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The best laptops for graphic designers: Expert tested
Why you can trust ZDNET
ZDNET's reviewers spend weeks to months testing each laptop on this list, using it for both everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and gaming, to more performance-intensive work like photo and video editing. We aim to give you a view into how each laptop could actually fit into your life and workflow, and the pros and cons of their various features like performance, display, and battery life.
What to Consider
Design
Performance
Storage and RAM
Purpose
Value
Many PC manufacturers offer laptops for all types of use cases, from everyday work to gaming and even graphic design. For that last one, it can be tricky to find the right machine, because a good graphic design laptop needs to balance performance, a good display, and a robust array of features.
There are a ton of great laptops for graphic design to choose from; so much so that it can be rather overwhelming trying to figure out which is the best for you. At ZDNET, we tested many of the best laptops for creative professionals on the market, looking for specific factors to help you make the best decision.
Also: Best laptop deals
What is the best laptop for graphic design right now?
ZDNET went hands-on with many excellent laptops to create this list. Our pick for the best laptop for graphic design right now is Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro (2023), with its stunning display and excellent M3 chip performance. However, the list includes a variety of other top-tier options from Asus, Dell, and MSI, so there's an option for everyone.
The best laptops for graphic designers in 2024
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
Best laptop for graphic design overall
Taking the top stop as our best graphic design laptop is Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro from 2023. This entry probably comes as no surprise, as MacBooks are lauded for their hardware performance, and this model is no different. It boasts the latest rendition of Apple silicon in the form of the M3 chip. The hardware allows the MacBook to multitask across a variety of apps, handle resource-heavy software like games, and offer users a way to edit 4K resolution video without missing a beat.
Review: MacBook Pro (M3 Max) review: A desktop-class laptop for an AI-powered age
Its high level of performance is made very apparent thanks to the stunning 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display which, itself, outputs content at 4K resolution. What's more, it has a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio for bright, vivid colors and support for ProMotion tech, enabling an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. To top it all off, the M3 MacBook has a maximum battery life of 22 hours so it can literally last an entire day.
There are two versions of the 2023 MacBook: the 14-inch model which we just described and the 16-inch option. We recommend the former for its more compact design and lower price point. However, if you want the best of what the MacBook Pro can deliver, go with the 16-inch laptop. Keep in mind, both are still expensive.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch specs: CPU: Apple M3 | GPU: M3 integrated graphics | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 512GB SSD | Display: 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display
ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED
Best 2-in-1 laptop for graphic design
2-in-1 laptops, as a whole, lend themselves very well to graphic design work. Once you're done typing a document, you can immediately flip the screen around, converting the computer into a tablet. There are a lot of great 2-in-1 laptops out there, but if we had to pick one, it would be the Zenbook 14 Flip OLED from Asus.
It has one of the nicest, most lush OLED screens that we have seen. The high level of quality present is due to multiple factors. The display covers the entire DCI-P3 color gamut, plus it has a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. Together, they combine to deliver a screen of unparalleled quality to the point where it seems like you can see the pixels on the screen. That's probably hyperbole on our end, but it does look really nice. You want that level of quality to accurately replicate colors.
Review: I challenge you to find a better-looking laptop for under $1,000 than this
After a hard's day work, you'll probably want to relax. Luckily the Zenbook 14 Flip doubles nicely as an entertainment machine thanks to its Harman Kardon-approved speakers. Audio from movies sounds fantastic coming from this hardware. The performance is made all the more better due to its support for Dolby Atmos.
If you're planning on picking this up for drawing, I recommend buying a stylus, because the Zenbook 14 doesn't come with one.
Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED specs: CPU: 13th gen Intel Core i5-1340P | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: 16GB LBDDR5, support dual-channel memory | Storage: Up to 1TB SSD | Display: 14-inch 2.8K resolution (2,880 x 1.800) OLED
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
Best drawing laptop for graphic design
We lauded the original Surface Laptop Studio for its focus on graphic design work, and the same can be said for its follow-up: the Surface Laptop Studio 2. Like its predecessor, the revamped model is a 2-in-1 computer with a screen that can be folded flat to have it serve as a tablet or upright as a traditional laptop. Also, there's an extra hinge allowing users to tilt the screen like an easel, ideal for drawing with the Surface Slim Pen 2 (although you will have to buy it because it doesn't come with a stylus).
It's not all the same array of features. The Surface Laptop Studio 2 makes multiple improvements to the original. The most impactful is the more powerful hardware. In addition to having a better processor, the model offers the option for a Nvidia GeForce RTX 40-series graphic card. With this equipped, the device is capable of handling intensive workloads better than the older machine.
Review: I demoed Microsoft's Surface Laptop Studio 2 and was left all kinds of jealous
Speaking of the previous laptop, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 also sports a sharp, touch-sensitive display, but this time, it outputs a much higher resolution of 4,500 x 3,000 pixels. Overall, it's superior to the old in almost every way except that it is pretty expensive.
Acer Swift X 14 specs: CPU: 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700H | GPU: Intel Iris Xe, 6GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 8GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, 8GB Nvidia RTX 2000 Ada | RAM: 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB LPDDR5 | Storage: 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB SSD | Display: 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow DIsplay, 120Hz
Dell XPS 16
Best Windows laptop for graphic design
Dell started off 2024 really strong with the launch of the XPS 16. It is a fantastic laptop that'll make any graphic designer smile from ear to ear because it has so much going for it. For starters, the 4K display is stunning. Colors leap out of the screen. Shadows look as dark as the abyss, and the 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio will allow you to see a high level of detail. I called it the crown jewel of the model in the review. It's that good. And it's made even by the thin bezels around the glass making the display larger than it actually is. Dell's machine takes full advantage of the real estate it's given.
Of course, not everything is skin deep as the XPS 16's boasts impressive hardware. At its best, the laptop houses an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card and an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, supported by 64GB of RAM alongside a 4TB SSD. Hardware at this level is overkill for scenarios. The model's base configuration is still quite powerful. But for creative professionals who want a machine that can handle their work, like rendering large video files, they'll need all the strength they can get. And that can get it in the 2024 XPS 16.
Review: Dell XPS 16 (2024) review: Best Windows laptop I've tested so far this year
Don't just take my word for it. User reviews on Dell's website are filled with glowing praise from people loving the performance, speed, and output coming from the OLED display.
Now, the laptop is tricky to travel with. It's bulky and fairly heavy so carrying Dell's device around won't be easy. Something else you should know is that the laptop is expensive. Start saving those pennies.
Dell XPS 16 specs: CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | GPU: Intel Arc, 6GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 8GB GeForce RTX 4060, 8GB GeForce RTX 4070 | RAM: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB | Storage: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB SSD | Display: 16.3inch Full HD Plus, 16.3-inch Ultra HD Plus
Acer Swift 3
Best budget laptop for graphic design
One of the biggest problems with graphic design laptops is that they can be pretty expensive. After all, you're looking for high-quality performance and displays. Fortunately, there are plenty of cheaper options out there. The best one is the 2021 release of the Acer Swift 3.
It comes equipped with an AMD Ryzen processor and a 1080p display. The screen isn't 4K, but it can output stunning images with bright, vivid colors. We particularly enjoy its sturdy, magnesium-aluminum metal chassis allowing the Swift 3 to handle bumps, drops, and scrapes. You'd definitely want to protect its display as much as possible. And the best part is the laptop weighs a measly 2.6 lbs for easy carrying.
There are a few quirks worth mentioning. The webcam isn't great and the trackpad is rather small. It can cramp your hands. Regardless of these issues, the Swift 3 is still a great option. We mentioned the 2021 model in particular because it straddles the line between being budget-friendly and housing great hardware. The majority of 2022 Swift 3 laptops are substantially more expensive, but if you want more power, you have the option to upgrade.
Acer Swift 3 specs: CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 4500U, Ryzen 7 4700u | GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 256GB SSD | Display: 14-inch 1080p
MSI Creator Z16 HX Studio
Best laptop for graphic design for content creators
MSI's Creator Z16 HX Studio is our recommendation for content creators looking for a truly powerful laptop. At its highest configuration, this beast sports a 13th-Gen Intel Core i9-13900HX CPU, GeForce RTX 4070 GPU from Nvidia, and a whopping 2TB SSD. You can store hours of footage on this thing and still have plenty of room left over. What's interesting is on the product page, MSI states the Creator Z16 can process Photoshop and Premiere Pro much faster than its predecessor. Apparently, it can render videos in 30 percent less time.
Speaking of videos, Nvidia Studio is installed on this machine. It consists of multiple AI features that can help turn your ideas into reality. The suite also houses some of the latest creation software tools, like ray tracing, to deliver realistic graphical works. Naturally, a laptop of this caliber sports a stunning Quad HD Plus (2,56 x 1,600 pixels) resolution display covering all of the DCI-P3 color gamut.
With this level of hardware, a normal laptop would turn into a furnace. It's going to be generating a lot of heat. To combat this, MSI installed a robust cooling system called the Vapor Chamber Cooler to ensure the Creator Z16 operates at a low temperature.
MSI Creator Z16 HX Studio specs: CPU: 13th-Gen Intel Core i7-11800H, i7-13700HX, i9-13900HX | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060, RTX 4060, RTX 4070 | RAM: 16GB, 32 GB | Storage: 1TB, 2TB SSD | Display: 16-inch QuadHD Plus touchscreen
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
Best graphic design laptop for students
Back in late 2023, Google announced a new generation of Chromebooks specializing in productivity. Multiple models were revealed, and among the group, the Chromebook Plus CX34 is the best one, by far. It has a lot going for it. First, it's fairly inexpensive. Second, the laptop has a 1080p display enabling high-quality images. The one problem with the screen is that the bezels are thicker than we would've liked them to be -- they get in the way. That said, Asus makes up for this by including an anti-glare coating to the glass so it can be outside without the sun ruining the image.
Review: I tested Google's new Chromebook Plus and the generative AI features blew me away
The neat thing about this Chromebook is it's among the first to support Photoshop -- more specifically the web version of Photoshop. This is a big deal because previous models couldn't handle the editing software, forcing people to use other not-as-great options. Now you get the best. And once you're done with work, you can relax with a game of Minecraft because the title has unique compatibility with the laptop.
Additionally, the Asus Chromebook has a variety of AI-powered features. Our favorite is Magic Eraser which can intelligently get rid of mistakes or cover up objects in photographs. It's quite impressive. And there's the nifty File Sync. It keeps a copy of Google Drive on the computer at all times so you have access even when it's offline.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 specs: CPU: Intel Core i3-1215U, i5-1235U | GPU: Intel UHD Graphics | RAM: 8GB, 16GB | Storage: 128GB, 256GB SSD | Display: 14-inch 1080p
What is the best laptop for graphic design?
We chose the 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro from 2023 as the best laptop for graphic design overall due to its exceptional high-resolution display and great hardware performance.
The table below allows you to compare the best graphic design laptops according to price, screen size, and CPU.
Best laptop for graphic designers | Cost | Display | CPU |
Apple MacBook Pro | $1,449 | 14 inches | Apple M3 |
ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED | $999 | 14 inches | 13th Gen Intel Core i5 |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 | $1,895 | 14.4 inches | 13th Gen Intel Core i7 |
Dell XPS 16 | $1,699 | 16.3 inches | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
Acer Swift 3 | $539 | 14 inches | AMD Ryzen 5 4500U |
MSI Creator Z16 HX Studio | $1,699 | 16 inches | 13th Gen Intel Core i9 |
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 | $1,400 | 14 inches | Intel Core i5 |
Which graphic design laptop is right for you?
Graphic design laptops are capable of handling a wide range of tasks, but some are better than others in certain scenarios. Hardware-demanding work, such as video editing, requires a high-end computer. For this reason, you need to be sure of what you're looking for in a laptop. You don't want to buy a device that's going to struggle. Here's how to figure out which laptop for graphic design may work best for you:
Choose this laptop for graphic design... | If you want… |
Apple MacBook Pro | The best graphic design laptop overall. The MacBook Pro with the M3 chipset delivers performance, a long battery life, and a stunning screen. |
Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED | A great 2-in-1 laptop. Its 2.8K resolution display ensures accurate colors and Harmon Kardon speakers let it double as an entertainment device. |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 | The best laptop for drawing. The new model improves on the original by introducing a better processor and the option for a GeForce RTX 40-series graphics card. |
Dell XPS 16 | The best Windows graphics design laptop. It's a real powerhouse of a machine sporting a 4K display, GeForce RTX 40-series GPU, and lots of storage space. |
Acer Swift 3 | The best budget graphic design laptop. Not only does it offer decent performance, it's magnesium-aluminum metal lets it handle drops with ease. |
MSI Creator Z16 HZ Studio | An excellent machine for content creation. It's arguably the most powerful entry on this list and comes with a massive 2TB SSD for storage. |
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 | The best graphic design laptop for students. It's cheap, sturdy, comes with helpful AI features, and is among the first Chromebooks to support Photoshop. |
Factors to consider when choosing a laptop for graphic design:
A laptop specifically designed for creative users needs to provide far more power than a laptop aimed at general usage. Here are some of the top factors you'll want to consider before making a purchase:
- Hardware: Creative professionals rely heavily on their laptop's graphics card to do a lot of the work. But graphics cards need to be paired with strong CPUs to perform at a high level and be supported by a good amount of RAM.
- Display: All that performance doesn't mean squat if the laptop's display can accurately show off your work. It's for that reason, creative professionals greatly prefer high-resolution displays so they can have the best image possible.
- Screen size: 16-inch or 17-inch displays are larger and much heavier than a 13-inch or 14-inch laptop. Regular travelers may want to go something smaller when on the run and leave the laptop with the big screen at the office or home.
- Battery life: Decide whether you need a high-end laptop that can accomplish tasks but only run for a few hours or a mid-ranger that can last an entire day.
- Price: Price is an important factor to account for when shopping for laptops. Obviously, the more expensive options tend to have the better hardware. But that doesn't mean you should completely discount the cheaper models because many still deliver awesome performance.
How did we test these laptops?
There are many excellent laptops for graphic design on the market, and our staff at ZDNET gets an opportunity to review many of them. We look at all of the factors mentioned above, including display, battery life, and value. We then test them as we would use them in the real world, from surfing the internet to streaming videos to more specific use cases for graphic design. The goal here is to see what they're capable of in real-world use.
Once all the testing is complete, the ones we liked the most are reviewed and sorted, given a specific category like best Windows laptop for graphic design, and place on the list.
Is battery life important in the best laptops for graphic designers?
Yes, but it depends on what you have.
For lightweight, cheap, or travel laptops, having a good battery life is incredibly important. These machines are ideal for travel. Most of the time, these models don't have the greatest hardware in the world and are often mid-range devices. As a result, they're not very power-hungry. You won't have to worry about your laptop dying on you in the middle of a project. Plus, they're not heavy.
For bulky, powerful laptops like the MSI Creator Z16, battery life doesn't matter as much. You're going to be using this machine primarily at home. Computers of this caliber are heavy. Speaking from experience, you don't want to lug around a big laptop every day. Plus, their hardware demands a lot of power so your battery is going to drain much more quickly.
Is connectivity important in the best laptops for graphic designers?
Having a wide array of ports on a graphic design laptop is important to have, but ultimately, it comes down to what you, the user, need.
Some manufacturers choose to equip their hardware with only a few inputs in order to keep sizes small and weight low. This is a good design move for ultraportable laptops. However, creative professionals work with a variety of devices and peripherals. Perhaps, they need to connect their laptop to an external display or multiple monitors. This extends to audio equipment and SD cards from cameras.
For many professionals, having good connectivity options on a laptop is crucial to their work. Luckily, there are solutions to this problem. You can solve this by buying a docking station to complement your computers. These devices offer way more inputs and outputs than a normal computer could ever hope to deliver.
Also: The best 5 laptop docking stations
If you just want a single device, then you may be better off buying a heftier laptop; one with a variety of ports. A lightweight machine is ideal for travel.
Are MacBooks really that much better than Windows laptops when in comes to graphic design?
When it comes to hardware, not really. Modern MacBooks certainly have powerful M-series chipsets allowing them to rise above the rest. But Windows laptops have come a long way in bridging that gap. I would argue that Windows hardware is comparable to, in some cases better, than Apple's tech.
The main difference between the two comes down to software. MacBooks have a great selection of apps onboard that still trounce Microsoft software. GarageBand is still great for editing music. iMovie is also fantastic for making basic video edits. Of course, many of the best editing software is exclusive to Apple hardware.
Also: Boost your security and productivity with the top Mac apps
Windows 11, on the other hand, doesn't have the greatest selection. For years, base apps on Windows computers were terrible. No one in their right mind takes Paint seriously as an illustration tool. You have Photoshop for that. Things have gotten much better, but base apps on Windows 11 still pale in comparison to what's on macOS. And those starting software choices can make a huge difference.
Can gaming laptops be used for graphic design?
Definitely. Gaming laptops are a great alternative for graphic designers. They are often equipped with some of the most powerful processors in the tech industry. On top of that, they have great graphics cards, huge storage drives, and a ton of RAM, providing professionals with all the power and space they need for work. Many even have stunning displays.
However, there are multiple problems with them. 1) Gaming laptops can be heavy. In some cases, over seven pounds. 2) They're expensive. 3) They don't always have the most pleasing designs. Several models feature bulky, all-black designs. And 4) People may not enjoy their RGB lighting. On certain gaming laptops, the lightning can be too much.
Other graphic design laptops we've tested:
As established earlier, we choose the top seven laptops based on pricing, performance, display, and more. But, if the group above doesn't work for you, here are other models to consider.