Best Graphic Design Laptop
By Annabelle Evans
| Updated 3 Days Ago
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Graphic design requires powerful hardware to handle demanding visual tasks, making performance, portability, and display quality essential in a laptop. These machines must run resource-heavy software smoothly while ensuring accurate color reproduction. Key factors to consider include the processor, graphics card, RAM, and display—a fast CPU and dedicated GPU are vital for quick rendering, ample RAM ensures smooth multitasking with large files, and a high-quality screen with a wide color gamut is crucial for precise color work. We tested numerous laptops to find the best options for graphic designers, focusing on a balance of power, portability, and visual quality to handle creative projects on the go.
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ACEMAGIC 15.6″ Laptop
We think this ACEMAGIC laptop is a solid choice for everyday tasks and light graphic design work, offering good value for its price.
We think this ACEMAGIC laptop is a solid choice for everyday tasks and light graphic design work, offering good value for its price.
We recently got our hands on the ACEMAGIC 15.6″ laptop, and it’s been a pleasant surprise. The 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD make for a snappy experience when opening apps and files. We noticed apps load quickly, and switching between tasks feels smooth.
The 1080p display is nice and clear. We found it works well for basic photo editing and watching videos. The thin bezels give it a modern look too. Battery life is pretty good – we got about 5 hours of real-world use.
One thing to note: there’s no Ethernet port, so you’ll need to use Wi-Fi. The built-in graphics aren’t great for heavy design work or gaming. While the metal body looks sleek, it doesn’t feel as sturdy as some pricier laptops. Still, for everyday use and light design tasks, this ACEMAGIC laptop gets the job done at a fair price.
ACEMAGIC 15.6" Laptop- 16GB RAM & 512GB ROM: Featuring 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a speedy 512GB M.2 SSD, this traditional laptop computer offers a 50% performance boost compared to DDR3-equipped machines and ensures seamless system operation while accommodating your personal files. Support expand your storage with a 128GB TF card. The 512 GB SSD can be replaced with a maximum SSD of 2TB to provide you with ample space to record and store your files/favorites.
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Acer Aspire 3 Slim
We think the Acer Aspire 3 Slim is a solid choice for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable laptop for everyday tasks.
We think the Acer Aspire 3 Slim is a solid choice for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable laptop for everyday tasks.
We’ve been using the Acer Aspire 3 Slim for a while now, and it’s impressed us with its performance for the price. The laptop feels light in our hands, making it easy to carry around. We like how the 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display shows colors vividly, which is great for casual photo editing or watching videos.
The AMD Ryzen 3 processor handles basic tasks well. We opened multiple browser tabs, worked on documents, and streamed music without any noticeable slowdown. The 8GB of RAM helps with multitasking, though we wouldn’t push it too hard with demanding apps.
One drawback we noticed is the 128GB SSD. It filled up quickly, so we had to be mindful of storage. The lack of a backlit keyboard was a bit inconvenient when working in low light. Battery life is okay, but not amazing – we got about 6-7 hours of real-world use.
Feature Specification Processor AMD Ryzen 3 7320U RAM 8GB LPDDR5 Storage 128GB NVMe SSD Display 15.6″ Full HD IPS Weight 3.92 pounds For students or casual users on a budget, we think the Acer Aspire 3 Slim offers good value. It’s not the fastest or most feature-packed laptop, but it gets the job done for everyday computing needs.
SaleAcer Aspire 3 Slim- Purposeful Design: Travel with ease and look great doing it with the Aspire's 3 thin, light design.
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Lenovo V15 Ryzen 5 Laptop
We recommend this Lenovo V15 for graphic designers on a budget who need a capable laptop for their work.
We recommend this Lenovo V15 for graphic designers on a budget who need a capable laptop for their work.
We tested the Lenovo V15 and found it offers good value for graphic designers. The Ryzen 5 processor zips through tasks, and we never felt it lag when working on large files. With 16GB of RAM, we could keep many browser tabs and apps open at once.
The 512GB SSD gave us plenty of space for our design projects and loaded files quickly. We liked having a full numeric keypad, which came in handy for data entry. The 15.6-inch screen is big enough for most design work, though we wished it was a bit brighter.
While using the laptop, we noticed the plastic build felt a little flimsy. It’s not a deal-breaker, but something to keep in mind. The lack of a dedicated graphics card means this isn’t ideal for 3D work or heavy video editing. Still, for most 2D design tasks, we found the Lenovo V15 to be a solid pick at this price point.
Lenovo V15 Ryzen 5 Laptop- 【High Speed RAM And Enormous Space】16GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive allows to fast bootup and data transfer
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ASUS Zenbook Duo
We think the ASUS Zenbook Duo is a game-changer for graphic designers who need a portable dual-screen setup.
We think the ASUS Zenbook Duo is a game-changer for graphic designers who need a portable dual-screen setup.
We recently got our hands on the ASUS Zenbook Duo, and it’s clear this laptop is built for graphic designers on the go. The standout feature is the dual 14″ OLED screens. They’re bright, crisp, and respond well to touch. We found ourselves using the bottom screen for toolbars and the top for our main workspace.
The Intel Core Ultra 9 processor handled our design tasks with ease. We opened multiple large files in Photoshop and Illustrator, and the Zenbook Duo didn’t break a sweat. The 32GB of RAM helped keep things running smoothly even with lots of browser tabs open.
We loved the flexibility of the different screen modes. Laptop mode felt familiar, while the dual-screen setup gave us extra room to spread out our work. The detachable keyboard took some getting used to, but it’s a clever solution for maximizing screen space.
At 3.64 pounds, it’s not the lightest laptop we’ve tried. But considering you’re getting two screens, we think the weight is reasonable. The battery lasted about 10 hours in our tests with both screens on, which got us through a full workday.
The Zenbook Duo isn’t cheap, but for graphic designers who need power and screen real estate, we think it’s worth considering. Just be prepared for a slight learning curve as you figure out how to best use the dual screens in your workflow.
ASUS Zenbook Duo- Multi-screen versatility - Find the mode that best suits your task and seamlessly switch between them. Expand your workspace with Dual Screen or Desktop Mode, share content effortlessly in Sharing Mode, or snap everything back into one for Laptop Mode.
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HP 14″ Laptop with Microsoft 365
We think this HP laptop is a solid choice for basic home and office use, offering good value with its included Microsoft 365 subscription.
We think this HP laptop is a solid choice for basic home and office use, offering good value with its included Microsoft 365 subscription.
We’ve been testing this HP 14″ laptop for the past few weeks, and it’s proven to be a capable machine for everyday tasks. The included year of Microsoft 365 is a nice bonus, giving us access to the latest Office apps with AI features. We found the battery life to be pretty good, lasting through most of a workday. The fast charging is handy when we need a quick top-up.
The laptop’s slim profile makes it easy to slip into a bag. We like how light it feels when carrying it around. The 14″ screen size hits a sweet spot – big enough to work on comfortably, but not too large to lug around. That said, we wish the display had a higher resolution than 720p.
Performance-wise, this HP handles basic tasks well enough. We had no issues with web browsing, document editing, and video calls. The 16GB of RAM helps keep things smooth when multitasking. But the Celeron processor shows its limits with more demanding apps or lots of open browser tabs. Storage is also tight at 128GB – we filled it up quickly and had to rely on cloud storage. For light users, this laptop gets the job done, but power users may want something beefier.
SaleHP 14" Laptop with Microsoft 365- 【Make the most out of your 365】Bring your ideas to life.Your creativity now gets a boost with Microsoft 365. Office - Word, Excel, and Power Point - now includes smart assistance features that help make your writing more readable, your data clearer and your presentations more visually powerful. 1-Year subscription included.
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HP 255 G10 Business Laptop
We recommend the HP 255 G10 for budget-conscious professionals and students who need a reliable workhorse laptop.
We recommend the HP 255 G10 for budget-conscious professionals and students who need a reliable workhorse laptop.
The HP 255 G10 surprised us with its snappy performance. We found the AMD Ryzen 3 7330U chip handled everyday tasks with ease. Opening multiple browser tabs, working on documents, and even light photo editing felt smooth and responsive.
We really liked the roomy 15.6-inch Full HD display. It’s bright and clear, making it easy to work on for long stretches. The keyboard is comfortable too, with a numeric keypad that comes in handy for data entry.
Battery life impressed us during our tests. We got through a full workday on a single charge with normal use. The laptop’s slim profile and light weight made it easy to carry around in our bags.
While not a powerhouse for gaming or heavy video editing, this HP laptop hits a sweet spot for most users. It offers good value with its ample 16GB of RAM and spacious 1TB SSD. We think it’s a solid choice for anyone needing a capable machine without breaking the bank.
SaleHP 255 G10 Business Laptop- 【AMD Ryzen 3 7330U Processor】Unleash extraordinary performance with a powerful 4-core architecture and advanced processing capabilities, ensuring effortless handling of demanding tasks and impressive power efficiency for long-lasting endurance.
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HP 17.3″ Business Laptop
We think this HP laptop is a solid choice for basic business tasks, but it’s not ideal for graphic design work.
We think this HP laptop is a solid choice for basic business tasks, but it’s not ideal for graphic design work.
This HP laptop offers a big screen experience with its 17.3″ display. We found the larger size handy for multitasking, but the 1600×900 resolution isn’t sharp enough for detailed graphic design work. The anti-glare coating was nice when working in bright rooms.
The 11th gen Intel i3 processor and 16GB of RAM kept things running smoothly for basic tasks. We had no trouble with web browsing, document editing, and light photo touch-ups. The 1TB SSD provides tons of fast storage. Boot-up times were quick, and apps launched without delay.
For graphic design, this laptop falls short. The integrated Intel UHD graphics can’t handle demanding creative software well. We noticed lag when working with large files in Photoshop. The keyboard isn’t backlit, which made typing in dim lighting tricky. At 5.25 lbs, it’s also a bit heavy to carry around all day.
HP 17.3" Business Laptop- 【11th Gen Intel Core i3-1125G4 】3 GHz base frequency, up to 3.7 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, The 11th gen dual-core laptop brings the perfect combination of features to make you unstoppable. This is an ideal home office laptop to get things done fast with high performance, instant responsiveness and best-in-class connectivity.
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HP Chromebook 14
We think this affordable Chromebook is a solid pick for students and casual users on a budget.
We think this affordable Chromebook is a solid pick for students and casual users on a budget.
We recently got our hands on the HP Chromebook 14, and it’s a decent option for everyday tasks. The 14-inch screen is a nice size for working on documents or browsing the web. We found the keyboard comfortable for typing, and the touchpad responded well to gestures.
Battery life impressed us, lasting through a full day of intermittent use. When we did need to charge, the fast charging got us back up and running quickly. The laptop’s lightweight design made it easy to carry around the house or toss in a bag.
For basic web browsing, email, and document editing, this Chromebook worked fine. But we noticed some slowdowns when we had lots of tabs open or tried more demanding tasks. The 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage felt a bit tight at times. Still, for the price, it’s a capable machine for students or anyone needing a simple, portable computer.
HP Chromebook 14- FOR HOME, WORK, & SCHOOL – With an Intel processor, 14-inch display, custom-tuned stereo speakers, and long battery life, this Chromebook laptop lets you knock out any assignment or binge-watch your favorite shows..Voltage:5.0 volts
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XP-PEN StarG640 Drawing Tablet
We think the XP-PEN StarG640 is an excellent entry-level drawing tablet for beginners and casual artists.
We think the XP-PEN StarG640 is an excellent entry-level drawing tablet for beginners and casual artists.
We tested the XP-PEN StarG640 and found it to be a solid choice for those new to digital art. The tablet’s slim profile makes it easy to slip into a bag, perfect for on-the-go drawing or note-taking. We liked how the pen felt in our hand – it’s light and doesn’t need charging, which means we could draw for hours without interruption.
The 6×4 inch active area might feel small for some, but we found it suitable for most tasks. It worked well for quick sketches and basic designs. We noticed the tablet was responsive and accurate, making it fun to use for digital art and even for playing osu!, a popular rhythm game.
We were happy to see that the StarG640 works with Chromebooks and various software like Microsoft Office and Zoom. This makes it handy for online teaching or remote work. The setup was simple – we just plugged it in and were ready to go in minutes. While it lacks shortcut buttons, which some artists might miss, we think its affordable price and reliable performance make up for this.
XP-PEN StarG640 Drawing Tablet- Battery-Free Pen: StarG640 drawing tablet is the perfect replacement for a traditional mouse! The XPPen advanced Battery-free PN01 stylus does not require charging, allowing for constant uninterrupted Draw and Play, making lines flow quicker and smoother, enhancing overall performance
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Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
We think the Acer Nitro 5 is a solid choice for gamers on a budget who want good performance without breaking the bank.
We think the Acer Nitro 5 is a solid choice for gamers on a budget who want good performance without breaking the bank.
We’ve spent some time with the Acer Nitro 5, and we’re impressed by what it offers for the price. The 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti graphics card work together to deliver smooth gameplay in most titles. We were able to run demanding games at high settings without any noticeable slowdowns.
The 15.6-inch 1080p display is a standout feature. With its 144Hz refresh rate, everything looks buttery smooth whether we’re gaming or just browsing the web. Colors are vivid, and the IPS panel provides wide viewing angles. We also like the red backlit keyboard, which adds a nice gaming aesthetic.
Connectivity is another strong point. The Nitro 5 has a good selection of ports, including USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 support. We had no trouble hooking up our favorite gaming peripherals. The 512GB SSD provides snappy load times, and there’s room to add more storage if needed.
While the Nitro 5 performs well, it’s not the most portable gaming laptop. At 5.5 pounds, it’s on the heavier side. The fans can get quite loud during intense gaming sessions, but that’s typical for gaming laptops in this price range. Battery life is okay for light use, but you’ll want to stay plugged in for gaming.
Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop- Take your game to the next level with the 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor. Get immersive and competitive performance for all your games.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a graphic design laptop, we recommend focusing on a few key features:
Display
Look for a high-resolution screen with excellent color accuracy. A 4K display is ideal for detailed work.
Graphics Card
A dedicated GPU is crucial. It should have at least 4GB of VRAM for smooth performance with design software.
Processor
Choose a recent, powerful CPU. This ensures your laptop can handle resource-intensive tasks.
RAM
We suggest at least 16GB of RAM. More is better for running multiple programs simultaneously.
Storage
An SSD provides faster load times. 512GB is a good starting point, but consider 1TB if you work with large files.
Portability
Think about weight and battery life if you plan to work on the go.
Ports
Make sure the laptop has enough ports for your needs, including USB-C and HDMI.
Here’s a quick reference table:
Feature | Recommendation |
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Display | 4K resolution |
Graphics | Dedicated GPU, 4GB+ VRAM |
CPU | Recent, powerful model |
RAM | 16GB minimum |
Storage | 512GB-1TB SSD |
Weight | Under 5 lbs for portability |
Battery | 8+ hours for mobile use |
Remember to read reviews and compare options before making your final decision.