Best Laptops for Graphic Design in 2024

TL;DR

For graphic design, the Apple M1 and M1 Pro are standout choices for their performance and battery life, while the Dell XPS 15 9520 offers a stunning display and robust power. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 models are excellent for those needing gaming-level performance alongside design capabilities.

Top Picks

Budget: Apple M1 - Great performance for entry-level graphic design at an affordable price. Buy on Amazon
Mid-range: Dell XPS 15 9520 - Exceptional display quality and powerful performance for serious design work. Buy on Amazon
Premium: Apple M1 Pro - Outstanding performance and battery life, ideal for professionals in graphic design. Buy on Amazon

Quick Summary

Choosing the right laptop for graphic design is crucial for efficiency and creativity. With a variety of options available, it’s essential to find a device that balances performance, display quality, and portability.

TL;DR
Quick Summary
Key Buying Factors
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Top Product Reviews
Price Guide
Personalized Recommendations
Community Insights
Final Verdict

Key Buying Factors

Before making your purchase, consider these essential factors:

Performance

Look for laptops with powerful processors (Intel i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 9) and dedicated GPUs to handle graphic-intensive tasks.

Display Quality

A high-resolution display with excellent color accuracy (100% sRGB or DCI-P3) is essential for graphic design work.

Battery Life

Long battery life is crucial for on-the-go designers who need to work without frequent recharging.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others’ experiences - here are key pitfalls to watch out for:

Ignoring Display Quality

Many users overlook the importance of a high-quality display, which is vital for accurate color representation in design.

Choosing Based on Brand Alone

Selecting a laptop solely based on brand reputation can lead to missing out on better-suited options from lesser-known brands.

Underestimating Performance Needs

Beginners often underestimate the performance required for graphic design software, leading to frustration with lagging systems.

Top Product Reviews

Our detailed analysis of the best options available:

Apple M1

The Apple M1 is highly regarded in the graphic design community, particularly among beginners and students. Its performance, especially in handling graphic design software like Adobe Creative Suite, has been praised for its efficiency and speed. Users have noted that it runs applications natively, which enhances performance significantly compared to older Intel-based models. Additionally, the M1’s battery life is exceptional, allowing for extended work sessions without needing to recharge. While there are some criticisms regarding the limitations of macOS and the hardware’s ability to connect multiple external displays, the overall sentiment remains positive, especially for those new to graphic design.

Features

Apple M1 chip with unified memory architecture for faster processing
High-resolution Retina display for exceptional color accuracy

User Experiences

Users have expressed satisfaction with the M1’s ability to run graphic design software smoothly, with one user stating that their 2020 MacBook Pro with the M1 chip has significantly improved their workflow and productivity.

Pros

Exceptional performance for graphic design tasks
Long battery life allowing for extended use without charging

Cons

Limited connectivity options, particularly with external displays

Best Use Cases

Best suited for graphic design students and beginners looking for a reliable and efficient laptop that can handle design software effectively.

Price-Performance Ratio

The M1 MacBook Air or Pro offers excellent price-to-performance value, especially for entry-level graphic designers. Users can expect to pay around $600 for a refurbished model, making it a cost-effective option that doesn’t compromise on performance.

Purchase Options

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Dell XPS 15 9520

The Dell XPS 15 9520 is frequently discussed in graphic design communities for its excellent performance and stunning display. Users appreciate its ability to handle demanding graphic design tasks, making it a strong competitor against other high-performance laptops. The feedback from users highlights its powerful CPU and GPU options, which are crucial for tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.

Features

Stunning 15.6-inch OLED display with 100% DCI-P3 color gamut
Powerful Intel Core i7/i9 processors with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050/3060 options

User Experiences

Many users report that the Dell XPS 15 9520 performs exceptionally well for both graphic design and light video editing tasks. One user mentioned that it handled Adobe Creative Suite applications smoothly without any lag.

Pros

Exceptional display quality with vibrant colors and high contrast
Robust performance with options for high-end CPUs and GPUs

Cons

Battery life could be improved, especially under heavy workloads

Best Use Cases

Graphic design, video editing, and 3D rendering

Price-Performance Ratio

While the Dell XPS 15 9520 is on the pricier side, its performance and display quality justify the cost for professionals in graphic design and related fields.

Purchase Options

View on Amazon

View on Manufacturer’s Website

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is highly regarded in the graphic design community for its strong performance and excellent color accuracy, making it a solid choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Users have noted its capability to handle demanding graphic design software with ease, which is crucial for tasks involving high-resolution images and complex designs. Despite some discussions around battery life and heat management, the overall consensus is that it offers a great balance between portability and power.

Features

Powerful AMD Ryzen 9 processor
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU with excellent color accuracy

User Experiences

Many users have reported that the G14 can handle heavy graphic design tasks without lag, making it a preferred option for those working with software like Adobe Creative Suite.

Pros

Exceptional performance for graphic design tasks
High color accuracy and vibrant display

Cons

Battery life may not be as long as competitors like MacBooks

Best Use Cases

Graphic design, video editing, and 3D modeling

Price-Performance Ratio

The G14 offers competitive pricing for its performance level, making it a strong contender in the gaming and design laptop market.

Purchase Options

View on Amazon

View on Manufacturer’s Website

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022)

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022) has gained a positive reputation among graphic designers on Reddit discussions. Users appreciate its powerful GPU, compact design, and overall performance, making it a strong contender for both gaming and professional design work. While specific details about its performance in graphic design tasks are limited, the general consensus is that its specifications meet the demands of graphic-intensive applications like Adobe Creative Suite.

Features

Powerful AMD Ryzen 9 processor
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU

User Experiences

One user mentioned that they have been successfully using their Asus gaming laptop for editing and graphic design without any issues, highlighting good graphics and storage capabilities.

Pros

Excellent graphics performance for design applications
Compact and lightweight design, making it portable for on-the-go work

Cons

Battery life may be less than ideal during intensive tasks

Best Use Cases

Graphic design work, including photo editing, 3D rendering, and video editing

Price-Performance Ratio

With a price point that is competitive for its specifications, the ROG Zephyrus G14 offers great value for those seeking a powerful machine for graphic design without breaking the bank.

Purchase Options

View on Amazon

View on Manufacturer’s Website

Apple M1 Pro

The Apple M1 Pro has gained significant traction among graphic designers and video editors, as it offers a powerful blend of performance and efficiency. Users have praised its ability to handle demanding tasks such as video editing and graphic design with ease, often citing it as the best hardware they have ever used. The M1 Pro chip’s architecture allows for seamless multitasking and efficient power consumption, making it a top choice for professionals in creative fields. Despite some dissenting opinions favoring Windows alternatives, the overall sentiment remains highly positive, particularly regarding its integration with Adobe products and other design software.

Features

High-performance M1 Pro chip with up to 10 CPU cores and 16 GPU cores
Exceptional battery life lasting up to 14 hours

User Experiences

“I am currently using the M1 Pro for video editing and it has transformed my workflow. The rendering speeds are incredible compared to my previous Intel MacBook.”

Pros

Outstanding performance for graphic design and video editing
Long-lasting battery life, allowing for extended use without frequent charging

Cons

Higher price point compared to many Windows alternatives

Best Use Cases

Graphic design, video editing, and heavy multitasking tasks

Price-Performance Ratio

While the M1 Pro is on the pricier side, its performance justifies the investment for serious graphic designers and video editors, particularly those who rely on Adobe applications.

Purchase Options

View on Amazon

View on Manufacturer’s Website

Price Guide

Find the best option for your budget:

Personalized Recommendations

For Beginners

Apple M1

For Enthusiasts

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022)

For Budget conscious

Apple M1

Community Insights

Overall Trends

The Apple M1 and M1 Pro are highly recommended for their performance and battery life.
Dell XPS 15 9520 is favored for its display quality and power.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus models are popular for their gaming performance and design capabilities.

Top Picks from the Crowd

Apple M1
Dell XPS 15 9520
Apple M1 Pro

Controversial Opinions

Some users prefer Windows laptops for their price-to-performance ratio over Macs.

Final Verdict

In summary, the best laptops for graphic design in 2024 cater to a range of budgets and user needs. The Apple M1 and M1 Pro stand out for their performance and battery life, making them ideal for both beginners and professionals. The Dell XPS 15 9520 offers a premium display and robust capabilities for serious design work. Meanwhile, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 models provide excellent performance for those who also enjoy gaming. As the market evolves, we can expect more powerful and efficient laptops tailored for graphic design, making it an exciting time for creatives.