640
640
640
640
640

17 Best Laptops for Artists and Creatives in 2023 Reviewed

Best laptops for artists and creatives

Picture this: you, your laptop, and a world of digital art possibilities. As digital artists, our laptops are like an extension of our creative minds.

And we all know the struggles of finding a good laptop for digital art- graphics, RAM, storage, resolution, color gamuts, animation software portability, stylus, a high-end, mid-level, budget, and hundreds of other things to consider. This is why I’ve curated a list of the best laptops for digital art, tailored for digital artists like you.

Best Entry-Level Laptops for Digital Art

Table of Contents

1. ASUS VivobookBest Ultra-Slim Laptop

The first thing about the Asus Vivobook that caught my eye was its stunning 16-inch WUXGA display. With ultra-slim NanoEdge bezels and a 16:10 aspect ratio, the visuals on this laptop are mind-blowing. Whether you are working on a project or watching your favorite movie, the crisp 1920 x 1200 graphics display resolution is sure to leave you impressed.

Underneath this sleek exterior, the ASUS Vivobook 16 houses an Intel Core i7-13700H processor. With a clock speed of up to 5.0 GHz, it can handle multitasking needs like a breeze.

The Vivobook 16 comes with a generous 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD. Trust me when I say this, it’s blazing fast. Booting up the laptop will take mere seconds, and all files will be at your fingertips in no time.

As I tested it, I found the Intel Iris Xᵉ graphics on this laptop to be just amazing. While it may not be a dedicated gaming machine, it handled casual gaming and multimedia tasks quite amazingly.

The Vivobook 16 comes preloaded with Microsoft Windows 11 Home, which offers a seamless and user-friendly interface. The 180° lay-flat hinge will be a game-changer for many. And let’s not forget the touchpad. It will make navigating through your work and applications a breeze.

ASUS has also incorporated an Anti Microbial Guard to keep the laptop clean and hygienic, which is a huge plus in these times. And the physical webcam shield? It’s a feature that will give you peace of mind, knowing that your privacy is protected.

Screen Size: 16 Inches | Operating System: Windows 11 Home | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB SSD

2. HP Pavilion Aero 13 LaptopBest HP Laptop For Artists

The 13.3-inch WUXGA IPS panel display on the HP Pavilion Aero is stunning. The visuals are crisp, vibrant, and full of detail. Its sleek and lightweight design makes it an absolute beauty.

The Hewlett-Packard Pavilion Aero 13 boasts an all-day-long battery life of 10 hours and 35 minutes. You will be able to get through an entire workday without worrying about finding an outlet. And when you need a quick charge, the HP Fast Charge comes to the rescue. You’ll be back up to 50% charge in just 30 minutes, keeping you productive without any interruptions. 

But wait, there’s more! The Pavilion Aero is all about little details that make a big difference. The backlit computer keyboard is an absolute gem to type on, especially in low-light environments. I learned from my time with it that the audio experience is top-notch, thanks to the HP Dual Speakers and HP Audio Boost. The added security of the patented 3-D fingerprint reader makes logging in quick and secure.

Now, here’s something that impressed me. The Pavilion Aero is not only a powerhouse, but it’s also environmentally conscious. It’s made from ocean-bound plastic and post-consumer recycled plastic, so you can feel good about your purchase. Even the packaging is completely recyclable. Plus, it’s Energy Star Certified and EPEAT Gold Registered.

Screen Size: 13.3 Inches | Operating System: Windows 11 Home | RAM: 8GB DDR4 | Storage: 512GB SSD

3. SAMSUNG 15.6” Galaxy Book 3Best Samsung Laptop For Creatives

The sleek and silver finish of the Galaxy Book 3 gives it a sophisticated and modern look that immediately grabs attention. Plus, it’s super thin and lightweight, making it perfect for those who are always on the move. The colors are vibrant, and the details are sharp, making everything on the screen come to life.

After checking the product, I found that the display has a matte finish. It not only adds to its overall appeal but also helps reduce glare. It is powered by the 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1355U processor and has 16 GB of RAM. Whether you are multitasking, editing photos, or running demanding applications, it delivers smooth and lag-free performance.

The Galaxy Book 3 comes with 512 GB of built-in computer data storage. You can expand it further with micro SD cards, offering up to 2 TB of additional space. It also features an abundance of ports, so you can easily connect your devices and peripherals without any hassle.

It boasts an impressively long battery life of up to 15 hours. This means you can work, stream, or browse without constantly worrying about finding an outlet. What’s more, the Quick Share feature makes it effortless to transfer files and content between compatible devices.

While the overall audio quality from the Dolby Atmos is fantastic, I did feel that the volume’s a bit low. However, the sound clarity is still excellent, and the speakers do their job well.

Screen Size: 15.6 Inches | Operating System: Windows 11 Home | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB

4. Dell Inspiron 16Best Dell Laptop For Artists

The high-resolution display with 2560 x 1600 pixels of the Dell Inspiron 16 immediately draws you in, offering vibrant and crisp visuals.

This laptop is all about delivering a top-notch editing experience. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 7-7730U processor, the Inspiron 16 packs a punch with its 8 cores and 16 threads. It comes equipped with a 1 TB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive.

When it comes to graphics, the Inspiron 16, with AMD Radeon Graphics onboard, delivers visuals that are crisp, clear, and true to life. You will be amazed by the level of detail and accuracy you will achieve while editing.

Of course, we can’t forget about the little details that make a big difference. The backlit keyboard is a dream come true for those late-night editing sessions when you need just the right amount of illumination. Plus, the added fingerprint reader gives you an extra layer of security. However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported issues with the fingerprint scanner. It is a small error that gets fixed by updating some drivers.

Overall, the Dell Inspiron 16 Laptop is a solid choice for entry-level photo editing. With its powerful AMD Ryzen Processor, ample RAM, spacious storage, and impressive display, it offers a fantastic platform to bring your creative vision to life.

Screen Size: 16 Inches | Operating System: Windows 11 | RAM: 16GB LPDDR4X | Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD

5. Acer Swift Go 14Best Acer Laptop

The Acer Swift Go 14 Intel Evo Thin & Light Laptop offers a stunning 14-inch 1920×1200 IPS display. Giving it a try showed me that the vibrant screen offers vivid color accuracy, deep blacks, and ultra-crisp image quality. It’s also a touch screen laptop, incredibly slim, measuring just 0.59 inches. Its lightweight aluminum body not only adds durability but also gives a modern and premium look.

One feature that truly stands out is the eco-conscious Ocean Glass touchpad. It’s smooth and accurate and adds an elegant touch to the overall design.

Under the hood, this laptop is powered by the Intel Core i7-1355U processor and Intel Graphics Technology. This powerful combination ensures smooth performance and efficient multitasking. The power button doubles as a fingerprint reader. Plus, it comes with 16 GB of LPDDR5 memory and a 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD.

The Swift Go 14 comes with a 1440p QHD camera, which utilizes Acer’s TNR Technology. Acer has also taken audio quality to the next level with Acer Purified Voice and AI Noise Reduction. The Acer PurifiedView combines features like background blur, automatic framing, and gaze corrections with advanced AI algorithms. This means you’ll enjoy clear and noise-free video calls, making virtual meetings and catching up with loved ones a breeze.

Screen Size: 14 Inches | Operating System: Windows 11 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB

Best Entry Level Laptop For Digital Art Comparison Table

Entry Level Laptops Screen Size Operating System RAM Storage
ASUS Vivobook 16 Inches Windows 11 Home 16GB 1TB SSD
HP Pavilion Aero 13 Laptop 13.3 Inches Windows 11 Home 8GB DDR4 512GB SSD
SAMSUNG 15.6” Galaxy Book 3 15.6 Inches Windows 11 Home 16GB 512GB
Dell Inspiron 16 16 Inches Windows 11 16GB LPDDR4X 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
Acer Swift Go 14 14 Inches Windows 11 16GB 512GB

Best Mid-Range Digital Art Laptops

1. Apple 2022 MacBook AirLightest iOS Laptop

The Apple MacBook Air features a stunning 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display. The colors are incredibly vibrant, thanks to the P3 wide color gamut and its support for 1 billion colors. Plus, with a brightness of 500 nits, every detail in your photos pops off the screen. It truly elevates your image editing and digital art experience to a whole new level.

Its 8-core central processing unit and up to 10-core graphics processing unit, accompanied by the next-generation M2 chip, deliver lightning-fast speed and seamless multitasking.

One of the things that impressed me the most was the Mac Book Air’s portability. Apple has managed to pack all that power into a strikingly thin aluminum enclosure that weighs just 2.7 pounds.

The 1080p FaceTime HD camera is perfect for video calls and even capturing high-quality photos when needed. The three-mic arrays and four-speaker sound system with spatial audio deliver an enhanced audio experience.

The inclusion of a MagSafe charging port, two Thunderbolt ports, and a headphone jack gives you the flexibility to connect all your devices and accessories effortlessly.

And here’s the cherry on top: the Apple MacBook Air seamlessly works with your iPhone and iPad. It’s like they’re part of the same family. I loved how easily you could integrate these devices and enjoy a unified ecosystem.

Last but not least, the AppleCare warranty provides that extra layer of security with a 1-year limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support.

Screen Size: 13.6 Inches | Operating System: Mac OS | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB SSD Storage

2. Apple 2022 MacBook ProBest iOS Laptop

The MacBook Pro shares many similarities with the MacBook Air, but it brings some notable updates that make it even more impressive for mid-range digital art.

First and foremost, the MacBook Pro offers the same stunning 13-inch Retina Display as the MacBook Air. With vibrant colors, incredible detail, and a brightness of 500 nits, your digital art will truly shine on this display.

Just like the MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro is powered by the next-generation M2 chip, featuring an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. This means you will experience the same lightning-fast performance and seamless multitasking capabilities.

However, where the MacBook Pro shines is in its sustained performance. With its active cooling system, it maintains high performance even during demanding tasks, making it the ideal choice for those long digital art sessions where you need consistent power without any hiccups.

The MacBook Pro builds upon the impressive foundation set by the MacBook Air and brings many notable upgrades to the table. With its enhanced display capabilities, sustained performance, advanced connectivity options, and immersive sound experience, the MacBook Pro is the go-to choice for those who demand even more power and versatility in their mid-range laptop for digital art.

Screen Size: 13 Inches | Operating System: Mac OS | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB SSD

3. SAMSUNG 14” Galaxy Book 3 ProThinest-and-Lightest Windows Laptop

The Galaxy Book 3 Pro comes with a high-quality FHD webcam and quad AKG speakers. The studio-worthy microphone captures your voice with exceptional clarity.

The laptop’s design is a testament to Samsung’s commitment to excellence. It boasts a thin and lightweight profile, weighing in at just 2.58 pounds. This makes it highly portable and convenient for users on the go. Moreover, the graphite color adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to its overall aesthetic.

Along with a 3K AMOLED display, you get 1TB of built-in storage, which is plenty of space to store all your files, photos, and videos. But that’s not all – if you need even more storage, you can expand it up to 2TB using a microSD card. And it also features Bluetooth, HDMI, Thunderbolt, and USB-A ports, offering you a wide range of options to connect your favorite devices and accessories.

Moving on to power, the Galaxy Book3 Pro comes with a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM. This dynamic combination ensures seamless multitasking and smooth performance even when handling resource-intensive tasks.

Battery life is always a crucial aspect to consider, and the Galaxy Book3 Pro offers up to 16 hours of battery life. In terms of security, Samsung has implemented advanced measures to protect your data. The fingerprint reader provides a secure and convenient way to access your laptop.

Screen Size: 14 Inches | Operating System: Windows 11 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB

4. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5Best Microsoft Laptop For Artists

One word about the display–Wow! The Microsoft Surface Book 5 features a stunning 15-inch PixelSense touchscreen. The colors are so vibrant, bringing your digital art to life in the most vivid way possible. The backlit keyboard is a godsend. It is equipped with the 12th Gen Intel Core i7, 16 GB RAM, and  512 GB SSD.

And here’s something that every illustrator will appreciate: the stylus support! The Surface Laptop 5 allows drawing, sketching, and painting on the screen with a stylus, giving you a natural and intuitive artistic experience. It’s like having a digital canvas right at your fingertips!

The system interface is user-friendly and provides a seamless workflow for your digital art projects. And with Windows Hello, you can securely log in and protect your valuable work. Another great feature is the Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. It allows for lightning-fast data transfer and makes it super easy to connect to external second-screen displays.

Screen Size: 15 Inches | Operating System: Windows 11 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB

5. HP Pavilion Plus 14Best Laptop For Artists With Eye Protection

The Pavilion Plus boasts a gorgeous 2.8K OLED display, providing you with stunning visuals and vibrant colors. With VESA DisplayHDR True Black certification and Eyesafe certification, you can expect exceptional image quality and reduced eye strain while creating digital art.

This laptop is fueled by the 13th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, offering blazing-fast performance. And with a spacious 1 TB solid-state drive, you’ll have more than enough space to store your artwork, references, and software like SketchUp.

When it comes to graphics, the HP Pavilion Plus doesn’t disappoint. Equipped with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics card, you’ll enjoy smooth and fluid visuals while working on complex art projects. It’s a game-changer for digital artists who rely on graphics-intensive applications.

On the connectivity front, this laptop offers a range of options. With Bluetooth and 802.11a/b/g/n wireless capabilities, you can easily connect to wireless devices and networks. Additionally, you’ll find a couple of USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports, providing flexibility for your peripheral needs.

While the Pavilion Plus offers an average battery life of around 8 hours, it’s worth noting that intensive art tasks may impact this duration. It’s always a good idea to keep your charger handy if you’re considering going with this laptop for digital art.

In terms of aesthetics, this laptop sports a sleek silver design, exuding a modern and professional vibe. It’s lightweight and portable, making it convenient to carry around for on-the-go digital artists or those who frequently attend art events.

Screen Size: 14 Inches | Operating System: Windows 11 Home | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB SSD

Best Mid-Range Digital Art Laptop Comparison Table

Mid-Range Laptops Screen Size Operating System RAM Storage
Apple 2022 MacBook Air 13.6 Inches Mac OS 8GB 256GB SSD Storage
Apple 2022 MacBook Pro 13 Inches Mac OS 8GB 256GB SSD
SAMSUNG 14” Galaxy Book 3 Pro 14 Inches Windows 11 16GB 1TB
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15 Inches Windows 11 16GB 512GB
HP Pavilion Plus 14 14 Inches Windows 11 Home 16GB 1TB SSD

High End Laptops For Artists

1. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14Best Gaming Laptop For Artists

The newest 2023 edition of the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is packed with powerful features that will take your artistic as well as gaming experience to greater heights. No wonder it’s being hailed as one of the best laptops for artists and gamers alike.

The 14″ WQXGA display with a display resolution of 2560 x 1600 will leave you in awe. With its 120-hertz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness, every frame is delivered with stunning clarity and vibrant colors. It’s a visual feast for your eyes, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your digital art world.

But what good is a stunning display without powerful graphics? The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 doesn’t disappoint in this department either. It’s equipped with the AMD Radeon RX 6800S graphics, boasting 8GB of GDDR6 memory. This graphics card delivers smooth and immersive visuals that rival even the mighty RTX 3070.

To keep up with the demanding digital art sessions, this laptop packs a whopping 40 GB of DDR5 RAM. And with a spacious 2TB SSD, you’ll have ample storage for all your work, games, media, illustration, and more.

ASUS has implemented an efficient air cooling solution to keep your laptop running cool to ensure you can push the system to its limits without worrying about overheating.

Screen Size: 14 Inches | Operating System: Windows 11 Home | RAM: 40GB DDR5 | Storage: 2TB SSD

2. Apple 2023 MacBook ProBest Apple Laptop

The Apple 2023 MacBook Pro comes with a powerful M2 Pro chip. This laptop is an absolute showstopper, especially if you’re a digital artist looking for the best of the best.

The breathtaking 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is the first thing that catches your eye. When you first lay your eyes on it, prepare to be blown away. The extreme dynamic range and over 1000 nits of brightness create an unrivaled visual experience.

But it’s not just about looks; this MacBook Pro means business. Powered by the M2 Pro chip, with 12 CPU cores and 19 GPU cores, it’s a true powerhouse. Editing high-resolution images and working on complex 3D renders will be a breeze.

The Magic Keyboard with Touch ID is an absolute joy to type on, and having that extra layer of security with the touch of a finger is a game-changer. This laptop plays well with all your Apple devices. After seeing it in action, I found that you will be able to seamlessly copy something on your iPhone and paste it directly onto the MacBook Pro.

I know, I know, you’re probably wondering about battery life. Well, let me tell you, it’s impressive. With up to 18 hours of battery life, you can take this laptop anywhere without worrying about finding a power outlet. It’s perfect for those long digital art sessions or when you’re on the go.

Now, I won’t sugarcoat it—the price tag may seem steep. But let me assure you, if you’re a professional digital artist or someone who demands the absolute best performance and display quality, this MacBook Pro is worth every single penny. It’s an investment in your craft, and you won’t be disappointed.

Screen Size: 14.2 Inches | Operating System: Mac OS | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB SSD

3. ASUS VivoBook ProBest Asus Laptop

The 16-inch Asus Vivobook Pro offers an OLED panel and ultra-slim 4-sided NanoEdge bezels for clarity and vibrancy. And did I mention that it’s Pantone Validated and covers the DCI-P3 color gamut? Something that even a decent computer monitor doesn’t achieve easily. Yeah, your art will thank you for this one!

It features the mighty AMD Ryzen 9 6900H CPU; combined with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics, you can expect smooth 3D rendering, seamless multitasking, and impressive performance for all your digital art projects.

In terms of design, the ASUS Vivobook Pro 16X OLED slim laptop sports a sleek and professional gray exterior that exudes elegance. The backlit keyboard adds a touch of style and functionality. And you get a 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD and 32 GB of LPDDR5 RAM. The ASUS Dial Pad is a game changer, providing intuitive control and shortcuts for precision and adjustment for 3D artists. One more thing worth mentioning is the bonus 3-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud. It’s like having a ticket to a world of professional tools and resources to further enhance your digital art.

Screen Size: 16 inches | Operating System: Windows 11 | RAM: 32GB LPDDR5 RAM | Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD

Best Laptops For Artists: High-End Comparison Table

High-End Laptops Screen Size Operating System RAM Storage
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14 Inches Windows 11 Home 40GB DDR5 2TB SSD
Apple 2023 MacBook Pro 14.2 Inches Mac OS 16GB 512GB SSD
ASUS VivoBook Pro 16 Inches Windows 11 32GB LPDDR5 RAM 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD

4 Ultra High-End Laptops For Digital Art

1. Dell XPS 17Best Dell Laptop For AI Accelerated Rendering 

The Dell XPS 17 sports a breathtaking 17-inch UHD touchscreen display. Plus, the anti-reflective coating on the 500-nit display ensures minimal glare.

With unique dual opposite outlet fans, this laptop keeps its cool even during intense rendering sessions. Whether you are working on complex 3D computer graphics, video editing, or editing high-resolution images, the Intel Core i9-12900HK processor will handle it all with ease. And with 32 GB of DDR5 RAM, you will experience smooth and lag-free performance.

The NVIDIA GeForce RDX 3060 graphics processor takes the visual experience to a whole new level. As per my expertise, I can say that this powerful GPU is sure to provide AI acceleration in top creative apps. You will enjoy smoother rendering, faster editing, and enhanced real-time performance.

To complement the impressive features, Dell has teamed up with multi-Grammy award-winning producer Jack Joseph Puig to bring you an immersive audio experience. The Waves Nx 3D audio technology tunes every beat, note, and sound effect to perfection!

CPU Model: 17.0-inch | RAM: Windows 11 Pro | Operating System: 32GB | Weight: 1TB

2. ASUS Zenbook ProBest Multi-Screen Laptop

The ASUS Zenbook Pro comes with a next-generation screen pad that takes productivity to a whole new level. It features a full-width secondary touchscreen with a re-engineered tilt mechanism called AAS ultra. This mechanism increases the angle of the tilt, allowing for a more comfortable touch experience.

This interactive secondary touchscreen enhances your workflow by providing quick access to your favorite apps, tools, and shortcuts. It’s a game changer for content creators, allowing you to streamline your tasks and work more efficiently.

It is powered by an Intel Core i9-13900H processor, delivering immersive speeds and seamless multitasking capabilities. I have found from using this product that the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 brings visuals to life with stunning clarity and smoothness.

Plus, with a 120 Hz refresh rate, your visuals will be buttery-smooth, making every frame look incredibly fluid. It is Pantone Validated with 100% DCI-P3 gamut coverage, ensuring precise and true-to-life colors for your creative work.

CPU Model: 14.5 Inches | RAM: Windows 11 Home | Operating System: 32GB | Weight: 1TB

3. Apple 2023 MacBook ProBest Large Screen Laptop For Artists

The Apple 2023 MacBook Pro is the latest offering from Apple, packed with cutting-edge technology and designed to elevate your productivity and entertainment experience. It offers a stunning 16.2-inch liquid retina XDR display with a brightness of up to 1000 nits. The all-aluminum unibody enclosure not only looks sleek and elegant but also ensures durability and sturdiness.

For creative professionals, the MacBook Pro is a dream come true. With pro reference modes, you can fine-tune your colors and achieve precise color accuracy for your design work. Whether you are working on graphic design, video editing, or photography, this laptop provides the tools you need to bring your vision to life.

It also offers an impressive 22 hours of battery life, allowing you to work, create, and enjoy your favorite content for extended periods without worrying about running out of power.

The Apple MacBook Pro boasts the groundbreaking M2 Max chip, featuring a 12-core CPU and a whopping 38-core GPU. The Magic Keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience and is complemented by the convenience of Touch ID.

CPU Model: 16.2 Inches | RAM: MacOS | Operating System: 32GB | Weight: 1TB

4. ASUS ProArt StudioBookBest Asus Workstation

The ASUS ProArt StudioBook features a 16-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3840×2400. With 100% Adobe RGB coverage and Pantone Validated color accuracy, you can trust that the colors you see on screen are true to life.

It is powered by an Intel Core i7-12700H processor, ensuring blazing-fast performance and smooth multitasking capabilities. Whether you’re working on complex 3D models, rendering high-resolution videos, or running resource-intensive creative applications, this laptop can handle it all with ease.

The graphics department is where this laptop truly shines. Equipped with the powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti, you’ll experience unparalleled graphics performance. This graphics card delivers exceptional rendering capabilities, allowing you to work with intricate visual effects and handle high-resolution assets.

The ProArt StudioBook also comes with a 1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD and 32 GB of RAM. It boasts a slim profile and ultratough, military-grade construction. It meets the US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standard, ensuring durability and reliability even in challenging environments.

As a bonus, when you purchase the ProArt StudioBook, you will receive a complimentary 3-month subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud, providing you with access to a comprehensive suite of this creative software.

It’s also equipped with an intuitive ASUS dial, which provides quick and easy control over creative tools and software. And to add to the value, ASUS includes a backpack with your purchase, ensuring you can carry your laptop and creative essentials wherever you go.

CPU Model: 16 inches | RAM: Windows 11 Home | Operating System: 32GB | Weight: 1TB

More High-End Laptops For Digital Art Comparison Table

High-End Laptops Screen Size Operating System RAM Storage
Dell XPS 17 17.0-inch Windows 11 Pro 32GB 1TB
ASUS Zenbook Pro 14.5 Inches Windows 11 Home 32GB 1TB
Apple 2023 MacBook Pro 16.2 Inches MacOS 32GB 1TB
ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16 inches Windows 11 Home 32GB 1TB

Buying Guide For The Best Laptop For Artists

1. Color Accuracy

Color accuracy is of utmost importance to digital artists and creators. Entry-level Windows laptops typically come with standard IPS panels that offer a decent color accuracy, covering about 70-80% of the sRGB color gamut. While these displays are suitable for basic digital artwork, they don’t provide the level of accuracy required for professional-grade work.

Mid-range Windows laptops often feature IPS panels with wider color gamuts, such as 90-95% of the sRGB or even higher coverage of the Adobe RGB. These laptops offer more vibrant and true-to-life colors. Other high-end laptops take color accuracy to the next level. Some models feature advanced displays like the OLED or mini-LED, providing exceptional color accuracy, deep blacks, and wider color gamuts that can exceed 100% of the sRGB and Adobe RGB color spaces.

2. Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial factor for digital artists who need to work on the go or in locations without easy access to power outlets. An entry-level laptop for digital art typically offers around 6-8 hours of battery life, which should be sufficient for casual digital artwork.

Mid-range laptops often provide extended battery life, ranging from 10 to 12 hours. This allows artists to work for longer periods without worrying about running out of battery power. With power efficiency and optimizations, these laptops strike a good balance between computer performance and battery life.

High-end laptops, especially those designed with power efficiency in mind, can deliver even longer battery lives of 16-20 hours.

But ultimately, the ideal battery life depends on your needs and usage patterns. To make the most out of the available battery life, you can also implement power-saving strategies, such as adjusting screen brightness, closing unnecessary background applications, and utilizing power management settings.

3. Ergonomics and Input Devices

Comfortable ergonomics and precise input devices greatly enhance the digital art creation experience. Entry-level laptops typically offer standard keyboards and touchpads that provide decent typing and navigation experiences. While they may not have specialized features, they can still be comfortable for shorter art sessions.

Mid-range laptops often come with improved keyboard designs, featuring backlit keys and larger touchpads. These enhancements contribute to better typing accuracy and smoother navigation. The keyboards may also have a more tactile feel, making them enjoyable to use during longer creative sessions.

High-end laptops prioritize ergonomics and input devices to deliver an immersive and intuitive creative experience. They may feature ergonomic keyboards with comfortable key travel, customizable backlighting, and dedicated shortcut keys for quick access to creative application software functions. Some high-end touchscreen laptops for digital art also offer stylus support, enhancing your experience on the desk or workstation.

4. Connectivity and Ports

Connectivity options and ports are vital for artists working with external devices and peripherals. Entry-level laptops for digital art typically include essential ports like USB-A, HDMI, and an SD card slot. These ports allow you to connect external displays, cameras, drawing tablets, and other devices necessary for your creative workflow.

Mid-range laptops often provide additional connectivity options. They may include USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports, which offer faster data transfer speeds and support for external monitors with higher resolutions. These laptops offer more flexibility and expandability for those who need to connect multiple devices simultaneously.

High-end laptops for digital art excel in connectivity, featuring a wide range of ports catering to various professional needs. They may include Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort, and additional USB-C or USB-A ports, providing enhanced compatibility with a multitude of devices. Some of them may even come with laptop stands for more convenience.

5. Storage

Ample and fast storage is crucial for artists working with large digital art files. Entry-level laptops come with SSDs ranging from 256 GB to 512 GB. While these capacities may be sufficient for digital art projects, they can quickly fill up when dealing with high-resolution images and videos.

Mid-range storage options often provide larger storage, ranging from 512 GB to 1 TB SSDs. These increased capacities allow digital artists to store more artwork, project files, and application software without running out of space. Having more storage options also facilitates faster file access and smoother navigation.

High-end laptops take storage to the next level, offering even higher capacity SSDs, typically ranging from 1 TB to 2 TB or even more. These laptops are ideal for professionals who work on extensive projects or require a vast library of high-quality assets. With abundant storage options, you can even keep your entire portfolio and creative resources at your fingertips.

How important is color accuracy in laptops for digital art?

Color accuracy is crucial for digital art, especially if you’re working on projects that require precise color representation. Look for laptops with displays that are color-calibrated or certified by standards like Pantone or Adobe RGB. This ensures that the colors you see on the screen are accurate and consistent.

What should be the ideal screen size of a laptop for artists?

The ideal screen size depends on your personal preferences and workflow. A larger screen, such as 17 inches or more, provides more room for creativity.

However, it also makes the laptop less portable. It is best to consider your needs and find your balance between screen size and portability.

Which operating system is better for digital art: Windows or Mac OS?

Both Windows and MacOS offer excellent options for digital art, and the choice depends on your familiarity and preference.

Windows laptops generally offer a wider range of options at various price points, while MacOS is known for its seamless integration with creative software like Adobe Creative Cloud.

Is a touchscreen display necessary for digital art?

While a touchscreen display is not essential, it can greatly enhance the digital art experience by allowing you to directly interact with your artwork with your fingers or using a stylus.

Can I use a gaming laptop for digital art?

Yes, gaming laptops can be suitable for digital art due to their powerful hardware specifications. Gaming laptops often come with dedicated graphics cards, high-performance processors, and ample RAM, which can easily handle demanding design software and provide a smooth experience.

What display resolution is recommended in laptops for digital art?

A display resolution of 1920×1080 pixels (Full HD) or higher is recommended for digital art. Higher resolutions, such as 2560×1440 pixels (2k) or 3840×2160 pixels (4k resolution), offer sharper image quality, allowing you to see finer details in your work. 

Additionally, look for displays with good color accuracy and wider color gamut support, such as those with 100% sRGB or Adobe RGB coverage, for accurate color representation.

Can I use a lower-budget laptop for creating digital art?

Yes, it is possible to find laptops suitable for digital art on a lower budget. Look for laptops with decent specifications, such as a mid-range processor and at least 8 GB of RAM if possible.

Consider refurbished or older generation models, which can offer good performance at a more affordable price point. Additionally, prioritize features like a color-accurate display and a pressure-sensitive stylus over other nonessential features.

Is it necessary to have a dedicated graphics card for digital art?

Having a dedicated graphics card is not strictly necessary for all types of digital art. However, if you work with complex 3D modeling, animation, or rendering software, a dedicated graphics card can significantly improve performance and accelerate tasks like rendering and manipulation of high-resolution textures.

It also ensures smoother playback and real-time rendering of complex scenes.

What is the importance of a pressure-sensitive stylus for digital art?

A pressure-sensitive stylus is a necessary tool for digital artists. It allows you to control the thickness and opacity of your brush strokes by varying the pressure applied to the stylus.

This feature mimics the experience of traditional art mediums, such as using a pencil or a brush, and provides greater control and versatility in creating digital artwork.

Conclusion

As I wrap up this exploration of the best laptop for artists, it’s clear that the right choice will act as a catalyst in your artistic journey. So, here are my top picks to help you decide.

For those seeking an entry-level option without compromising productivity, the ASUS Vivobook F1605VA-DS74 stands out with its stunning 16-inch display and powerful Intel Core i7 processor.

Moving up the ladder, the Apple MacBook Pro MNEH3LL/A impresses with its sustained performance, thanks to its active cooling system and powerful M2 chip, making it an excellent choice for mid-range digital art.

If you are looking for a high-end laptop, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 and ASUS Zenbook Pro UX8402VV-PS96T are great choices with the WQXGA display and full-width secondary touch screen, respectively.

So, go ahead, choose the laptop that resonates with your vision, and unlock the boundless possibilities that await.

Related Articles

11 Best Digital Notepads

14 Best Laptop Stands

6 Best iPad Pro Drawing Case Options for Artists

Ultimate Guide Towards the Best Laptop for SketchUp

The 6 Best Graphic Tablets for Beginners

7 Best Monitors for Artists and Architects

XP Pen Artist 24 Pro Review | Huge Affordable Drawing Tablet for Pros

11 Best Drawing Tablets

10 Best Laptops For 3D Modeling And Rendering

7 of the Best Scanners for Artwork and Artists

23 Best Gifts for 3D Artists

8 of the Best Desk for Artists

5 Best Printers for Art Prints and Artists

10 Best Laptops For 3D Modeling And Rendering

Leave a Reply