he best laptops for graphic design help you create, design, and inspire seamlessly – whatever software you’re running.
Our teal of expert reviewers have tested all the best laptops, including the best laptops for photo editing and graphic design – so we know what you need to look out for when choosing your next machine. In our experience, a good graphic design laptop needs a minimum Intel i5, AMD Ryzen 5, or M1 processor. We recommend at least 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM—though 32GB is preferable for flawless performance on complex projects. Check your screen offers at least 1080p resolution, and a good color coverage across sRGB and Adobe RGB. This makes sure your designs are color accurate on-screen and in print.
As part of our review process, we compared specs, benchmarked performance, and assessed build quality and dimensions for on-the-go creativity.
What is the best laptop requirements for graphic design?
Depending on the kind of tools you are using, your GPU and CPU hardware requirements may vary, but there’s one thing that all laptops for graphic design must have: memory.
Media files can be quite large, and if you’re working with a design that features a lot of layers or effects added into the mix, these are all going to fill up your app’s RAM memory allocation very quickly. You’ll need at least 16GB, but 32GB RAM is ideal.
The best laptop for graphic design in 2024
Below you’ll find full write-ups for each candidate for the best laptop for graphic design. We’ve tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
1. MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Pro/M3 Max)
The MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Pro/M3 Max) is unparalleled in its suitability for graphic design, offering unmatched power with Apple’s latest chips.
It excels in handling intensive design tasks, including 4K and 8K video editing, without faltering, marking a significant advancement in performance over previous models. Its design remains consistent, with a new Space Black option that resists fingerprints, keeping the device looking pristine.
2. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 OLED Chromebook
For graphic designers relying on cloud-based applications, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook 5 stands out as an exceptionally affordable option without compromising on quality.
Its detachable keyboard and tablet functionality, coupled with a stunning 1080p OLED display, make it perfect for designers who need portability, flexibility, and vibrant image clarity for their creative projects. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen2 processor and equipped with 8GB RAM, it ensures smooth operation across web-based graphic design tools.
The Dell XPS 14 positions itself as a prime choice for graphic design, boasting an elegant design with a cutting-edge processor and an optional 3.2K OLED display that sets a new standard in visual clarity and color accuracy within the XPS series.
