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The best laptops for graphic designers: Expert tested
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Graphic design apps can be some of the most demanding programs you can run on a laptop. Sure, almost any new laptop will be able to run them, but not all are built to run them well. If you're a designer and need a laptop that can breeze through the most intensive visual tasks, you'll want to spring for a specially designed machine for that use case.
Also: The 24 best Labor Day laptop deals
Luckily, there are a handful of great laptops on sale right now for Labor Day, and they're all built specifically to handle demanding design tasks. This means powerful processors and video cards, but also useability features like styli, brush and toolkit hotkeys, and gorgeous, color-accurate displays. After going hands-on with dozens of laptops this year, we've broken down some of the best to help you choose which laptop for graphic design is best for you.
Also: The best Labor Day deals we've found
What is the best laptop for graphic design right now?
We tested many excellent laptops to create this list, but our pick for the best laptop for graphic design is Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro (2023). It has a stunning display and excellent M3 chip performance. However, the list includes a variety of other top-tier options from Asus, Dell, and Lenovo, so there's an option for a wide range of budgets and use cases.
The best laptops for graphic designers in 2024
Apple MacBook Pro M3
Best laptop for graphic design overall
Taking the top spot as our best graphic design laptop is Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro M3. This entry probably comes as no surprise, as MacBooks are lauded for their hardware performance, and this model is no different. The powerful M3 processor on board this laptop allows for solid multitask performance across various apps while handling resource-heavy software without skipping a beat. For graphic designers and creators, this makes for fast rendering, while 4K resolution video editing is a breeze.
Review: MacBook Pro (M3 Max)
Its performance is supported by a stunning 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, which outputs content at 4K resolution. The display's 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio makes for bright, vivid colors and supports 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, enough to last an entire day.
There are two versions of the 2023 MacBook: the 14-inch model I just described and the 16-inch option. I 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.
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
Apple MacBook Air M3
Best MacBook alternative for graphic design
If you want Apple hardware that's easier on your wallet (and even more portable), we recommend the MacBook Air M3. The M3 chipset is a force to be reckoned with, even on the lightweight MacBook Air. Right now, the M3 MacBook Air is currently on sale at Amazon for just $899, one of the lowest prices we've ever seen for this machine.
Review: M3 MacBook Air review: Apple's AI computer for the masses has arrived
Besides the ultra-thin form factor, graphic designers will love that it can output up to two different external monitors simultaneously, allowing you to do your work on a bigger screen. The M3 chip on board the Air also allows for future-proofing down the line, with integration with Apple Intelligence and all the upcoming AI features on the horizon.
MacBook Air M2 specs: CPU: Apple M3 | GPU: M3 integrated graphics | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB SSD | Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display
Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1
Best 2-in-1 laptop for graphic design
Earning its place as the best 2-in-1 graphic design laptop is Lenovo's recent Yoga 9i 2-in-1 refresh. Convertible 2-in-1 laptops lend themselves very well to design, as you can write up a document while the machine is in laptop mode and immediately flip the screen to place it into tablet mode.
The Yoga 9i 2-in-1 features a stunning 2.8K OLED display with vibrant colors something graphic designers and creatives will love working on. But the display isn't the best part. The speakers are housed on the hinge, which sound great (especially for a laptop), complete with subwoofers for that extra punch. Also, you get a free stylus with purchase, allowing you to jump right into your work.
Review: Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1
Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 OLED specs: CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | GPU: Integrated Intel graphics card | RAM: 16 GB | Storage: 512 GB | Display: 14-inch 2.8K resolution OLED
Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition
Best drawing laptop for graphic design
Microsoft has consistently made some of the best drawing laptops out there, and that trend continues with the 11th-generation Surface Pro. This device sees multiple improvements, with the most important upgrade being the Snapdragon X Elite chipset.
Microsoft definitely had the MacBook Pro in its sights when designing this laptop, and in our testing, we found it to be a worthy opponent.
What makes the Surface Pro so good for drawing comes down to three key features. The back has a flap that pops out, serving as a stand. The display is a stunning 13-inch OLED touchscreen, consistently showing an image resolution of 2,880 x 1,920 pixels. And its Slim Pen accessory is incredibly accurate, perfect for catching every brush stroke.
Review: One of the best tablets for work travel I've tested is not made by Lenovo or Apple
Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition specs: CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite | GPU: Integrated Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite GPU | RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X | Storage: 512GB SSD | Display: 13-inch 2880 x 1920 OLED touchscreen
Dell XPS 16
Best Windows laptop for graphic design
Graphic designers will gravitate toward the gorgeous 4K display on Dell's XPS 16 (2024) while its ultra-sleek form factor defines it as a versatile -- yet statement-making -- machine.
The XPS 16 boasts impressive hardware, including an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card and an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor backed up by 64GB of RAM and as much as a massive 4TB SSD. Hardware at this level can be overkill for many creators, but if you need vast amounts of storage, this is your machine.
Review: Dell XPS 16 (2024)
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
Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i
Best graphic design laptop for content creators
The IdeaPad Pro 5i is a versatile 16-inch laptop, but its solid stack of hardware paired with the 2K OLED display makes it shine in the office.
Under the hood, you'll find an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card, resulting in rock-solid performance. We tested the hardware by running many common workplace tasks from web browsing to writing documents and video conferencing platforms simultaneously. It handled everything we threw at it without skipping a beat.
Review: One of the longest-lasting laptops I've tested also has one of the best displays
Additionally, it has 32GB of memory, ensuring load times are partially nonexistent. This hardware configuration even allows the IdeaPad Pro 5i to act as a capable gaming laptop, perfect for when you have those long days and want to relax with a game.
The IdeaPad Pro's generous heft allows for a full-sized keyboard, which, when paired with the rubber-like keycaps, results in a very comfortable typing experience. And lastly (but perhaps most importantly), the battery is quite good -- particularly for a laptop with an OLED display -- lasting almost nine hours straight during our livestream video test.
Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i specs: CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 | RAM: 32GB LPDDR5X | Storage: 1TB SSD | Display: 16-inch 2K OLED display
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra
Best graphic design laptop for Samsung users
Samsung's Galaxy Book4 Ultra is a fantastic graphic design laptop first and foremost for its stunning 16-inch 3K AMOLED touchscreen. Samsung has equipped the Galaxy Book4 Ultra with anti-reflective Corning Gorilla glass that greatly reduces reflections and glare, and the large display is well-suited for intensive graphical tasks.
Review: I tested Samsung's flagship laptop and it gave my MacBook Pro a run for its money
Besides the high-quality display, the device lasts, on average, 10 hours before needing a recharge. That length of time on a machine with a 3K resolution screen and a discrete graphics card is a result of the powerful Snapdragon X Elite processor on board, allowing for battery life that defies expectations for an OLED machine.
As good as the Galaxy Book4 Ultra may be, it really shines when its paired with other Samsung devices. Galaxy S24 owners can connect their phone to the computer, use it as a webcam, and remote into the device from the desktop, while support for other devices within the Samsung ecosystem come with additional feature sets.
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra specs: CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 185H | GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RYX 4070 | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB SSD | Display: 16-inch 3K Dynamic AMOLED
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
Best gaming laptop for graphic design
Game laptops lend themselves very well to being awesome graphic design machines since they come with high-end graphics cards and lots of RAM. Some professionals may be hesitant to bring a gaming machine that lights up like a Christmas tree into the office, however. Luckily, Asus' ROG Zephyrus 14 looks the part of a professional machine, but under the hood has all the hardware you'll need for a solid gaming rig.
Review: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
It sports an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and a Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, a flexible (but powerful) configuration that allows the laptop to tackling different workflows with ease.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 specs: CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS 8 Core | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 | RAM: 16TB | Storage: 1TB SSD | Display: 14-inch 3K OLED
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 due to its exceptional high-resolution display and great hardware performance.
If you're thinking about getting something else, the table below compares the best graphic design laptops according to price, screen size, and CPU.
| Best laptop for graphic designers | Starting Cost | Display | CPU |
| Apple MacBook Pro M3 | $1,399 | 14" | Apple Silicon M3 |
| Apple MacBook Air M3 | $899 | 13.6" | Apple Silicon M3 |
| Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 | $1,349 | 14" OLED Touchscreen | Intel Core Ultra i7-1360P |
| Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition | $999 | 13" | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite |
| Dell XPS 16 | $1,399 | 16.3" OLED or FHD | Intel Core Ultra 7 or 9 |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i | $1,897 | 16" OLED touchscreen | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra | $1,799 | 16" 3K AMOLED touchscreen | Intel Core Ultra 7 or 9 |
| Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 | $1,899 | 14" 3K OLED | Ryzen 9 8945HS |
Which graphic design laptop is right for you?
Graphic design laptops can handle many 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 know 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 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 lets 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 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. |
| Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 | The best gaming laptop for graphic design. This device houses powerful hardware, a comfortable keyboard, and slick form factor reminiscent of Apple's MacBook Pro. |
Factors to consider when choosing a laptop for graphic design
A laptop designed for creative users must 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 laptops' graphics cards to do much of the work. However, graphics cards must 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 showcase your work. Creative professionals greatly prefer high-resolution displays for that reason.
- 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 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 consider when shopping for laptops. Obviously, the more expensive options tend to have better hardware. But that doesn't mean you should completely discount the cheaper models because many still deliver awesome performance.
How we test 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 the abovementioned factors, 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 is to see what they're capable of in real-world use.
Once all the testing is complete, the ones we liked are reviewed and sorted, given a specific category, like the best Windows laptop for graphic design, and placed on the list.
For more on our testing process, check out our comprehensive laptop testing methodology page.
Is battery life important in the best laptops for graphic designers?
Yes, but it depends on what you have.
Battery life is essential for lightweight, cheap, or travel laptops, which are ideal for travel. These models don't have the most superb 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.
Battery life doesn't matter as much for bulky, powerful laptops like the MSI Creator Z16. You'll be using this machine primarily at home, and computers of this caliber are heavy. Speaking from experience, you don't want to lug around a big laptop daily. Plus, their hardware demands a lot of power, so your battery will 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, but ultimately, it comes down to what you, the user, need.
Some manufacturers 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.
Good laptop connectivity options are crucial to many professionals' 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, you may be better off buying a heftier laptop with a variety of ports. A lightweight machine is ideal for travel.
Are MacBooks really that much better than Windows laptops when it 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. However, 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, and iMovie is also fantastic for making basic video edits. Of course, many of the best editing software are exclusive to Apple's 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 improved much, but base apps on Windows 11 still pale compared to what's on macOS. Those starting software choices can make a huge difference.
Can gaming laptops be used for graphic design?
Gaming laptops are definitely a great alternative for graphic designers. They are often equipped with some of the most powerful processors in the tech industry. They also 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.