Graphic design apps can be among the most resource-hungry software you can run on a laptop. While many modern laptops can handle them, only a select few are optimized to excel at them. Whether it's managing intricate visuals, rendering high-resolution images, or running complex design software, finding the right laptop is crucial for designers.

We've tested various laptops from top brands like Apple, Microsoft, Dell, and Lenovo to help you decide. These devices boast powerful processors, high-quality displays, and other design-focused features like stylus support and precise color accuracy. Here’s our curated list to help you select the perfect machine for your creative projects.

What’s the Best Laptop for Graphic Design Right Now?

Based on our hands-on testing, Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro (2023) emerges as the top choice. With its stunning display and the powerful M3 chip, it's an ideal pick for handling demanding graphic design tasks. However, there are several great options across different price ranges, so let’s dive into our full list.

Top Pick for Graphic Design - Apple MacBook Pro M3

If you're looking for the best overall laptop for graphic design, the 14-inch MacBook Pro M3 reigns supreme. Apple’s MacBooks have long been favored by creative professionals, and the 2023 version strengthens that reputation. The M3 chip delivers exceptional multitasking abilities, making this laptop a powerhouse for design work, including 4K video editing and complex rendering.

Beyond its performance, the 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display offers unparalleled color accuracy, making it perfect for graphic work. The 4K output, combined with ProMotion technology, ensures that the display remains smooth and adaptive with a 120Hz refresh rate. And with up to 22 hours of battery life, you can focus on your work without constantly searching for an outlet.

Though a bit pricey, the performance and display quality make the MacBook Pro an investment that will pay off for creative professionals. If you need a bigger screen, consider the 16-inch version for even more immersive design work.

Specifications:

• CPU: Apple M3

• GPU: M3 integrated graphics

• RAM: 8GB

• Storage: 512GB SSD

• Display: 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR (4K)

Buy Apple MacBook Pro M3 14 inch at Amazon

Best Budget-Friendly MacBook for Designers - Apple MacBook Air M3

For those who want Apple’s top-notch performance but at a lower price point, the MacBook Air M3 is a fantastic alternative. This sleek, ultra-portable laptop comes with the same M3 chip found in the MacBook Pro, making it more than capable of handling graphic design tasks, especially for those who need to work on the go.

What makes the MacBook Air particularly appealing is its support for up to two external monitors, allowing designers to expand their workspace when needed. Though it lacks some of the Pro’s bells and whistles like the XDR display, it remains a strong contender thanks to its lightweight build and excellent future-proofing with upcoming AI capabilities.

However, be mindful that the MacBook Air has fewer ports and less powerful speakers, so external accessories might be necessary to round out your setup.

Specifications:

• CPU: Apple M3

• GPU: M3 integrated graphics

• RAM: 8GB

• Storage: 256GB SSD

• Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina

Buy Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13″ Laptop with M3 chip at Amazon

Lenovo Yoga 9i – Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Designers

Lenovo’s Yoga 9i makes a strong case for designers looking for versatility in their device. This 2-in-1 laptop, with its gorgeous 2.8K OLED display, is perfect for both productivity and creative tasks. Whether you’re writing, designing, or presenting, this convertible device easily shifts between laptop and tablet modes.

Designers will love the stunning OLED screen with vibrant colors, ideal for accurate visual work. Plus, the laptop comes with a stylus included, allowing you to jump into sketching or retouching immediately. The 360-degree hinge design also means you can switch between typing and drawing seamlessly.

While its battery life could be better, and the speakers may lack depth, the Yoga 9i is still a brilliant choice for those who want flexibility.

Specifications:

• CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H

• GPU: Integrated Intel graphics

• RAM: 16GB

• Storage: 512GB SSD

• Display: 14-inch 2.8K OLED touchscreen

Buy Lenovo Yoga 9i – Best 2-in-1 Laptop at Amazon

Best for Drawing - Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition

Microsoft’s Surface Pro has long been a favorite for those who love to draw, and the 11th Edition takes that legacy forward. This laptop is particularly great for designers who focus on drawing and illustration, thanks to its incredible OLED touchscreen display and Slim Pen support.

The Surface Pro’s 13-inch OLED screen offers exceptional resolution, while the included back flap stand allows you to work comfortably from any angle. Combined with the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor, it delivers impressive performance for drawing apps.

That said, the Slim Pen is sold separately, which is a downside for those looking to get started right away. Despite that, the Surface Pro remains one of the best choices for designers prioritizing precision and display quality.

Specifications:

• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite

• GPU: Integrated Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite

• RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X

• Storage: 512GB SSD

• Display: 13-inch OLED (2880 x 1920)

Buy Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition at Amazon

Best Windows laptop for graphic design - Asus Zenbook S 16

Asus has consistently delivered powerful laptops tailored for graphic design, and the Zenbook S 16 is no exception. Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 chipset, this laptop features a neutral processing unit—the AMD XDNA 2 NPU—which enhances its performance significantly compared to other devices in its class.

In our tests, the Zenbook S 16 excelled at handling demanding image and video editing tasks. Its impressive 16-inch, 3K OLED touchscreen boasts a fast refresh rate of 120Hz and is Pantone validated, ensuring color accuracy that graphic designers will appreciate. Plus, the unique ceraluminum construction not only gives the laptop a striking aesthetic but also ensures durability—perfect for professionals who need a reliable device while on the go.

While the Zenbook S 16 has outstanding features, it does have some drawbacks. The battery life could be better, and it tends to run hot under heavy workloads. Overall, it’s a powerful option for those seeking a Windows laptop specifically designed for graphic design.

Specifications

• CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 365

• RAM: 24GB

• Storage: 1TB SSD

• Display: 16-inch 3K OLED

Buy ASUS Zenbook S 16 OLED, 3K OLED AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 Processor at Amazon

Buy ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED (2024) 16 inch 3.2K OLED Intel Core Ultra 7 155H at Amazon

Best content creators - Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i is a versatile laptop that shines in creative environments, thanks to its powerful hardware and a stunning 2K OLED display. It houses an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card, making it perfect for intensive graphic design tasks.

In testing, this laptop performed seamlessly, handling everything from web browsing to video conferencing without a hitch. With 32GB of RAM, the IdeaPad Pro 5i allows for virtually instant load times, which is a bonus for multitasking designers who often juggle multiple applications. Its full-sized keyboard, coupled with comfortable keycaps, makes for an enjoyable typing experience, while the battery life lasts nearly nine hours—impressive for an OLED laptop.

Despite its strengths, the IdeaPad Pro does come with some bloatware pre-installed and has a webcam that leaves something to be desired. Nonetheless, it's an excellent choice for content creators looking for a capable graphic design laptop.

Specifications

• CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 185H

• GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050

• RAM: 32GB LPDDR5X

• Storage: 1TB SSD

• Display: 16-inch 2K OLED

Buy Lenovo Ideapad 5i Pro Laptop 16 inch QHD 2.5K IPS Display at Amazon

Best graphic design laptop for Samsung users- Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra impresses with its stunning 16-inch 3K AMOLED touchscreen, making it a top choice for graphic design. The anti-reflective Corning Gorilla Glass reduces glare, allowing users to focus on their creative tasks without distractions.

One of the standout features of this laptop is its exceptional battery life, lasting around 10 hours on average, despite its powerful Snapdragon X Elite processor and discrete graphics card. This makes it perfect for those long design sessions or working remotely.

Moreover, if you're already part of the Samsung ecosystem, you'll love the seamless integration with devices like the Galaxy S24, allowing you to use your phone as a webcam and remote into your laptop. However, be aware that the device comes with some pre-installed bloatware.

Specifications

• CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 185H

• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070

• RAM: 32GB

• Storage: 1TB SSD

• Display: 16-inch 3K Dynamic AMOLED

Buy Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra at Amazon

Best Compact Laptop for Graphic Design- Dell XPS 13 (2024)

For graphic design professionals who are frequently on the move, the Dell XPS 13 (2024) is an excellent choice. Renowned for its sleek design and high performance, this laptop continues the tradition of its predecessors with a stylish zero-lattice keyboard and capacitive touch panel.

Measuring just 13.4 inches and weighing a mere 1.19 kg, the XPS 13 is incredibly portable. Inside, it features an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, Intel Arc graphics, and 32GB of RAM, resulting in fast processing speeds and efficient multitasking capabilities. The OLED model offers a crisp 3K display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, making it suitable for detailed graphic work.

However, it does have limited ports, which can be a hassle for designers who rely on various peripherals. The device can also run hot during extended use. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Dell XPS 13 remains a top contender for those seeking a compact laptop for graphic design.

Dell XPS 13 Specs:

• CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H

• GPU: Intel Arc

• RAM: 32GB

• Storage: 1TB SSD

• Display: 13.4-inch 3K OLED touchscreen

Buy Dell XPS 13 9340 Laptop, AI Enabled Processor Intel Core Ultra 7 155H at Amazon

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Summary of the Best Laptops for Graphic Designers

When considering the best laptops for graphic designers, we’ve selected the Apple MacBook Pro M3 as the top choice for its high-resolution display and stellar performance. However, each laptop listed here has unique features to suit various budgets and needs, ensuring that there is a perfect fit for every designer.

Which Graphic Design Laptop is Right for You?

When choosing a graphic design laptop, it’s essential to consider your specific needs, as different laptops excel in various tasks. For instance, hardware-demanding work, such as video editing, requires a high-end computer capable of handling intensive workloads.

To ensure you select the right laptop for graphic design, keep the following factors in mind:

• Apple MacBook Pro M3: The best graphic design laptop overall. The MacBook Pro with the M3 chipset delivers performance, a long battery life, and a stunning screen.

• Apple MacBook Air M3: An alternative to the MacBook Pro. It's significantly cheaper than its counterpart but still offers great performance.

• Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1: The best 2-in-1 laptop for graphic designers. Its 2.8K resolution touchscreen and comfortable keyboard let you work all day.

• Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition: The best drawing laptop for graphic design. Its angled sitting posture and hi-res touchscreen make it ideal for illustration.

• Asus Zenbook S 16: The best Windows graphics design laptop. It houses AMD's next-gen AI chipset and features a 3K display for showing a wide array of colors accurately.

• Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i: The best graphic design laptop for work. The device's long-lasting battery life and powerful hardware make it an ideal pick for commuting to and from the office.

• Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra: The best graphic design laptop for Samsung users. It comes with multiple apps aimed at improving the user experience for Galaxy phone owners.

• Dell XPS 13: The best compact laptop for graphic design. The 2024 model boasts a new processor to better handle tough workloads and a hi-res OLED touchscreen.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Laptop for Graphic Design

A laptop designed for graphic design professionals must provide far more power than a laptop aimed at general usage. Here are some critical factors to consider before making a purchase:

1. Hardware: Creative professionals rely heavily on their laptops' graphics cards to perform demanding tasks. Graphics cards must be paired with strong CPUs and supported by sufficient RAM for optimal performance.

2. Display: All that performance is moot if the laptop's display cannot accurately showcase your work. Creative professionals greatly prefer high-resolution displays for their vibrant color accuracy.

3. Screen Size: Larger displays (16-inch or 17-inch) are heavier and less portable than smaller models (13-inch or 14-inch). Frequent travelers may prefer a compact laptop for portability, leaving larger models for office or home use.

4. Battery Life: Determine if you need a high-end laptop that can handle demanding tasks but runs for only a few hours, or a mid-range device that can last an entire day.

5. Price: Price is an essential consideration when shopping for laptops for graphic designers. Generally, more expensive options come with better hardware, but don't discount cheaper models, as many deliver excellent performance.

How We Test Laptops

Our team at Build custom PC reviews a wide range of laptops for graphic design. We assess all the factors mentioned above, including display quality, battery life, and overall value. Each laptop undergoes real-world testing, from surfing the internet to streaming videos and performing tasks relevant to graphic design. The goal is to evaluate their capabilities in practical scenarios.

Once testing is complete, we review and categorize the laptops, designating them as the best options, such as the best Windows laptop for graphic design, and compiling them in our recommendations.

Is Battery Life Important in the Best Laptops for Graphic Designers?

Yes, but it depends on the type of laptop you have.

Battery life is crucial for lightweight, budget, or travel laptops, which are often ideal for portability. These models typically don’t require powerful hardware and are less power-hungry, so you won’t need to worry about running out of battery mid-project.

Conversely, bulky, powerful laptops like the MSI Creator Z16 may be used primarily at home. These laptops tend to be heavier and drain battery more quickly due to their demanding hardware.

Is Connectivity Important in the Best Laptops for Graphic Designers?

Having a wide array of ports on a graphic design laptop is essential, but it ultimately depends on your needs.

Some manufacturers opt for fewer inputs to keep devices lightweight, which is great for ultraportable models. However, creative professionals often require connections for various devices and peripherals, such as external displays and audio equipment.

Good laptop connectivity options are crucial for many professionals' workflows. A docking station can provide additional ports if your laptop lacks them. Alternatively, consider purchasing a heftier laptop with multiple inputs if you prefer a single device for all your needs.

Are MacBooks Really That Much Better Than Windows Laptops When It Comes to Graphic Design?

In terms of hardware, not necessarily. Modern MacBooks come with powerful M-series chipsets that elevate their performance, but Windows laptops have made significant strides in recent years, offering comparable or even superior hardware in some cases.

The main difference lies in software. MacBooks come with a superior selection of onboard apps, often outperforming their Windows counterparts. For example, GarageBand and iMovie are highly regarded for music and video editing, respectively. While many excellent editing tools are available for Windows, base apps on Windows computers have historically lagged behind those on macOS, affecting user experience.

Can Gaming Laptops Be Used for Graphic Design?

Gaming laptops can be a viable alternative for graphic designers. They often feature powerful processors, high-performance graphics cards, substantial storage, and ample RAM—providing the necessary power and space for creative work. Many also boast impressive displays.

However, several issues may arise with gaming laptops:

1. Weight: Gaming laptops can be heavy, sometimes exceeding 3 kg.

2. Cost: High-performance gaming laptops can be expensive.

3. Design: Many gaming laptops feature bulky designs that may not appeal to everyone.