Best Laptop For Graphic Design: 7 Fast Devices For Graphics

Graphic designers need powerful laptops capable of running multiple applications and programs simultaneously.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, the best laptop for graphic design should be fast, reliable, and have enough RAM to handle large files and images.

Here, we’ve compiled a list of the seven most powerful laptops on the market explicitly designed with graphic designers in mind.

From affordable 2-in-1 devices to high-end gaming laptops, we’ll help you find the perfect machine for your mobile workstation.

Our top pick is the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch, which offers power, portability, and speed.

Read on to learn more about the seven best laptops for graphic design.

1. Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021) (Best Choice)

The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021) from Apple is the finest laptop for graphic designers.

It features a powerful M1 chipset, giving it unparalleled speed and performance.

The 512 GB of storage provides plenty of room for storing sizeable graphic designing files and images, while the 16 GB RAM allows you to multitask efficiently.

The integrated graphics card and coprocessor further enhance its capabilities for creating graphics, making it an excellent choice for graphic designers.

In addition, the 14.2-inch Retina display makes viewing and editing images in great detail easy.

The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021) is one of the best laptops for graphic designers.

Pros:

• Bright and crisp 14″ retina display with 500 nits of brightness and a P3 broad color gamut provide an excellent platform for editing photos and videos.
• A high-performance quad-core 10th gen i5 or i7 processor ensures the graphic design laptop runs smoothly, even when multitasking.
• Up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage provide plenty of space for all graphic design needs.
• Thunderbolt 3 ports on both sides make connecting additional displays or external GPUs easy for increased performance.

Cons:

• Pricey compared to other laptops in the market with similar specs.
• Mediocre battery life

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2. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 15-inch

Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 4 is a powerful graphic design laptop designed with graphic designers in mind.

The 15-inch screen provides users with plenty of real estate to work on their projects in a mobile workstation, while the Intel® Iris Xe graphics card and 2GB of dedicated video memory ensure smooth performance.

The graphic design laptop is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor with 8GB of RAM, allowing it to handle complex tasks like video editing efficiently.

It also boasts 256GB of storage for all your design needs and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for easy access to the internet.

With its sleek matte black finish and impressive performance, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is an ideal choice for any graphic designer.

Pros:

• High-quality display: The 15-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 features a high resolution, 1920 x 1280 pixel display that is perfect for graphic design and video editing.
• Powerful processor: It is powered by an 11th-generation Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7 processor, providing ample power for running multiple software applications simultaneously.
• Large storage capacity: The laptop has a generous 512 GB of internal storage, which is excellent for storing large files such as photos and videos.
• Long battery life: With its 50 Wh battery, the Surface Laptop 4 can last up to 17 hours on a single charge.

Cons:

• Poor graphics performance: While it has a powerful processor and plenty of storage capacity, the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics aren’t the best laptops for graphic design.
• Limited ports: It only has two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports and a headphone jack, making it hard to connect external devices.
• No touch screen: Unlike its predecessors, the Surface Laptop 4 does not have a touchscreen, making it less suitable for drawing and sketching.

3. Apple MacBook Air

The Apple MacBook Air (2020) is one of the best laptops for graphic design.

It has a 13.6-inch screen, which makes it great for viewing detailed graphics and artwork.

It also has 8GB of RAM, perfect for running multiple applications simultaneously.

In addition, the 512 GB hard drive will provide plenty of storage space for all those video editing graphics files.

Plus, the integrated Apple M2 Graphics Coprocessor will ensure that your images look crisp and sharp.

The laptop also comes with Mac OS as its operating system, giving you access to the latest design applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

All in all, the MacBook Air (2020) is an ideal choice for graphic designers.

Pros:

• Lightweight and slim design make it easy to transport.
• Powerful 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor provides fast performance.
• Long battery life of up to 12 hours, enabling extended project work sessions in a mobile workstation.
• High resolution 13″ Retina high-quality display offers stunning visuals with true colors for creative projects.
• Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports offer lightning-fast data transfer and charging.

Cons:

• Limited storage capacity of 256GB may need more for sizeable graphic design files.
• No dedicated graphics card, so some intensive tasks may run slower than on gaming laptops.

4. Dell XPS 15 9520

The Dell XPS 15 9520 (2021) is the latest laptop iteration designed for those who need serious power in a portable form factor.

It is yet another one of the best laptops for graphic designers.

The model has an Intel Core i7-12700H processor, 16GB RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 dedicated graphics card.

It also features a 15-inch Full HD display and a 512GB SSD and runs on the latest Windows 11 Pro operating system.

The Dell XPS 15 (2021) is packed with features to make any graphic design project more accessible.

From its powerful processor and dedicated graphics card to its large display and fast storage, this laptop has all the power and flexibility needed for even the most demanding tasks.

Pros:

• Intel Core i7 processor ensures excellent performance
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6 graphics card for smooth and powerful graphic design operations
• 15.6″ 4K UHD screen with Dolby Vision HDR400 and 500 nits brightness to ensure vibrant colors, sharp details, and immersive visuals
• 16GB RAM to ensure multiple applications can run simultaneously and smoothly
• 1TB SSD capacity for ample storage of sizeable graphic design files
• Lightweight at 4.5 pounds

Cons:

• Battery life could be better with a max of 8 hours on intensive use
• Screen is not touch-enabled
• No Ethernet port for wired connections
• Does not include a dedicated graphics card with higher performance than the integrated one.

5. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 GA402RJ is one of the best laptops for graphic designers.

It is a 14-inch laptop powered by the latest Ryzen 9 6900HS processor and AMD Radeon™ RX 6700S graphics, delivering robust performance for gaming, graphic design, and more.

The device has 1TB of storage and 16GB of RAM, while the display offers a stunning WQXGA resolution.

The laptop also features Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax connectivity, Bluetooth 5.2, a backlit keyboard, and multiple ports for connecting peripherals and accessories.

With its slim profile, light weight of 2.3 Kg, and long battery life, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is an ideal choice for graphic design professionals and gamers alike.

Whether you’re creating visuals or immersed in virtual worlds, the laptop has everything you need to get the job done.

Pros:

• Incredible performance: Featuring up to an 8-core Ryzen 9 4900HS processor, 16 GB of RAM, and 1 TB SSD, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is a powerhouse for graphic design tasks.
• Great display: The laptop features a 14-inch LED-backlit FHD 120Hz anti-glare display with Adaptive Sync technology, allowing for a smooth experience when creating visuals.
• Lightweight: At just 3.5 lbs, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is one of the lightest laptops in the market, making it easier to transport on the go or around the studio.

Cons:

• Limited ports: The laptop only has one USB 3.2 Type-A port and two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, which could be a drawback for those looking for more versatility in their workstation.
• Limited battery life: With up to five hours of battery life, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 may only be suitable for a short time away from home or the office.
• No discrete GPU: The laptop does not feature a dedicated graphics card, which may be a limiting factor for more intensive graphic design tasks.
• No SD Card slot: The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 does not feature an SD card slot, meaning it cannot quickly transfer files from digital cameras or other external devices.

6. MacBook Pro 16-inch

The MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021) is the latest addition to Apple’s lineup of laptops and is one of the top laptops for graphic design professionals.

It features an impressive 16.2-inch retina display with a resolution of 3,072 by 1,920 pixels and 500 nits of brightness.

In addition, the laptop is powered by Apple’s M1 Pro processor, backed by 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD.

It also comes with an integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics card.

The MacBook Pro has some impressive features that make it ideal for graphic design professionals.

It offers up to 11 hours of battery life on a single charge and can be recharged quickly via the USB-C port.

The laptop also features a backlit keyboard, Touch Bar with Force Touch technology, Stereo speakers, and four Thunderbolt 3 ports for connecting external devices.

Additionally, it supports up to two external 5K displays or one 6K production, allowing you to view your work in even more detail.

Pros:

• The machine sports a 16-inch Retina display with 500 nits of brightness, a P3 wide color gamut, and True Tone technology. Which makes it perfect for working on graphic design projects.

• It’s powered by the latest 10th generation Intel Core i9 processor, offering speeds up to 5GHz and eight cores for lightning-fast performance.

• The laptop has an impressive 16GB of RAM and 1TB SSD, allowing you to store all your work in one place without worrying about running out of space.

• It also supports the new Radeon Pro 5500M GPU for high-end graphics capabilities.

Cons:

• Despite its powerful specs, the battery life isn’t awe-inspiring and won’t last long if you’re working on intensive graphic design projects.

• The laptop also lacks support for Thunderbolt 3, which is becoming increasingly important for graphic designers.

• The MacBook Pro doesn’t come with a dedicated graphics card, which can be limiting for more advanced workflows.

7. LG Gram 17

The LG Gram 17 (2021) laptop is designed for graphic artists and other creative professionals searching for a solid yet light machine.

This slim notebook is equipped with the latest Intel Core i7 processor and up to 16GB DDR4 RAM to provide the performance needed for heavy graphics-intensive tasks.

It also features an NVIDIA RTX2050 graphics processor and 1TB HDD or SSD to store a wide range of large design files.

The laptop has a 17-inch, full HD IPS LCD with a 16:9 aspect ratio, delivering crisp visuals and vivid colors for optimized graphic design work.

The LG Gram is equipped with the latest Windows 11 Home operating system and comes in a sleek gray finish.

It features a variety of ports and slots for connecting external devices, including USB-C, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.0, and mini DisplayPort 1.4 interfaces.

In addition, the laptop has a long battery life, allowing you to work on your projects all day with minimal charging time.

The LG Gram 17 (2021) laptop is the perfect device for graphics design professionals looking for a powerful, lightweight, and reliable machine.

Pros:

• Lightweight and thin: weighs only 2.98 lbs and is 0.7 inches thin, making it ideal for portability
• 17-inch screen with wide viewing angles and excellent color accuracy: perfect for graphic design work in any environment
• Long battery life: can last up to 22 hours on a single charge
• Fast processor: Intel Core i7 for smooth performance
• Good connectivity options: has multiple USB ports, Thunderbolt 4 port, HDMI port, microSD card, reader

Cons:

• No dedicated graphics card: this laptop does not come with a dedicated graphics card, making it unsuitable for intense tasks such as gaming or 3D modeling
• No touchscreen display: the 2021 LG Gram 17 does not have a touch screen which could be helpful for some graphic design projects.
• Limited RAM: comes with only 8 GB of RAM, making multitasking slower and less efficient.
• No optical drive: this laptop does not come with an optical drive, making it challenging to install programs from discs.

How Can Graphic Designers Pick the Best Laptop?

Price:

When looking for a good Apple or Windows laptop for graphic design, you should remember that the highest quality laptops are typically on the more expensive spectrum.

Therefore, it’s essential to consider what features are most important to you and choose accordingly.

CPU:

The CPU is your computer’s brain, so getting a laptop with a powerful processor is essential.

Laptops for graphic design with Intel Core i7 and higher processors are the best choice for graphic design CPUs, as they will provide the most power and speed for your workload.

GPU:

A sound graphics card is an essential part of any laptop for graphic design. Look for laptops with dedicated GPUs such as NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon cards.

These will give you the best performance and visuals when working with graphic design software.

RAM:

Graphics-intensive tasks require more RAM than everyday computer use, so looking for laptops with at least 8GB of RAM for graphic design is essential.

16GB or 32GB is ideal for graphic design work.

Storage: 

Look for a laptop with at least 256GB of storage space. It will be enough to store your graphic design files and other documents or programs.

Also, try getting a laptop with an SSD drive, as it is faster than standard hard drives.

Operating system: 

Windows 10 is the most popular choice for graphic design laptops, but if you prefer, you can also look for MacOS-powered devices.

Display: 

A laptop with a good show is essential for graphic design work.

Look for laptops for graphic design that have at least 1080p resolution and IPS panel displays, as these will provide you with the best visuals when working.

Battery Life: 

Graphic design tasks can take up a lot of power, so looking for laptops with good battery life is essential.

Look for laptops for graphic design with at least 8 hours of battery life, and try to get one with fast charging capabilities so you can quickly top up your laptop’s battery when needed.

Conclusion – Which Is The Best Graphic Design Laptop?

MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021) is the best graphic design laptop overall.

It has features perfect for creative professionals, such as an outstanding display, fast processors, and powerful graphics cards.

With its portability and long battery life, it can easily handle any task you throw at it.

Its high price tag may be too much for some people, but considering its quality and longevity, it is definitely worth the investment.

For those looking for an all-in-one workstation with great design, power, portability, and performance – the MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021) is a perfect choice.

 

With a few upgrades here and there, you can get yourself an intelligent machine that will last for years to come.

Its sleek, slim design makes it an ideal choice for working in any environment.

So if you’re looking for the best laptop for graphic design, you can’t go wrong with the MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021).

It has everything a creative professional could ask for and more.

Its versatility and dependability make it the best choice for graphic design.

Whether you are a student, professional, or enthusiast – this laptop has something to offer everyone.

So don’t wait any longer – get your hands on the MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021) today and enjoy a fantastic experience while creating beautiful designs!