Top 5 Best Laptops for Graphic Design in 2025

Introduction

If you’re a graphic designer or creative professional, choosing the best laptop for graphic design is super important. You need a machine that’s fast, has a sharp display, and runs all your design software smoothly.

In this guide, we’ve listed the top 5 laptops for graphic design in 2025, perfect for Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and more. Whether you’re a student or a pro, this list has the right laptop for your creative needs.

Also recommended for video editors – check out our list of the best laptops for video editing if you need something tailored for post-production work

Summary Table

1. MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Max) – Best Overall for Creative Professionals

Specifications:

• CPU: Apple M3 Max (14-core CPU, 30-core GPU)
• RAM: Up to 64GB Unified Memory
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• Display: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, 3456 x 2234 resolution
• Battery Life: Up to 22 hours
• Weight: 4.7 lbs (2.1 kg)

Why It Stands Out:
The MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max chip delivers exceptional performance for graphic designers, handling intensive tasks like 3D rendering and high-resolution photo editing with ease. Its Liquid Retina XDR display offers outstanding color accuracy, making it ideal for professionals working with Adobe Creative Suite and other design software.

Pros:

• Exceptional performance with M3 Max chip
• High-resolution, color-accurate display
• Long battery life
• Robust build quality

Cons:

• Premium price point
• Limited port selection

Price Range: $3,299

2. Dell XPS 17 (2025 Edition)– Best Windows Laptop for Graphic Design

Specifications:

• CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
• RAM: 32GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• Display: 17-inch 4K UHD+ (3840 x 2400), 100% Adobe RGB
• Battery Life: Up to 14 hours
• Weight: 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg)

Why It Stands Out:
The Dell XPS 17 combines powerful performance with a stunning 4K display, making it a top choice for designers who prefer Windows. Its large screen and high color accuracy are perfect for detailed design work, and the RTX 4070 GPU ensures smooth performance in demanding applications.

Still choosing between brands? Explore our in-depth Lenovo vs Dell laptops comparison to help you decide which brand better suits your design needs.

Pros:

• High-resolution, color-accurate display
• Powerful CPU and GPU combination
• Sleek and professional design

Cons:

• Heavier than other options
• Premium pricing

Price Range: $3,099

3. ASUS ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED- Best for Color Accuracy and Creative Professionals

Specifications:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
• RAM: 32GB DDR4
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• Display: 16-inch 4K OLED, 100% DCI-P3, Pantone Validated
• Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
• Weight: 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg)

Why It Stands Out:
The ASUS ProArt Studiobook 16 is designed specifically for creative professionals, offering a 4K OLED display with exceptional color accuracy. Its powerful hardware ensures smooth performance in graphic design applications, and the unique ASUS Dial provides intuitive control over creative tools.

Pros:

• Exceptional color-accurate OLED display
• Powerful performance for creative tasks
• Innovative ASUS Dial for enhanced productivity

Cons:

• Shorter battery life compared to competitors
• Slightly heavier design

Price Range: $1,799

4. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2–Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Designers and Digital Artists

Specifications:

• CPU: Intel Core i7-13700H
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
• RAM: 32GB LPDDR5x
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• Display: 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow, 2400 x 1600, 120Hz
• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
• Weight: 4.0 lbs (1.8 kg)

Why It Stands Out:
The Surface Laptop Studio 2 offers a versatile design with a high-resolution touchscreen and stylus support, making it ideal for digital artists and designers. Its powerful internals ensure smooth performance, and the flexible hinge allows for multiple usage modes.

Pros:

• Versatile 2-in-1 design with stylus support
• High-refresh-rate touchscreen
• Strong performance for creative applications

Cons:

• Limited port selection
• Premium price point

Price Range: $2,399

5. HP Spectre x360 16- Best for Portability and Design Students

Specifications:

• CPU: Intel Core i7-12700H
• GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• Display: 16-inch 3K+ OLED, 3072 x 1920
• Battery Life: Up to 17 hours
• Weight: 4.4 lbs (2.0 kg)

Why It Stands Out:
The HP Spectre x360 16 offers a balance of portability and performance, featuring a stunning OLED display and long battery life. Its 2-in-1 design is perfect for students and professionals who need flexibility in their creative workflows.

Pros:

• Beautiful OLED display with high resolution
• Long battery life
• Flexible 2-in-1 design

Cons:

• Integrated graphics may limit performance in intensive tasks
• Limited upgrade

Price Range: $1,499

Conclusion: Which Laptop Should You Choose?

Each of these top 5 laptops brings something special to the table. If you’re all about performance and ecosystem, the MacBook Pro 16-inch reigns supreme. Prefer Windows and massive screen real estate? The Dell XPS 17 is for you. Budget-conscious creators will find value in the HP Spectre x360.

When choosing the best laptop for graphic design, prioritize what matters most to you—be it display accuracy, speed, portability, or flexibility.

Want powerful performance without breaking the bank? Check out the best gaming laptops under $1500 — many double as excellent graphic design machines too!

FAQs