I’m going to show you the best laptops for graphic design you can get at every price range. No matter your budget, I will help you find the best fit for your needs. Let’s go! First, we’re going to take a look at the best options in the under $700 range.
Best Graphic Design Laptops Under $700
1. Acer Swift X
This laptop is a solid choice for any graphic designer on a budget. The Acer Swift X comes with an AMD Ryzen processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX dedicated GPU, so it packs a punch for its price. I think it’s great for anyone who needs a reliable machine for creative tasks without breaking the bank.
If you’re a student or a freelancer just starting, this could be your go-to laptop. However, if you’re into heavy gaming or need a laptop with top-of-the-line graphics, this might not be the best fit. While the CPU performance is strong, the Intel ArcGPU isn’t quite up to par for motivating 3D rendering tasks.
Pros:
- Powerful CPU and GPU at a budget price
- Ideal for photo editing and basic creative tasks
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavy 3D rendering
- Slightly outdated design
2. Acer Swift Go 14
The Acer Swift Go 14 is a fantastic ultra-portable laptop that’s great for school, business, and media consumption. Its compact design makes it easy to carry around, and the battery lasts through a typical workday, which is a big plus for those constantly on the move.
I found the display sharp and bright, making it suitable for various tasks, including color-critical work like photo and video editing. On the flip side, if you’re looking for a gaming laptop or need something for highly intensive workloads, this isn’t it. There’s no dedicated GPU, and the keyboard can feel a bit mushy over extended periods.
The speakers aren’t the best either, as they lack bass, so you might want to use headphones for a better audio experience.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Crisp and color-accurate display
Cons:
- No dedicated GPU
- Keyboard feels mushy during long sessions
- Weak built-in speakers
Next, we’re gonna take a look at the best options in the $700-$1500 range.
Best Graphic Design Laptops Between $700 – $1,500
3. Apple MacBook Air M4
Apple MacBook Air M4 The new MacBook Air M4 is an impressive and fast machine for everyday tasks, and even some more intensive graphic-related ones.
In more tests, the M4 chip even beat out some of the latest Windows machines. It’s got a stunning display, and it’s powerful enough to handle demanding workflows, like 4K video editing pretty smoothly. The M4 MacBook Air is for an everyday person, who wants a reliable machine for their day-to-day needs and some graphic design on the side.
I think the M4 MacBook Air is a solid choice for anyone already in the Apple ecosystem wanting a boost in power. If you need a laptop that is capable of more demanding tasks, and doesn’t need to be portable, I’d recommend looking elsewhere. Also, if you want to use the laptop under the sun, this one’s screen is clear enough to do so.
Pros:
- Excellent display for editing
- Great battery life
- Smooth performance for design and productivity
Cons:
- Not built for the heaviest workloads
- Lacks a dedicated fan (might throttle under pressure)
4. Asus ROG Strix G16
The Asus ROG Strix G16 gaming laptop is a beast, and I need it. It can handle almost any game with ease, with its powerful RTX 4060 GPU.
I was able to play most AAA games at high settings, and the frame rates were consistently high. Plus, the high refresh rate of 240Hz QHD display makes everything look super smooth and lifelike. It’s not just for gaming either.
It’s also a great daily driver for video editing, graphic design, and multitasking. In my experience, the ROG Strix G16 is an outstanding choice for gamers who also need a laptop for creative tasks. The only thing is, it might need some settings tweaked out of the box.
I’d buy it for its high performance, outstanding display, and versatility. This one is definitely not for someone looking for a quiet laptop.
Pros:
- Excellent for graphic design and gaming
- High refresh rate display
- Strong multitasking ability
Cons:
- Loud fans
- Needs some initial setting tweaks
Next, we’re gonna take a look at the best options in the $1500-$2000 range.
Best Graphic Design Laptops Between $1,500 – $2,000
5. Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i
This laptop is a creative powerhouse, plain and simple. The Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Gen 9 is like the MacBook Pro of the Windows world, bringing together a sleek design with powerful performance. It’s got a stunning 3.2K Mini-LED screen that makes colors pop and HDR details look super crisp, which is a joy to work on for long hours.
Plus, there’s the dedicated AI processing chip that speeds up creative tasks using machine learning, which is pretty cool if you’re into that sort of thing. I would recommend this laptop for creative professionals, gamers, or anyone who wants amazing visuals. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 series graphics card and Intel Core Ultra 9 processor make it a beast for gaming, video editing, and even 3D rendering.
However, the battery life isn’t the best, so if you need a laptop that lasts all day without plugging in, this might not be the one for you. Also, the fans can get pretty loud when it’s working hard. Lenovo Legion 5i This laptop is a solid pick for gaming and work without costing a fortune.
Pros:
- Stunning display with HDR
- AI chip for creative performance boosts
- Great for 3D rendering and video editing
Cons:
- Subpar battery life
- Noisy under load
6. Lenovo Legion 5i
The Legion 5i is a perfect blend of gaming and work functionality. It offers a 165Hz refresh rate, bright display, and a responsive keyboard—making it a reliable option for designers who also game.
Pros:
- Solid performance
- Great color accuracy
- Customizable keyboard lighting
Cons:
- Basic, utilitarian design
- Weak audio quality
Best Graphic Design Laptops Between $2,000 – $2,500
7. Asus ProArt V16
A creator’s dream, the Asus ProArt V16 is built for heavy-duty work. The 4K OLED display is breathtaking, and the AMD Ryzen AI9 with NVIDIA RTX 4070 ensures smooth handling of everything from Photoshop to Premiere Pro.
Pros:
- Exceptional 4K OLED display
- Ideal for color-sensitive work
- Elegant design and sturdy build
Cons:
- Heavier than average
- Higher-end models are pricey
8. Lenovo Legion Pro 7i
Offering a perfect blend of power and price, the Legion Pro 7i boasts an Intel Core Ultra 9 and RTX 5070 Ti, paired with a vibrant 240Hz 16-inch display.
Pros:
- Great for high-end design work and gaming
- Accurate color output (100% sRGB)
- Impressive frame rates
Cons:
- Bulky and not travel-friendly
- No OLED panel
Best Graphic Design Laptops Above $2,500
9. Apple MacBook Pro M4
A go-to for creative professionals, the MacBook Pro M4 is as powerful as it is beautiful. Its Liquid Retina XDR display, blazing-fast performance, and sleek Apple design make it ideal for serious design tasks, video editing, and animation.
Pros:
- Excellent for high-end creative work
- Premium display and webcam
- Smooth performance for heavy software
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavier than the MacBook Air
10. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
The most versatile laptop on this list, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 is perfect for designers who want a 2-in-1 experience. Its pull-forward touchscreen design is a game-changer for illustrators and digital artists.
Pros:
- Convertible design with touchscreen
- Great for drawing and designing
- Powerful internals with RTX 40 series graphics
Cons:
- Surface Pen sold separately
- Battery life could be better
Conclusion
Choosing the best laptop for graphic design in 2025 depends on your workflow and budget. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned professional, there’s a laptop on this list that fits your needs.
Budget-conscious? Go with the Acer Swift X or Swift Go 14.
Mid-range performer? MacBook Air M4 and ROG Strix G16 shine here.
Need premium power? You can’t go wrong with the MacBook Pro M4 or Asus ProArt V16.
Did this guide help you choose your next graphic design laptop? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to share this post with your creative friends!
Stay inspired. Stay creative.
