Top 7 Laptops for Graphic Designers

If you’re a graphic designer, you know that the right laptop can make all the difference in your creative flow. It’s not just about flashy specs; it’s about getting a machine that’ll support your design software, allow you to work seamlessly, and—let’s be honest—look cool while doing it.

Now, I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of lists claiming to have the “best” laptops, but let’s be real. Graphic designers need more than just a machine that can run Photoshop. You need something that’ll handle 4K editing, massive file sizes, and your entire creative process without slowing down or overheating.

So, if you’re on the hunt for the perfect design companion, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s break down the top 7 laptops for graphic designers in 2024. Trust me, you’ll want to stick around for this one.

Why the Right Laptop Matters for Designers

Look, not all laptops are created equal, especially when it comes to graphic design. Sure, any old laptop can browse the web and run Netflix. But when you’re working with high-res images, heavy design programs like Adobe Suite, and managing big files (sometimes hundreds of them), you need something that’s specifically built to handle that.

And here’s the kicker: You also need something that’s comfortable for long hours. I mean, if you’re sitting at your desk for 8+ hours, you don’t want to be squinting at a screen that doesn’t show colors accurately or dealing with lag in the middle of editing a masterpiece. So yeah, picking the right laptop isn’t just important; it’s essential.

What Makes the Best Laptop for Graphic Design?

Before diving into the list, let’s quickly run through what makes a laptop perfect for graphic design. Here’s what you need to look for:

• Display: Your screen needs to be color-accurate and crisp. We’re talking wide color gamuts, high resolutions (at least 1080p), and the ability to work with multiple monitors.
• Processing Power: A powerful CPU (like Intel Core i7 or Apple M1/M2) is essential for multitasking and running graphic-heavy software smoothly.
• RAM and Storage: At least 16GB of RAM is a must, with SSD storage for faster load times.
• Graphics Card: A good GPU helps with rendering and supports programs like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and 3D rendering apps.
• Portability: You may not always be working from home. Choose something lightweight but durable if you’re traveling to client meetings or working remotely.

Got all that? Good. Let’s jump right into the top 7 laptops for graphic designers you should consider.

1. Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2024)

Why it’s great for designers: If you’ve been in the design world for any amount of time, the MacBook Pro needs no introduction. The 16-inch model, in particular, offers an incredible Retina display that’s perfect for color-accurate work. And with the Apple M2 Pro or Max chip, this machine is a beast when it comes to handling graphic design apps.

• Display: Liquid Retina XDR, 100% P3 wide color, and extreme brightness—making sure you see your work exactly as it’s meant to be.
• Performance: Apple’s M2 chip is a game changer. It can handle intense workloads like 3D rendering, video editing, and running multiple design programs simultaneously.
• Battery life: Up to 22 hours, which means you can work on that project all day without worrying about finding an outlet.

Cons: The price is on the higher side, and if you’re someone who’s not already in the Apple ecosystem, the transition might be a bit tough.

Key Specs:

• 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
• M2 Pro or Max chip
• Up to 64GB RAM
• Up to 8TB SSD storage

2. Dell XPS 15 (2024)

Okay, so you’re not feeling the Apple vibe. Totally understandable. The Dell XPS 15 is a solid alternative that offers excellent performance, a gorgeous display, and a sleek design. It’s perfect for those who want a Windows option but still crave premium quality.

• Display: 15.6-inch OLED 4K display, which is perfect for design work that requires true-to-life colors.
• Performance: Powered by Intel Core i7 or i9 and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050/4060 GPU, it can handle almost any design software with ease.
• Build: It’s compact, looks stunning, and is surprisingly portable for a laptop of its power.

Cons: While the display is amazing, some users report that the battery life could be better with the 4K model.

Key Specs:

• 15.6-inch OLED 4K display
• Intel Core i7/i9
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050/4060 GPU
• 16GB/32GB RAM

3. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5

Now, if you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still solid for design work, the Surface Laptop 5 offers a fantastic balance. It doesn’t have the raw power of the MacBook Pro or Dell XPS, but it gets the job done for most design projects—especially for those focused more on digital art or graphics.

• Display: 13.5-inch or 15-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of up to 2496×1664 (pretty sharp, right?).
• Performance: Comes with Intel Core i7 and up to 32GB RAM—enough for Adobe programs and light video editing.
• Portability: It’s one of the lighter laptops in the premium market, making it great for designers on the go.

Cons: Not the best choice for heavy-duty video editing or 3D rendering tasks.

Key Specs:

• 13.5-inch/15-inch PixelSense display
• Intel Core i7
• Up to 32GB RAM
• 512GB SSD

4. Razer Blade 17

Okay, hear me out. Yes, Razer is known for its gaming laptops, but trust me, their machines pack some serious power for design tasks as well. The Razer Blade 17 is not just a gamer’s dream—it’s also great for professionals who need a powerful machine with a huge screen.

• Display: 17.3-inch 4K touchscreen display with 100% Adobe RGB color space.
• Performance: With an Intel Core i7 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070, it can handle anything you throw at it—whether it’s 3D modeling, rendering, or editing.
• Design: The laptop looks sleek and professional, and it’s still surprisingly slim for its size.

Cons: It’s on the heavy side, and battery life takes a hit when you’re running resource-heavy applications.

Key Specs:

• 17.3-inch 4K touchscreen display
• Intel Core i7
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
• 16GB RAM

5. Asus ProArt Studiobook 16

When it comes to Asus, their ProArt Studiobook series was made with creative professionals in mind. It’s got all the specs you’d expect for high-end design work—plus a few extra features that make it stand out from the crowd.

• Display: 16-inch OLED display with 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy. If color precision is your thing, this one’s for you.
• Performance: Powered by an Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 4060, this laptop can handle everything from design to animation.
• Extras: It has a dedicated dial for precise editing and shortcuts, which makes working in programs like Photoshop and Illustrator so much faster.

Cons: The price can be steep for some, but for the specs, it’s well worth it.

Key Specs:

• 16-inch OLED display
• Intel Core i9
• NVIDIA RTX 4060
• 32GB RAM

6. HP Spectre x360 14

Looking for something a little more versatile? The HP Spectre x360 might be your go-to choice. This convertible laptop not only works as a tablet but also offers strong performance for design tasks.

• Display: 13.5-inch OLED display with 3K resolution—impressive color and sharpness for design work.
• Performance: 11th-gen Intel Core i7, paired with Intel Iris Xe graphics, provides enough power for lighter design work and photo editing.
• Convertible: The 2-in-1 design allows you to flip it into tablet mode for easy sketching and note-taking.

Cons: While it’s great for day-to-day design tasks, it’s not quite powerful enough for heavy video editing or 3D modeling.

Key Specs:

• 13.5-inch OLED 3K display
• Intel Core i7
• Intel Iris Xe graphics
• 16GB RAM

7. LG Gram 17

If portability is high on your list, the LG Gram 17 is a total game-changer. This lightweight laptop is a dream for graphic designers who need to carry their work on the go without sacrificing screen size.

• Display: 17-inch WQXGA display with 2560×1600 resolution—perfect for working on big projects without feeling cramped.
• Performance: Powered by an Intel Core i7 and 16GB RAM, it’s smooth enough for most design applications.
• Portability: Weighs just under 3 pounds, which is insane for a 17-inch laptop. It’s one of the lightest large-screen laptops around.

Cons: While it’s lightweight, it lacks the GPU power of other options on this list.

Key Specs:

• 17-inch WQXGA display
• Intel Core i7
• Intel Iris Xe graphics
• 16GB RAM

Conclusion 

Choosing the right laptop for graphic design is no small feat, but with the right specs, you’ll be able to push your creativity to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding designer, there’s a laptop out there that can match your needs.

The MacBook Pro is still a favorite for many, thanks to its seamless integration with creative software, but if you’re looking for variety, the Dell XPS 15 or Razer Blade 17 can also offer serious performance. Want something more affordable but reliable? The Surface Laptop 5 and HP Spectre x360 will do the trick.

No matter which laptop you choose, just make sure it matches your style and workflow. Happy designing!

Key Takeaways:

1. For top-tier color accuracy and performance, the MacBook Pro and Dell XPS 15 lead the pack.
2. Razer Blade 17 is perfect for designers needing a massive screen and gaming-level graphics.
3. Don’t forget portability—options like the LG Gram 17 and HP Spectre x360 are ultra-light while still offering solid specs.
4. Consider the price—while powerful laptops are great, your budget might guide your decision (the Surface Laptop 5 is an affordable yet capable choice).
5. The Asus ProArt Studiobook is ideal if you’re looking for something tailored specifically to creative professionals.

FAQ

1. Do graphic designers need a laptop with a high-end GPU?
Yes, for tasks like 3D modeling, rendering, and even video editing, a good GPU (like NVIDIA GeForce or RTX) is essential. It ensures smooth performance in graphic-heavy applications.

2. How much RAM is ideal for graphic design?
16GB of RAM is usually the sweet spot for most designers. However, if you work with larger files or do intensive video editing, opting for 32GB might be a good idea.

3. Can I use a MacBook Air for graphic design?

4. Is the display quality important for graphic design?
Definitely. The display is your primary tool for working with visuals, so go for a screen with high resolution, wide color gamut, and good brightness.

5. What’s the best laptop for traveling graphic designers?
If you’re always on the go, lightweight laptops like the LG Gram 17 or HP Spectre x360 are great options.

Written by: Jason Holmes, Expert in Graphic Design and Tech