and gaming.

Due to its 12th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, the MSI Katana GF76 is a low-cost 17-inch gaming laptop with respectable CPU performance.

Features:

Hard drive/ SSD/ SSHD:

What a user wants more than a gorgeous 1TB SSD.

This storage knows what its users need and ensures it provides them with all the comfort and reliability.

It allows me, a user, to store heavy software and multiple applications without any trouble,

RAM/ ROM:

Its 16GB RAM is sufficient, especially for graphic design, though most designers want 32 to 64 GB RAM; I have experience with this Laptop swift 16 GB, but I can say this RAM can meet all my needs.

Display/ Battery/ WIFI/ USB port:

The Laptop is packed with so many versatile features.

It has two Type-A USB3.2 Gen1 ports, one Type-C USB3.2 Gen1 port, one HDMI port (4K @ 60Hz), one RJ45 port, and one Type-A USB2.0t port.

It has wireless connectivity options, including reasonably quick Bluetooth and wifi.

I feel its 5 hours battery is negotiable.

Graphic chip/ Processor:

Users can also enjoy playing video games whenever they want.

This Laptop’s NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070 maintains gorgeous graphics and resolutions, making working pleasant.

Its Intel Core i7 is speedy and makes my work a joy.

Conclusion:

Due to its robust design and high-quality components, the MSI Katana GF66 is dependable.

If you’re looking for a gaming laptop, you’ll value the extras offered by the company.

MSI products balance performance, build quality, and price well.

I think this is the best gaming device for graphic design.

Pros
  • Processor: Intel® Core™ i7 Processor
  • RAM (as Tested): Max 64GB, DDR4-3200
  • Graphics Processor: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070
  • Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested): 1 TB
  • Boot Drive Type: SSD
  • Screen Size: 17 inches
  • Operating System: Windows: 10 Home
  • Weight: 2.6kg
  • Tested Battery Life: 5 plus hours
  • Wireless Networking: 802.11 ax wifi 6, Bluetooth v5.2
Cons
  • Audio produces less-than-stellar bass

Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED (2022): (best Laptop for graphic design and photo editing)

I mentioned that I am a professional photographer at the outset.

I’ve been a full-time photographer and videographer for the past 12 years.

As the world advanced and various photo-editing, video-editing, and graphic design tools entered the market, I was motivated to hone and develop my creative abilities.

I specifically bought this adaptable “Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED, 2022” for this use.

It was the best because I already had sufficient graphic design skills.

To focus on my work without worrying about my Laptop’s battery running out, I wanted a Laptop with long battery life.

This Laptop is the best for this use because it has the most extended battery life, and its advanced processor and graphic card make it the best for photo editing and graphic designing.

Features:

Hard drive/ SSD/ SSHD:

I am a fan of this gorgeous and swift device that offers 1TB SSD, enhanced storage capabilities, streamlined data management, quick boot-up times, and high-definition video playback.

Its efficient device makes any work so effortless for me.

RAM/ ROM:

32 GB of RAM is present in this heroic gadget.

Thanks to this Laptop’s RAM and gorgeous ROM, I can finish more challenging tasks simultaneously.

The data transfer rate is another significant improvement in this Laptop’s RAM.

Display/ Battery/ WIFI/ USB port:

There are, in total, 3 USB ports in this device.

It includes 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 (Type A) subport and Thunderbolt 4 (Type C) 2.

I can be productive thanks to its quick and dependable wifi (802.11ax), or I can connect directly using the onboard gigabit Ethernet.

Its battery covers 8-10 hours, which makes me work in flow.

Graphic chip/ Processor:

This Laptop’s Intel® Core™ i9-12900H and GeForce RTX™ 3050 Ti are remarkable for their price.

Because they have more cores, run at higher frequencies, have more cache, and consume more power, Intel Core i9 processors perform better, according to Moorhead.

“The i9 is the one to choose for the highest performance with single-threaded or multithreaded workloads.

Conclusion:

With excellent displays, enhanced inputs and IO, and a significant improvement in performance and cooling capabilities over previous generations, the 2022 Zenbook Pro 14 Duo is better than ever.

It’s ideal for illustrators or graphic designers because it combines a drawing tablet and a laptop into one device, making it the best Laptop for graphic designing and photo editing.

Pros
  • Processor: Intel® Core™ i9-12900H
  • Graphics Processor: GeForce RTX™ 3050 Ti
  • RAM (as Tested): 32 GB
  • Boot Drive Type: SSD
  • Screen Size: 14 inches
  • Screen Refresh Rate: 120Hz
  • Wireless Networking: 802.11 ax
  • Bluetooth version: 5.2
  • Weight: 1.7 kg
  • Tested Battery Life (Hours: Minutes): 8-10 hrs
  • Operating System: Windows 11 PRO
Cons
  • No wrist rest

Asus VivoBook Pro 16X OLED: (best Laptop for graphic design beginners)

My friend came over to me.

His purpose was to purchase a laptop for graphic design.

He knew I was well-versed in laptops and which models were best for particular users or their requirements.

He is a beginner, so he wanted a simple-to-use laptop with features like long battery life and a quick CPU performance to keep up with his daily needs appropriate for various use case scenarios.

I knew this “Asus VivoBook Pro 16X OLED” laptop would meet his needs.

Its enormous screen size allows beginners to work on animation or other graphic design projects more effectively.

Its immense resolution is ideal for beginners as it gives them access to a broader range of colors.

As the best beginner laptop for graphic design, this Laptop is incredibly effortless.

Features:

Hard drive/ SSD/ SSHD:

I have many Laptops with 512 GB, but this one has 1TB SSD.

A 512GB SSD might be a better option than a 1TB HDD for many reasons, even though it is more extensive.

Performance comes first.

Having an SSD onboard your computer nowadays is necessary due to its speed.

RAM/ ROM:

It features 16 GB RAM, and I don’t think so.

I need to tell anyone that the Laptop’s 16 GB RAM is capable of big things; it runs smoothly, ensuring everything is in its place and providing a user with a very relaxed work environment.

Display/ Battery/ WIFI/ USB port:

Its fast wifi is three times faster than the average 802.11n speed of 450Mbps.

Two USB 2.0 ports and a headphone jack are located on the Asus’ left edge, and there are USB 3.2 Type-A and Type-C ports, an HDMI video output, and a microSD card reader on the right side.

This Laptop’s USB-C port does not support Thunderbolt.

Its battery lasts 14 plus hours, which is the best part about this device.

Graphic chip/ Processor:

This Laptop has an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics.

It accelerates Photoshop, video editing, and gaming without compromising image quality.

It is the perfect package for any beginner.

Conclusion:

It would be best to consider purchasing the Asus VivoBook Pro 16X OLED because graphic designers require a high-quality display.

Due to its vibrant colors and rich blacks, the 4K OLED display is stunning.

Additionally, it’s a good option for people with tension headaches and eye strain, and all these features make it the best graphic designing laptop for beginners.

Pros
  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
  • Graphics Processor: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
  • Processor Speed: 3.3 GHz
  • RAM (as Tested): 32 GB
  • Boot Drive Type: SSD
  • Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested): 1 TB
  • Screen Size: 16 inches
  • Screen Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
  • Graphics Memory: 4 GB
  • Wireless Networking: Bluetooth, 802.11ax (wifi 6)
  • Tested Battery Life (Hours: Minutes): 14:33
  • Weight: 4.19 lbs
  • Operating System: Windows 10
Cons
  • USB-C port lacks Thunderbolt support

Gigabyte Aero 17 (2021): (best laptops for graphic design and photography)

A client tasked me to edit some still photos and videos from his signature events.

I used to travel from city to city when I had work due.

I decided to relax because I was confident that my “Gigabyte Aero 17” would always shield my back.

I can use it to run my preferred photo editing software.

The NVIDIA GPU and Intel Core CPU work together very well.

When 16 GB of RAM is added, I have a fantastic team.

I always bring this Laptop with me when I travel for a photo shoot to edit and develop my designs on it, including logos, some animation, and photos.

Its gorgeous battery never fails me.

It is the best Laptop for graphic design and photography.

Features:

Hard drive/ SSD/ SSHD:

I’m pleased with my Laptop’s effective SSD.

Additionally, it reduces the startup time for my Laptop and speeds up read and write operations.

It enables me to work in a setting that is very laid back.

RAM/ ROM:

As you choose your RAM, ask the software developer for the minimum and recommended requirements for your preferred software.

In some cases, I might be surprised by how much RAM a particular application needs, but in my case, this Laptop’s 16 GB of RAM gave me everything I needed for my software and applications.

Display/ Battery/ WIFI/ USB port:

Wi-Fi 6 is installed for faster throughput rates.

The numerous ports connecting me to my favorite accessories is one feature that increases my appreciation for this Laptop.

On the right, I have a USB Type-A port, a USB Type-C port, a mini Displayport, an HDMI port, and a DC power port.

There are two more USB Type-A ports on the left, an SD card reader, separate jacks for the microphone and headphones, and an Ethernet port.

I feel it must have a battery longer than 5 hours.

Graphic chip/ Processor:

It has an Intel Core i9-11980HK processor, a great processor for mid-range laptops, and is from the 11th generation.

It has Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 graphics, suitable for graphically demanding tasks like video editing and games.

Conclusion:

It is 100% the best Laptop for graphic designing and photography as the 4K UHD IPS-level display on the AERO 17 HDR laptop not only has the highest resolution density in its class but also offers additional brightness and complies with the VESA Display HDR 400 standard.

Additionally, it supports the 100% Adobe RGB color space, which provides a broader and more accurate range of colors than the conventional sRGB gamut.

Pros
  • CPU: Intel Core i9-11980HK
  • GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080
  • Storage: System 512GB, 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • RAM: 32GB
  • Display: 17.3-inch, UHD 4K
  • Size: 15.6 x 10.6 x 0.8 inches
  • Battery: 4:34
  • Weight: 5.5 pounds
Cons
  • Fairly heavy
  • OK battery life
  • Pretty loud under strain

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14: (best laptops for graphic design under 500)

I, therefore, questioned whether a laptop was available that I could use for all of my graphic design needs at a fair price.

I started researching the best Laptop for graphic design for under $500 online.

After reading many reviews, I finally decided to buy this “Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14” laptop.

At first, I wasn’t sure that this cheap Laptop could perform all the tasks that a capable graphic design laptop can.

After using it, though, I was stunned by how well it worked.

I could multitask while using taxing programs like Photoshop and my graphic design projects thanks to its versatile Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB RAM.

Having used this Laptop, I can now see why buying a pricey laptop is unnecessary because a less costly one can satisfy all your needs.

Sincerely, it is the best Laptop under $500 for graphic design.

Features:

Hard drive/ SSD/ SSHD:

This Laptop’s effective SSD drive makes me happy because it lasts longer.

On a 256GB SSD, I can fit all of my apps and standard data.

A 256GB SSD will be adequate for listening to music, creating documents, and using photo or video editing software.

RAM/ ROM:

A sufficient amount of RAM, like 16GB, keeps everything running smoothly.

Display/ Battery/ WIFI/ USB port:

The entire Laptop only has one USB-C port, so it’s essential to inquire if a barrel-style AC adapter can be used in its place.

In this manner, I can simultaneously use the USB-C port and charge the Laptop.

A remarkable 14 hours and this Laptop logged 16 minutes.

Graphic chip/ Processor:

It has an AMD Ryzen 5 4500UA CPU and AMD Radeon Graphics.

It speeds up the games, my photoshops, and other programs without sacrificing the quality.

It allows users to stream, watch media, and browse the web efficiently.

Conclusion:

An excellent laptop for graphic designing is the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5.

It is remarkably portable and lightweight, and the construction is decent.

This versatile model with a gorgeous processor, the Ryzen 5 4500U CPU I tested, works well for multitasking and light productivity, and the battery lasts a whole day under regular use.

Pros
  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 4500U
  • RAM (as Tested): 16 GB
  • Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested): 256 GB
  • Boot Drive Type: SSD
  • Screen Size: 14 inches
  • Screen Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
  • Graphics Processor: AMD Radeon Graphics
  • Wireless Networking: 802.11ac, Bluetooth
  • Weight: 3.3 lbs
  • Wireless Networking: 802.11ac, Bluetooth
  • Tested Battery Life (Hours: Minutes): 16:04
Cons
  • Relatively heavy for a 14-inch ultraportable

Dell XPS 15: (best Laptop for graphic design and coding)

I studied programming and coding because freelancers now have so many opportunities.

Because I work from home and the office, getting a great laptop is more crucial than ever.

I got a lightweight laptop because it allows me to work wherever I want, which desktop PCs cannot match.

This ” Dell XPS 15″ Laptop was great for coding, and I loved using it for my graphic design work and this specific coding purpose.

Its gorgeous 14-inch screen makes it easy to read code pages, and the adaptive refresh rate makes scrolling through the code responsive and fluid.

This Laptop’s enhanced keyboard gives it even more coding prowess, and its multi-core processor is crucial for facilitating faster compilation and testing of my code.

Features:

Hard drive/ SSD/ SSHD:

This Laptop has a sizable 512GB SSD and a gorgeous ROM because I need a lot of storage space for my designs and downloading heavy software and a big hard drive to store their files.

RAM/ ROM:

A laptop for graphic designers must also have RAM.

Additionally, this Laptop has a staggering 16GB of RAM.

It is swift, and I don’t feel any trouble opening so many tabs in a single run and working on multiple software or apps simultaneously.

It provides me with quick access to my work.

Display/ Battery/ WIFI/ USB port:

This Laptop’s speedy wifi and Bluetooth enable me to conveniently connect to other devices.

Thanks to Dell, the Laptop comes with a USB-A and Ethernet adapter.

It’s the XPS 15’s only design concession, and while it’s a minor one, you’ll still need to carry it if I want to use a standard peripheral.

Its 12-hour battery life is perfect for any editor to complete their task.

Graphic chip/ Processor:

This Laptop’s Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti-12700H graphics card are powerful enough to handle software programs like “Notepad” and “Brackets” while ensuring optimal performance.

Conclusion:

XPS 15’s main selling point is its new 12th-gen hybrid processors from Intel.

Thanks to their duo of high-performance and efficient cores, they are much more capable than last year when balancing a lot of work.

The best Laptop for money is undoubtedly this Dell XPS 15 OLED (2022).

Click this link to buy:

Pros
  • Series: XPS 15 OLED (9520)
  • Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
  • Hard Disk Size: 512 GB
  • Ram Memory Installed Size: 16 GB
  • CPU Model: Intel Core i7-12700H
  • Operating System: Windows: 11 Home
  • Graphics Coprocessor: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
  • Battery life: 12:47
Cons
  • Lackluster webcam
  • Only three USB-C connections

CONCLUSION:

Alright, guys, that concludes all the laptops we will discuss today in this article.

Do you guys have any experience with these laptops? What are your thoughts on them?

Which are your Best laptops for graphic design?

Is there a laptop you love to use that I didn’t mention in this article?

Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?

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