There are a million and one laptops available on the market. All these options allow just about anyone to get the portable computer that's right for them.

However, it's easy to get overwhelmed with the number of available choices. From professional graphic designers to novices, finding the right laptop for graphic design work can be a headache. Understanding which devices are suitable to house the required software is the first step in deciding on the best laptop.

Here are the best laptops for graphic design work available today.

The Surface Laptop 4 is Microsoft's offering for the sleek and ultraportable laptop market. It's an ultra-thin and lightweight device that comes with a reasonably powerful Intel Core i7 processor. It sports 1TB SSD storage and 32GB RAM, allowing you to multitask on this computer efficiently.

It has a 13.5-inch touchscreen display with a 2256x1504 resolution, making it sharper than Full HD monitors. It also has an Intel Iris Xe graphics card, allowing it to perform better on video-related tasks than devices with integrated graphics.

Best of all, this laptop boasts an extended 17-hour battery life. Although this may vary with use, this feature gives you the confidence to work long hours without having to plug into an outlet. With plenty of RAM and a high-resolution display, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is a solid choice for graphic design work.

Key Features
  • Extended battery life of more than 17 hours
  • Comes with a powerful 11th-gen Intel i7 processor
  • Large 32GB RAM will make multitasking easy
Specifications
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-1185G
  • GPU: Iris Plus graphics 950
  • Storage: 1TB SSD
  • Battery: 16.5 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 15-inch, ‎2496x1664
  • Camera: 5.0MP front-facing 720p HD camera
  • Speakers: Omni-Sonic Dolby-Atmos Audio6
  • Memory: 32GB LPDDR4x
  • Ports: 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB-C, 1x 3.5mm Jack, 1x Surface Connect Port
  • Dimensions: 10.76 x 14.6 x 2.12 inches
  • Weight: 3.40 lbs
  • Brand: Microsoft
Pros
  • Sleek and portable form factor
  • Relatively lightweight at only 2.84lbs
  • 13.5" touchscreen display makes it easy to use
Cons
  • Limited number of ports for wired connectivity
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Microsoft Surface Laptop 4

The legendary Apple M1 chip powers the 13-inch 2020 Apple M1 MacBook Pro. This new Arm-based processor is far more efficient than the previous Intel processors powering Apple's last-generation MacBooks. With this, you get an astonishing 20-hour battery life on a single charge. Pair that with the legendary optimization of the Mac OS, and you'll get a smooth user experience when using this laptop.

You can choose between 256GB and 512GB SSDs so that you can get the perfect storage capacity for your work. The additional features like the Touch Bar and Touch ID, ensure seamless logins and intuitive app use.

Furthermore, the typing experience is second to none with the backlit Magic Keyboard. The Magic Trackpad complements this, thus giving you a complete sensory experience when working on it. The seamless design coupled with an M1 chip makes the Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020) a powerful contender for graphic design use.

Key Features
  • Uses Apple's powerful M1 chip
  • Ultralong 20-hour battery life
  • Equipped with a Retina display
Specifications
  • Operating System: macOS
  • CPU: ‎3.2GHz M1 chip
  • GPU: Integrated
  • Storage: 256GB SSD
  • Battery: 20 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 13.3-inch, 2560x1600
  • Camera: 720p FaceTime HD webcam
  • Memory: 16GB
  • Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 3, 3.5mm audio input
  • Dimensions: ‎14.75 x 11.25 x 4.25 inches
  • Weight: 3lbs
  • Brand: Apple
Pros
  • Built-in Touch Bar & Touch ID
  • Uses a backlit Magic Keyboard
  • Choice between 256GB and 512GB SSD storage
Cons
  • Limited ports
Buy This Product
Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020)
Best value

3. HP Envy 15

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This laptop is a good option if you need performance but don't want to spend unnecessarily. The HP Envy 15 offers a top-range 10th-gen Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB RAM. It also has a respectable NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti, so you can still render scenes and video with relative ease.

More than that, it offers a myriad of ports, like two USB-A and two USB-C outlets, plus an HDMI port. Its 15.6-inch Full HD Touchscreen display makes it easy and intuitive to use. And you get a webcam shutter and microphone mute button, thus ensuring your privacy.

If you're going to use this laptop for media consumption, you'll be delighted to know it has Bang & Olufsen-tuned speakers, ensuring high-quality audio. It also has a built-in fingerprint reader for use with Windows Hello. Whether you're working on your next logo design or simply chilling out with some music, the HP Envy 15 is more than capable of handling multiple tasks and comes in at great value for money.

Key Features
  • Comes with 15.6" Full HD IPS touchscreen display
  • Bang & Olufsen tuned speakers ensure high-quality audio
  • Built-in fingerprint reader enhances device security
Specifications
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-10750H
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti
  • Storage: 512GB
  • Battery: Up to 18 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 15.6-inch, 1920x1080
  • Camera: Yes
  • Memory: 16GB
  • Ports: 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 1x HDMI 2.0a, 1x Micro SD card reader, 1x headphone jack, 1x charging port
  • Weight: 4.74lbs
  • Brand: HP
Pros
  • Physical webcam shutter for privacy
  • With backlit keys
  • Ample number of ports
Cons
  • No 10-key numeric keypad
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HP Envy 15

The unique dual-screen layout of the ZenBook Pro Duo makes it an excellent tool for artists and programmers. It has a 15.6-inch 4K UHD OLED primary screen and a 14-inch IPS secondary touchscreen with stylus support. This secondary display allows users to have easy access to tools and features in their respective apps.

They can also use it as a built-in writing tablet with the included stylus. And behind all these, you get an Intel Core i7-10750H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 video card.

The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo comes with one USB-C and two USB-A ports, plus an HDMI outlet. And to make typing easier on its unique keyboard deck layout, you also get a detachable palm rest in the box.

Key Features
  • Dual 4K screens for improved productivity
  • Includes a detachable palm rest
  • Built according to US MIL-STD 810G military-grade standard
Specifications
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H
  • GPU: Nvidia RTX 2060
  • Storage: 1TB SSD
  • Battery: 5 Hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 15.6-inch, ‎3840x2160
  • Camera: 720p HD (Front-facing )
  • Speakers: Stereo by Harman Kardon
  • Memory: 16GB RAM
  • Ports: 2x USB 3.1, 1x USB-C, 1x 3.5mm Jack, 1x HDMI
  • Dimensions: ‎ 14.1 x 9.7 x 0.9 inches
  • Weight: 5.5lbs
  • Brand: Asus
Pros
  • Stylus pen included for touchscreen use
  • Raised laptop body offers better cooling
  • OLED screen offers better image quality
Cons
  • Awkward touchpad placement
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ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo

The ProArt StudioBook is a powerful laptop made for the professional. It uses an NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 Max Q graphics card, so you can get all the power you need even when you're on the road. The graphics card is backed up by an Intel Core i7 CPU, ensuring that you have processing power ready on tap when you need it.

It has a 15.6-inch monitor with a 4K UHD display, giving you sharp and crisp images as you work. It also doesn't lack ports, with one USB-C and three USB-A outlets, one 3.5mm headphone jack and another 3.5mm microphone jack, an RJ45 ethernet jack, and a dedicated charging port.

You get all these with 2TB SSD storage and 48GB RAM. These features ensure you won't run out of space and memory, letting you do everything you need. And despite all that power, the laptop weighs in at less than five pounds or two kilograms, making it a truly portable device.

Key Features
  • Comes with a pro-grade NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 graphics card
  • One of the largest stock RAM configurations at 48GB
  • Powered by an Intel Core i7 processor
Specifications
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H
  • GPU: NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 Max Q
  • Storage: 2TB
  • Battery: Up to 6 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 15.6-inch, 4K UHD
  • Camera: No
  • Memory: 48GB
  • Ports: 3x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 1x HDMI 2.0a, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack, 1x 3.5mm microphone jack, 1x RJ45 ethernet jack, 1x charging port
  • Weight: 4.37lbs
  • Brand: ASUS
Pros
  • Uses an ultrafast 2TB SSD
  • Offers a large selection of ports
  • 100% Adobe RGB coverage
Cons
  • Expensive
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ASUS ProArt StudioBook Pro 15

The Dell XPS 17 is a 17-inch laptop powered by an 11th-gen Intel Core i7 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card. You also get 512GB storage and 16GB RAM, enough for most applications. What makes this unique, though, is the 16:10 ratio of its display. You get a tall screen with this laptop, making it perfect for productivity applications.

And to keep it cool and efficient, it features two exhaust fans. That way, even when you're using heavy applications, the computer will work as expected and avoid thermal throttling.

Even though the XPS 17 is a powerful laptop, it manages to stay sleek and thin. Although it does weigh in a little over five pounds or at two-and-a-half kilograms, you can still easily hold this laptop and carry it in your bag.

Key Features
  • Powered by the Intel's 11th-generation Core i7 processors
  • Uses an NVIDIA RTX 3050 discrete graphics card
  • Offers four USB-C ports for connectivity
Specifications
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
  • Storage: 4TB SSD
  • Battery: Up to 7 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 17-inch, 3840x2400 UHD+
  • Camera: 720p with Windows Hello
  • Speakers: 2x 2W (woofer), 2x 2.5W (tweeter)
  • Memory: 64GB
  • Ports: 4x USB-C, 1x headphone jack, 1x SD card slot
  • Network: Wi-Fi 6
  • Dimensions: 14.74 x 9.76 x 0.77 inches
  • Weight: 5.51lbs
  • Brand: Dell
  • Model: 9710
Pros
  • Compatible with Alexa
  • With dual-fans for reliable operation
  • 16:10 monitor aspect ratio offers more desktop space
Cons
  • No USB-A slots for your legacy devices
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Dell XPS 17

If you're looking for a workstation replacement, look no further than the ConceptD 7 Pro. It's Acer's answer to those who need a powerful PC yet need more portability than a desktop. This laptop features an Intel Core i7 processor and 32GB RAM. You also get 2TB SSD storage plus an NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 Max Q video card.

But aside from its hardware specifications, you also get a great selection of ports and slots. This laptop has one USB-C and three USB-A ports. You could also plug an external display either via HDMI 2.0 or the miniDP 1.4 port. And for a reliable internet connection, it has an RJ45 ethernet jack.

The Acer ConceptD 7 Pro boasts a 15.6-inch 4K UHD display allowing you to enjoy sharp and crisp images. Best of all, all of this comes in at 2.2lbs. You don't have to break your back with heavy equipment just to get the power you need when you want to get creative.

Key Features
  • Comes with a pro-grade NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 Max Q
  • Massive 2TB SSD and 32GB RAM
  • With a lot of built-in ports, including a miniDP slot
Specifications
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-9750H
  • GPU: NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 Max Q
  • Storage: 2TB
  • Battery: Up to 8 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 15.6-inch, 4K UHD
  • Camera: 720p
  • Memory: 32GB
  • Ports: 3x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 1x HDMI 2,0a, 1x miniDP 1.4, 1x RJ45 ethernet jack, 1x headphone jack, 1x microphone jack, 1x charging port
  • Weight: 2.2lbs
  • Brand: Acer
Pros
  • Lightweight at 2.2lbs
  • Uses a 15-inch 4K UHD panel
  • Color calibrated straight from the factory
Cons
  • Relatively short battery life
Buy This Product
Acer ConceptD 7 Pro

FAQ

Q: What Laptop Specifications Do I Need for Graphic Design?

If you're going to work with graphic design software, here are the recommended specifications you should have:

  • Processor: At least Intel Core i5 or Apple M1
  • Memory: At least 8GB, preferably 16GB
  • Storage: At least a 256GB SSD, preferably 1TB
  • Graphics Card: Preferably with a discrete video card
  • Display: Minimum Full HD resolution, with a preferable display size of 15 inches

These specifications will run the most common graphic design software, like Adobe Photoshop. If you prefer the portability of small-screen laptops, you can choose to have an external monitor in your main work area instead.

Q: Are Four Cores Enough for Graphic Design?

Yes. Most graphic design software relies on a single-core instead of spreading the load across multiple cores. That's why you should prefer higher-clocked CPUs over multi-cover processors with lower clock speeds.

Q: Do You Need a Graphics Card if You're a Graphic Designer?

Yes. Most graphic design software takes advantage of the power of discrete graphics cards. This is especially true if you're working with 3D modeling software and video and photo editing, among others. As long as your software needs to render, it can and will use your video card for processing output.