The Best Laptops for Graphic Artists in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
As a graphic artist, your laptop is more than just a work device—it’s a tool for creativity, productivity, and professional output. Choosing the right laptop can greatly impact your workflow, and with so many options on the market, it can be hard to narrow down the best one for your needs. Whether you’re working with Adobe Creative Suite, Blender, or CAD software, the performance, display quality, and portability of your laptop are crucial. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best laptops for graphic artists in 2024, considering key aspects such as display accuracy, processing power, GPU performance, and portability.
1. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M2 Max, 2024)
- SUPERCHARGED BY M2 PRO OR M2 MAX — Take on demanding projects with the M2 Pro or M2 Max chip. M2 Pro has 12 CPU cores, 19 GPU cores, and up to 32GB unified memory. M2 Max has 12 CPU cores, up to 38 GPU cores, and up to 96GB unified memory.
- UP TO 22 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Go all day thanks to the power-efficient design of the M2 Pro or M2 Max chip. And the MacBook Pro laptop delivers exceptional performance whether it’s running on battery or plugged in.
- FULLY COMPATIBLE — All your pro apps run lightning fast — including Adobe Creative Cloud, Xcode, Affinity Designer, Microsoft 365, and many of your favorite iPhone and iPad apps.
- ADVANCED CAMERA AND AUDIO — Look sharp and sound great with a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, a studio-quality three-mic array, and a six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio.
- CONNECT WHAT YOU WANT — MacBook Pro features a MagSafe charging port, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SDXC card slot, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. And enjoy seamless wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
Why It’s Great for Graphic Artists:
Apple’s MacBook Pro is known for its industry-leading performance, and the latest iteration with the M2 Max chip is no exception. This laptop offers incredible processing power, making it ideal for handling heavy graphic design tasks, 3D modeling, and video rendering.
Key Features:
- Processor: Apple M2 Max with up to 12-core CPU and 38-core GPU
- Display: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 3456 x 2234 resolution, supporting P3 wide color and true-to-life color accuracy
- Memory & Storage: Up to 96GB of unified memory and up to 8TB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 22 hours of battery life
- Additional Perks: Thunderbolt 4 ports, 1080p FaceTime camera, great speakers
The MacBook Pro’s Liquid Retina XDR display is perfect for artists who need accurate color representation, while the high-end performance ensures smooth operation even with demanding software.
Best For:
Graphic artists working with resource-heavy software, professionals who prioritize display accuracy and reliability.
2. Dell XPS 17 (2024)
Free Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus included, No payment or Code needed. DO NOT Factory reset or install office 365 which invalidates the office 2021 License. 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U Processor and Intel UHD Graphics. The 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U Processor is a high-performance CPU with 10-core capabilities and hyper-threading for multitasking. It runs at speeds of up to (insert maximum turbo frequency here) GHz. Paired with Intel UHD Graphics, it delivers smooth visuals for everyday tasks and casual gaming while being energy-efficient. 8G DDR4 RAM and 512GB PCIe SSD.njoy advanced multitasking with 8GB of high-bandwidth RAM, perfect for running games, photo and video editing software, and multiple programs simultaneously. The system also includes a 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD, offering fast data access, quick start-up times, silent operation, and improved battery life compared to traditional hard drives. Windows 11 Pro is the professional edition of Microsoft's latest operating system. It features a sleek and modern interface with enhanced productivity tools, improved multitasking capabilities, advanced security features 15.6" FHD 1920x1080 pixels, 60Hz, 220 nits Touchscreen Display. HDMI, USB, WiFi, Bluetooth.
Why It’s Great for Graphic Artists:
The Dell XPS 17 is one of the most powerful Windows-based laptops available. With an expansive 17-inch 4K display, it’s perfect for graphic design work that requires both screen real estate and color accuracy.
Key Features:
- Processor: Intel Core i9-13900HK (13th Gen)
- Display: 17-inch 4K UHD+ InfinityEdge touch display, 3840 x 2400 resolution, 100% Adobe RGB
- Memory & Storage: Up to 64GB of RAM and 4TB SSD storage
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- Additional Perks: Thin and sleek design, Thunderbolt 4, powerful cooling system
The XPS 17 offers ample screen space and an incredibly sharp display, perfect for detailed design work. Its impressive GPU (NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070) allows for smooth 3D rendering and video editing.
Best For:
Graphic designers and artists who need a large, high-quality display and powerful performance for multitasking and rendering.
3. Asus ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED (2024)
- Complimentary 3-month Adobe Creative Cloud subscription with the purchase. Learn more on ASUS website for more details
- 16'' OLED (3840*2400) 16:10 display; 100% Adobe RGB; Pantone validated color accuracy; 400 nits; Delta E <2
- Intel Xeon W-11955M processor 2.6GHz (24M Cache, up to 5.0 GHz) with Windows 11 Professional
- NVIDIA RTX A5000 with 16GB GDDR6 VRAM - RTX Studio Ready
- Fast storage and memory featuring 4TB PCIe NVMe SSD (2TB+2TB in RAID0) and 64GB DDR4 Memory
Why It’s Great for Graphic Artists:
Designed specifically for creatives, the Asus ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED stands out with its stunning 16-inch 4K OLED display and powerful internal components. This laptop also features a built-in ASUS Dial, which allows for precision control over creative applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
Key Features:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX
- Display: 16-inch 4K OLED HDR display (3840 x 2400), 100% DCI-P3 color gamut
- Memory & Storage: Up to 64GB RAM and up to 4TB SSD
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080
- Battery Life: Around 8-10 hours
- Additional Perks: ASUS Dial, wide color gamut, and Pantone validation
With exceptional color accuracy, the OLED screen provides vibrant visuals and deep contrasts. The ASUS Dial is a unique feature, making it easier to make fine-tuned adjustments in creative software, improving workflow efficiency.
Best For:
Professional graphic designers, video editors, and 3D artists who need powerful hardware and extra precision in creative tasks.
4. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio (2024)
- With 16 GB LPDDR5X of memory, runs as many programs as you want without losing the execution
- The 14.4" 2400 x 1600 screen provides a great movie watching experience
- 512 GB SSD is enough to store your essential documents and files, favorite songs, movies and pictures
- 19 Hours battery run time helps you stay unwired and work longer non-stop
Why It’s Great for Graphic Artists:
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio offers a unique 2-in-1 design that combines the power of a laptop with the versatility of a tablet, making it ideal for graphic artists who prefer sketching or creating on a touch display. With its powerful internals and the ability to use the Surface Slim Pen 2, it’s perfect for artists on the go.
Key Features:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-13700H
- Display: 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow Display with a 2400 x 1600 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
- Memory & Storage: Up to 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
- Battery Life: Up to 19 hours
- Additional Perks: Supports Surface Pen 2, flexible hinge for different work modes
The Surface Laptop Studio’s touchscreen and stylus support make it an excellent choice for digital illustrators or anyone who prefers to sketch out ideas directly on the screen. The high refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, even during intensive tasks like video editing or animation.
Best For:
Illustrators, animators, and graphic designers looking for a flexible, hybrid laptop with pen support.
5. HP Spectre x360 16 (2024)
- Processor: Intel Evo Core Ultra 7 155H 16-Core Processor (Up to 4.8 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology,24 MB Intel Smart cache| 16 Cores| 22 Threads) Stream and multitask effortlessly with your laptop.
- Memory and Storage: 16GB DDR5 SDRAM 4800MHz,1TB PCI-E NVMe SSDBring you faster response speed
- Display and Graphics: 14" Touchscreen OLED(2880 x 1800)400 nits , UWVA, edge-to-edge glass, micro-edge, anti-reflection Corning Gorilla Glass NBT, Low Blue Light, 100% DCI-P3, 120Hz, Thin Bezel LCD Display, Intel Arc Graphics, HP 9MP IR Camera and integrated digital microphonegiving you more viewing area and less clutter, on a crystal-clear HD screen.
- Connectivity: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.3, 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40Gbps (Power Delivery and DisplayPort 1.4 and Power-off Charging), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Power-off Charging and 10Gbps), 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, 1x USB-C Power Jack
- Feature: Windows 11 Pro; Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint Reader; Speakers 2Wx2; 68 Whr 4-cell lithium-ion battery; 12.35 x 8.68 x 0.67 inches, 3.19 lbs; Nightfall Black; 65 AC Adapter, free 32GB USB Drive
Why It’s Great for Graphic Artists:
The HP Spectre x360 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop with a gorgeous OLED touchscreen and a sleek, premium design. Its flexibility to switch between laptop and tablet modes makes it a great choice for creatives who need both performance and portability.
Key Features:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-13700H
- Display: 16-inch 4K OLED touch display, 3840 x 2400 resolution, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut
- Memory & Storage: Up to 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD
- Graphics: Intel Arc A370M
- Battery Life: Up to 14 hours
- Additional Perks: Lightweight and portable, excellent audio, responsive stylus support
The OLED screen offers rich, vibrant colors, while its lightweight design makes it easy to carry around. Its combination of power, design, and portability makes it a top pick for artists who are frequently on the move.
Best For:
Graphic artists who prioritize portability without sacrificing display quality or performance.
6. Razer Blade 15 (2024)
- FAST 16” OLED QHD+ 240Hz DISPLAY — Truly designed for the competitive gamer with 0.2 ms response time, featuring a VESA ClearMR 11000 rating and DisplayHDR 500 certified to ensure minimal blurring and vivid colors (1M:1 contrast ration and 100% DCI-P3)
- NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 40 SERIES GRAPHICS — Packed for pure performance with 1.50 gPD (Graphics Power Density) and delivers up to 30% more graphic power per cubic inch than any other 16” gaming laptop
- INTEL CORE I9-14900HX PROCESSOR — Featuring 24 cores and 5.8 GHz max clock speed, game and create flawlessly with the most powerful mobile processor leveraging desktop-grade silicon — push performance even further with Overclock Mode in Razer Synapse
- VAPOR CHAMBER COOLING SYSTEM — Enjoy optimal thermal performance with a unique single-piece vapor chamber design, featuring 0.5 mm exhaust fins and special NASBIS insulating sheets that cool keyboard temperatures by up to 12%
- RAZER SNAP TAP — Enjoy truly responsive in-game movement via Razer Synapse 4 by prioritizing the latest input between a pair of assigned keys; Snap Tap is OFF by default and can be toggled ON/OFF in Razer Synapse
Why It’s Great for Graphic Artists:
Known primarily for its gaming prowess, the Razer Blade 15 is also a powerhouse for graphic design and video editing. Its advanced GPU, sharp display, and fast refresh rate make it perfect for working with heavy creative software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Blender, or Cinema 4D.
Key Features:
- Processor: Intel Core i9-13900H
- Display: 15.6-inch QHD 240Hz display, 2560 x 1440 resolution, 100% DCI-P3 color coverage
- Memory & Storage: Up to 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
- Additional Perks: Ultra-fast display refresh rates, Thunderbolt 4, compact design
The combination of a high refresh rate display and a powerful GPU makes the Razer Blade 15 an excellent choice for motion graphics artists and video editors who need both speed and power.
Best For:
Graphic artists who do extensive video editing, animation, or 3D work and need top-notch GPU performance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right laptop as a graphic artist depends on your specific needs—whether you prioritize display accuracy, portability, raw power, or all of the above. Apple’s MacBook Pro remains an industry standard for many creatives, but options like the Dell XPS 17, Asus ProArt Studiobook, and Surface Laptop Studio cater to different workflows and preferences. With any of these choices, you’ll be equipped to handle demanding tasks while enjoying the precision and performance needed for high-quality creative work.
