With the school year kicking off and client deadlines stacking up, graphic designers need hardware that can keep pace. A good laptop should render high-res images without lag, display colors with accuracy, and handle heavy creative software without slowing down.
We tested the leading 2025 models to find the machines that can balance all of these things, and more. These are the essential machines to choose from, whether you’re in the studio or on the move this fall.
Also: Best laptops for video editing
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What is the best laptop for graphic design right now?
We tested many excellent laptops to create this list, but our pick for the best laptop for graphic design is Apple’s M4 MacBook Pro. It has a stunning display and excellent M4 chip performance. However, our top pick might not be the best fit for every designer’s needs. We’ve rounded up various other top-tier options from Dell, Asus, and Lenovo, so there’s many options for a wide range of budgets and features.
The best laptops for graphic designers in 2025
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Apple’s new M4 MacBook Pro takes our top spot as the best graphic design laptop. This should come as no surprise, as MacBook Pros are often lauded for their top-tier performance and high-quality screens. In fact, this model shares many similarities to the previous number one pick: the M3 MacBook Pro. It just does everything better.
The latest MacBook Pro houses the tech giant’s M4 chipset, improving the laptop’s ability to handle resource-heavy software like illustration apps. ZDNET’s Senior Reviews Editor Kerry Wan recently reviewed the M4 MacBook Pro. According to his tests, the model “outperforms its predecessors, as well as some of the latest Windows machines running Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) chipsets.”
Wan said the hardware makes “demanding workflows like 4K video editing feel natural.” This MacBook Pro also comes with 16GB, which it uses to run Apple Intelligence features and the now-upgraded Siri.
Review: Apple MacBook Pro M4
You have a choice between either a 14-inch or 16-inch Liquid Retina Display, with the latter having a maximum resolution of up to 3,456 x 223 pixels. The M3 MacBook Pro had a similar screen, but the M4 MacBook Pro has a nano-texture coating. This gives the display a “matte-frosted layering [that] significantly reduces glare.” In short, you can take this laptop under the sun and still see the screen clearly, which is perfect for working or creating outdoors this summer.
Apple M4 MacBook Pro specs: CPU: Apple M4 | GPU: M4 integrated graphics | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB SSD | Display: Liquid Retina XDR | Price: $1,299
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If you want Apple hardware that’s lighter on your wallet and in your bag, we recommend the MacBook Air M3. The M3 chipset is a force to be reckoned with, even on the lightweight MacBook Air.
Review: Apple MacBook Air M3
In addition to the ultra-thin form factor, graphic designers will love that the M3 can output up to two different external monitors simultaneously, allowing you to do your work on bigger screens. The M3 chip on board the Air also allows for future-proofing down the line, with integration with Apple Intelligence and all the upcoming AI features.
MacBook Air M2 specs: CPU: Apple M3 | GPU: M3 integrated graphics | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB SSD | Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina | Price: $1,209 (used)
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Lenovo’s recent Yoga 9i 2-in-1 refresh earns our title of the best 2-in-1 graphic design laptop. Convertible 2-in-1 laptops lend themselves very well to professional creative work, as you can write up a document while the machine is in laptop mode and immediately flip the screen to place it into tablet mode.
Review: Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1
The Yoga 9i 2-in-1 features a stunning 2.8K OLED with vibrant colors, so this is something graphic designers and other creatives will love working on. Furthermore, the speakers are housed on the hinge, which helps them sound super crisp and clear, especially for a laptop. The system even comes complete with subwoofers for that extra punch. You also get a free stylus with purchase, allowing you to jump right into your work.
Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 OLED specs: CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | GPU: Integrated Intel graphics card | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB | Display: 14-inch 2.8K resolution OLED | Price: $1,490
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Microsoft has made some great drawing laptops, but now Asus is giving the tech giant a run for its money with the ProArt PZ13, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus. Similar to Surface laptops, this device consists of a 3K AMOLED touchscreen tablet connected to a detachable keyboard, but Asus’ machine is better suited for creative professionals.
Also: Best drawing tablets
The laptop’s display supports Dolby Vision, VESA DisplayHDR True Black, and the entire DCI-P3 color gamut, all of which work together to deliver a “stunning visual experience.” Unique to this device is the Creator Hub, a dashboard app that lets you adjust the color output of the ProArt PZ13’s display on the fly. It’s a handy tool that ensures colors are shown more accurately. There’s even a special mode that enhances the visual fidelity of movies.
Review: Asus ProArt PZ13
Besides the display and lightweight design, Asus’ ProArt PZ13 has a ridiculously long battery life, capable of lasting over 21 hours on a single charge. You can leave it on overnight and still find it running the next morning.
Asus ProArt PZ13 specs: CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus | GPU: Integrated Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite GPU | RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X | Storage: 1TB SSD | Display: 13-inch 2,880 x 1,800 AMOLED touchscreen | Price: $1,150
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HP’s OmniBook 5 is a well-rounded laptop that could easily fulfill the role of a budget or secondary system for graphic designers. The display is the star of the show with a 2K OLED touchscreen, 16GB of RAM, and a battery-efficient Snapdragon X Plus for an approachable $549.
At a glance, the OmniBook 5 looks very much like a MacBook. From the bright silver colorway to the vibrant display, there’s definitely some resemblance here. What surprised me was just how lightweight it was. At 2.84 pounds, lifting the OmniBook feels like lifting a paper notebook.
Review: HP OmniBook 5
The lightweight form factor makes it fantastic for commuting or travel, prioritizing the display and ergonomic keyboard for a comfortable experience, even if it’s not your main driver. One thing to consider, however, is its limited port selection. There’s a pair of 10Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A, and a headphone jack. If you want more, you’ll have to supplement with a docking station.
Also, there is a configuration available with 32GB of RAM, but that will bump the price up to $900. At that price, it starts to depart from budget territory.
HP OmniBook 5 specs: CPU: Snapdragon X Plus | GPU: Qualcomm Adreno | RAM: 16GB, 32GB | Storage: 512GB, 1TB | Display: 14-inch 2K resolution OLED touchscreen | Price: $900
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Graphic designers constantly on the go should check out this year’s Dell XPS 13. The series is known for its sleek designs and top-of-the-line performance, and this model has the same stylish zero-lattice keyboard and capacitive touch panel.
It is about 13.4-inches across and weighs a mere 2.6 pounds, meaning you can stuff it inside a bag and easily take it with you. Dell’s machine is not going to encumber you in any way.
Review: Dell XPS 13 (2024)
Most of the important changes on the 2024 XPS 13 are found inside the laptop. The early model boasts an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, an Intel Arc graphics card, and 32GB of memory. Everything together results in super-fast processing speeds, quick load times, and smooth multitasking. We also can’t forget to mention the high-quality display, which is capable of outputting a 3K image resolution.
The OLED model has a peak refresh rate of 60Hz. If speed and accuracy is important to you, then we recommend purchasing the mid-range since its refresh rate can go up to 120Hz.
Dell XPS 13 specs: CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | GPU: x | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB SSD | Display: 13.4-inch 3K OLED touchscreen | Price: $1,100
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Latest news about graphic design laptops
Asus has introduced the ProArt P16, a high-performance Windows laptop built for creative professionals. Powered by an AMD Ryzen AI HX 370 processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070, and 32GB of RAM, it’s designed to handle demanding design tasks with ease. While it can run hot under heavy loads, its ProCreator Hub app helps optimize performance and battery life, making it one of the strongest Windows alternatives to a MacBook. Read more here.
Yes, but it depends on what you have.
Battery life is essential for lightweight, travel, or cheap laptops. These models don’t have the most superb hardware in the world and are often mid-range devices. You won’t want to worry about your laptop dying on you in the middle of a project.
Battery life doesn’t matter as much for bulky, powerful laptops like the MSI Creator Z16. You’ll be using this machine primarily at home, and computers of this caliber are heavy. Speaking from experience, you don’t want to lug around a big laptop daily. Plus, their hardware demands a lot of power, so your battery will drain much more quickly.
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Having a wide array of ports on a graphic design laptop is important, but ultimately, it comes down to what you need.
Some manufacturers equip their devices with only a few inputs in order to keep sizes small and the weight low. This is a good design move for ultraportable laptops. That said, creative professionals work with a variety of devices and peripherals. Perhaps they need to connect their laptop to an external display or multiple monitors. This extends to audio equipment and SD cards, too.
Good laptop connectivity options are crucial to many professionals’ work. You can solve this problem by buying a docking station to complement your computer, obtaining way more inputs and outputs than you ever could.
Also: The best 5 laptop docking stations
If you just want a single device, you may be better off buying a heftier laptop with a variety of ports. A lightweight machine is ideal for travel.
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When it comes to hardware, not necessarily. Modern MacBooks certainly have powerful M-series chipsets, allowing them to rise above the rest, but Windows laptops have come a long way in bridging the gap. We would argue that Windows hardware is comparable to, and in some cases better than, Apple’s tech.
The main difference between the two comes down to software. MacBooks have a great selection of apps onboard that still trounces Microsoft software. GarageBand is still great for editing music, and iMovie is also fantastic for basic video edits.
Also: Boost your security and productivity with the top Mac apps
Windows 11, on the other hand, doesn’t have the greatest selection. For years, base apps on Windows computers were terrible. No one in their right mind takes Paint seriously. That’s what Photoshop is for. Things have improved, but base apps on Windows 11 still pale compared to what’s on macOS. Those starting software choices can make a huge difference.
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Gaming laptops are definitely a great alternative for graphic designers. They are often equipped with some of the most powerful processors in the tech industry. They also have great graphics cards, huge storage drives, and a ton of RAM, providing professionals with all the power and space they need for work. Many even have stunning displays.
Also: Best budget gaming laptops of 2025
That said, they do have some problems. First, gaming laptops can be heavy. In some cases, over seven pounds. Second, they’re expensive. And third, they don’t always have the most pleasing designs. Several models feature bulky, all-black designs, or RGB lighting that not everyone likes.
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Laptops constantly go on sale throughout the year, but many devices see deeper discounts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In fact, those two days are usually the best time to find great deals for laptops, although Amazon Prime Day comes close. Many brands get in on the festivities. Apple slashes the price tag on MacBooks, Lenovo does the same with ThinkPads, and Asus discounts its ZenBook laptops. You’ll be able to find these deals across multiple online retailers like Amazon, QVC, Best Buy, and Walmart. You will be hard-pressed to find a website that doesn’t engage.
The next big shopping day is Boxing Day, which is December 26. Prices usually aren’t slashed as steeply on this day as they are on Black Friday, but you can still find great deals. It’s hard to say what will be on sale this Boxing Day.
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Latest updates
- August 2025: Added news about the Asus ProArt P16.
- August 2025: Added the HP OmniBook 5 as best budget option.
Other graphic design laptops
Not every designer needs the absolute top pick, and there are plenty of strong alternatives worth considering. Whether you prefer macOS, want a lightweight travel option, or need a Windows laptop that balances price and performance, these models still deliver the power and display quality creative work demands.
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If you’re looking for a laptop with a huge display that is still portable, it doesn’t get lighter than LG’s Gram Pro 17. Its Meteor Lake processor and GeForce RTX 3050 GPU work in tandem with a brilliant 2K high-res WQXGA display and wafer-thin form factor.
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If you want Apple hardware that’s easier on your wallet, we recommend the M2 MacBook from 2022. The difference between the M2 and M3 chips are not as big as one might assume, and the M2 is still a powerful, performant laptop in its own right. In fact, it was ZDNET’s product of the year in 2022.
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Asus’ Vivobook Pro 15 is a solid alternative for Windows users. Not only does it possess an OLED, but the laptop also has an Nvidia GeForce graphics card and a full-sized keyboard for solid performance.
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Microsoft’s Surface Pro 11 is a lightweight laptop and tablet hybrid that’s perfect for travel thanks to its next-gen Snapdragon X Elite chipset and long-lasting battery.
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For more on boosting your creative workflow, check out how to easily transfer files between Android and Mac and our guide to the best graphic design monitors of 2025.
Laptops Reviewed & Compared
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